Interview with M. Spanel [Archive] - Bohemia Interactive Forums

Dwarden

Aug 29 2003, 05:10

I'm delighted and shocked at once ...

i want JIP http://forums.bistudio.com/oldsmileys/smile_o.gif

I WANNA THIS FOR PC, I PAY FOR ANOTHER BOX BUT I MUST GET IT ...

aaah i got idea ... we need XBOX emulator(wrapper) for PC http://forums.bistudio.com/oldsmileys/smile_o.gif ...

exciting news for all XBOX owners (except missing HDTV for now) and just imagine this on XBOX 2 ...

o.O

Quote[/b] ]
What new features does a fan of the Op. Flashpoint franchise will find in the Xbox version?

Marek S: Most obvious is the new level of visual quality. It surpasses the original PC version significantly, so it is definitely very interesting to replay the game on Xbox, if you know it already from PC. The gameplay and feeling on the Xbox version is pretty similar that on the PC version.

In terms of gameplay, the greatest improvement is probably "join in progress", available in some multiplayer missions, which makes it more accessible for instant mutliplayer combat than the original PC version. To make it short: no annoying waiting in the game briefing-lobby any more.

What can you tell us about the graphics engine that's being use for Op. Flashpoint?

Marek S: We use an enhanced version of our proprietary engine. The Xbox engine somewhere between the original Flashpoint 1 engine and new generation Flashpoint 2 engine that we're going to use for PC sequel of Operation Flashpoint later in years to come. The vision of our engine is to offer gamers large areas to play in without any artificial boundaries and to offer the player a unique level of freedom. You can move in very large areas and use vehicles and weapons that are present on the battlefield. Also, the number of participants in combat is quite high and almost everything is result of real time AI algorithms so every time you start a mission it can be different experience.

What visual improvements can we expect to see in Op. Flashpoint for Xbox?

Marek S: Visually, Flashpoint for Xbox is almost a new game. We completely reworked or improved most of the models in the game, the engine also supports better lightning model and more detailed definitions of surfaces which all leads into more believable environment than on the PC.

What changes have been done to the engine to alter the gameplay and deal with the Xbox's limitations? (Xbox's 64-MB memory limit)

Marek S: We don't want to compromise the scope and level of detail in the game and our ultimate goal is to keep all features of the original game present on Xbox. We optimize, and if we don't know how to go further, we continue to look for ways on how to optimize even more. Xbox fans will also be glad to hear that we've managed to pack the entire PC game onto an Xbox disc. So far, not a single feature is missing, nor is there a compromise in design, and that is our goal.

Are you planning 480p and HDTV support for the Xbox version? (720p? 1080i?)

Marek S: We're planning 480p support but unfortunately no HDTV support at this time.

Will the game take advantage of Xbox's Dolby Digital audio capabilities?

Marek S: Yes, the game has got full surround sound using the Xbox's audio hardware.

Will you be supporting Op. Flashpoint after its release, with downloadable content like new missions, weapons and/or modes?

Marek S: Operation Flashpoint is designed to allow the use of downloadable content via Xbox Live and we definitely plan to release some additional content after the launch of the title but I can't give you any specific details at the moment.

What are your thoughts about Xbox Live?

Marek S: We're really excited about Xbox Live and we consider Operation Flashpoint as an ideal game to use this service. We believe that Operation Flashpoint's focus on tactics and strategy will be an interesting and refreshing change from usual action games and the playable vehicles will also be a nice addition.

At the moment what is the current state of the game's progress and when will it be completed?

Marek S: The development of Operation Flashpoint for Xbox is really challenging experience for us. I have to admit that we never thought it was going to be so hard and we have already worked on it for almost a year. We have all content in the game but we are still working on engine optimizations, as it's a very hard job in delivering the depth and complexity of this title onto a console.