NAME: Nicole
OCCUPATION: Narrative Designer - MODERN COMBAT
Since the beginning of mobile gaming, there have been advancements in hardware and software capabilities far beyond our wildest expectations. These expectations are realized by Gameloft's newest installment, Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour.
In addition to its advancements in graphic technology, Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour strives to bring to life a storyline that is more immersive and compelling than ever before. One of the minds who helped make this idea a reality was Nicole Dolenszky, the Narrative Game Designer for Modern Combat.
We spoke with Nicole about the work that goes into drawing the player into the storyline of Modern Combat.
What is the process of bringing a story to life?
I feel very lucky to be working with a team with such a vast amount of experience in the industry as well as great chemistry. During our Pre-Production, we'd sit down in our meeting room to brainstorm and flesh out major story elements and locations to make MC4 have a look and feel that is much improved over the previous iterations. We had a pretty hectic schedule, but we managed to meet once a week where the lead game designer, lead level designer and I would discuss mission objectives and major story elements.
We also worked closely with the lead writer who helped generate a story plot and wrote all the main dialogs. It's my job to look at different levels to figure out what we need as far as the dialog and story are concerned.
Why do you think storyline is important in a video game?
In a linear first-person shooter, it is vital to keep the player interested in advancing and discovering the various twists and plot lines of the overall storyline. It's very important to provide a context for the player to enjoy the action and great gameplay. We want to keep the player immersed in the story as well as enjoy the fast-paced action that this game provides. You know, it's like an action movie; you want to give the characters a sense of identity and emotional background. You want to develop a story behind them while supporting the action scenes and still provide the “wow” factor, just like a feature film. This will make games more memorable and will set itself apart in the ever-evolving mobile arena.
It's very important for a video game to find the right writing style to support the gameplay and to make sure the story serves a purpose. We want the player to feel immersed in the game world, and that's where I come in.
What were some of the things you wanted to accomplish?
We wanted to craft our story around compelling characters and ensure their personality and attitude are clear to the player, especially the villain. I am lucky to be collaborating with an amazing team and the level designers have been doing a great job ensuring that the story flows through each level. We really wanted the fans to enjoy a storyline that pulls you in at all stops. I am really excited about the motion capture, action sequences, cutscenes and mission briefings that move the story forward.
Where is the campaign set?
The campaign is set around the world. There are many different locations. To name a few: Seattle, Barcelona and Hawaii.
Without revealing too much, who are some of the new characters introduced in MC4?
In Modern Combat 4, we really wanted to provide a multidimensional perspective to the action sequences. Similar to the other MCs, you will have the opportunity to play as a U.S. soldier, Corporal Blake, who is a member of the Phantom Team; Edward Page, who is our villain, and finally a third perspective, Sergeant Anderson, an ex-Phantom member who is now in charge of A.F.T.E.R. (America's First Tactical Emergency Responders).
Will we be seeing any familiar faces?
In Modern Combat 3, Edward Page was the leader of the Pakistan Terrorists' cell. He's back and he hates the United States more than ever. He will use any - and we mean ANY - measures necessary to bring America down.
Can you underline the importance you’ve put on the storyline, and how this game is better than previous installments?
In this installment we've ramped up the heat in the game. We want the player to be certain what his goal is, and that is to eliminate Edward Page.
In order to avoid feeling detached from Page, we've put the player into his shoes. You will understand his madness first-hand, providing multiple perspectives on the events that take place in Modern Combat 4.
In doing so, this gave us the leeway to develop Page's personality more and give the players the urge to take him out at any cost. He is ruthless, he has no empathy and he will use any amount of violence to prove a point. It's like a drug for him.
We actually used motion capture technology for many of the fight scenes and cutscenes, as well as QTEs to move the action forward in a fun and exciting way. The player will definitely feel more drawn into the storyline and involved in the gameplay than in any other Modern Combat game yet.
Kayla G
Community Moderator