From the makers of Timesplitters comes 'Haze'

[slackbladder]

Haze is a new game for PS3, 360 and PC. It's made by Free Radical of Timesplitters fame and published by Ubisoft.
Their site is here.

 

[tha_con]

Free Radical is awesome, they are also comprised of a large amount of the team who made GoldenEye back in the 64 days. I'm excited

 

[Dave A]

Looks interesting, I'd like to see video of actual gameplay, but the pics looked good.

 

[Sprite]

Looks interesting, I'd like to see video of actual gameplay, but the pics looked good.

Here yo go, the vid actually reminds me of Starship Troopes (the advertising bit anyway) Looks great, but alas its another FPS

LINK

 

[Dave A]

That's not actualy gameplay though, even if it uses in game graphics which it might in parts, I mean I'd like to see how the actual game plays, is it a more tactical FPS with you sneaking around as much as shooting or isit like Resistance fall of man where your pretty much shooting non-stop etc.

 

[Pebb]

I posted up news about this game 1-2 days ago in the E3 topic i created.

 

[slackbladder]

There's an interview with Free Radical, the makers of Timesplitters and the upcoming Haze here.

 

[slackbladder]

Here yo go, the vid actually reminds me of Starship Troopes (the advertising bit anyway) Looks great, but alas its another FPS

LINK

I'll link to one vid in particular which shows some gameplay. There is a demo floating around somewhere. I can only hope it goes onto the PSN soon. Maybe I can find a vid of that demo somewhere. I definately like the look of this game.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/20523.html

As for its exclusive status etc Ubisoft don't seem to know either!
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=166308

Ubisoft has pulled the release dates issued earlier this week for the Xbox 360 and PC versions of Haze, stating that the game is only confirmed for PS3.

"Haze is only confirmed for the PS3. Neither PC or Xbox 360 are confirmed platform releases," the company said.

"Officially HAZE is a PS3 lead development, PC and 360 versions are not confirmed at this time. There was an error in a release schedule which went out which is causing a lot of confusion right now."

 

[skylynx]

hopefully it will support keyboard and mouse

 

[slackbladder]

hopefully it will support keyboard and mouse

I would'nt hold your breath. Free Radical, the developers, make games for consoles primarily. I doubt they'll add keyboard support to a console game. They might but it's very, very unlikely.

 

[Digital-Nitrate]

I would'nt hold your breath. Free Radical, the developers, make games for consoles primarily. I doubt they'll add keyboard support to a console game. They might but it's very, very unlikely.

Part of the problem was that until recently, using a keyboard with a console was difficult if not totally unsupported. Now with new consoles not only supporting wireless keyboards and mice, but with products like this:

(details, links, and more pics HERE)

There seems to be a growing interest among developers to add keyboard and possibly mouse support for some next-gen console games.

I don't know about Haze, but it is certainly possible.


BTW: This thread appears to be "The Official" Haze thread, but it looks like it got buried and several new developments regarding Haze have some up in other threads so I thought it might be a good idea to at least post the links and copy some of them here:

Threads:

• Haze. 4 player co-op. From the makers of Timesplitters
  
  
• Haze developer: PSN is better than Xbox Live

Then as brought up in the "EA is so inferior..." thread:

Also as an FYI, Haze is coming to 360 and PC next year. Free Radical is also making it (Ubisoft is just publishing it), so it's not like it was an in-house decision.

You may want to read the latest news on Haze.

Robin posted a link to the following article in TVR's Haze thread:

Haze PC and 360 Drop off the Map
Ubisoft confirms that only the PS3 version of futuristic FPS is currently in development, no plans to bring it to any other platforms.
Posted Aug 31, 2007 4:00 am PT By Emma Boyes, GameSpot UK

Ubisoft has told GameSpot that First Radical's sci-fi first-person shooter Haze is now being planned solely for Sony's PlayStation 3 platform.

Originally, Haze was slated as a multiplatform release for the PC, Xbox 360, and PS3 this spring. However, in May, Ubisoft announced that the PS3 had become the "lead platform" for the title and that the game would be released in November only for the PS3. At that time, Ubisoft noted that "no exclusivity for any platform has been officially announced."

