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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Cave trailer introduces playable characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/02/the-cave-trailer-introduces-playable-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/02/the-cave-trailer-introduces-playable-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/02/the-cave-trailer-introduces-playable-characters/#comments
This trailer for Double Fine's The Cave has said cave talking about the game's diverse cast of characters. The game is heading to Wii U, PS3, Xbox 360 and PC in January 2013.

JoystiqThe Cave trailer introduces playable characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Dec 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charactersdouble-finedouble-fine-productionsDoubleFinemicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3Ron-GilbertSegathe-cavetrailerwii-uxboxSun, 02 Dec 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Gilbert's platformer / adventure game 'The Cave' also headed to Wii U eShop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/02/ron-gilberts-platformer-adventure-game-the-cave-also-headed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/02/ron-gilberts-platformer-adventure-game-the-cave-also-headed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/02/ron-gilberts-platformer-adventure-game-the-cave-also-headed/#comments The Cave isn't just destined for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC, apparently. During a demo at PAX Prime this afternoon, DoubleFine rep Greg Rice pointed out that the game's also headed to the Nintendo Wii U's eShop.

The platformer slash adventure game wasn't actually playable on Wii U at the studio's booth, so it's unclear how different (if at all) the game will be on Nintendo's next home console. We're hoping that the Wii U's tablet controller (the WiiPad[TM]) has a giant touchscreen button that simply says "Solve," though it'll probably be something more clever.

JoystiqRon Gilbert's platformer / adventure game 'The Cave' also headed to Wii U eShop originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Sep 2012 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finedouble-fine-productionsdoublefineeshopgreg-ricemicrosoftnintendopaxpax-2012pax-primepax-prime-2012pcplaystationps3the-cavewii-uxboxSun, 02 Sep 2012 18:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Indie Bundle V includes Psychonauts, Limbo, Superbrothers, Amnesia, Bastion (as a bonus)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/humble-indie-bundle-v-includes-psychonauts-limbo-superbrothers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/humble-indie-bundle-v-includes-psychonauts-limbo-superbrothers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/humble-indie-bundle-v-includes-psychonauts-limbo-superbrothers/#comments Image
The fifth iteration of the Humble Indie Bundle has gone live, granting donors their choice of Mac, PC or Linux versions of Psychonauts, Limbo, Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP and Amnesia: The Dark Descent, as well as the soundtracks for each game. Anyone that pays above the average price (currently $6.71) will also receive Baston and its soundtrack.

Seeing as the Steam release of Sword & Sworcery EP is still only available on PC, this bundle is currently the only way to buy it for OSX. As per usual, patrons can decide how much of their purchase price goes to the developers, to charity, and as a tip to Humble Bundle folks.

JoystiqHumble Indie Bundle V includes Psychonauts, Limbo, Superbrothers, Amnesia, Bastion (as a bonus) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2012 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amnesia-the-dark-descentbastionCapyDoubleFineFrictional-GameslimbolinuxmacpcPlaydeadpsychonautssuperbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-epsupergiant-gamesThu, 31 May 2012 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Trenched is a third-person tower-defense game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/trenched-is-a-third-person-tower-defense-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/trenched-is-a-third-person-tower-defense-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/trenched-is-a-third-person-tower-defense-game/#comments When Trenched was revealed by Tim Schafer at the end of this year's Game Developer's Choice Awards ceremony, we knew next to nothing about it. Though we can't tell you how we feel about it ourselves, previews are showing up all over the web that describe the game as a third-person tower-defense title set in an alternate history post-WWI world.

G4 explains that the tower-defense-style battles of Trenched take place atop walking, upgradeable trenches. As it turns out, television monsters (referred to as "tubes") are attacking the world's mobile trenches and handicapped hero Frank Woodrof is bent on defending them. You'll employ Woodrof's ultra-manliness to defeat said "tubes" and restore alternate reality's normalcy. Or, ya know, Double Fine's bizarre version of normalcy in the world of Trenched. Schafer's team expects the game out on Xbox Live Arcade at some point in 2011.

