How important are special effects in a video game? So important, that it can often be difficult to imagine what a fast-paced action extravaganza like Bayonetta would look like without them.
The team over at Platinum Games has another development update for you, and this time, it's special effects designer Kudo who takes center stage. He begins by saying that although most gamers understand what a "special effect" is, when it comes to the actual process, they don't completely "get it." Perhaps the best explanation is the visual aid he has provided there in the form of video comparisons: in the first video, you can see what Bayonetta looks like with special effects and in the second, what the gameplay looks like when the effects are non-existent. …kind of a drastic difference, huh? Added Kudo:
"Bayonetta's weapons, the impact of the hits, the enemy attacks, the smoke flowing out in the background, etc. When you have effects on, I think you can see that things seem more exhilarating, enemy attacks are easier to understand, and the atmosphere is played up more, amongst other things. I can't really explain in too much detail without venturing into spoilers, but in the scenes we feel fit to call "Climax Action" the effects change pretty substantially."
One can make immediate comparisons to the long-running and popular Devil May Cry franchise (which shouldn't be too surprising, as Bayonetta creator Hideki Kamiya designed the character of Dante), and that's not a bad thing. We've always loved the frenetic action of such titles and to have a female protagonist definitely puts a twist on the classic gameplay style. That chick is gonna have her own style, but she wouldn't shine half so brightly without those special effects. While you're there, check out other aspects of the game's development, including a recent post about how they went about producing the backgrounds. Great stuff.
Related Game(s): Bayonetta
Hmm this looked good in the initial teaser trailer and ever since clover studios closed I've been jonesing for something from that magical team so here's hoping it lives up to its expectations. Anyone hoping platinum the next true viewtiful joe?
Hmm I'll check it out now. I don't suppose we have any idea on a release schedule for Bayonetta huh?
"Climax action"… I like that 😉
Early September, supposedly.
Wet is looking pretty good too, looks like they might go head to head.
"Climax action"…..
lol inuendo!
I cant wait for that game, it is my focus in that genre before GOW3 and Castlevania Dark Lord
Last edited by BigBoss4ever on 7/6/2009 11:32:48 PM
If you like female leads, you should look into A2M's WET. It's a different kind of action game.
I will buy both. While W.E.T. looks in some ways like a Tomb Raider knock off it has some unique elements that are interesting. I was pissed when it was delayed.
Bayonetta looks good but I will admit that my one annoyance from the game play previews is the repetitive voice track.
I don't think either look to be as genre shifting as Uncharted was but I expect to have some fun w/ both.
I love Eliza Dushku
i hope they kept the crude humor of dante.
ive allways said thats the best thing about him.
like in DMC3 where the deamons bust into his room so he jumps up and says lets dance.
also with drake in uncharted 2 where a bus blows up so he says ok i guess im not going that way.
i miss action games with a little humor, thats allways been the best part.
but im rely looking forward to bayonetta hopefully it has lots of customisable weapons and attacks like DMC, and hope it releases soon.
because i cant see this selling to well if it isent out by october 1st.
because R&CACIT is supose to be out in october allong with forza 3 splinter cell conviction uncharted 2.
the list goes on and november is even worse.
i just realised this and its realy pathetic.
we had more games in june JUST for the ps3 than we have for july and august.
thats pritty pathetic.
nice detailed graphics/effects for a game like this would be nice. besides, the cell processor needs a workout from time to time 😛