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[Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller launches episode 3, The Oracle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/cognition-an-erica-reed-thriller-launches-episode-3-the-oracle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/cognition-an-erica-reed-thriller-launches-episode-3-the-oracle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/cognition-an-erica-reed-thriller-launches-episode-3-the-oracle/#comments

Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller, the Kickstarted adventure game from Phoenix Online Studios and Gabriel Knight writer Jane Jensen, is now on its third episode and things are really heating up. Watch the trailer and that line is funny, we promise. Well, funnier.

Episode three is subtitled The Oracle, and it continues the tale of Erica, a psychic FBI agent, as she tracks down a serial killer.

"Cognition's third episode picks up right where the last left off, with a body hurtling down the Enthon Towers' 33 stories to smash onto a parked police cruiser," the press release describes. Players are able to control Erica and the serial killer as the (gruesome) story unfolds.

Cognition will have four parts in total, with the final called The Cain Killer. Grab The Oracle and any previous episodes via Phoenix Online - with sales live through tomorrow, May 17 at 3 p.m. ET - and if you like the series, vote for Cognition on Steam Greenlight.

Gallery: Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller (Episode 3: The Oracle)

Continue reading Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller launches episode 3, The Oracle

JoystiqCognition: An Erica Reed Thriller launches episode 3, The Oracle originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecognitionjane-jensenmacpcPhoenix-Online-StudiosThu, 16 May 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG.com adventure game sale offers cheap thrills]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/gog-com-adventure-game-sale-offers-cheap-thrills/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/gog-com-adventure-game-sale-offers-cheap-thrills/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/gog-com-adventure-game-sale-offers-cheap-thrills/#comments Need some more adventure in your life? GOG.com has you covered, knocking 60 percent off a dozen adventure games. Notable games include The Longest Journey, Blackwell, Botanicula, Gemini Rue, Machinarium, To the Moon and, for some reason, Incredipede.

With the exception of Miasmata, Dreamfall and the Blackwell bundle, which are $5.99 apiece, all the games are $3.99 each. The sale ends Tuesday morning at 11:59 ET.

JoystiqGOG.com adventure game sale offers cheap thrills originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuregog.commacpcpoint-and-clickFri, 10 May 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Cryptic point-and-clicker Hiversaires out now on iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/psa-cryptic-point-and-clicker-hiversaires-out-now-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/psa-cryptic-point-and-clicker-hiversaires-out-now-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/psa-cryptic-point-and-clicker-hiversaires-out-now-on-ios/#comments
Hiversaires, a "cryptic point & click adventure game in a textless world," is out now on iOS for $2.99. The adventure game was developed by Devine Lu Linvega, a French Canadian designer currently living in Japan.

Hiversaires was "created for adventurers who remember drawing maps to survive," its official site reads. Check out the game's mysterious art style in the gallery below.

Gallery: Hiversaires (Launch)

JoystiqPSA: Cryptic point-and-clicker Hiversaires out now on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Apr 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecrypticDevine-Lu-Linvegahiversairesiosipadiphonemobilepoint-and-clickpsaSun, 21 Apr 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Armikrog is the new clay adventure game from The Neverhood creators]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/armikrog-is-the-new-clay-adventure-game-from-the-neverhood-creat/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/armikrog-is-the-new-clay-adventure-game-from-the-neverhood-creat/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/armikrog-is-the-new-clay-adventure-game-from-the-neverhood-creat/#comments Armikrog is the new clay adventure game from The Neverhood creatorsWe heard last month that the folks behind 1996's The Neverhood were at work on a new clay-motion adventure game, and the name has now been revealed: It's called Armikrog. The title has also earned a website, a Twitter profile, and a Facebook page. There's also a very (very) short video clip available, but all it shows is a confusingly full whiteboard, the scrabblings on which may or may not have much to do with the final product.

We do know that it's all being put together by Neverhood creator Doug TenNapel, with help from Mike Dietz and Ed Schofield (a.k.a. Pencil Test Studios) and Neverhood composer Terry Taylor.

