E3 2004: DJ's present FPS 'with a difference'
Betting begins!
UK publisher Digital Jesters has unveiled a brand new first-person shooter at this year's E3, announcing the unusual Bet on Soldier for the PC, which will be released by the firm in the UK and Benelux in April 2005. The new title is being developed by Parisian studio Kylotonn, and promises something a little different.
In a rather odd gameplay dynamic, players will bet on what enemies they believe they will kill before entering combat, the result of the ensuing duel bringing an award calculated upon the opponent's rank, the initial stake, and the time it took to win. Players continually winning receive character upgrades enabling them to take on mightier foes in further tussles.
All this oddness will be set against a corporation-taking-over-the-world storyline, and throughout the singleplayer game, the player will encounter a variety of 'champion' AI's, who exhibit new betting tactics and styles. A variety of classes will feature in the multiplayer offering, and we're promised thirty-two player matches, with a variety of weapons.
The Kt engine used includes real-world physics simulation, and takes full advantage of pixel and vertex shaders alongside 'advanced' specular effects. Apparently this 'technical marvel' has been developed over the last six years by the studio.
"Kylotonn are a team that are really pushing the boundaries of technology, and profess to having a strong artistic ethos," enthused DJ Director Terry Malham. "We are only too pleased to have the opportunity to provide the games playing public with such an innovative title."
April 2005 it is, then.
