Too Human revealed

[05.05.99] » Silicon Knights, makers of the original Legacy of Kain, return with a futuristic 3D action RPG containing impressive visuals, gameplay, and cinematics spread out over 4 CDs.

   Several weeks ago, we posted the first artwork renders from a game titled Too Human. Developed by Silicon Knights, the Canadian developer behind the early PlayStation action RPG Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain, the company spoke of a 3D RPG and boasted that "everyone in the industry who has seen it is VERY excited about its release." Silicon Knights today released the first concrete details and media from the game -- judging from the material, the excitement seems justified. (Screens available below.)

   In fact, our original guess at the premise behind the game's title wasn't far from the mark. We wondered, "could the title 'Too Human' perhaps refer to a dark, futuristic world whose denizens have had their humanity cruelly ripped away by the cold embrace of biogenetics and computerization?" According to Silicon Knights, "Too Human is a futuristic psychological thriller which contemplates the effects of genetics, prosthetics, and the struggle of humankind to deal with the symbiosis of man and machine." Set in the year 2450 A.D., the game stars a gruff-looking hero named John Franks. Thanks to the technological world in which John lives, the player can cybernetically enhance the character for increased strength, jumping power, damage resistance, and more.

   The hard stats behind Too Human seem extremely promising. To be released on the PlayStation, the 3D action RPG is promised not to suffer from slowdown -- it'll run at a smooth 30 frames-per-second. About an hour of cinematics are to be included, spread out over 4 discs of gameplay. The company estimates over 80 hours of gameplay will be provided, and, most interestingly, "the complex and interactive plot allows each player to determine the path and ultimate outcome of their own gameplay."

   No publisher has been formally announced, but early reports suggest MGM Interactive, in a partnership with Electronic Arts, will be publishing the game. In addition, MGM already owns the domain "toohuman.com." Silicon Knights plans to showcase the title at E3 -- expect impressions from the floor, as well as an in-depth look at the company within a week.

John Franks, small	John Franks, large
World render, small	World render, large