Konami Drops Hints About 'Oz' - But No Sign Of Dorothy
New fantasy action title to be unveiled at TGS
Konami has today made an announcement regarding an announcement it will make at TGS, alluding to its previously mysterious (now just slightly curious) PS2 project: tentatively titled Oz. Although this is only a working title, the folk at IGN are sure that the name will bear relevance to the content of the game.
The only details revealed thus far are that there will be three main characters exploring a fantastical environment in a 3D action type way. Given that Oz is in development with the crew behind Suikoden III, a few RPG elements could also be reasonably expected.
If the name ‘Oz’ is of importance, four things spring to mind. The first is that the game is set in Australia: although frankly, that doesn’t seem like the sort of detail that a whole game could be hinged around. The second guess would be that it’s based on the Channel 4 franchised late night prison-drama of the same name. One glance at the screenshot puts that idea immediately to rest. Another suggestion is that the game will focus on units of imperial measurement (in which case, we'd reckon Konami's losing its touch). So what we’re left with is probably the most likely link: that this new Konami game will be loosely based on The Wizard Of Oz?
It is only speculation, and the screenshot is testament to the fact that it’s not a direct adaptation. However, if the 3 characters were to reflect the relevant skills and inadequacies of the tinman, the lion and the scarecrow: perhaps assisting a NPC equivalent of Dorothy, then that could make for an interesting dynamic in a team based adventure title. If that is the case, there will be some interesting and inevitable comparisons to American McGee's Oz - which is also supposed to be based on the Wizard's exploits. However, nothing has been heard McGee's title for quite some time: with no publisher confirmed for an Xbox outing, after Atari pulled out well over a year ago. Could this be a related project?
Anyhow, the truth will be uncovered soon enough: with a full explanation from Konami expected at TGS. Stay posted!
The only details revealed thus far are that there will be three main characters exploring a fantastical environment in a 3D action type way. Given that Oz is in development with the crew behind Suikoden III, a few RPG elements could also be reasonably expected.
If the name ‘Oz’ is of importance, four things spring to mind. The first is that the game is set in Australia: although frankly, that doesn’t seem like the sort of detail that a whole game could be hinged around. The second guess would be that it’s based on the Channel 4 franchised late night prison-drama of the same name. One glance at the screenshot puts that idea immediately to rest. Another suggestion is that the game will focus on units of imperial measurement (in which case, we'd reckon Konami's losing its touch). So what we’re left with is probably the most likely link: that this new Konami game will be loosely based on The Wizard Of Oz?
It is only speculation, and the screenshot is testament to the fact that it’s not a direct adaptation. However, if the 3 characters were to reflect the relevant skills and inadequacies of the tinman, the lion and the scarecrow: perhaps assisting a NPC equivalent of Dorothy, then that could make for an interesting dynamic in a team based adventure title. If that is the case, there will be some interesting and inevitable comparisons to American McGee's Oz - which is also supposed to be based on the Wizard's exploits. However, nothing has been heard McGee's title for quite some time: with no publisher confirmed for an Xbox outing, after Atari pulled out well over a year ago. Could this be a related project?
Anyhow, the truth will be uncovered soon enough: with a full explanation from Konami expected at TGS. Stay posted!
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Comments
Joji 13 Sep 2004 18:14
1/1
Damn weird subject for a game, but then again maybe not. Would be laugh to really drop that house on Dorothy. Splat!
Who knows what it is, we'll just have t wait and see.
Who knows what it is, we'll just have t wait and see.