JoystiqArmikrog is the new clay adventure game from The Neverhood creators originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurearmikrogclayclay-motiondoug-tennapelneverhoodpcpoint-and-clickterry-taylorthe-neverhoodTue, 16 Apr 2013 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Oculus Rift first-person adventure game The Gallery hits Kickstarter goal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/oculus-rift-first-person-adventure-game-the-gallery-hits-kicksta/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/oculus-rift-first-person-adventure-game-the-gallery-hits-kicksta/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/oculus-rift-first-person-adventure-game-the-gallery-hits-kicksta/#comments
The Gallery: Six Elements recently reached its $65,000 Kickstarter funding goal before its April 17 deadline. The project from CloudHead Games is a first-person adventure game designed with the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset in mind, though the developer notes that it will not be required to play the game. The Gallery draws influences from the Myst adventure series, and has players traversing through six painted portals that represent the "core elements of life."

The project is currently sitting at $70,036, just enough to achieve a stretch goal that grants the game Razer Hyrdra support, Sixense's PC motion controller. The Gallery will launch on PC and Mac, and is currently vying for a spot on Steam through Steam's Greenlight service.

[Thanks, Rasmus!]

JoystiqOculus Rift first-person adventure game The Gallery hits Kickstarter goal originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecloudhead-gameskickstartermacmystoculus-riftpcRazer-Hydrathe-gallery-six-elementsSun, 14 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Sherlock Holmes game announced, uses Unreal Engine 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/new-sherlock-holmes-game-announced-uses-unreal-engine-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/new-sherlock-holmes-game-announced-uses-unreal-engine-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/new-sherlock-holmes-game-announced-uses-unreal-engine-3/#comments New Sherlock Holmes game announced, uses Unreal Engine 3Focus Home Interactive recently announced a new game in the Sherlock Holmes series called Crimes & Punishments. In development by Frogwares, the adventure game will feature eight cases in which players will guide Holmes through "important moral choices instead of simply enforcing justice by the book."

Frogwares ditched its previous Sherlock Holmes engine in favor of Unreal Engine 3 for this game, and opted for a more modern-looking Holmes, seen above. Crimes & Punishments will launch on PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 sometime in 2013. Yes, even the release date is a mystery.

Gallery: Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments (Announcement)

JoystiqNew Sherlock Holmes game announced, uses Unreal Engine 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureannouncementcrimes-and-punishmentsdetectivefocus-home-interactivefrogwaresmicrosoftpcplaystationps3sherlock-holmessherlock-holmes-crimes-and-punishmentsxboxSat, 02 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Cave review: Seven spelunkers, none decent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/the-cave-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/the-cave-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/the-cave-review/#comments The Cave is an adventure game, obviously. It's littered with puzzles and pieces of junk destined to become the only objects in the world worth having. The cave itself is a sentient, subterranean narrator, enveloping seven different explorers in a patchwork of dream-like environments that not only pertain to them, but contain the kind of contorted contexts in which a femur and a parrot are essential parts of progress.

Those are all signs of the classic adventure, tinged with the incongruous vending machines, gift shops and eternally stranded island hermits you expect from a Ron Gilbert game. But there's something else inside The Cave, a familiar cynicism and cleverness that gradually emerges as each spelunker hits rock bottom. These people - even the monk and the chivalrous knight - are egotistical, unpleasant kleptomaniacs, and you're one of them.

Gallery: The Cave (9/4/12)

Continue reading The Cave review: Seven spelunkers, none decent

JoystiqThe Cave review: Seven spelunkers, none decent originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurechris-remodouble-finemicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3psnron-gilbertsegasteamthe-cavewii-uxblaxboxTue, 29 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: Point out the definition of adventure games until it clicks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/editorial-point-out-the-definition-of-adventure-games-until-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/editorial-point-out-the-definition-of-adventure-games-until-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/editorial-point-out-the-definition-of-adventure-games-until-it/#comments Point and click adventures eet's a gameAs the underground cult of indie development surges to the surface and crowdfunding allows vague ideas to transform into products, the scope of gaming bubbles and changes. Games now span spectrums of physical input and emotional amplitude, and our perspectives change with them.

