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[American McGee says XBLA, PSN need to evolve]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/american-mcgee-says-xbla-psn-need-to-evolve/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/american-mcgee-says-xbla-psn-need-to-evolve/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/american-mcgee-says-xbla-psn-need-to-evolve/#comments
When it comes to digital distribution on consoles, American McGee feels that the model "still has some evolving to do." The game designer -- whose credits include Alice as well as Doom and Quake -- recently told Geek.com that while his ambitious 24-episode experiment Grimm could be ported over to such platforms as Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network, the process needs some work before that would happen.

"Porting this sort of stuff is straightforward," claimed McGee, who added that "the biggest issue" sits with the platforms' content approval and distribution model. XBLA's certification process has long proved a cumbersome hurdle for developers, with McGee noting,"When a single title might take months to get through review and approval (take Braid, as an example), pushing 24 episodes through would translate to years of approval process."

McGee is currently spinning his creative wheels on the recently announced sequel to Alice, a property that's also been mentioned in movie circles for some time. The rights currently sit with producer Scott Faye, who was responsible for 2008's big screen take on Max Payne, a film McGee lambasted, saying, "I wasn't able to sit through the entire thing ... I just couldn't connect to the film version." You, sir, were not alone.

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqAmerican McGee says XBLA, PSN need to evolve originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alicamerican-mcgeeamerican-mcgees-grimmdoomepisodicgrimmmax-payneMicrosoftmoviespsnquakexblaXbox-360Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Insecticide, Freak Out & McGee's Sleeping Beauty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/gametap-thursday-insecticide-freak-out-and-mcgees-sleeping-bea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/gametap-thursday-insecticide-freak-out-and-mcgees-sleeping-bea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/gametap-thursday-insecticide-freak-out-and-mcgees-sleeping-bea/#comments
Another week, another update to GameTap's service. This week three titles have been added as the company preps the service for a major overhaul. This week's offerings continue the Grimm franchise -- with what GameTap old us is the biggest episode in the series -- while introducing new gamers to the world of hard-boiled insect detectives. Yeah, you read that correctly.
  • Insecticide, Part 1 (Windows) - A "hard-boiled film noir action-adventure game" set a bug-ridden future? Sounds like realism to us, kids.
  • Freak Out: Extreme Freeride (Windows) - An extreme skiing simulator that combines two of our favorite things, freaking out and the word extreme.
  • American McGee's Grimm: Sleeping Beauty (Windows) - The continuing episodic adventures of Grimm this time tackling the age-old story of Sleeping Beauty. This one is free to play but only for today! Hop to it!
GameTap has added Just Cause (aka GTA in the Caribbean) to the free to play catalog but will only be free until March 26. Check out a full list of the service's downsized free-to-play titles after the break.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Insecticide, Freak Out & McGee's Sleeping Beauty

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Insecticide, Freak Out & McGee's Sleeping Beauty originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-mcgees-grimmextreme-freeridegametapgametapthursdaygrimminsecticideThu, 12 Mar 2009 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: A Grimm Christmas Carol, Dawn of War: Gold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/gametap-thursday-a-grimm-christmas-carol-dawn-of-war-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/gametap-thursday-a-grimm-christmas-carol-dawn-of-war-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/gametap-thursday-a-grimm-christmas-carol-dawn-of-war-gold/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Grimm's second volume ends this week with the negative gnome's (dwarf?) take on A Christmas Carol. The good news is that, instead of the standard 24 hours of free play, the latest episode will be available to freeloaders from now until New Year's Eve.
GameTap adds King of Fighters 2003 to the free games list for one week. Check out the full gratis rundown after the break.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: A Grimm Christmas Carol, Dawn of War: Gold

