When taking a look at cooperative PSN titles lately, we've been seeing a lot of puzzle titles that force players to work together against the high score. Now however, the in-progress survival horror title looks to bring players together for a terrifying co-op experience, as well as an in depth story to enjoy. Amy, the misleadingly girlie title of an incredibly dark game, is looking to bring a truly horrific story to our PSN's, with players working together to run, hide, and fight off hordes of not-quite-human's.
AMY takes place in December 2034 in the small town of Silver City (Midwest, USA) after a comet strikes, wreaking havoc on humanity and unleashing a deadly virus that has infected almost everyone. Players take on the role of Lana, who regains consciousness in the midst of all the mayhem. The world she once identified with seems to have been torn to Hell, and most of the people she knew have now become part of a wild horde. Lana feels the virus beginning to infect her and knows she must run as far as possible to escape the nightmare. The presence of the titular Amy, a seemingly defenseless eight-year-old autistic girl who has curious powers, forces her to make choices that will affect both their lives. Together, they must fight or run from the infected humans, demons and the military, in the hope of not only saving each other, but also the future of humanity.
As for the co-op, Lana and little Amy have to work together using each characters unique abilities through the game in order to - you know - survive.
The cooperative gameplay featured in AMY is a deep and unique system that requires players to strategize in order to protect Amy and keep both characters alive. Unlike other games with a secondary character, Amy is neither a super warrior, nor a docile character that follows along. Players must use Amy’s size and special abilities to their advantage by keeping her close in order to ward off the virus, and having her complete tasks that Lana can’t. For both to survive, Lana must stop at nothing to keep Amy safe.
The press release uses the term "Unique co-op" to describe Amy quite a few times. We're hoping that doesn't mean that Amy is a tag along, useless B.Y.O.B. character, but rather a truly unique specimen in a fairly interesting sounding world.
If true co-op is the case, this game gladly gets my vote - even at the cost of PSN charging digital tax. I mean, just look at that screenshot above! It's outrageously beautiful, and looks to push the limit of digital game capability here. Keep an eye out for additional news before Amy comes to life June 2011.