Watchmen: The End is Nigh
Game » consists of 5 releases. Released Mar 04, 2009
The episodic game series based on The Watchmen graphic novel and film, featuring Nite Owl and Rorschach. Players brawl their way through six chapters that take place before the events of the film and graphic novel.
Who Watches the People Making the Watchmen Game?
Set in 1972, well before the “modern day” sections of the com...graphic novel, The End is Nigh focuses on the teaming of Rorschach and Nite Owl. The story begins as the duo assists the police in handling a prison breakout orchestrated by the Underboss, a villain they had put behind bars years earlier. In the process, though, they find themselves on the other side of the law and at odds with some grander conspiracy. Much of the story will be told using a “motion comics” style of animation, creating a look that is reminiscent of artist David Gibbons' original artwork, but with some simple movement added to make it a bit more dynamic. The prequel idea certainly seems like a more interesting angle than just cooking up a game that retells the Watchmen story, though I imagine that's exactly the kind of thing that would send Alan Moore into one of his trademark fits.
Mechanically, The End is Nigh is looking like a third-person beat-'em-up with a few twists. You can play as either Rorschach or Nite Owl, though the character that you don't choose to play as will still be present as an AI companion when you're playing solo. The game will offer a two-player mode, though it won't have online support, and will rely on splitscreen. I suppose that's preferable to struggling with the limitations of a shared camera angle, though it still seems less then ideal. Each character will handle a little differently, with Rorschach's brutal, undisciplined style being more effective with groups of enemies, while Nite Owl is more of a mano-a-mano type of fighter. Other unique characteristics will include Rorschach's ability to pick up enemy weapons like baseball bats, Nite Owl's electric charge attack that stuns nearby enemies, and his ability to pick locks, which was compared to the lock-pick mechanic in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. It was stressed during the demo that this won't be a button-masher, and that enemies will block your attacks if you don't utilize the game's combo system, which unlocks new moves over time.
The most appealing part of what I was shown of The End is Nigh was the presentation, which generally looked a cut above what you might currently expect from a download-only title. The dingy back-alleys and dank sewers being shown featured some severe, moody lighting that complemented the noir stylings of the source material, and there was a tangible wetness to the surfaces that made the world seem that much seedier. I was impressed by some of the animations, particularly for Rorschach, who would normally walk with a stiff gait and his hands tucked into his pockets. When it can time to throw down, though, he would really throw himself into the fight. The word “feral” was thrown around a lot when describing Rorschach, and I think that's pretty spot-on. Another cool detail on Rorschach is that, as in the graphic novel and the upcoming movie, the patterns on his mask will constantly shift. Since you'll mostly be seeing him from behind, I doubt it'll be an obvious thing, but it's a nice touch nonetheless. Though there seemed to be a distinct lack of variety in the enemies you fought, The End is Nigh at least looks like a game that could've easily been shipped on a disc.
I feel like this is a case where the license is really going to work against the game itself. There's nothing wrong with a little beat-'em-up action, but it doesn't seem like the type of game that lends itself to exploring the vivid characterizations and murky morality that made Watchmen so great. You can expect to see Watchmen: The End is Nigh on the PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, and PC around the same time as the Watchmen theatrical release.
Set in 1972, well before the “modern day” sections of the com...graphic novel, The End is Nigh focuses on the teaming of Rorschach and Nite Owl. The story begins as the duo assists the police in handling a prison breakout orchestrated by the Underboss, a villain they had put behind bars years earlier. In the process, though, they find themselves on the other side of the law and at odds with some grander conspiracy. Much of the story will be told using a “motion comics” style of animation, creating a look that is reminiscent of artist David Gibbons' original artwork, but with some simple movement added to make it a bit more dynamic. The prequel idea certainly seems like a more interesting angle than just cooking up a game that retells the Watchmen story, though I imagine that's exactly the kind of thing that would send Alan Moore into one of his trademark fits.
Mechanically, The End is Nigh is looking like a third-person beat-'em-up with a few twists. You can play as either Rorschach or Nite Owl, though the character that you don't choose to play as will still be present as an AI companion when you're playing solo. The game will offer a two-player mode, though it won't have online support, and will rely on splitscreen. I suppose that's preferable to struggling with the limitations of a shared camera angle, though it still seems less then ideal. Each character will handle a little differently, with Rorschach's brutal, undisciplined style being more effective with groups of enemies, while Nite Owl is more of a mano-a-mano type of fighter. Other unique characteristics will include Rorschach's ability to pick up enemy weapons like baseball bats, Nite Owl's electric charge attack that stuns nearby enemies, and his ability to pick locks, which was compared to the lock-pick mechanic in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. It was stressed during the demo that this won't be a button-masher, and that enemies will block your attacks if you don't utilize the game's combo system, which unlocks new moves over time.
