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[Hothead explains lack of 'DeathSpank' in The Baconing's title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/hothead-explains-lack-of-deathspank-in-the-baconings-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/hothead-explains-lack-of-deathspank-in-the-baconings-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/hothead-explains-lack-of-deathspank-in-the-baconings-title/#comments When Hothead announced the third entry in its dungeon crawl SLASH role-playing series this past week -- titled solely "The Baconing," dropping its usual "DeathSpank" moniker -- we couldn't help but wonder what had happened to the series' main character to get him taken off title duties. Did series creator Ron Gilbert take the rights to the character with him, for instance?

As it turns out, there's a fairly simple reason behind the name change: "We haven't removed the words or name 'DeathSpank' from the title for any legal reason. In fact, the title was changed just by asking our fans," a Hothead rep told Joystiq. Aha! Still, we couldn't help but wonder why Hothead would voluntarily ditch the brand name that it stuck to the last two games, effectively walking away from the brand recognition it built up over the past two entries.

Continue reading Hothead explains lack of 'DeathSpank' in The Baconing's title

JoystiqHothead explains lack of 'DeathSpank' in The Baconing's title originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspankdeathspank-the-baconinghotheadhothead-gamesmacmicrosoftmike-inglehartpcplaystationps3ron-gilbertthe-baconingxboxFri, 27 May 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank: The Baconing is the third entry in the DeathSpank series, coming this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/deathspank-the-baconing-is-the-third-entry-in-the-deathspank-se/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/deathspank-the-baconing-is-the-third-entry-in-the-deathspank-se/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/deathspank-the-baconing-is-the-third-entry-in-the-deathspank-se/#comments DeathSpank's run-ins with the evils of thongs are continuing this summer in a third DeathSpank game for Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, and PC/Mac. Hothead revealed as much this afternoon, detailing DeathSpank: The Baconing as the final chapter in DeathSpank's quest "to once and for all destroy the evil power of thongs."

The dev studio tells Kotaku that The Baconing will be "more satisfying to play than last year's games," with a handful of new areas to explore, a brand new sidekick named "Bob from Marketing," and a quartet of new bosses to battle. Hothead also promises gamers will feel "more in control" of DeathSpank's moveset with an overhauled combat system.

As Ron Gilbert is no longer with Hothead, this will be the first game in the series he created to not have him at its helm. And other than the teaser logo shown off in a video clip (found after the break), Hothead has yet to release any visuals for this summer's game. But given that we're wearing shorts even here in the USA's usually frozen Northeast, we imagine those assets aren't far off.

Continue reading DeathSpank: The Baconing is the third entry in the DeathSpank series, coming this summer

JoystiqDeathSpank: The Baconing is the third entry in the DeathSpank series, coming this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspank-the-baconinghotheadhothead-gamesmacmicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnq3-2011release-dateron-gilbertxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeWed, 25 May 2011 13:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm review: Tough crowd]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/swarm-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/swarm-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/swarm-review/#comments I'd like to think of Swarm as a playful, overtly sadistic embodiment of the phrase, "like lambs to the slaughter." That's a confusing message, because the game casts you in the role of both the shepherd, who must guide an oblivious blue flock to the end of the level, and the slaughterer, who extracts a real benefit from every minced-up minion.

The swarmites are clearly designed to be extinguished -- and to extinguish even the smallest blip of sadness or guilt you might feel upon seeing them crushed, burnt, electrocuted or disintegrated in one of the many death traps scattered across the universe's least hospitable planet. Their eyes project no intelligence, their doughy bodies are devoid of gross internal organs and there's not a single personality in a group of 50. They look like stupid, disposable jelly beans.

You'd think that the game would invite you to revel in their torture, what with all the "death medals" you unlock and an ever-increasing online counter that keeps track of all the splattered simpletons. A good score is crucial to advancement in Swarm, and the only way you'll get one is by building up a time-sensitive multiplier that's fueled by point orbs or sacrificed swarmites. If your blue blob is racing across the screen and you don't see any points, you're encouraged to steer a peripheral peon off a cliff or into a fire. It's like swerving your car through a puddle to soak a roadside pedestrian -- it's a dick move, but it's a guilt-tinged delight and on your way.

