ER Preview

How does one go about creating a game based upon the TV show ER?  Honestly I wasn’t sure but I do remember reading about a game being developed based upon the show ER.  I’ve watched the show several times over the past few years but missed it during its glory days during the 90’s.  Well that doesn’t really matter since the game is being catered to casual gamers that are fans of the show.  Hardcore gamers might not be ready to take the risk of performing surgery with this game.    

At E3 2005 Legacy was showing off a version of the game that does look promising.  The game is based upon helping out patients but it’s also about building relationships with the rest of the people at the hospital.  The game will strike you as a Sims clone but that’s something the developers were trying to create.  The game is presented in an over the top camera angle similar to the Sims but zoomed in a little closer.

There will be over 30 different non playable characters in the game that you can interact & build relationships with.  The game does include some dialog that is even voiced by the actors from the show.  However most of the interaction between characters is done via point and click icons similar (once again) to the Sims.  When “talking” to another character in the game you can see their reaction to the choices you’ve selected for conversation.  For example there is a gossip button that allows you to talk gossip with and about the other characters in the game.  By building these relationships it can help increase your characters abilities.  But those characters that don’t like you will lower your abilities.  This could have an impact on you being able to treat patients in the game.  'Cause remember, this is ER.

Treating patients is as easy as point and click.  But you should only be treating patients within your ability range.  For example you start off the game with level 1 abilities meaning you should only be treating patients with level 1 injuries.  If someone needs to be treated and they have a level 3 injury or condition it’s best to refer them to one of the doctors from the show.  If you can treat the injury then it’s possible the patient will reward you for treating them.  You can collect and earn special items in the game that you can use later to help improve the relationship with other characters by trading with them. 

The game will be composed of six different episodes that are original and not related to the TV show.  However fans of the show will see similar types of storylines in the game that could appear in the TV show.  Legacy mentioned that one episode will revolve around a comic book convention and the patients running around dressed up in super hero outfits.  There will be up to 15 to 20 hours of gameplay in the game.  The gameplay could be longer if the player decides to pursue the relationship building with all of the characters in the game.  The game should be a hit with fans of the TV show and gamers familiar with the Sims series.  Look for the game later this month (and the developers are already working on the sequel). 

For All E3 2005 Previews