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. It is an exciting tale at its heart. 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 InterceptThe original idea for this action driving game was from Spy HunterIt was one of my first ever video games!However, it had to be more than that in order to define its identity. Our goal was to develop some exciting, clear design pillars. — Statements that align teams on 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.

The game’s overall idea was elevated beyond the car chases to near super hero status by a great, elaborate story. The story served as both a pitch and a guide for our team in the beginning stages. 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

The story’s core was kept simple and easily accessible so that the action set pieces 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 focus of the game was achieved by using tropes from genre and placing the player in the middle of all the plot points, levels, and set pieces. Although the story has many twists and turns, it’s primarily there to highlight the most enjoyable gameplay.

Narrative Design — More than Writing

Each level’s flow had to tell a story that was fun and self-contained, as well as guide players along their gameplay adventure. The narrative had to consider the bosses, the gadgets available and the environment. 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. One level has the player racing up a mountain for superweapons testing. Next, the player must drive down an avalanche in order to escape another boss, and then take down that weapon. Although it sounds great on its own, this was necessary to illustrate the coolness of our arctic environment and to demonstrate the mechanics of 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.

Also, we realized that voice acting is something we needed, not only for the character voices pushing you forward or fighting with you in levels, but because it keeps your attention on the action. 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. We also wanted to deliver a complete experience where characters, music and design work in harmony to help you focus on intense action and elevate it to absurdity at all times.

Did we deliver? You saw the twist coming. Are you sure it’s possible to drive on a rocket and explode it as it blasts into space? Buy Agent InterceptXbox Live!

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 provides extended playability that goes beyond the rich campaign. 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.