The Thing exclusive

Universal Interactive and UK-based game developer Computer Artworks are working on a survival horror action game inspired by John Carpenter's 1982 horror film The Thing. The story in the game takes place in the Antarctic shortly after the events depicted in the film. Players assume the role of a member of a military rescue team sent to investigate the mysterious deaths of an American scientific expedition.

The Thing will combine elements of fast-paced combat, puzzle solving, character interaction, and horror. The game's combat system lets players build and customize their weapons, and the character interaction system takes trust and fear into account when determining the reactions of non-player characters. The 3D engine supports dynamic lighting and shadows, variable weather conditions, and particle effects.

We've posted some new screenshots in the gallery above that show off some of the game's characters, environments, and lighting effects. The Thing is scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2002.