JoystiqTrenched is a third-person tower-defense game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doublefinemicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosthird-persontim-schafertower-defensetrenchedxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeThu, 10 Mar 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Pixar, Molyneux and Schafer also giving talks at GDC 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/pixar-molyneux-and-schafer-also-giving-talks-at-gdc-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/pixar-molyneux-and-schafer-also-giving-talks-at-gdc-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/pixar-molyneux-and-schafer-also-giving-talks-at-gdc-2010/#comments Worried that you're only gonna get one legendary game developer speaking at this year's GDC? Well quit it, because it turns out that March's pontification festival will also feature the likes of Double Fine's Tim Schafer, Lionhead/MGS Europe head Peter Molyneux, Square Enix FFXIII director Motomu Toriyama, a couple of "Pixar notables," and fantasy wordsmith R.A. Salvatore.

According to Gamasutra's announcement of the speakers, the gentlemen will join "almost 350 other lectures, keynotes, and panels" taking place at the early March event, giving speeches on everything from comedy in gaming (Schafer, of course) to intuitive game design (Molyneux), and even a sneak peek (the first, actually, if we're not mistaken) of 38 Studios' upcoming MMO (with R.A. Salvatore). For all you zipper and chain-clad folks, Toriyama's speech on creating "The Crystal Mythos" might be more up your alley. If none of that sounds exciting to you, then there's always the other 345 or so folks at the event or ... umm ... a bar down the street maybe? Listen, are you alright?

JoystiqPixar, Molyneux and Schafer also giving talks at GDC 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosdevelopmentdouble-finedoublefineeuropeffxiiifinal-fantasy-xiiigame-designgdcgdc-2010lionhead-studiosmicrosoft-game-studiosmotomu-toriyamapeter-molyneuxra-salvatorethe-crystal-mythostim-schaferTue, 02 Feb 2010 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Brutal Legend and Eddie Riggs statue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/joyswag-brutal-legend-and-eddie-riggs-statue/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/joyswag-brutal-legend-and-eddie-riggs-statue/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/joyswag-brutal-legend-and-eddie-riggs-statue/#comments If you check your calendar of ridiculous marketing dates, you'll likely see that today is Rocktober 13th, the very date foretold by the Great Marketing Powers of EA upon which Brütal Legend would be released. [Ed: It's also Twofer Tuesday at your local pizzeria ...]. To celebrate the one-off holiday, we're giving away a copy of the game on Xbox 360 and two limited edition (only 1000 ever made) Eddie Riggs statues. The grand prize winner gets the game and the statue while the runner-up will have to make do with just the statue. To enter:
  • Leave a comment letting us who would win in a rock god free-for-all: Ozzy? Rob Halford? Lemmy?
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec which, historically, has long feared the metal.)
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day
  • This entry period ends at 7:01PM ET on Friday, October 16
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive a copy of Brutal Legend on Xbox 360 ($60 ARV) and a limited edition Eddie Riggs statue ($100 ARV); and another winner to receive just the limited edition Eddie Riggs statue ($100 ARV)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

Gallery: Brutal Legend's Eddie Riggs figurine

JoystiqJoyswag: Brutal Legend and Eddie Riggs statue originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brutal-LegendDoublefineEAElectronic-ArtsjoyswagMicrosoftXbox-360Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brutal Legend is prejudiced against whole bodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/brutal-legend-is-prejudiced-against-whole-bodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/brutal-legend-is-prejudiced-against-whole-bodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/brutal-legend-is-prejudiced-against-whole-bodies/#comments
Aside from being somebody's stalking victim personal hero, Tim Schafer is a quirky and cool game designer ... but we just found out he has a much darker side. His latest game, Brütal Legend, is nothing more than an avenue for him to express his bizarre discontent for whole bodies. He's confirmed via Double Fine's official site that the game will include severed legs. Yes, severed legs, and we're not talking about a lamp, people!

Gallery: Brutal Legend

JoystiqBrutal Legend is prejudiced against whole bodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutal-legenddouble-finedouble-fine-productionsdoublefineeaelectronic-artsTue, 03 Mar 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety source: Brutal Legend move slowed by Activision/Blizzard]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/variety-source-brutal-legend-move-slowed-by-activision-blizzard/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/variety-source-brutal-legend-move-slowed-by-activision-blizzard/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/variety-source-brutal-legend-move-slowed-by-activision-blizzard/#commentsFiled under: ,

Why isn't someone jumping on Brütal Legend? It's a question we've asked ourselves numerous times since Activision/Blizzard merged and left the game out in the cold. But, apparently, it's not that there isn't an answer. It's that we're asking the wrong question. The real question is, "Why is Activision/Blizzard in the way?" according to one unnamed Double Fine source, which called the company "an impediment" and said it was "blocking the process."

