Factor 5 returns to Nintendo...

[RivenWinner]

Well, seems like things change.


http://wii.ign.com/articles/845/845353p1.html


Factor 5 is currently working on at least one, non VC game for the Nintendo Wii. Can't wait to see what they'll have up their sleeves, as it should be a Wii powerhouse game, considering they help create the GCN hardware in conjunction with Nintendo, and the fact that much of that lives on within the Wii.

[cubeenigma]

so whats their next PS3 exclusive title after they bitched at nintendo and said that the ps3 would be their console choice?

that was them right?

well they did good stuff with the gc architecture so they will hopefully work their magic on the wii

[JValone]

Please, someone stop them from including motion controls or ground combat in that game. Factor 5 is only good at a very specific style of games: SW flight shooters. To be honest, I'm not even sure that this should be considered that big of a deal. Lair flopped because it was awful, Factor 5 probably couldn't afford another letdown like that (even though it wasn't Sony's fault) so they came back to Nintendo's fan base that had made them something of a commodity in the first place.

But after Rebel Stike and Lair I have close to zero confidence in their ability to make anything but sci-fi flight shooters. Obviously I'd love for them to prove me wrong but right now they're just a B-level dev house that got overhyped by Nintendo fans during the GC era much like Silicon Knights. Thank goodness Nintendo's in first place again, all the undeserved hype seems to be a thing of the past now that the fan base isn't in constant defense mode.

[Kinslayer]

Cube: Yeah, that was them. They left Nintendo to create the oh so stellar Lair.

[cubeenigma]

Cube: Yeah, that was them. They left Nintendo to create the oh so stellar Lair.

but were they the ones that went to go PS3 exclusive, not just to make one exclusive

edit Turrican Prime?

hahah jk but maybe?

[Brian-AMN]

Well, I don't know about their ability to implement good motion controls, but one thing we do know is that this game will be PRETTY! Based on what F5 did on Gamecube, I expect them to set a new high bar in the graphics department for Wii. Now, if only the game doesn't suck....

[thegamecubist]

I LOLed when I heard this news. I mean, I like Factor 5 and all, but they should have shut their mouth way back when.

At the very least well have a Wii game that will put SMG to shame, graphically.

[dowser22]

I don't really blame them for leaving. This is a business after all and everyone thought that PS3 was where the money way. So I don't blame them for coming back since the Wii is the #1 console now. I know one thing for sure though. The graphics and sound will push the Wii.

[Jeff K]

Remember my teasing about a month ago about knowing a developer and a game?

This is the developer. :D

Cube you're right they were the mouthy chumps that tanked with Lair.

JV: Hate to break it to you, but futuristic and shooting in the sense of Star Wars is definitely not even in the same ballpark...night and day. Though, there will be a type of aiming and shooting for sure in this adventure of a game coming.

...and yes I can't wait to see how this one shapes up. I can only imagine with what is done so far on the game it could pop up for the crap hollow shell of what remains of E3 or another like show from its better days.

...and dowser22 the PS3 was never where the money was as it was well known to cost dev'rs a heap to work with, knew it would cost consumers a lot, and it was getting crapped on well before being out of the gate. Doing Lair and jumping ship was risky and stupid.

[JValone]

What about Star Wars isn't futuristic? Yeah, it's a "Long time ago" but the kind of technology seen in those films is definitely in the far flung future of humanity (if we ever reach that level at all). Plus I said flight shooters, how else would you describe a flying game where your primary goal is to shoot/destroy enemies?

Nonetheless my point remains, Factor 5 has yet to prove (not counting some possible SNES/Genesis game I don't know about) they can make a decent game that isn't flight-based and using the Star Wars license. When they do that I'll care.

[Jeff K]

I'm saying the game is not futuristic based, not like Star Wars, which they're well known for.

And actually they did the Indiana Jones Greatest Adventures and the 3 Star Wars 'Super' titles all for the SNES in the day. They were a mix of like 80% platformer, 20% Mode7 Flight/angular track based course (mining car.)