Today, Ubisoft amended its statement, saying that currently only the PS3 version of Free Radical's shooter is in development. The France-based publisher also noted that it was still leaving the door open in the future for "new partnerships," but currently the game is indeed only planned for the PS3. A spokesperson said, "The official statement on PC and Xbox 360 is that these platforms are not confirmed."

The Web sites of both Free Radical and the official Haze site now only list the PS3 version of the game.

So it looks like it went from Multi-platform release, to PS3 Timed Exclusive, to PS3 Exclusive.

Of course at least that one spokesman left a crack in the door with "The official statement on PC and Xbox 360 is that these platforms are not confirmed." ... but for now I think its reasonable to say Haze is a PS3 exclusive until the next announcement.

Most recently though, here is a post I made responding to a question about gamplay footage:

Now, I'm interested in seeing a gameplay video of Haze, because it looks sort of promising. The people who are making Crysis also pitched in on this title, if I remember correctly.

There are a few gameplay clips on GameTrailers.com and GameVideos.com but recently Free Radical released a 6-min gameplay demonstration narrated by a Game Director at Free Radical.

Among other things, the demonstration shows and explains the use of some of the "Nectar" weapons, and how you can make the enemy soldiers fight each other (in some ways it reminded me of how you can get the Big Daddies in Bioshock to fight for you).

In addition it shows how you can also steal their weapons while they are "Hazed" from the Nectar or hand combat, and then turn around and use their weapon against them, a nice realistic feature to have, as all the FPS games I've seen you can only get an enemy's weapon after you kill them.

Any way here is the link to that video:

• Haze 'Abandoned Resort' - Developers give a gameplay walkthrough

If you want to see more gameplay footage I’d check out those two sites from time to time as they seem to get updates more regularly then most game sites.

I think that pretty much get's this thread up to date regarding Haze topics on GTP. 👍

 

[Robin]

Ok, so we are using this main haze thread as apposed to the one TVR did then?

As Digital Nitrate added its now PS3 exclusive and I think it would be worth putting that in the thread title aswell...

I love that Sixaxis keyboard attachment... oh boy I want it only wish it was bluetooth so you wouldnt have to plug an ulgy usb thing into it, oh also its abit wierd being above the controller, il see if sony release an official one more like the 360's one.

 

[Digital-Nitrate]

I love that Sixaxis keyboard attachment... oh boy I want it only wish it was bluetooth so you wouldnt have to plug an ulgy usb thing into it, oh also its abit wierd being above the controller, il see if sony release an official one more like the 360's one.

That USB plug only has to get plugged into the PS3. It is the wireless transmitter, just as you would for using any USB wireless keyboard and mouse with a PC or console, so no worries there.

Also, I think the advantage of having it placed above, rather than below the main part of the controller, as it is with the 360 keyboard add-on, is that it would be less likely to get in the way of holding onto the controller. It appears placed high enough above the L1 & R1 buttons that it shouldn't interfere with those either.




BTW: HERE is a link to the HD version of the Haze 'Abandoned Resort' - Developers give a gameplay walkthrough 6-min video.

Also, the following is an HD clip from the recent GC event where David Doak, co-founder of Free Radical and Director of Haze not only discusses the game, but confirms it is indeed a PS3 exclusive. The clip is also cut with footage of Haze:

• GC 2007 Story and Gameplay Features Interview

 

[Sprite]

Ok, so we are using this main haze thread as apposed to the one TVR did then?

As Digital Nitrate added its now PS3 exclusive and I think it would be worth putting that in the thread title aswell...

I love that Sixaxis keyboard attachment... oh boy I want it only wish it was bluetooth so you wouldnt have to plug an ulgy usb thing into it, oh also its abit wierd being above the controller, il see if sony release an official one more like the 360's one.

That USB plug only has to get plugged into the PS3. It is the wireless transmitter, just as you would for using any USB wireless keyboard and mouse with a PC or console, so no worries there.

