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If you're a Watchmen fan, there's no doubt that you've been looking forward to Warner Brothers' film adaptation of the comic classic. Keep an eye out, though - sneaking around in the shadows behind this huge movie release is a brawler that will entertain fans and newcomers alike. Watchmen: The End is Nigh takes place years before the graphic novel, and focuses on the crime-fighting endeavors of anti-hero Rorschach and retired vigilante Nite Owl. Warner Brothers is taking every step possible to keep content for this game straight; they've even allied themselves with DC Comics to make sure the game's content is as true to the graphic novel as humanly possible. Many of the people involved with the new movie, as well as with the production of the original Watchmen, have been heavily involved in the production of the The End is Nigh. Dave Gibbons, the original artist and co-creator of Watchmen is serving as the Art Director for the game. Len Wein, the co-creator of Swamp Thing and X-Men's Wolverine, is heading up the game's script (while I don't believe that Len Wein was involved in the original production of Watchmen, I do know he worked closely with Alan Moore on more than one project). Deadline Games, the studio developing the project, is using these amazing resources to ensure that this game will meet the expectations of die hard fans.
Watchmen: The End is Nigh is an episodic game, which merely means its story is told through episodes, each of which contain 6 chapters. While not in game, the narrative instead unfolds through motion comic cut-scenes. The actors from the movie lend their voices to help bring the characters to life (which can only lead you to feel bad for the vocal chords of Jackie Earle Haley for having to speak as Rorschach for so long). All vocal injury aside, it's obvious that this game has had longtime followers a little wary. It stands to be repeated that Warner Brothers and DC Comics are going out of their way to live up to fan's expectations. They know exactly how much rides on this game, and understand fully that smaller subtleties such as the comic-like story segments and appropriate voice-over talent can make a world of difference in the final product.
The gameplay embraces the beat-em-up spirit of many brawlers, while adding some new elements that will keep bashing wave after wave of baddies new and exciting. It should be noted here that you can either brave the streets of New York City on your own or with a friend, as the game supports co-op play. Both Rorschach and Nite Owl are available, whose play styles are both unique and make for fairly high replay value. Each character has two special abilities, too, along with two special actions that only they can perform.
Nite Owl brings his composure and intellect to the table, using calculated martial arts moves and his assortment of Batman-like gadgets to dispose of enemies. His heavy armor allows him to take more damage, and even lets him guard against certain attacks. His two special techniques include a Stun Grenade, which disorientates all enemies in a small radius, and Electrical Discharge, which shoots out waves of electricity and charges up his armor which can inflict additional damage to surrounding enemies.
Rorschach, on the other hand, fights in a more feral style, using weapons from the environment and other baddies against anything that gets in his way. Instead of guarding like his counterpart, Rorschach dodges his enemies' attacks, letting him slip to the backside of nearby targets. His first special attack is the Bull Rush, which is a clothesline-type charge aimed at either a single target or a group of enemies. The second is Rage mode, which allows Rorschach to channel his anger into a significant damage boost, while at the same time activating his special array of brutal finishing moves.
Aside from beating the tar out of groups of thugs, there are also many elements that urge players to take in the environment. By doing so, players who aren't necessarily fans of the graphic novel will come out understanding a little more about the alternate-reality world in which Watchmen takes place. Both characters will be able to learn new moves and abilities from posters and icons scattered throughout each level. In order to find these new techniques, the player will have to use the unique special abilities of each character in the right locations. Nite Owl uses his Night Vision to locate icons, whereas Rorschach uses his lock-picking skills to gain access to areas that contain additional moves. Because of this unique way of adding to your repertoire, players will always have to keep a lookout as they traverse the game's gritty environments.
No official date has been announced, but a 2009 release has been confirmed. The game will be available for download on Xbox Live, The PlayStation Network and Steam, for you PC users out there.
From what has been shown, it appears this project will truly raise the bar for downloadable console titles, and a successful showing should urge other companies to follow suit. As most followers of Watchmen would agree, anticipation for this game's release is ramping up nicely. Additionally, my time spent with the latest build is only adding to that perspective, and I'm utterly convinced that even newcomers will become completely enthralled in the surroundings.
