Under Siege (PSN/MOVE)

[cliffbo]

hit the link for the MOVE video

Under Siege for PS3: First Video, PlayStation Move Details

Posted by Filipe Pina // Producer, Under Siege

Hi everyone! We’re proud to present Under Siege to the readers of the PlayStation.Blog. In a nutshell:

* Under Siege is a real-time strategy game exclusive to the PS3 and the PSN store.
* It includes a juicy single player campaign as well as online and local multiplayer content.
* The in-game Editor enables players to create their own maps and share them with the world!

Under Siege for PS3 with PlayStation Move

What’s that you say? How juicy is the campaign?

For starters, the single-player campaign in Under Siege does not include those pesky grinding levels many other strategy games have; You don’t have to spend half an hour getting wood to then build a base, and so on. Your army is always there with you, growing persistently from level to level. Your army also gains experience ranking up as they fight, so it’s important to keep them alive because when they die… well, we like to think that they were somebody’s son.



Oh, and you found a new race in the swamp that wants to join your cause? They can! Because in Under Siege, your army is made up of every race found in the game. This makes for some interesting strategy tactics for multiplayer matches.

Speaking of multiplayer…

You can play multiplayer with up to four players online, and two two locally via split screen. You and your friends can play 1v1, 2v2, 3v1 or four players vs the A.I.

What’s that, Billy? You want to know what multiplayer modes are available? Well, what if I told you that we have all of them? Hummm? Can you touch the stars now, Billy? Can you?

Since in Under Siege every map is made in the Editor, it basically means that any kind of multiplayer mode is possible. Currently, the game will ship with some maps of Deathmatch, Capture Point, Capture Treasure, and Survival. There will be more to come, but these will be a surprise.

Under Siege for PS3 with PlayStation Move Under Siege for PS3 with PlayStation Move

The Editor

The guys at Media Molecule knew what they were doing, so we decided to do the same. The Editor that ships with Under Siege allows everyone to create their maps and share them with the world. It’s the same tool that we used to build all of our maps!

The maps can be single player or multiplayer; A short campaign or a complex co-op survival mode.

What about the game features?

* Control scheme specially designed for the DualShock controller
* Four players online
* Two players split screen
* Video and voice chat in game and in the lobby
* XMB screenshot and custom music support
* Video recording

And most important of all, Playstation Move support. That’s right, Under Siege is one of the first RTS games that uses the PlayStation Move, and to prove the implementation is done right, check out our video (above) made specially for the nice folks here at the PlayStation.Blog.

Fire away with those questions!

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/...tation.Blog%29

[AC!D]

Looks nice!

[OmniStalgic]

Yeah interesting...Sony didn't waste anytime with getting an RTS to show off the Move. With a Game like this you kinda have to wait for reviews, but still, I excited!

That much closer to playing Warcraft on my PS3

I'll support it day one if it's good, I also wouldn't mind a more robust Pixel Junk Monsters game with actual resources/building and small armies using the Move--I loved that universe.

[cliffbo]

not forgetting the create and share aspect of this game. this could be the mother lode for RTS fans for quite some time

[OmniStalgic]

create aspect don't matter if the fundamentals aren't solid. Gotta play it first, too little shown to see how deep it is...And tbh, and RTS games is seriously complicated to get right, and that's even harder on consoles.

[AC!D]

Under Siege may be the best $20 PSN investment

While Under Siege is Seed Studios’ first outing on the PlayStation 3, the game is looking magnificently bright. It's clear that gamers will want to check out this high-quality yet affordable RTS adventure game, coming exclusively to the PlayStation Network.

First off, the game looks beautiful. For a $19.99 PSN title, the art style is well polished, vibrant, and varied. Each race has a set of different class type of units with unique styles of play, appearances, and abilities. The environment sees great attention to detail with terrain types ranging from swampy wetlands to snowy mountain tops. Players will be able to mass their armies for battle in the deserts or in the thick forests near Elven cities.

One of the ways the game is able to achieve such beauty is through the support of a customized version of Sony's PhyreEngine. Titles utilizing the PhyreEngine that may sound familiar include Demon's Souls, Flower, and thatgamecompany's upcoming 2011 title Journey. By using the engine, Seed Studios was able to develop a fantasy real-time strategy game that was built specifically for the PS3.

