E3 isn't the only conference that highlights the latest and greatest in the gaming industry. Director's Guild Theater in Manhattan, New York had its own gaming expo of sorts featuring THQ's announcement of Homefront which will be released early next year. Danny Bilson, THQ's vice president of core games, revealed Kaos Studio's frontrunner with a bizarre scenario. What would happen if North Korea invaded the U.S. in 2027? Numerous adjectives come to mind but all point in the direction of badass.
In an interview between Kaos design director David Votypka, it was revealed that the legendary story teller and writer of Apocalypse Now, John Milius, had played a large role in the overall story, cut-scenes and circumstances present in Homefront. Milius stated his major goal in game production was to create an atmosphere where emotion could drive the FPS (first person shooter) dynamics through the action seamlessly.
During the next part of the presentation, THQ's consultant Tae Kim came onstage with information concerning the game's seemingly improbable story. The fictional events leading up to Korea's claim to power in Homefront is both detailed and extensive. Makes us wonder if THQ hired a team of psychics to dictate the future events. Lets all hope not because THQ has some sinister ideas in place. Where do we start? North and South Korea unite in the name of peace and mount an army to annex Japan, a super EMP strike knocks much of the United State's communications offline while Korea shows up on San Francisco's doorstep completely unannounced, and we almost forgot to mention, during the same time a massive flu outbreak hits the U.S. killing millions. With those events plaguing America THQ might not win any patriotic points but hopefully they win favor with all the gaming community.
THQ and Kaos Studios pride themselves in presenting what seems like stereotypical characters ranging from the macho Sergent to Rianna the tough military chick, then completely breaking down the wall of expectation with rich drama brought out by the terrors of war. Dilapidated buildings, burning lots, and people reduced to scavengers all add an element of sentiment to Homefront. This very real feeling the game presents makes you want to play the game not only to beat the stage or level up, but to protect yourself an others during the utter chaos. The emotional desire to play might very well be more important than who's going to shoot at you next.
One detail which accompanies the look and feel of the game is the conditioning of weapons you may find scattered across the attle-torn environment. A gun you find won't be "polished to a mirror sheen" (does anyone get this reference??) or in tip top shape. In fact there is more of a chance to come across a rifle with a cracked scope than a spotless weapon.
All this shooter talk is fine and dandy but what we all want to know is about multiplayer. The details of Homefront multiplayer was purposely left out of the press conference. All that was said was, "There is a very fractured U.S. government and military in the year 2027 that's explored in the multiplayer games."
THQ has already begun planning downloadable content and a sequel, which shows their company's immense confidence in Homefront. Everything else is left to hearsay and skepticism. THQ could very well be the darkhorse next year and we await further information.
