[360] Wing Commander Arena (where's LeHah when you need him)

WING COMMANDER ARENA

Wing Commander Arena is a fast-paced space combat game where players can team up to attack other teams of ships. The game introduces the classic franchise to an arcade-style experience that allows up to 16 players online in battle at once. Players can propel their customized ship through space, fire torpedoes and unleash deadly gravity bombs as they try to climb the leader board. Online players will compete for Frag count, high score and dueling stats.

Wing Commander Arena features four styles of play: single player, multi-team, multi-player free for all and multi-player duel. Within the game there are eight game maps that include team maps, free for all maps and dueling maps, so Wing Commander Arena offers a gameplay experience for every Arcade gamer, whether they want a quick ten minutes of action or a longer more immersive game.

-Gamespy

Credits

Developer - Gaia Industries

Publisher - Electronic Arts

Genre - Flight, Action

Platform - Xbox 360

Origin - US

Release Date - Summer 2007

ESRB - Rating Pending



Screen shots!

Courtesy of The Magic Box

Well guys, if Project Slypheed doesn’t pull through to North American shores anytime soon, at least I’ll be able to get a space themed shoot-em-up to keep me busy during the summer (when I *and I SWEAR*, get my self a Xbox 360 for keep sakes). As this seems more of a space frag than a full fledged story driven space opera, I think it will be a nice change of pace from the generally interesting stories by Origin and the creator, Chris Roberts. I’m not too well aware of Gaia Industries, although more likely than not, I’ve already tried out their games before. But Wing Commander is a series that’s been swept under the rugs for some time since Wing Commander Prophecy since 1997 – pretty much a decade ago.

Now I’ve much more motivation to get an Xbox Live Gold account from the get-go once I’ve got a new TV and a 360, again.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Having grown up on Wing Commander while all my friends were raised on Mario in the early 90s, seeing the series turned into a simplified shoot-em-up garners mixed feelings from me. Not sure what to think, though Origin wasn't exempt from its own share of butchering the series (Wing Commander Armada, anyone?).

Think I'll sit and watch the fireworks for the time being. As far as shmups go, Ikaruga is on its way and while I have the game already, I'm hoping it ends up having some kind of online multiplayer so I can play with my friend again despite no longer living in the same area.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I'd actually like to hear what LeHah thinks about this game, as of now. One of Wing Commander's strongest points throughout the franchise was the generally well put together and cohesive story.

I also do share mixed feelings, as this could just end up being an X-Wing vs TIE Fighter, - a pretty much multi player driven game with very little plot to hold it together, unlike the previous excellent X-Wing and TIE Fighter games.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Weird choice of developer, they've only ever made totally exciting mobile phone games like the 2006 GOTY Sex and the City and sliding block puzzle games. =o

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Infernal Monkey

Weird choice of developer, they've only ever made totally exciting mobile phone games like the 2006 GOTY Sex and the City and sliding block puzzle games. =o

That makes me sad...

I thought Gaia was one of those more "Everquest-Ultima-Omega-Peanutbetter-Roll-Praying-Gems" that made like a bajillion RPGs and Mahjong games, only to find out they've pumped out 1 game for the 360 =/.

ALL HYPE HAS DIED (hype meter from 1 point to negative 10)

I really do feel like closing this now.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Scratch and Sniff

I also do share mixed feelings, as this could just end up being an X-Wing vs TIE Fighter, - a pretty much multi player driven game with very little plot to hold it together, unlike the previous excellent X-Wing and TIE Fighter games.

Something's wrong with you if you don't like X-wing vs TIE Fighter because of the plot.

"Hey guys, I don't like that Unreal Tournament game because the plot's not that epic and sweeping". looooooooool

And since this is an XBLA title, don't go expecting anything massive or huge or whatnot. Especially with a name like Wing Commander Arena. It's probably going to focus on just setting up dogfights and going to town. Don't hold your breath for a full retail experience here.

That said, it's the first Arcade title to allow for up to 16 players (I *think* Novadrome allowed 8. Could be wrong though.), so that'll be nice.

And I wouldn't count the game out just because it's being made by a small company. The XBLA has been a great platform for dev's to strut their stuff, and many companies you've probably never heard of before have put out some quality shit on the thing. Naked Sky Entertainment came out of god damn nowhere with Roboblitz, and there's Gastronaut Studios with Small Arms too, for example.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Believe it not, I did enjoy playing X Wing Vs Tie Fighter's plot modes for both the Rebellion and the Empire, along with the expansion set: The Balance of Power (sup Super Star Destroyer). Unreal Tournament obviously boasted at what it would do the most: a giant gore frag fest, and most would already get the sense of that.

