In exciting news today, Square Enix announced that Obsidian Entertainment will develop Dungeon Siege 3, the latest installment of the popular RPG series set in the Kingdom of Ehb.
And rejoice, console gamers, because the franchise will be coming to both Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 in addition to its traditional PC platform!
Obsidian brings a strong RPG resume to Dungeon Siege 3's table, including: Neverwinter Nights 2, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II The Sith Lords, and the highly anticipated wasteland saga Fallout: New Vegas. Also, fans of the first two installments of the franchise should assume that Obsidian will attempt to stay faithful to the original Dungeon Siege world, as series creator Chris Taylor of Gas Powered Games is already on board at Obsidian as a key adviser and collaborator.
Feargus Urquhart, the CEO of Obsidian Entertainment, confirmed his excitement about his company's new agreement with Square:
“It’s a distinct privilege and thrill to become a part of the Dungeon Siege legacy. This partnership with Square Enix is a milestone for both Obsidian and the franchise, and the two companies’ strengths for compelling characters and storytelling will shine throughout Dungeon Siege 3.”
Finally, in perhaps the best news of all, Square also announced that Dungeon Siege 3 will feature an entirely new multiplayer co-op mode. Though Square remained silent as to any juicy details about the co-op system, the mode will surely allow more room for versatile gameplay.
With the announcement of the alliance between Square and Obsidian, it's hard not to get excited about this game:
- Veteran publisher and developer with acclaimed track records? Check.
- In-depth storyline? Sure.
- Co-op mode? Yes sir. We at GR love us some co-op. It lets us broaden our profane vocabularies via the internet.
- Wizards, cataclysms, elves, dryads, and a lot of blood? Yep. The Dungeons and Dragons part of my heart is already quickening its pace.
- Ye olde morality system? You bet. What's a role-playing game these days without having to make weighty decisions with potentially dire consequences? We've already discussed this issue in depth here at GR.
I also like Square's involvement here, as it continues to participate in projects with a distinct "western" feel to them. Dungeon Siege 3 could be the game that further solidifies Square's position in the North American market. As an admitted Square homer going back to the NES days, it is good to see the company's ongoing effort to expand its horizons.
The release date for Dungeon Siege 3 remains unknown, but, at a minimum, Xbox 360, PS3, and PC gamers will probably have to wait until well into 2011 before the game hits shelves. I think I can wait that long. Maybe.
Who else besides this self-professed RPG nerd is looking forward to this game?