When it comes to delivering a triple-A title, especially a triple-A shooter, there is always an expectation of some sort of multiplayer component. In attempting to appease these expectations, sometimes a developer needs to go through several “rewrites” in order to find a balance that truly works — such is the case with Resistance 3.

While the first version of Resistance’s multiplayer was passable and, for some, a worthwhile distraction, others found it to be a bit perfunctory. In service of creating an experience that was both well rounded and felt interconnected in every dimension, developer Insomniac Games, when working on the second Resistance, moved to a co-op oriented multiplayer that abandoned the competition element altogether.Unfortunately, Insomniac’s bold choice didn’t quite pay off and the developer was left scratching their heads as to what would keep Resistance players coming again and again.

According to Insomniac, what gamers wanted was a blend of both worlds. The developer has crafted and experience that takes advantage of the competitive player vs. player multiplayer seen in the first game, combined with the level and career progression from the second game, to form Resistance 3’s multiplayer.

Here’s your first look:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdhk57EpUOw

Some of the elements detailed in earlier reporting, like the bubble shield and the doppelganger ability, make an appearance along with the very Call of Duty-esque experience system, but the most unique feature is the incorporation of the signature weapons of Resistance. Most of them, when applied in the context of the game, are extremely one-sided — giving the player a strategic advantage over their Chimeran foes.

The only problem is, when applied to a multiplayer, some of these weapons might be seen as “cheap” or too easy to kill an opponent. Still, the overpowered weapons may be a non-issue, as this brief look suggests, since there are plenty of ways in which players can defend themselves.

Certainly a compelling first look at a multiplayer that feels both familiar and fresh at the same time, hopefully Insomniac and Sony will be kind enough to show more.

What do you think of Insomniac’s new version of multiplayer for Resistance 3? Does it feel too much like something you have seen before, or is it just the right balance of new ideas combined with tried and true conventions?

Resistance 3 releases September 6, 2011 exclusively for the PS3.

Source: YouTube