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TFW2005 War For Cybertron Interview with Aaron Archer and Matt Tieger

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[preview]TFW2005 had the chance to speak briefly with Hasbro’s Aaron Archer and representatives for Activision and High Moon Studios earlier this week regarding the upcoming Transformers: War For Cybertron game. The focus of the conversation was more on story development and the interaction between Hasbro and High Moon in developing the deep mythology for the game. Read on to check out the full interview and some high res images.[/preview]TFW2005 had the chance to speak briefly with Hasbro’s Aaron Archer and representatives for Activision and High Moon Studios earlier this week regarding the upcoming Transformers: War For Cybertron game. The focus of the conversation was more on story development and the interaction between Hasbro and High Moon in developing the deep mythology for the game.

PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE

Hasbro, lead by Aaron Archer and the Transformers team, have worked closely with High Moon on development of the game. From characters to places on Cybertron, story arc, and everything else possible, they were in contact. The goal was to tell a story of pre-Earth Cybertron that could be used as a basis for future Transformers stories and generations. It is not connected to any particular generation, but pulls from them all, taking elements, references, story arcs and merges them into this one, new story. If and when possible, Hasbro will try to “stick” to one ongoing cannon, and this could be used as a foundation for it. That being said, it was relayed of course that “Movies are always separate”. For the non-movie products – toys, video games and otherwise – it looks like this could be the start of the latest, and possibly last, Generation. At least for a while, anyway.

CHARACTERS

The characters chosen for the game took into consideration the need for different styles of game play. So while most familiar faces will be there, Optimus Prime, Megatron, Ironhide, Bumblebee, Soundwave etc, there will be others which fill the need for other types of roles (pure speculation – think jets, boats, spies etc). Scale and general fighting style of the characters helped shape the final roster. Characters not seen in any format for a long time, whether it be toy, comic, cartoon or game – will be making an appearance here. That big guy in the trailer, Omega Supreme. He is in the game, but not as you may think. They left that purposely vague with an implied smiley face. And to clarify, this is 100% pre-Earth, distant past, on Cybertron.

CYBERTRON

In relation to Cybertron, Iacon will be there (see screen capture of Optimus – the background city is Iacon), as will other Cybertronian locations previously mentioned in past Transformers lore. Nothing else specific was mentioned about Cybertron, but it was said that things which may have only been referenced once, in one comic way back when, could be used and expanded upon. That is how deep they dove for background material to use in the game. Character development is key, they want to lay a foundation that new fans can absorb and have as a reference in future Transformers product and media. Archer and Hasbro let us know that current fans of the franchise will see things they recognize and be able to connect and infer connections to them; all types of people/places/things from the past. Seems like it’s going to be a ton of head-nods to us, but still allowing newbies to jump right in. Something that needs to be done again and again with such a long and diverse history like Transformers has.

TOYS?

In relation to toys, they said that as they get closer they will evaluate all possible options for maximizing exposure of the game and the brand. So if toys will work, they would consider it.

A LITTLE Q n A
with Matt Tieger, Game Director, High Moon Studios

TFW2005: Are any familiar voices returning for the game?

[indent]HMS: I think there is a law against making a TF game without Peter Cullen. Side note: he is awesome to work with, his voice is undeniably Optimus.[/indent]

TFW2005: Will the game offer online and/or offline co-op modes?

[indent]HMS: Yup, fans will be able to play the campaigns online with their friends through co-op modes (first time in a Transformers game) or go head to head in intense multiplayer modes. We’ll be divulging more details in the near future, but I can tell you this much – since day 1 on this project MP has been important to what we are doing.[/indent]

TFW2005: There have been rumors that this game will be heavily influenced by Gears of War. Is this accurate?

[indent]HMS: I think a lot of that comes from the fact that we are using the same engine – the Unreal Engine – and that we are 3rd person. However there are some notable differences. 1 – We are not a cover-based shooter (you think Megatron would take cover?), 2 – Transform anywhere, 3 – Special abilities add an additional layer of strategic depth, 4 – finally, Transformers has always been a team based property and each character has unique abilities so teamwork becomes pivotal. NONE of this should take away from the awesomeness that is Gears, honestly if gamers compare us positively to one of the all-time best games ever, I am thrilled! [/indent]

TFW2005: Will there be downloadable content for the game? If so are you thinking about just extra characters / skins, or extra mission packs as well?

[indent]HMS: We are fully committed to this game and plan to support it after it ships as best we can, but we’re not ready to talk about specific details just yet.[/indent]

TFW2005: Was it going to be War on Cybertron from the outset, or did it begin as a game for a previous Transformers iteration?

[indent]HMS: This game has always been about Cybertron. Talk about a setting that is begging for a video game! Fans are going to love it.[/indent]

WRAP UP

Overall, this looks to be an off-movie-year game that was planned and executed properly. Movie games are great, but they often suffer because of short development cycles. This game however doesn’t have that restriction and has been developed for the sole purpose of being a great game, and great Transformers story. Akin to what Batman Arkham Asylum was, developed outside the movie-game-cycle, with the fans and gamers in mind. Let’s hope they deliver. Transformers War for Cybertron is due out in 2010 from Activision/High Moon on all major gaming platforms.

