Too Human co-opting August

Silicon Knights' long-awaited 360 epic role-playing game will finally arrive August 19 in North America and August 29 in Europe; new online co-op mode revealed.

After an epic-length development, Too Human finally has an official release date. Microsoft, ahead of its event in San Francisco today, has confirmed that the sci-fi action role-playing game will ship for the Xbox 360 on August 19 in North America and August 29 in Europe.

Too Human's shipment will be the culmination of nearly 10 years work by its developer, Canadian shop Silicon Knights. The game was first announced at E3 1999 as an ambitious 3D RPG for the original PlayStation, spanning 80 hours of gameplay and 60 minutes of cinematics on four or five CD-ROMs. The game turned out to be too ambitious, as it was promptly delayed and then ported to the Nintendo GameCube in 2000.

For the next five years the game remained off the radar, until it resurfaced at Microsoft's X05 event as an Xbox 360 exclusive. Since then, the game has suffered numerous delays--delays which Silicon Knights head Denis Dyack blamed on problems with the Unreal Engine 3. Unreal maker Epic Games vigorously denied the charges, and the two companies' contentious differences resulted in tit-for-tat lawsuits last year. As a result, the game was delayed again to Q1 2008--a release window which has since passed.

With today's firm dating of the game, gamers finally have a date with Too Human's sprawling storyline. In it, players take on the role of the warrior Baldur--one of many characters based on Norse mythology--and choose to play one of several classes, including champion, defender, and bioengineer. GameSpot's previous preview has more details, and there will be a fresh look at the game from today's Microsoft Gamers' Day in San Francisco.

Last but not least, Microsoft today also revealed for the first time that Too Human will support co-op play through its campaign. According to the console maker, the co-op play will be via its Xbox Live online service, with no mention of a local split-screen option as of press time.

136 Comments

  • Diernes

    Posted May 21, 2008 4:20 pm PT

    Ever since they released the first (and best) Legacy of kaine game, I have been in love with this developer.

    They write the best videogame stories and script for any RPG I have ever played. So hopefully this lives up to expectations.

    As for the engine. Seriously, the 360 is not a good platform for UE3 as mass effect has pointed out, I am not surprised SK scrapped it.

  • ghost867

    Posted May 17, 2008 9:44 am PT

    Taking a look at my recent issue of Official Xbox Magazine (Jun 08 issue), only one out of all the retail games in the issue don't feature split/same screen multiplayer. Top Spin 3, Lost Planet Colonies, NBA Ballers: Chosen One, UEFA Euro 08, and Pro Evo Soccer 08 all have split/same screen multiplayer. Leaving only Universe at War not to have it.

    With all honesty, split/same screen multiplayer is important, some developers realize that there are a LOT of people who still want it (and will complain, or just not buy a game for not having it), while some developers are too lazy to do so. They find it not to be important, or put up some other excuse for why it's not included, and they single handedly ignore millions of people who don't or can't play online, or want or need split/same screen to really enjoy themselves. And adding in LAN play only benefits a small group of people, because most people don't have 2 consoles, two TVs, and two places to put them.

    In my opinion, it is a HUGE mistake not to include split/same screen multiplayer. I can understand if they need to size things down from 4 players to 2 players online. Maybe it really is as frantic as they say, and 2 player just works a lot better. But if they are going to have any multiplayer, it should be split/same screen. Regardless of what ever camera restrictions or set ups that they're using. With a little work, any game can do it. I just find it to be quite lazy on my part. No argument can convince me otherwise.

  • ferretshob

    Posted May 17, 2008 1:01 am PT

    So the news has come out that north america and europe will have the games released in august, thats great, but when is it coming to australia? does anyone know?

  • mbchfdh2

    Posted May 16, 2008 6:25 am PT

    Did I read that Too Human's estimated play-through time will be between 15 and 20 hours? Suggesting that it can be finished in two or three days...?!

    Seems pretty timid for what's being described as an RPG. Doesn't suggest an appropriate degree of depth, to me. And if it's gonna be an "RPG-lite", I'd rather it didn't bother, and simply concentrate on delivering a compelling action game experience.

