Release Dates

05/20/08

05/22/08

05/23/08

05/22/08

"The first next-gen project for developer Free Radical, in partnership with publisher Ubisoft for a brand new action franchise. Targeting mature gamers, the game aims to feature difficult strategic choices and moral dilemmas, tapping into both their rational and emotional instincts." Haze will have multiplayer, and Free Radical is known for robust multiplayer games.

"One cool thing about the game's presentation on a whole is that aside from the initial load screen, you'll never be out of control of your character. You'll never come across a separate load screen, you'll never be ripped out of your view and be forced to watch a pre-canned cutscene or anything of that nature."

"Some open spots in the game will make room for vehicle use, such as a heavily armored buggy that we saw. Looking extremely agile and deadly at the same time, the buggy has separate spots for a driver and a gunner who can man the turret on top. Likewise, the open doors on either side allow two additional soldiers to hitch a ride while free-wielding their weapons to take out broadside enemies"

--STORY--
"The story of Haze is based around a conglomerate called Mantel, a pharmaceutical/weapons/you-name-it company that has its fingers in everything from the water we drink to the shoes we wear to perhaps even the air we breathe. Mantel even has its own private army which it uses to help quell the constant civil uprisings commonplace in this not-too-distant future."

"One of Mantel's most advanced, and perhaps unstable, technologies comes in the form of Nectar, a serum that its soldiers use to heighten their senses. This ties directly into Haze's gameplay as you're able to tap into the Nectar tank on your back at any time and get a number of sensory boosts. Your aiming will be increased with a bit of lock-on help and enemies will stand out from the environment as glowing figures. Coolest of all though is the foresight that you'll gain that will warn you of incoming dangers. For instance, when a grenade lands near you you'll see a distortion wave emit from its location a second or two before it goes off, giving you just enough time to back away and at least lessen the damage, if not avoid it entirely.

While using Nectar certainly gives you an advantage in battle, it is not to be abused. Overdosing on the substance will cause you to become confused and automatically fire at anyone in front of you, and your vision becomes distorted to the point that friends and enemies alike look the same. This isn't just a downside for you as your teammates can overdose as well, and should they begin firing upon the rest of the squad, interesting gameplay scenarios open up. Do you fire back and try and minimize damage to your entire squad, or get out of the way until they calm down and hope your men do the same?"

"But it's not just aggressive use of Nectar that can cause you to overdose as rebels have learned to take advantage of it as well and use it against you. Nectar grenades will increase your intake, and a honed shot can puncture your tank and flood your mask with the gaseous drug."