Continue reading Swarm review: Tough crowd

JoystiqSwarm review: Tough crowd originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotheadHothead-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3psnswarmxblaxboxFri, 25 Mar 2011 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm priced at $15, marches to Euro PSN on March 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/swarm-priced-at-15-marches-to-euro-psn-on-march-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/swarm-priced-at-15-marches-to-euro-psn-on-march-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/swarm-priced-at-15-marches-to-euro-psn-on-march-30/#comments The Swarm has been granted its European visa and will enter the union on March 23 and 30 on XBLA and PSN, respectively (while North American PSN users can get it on March 22). Taking control of the "pudgy, clueless little blue morons" will cost 1200 Microsoft Points on Xbox and $14.99 on PSN. PlayStation Plus members get a slight discount, downloading the little goobers for $12.99.

On the surface, Swarm sounds like a Pikmin- or Lemmings-style type of game, but it actually has more in common with platformers, as we recently found out in our hands-on preview.

Continue reading Swarm priced at $15, marches to Euro PSN on March 30

JoystiqSwarm priced at $15, marches to Euro PSN on March 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europehotheadHothead-Gamesignitionignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrelease-dateswarmxblaxboxWed, 16 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm trailer runs us through the first level]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/swarm-trailer-runs-us-through-the-first-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/swarm-trailer-runs-us-through-the-first-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/swarm-trailer-runs-us-through-the-first-level/#comments If controlling small, isolated hordes of dim-witted beings is something that interests you, then you've got to be spinning in your chair in excitement for Hothead's Swarm. Well, stop before you vomit -- and also so you can watch this new trailer.

Continue reading Swarm trailer runs us through the first level

JoystiqSwarm trailer runs us through the first level originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotheadhothead-gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3swarmxboxThu, 24 Feb 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade Adventures tearing up Mac App Store charts, Ep. 3 still unlikely]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/penny-arcade-adventures-tearing-up-mac-app-store-charts-ep-3-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/penny-arcade-adventures-tearing-up-mac-app-store-charts-ep-3-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/penny-arcade-adventures-tearing-up-mac-app-store-charts-ep-3-s/#comments Just four days after the launch of the Mac App Store, some developers are finding unexpected success. The first two episodes of Hothead Games' truncated Penny Arcade Adventures trilogy are currently ranking high in the bestselling apps chart at number 21 and 56, respectively (and certainly boosted by their $4 sale prices). This prompted the developer to tweet, "We're thrilled that Precipice of Darkness has been doing well on the Mac App Store!"

While that was heartening, it was the now-pulled followup tweet (screen-capped above) that raised eyebrows: "For those of you that want PA Episode 3, all you need to do is get 100,000 of your friends to buy 1&2. Seriously. Do that and we'll make it," a Hothead staffer wrote. Turns out that's not quite the case.

"That's certainly news to me!" Penny Arcade biz dude Robert Khoo told Joystiq, adding, "there's nothing new to say about future [episodes]." Penny Arcade's Mike Krahulik responded to Hothead's tweet, stating simply, "that's actually not true."

Continue reading Penny Arcade Adventures tearing up Mac App Store charts, Ep. 3 still unlikely

