The Essence of Being too human in Modern Society1

In the world of gaming, some titles redefine genres, others quietly fade into obscurity, and some become infamous for their ambition, controversies, or troubled development. Too Human is a unique entry in the gaming landscape that falls into the third category. Developed by Silicon Knights and released in 2008 for the Xbox 360, Too Human was a game that promised much: an epic story blending Norse mythology with cyberpunk elements, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a sprawling trilogy to follow.

However, Too Human struggled to meet its lofty expectations and became a case study of how ambition and execution can sometimes diverge. In this article, we’ll explore the history, gameplay, story, reception, and legacy, while delving into why it remains a topic of interest for gamers and developers alike.

The Genesis of Too Human

The development of Too Human is almost as legendary as the game itself. Originally announced in 1999 for the PlayStation, was envisioned as a sprawling action RPG with cutting-edge graphics and gameplay. However, the game’s development faced numerous hurdles:

• Platform Changes: Initially planned for the PlayStation, the game was later shifted to the GameCube and eventually landed on the Xbox 360.
• Engine Issues: Silicon Knights licensed Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 3 for development but later sued Epic Games for failing to provide adequate support. This lawsuit created significant delays and technical challenges.
• Overambition: With its bold plans for a trilogy, Too Human aimed to be a groundbreaking experience, but its development timeline and resources struggled to keep pace.

After nearly a decade in development, Too Human finally launched in 2008 as an Xbox 360 exclusive.

The Story and Setting of Too Human

At its core, Too Human is a science-fiction reimagining of Norse mythology, set in a futuristic world where advanced technology and cybernetics shape society. Players step into the shoes of Baldur, one of the Aesir, a group of cybernetically enhanced warriors tasked with protecting humanity from rogue machines and an encroaching menace known as the Jotun.

Key Themes and Plot

• Cybernetic Gods: The Aesir are depicted as god-like beings who wield advanced technology, blurring the line between humanity and machines. This concept ties directly into the title’s theme of being “too human” or losing one’s humanity in the pursuit of perfection.
• Humanity vs. Technology: The game explores philosophical questions about the cost of technological advancement, the nature of humanity, and the consequences of wielding immense power.
• Baldur’s Journey: The narrative follows Baldur as he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the balance between humans and machines while grappling with his own identity and limitations.

The blend of mythology and cyberpunk aesthetics offered a fresh take on storytelling, but the execution left much to be desired for many players.

Gameplay: Innovative Yet Flawed

Silicon Knights aimed to create a unique gameplay experience that would set Too Human apart from traditional action RPGs. However, its mechanics garnered mixed reactions.

Combat System

The game’s combat system combined melee and ranged attacks with a unique control scheme:

• Right Stick Combat: Instead of using buttons for attacks, players used the right analog stick to direct Baldur’s melee strikes. This mechanic was innovative but polarizing, as it lacked the precision and responsiveness of more traditional control schemes.
• Ranged Combat: Players could also wield firearms, with twin-stick shooting mechanics integrated into gameplay. This feature was generally well-received but didn’t fully compensate for the awkward melee controls.

Character Customization

Too Human featured extensive character customization, allowing players to:

• Choose from five classes, such as the melee-focused Berserker or the ranged Commando.
• Equip a wide range of weapons, armor, and cybernetic enhancements to tailor Baldur’s abilities.
• Make moral choices that influence Baldur’s alignment and dialogue options.

Death Mechanic

One of the most infamous aspects was its death mechanic. When Baldur died, a long, unskippable animation played, showing a Valkyrie descending to carry him away. While visually striking, the sequence disrupted the game’s pacing and became a source of frustration for players.

Reception and Criticism

Upon release, Too Human received mixed to negative reviews from critics and players alike. While some praised its ambitious concept and unique aesthetic, the game was widely criticized for its execution.

Strengths

• Innovative Premise: The fusion of Norse mythology with cyberpunk elements was widely regarded as a fresh and intriguing concept.
• Visual Design: The game’s environments and character designs showcased the potential of its futuristic setting.
• Ambition: Many reviewers acknowledged the bold vision behind the project, even if the final product didn’t fully deliver.

Weaknesses

• Clunky Gameplay: The combat system, while innovative, was criticized for being unintuitive and lacking depth.
• Repetitive Design: Levels and enemy encounters were often repetitive, leading to a lack of variety.
• Technical Issues: Frame rate drops, glitches, and outdated visuals detracted from the overall experience.
• Story Execution: While the narrative had potential, it was hindered by poor pacing and lackluster dialogue.

Ultimately, Too Human failed to meet the high expectations set by its prolonged development and lofty promises.

Legacy of Too Human

Despite its shortcomings, Too Human remains a fascinating case study in the gaming industry. Its ambitious concept, troubled development, and eventual release highlight several lessons for developers and publishers alike.

Lessons from Too Human

1. Scope Management: Overambition without proper planning can lead to development hell, as evidenced by Too Human’s decade-long production.
2. Gameplay First: Innovative ideas must be supported by intuitive and engaging mechanics. The game’s control scheme alienated many players, undermining its potential.
3. Transparency: Silicon Knights’ legal battles and public disputes with Epic Games tarnished the game’s reputation and drew attention away from its strengths.

Cult Following

In the years since its release, Too Human has developed a small but dedicated fanbase. Some players appreciate its unique take on Norse mythology, while others see it as a “so-bad-it’s-good” experience worth revisiting.

The Impact of Too Human on the Industry

While Too Human was not the success Silicon Knights had hoped for, its story has influenced the gaming industry in unexpected ways:

• Increased Focus on Game Engines: The lawsuit between Silicon Knights and Epic Games highlighted the importance of engine licensing agreements and support, encouraging developers to be more cautious when selecting tools.
• Evolution of the Action RPG Genre: Elements of Too Human, such as its focus on storytelling and character customization, have been refined and expanded upon by other games in the genre.

Conclusion: A Lesson in Ambitionn

Too Human is a game that dared to dream big but stumbled in its execution. While its blend of Norse mythology and cyberpunk aesthetics was ahead of its time, technical issues, polarizing gameplay, and overambition prevented it from achieving greatness. Yet, its legacy as an ambitious, flawed, and ultimately fascinating title endures.

For gamers and developers, Too Human serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the potential of bold ideas. Whether you view it as a misunderstood gem or a missed opportunity, there’s no denying that Too Human has left an indelible mark on gaming history.