The Far Cry series has quickly made a name for itself since its 2004 PC debut, thanks to advanced artificial intelligence, open ended structure and satisfying mix of straight shooting and well-implemented vehicles. The Wii launch marks the series' first foray into Nintendo territory, and we spoke to game designer Fabrice Cuny about what makes Far Cry Vengeance for Wii so special...
Our first question, for newcomers in tropical shooting paradise: what is Far Cry and who is Jack Carver?
Far Cry is a first person shooter that takes place in a gorgeous tropical setting. The story follows Jack Carver, just a normal guy who retired with his boat to live a peaceful life. Trouble always seems to find Jack Carver, no matter where he goes. While on the island he becomes a victim of scientific experimentation and since then he possesses feral powers.
Naturally, what really sets the Wii version of Far Cry apart from other versions is the way you control the game. Can you explain the control scheme for how the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk are used for different actions within the game world?
Using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to play the game allowed us to map the controls in a way where you are actively playing the game. You are slashing the Remote to do a machete attack or Feral punch, you shoot with both the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk when dual wielding rifles or pistols, and switching from the driver’s seat to the mounted weapon is as easy as a flick of your Nunchuk. To zoom your gun, simply thrust the Remote forward; to unzoom, pull the Remote back towards you.
Can you tell us something about the new locations and equipment that were made specifically for Far Cry Vengeance?
There are three new maps created for Far Cry Vengeance. The first, Tourist Resort, takes place in a posh beachside resort complete with a fountain on the resort grounds. The architecture style of the resort is reminiscent of a Spanish villa.
The second map, Anders Field, is an abandoned World War II base. As you complete the objectives on this map you will journey past tanks and dug out bunkers.
The third map, Black Gold Valley, starts you off at the top of a mountain with a panoramic view of the jungle. You must journey through the jungle to find an oil rig as your completing objective.
We have included some new weapons such as a machete, Bull44 large-caliber revolver, AM9 handgun, and a few more. And while this isn’t equipment which is new to the game, I enjoy making a throwing motion with the Nunchuk to lob grenades and molotov cocktails.
What kind of vehicles do you get to control in the game, and how did you suit controlling them to the Wii’s controllers?
Players can control several type of vehicles, such as a Jeep Patriot, pick-up truck, jetski, pirate boat or ATV. As before, you control the vehicle’s movement with the analogue stick, but now you can also aim and shoot your weapon at the same time using the Wii Remote. Want to switch to the mounted weapon position? Simply shake the Nunchuk.
We haven’t heard much about the multiplayer mode yet. How many players will it support, and what gameplay modes can we expect? Are there also levels built specifically for multiple players?
The game will allow two players to fight each other. There are two multiplayer modes: Chaos and Predator. In Chaos, the players fight each other and the first person to reach a pre-determined number of kills is declared the winner. In Predator, each mercenary is trying to become the Predator. Once Predator status is obtained, the player has full Feral abilities, including Feral attacks and speed, but will not have ammunition.
A total of eight maps total will be available in multiplayer, of which three are brand-new: Solarium, Warehouse, Altar of Anger, Sunset Bar, Idol Gold were previously created, but Battlefield, Five Star and Vertigo are new.
On a more technical note, how will the game look and sound for those of us with advanced home media setups?
As you were developing Far Cry Vengeance for Wii, did you come up with any ideas for a future Wii title in the series?
The Nintendo Wii is a wonderful platform and it has been a pleasure to develop a game for it. For the moment the team is focused on delivering the best Far Cry experience for the Wii. It would be fantastic to have the opportunity to develop a game for the Wii from the ground up, but it is a bit too early to think about a next chapter. We’d like to see the fans' feedback, see what parts of the experience they enjoy, and take things from there.
Far Cry Vengeance allows the gamers to play an FPS in a unique open world with a tropical setting, full vehicles, dual wielding weapons, and the immersiveness of using the Wii controllers. This is the first time we are bringing a Far Cry title to a Nintendo console, so we hope that Nintendo fans will enjoy the opportunity to play a shooter in an idyllic setting.