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: A Grimm Christmas Carol, Dawn of War: Gold originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dawn-of-wargametapgametapthursdaygrimmPCThu, 18 Dec 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Grimm meets the Pied Piper]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/gametap-thursday-grimm-meets-the-pied-piper/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/gametap-thursday-grimm-meets-the-pied-piper/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/gametap-thursday-grimm-meets-the-pied-piper/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Even more Grimm this week, as the second volume gets ready to wrap up on December 18. We've also got tasty pastries and an open world, alternate-future shooter.
For the freebies this week, we've got Tomb Raider Anniversary -- but only for this week. A friendly reminder, Grimm is free to play for the first 24 hours of release. Full list of free games after the break.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Grimm meets the Pied Piper

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Grimm meets the Pied Piper originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digbys-donutsgametapgametapthursdaygrimmMacPCstalkerThu, 11 Dec 2008 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Tuesday brings Golden Goose, Painkiller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/gametap-thursday-tuesday-brings-golden-goose-painkiller/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/gametap-thursday-tuesday-brings-golden-goose-painkiller/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/gametap-thursday-tuesday-brings-golden-goose-painkiller/#commentsFiled under: , ,


GameTap will be updating with Painkiller and a new episode of Grimm today, due to the annual "gobble day" falling on this Thursday. Instead of the normal 24-hour grace period for freeloaders, the new episode of Grimm will be available to non-subscribers through Thanksgiving.
  • Grimm: The Golden Goose (Windows) - This goose lays golden eggs and everyone lives horribly ever after. Mo' money, mo' problems.
  • Painkiller (Windows) - An FPS that's filled to the brim with pew-pew pew-pew-pew and ka-booooom.
GameTap adds Fallout and Hitman: Blood Money to the gratis games roster this week. The full list of free-to-play titles is hiding from the apocalypse after the break.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Tuesday brings Golden Goose, Painkiller

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Tuesday brings Golden Goose, Painkiller originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gametapgametapthursdaygrimmMacpainkillerPCTue, 25 Nov 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Grimm, Lionheart, Elements of Destruction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/gametap-thursday-grimm-lionheart-elements-of-destruction/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/gametap-thursday-grimm-lionheart-elements-of-destruction/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/gametap-thursday-grimm-lionheart-elements-of-destruction/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The tales of Grimm continue this week on GameTap with Cinderella. Subscribers of the service also have a chance to get their mad scientist on, destroying everything in their path for points, in Elements of Destruction.
  • Grimm: Cinderella (Windows) - We doubt there will be singing mice. If there are, they'll probably die in some gruesome way.
  • Lionheart (Windows) - An action-RPG from 2003 that uses Fallout's SPECIAL system, coupled with Diablo-esque hack n' slash.
  • Elements of Destruction (Window) - Be a mad scientist who likes to destroy cities. In the end, it's a little cathartic.
No new free games this week and next week's update will occur on Tuesday, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The full list of current free-to-play titles can be found after the break.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Grimm, Lionheart, Elements of Destruction

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Grimm, Lionheart, Elements of Destruction originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elements-of-destructiongametapgametapthursdaygrimmlionheartMacPCThu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Grimm's King Midas, Space Hack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/gametap-thursday-grimms-king-midas-space-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/gametap-thursday-grimms-king-midas-space-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/gametap-thursday-grimms-king-midas-space-hack/#commentsFiled under: , ,


GameTap keeps the Grimm episodes rolling, farting, and stomping along this week with King Midas. As with all Grimm titles, the latest episode is available to non-subscribers for free during the first 24 hours after release.
  • Grimm: King Midas (Windows) - Grimm goes after the man with the golden touch. Not to be confused with the man with the golden gun. That's Bond.
  • Space Hack (Windows) - A sci-fi RPG with "Diablo-inspired gameplay mechanics."
No new games on the free titles list this week. Don't worry, there are still 143 "no money required" games available, and the full list can be found after the break.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Grimm's King Midas, Space Hack

