Bringing a Deep Narrative to an Over-the-Top Arcade Game in Agent Intercept, Out Now

Agent InterceptXbox One exploded onto Xbox today at lightning speed. We wanted to show you how we approached narrative design for a game that focuses on high-stakes action and arcade gameplay. The story behind the game is very compelling. Agent InterceptThere are many twists and turns, sure to make any fan of the spy genre smile. But narrative design is more than writing the plot, so let’s take a more in depth look at how we brought the action to life through storytelling.

Vision — This One Goes to 11

Agent InterceptAn action driving game, it was created by Spy HunterThis was my very first game of video gaming!However, it had to be more than that in order to define its identity. It was our goal to design some compelling, clear design pillars. — Statements used to bring the team together around the game direction — Everyone was supportive of the vision. Phrases such as “everyone should feel like a superspy” and “use the best of every car chase ever” helped guide us to what was important in every moment of gameplay.

A grand and extravagant story helped to elevate the concept beyond mere car chases into superhero territory. In the initial stages of development, the story was not only a plan pitch but also an inspiration for the team. I wasn’t just sharing a story idea, but a world of possibilities to help people think beyond the initial reference material: Imagine the type of game where you fight bosses larger than the screen, where you explode a rocket while riding it into space, where not only the car transforms but the world transforms around you! This helped us push the game past genre material, paying homage but also seeing where we could expand, subvert, or just go that much crazier than what we’d seen before.

Story — Agency vs CLAW

So that the main story was clear and easy to understand, I made sure the gameplay elements were at the forefront. The evil organization CLAW is back under a new villain with an army of goons and crazy tech, and only you as the Agency’s elite driver of the transforming spy car the Sceptre can stop them! The experience was laser-focused by using genre tropes, putting you at the centre of every plot point and every level, as well as every scene design. While the story may have many unexpected twists, they are primarily meant to enhance gameplay.

Narrative Design — More than Writing

Not only should each level tell a satisfying story but also guide players on their journey. All of these factors were considered when deciding the story. Each level began with the story. With the help of our tech, level and cinematics designers, we developed a storyboard and a flowchart detailing each storybeat.

Every story must give an underlying reason to the game’s flow. In one example, the player drives up a mountain in order to spot superweapons testing. Then, he or she escapes another boss by driving down an avalanche and taking down the weapon. It sounds pretty cool, I hope, but that was just to showcase the cool environment of the arctic mountains, the reason for the player to change into the new mode and highlight the various boss vehicles.

Audio – Bringing the Narrative to Life

A key component of the player experience was sound. The story was enhanced by the use of energetic original music and powerful sound effects.

Voice acting was something we knew, and not only to add weight to your characters fighting for you in the levels but also to help keep you focused on the chaos. It was possible to experience plot twists, character emotions and the tension of the gameplay.

Our aim was to deliver a fun, knowingly over-the-top spy story worthy of James Bond, Fast & Furious, and Spy Hunter wrapped together. However, we hope to have created a cohesive experience that combines characters, music and design to help you focus on the action, increasing its absurdity, and keeping it fresh.

Did we deliver? You saw the twists coming. Is it possible to explode a rocket as you drive along it, while it’s blasting into the air? Purchase Agent InterceptXbox 360 and enjoy!

Agent Intercept

PikPok

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

Agent, the world is counting on you! Take control of the Sceptre, the Agency’s latest high-tech transforming vehicle, and face off against the criminal organisation CLAW in this explosive arcade driving game.

Dodge enemy fire, mines and lasers as you perform over-the-top stunts and use the Sceptre’s high-tech gadgetry to blow up your enemies. You’ll feel like an expert spy as the Sceptre transforms from car to plane, and other exciting locations. With a new threat around every corner, it’ll take all you’ve got to defeat CLAW.

An Agent’s work is never done. Agent Intercept extends the playability of Agent Intercept beyond its campaign’s richness. You can take on side missions and unlock experiments, as well as prove your skills to become a top-ranked superspy by joining our global leaderboards.