Recently I got to get the latest news on the pending video game adaptation of the original Uwe Boll movie Tunnel Rats: 1969. Since Boll made his mark on video game based films, we decided to get the scoop into his first entry into gaming. I want to thank Stephan Beier the games producer as well as Uwe for answering my questions
GVK: What is the background and setting for the game and how does it tie in with the events of the film?
The game is developed after the movie story. The player starts the game with the mission to rescue the crew from the movie. He has to fight Vietcong in the jungle and in the tunnels, disarm or avoid their traps, to follow the tracks of the original crew.
GVK: What can you tell us about the A.I. in the game as well as the gaming engine being used?
The game uses the Replay engine that brings the complete feature set of a next-gen engine. The A.I. was especially important to me, because shitty A.I. ruins every game. That’s why the A.I. in Tunnelrats not only reacts to sounds, lights, impacts, and visual contact with the player, but also coordinates their attacking, pursuing and covering operations.
GVK: What are some of the locales gamers will see in the game?
The whole game plays in the historic Cú Chi valley. The player will explore jungle, rice fields, caves, temple ruins, burned villages, and obviously tunnels.
GVK: What are some of the weapons players will use and will they be able to use vehicles?
We researched which weapons were actually used in the Vietnam War and put most of them in the hands of the player. There are going to be M16s and AK47s, Grenades, Knives, pistols, shotguns, grenade throwers, and even a flame thrower. No vehicles though.
GVK: What forms of multiplay will the game include?
None, the player is all on his own as his chopper gets shot down and he starts the game as the only survivor of the rescue squad. I thought the storytelling fits perfect for a pure single player game.
GVK: What have been some of the biggest challenges and rewards in crafting the game and the biggest rewards?
The biggest challenge was developing the game in such a short amount of time. The biggest reward is that Replay achieved a well rounded game that is a lot of fun to play.
GVK: Which systems is the game scheduled to ship on and what difference will there be between the versions?
The game will come out on Xbox 360 and PC. Except for the payer controls, the versions are identical.
GVK: How was the decision made to make the film into a game as usually the process is the other way around?
Replay, Hamburg approached me and we found a good business model.
GVK: How is the process of creating a video game similar and different from making a film?
I consulted only the game developers and gave my input.
GVK: Will players have NPC characters to command in game?
No.
GVK: Will any of the cast from the film be featured in the game?
Not directly
GVK: Do you plan on doing more video games in the future and if so, do you have any in mind now?
I don’t know now. I want to see how TUNNEL RATS does.
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