We had a chance to speak with Mesi, PR&Sales manager at Philos Entertainment Inc., to learn
more about the progress of Imperium
Galactica III: Genesis, some of the new features, and future plans for this upcoming
space strategy game sequel which will be more focused on the tactical 3D real-time space
battles.
1. Can you give us a little background on the development team working on Imperium
Galactica III: Genesis (IG3) ?
At the moment there are 25 people working on this project, we work and play hard.
Philos is a relative new development team but our members have come from a variety of
different backgrounds with broad experiences in the games industry.
2. How much do you rely on the successful predecessors in the development of IG3?
Set in the not too distant future, an Alien Entity has invaded Earth, a small
resistence is all that remains and have left Earth gathering help from other Alien species
and galactic multi-national companies. While travelling through the Universe, it is up to
you to decide whether to conclude an alliance with them or to attack them. Every kind of
relationship with alien races means a new story although not necessary to complete the
game, you can be sure interesting twists and rewards are there for the keen explorer.
3. How is combat handled in IG3? Can players still outfit their ships with different
weapons?
The combats take place in real-time, however, the game can be paused anytime. All the
commands can be given in pause mode as well, which will be implemented after reverting to
the game. Although, there are 5 main ship classes, each and every ship will be unique
(freely configurable). The features of the ships can be adjusted separately (they may be
slower, quicker, able to avoid assaults in different ways, their armor can be focused on
devastating or disabling the enemy as well as breaking down their shields). During the
combat we have to manage the different weapons, shields, engine, level of energy.
4. How and what role will the 50 NPC-s take?
These characters talk to us, give us advice, thus bring life into the game. They may
send exciting messages, give the story a boost as well as some tangible bonuses. Speaking
of the 50 NPC-s, we also reveal that there'll be 6 different races in IG3 each having
individual AI-s, then 30 alien spaceships, 100 planets and 100 different sorts of weapon
and device.
5. Could you give me the names and describe some of the various player and enemy ships
in the game? Likewise, could you describe some of the weapons and devices you get to use?
Spaceships differ from race to race, what's more, you'll get to see 4-5 different
shiptypes of each race. At the same time, spaceships are classified according to earthly
scale destroyers, cruisers, battleships, carriers, and other colony-class spaceships as
well as the space stations of the colonies. In addition to that smaller bombers, special
orbiters, bases built on asteroids and many other exciting details will be put in IG3.
6. Can you describe some of the alien races? And do you play as only human or can you
play as any of the aliens?
Since the story of the game is a sequel to the history of mankind, the player will only
be able to play as a human. While shaping the alien races we aim at creating living
communities, that is the whole of their technology, world order, way of life and thinking
as well as their AI have to be in accord. We hope we can come up with highly detailed,
authentic and truly interesting races living up to the quality of the best sci-fi novels.
However, I'd rather not get into detail regarding their characteristics as one of the
players' goal will be to get to know and become familiar with these alien races, find out
their strength and weaknesses, alternatively even come to terms with them...
7. What races will there be? Which ones can you control? What are their differences?
There'll be 6 different races in IG3, each having individual AI-s, then 30 alien
spaceships, 100 planets and 100 different sorts of weapon and device. You impersonate a
human character right from the beginning of the game. Because of the strong storyline you
won't be able to play other races in the single player campaign. You get to know the six
new races during your quest.
8. What are the main features of the simulation of the colony? Is there going to be a
spying feature like in Alliance?
Strategic gaming experience in Genesis is ensured by colonisation. You'll have the
opportunity to build colonies, establish an empire, acquire alien technology, carry out
research on weapons, etc. There'll be 3 different colonies sci-lab, industry-base and
shipyard. The player can decide on the type of the colony and where he/she deploys it.
Colonies consist of masses of people, however, the ones who show outstanding performance
may emerge in the long run. In this case an entirely individual NPC is the outcome having
specific abilities and skills (scientific, engineering, military). They play a
considerable role, since all the upcoming tasks in the game can be solved more efficiently
with their aid. Building and managing the hinterland requires the gathering of various
resources. Basic resources are minerals and energy, however, these doesn't have to be
collected on a regular basis, only get the exploitation started and configured. Other
resources will be accessible in the campaigns, such as for instance, alien technologies
serving as the basis for scientific research.
NPC-s can also be considered a sort of resource, which are able to speed up the process
of research and production as long as they are used in a specific project. And at last,
time itself is a resource, since the large-scale, more extensive research and construction
will take even 20-30 years, and, conspicuously enough, there won't be time for everything.
Anyway, research and construction are project-focused, which means, not the entire amount
and number of resources have to be secured right at the beginning, rather step by step in
accordance with the requirements. The process might even be interrupted, stopped, and by
reallocating the resources the pace can be decreased or increased.
Also, diplomacy has become more varied and more vivid in general. It doesn't focus on
global issues any longer but rather on many micro-scale affairs, which arise during the
gameflow.
9. Have you improved the space combat for IG3?
To the greatest extent. All the spaceships in IG3 can be controlled in such a detailed
way as if you were playing a sim. The various sorts of weapons, engines and shields are
freely configurable that is you can select and adjust them real-time during the battles.
10. How will IG3's multi-player games work?
IG3 will be a story-focused, single-player oriented game. However, we do see the demand
for a good multiplayer mode that is fun to play with. For this very reason we plan to
release a mission pack with new campaigns and multiplayer soon after the title is
published.
11. Will the story be the driving force behind the game or will it be a somewhat
secondary feature as it was in Imperium Galactica II?
The story, as previously implied, is pretty long and highly elaborated. In addition, we
strive to make it as exciting as an excellent sci-fi novel.
Therefore I wouldn't like to reveal anything for the time being. There'll be all the
ingredients of a good sci-fi novel in it scientific fiction, philosophy, action,
conflicts, characters, mystical secrets, etc.
12. Which engine is used in IG3?
The game is based on a specially developed 3D engine, which concentrates on spectacular
shield and weapon effects.
13. Is there a demo available for IG3?
There will be one. In the middle of February.
14. Which operating system are compatible with Imperium Galactica III Genesis?
MS Windows 98, 2000, Me and the new XP.