Being a dumb 12 year old kid at the time, yeah I did expect it to be basically X Wing / TIE Fighter 2 - rather than a more multiplayered game. Shows how much reading I did before getting the game. O 28k internet u.

As for the WCA game, I am looking forward to it, unfortunately I guess I took Infernal's post the wrong way and closed it prematurely, thinking I tumbleweeded myself into Microsoft's Window.

:tumbleweed:

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Originally Posted by Scratch and Sniff

I'd actually like to hear what LeHah thinks about this game, as of now.

He's a member of some Wing Commander fan forum, you should be able to track him down without too much trouble.

I never really liked the Wing Commander games. I always loved proper flight sims and games where pushing sideways moved you sideways rather than rolled you seemed more like an on-rails shooter than a flight sim. X-Wing and TIE fighter were ok but then a Star Wars licence counts for a lot.

That said, the Xbox has been crying out for a multi-player space shooter and provided this is priced sensibly, it might be worth a look.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

This game has nothing to do with Wing Commander at all. It might be fun for 30min but... WHY EA, WHY?
All hopes for a good Wing Commander revival just got crushed and shit on ;_;

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I am a Wing Commander TOOL.
Played every game for almost every console. Even bought all the Baen books.

I only drew the line when it came to the Wing Commander movie which really had 0 redeeming qualities.

I am afraid I will have to purchase this title on name alone (consider it an investment) to hopefully spawn remakes of WCI-V and better yet, a VI.

Too bad that space sims are a dead genre, this thread brings fond memories of the Tie Fighter/Freespace/Wing Commander days. <wistful sigh>

There's nowhere I can't reach.

The WC community is buzzing with all sorts of commentary, along with some interesting material to read at the CIC, the site that LeHah is mentioned to be a part of, in case any Wing Commander fans aren't aware of its existance.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by ApOcaLyPSe_1985

This game has nothing to do with Wing Commander at all. It might be fun for 30min but... WHY EA, WHY?
All hopes for a good Wing Commander revival just got crushed and shit on ;_;

Gotta love this attitude. "I haven't played it yet, it's not due out for a couple of months, it's not even a full retail release, but I have determined already that it's shitty and not worth the (most likely) 10 dollar price point." Oh yee of little faith.

Where the hell do people get off expecting so much from XBLA titles? It's really mind boggling.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I agree with your opinion; my conclusion may sound early and stupid to some, especially with a unreleased game like this but from the previews and trailers i've seen this really doesn't look worth the money. Veterans of the WC series all over the world got excited after hearing rumors of EA reviving the series but until now it seems they just decided to buy the license to a space game from some-really-cheap-company-nobody-heard-of and tacked the name "Wing Commander" on it to complete the circle. Again, I admit i'm too early with my conclusions and this game might actually turn out to be fun and something different, but almost everyone expected a combat flightsim that played just like the classic ones: singleplayer, 1st person perspective and bundled with a campaign filled to the edge with missions.

Ofcourse, fans could do it like TonyDaTigger and that is to buy copies of the game to hopefully generate a chance for possible remakes or sequels. It seems to be the best option left.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Cooking some copying and pasta to the thread; thanks Parn for the link.

It's more reassuring that they are consulting a more WC orientated group, rather than just a general group of gamers whose interests maybe anywhere but WC at heart. I'm not looking so much for a Wing Commander VI, or what have you after Prophecy, but at least a game that does indeed do justice to the WC universe, rather than stick the name to the game just to create hype.

And just incase the link doesn't work sometime in the future:

Originally Posted by Wing Commander CIC - Interview with Sean Penney

Q. Have you had previous experience with Wing Commander, either as a developer or as a gamer?
A. My previous experiences with Wing Commander were as a player and fan. Being part of the Star Wars generation (aren't we all, really?) I couldn't get enough sci-fi and the WC franchise was a long time companion. I played them and went through more than a few joysticks.
Q. How will Arena appeal to existing Wing Commander fans?
A. This was a question we asked ourselves a lot during development as we wanted to ensure we did the IP justice. We balanced that with a desire to introduce the WC universe to new players. We were careful in our selection of ships and queried the WC community on our choices. The ships we used are favorites from across the series, and they are true to the IP in more than just form - function and balance were important considerations. Our goal was to offer a fast-paced fun arcade space combat game to WC fans that would also have broad appeal. And being able to fly Kilrathi ships has me excited as a fan too. It's an Arcade title - so think of Wing Commander Arena as a slice of the Wing Commander experience.

