SAGE 7 Interview: Mj2, Developer of 'Chaos Control'

Today we have an exclusive interview with Mj2, the creator of the fan game 'Chaos Control'. It's a very unique game which takes on a very 'stealthy' approach to Sonic. I take a peek closer at the past, present and future of the game.

TSS: Welcome to the Sonic Stadium Mj2, I can call you Mj2 right?

Mj2: Thanks, sure.

TSS: So your main game as far as I know is 'Chaos Control'. Tell us a little about the game and yourself.

Mj2: Well, I started Chaos Control 3 years ago. The plan for the game was to make something different, so I wanted to change the gameplay from a normal Sonic game and create a storyline that will keep the player on the edge of his/her seat.

TSS: Well, originality is always something to look for in a game. What changes have been made to the game into the lead up to SAGE this year?

Mj2: I have remade the whole engine. I have made a much more advanced AI for the guards, they now follow you, work in teams and hunt you out. I have also added a lot more to the gameplay such as new player movements, more interactive levels (example, if you hide behind an object, the guards can now shoot the object away) and made the game much harder. One feature I am very pleased with is the 'Wild-life'. I showed this in the SAGE trailer, the bird flying out of the bushes and waking the guard up.

TSS: Sounds brilliant! Tell us a little about the story of Chaos Control?

Mj2: The story... this is something I want the player to experience for themselves, so I cannot give too much away. After the events of Chaos Control 1, Sonic died in a blast at the Dust Hill Zone. He asked Tails for help, however it appeared Tails turned off his radio. Chaos Control 2 (this current game) is set two years after that 'Dust Hill Event' and has Tails returning as a leader of a military group. You play as one of the members of this group, a young fox called Raiden. Expect a lot of twists and turns, some I know will shock the player.

TSS: So what sort of secrets or additional features is the game incorporating (or going to incorporate) into it?

Mj2: Secrets and additional features? 50 VR missions, 3 unlockable levels, 4 unlockable characters, art gallery, cheats (:P) and a cel-shaded mode, something that really changes the look of the game. Then we have the online mode...

TSS: This is sounding like one hell of a game! And with 3 years in the making... when is the game going to be released?

Mj2: 2004, hopefully.

TSS: I've noticed you've also contributed your efforts to other games and developers. Why was this?

Mj2: I started working on Chaos Control Online with Sparks to give the game a 'team' feel and I have always wanted to make an online game. CC Chronicles: Revolutions is to give the player a bit of background on whole story of Chaos Control, I had so many ideas what could not fit in a single game. I have also helped out other peoples games as and when they have asked me.

TSS: How long is the game going to be, and how many characters can you play as, seeing as there are some completely original characters?

Mj2: The main Chaos Control series will be three games long. Chaos Control 1 was very short due to the fact it was basically just an introduction to the series. Chaos Control 2 is much longer, with at least nine levels, most of these levels are split into 3 parts.

For Chaos Control 3, I have seven levels planned at the moment, however I feel that CC3 will end up being the biggest game of them all. You play as Raiden and Maria mainly in Chaos Control 2, although you do get to control Hardaway and Viper in some stages. As for CC3... well, let's say the characters you control in that game will be a shock. You get to control all the characters from CC2 in CC:Online and in CC Chronicles: Revolutions you control 'Slither'.

TSS: Very nice indeed. How do you feel this year's SAGE has been, and what has caught your eye this year?

Mj2: I have been kinda disappointed with the last two SAGEs, people seem to be making the same old Sonic games - 'Eggman gets the Emeralds and it is up to Sonic to save them'. What has caught my eye? Well, I have been waiting (like everyone else) for Sonic Time Attacked, however I was also kinda disappointed with that.

The games that I really want to see completed are Sonic Switch and Sonic XG. Shadow Team's games look good as well - I am looking forward to seeing how they come on. I have been told SAGE 8 will be something great, so I have my fingers crossed.

TSS: I agree with that, very much so. Well, we've run out of time unfortunately - anything else to say to the readers from SAGE-land? ^_^

Mj2: Thanks for all the support and feedback you have sent me, I am looking forward to releasing the game to you all. Thanks again.

TSS: No, thank YOU Mj2! It's been great speaking to you again, hopefully we'll do this another time soon.

Watch out for Chaos Control, a very good upcoming fan game - not to be missed!