Julian Gollop, the mastermind behind the iconic X-Com series, is venturing into new territory with his latest creation, Chip ‘N Clawz vs The Brainoids. This vibrant, co-op focused game marks a significant departure from the intense, turn-based tactical challenges that have defined much of his career. Gollop acknowledges that traditionalists may find this shift surprising, particularly given his established reputation in the genre.
Exploring New Avenues
“If they’re into the traditional turn-based hardcore stuff, it might not be for them,” Gollop remarks candidly. Yet, he believes that strategy enthusiasts will still find elements to appreciate within this colorful adventure. “I think there’s enough strategy in there for strategy fans, for sure,” he asserts, while also recognizing that the game is designed to be accessible. “There’s not too much complexity,” he admits, especially in terms of controls and gameplay mechanics.
Gollop is unfazed by the prospect of alienating his hardcore fanbase. “That’s not a problem,” he states confidently. His primary goal is to attract a broader audience, particularly newcomers who may not have previously engaged with strategy games. “I want to bring in new players,” he emphasizes, highlighting his desire to expand the genre’s reach.
A Nod to the Past
While Gollop is synonymous with titles like X-Com and Phoenix Point, his design philosophy has always embraced diversity. He recalls his joy upon discovering Advance Wars for the GameBoy Advance, a game that left a lasting impression on him. “I loved that game to bits,” he reminisces, noting how it influenced his own work, particularly in Rebelstar: Tactical Command, which featured stylistic and mechanical similarities to Advance Wars.
Interestingly, Chip ‘N Clawz also draws inspiration from Gollop’s earlier title, Magic & Mayhem, a real-time strategy game released in 1998. “I guess to some extent there’s an influence of Magic and Mayhem on Chip ‘N Clawz as well,” he explains. In this earlier work, players embodied wizard characters, engaging in spellcasting and resource management, a concept that resonates with the character-driven gameplay of his latest offering.
As Gollop embarks on this new journey with Chip ‘N Clawz, he is not merely shifting gears but rather exploring the rich tapestry of gaming possibilities. While fans may yearn for the familiar, Gollop is committed to pushing boundaries and inviting a new generation of players to experience the joy of strategy gaming.