Variety theorizes (probably correctly) that if one company is willing to talk trash about another, a deal probably isn't terribly close. Listen you two, if it's any help, Joystiq Publishing's offer still stands, and we're willing to offer up anything you want ... as long as you don't want money.

JoystiqVariety source: Brutal Legend move slowed by Activision/Blizzard originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardbrutal-legenddoublefineThu, 30 Oct 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Return to Quest Quiz: Tim Schafer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/return-to-quest-quiz-tim-schafer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/return-to-quest-quiz-tim-schafer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/return-to-quest-quiz-tim-schafer/#commentsFiled under: ,


Alright, Tim Schafer, you win. After targeting various industry folks with a typically contrived adventure game puzzle and then assembling their responses in our GDC Quest Quiz feature, we simply weren't prepared for your relentless response to our silly challenge. Not only did you trick us into doing all the hard work, but you successfully navigated through our made-up-as-we-went-along chicane of bizarre logic. But don't grow complacent in your victory -- we'll get you next time.

The Player
Double Fine's Tim Schafer, designer of Full Throttle, Grim Fandango, Psychonauts and upcoming god of gwar epic, Brütal Legend. Prior to the release of those games, he worked on The Secret of Monkey Island, Monkey Island 2 and Maniac Mansion: Day of the Tentacle.

The Puzzle
You're standing in front of a cave. The goal is to get inside the cave, taking care to foil the ferocious robot bear guarding the entrance first.

The Inventory
  • (1) perforated parasol
  • (1) rubber chicken with a pulley in the middle
  • (1) sealed manila envelope
  • (1) miniature macaroni Tim Schafer statue
Make your way past the break to read our adventurous e-mail exchange.

Continue reading Return to Quest Quiz: Tim Schafer

JoystiqReturn to Quest Quiz: Tim Schafer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brutal-LegendBrutalLegendDouble-FineDoubleFineFull-Throttlegdc-quest-quizGrim-FandangoPsychonautsTim-SchaferTimSchaferFri, 07 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine drops new mini-game 'My Game About Me']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/double-fine-drops-new-mini-game-my-game-about-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/double-fine-drops-new-mini-game-my-game-about-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/double-fine-drops-new-mini-game-my-game-about-me/#commentsFiled under:


There are plenty of games about heroes doing heroic things like saving kingdoms or talking to a girl for a long time about her favorite movies and then killing a giant robot weapon. Sadly, there just aren't that many games about the sort of things everyday folks do, like eating soup or trying to stay asleep. For us common masses, there is Double Fine's new mini-game: My Game About Me, created by staffer Nathan "Bagel" Stapley.

Set up as sort of an Olympiad of Mediocrity, MGAM is one of the oddest games we've seen since ... well, since Epic Saga: Extreme Fighter. Give it a whirl, you'll see what we mean.

[Thanks, Torin]

JoystiqDouble Fine drops new mini-game 'My Game About Me' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finedoublefinenathan-stapleyPCMon, 14 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tim Schafer would 'love' to make an XBLA game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/tim-schafer-would-love-to-make-an-xbla-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/tim-schafer-would-love-to-make-an-xbla-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/tim-schafer-would-love-to-make-an-xbla-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

We, like all good and wise people, love Tim Schafer. What we don't love is having to wait years between fresh infusions of Double Fine goodness. So it gave us no small amount of pleasure to hear that while speaking at the 2007 IGDA Leadership Forum, Schafer said he'd love to make a small XBLA game, even though he didn't have one in the works.

"We talk about making Xbox Live Arcade games all the time. Who doesn't want to make Xbox Live Arcade games?" he said. "It's like when you see a Great Dane taking a giant shit and then you see a poodle taking a little Tootsie Roll shit. The poodle is so cute, but at the end of the day you're still picking up shit. Seriously though, we'd love to make Xbox Live Arcade games, but we're really busy now." ... We're not exactly sure what you meant by that, Tim. But we're fairly sure we couldn't have said it better ourselves.