The most appealing part of what I was shown of The End is Nigh was the presentation, which generally looked a cut above what you might currently expect from a download-only title. The dingy back-alleys and dank sewers being shown featured some severe, moody lighting that complemented the noir stylings of the source material, and there was a tangible wetness to the surfaces that made the world seem that much seedier. I was impressed by some of the animations, particularly for Rorschach, who would normally walk with a stiff gait and his hands tucked into his pockets. When it can time to throw down, though, he would really throw himself into the fight. The word “feral” was thrown around a lot when describing Rorschach, and I think that's pretty spot-on. Another cool detail on Rorschach is that, as in the graphic novel and the upcoming movie, the patterns on his mask will constantly shift. Since you'll mostly be seeing him from behind, I doubt it'll be an obvious thing, but it's a nice touch nonetheless. Though there seemed to be a distinct lack of variety in the enemies you fought, The End is Nigh at least looks like a game that could've easily been shipped on a disc.
I feel like this is a case where the license is really going to work against the game itself. There's nothing wrong with a little beat-'em-up action, but it doesn't seem like the type of game that lends itself to exploring the vivid characterizations and murky morality that made Watchmen so great. You can expect to see Watchmen: The End is Nigh on the PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, and PC around the same time as the Watchmen theatrical release.
I can't wait for the Watchmen film. The com- Graphic novel was simply incredible, even though I was puzzled by the ending.
This game is just blasphemy. I can't believe it's actually coming out. It makes me sick just thinking about it.
I know many people are against the concept of the game and the movie, but you have to admit, if your a fan, your gonna go see the movie and your probably gonna play the game anyway!
It will be a nice to see how this turns out.
I think I would enjoy re-reading the graphic novel more than playing this game. I'll have to see how it turns out before I throw my money down.
I understand that some people think a Watchmen game would just cheapen the whole experience. But if you're a gamer, and liked the book, I don't see why you wouldn't welcome a game with the same concept. Graphic novels usually translate well into games (Max Payne, the Darkness)...and I think even an award-winning graphic novel would do the same.
And if you liked the book but end up hating the game, then what's the big fucking deal? Don't let a bad game experience ruin a good reading experience...that just makes no sense to me. Try not to get pissed at the very idea that a game exists. Shit, you'll probably end up playing it anyway even if you hear it sucks.
Im not nearly as excited about this game as the movie. But then again, I havent read the graphic novel! (just the Wikipedia entry) I know, I know...I need to. I'll probably end up getting the novel from Amazon.com if the movie blows me away.
I just finished the book after i happened acrost it at my school's library, i've always been meaning to. Game looks decent, the block mechanic sounds cool. They talked a good bit about it on Listen Up, sounds like something i could enjoy. I Enjoyed the motion comics so the cutscenes appeal to me, i'll most likely get it.
I have no interest in the game, but I really want to get the comi-I mean graphic novel. The movie trailer had my sold at the sound of Nine Inch Nails.
Edit: Apparently that is not Nine Inch Nails in the trailer, it's actually Smashing Pumpkins. Woops!
No man... NO NO NO NO NO man! Why... Why fuck with Watchmen... The Movie's gonna be great... But a game? A game about one of the most story-driven comic books(true fans know Alan Moore hates the term "graphic novel"! lol) of all time into a.... BEAT'EM UP?! NO!!! NO DAMMIT! GODDAMMIT! Fuck!
I'll check it out.
I guess.
No...don't fool yourselves the movie won't be great. Zach Snyder isn't going to be able to handle bringing this to film, few directors are talented enough to do this(although I do think it is possible) Zach Snyder certainly isn't one of them. All you have to do is look at his previous work and you can see he isn't up to the task of this film. If you don't believe that then go ahead watch some interviews and read up on the film, yeah he went ahead and took the liberty to pretty drastically alter the ending of the story. He doesn't get it, he doesn't understand the ending...that is all I can figure.
As someone who has not read the graphic novel, and I do not know too much about the Watchmen universe all together... I think the game is looking quite good and rather fun. This may come across as blasphemy to some who are embedded into its origins and don't want the game to crap on the storyline. But as a gamer, it looks like a game with high production values for an XBLA game and as such, should be checked out.
I am eagerly anticipating the movie and hope this game turns out good as well. Unfortunately, movie-to-game adaptions haven't exactly been home run hitters as of late. I'm still intrigued by it, though.
Zero interest in the game but these repeated mentionings of the comic has made me interested in reading it. Someday surely...
Edit:
We do :P
I do not look forward to this at all.
/Jumps on table & swings some kind of badass weapon with spikes around his head.
I'd slap you, Ryan, but I'm one of those guys who tends to call EVERYTHING comics, and I've got a pretty off-mainstream taste. Graphic Novel is too limiting a term, anyway, since it automatically excludes nonfiction.
Which reminds me, I probably should read Watchmen again before the media circus cranks up... I've heard they've changed the ending. I'm not sure how they could...
Anyways, I'm about 6 or so chapters into the Watchmen graphic novel, comic book, whatever term you want to attach to it. Point is, it's really good so far and I'm now actually looking forward to the movie, whereas before I didn't have much interest in it. I doubt I'll get the game though. Despite how much I'm enjoying the book, not once have I thought to myself while reading it, "Somebody should totally base a game off of this!"
I enjoyed the comic(or graphic novel, if you will), but I don't have particularly high hopes for either the movie or the game.
The current trailers on display look like they were ripped right out of the comic book. It ought to be a good movie. I'd rather they offered this downloadable game on disk as I don't want to strain the little space left on my 20G hdd.
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