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Geist - Nintendo's FPS To Watch?

Thanks to an anonymous reader for pointing to N-Sider's in-depth coverage of the forthcoming Gamecube FPS, Geist. This title was shown at E3, but the article goes into a lot more detail than most about the game, which is being co-developed by N-Space and Nintendo. Geist is described as "..a hybrid title that combines the fast-paced action and perspective of a traditional first person shooter with stealth-based game play and a unique new mechanic: the ability to 'possess' other characters in the game." Perhaps not unique, since Shiny's Messiah did something similar, but with competitive-looking graphics and multiple ways around problems ("while watching people play the demo, I noticed no one person played it the same"), it's possible that some of the developer's earlier titles may be improved upon.

37 comments

  1. Looking good, but... by Bagels · · Score: 4, Interesting
    This game looks quite good visually, and it's got an intriguing premise - possessing various people to advance further - but I must admit to being a bit wary about it, given the company's (n-Space) long and rather unimpressive list of previous titles, most of which seem to be rather forgettable movie licenses or sequels:

    Mary-Kate & Ashley: Crush Course (2001)

    Danger Girl (2000)

    Duke Nukem: Land of the Babes (2000)

    Mary-Kate & Ashley: Magical Mystery Mall (2000)

    Die Hard Trilogy 2 (2000)

    Rugrats Studio Tour (2000)

    Duke Nukem: Time To Kill (1998)

    Rugrats: Search for Reptar (1998)

    Bug Riders (1998)

    Tigershark (1997)

    --
    --- Bwah?
    1. Re:Looking good, but... by ronfar · · Score: 4, Funny
      See, but you never played Mary-Kate & Ashley: Magical Mystery Mall (2000), it's actually a very bloody first person shooter, sort of like Postal. As I recall, they got in a lot of trouble for that one, so the sequel was more what you'd expect from the title.

      I remember the one scene quite vividly, "I'll see you in Hell, Mary-Kate." "I'm Ashley!!!" blam, blam, blam!!

      Well, actually I never played it, but that was the gist of it I got from glancing toward the cover briefly once while I was at the mall. Maybe I was just having a psychotic episode...

      --
      All the creatures will die, And all the things will be broken. That's the law of samurai. (Jubai, 1605)
    2. Re:Looking good, but... by bsharitt · · Score: 1

      Well, actually I never played it, but that was the gist of it I got from glancing toward the cover briefly once while I was at the mall. Maybe I was just having a psychotic episode...

      No, that about sums it up.

    3. Re:Looking good, but... by edwdig · · Score: 1

      I wouldn't be too worried about it, as Nintendo is helping also with the development. Rare was a strictly average developer before Nintendo bought a stake in them and started helping out. Look what they pulled off during their days with Nintendo.

  2. Screens by jmays · · Score: 4, Informative

    Screenshots here. I have been looking for a decent console FPS for awhile now ... this one looks promising. For me it really all depends on the controls!

    --
    KARMA TAG! You're it.
    1. Re:Screens by executebusiness.com · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Looks like Red Faction a bit, which is definately a plus! (right FURY?) I often wonder how people play FPS on console, because after GTA's 3rd person success, I'm thinking first person is not nearly as good. Look at Enter the Matrix, for example. There is a title that switches in and out of first person, but the bulk of it is in 3rd person (following Rockstar's example with GTA3 & Vice). This is the right way to do games for console, IMHO. The wrong way? Take a look at Quake 3 for PS2. OUCH. Same with UT. Hard to control and really wonky gameplay result. Both of the games are great in PC because of the mouse/keyboard combo, but for console they were a bit of a disappointment.

      Bah I guess I'm a PS2 guy. :)

    2. Re:Screens by Gr33nNight · · Score: 3, Interesting

      If you dont have Metroid for the GameCube, you owe it to yourself to pick it up. I have never liked an FPS for consoles, and am an avid lover of PC ones, and this game just kicked ass. The controls are fluid and simple to learn. Great stuff.

    3. Re:Screens by DavidLeblond · · Score: 1

      I wouldn't actually call Metroid Prime an FPS. I still dislike the idea of FPSes for consoles, but if they released Geist and it used the same control style of Metroid Prime, then I'd buy it. If they stuck to it being a pure FPS, I'd pass.

    4. Re:Screens by Gr33nNight · · Score: 1

      Well, me and a couple friends argue about whether Metroid Prime is a FPS or an FPA (First Person Adventure). I stand that it is an FPA, since it relies on exploration than just shooting and killing. Regardless, it is still a kickass game that deserves to be in every gamers library.