JoystiqTim Schafer would 'love' to make an XBLA game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutallegenddouble-finedoublefinetim-schafertimschaferXbox-360Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Playboy interviews Tim Schafer, among others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/playboy-interviews-tim-schafer-among-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/playboy-interviews-tim-schafer-among-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/playboy-interviews-tim-schafer-among-others/#commentsFiled under: ,

Don't worry: the designer and/or writer behind Psychonauts, Day of the Tentacle, and Secret of Monkey Island doesn't take his clothes off, but Tim Schafer does share some other interesting tidbits with Playboy, specifically concerning his entrance into the game industry, thoughts on sequelitis, and how getting turned down by Atari was one of the best things to ever happen to him.

The interview with Schafer is part of a series of talks with game designers, which also includes Dave Jaffe, Alex Rigoupolos of Harmonix, and Sony Europe EVP Phil Harrison (who isn't actually a game designer, but we'll forgive Playboy for the lapse because they're trying so damn hard).

JoystiqPlayboy interviews Tim Schafer, among others originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doublefineplayboyPS2tim-schafertimschaferXboxTue, 06 Nov 2007 17:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Schafer: No new Psychonauts on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/schafer-no-new-psychonauts-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/schafer-no-new-psychonauts-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/schafer-no-new-psychonauts-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under:

Alright, the internet, you can officially stop dreaming about a sequel to Psychonauts and go back to dreaming about Brutal Legend. After a darkened version of the game's logo with the words "Coming Soon" on it appeared on the Double Fine site and started the rumor train, chief Tim Schafer had to be the one to put the penny on the track. He told Next-Gen, "the truth is we are just putting together a new page about 'The Excellent Game Psychonauts.' We're not announcing any new games or anything. Sorry if we confused anybody! We lightened up the image to hopefully make things clearer."

Why do you build us up (build us up), buttercup? ... And why did we just call a man who could squish us between his meaty palms "buttercup"?

JoystiqSchafer: No new Psychonauts on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutallegenddoublefinepsychonautstimschaferWed, 24 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brütal Legend official, Psychonauts 2 not in the cards [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/brutal-legend-official-psychonauts-2-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/brutal-legend-official-psychonauts-2-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/brutal-legend-official-psychonauts-2-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under:


We're a bit late getting to this news, so we're cobbling together two Double Fine headlines in one post. First and foremost, Brütal Legend has been officially announced by Sierra and Double Fine. The game stars a roadie named Eddie Riggs (played by Jack Black) as well as several rock icons including Lemmy from Motörhead, Rob Halford of Judas Priest, and Ronnie James Dio (NSFW). We don't know much about the game except that it tells the legend of the "Age of Metal." Double Fine's Tim Schafer says it best on the company's blog: " The moral of the story is that Brütal Legend is going to be the best f***ing game you have ever played." So there you go. Oh, and in case you're wondering, the image above is a special message from Lemmy and Tim Schafer to all the publishers that passed on Brûtal Legend. You can check out the first trailer for the game after the break.

The other bit of Double Fine news is that it looks like a sequel to Psychonauts may be in the works. Listed on Double Fine's projects page is a banner featuring the Psychonauts cover art with the words "Coming Soon" emblazoned across it. It's hard to imagine the original being ported to any more platforms, so we're assuming that the banner refers to a wholly new project. Here's hoping.

[Update: It was nice while it lasted, but Joystiq has learned that Double Fine's projects page does not signify that Psychonauts 2 is in the works. It turns out that that "coming soon" placeholder is merely for the upcoming page about the original game. Sigh.]

[Via Joystiq (and Joystiq)]

Read -- Brütal Legend announced
Read -- Psychonauts 2

Continue reading Brütal Legend official, Psychonauts 2 not in the cards [update]

JoystiqBrütal Legend official, Psychonauts 2 not in the cards [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutal-legenddouble-finedoublefinepsychonauts-2Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts 2 in development?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/psychonauts-2-in-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/psychonauts-2-in-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/psychonauts-2-in-development/#comments
Hot off the heels of Double Fine's announcement of Brütal Legend, we get this tasty little morsel of potential excellence. On Double Fine's projects page, beneath the link for Brütal Legend, we have the teaser image pictured above. No great mystery regarding its contents -- that's clearly Raz, and the logo for the first Psychonauts.

Is Tim Schafer trying to not-so-subtly tell us that a sequel is in the works? Or is this some sort of twisted joke? (Schafer does, after all, have a "twisted mind," as many a press release have said). Not much else to speculate here. We'll keep our eyes peeled for any further announcements or information.

