Disclaimer: Rumor Killers is a speculative opinion piece and is by no means intended to disclose as fact whether a rumor is true or false – even though the Rumor Killers team are usually right (usually…)
Call of Duty 7 to be an RPG?
The anonymous source who leaked the information didn’t reveal whether Call of Duty 7 would be turn-based or an action RPG but regardless this is an extraordinary move by the developer if it turns out to be true. Fans had only just learnt that the new Call of Duty would be entitled Black Ops upon release in November and that the game would cover recent historical events between World War II and the present day, but this is a real surprise.
If it does come about, how exactly will the game unfold? The original source suggested that one mission would involve being a member of the British’s SAS during a mission in the Iranian embassy in London during the 80s. Could this be a basis for a strategic RPG in the vein of Valkryia Chronicles? It certainly appeals to my RPG-loving nature but I’m not sure if it would really appeal to those used to the more action-packed shooter style of the Call of Duty series, which has been consistently successful worldwide with total sales figures of over 55 million units taking in $3 billion. If true, this is an extremely risky move by Activison. But just imagine if it actually works.
The RPG genre has arguably been floundering slightly in recent times. The latest Final Fantasy game has disappointed many with its excessively linear nature, while stunning tactical RPGs such as Valkyria Chronicles have underperformed commercially despite critical acclaim. Attaching the Call of Duty name to the genre could boost it greatly and bring new fans to the RPG sphere.
Could Treyarch and Activison manage to create a competent RPG though? Treyarch has no experience with the genre, having stuck to what it knows best recently with first-person shooters. Activision does have the right credentials within its grasp in the form of its ownership of Blizzard, however. Could this be the time for an amazing amalgamation of Blizzard’s talent and the Call of Duty world?
I’m a little unsure of this one. I’d actually love to see it come about, but it seems like too huge a step away from what made Call of Duty so popular. However, maybe we’ll instead see some RPG elements incorporated into Call of Duty 7. Even if it’s just the addition of an inventory system, or maybe a leveling up system in the single player, it’d be nice to see. For now I’ve got to say false, but it’s a curious rumor and I’ll be interested to see the result.
Jen’s Verdict: False
Wii 3 by 2012?
It’s obvious to all that the Wii 2 is on its way at some point in the near future, but how about the Wii 3? A leaked Nintendo factsheet has suggested that the Wii 2 will only be an upgrade to the original Wii, with the supposed Wii 3 arriving as early as 2012. To boot, the supposed capabilities of the Wii 3 are frankly astonishing.
Besides the somewhat predictable implementation of 3D technology which was bound to happen considering the Nintendo 3DS is looming for the near future, it looks as if the Wii 3 will have brand new features that haven’t been seen before on any console. Notably, rather than using Blu-ray functionality, Nintendo will be bringing a new format to your home in the form of a storage format codenamed Aedilean. According to the factsheet, this disc-based format offers a 200gb capacity, 4 times that of a dual-layer Blu-ray, yet nothing more is explained. This alone is extremely surprising considering the financial output required in order to promote a new storage format.
Blu-ray has an increasingly strong hold upon the home entertainment sphere so does Aedilean stand a chance? No mention is made as to whether Aedilean will also be a competing film standard akin to HD-DVD but presumably the option is there if Nintendo wishes to take it. Potentially, however, it could be solely be a Nintendo game-based format.
As well as the controversial storage format choice, the Wii 3 looks set to revolutionize control systems in the same way that the Wiimote did before it. The factsheet states that a control system that’s linked up to the player’s optic nerves through a special headset will be used. This means that the player’s eyes can control everything without the need to use his or her’s limbs. It’s an interesting move ,particularly for those with limb-based motor disabilities, but I can see some apprehension from more old-fashioned gamers who are used to traditional control systems. However, Nintendo know how to revolutionize a market and I’ve no doubt that if anyone can succeed with such a system, it’s Nintendo.
Most thrillingly for gamers who don’t like to move from their chair, the Wii 3 will have full Netflix and Dominos online pizza ordering functionality built into it, meaning that not only will renting movies be possible (as is already the case on other consoles) but crucially pizzas can also be ordered instantly through the system.
The suggestion is that the Wii 3 could be a PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 beater, finally making Nintendo the dominant console amongst hardcore gamers as well as family gamers.
Will it happen? It’s tricky to say at the moment. The pedigree is certainly there and Nintendo certainly know how to market outlandish ideas into something incredibly popular. However, it does sound like quite a technological leap in such a short space of time. It’s no doubt possible, but my concern is that it might end up excessively expensive, something which consumers won’t be happy with. It’s probably wise to wait and see how this pans out, but I’m sure that at least some of these features will see the light of day soon enough. Sony and Microsoft would be wise to feel nervous.
Jen’s Verdict: True
Forrest Gump: The Game?
There have been plenty of commercially, but not critically, successful film tie-in games. Even the IMDB Top 250 films can’t escape it with many titles such as The Godfather, Star Wars and Lord of the Rings being developed into some good and some not so good games. So how about number 36 in the Top 250: Forrest Gump: The Game?
An anonymous industry insider has revealed that one major developer has acquired the rights to a game based on the dim but loveable Forrest Gump with a release likely in time for Christmas 2010. No details have been revealed as to the genre of the game, however presumably it’s not likely to be a first-person shooter. Considering the genre of the film as well as previous film tie-in games, I’d suspect Forrest Gump would be an action-adventure game following young Forrest on his path through life as he inadvertently gets caught up in some huge world events through the 50s to the 70s, such as the Vietnam War and meeting JFK. Whether Tom Hanks would be willing to offer his likeness and voice to the game is anyone’s guess but it’d certainly help give the game an authentic feel.
Just how plausible is it though? Games have appeared based on films long after the film’s release. Goldeneye being the most famous example and one of the best film tie-in games of all time. As well as that, The Godfather, also listed in the IMDB Top 250 films, produced quite a reasonable game, even if it wasn’t as much of a classic as the film. I never would have considered a game based on Forrest Gump’s life before today but now that the rumor mill has begun, it does seem rather plausible. Games based on popular films frequently succeed so surely this would make a perfect money spinner even 16 years after the film’s original release. It’d make an interesting Christmas present: a boxset of Forrest Gump: The Game alongside the film, and I wouldn’t be averse to giving it a shot. It might even make a good game for more casual players. Whether or not it wlll be a good game is an entirely different matter, of course. Expect Tom Hanks on your console before the year is out.
Jen’s Verdict: True