Also, I think the advantage of having it placed above, rather than below the main part of the controller, as it is with the 360 keyboard add-on, is that it would be less likely to get in the way of holding onto the controller. It appears placed high enough above the L1 & R1 buttons that it shouldn't interfere with those either.




BTW: HERE is a link to the HD version of the Haze 'Abandoned Resort' - Developers give a gameplay walkthrough 6-min video.

Also, the following is an HD clip from the recent GC event where David Doak, co-founder of Free Radical and Director of Haze not only discusses the game, but confirms it is indeed a PS3 exclusive. The clip is also cut with footage of Haze:

• GC 2007 Story and Gameplay Features Interview

I have that keyboard thing and my fingers are way too big, so I still use the pad to type. I will eventually get a KB and Mouse combo, but only when a game I really want ot play supports it, Or if a patch for RFOM makes it possible to play it with one of them.

 

[Robin]

That USB plug only has to get plugged into the PS3.

Thats what I meant, I did want to have anything plugged into the front of the PS3, pity it doesn't have rear usb ports, this wouldnt be a problem I presume if it were bluetooth right?

I suppose having it positioned above makes sense but that means you have to type with your fingers in an awkward way as apposed to using your thumbs... If I owned one I would just prefer to have it sit beside me on the sofa and pick it up when I need it.

I don't think there is much that warrants a keyboard yet but when Home comes then I think it will be a must.

Robin

 

[Raitziger]

Do anyone know good HD quality clip of Haze? All the ones i have seen graphics or framerate looks bad.

 

[Digital-Nitrate]

Not sure. Until a game goes "gold", thus finished, I don't get too worried over visual things like drop in framerates, as there's no telling what may have caused it, and may easily have been 'fixed' in the final product.


As far as gameplay, I like the environments I've seen, the whole "Nectar" thing, getting enemies to fight each other, ability to "switch sides" during the game, and some of the combat strategies, like being able to play dead, and steal weapons of enemies without killing them. Some of the talked about multi-player game modes sound interesting as well.

In some ways Haze almost feels like they applied some of the gameplay concepts of Biochock, but in a more typical military based FPS game.

I'm not a fan of FPS games, but if they can manage to create a visceral story line, considering all I have seen so far of the game, I may actually end up buying Haze.


BTW: I like the visual of the cover art:

 

[Robin]

The artwork does look the business, especially with this yellow and black colour scheme they are going with....

I know its too early to say but I wonder if they will release another game under the timesplitters franchise or is Haze meant to be it?

Robin

 

[Digital-Nitrate]

New Nectar Abbilities Announced:

• Nectar Perception:
  While on Nectar, your enemies will become far more visible to you, even if they are hiding in the shadows or foliage.
  
  
• Melee Blast:
  Performed the same way as the normal melee attack, but with 10 times the power, thanks to Nectar.
  
  
• Nectar Resilience:
  Bullets won’t bounce off you, but you’ll certainly take less damage from them.
  
  
• Nectar Focus:
  When you are sniping or using the zoom function on your helmet, Nectar will give you a new level of focus, helping you aim and making it easier to kill in one deadly accurate shot.
  
  
• Nectar Foresight:
  If you are in danger while on a Nectar high, a visible “pulse” will ripple outward from the point of threat. This could be a grenade at your feet, or someone about to melee you from behind.

I know its too early to say but I wonder if they will release another game under the timesplitters franchise or is Haze meant to be it?

Just yesterday Free Radical made it official, TimeSplitters 4 is indeed in development:

It's back! Featuring even more crazy characters, devastating weapons and heart pounding hot sweaty action. It's funny, it's frantic and it'll do things you've never seen before! No, not naked girls, even better than that! We can't tell you the details yet, the monkeys have a loaded banana pressed against our skull, but this game will take the first person shooter to gaming nirvana. Save the world or die laughing, Timesplitters 4 is coming to getcha!

 

[V1P3R]

So this isn't a PS3 exclusive title anymore?

Ugh... I know there was another thread about this.

