Engage Yourself in the Next N-Gage Racer, “System Rush”

by Louis Bedigian

“We worked with both versions of the N-Gage while developing this game because we wanted to ensure that the game plays equally well on both devices.” 

As the year finally progresses toward longer days and warmer weather, game studios shift their developers into full gear.  It’s not “after Christmas” anymore – we are just four months away from the start the of the pre-Christmas push for video games.

To keep our sanity from going awry, we will have some good games to play before then.  N-Gage has had a rush in great game releases over the past few months, so it shouldn’t be shocking to anyone that System Rush, a futuristic-looking racing game, is headed to Nokia’s console. 

We didn’t know much about the game, and instead of making stuff up like some outrageous tabloid, we got into our over-priced hovercrafts and flew through city traffic.  Within minutes we were in the presence of Will Shen, Producer/Production Lead for System Rush.  Impressed by our sleek rides, he told us everything there is to know about the game.

There are 45 enemy levels, 15 gang boss vehicles and 5 kingpin track bosses.  This makes System Rush sound like something more than just another fast-paced racer...

Will Shen: System Rush is definitely more than just your typical racer.  The game has a hacker theme that takes place inside the computer networks and we've gone to great lengths to bring a full experience to the consumers.  In addition to the fast paced racing, we've also included a great storyline, some serious connected features via Arena and Bluetooth, an extensive web campaign that brings the hacking experience to a whole new level and much more, which you'll have to play the game to see!

Is there are a lot of carnage in this game?  Lots of crashing and destruction?

WS: I wouldn't say that there is a lot of carnage to the game, but we've included an interesting system where players are able to steal energy off enemy vehicles until they are destroyed.  Personally, I find this feature to be quite rewarding whether I win or lose the race! 

Brings back memories of the first 3D racing games. 

Do you have weapons or power-ups to collect?  Any way to defend yourself or to make an attack?

WS: There are definitely power ups that the players can collect, some of which are boost, shields, energy and something we call "code freeze".  In addition to these, there are some pretty interesting power ups that help you navigate and propel you around the tracks even faster than the standard power ups.

How do the 45 enemies differ from the boss vehicle and the kingpin track bosses?

WS: We have 4 different types of enemy vehicles – Minions, Tracers, Bodyguards and Bosses (all based upon security drones that you'd find in a computer network).  The minions are the most basic of the 4, having simple AI, simple appearance and working in "swarm" formations.  The Tracers are a bit more advanced in appearance and intellect, plus they have the ability to fly for short distances.  The Bodyguards are the most advanced of all the automated security drones and their primary function is to protect the Bosses by trying to destroy the player.  Finally, the Bosses are the most interesting of all because they are being controlled by a hacker for the corporation and they are equal to the player in both appearance and intelligence.

Limited edition cars are going to be available online.  Once unlocked, you can race them offline.  How do you save them so that, even if you drop the N-Gage Arena service, you can still use those cars?

WS: Once accessed, the Limited Edition vehicles will be saved locally to your N-Gage.  Therefore, it won't be an issue if you don't have any service at all!  

It’s not easy being green…unless you’re a high-powered futuristic racing machine! 

Is there anything particularly special about the limited cars?  Why should gamers go online and unlock them?

WS: The Limited Edition vehicles are designed to have a special "look" about them.  They also will possess upgraded racing attributes.

What if my N-Gage hasn't been activated by a cellular service provider.  Is there any other way to obtain the limited edition cars?

WS: Sorry, but the only way to obtain the Limited Edition vehicles is through N-Gage Arena.

How do the race clips, which can be uploaded or downloaded, fit into the game?  Are these clips of player races?

WS: Players are able to record any of their races and upload them or download others from Arena.  These clips will allow players to see the different lines that others have used to progress through the tracks.  Think of it as your own personal trainer!  Additionally, we offer players the option of voting on the coolest clip which will be featured on the web sites.

Ah, memories… 

Which version of the N-Gage did you work with while developing the game (standard or QD)?  Which version do you prefer?

WS: We worked with both versions of the N-Gage while developing this game because we wanted to ensure that the game plays equally well on both devices (which it does!).  I personally prefer the QD because of the smaller size and sleeker design.

In addition to Bluetooth, System Rush enables up to four players to race over the N-Gage Arena.  Is this an expanded ghost race or a true, head-to-head multiplayer race?

WS: This is the first N-Gage game that supports group shadow racing.  In the past, players have only been able to download and race against one shadow at a time.  During the design of this game, we wanted to replicate the experience of a full race so we came up with the idea of group shadow racing which allows you to race against 3 shadows simultaneously.

Thank you for your time.