  • DDR_Midian

    Posted May 16, 2008 2:14 am PT

    I consider myself a social gamer. I sit here playing single player games on the 360 while my friend sits by my side either on the PC or playing the Wii. Occasionally we swap. Works wonders.

  • trinity_rdp

    Posted May 15, 2008 2:07 pm PT

    Its about time

  • ctg867

    Posted May 15, 2008 12:57 pm PT

    @ subrosian

    Your first comment is crap. There is always a back door, there is always a work around, their is always a way. They chose not to do it, because they didn't care enough about the large user base who would want it. It's lazy. Period.

    I'm not looking for a "dumb hack and slash". Did I ever say that? That's right, I didn't. I just think it's an important feature to have split screen/same screen multiplayer, and it's stupid this doesn't have it. A game can loose its longevity to it. People don't go, "Oh, no split screen support, I'm glad it's not there." It's just people who don't care because they aren't social gamers. But there are a lot of people who go, "Split screen support? Cool, now I can play with my friends in real life, together." or "Hey, I don't have Live, glad to see them supporting some actual offline play that doesn't require a whole 'nother console."

    As for the GTA IV comment, I clearly remember saying "the biggest mistake in GTA IV is not having split screen", but hey, maybe I need to say it again. Being able to actually play with a friend is more fun then watching one person play and take turns. I've heard nothing but complaints about there not being split screen in GTA. But since it's such a great game, many people look past it. I can tell you right now, Too Human won't even be able to touch GTA IV's greatness. Don't even need to play the game to know that.

    When I'm with friends, playing games like GTA usually result in us switching to Halo or Rock Band, because we actually want to play, and not watch somebody play and take turns. That's just plain stupid.

    If you're honestly gonna sit here and tell me you play GTA, with friends, in real life, for long periods of time, and not one time somebody has asked to play split screen, or wanted to play split screen, you either have some stupid friends, or you're lying to my face. I assume the later.

    Lack of split screen didn't make GTA IV sell better then Halo 3, and the inclusion of it in Halo 3 didn't make it sell worse. That argument is irrelevant, and is just a sad attempt to side track things. Split screen isn't make or break, never said it was. But it is important, regardless of you're extremely ignorant and desocialized opinion. There are a LOT of people who want and use split screen, you so easily and foolishly underestimate those numbers.

  • Agermemnon

    Posted May 15, 2008 6:06 am PT

    Why are some people throwing their dummy out the pram because of the lack of split screen................

    HELLO............. XLIVE CO-OP........you can be as social as you like with another person from the xlive community.......Pfffffffffffffffffff honestly some people .

    Let Too Human deliver the goods .

  • subrosian

    Posted May 14, 2008 11:01 pm PT

    The camera system in Too Human doesn't allow splitscreen, period. This camera system, however, is what *makes* the game - the seamless cinematic storytelling in Too Human, which is at heart an RPG, and primarly built around the single-player experience of playing as Baldur, is only possible under such a system.

    If you're looking for a dumb hack-n-slash game to play splitscreen with a friend, and could care less about storytelling, cinematics, seamless gameplay, or graphical fidelity - then this game isn't for you. It's not a dumbed down experience, it's not intended to be a Diablo clone or a replacement for Halo / GeoW splitscreen.

    Those of us who have been following the game for a decade want the experience of a fast-paced game paired with Norse Mythology - an action RPG heavy on the RPG - and that's exactly what Too Human plays out as.

    It isn't "laziness" - it's a vision that's different than what you personally look for in a game. That's fine, go play a different game if what you're looking for is a "many player shoot-em-up" - there are plenty of games that cater to that. This one doesn't, and this one doesn't need to.

    -
    Hell, the obvious GOTY - GTA IV - has no splitscreen support, that hasn't stopped it from getting rave reviews, having the top-selling launch of all time, and it hasn't stopped me from playing with all of my friends ( IRL ) - we just all own 360s - not a big deal.
    -
    In any case, splitscreen as a feature is on its way out - again, top-selling videogame GTA IV, which beat out Halo 3 - didn't need splitscreen. It's not a make-or-break feature for the vast majority of people - the people who want to whine and complain over such a thing, by their very lack of participation in the market, have ultimately removed themselves as meaingful.

