E3 2014 Preview: “Sunset Overdrive”

2555793-sunset-overdrive-e3-propain-launcher

Since its unveiling at E3 last year, Sunset Overdrive has certainly received quite a bit of attention.  Is it because of its vibrant color?  Is it because of the stunning parkout?  Maybe it’s because of its zany weaponry.  It’s really all of these things and a lot more that make Sunset Overdrive look like a sure a winner.

Developed by Insomniac Games, known for great entries in the Spyro the Dragon and Ratchet and Clank games, Sunset Overdrive looks like a game that doesn’t take itself seriously, and that’s really part of its appeal.

2525966-sunset-overdrive-forall-twist-of-fate-ampSunset Overdrive is an open world action game that sort of takes an apocalyptic turn in an unorthodox fashion.  Players take the role of an employee at FizzCo, a company that had just launched an energy drink that unfortunately mutated humans that drank a little too much of it.

For the record, there’s no real main character, as representatives from Insomniac made us aware that you’ll be able to create your own character at the beginning of the game.

As stated, this game has everything from acrobatics to unrealistic weaponry and it also takes a more stylistic approach of travel.  Similar to the inFamous and Saints Row games, you won’t be stealing cars.  Instead, you’ll jumping, swinging, and grinding your way through Sunset City like Tarzan, and it’s not just for style points either.  Also like inFamous, enemies are pretty plentiful and the combat can get pretty troublesome as you’re ganged up on.  Since the mutants don’t have much in the form of special abilities, it’s actually to the player’s benefit to shoot at and attack the mutants while airborne or while running on walls.2555794-sunset-overdrive-e3-rollercoaster-1

One of the more surprising new features unveiled on the show floor is the fact that the game supports 8-person multiplayer.  The multiplayer consists of both competitive and cooperative missions that people can play to unlock different things they can use in the single player campaign.  While it might seem random, this is actually quite seamless, as there are unlockables in the single player that you can end up using in the multiplayer, encouraging players to look at everything this game has to offer.

Sunset Overdrive is due for an October 28 release, and a lot of our staff can’t wait to get their hands on the finished product.  Stay tuned to SmashPad for more E3 coverage.

Title:
Sunset Overdrive
Platform:
Xbox One
Publisher:
Insomniac Games
Developer:
Microsoft Game Studios
Genre:
Action
Release Date:
October 28, 2014
ESRB Rating:
RP
Developer's Twitter:

Since its unveiling at E3 last year, Sunset Overdrive has certainly received quite a bit of attention.  Is it because of its vibrant color?  Is it because of the stunning parkout?  Maybe it’s because of its zany weaponry.  It’s really…

2555793-sunset-overdrive-e3-propain-launcher

Since its unveiling at E3 last year, Sunset Overdrive has certainly received quite a bit of attention.  Is it because of its vibrant color?  Is it because of the stunning parkout?  Maybe it’s because of its zany weaponry.  It’s really all of these things and a lot more that make Sunset Overdrive look like a sure a winner.

Developed by Insomniac Games, known for great entries in the Spyro the Dragon and Ratchet and Clank games, Sunset Overdrive looks like a game that doesn’t take itself seriously, and that’s really part of its appeal.

2525966-sunset-overdrive-forall-twist-of-fate-ampSunset Overdrive is an open world action game that sort of takes an apocalyptic turn in an unorthodox fashion.  Players take the role of an employee at FizzCo, a company that had just launched an energy drink that unfortunately mutated humans that drank a little too much of it.

For the record, there’s no real main character, as representatives from Insomniac made us aware that you’ll be able to create your own character at the beginning of the game.

As stated, this game has everything from acrobatics to unrealistic weaponry and it also takes a more stylistic approach of travel.  Similar to the inFamous and Saints Row games, you won’t be stealing cars.  Instead, you’ll jumping, swinging, and grinding your way through Sunset City like Tarzan, and it’s not just for style points either.  Also like inFamous, enemies are pretty plentiful and the combat can get pretty troublesome as you’re ganged up on.  Since the mutants don’t have much in the form of special abilities, it’s actually to the player’s benefit to shoot at and attack the mutants while airborne or while running on walls.2555794-sunset-overdrive-e3-rollercoaster-1

One of the more surprising new features unveiled on the show floor is the fact that the game supports 8-person multiplayer.  The multiplayer consists of both competitive and cooperative missions that people can play to unlock different things they can use in the single player campaign.  While it might seem random, this is actually quite seamless, as there are unlockables in the single player that you can end up using in the multiplayer, encouraging players to look at everything this game has to offer.

Sunset Overdrive is due for an October 28 release, and a lot of our staff can’t wait to get their hands on the finished product.  Stay tuned to SmashPad for more E3 coverage.

Date published: 06/12/2014
/ 5 stars