The Conduit releasing early 2009

11:34 AM on 06.12.2008   |   Justin Villasenor

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High Voltage Software has sent over an announcement -- along with the attached screenshot -- that their upcoming first-person shooter for the Wii, The Conduit, has been given a tentative Q1 2009 release window. Jonathan Holmes gave us the first look at the game last month, and I’ve got to say, the visuals that High Voltage Software’s Quantum 3 Game Engine can produce on Nintendo’s little white money printer are pretty impressive. They sure do make a lot of other developers look lazy, eh?

"Too many Wii owners have been told that the Wii is a casual platform with no room for serious games or top-tier graphics," said Eric Nofsinger, Chief Creative Officer at High Voltage Software. "With The Conduit, we intend to prove that theory wrong by providing gamers with the kind of title they imagined back when the platform was first announced."

Still, pretty graphics do not necessarily a fun game make. While the visual side of The Conduit is certainly shaping up nicely, I’ll remain a little skeptical until we start hearing a bit more about the gameplay. High Voltage Software is putting quite a bit of effort into making a quality third-party Wii game, though, so there probably isn’t too much to worry about.

The Conduit is still lacking a publisher, but considering how the game is shaping up, I’d be surprised if it didn’t get picked up relatively soon.

Hoffman Estates, IL – June 10, 2008 - High Voltage Software, Inc., one of the world's largest independent developers, today officially announced The Conduit, a stunning first-person action shooter that promises to provide some of the best visuals seen to date on Nintendo's Wii gaming console, for Q1 2009 release.

Using their proprietary Quantum 3 Game Engine technology, the team at High Voltage Software is fusing fast and fluid gameplay with an advanced set of visuals intended to squarely establish the Wii as a true next-generation gaming platform.  The first-person shooter boasts a competitive online multiplayer component and a thrilling single-player campaign. Advanced graphical features include dynamic environment mapping, interactive water with real-time reflection, and four-stage texture composition including gloss, diffuse, and bump mapping.

"Too many Wii owners have been told that the Wii is a casual platform with no room for serious games or top-tier graphics," said Eric Nofsinger, Chief Creative Officer at High Voltage Software. "With The Conduit, we intend to prove that theory wrong by providing gamers with the kind of title they imagined back when the platform was first announced."

Featuring terrifying alien creatures, an advanced Artificial Intelligence System, and a rich, conspiracy-laden story, The Conduit has more than a pretty face.  "The Wii has tremendous potential," said Kerry J. Ganofsky, CEO and founder of High Voltage Software. "We've invested heavily in our technology to make certain that potential is realized with The Conduit."

The Conduit's control scheme was carefully designed from the ground up with the Wii in mind, as were each of the weapons in the extensive armory, providing gameplay not possible on other platforms.  As Secret Service Agent Ford, you must learn to master each of these weapons as well as the special "All Seeing Eye" device to defeat enemies, solve puzzles, and unravel the game's mysteries.

"Conduit was especially designed for the Nintendo Wii" states Matt Corso, Creative Director at High Voltage Software. "From the weapons to armory and graphics, we tailored everything to the Wii which sets this game play apart from anything else on the market right now.”

Publisher excitement and interest in The Conduit has been overwhelming. High Voltage Software will continue to search for the perfect partner to ensure The Conduit’s success.
The Conduit is tentatively scheduled for release in Q1 2009 exclusively for the Nintendo Wii.