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Grimm's King Midas, Space Hack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-mcgees-grimmgametapgametapthursdaygrimmMacPCspace-hackThu, 13 Nov 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Grimm's 'The Singing Bone,' Red Faction II]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/gametap-thursday-grimms-the-singing-bone-red-faction-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/gametap-thursday-grimms-the-singing-bone-red-faction-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/gametap-thursday-grimms-the-singing-bone-red-faction-ii/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Grimm's second volume continues on GameTap this week with The Singing Bone. The site also adds THQ's Earth-bound FPS Red Faction II, created by Volition, developers of the Saints Row franchise.
  • Grimm: The Singing Bone (Windows) - The game is available to non-Gametap subscribers for the first 24 hours after release.
  • Red Faction II (Windows) - Sorry, Mars. The red planet just wasn't cool enough for the sequel. This Earth-based FPS totally missed the boat by not calling itself Blue Faction. Just ignore the historical basis for the series' name and the color change would have been fine.
The current list of 143 free games can be found after the break. Sorry, no new additions this week.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Grimm's 'The Singing Bone,' Red Faction II

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Grimm's 'The Singing Bone,' Red Faction II originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gametapgametapthursdaygrimmMacPCsinging-boneThu, 06 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Grimm Vol. 2 begins, Fallout Tactics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/gametap-thursday-grimm-vol-2-begins-fallout-tactics/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/gametap-thursday-grimm-vol-2-begins-fallout-tactics/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/gametap-thursday-grimm-vol-2-begins-fallout-tactics/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Grimm, GameTap's original series, returns this week with The Master Thief. Volume 2 will have eight new episodes leading up to Christmas, with the last one being the series' take on A Christmas Carol. Subscribers can play Grimm at any time, but freeloaders can check out The Master Thief for the next 48 hours.
  • Grimm: The Master Thief (Windows) - American McGee's Katamari-esque, fractured fairy tale returns.
  • Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (Windows) - A tactical RPG, set in the Fallout universe, following the Brotherhood of Steel. The game is briefly mentioned in GameTrailers' Fallout retrospective.
There are no new additions to the gratis games catalog this week. The current list of 144 can still be found after the break.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Grimm Vol. 2 begins, Fallout Tactics

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Grimm Vol. 2 begins, Fallout Tactics originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fallout-tacticsgametapgametapthursdaygrimmMacPCThu, 30 Oct 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Grimm's Beauty and the Beast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/gametap-thursday-grimms-beauty-and-the-beast/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/gametap-thursday-grimms-beauty-and-the-beast/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/gametap-thursday-grimms-beauty-and-the-beast/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's a tale as old as time, a song as old as rhyme: Beauty and the Beast. Well, maybe not this time. American McGee's Grimm puts its own special twist on the fairy tale in this week's GameTap update.
  • Grimm: Beauty and the Beast (Windows) - Remember, it's free to non-subscribers for the first 24 hours after release.
  • Mission: Runway (Windows) - Like Project Runway, but without any of the entertaining elements. Worst of all: No Heidi Klum.
We're sure those of you who read this post every week have come to notice the "no new titles" pattern to GameTap's free games list ... this week isn't any different. The stagnant list of free-to-play titles can be found after the break .

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Grimm's Beauty and the Beast

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Grimm's Beauty and the Beast originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beauty-and-the-beastgametapgametapthursdaygrimmMacPCThu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Grimm's Godfather Death, Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/gametap-thursday-grimms-godfather-death-are-you-smarter-than/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/gametap-thursday-grimms-godfather-death-are-you-smarter-than/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/gametap-thursday-grimms-godfather-death-are-you-smarter-than/#commentsFiled under: ,


American McGee's Grimm introduces the title character to Godfather Death this week. GameTap continues to offer each new Grimm episode free to non-subscribers for the first 24 hours after release. There are a couple other new games this week, with one taking us 20,000 leagues under the sea, and the other us remember: We may not be smarter than a 5th grader, but we sure as heck are bigger and stronger!
There aren't any additions to GameTap's free games lineup this week, but the list of titles available can be found after the break. We've also learned that Kane & Lynch: Dead Men will join the service next week.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Grimm's Godfather Death, Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Grimm's Godfather Death, Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>are-you-smarter-than-a-5th-gradergrimmMacPCsub-commandThu, 04 Sep 2008 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Grimm dirties another tale, Puzzle Quest drops some runes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/gametap-thursday-grimm-dirties-another-tale-puzzle-quest-drops/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/gametap-thursday-grimm-dirties-another-tale-puzzle-quest-drops/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/gametap-thursday-grimm-dirties-another-tale-puzzle-quest-drops/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