Amid this upheaval is an age-old genre that for some reason resists attempts of acceptance in the "hardcore" gaming audience: point-and-click adventures. They're just choose-your-own-adventure stories; they're interactive novels; the choices in them don't matter - all arguments against adventures as true games, while shoot-die-respawn titles play on, unchallenged.

Joystiq's own Top 10 of 2012 list includes The Walking Dead, a high-profile and famously intense point-and-click, and my own Best of the Rest has Yesterday, a gritty adventure from Pendulo Studios. Obviously, we consider both of these games to be games. Other players, maybe not so much - so let the argument begin.

In order to debate whether adventure games are, in fact, games, we first need a shared definition of the term. Without definition, you could argue that The Walking Dead isn't a game and I could just as passionately espouse why it is, and we could both be correct within the worlds of our own, secret definitions. While mutually assured correctness sounds like a wonderful conclusion, in reality it does nothing to examine the question at hand and leads to huffy frustration, leaving the debate unresolved forever.

What we're really arguing is the definition of a "game," rather than any particular sub-genre, which are all just variations of that main theme. This is my definition.

Continue reading Editorial: Point out the definition of adventure games until it clicks

JoystiqEditorial: Point out the definition of adventure games until it clicks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure-gamesdefinitiongamegamesPoint-and-Clickthe-walking-deadyesterdayFri, 04 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quest for Glory creators join with Brawsome to launch Kickstarter for Hero-U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/quest-for-glory-creators-join-with-brawsome-to-launch-kickstarte/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/quest-for-glory-creators-join-with-brawsome-to-launch-kickstarte/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/quest-for-glory-creators-join-with-brawsome-to-launch-kickstarte/#comments Quest for Glory creators join with Brawsome to launch Kickstarter for HeroUCorey and Lori Cole are the creators of Quest for Glory, a highly regarded series of role-playing adventure games that first arrived in 1989 and then continued as a series of sequels through 1998. Now, the couple is planning another game called Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption, and they've taken to Kickstarter to try and raise $400,000 to make it.

That's a tidy sum, but this is a substantial project: Not only are the Coles developing the title, but Australian game developer Brawsome is on board as well, having recently released its own puzzle/RPG game, MacGuffin's Curse. Hero-U is set to play like a tactical, top-down RPG, but it is also supposed to include the charm, puzzles, and story that the Coles and their games are known for.

If you're interested in contributing, the team is offering most of the usual Kickstarter bonuses, from a simple digital copy of the game and soundtrack, all the way up to the chance to get a personal D&D adventure from the Coles, or to appear in or help out with Hero-U's design yourself. The team's got about $290K left to earn and 26 days to get there, but given the pedigree of the folks behind this one we'd guess their chances are better than most.

JoystiqQuest for Glory creators join with Brawsome to launch Kickstarter for Hero-U originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dadventureaustraliaaustralianbrawsomecorey-colegameshero-ukickstarterlori-colemacmoneypcraisingtop-downWed, 24 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Anna]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-anna/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-anna/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-anna/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We believe they deserve a wider audience with the Joystiq Indie Pitch: This week, Dreampainters talks ancient Italian legend, modern murder and the beauty of point-and-click adventure games with its new PC release, Anna.
The Joystiq Indie Pitch Anna
What's your game called and what's it about?

The game is called Anna and is a point-and-click graphic adventure about a "sort of haunted" sawmill.

What inspired you to make Anna?

The main inspiration came from a real-life old sawmill in Valle D'Aosta, an all-mountain region in Italy (to be very precise, in Val D'Ayas). It is an ancient and beautiful place, with some legends about ghosts and hauting around it. We mixed all this with a set of local legends and personal stuff. This game is actually a true homage to Val D'Ayas and its heritage.