  • AvIdGaMeR444

    Posted May 14, 2008 8:01 pm PT

    I like how Denis Dyack places blame for the delays on other factors, but doesn't blame himself or his own development team.

  • thekey

    Posted May 14, 2008 1:18 pm PT

    I'll wait for the reviews on this one... And yes people I base my decision on buying games or not on reviews because 98% of the time they are right.(Or 98% of the time after wasting my money on the game and spending time with it I end up agreeing with the reviewer and pissed off that I brought the thing.)

    As much as games cost it is foolish to not consider reviews before purchasing games.(Or renting them.)

  • livinglegend100

    Posted May 14, 2008 11:41 am PT

    This Game looks great. Something tells me this game is gonna flop the first week, But will gain stream towards the holiday season and may be a million saler (If not a muti-million saler).

  • kos1085

    Posted May 14, 2008 11:24 am PT

    The gameplay movies just arent convincing enough to say if this will be a good game. I for one am going to wait for the reviews and get it then if it has great reviews. It would increase sales if they released a demo on Xbox live in June or July.

  • Ericvon71

    Posted May 14, 2008 11:05 am PT

    Something isn't quite right with this game, I can't put my finger on it, everytime I see it something seems a bit off about Too Human.

  • Dolacide

    Posted May 14, 2008 8:15 am PT

    It's about time they give it a release date, the co-op looks great.

  • ryo_strife24

    Posted May 14, 2008 7:56 am PT

    I can't wait for this game personally. I keep hearing that 4 play co-op is out which would make some classes no really worth using. As for the co-op, I'm the only gamer in my household so split screen won't bother me either way. I'll be keeping tabs on this game.

  • SavoyPrime

    Posted May 14, 2008 5:31 am PT

    Sounds good. I hope it will end up being a quality game. Especially since it has taken FOR-E-VER to release.

  • ejstrup

    Posted May 14, 2008 3:31 am PT

    oh man, with co-op this will be awesome!

  • Diernes

    Posted May 14, 2008 2:56 am PT

    Looking forward ot this one. Silicon knights games always have great storylines and dialogue.

  • BlackKnightOfH8

    Posted May 14, 2008 12:02 am PT

    @ RaiKageRyu

    I'm fully aware that it's an RPG, but that doesn't change the fact that I prefer to play it splitscreen with my room mate instead of with some random person on Live or solo. IMO playing splitscreen with a house full of friends beats playing over Live anyday.

    @siefier25
    "Huddling around one tv and 360 = Major Sausage fest."

    Could you possibly be anymore immature with that statement?

  • RaiKageRyu

    Posted May 13, 2008 11:31 pm PT

    For people complaining about split screen... you realize it's an RPG right?

  • Jebril

    Posted May 13, 2008 11:14 pm PT

    Silicon Knights is actually really depending on this game to sell, so I'll support a creative idea like I supported Bioshock and buy it, that is of course.....if it gets good reviews.

  • siefier25

    Posted May 13, 2008 10:09 pm PT

    I can't believe you're complaining about no split screen? It works for games like...Mario Kart...but on an RPG? No big loss.

    Huddling around one tv and 360 = Major Sausage fest.

  • realistgamer

    Posted May 13, 2008 9:42 pm PT

    lets see hope for the best!

  • doorsofparadise

    Posted May 13, 2008 9:21 pm PT

    cant wait for this game to come out i loved their mgs remake and eternal darkness hope this is just as good as those

  • subrosian

    Posted May 13, 2008 8:55 pm PT

    ctg867

    It's not laziness - tell you what, you program a state-of-the-art 3D world supporting online co-op, near-zero load times, and seamless real-time cinematics, then you talk about how "lazy" a developer is for including or not including a feature.

    Whether or not splitscreen is a possibility in a game comes down a number of technical and logistic factors - sometimes (gasp) a game simply can't support it. That was the case with GTA IV, and it may wind up being the case with Too Human.

