Next-gen visuals coming to the Wii in The Conduit

258w ago - After debuting their highly impressive, real-time gameplay trailer last month, High Voltage Software have officially announced their new FPS, The Conduit, the tirle that will usher in true next-generation technology on the Wii.

Built on the studio's custom Quantum 3 Game Engine, The Conduit will be able to reproduce all kinds of neat little tech tricks on Nintendo's weak white box, including dynamic environment mapping, interactive water with real-time reflection, and four-stage texture composition including gloss, diffuse, and bump mapping. Yeah, that's a mouthful.

As well, High Voltage says that they've created an extremely advanced A.I. system, which is necessary if their "terrifying alien creatures" are to pose any threat to you whilst you flail your arms around, wildly, using the game's uniquely tailored control scheme. Eric Nofsinger, Chief Creative Officer at High Voltage Software, said:

Too many Wii owners have been told that the Wii is a casual platform with no room for serious games or top-tier graphics. With The Conduit, we intend to prove that theory wrong by providing gamers with the kind of title they imagined back when the platform was first announced.
Full online, competitive multiplayer (please, no friend codes) and a "thrilling" single player campaign are in store for gamers that pick this title up. Let's hope that it can actually deliver on all these lofty promises.

Yeah, you know who you are, Red Steel. This could be a first: an [extremely] low-end 360/PS3-style FPS on the Wii, that doesn't look ridiculously awful, and that proves the hardware is a worth while development platform for serious, hardcore games. Provided they can find the right publisher, High Voltage aims for The Conduit to release in Q1 2009. And based on what we've seen, that seems too long to wait.

Press Release: High Voltage Software announces new first-person shooter for the Wii

Hoffman Estates, IL - June 10, 2008 - High Voltage Software, Inc., one of the world's largest independent developers, today officially announced The Conduit, a stunning first-person action shooter that promises to provide some of the best visuals seen to date on Nintendo's Wii gaming console, for Q1 2009 release.

Using their proprietary Quantum 3 Game Engine technology, the team at High Voltage Software is fusing fast and fluid gameplay with an advanced set of visuals intended to squarely establish the Wii as a true next-generation gaming platform. The first-person shooter boasts a competitive online multiplayer component and a thrilling single-player campaign. Advanced graphical features include dynamic environment mapping, interactive water with real-time reflection, and four-stage texture composition including gloss, diffuse, and bump mapping.

"Too many Wii owners have been told that the Wii is a casual platform with no room for serious games or top-tier graphics," said Eric Nofsinger, Chief Creative Officer at High Voltage Software. "With The Conduit, we intend to prove that theory wrong by providing gamers with the kind of title they imagined back when the platform was first announced."

Featuring terrifying alien creatures, an advanced Artificial Intelligence System, and a rich, conspiracy-laden story, The Conduit has more than a pretty face. "The Wii has tremendous potential," said Kerry J. Ganofsky, CEO and founder of High Voltage Software. "We've invested heavily in our technology to make certain that potential is realized with The Conduit."

The Conduit's control scheme was carefully designed from the ground up with the Wii in mind, as were each of the weapons in the extensive armory, providing gameplay not possible on other platforms. As Secret Service Agent Ford, you must learn to master each of these weapons as well as the special "All Seeing Eye" device to defeat enemies, solve puzzles, and unravel the game's mysteries.

"Conduit was especially designed for the Nintendo Wii" states Matt Corso, Creative Director at High Voltage Software. "From the weapons to armory and graphics, we tailored everything to the Wii which sets this game play apart from anything else on the market right now."

Publisher excitement and interest in The Conduit has been overwhelming. High Voltage Software will continue to search for the perfect partner to ensure The Conduit's success.

The Conduit is tentatively scheduled for release in Q1 2009 exclusively for the Nintendo Wii.