Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[A puzzling glimpse of Ron Gilbert's new Double Fine game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/a-puzzling-glimpse-of-ron-gilberts-new-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/a-puzzling-glimpse-of-ron-gilberts-new-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/a-puzzling-glimpse-of-ron-gilberts-new-double-fine-game/#comments
Click to enlarge
Derived from concepts that predate even Maniac Mansion, Ron Gilbert's new game is becoming a tad less nebulous today. The above image implies a spooky atmosphere, and shows a group of characters that look ready to assail all manner of creeping, moaning mysteries.

We captured the art after assembling a jumbled puzzle, sent to us this morning by Double Fine. Though the independent developer trusts the press to dutifully post this new artwork (which doubles as an invite to an upcoming event), it seems to have some reservations about our puzzle-solving prowess. It is, after all, only 35 pieces.

(After the break, see the game's matching Double Fine babies!)

Continue reading A puzzling glimpse of Ron Gilbert's new Double Fine game

JoystiqA puzzling glimpse of Ron Gilbert's new Double Fine game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredouble-finepuzzleron-gilbertThu, 10 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pinkerton Road reveals second title, uses traditional publisher model]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/pinkerton-road-reveals-second-title-uses-traditional-publisher/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/pinkerton-road-reveals-second-title-uses-traditional-publisher/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/pinkerton-road-reveals-second-title-uses-traditional-publisher/#comments
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Pinkerton Road Studios, founded by former Gabriel Knight designer Jane Jensen, has raised more than $300,000 in its Kickstarter campaign, insuring work on its first title, Moebius, can move forward. Pinkerton Road is also working on a second adventure title this year, but is using the traditional publishing model, Jensen revealed in the above update.

The new game is called "Mystery Game X" for now and Jensen has revealed just three details: It's a third-person adventure; it's a dark mystery; she thinks you will be excited about it. That last one is less of a detail and more of "wishful thinking" or "early marketing," but hey, we figure she's probably right anyway.

JoystiqPinkerton Road reveals second title, uses traditional publisher model originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 May 2012 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurejane-jensenkickstartermoebiuspcpinkerton-road-studiosSun, 06 May 2012 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA['Moebius' could be first adventure game from Jane Jensen's new studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/moebius-could-be-first-adventure-game-from-jane-jensens-new-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/moebius-could-be-first-adventure-game-from-jane-jensens-new-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/moebius-could-be-first-adventure-game-from-jane-jensens-new-s/#commentsDescribed as a "metaphysical sci-fi thriller in the vein of Fringe," Moebius is set to be the first adventure game from Pinkerton Road Studios, pending a successful outcome on its ongoing Kickstarter campaign. Early project backers pushed Moebius through the gate first, and have contributed nearly $174,000 out of the requested $300,000.

The publicity surrounding the project is hinged on Jensen's prior work as designer and author for Sierra's celebrated Gabriel Knight series, in which a long-haired occult expert and demon hunter solved dark mysteries in-between sarcastic quips.

In Moebius, we get an antiquities dealer named Malachi Rector, who's gifted with an ability to sense "the soul" of an object. (So, think of him as having a knack for explaining any nicks on your knick-knacks.) Rector seeks to identify the significance of a woman's suspicious death in Venice, and how that connects to a shifty millionaire named Amber Dexter.

Moebius, as currently envisioned, should arrive sporting a "graphic novel look" in March 2013. Project backers have until then to fund the project and provide feedback throughout its development, possibly starting with an even-handed request to have the name "Amber Dexter" stricken from the game.

Gallery: Moebius (Concept Art)

Joystiq'Moebius' could be first adventure game from Jane Jensen's new studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurejane-jensenkickstartermoebiuspcpinkerton-road-studiosMon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yesterday review: Hit me baby one more time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/yesterday-review-hit-me-baby-one-more-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/yesterday-review-hit-me-baby-one-more-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/yesterday-review-hit-me-baby-one-more-time/#comments Pendulo Studios promised Yesterday would be dark, gritty and just on this side of disturbing, and it most decidedly is. Yesterday introduces friendly characters simply to kill them off and it doesn't shy away from jamming bullets through almost everyone's head. It examines -- in detail -- torture, Satanic rituals and axes to the face, all within a complexly layered storyline about a young(ish) man's quest to find himself.

Yesterday tackles heavy subjects such as love, immortality, the Spanish Inquisition, BDSM, poverty and sociopathic homicidal maniacs, all accessible with a point and a click. The art style is lighthearted enough to support Pendulo's trademark comic relief while keeping the story moving forward in a serious way -- seriously fast.

Continue reading Yesterday review: Hit me baby one more time

JoystiqYesterday review: Hit me baby one more time originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurefocus-home-interactivepcpendulopendulo-studiosSTEAMyesterdayThu, 29 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine Kickstarter adds new rewards, Schafer and Gilbert talk it out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/double-fine-kickstarter-adds-new-rewards-schafer-and-gilbert-ta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/double-fine-kickstarter-adds-new-rewards-schafer-and-gilbert-ta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/double-fine-kickstarter-adds-new-rewards-schafer-and-gilbert-ta/#comments

Double Fine's fundraiser for its point-and-click adventure title exploded on day one and has currently raised almost $2.1 million, and there are still 18 days left. To celebrate, reward its backers and entice even more, Double Fine has revamped its rewards for denomination-specific donations as follows:
  • $30 tier: Digital Soundtrack of the Documentary
  • $60 tier: Double Fine Adventure Book (digital PDF)
  • $100 tier: Special edition box set with the game disc and DVD/Blu-Ray documentary
  • $500 tier: Double Fine Adventure Book (physical copy)
As standard for Kickstarter projects, hitting a higher reward tier gets backers all of the rewards from previous tiers as well. For extra incentive, the 35-minute discussion between Tim Schafer and Ron Gilbert -- filmed before the Kickstarter began -- demonstrates the passion and thought that will be fueling Double Fine's game; check it out above.

