Promptly following the exciting announcement of the new “Universal Monsters” game from Bigpoint Inc., Horror-Video-Games.com staffer Stephanie Shamblin Gray caught up with the game’s producer, Billy Delli-Gatti, and Bigpoint’s Public Relations Director for North America, Alan Dunton, to get the low-down on the anticipated new title.

The recently announced “Universal Monsters” title from Bigpoint is a browser-based game that will give fans of classic horror the ability to pillage and wreak havoc using some of their all-time favorite horror movie characters. This is a game that will likely appeal to many gamers, especially given the chance to play for free. Bigpoint’s Public Relations Director for North America, Alan Dunton, provided a little more insight into what we can expect from Bigpoint games in general, stating, “what's unique about our games is that they're all playable online through a browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari). Games like Universal Monsters, Battlestar Galactica Online, The Mummy Online, and Ruined are what we consider our high-end games...they look and feel like traditional console/PC-installed games, yet are free-to-play online. We're able to achieve high-end graphics and features because we build these games atop the Unity 3D platform.”

While still extremely early in production, the game’s producer, Billy Delli-Gatti, was able to pass along some additional details regarding the upcoming title.

Stephanie Shamblin Gray: It is great news to hear that Bigpoint Inc. is working on a “Universal Monsters” game. Fans of the movie classics will love the chance to take control of their favorite monster. What can we expect in terms of gameplay?

Billy Delli-Gatti: In “Universal Monsters”, the gameplay can be described as an "action RPG," where players will select teams of four monsters from a range of 12 playable characters (the final number is still TBD). Some characters will not be initially available and need to be unlocked or bought.

SSG: What sort of adventures can we expect in the game?

BDG: The actual adventures are still being designed at this moment, but the intent is to weave a story that goes in and out of all the different properties. For example, your monster team will accept quests that have them travelling to many of the locations see in the films, such Transylvania, the Amazon, Paris, etc...

SSG: Can you tell us which classic monsters we can look forward to playing?

BDG: The final list is not locked down yet, but many of the iconic characters will be there, including Frankenstein's monster, Dracula, Gill-man and The Wolf Man to name a few.

SSG: Will the monsters have distinctive fighting styles, or can the fighting styles be customized completely?

BDG: The monsters will have distinctive fighting styles and the player will be able to pick and choose which monsters are right for each mission.

SSG: Will this game contain much blood and gore, or will it be appropriate for all ages?

BDG: Not sure yet how much blood and gore there will be but due to the nature of the material, though it most likely will not be appropriate for all ages.

SSG: When do you expect the game to be available?

BDG: Our current plan is to make the game available Q2, 2012.

SSG: Where can our readers find out more about “Universal Monsters”?

BDG: For now, fans should keep an eye out for news from Bigpoint. Various information channels should be up soon, including a game site, Facebook page, etc.

SSG: In closing, what would you like to say to our readers about “Universal Monsters”?

BDG: Well first off, we couldn't be more excited to be working on this title; the “Universal Monsters” license boasts the most iconic gallery of monsters ever. Fans of the genre should know that they can expect a game that allows them to experience the adventures of these characters like never before. They will be able to explore the familiar settings from the films, encounter other classic characters, and take on a role that resembles the classic monster film archetype.

SSG: Sound great! Thank you for your time, and best of luck to you! Comment on this article on our forum.