One of the foundation concepts of the game is to attract console gamers. While Under Siege provides the option to use PlayStation Move, it seems like a tacked-on extra, as the game was developed specifically for the Dual Shock 3. Veteran gamers can customize D-pad buttons for unit hot-keys/assignments, while new users will still find the controls and gameplay mechanics approachable.

Also, among the many other features, the game supports a full 21-mission single-player campaign, four player co-op online, two player co-op local splitscreen, voice and video chat, 720p and 1080p resolutions, XMB screenshot and custom music support, video recording, and a fully fledged map editor.

"The guys at Media Molecule knew what they were doing, so we decided to do the same," wrote Filipe Pina, producer on Under Siege. "The Editor that ships with Under Siege allows everyone to create their maps and share them with the world. It’s the same tool that we used to build all of our maps!"

The map editor not only allows you to choose map sizes, terrain types, placement and level of units, but creators are given the ability to add triggers to chain or cause events. Watch the video below to see more on the map editor.

"The maps can be single-player or multiplayer; a short campaign or a complex co-op survival mode," Pina described.

Players will find Deathmatch, Capture Point, Capture Treasure, and Survival modes available at launch with more promised after release. However, between what comes with launch and what players design using the custom map tools, there should be plenty of replayablity.

Now keep in mind, Under Siege isn't the resource/base building type of real-time strategy game. Players are given preparation time before each level, using acquired gold to purchase new units, upgrade veteran units, or access new abilities. Players earn gold by traversing the lands, attaining treasure chests and battling enemies. The goal is to strategically move your units — whether they are a mix of archers and foot soldiers, or giant siege units — about the battle field, killing enemy units, while suffering the least possible deaths.

"Your army also gains experience ranking up as they fight, so it’s important to keep them alive because when they die… well, we like to think that they were somebody’s son," said Pina.

For those interested in story, Seed Studios is also running an e-comic book to coincide with the development and release of the game. Each week, the developers reveal a new chapter, introducing more back story to the heroes, characters, and world before Under Siege. The differences in races types will provide for much lore and story-telling, whether told from the perspective of Seed Studios in the single-player campaign or custom written in a user map.

Currently, the game is in final stages of testing, localization and fine tuning, with a release date expected to be announced within the next few weeks.

"Regarding the game (we know you're anxious about it...) until the end of the week we'll update you about everything," Seed Studios said yesterday on their official Under Siege Facebook page.

In regards to downloadable content, "extra DLC will depend on the demands made by all of you," said Pina. The game will ship with "around 20 units" along with foliage, building, and terrain brush sets. If the game is a success, it would be great to see Seed Studios continue support by releasing new trigger systems, terrain types, units, and gameplay modes.

So if Fat Princess or Mushroom Wars just isn't doing it for you anymore, keep an eye on Under Siege and its developments as we reach launch date. Under Siege could be a PlayStation Network hit, it just needs a lively community willing to generate worlds within their world.

This is looking more and more like a day one purchase. I hope they have a demo available.

[OmniStalgic]

WHOA!!!

My favorite genre (outside of RPG/Fighting) is making it's way to consoles in full-form. I have Pixel Junk Monsters and Mushroom Wars and have been starving for more RTS type games.

I'm loving how deep it seems, if the gameplay holds up, this is definitely a day one. MORE INFO PLZ!!! Is the backstory available on PSN?

And what a fresh concept on the RTS genre! It's not about resources and constantly pumping out units and taking over 3-4 different gold mines so you have unlimited resources. This title actually rewards you for playing smart and keeping your army alive the whole game, having your units level up and not just your Hero or main unit! I love this design choice!

Man, if the gameplay is slow or boring, I'm gonna slap someone, because this concept is made of win, has the potential to be one of the best PSN releases of the year.

[AC!D]

I hope more devs use this Sony PhyreEngine. I always heard about it but now i see it looks pretty impressive. I had no idea it was used for Demon's Souls and Flower. It sounds like the perfect PSN games engine.

