What happened to “there can be only one”?

Posted on January 29th, 2008 by IBandy

If you were to ask me what my all time favourite film would be, my answer would be a resounding “Highlander”, the first film introduced me to so many things at once. Expert storytelling, cinematography that was so unique and stylised it was indelibly printed onto the conciseness of a generation, the music by Queen, the concept of Immortality and the standout performances by Clancy Brown, Christopher Lambert, and of course the legendary god that is Sean Connery.

The first Highlander made such an impact that even to this day the start-up sound on my PC is Connery’s Ramirez’s opening monologue, “From the dawn of time we came….”

But then after the perfect film came the inevitable spin-offs, 4 more movies (which got progressively worse), a TV series that didn’t really take off until after the third season, and even a cartoon series that made the eyes bleed.

So now, 20 years after the first film was released, we have the first news and screenshots of Highlander the game, not the first ever game based on the franchise as I remember playing, in the late eighties, possibly one of the worst beat ‘em ups on my old spectrum with the Highlander name attached, but as I opened up the various media surrounding this new realise all thoughs of that old game were gone and I was pleasantly surprised.

Spanning 2000 years of history we will take on the role of Owen Mcloud. Starting in the gladiatorial arenas of ancient Pompeii just before Mount Vesuvius spoils the party somewhat, then Japan during its feudal years as you learn the ways of the samurai, the Scottish Highlands are next as you defend your adoptive home from Viking marauders, and then finally New York of the near future.

In each of these areas there will be battles to win, problems to solve and other Immortals to cross blades with, as we all know the only way to defeat an immortal is by removing his head with a razor sharp blade, with the magical essence, “the Quickening” pouring forth to the victor and with it the victims strength, knowledge and power.

Published by Edios, developed by Widescreen and written by David Abramowitz (writer of the Highlander TV series) this game will be out on PlayStation 3 later in the year, and I’m having a lot of trouble writing this as my fingers are so crossed hoping they can do justice to this magnificent licence. At least the screenshots and hint of story are going in the right direction.

Oh, and if you haven’t seen the first film, do yourself a favour and seek out a night of perfect film heaven, it doesn’t get much better.

For those who have seen it, in the end, there can be only one, right?