Just where the hell did this game come from? I consider myself fairly well versed when it comes to video games, but this one blindsided me. Why exactly am I so excited? Well, for starters I am a huge fan of role-playing games and the owner of an X-Box. As anybody in a similar position can tell you these are usually mutually exclusive things. The X-Box is anorexic when it comes to RPG’s but thankfully this year has a couple of surprises. Resonance is one such surprise, and even if you’re not a fan of RPG’s, keep reading. This game breaks enough role-playing clichés to get even the most jaded gamer interested.
When you think about modern RPG’s you tend to imagine cookie-cutter worlds, where the same tracts of land can be found in the next game over. Not so with Resonance. Gone are the lush valleys and snow capped peaks that dot the worlds of every RPG you have ever played replaced with a much darker vision, one of blood and horror. The game takes place in an alternative Renaissance time period, where magic exists and witches are burned at the stake. Centering around the Inquisition and the tumultuous political climate of the times, NeoCell has found an excellent, and original setting for their game. Here’s to hoping that they make the most of it.
To that end, the developers have decided to go a different route than that of the usual role-playing fare, and thrown some serious horror into the mix. Fans of Eternal Darkness need to pay attention, much of the creepiness and gore of that action/RPG hybrid have found their way over to Resonance. This is as close to a sequel as you’re ever going to get. This is selling this game short, as the creators have gone to great lengths to make sure their game stands out. The field of horror based fantasy gaming has been woefully neglected, with just a few titles over the years, so at least it is trying something new.
Another point of interest is the way the game plays out. Keeping more in line with action games, you view the world from a third person perspective. The reason for this shift in camera angles is the heavy focus on an action based combat system, more along the likes of Otogi. From the early trailers this aspect definitely needs some more work, but it is too early to judge for certain.
Not much of the storyline has been revealed at this time, but what we know is interesting to say the least. Faye Wynter is a young woman born an orphan, but was soon adopted by the King’s court, to be raised as an agent. When she was young she exhibited magical powers, of the sort that would more than likely turn her into a charcoal briquette if they were found out. Wisely deciding to hide her powers Faye grew into one of the King’s most trusted advisors. Having reaching adulthood she is sent on her first mission, an investigation of horrifying creatures on the outskirts of town. Called the “Possessed,” these creatures bear a resemblance to zombies but considering the setting I’d consider their name to be prophetic. Screenshots and concept art have also shown doctors who have more in common with Dr. Moreau than Dr. Zhivago. How exactly they fit into the world remains to be seen but I’m sure they will, at some point experiment on the Possessed thereby unleashing a great horror on the world.
The gameplay itself also shifts from RPG conventions, taking a page from future releases like Fable and Sudeki and focusing as much on action as exploration. Swords and axes are available for your killing pleasure, as are powder guns for longer ranged combat. Levels are to be open ended, with multiple ways of completing tasks. Is it too much to hope for another “sandbox” world like Morrowind? Only time will tell.
The name of the game comes from the special abilities of Faye, which are so secret I haven’t found anything to explain what exactly Resonance is. It’ll probably just be some derivative of bullet-time, or another equally over used game device. Perhaps I’m jumping to conclusions; so far this game seems to be avoiding the norm, so maybe it’ll be something completely revolutionary.
When games like this pop up from out of nowhere most people tend to get suspicious, which is completely understandable. A company that can’t be bothered to produce any sort of Press Release can’t usually be counted on to care about the product. The makers of Resonance have kept a low profile so far, but from what is available right now I can guarantee that there is nothing on the market quite like this. As more information is released I will be posting them right here, so keep your eyes on this preview. MD
