Mercenaries 2: World in Flames Preview

VideoGamer.com: The game is coming out on multiple platforms. Will the PS3 version have Home integration?

CL: I don't know what our final plans are. I would say realistically that's not going to be a focus for us just because we want to keep our focus on what the product is. I know we're not putting a ton of emphasis on it right now. For future products we'll get to a place where that's obviously much better integrated. The online co-op is definitely our core focus as far as online goes and then we'll also have other stuff to announce about future online stuff down the road. The short answer is we don't know enough about it right now to really be deep in it but that's not to say we won't do anything either.

VideoGamer.com: That seems to us to be what a lot of developers are saying about Home.

CL: Yeah, exactly. It looks great. It looks like a cool way to extend the universe. We actually were looking at Home a while ago really in depth and then it seemed like their plans slowed down and we shifted our attention away from it toward just finishing the product.

VideoGamer.com: Apart from the 360, PS3 and PC versions there's a PS2 version. Is that being developed by another company?

CL: Yes. It's in a sense being ported almost to PS2. There is an outside studio that we're partnering with to bring that code base to the PS2. Honestly it's surprising to me as I've seen the PS2 version how much they're able to do with that system. I honestly can't even believe the vast majority of the game is in there. I can't think of what's not in there other than just the graphical fidelity. Content wise it's going to be a very similar experience. It's great because there's so many PS2 owners out there who haven't made the jump yet. It's just amazing to see what you're able to squeeze out of that system.

VideoGamer.com But no Wii version?

CL: No Wii yet unfortunately. I think the Wii would be a tough fit for that product. Not to say it won't ever happen. But just porting it over to the Wii feels wrong. I know the guys, the senior leaders at Pandemic, like Josh (Resnick) and Greg (Borrud) and Andrew (Goldman), they're very committed to when we come out with a Wii product it's going to be created for the Wii. It's going to really take advantage of what it offers, not just grabbing this and throwing it over there kind of thing.

VideoGamer.com: Final question. I read online the next one is going to be underwater...

CL: Underwater?! Well if by underwater you mean outer space... No I don't know. That's a good idea though. Hopefully they have concept art, harpoon guns and riding dolphins and stuff? That would be awesome!

VideoGamer.com: Can you give us any clues on what you're thinking about the next one?

CL: No not yet. The guys are honestly right now neck deep in making this one shine and trying not to get distracted. I'm sure the director Cameron Brown is already sitting at home on the weekend taking long showers and brainstorming new ideas but nothing that's too distracting at this point. There will definitely be more to talk about soon I'm sure, as we start to come up with ideas. We're definitely looking to continue the franchise let's say that. There are no plans obviously but it's an IP that we're really proud of and huge fans of ourselves. We just want to keep being in that universe. It's inevitable.

VideoGamer.com: Thanks for your time Cory.

Mercenaries 2: World in Flames is due out for Xbox 360, PS3, PS2 and PC on 5 September 2008.