BUILD | GAME ENGINES EPIC DIARIES
Mark Rein investigates UE3’s role in Asura’s Wrath
CAPCOM AND CYBERCONNECT2 have combined forces for the much anticipated brawler, Asura’s Wrath, set for release during mid-February. The action adventure game is set in an
alternate reality called Gaea, blending science-fiction elements with Asian mythology, and combines shooter action with grand-scale combat. Capcom has positioned Asura’s Wrath to launch as a new franchise, and they chose to develop their new game using Unreal Engine 3. Kazuhiro Tsuchiya, producer of Asura’s
Wrath at CyberConnect2, says of Epic’s game engine: “This was actually the first time we’ve developed a game using Unreal Engine 3, and it provided the most effective environment for developing a game, whilst managing resources most efficiently.” Tsuchiya adds that UE3 reinforces the three
core concepts of the studio: idea, knowledge and technology. He explains: “These are all important, and although one factor may weigh more than the other at one given point, overall it should be even as all are essential.” CyberConnect2 has been making games
for more than 15 years, most notably fueling hit franchises such as .hack and Naruto: Ultimate Ninja. With such a distinguished record of development, the team had no problem diving into Unreal Engine technology to bring this new original IP to life. The game itself follows the eponymous hero, the demi-god Asura, one of eight
Guardian Generals known for his victory against the evil Gohma. But in spite of his impressive military career, including slaying the monstrous Gohma Vlitra, Asura is framed as a traitor by his fellow generals. Asura’s wife is killed and his daughter taken from him, leaving him expelled from Heaven, cast to earth, and left for dead. But after 12,000 years, Asura awakens and is consumed by the need for revenge and to reclaim his daughter. Tsuchiya describes the storytelling
approach of Asura’s Wrath as more akin to a TV drama than a traditional game, and the developers worked to intertwine the mechanics of the game with the story that they wanted to tell. “During development, we wanted to bring something new to the action genre and to blend action and drama in a new way,” says Tsuchiya. “We also wanted to blend cut scenes and action sequences seamlessly throughout the whole game. “Asura’s Wrath offers different play styles in each episode, rather than simply repeating the same action again and again in different maps. This means there are different game systems like combat action, shooting elements, quick time events, and so on, as Asura encounters different situations.” Tsuchiya’s team utilised UE3 to incorporate a unique art style into the game’s science fiction and Asian mythology-fused environments and characters, which he says “stylised our crazy over-the-top scenes.”
To discuss anything raised in this column or general licensing opportunities for Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, contact:
mrein@epicgames.com
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64 | MARCH 2012
Tsuchiya said UE3 empowered his team to
craft a truly immersive experience that entices the player into the game world in the same way that Hollywood TV shows hook viewers. The team was also able to add a sense of malleability to the game, and even cinematics can be interrupted, impacting the outcome. The gameplay stands out from other
action games. Battles, such as one waged between Asura and Angus, are huge, boss- style engagements. Gameplay involves combat with katanas and swords, as well as shooting and evading beams of energy bullets. Aiding players along the way is a Rage
meter, which allows players to power up to take on the game’s many enemies. CyberConnect2 is hoping that good things
come in threes. With UE3 bringing this visually impressive, action-packed game to life, the developer could have a third successful global franchise on its hands.
upcoming epic attended events:
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Gadget Show Live Birmingham, UK April 10th to 15th, 2012
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Canadian-born Mark Rein is vice president and co-founder of Epic Games based in Cary, NC. Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 has won Game Developer magazine’s Best Engine Front Line Award eight times, including entry into the Hall of Fame. UE3 has won four consecutive Develop Industry Excellence Awards. Epic is the creator of the mega-hit Unreal series of games and the blockbuster Gears of War franchise. Follow @MarkRein and @UnrealEngine on Twitter.
CyberConnect2 producer Kazuhiro Tsuchiya says Unreal Engine 3 helped the team create its unique art style for its over-the-top scenes in Asura’s Wrath
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