[Lucas]

You know what I want? I want another Rouge Squadron game that isn't based on the damn movies. Battle for Naboo was a weak game because the source material was weak (Episode I) and the game was too much for the N64 hardware. Rouge Leader is a great game for reproducing the movie battles as good as it is possible to do, regardless of hardware. They nailed it, flat out. Rebel Strike was an alright follow-up, but the ground missions made it feel soggy and half-assed, plus they were still clinging to those movie ties again.

The original Star Wars Rouge Squadron was a masterpiece for one reason. It may not have been the most technologically polished, and it may not have been as long as the GameCube follow-ups, but because the game used the Star Wars novels as a backdrop, Facor 5 was liberated to follow whatever path they wanted for the level design, style, and presentation. Dialog was interesting because it wasn't just lifted from the movie, and if you hadn't read the book beforehand, you didn't always know what was going happen before even starting the mission. The game felt fresh and new instead of a predictable thrill ride like the Star Tours at Disneyland (which kicks ass, but that's beside the point).

If Factor 5 would go back to their roots with the original Rouge Squadron, we could be in for a kick-ass game, but it will likely be some motion controlled trainwreck like Lair. Seriously, Factor 5 is coming home to the machine where this is an everyday occurrence rather than an irregular fluke. I'm not expecting much, and even if I do get what I want, there is a good chance that the platform's controls (and Factor 5's proven inability to properly utilize motion control) will still ruin it

[rogue_gamecube]

Oh, how far the mighty have fallen...

Just like a multi-ton flying lizard, right into the side of a medieval castle... over, and over, again...

--~

[RivenWinner]

wait, so Jeff, do you something about this project? Or are you just speculating?

[Darc Requiem]

Before Rogue Squadron 3 and Lair were released I'd be excited by this prospect. Unfortunately this news comes after those titles have been released. I used to be stoked for Thornado, if it is the game in question and it sounds like it is. I hope they don't screw it up royally.

[Jeff K]

I know for a fact about the project. I know the who (which is this topic) and I know the what, and a very shaky 'when' too. Needless to say it should be damn well highly welcomed.

I'll just say that certain quite recently former employees of one company joined another and spilled the beans. Those spilt beans ended up rolling off the table into my lap. I just publicly disclose this in the small chance it can blow back and get someone fired and/or sued as it's obviously not public domain.

I've dropped a few random hints in this thread and others when Factor 5 speculation popped up before. But as I said, it's not Star Wars or a 'future' project at all...neither is it a flight sim. I have no real gameplay specifics, but going by what I know of what it is based on and similar games to that it should be one hell of a very appreciated wild ride and soon enough in a way you'll end up getting a taste.


...and no it's not Thornado, any Turrican sequel/spinoff, it's not Lair related, not Star Wars, and not Indiana Jones either (as they did both Lucas things in 2D on SNES and 3D on N64/GC.) While they may have blown pretty badly Rogue3 outside of flight mode and Lair pretty much entirely, they've had a VERY strong track record beforehand.


Oh hey I just read that IGN bit too...they are right about Pilotwings, and I do recall them shelving it when they jumped ship. It would be nice if this game they're doing now does it for them and Nintendo gives em a green flag to resurrect and ugprade that to Wii... motion controls on a flight sim of Pilotwings nature would kick serious ass. I recall the jet pack using 2 hand pieces, they had the auto gyro on stick, and the hang glider and parachute use both hands too...would be smart.

[RivenWinner]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing Jeff.



I think I have still have some Thornado MP3s on my computer that I downloaded off their website a few years back when that game was still in development.

[Jeff K]

Just wish i could say more and it is pitiful I can not, but someone could end up KIlled either in employment if not some very painful legal issues.

[Link]

You know what would be great? Factor 5 making the next Star Fox. It could potentially resuscitate both the developer and the franchise.

[Jeff K]

Yes that would be nice too, but note quite. :)

[RivenWinner]

interesting hints you've been dropping us Jeff. I'm trying to put them all together lol.

[Kinslayer]

but someone could end up KIlled

OMG clue?

[JValone]

Kid Icarus!!!!! Alright, I know it's probably not Kid Icarus but since we're speculating on a future game for a Nintendo platform it's mandatory to bring that franchise up. Although I'd like to state, for like the hundredth time, I am probably the only Nintendo fan in the world who could care less if that series ever gets revived.

