Dead Space Extraction Interview
We sit down with the game's executive producer. New screens included.
by Matt Casamassina, Mark Bozon
March 16, 2009 - Dead Space Extraction is quickly becoming one of the most talked about, heated, and anticipated games on the Wii outside of Nintendo's own first party offerings, with news, screens, interviews, and trailers spawning all sorts of discussion on the world of on-rails shooters, and the debut of the critically acclaimed franchise from EA. We were the first to show off details on Extraction, and we're continuing our coverage with fresh new screens today, as well as a quick interview with Steve Papoutsis, the executive producer on the project. We pick his brain on the game's buzz thus far, as well as of course the topic everyone is talking about; the game's on-rails nature.
Read up on what is looking to be one of the biggest hardcore titles this year on Wii, and then check out the latest screens direct from EA.
IGN: When you unveiled Dead Space Extraction, you revealed it is an on-rails shooter – a truth that disappointed some fans. What would you say to skeptics fearful that the end experience will be less interactive than Dead Space was on 360?
Steve: When we announced the game I was amazed at the passion Dead Space fans had for the franchise. I would tell the Skeptics that our team is passionate about innovation. Extraction is going to include all of the mechanics that made Dead Space a memorable experience: Stasis, Telekinesis, Strategic Dismemberment, and Zero-G . Our game is going to also deliver on some all new features like Co-op that really involves both players for example cooperative puzzles, brand new weapons, new characters, new enemies, new bosses, new story, and new locations. Our goal is to create an all new experience on the Nintendo Wii that feels custom built for that platform, and I think we are on track to do that.
IGN: Tell us some more about the main character. Who is she? What is her motivation? And does her storyline relate at all to the tale in the 360 title?
Steve: I'd like to keep Lexine a bit of a mystery for a while longer. I will say that she plays an important role in the game, she is in her early 20's, and you are introduced to her pretty quickly in the game. We want to make sure players enjoy her as a character.
IGN: How do the stasis and dismemberment systems work in the game? Please explain the controls.
Steve: To use Stasis the player will point their Wii Remote at an approaching enemy or object then hit the Stasis button to fire the Stasis projectile at the threat. Dismemberment works as you would expect, aim your Wii Remote at an enemies limb and fire, pop goes the Necromorph.
IGN: What new weapons are in the game? Can you give us a few examples of how they work?
Steve: One of the new weapons is the Arc Welder and how it works is it fires out a bolt of energy that arc's between enemies causing more damage depending on how many enemies it comes into contact with. I want to keep the other new weapons a surprise for now.
IGN: Just how bloody does the experience get? Can you give us a couple examples.
Steve: Well Extraction is a Dead Space game, so players can expect just as much gore and blood as they saw in the original game. As far as examples you will have to come play the game with me soon to find out.
We'll have a whole lot more on Dead Space as 2009 continues. Until then, check out the latest media on the game, including the first trailer for the game in our video section, and new screens added today direct from EA.
