|
We’ve heard that the game is split into five campaigns - one directly based on the harrowing events seen in Scott's war epic. Why did you opt for this approach instead of just concentrating on the familiar aspects of the conflict?
Actually, the game is set up as one continuous campaign, with two major elements. The player starts out as a member of the US 10th Mountain Division. In this capacity, the player is tasked with safeguarding UN relief efforts. As the game evolves, the player becomes a member of Task Force Ranger, and as part of the Task Force, the player is sent on missions to capture Aidid's top people and eliminate the threat of the Habr Gedir militia.
Presumably you didn't actually wander around Mogadishu (or flyby in a chopper!) in the process of making the game - where did your designers draw their inspiration for the carefully constructed environments from?
Since Delta Force - Black Hawk Down is based on real events, we pulled research material from a variety of sources. Aside from books, articles, and news footage, we've also been working closely with a number of Subject Matter Experts [with whom we’ll have a few words in the near future -Ed]. We've been fortunate to work with two former members of Task Force Ranger, as well as a former Special Forces weapons and tactics expert.
The SMEs have spent several days at a time with the team, advising us on a variety of issues including room clearing techniques for the AI, motion capture moves, mission planning, and proper weapons etiquette.
You've stated that you're aiming for a cinematic feel, name-checking EA's Medal of Honor Allied Assault as a recent game which managed this – the differing nature of the two conflicts aside, how do you think the two games compare?
I think both games offer compelling single player gameplay based on real world events. Both games are very story driven, and immerse the player in the environment. The biggest difference between the two games is multiplayer. This being our fifth title in the PC Delta Force series, we have a lot of experience with large-scale multiplayer. We will continue to offer our 32 player multiplayer games via Novaworld.
|