American McGee's Grimm continues on GameTap this week with The Girl Without Hands -- yup, it's getting darker. Same as every week, the episode is free to non-subscribers for the first 24 hours after release. The service also gets into the drug trade by adding the addictive Puzzle Quest.
There aren't any additions to GameTap's gratis games lineup this week, but the full list of free-to-play titles can be found after the break.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Grimm dirties another tale, Puzzle Quest drops some runes

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Grimm dirties another tale, Puzzle Quest drops some runes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gametapgametapthursdaygrimmMacPCpuzzle-questThu, 28 Aug 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Grimm vs. Puss in Boots; Patrician gets all medieval]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gametap-thursday-grimm-vs-puss-in-boots-patrician-gets-all-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gametap-thursday-grimm-vs-puss-in-boots-patrician-gets-all-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gametap-thursday-grimm-vs-puss-in-boots-patrician-gets-all-me/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


This week American McGee's Grimm retells the story (in Grimm's special way) of the anthropomorphic Puss in Boots. The episode is free for everyone the first 24 hours after release and will be available only to GameTap subscribers after that time.
  • Grimm: Puss In Boots (Windows) - Cats are evil and Puss is no exception. Dogs rule!
  • Patrician III (Windows) - How to describe ... how to describe? Oh, it's like playing "Medieval Tycoon."
There are no new additions to GameTap's free games lineup this week. As always, though, the full list of free-to-play titles can be found after the break.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Grimm vs. Puss in Boots; Patrician gets all medieval

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Grimm vs. Puss in Boots; Patrician gets all medieval originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gametapgametapthursdaygrimmMacPCThu, 21 Aug 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Grimm meets The Fisherman and his Wife; Prince of Persia also flips in]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/gametap-thursday-grimm-meets-the-fisherman-and-his-wife-prince-of-persia-also-flips-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/gametap-thursday-grimm-meets-the-fisherman-and-his-wife-prince-of-persia-also-flips-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/gametap-thursday-grimm-meets-the-fisherman-and-his-wife-prince-of-persia-also-flips-in/#commentsFiled under: ,


Katamari Grimm-acy rolls on this week as American McGee's Grimm tells the tale of The Fisherman and His Wife. Remember each episode is available for free to all for the first 24 hours after release, after which it becomes available to GameTap subscribers only.
  • Grimm: The Fisherman and His Wife (Windows) - Greedy wife is bound to get what she deserves!
  • Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones (Windows) - The final chapter in the Sands of Time trilogy brings back some of the first game's charm and cuts out a lot of the second title's emo.
There are no new additions to GameTap's free games lineup this week. If you still haven't tried the first episode of Grimm, it's available to play for free and doesn't require a huge time commitment.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Grimm meets The Fisherman and his Wife; Prince of Persia also flips in

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Grimm meets The Fisherman and his Wife; Prince of Persia also flips in originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-mcgeeamerican-mcgees-grimmgametapgametapthursdaygrimmPCprince-of-persia-the-two-thronesThu, 14 Aug 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Grimm meets Little Red Riding Hood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/gametap-thursday-grimm-meets-little-red-riding-hood/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/gametap-thursday-grimm-meets-little-red-riding-hood/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/gametap-thursday-grimm-meets-little-red-riding-hood/#commentsFiled under: ,