  3. Bored by Sevn · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Bored bored bored bored! I need something new.
    A brand new concept. Something nobody has ever
    done before. As much as I LOVE FPS games, I've
    found myself playing more single player style
    stuff like NOLF2 and RTCW over again just because
    it's more fun. The idea of being able to possess
    someone is great and all, but it's not enough.
    Someone should take away all the inter-server
    barriers and create an online FPS
    based on that principle. I've proposed
    this before in the form of a Stargate SG1 mod
    for UT2003k with a stargate and DHD to use to
    get from server to server, and to protect your
    clan's server with IRIS codes, but how about
    something even more seemless than that. Think
    Servers graphically represented as planets.
    Some slick code using a network latency map
    with pings and such could be used to decide
    what's a planet, how big the star is it's
    orbitting. Where to place smaller 8-16 player
    servers that would be moons of the local huge
    fast "planet" server. Make the transport ship
    that takes you from planet to planet a game in
    itself. Make it a requirement for a clan to
    "hire" a shithot pilot, and make the ship itself
    an important part of the game. Imagine shooting
    at a ship as it's leaving your planet/server and
    it trying to dodge and weave and make it out of
    it's gravity. Imagine someone making a weapons mod
    that lets you snipe people from planet to planet.
    server to server. We need code that seemlessly
    supports that. Instead of a locked up server
    island online, you have a planet. Someone can
    rise and become caesar and with thousands of
    followers, sweep this universe of planet/servers
    and moon/servers until they own it. Somone else
    can start a rebellion and rise up to become the
    new czar.

    --
    For every annoying gentoo user, are three even more annoying anti-gentoo crybabies. Take Yosh from #Gimp for example.
    1. Re:Bored by zulux · · Score: 2, Funny

      Bored bored bored bored! I need something new.
      A brand new concept. Something nobody has ever
      done before. As much as I LOVE FPS games, I've


      Ring..... ring... rin.....

      Hello?

      It's 1983, we'd like our C-64 back if you could possibly spare it.

      --

      Moneyed corporations, non-working 'poor' and criminal prisoners are turning productive citizens into tax-slaves.

    2. Re:Bored by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      dood, u dont have 2 put reterns afta each line! slashdut does it 4 u! stoopid.

    3. Re:Bored by goofrider · · Score: 1

      >>> Bored bored bored bored! I need something new.
      A brand new concept...

      Yeah me too.

      I need a real sequel to Jet Set Radio.

      No, JSRF doesn't count. It was sooo dumbed down.

      And I need NiGHTS. It's time to revive it.

      Well... I guess I'll have to keep waiting...

    4. Re:Bored by Sevn · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      You are gay right? Gay as in, picky about something
      I'm obviously doing on purpose by choice. Is it
      really such a big deal that you'd gay up my post
      with your gay reply? Get a life. For your own sake.

      --
      For every annoying gentoo user, are three even more annoying anti-gentoo crybabies. Take Yosh from #Gimp for example.
    5. Re:Bored by zulux · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      Is it really such a big deal that you'd gay up my post
      with your gay reply?


      You use the word "gay" as a verb - is there somthing you'd like to tell us?

      I'm obviously doing on purpose by choice.

      We'll, at least you have the courage to come forward.

      --

      Moneyed corporations, non-working 'poor' and criminal prisoners are turning productive citizens into tax-slaves.

    6. Re:Bored by Sevn · · Score: 1

      There you go again. Please stop being so predictable.
      Pray away the gay zulux. You know full well I'm
      using the word 'gay' in the common "same thing
      as lame" meaning. I'm sure you've been called it
      enough times to know.

      --
      For every annoying gentoo user, are three even more annoying anti-gentoo crybabies. Take Yosh from #Gimp for example.
    7. Re:Bored by zulux · · Score: 1


      You're kind of cute, in a little-boy-blue sort of way.

      Run along now, and go play with Teddy.

      --

      Moneyed corporations, non-working 'poor' and criminal prisoners are turning productive citizens into tax-slaves.

  4. Title? by PyromanFO · · Score: 1, Funny

    Did anyone else see the article title and think "Wow! Nintendo is going to put an FPS on a watch! Its Game and Watch 2003!"

    1. Re:Title? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No.

  5. NOLF... by antdude · · Score: 1

    Sevn: NOLF was better than its sequel IMHO.

    --
    Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
    1. Re:NOLF... by Sevn · · Score: 1

      Never played the original, but I'll check it out
      now. :) Thanks for the heads up.

      --
      For every annoying gentoo user, are three even more annoying anti-gentoo crybabies. Take Yosh from #Gimp for example.
    2. Re:NOLF... by antdude · · Score: 1

      No problems. Just remember, the game is a bit old but the gameplay and story is much better.

