So: "Here we are: born to be kings. We're the princes of the universe..." Ah, yes... the sight of Freddie Mercury's 'tasched perfection and Brian May's über-hairstyle rocking through some of the most rousing power guitar riffs since, ooh... 'I Need a Hero' by Bonnie Tyler. One of the best movie soundtracks of all time set off the high camp of the Highlander universe perfectly, as immortals Christopher Lambert (in that oh-so-chic grey mac and white sneakers combo) and S&M-clad Clancy Brown crossed swords to decide the fate of humankind...
Yet that climatic battle wasn't the end of Highlander. No, siree. Instead, loyal 'fans' were deluged by progressively papper sequels (albeit alongside a corking TV show) that muddled the mythos until swords, honour and history were waylaid by rum mystical waffle about the Source and more plot about-turns than Dallas. Highlander was officially crap... so can this belated game be the One to resurrect the series?
Prize Fighter Okay, so some of us here are self-confessed Duncan Macleod-loving fanboys, but even the most ardent Highlander cynic has to admit that it's a cracking premise for a game. The goodies and baddies, the diverse historical periods, the rivalries, the swordfights, the beheadings, the Quickenings, the '80s rock soundtrack... Highlander is ripe for 360 and after being given a quick overview from devs Widescreen Games, proves that, while they're a little wet-behind-the-ears, what they're attempting can Officially Very Impressive. Naturally, it'll be combat where Highlander either shines, or loses its head.
With three weapons to master (Katana, Claymore and Twin Gladius), we're expecting visceral, fast-paced sword-whirling, limb-lopping action a la Ninja Gaiden - but by working the immortality angle, Widescreen have some sweet tricks up their sleeves: Owen will sport a range of cool moves like impaling his torso upon enemy weapons in order to disarm them, using his body as a conduit for environmental obstacles like electricity and fire, and being able to hurl himself from insane heights in order to shake pursuers with nary more than a twisted ankle.
Head Ache Each Quickening (note to newbies: every time one immortal beheads another, they gain their victim's powers) will also imbue Owen with fresh abilities. After twisting a few arms over at Eidos, we've learned about Resurrection (well, duh), Chi balance (stamina), Weapon Mastery (examples include fiery blades, a wind attack and stone skin) and the napalm death that is Source Channelling (charge up for super powerful attacks). Thankfully though, Highlander isn't simply destined for an inane button-mashing fate - it'll also involve a fair bit of platforming along the way. How this'll be incorporated into the narrative, we don't yet know.
Cast your orbs over these pics and we're sure you'll agree that, visually, Highlander is looking 'da bomb'. With all those varied historical locales, snazzy lightning pyrotechnics and sparks a-flying as blades clash, plus Quickenings that demolish nearby buildings, it should push the Unreal 3 Engine hard. Fingers crossed the blood will also fly as heads sail from shoulders and limbs go bye-bye.
So much potential then, but so much to prove. Still, with David Abramovitz at the helm (he penned the TV series, in case you were wondering), there should be lashings of knowing humour to lighten the 'if Owen messes up, the world is buggered' vibe. We can't speak for you lot, but we're buzzing about this 'un.
I have to say I quite enjoyed the series when it was on late-night Channel 4 (or whatever). It never took itself all that seriously, so that's always good.
If the combat is done right it could be fantastic. In fact, if we controlled sword swings like the board in Skate that'd be even better. Button-mashing is old.
I'm very excited about this one. Been hoping for a game to do Highlander justice for some time now and i'm glad it's been picked up. All power to them, give it your best shot guys, and remember: There can be only one!
Looks good but its got Prince of Persia written all over it. But instead of the time twisting theatrics of Sands of Time et al you can do youself some heavy damage without dying. Look at screen shot 3 - the guy even looks like the Prince...
It'll need to be pretty special to stop itself being forgotten about!
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