Despite some awkward news today that parent company Turner is trying to unload GameTap, the show must go on. With that said, American McGee's Grimm adds a new episode this week, Little Red Riding Hood, which will be available to everyone -- not just subscribers -- for the first 24 hours after release.
  • Grimm (Windows) - The ornery dwarf meets the naïve girl in the red coat.
There are no new additions to GameTap's free games lineup this week. There should still be plenty of goodies on there to try for the freeloaders.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Grimm meets Little Red Riding Hood

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Grimm meets Little Red Riding Hood originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gametapgametapthursdaygrimmPCThu, 07 Aug 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: Grimm and Alien Stars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/gametap-thursday-grimm-and-alien-stars/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/gametap-thursday-grimm-and-alien-stars/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/gametap-thursday-grimm-and-alien-stars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


This week's GameTap update un-Disney-fies fairy tales with the addition of American McGee's Grimm. Play as the crude title character in the first set of eight episodes over the coming weeks (schedule posted after the break). The game buffet also adds one other title for subscribers this week. Remember, the first episode of Grimm is free to play for all and all future episodes are free for the first 24 hours after release.
  • Grimm (Windows) - One angry dwarf is bringing everything back to basics.
  • Alien Stars (Windows) - A top-down shmup. So, pew, pew-pew, pew, pew-pew-pew, away.
Grimm is this week's addition to the GameTap gratis lineup. The full list of free ad-supported titles on the service can be found after the break.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Grimm and Alien Stars

JoystiqGameTap Thursday: Grimm and Alien Stars originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien-starsgametapgametapthursdaygrimmMacPCThu, 31 Jul 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Grimm first trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/a-grimm-first-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/a-grimm-first-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/a-grimm-first-trailer/#commentsFiled under: ,


American McGee's Grimm begins its 24-episode adventure on GameTap this Thursday, July 31, with A Boy Learns What Fear Is. The first trailer was recently released from its Disney-esque sugary confines and can be found after the break.

From our hands-on experience with Grimm's first couple episodes, it's definitely worth taking the title out for a spin. Each episode only requires about a half hour to go through and, if you know how to keep an appointment, it'll be possible to play each one for free.

Continue reading A Grimm first trailer

JoystiqA Grimm first trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-mcgeeamerican-mcgees-grimmgametapgrimmPCturnerTue, 29 Jul 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: American McGee's Grimm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/joystiq-hands-on-american-mcgees-grimm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/joystiq-hands-on-american-mcgees-grimm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/joystiq-hands-on-american-mcgees-grimm/#commentsFiled under: ,


click to enlarge
After playing his latest creation, we're beginning to suspect that American McGee - whose previous work includes American McGee's Alice, Quake, and Doom II - has a bit of a fascination with the macabre. Grimm has its basis in some of the darker fairytales on record, and McGee has certainly milked them for every last, inky drop of blackness.

As we reported earlier today, American McGee's Grimm is GameTap's first weekly episodic game. We plunged into the twisted depths of the first episode - "A Boy Learns What Fear Is" - to bring you the hands-on impressions you'll find after the break.

Gallery: American McGee's Grimm

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: American McGee's Grimm

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: American McGee's Grimm originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-mcgeeamerican-mcgees-grimmgametapgrimmhandsonjoystiqfeaturesPCWed, 02 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[American McGee's Grimm: All episodes free for first 24 hours]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/american-mcgees-grimm-all-episodes-free-for-first-24-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/american-mcgees-grimm-all-episodes-free-for-first-24-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/american-mcgees-grimm-all-episodes-free-for-first-24-hours/#commentsFiled under: ,

GameTap is taking a most unusual approach with its first weekly episodic game series. Each episode of American McGee's Grimm - individual "fractured fairytales" from the designer of American McGee's Alice - will debut as a free download and remain free for a 24-hour period. After that, episodes will go into GameTap's archives and be available to download individually for a yet-to-be-determined price.

The model is likened to that of the iTunes or Xbox Live video download services. Catching a Grimm episode during the initial download-for-free window will be like watching a new episode of a show on network TV. Once it's "aired," you can download it if you missed it - for a price.

