We recently had the exclusive opportunity to play a few new maps from a near-final copy of Shadowrun. These maps take place at the epicenter of the struggle between RNA and the Lineage -- the Ziggurat. FASA Studio Manager Mitch Gitelman gives us the word on what makes this part of the Shadowrun world unique. Read on, and be sure to check out our gameplay videos as well.
Make War Not Love
GameSpy: Can you set the scene for the two maps that we're unveiling, Maelstrom and Temple Grounds?
FASA Studio Manager, Mitch Gitelman: Sure. When magic returns to the world in 2012, a global mega-corp learns of a powerful intersection of magical "lay lines" outside of Santos, Brazil. During their investigation at the peak of a mountain, there is an "incident" which causes a magical eruption. This eruption brings down the side of the mountain revealing an ancient ziggurat that pre-dates the Mayan, Aztec, and Incan cultures, and is decorated with images of meta-human races such as elves, dwarves and trolls. Temple Grounds takes place on the steps of the ziggurat while Maelstrom takes place at the top, where the magical eruption is creating a bit more chaos.
GameSpy: What's taking place in Maelstrom and Temple Grounds, pitting RNA and Lineage against each other? Why are they fighting over control of the ziggurat?
Mitch Gitelman: The megacorporation, RNA Global, has been excavating the ziggurat in the hopes of understanding its significance and tapping its power for profit. They have unearthed an artifact they believe to be the key to unlocking the secrets of the ziggurat. Unfortunately for them, the ziggurat and the artifact are sacred to the Lineage, an ancient order sworn to protect them and usher in the next age of magic. Shooting ensues.Norse God of Sniping
GameSpy: Maelstrom is one of the more eye-catching maps we've seen. Can you give us the background on what inspired the unique visuals the artists put together for this high-altitude environment?
Mitch Gitelman: Glad you like it. I think there are some elements from the Thor comic books in the swirling clouds and I see a little Lord of the Rings visuals in the massive carven images of the trolls, etc.GameSpy: What was the map that was shown at the original E3 demo of Shadowrun? What aspects of that map have changed since then?
Mitch Gitelman: That is another map that takes place inside the ziggurat. We call that one Dig Site. From a gameplay point of view, nothing has changed and it is still my all-time favorite Raid map. Aesthetically, it's been dramatically upgraded from its first showing at E3 last year, with better lighting and effects, more detailed and varied textures, and more depth. I love that map.GameSpy: Dig Site is a predominantly subterranean map with lots of close-quarters combat in tunnels and enclosed spaces. Temple Grounds seems to mix it up.
Mitch Gitelman: Right, Dig Site is all interior and twisty while Temple Grounds is a great combination of interior and exterior combat. A lot of the action takes place on the steps of the zig and the surrounding excavation area. Glider is great out there and it's a fun map for snipers. I usually take a katana and a sniper rifle for that map. Once you grab the artifact, the interior of the ziggurat is great to escape from the fray and figure out a sneaky way to get to the exit point. Visually, it was a very difficult map to pull off and I love the results.