TFW2005 would like to thank Activision, Neil Wood, Step 3, Matt Tieger, High Moon Studios, Aaron Archer and Hasbro for taking the time to talk to the fans here at TFW2005.

Discussion / Comments (Jump to this Thread on the Boards)

Bgrngod Avatar
KAGE

Just posting the updates as usual….

Character Profile — Starscream!

It's already being discussed in the other thread. No real reason to put it here since this thread is about the TFW interview.

Transformed Avatar
JetRaid

Isn't is lovely how a nice conversation turns into an eye blistering argument in under 5 pages.

…are you attempting to pour gasoline over a dying flame? Let it go, man. The discussion’s about the GAME are trying to move forward.

JetRaid Avatar

Isn't is lovely how a nice conversation turns into an eye blistering argument in under 5 pages.

Transformed Avatar

Wow! Thanks indeed for that! Megatron's final version picture looks better than the one I saw earlier. Less purple is better.

Cybertron looks fantastic! Looks like Cybertron has several moons or neighboring planets. Can't wait to see other classic characters and new ones (if any).

Sizzle Avatar
KAGE

Eh!? read it again bro…dude was whining over what was a magazine. Yes they were valid points.

Whining? Really?

Get over yourself.

Baird Avatar

The general look of this game universe looks spot on so far. I hope the depiction of combat within WFC conveys a meaty, heavy, clanky kind of feel that you should get when giant bulky robots are smashing each other to bits and it's not all fly-away with no sense of weight and impact. Fingers crossed.

Cyber-Kun Avatar

I really like the idea behind this game, even if its not game of the year, it should be fun. My only worry is that I only have a Wii, and the ROTF game was horrendous… I'm afraid of what the Wii port would be…

cgibsonREX Avatar
Sizzle

Sigh…I'm not continuing the argument in this thread for much the same reason that I don't play basketball against toddlers in wheelchairs.

Yeah, I know right….

Opticron Primal

Dude, you're wrong with your reason on why the game will automatically be good. Like everyone else said.

More time doesn't automatically equal a good game. That's not how it works.

In some cases having more time does help improve a game somewhat, but it doesn't mean "Oh, this game took about 2 years to be created. It HAS to be great."

And FYI, it's not whining if someone's actually giving a valid counterpoint. I've read whiney posts, these aren't them.

Recall

Exactly.

Oh well seems KAGE is being all stubborn, each to their own. I hope the game is great though and I'm looking forward to it very much :) 

Eh!? read it again bro…dude was whining over what was a magazine. Yes they were valid points.

But a good game depended on its developer. High Moon's track record is around an 8-9.0 for the games they made so far. Never did I state the "fact" that this will be a good game. I gave an "opinion" based off High Moon's track record that this game will be average at best. This is seriously like the 3rd time I said this.

No I'm not bashing your opinion to reserve judgment. I was ignoring them till someone made a direct comment saying that my opinion was wrong.

And yes "fact" more time does make a good game. It's the people who work on the game that decide rather or not the game will be good. You can spend 5 hours cooking a meal but if you leave the job to someone who's never cooked (as opposed to a pro-chef) then the end result will be in question.

The fate of the game lies in the hands of well seasoned developers and the necessary time to produce a good product. Playing games and being around people who make them, you tend to see things a bit differently.

I was simply giving my opinion until I was attacked by people who misread my post THE END

Sizzle Avatar

Sigh…I'm not continuing the argument in this thread for much the same reason that I don't play basketball against toddlers in wheelchairs.

Hope we all enjoy the game, but I won't jizz my pants until I've had the chance to explore the first level.

Recall Avatar
Opticron Primal

In some cases having more time does help improve a game somewhat, but it doesn't mean "Oh, this game took about 2 years to be created. It HAS to be great."

Exactly.

Oh well seems KAGE is being all stubborn, each to their own. I hope the game is great though and I'm looking forward to it very much :) 

Opticron Primal Avatar

Dude, you're wrong with your reason on why the game will automatically be good. Like everyone else said.

More time doesn't automatically equal a good game. That's not how it works.

In some cases having more time does help improve a game somewhat, but it doesn't mean "Oh, this game took about 2 years to be created. It HAS to be great."

And FYI, it's not whining if someone's actually giving a valid counterpoint. I've read whiney posts, these aren't them.

cgibsonREX Avatar
Recall

That logic right there is 100% fail. There are a shit load of games that took many years to complete and the end result was lacklustre. A good game is a good game, time is not the major factor.

How about this. You wait and see what the game is like once its released?

You are basing opinions on nothing more than conjecture and specualtion, the only ones who know anything about it are those who are making it.

Sizzle

That, like many of your other opinions, is wrong.