    That doesn't make it less of a game - it provides a means to play with your friends that works even better than splitscreen.

  • IKKF

    Posted May 13, 2008 8:48 pm PT

    I really hope that this game ends up good. Dennis Dyack did a lot of complaining about the preview industry and hopefully his complaining doesn't reflect on the game.

  • skudfisher

    Posted May 13, 2008 8:25 pm PT

    I would love to see this game turn out to be amazing but I can't help but think it's the next Hellgate: London...

  • 09231991

    Posted May 13, 2008 8:17 pm PT

    Once again, another great exclusive to look for for the Xbox 360!

  • secher_nbiw

    Posted May 13, 2008 8:13 pm PT

    Why no local split screen support? are developers so lazy, is it so hard to throw that in? some people still want to take a game over to their friends house and play.

  • GoodkupoBan

    Posted May 13, 2008 8:01 pm PT

    Finally! An official release date. I been hyped for this game for a long while.

  • kkkkknaruto

    Posted May 13, 2008 7:48 pm PT

    im seeing some dissapointing sales on this one.....will do good but not great

  • charma

    Posted May 13, 2008 7:14 pm PT

    Are these guys competing with Duke Nukem? :-)

  • Waskallywabbit

    Posted May 13, 2008 7:02 pm PT

    How does Silicone Knights pay the bills? I get the feeling that they are feeling anxiety should the game not sell like hot cakes this summer. Hey, I think the game could be a great distraction while I wait for Fallout 3, but it could turn out to be a major disappointment for the developers.

  • rasterror

    Posted May 13, 2008 6:48 pm PT

    Finally! I can't wait for this game. Another hit on the hit machine, Xbox360.

  • foxracing1313

    Posted May 13, 2008 6:29 pm PT

    Gameplay video really impressed me , looks amazing.

  • ocdog45

    Posted May 13, 2008 6:28 pm PT

    co-op just gave this game better reviews.

  • ctg867

    Posted May 13, 2008 6:27 pm PT

    Eh. At first, I was interested it in, and then it got all the bad press. Then I felt bad for it, and now I've just lost any interest in it at all. Come August, I'd rather be playing something like Saints Row 2, or just waiting for some holiday game.

    Oh and WTF with people not putting in split screen play? Does every game developer think that gamers just sit home all day by themselves and play? Does nobody realize that gaming can be an in person socializing thing? Biggest mistake in GTA IV: no split screen ANYTHING. So ****ing stupid. Any arguments to the contrary are irrelevant, split screen is very, very important.

  • crosis420

    Posted May 13, 2008 6:23 pm PT

    2 player ,4 player idc i just want to play it NOW BRING IT!

  • The_Moose427

    Posted May 13, 2008 6:18 pm PT

    To m_axe9-

    "have i read the old Norse myths?" please. Im getting a tattoo of Oden reading runes to his wolf. I know what alot of the runes mean. hell, my senior prom was viking themed! have you ever read Beowulf? that was awesome, but look how much they screwed up the movie! but, i guess im a little bias because of this. i kind of find it offensive when they mess it all up. i understand that they were trying something new, and i admit that it could have been a really great idea, but i just think they executed it all wrong. they based too much of it in modern technology, and i think there shouldnt be literal contact with the gods in the game. that just takes away from there, well, godliness. also, it just has kind of a tacky feel, and at some times, comes across as a Matrix rip-off. (shudders)

  • Fandango_Letho

    Posted May 13, 2008 6:05 pm PT

    this game looks bad from every sides. Who knows how it'll turn out, but to be honest, '' been there done that '' , and way better.

  • kenshinhimura16

    Posted May 13, 2008 5:25 pm PT

    I expect 7 to 8 no more. Doesnt look more than a mere standard action rpg.

  • colmusterd28

    Posted May 13, 2008 5:14 pm PT

    not only will this game be alot of fun but it will be a nice long customizable gem... I forsee hundreds of hours of too human....

  • GeigerdolylWodd

    Posted May 13, 2008 5:04 pm PT

    Today on Xplay Dennis Dyack said there'd be online two-player co-op. Wait a second what happened to the initial promised 4-player co-op?

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