[OmniStalgic]

Yeah, me either! Talk about a diverse engine, I think PSN is going to have another epic year. PS1 classics have been coming out every weekly update and I the store will probably have an overhaul when NGP launches.

Kicking butt SONY!

[AC!D]

[OmniStalgic]

Soon as the welcome back package comes, I'm using the discount to buy this...Looks AWESOME!!!

[AC!D]

Hey guys call me Mr marketing exec for the day for Under Siege. I hope you guys give this awesome new game from a really talented indie dev a go. Its really really enjoyable and who says RTS games dont work on console? Try this and you might think again. Its got RPG aspects and takes a little inspiration from Myst. The Move controls are fantastic and the dualshock controls are good also if you prefer that. These guys are a really small dev and they got royally screwed by the PSN hack as they were about to launch the game on PSN back in April. Not to mention its on the PS+ discount making it an even better investment. The devs are real nice guys and are answering questions in the Neogaf official forum for the game and are looking for feedback about any problems we encounter not that ive found any. Hell this game is worth $30 if you ask me. Unfortunately there is no demo because they are a small team and didnt have enough resources/time but trust me the game is stunning. I hope you guys check it out!!!

[OmniStalgic]

Already on my "must buy" list...

but tks for the conformation that it is indeed awesome...I was sold on the launch trailer alone.

[masteratt]

It's good but got stuck early on (2 missions after tutorial i think) on Normal (only tried twice, mind you).
But it really pisses me off. I progress through the map and then keep my archers in the back in the next fight, then enemies somehow come from behind (where I made my way through killing everyone) and pwn my archers. If I try to move my archers away, they get caught in a fight with the next group of enemies and get pwned. Using taunt to draw enemies away from archers to my melee unit just ends up with them getting pwned. And to use archer heal efficiently, I can't keep my archers in a safe distance....so yeah.

On my 3rd try I thought "F it, i'll go in with 2 melee units" but the game didn't let me :/

So a bit too tough for it's own good I think and enemies coming from behind is a total bitch move. Might move it to Casual and at least enjoy it that way.

Game works great though, controls and everything. And very nice art design along with great sharp graphics.

[AC!D]

^The game is quite tough. Definitely go for casual till you learn the ropes. I also saw my ass on normal They really do make you care about every unit and you feel so shit when you lose one and have to start to level new guys up again. Great game though and i need to get back to it as soon as im done with Red Faction. Also i loved the opening cutscene in the game it was stunning.

[AC!D]

http://undersiegegame.com/forum/view...1d8b40a62fb85a

These are the preliminary patch notes for the next patches.
Things may change during testing and development, but we will keep this post updated.
Full patch notes will be included when installing the patch on the PS3.

Patch 1.02 (In testing)


- ADDED: New option to enable additional post processing at high resolutions
- ADDED: New option to disable edge scrolling when using the PlayStation Move controller
- ADDED: Players can now continue the campaign from any level they have already finished, instead of only the last
- ADDED: Antialiasing at 720p and lower resolutions (MLAA)
- CHANGE: Player units now only pursue nearby enemies up to 5 meters from the position ordered by the player, and return there after either killing the enemy or if they get too far
- CHANGE: Improvements to controller dead zone handling
- CHANGE: No longer necessary to reassign the navigation controller to slot 1
- CHANGE: Player units in casual difficulty receive less damage
- CHANGE: Enemy units in all difficulty levels no longer benefit from flanking or critical bonus (only affects single player)
- CHANGE: General performance improvements and shorter load times
- CHANGE: If a player disconnects during a ranked match, the other player is automatically awarded a win
- CHANGE: Balance adjustments
- FIX: Players in casual difficulty receive double the gold from killing enemies
- FIX: Improvements to online play
- Several minor adjustments and fixes


Patch 1.03 (Being worked on)


- ADDED: Map sharing feature
- CHANGE: 720p video recording

Thank God for this patch. This game is like the Demon's souls of RTS gaming. I just spent two hours on a level near the end of chapter 4 dying over and over and i still cant get through it on freaking casual. Im a loser!!!! Anything that will make this awesome game easier is very very welcome so thank you Seed. Now hurry up and get the patch out Sony!

[masteratt]

Woot! I can maybe beat Level 3 now lol :/