Q. Will the game include any familiar Wing Commander elements -- ships, history or the like?
A. Oh yes of course - we've advanced the history in a minor way, and the ships are drawn from across the WC universe, and will be familiar to WC fans. We've updated some to fit in with the frontier-like atmosphere of Arena. For Example:

The A-17 Broadsword Executioner: The Broadsword was first constructed for planetary bombing raids during the Pilgrim War, and was soon adapted to carry torpedoes. Lightly armored but sporting heavy weapons and good missiles as well as a deployable turret and a tractor beam, this bomber is perfect for taking on small, quick fighters.

And

The Dralthi IX Rhino: By far the heaviest Dralthi ever constructed, the Rhino is the equal of the Vaktoth or the Hhriss. Heavily armored and armed, with moderate speed and maneuverability, the Rhino hits hard and keeps on hitting.

Q. When and where in the Wing Commander universe is the game set?
A. The Epsilon Sector, 2701. The Terran Confederation and the Kilrathi Assembly of Clans have beaten back the Nephilim hordes, but at a terrible cost. As the shattered governments focus on rebuilding the core worlds, the frontier has descended into lawlessness. Regional governors hold power through force of arms, as humans and Kilrathi alike fight amongst themselves using the weapons of the last war. Privateers, outlaws and worse take advantage of the situation, eager to make a quick credit in the galaxy's most volatile arena...

Q. Can we expect to see any promotional tie-ins with Arena... web presence, Gamer Pics, XBox themes, etc.?
A. All good ideas

-Sauce: http://www.wcnews.com/

Quote:

This game has nothing to do with Wing Commander at all.

Well, hopefully let's pray it doesn't turn out that way. You did mention "trailers" later on; would you care to provide links for those please?

:3

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by ApOcaLyPSe_1985

I agree with your opinion; my conclusion may sound early and stupid to some, especially with a unreleased game like this but from the previews and trailers i've seen this really doesn't look worth the money. Veterans of the WC series all over the world got excited after hearing rumors of EA reviving the series but until now it seems they just decided to buy the license to a space game from some-really-cheap-company-nobody-heard-of and tacked the name "Wing Commander" on it to complete the circle. Again, I admit i'm too early with my conclusions and this game might actually turn out to be fun and something different, but almost everyone expected a combat flightsim that played just like the classic ones: singleplayer, 1st person perspective and bundled with a campaign filled to the edge with missions.

Ofcourse, fans could do it like TonyDaTigger and that is to buy copies of the game to hopefully generate a chance for possible remakes or sequels. It seems to be the best option left.

That's completely different from how I understood your original post. It sounded like you were dismissing it out of hand just because it wasn't WC VI. Yeah, it has a lot going against it, I suppose, but seeing as how it's basically just an XBLA game with a license attached to it, I guess I won't be going in expecting the world from it. It has the potential to be an exciting diversion though, like most of the XBLA games.

Whoa, that's off topic now, ain't it? ;_;

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Quote:

I guess I won't be going in expecting the world from it.

Indeed. Yes I'm looking forward to it, but in all honesty, there's more games for Skills and I to get a good Mecha fixing on - namely Project Sylpheed and Armored Core 4. Having this game in the "inventory" for enjoyment would be a plus (should it really turn out good), but I'm not going to cry over spilled milk if it this game does indeed turn sour.

In honesty, I was doubting what type of reception this game would get, seeing as there is always a certain degree of skeptism, especially for sequels, or games that "follow" a particular gaming franchise in story or in pure game play. So let's just be on the look out in Summer 2007 and then see what the reviews will yield. :3

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Those trailers I meant we're more like gameplay videos. I was looking for the right word back there, my bad

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zb6XCR4INMU

I love it how they shoot asteroids for power-ups.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Wing Commander Arena Pros/Cons IMHO

Pros:

-Wing Commander name and logo alone has spurred a significant amount of attention from old school gamers, hopefully waking up EA to revive and support the franchise.

-The game, standing on it's own two feet looks fun to play. Could have called it Space Commander on XBLA and I would consider dropping coin on it.

-The developers at least seem to really care about the franchise and have SOME knowledge of the universe.

Cons:

-It is NOT what old school WC gamers are expecting from a new title in the franchise.

-The developers are not well known and past efforts have been not impressive to say the least.

Overall, it's worth a shot and I think it's good for the WC community in general. I will try to be optimistic, hopefully its not a universal 3/10 or something. WC needs a success story badly.

EA, if you are listening:

Release Wing Commander 1 and 2 for XBLA.. add campaign co-op so Skills can help me protect the impossible 'Escort the Drayman' missions.

Then charge me 10,000 MS points for it because I will buy it.

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Oh God, the old games with Live co-op would be divine. If only they would listen. ;_;

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.