Developer Microids has announced that the release of its upcoming remake of XIII, has been delayed. The game became an instant cult classic upon its release in 2003, with its then-new cel-shaded FPS.
Speaking about the need for the game's delay, Head of Production of Microids François Coulon stated:
“This additional development time is needed to reach the level of polish we’re aiming for. The announcement was greeted by an overwhelming response from the community and we’ll make sure to deliver the best possible game to our fans.”
Given that the overall vision of the project is to create something worthy of the 2003 version of the game, this seems like as excellent a reason as any to delay a game. This is especially true when it is taken into consideration that the number of titles released today that are often half-baked, at best.
In recent years, there are apparent examples of games that were released to an abysmal launch. Fallout 76 from Bethesda is a perfect example of a game that was no where near the level of quality that players have come to expect over the years. Afterward, Todd Howard, the director at Bethesda, went on to state, "It's not how you launch, it's what it becomes.”
This, of course, is the exact kind of ridiculous statement that makes consumers lose faith in a series. In delaying XIII, the goal appears to be to present a product to consumers that they can enjoy and that the developers can take pride in, rather than rush development to release and, over the course of a year, patch together what remains.
For those unfamiliar with the 2003 title, XIII places players in the role of the Thirteen, who have been accused of assassinating the President of the United States. After waking with a total loss of memory, the story's protagonist is equipped with only a small key and an unfamiliar tattoo with the roman numerals "XIII" on his collarbone. These are the first clues towards solving the mysteries of the game, which take place over 34 levels.
The game had an incredibly intriguing premise, and many are excited to experience it all over again. Hopefully, now, it doesn't receive any additional delays.