JoystiqDouble Fine Kickstarter adds new rewards, Schafer and Gilbert talk it out originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredouble-fineDouble-Fine-AdventurekickstarterPoint-and-ClickrewardsRon-GilbertTim-SchaferFri, 24 Feb 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Dear Esther has wandered onto Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/psa-dear-esther-has-wandered-onto-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/psa-dear-esther-has-wandered-onto-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/psa-dear-esther-has-wandered-onto-steam/#comments Moving away from de rigueur violence, we're excited to hear about the re-release of Dear Esther, a moody game and former mod that is -- last we checked -- in no way about explosions and wars.

Dear Esther is available for $9.99 right now on Steam. It's an adventure game for the Windows PC where, as a lost man, you explore a massive and beautiful island. Go ahead and thank Valve's Source engine, which powered Portal 2, for the "beautiful" part.

JoystiqPSA: Dear Esther has wandered onto Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredear-estherindiepcsteamthechineseroomvalveTue, 14 Feb 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Back to the Future Ep. 1 free on iPad, other episodes on sale for a limited time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/back-to-the-future-ep-1-free-on-ipad-other-episodes-on-sale-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/back-to-the-future-ep-1-free-on-ipad-other-episodes-on-sale-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/back-to-the-future-ep-1-free-on-ipad-other-episodes-on-sale-fo/#comments Life could always use more adventure, more wacky scientist sidekicks, dogs with awesome names and reluctant yet plucky heroes. And life could definitely use more time travel. If you feel the same way, a new Telltale promotion may interest you.

Back to the Future Episode 1 on the iPad is available for download right now, free of charge. Back in October, the iPad versions of Back to the Future received substantial updates addressing graphics and bug issues. All subsequent episodes have also had their price reduced in light of this new promotion, dropping episode 2 through 5 to $2.99 each for a limited time.

JoystiqBack to the Future Ep. 1 free on iPad, other episodes on sale for a limited time originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureback-to-the-futureiosipadmobiletelltale-gamesTue, 14 Feb 2012 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New album available from VVVVVV composer Souleye]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/new-album-available-from-vvvvvv-composer-souleye/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/new-album-available-from-vvvvvv-composer-souleye/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/new-album-available-from-vvvvvv-composer-souleye/#comments
Souleye, the chiptune mastermind behind the incredible soundtrack for indie darling VVVVVV, has released a new, full-length album of original delights entitles Adventure. The 20 track collection of bleeps, boops and beats includes brand new songs, tracks from VVVVVV 2.0 and VVVVVV for the 3DS, as well as unreleased remixes from the indie rhythm title Pulsen.

As the above trailer testifies, Souleye's pseudo-retro compositions are guaranteed to lift your spirits in his trademark, undeniably catchy way. The album is available for $10 (or more) at Souleye's official website, and can be listed to for free at Souleye's Bandcamp profile.

JoystiqNew album available from VVVVVV composer Souleye originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurealbumchiptunemusicPulsenremixSouleyesoundtrackVVVVVVSat, 21 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Halo 4 producer working on artsy iPad adventure 'The Last Sleeper']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/former-halo-4-producer-working-on-artsy-ipad-adventure-the-last/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/former-halo-4-producer-working-on-artsy-ipad-adventure-the-last/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/former-halo-4-producer-working-on-artsy-ipad-adventure-the-last/#comments A recently posted Kickstarter campaign for an iPad adventure game titled The Last Sleeper is just chock-full of surprises. For instance, this game we've never heard of looks absolutely gorgeous: It's a lovingly illustrated sci-fi game which "relies on the seamless integration of sound, image, and touch." We were pretty sure that same logic applies to all smartphone-based games -- but hey, who are we to judge when the pictures look this pretty?

Another surprise comes from the development team's roster, a list which includes Gears of War 3 composer Steve Jablonsky, Lord of the Rings sound designer Ethan Van Der Ryn and, perhaps most surprising, Halo 4 producer and designer Kendall Davis.

Together, they form Black Gold Studio. The team appears in the resume of freelance artist Rasmus Berggreen, whose curriculum vitae seems to suggest that the title will be published by Bungie Aerospace. Of course, given that the team is seeking funds from Kickstarter, it's possible that said partnership is over or still in the works. Check out the game's Kickstarter page for a full list of its esteemed creators, as well as some background info on its heady plot.