Gallery: Anna

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Anna

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Anna originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureannaDreampaintershorroritalyjoystiq-indie-pitchpcPoint-and-ClickSTEAMSun, 30 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Broken Sword returns (via Kickstarter) in 'The Serpent's Curse,' coming in 'early 2013']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/broken-sword-returns-via-kickstarter-in-the-serpents-curse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/broken-sword-returns-via-kickstarter-in-the-serpents-curse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/broken-sword-returns-via-kickstarter-in-the-serpents-curse/#comments Broken Sword returns via Kickstarter in 'The Serpent's Curse,' coming in 'early 2013'
It's been five years since the last Broken Sword franchise entry, but that doesn't mean Revolution Software forgot about its long-running adventure game series. The fifth entry - Broken Sword: The Serpent's Curse - got announced this morning for PC/Mac alongside the launch of the project's Kickstarter page.

Rather than following previous tradition, The Serpent's Curse is a hardcore first-person shooter set in the world of Broken Sword, but a thousand years into the future after the apocalypse ravaged society. KIDDING! It's another adventure game like previous entries - a teaser with the beginning of the next game is just above.

If you invest $15 in the project, you'll receive a digital copy of the game "along with a host of bonus material." You can always invest more and get more stuff from Revolution, if that's your kinda thing. The folks at Revolution are allotting $400K just to develop their game, which needs to reach its goal by 30 days from now.

Continue reading Broken Sword returns (via Kickstarter) in 'The Serpent's Curse,' coming in 'early 2013'

JoystiqBroken Sword returns (via Kickstarter) in 'The Serpent's Curse,' coming in 'early 2013' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure-gamebroken-swordbroken-sword-the-serpents-cursekickstarterThu, 23 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fan-made Mass Effect adventure game surfaces]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/12/fan-made-mass-effect-adventure-game-surfaces/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/12/fan-made-mass-effect-adventure-game-surfaces/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/12/fan-made-mass-effect-adventure-game-surfaces/#comments A Mass Effect fan-game by the name of Finding Shepard popped up on the Adventure Game Studio forums recently. Created by AGS forums user Nightfable, Finding Shepard is an in-progress game set in the Mass Effect universe that directly follows the events of Mass Effect 3.

Without spoiling too much of the story from the series, Finding Shepard stars Jack, who is searching for Commander Shepard after the "destroy" version of the series' ending. The point-and-click adventure style of the game lends itself to some interesting takes on the climactic points of the series' plot, and gives fans that weren't thrilled with the ending (or the Extended Cut DLC) an opportunity to experience other stories that folks like Nightfable wish to tell in BioWare's universe.

In other words, we'd totally play it. Check out screens from the project in our gallery below.

Gallery: Finding Shepard (Preview screens)

JoystiqFan-made Mass Effect adventure game surfaces originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Aug 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure-game-studiocommander-shepardfan-gamefinding-shepardmass-effectmass-effect-3Point-and-ClickSun, 12 Aug 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Book of Unwritten Tales available in North America right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/book-of-unwritten-tales-available-in-north-america-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/book-of-unwritten-tales-available-in-north-america-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/book-of-unwritten-tales-available-in-north-america-right-now/#comments Book of Unwritten Tales available in North America right now

King Art's Book of Unwritten Tales adventure game is now available in North America after launching in the UK late last year. The critically acclaimed point-and-click saga has a brand new re-launch trailer above, detailing the basic tropes found in the adventure genre - for those of you crazy enough to have skipped some of the classics.

While BoUT, as it's called for short by fans, might borrow the trappings of yesteryear are decidedly in the vein of the current generation. You can grab the game for $19.99 at a digital or physical retailer near you.

Gallery: The Book of Unwritten Tales

JoystiqBook of Unwritten Tales available in North America right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebook-of-unwritten-talesgraphicsking-artnordic-gamespcretrothe-book-of-unwritten-talesThu, 02 Aug 2012 06:00:00 EST<![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
Image
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