JoystiqPenny Arcade Adventures tearing up Mac App Store charts, Ep. 3 still unlikely originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HotheadHothead-Gamesmacmac-app-storemicrosoftOn-The-Rain-Slick-Precipice-of-Darkness-Episode-1On-The-Rain-Slick-Precipice-of-Darkness-Episode-2pcPenny-Arcadepenny-arcade-adventures-3Penny-Arcade-Adventures-Episode-1Penny-Arcade-Adventures-Episode-2penny-arcade-adventures-episode-3Penny-Arcade-Adventures-On-The-Rain-Slick-Precipice-of-Darkness-Penny-Arcade-Episode-1Penny-Arcade-Episode-2playstationps3Robert-KhoosalesVince-CeraldixboxMon, 10 Jan 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue coming to PC, Mac this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/deathspank-thongs-of-virtue-coming-to-pc-mac-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/deathspank-thongs-of-virtue-coming-to-pc-mac-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/deathspank-thongs-of-virtue-coming-to-pc-mac-this-year/#comments The virtuous thongs of DeathSpank's sequel will arrive on PC and Mac later this year, EA has announced. DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue will launch on PC November 30, with a Mac release following on December 14 (the original DeathSpank will be released for Mac the same day as ToV -- that's a lot of spanking!). Like the console versions, Thongs of Virtue will cost $14.99.

DeathSpank: ToV comes with two pieces of free DLC at launch: "Snowy Mountain Dungeon" and "Sidekick Tankko: Half-man, half-spider, and all awesome." If you absolutely can't wait for next Tuesday, a minigame on the DeathSpank website ("DeathSpank: Spank This!") offers you a chance to win free stuff. One grand prize winner will get "a squawkin' chicken, a signed DeathSpank poster, a free copy of DeathSpank, and an Intel Core i7-870." All prize winners, actually, will get that squawkin' chicken, which leads us to believe there's a very large squawkin' chicken population at Hothead. That must make it hard to concentrate on programming.

Continue reading DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue coming to PC, Mac this year

JoystiqDeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue coming to PC, Mac this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspankDeathSpank-Thongs-of-Virtueeaelectronic-artshotheadhothead-gamesmacpcq4-2010release-datesteamWed, 24 Nov 2010 10:16:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank to loot PC Oct. 26, Mac release planned]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/deathspank-to-loot-pc-oct-26-mac-release-planned/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/deathspank-to-loot-pc-oct-26-mac-release-planned/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/deathspank-to-loot-pc-oct-26-mac-release-planned/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For a game rooted so squarely in the loot-driven gameplay of PC stalwarts like Diablo, it was a little odd that DeathSpank was initially available only on PS3 and Xbox 360. EA and Hothead have decided to rectify this blow against tradition, announcing that DeathSpank will be bringing his humorous brand of (capital J) Justice to PC later this month. The game will hit PCs on October 26, and a pre-order on Steam will net an extra 10 percent off the usual $14.99 price.

Additionally, pre-orders of the DeathSpank and Shank bundle will receive a 15 percent discount (Shank will also be released on October 26). A Mac version of DeathSpank is in the works, though the release date is still under wraps. We've contacted Hothead to see if the DeathSpank sequel, Thongs of Virtue, will also make the jump to PC and Mac.

Continue reading DeathSpank to loot PC Oct. 26, Mac release planned

JoystiqDeathSpank to loot PC Oct. 26, Mac release planned originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspankeahotheadmacpcsteamWed, 06 Oct 2010 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Gather around this Swarm tutorial video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/gather-around-this-swarm-tutorial-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/gather-around-this-swarm-tutorial-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/gather-around-this-swarm-tutorial-video/#comments They say ignorance is bliss. Based on this tutorial video for Hothead's Swarm, however, ignorance is apparently tantamount to suicide. Watch the video for an extended look at Swarm's gameplay, and to learn just how delightfully expendable your little Swarmites are.

Continue reading Gather around this Swarm tutorial video

JoystiqGather around this Swarm tutorial video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hotheadmicrosoftpcplaystationps3swarmxboxFri, 10 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue's virtuous thongs: explained!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/deathspank-thongs-of-virtues-virtuous-thongs-explained/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/deathspank-thongs-of-virtues-virtuous-thongs-explained/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/deathspank-thongs-of-virtues-virtuous-thongs-explained/#comments When DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue was first introduced, we were baffled by the mysterious origin of the game's various undergarments of legend. Now that we know where they're from -- thanks to this latest trailer, care of PAX -- well, we're just as baffled. