Theseis: Track7 Games

Written by Jason Cisarano  on July 26, 2007

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This coming fall, PC and Xbox 360 gamers will enter the world of Theseis, an adventure game set in modern and ancient Greece. It's a game that will cross genres while combining action and storytelling to give players an experience that promises to stand out from anything on the market today.

Recently, Gaming Target got to talk to Demetris Papadopoulos of Track 7 Games on how the company is going to revolutionize the adventure game, build a proprietary next-gen engine, and launch the game industry in Greece, all at the same time. Whew!

Gaming Target: Thanks for talking to Gaming Target. Maybe you could start by telling us a bit about yourself and your role on the Theseis team.

Demetris Papadopoulos: Hi, thank you, well, I'm Demetris Papadopoulos, I'm a bit of everything, Marketing, Product Manager and Public Relations spokesman for Theseis. Let me also add that gaming is like a hobby to me.

GT: If I'm not mistaken, Theseis is not only Track7's first game, but also the first game to be developed in Greece. What is it like to be in such a unique position?

DP: Yes it's true, when we talk about a AAA, high budget title, then yes, we are the first out of Greece to do this. Being in this position is quite amazing but at the same time we have a lot of pressure on our shoulders, especially coming from our Greek fans, that are depending on us to bring out a next generation title that is on par with other titles out, for the very first time. There is a feeling and passion that when Greeks see something of their own going world wide, suddenly the patriotism clock turns on, and now it feels we are going into battle of some sort, fighting for Greece. This is Sparta anyone? (laughing) It's a cool feeling, but like I mentioned we don't want to disappoint anyone, so we are giving it our hardest in getting it done and giving the action/adventure fans what they want.

GT: It seems a bold move to be making an adventure game in these days of MMOs and shoot-Сem-up action games. What will Theseis bring to the genre? What will attract players who haven't played an adventure game since Myst?

DP: For one, we notice that there aren't a lot of action/adventure titles out on Xbox 360. I'm a hard core gamer on Xbox 360 as well, and I see this myself. It's a shame, out of the 7 million Xbox Live users, we know that a big percentage enjoy playing action/adventure titles. It's going to be a nice change bringing something new to the table. We believe that many people will be interested in playing a game that has to do with Greek Mythos, and also knowing its coming from the Greeks as well and based in true locations in Greece. Its true, adventure gaming is not huge in the market as it was 10 years ago, but there is always room for something new. Let's just say we feel we are rejuvenating adventure gaming and bringing it out on a next generation console for the rest of the users that will allow them to have a variety to choose from all the genres out there on the specific console. I'm sure many will be tempted to pick it up and re-live the Greek Myth, in a very well scripted story and scenario which brings ancient Greece alive during modern day Greece. It has a strong enough scenario for the masses, humorous, adventurous, magic, conspiracy and also amazing fantasy locations. It's got it all except for the violence! There will be lots of evil, and many mythological creatures based on the Greek Myth, but none that you will kill with a gun, or weapon, but using your wits to get by.

GT: Speaking of Myst and the like, what are some of your influences, adventure games and otherwise?

DP: Well firstly we wouldn't want to classify our game as Myst. Yes there will be puzzles, but it's a 3rd perspective view, something like Tomb Raider, then there is sneaking, that we looked into the Splinter Cell series, then we have the adventure part which we looked at the Broken Sword series. Basically it's a little mixture of many games that have been successful. The one thing that we love boasting about is the amount of detail that we implemented in our game, from the objects, to environments and to character design, together with the amazing shading and lighting effects, we believe that every type of gamer will enjoy playing our game.

GT: What goes into writing the story for an adventure game like this? Do puzzles or plot come first?

DP: Story plot comes first and then puzzles. We have many different types of puzzles as well as mini games available in different sections of our game.

GT: You mentioned that Theseis won't be a violent game, and I've heard that the player won't be wielding a gun or other weapon. What's behind this choice?

DP: We wanted to be different. Just like the decision to come out with a supposedly dying genre, risks could be rewarded. We want to make a difference rather than what's out there already. I have received many emails, regarding this fact that we will be non violent, and many agree with our decision. They believe a change is needed and so do we.

GT: Even though it's non-violent, Theseis will have plenty of action. What sort of action can we expect?

DP: Sure there will be, there will be platforming elements, sneaking elements, swimming, acrobatics, climbing, running, jumping. All these are considered our basic action elements.

GT: Can you give us any particulars about the puzzles players will face in Theseis?

DP: We have puzzles that require information gathering (NPCs, books, computers) of course you use the information to solve a puzzle or a riddle or to find a location. We also have puzzles that require a more hands on approach to solve them, they might remind you of Rubik's cube in style, but they are simpler to complete and require more logic than trial and error. We have puzzles that require the combination of items in which you use the inventory system. The inventory system allows you to see objects in 3d and discover the way in which objects can interact with other, this allows for interesting puzzles and item features.

GT: Finally, I have to talk to you about graphics, since the screenshots and video for Theseis are looking great so far. What sort of graphical bells and whistles will we see in the engine?

DP: First of let me explain that Theseis is running on our own custom made engine. Which is another great thing coming from a new independent game developing studio. The developers are using the latest in pixel shading and lighting. The importance in detail is a must in our game, and from our very picky developers. They seem that they are obsessed on perfection, this could sometimes push us back on milestones, but hey it's better getting it done the right way and not rushed. Everything developed in the game has been worked on with focus on detail and graphics as well as game play.

Thanks once again to Demetris for giving us some great inside information about Theseis. Keep your eye on Gaming Target for future updates.