|
|
Reviews
Galleon
new game by the creater of Laura Croft
June 20, 2004
Galleon sails into high seas action
An epic that combines swashbuckling high seas adventure with kung fu fisticuffs, Galleon is the long-in-development new game from the creator of Lara Croft, Toby Gard.
This must have imposed high levels of expectation on the game's production team.
"Yes, it did," said producer Steve Morris. "But I'm happy to say that Galleon the game didn't disappoint and neither did its creator, Toby. He's quite the character."
So what makes Galleon distinctive? Well, for one thing, it has got a unique look, particularly in the character design.
The game's hero, Captain Rhama, in particular, is lithe and long-limbed.
"Toby took the stylised looks from [animator] Don Bluth [Dragon's Lair, Titan AE], and you can really see that in the cut scenes," explained Mr Morris.
"He blended that with the elongated character style of Ian Gibson, the 2000 AD artist, and developed this into what is now the Galleon style."
The game also boasts a distinctive control system, based on the premise that you move the camera rather than the avatar.
Galleon is also one of the new generation of games that breaks down conventional genre classification, being more than just a platform title
"Toby wanted to have the immediacy of a first-person action title and combine it with the dynamism and personality of a third-person game," said Mr Morris.
Such innovation is a tricky proposition in the games market, though. As Mr Morris admitted; "Most games today tend to be sequels that evolve an idea and have a core audience."
An original game may have a struggle to win over gamers in the face of a culture built on franchise and familiarity.
"Ultimately, I think people will make allowances for a new idea, providing the rewards are there," said Mr Morris. "The control and animation system in Galleon is truly innovative, simple and intuitive, if a little odd to begin with.
"I know that other developers will learn from what Toby's done in Galleon, and in a few years we'll see things the team have done popping into other titles."
Future adventures
Galleon is also one of the new generation of games that breaks down conventional genre classification, being more than just a platform title.
"I think in the past two years we are finally seeing games that are truly transcending the genres and evolving into a very real form of mass-market entertainment," said Mr Morris.
"The game is more about the enjoyment of the journey, not the experience of being beaten on the head for not pulling off the perfect combo. It's nicely balanced for a challenge, but it's not as extreme as some games.
"After all, you don't pay £5.50 to go see a movie and it ends halfway through because it's too tough."
So will the adventures of Captain Rhama continue? "Yes, I'm sure that Toby has many other ideas for his future adventures. If Galleon is a success then those stories may well get made. And no, it won't take as long next time."
|
|
|
