Bondage session with Clive Barker’s Jericho designer Joe Falke

Just when we were starting to wonder if Clive Barker‘s Jericho will end up like a mangled corpse on the evening news, it’s good to know that the project is still very much alive and kicking – and screaming and squealing and shrieking, so to speak. We thought that the said FPS headed for the PS3, 360, and PC was dropped, but lo and behold, it’s an interview!

CVG managed to score a little sit-down (sans leather straps and ball gags, we’re guessing) with Codemasters lead designer Joe Falke and talked about the story surrounding the game.

As it turns out, Clive Barker, indeed, plays a key role in the development for the game. He and his Alchemic Productions team supplied the concepts, dialogue, story, and primary designs for Jericho. To sum the whole thing up, the game revolves around the seven-man Jericho Team that tries to investigate the source of some ancient evil that has managed to creep into the present time and plans to engulf the world in darkness.

The game’s going to be a goth-fest, with all the leather bondage, decapitated children, and amalgamated corpses to last you a lifetime (or at least, what’s left of it). Check it out behind the “Full Article” chain link below.

Just when we were starting to wonder if Clive Barker‘s Jericho will end up like a mangled corpse on the evening news, it’s good to know that the project is still very much alive and kicking – and screaming and squealing and shrieking, so to speak. We thought that the said FPS headed for the PS3, 360, and PC was dropped, but lo and behold, it’s an interview!

CVG managed to score a little sit-down (sans leather straps and ball gags, we’re guessing) with Codemasters lead designer Joe Falke and talked about the story surrounding the game.

As it turns out, Clive Barker, indeed, plays a key role in the development for the game. He and his Alchemic Productions team supplied the concepts, dialogue, story, and primary designs for Jericho. To sum the whole thing up, the game revolves around the seven-man Jericho Team that tries to investigate the source of some ancient evil that has managed to creep into the present time and plans to engulf the world in darkness.

The game’s going to be a goth-fest, with all the leather bondage, decapitated children, and amalgamated corpses to last you a lifetime (or at least, what’s left of it).

So what’s up with Al-Khali? Why does it keep appearing and disappearing?

Falke: The city of Al-Khali, or in modern times, the ruins of Al-Khali, is always present. During key moments of conflict or strife, a giant sandstorm envelops Al-Khali and everyone in it. Each time the growing storm appears, a team of spiritual warriors has entered the storm, banishing it, but never returning…

So they stay behind, and bad things happen to them?

Falke: Each time the storm has appeared and been banished, a different version of Al-Khali has been taken into another dimension. When the Jericho Squad enters this storm, they’re entering into this dimension comprised of all the different versions of Al-Khali from times past. All those who were in the city at the time are trapped in a state of undeath, warring and fighting for power over their dominions.

Charming. So what eras do the people trapped there come from?

Falke: Previous Jericho Squads include Sumerian priests, Roman centurions, Knights Templar and British commandos. Some have succumbed to ‘the Box’ and become servants of the evil force that rules there. Others have held out, attempting to aid the next generation of warriors who must save their world. All have been altered by the experience.

What do the supernatural talents of the Jericho Squad themselves bring to the game?

Falke: Varied, exciting and original gameplay. In Jericho, you’ll be bending bullets around corners, clearing landslides with telekinesis and toasting enemies with a flame spirit, using the Squad’s basic powers. Later in the game, the player will be able to combine the basic powers of two Squad members at a time using a technique called threading.

What’s the sickest thing that you’ve put into the game so far?

Falke: The game is basically the Argos Catalogue of foul. It depends on what sir requires to sate his desire for the disgusting. How does a child who’s been ripped in half and attacks you with its entrails sound? A suicide bomber who puts the explosive inside his body? How about a woman who makes her furniture out of human flesh? A man who’s been nailed to a cross, every joint in his body fused to that so that he suffers for eternity? How about a guy who’s flayed the skin on his back into wings and dug the flesh out around his eye sockets so he can better see his prey? Take your pick. Sick bags sold separately.