| When I first saw screenshots for this game, I had the same type of concerns. While I do enjoy HL2 and Halo on the pc, I was disappointed that this game appeared to have a heavy FPS element to it. I have been trying to keep up on this game through interviews for a while now and I have become more relieved after seeing Bill Roper repeatedly emphasize this game is an RPG. As far as the Doom'esque weapons, here is a quote from a recent interview...
-Hellgate Guru (the interviewer): What's the difference between spells and weapons? You have previously described weapons as 'spell delivery systems', so we're curious to what extent the weapon's damage output is dependent on the weapon, and how the player's own skills and spells come into play in conjunction with his equipment.
Bill Roper: In relationship to weapons, skills currently modify the way players use them. For example, the Circle Slash skill (not the real name, but it gets the idea across) allows a character wielding a sword to strike at any demons within a 120 degree arc in front of him. The Speed Slash would slightly reduce damage, but do a flurry of hits.
While some spells may be their own damage types, others will affect demons by reducing their abilities, slowing them, and so forth. Please note that this is an AMAZINGLY early and HIGHLY incomplete list of ideas and are presented for demonstration and comparative purposes. END QUOTE
This idea of guns being spell delivery systems is intriguing. Bill Roper has repeatedly claimed that this game will not be some trigger fest where your worth is based on reflexes and marksmanship. The weapon damage has been described as area of effect, eliminating the need for dead-eye aim. Plus, keep in mind that guns will not be the only weapon type in the game. This interview specifies swords and I also saw some type of exploding device in the theatrical trailer.
The definition of a standard RPG has become more vague over the years developers try to implement new ideas, this looks to be another example. We will just have to wait and see how far this game goes in breaking that traditional RPG mold. Given these Flagship guys' past games, I am more than willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.  |