[Update: Sadly, it seems that the "coming soon" image was merely intended to indicate an eventual info page for the original Psychonauts. Double Fine has recognized the confusion, and quietly un-darkened the image to make it more apparent. So no Psychonauts 2 after all. Color us disappointed.]

[Via Rock Paper Shotgun]

JoystiqPsychonauts 2 in development? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finedoublefinepsychonautstim-schafertimschaferTue, 23 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brutal Legend is finally announced (officially)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/brutal-legend-is-finally-announced-officially/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/brutal-legend-is-finally-announced-officially/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/brutal-legend-is-finally-announced-officially/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Sure, we spotted the cover story on Game Informer over a week ago but up until now, Sierra has been mum on Tim Schafer's latest, Brütal Legend. That means Tim's been mum. Which was funny. On Friday, Sierra made the announcement and Schafer took to Double Fine's blog with the news. Sure, you may be inclined to laugh at Sierra but know that their intentions are pure. Read Tim's account of a mama bear, an eviscerated hunter, and Ronnie James Dio. We think Sierra is supposed to be the mama bear. Either way, Lemmy from Motorhead and Tim offer the above photographed message (Johnny Cash-style) to the publishers who didn't feel the metal.

Want to let the world - and the establishment - know you love Brütal Legend? If you pre-order the game at GameStop you get a free t-shirt; alternatively, you can order a different t-shirt directly from the Double Fine store which ensures Tim Schafer can continue to live in the manner of comfort all great game designers have grown accustomed to. Peep the tees after the break. Brütal Legend is due out on Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2008 (the never reliable Gamestop lists 11/03/08).

Continue reading Brutal Legend is finally announced (officially)

JoystiqBrutal Legend is finally announced (officially) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brutal-LegendDoubleFinePS3SierraTimSchaferXbox-360Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tim Schafer's Brutal Legend lands on Game Informer cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/tim-schafers-brutal-legend-lands-on-game-informer-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/tim-schafers-brutal-legend-lands-on-game-informer-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/tim-schafers-brutal-legend-lands-on-game-informer-cover/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


"A Rock 'n Roll roadshow through the twisted mind of Tim Schafer?" That sounds fantastic, though we imagine it comes across like nails on a chalkboard to the publisher hoping to hear terms like "shooter," "sequel," "football," and "based on the hit movie" in the game pitch. Preferably, it'll be all of those.

And for all we know, Double Fine's Brütal Legend could contain any of the above. For now, the only information we have is that obtained from the cover of the latest Game Informer magazine (we've confirmed the image is real), graciously snapped and posted by "Iksenpets" on the official Double Fine forums. The image reveals who we assume to be Jack Black's character -- an axe-wielding, axe-wielding roadie named Eddie Riggs. Oh, and when you check between the pages to find out more about Mr. Schafer's latest road trip, be sure to find out how NF HELL 4K2: The Movie: The Game is coming along.

[Thanks, Max]

JoystiqTim Schafer's Brutal Legend lands on Game Informer cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 21:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brutal-LegendDouble-FineDoubleFineFullThrottlePS3PsychonautsXbox-360Thu, 11 Oct 2007 21:26:00 EST<![CDATA['Brutally Fun' countdown does not signal 'Brutal Legend' [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/brutally-fun-countdown-likely-brutal-legend/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/brutally-fun-countdown-likely-brutal-legend/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/brutally-fun-countdown-likely-brutal-legend/#commentsFiled under:

At 11:00 p.m. ET, the brutally fun countdown on Xbox.com will reach zero, thus signaling a time when Satan and His Minions will ride out from the Gates of the Underworld on flaming steeds of bone and hatred to conquer the world. Probably.

In the event his conquest gets delayed, we're wagering a guess that the countdown will coincide with a new announcement from Tim Schafer's Double Fine studios, who recently registered a trademark for the title Brutal Legend. Of course, with all the work put into Epic Saga: Extreme Fighter, we really don't know how the developer would have had time to work on two projects at once.

Double Fine's previous title, Psychonauts, was a critical darling whose lackluster sales can only be attributed to an unfortunately-timed pan-dimensional rift. Fortunately, we don't have long to wait and see what the countdown means (though its speculated connection to a Ninja Gaiden 2 announcement now appears unlikely).

