|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Platform: PC Genre: Adventure Publisher: CDV Developer: Rebelmind ETA: Q2 2003
|
Grom
Nazis certainly seem to be a very popular target in video games these days, spearheaded by EA’s Medal of Honor series. Rebelmind, the developers of Grom, are taking a different approach with this action RPG title, due for PCs next year. With nods to well-known console titles like Metal Gear Solid and The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time, Rebelmind promises more varied gameplay than gamers usually associate with titles that pit players against the Third Reich.
|
|
|
The story behind Grom is fairly intriguing. Players assume the role of Colonel Grom during World War II. Hitler and his band of cronies are searching for the fabled Lost City—and the twelve weapons of King Arjuna which are rumored to be found there. Grom’s mission is to disrupt this expedition through India and Tibet at any means at his disposal. It just so happens that Colonel Grom has a personal vendetta to settle, as well. Rebelmind has stated that Grom’s story will be told via a screenplay similar to Indiana Jones or James Bond—if this proves true in the final release, it will certainly add to the game’s atmosphere. |
Advertisement
|
|
|
Humor, plot twists, and intrigue are said to be firmly entrenched in Grom’s storyline. The game’s action is said to take place in almost 100 different locations throughout India and Tibet, spanning seven chapters of action.
Grom is a third-person adventure with a 3/4 view of the action. Initial screens show some pretty nice visuals at this stage, including some nice detailing and shadowing. Most of the available screens depict desert-like atmospheres, with jagged cliffs and a few smaller villages. The main character looks a bit on the "cartoony" side, although that’s not necessarily a bad thing. With the level of realism that many developers are shooting for today, it’s a little bit of a surprise.
The game is billed as an "action adventure RPG" title, which seems quite ambitious. RTS elements, combined with combat elements similar to Metal Gear Solid and "simplified" RPG elements (the features sheet vaguely mentions similarities to Ocarina of Time) are all said to be in place. There are said to be over a dozen different weapons at Colonel Grom’s disposal, such as the blunderbuss or the ever-popular machine gun. Enemies will not only include Nazis, but also creatures inspired by Tibetan mythology—such as demons and wizards. As with many other adventure games, items will also play a key role in Colonel Grom’s quest, and Rebelmind promises more than 30 usable items, although none have been officially revealed.
It will be interesting to see how Grom shapes up as the release date continues to edge closer. There are certainly many features which, if successfully implemented, could warrant a closer look at Grom when it arrives in the middle of 2003. We’ll be watching this game’s progress over the coming months, and we’ll let you know whether Grom’s promising beginnings will lead to a sleeper hit.
- Peter Skerritt, Jr. (June 30, 2002) |
||
|
|
||
