In an interview with CVG, Halsby had a lot more to say besides the confirmation of development completion, especially in regards to the similarities and differences between their game's console and arcade aspects. "We wanted to give the impression that this was an ultra-cool arcade machine that you'd just dropped 40 credits into," Halsby explained, "and that it was capable of delivering a paced experience - so you get highs and lows, not just constant escalation."
He also explained that Headstrong wanted to keep "the fear of being overwhelmed by enemies, [and] the sensation of fast movement" in order to keep the spirit of the arcade game alive.
Halsby said that the Grindhouse-esque style came about a bit further in development, well after "the majority of characters, locations and enemies" were created. "Originally we had a 'softened realism' look, with a touch of the usual bright SEGA colors," Halsby clarified, "The pulp theme came through with a confirmation of a solid mature rating, a funk soundtrack and plenty of dismemberment."
When asked the all-important question about whether or not there is an audience for a game like House of the Dead: Overkill, Halsby countered by citing the success of Resident Evil 4. "Just because mature gamers enjoy Wii Sports," Halsby argued, "doesn't mean they won't also enjoy blasting zombies in the face."
They're going just a little overboard there citing RE4 as a sign that their game's going to sell well. RE4 was already a well-known awesome game to established gamers, and the Wii version only made it better. I knew when it was announced (for a budget price, mind you) that I was going to buy it. House of the Dead: Overkill is by comparison an unknown quantity, save that we know it's going to be short; it's going to be a horror lightgun game; and it's going to be full-priced. They would have done better to compare their product to the good sales of Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, which is not only in the same genre but was also full-priced.
I have reason to be optimistic due to this studio making Geometry Wars Galaxies, one of the best games on Wii. However, if the game is only 3-4 hours long (as they have suggested in interviews), I don't see how it's going to do well at full price. RE: Umbrella Chronicles is at least twice, maybe thrice that long.
They're going just a little overboard there citing RE4 as a sign that their game's going to sell well. RE4 was already a well-known awesome game to established gamers, and the Wii version only made it better. I knew when it was announced (for a budget price, mind you) that I was going to buy it. House of the Dead: Overkill is by comparison an unknown quantity, save that we know it's going to be short; it's going to be a horror lightgun game; and it's going to be full-priced. They would have done better to compare their product to the good sales of Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, which is not only in the same genre but was also full-priced.
I believe the House of the Dead collection sold quite well. So I'd say it has recognition.
They're going just a little overboard there citing RE4 as a sign that their game's going to sell well. RE4 was already a well-known awesome game to established gamers, and the Wii version only made it better. I knew when it was announced (for a budget price, mind you) that I was going to buy it. House of the Dead: Overkill is by comparison an unknown quantity, save that we know it's going to be short; it's going to be a horror lightgun game; and it's going to be full-priced. They would have done better to compare their product to the good sales of Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, which is not only in the same genre but was also full-priced.
I believe the House of the Dead collection sold quite well. So I'd say it has recognition.
Which begs the question why they didn't just say "hey, the House of the Dead collection sold well on Wii, so that tells us there is a Mature audience on Wii for our franchise!" Why mention RE4 at all when you can pimp your own franchise?
The HOTD collection sold around 900k so that is not bad for what was basically a straight port.
The HOTD collection sold around 900k so that is not bad for what was basically a straight port.
Yowza! Really? That's extreme! Source?
As I looooove House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return, I'm very happy about this prequel. Expect a review!uthor=GoldenPhoenix link=topic=27133.msg479093#msg479093 date=1231805438]
The HOTD collection sold around 900k so that is not bad for what was basically a straight port.
Yowza! Really? That's extreme! Source?
[quote aAs I looooove House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return, I'm very happy about this prequel. Expect a review!uthor=GoldenPhoenix link=topic=27133.msg479093#msg479093 date=1231805438]The HOTD collection sold around 900k so that is not bad for what was basically a straight port.
Yowza! Really? That's extreme! Source?
I know I've heard it on IGN, also on VGchartz. This all combined with the fact that it motivated Sega to create another sequel is why I think the numbers are legit.
How many players at one time?
I am SOOOO saving the INTERNETS
Is this game still essentially an arcade game? I can't see spending more than $20 on that.
2-players are confirmed and indicated in screen shots; there are two known story protagonists at this point.
I haven't heard any mentions of 4-player party modes or similar. It would be a nice thing, since Ghost Squad also included party modes.
The thing is I have a lot of light gun games. I think I have everything released on PS2 and xbox and a few of the wii ones. I'm saturated in light gun games. I play them all the time. House of the Dead: Overkill is just another one. It needs to go above and beyond for me to pay $50 for it.
The thing is I have a lot of light gun games. I think I have everything released on PS2 and xbox and a few of the wii ones. I'm saturated in light gun games. I play them all the time. House of the Dead: Overkill is just another one. It needs to go above and beyond for me to pay $50 for it.
