Interview RPG Watch interviews Jeff Vogel

[Vault Dweller]

Tags: Geneforge 4; Spiderweb Software

Sick n tired of those jackasses at RPG Dot? Say no more. Visit <a href=http://www.rpgwatch.com/>RPG Watch</a>, a new site run by ... Anyway, there is a new <a href=http://www.rpgwatch.com/show/article?articleid=5&ref=0&id=146>interview</a> with Jeff Vogel of the <a href=http://www.spidweb.com>Spiderweb</a>'s fame:
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<blockquote><b>So, Geneforge 4: Rebellion is on the horizon and players will start as rebels for the first time. How much does this mix up the story and general gameplay compared to previous Geneforges?</b>
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The basic gameplay is the same, though I am adding more creations and spells and smoothing out a lot of the old rough spots. The new action point system, for example, is much, much better.
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But the story has a much different feel. You start on the bottom, not the top. From the very start, you are hunted. There are fewer supplies, fewer allies. It takes a long time to find a place where you can feel safe. And the Shapers who are trying to win you away from the rebellion can dangle lots of treasures and treats in front of you to get you to switch.</blockquote>Good interview, Dhruin. Geneforge 4 sounds pretty good at this point.
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[Sarvis]

The basic gameplay is the same,

That's too bad.

I don't know why, I just could never really get into Geneforge's gameplay.

 

[Whipporowill]

Not the fanciest-looking site, but if Dhruin's behind the news I'm sure it will be worth keeping an eye on.

Edit: Internet drama! So it's the full bunch of them? Jolt-related... :S

 

[Vault Dweller]

It's a news site, you graphics whore, you. This site looks 10 times better and friendlier than the Dot.

 

[Jed]

I really enjoyed the first two GF games, and while the third was a bit "meh," I will definitely grab GF4 once it is Windows-ized.

I don't know why, I just could never really get into Geneforge's gameplay.

Here's a clue: There's no cut-scenes.

 

[Slylandro]

GF4 sounds excellent, but I really can't understand this:

RPGWatch: Speaking personally, I enjoy the turn-based combat in Spiderweb’s games but I’d like more options, such as active combat skills, different melee attacks and so on. Is this something you would ever consider?

Jeff Vogel: Yes. This will happen at some point. Not Geneforge 4, though.

Why??? We've waited so long for these options, and they shouldn't be hard to implement given that he has several reasonable engines. Hopefully by "at some point" he doesn't mean Geneforge 8 or something.

 

[Veracity]

One thing that trumps most other factors is the simple lack of new, quality single-player RPGs in the marketplace. Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion showed that there’s a desire. But most of the time, I’m one of the few people fulfilling it.

I never can make up my mind how much his idiot savant persona is affected, but that has me leaning closer to 'extremely disingenuous bastard' than ever before. This also reminds me I still ought to get around to Geneforge 3 at some point.

 

[Sarvis]

I really enjoyed the first two GF games, and while the third was a bit "meh," I will definitely grab GF4 once it is Windows-ized.

I don't know why, I just could never really get into Geneforge's gameplay.

Here's a clue: There's no cut-scenes.

What do cut-scenes have to do with gameplay?

 

[Volourn]

LOL I think Sarvis raped Jed's son. That's the only explanation for such hostility.

 

[Jed]

Volourn, it's time for you to know: I am your father!

 

[Binary]

Volourn, it's time for you to know: I am your father!

Somehow I do not doubt it: the similarities are striking!

 

[Volourn]

"Volourn, it's time for you to know: I am your father!"

Good! That means the police killed you! Thanks for small favours, coppers!

 

[Jed]

Oh, come now--everyone knows you're a daddy's girl.

 

[Sitra Achara]

Vogel's next game should be based on the SEP.

 

[LCJr.]

Until Vogel comes up with another original idea I'm putting his games in the "Who gives a fuck?" category with the likes of FO3.