FPS fans with a knack for level editing will be pleased to note that Pariah will ship with the full Unreal-engine based editor for complete map creation and customization. But while Digital Extremes is well aware that this particular segment of the modding community will be able to create custom content with relative ease, the company seems keen on introducing the practice to a wider audience of players. As such, the company has developed a second, more stripped-down, streamlined, and easy-to-use editor which will ship with not only the PC version of the game, but also its Xbox counterpart.
The character models and water effects are astounding, even on Xbox.
In it, users will be able to choose from six different map themes which will define the overall look of the level. Then, by utilizing straightforward tools, the terrain itself can be flattened, heightened, smoothed, and even retextured with little work. The graphical interface is similar to that seen in a number of PC strategy games, such a Populous or Sim City. Even better, buildings, bases, and even player spawn points can be dragged and dropped nearly anywhere on the map with a few simple button presses. Once the player is happy with his or her creation, the map can be loaded up instantly for a quick walkthrough; because the map files simply contain references to in-game source maps, the files it creates are quite small. And yes, there will be Xbox Live support for user-created content. So it will be quite possible to trade maps with friends or even download a stranger's level by simply joining the game. We've even been told that the best maps may even be spotlighted to let users know who's work is worth checking out. All told, Digital Extremes has big plans for the online console community.
The multiplayer gameplay is also looking promising, especially for fans of Unreal Tournament 2004. In addition to standard deathmatch and CTF game modes, Digital Extremes has announced two new gameplay styles that will be available in Pariah: "Front-Line Assault" and "Siege." In the first, opposing teams will fight to push the front-line of attack further and further away from their own base in a sort of reverse game of tug-of-war. The latter mode will require players to defend a base from groups of oncoming attackers who advance from all sides. And, as in UT2004, multiplayer will benefit from the inclusion of a number of different types of vehicles for players to pilot. Some will be suitable for lone assaults while others will function as group transport ships.