The episodes will be supported by minimal up-front advertising and the first one, "A Boy Learns What Fear Is," will debut on July 31. We had the opportunity to play the first three Grimm episodes yesterday and will post our impressions later today.

JoystiqAmerican McGee's Grimm: All episodes free for first 24 hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-mcgeeamerican-mcgees-grimmepisodicgametapgrimmPCWed, 02 Jul 2008 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[A Grimm video dump]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/a-grimm-video-dump/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/a-grimm-video-dump/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/a-grimm-video-dump/#commentsFiled under:


Once upon a time, there was a company called GameTap. Having parted with its stable of scribes responsible for game previews (games like American McGee's Grimm), the job now falls on the rest of the intertubes. We've placed a plethora of new videos of what to expect from Grimm, when it launches on GameTap July 31, after the break.

For those just learning about this bizarre take of fairy tales, Grimm is a 24-part episodic adventure where cheery Disney-fied stories get back in touch with their original source material.

Gallery: Grimm

Continue reading A Grimm video dump

JoystiqA Grimm video dump originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gametapgrimmPCFri, 13 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap tells the tale of Grimm's gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/gametap-tells-the-tale-of-grimms-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/gametap-tells-the-tale-of-grimms-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/gametap-tells-the-tale-of-grimms-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: ,


GameTap posted a preview of Grimm, its upcoming 24-part episodic adventure taking the cheery Disney-fied fairy tales we all know and bringing them back closer to the source material. Each episode will release weekly and have approximately 30 minutes of gameplay focusing on one fairy tale. The episode will start with the "contemporary perspective" of the fairy tale told in puppet show form, narrated by the main character Grimm (seen above). After Grimm goes out into the world and does his thing, the end of each episode will have another puppet show telling the story a little closer to the original version with a little bit of McGee's touch.

The gameplay involves Grimm running around and turning the bright cheery landscape into a macabre world, basically the opposite of De Blob. After a majority of the level is transformed Grimm can move on to other challenges, which include platform gameplay, secret areas, hidden items and more. What we still don't know is if the difficulty will curve up in each weekly episode or if it will get progressively harder as it goes along (meaning by episode 20 it could take hours to finish due to restarts instead of 30 minutes). Grimm begins telling tales in July on GameTap.

Gallery: Grimm

JoystiqGameTap tells the tale of Grimm's gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-mcgeegametapgrimmPCTue, 04 Mar 2008 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Screenshots: American McGee's Grimm ... and first trailer!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/screenshots-american-mcgees-grimm-and-first-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/screenshots-american-mcgees-grimm-and-first-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/screenshots-american-mcgees-grimm-and-first-trailer/#commentsFiled under: ,

grimm
Fee! Fie! Foe! Fum! GameTap rolled out the first in-game shots of American McGee's Grimm today, along with a trailer (posted after the break), revealing the twisted tales' "vile," and still nameless protagonist, er, rather, 'antagonist.' The images and video suggest some kind of dual-world shenanigans -- from "cheery to eerie" -- but details are vague. Grimm will unfold over 24-weekly episodes, which are currently exclusive to GameTap, beginning in July.

Gallery: Grimm

Continue reading Screenshots: American McGee's Grimm ... and first trailer!

JoystiqScreenshots: American McGee's Grimm ... and first trailer! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-mcgeeamerican-mcgees-grimmbreakingnewsgametapgrimmMacPCspicy-horseTue, 19 Feb 2008 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[American McGee announces next 'twisted tale' project after Grimm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/american-mcgee-announces-next-twisted-tale-project-after-grimm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/american-mcgee-announces-next-twisted-tale-project-after-grimm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/american-mcgee-announces-next-twisted-tale-project-after-grimm/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're not sure what it is about American McGee that makes him so fascinated about putting dark spins on Western tales. The former id Software developer and Electronic Arts' consultant found his niche in 2000 with Alice, though since that release he's done little to make us believe that his name slapped on the front of a game's box carries any more weight than the UPC code on the back.

