Vivisector E3 2005 Preshow Report

Vivisector is the latest game from developer Action Forms, creator of the long-running Carnivores series of PC games. Instead of the rampaging dinosaurs of the Carnivore series, though, Vivisector pits you against an island full of man-animal creatures, the results of twisted experiments carried out by the mysterious Dr. Morhead in the late 19th century.

The plot of the game is obviously inspired by H.G. Wells' classic novel The Island of Dr. Moreau, but even Wells didn't think to give the creatures in his book plasma rifles and ruthless AI. In Vivisector, you're going to play the role of a sailor who stumbles across Morhead's island decades after his experimental creatures finally turned on their master. Although initially the island seems deserted, it isn't long before you start to encounter the varied enemies that the game has in store for you. The creatures are divided into three designations: modbeasts, humanimals, and brutes, each of which is more powerful than the last.

At this stage of development, Vivisector is certainly shaping up to be a game with unique visual appeal, especially regarding its character designs. The enemies here are the results of experimentation in "human/animal hybrid genetics," but the creatures have apparently continued their self-modification experiments in the absence of their creator, resulting in gorillas with laser sights for eyes and rocket launchers for arms, and other, even less savory combinations, such as fearsome bird creatures with helicopter rotors mounted on their backs. Some of the enemies aren't even finished with their cybernetic augmentation; you'll sometimes spot a bit of bone sticking out of their flesh.

Action Forms is promising that Vivisector won't just feature unique enemies, however; they say that the experience will wind up being more like an interactive film than your standard linear first-person shooter, in that you'll be able to choose from among multiple routes to reach your destination. There's also going to be role-playing-game-like statistical increases, allowing you to kill enemies for experience, then turn around and cash that experience in to increase your running speed, maximum health, or aiming capabilities.

All in all, if Vivisector delivers on Action Forms' promises, then it should be one of the more unique FPS titles to hit store shelves, which it'll do later this year. We'll have more details on this game from the E3 show floor.