JoystiqFormer Halo 4 producer working on artsy iPad adventure 'The Last Sleeper' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureblack-gold-studiosiosipadmobilethe-last-guardianThu, 22 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine's Stacking to nestle in your PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/double-fines-stacking-to-nestle-in-your-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/double-fines-stacking-to-nestle-in-your-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/double-fines-stacking-to-nestle-in-your-pc/#comments Dolls. Double Fine has revealed its matryoshka-infused adventure, Stacking, will soon come to PC. The news came from Double Fine's Tim Schafer and Lee Petty during X-Play's Best of 2011 award show. Stacking took home the title of 2011's best downloadable game, with Schafer and Petty revealing the PC port in a rather unique way, which you can see in the video after the break (skip to 1:00).

No other details were revealed, save to say that the PC version will be available "soon."

Continue reading Double Fine's Stacking to nestle in your PC

JoystiqDouble Fine's Stacking to nestle in your PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredouble-finelee-pettypcstackingtim-schaferFri, 16 Dec 2011 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Gilbert's Double Fine game is based on unused pre-Maniac Mansion concept]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/ron-gilberts-double-fine-game-is-based-on-unused-pre-maniac-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/ron-gilberts-double-fine-game-is-based-on-unused-pre-maniac-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/ron-gilberts-double-fine-game-is-based-on-unused-pre-maniac-man/#comments Ron Gilbert is beginning to talk about the game he went to Double Fine to make. Gilbert said he is returning to a concept that he's been kicking around for years. "It predates Maniac Mansion and Monkey Island," he noted on his blog, giving us feverish visions of classic adventuring. Dare we hope to combine items to solve puzzles?

Gilbert isn't ready to share details on this new mystery game, except for images of two of its playable characters. The filenames on the images are "TheScientist" and "TheMobster." We'll let you solve the puzzle of which is which!

JoystiqRon Gilbert's Double Fine game is based on unused pre-Maniac Mansion concept originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredouble-fineron-gilbertTue, 29 Nov 2011 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters teases Dizzy revival (ask your European friends)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/codemasters-teases-dizzy-revival-ask-your-european-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/codemasters-teases-dizzy-revival-ask-your-european-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/codemasters-teases-dizzy-revival-ask-your-european-friends/#comments A mysterious website, "eggcitingnews.com," popped up overnight, featuring an egg carton bearing the vintage Codemasters logo, and something inside with big cartoon eyes and a red mitten. "Guess who's back?" the caption reads. The domain is owned by Codemasters.

This all appears to be leading up to the return of Codemasters' one-time franchise character, Dizzy. While Dizzy was most prominent in America as the star of a few unlicensed NES games published by Camerica, including two for the Aladdin Deck Enhancer, the walking egg was genuinely popular in Europe. His games are essentially adventure games, involving wandering around 2D landscapes, solving puzzles, and saving the "Yolkfolk."

It's unclear from this teaser site exactly what Codies has planned. It could be as simple as a GOG-style re-release, or it could be an HD remake of a Dizzy game, or even a completely new game. We just can't glean much information from a picture of an egg carton.

JoystiqCodemasters teases Dizzy revival (ask your European friends) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecodemastersdizzyTue, 22 Nov 2011 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA['Home' is a pixel-art horror adventure game from Benjamin Rivers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/home-is-a-pixel-art-horror-adventure-game-from-benjamin-rivers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/home-is-a-pixel-art-horror-adventure-game-from-benjamin-rivers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/home-is-a-pixel-art-horror-adventure-game-from-benjamin-rivers/#comments
We've got a bit of a penchant for the macabre here at Joystiq, and as far as we're concerned, horror themes are drastically underrepresented in both adventure games and pixel art. It's a massive oversight in the industry, but one-man indie development studio Benjamin Rivers may fill that esoteric void in our blackened little hearts with Home, a "unique horror adventure."

In Home, players wake to find themselves trapped in a strange and mysterious house, with no recollection of how they got there, or who put them there. Beyond its charming aesthetic, Home's main selling point is its dynamic plot, which is said to unfold in a myriad of different ways, depending how the player completes certain tasks, and in what order. No word yet on platform, price or anticipated release date, though we suspect a PC/Steam release to be most likely. Consider our interest thoroughly piqued.

Gallery: Home (10/23/2011)

Joystiq'Home' is a pixel-art horror adventure game from Benjamin Rivers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebenjamin-rivershomehorrorindiepixel-artSun, 23 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Botanicula video teases Amanita Design's next adventure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/botanicula-video-teases-amanita-designs-next-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/botanicula-video-teases-amanita-designs-next-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/botanicula-video-teases-amanita-designs-next-adventure/#comments
You likely know Amanita Design for its work on semi-sweet, semi-sad robot adventure Machinarium. The Czech team's upcoming Botanicula, billed as a "point and click exploration game," has more ... organic roots.

JoystiqBotanicula video teases Amanita Design's next adventure originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureamanita-designbotaniculapcpoint-and-clickq4-2011Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[IndieCade 2011: Sissy's Magical Ponycorn misconceptions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/indiecade-2011-sissys-magical-ponycorn-misconceptions/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/indiecade-2011-sissys-magical-ponycorn-misconceptions/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/indiecade-2011-sissys-magical-ponycorn-misconceptions/#comments

Sissy's Magical Ponycorn Adventure may be one of the weirdest anomalies in gaming lately -- it's a LucasArts-style point-and-click adventure game that was actually designed by someone who wasn't even alive when any of those games were released. 5-year-old Cassie Creighton designed the game with her father, Ryan, at a Toronto game jam, and when it was published online, it started spreading like wildfire around the blogs and Twitter accounts of game developers and fans, leading all the way up to its current status as a finalist at this weekend's IndieCade Festival.

