Dev Box Interview: Abylight Studios’ Co-Founder Alberto González

It usually takes a small army to create the video games that we play, and, most of the time, all of the focus gets put on the game itself, and not on the people that came together to make it. Our Dev Box interview series takes a look at some of the unsung heroes that have committed their lives to entertaining all of us. In this week’s expanded Dev Box we are letting Abylight Studios’ Co-Founder and Design Director Alberto González provide us some insight into who he is as a gamer, and how he ended up working in the game’s industry.

Name: Alberto González
Title: Abylight co-founder and design manager
Company: Abylight Studios
Job Description: My job usually involves game conception, design and supervision. I’m also in charge of all sound related works, except for music composition which has been handled by another guy in our latest games.
First title worked on: “Hostages” for 8 bit computers
Most recent title worked on: “Stop Stress: A Day of Fury” (WiiWare)

What game has most influenced you, and why? [Continue Reading]

Academy of Champions Developer Interview: Soccer With Sam Fischer and Altair

Gamers who think that “FIFA,” and “Winning Eleven” are a little too complex, now have a much different option when it comes to soccer games, courtesy of Ubisoft. “Academy of Champions” is an arcade style soccer game that sends you to the world’s premiere Soccer school, which is overseen by the greatest footballer ever, Pele. You work your way through the game’s twenty hour story mode, which includes fourteen minigames (some that even use the balance board, so it might be time to dust that thing off), and create a team with players that you recruit. While the gameplay may be a little reminiscent of “Mario Strikers,” the story mode definitely offers a much more lengthy and robust experience. Oh, and you can play as Sam Fisher, Altair, Jade, Rayman and the Rabbids … how freaking cool is that? Check out Unit’s interview, and find out more about what “Academy of Champions” has to offer. [Continue Reading]

Splinter Cell Conviction Interview: Sam’s Back, And He’s Pissed

It’s been three years since Sam Fisher’s last outting, but apperently the phrase “time heals all wounds” doesn’t apply to this special ops agent. In “Spinter Cell Conviction” Sam’s back and he’s out to find the people behind his daughter’s, supposedly accidental death. Just like with every “Spinter Cell” game, Mr. Fisher has some new tricks up his sleeve, but this time around those tricks aren’t going to be new toys. Since he is going out on his own for this mission, he doesn’t have DARPA behind him this time around, but that doesn’t mean that this game is going to be boring. Check out what Unit found out about what to expect from “Splinter Cell Conviction” when he interviewed Ubisoft Montreal’s Lead Game Designer Steven Masters at a recent demo in NYC. [Continue Reading]

Rabbids Go Home Interview With A Look At Customization … In Zee Ouimote

The Rabbids have kicked Rayman out of the spotlight, and they’re finally getting their own game later this year. In “Rabbids Go Home” you’ll get to play as the pesky, screaming … rabbit… things… as they try to build a mountain of trash to go home, to the Moon. Yes, the story is actually that wacky, but that’s not even the half of it. Ubi’s developement team has always been at the forefront of Wiimote creativity, and that hasn’t changed at all for “Rabbids Go Home”; the game’s customization mode puts you inside the controller with a Rabbids. Yeah, it’s actually as awesome as it sounds.

Check out Unit’s interview with one of the game’s developers to see for a look at just what kind of craziness the Rabbids will be getting into when the game comes out this holiday season. [Continue Reading]

Ask The Tropico 3 Developers A Question – Enter To Win A Free Copy Of Tropico Reloaded

In honor of the upcoming release of island strategy game “Tropico 3″ this September, the makers of the game, Haemimont Games are taking your questions. Well, they aren’t taking all of your questions, they’re only taking the best five. However, if your question gets selected to be asked to them, you will win a copy of “Tropico Reloaded” which collects all three previous games in the series – the original “Tropico,” the official expansion pack “Tropico: Paradise Cove” and the sequel “Tropico 2 – Pirate Cove,” all in one handy package. That should be enough to hold you over until “Tropico 3″ is released this September.

So, now it’s up to you – comment below, and ask Haemimont whatever you’d like, but remember, only the best five questions will be passed on, and get the games. Just remember to include your correct email address when you comment so we can get you the games, and check back in a few weeks to see which questions get asked, and find out what the answers are. [Continue Reading]

E3 ‘09: Lord of the Rings: Aragorn’s Quest Developer Interview

Warner Bros and Headstrong Games have teamed up to bring gamers their first Lord of the Rings title – “Aragorn’s Quest” for the Wii, PSP, PS2, and DS. At this year’s E3 they were showing off the Wii version of the game, and we had a chance to swing by their booth and check out just what they were working on for the next game to come to Middle-earth… or at least Sam’s version of it. Check out what Unit was able to find out from Headstong’s Development Director Steve Pritchard. [Continue Reading]

E3 ‘09: WET Developer Interview

I’m not one to overlook a game starring a lovely lady, and that’s one of the reasons I made it a point to swing by Bethesda’s booth at this year’s E3, and check out “WET.” In the game you play as Ruby, a wetwork specialist, and you have to master her acrobatic moves as you take down tons and tons of enemies – think “Stranglehold,” but with a hot chick … and … ya know … good. Unit had a chance to sit down with “WET”’s creative director and find out a bit more about the game, and the arsenals that Ruby’s going to be packing. [Continue Reading]

E3 ‘09: Where The Wild Things Are The Video Game Developer Interview

“Where the Wild Things Are” was one of my biggest surprises at this year’s E3, and not just because it looked amazing – I was shocked it was there. It slipped under my radar, and I wasn’t expecting to see it at Warner Bros. Interactive’s booth situated between “The Watchmen” and “Scooby Doo.” At first glance it may look like just another kid’s movie game, and it could be, if it wasn’t based on “Where the Wild Things Are.” You play a completely new, and original story as Max on the Wild Thing’s island assisting them in finding a new place to live. Check out Unit’s interview to find out a bit more about the game. [Continue Reading]

E3 ‘09: Saw The Video Game Developer Interview

The Saw movies are easily some of the most disturbing pieces of American cinema in the last few years, and they are about to become a video game. “Saw: The Video Game” picks up between the first and second movies, throwing the player in an insane asylum at the mercy of Jigsaw. It will undoubtedly be one of the most psychologically challenging games of the year, and Sir-G got a first look at it at this year’s E3. Check out what he discovered about Jigsaw’s first game. [Continue Reading]

E3 ‘09: Brutal Legend Interview – With Gameplay

If you ever hoped and wished for Jack Black to be in a video game where he doesn’t play a panda, well your dreams have come true. But you already knew that. Before the end of the year you’ll finally be able to get your hands on Tim Schaefer’s latest creation, staring the one and only Jack Black. So, unless you’re someone’s girlfriend, there’s a very good chance that you have grown to appreciate the unique comedic styling of one half of The D, and it’s about damn time that you get to rock out with your J.B. out in EA’s “Brutal Legend.” Take a look at what one of the game’s developers had to tell Unit about what we can expect when the game hits store shelves Rocktober 13th. [Continue Reading]

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