Humanity has always been fascinated by the possibility of encountering extraterrestrial life. The anticipation of what these beings might look like has captivated our imaginations for centuries. In the world of gaming, the designers at Firaxis faced the challenge of reimagining 18-year-old character concepts for a modern audience in XCOM: Enemy Unknown. We had the opportunity to speak with Firaxis Lead Designer Jake Solomon and Lead Artist Greg Foertsch about the process of designing the aliens in the game.
The Sectoids: A Familiar Encounter
The Sectoid is the first alien encounter in XCOM: Enemy Unknown, making it a crucial design to get right. Foertsch explains that they wanted players to buy into the game’s universe from the start, so nailing the design of the Sectoid was essential. They took inspiration from the original character design but aimed to make it more visually appealing and captivating for players.
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They initially considered making the Sectoid taller, with an elongated look. However, after exploring different design options, they decided to go with a smaller, emaciated appearance. Foertsch mentions that watching Aeon Flux at the time influenced their decisions. The final design stayed true to the original look, ensuring the Sectoid’s visibility in the game, especially in dark environments, by incorporating a glowing light to draw attention.
The Mighty Mutons: Intergalactic Warriors
Designing the Mutons was a challenge due to their need to appear menacing yet distinctive. Foertsch explains that they wanted the Mutons to be instantly recognizable. Initial designs leaned towards an orcish appearance, but they felt it was too reminiscent of other fantasy creatures. They wanted the Mutons to have a tribal and physically imposing presence.
As they worked on the character, Foertsch and the team decided to make the Mutons more ape-like and primal. They adjusted their proportions, making them wider and hunched over, enhancing their sense of strength and brutal nature. Solomon emphasizes that the Mutons serve as the foil for the player, representing elite military units capable of setting up strategic maneuvers and providing combat bonuses to their allies with their Blood Call ability.
Cyberdiscs: The Enigmatic Tech
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The Cyberdisc is a fascinating enemy in XCOM: Enemy Unknown, thanks to its enigmatic nature. Solomon describes it as a mysterious character that doesn’t reveal much about itself visually or audibly. The team wanted to emphasize this enigma in the design. They explored different possibilities and eventually settled on the idea of the Cyberdisc being packed with technology that defies reality.
When the Cyberdisc opens up to attack, it unravels and reveals a more menacing and vulnerable form. This transformation provides players with gameplay benefits, as the closed Cyberdisc is harder to hit, while the open form becomes vulnerable but possesses healing abilities and tank-like strength.
The Thin Man: Unnerving Infiltrators
The Thin Man is a new addition to the XCOM universe, drawing inspiration from the concept of monsters among us and the intrigue of UFO lore. The design team aimed to create a character that was unnaturally tall and slender, with unsettling movements and a few too many joints. Their goal was to make players feel both unnerved and intrigued by the Thin Man’s presence.
Foertsch explains that the Thin Man’s animations were designed to be reserved yet captivating, with elongated figures inspired by the aesthetics of Aeon Flux. The Thin Man’s appearance is deliberately covered up, but subtle hints like discoloration in the wrists suggest that he is not a perfect copy of a human. Solomon adds that the Thin Man’s unnerving abilities include leaping multiple stories and using poison as a weapon, further emphasizing the mismatch between its internal and external characteristics.
FAQs
Q: Where can I find more information about XCOM: Enemy Unknown?
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A: For more information about XCOM: Enemy Unknown, visit the official Wqaindia website here.
Q: Are there other notable enemies in XCOM: Enemy Unknown?
A: Yes, XCOM: Enemy Unknown features a variety of enemies, each with their unique designs and abilities. Check out the game to discover more!
Q: Can I play as the aliens in XCOM: Enemy Unknown?
A: In XCOM: Enemy Unknown, you take on the role of the commander of an elite military organization fighting against the alien invasion. While you cannot play as the aliens, you’ll have the opportunity to face off against them and strategize your way to victory.
Conclusion
Designing the aliens in XCOM: Enemy Unknown was no simple task, but Firaxis managed to breathe new life into these 18-year-old character concepts. The Sectoids, Mutons, Cyberdiscs, and Thin Men all bring their unique challenges and contributions to the game. The careful consideration of their visual designs, movements, and abilities makes for a captivating and immersive gameplay experience. Make sure to check out XCOM: Enemy Unknown to see these incredible alien creatures in action!
Nguồn: https://wqaindia.org
Danh mục: Tin tức
