Chat Reveals Some New Info

[Gobalopper]

The chat has just come to an end and there was some new things revealed. I am working on putting together a chat log now and should have it ready later tonight. I am going through and picking some highlights first though, check back soon for those.

Update: Here are some of the highlights, check the transcript below for more:

~More info on system requirements, estimated at PII-400, 64MB RAM, and 16MB video card.

~Veterency has just been added for the SubHouse's and they are currently balancing them.

~They expect the game to be out "by this summer"

~Emperor will support voice communications of some sort for multiplayer like Microsoft Voice Commander.

~Still only 4 players on Westwood Online and 8 via LAN.

~No new units given but they did mention that the Atreides Sniper with 3rd level veterency gains the ability to stealth.

~Chris says Emperor will be better then current RTS games because it offers, "Stunning visuals, epic universe... but more importantly, some great unit diversity, allowing many combos and cool tactics! Also, the campaign game introduces a level of strategy back into RTS, that has been missing for a while."

~There will be maps released weekly after the game is released, similiar to Red Alert 2.

~They have introduced some new enhancements for users with slower connections but say that large games are still sluggish with 56K.

~Emperor has only a few core units in common with each side.

~Currently they are going through final QA on the game. All features are complete & in the game. Mostly bug fixing, polish, & tuning is left now.

~On camera angles, "In Emperor, you have the default camera position which is traditional 2 1/2D in angle. Its still all 3D, with the cool visuals therin. From there, you can rotate the camera, pan, zoom & tilt. We do restrict the movement to a certain range, to ensure the game is always playable, and you'll never be stuck in an unplayable angle."

~Only key structures remain in territories you come back too.

~Air units will play a more important role this time around.

~Currently they only have multiplayer maps of Dune but they are working on some ways to have resource collection on other planets for multiplayer. This could include spice on other planets, (not good -Gob), or a dial that regulates how fast money would arrive.

~There will be night and day during longer missions as well as sand storms.

~Sidebar will be similiar to RA2 but with some new enhancements.

~Fremen Fedaykin have a thumper that may attract a sandworm which they can ride. After "eating" a certain number of infantry the worm will go back under the sand killing the Fedaykin.

The chat transcript is now available.