The real cel-shady

Of course, no mention of XIII can be made without commenting on the game’s unique cel-shaded visuals. Instead of featuring advanced lighting and shadow effects, Ubisoft has opted to go with a very flat and clean look for both its models and environments. Not the entire game is cel-shaded, however, mostly just the interactive models, items, and weapons. This helps them stand out and reinforces the idea that you’re playing a three-dimensional comic book. Of course, a picture is worth a thousand words, so please be sure to check out all the screenshots included here.

Goodbye nurse

Revenge!

Not as bad as you'll be

XIII on IV platforms

XIII is a true multiplatform game with its released planned for GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC. All versions of the game will feature multiplayer with 12 maps out of the box. Each console version will have its own exclusive multiplayer mode. The PS2 version will get Power Up, which includes unique pick-ups such invincibility and invisibility. Xbox will get Sabotage, where two teams compete to take control of different strategic points in the map. Though unconfirmed, last we heard GameCube will get Capture the Chicken. The bonus for the PC is a bundled map editor.

See?

Sniffle, I didn’t get to say goodbye

I can take ya

Multiplayer

Ubisoft is granting online multiplayer on any system up for the task, which means everyone except Nintendo’s console. While the GameCube has the network adapter, it’s proven itself mostly useless outside of Phantasy Star Online and some other ‘hobbyist’ activities. So, even though the PS2, Xbox, and PC versions will be on the ‘net, it’s unfortunate that they’ll all be speaking different dialects. How cool would it be to hop on your favorite server and be fragging with players on different consoles? (Though, I suspect the keyboard and mousers would have a huge, unfair advantage.) GameCube gamers and those who wish to play with friends offline have the option of doing it with split screen.

How convenient, a tracking thingy

Ahhhhhhh

What about last time?