Update: And Brutal Legend eludes us yet again. The countdown was for Ninja Gaiden 2 after all -- we're disappointed and overjoyed at the same time.

Joystiq'Brutally Fun' countdown does not signal 'Brutal Legend' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutallegenddoublefinemicrosofttimschaferXbox-360Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine returns with Epic Saga: Extreme Fighter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/double-fine-returns-with-epic-saga-extreme-fighter/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/double-fine-returns-with-epic-saga-extreme-fighter/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/double-fine-returns-with-epic-saga-extreme-fighter/#commentsFiled under: ,


As any video game journalist with a few free minutes will tell you, Psychonauts is a brilliant classic that never got the attention it so richly deserved. Thankfully for all of us tired of game journalists yammering on about his last stroke of brilliance, Tim Schafer and Double Fine studios have returned with a new stroke, a title perfectly poised for mass market success: Epic Saga: Extreme Fighter.

We all love dark wizards and gnome kings, right? But what if a gnome king fought a dark wizard? That's the sort of question that ES: EF dares to simultaneously ask and answer. If your puny desktop rig can manage pushing all the pixels, you need to start playing this game today. Oh, didn't we mention? It's free!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]

JoystiqDouble Fine returns with Epic Saga: Extreme Fighter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doublefinePCpsychonautstimschaferMon, 10 Sep 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: February 22, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/today-in-joystiq-february-22-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/today-in-joystiq-february-22-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/today-in-joystiq-february-22-2007/#commentsFiled under:


Today's entry in the "LucasArts games we really, really miss" category comes from Captin Shmit. Day of the Tentacle was the first game that Tim Schafer helmed (he co-designed it alongside Dave Grossman). Schafer would go on to make Full Throttle (an autobiography), Grim Fandango (also an autobiography) and Psychonauts (a memoir). Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Joystiq Podcast 002 - Perfect for YOU edition (feat. MTV News' Stephen Totilo)
Off the Grid interviews Brian Reynolds of Big Huge Games
Ring of Death: An Xbox 360 story -- Part 3
Today's hottest game video: Hellboy trailer

News
Japanese software sales: week ending 02.18.07
Japanese release day highlights: 02.22.07
R-Type Delta hits Japanese PlayStation Store
ESRB takes notes from MPAA, recruits parents
Monster Hunter Portable 2nd off to a quick start in Japan
Graphing the perceived Wii drought by the numbers
Mercenaries 2 on Xbox 360 ... PC & PS2 (this time it's official)
Next Ratchet & Clank officially titled
GameCube gets vasectomy; no longer reproducing
Circuit City busts out the used games
Boom Boom Rocket preview
Nokia patent transforms stylus into joystick
In the distant future, Wing Commander Arena for Xbox Live Arcade
Vectorman of Vermillion: Spinball Oasis for Virtual Console
Xbox 360 IPTV to be shown at The Connected Home show in Europe
Xbox 360 Platinum Hits 'Round 2' whiffs on bargain knockout
Former EA prez joins Microsoft as strategic adviser

Rumors & Speculation
Analyst: Wii could plague 30% of U.S. homes
Is the industry betraying its games?
Rumorang: Warhawk downloadable, now multiplayer-only
Prince of Persia could be Disney's next 'Pirates' film franchise

Community & Culture
The other side of a disturbed teen's tale
The sexual predators! They're coming from inside the Xbox!
From Russia with love: massively multiplayer online drinking game
Owner of seven failed Xbox 360s speaks out

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: February 22, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily recapDailyRecapdave grossmanDaveGrossmandouble fineDoubleFinefull throttleFullThrottlegrim fandangoGrimFandangolucas artsLucasArtsMonkey-Islandpsychonautstim schaferTimSchaferThu, 22 Feb 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: February 16, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/today-in-joystiq-february-16-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/today-in-joystiq-february-16-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/today-in-joystiq-february-16-2007/#commentsFiled under:


After we showed a picture of Q-bert yesterday, Sony revealed plans to put the retro game on its download service. Hoping there's some mystical power in these recaps, we present a picture of Manny Calavera from Grim Fandango as seen at last year's Dragon Con [Image Credit]. Schafer, Lucas Arts, you have until Monday to make us happy. Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
AOU 2007: Konami shows Otomedius shmup
AOU 2007: Silent Hill to frighten arcade-goers
Japanese hardware sales, Feb. 5 - Feb. 11: job interview edition
Joystiq profiles Extra Life's Scott Johnson
Today's most Pamela Anderson Free video: WoW Baywatch intro parody