His latest project is a morose 24-episode take on the Brothers Grimm in development at McGee's Shanghai studio Spicy Horse, a project that according to a blog post by McGee is halfway completed. Excited, the developer has let the proverbial cat out of the equally proverbial bag by confirming work on another project. While details are light, McGee writes that the game will be built on Epic's UE3 engine, and is a "big publisher, multi-platform, twisted tale project." This of course makes us think that McGee will once again be paying a visit to the children's section of the local library in search of inspiration. Might we suggest Winnie the Pooh, as nothing is quite as frighting as a vicious bear that's rumbly in his tumbly.

[via Gamasutra]

JoystiqAmerican McGee announces next 'twisted tale' project after Grimm originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliceamerican mcgeeAmericanMcgeegrimmPCue3unreal engine 3UnrealEngine3Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Grimm starts next spring on GameTap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/grimm-starts-next-spring-on-gametap/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/grimm-starts-next-spring-on-gametap/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/grimm-starts-next-spring-on-gametap/#commentsFiled under: ,


The fractured fairy tale of American McGee's Grimm starts next spring on GameTap. The 24 episode series will follow the darker narrative of the original Brothers Grimm tales and have players in a "sandbox world which contains missions assigned in episodic fashion." The series will be set up in a way to have cliffhangers and keep players interested in future episodes. Images below in the gallery are what to expect to see from Grimm's characters.

If the thought of waiting until next spring for Grimm makes you feel uncomfortable, there's always the the new season of Sam and Max (starting Nov. 8) to keep you busy.

Gallery: Grimm

JoystiqGrimm starts next spring on GameTap originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americanmcgeegametapgrimmMacPCTue, 30 Oct 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap officially getting Grimm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/gametap-officially-getting-grimm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/gametap-officially-getting-grimm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/gametap-officially-getting-grimm/#commentsFiled under: , ,


GameTap announced today that they'll publish Grimm by American McGee. The 24 episode action/adventure game was re-confirmed after McGee sorta let the grandma out of the wolf last week. Expect the game to follow in McGee's Tim Burton-style treatment of Alice. The game is being developed by McGee's Shanghai studio Spicy Horse and will start on GameTap next year.

Hopefully GameTap will keep McGee on track in terms of content and release schedule. So far, we can't complain about GameTap, which has brought us the only true episodic gaming experience we've seen so far with Sam & Max. An episode a month with a solid release schedule -- exactly what this whole episodic gaming concept was supposed to be about (and yes, we're looking at you Valve -- per usual). Oh, also, we know Pinnochio isn't a Grimm tale, but that's the art we've got for the game, go take it up with McGee. What we really want to know about is the "words as weapons" mechanic in the game. Action/adventure meets Typing of the Dead -- we're so there!

JoystiqGameTap officially getting Grimm originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2007 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american mcgeegametapgrimmPCTue, 29 May 2007 12:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Grimm news for GameTap and American McGee]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/grimm-news-for-gametap-and-american-mcgee/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/grimm-news-for-gametap-and-american-mcgee/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/grimm-news-for-gametap-and-american-mcgee/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Oh American, you so crazy. You went and let it slip that your game Grimm was going to be distributed by GameTap. Now, we weren't there to see you talking about this on your blog, but Gamasutra saw. And they remember. They remember that you said it would be a 24-part episodic series. They remember when you said it should start in 2008. Or, at least, we think that's what you said.

Apparently McGee was a bit early letting the Cheshire Cat out of the bag, as the blog post that announced the the game has been replaced with a bean-spilling apology. But the long and short is, as you probably could have gathered from the title, he'll be giving the Hot Topic treatment to a bunch of stories by The Brothers Grimm. Though we're eager to see more of the game, we were disheartened to hear he's been blaming Argentinian McGinty for the leak. Come on man, grow up.

JoystiqGrimm news for GameTap and American McGee originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2007 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americanmcgeegamasutragametapgrimmThu, 17 May 2007 08:30:00 EST