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Step into the world of “Too Human,” the third-person epic action game from renowned Canadian developer Silicon Knights. As the cybernetic god Baldur, players are thrust into the midst of an ongoing battle that threatens the existence of mankind. An ancient machine presence has forced the god’s hand, and now Baldur is charged with defending humanity from an onslaught of monstrous war machines bent on the eradication of human life.

In “Too Human,” players are treated to a nonstop barrage of action powered by the seamless integration of melee and firearms combat, plus deep RPG elements fueled by breathtaking visuals enabled by the powerful Xbox 360. Battles unfold in awesome scale as players engage with vast numbers of enemies. Gamers can also take it to the next level by playing the entire single-player campaign in multiplayer co-op mode via Xbox Live.

“Too Human” is produced by Silicon Knights, which brings a wealth of knowledge, story-based design and gameplay expertise to the next generation of video gaming.

Freya’s profile

This profile reflects the status of Freya during her relationship to Baldur; for comparison of the data, perhaps as a control. One should note that there have been no substantial revisions to her genetic or cybernetic inventory in the intervening years.

Freya, the Adept

Age, chronologically: 200+
Age, apparent: 20-25
Race: Vanir, cybernetic human variation.
Blood Type: Synthetic, endocrine carrier boosted, class “Vanir 0273”
(their codification – Idunn)
Implants:
Direct cyberspace interlink (all protocol, EMP hardened)
Human< - >machine neural link
Computer assist sub-mind (parallel-type)
Synthflesh musculature enhancement, submind assisted.

Geneering Profile

Boosted immune-system
Neurological restructuring (synapses, neurotransmitter chemistry)
Enhanced visual cortex (for cyberspace compatibility)

Idunn’s notes: Freya is one of the Vanir and her geneering is widely different in structure than the Aesir’s. It is none of my work and I suppose, should not be judged in comparison to our level of expertise. The Vanir were engineered for social rigors, rather than battlefield ones. They excel in diplomacy, empathy, compassion – traits rather left at home than taken to war. Their failure and dissolution is ample evidence of the quality of their geneering and cybernetics work. What we can learn from them has already been improved upon.

Background

Freya is the sister of Frey and the last remnants of the Vanir, another race of gods that were humbled by the war against the machines. They were weakened by what amounted to a civil war with the Aesir and when that was settled, the Vanir no longer had what it took to continue the true fight. Mourning humbly, they were assimilated into the Aesir. Although at peace, differences of opinion frequently flare up, sowing strife amongst the gods.

Freya is an Adept of Cyberspace – she communes with the spirits of the computer world – the NORNs – so that they might grant their boons of magic to the Aesir and their efforts. Because of this skill set, many of the true-blood Aesir frown upon her usefulness: she rarely fights in a physical sense and the Aesir do not comprehend the dangers of Cyberspace combat, which they dismiss as light work. Thor, in particular, takes offense at Freya’s ability and “magic”. Overtly, he demonstrates little faith in her, despite the times he has depended upon it. It is possible he harbors some secret respect for it, but he hides it well.

Preferred Weapons

Please note: All Aesir are trained in a wide variety of weaponry; both melee and ranged. From swords, axes, hammers and glaives, through mass driving linear accelerators, laser projectors, fusion/plasma hybrid energy weapons.

Freya wields the “magic” of Cyberspace as her weapon of choice. A complete explanation of these words would require a full technical briefing; suffice to say that through manipulation of computer data within its abstraction, devices in the real world can be likewise manipulated. Depending on the adept, his or her training, level of technical skill and so on, the effects can be made to generate heat and light distortions within the real world by means of the repeater nodes on which Cyberspace lays, giving it the semblance of magic. Some eccentric adepts spend years crafting visual themes for psychological effect or their own personal amusement and vanity.

Battlefield Role

Cyberspace Insurgent operations. Through cyberspace, Freya is able to connect and manipulate machines, enabling her to affect the course of battles. Combat in cyberspace requires intense training to apply the neural equivalent of physical movement within an abstracted computer construct.

She is also able to direct the actions of the Valkyries for troop reclamation and close air-support.

Many a battle has been won by Freya’s direct interventions.

Features:

• Thrilling action-RPG gameplay. Unlike some games that may force players to choose between two genres, “Too Human” combines all the creative economy features and social experiences of a typical RPG, such as collecting loot and leveling up, while maintaining the excitement of an action game. With a wide array of weapons, armors, cybernetic implants and skills, players have an unprecedented level of customization with their characters
• Explosive melee and firearms combat. It will take more than brawn and raw strength to supplant the machine hordes. Using a sophisticated blend of seamless melee and high-tech weapons combat, players have the power to vanquish foes near and far. Witness the fluid grace of heroes and enemies in battle as enacted by the acclaimed motion-capture group F.A.S.T. (Fight Action Stunt Team). Feel each punishing blow through advanced visual effects made possible through the unmatched power of Xbox 360.
• The birth of an icon. Fight as Baldur, a powerful cybernetic god battling his way through enemy armies to become one of gaming’s renowned iconic heroes. From weaponry and armor to combat techniques and combos, players can fully customize Baldur to become the best possible hero.
• Advanced cinematic presentation. Characters and environments come to life with unparalleled visual fidelity. Experience the full excitement of combat through a dynamically driven presentation system that portrays the combat with cinematic quality. Survive pulse-pounding battles against hordes of on-screen enemies set against the vast landscape of the “Too Human” world. A sweeping orchestral score sets the mood for heartbreak, anger and bloodlust as each tune encapsulates the gamer within the immersive gaming environment.
• New level of accessibility through intuitive combat. Perform Baldur’s elaborate and complex combat maneuvers and chain together rapid-fire attacks and combos with ease. Through the use of an intuitive combat system, “Too Human” delivers gameplay that is easy to learn and rewarding to master.
• Shared experience. Conquer the world of “Too Human” alone or with friends through advanced, online multiplayer co-op gameplay through the Xbox LIVE® service.
• Modern take on classical Norse Mythology. In a world ruined by centuries of war, “Too Human” chronicles the epic story of Baldur, favored son of Odin and the last protector of humanity. As Baldur you must destroy the ancient war machines that threaten the world, but to do so you must balance your sense of duty and honor against your lust for revenge…perhaps even sacrificing your humanity in the process.

Too Human is currently scheduled for release Aug. 19, 2008.