News
Mizuguchi-produced single to grace Japanese phones
Tekken 6 unveiled at AOU 2007
Online retailer says PS3 is 'most pre-ordered console yet'
Halo 3 beta: Microsoft says "the experience will be deep"
Q*Bert hopping onto PlayStation 3 February 22
The Crossing coming to Xbox 360; innovative FPS going cross-platform
Bungie preps invited players with Halo 3 beta FAQ
Publisher blames console transition for poor mag sales
GameStop reaching out for your Twilight Princess
Mysterious Wii 'Sadness' explained!
Eidos sets up shop in Montreal alongside Ubisoft, EA
First Lost Planet map pack hits March 9
Gran Turismo added to list of 'killer games'

Rumors & Speculation
Metroid Prime 3 delayed until later this year?
Investor: the internet accurately predicts the console wars
God of War font used to tease 'unannounced psp title'

Culture
Joystick coat hangers -- too bad they aren't real
Robbin' Link?
Headshot! Energy bar for gamers
One universal console to rule them all
Rags to riches: the story of Electronic Arts

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: February 16, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Feb 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily recapDailyRecapdouble fineDoubleFinedragon conDragonCongrim fandangoGrimFandangolucas artsLucasArtstim schaferTimSchaferFri, 16 Feb 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Not-so-secret projects probed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/25/not-so-secret-projects-probed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/25/not-so-secret-projects-probed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/25/not-so-secret-projects-probed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

*sniff* *sniff* ... just tobacco?FiringSquad has done its best to out 18 high-profile "black ops" projects currently in development. While the site's sleuthing skills might not be up to par with Mr. Holmes', the report does a good job of rounding up under-the-radar titles that are begging for some attention.

We'd like to direct the spotlight on two studios in particular: Tim Schafer's DoubleFine and Bungie expats Wideload, which are responsible for Psychonauts and Stubbs the Zombie, respectively (both titles landed in our top 10 'gems' of last generation). The two developers are hard at work on new projects; and with DoubleFine striking a publishing deal with Vivendi, its next game is sure to stir up more buzz (when it's time) than Majesco managed to generate for Psychonauts. Also, we can't wait to see what Warren Spector and Junction Point have under lock and key. Keep those ears (and eyes) glued to the street!

JoystiqNot-so-secret projects probed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Airtight GamesAirtightGamesBioWareDestineerDoubleFineDSEAElectronic ArtsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsFPSFree RadicalFreeRadicalGiant BiteGiantBiteId SoftwareIdSoftwareJunction PointJunctionPointLucasArtsMMORPGNovalogicPandemicPCPeople Can FlyPeopleCanFlyPetroglyphPS3PSPRelicRTSS2 GamesS2GamesSegaSlipgate IronworksSlipgateIronworksSOESteven SpielbergStevenSpielbergTHQTim SchaferTimSchaferVivendiWideloadWiiXbox-360Thu, 25 Jan 2007 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Tim Schafer talks new-gen, suggests XBL MySpace features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/tim-schafer-talks-new-gen-suggests-xbl-myspace-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/tim-schafer-talks-new-gen-suggests-xbl-myspace-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/tim-schafer-talks-new-gen-suggests-xbl-myspace-features/#commentsDouble Fine founder Tim Schafer told Gamasutra that while he's mostly a single-player kind of guy, he has really enjoyed the Xbox Live system that "facilitates ... playing with people you know," he said.

Schafer, speaking in general about all the new generation consoles, also suggested that Xbox Live incorporate some of the features found in social networking sites. "You know how funny it is to go on MySpace or Friendster and write testimonials," he said. "I wish you could post those kinds of things about each other."

Schafer also expressed glee with his Nintendo Wii, specifically the controller, Twilight Princess and the Mii channel. "As soon as I got it, just sitting there making Miis and sending them to all my friends was incredibly entertaining for about the first four days." That prompted the developer into suggesting XBL incorporate testimonials. We're imagining a Mii-like avatar creation tool for Xbox Live, and how enjoyably devious that would be.

Double Fine is responsible for last generation's award-winning, scholarly media darling Psychonauts, which suffered from economic-centric maladies (read: poor sales). Before that, Schafer's work included Grim Fandango and contributions to the Monkey Island series. Double Fine is currently working on an unknown project for an unknown medium.

