  | MDK2 ArmageddonESRB: Platform: PlayStation 2 Category: Action Games |
|
Publisher: Interplay
Developer: Bioware
Release Date: March 2001
MDK2 Armageddon for the PS2 is coming soon, and it's looking pretty fine. But we wanted to know a little more about the game changes and what it was like developing the title for Sony's next gen system. Greg from Bioware was kind enough to answer some of our questions. Check it out.
Drak:There is a lot of talk about the difficulty in developing titles for the PS2 due to the new hardware. How difficult has it been to implement MDK2 Armageddon to the PS2 and are things going smoothly?
Greg:We specifically developed the BioWare Omen Engine used in MDK2 as a multiplatform engine, thus it already had some advantages when it came to putting it on the PS2. The PS2 is no different from any new platform in that there is a moderate amount of time that needs to be spent figuring out how things work before you get into heavy-duty development. Once you've got a good handle how the PS2 works, it turns into a powerful and functional platform.
Drak:Has it been a positive experience porting this title over to the PS2, and if you could choose a favorite platform to work with what would it be?
Greg:It has been a positive experience: just when we think there isn't any more speed we can squeeze out of the PS2 we seem to come up with a new way of improving our framerate. It's a very powerful platform. We haven't worked on enough platforms to pick an overall favorite yet.
Drak:How fast will the game run and is it a constant framerate?
Greg:The framerate varies - sometimes we're at 60, sometimes we're at 30, and sometimes we're somewhere in between. Overall MDK2 Armageddon is running faster on the PS2 than MDK2 on the Dreamcast. And it looks saucy!
Drak:What are some of the differences we'll see between the PS2 version of MDK2 Armageddon from the PC and DC versions?
Greg:There are two large differences between the PS2 version of MDK2 Armageddon and previous versions of the game. The first is the improvement in gameplay and difficulty - we've gone through and tweaked a number of the puzzles and levels improving how the game plays. The second area of improvement is in the game controls - thanks to the PS2 Dual Shock controller, MDK2 Armageddon is very easy to play.
Drak:Why the changes in level layout, monster placement and puzzles in this version?
Greg:We listened to the concerns and comments voiced by the fans of the previous versions of the game. We set out to make a very challenging, hardcore gaming experience. We accomplished this, but in retrospect we didn't adequately adapt MDK2 for a more average game player. Our goal with the changes is to make the game more approachable for all players.
Drak:Can you list the game's features and enhancements for us?
Greg:I'll just list a few - aside from the improved controls, redesigned levels and difficulty levels - we've got dancing coneheads and a flatulent professor.
Drak:When do you think shipping will begin?
Greg:When it's all finished and Sony has approved it!
Drak:That's good enough for me. Thanks for your time Greg and all the best!
Greg:Thanks.
Da Features:
-Play as 3 different characters, each with unique weapons and abilities offering a different gameplay experience at every level.
- Amazing gadgets and weapons like the Black Hole Bomb and the Sniper Silencer. Includes the most popular weapons and items from the original MDK. Fly, jump and glide using the amazing Ribbon Chute, or snipe and shoot targets in Sniper Mode.
-10 vast environments as diverse as Dr. Hawkins' Subspace Art Gallery and the surface of an asteroid spinning through space.
- In addition to the features of the original, MDK2 Armageddon brings with it a host of enhancements and improvements, including: Adjustable difficulty settings. Numerous Control Options. In-game hints to get through the tough spots.
-Dual-analog control support.
Publisher: Interplay
Developer: Bioware
Release Date: March 2001
MDK2 Armageddon for the PS2 is coming soon, and it's looking pretty fine. But we wanted to know a little more about the game changes and what it was like developing the title for Sony's next gen system. Greg from Bioware was kind enough to answer some of our questions. Check it out.
Drak:There is a lot of talk about the difficulty in developing titles for the PS2 due to the new hardware. How difficult has it been to implement MDK2 Armageddon to the PS2 and are things going smoothly?
Greg:We specifically developed the BioWare Omen Engine used in MDK2 as a multiplatform engine, thus it already had some advantages when it came to putting it on the PS2. The PS2 is no different from any new platform in that there is a moderate amount of time that needs to be spent figuring out how things work before you get into heavy-duty development. Once you've got a good handle how the PS2 works, it turns into a powerful and functional platform.
Drak:Has it been a positive experience porting this title over to the PS2, and if you could choose a favorite platform to work with what would it be?
Greg:It has been a positive experience: just when we think there isn't any more speed we can squeeze out of the PS2 we seem to come up with a new way of improving our framerate. It's a very powerful platform. We haven't worked on enough platforms to pick an overall favorite yet.
Drak:How fast will the game run and is it a constant framerate?
Greg:The framerate varies - sometimes we're at 60, sometimes we're at 30, and sometimes we're somewhere in between. Overall MDK2 Armageddon is running faster on the PS2 than MDK2 on the Dreamcast. And it looks saucy!
Drak:What are some of the differences we'll see between the PS2 version of MDK2 Armageddon from the PC and DC versions?
Greg:There are two large differences between the PS2 version of MDK2 Armageddon and previous versions of the game. The first is the improvement in gameplay and difficulty - we've gone through and tweaked a number of the puzzles and levels improving how the game plays. The second area of improvement is in the game controls - thanks to the PS2 Dual Shock controller, MDK2 Armageddon is very easy to play.
Drak:Why the changes in level layout, monster placement and puzzles in this version?
Greg:We listened to the concerns and comments voiced by the fans of the previous versions of the game. We set out to make a very challenging, hardcore gaming experience. We accomplished this, but in retrospect we didn't adequately adapt MDK2 for a more average game player. Our goal with the changes is to make the game more approachable for all players.
Drak:Can you list the game's features and enhancements for us?
Greg:I'll just list a few - aside from the improved controls, redesigned levels and difficulty levels - we've got dancing coneheads and a flatulent professor.
Drak:When do you think shipping will begin?
Greg:When it's all finished and Sony has approved it!
Drak:That's good enough for me. Thanks for your time Greg and all the best!
Greg:Thanks.
Da Features:
-Play as 3 different characters, each with unique weapons and abilities offering a different gameplay experience at every level.
- Amazing gadgets and weapons like the Black Hole Bomb and the Sniper Silencer. Includes the most popular weapons and items from the original MDK. Fly, jump and glide using the amazing Ribbon Chute, or snipe and shoot targets in Sniper Mode.
-10 vast environments as diverse as Dr. Hawkins' Subspace Art Gallery and the surface of an asteroid spinning through space.
- In addition to the features of the original, MDK2 Armageddon brings with it a host of enhancements and improvements, including: Adjustable difficulty settings. Numerous Control Options. In-game hints to get through the tough spots.
-Dual-analog control support.