Dad Ryan Henson Creighton does enjoy all of the attention that his daughter's game is getting, but he told me at IndieCade that he's far from an innocent bystander. "People think that I'm some sort of oblivious dad," he says, "that sort of slammed it together using GameMaker or something, but we actually spent a good chunk of our money building a framework."

That framework is called UGAGS, which Creighton originally designed for educational games, and while yes, Sissy's voicework, graphics, and plot were all designed by Cassie, her dad did most of the technical work with his own engine. "Sissy's Magical Adventure was the fourth game we've used it on, and we're using it on a fifth game called Spellirium. So we're not new at this."

Continue reading IndieCade 2011: Sissy's Magical Ponycorn misconceptions

JoystiqIndieCade 2011: Sissy's Magical Ponycorn misconceptions originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurelucasartsmobilepcplayryan-creightonsissys-magical-ponycorn-adventureugagsSun, 09 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[All Back to the Future episodes updated on iPad, on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/all-back-to-the-future-episodes-updated-on-ipad-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/all-back-to-the-future-episodes-updated-on-ipad-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/all-back-to-the-future-episodes-updated-on-ipad-on-sale/#comments It's time to go back, Marty: Back to the Back to the Future. That is to say, if you were unsatisfied with how the time-traveling trilogy's adventure game adaptation performed on your iPad, it's time to give them a second shot. An update has launched for all five episodes of the game, improving performance, graphics and squashing a few bugs. Which is fortunate, because when traveling through time in a 30-year-old automobile, you want the experience to be as bug-free as possible.

Also, each episode of the series has been marked down to $2.99 until September 30, if, by chance, you'd like to dip your toes into the game's recently updated waters. Of course, all the diehard fans will lord over you their war stories from the pre-patch days, when Doc Brown had three arms, and Marty spoke in backwards Esperanto.

Continue reading All Back to the Future episodes updated on iPad, on sale

JoystiqAll Back to the Future episodes updated on iPad, on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureapp-storeback-to-the-futureiosipadmobileTellTale-GamesupdateTue, 27 Sep 2011 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Six million GOG downloads means Broken Sword for everyone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/six-million-gog-downloads-means-broken-sword-for-everyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/six-million-gog-downloads-means-broken-sword-for-everyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/six-million-gog-downloads-means-broken-sword-for-everyone/#comments During the CD Projekt Fall 2011 press conference, the publisher revealed that its GOG distribution platform is approaching the 6 million download milestone. To help push its sales -- which currently stand at a little over 5.8 million -- over the top, it announced two promotions: First, the six millionth downloader will receive every game on the platform for free. Second, for the first 48 hours after hitting the mark, everyone will get a free download of Broken Sword: Shadow of The Templars Director's Cut.

For CD Projekt's sake, we hope they don't get those two promotions mixed up. To wit: "Congratulations! You're our six millionth customer, so here's Broken Sword! Everyone else, here's everything for free oh god we gave all our games away."

JoystiqSix million GOG downloads means Broken Sword for everyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebroken-swordbroken-sword-shadow-of-the-templarscd-projektgogpcpromotionsaleThu, 22 Sep 2011 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Antichamber preview: Psycholudology]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/antichamber-preview-psycholudology/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/antichamber-preview-psycholudology/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/antichamber-preview-psycholudology/#comments Trying to describe the hour I spent with Alexander Bruce's PAX 10 Finalist indie game, Antichamber, is going to be one of the most difficult descriptive feats I've ever attempted. I think that the big hang-up is that it's going to mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people: For me, my time with the game was all about learning the obscure rules of a universe with no immediate context; a game about second, then third, then fourth-guessing my own actions until I found a solution I was able to walk away from with just a modicum of satisfaction.

For the person who took up the demo after me, it was about moving forward as quickly he could, attempting to adhere to an entirely pointless 90-minute time limit while ignoring all the lessons the game had to teach. Here's the thing: I'm not entirely sure either of us was playing it wrong.

Continue reading Antichamber preview: Psycholudology

JoystiqAntichamber preview: Psycholudology originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurealexander-bruceantichamberdemruthindiepax-10pax-prime-2011pcpuzzleFri, 02 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hector: Badge of Carnage Episode 2 getting nasty tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/hector-badge-of-carnage-episode-2-getting-nasty-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/hector-badge-of-carnage-episode-2-getting-nasty-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/hector-badge-of-carnage-episode-2-getting-nasty-tomorrow/#comments The second episode of Straandlooper's crude, episodic adventure series, Hector: Badge of Carnage, has finally been given a proper release date: Thursday, August 25. Now, if you're paying attention, you know that's just a fancy way of saying "tomorrow." Like, the day after today.

