Free Radical assures that Haze will be out before March [UPDATE]

by Jem Alexander { Jan 8th 2008 at 3:00PM }

Free Radical, developers of the Timesplitters franchise and upcoming PS3 exclusive Haze, have confirmed to Ars Technica that, ~~yes, Haze will be released before March~~ (see update). The game was originally touted for an autumn release, but was delayed in order to "put the final touches to the game" (as well as, we suspect, to make sure it didn't get lost amongst all the other strong titles released around the same time). Since then, various retailers have displayed the release date as March, with some rumours even stating that Haze wouldn't be out until September.

With no specific release date to go on, we'll just have to keep our eyes peeled over the next two months to see when it eventually pops up. We've been waiting to play this game for a long time, so hopefully "before March" doesn't mean "end of February". We'll keep you informed.

[UPDATE] Whoops, would you look at that? It turns out that March is included as part of the release window. Ars Technica have updated their post with new info given to them by Ubisoft. So to clarify: we'll probably be seeing Haze arrive sometime in March.

Tags: free-radical, Haze, ubisoft

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Trev @ Jan 8th 2008 3:25PM

Hey, they've got a week, they might hit the Jan 15th date... please? Maybe a demo? I really just want to know if the team pulled off the same kind of magic they did with Goldeneye, Perfect Dark and Timesplitters... wait, how was Second Sight. Have they ever made anything bad?

Maybe my concern is misplaced.

Figboy @ Jan 8th 2008 8:10PM

Second Sight is one of my favorite games. here's a quick breakdown

Story - *FANTASTIC. it has one of the most compelling, intriguing stories, with cool twists and turns i've played in a long time. Shadow of Destiny, and Indigo Prophecy are also two games i love for their strong story element (just to give you a frame of reference for my particular taste in story)

Gameplay - this is where the game can be a little weak. overall, gameplay is fun and solid, but the controls can feel a bit complicated. your guy gets a lot of abilities, but targeting takes a bit to get used you. the gunplay segments are better, but his psionic abilities, while really, really cool, are difficult.

i got the game for $9 when it was *NEW (apparently, a lot of people ignore it), and it's about the same price now, used. personally, i run and pick it up if i were you. it's a solid 8.5/10, if not higher. the few complaints i do have are *WAY overshadowed by the quality of the story (and acting), and the gameplay is enjoyable about 90% of the time.

oh yeah, on topic, games like Goldeneye, Perfect Dark, Timesplitters, and Second Sight are the *ONLY reason why i'm giving Haze a chance. i expect a game with solid gameplay, and a great story.

Free Radical knows what it's doing, and it's a shame that this game is falling under the radar of most gamers, considering Free Radical's pedigree.

i guess if this was a 360 game, more people would be all over it, but because it's even *TOUCHING the PS3 before the 360 version hits, it's "tainted." *rolls eyes*

chris.westermann @ Jan 8th 2008 3:52PM

Assure: To cause to FEEL sure
Ensure: To MAKE sure or certain.
Just being devil's advocate, I have long since taken any "assurance" for hitting a release date with a huge grain of salt.

xFenixKnightx @ Jan 8th 2008 3:54PM

Yeah I want a demo. Hope all this hype is worth it.

NACHO @ Jan 8th 2008 5:54PM

At least it's nice to see that even 360-ers r intersted in this game, case in point xFenixKnightx. Judging from the trailers and early reviews, it needed to be delayed bad. They should take their time, and just make it a good game (as in NOT lair) :)

Hyams @ Jan 8th 2008 6:53PM

Psst: since he got a PS3, he seems to be a lot nicer to the console. ;)

finelicker @ Jan 8th 2008 4:15PM

Sweet, I need some 4 way co-op action in my life.

Thechord @ Jan 8th 2008 4:25PM

I think England gets an earlier release. I think this month if i am not mistaken.

kentuckyfried @ Jan 8th 2008 5:31PM

Whatever the delay, I just hope IT ROCKS when it comes out. =)

COD4 is good but it's not without its problems...Maybe Haze will be an improvement.

frankym @ Jan 8th 2008 5:08PM

I really, really, really hope this is true. My PS3 is collecting dust at the moment. Another delay from Haze and I will simply cancel my preorder.

Popfrogs @ Jan 8th 2008 7:44PM

Why are you not playing COD4?

XanthouS @ Jan 8th 2008 5:56PM

When Perfect Dark was pushed back roughly half a year, I was devastated.

After 15 minutes of playing the final game, I couldn't have been happier the team decided to push back the game and ensure a quality product. I'd expect nothing less here.

Hashbrown_Hunter @ Jan 8th 2008 8:17PM

Exactly. I'm willing to wait it out because:
1) It looks extremely good already
2) Time almost always ensures a better quality.

Kspraydad @ Jan 8th 2008 9:55PM

Small issue...did the specify 2008?

TheSh0wstopper @ Jan 9th 2008 8:58AM

Heya fellas,

First off, Figboy convinced me to go on amazon and order Second Sight.
@ Jem, you called Haze an exclusize. Though it is a timed exclusive it is not exclusive. Half truths are deceptive journalism.
@ Nacho
What early reviews?

I am very excited for this game.

-TheSh0wstopper