We've extracted something interesting from the depths of the Wayback Machine. This is a November 1997 chat transcript for a conference with the Wing Commander Prophecy team held by gaming site PsychoNews. These were very special events at the time and the Prophecy team in particular conducted several of them, most of which are sadly lost to history. It's neat to see this one again!
A Chat With the Developers of Wing Commander Prophecy
Recently, PsychoNews, hosted a chat on #PsychoNews between the members of the press and the developers of Wing Commander: Prophecy. Origin is not eager to give up any surprises, but we did manage to get a few tantalizing hints.
Time : 6:30 PM EST - Wednesday, 12th Of November, 1997
WCP Team were :
Frank Roan, Director
Billy Cain, Lead Designer
Mike McCoy, Internet Product Manager for Origin
The Press were ::
CyberGames
Extreme Games Online
Gamesmania
Game-wire
Gamezilla
Impel Productions
Introspection Wing Commander Home Sector
OGR Magazine
PsychoNews
Worlds Of Origin
WOO : Can you give us any clarification about a multiplayer patch and/or addon for WCP?
WCP_Team : We are committed to producing a Wing Commander multiplayer product in the future.
CrazedFan : So what problems delayed the Multiplayer from being in this release?
WCP_Team : We wanted to make sure that everything in Prophecy was the best that it could be, and we felt that we needed to focus on the single player game first and foremost.
Gamezilla : How do you feel about the response to the WCP 3Dfx test, and the 3Dfx card in particular?
WCP_Team : We're really happy with the fan response for the test. It was phenomenal!!
WOO : Will the control be the same as in Privater and the other Wing Commander games or will we half to learn new controls etc. again?
WCP_Team : We have spent a LOT of time optimizing the controls, while at the same keeping our previous game interfaces in mind. We will most resemble WC IV in control scheme.
Gamezilla : How do you feel about the criticism regarding overemphasis of cinematic experience over gameplay?
WCP_Team : We have tried to blur the line between game and cinematic sequences.
WCP_Team : (Boomer says) He was convinced that he was in a movie, and he was getting pounded!
ExGames1 : I have two questions, one being when is the game release date? Two: will there be more or less cinematics in this version than the others?
WCP_Team : That's the goal.
WCHS : Will the final game utilize joystick control, like the 4-way hat for external views, that seemed to be lacking in the 3Dfx test demo? Specialized controls like throttle, hats, etc...
WCP_Team : We have not locked down final controls yet.
ExGames2 : WCP, in last month's CGW there is a gentleman named Mark Day referred to as the producer. Is he working in conjunction with Mr. Downing?
WCP_Team : He's the producer of the video portion of the game, as well as helping out with other areas of the game's production
Gamezilla : Were there any features that you specifically endeavored to change in WCP that bothered you in WC4?
WCP_Team : Less searching for characters on the ships. Everything in the game has been optimized as much as possible.
WCHS : Will there be a large public release party when WCP is released?
WCP_Team : Everyone will be dancing in the streets!
Gamezilla : And can we come? :)
WCP_Team : Sure, you can all come!
Gamesmania : Will any stars be at the party? Can we beat up Maniac?
Gamezilla : Speaking of the Maniac, we he be in WCP, and how big of a role?
WCP_Team : Maniac will be back, as well as others... :)
Gamesmania : What kind of system do you estimate you'll need to run Prophecy?
WCP_Team : Users with high end systems will be extremely impressed. Users with lower end systems will still have fun
WCHS : Will we be able to get medals and promotions like in WC1? And what factors in to getting a medal/promotion?
WCP_Team : There may be some surprises!
WCHS : Does the 3Dfx demo have a feature to display framerate?
WCP_Team : Sorry, we left that out. That would have been a good idea. Thanks for the suggestion
WCHS : Will we see any of the Kilrathi in WCP
WCP_Team : Yes, but we're not saying in what way. :)
Gamezilla : Will there possibly be Playstation or Nintendo 64 conversions?
WCP_Team : Anything's possible; thanks for letting us know there's interest!
Gamesmania : Can you give us an idea of what the state of the Kilrathi is? When we last saw them, they look pretty down and out. What's been happening in the meantime?