 

[Digital-Nitrate]

So this isn't a PS3 exclusive title anymore?

Ugh... I know there was another thread about this.

Who claimed this was true? EWillis?

As mentioned and linked to in this thread, officially it was confirmed by David Doak, co-founder of Free Radical and Director of Haze that it is in fact now a PS3 exlusive with no current plans for it to be released on any other platform.

Also mentioned in this thread, before David Doak confirmed it as an exclusive PS3 release, an unnamed rep from Free Radical was supposedly quoted as saying "The official statement on PC and Xbox 360 is that these platforms are not confirmed." which some have chosen to use to specualte that it may end up being a timed exclusive, but that is just speculation mind you. Officially, it is most certainly a PS3 exclusive.

 

[GT4 genius]

I read on a site today that PS3 get a 7 day exclusive of haze when it is launched on november 23rd, it will then be released for PC and Xbox 360 on the 30th of november. Not much of an exclusive, but they aren't breaking laws saying it!

 

[slackbladder]

I believe that's old news. The current release date for Haze is 14th December for EU/UK (probably US too). No date for PC/360. www.amazon.co.uk www.computerandvideogames.com
The PC/360 version will be out early 2008 no doubt.

 

[GT4 genius]

Ahh crap, i hoped it would be out the day before my birthday!!

 

[Dead_Poetic]

Last I heard, there was no pc/360 version.

 

[Digital-Nitrate]

I read on a site today that PS3 get a 7 day exclusive of haze when it is launched on november 23rd, it will then be released for PC and Xbox 360 on the 30th of november. Not much of an exclusive, but they aren't breaking laws saying it!

Do you have a link to this source?

Unless I missed something, the latest decision from the Haze has not changed:

As mentioned and linked to in this thread, officially it was confirmed by David Doak, co-founder of Free Radical and Director of Haze that it is in fact now a PS3 exlusive with no current plans for it to be released on any other platform.

 

[Vonie]

It has been delayed to Jan-Mar of 2008.

http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2007/11/20/haze-release-gets-cloudy-pushed-to-next-year/

 

[GT4 genius]

Like Slackbladder said that was originally thought but it has changed now. A big game retailer here in ireland called it a PS3 exclusive in there preview so i do believe it is a full exclusive.

 

[Digital-Nitrate]

Here is the most recent interview with a couple of the Haze developers which includes further confirmation that Haze is not being developed for any other platform other than the PS3 and the reasons for that decision:

PSU talks with Free Radical - Haze and Timesplitters 4
Posted on November 29th, 2007 at 05:28 EDT by Justin Pinter

Since our last interview with Free Radical, we were absolutely inundated with additional questions from our readers wanting to know more! So naturally we were delighted to have a second opportunity to try to feed their insatiable desire for more Haze and TimeSplitters 4 information.

We'd like to thank Rob Yescombe and Derek Littlewood for joining us for the pleasant surprise that is “PSU interviews Free Radical Part 2."

PSU: What are your thoughts on Haze being a system mover for the PlayStation 3? With a slew of multiplatform FPS titles coming, how will Haze (a PS3 exclusive) entice gamers to buy a PS3 over anything else?

Rob Yescombe: Well, with four-player hot-swap co-op, the Nectar gameplay system, two unique factions with totally different skills and abilities, as well as the 16-player multiplayer story maps, we’ve got a top notch package that’s going to make it an extremely worthy investment. Ultimately, our focus has been on replay value. If we’re hoping that people will buy the game and/or a PS3, we want to make sure they feel like they’re getting value for money.

PSU: Do you think that Blu-ray is a necessity for next gen gaming and will developers require Blu-ray size storage for games in the future if they don't already?

Derek Littlewood: It's clearly not a necessity, but it's an extremely useful asset. As hardware matures you always see an increase in the scale and ambition of games being developed for it, as developers get to grips with their new engines and toolsets, and that increased scale and ambition equates to an increased amount of content. So I think that as the PS3 matures, you'll see developers relying on Blu-ray to an increasing degree.

