Headstrong Games cites Resident Evil 4 as a reason to be optimistic for the upcoming "Grindhouse-esque" arcade-style shooter.
With House of the Dead: Overkill's February 10 release date fast approaching, Headstrong Games' lead designer, Alastair Halsby, has good news: "We're past gold master, and the game is being manufactured right now."
In an interview with CVG, Halsby had a lot more to say besides the confirmation of development completion, especially in regards to the similarities and differences between their game's console and arcade aspects. "We wanted to give the impression that this was an ultra-cool arcade machine that you'd just dropped 40 credits into," Halsby explained, "and that it was capable of delivering a paced experience - so you get highs and lows, not just constant escalation."
He also explained that Headstrong wanted to keep "the fear of being overwhelmed by enemies, [and] the sensation of fast movement" in order to keep the spirit of the arcade game alive.
Halsby said that the Grindhouse-esque style came about a bit further in development, well after "the majority of characters, locations and enemies" were created. "Originally we had a 'softened realism' look, with a touch of the usual bright SEGA colors," Halsby clarified, "The pulp theme came through with a confirmation of a solid mature rating, a funk soundtrack and plenty of dismemberment."
When asked the all-important question about whether or not there is an audience for a game like House of the Dead: Overkill, Halsby countered by citing the success of Resident Evil 4. "Just because mature gamers enjoy Wii Sports," Halsby argued, "doesn't mean they won't also enjoy blasting zombies in the face."
