Bodycount dev on shredding cover, lack of in-game females

In a recent interview, level designer, Andrew Parsons, from Codemasters' Guilford studio explained the cover system, the scavenger character class and a lack of females in the upcoming PS3 and 360 shooter.

Speaking with Games On Net, Parsons explained the thinking behind the relative shortage of indestructible cover in the game.

"We've tried really hard to create a readable visual language for the player, so that they can assess their cover for its ability to protect them," he said. "It's always been one of the cornerstones of Bodycount's environment design that if you allow *everything* to shred away and disappear, there's nowhere left for the player to hide - which isn't always fun!"

Speaking of the scavenger character class, who will steal precious upgrade orbs from under your nose, Parsons said.

"The scavenger is a great example of how we've tried to broaden the tactical landscape of Bodycount," he explained. "Basically, he acts as a sponge for any intel dropped during firefights - if you see all your precious loot being sucked away from you, that's a scavenger working his evil! He's a fast-moving character with a low physical profile, so you have to chase him in order to get a proper bead. I probably wouldn't get too carried away chasing him down, though - he has a tendency to drop mines!"

The lack of females in the game was also discussed. Female participation is limited to one significant female enemy character plus the operative's "handler" who doles out mission intel. Parsons explained that more female roles were discussed "...but when it comes down to it, that doesn't accurately reflect the the majority of real-world combat scenarios, not least the hellish areas we send the Operative in to in Bodycount!"

Martin Mathers recently saw Bodycount for VG247, find out what he thought of it with his hands-on impressions.

Bodycount is due for release on 360 and PS3 on August 30 in the US and September 2 in Europe.