CliffyB Speaks Exclusively to SPOnG

SPOnG recently caught up with Epic Games’ lead designer and games industry hearthrob Cliff Bleszinski, known to all and sundry as CliffyB, the man responsible for Microsoft’s PS3-killer Gears of War (the 360 game that's set to ship on the same day as Sony’s next gen launch).

Gears of War, as you really must know by now, is the Xbox 360’s answer to Halo – the machine’s first shooter with the sheer presence, sophistication, production values and gameplay design to drive sales of Microsoft’s next-gen box.

Surprisingly enough, we found CliffyB to be an ego-free, affable chap with a nice line in dry wit. You can see our full interview in the coming days here on SPOnG, but meanwhile here are a few teasers to keep you on your toes.

Firstly, Cliff unmasked Gears of War's previously shadowy in-game character called the Cole Train: “One of my favourite characters in the game you meet a few hours into the campaign; his name is Augustus Cole aka the 'Cole Train', a former Thrashball player who is now throwing grenades instead of balls. Generally speaking, the more fun he’s having, the more trouble you’re in!”

Next up, when asked if Epic have any contact with, or are planning any collaboration with neighbours Bungie, Bleszinski told us, “Bungie and Epic have quarterly beach volleyball tournaments that look right out of the movie Top Gun.”

Nothing like a good old game of beach volleyball to keep the inter uber-developer rivalry simmering!

Finally, we quizzed him over the origin of the phrase ‘roadie-running’ which was unsurprisingly based on rock concert roadies :”They take care of all the technical stuff onstage and wear black and prefer if you didn’t notice them. When they have to move onstage they do a crouching run, much like a soldier, which is why this move was dubbed the 'Roadie Run.'”

You can see the full interview with CliffyB on SPOnG in the coming days. If we're in a good mood tomorrow, we might feed you a few more scraps and titbits to keep you going.