[You've probably noticed the prolific Cory Appleton and his "Vitals" feature by now! The "Vitals" section highlights an upcoming game, shines some light on it's background, and dishes any extra details we can get our hands on - ED.]
The Playstation Network (PSN) title Fat Princess both shocked and awed gamers at E3. Being an extremely controversial title due to the premise of the game, feminists have all but sent death threats to the developers. Well that could be because up until now no one knew who the developers were.
So the news junkie in me has to get this part out first, then we’ll get to the Vitals. Epic Games China has officially announced the creation of Titan Studios. Titan Studios pulls talent from big hitters such as Ubisoft, Epic Games, Scion Studios, Blizzard Entertainment and Lionhead Studios. Titan Studios will be developing Fat Princess exclusively for the PSN. No time frame other than 2009 has been given yet.
Fat Princess has you set in a medieval battle against a horde of enemies as you set forth to rescue your princess. However this princess isn’t your typical fantasy land princess. After being captured and thrown in the rival dungeon, your princess has been stuffed with food and plumped up. So the average knight in shining armor saves the day story just got thrown out the window. You can’t bring your princess home by yourself. Due to her recent weight gain, you have no way of bringing her home alone. She needs to be carried home by a group of cooperatives.
The key to success in Fat Princess is just that, cooperating with others. You can run through the game in single player, but where Fat Princess will really shine is online with up to 16 players on each side! That’s 32 players frantically trying to get their fat princess back home safe. Each player will get to chose from one of five character classes consisting of a Worker, Warrior, Archer, Mage and Priest. You’ll be able to change your character at anytime throughout play by swapping hats.
Combat will take place across ten unique maps. Both single player and multiplayer game modes will share the same maps. So you should be able to practice offline and know exactly what to expect when you hit the network. Resources and upgrades can be collected for your weapons and basic castle defenses. Creating quite the stir at the beginning of each match as players scramble to get their defenses built up to withstand the onslaught of attackers.
Characters will be customizable, allowing you to create your own personal soldier to charge into online battle. Your character will march through several different types of online games including Rescue the Princess, Thwart the Invasion and Medieval Games. With such a large amount of players online every game is sure to be quite an epic battle.
what’s so controversial about a fat princess? if anything, i think feminists will be pleased that the princess isn’t in the typical tiny barbie mold. right? have there actually been outcries? because that’s just ridiculous, considering the amount of obese people in america alone. :P
looks fun!
Sounds like just another title in the Save The Princess genre. Sure, maybe her sitting there and just getting fat is kind of demeaning, especially if I’m right in assuming that there will be no other female characters in the whole game. So basically, you have a bunch of dudes working together to bail out a helpless fat princess. But when was the last time you saw Princess Peach do anything useful?
Still, I have to admit being uncomfortable with the whole idea.
@nattylux: We totally appreciate your opinion, and I think it’s a valid one.
@pirateprince: There HAVE been outcries. Right after E3 in fact, here’s one of several links: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25939266/
@pirateprince think of it more like capture the flag.. only the flag can’t be carried by just one person.. and teamwork will either make or break you.
Feminist may object to the continued objectification of women, as well as using obesity as a joke, as in, “haha! the princess is SO FAT, we had to carry her out with 16 dudes!” I can hear the online chatter, now. Ugh.
Why not save the cripple? Here’s the concept: guy in a wheelchair, but his wheels, see are BROKEN, and he’s really huge, cause he can’t get to the gym, right? So you have to CARRY him out. What? You have a problem with that? It’s just a game!
Or, better yet, save the black princess. She’s…
Nevermind. I think you see my point. I’m not saying that Fat Princess is totally offensive, but it’s closer to the line than it needs to be. I think its humor caters to the target demographic, and that’s what I have a problem with: we don’t need another group of young men laughing at a woman who’s overweight.
Thanks for the feedback Rob. I see your point man…. But at the same time.. I’m trying to look at this from a mature standpoint.. and focus on the multi-player experience to be had here. We’re talking about a game that could be great fun.. possibly being shunned because you rescue a fat lady..
Resident Evil 5 is facing criticism because you’re killing black zombies. Where was that criticism while they were in mexico before? Racism has no business in video games.. neither does prejudice based off of weight, sex, or ANYTHING..
That said.. I’d like to just accept the game for what it is. 32 player capture the flag, with cutesy art and a great chance for team work.
I agree.. it’s just a game.. and while it may be closer to the line of comfort than some people like.. they need to remember that one key… it’s just a game.