      --
      Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
  6. Sounds like Paradroid 3D by Gnulix · · Score: 1

    Nuff said!

    /Old timer

    1. Re:Sounds like Paradroid 3D by ZzzzSleep · · Score: 1

      That's what I thought when I first read this....
      BTW, was it possible to ever complete Paradriod? I remember downloading a C64 emulator for it and playing through about 4 or five enitre ships, but it got really samey after that.....

  7. I call dibs on Azazel! by HTH+NE1 · · Score: 1

    a unique new mechanic: the ability to 'possess' other characters in the game."

    "Ti-i-i-ime is on my side, yes it is."

    --
    Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner entwine / The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine?
  8. Re:FPS? by HTH+NE1 · · Score: 1

    First person shooter == shooting oneself?

    I know you're joking, but if I may take the concept seriously for a moment (and risk being modded off-topic myself)....

    I've wondered if there was a way to implement a Second Person['s view] Shooter successfully. Imagine, where the player's POV is actually of the characters he's killing. Seeing your player from the outside such that your avatar is at the center of the screen and your camera is at range distance rotating the world around you, and your target appears between your player and the camera. As you prepare to fire, your POV jumps to that of the person you're about to shoot (second-person view).

    Be a way to turn the tables on the theory that violent games turn people into killers. Put the player in the position of the characters he kills and you have a much more interesting psychological reaction to study.

    --
    Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner entwine / The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine?
  9. good idea by ColonBlow · · Score: 2, Insightful

    i remember Dungeon Keeper had the ability to possess its various creatures and switch to fps mode. It was a bit awkward, but it sure gave a nice variety of POV being flies and dragons and so forth. How much variety this new title brings is debateable, but it could be a refreshing idea.
    I think the real wait is for Perfect Dark anyway ;)

    --
    free online diet tracking.
    1. Re:good idea by ZzzzSleep · · Score: 1

      I really liked being able to go into FPS mode in Dungeon Keeper. It meant that you were able to do things like tell a creature to start sniping at someone, or just go exploring with a little imp....
      Ah, the memories.....

  10. I've played it by StrikerObi · · Score: 2, Informative

    I had a chance to play this at E3. You can see my impression here. It's a really cool game. It felt a bit early, but it should be awesome by the time it's out.

    --
    ----- Mike Sklens Staff Writer, Planet GameCube.com
  11. Re:FPS? by CashCarSTAR · · Score: 1

    Battletoads (1st boss) anyone?

    In any case, this would be a gimmick, such as bullet time or motion blurs. However with the right engine.....

    Instead of having it from the POV of the second character, you need it to be a sort of thematic thing. Similar to what Max Payne does, but more focused on the victim.

    Along with that, you need an engine capable of having dynamic movement of the main character, similar to Action Half-Life, in my mind. A way for dynamic dives, rolls and various other movements while keeping a good vioewpoint, both challenging and controllable.

  12. Re:FPS? by Snowspinner · · Score: 1

    There is also, I believe, a second person boss in TMNT 4 (Turtles in Time).

    Strangely, this conversation comes up a lot with one of my friends. =)

  13. Day of Defeat Forever !!!!!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hey Fury!!!! lol

    COPP be looking for the last ronin.

    |BRAS|Fury

  14. Dear zulux, by Sevn · · Score: 1

    As gay as it was posting your lame c-64 reply,
    posting again as an anonymous coward in some
    pathetic attempt to show support for your gay
    cause is even more gay. You really need help.

    --
    For every annoying gentoo user, are three even more annoying anti-gentoo crybabies. Take Yosh from #Gimp for example.
  15. A little inconsistent by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    I watched through the e3 previews with some interest, especially when they mentioned you would need to possess certain characters in order to progress (reminds me of Omicron). In the video he takes control of one of the soldiers and goes up the lift, where he immediately started being shot at.

    Now in the previw the guy explained this by saying "they know you are meant to be on guard downstairs, which is why they attacked". I sort of felt worried for whatever army shoots its soldiers on sight as soon as they stray from their post... but I thought this was as good an excuse as any. However in the demo he immediately possessed one of the new soldiers and then they started shooting that guy instead.

    That ruins the whole premise for me... what is the point of taking control of different ppl if everyone still reacts to you the same? I thought the idea of the game was that by creatively controlling different characters you could solve problems in various ways (eg take control of an officer and stroll right past, or grab a grunt and shoot your way through).

    I hope I am wrong, I loved the idea of a FPS Omicron (great great game) - but by the end of the demo it looked like it is a run of the mill FPS where you can trade bodies from time to time.

  16. Finaly by ajberg · · Score: 1

    A good fps for cube. I've been walting a long time for a inovattive fps. I've been getting tirred of bond.