Deuce Preview

PlayStation titles certainly haven't shown any sign of slowing down since the release of the Dreamcast last September or the announcement that the PlayStation2 would launch later this year. Though Sony may have just lost market share (at least for the time being) to a Nintendo that's finding itself bolstered by the influx of Pokemon-related titles, the PlayStation still holds court for the sheer amount of software planned for its seasoned circuitry this year. One of the more promising games on the far horizon is Deuce, which is being developed and produced by Midway. A 3D platformer, Deuce may not seem to be an appropriate title for a company like Midway (more well known for its "extreme" line of arcadelike sports titles than for providing platform games). Nonetheless, this is exactly Midway's ambitious aim with Deuce. Jumping into the 3D-platformer genre headfirst, Midway hopes to create a title that will maintain the satisfying gameplay it's renowned for while introducing a depth that hasn't necessarily been represented in titles past.

in Deuce, you assume the role of a playing card (a two of hearts, more precisely) who isn't a natural hero. Deuce (a slang term for the number two) is just a card with a good conscience at heart. While other games may attempt to play on the cuteness or coolness factors of their characters, Deuce seemingly tries to attract gamers by presenting a protagonist with a totally unique design who is more bizarre than capable or lovable.

Deuce's central action takes place in an appropriately chosen medieval world that is inhabited by playing cards instead of by people. In this bizarre land, Deuce (one of the lower-ranking locals) is called upon to save the royal family from the schemes of the nefarious ne'er-do-well the Jack of Spades. Deuce is no veteran of conflict, and he seeks the guidance of a wizard and warrior to aid his quest. After learning the ropes of magic and combat, Deuce embarks on a wild adventure through exotic and unique locales.

Deuce is an unlikely hero, and that will be reflected in the game's story and action. The game begins with relatively simple action to let you acclimate yourself to the 3D world and controls. The game's difficulty increases as you make progress through the levels. After engaging relatively benign enemies, Deuce will encounter an increasing assortment of deadly creatures, including giant bats, merciless wyverns, and pernicious insects. As to be expected, Deuce's final trial is the most difficult of them all - he must unite the royal family to help him defeat a monstrous dragon that Evil Jack has released on the hapless populace. Deuce's world is obviously a strange one, and its unique imagery and design is one of Midway's selling points. Unfortunately for Deuce, most of his encounters in the game world are unfriendly ones, thanks to Evil Jack's minions roving the countryside. Though most enemies you encounter will be working under Evil Jack's sway, Midway points out that there are other creatures that operate independently of Evil Jack whose intentions aren't visibly clear. Some characters in the game world who try to help you may simply be looking to profit from the disarray caused by Evil Jack. Deuce must survive friend and foe in braving a journey that takes him from his home on Mount Heart to perilous locations such as the besieged royal castle and the self-explanatory Land of the Dead, among others. As is a given in most 3D platformers, Deuce promises plenty of secret areas to be discovered throughout the lands, as well as bonus levels accessible to more skilled players.

By surviving the stages and completing their goals, you will arrive at Deuce's final destination: a climatic battle not only with the wicked Jack of Spades but also with the terrible dragon. Defeating the dragon is a problem for Deuce, since the Dragon can only be defeated by the power of a royal flush. With the royal family (the Ace, King, Queen, and Jack of Hearts) imprisoned, Deuce must not only free the family from Evil Jack's clutches but must also rise in the ranks of cards through the game to the "knighted" position of Ten of Hearts. By rescuing the family and achieving knighthood, Deuce can complete the royal family and create a royal flush that is capable of defeating the threatening dragon once and for all and restoring peace to the land.

Deuce's story sets the stage for typical 3D action-adventure fare that's safe for the environment and appropriate for all ages. While some may question the logic in attempting to tackle a genre that's proven to be the undoing of many a company's reputations, Midway hopes to play its cards right (lame pun intended) by creating a lasting gameplay experience that can give console gamers their money's worth. While Midway might not be the first company that comes to mind when gamers think "adventure-platformers" Deuce is Midway's attempt to change that image.

Deuce will bring its collection of zany characters and environments, and possibly brighten a bleak "post-PS2" outlook, to PlayStation owners nationwide this November.