Section 8 Returns with Prejudice

Section 8 was an interesting shooter. Boasting high production values and some genuinely unique ideas, it was unfortunately let down in both its PC and console incarnations by low server populations. This meant, like many multiplayer-focused games that don’t have Call of Duty or Halo in their title, a potentially great game suffered.

Which is a pity, because the game itself was pretty good. Offering a decent single-player campaign designed to train players for online action, it also wasn’t afraid to try some new things. Most notable among these was the ability to “burn in” rather than simply respawn. This meant that rather than appearing in one of several random predefined locations, players would dive in from 15,000 feet above the battlefield. This added the additional gameplay element of attempting to shoot down diving players. It also meant that looking up was rather more important than it is in many similar games.

The new game, dubbed Section 8: Prejudice, looks set to build on everything the original game offered. And hopefully this means that it will enjoy greater popularity than its predecessor.

“We are very committed to this universe,” said Adel Chavelah, CEO of developer TimeGate Studios. “The development team has tremendous passion for the IP. Feedback from the community and media has been used to drive every single development decision on this project. Prejudice is taking everything popular about the first game of the series and pushing the envelope further.”

Section 8: Prejudice

Wheeeeee!

It certainly sounds like TimeGate are keen to learn from the mistakes made by the original. It’s always good to see this from a developer. It’s also great to see a developer with a clear love for the franchise they produce.

The new game offers a brand new, more lengthy story-driven campaign mode. And the multiplayer features of the original are still present and correct, including the “burn in” ability. TimeGate also promise 50 weapons, tools and upgrades. It certainly sounds like they’re going all-out to provide a fully-customizable experience that lets players build their own play style.

Will it be enough to get people interested in the series, though? That remains to be seen. Let’s hope TimeGate’s enthusiasm produces the kind of game that people want to play.

Section 8: Prejudice is planned for release in early 2011. Further details, including the platforms for which the game will be available, will be announced soon.