What new combat additions have been made?
Added duel-wielding without swapping between plasmids and guns. Makes combos more fluid. Revamped each weapon and plasmid, while they will seem familiar their growth will have changed. Hacking and research will also interrupt combat less, making it more fluid.
Some thought the first was too hard while others thought it too easy. How have you made this game more streamlined?
Always a danger where you have a lot of character growth and optional systems. A lot of hardcore gamers will find more perks and bonuses, while others that gloss over them will have a tougher time. Jack was vulnerable, but playing as a Big Daddy allowed for a bit more durability and survivability. A.I. improvements also allowed a little more space so you could catch your breath a bit. Fewer stumbling blocks between you and your tools. Varying difficulty levels, encourage people to up it if they do well or drop if they are doing badly. We have done many tests to try and balance appropriately.
What weapons are the team proud of?
The drill. Everyone wanted a drill, so it was included and made more robust than the wrench. After upgrades it became a versatile tool that is rewarding to use. Other tactical and defensive tools due to defense allowed growth, such as trap rivets or charging cyclone traps
with fire or mini-turrets built on the fly. They all combine into complex defensive scenarios.
Does this mean Big Daddies won�t be enemies?
They are definitely enemies, at least one new Big Daddy type that is much more powerful, but run-of-the-mills are on equal footing.
What are the puzzles and weapon upgrades going to be like? New puzzle challenges and rewards?
Third upgrade for every weapon that brings totally different functionality. Get larger clip, more damage, but then fire attacks. Lightning coils, etc. Third upgrades would be something you work for. The mini-game for hacking is integrated more with core gameplay. More simple, but integrated with all other action.
Which of these endings are considered canon?
Neither of them are canon. It is debated amongst Rapture�s populace, though Little Sisters could return.
Some are concerned it will be one giant escort mission.
It�s an optional system that players can or cannot do. Up to you when, how often, etc. It only takes about a minute or two to take care of, so it�s more of a diversion. If you hate it, you can ignore it. You can�t do anything to a Little Sister until you�ve killed the Big Daddy, so she can�t die unless you die.
Stay tuned to GDN later this week for parts 3 and 4.