Continue reading Hector: Badge of Carnage Episode 2 getting nasty tomorrow

JoystiqHector: Badge of Carnage Episode 2 getting nasty tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurehector-badge-of-carnageipadmacmobilepcrelease-dateStraandlooperTellTale-GamesWed, 24 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Back to the Future goes retail as Telltale becomes PS3, Wii publisher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/back-to-the-future-goes-retail-as-telltale-becomes-ps3-wii-publ/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/back-to-the-future-goes-retail-as-telltale-becomes-ps3-wii-publ/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/back-to-the-future-goes-retail-as-telltale-becomes-ps3-wii-publ/#comments Taking a cue from the subject matter of Back to the Future: The Game, Telltale and Sony are going to begin selling the episodic adventure game in an old-fashioned manner: boxed copies in stores. Telltale has 'expanded' its publishing agreement with Sony to include retail games, the first of which will be Back to the Future. The disc version will be released this October, at the same $19.99 price point as the digital version.

The agreement isn't exclusive to Back to the Future; Telltale now has the option to publish retail versions of any of its PSN games. To date, that includes Puzzle Agent, Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, Tales of Monkey Island, and Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse.

GamePro reports that Telltale has also signed on as a Wii retail publisher, also planning a retail version of Back to the Future this October for the same price. Previous Wii retail games from the developer, including Sam & Max seasons one and two, were published by other companies.

Continue reading Back to the Future goes retail as Telltale becomes PS3, Wii publisher

JoystiqBack to the Future goes retail as Telltale becomes PS3, Wii publisher originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureback-to-the-futureplaystationps3publishingretailtelltale-gamesWed, 24 Aug 2011 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[All of the Zorks down 40 percent on GOG this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/all-of-the-zorks-down-40-percent-on-gog-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/all-of-the-zorks-down-40-percent-on-gog-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/all-of-the-zorks-down-40-percent-on-gog-this-weekend/#comments Do you prefer the text-based, imagination-requiring Zorks of yore, or the slightly more recent (but still wicked old) adventure game Zorks? Guess what: It doesn't matter! You're buying all of them, because the entire Zork franchise is 40 percent off today on the GOG storefront.

Continue reading All of the Zorks down 40 percent on GOG this weekend

JoystiqAll of the Zorks down 40 percent on GOG this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadventuregoginfocompctext-basedzorkFri, 12 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle Agents 1 and 2 for iOS temporarily dirt cheap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/puzzle-agents-1-and-2-for-ios-temporarily-dirt-cheap/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/puzzle-agents-1-and-2-for-ios-temporarily-dirt-cheap/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/puzzle-agents-1-and-2-for-ios-temporarily-dirt-cheap/#comments The iOS versions of Telltale's Twin Peaks-meets-Fargo adventure titles, Puzzle Agent and Puzzle Agent 2, are on sale for one week. If you prefer to cut your quest for justice with a dose of riddles, you can grab the iPad and iPhone versions of the two games for $0.99 and $2.99, respectively.

Continue reading Puzzle Agents 1 and 2 for iOS temporarily dirt cheap

JoystiqPuzzle Agents 1 and 2 for iOS temporarily dirt cheap originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureiosipadiphonemobilePuzzle-Agentpuzzle-agent-2telltale-gamesThu, 04 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Machinarium 'hopefully' coming to iPad next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/machinarium-hopefully-coming-to-ipad-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/machinarium-hopefully-coming-to-ipad-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/machinarium-hopefully-coming-to-ipad-next-month/#comments Amanita Design's lovely little automated adventure title Machinarium seems like a natural fit for the iPad, which is in many respects also a tiny, helpful robot. The game hasn't made its way to the tablet due to its Apple-unfriendly Flash programming; however, Amanita founder Jakub Dvorsky recently told Pocket Gamer that the title's iPad iteration "should be ready during the next month ... hopefully."

We suppose we can excuse the ambiguity, considering how difficult it must be to rebuild a Flash-based game on a non-Flash-based platform. We only ask for one thing in return: Extra robots. We don't care who they are or what they do, we just need them to be adorable.

JoystiqMachinarium 'hopefully' coming to iPad next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureamanita-designappleflashipadMachinariummobileTue, 26 Jul 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[It's time for Back to the Future episode three on iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/its-time-for-back-to-the-future-episode-three-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/its-time-for-back-to-the-future-episode-three-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/its-time-for-back-to-the-future-episode-three-on-ipad/#comments Telltale has set loose the third episode of Back to the Future: The Game on the App Store, giving iPad owners looking for their next fix of Marty McFly adventures a $6.99 bit of relief. In this latest episode, Marty finds himself stranded in an alternate version of the '80s.

The biggest change: the apparent lord of all, "First Citizen Brown," pictured above. He looks like he's never taken guff in his entire life.

JoystiqIt's time for Back to the Future episode three on iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureapp-storeback-to-the-futurecitizen-brownepisode-3Episodicipadmobiletelltale-gamesFri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hector: Badge of Carnage Episode 1 review: Gross cop, bad cop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/hector-badge-of-carnage-episode-1-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/hector-badge-of-carnage-episode-1-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/hector-badge-of-carnage-episode-1-review/#comments Hector: Badge of Carnage is a filthy game.

That may seem like a blunt way to start out an evaluation of the Straandlooper-developed, Telltale-published episodic adventure trilogy; the first episode of which arrived on PC and Mac earlier this week after a nearly-yearlong stint on the iOS App Store. As those who've already played it on its native platform can attest, the game is characterized by its repugnance. At every juncture, it attempts to shock or delight its players with a level of perversity not usually present in Telltale's catalog.