WCP_Team : Now that would be a spoiler, right? :)
WCHS : With both a orchestral soundtrack and a industrial soundtrack for WCP...where will we see orchestral music (and who is composing it?) and where will we see the industrial music (like in the 3Dfx demo?)
WCP_Team : Orchestral in the main campaign. The Cobalt 60 tracks will be in there. You'll find them.
Gamezilla : What do you feel about the growing size of internet demos (not just yours of course)? A lot of complaints about this one.
WCP_Team : We do everything we can to keep our demos small but when you create the type of Worlds that Origin does it takes a lot to keep our fans happy!
Gamesmania : Will Origin offer any kind of add-ons, like the secret missions disks, or new missions?
WCP_Team : We're considering all possibilities.
WCHS : We there be a WCP "Premiere Edition"? If so, what will it contain that is unique from the normal boxed version?
WCP_Team : There will be a Deluxe Edition at Sam's and PriceCostco.It will include a hint pamphlet and a CD Single from Cobalt 60 (Co6o).
WCHS : Will there be a way to capture action from the game in a way like Quake demos or the X-Wing or Tie Fighter film room?
WCP_Team : There's a lot of good ideas for the game, but only so much time. We'll keep it in mind.
ExGames1 : WCP_Team wondering if you could field that question. Why isn't there a screen shot hot key? it would help sell your game as people could take shots and show their friends/audience?
WCP_Team : We have one in the plan. It was disabled in the demo. Sorry :(
Gamezilla : Is there a randomized enemy feature, as in Privateer 2?
WCP_Team : Please be more specific. What do you mean by that?
Gamezilla : When you hyper-jump to a new area in P2 there may be 2 enemies or 20. It made the game overly difficult, to my way of thinking.
WCP_Team : We have gone through great lengths to balance this game experience we think you'll be challenged but not overwhelmed. :)
OGR : Will Wingmen be treated like the previous WC games space combat-wise?
WCP_Team : We believe that the name "Wing Commander" is integral to the experience. So look for even more interaction with them. Can anyone say "Killboard?"
WOO : Will damage to the Midway carry over from mission to mission? And will it be visible during combat flight from the exterior?
WCP_Team : We think you'll be pleasantly surprised with what you experience and see!
ExGames1 : WCP_Team any ideas on how many CDs this game will be on?
WCP_Team : We've stuffed 3 CDs with more game than Wing 3 or 4. (Are we allowed to say that?) :)
Gamesmania : Can you select Wingmen? Or do you have to take what you're given by Blair?
WCP_Team : Since you're no longer the Heart of the Tiger, you may have to make do with what you're given. This has allowed us to better the entire experience.
ExGames2 : How much influence did Syd Mead have on the final design of the new alien race... or is the design 'final' yet?
WCP_Team : We have based our alien designs off Syd's initial sketches and design docs.
Gamesmania : How easy will it be to modify the code to make our own ships, missions...Is Origin going to encourage this sort of thing?
WCP_Team : Editing the game: We do not discourage it. But it's far from easy to modify.
Psycho : Will there be IPX support for Multiplayer ?
WCP_Team : We will deliver the richest gameplay possible, on whatever system will support it.
Gamesmania : Are we going to see multiple endings in this game? And what about role-playing decisions?
WCP_Team : Most role-playing happens in spaceflight, based upon your performance...
iWCHS : What about the number of enemy ships?
Wing Commander Prophecy
WCP_Team : Number of ships: There's a LOT more than there has been in the past.
ExGames2 : There is mention of "Dolby Pro Logic" technology... will this be traditional (4 channel) or the so-called 'Digital' (5.1)?
WCP_Team : Traditional
Gamesmania : Can you give us a rough number? Confed vs. Mysterious Aliens?
WCP_Team : You will be seriously outnumbered at times. :)
iWCHS : What about a simultaneous international release? Will that happen?
WCP_Team : There is a plan for a simultaneous international release.
Psycho : What other projects did this team work on ?
WCP_Team : Team members have worked on everything from Strike Commander, Armada, Wing 2, 3, 4, Academy...
The developers didn't have long to chat, and made it a quick interview. Although we would love to know more about Propecy (don't call it Wing Commander V) and the developer's coyness may be a little frustrating for fans, and least they aren't over-hyping their game. For more information, check out Origin's Wing Commander Prophecy page.
Gamesmania would like to thank Lorien of PsychoNews for the invite.
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