| Creatures 2: The
overview |
- Creatures 2 is a brand new game, which will be released this fall.
An exact release date has not been announced.
- The cost of Creatures 2 is expected to be comparable to the cost of
Creatures 1, which was about $40 U.S. An exact list price has not been
set.
- Existing Norns will be compatible with the new game via a conversion
program.
- Some existing COBs will be compatible, but many will require changes
to work in the new game.
- A Mac version of Creatures 2 will not be released. (The reasons for
this are many and complex, but it basically boils down to the fact that
Cyberlife simply can't do it; it's not that they don't want
to.)
- Mindscape will be distributing Creatures 2 to the U.S. This time
around, U.S. users won't have to wait more than half a year before
getting their hands on the game--it will show up right away.
|
| Creatures 2: The
creatures |
- Creatures in the new game will have actual organs, as well as an
enhanced brain structure allowing greater intelligence.
- New types of genes will be used. Some features, such as pigment
bleed, accidentally were included in the existing Genetics Kit.
- There will be three times as many facial expressions, and the tail
will now be a separate body part.
- Vocabulary will be enhanced, allowing easier communication between
humans and Norns. Sentence structure and grammar will also be
improved.
- Sprite editing should be possible in the new game.
- There are 26 slots for Norn breeds in the new game.
- The Grendel will be meaner, and uglier.
- A new species called the Ettin will be released. Cyberlife has saved
these creatures for a surprise, so very little is known about
them.
- The Shee will not be released as a new species.
|
| Creatures 2: The
objects |
- The macro language will be expanded, apparently allowing more
complexity in object design.
- New objects will be self-containing, ending the Newbie Mistake
forever. (What will the next big mistake be? Place your bets now!)
- The game engine will be altered to help prevent COB class number
conflicts. Details are sketchy.
- A number of new machines and other fascinating objects will be
included in Albia, including a gene splicer. (Does that mean the macro
language will have access to genes now? One can only wonder.)
|
| Creatures 2: The
world |
- Albia will be twice as large.
- The world will have a complex ecosystem, with 500% more plants and
a variety of animals existing in a food chain.
- There will be weather, day and night, and seasonal cycles. In winter,
the ocean will freeze, allowing the Grendel easy access to your Norns.
(Beware!)
- The game engine will include physics (such as gravity and momentum),
allowing objects such as the bouncing ball to be made more easily.
- Plants will seed themselves and spread, but will require pollenation
from other animals (such as the bees). Seeds will spread with the wind
to new locations in Albia.
|
| Creatures 2: The
game |
- Several new kits will be included. Among these are the Neuroscience
Kit, and apparently a First Aid Kit.
- The game will have the same 2�-D layout, but it will be in
65,536 colors.
- A similar macro language will be used, with the same interface (DDE).
Some existing third-part programs are already known to be compatible
with the new game.
- A family tree page will be added to the Owner's Kit, showing the
details of a given Norn's family history.
- Indicators at the bottom of the window will show more than just
birth and death announcements. The new status bar will show the current
season and weather conditions, the current Norn's health and other
pertinent information, etc. This will make it many times easier to care
for your Norns.
|
| Creatures 2: The
corrections |
- Plants in Albia will not carry DNA, as had been previously
speculated.
- The game will not be 3D.
- There will be no Shee in the game. The back story, however, will be
explained in much more detail, providing better insight into the whole
Shee legend.
|