After watching the opening cinematic -- in which a cop's head is blown off by an unseen sniper, his body slumped across a pile of similarly deceased officers -- I feared the game would use its shock value as a crutch. My fears weren't exactly soothed by the first big puzzle, which saw me take a string off [a gross thing], attach it to a [grosser thing] and fish a wire out of [an even grosser thing]. But despite its crude exterior, a bit of genuine cleverness manages to shine through Hector -- though it takes its sweet time in doing so.

Continue reading Hector: Badge of Carnage Episode 1 review: Gross cop, bad cop

JoystiqHector: Badge of Carnage Episode 1 review: Gross cop, bad cop originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurehector-badge-of-carnagemacpcstraandloopertelltale-gameswe-negotiate-with-terroristsFri, 29 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Back to the Future Episode 4 unlocking today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/back-to-the-future-episode-4-unlocking-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/back-to-the-future-episode-4-unlocking-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/back-to-the-future-episode-4-unlocking-today/#comments If you've been waiting for the promised release of the fourth installment in Telltale's episodic Back to the Future games, you can officially put your DeLorean into park -- time travel's no longer required to arrive at a launch date. Episode 4, subtitled Double Visions, is set to unlock today on PC and Mac for folks who've pre-purchased the five-part series.

This time around, Marty will be responsible for fixing the altered timeline he created in the last episode, Citizen Brown. We're not sure exactly how he's going to go about doing so, but we're willing to bet that anachronistic hijinks will be involved. Also, there's an outside chance for some monkeyshines.

JoystiqBack to the Future Episode 4 unlocking today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureback-to-the-futureBack-to-the-Future-Episode-4-Double-Visionsdouble-visionsepisode-4macpcrelease-datetelltale-gamesFri, 29 Apr 2011 11:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam and Max: The Penal Zone on sale for a buck on iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/sam-and-max-the-penal-zone-on-sale-for-a-buck-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/sam-and-max-the-penal-zone-on-sale-for-a-buck-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/sam-and-max-the-penal-zone-on-sale-for-a-buck-on-ipad/#comments Are you in desperate need of some new distractions on your shiny new iPad 2, or your crusty, ancient ol' iPad? Telltale Games has a pretty enticing offer on the table ... or, um, tablet. Until May 2, you can grab the iPad version of Sam and Max: The Penal Zone for $0.99.

Continue reading Sam and Max: The Penal Zone on sale for a buck on iPad

JoystiqSam and Max: The Penal Zone on sale for a buck on iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureipadmobileSam-and-Max-The-Devils-Playhousetelltale-gamesThu, 28 Apr 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Back to the Future Episode 4 coming next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/back-to-the-future-episode-4-coming-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/back-to-the-future-episode-4-coming-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/back-to-the-future-episode-4-coming-next-week/#comments If you've been waiting with bated breath on the next installment in the continuing adventures of Digital Marty and Digital Doc Brown, you'll be pleased to learn that you'll be able to exhale fairly soon. Telltale Games announced today on its Twitter account that Back to the Future's fourth episode, titled "Double Vision," will be released next week on PC and Mac.

In this installment, Marty must team up with Episode 3's First Citizen Brown to create "an epic invention so that he can prevent young Emmett Brown from making the worst mistake of his life." We're not really sure what that means, but we've certainly got our fingers crossed for a cameo by Foreigner.

JoystiqBack to the Future Episode 4 coming next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureback-to-the-futuremacpcq2-2011release-datetelltale-gamesFri, 22 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Telltale developing episodic Law & Order: LA games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/telltale-developing-episodic-law-and-order-la-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/telltale-developing-episodic-law-and-order-la-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/telltale-developing-episodic-law-and-order-la-games/#comments Though the latest geographically distinct installment in Dick Wolf's long running procedural drama, Law & Order: LA, is still in its first season, NBC Universal has partnered with adapter extraordinaire Telltalle Games to add some playability to the franchise. A press release has revealed that Telltale's working on an episodic adventure game series due out late this year for PC, Mac and unspecified consoles, in addition to smartphones and tablets.

According to the presser, the games "will take the crime solving focus to interrogation and criminal investigations, with a heavy dose of courtroom drama on each case." Sounds ... like Law & Order. We just hope that it also implements the eerie head-scanning futuretech that's being used in that other LA-based crime-solving sim. You know. We just got to get that Molina face.

Continue reading Telltale developing episodic Law & Order: LA games

JoystiqTelltale developing episodic Law & Order: LA games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecrimelaw-and-orderlaw-and-order-lamacmobilepctelltale-gamesMon, 18 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Quest and other Sierra collections on sale at GOG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/space-quest-and-other-sierra-collections-on-sale-at-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/space-quest-and-other-sierra-collections-on-sale-at-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/space-quest-and-other-sierra-collections-on-sale-at-gog/#comments Your weekend itinerary has just been officially cleared by Good Old Games. Your new task? Buy and complete all six of Sierra's delightful Space Quest games. Each pack of three is on sale for $6.99, 30% off the usual price.

You can also get King's Quest or Police Quest collections for the same price, but we suggest going through those only after you've experienced the epic space opera of interstellar janitor Roger Wilco, full of thrilling action, spacefaring adventure, time travel, cowardly hiding, and floor waxing.

