Video Games
Former Visceral Games Dev Drops Some Interesting Trivia Regarding ‘Dead Space’
The sad story of the Dead Space franchise still lingers, but for brief moments, you can see just how big the franchise was (and could have been). A recent post by a Twitter user about such a topic caught the eye of former Level Designer at Visceral Games Ben Johnson. Visceral, if you didn’t know, were the folks behind the series. Johnson mentioned that the original Dead Space engine was a branch off of an engine for another popular franchise for EA, Tiger Woods PGA Tour.
Not only that, the rig (aka the skeleton for the model) used for Dead Space‘s protagonist Isaac Clarke was the same rig used in Tiger Woods PGA Tour, Skate 3 and the 2010 version of NBA Jam, making it pretty simple to import the model.
Hey, Dead Space LD here. All these games used the same basic model rig, so adding Isaac was as simple as importing the model. Dead Space’s engine was a branch off of Tiger Woods, which was made in the same studio as Dead Space back then.
— Gᴏᴏsʏʟᴠᴀɴɪᴀ (@GameDesignerBen) October 12, 2019
Johnson also stated that a handful of the team at Visceral Games (which ended up closing two years ago this month) made their way to Double Fine, which is currently working on Psychonauts 2 (due out next year). So, until EA decides to resurrect the series, in a small way, the spirit of the Dead Space series lives on.
Video Games
‘System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary’ Now Available on the Nintendo Switch 2; Free Upgrade Available
Nightdive Studios has given Nintendo Switch 2 fans some love when it comes to System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary. Previously released for the original Switch, players can now grab the Switch 2 version from the Nintendo eShop. Or, if you already own the Switch version, you can grab the Switch 2 version as a free upgrade! There’s even a 40% discount on now until June 23.
Initially launching for PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Store on last June, System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster eventually made it to the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch the next month. The Switch 2 version of the game offers enhanced resolution, higher fram rate, and support for mouse control.
Set 42 years after the events of the first game, it’s the year 2114. As you awake from cryo sleep on the FTL ship Von Braun, you are unable to remember who or where you are… and something has gone terribly wrong. Hybrid mutants and deadly robots roam the halls while the cries from the remaining crew reverberate through the cold hull of the ship. SHODAN, a rogue AI bent on the destruction of mankind has taken over and it’s up to you to stop her.
Delve through the corridors of the derelict ship Von Braun and immerse yourself in the story rich atmosphere and environments. Explore deck by deck and unravel the horrifying fate of the Von Braun and her crew.