Update on Namco's Spawn game

"Namco stopped by our offices today with the latest build of Spawn for the PlayStation 2, and we checked out some of the new features that have been added to the game since we last saw it. Spawn is an action platformer very much in the spirit of Devil May Cry in that it gives you a large number of attack options--including several guns, Spawn's signature axe and chains, and several hell powers--and throws you at hordes of enemies. From the looks of the new build, Spawn is developing into a solid action game that ought to please fans of that sort of thing.

At this point in development, pretty much all of Spawn's basic abilities have been implemented, though the team is still tweaking the graphical effects and some of the behaviors that accompany them. We got to see Spawn's cape, which flares out at the press of a button and lets him glide slowly from the height of a leap. Spawn's trademark chains were also included in this build, and they let you perform a variety of maneuvers and attacks. You can use them to simply strike at the targeted enemy, or you can hold the attack button down and raise the enemy into the air, eventually tearing it apart with your two chains. It looks like Spawn's development team has made good on its promise to include gameplay mechanics that capitalize on the unique elements of the Spawn franchise.

We also saw all six of Spawn's hell powers, which let him fire a large ball of necroplasm, dash forward quickly, and slow down time, among other things. The hell powers drain your supply of necroplasm, which is Spawn's life essence, so you'll have to be conservative in their use. In addition to these supernatural abilities, you'll be able to purchase upgrades for your regular firearms between levels. Each weapon will have two upgrades: one corresponding to power and one corresponding to range. Between the axe, chains, guns, and hell powers, there's a lot of diversity in Spawn's combat, from what we've seen so far.

Graphically, Spawn seemed to be running quite well on the PS2. The graphics were solid and clean, with the exception of a few effects that are still being filled in, and the frame rate was generally high. We also got to sample some of the game's voice acting, which sounded distinctively appropriate for the license. The voice for Malebolgia is especially otherworldly, especially when taking into account that the voice samples received no postproduction effects after recording.

Spawn is currently slated to ship on all three major consoles in time for Christmas. We'll bring you hands-on coverage of the game soon. "

Taken from GameSpot: http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/s...w_6073008.html

I think it shaping up as pretty cool game. I've seen couple of videos of it in motion, and it doesnt bad at all. Some of the attacks they mention like the chain attack sounds pretty sweet. And the way it seem to play simularly to DMC, makes me want it even more.

Spawn video can be found here. Just scroll down to Spawn.

http://www.gametrailers.com/vault-s.html

I sure hope the animation is improved...Spawn looks a bit constipated...

I think it looks like trash.

Hmm, Aha. Right. Have some hope, it never hurts you know.

You're right. And it's like I don't want to like it...but Spawn uses guns. WTF is that all about?!

But if you read the article, he also has ability to use his Axe and chains. With giving him guns, they adding more flair to the game, plus trying to make it more cool and stylish ala DMC.

And those guns were pretty cool, especially dual chain guns he whipped out in the video.

I saw a clip of this game on the new OXBM Demo Disk. It looked really clunky. Spawn look really rigid and stiff. The enemys looked pretty lame as well. Spawn has a lot of potential for a very cool game, but it looks like this won't be the one.

More information:

"Namco visited the GamePro offices today and cast some light on the dark, brooding corners of their upcoming Spawn title. Spawn has come a long way in the few short months since E3.

The game’s story covers Issues 1-99 of the comic book, stopping just short of the epochal events of Issue 100. Todd McFarlane has been integral to the development process from the beginning and has contributed extensively to the narrative. The goal is to make the game accessible even to those who have not read the comic book. The opening cinematics tell of Spawn’s origin, and the notable characters from the book appear throughout the game.

In addition to his axe and chains, Spawn will wield a variety of excessively large weaponry such as dual mini-guns and a rocket launcher. The axe, “Agony” by name, is being carried over from Soul Calibur II. Weapons can be leveled up with special “technique points” at the end of each mission to add range and power to Spawn’s already devastating arsenal. Spawn also employs six Hell Powers that are energized with Necroplasm.

Spawn’s chains are one of the coolest aspects of the game thus far. They are used for grappling, pulse attack, or best of all, to lift an enemy up off the ground and tear him in half. During combat, they’ll take it upon themselves to grab items and power-ups for you so it’s easier to focus on the action. The fast-paced fighting system was fine-tuned by the Soul Calibur II team and combines melee attacks with ranged weapons.

But what about the freakin’ cape? Because Spawn’s roiling cape is so all encompassing, it will remain tucked away most of the time to prevent it from obscuring the action. It flutters open when needed for gliding between platforms, or during special circumstances in boss battles.

Settings range from the Hell Hole in Central Park, the Angel Space Station, and to Hell itself. Though the cutscenes aren’t finished yet, we got to hear some of the impressive voice over work that was recently recorded by Spawn HBO veteran Kevin Richardson. Spawn looks and sounds like it will be a gritty, ghoulish experience that sticks to the comic’s dark tone. It ought to be a welcome change for fans who’ve been disappointed by Spawn’s PG-13 alter-ego or his previous console disasters. With an impressive array of extravagant weaponry and gore galore, expect an M rating when Spawn hits the shelves in November. "