No Kurgan in Highlander, confirms Widescreen

Speaking to VG247, Highlander developer Widescreen Games has confirmed the unthinkable: the Kurgan will not appear in the action title.

This news hit us hard. The Kurgan was the main "baddie" in the original 1986 movie, the baldest man on celluloid. Luckily, as associate producer Luke Timms told us, at least one of the films' favourites will make it into the game.

"Kurgan, no, but there is one familiar character Highlander fans will be happy to see," he said. "Working closely with the original writer - David Abramowitz - ensures that we are in tune with what Highlander fans want and expect."

What we expect is some hardcore immortality action. Doesn't sound like we're going to be disappointed.

"One of the things we have found that is as compelling today as it was in the original film is the idea of immortality," said Timms. "This really opens up some cool, unique gameplay opportunities. For example if you get impaled by a sword, you can pull the sword out of your stomach and use it to behead your enemy."

Good enough for us. Highlander's releasing for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 this year, published by Eidos. Read all of Luke's answers to our questions after the link.

VG247: The original Highlander film was released in 1986. What is it about the franchise that you believe will be strong enough to carry the game over 20 years on?

Luke Timms: One of the things we have found that is as compelling today as it was in the original film is the idea of immortality – this really opens up some cool, unique gameplay opportunities. For example if you get impaled by a sword, you can pull the sword out of your stomach and use it to behead your enemy! Because Owen is immortal, he has been around at some incredible periods in time which as a player you get to experience – for example during the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius at Pompeii.

The only question that really matters: is the Kurgan in the game?

Kurgan, no, but there is one familiar character Highlander fans will be happy to see. Working closely with the original writer - David Abramowitz - ensures that we are in tune with what Highlander fans want and expect.

You're billing Highlander as "action adventure" but from the PR and screens it looks more like a fighting game. Can you explain how the "adventure" element's balanced with the combat?

The game features a strong storyline, dramatic battles and fantastic visuals.

To give you an example – when Owen has a flashback to the Highlands in 862AD he reaches a town where he needs to rescue villagers from marauding vikings. There is a section on the ramparts where it really helps if you kick the ladders the vikings are climbing up off the walls since this stops any more of them coming up. So its really a combination of battling against a variety of enemies with an adventure element.

You're down for release "this year". Are we looking at a Christmas game?

It's due out later this year. Check out www.highlanderthegame.com for all the latest news, screenshots and trailers.