PSU: Why do you think multiplatform developers choose not to utilize the extra storage capacity on the PS3 for their games and add extra content? If the space is there why not use it?

Derek: It's not really as simple as just 'using' the space. Art, animation and audio assets for PS3 games take an enormous amount of time and money to create, and it's not like most developers have a box of additional levels they can just add onto their games at the eleventh hour. If you're developing specifically for the PS3 the additional capacity is a definite benefit, but if you're developing cross platform it's not usually so easy to just add extra stuff.

PSU: What was the reason behind dropping development on the Xbox 360 and PC?

Derek: From a development point of view, exclusive development is attractive because you can really focus on getting the best out of just one platform, rather than always needing to split your efforts across multiple versions of the game. And this is why exclusive PS3 development has been so useful to us, as the entire team has been able to work very closely with the PS3 hardware.

As for why the PS3 was our platform of choice, the company has a history of getting good results out of PlayStation hardware from our days working on the PS2, but also, out of the three platforms, the PS3 is still the youngest and so represented the best opportunity for us to get a game out into an uncrowded market where it was likely to get the best recognition.

PSU: Do you have plans to support Haze further with downloadable content?

Derek: We'd like to - I can't comment any further at this stage though, I'm afraid.

PSU: Will Haze have dedicated servers for multiplayer?

Derek: I can't comment on that at this stage, sorry.

PSU: Will Haze support clans, buddy lists, and parties? What kind of customizable options will be available for these?

Derek: Yes, we're supporting friends lists and parties, and you'll be able to do things like sending in-game invites to your friends if you want them to drop into your coop or multiplayer game. I can't really talk anymore about multiplayer options at this stage though, I'm afraid.

PSU: Have you hit any technical roofs with the PS3 hardware during development (memory, bandwidth, PPU, SPU, GPU)?

Derek: You always hit technical roofs, on any hardware platform. One of the biggest fallacies of games development is that there's hardware just around the corner that's going to allow you to do whatever you want, to whatever scale you want, but the reality is that regardless of the hardware, games development is about compromise. It's about choosing which things you want to do well (sometimes based on what the hardware does well) and making sure the player can see that effort up on screen.

The thing about the PS3 is that you really need to be using all of the SPU's constantly to get the best performance out of it – Haze has been pretty heavily optimised towards using the SPU's but even so we're not using them 100% of the time, although we're always looking for ways to do so. Memory has never really been an issue because the Haze engine is built to constantly stream the entire gameworld.

PSU: How do you guys feel about Bungie copying the Mantel Helmet designs in Halo 3's multiplayer?

Derek: That depends on whether it entitles us to a share of the Halo 3 profits or not.

PSU: Has your experience working on Haze for the PS3 helped in development and planning for Timesplitters 4?

Derek: Of course. Your first game on a new platform is always a big challenge, and an invaluable learning process; it's only by finishing and releasing a game on a given hardware platform that you really get to grips with it – you know, which things it does well, which things it struggles with - and there's a lot of things we've learnt about working on the PS3 from developing Haze that will feed into the planning and early development on all of our future games, including TS4.

PSU: Will Free Radical be using the same technology and game engine used in Haze in Timepsplitters 4?

Derek: We haven't made any firm decisions about what technology we'll be using for TS4 as it naturally has slightly different requirements to Haze. But I think you can expect the core engine to be the same, yes.

PSU: Anything else you'd like to add about Haze or Timesplitters?

Rob: Buy them! I need to retile my roof before the rainy season starts.

In addition, here is a recent video interview with further explanations and demonstrations of the unique features of Haze:

• Gameplay Features Interview HD

Also, the following is a rather humorous look behind the scenes at Free Radical intermixed with on the street interviews regarding Haze:

• Haze: Streets of Britain

 

[GT4 genius]

It has been delayed to Jan-Mar of 2008.

http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2007/11/20/haze-release-gets-cloudy-pushed-to-next-year/

I read the posts by the people, it still isn't clear whether this is true or not, fingers crossed that it isn't true . HAZE are shooting themselvs in the foot if they think they can compete with MGS4 next march!