Short, but a few interesting comments about physics and AI.
Points about the physics and AI
Points about the physics and AI
Games.Net: Similarly, the physics model is amazing. How is Oblivion's physics model more elaborate than, say, Half-Life 2? Can it handle more objects? More complex interactions? How will the physics system influence gameplay and visual immersion?
Todd Howard: Half-Life 2 is a great way to view it, and that game really set the "use physics benchmark.... We're obviously using Havok, as they did, and we've done some other cool things with it, like arrows sticking in objects and reorienting the weight of things they stick in. I think the big thing we're learning with the physics is that with an RPG, there is soooo much you can do with it, like traps, stealing things, and more. Things like Telekinesis spells, picking up stuff far away and trying to manipulate the environment to throw off the NPCs and such. Paralyzing guys and watching them fall down stairs never gets old.
Games.Net: The Radiant A.I. system looks awesome. How will it affect gameplay? For instance, it's one thing to hear that all the NPCs have real lives, jobs, and goals. Does that ever impact upon the player, or does it just make for a more realistic town environment? Will you ever bump into characters in unusual places, as they go on adventures of their own? How will the A.I. system affect combat? Will wounded enemies exhibit emotions, run away, etc?
Todd Howard: It's all of that. When you first play the game, it's really just for show. It makes the world believable and entertaining, and I think that's important. But as you play, you start to figure out what you can do with these NPCs, and how you can influence their behavior, and when doing a quest, it really comes into play. A simple "get the diamond from that guy... quest can be done in hundreds of ways now. Is he sleeping? When is he home? Does he take the diamond to work with him? Does he like me? Can he sell it? Should I kill him? Pick his pocket? Steal his food and see if he sells the diamond to eat? That's just some off the top of my head.
Todd Howard: Half-Life 2 is a great way to view it, and that game really set the "use physics benchmark.... We're obviously using Havok, as they did, and we've done some other cool things with it, like arrows sticking in objects and reorienting the weight of things they stick in. I think the big thing we're learning with the physics is that with an RPG, there is soooo much you can do with it, like traps, stealing things, and more. Things like Telekinesis spells, picking up stuff far away and trying to manipulate the environment to throw off the NPCs and such. Paralyzing guys and watching them fall down stairs never gets old.
Games.Net: The Radiant A.I. system looks awesome. How will it affect gameplay? For instance, it's one thing to hear that all the NPCs have real lives, jobs, and goals. Does that ever impact upon the player, or does it just make for a more realistic town environment? Will you ever bump into characters in unusual places, as they go on adventures of their own? How will the A.I. system affect combat? Will wounded enemies exhibit emotions, run away, etc?
Todd Howard: It's all of that. When you first play the game, it's really just for show. It makes the world believable and entertaining, and I think that's important. But as you play, you start to figure out what you can do with these NPCs, and how you can influence their behavior, and when doing a quest, it really comes into play. A simple "get the diamond from that guy... quest can be done in hundreds of ways now. Is he sleeping? When is he home? Does he take the diamond to work with him? Does he like me? Can he sell it? Should I kill him? Pick his pocket? Steal his food and see if he sells the diamond to eat? That's just some off the top of my head.
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