JoystiqTim Schafer talks new-gen, suggests XBL MySpace features originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Dec 2006 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double fineDoubleFinemiipsycho nautsPsychoNautstim schaferTimSchaferxbox liveXboxLiveThu, 07 Dec 2006 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts and Valve make steamy, Steam-y love]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/psychonauts-and-valve-make-steamy-steam-y-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/psychonauts-and-valve-make-steamy-steam-y-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/psychonauts-and-valve-make-steamy-steam-y-love/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Last night, reading about RoboBlitz coming to Steam, we knew we weren't alone in wondering where our promised Psychonauts was. The BAFTA award winning (congrats, guys!) critics darling may not have been the belle of the retail ball, but she was always beautiful to us ... and now, Steam subscribers everywhere can take her out dancing for the digitally distributed price of $19.99 starting tonight!

If you're hearing the sweet, sweet sound of romance in the air, you may wanna turn down the Barry White and listen up, cause Psychonauts developer Tim Schafer has something he wants to say you ... and only you ... in his low, deep, gravelly baritone:

"So for the press release. uh. man, it's tough because every single 'steam' related play on words has already been done," said Schafer. "Double Fine and Valve: With a love this hot, you know there's gotta be STEAM! How about that?"

Ooooh! We like that, and we know you do as well, dear reader. Just when you thought we'd already beaten that equine to death, sawed its head off, and tucked it gently into Doug Lombardi's comfy bed, here comes the ever dependable Schafer, pitching in with one. final. sawing. thrust! Phew!

That's hawt. The comic Psychonauts art director Scott Campbell made commemorating the tryst is even hawter.

JoystiqPsychonauts and Valve make steamy, Steam-y love originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Double FineDoublefineMajescoPCPS2PsychonautsSteamTim SchaferTimSchaferValveXboxWed, 11 Oct 2006 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts picks up Steam in October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/psychonauts-picks-up-steam-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/psychonauts-picks-up-steam-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/psychonauts-picks-up-steam-in-october/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This just in from the astral projection: Double Fine productions' masterpiece Psychonauts will arrive on Steam in early October. That's right: no longer will you have to trudge five miles in the snow to seek out this underrated overlooked gem -- huzzah!

The price has yet to be revealed. Psychonauts publisher Majesco has also announced that Bloodrayne 1 & 2 and Advent Rising will be available for Steam starting today. The original Bloodrayne will be $10, while the other two titles are $20 apiece.

Tim Schafer et al. are currently working on another project, as-of-yet unannounced, to be published by Sierra.

[Thanks, 1up_clock]

JoystiqPsychonauts picks up Steam in October originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double fineDoubleFinePCpsycho nautsPsychoNautspsyco nautsPsycoNautsshafershaffertim schaeferTim schaferTimSchaeferTimSchaferFri, 15 Sep 2006 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Vivendi and Double Fine have something next-gen a-cookin']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/11/vivendi-and-double-fine-have-something-next-gen-a-cookin/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/11/vivendi-and-double-fine-have-something-next-gen-a-cookin/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/11/vivendi-and-double-fine-have-something-next-gen-a-cookin/#commentsFiled under: ,

Double Fine, the er, fine fellows who brought us the dark and humorous (nearly Tim Burton-styled) Psychonauts, have recently teamed up with Vivendi Games. Even more recently is Vivendi's confirmation that they will be publishing Double Fine's next effort on the next-gen systems, under the new Sierra Entertainment label.

The president of Double Fine and mastermind behind not only Psychonauts but also Day of the Tentacle and Grim Fandango had a few words about the team at Sierra. "Everyone we've met brings experience from a small developer background, so they know where we're coming from and what we have to do to make a great game." he says and we agree. The worst thing that happens to developers is being forced to change their image and ideas to suit their publisher's schedule (which is apparent in the rushed mess that was Grandia III... thanks, Square-Enix, for damaging Game Arts' image). No details on the game yet, but it'll probably be funny and uniquely styled, if prior games give any clues.

JoystiqVivendi and Double Fine have something next-gen a-cookin' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Sep 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Double FineDoubleFinePlaystation 3Playstation3PS3VivendiMon, 11 Sep 2006 10:30:00 EST