I totally misunderstood the post I commented on Jeff, I didn't realize you were commenting on the new game and not the Rogue titles.

[Jeff K]

It's no biggie...I knew it was, which is why I just wanted to clear it up.

[Lucas]

Threads like this are always so funny.

[Link]

Yes that would be nice too, but note quite. :)

Oh, I know, I was just thinking about the future.

[rogue_gamecube]

Huh... I'd never expect Factor 5 to do a title like 'that', but... I guess anything's possible at this rate.

I would still LOVE to see another SW flight sim from them before the Wii reaches the end of its life span.

--~

[Jeff K]

Well considering how Namco f'd it up that bad, and Nintendo is looking to do stuff internally or with extremely trusted developers and/or 2nd parties I'd say it's possible seeing how the ROGUE series was handled.


Funny I think is a bit of a stronG stretcH for sure lucas, buT in a sick way yes it iS...but More so sad sincE just coming out and saying it woulD be to place one in a large hUrtbox. if i can drop a few hintS to get the point Across without directly sAying, then there is No harm, no foul as it's just fans takinG guesses and the only othEr way it can reaLly get done is a pm and that'S boring.

[RivenWinner]

ok, im getting some of these clues together, but either I'm doing something wrong or I'm just confused (or stupid, or perhaps all there, lol)

come on people, let's do this

lol

anyway, I'm going to sleep. it's late lol


EDIT: Nevermind. I got it. boy this is going to be awesome

[rogue_gamecube]

^^ Clever. It's a good thing Google can fill in the spaces of my childhood which forgot certain signature phrases.

Riven, it's not hard. And it's not Killer Instinct ;).

--~

[Jeff K]

Hah hush you. :P I'm not making it hard, but I'm just not going to say it, due to the obvious.

[Link]

Maybe it could fill a pit in the Nintendo lineup...

[John35]

Kid Icarus announced for the Wii by Jeff K, developed by none other than Factor 5. Is that easy enough for y'all? :)

[rogue_gamecube]

^ permaban'd

--~

[MikeWolfskin]

Kid Icarus announced for the Wii by Jeff K, developed by none other than Factor 5. Is that easy enough for y'all? :)

whould be one of the first times I would care what they do in a long ass age time!

[RivenWinner]

no yeah, i got it. I edited my post and said I did. It was just really late at night and i wasnt thinking to well, but yeah, easy clues. ( good ones too)

[Jeff K]

Hush you. I announce nothing, I'm just hint dropping.

[Brian-AMN]

Woah! I've been waiting for this one for a while! If it is the game we're all thinking, I had expected this to go to Retro, not Factor 5. Still good though!

[Stymie]

A while back, there was this thread about a rumour that a huge IP was coming back on the Wii (can't seem to find it now). And that the IP was being handled by a third party. I recall speculating that it was Factor 5 because Eggbrecht (or however-the-nuts you spell his name) was bringing up that fact he wanted to develop a game for the Wii in the media on a regular basis. I figured it might have been Rogue Squadron but not Kid Icarus. If you happen to recall, Jeff, does this discussion at all have anything to do with/is related in any way to that thread?

In any case, good news all around. If Kid Icarus in Smash Bros. is any indication of the art style that the game is taking, my anticipation for this game is brought down a notch.

[RivenWinner]

This game will have its own art style and production values, don't you worry. Smash Bros is different. It's just taking characters from all over the place and putting them together, creating bits and stages that go along with them.....and in many cases to some characters that have not been seen or really appeared in their own game in quite some time.

rest assured, it will have its own art style

[Jeff K]

I don't remember anything about that Factor 5 discussion about doing something regularly with the Wii media. I do recall though the stuff about bringing back 'dead' franchises neglected from the 2D era though clearly.

I just know what I dropped hints about in here with basic coded text. I mean there's a small chance the source was being screwed with by their source, but considering the environment I seriously doubt it. I'd say something of this interest should get a nod at some trade show this year for sure as it's just too much to keep under wraps for to long.