Powerslave in System Tug of War

Back in March, when Lobotomy Software joined the ranks of Crave Entertainment, the big question was what will become of Lobotomy's Powerslave sequel? Videogames.com spoke with Lobotomy (now a Crave Entertainment entity) producer Paul Lange, and Craveyard Studios Executive Producer Ted Woolsey about the rumors and questions surrounding what system the next Powerslave will call home.

The new incarnation of the title will apparently be a 3D platform game with a third-person, versus a first-person perspective. Likewise, a wide variety of character animations, along the lines of Mario-style play, may also be featured. Videogames.com asked Woolsey the all-important system question.

"We are considering both platforms," said Woolsey, meaning Sega's anticipated mystery-child Katana, and Nintendo's own N64 system. Woolsey addressed the rampant-running gossip surrounding which system the developers will actually choose and said he believes there's enough interest, on a consumer level, to consider supporting both.

Lange also agreed that they're considering both systems, but added, "From a technology point of view, there has been a lot of excitement about the Katana - which could affect our decision." He added that he also considers how well he believes the N64 has been supported in the US within the action/adventure realm. Another possibility is that the sequel will launch on one system, receiving optimal platform focus, and then move to the other system later.

Lange asked videogames.com to enter the "Neighborhood of make-believe" for a moment, and said, "Let's assume that with the Katana, there's a modem," said Lange, adding quickly, "and I'm not saying there is. I don't know. But that's something we'd want to support."

Lobotomy/Crave has been researching the issue thoroughly, weighing its tech options and listening to its fans. Lange posted to rec.games.video.sega, and asked the public what they'd want in a Powerslave sequel. He said they wanted multiplayer support and the same look and feel of the original, for the most part. So, logically, a system that would offer better multiplayer capabilities is a natural contender - whichever system that may be. Also, being that the message was posted in the Sega newsgroup, the respondents were calling for the Katana as the system of choice, which many companies have reportedly received or are in the process of receiving development kits for.

Videogames.com asked Lange if the complaints surrounding the weak N64 library and the lack of support for the system at this point is in any way influencing their decision. Lange replied, "The system is great; unfortunately, it hasn't done as well in the US as it has in Japan." He added, "However, we won't go into choosing a platform based on politics in any shape or form. As developers, it comes down to the technology."

In other Crave news, Caesar's Palace for the N64 will put players smack-dab in the heart (and soul?) of Las Vegas - whether they want to be there or not. Although Woolsey said it would not be an RPG, players will be able to walk around and interact with Vegas-style characters. Caesar's Palace is expected in the first quarter of 1999.