Wideload wants to make a Zombie out of you

Wideload Games, the developer set up by former Bungie Studios folk, has announced its first game this week - a quirky-sounding Xbox, PC and Mac project going by the name of Rebel Without A Pulse, in which you take up the role of a zombie, "Stubbs".

Rebel Without A Pulse is a third-person action game based on original IP, and will be published (in the US at least) in summer 2005 by Aspyr Media. You can clap eyes on some screenshots here.

It sounds quite intriguing. Technically, it will make use of Bungie's Halo engine, enhanced with new pixel shaders, screen effects and AI (improved AI? Surely not!), but far more interesting is the prospect of leading a "wisecracking zombie" as he takes on the futuristic town of Punchbowl, PA, using "his own carcass and the weapons of his possessed enemies" to instigate "an all-out war between the living and the dead".

Very peculiar. But it promises tongue-in-cheek humour, innovative combat and a strong storyline punctuating "bizarre and unpredictable" gameplay. "Yes, it's a love story too," the press release notes, adding to the bewilderment.

In terms of actual gameplay, we'll be sauntering through "bustling shopping districts and verdant farmlands to battle mad scientists, rural militiamen and the world's deadliest barbershop quartet," with enemies armed with shotguns, tanks and futuristic weaponry. For his part though, Stubbs has the ability to eat the brains of his enemies and add them to his personal zombie horde.

Wideload president Alex Seropian is clearly getting in the mood, telling the world, "To us nothing has the sweet smell of success like rotting Zombie flesh."

"We fell in love with the Stubbs game concept because of the unique player experience and the potential of the main character. We are really enjoying bringing this concept to life... or un-death, as the case may be."

We should know whether Wideload's faith is well placed sometime next summer.