Dude are you serious? Not even going to go there cause now your being silly for the sake of wining an argument. And only "facts" can be wrong not an opinion. If I say the PS3 is the greatest gaming system in the world I'm entitled to that "opinion". So why don't you tell me just what is my opinion?

Hiro Prime

You guys can argue back and forth forever and it won't mean a damn thing in the end. Good game or bad, I think the point here is the message behind the game that is really exciting people.

A new TF universe that is suppose to be the starting point for what is to come for the foreseeable future. A point that the next few shows, games, comics and toys will follow. I don't have to play the game to be excited about that. Just the idea that they are starting over with a purpose beyond 2 years is good to me. Throw in a bunch of details, locals, characters, and mythology from the last 25 years in a way that works as one universe and I'll be the first in line to buy it.

Thank you, this is what I was saying but some people just wont take that as an answer it seems. And I still stand by my logic regardless. Like I said a number of times before, I have hope for this game and the good track record of the developers behind it, time will always be a major factor in making a good game – period. There will always be haters out there quick to bash someone's positive out look.

But I'm done with the arguing especially with Mr. Sizzle here. If he's willing to wine over the issue on what a magazine is then theres no winning. So peace out son! ;) 

Transformed Avatar
Sizzle

And neither does a reboot. In fact, reinventing the property allows MORE opportunities for [the same old] stories.

Yup.

Can it now? Maybe. But fans of each cannot seem to co-exist in the same universe (or at least on the same forums.)

Not if you’re going to be as short sighted as you’re being now…

Would you say the same thing about Batman? Do you watch the Dark Knight and complain about the upgrades? Don't you get tired of that character getting rebooted every five years or so? Don't you get upset that the cartoons and comics are completely reworked? How about Spider-Man? Complaints about that? What if we had a new over-arching universe that had no ties to G1? Would you be okay then?

I’m not talking about Batman or anything else, but if I was, I’d point out that they have several stories happening at the same time with multiple story arcs—dare I say it: something for everyone :dunce 

Everybody already does have something to like. We all have universes that suit our own personal wants and needs.

If that were true, I wouldn’t have made my suggestion…

Wait, what? I thought you were arguing that "there can only be one highlander!" Please be a little more consistent.

:banghead:  Have you read all my posts? I stated that Hasbro could do what Paramount Pictures has done with Star Trek: EXPAND ON THE ORIGINAL SHOW WITH MULTIPLE SHOWS, SHOWS THAT STAND ON THERE OWN, BUT ARE OF ONE CONTINUITY.

Are you getting it now? :peoples: 

Um…that's the same thing as a reboot/reinvention. Again, please make with the consistency.

No, it’s not. Chapters of a book are tiny stories of a much larger story. Chapters of stories may also stray from the original story only to return later. What I’m talking about is nothing different from this.

Star Trek’s Next Generation, Deep Space Nine and Voyager all have their own stories, but are still part of one large story—they even had the occasional crossover.

Sadly, this fandom is hopelessly divided.

One only needs to have you reply to see just how true your statement is. It’s a shame really. We both love the same thing, and yet you provoke argument.

Not true. There is not one single piece of TF fiction that we ALL hate.

Really, now? You know what part of Transformer fiction I hate? I bet you don’t. I hate Simon Furman comics—his love for Rat-bat and Grimlock killed my interest in a lot of his work. Come to think of it, I never really cared for ANY of the comic book stories now that I think about it. I didn’t have many issues with the shows, however. Go figure.

Not all of us like G1.

No one’s saying continue G1 with its bad writing—it did suck, but as a kid, I didn’t care. All shows sucked back then, but at least it sucked in a very cool way. They were robots in disguise, damn it!

Some of us think G1 was a big fat bucket full of ass. (And this fan, who does like G1, is a little tired of Geewun folks thinking that their generation is the only one that should receive any sort of service.)

…you should read post a little more before jumping on posters backs, as you assuming more than what people are saying.

Pssst… you realize you're suggesting fiction for Diaclone, right? Since that's the original.

If it makes sense in the Transformers universe, I wouldn’t be against it.

Anyway, I'm not sure what the numbers are in our fandom for Geewun, but I'd like to remind you that G1 has in fact been expanded upon before. So if you really want your wish, you should realize that a continuation of G1 would ACTUALLY not contain any Optimus Prime or Megatron.

Really? That’s fantastic!

It would start with Star Sabre.

…if you continue from a set of shows that never aired in the States.

But that's not what you want. You want OP and Megs, over and over again. You talk about wanting something fresh and new, but what you're asking for is stale and already done.

ARE. YOU. KIDDING. ME?! Did you even read the post above yours? #141? No? Read it again, please.

I’m TIRED of Optimus fighting Megatron. I WOULD like a break from them, not dead though, as I do like them. Their story is boring. It needs to be spiced up.

As someone else said, if you want a repeat of G1, go watch G1.

This one really shows that you didn’t read anything I said. At all. I didn’t ask for a repeat of G1, ace.

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