NRL 2003 interview with Mario Wynards from Sidhe Interactive
posted 15/02/06
We're pretty big fans of Rugby here at Xbox World Australia, but probably do not have as great an insight into the nuances or in-depth details of the finer points of the sport.
With this in mind when given the opportunity to have a chat with Mario Wynards from Sidhe Interactive, we thought we would give you, the users and NRL fans the chance to throw some questions at him yourselves!
Mario was kind enough to answer as many questions as possible so here is our Xbox World Australia Reader Interview with Mario Wynands, Managing Director : Sidhe Interactive.
From 'Chimpmaster'
Can you let us know why Xbox Live support didn't make it into the game as 'trans-Tasman' duels between us Aussies and the Kiwis would have been a great selling point for the game.
Xbox Live and general online connectivity would have required significant additional resources to implement, and wasn't really an option given the budget and timeframe we were working to.
This functionality is at the top of the list for the next version.
From 'Tap Twist Snap'
How many camera views are there in the game, is there a 'step' button and does the commentary use the names of the players and if so, in what way?
There are 4 different camera views including dynamic, locked behind, and side on views.
A button has been included to perform a step, as well as a button to fend.
The commentary uses the players surnames when describing the action in a variety of ways such as "Smashing blow by Tallis" or "Lauiti'iti with a great offload there!". Some players also have their full names recorded, so you will here comments such as "Andrew Johns will be the man to watch tonight" or "Great vision there by Stacey Jones".
From 'Skooby'
How come the Xbox version isn't going to support 8 players like the PS2 and PC versions?
While the PS2 has the Multitap peripheral and the PC has USB hubs to bring the number of available controllers up to 8, there is no standard way to support over 4 controllers on a single Xbox console.
From 'Dominus'
Can players sustain injuries that take them out of the running for a few matches or the season and can you start fights?
Players can be injured for a number of weeks.
Fighting is not included in the game. The NRL, HES, and Sidhe do not condone violence as part of the sport.
From 'Randall Flagg'
Are there variable weather effects? If so do they effect the dynamics of the game (eg rain=muddy ground and slower running) and is Willie Mason's afro adjustable?
Yes, there are day and night games, with variable weather and wind. The is shown graphically in the lighting, shadows, and rain effects. In terms of gameplay, rain increases the chance of handling errors and missed tackles etc.
Willie Mason's afro does feature in the game, but you can't adjust it (-:
From 'Maverick'
How do you plan to make the game appealing to people from States that have very limited coverage of the NRL and a very basic understanding of the game? I ask because loads of people don't like Soccer, yet enjoy soccer games because they are easy to play.
We believe we have created an intuitive control system that's easy to get to grips with which assisted by ingame help, so even people with limited knowledge will be able to get into it.
From '|-FORSAKEN-|'
What kind of training is in the game and will there be little in game comps like kick the most conversions?
The lower difficulty levels have onscreen context sensitive help, to assist the gamer in learning the controls and what options are available to them at any given time.
There won't be any minigames in this version.
From 'sumixam'
Can anyone kick? How are they done in game and how to you initiate different types of kicks?
Any player on the field can kick but, as you would expect, some players have better kicking abilities than others.
I can't divulge the mechanics of the kicking system just yet, but it allows for very accurate placement of kicks in several different styles. Bombs, field goals, chips, grubbers, and punts are all possible.
From 'Boxter'
Just a couple of quick questions to the guys at Sidhe Interactive. will there be 'golden point' games?, will kicks bounce off the cross-bars?, will there be Man of the Match? And will international tests be best of 3 series?
Yes, Golden Point is included.
Kicks can bounce off the cross bar and the uprights.
There won't be any "Man of the Match" type awards.
There are two international test series; a Trans Tasman Test Series, and an International Tri Series.
From 'Xcrete'
Is there a player create mode?
There is comprehensive player, team, and competition customisation with the ability to alter all elements of players including the face, skin colour, head shape, hair style and colour, height, weight, and 12 separate skill attributes.
From 'Staden'
How did you create the animations (i.e. are they motion captured) and if not captured who did you model them on (ie. Stacey Jones, yourself, TV footage etc..). Can you also explain the control layout for the Xbox controller?
The animation was done using a blend of hand animation and pseudo-motion captured data that was based on video footage captured in participation with players at training sessions and actual matches. We also integrated advanced real-time motion blending technology to smooth animation ingame and introduce greater variety.
I can't divulge the details of the Xbox control system just yet.
From 'Rikishy'
How many camera views are available to choose from?
See reply to 'Tap Twist Snap'
From Shane
Thanks for taking the time out of your hectic schedule to answer these questions for our site visitors Mario. Lastly, what would you say has been the most challenging aspect of developing a Rugby game and being a Rugby fan yourself, what feature of the game are you most happy with?
I'm most happy with the fact I can finally see the Warriors win a Grand Final, even if it is only virtually at this stage (-:
Great stuff! Keep an eye on Xbox World Australia in the upcoming weeks for more screenshots and game info!
