Frontlines: Fuel of War
| Frontlines: Fuel of War | |
|---|---|
| File:Ffow.gif | |
| Developer(s) | Kaos Studios |
| Publisher(s) | THQ |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 3.0 |
| Platform(s) | Xbox 360, Windows, PlayStation 3 |
| Release | February 12, 2008 [1][2] Spring 2008 (PS3)[1] |
| Genre(s) | First-person shooter, Action |
| Mode(s) | Single player, Multiplayer (Up to 64-Player via PC Internet or Lan or 32-Player via Xbox Live and PlayStation Network) |
Frontlines: Fuel of War is a first-person shooter game which is set to be released in 2008 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Windows. It is being produced by Kaos Studios, previously known as Trauma Studios who produced Desert Combat, a Battlefield 1942 modification before Digital Illusions CE purchased the studio and later shut them down when Digital Illusions CE was bought by EA.
Frontlines: Fuel of War is set in a dystopian 2024 in the midst of a global energy crisis. As supplies of oil and natural gas wane, diplomatic relationships between the East and West were strained, causing new alliances to be formed. The two major alliances in the Frontlines era are the Western Coalition, consisting of the United States and the European Union, and the Red Star Alliance, made up of Russia and the People's Republic of China. As the last oil fields start to go dry, the countries move to secure what resources are left, leading to several small outbreaks that turn quickly into full scale war.
Gameplay
The gameplay focuses on a central mechanic, the frontline. This is designed to keep the action in one place, by focusing objectives closer together on the battlefield. The frontline also has bonuses. By moving it back and forth across the battlefield, the player may gain or lose weapons and equipment.[3] The frontline mechanic will be used in all gametypes, which forces players to choose which objectives they will pursue or defend, adding a tactical level to the gameplay.
The UAV Drone will play a crucial role in gathering information in real time on the battlefield. The drone will reconnoiter enemy units, which are visible through walls, and then show them on the player's HUD and map. It can also be used as a kamikaze bomb, by running it into enemy infantry and self destructing it.[3]
Three other drones have been confirmed, the Assault Drone, a small treaded vehicle with a mounted Gatling gun, a Mortar Drone, with a mounted four barrelled mortar, and the RC drone, which can be packed with C4 and used to destroy armoured targets.[4][3]
In an interview, Kaos stated that there will be more than 60 vehicles and weapons in the final game.[3] For further information, Frontlines Warfare, an independent fansite, has pages on both vehicles and weapons.
Airstrikes will also play a large part in gameplay, being an effective way to destroy an opposing force from a distance.[3]
From the screenshots of the game, several vehicles may be included in the game, including attack helicopters, tanks and fast attack vehicles.[3] Some useful information regarding vehicles can be found here
In an interview with developer Joe Halper, Kaos has stated that 32 player multiplayer will be supported for the console versions.[3] The PC version of the game will support 64 players online.[3] The game will not support cross-platform play, but the developers have stated that they are considering eventually moving the franchise towards becoming a Live Anywhere title.[5]
Unit Classes
There are six unit classes in total, and four different roles. The classes range from sniper to shotgunner to rifleman, and are designed to cater to all needs that may arise in combat. The six classes are the Assault class, the Heavy Assault class, the Sniper class, the Anti-Vehicle class, the Special Ops class, and the Close Combat class.
The roles are as follows: Ground Support, EMP tech, Drone Tech, and Air Support. The roles are upgradeable thrice, in an RPG style twist.
The levels will presumably unlock better equipment, and make the player harder to kill.[3]
Frontlines Warfare, an independent fansite, has articles on both roles and classes
Frontlines also has an interesting bonus role. It is Artillery Support. This bonus role requires the player to scout out positions and mark the area in the mission. To unlock this bonus you must finish the game on the hardest level of gameplay.
Alternate Gameplay
THQ recently announced the launch of an alternate reality game (ARG) for Frontlines: Fuel of War in order to promote the game via the website http://www.exeoinc.com. Visitors are challenged to unearth the mystery surrounding Exeo Incorporated by finding ten passwords scattered across the net. Once players find all ten, they qualify for real fighter-pilot training at Air Combat USA, plus a free copy of Frontlines: Fuel of War.
References
- ^ http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=15952
- ^ http://planetfrontlines.gamespy.com/fullstory.php?id=145189
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Frontlines: Fuel of War Interview". Shacknews. Retrieved 2007-06-24.
- ^ "Frontlines: Fuel of War Drones". Frontlines Warfare. Retrieved 2007-06-24.
- ^ "Mitch Gross Interviewed!". Planet Frontlines. Retrieved 2007-10-31.
See also
External links
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