JoystiqSpace Quest and other Sierra collections on sale at GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadventuregoggog.comkings-questpcpolice-questsierraspace-questFri, 15 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Longest Journey 'absolutely possible,' says Tornquist]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/new-longest-journey-absolutely-possible-says-tornquist/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/new-longest-journey-absolutely-possible-says-tornquist/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/new-longest-journey-absolutely-possible-says-tornquist/#comments While Funcom's Ragnar Tørnquist is currently banging away on upcoming MMO The Secret World, he recently told Eurogamer that he'd like to return to beloved adventure series The Longest Journey. "I always have other ideas for the future," said Tørnquist, adding that a sequel to Dreamfall: The Longest Journey is something he "tinkers" with and is "absolutely possible." Of course, Tørnquist said the same thing back in 2008, so we're not holding our breath.

Now, if we can just find a suitable guide for the first Longest Journey, we might actually be able to finish it before the new sequel arrives. These puzzles are hard!

JoystiqNew Longest Journey 'absolutely possible,' says Tornquist originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurefuncompcRagnar-Tornquistthe-longest-journeyFri, 08 Apr 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deceit, drugs and detective work come together in new L.A. Noire trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/deceit-drugs-and-detective-work-come-together-in-new-l-a-noire/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/deceit-drugs-and-detective-work-come-together-in-new-l-a-noire/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/deceit-drugs-and-detective-work-come-together-in-new-l-a-noire/#comments Crime and drama are present and accounted for in the latest trailer for Rockstar and Team Bondi's noir crime drama L.A. Noire. So is another well-known addition to the cast: John Noble, who plays Dr. Walter Bishop on Fox's sci-fi series Fringe (and was Denethor in the third Lord of the Rings film).

Noble and the rest of the cast are looking better than ever in this new footage that seems to show the game in its most current form -- one in which the characters' facial animation is still fantastic, but looks much more refined (and thus way less creepy). There's probably, oh, a second or two of actual gameplay, but what do you expect ... it's a Rockstar trailer.

Investigate it for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Deceit, drugs and detective work come together in new L.A. Noire trailer

JoystiqDeceit, drugs and detective work come together in new L.A. Noire trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionadventurejohn-nobleLA-Noiremicrosoftplaystationps3RockStarTeam-BondixboxThu, 07 Apr 2011 15:06:00 EST<![CDATA[The Next Big Thing is this launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/the-next-big-thing-is-this-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/the-next-big-thing-is-this-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/the-next-big-thing-is-this-launch-trailer/#comments On April 25, The Next Big Thing will launch, continuing Pendulo Studios' tradition of humorous adventure games -- at least, this launch trailer suggests as much. And here we thought the next big thing was guilty cat!

Continue reading The Next Big Thing is this launch trailer

JoystiqThe Next Big Thing is this launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurefocus-home-interactivepcpendulo-studiosthe-next-big-thingWed, 06 Apr 2011 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Realms of the Haunting added to GOG lineup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/realms-of-the-haunting-added-to-gog-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/realms-of-the-haunting-added-to-gog-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/realms-of-the-haunting-added-to-gog-lineup/#comments

This week's GOG addition is fairly easy to convey, provided you're addressing a crowd of people who love goodish, old-ish PC games. Realms of the Haunting, developed by Gremlin Interactive (which eventually became part of Infogrames), combines nearly every endearing and sometimes ill-advised artifact of many story-driven adventure games from the '90s.

It has oddly paced and compressed-to-death FMV sequences, a clunky inventory system, some awkward first-person exploration and shooting, and at least one decapitated rat. If nostalgia and a desire for a paranormal mystery are looking for a spooky rendezvous, they might find one in Realms of the Haunting for $5.99.

GOG's also looking to add something a bit more modern -- the PC version of Arc System Works fighter Guilty Gear X2 #Reload is coming to the service "soon."

JoystiqRealms of the Haunting added to GOG lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureGOGgremlin-interactiveguilty-gear-x2-reloadhorrorpcRealms-of-the-HauntingWed, 06 Apr 2011 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Back to the Future Episode 3 out now on Mac and PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/back-to-the-future-episode-3-out-now-on-mac-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/back-to-the-future-episode-3-out-now-on-mac-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/back-to-the-future-episode-3-out-now-on-mac-and-pc/#comments The plight of young Martin McFly continues today, with the PC and Mac launch of the third chapter in Telltale's Back to the Future adventure games, subtitled Citizen Brown. This time around, Marty finds himself in an alternate universe-version of 1986 Hill Valley, where he'll have run-ins with darker versions of the Doc and Jennifer -- the latter of which is voiced by the film's Claudia Wells.

The release of this third chapter provides some compelling evidence as to why these games are better than the films themselves: See, if these were the movies, the third chapter would be the last one we get. Telltale's got two more installments in the chamber, because that's how they roll.

JoystiqBack to the Future Episode 3 out now on Mac and PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureback-to-the-futurecitizen-brownepisodicmacpcrelease-datetelltale-gamesTue, 29 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Machinarium headed to PS3 and undecided tablets this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/machinarium-psn-tablet-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/machinarium-psn-tablet-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/machinarium-psn-tablet-2011/#comments Developer Amanita Design seems to have its hands full, with a sequel to its adventure game Samorost and two other projects in progress. According to statements from founder Jakub Dvorsky at GameCityNights, the developer is still making time to get Machinarium onto PSN and as-yet-undecided tablets this year. Amanita publicly turned its attention to PS3 last year after Microsoft passed on the point-and-click adventure. There was no word on the previously announced WiiWare version.

