Ferrago sat down with Republic: The Revolution’s assistant Designer Ben Gonshaw, of Elixir, to discuss a little more on this ambitious game in the second part of our interview on the topic.

Ferrago: From what I can gather, the game appears to be founded upon a strong element, though its broadness seems to defy categorisation. Do you play the game from an ‘epic’ viewpoint – in that you take an overview of the broader game picture, or are there instances where the is literally “hands-on”, too?

BG: The power of our Totality Engine allows the player to do both in equal measures, depending on the circumstances. You can choose to zoom high above the city and zoom back in on certain actions you have ordered as and when they take place. In certain actions you can have a hands on approach if you wish, such as choosing the level of resistance, etc. All in all though it is from an epic viewpoint with the freedom allowed to the player of how involved you become in the game.

Ferrago: It could be argued that a sense of empathy, like cinema, can create the most fulfilling gaming experience – or at least some feeling of commune and involvement with the game’s subject. What will prove so immersive and appealing in Republic?

BG: Firstly there is a loose storyline, set against a childhood memory of the player’s character involving the current day President (I won’t say any more). Playing the game itself is a cinematic experience in that each action is filmed using specific cameras designed to create an involving and epic feel. The biggest immersive element is that the city is alive. If you do an action there are natural repercussions, not just from your opponents, but in the way that the civilians’ daily lives are affected. The level of complexity in the world and the impact you have on it is compulsive and unique.