Wrath Unleashed is an upcoming strategy/action hybrid game from LucasArts.
We had the chance to ask Jim Tso, a LucasArts producer, and Cordy Rierson, a
producer with the game's developer, The Collective, a few questions about the
game and get an inside look at this genre-bending title.
GT: LucasArts hasn’t made many strategy games in the past, especially for
consoles. What was the inspiration to develop Wrath Unleashed?
Jim Tso: We felt there was an opportunity in the marketplace for something unique like
Wrath Unleashed. It has appeal to both strategy and action gamers plus it's got
a great fantasy theme.
GT: Were they any special challenges in designing a strategy/action hybrid game?
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| The strategic map. |
Cordy Rierson: Indeed there were. We developed many stat charts and ran automated tests day
and night to help balance the strategy/action combination. Lots of thought and
tests went into the develop of the creature abilities, their magical association
and the terrains they fight over. The A.I. systems developed for both the
strategic side and the combat side had to take each other into consideration
with types of creatures and level of difficulty selected, and determine how
health, strength and magical capabilities are carried over from each part. An
example of a special challenge was on the strategy side. We originally started
out allowing the player to cast magic on opponents which held specific
strengthening structures on the map. This proved to be an anticlimactic tactic
and would eventually draw the player and the A.I. just to duke it out over the
structures without moving forward on the overall strategy for victory. It
allowed a player to either continually heal itself and stand fast on the
structure or it forced you to always hold down structures with your strongest
players which was not propagating game play the way we wanted it to flow.
GT: What is your goal in Wrath Unleashed? That is, how do you win the game?
Cordy Rierson: To conquer a mythical world of course! You can win the game through brute
strength depending on your hand selected army or you can use your wits and place
your characters strategically across the land to slowly corner your opponent and
enjoy a sure victory. There are numerous options to set and features to choose
from that add or restrict certain elements that make the steps to every outcome
unique. You, the player choose your ultimate strategy and put it to the test
however you want to play.
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