Elveon Interview

Action Trip: Could you elaborate a bit more on the RPG aspect of gameplay?

Slavo Hazucha: Elveon does not precisely fit into a pre-defined genre or sub-genre. We saw the challenge of the new platform also on the gameplay and storytelling level and respectively, Elveon, while generally being an action-RPG, will introduce several innovative concepts and alterations to standards existing on the PC´s and current consoles.

Respectively, the RPG elements of the game will be presented as a supporting element - the search for items and side quests along the main storyline will bring the player strong enhancements and a high level of customizability, but we do not want players to spend too much time with the character screen, so the RPG-gameplay will be more direct than full-scale RPG titles. The character development in Elveon is closely related to the main storyline. In the mystical environment of our world - Naon - the player will be regularly called into a mysterious room, where the ancient powers offer him gifts that can eventually transform him from an elite elvish archer to a semi-divine champion. Everything comes at a "price," so be prepared for some story revelations troughout the game.

Action Trip: We understand that your team means to insert a few changes into the PC version of the game, particularly in terms of RPG elements. What exactly are you planning to add in the PC version?

Slavo Hazucha: From a specific development level, features are done differently for consoles and PC. This can go quite deeply, affecting the controls, camera setup, interface and navigation - we approach these areas separately for X360 and PC. The Gameplay is also affected by changes and adapted to the respective target groups. Elveon is won't a mere port on either platforms. Concerning the RPG elements setup between X360 and PC, it is too early to tell that now in detail and we will spend a lot of time testing to determine the right game pace for both platforms.

Action Trip: In terms of technology, it has been revealed that Elveon runs on the Unreal 3 engine. What has this particular technology allowed you guys to do in Elveon?

Slavo Hazucha: That's absolutely true, the game engine we use is Epic Games' well-known Unreal Engine 3. It's a very powerful next-generation game engine in all important areas and offers a superb material editor that allows us to achieve superior visuals without much effort - compared to present generation visual asset production. Besides that, we are developing our own tools and feature sets and have licensed some other solutions like the Speetree Technology for a living environment. The development stage of UE3 provides us all solutions necessary for the basic game performance and allows us to concentrate on our own features and distinguishing highlights throughout the rest of the project. So we put a lot of effort in the development of our own features for the engine, to create a unique "Elveon" style. This greatly affects the graphics. We have done a lot of in-house development in order to portray mountain and forest exteriors and adjust them according to our ideas. We are also happy with the animation and camera system, which requires specific functions to make our complex close-combat system work efficiently and look cool at the same time.

Action Trip: Do you plan to offer a multiplayer mode in Elveon?

Slavo Hazucha: Primarily Elveon is a story-driven, single-player action game. We will provide a basic multiplayer with several different modes that will exploit the tactical possibilities of Elveon's combat mechanics. But since we see much more potential in what we could do in the multiplayer area, we are discussing some opportunities for potential add-ons. Expect some more info on this early next year.

Action Trip: Players will naturally want to get their hands on additional content. Will there be anything available via Xbox Live Marketplace?

Slavo Hazucha: As I already said, Elveon will have an integrated multiplayer mode. In this area, we want to fully use the X360 advantages and new features, so the multiplayer will be also constantly enhanced over the Live abilities with downloadable content and marketplace features. The multiplayer will be constantly enhanced over via Live, downloadable content and marketplace features.

Action Trip: What type of music can we expect to hear in the backdrop?

Slavo Hazucha: We work together with a big Symphonic Orchestra and because we have an epic story there will be an epic soundtrack as well!

Action Trip: Feel free to add anything else regarding Elveon.

Slavo Hazucha: With Elveon, we will introduce a complete new and exciting fantasy universe. We are looking forward to invite the gamers into this world. With our game, we intend to present a dynamical and emotional story accompanied by more than just a touch of nostalgic elvish atmosphere, bringing the player on a journey into the depths and dark corners of our hero's elvish soul parallel to his journey to Nimathar.

Action Trip: Are there any other projects planned at 10Tacle Studios at this point?

Slavo Hazucha: Oh sure! We just launched the racing simulation GTR 2. At the moment we are looking forward to the launch of Warfront Turning Point, an "alternate reality" strategy game that lets the player experience an entirely new timeline, fight new battles and use a variety of secret and experimental weapons in an entirely different World War II.