Say hello to Meg
Just when you thought it was safe to turn on your console...
We come across some bizarre game concepts in the course of our work, but one of the more unusual ones to crop up in recent days is MEG. The game is apparently based on a best selling novel of the same name, in which a Carcharodon Megalodon (a prehistoric shark of truly scary size) emerges from the depths of the Marianas Trench in the Pacific and promptly terrorises everyone in the area. Unusually you'll get to experience both sides of the story in the game, controlling submersible pilot Jonas Taylor and the giant shark itself. As Jonas you'll get to swim and dive in the ocean, as well as taking control of submersibles, ships and helicopters to help you track the shark. Playing as the beast you'll be able to bash, thrash and bite potential victims, using MEG's huge weight and massive teeth to defend yourself, while a combination of audio and visual cues are used to locate prey. It's certainly a novel idea, although games like Everblue and Aquanox have proven that underwater action-adventure games can be a hit and miss affair. With MEG not due out until well into 2004, everything's a bit vague at this stage, but no doubt more information will gradually emerge over the coming months, like a giant fin rising from the water. Or something.