Marecki on 7/9/2003 at 01:10
Recently I asked one of the DX devs the following question:
From: Marecki
To: Sheldon Pacotti
Subject: Denfert-Rochereau catacombs in Deus Ex
So it happened that I found myself in Denfert-Rochereau a couple of days ago, comparing the real thing with what I saw through JC Denton's eyes - and I must say the general resemblance between DX world and what I saw having exited the metro station is striking, I've never expected it to be so similar... Unfortunately I only could look at the exterior. The model map and the pictures I found on the Internet seem to state the real interior differs significantly from Deus Ex catacombs, but I have to take their word for that.
I wonder, could you possibly draw back the veil on how the catacombs were introduced into Deus Ex, how they were researched and what further similarities can be found between the real ones and the ones ingame? Another thing I was wondering about is whether the "near Champs Elysees" location and Everett's neighbourhood reflect real places as well.
After some time I received two answers:
From: Sheldon Pacotti
To: Marecki
I *think* Champs Elysees was made-up, but I'm not sure. I seem to remember that it might be a neighborhood that could *plausibly* have contained the cathedral. I'll forward your email to Harvey; he built those maps and will know better.
Most of the catacombs area was constructed from travel pics that Warren took, I believe, plus other photos the designers got from people they knew in Paris. They tried pretty hard to stay true at least to the basic look of a place.
The catacombs themselves were probably laid out more for gameplay than verisimilitude, though, I bet.
and
From: Harvey Smith
To: Marecki
i liked the setting because it was a bit gothic and dungeon-like.
warren and his wife were taking a trip to paris, so they collected a bunch of photos for the design team from various street corners.
i modelled the map after the photos. some of the artists made objects (like the lion statue) based on the photos.
the inside of the catacombs uses wall textures that resemble the real place, but the layout was constructed for optimal gameflow purposes.
I have decided to share this in hope it will be interesting. For instance, just think about the profound importance of the fact Warren Spector,
the Warren Spector, actually has holidays! ;) Seriously, even though the whole issue is trivial, it's the little things that count.
Sadly, my own pictures will have to wait until I have regained access to a film scanner. Then again <a href="http://triggur.org/cata/">the page I have found</a> seems to be a pretty good resource when it comes to the Catacombs.
chris the cynic on 7/9/2003 at 02:50
Though I'm sure we all like hearing from the guys who made it, it isn't a good idea to quote someone unless you asked first. I doubt that they would mind, but still.
deisied on 7/9/2003 at 03:37
How so, it's just reference, not like there's some infringement occuring. And it's also not out of context, so it's not harmful to any degree.
Eshaktaar on 7/9/2003 at 14:25
Thanks for the link. It's interesting to see where they got their inspirations from and how close to the original places they stayed.
BlackCapedManX on 8/9/2003 at 04:26
That's really cool, though I have to wonder, how is it that you got in contact with these guys? I mean can you seriously just e-mail Harvey Smith and expect him to reply (I relalize that you email was forwarded to him , but you get the point), or are you like, familiar with them?
chris the cynic on 8/9/2003 at 05:28
Yes you can just email Harvey. I have in the past, that is why I am no longer trying to find infromation of the "missing missions" and other bits of removed plot. He said that he would help me when DX2 is finished, too busy now.
I would assume that something as simple as that question doesn't take up too much of his time, thus can be answered imediately.
So if you email him, be warned he might not have time.
