Developer: Silicon Knights

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Release Date: August 19, 2008

Canadian developer Silicon Knights is known for its small but rapidly growing number of behemoth titles, which include Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem and Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes. The company will be diving into its latest digital saga, Too Human, with Microsoft in August.

Too Human chronicles the journey of the cybernetic god Baldur as players battle against forces that threaten all mankind. When an ancient machine puts the galaxy in danger, Baldur is charged with utilizing his powers to protect the world from monstrous beings that are hell-bent on destroying any and everything that stands in their way.

Too Human is an action-adventure RPG, similar to Mass Effect and Champions of Norrath. Players will be able to customize their character by leveling up and obtaining different types of equipment through Baldur’s travels. While the game starts out with five classes, Silicon Knights has announced that they will be adding more via downloadable contentment. They also hinted at additional quests that will eventually be available for download, lengthening the game’s replay value. Skill classes, customizable characters, cybernetics, and item hunting all await players in the fictional world of Too Human. 

Silicon Knights knows that players love connecting and joining forces over the internet, so they made sure to include an online 2 player co-op mode via X Box Live that will allow players to meet and adventure together to search for rare items and complete quests.

Here are some things gamers can expect from Silicon Knights’ upcoming release:

Thrilling action-RPG gameplay. Unlike some games that may force players to choose between two genres, “Too Human” combines all the creative economy features and social experiences of a typical RPG, such as collecting loot and leveling up, while maintaining the excitement of an action game. With a wide array of weapons, armors, cybernetic implants and skills, players have an unprecedented level of customization with their characters.

Explosive melee and firearms combat. It will take more than brawn and raw strength to supplant the machine hordes. Using a sophisticated blend of seamless melee and high-tech weapons combat, players have the power to vanquish foes near and far. Witness the fluid grace of heroes and enemies in battle as enacted by the acclaimed motion-capture group Full Action Stunt Team (FAST). Feel each punishing blow through advanced visual effects made possible through the power of Xbox 360.

The birth of an icon. Fight as Baldur, a powerful cybernetic god battling his way through enemy armies to become one of gaming’s renowned iconic heroes. From weaponry and armor to combat techniques and combos, players can fully customize Baldur to become the best possible hero.

Advanced cinematic presentation. Characters and environments come to life with amazing visual fidelity. Experience the full excitement of combat through a dynamically driven presentation system that portrays the combat with cinematic quality. Survive pulse-pounding battles against hordes of on-screen enemies set against the vast landscape of the “Too Human” world. A sweeping orchestral score sets the mood for heartbreak, anger and blood lust as each tune encapsulates the gamer within the immersive gaming environment.

New level of accessibility through intuitive combat. Perform Baldur’s elaborate and complex combat maneuvers, and chain together rapid-fire attacks and combos with ease. Through the use of an intuitive combat system, “Too Human” delivers gameplay that is easy to learn and rewarding to master.

Shared experience. Conquer the world of “Too Human” alone or with friends in advanced, online two-player co-op gameplay through the Xbox LIVE service. Online co-op play requires Xbox LIVE Gold Membership.

Modern take on classical Norse mythology. In a world ruined by centuries of war, “Too Human” chronicles the epic story of Baldur, favored son of Odin and one of a group of humanity’s protector, the Aesir. As Baldur, you must destroy the ancient war machines that threaten the world, but to do so you must balance your sense of duty and honor against your lust for revenge — perhaps even sacrificing your humanity in the process.