Strident update

Phantagram Interactive has released new details on Strident, its action game for the Xbox. The game is set just after World War III has ended, in a time when the environment has been devastated, resources have been exhausted, and skirmishes continue. The UN creates a special agency called FIST to deal with continuing problems that prevent peace, but one of the FIST teams happens to disappear on one of the missions. Six months later, one of the surviving members of the group manages to escape and reveal details on a combat cyborg research facility.

The gameplay in Strident is very action-oriented. The main character can execute a series of punches, kicks, and holds when not holding a weapon. She can use objects as platforms to jump from and even use other characters as shields. When she's holding one weapon or two, these skills are adversely affected. The main character will also have access to different types of power suits--the thin and light power suit is good for close-range combat, while the midsized power suit is specifically designed to handle heavier weapons.

Currently, Phantagram plans to have around 20 missions, and each will have a different theme. For example, in one mission, players may have to infiltrate an enemy installation, while in another, they'll be required to defend an area. Pre-mission briefing sequences will give players all the information they need before setting out. There will also be some missions that include team play with computer-controlled opponents, which will help players after certain conditions are met.

We'll have more on Strident before its release in 2003.