THQ will return to the world of the Evil Dead horror film series with Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick, their upcoming PS2-Xbox action game that's being developed by State of Emergency creators Vis Entertainment. HomeLAN got a chance to chat with THQ producer Raphael Hernandez about their plans for A Fistfull of Boomstick.

HomeLAN - First was THQ pleased with the reactions that the first Evil Dead game received from reviewers and players?

Raphael Hernandez - The feedback and comments we received for the first Evil Dead game were very helpful and we made it a point to address as much of that as possible for the new game. Specifically, we've gone to great lengths to try to address length of play as well as the basic gameplay dynamic. We feel strongly that Evil Dead 2 will provide the kind of play experience all the fans have been waiting for and are expecting.

HomeLAN - When it came time to create the new game, how did THQ go about selecting the developer?

Raphael Hernandez - THQ searched for a proven, experienced developer with the technology base to create a truly cutting edge game. We found all this and more with Vis Entertainment, the creators of State of Emergency. Thanks to Vis's talent and management expertise, working with them has been as smooth a process as anyone can hope for, and I look forward to working on future projects with them as well.

HomeLAN - What can you tell us about the storyline for the new Evil Dead game and does it relate to the first game in any way?

Raphael Hernandez - We are still keeping the storyline under wraps until the game's release. For now, I can mention that the game is very much in the spirit of Evil Dead, forcing the player (as Ash) to confront the same demonic forces that have plagued the movie's hero from the very beginning.

HomeLAN - What locations will be seen in the new game?

Raphael Hernandez - Dearborn Michigan features prominently in the game, as well as other, more exotic locations the player will find himself thrust into.

HomeLAN - What new Deadites and other characters will be seen in the new Evil Dead game?

Raphael Hernandez - With deadites infecting the streets of downtown Dearborn, the player will be forced to fight and dismember numerous deadites that were formerly average citizens. Anyone from a cop to a school teacher could be turned by the demonic forces assaulting the city. Additionally, there will be other, truly unique monsters and demons that have forced their way into our world through a dimensional rift.

HomeLAN - What weapons will Ash get to use in the new game?

Raphael Hernandez - The player will have many weapons available to him. Some, like the chainsaw, are classic mainstays from the original movie; others are brand new creations specific to this game. For example, the player will be able to acquire the Exsanguinator. This melee weapon punctures the body of a deadite and proceeds to forcibly pump out all the blood of the possessed creature. Players will see torrents of blood pouring from the exsanguinator as the creature is pumped dry of its precious bodily fluids.

HomeLAN - How will the combat system be handled in the new Evil Dead game?

Raphael Hernandez - Combat will be fast-paced and intense. The player will be able to use a variety of weapons to hack, slash, and dismember his way through a horde of deadite enemies. The game will continually throw a variety of oppoents at the player, who will have to fight his way through multiple, sometimes dozens, of enemies in order to survive.

HomeLAN - What other unique gameplay elements will the new game have?

Raphael Hernandez - It will be possible for the player to acquire spells. These will give the player a whole new dimension of capabiliies for combating the demonic forces arrayed against him. He will be able to do a wide variety of things, from calling down a firestorm upon his enemies, to possessing them.

HomeLAN - Will the new Evil Dead game have any multiplayer modes ?

Raphael Hernandez - No, ED2 has always been intended as a single player experience, therefore, we have no plans for a multiplayer component.

HomeLAN - What differences, if any, will there be between the various console versions of the game?

Raphael Hernandez - Each version is tailored to take advantage of each specific console platform and its specific hardware.

HomeLAN - What involvement will Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi have in creating of the new game?

Raphael Hernandez - Bruce Campbell will be reprising his role as Ash from the original movies. He will be providing all voice-over for Ash.

HomeLAN - At the moment, what is the current status of the game's progress and when will it be released?

Raphael Hernandez - We are currently shooting for a Spring 2003 release.

HomeLAN - Finally, is there anything else you wish to say about the new Evil Dead game?

Raphael Hernandez - Evil Dead 2 will be capitalizing on Vis' outstanding S.O.E. technology to provide a gameplay experience which is heavily action-oriented, intense, fun, and completely in the spirit of the original movies.

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