Pathologic Preview

Deep within Ancient Steppe is an isolated town where something disturbing is brewing. A horrible disease has emerged, killing the local citizens. Angry creatures start to appear. No human can be trusted. Through the dense fog lies a world of secrets that even the bravest men and women may not be able to uncover. A suicide mission, this just might be.

Played from a third-person perspective, Pathologic is a role-playing game with extensive AI. The game is intended to react differently based on the player’s actions. Choose to be harsh and cruel. Kill everyone you see, fearing that all are evil, and it may come back to haunt you. Or it may lead others to be more fearful of you, which may or may not be a good thing. Go down a kinder road and play with hesitation, killing only those you are certain are evil and the game will also be different.

Random incidences and pre-arranged events will occur from time to time. The most interesting and intriguing story element is the game’s use of heroes and betrayal. There are three playable characters. One may be controlled. The others will work to stop you from getting out alive. Are they diseased? Under a spell? Or just angered by how quickly your advancing? That’s something you’ll have to find out on your own.

LifeMode Interactive is providing the facial expression software technology (called LifeStudio:HEAD), bringing the characters to life in ways you’ve never seen before. Expressions will be more natural, more fluid, more like those of a real human. Skin textures are lacking, but the haunting worlds and horrific effects counterbalance this flaw.

I only got a taste of the music, but what I heard was excellently composed and enhanced the horrific mood that the developers want to portray.

Pathologic is almost complete and will be ready to horrify gamers soon. Look for it before the end of the third quarter.

For All E3 2005 Previews