XBLA & XBLIG Ratings

CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars released on Xbox Live Arcade a couple weeks ago and the fine folks from Timeline Interactive had answered a few questions for us. 

Question: How did the idea for CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars come about?

Answer: The main idea behind CellFactor was initially developed by Immersion Games. We then noticed the promise it held and decided to evolve it into what has now become CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars. At the time, we were working on CellFactor: Revolution. We realized that in order to truly bring out the full potential of the Ageia graphics card, we would need to implement the use of psionic abilities in CellFactor. From there on, the road that has led to CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars was paved.



Question: Could you describe CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet?

Answer: CellFactor: PW is a fast-paced first person shooter that combines both single-player and multiplayer components into one action-packed downloadable title. The game allows players to choose among three playable characters and battle it out with unique psionic abilities. Some of these abilities include telekinesis, erecting a bullet proof shield, jumping super high distances, teleporting, and even flying!



Question: How large was the team that created CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars and how long did it take to develop?

Answer: The team consisted of six developers, twelve artists, and three local testers. The development of the game lasted for approximately one year and six months.



Question: When you first set out to make CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars was it always planned to be fast paced first person shooter?

Answer: Yes, we had always planned for CellFactor: PW to be a fast-paced first person shooter that would appeal to both casual as well as hardcore gamers. Since the start, we had planned to develop a first person shooter game that would be easy enough for casual gamers to immerse themselves into, while being difficult for even hardcore gamers to master.



Question: Looking back on CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars what are the things that you are most proud of?

Answer: The fact that players are enjoying the game makes us very proud. What also makes us proud is that players are comparing CellFactor: PW to such great games that we never would have expected them to compare it to.



Question: Was there anything you were hoping to get into CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars that did not make it? 

Answer: We definitely would have preferred to have added additional maps and weapons. It would have also been great if we had added vehicles in the game. The use of vehicles in CellFactor: PW would definitely have made it more interesting.



Question: Now that CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars has released are you planning another XBLA game?

Answer: Yes, we are in fact planning another XBLA title that we are currently considering a 2010 release date for.



Question: How fun or challenging was it to implement the Achievements?

Answer: The implementation of achievements in the game was definitely interesting. The actual challenge wasn’t so much the implementation of the achievements as much as it was making sure that the achievements appealed to players. We did have fun implementing it though and are proud of the outcome.



Question: Can you give us some tips or strategies for CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars?

Answer: For players that are new to the game, the most important tip we can give you is to complete the challenges as quickly as possible in order to get a handle of the game and to unlock customizations and rewards that can be used in multiplayer. These customizations will also allow you to enhance your appearance in the game. The other essential tip that we can offer to all players is to always keep in mind that all three characters have their own unique set of abilities. These abilities are either defensive or offensive in nature; for each one though, whether offensive or defensive, a counter ability exists. You should familiarize yourself with the counter abilities to gain an advantage on the battlefield.