What's the mix of gameplay in Quantum of Solace? The mix between story and action... is there a puzzle element?

There are some minor puzzle elements. We had a lot at the beginning. We took, most of it, not all of it, there's some there, but we took most of it out, because we wanted to not be another licensed movie game. We could have put in everything from the film, just made an interactive copy, regardless of quality. But what we do is make '90% decisions'. 90% decisions are when you make a choice based on whether its better than 90%, or greater. Everything in the game is open to this. So, we took out driving - we had it in the game, we developed it - we had loads of puzzles, too, but we took it all out because we thought this isn't a 90% game. So, we're absolutely focussed on this.

With regard to espionage, this is actually an in-game choice. You can either choose to play stealthily, sneaking up on players, throwing them over balconies, or you can go in all guns blazing. Its a combat heavy gamer - mostly a shooter.

What are the differences between the platforms?

The PS3 and the Xbox 360 are identical, apart from a couple of tiny differences... you know, the frame-rates are the same, the content is exactly the same. We also have a DS game, this will be different. There's also a PS2 and PC game. I believe the PC game is different. We're not developing that. Our partners Beanox are developing that in Canada, now we work closely with them, they're a great team. I think there will be some changes, but I'm not sure what they are. The next-gen console versions are the same.

Was there anything you wanted to put in the game that the IP holders wouldn't allow?

No... I don't think there was actually!

What was there number one requirement?

I think their fear was that we would try to create a Bond universe; because we're new and fresh and excited, and would ignore the 46 years they've spent perfecting that universe. We didn't do that. The relationship wasn't difficult... we knew they knew Bond better than we did, we excepted that, and we just said "would Bond do this, or that" along the way. So, there was nothing to take out. They offered us some ideas along the way, but they were only content ideas. They loved it. They let us play the game makers and they helped create the universe.

What does the interactive medium allow you to do that a film does not?

Well, I think it gets you closer to being the character - definitely - you walk out of the movie dreaming that you're Bond, while you enter the game being Bond. Also, I mean, I'm a child of the movies, I love the movies, right now I think its more about... playing the game is more of an activity, you're more immersed. Its not as relaxing as watching a movie. It depends what you want to get out of it, the two mediums are getting a lot closer. So, one of the things I noted with a guy earlier - is that as the mediums get closer, we're trying hard to develop content that appeals to both movie fans and gamers. One of the ways we do that is by having the user control their experience. One of the ways we do that is through story... if you're not interested, then you can just skip it. You'll still understand the game - there are 30 second intros to levels - but if you want the full experience you can sit there and watch the videos. So, we kind of let you choose. Also, you can collect cellphones in the game which contain back story and data... if you're interested you can pick up that stuff.

Do you have any DLC plans?

I don't know for sure, I can't be 100%, I would be very surprised if we don't. I believe we'll do a map pack for the multiplayer... I doubt if there's any singleplayer DLC, but that could change too.

Have you shown the game to any of the actors from the film?

Yes, they've all seen it!

What did they think?

They really liked it. Daniel Craig's probably seen it more than anyone, and he wasn't signed-on until he played the game. So, that proves he likes it, because he could have said no! As for the others, Judie Dench hasn't played it... all the others have had the controller in their hands.

Everyone from the films is in the game?

Oh yes, I think we get almost everyone. We certainly have all the leads. Everyone apart from a few minors - all the big names, that's for sure.

Thanks for your time, Adam.

Thank you.

By Luke Guttridge

Comments

You can use BBCode

  1. thao 2 months ago