Matchman

Ah, so this is how our phosphoric hero will save the day – a mix of shooting and platforming (think Gunstar Heroes, only a tad less hardcore). “Matchman abandons the tension normally found in a shooter, replacing it with more vivid ideas,” Shao explains. By “vivid”, we can only assume Shao’s referring to TF-H’s decision to add “factors of classical fairytale to the game, making a shooting game filled with humour.” So Metal Slug meets the Brothers Grimm? There’s certainly a terrific pick ‘n’ mix of villainy to choose from. “The bosses of every scenario [are] characters from fairytales: the wolf from Little Red Riding Hood, and the queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Shao describes one encounter that sees you lobbing apples into the belly of Russian folklore nasty Baba Yaga, in attempt to burst her open from the inside. Shrek it ain’t.

And DS is only the start of Matchman’s world conquest. Look ahead to mid 2009 and a Wii version is set to dazzle. “The Wii version is actually Matchman 2, continuing the story where the DS version left off,” says Shao. “But unlike the DS version it’ll be an action RPG and in full 3D. The Wii remote will be the major weapon controller, taking a similar idea of item emulation to manipulate.” Shao certainly paints an intriguing picture, and we can’t wait to see more. Whether stylus- or remote-led, it would seem evil has met its match.

Far from setting himself alight to burn ne’er-do-wells, combat in Matchman focuses on what Shao refers to as “emulation manipulation” – that is, the replicating of item actions on the touchpad. The obvious is pulling and aiming a bow. But some items are still a mystery. “Heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, magnetic cannons – every weapon has a unique operation and function,” says Shao. “And every weapon has various types of ammo, including ignited arrows and smoke grenades.” Add nunchucks to the mix and the Big Bad Wolf better crack out the Kevlar. My, what gaping wounds you have…

Aug 11, 2008