Check Out SpyParty's New Graphical Look
By Joseph Christ on August 27th, 2012 (11 comments)
We're all used to seeing SpyParty having a particular bare-bones look that puts its compelling gameplay above graphical prowess. It was a great way to initially showcase the title and allow us to fall in love with foundation of what makes it great.
Well now SpyParty is moving beyond its 1996 Flight-Simulator look and into the new age with the help of animator John Cimino -previously of Maxis- who's been working with Chris Hecker on SpyParty in secret since September 2011.
"We spent a ton of time trying to figure out the best possible art style for the game," Hecker told Joystiq. "We really wanted the art style to reflect the same level of subtlety that the gameplay has. I didn't want it to be too realistic or too exaggerated, and I think we hit it on this really nice, call it naturalistic or illustrative – they look like illustrations. I'm super excited."
Things are still a long way off. These new models won't be implemented for awhile giving those of us who have grown attached to the stark-colored placeholder characters a little more time to enjoy them. The new designs will be on display at PAX, however, in the form of 7 foot tall banners showcasing the new art at the SpyParty booth.
As a visual direction, I think it's a great step for SpyParty. These new models have a great ability to seem timeless, yet give off that cloak-and-dagger visage that SpyParty is known for.
We emplore everyone who's at PAX to give SpyParty a shot if you haven't already. More than likely you'll see us hanging out around that booth at some point in the weekend. And if you don't see us there, then just tell Chris Hecker that 4Player Podcast sent you.
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Joseph Christ
Joseph Christ is the Reviews Editor and a Podcast Personality at 4Player. Specializing in reviews, editorials, drinking, and saying inappropriate things about gaming franchises that are beloved by millions, his satirical and sometimes edgy style offsets a more serious and penetrating substance lurking below the surface. He is also the host of the Cocktail Time Podcast. You'll follow his Twitter if you know what's good for you.
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Fancy Schmancy.
Link / ReplyI got to try this at Evolution this year (At a fighting game tournament, no less) and spent maybe an hour playing it. Trying to fool someone into thinking you're an NPC, or looking for those little twitches that you think would give a player away, made for a very entertaining multiplayer experience.
Link / ReplyThis is pretty much exactly what I thought it would look like when Chris Hecker said he wanted to go for a "timeless" look back in his interview with Nolan. The fact that many people were willing to pay for Spy Party in it's current form (even before the beta was opened) shows that the gameplay elements are strong enough to carry Spy Party great distances. This art direction is just the decadent icing on the delicious cake that is Spy Party.
Link / ReplyDamn, I'm even more excited about checking out the Spy Party Both at PAX.
Link / ReplyThis game looks ridiculously fun, cant wait to try it out myself or watch you guys play.
Link / ReplyOh man I love itttt
Link / ReplyI like it. I think it will help draw a lot more attention to this game.
Link / ReplyIs that Malorie Archer!?
Link / ReplyThose look great. Definitely carries on the previous vibe, rather than changing it.
Link / Replyit's a relief they're not making actions too noteworthy while still updating the visuals but i can't help but wonder if they're adding blood effects or bullet holes to the mix...
Link / ReplyWhoa, I'm digging this look, classy, simple, stylized. I liked the original look of spyparty despite it being barebones and mostly blocky and the game looked like it was played in a 3ds max viewport. I think the style holds appeal and can't wait to see the maps and environments.
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