Recently I had the chance to speak with Hal Zabie - Associate Producer, Sierra Entertainment about the ending PSP Release AVP Requiem. I want to thank Hal and Bree Cotten for making this interview happen. 

GVK: What is the background and setting for the game and how close does it follow events from the pending film?

HZ: AvP requiem lant PSP is set in Gunnison, Colorado, the same small town as seen in the movie. The player assumes the role of the new elite Predator from the film. While many of the locations, weapons, and scenarios are nearly identical to the film, the game designers were given the freedom to make the best game possible, which meant at times rearranging some of the story elements and action set pieces.

GVK: How much input did you have from the creators of the film and what sort of access to the film did you have when crafting the look and tone of the game?

HZ: Rebellion, the game's developer, had complete access to the film script and actual footage from the movie well in advance. These assets were instrumental in creating authentic environments, weapons, and characters. Being fans of the license AND having contributed a large share of lore to the AvP legacy, Rebellion got a real kick out of being involved with the process early.

GVK: What forms of multiplay will be included?

HZ: The player will be able to link ad hoc with another player. The pair can then assume the roles of two Predators as they play co-operatively through "last stand" scenarios against relentless hordes of Aliens. This mode is a fight to the bitter end as increasing numbers of Aliens spawn to take out the players.

GVK: What can you tell games about the graphic engine of the game and what it will bring to the game?

HZ: The graphic engine was developed by Rebellion. The visual look of the game is very strong, particularly compared to the current state of games on the PSP. However, the challenge was to deliver high quality graphics while not sacrificing game performance and this is something that Rebellion achieved and will be noticed by players right away.

GVK: What sort of weapons will players have access to at the start and how will they gain new weapons and abilities?

HZ: The player will have access to most of the Predator's considerable arsenal as seen in the movie. This includes mainstays such as the Shoulder Cannon and Wristblades as well as some more exotic pieces such as the Spear, Shuriken, the Disc, and a number of Shoulder Cannon upgrades. The player unlocks these weapons by gaining requiem lant earned during the course of the game. The player earns requiem lant by playing the game as a Predator would. So, if the Predator wouldn't kill an unarmed human in the films, then the player shouldn't do this either if they want to earn upgrades faster.

GVK: What are some of the missions players will be tasked with in game?

HZ: The player's main task in the game parallels that of the Predator's mission in the film, which is to eliminate all traces of Predator and Alien existence in the small town of Gunnison, Colorado. This includes seeking out pieces of a wrecked Predator ship as well as armed conflict against Aliens who have bursted from the chests of the citizens of the town.

GVK: Is making a game for a portable gaming system easier or harder than a console or PC game and if so in what way?

HZ: Like all things, there are advantages and disadvantages to developing on a portable gaming system. One of the sacrifices, understandably, is a scale back on the processing power, but this is a concern for all portable games. One of the advantages is designing a gaming experience that is portable and reaching a gaming audience that finds itself in boring situations (waiting for the bus, taking a flight).

GVK: What are some of the special movies or abilities gamers will be able to do?

HZ: One nifty feature is the ability to "tag" multiple enemies then releasing the disc and watching it bounce around between the tagged enemies taking them out. Another great moment is when the Predator cloaks and leads Aliens smack dab in the middle of a squad of National Guardsmen and watches the carnage that ensures.

GVK: Will any of the human characters from the film appear in the game in if so whom?

HZ: The game focuses on the film experience from the Predator's point of view. As a result, the focus was on executing combat and stealth sequences against multiple enemies including Aliens and members of the National Guard. The Predator's interactions with the human characters from the film are so specific that they wouldn't make any sense to include them into a game like this. If we did, the player would only have one course of action as dictated by the events in the film. The game creates a unique experience while staying true to the tone and feel of the movie.

GVK: What has been the biggest challenge in creating the game and the biggest reward?

HZ: One of the biggest challenges was delivering a high quality game experience in a compressed time frame. Once production on a game starts, it usually takes longer than it would to shoot and edit a movie. However Rebellion was up for the challenge even though it meant more than a few sleepless nights. The biggest reward is delivering entertainment that is true to the license and a great gaming experience in its own right, which we feel we've done.

Thank you,