Though the iPad seems like the obvious choice of tablet, CasualGaming.biz reports that Amanita is instead "exploring" the Blackberry Playbook, which will be released in North America next month. If only we were privy to an animated thought bubble explaining the process behind that decision.

JoystiqMachinarium headed to PS3 and undecided tablets this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureamanita-designblackberry-playbookMachinariummobileplaystationps3psnMon, 28 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom developing 'mystery adventure' for 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/capcom-developing-mystery-adventure-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/capcom-developing-mystery-adventure-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/capcom-developing-mystery-adventure-for-3ds/#comments Though the list of upcoming titles for the Nintendo 3DS appears all-inclusive of the industry's many genres, we can't help but notice a few vital deficiencies. Take, for instance, the touch-and-tilt-based mystery-adventure genre -- where's that on the list? It's not there yet, but Capcom is looking to rectify that oversight with Nazo Waku Yakata, a game spearheaded by Resident Evil: Deadly Silence director Minoru Nakai and Okamiden scenario writer Yukinori Kitajama.

According to Siliconera, the game is a point-and-click adventure reminiscent of Acclaim's 1995 3DO adventure title D. It's set in a creepy mansion, where players can look around rooms using the 3DS' gyro sensor and interact with objects using the touch screen. Players can also talk to characters using the microphone, ensuring you won't be able to play it in public without risking great humiliation. It's due out in Japan this summer -- we've got our fingers crossed for a speedy localization.

Or, you know, any kind of localization.

JoystiqCapcom developing 'mystery adventure' for 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsadventurecapcomdsjapanminoru-nakaimysteryNazo-Waku-Yakatanintendoyukinori-kitajamaWed, 23 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain director encourages more 'personal' stories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/heavy-rain-director-encourages-more-personal-stories/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/heavy-rain-director-encourages-more-personal-stories/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/heavy-rain-director-encourages-more-personal-stories/#comments Speaking to The Guardian about storytelling in games, Heavy Rain director Cage singled out the FPS genre -- its use of WWII and sci-fi settings in general -- as an example where that aspect of the medium is stagnating. His advice for other game writers: " Don't write about being a rookie soldier in WWII, because you don't have a clue what that's like."

Heavy Rain has drawn accolades, Cage says, because the inspiration for its story is personal and relatable. "Talk about yourself, your life, your emotions, the people around you, what you like, what you hate," he advised. "This is how the industry will make a huge step forward. I'm fed up with space marines."

In his case, inspiration came from something much more down to earth. "It was not about space marines fighting aliens, it was about my relationship with my first son and how he changed my life -- and also about how loving someone without expecting anything in return was something totally new."

So, Modern Warfare 3 writers: instead of "how many people can you shoot?," why not try asking players "how many people would you shoot to save someone you love?"

JoystiqHeavy Rain director encourages more 'personal' stories originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureBAFTAdavid-cageHeavy-RainInteractive-Dramaplaystationps3quantic-dreamsonywritingMon, 21 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zork Nemesis adds some FMV to GOG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/zork-nemesis-the-forbidden-lands-adds-some-fmv-to-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/zork-nemesis-the-forbidden-lands-adds-some-fmv-to-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/zork-nemesis-the-forbidden-lands-adds-some-fmv-to-gog/#comments Have you always wanted to try your hand at an entry in the Zork franchise, but possess a deep-seated fear of lengthy reading sessions? Don't fret -- the latest addition to the GOG line-up, Zork Nemesis: The Forbidden Lands, is more pre-occupied with Myst III-esque visuals and full motion video cutscenes than drowning the player in deluges of monochromatic text. Though, we'd understand if there were people who are also deathly afraid of FMV, too. (Night Trap still gives us the heebie-jeebies.)

Zork Nemesis: The Forbidden Lands is available on GOG.com for $6 -- which seems like a reasonable price to find out why those lands are so darn forbidden.

JoystiqZork Nemesis adds some FMV to GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadventurefmvgoggog.compczombie-studioszorkzork-nemesisWed, 02 Mar 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[King's Quest reboot coming courtesy of Telltale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/kings-quest-reboot-coming-courtesy-of-telltale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/kings-quest-reboot-coming-courtesy-of-telltale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/kings-quest-reboot-coming-courtesy-of-telltale/#comments Telltale has plans to take us back to the kingdom of Daventry, confirming its King's Quest reboot is currently underway. "We have agreed to a multi-title, multiplatform deal to reboot the King's Quest franchise," Telltale SVP of marketing, Steve Allison, announced during a press event last night. "Much like we did with Tales of Monkey Island, we're rebooting King's Quest with all new episodic games and multiple series." He provided no details beyond that, but promised more would be revealed at E3 this June.

King's Quest is one of the most influential and highly-lauded adventure series of all time, spanning eight canonical games (and a trivia game) throughout the '80s and '90s. The series is the brainchild of Roberta Williams, co-founder and former co-owner of Sierra Entertainment. Currently, the rights to the franchise are owned by Activision.

JoystiqKing's Quest reboot coming courtesy of Telltale originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdventureKings-questRebootTelltale-gamesFri, 18 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST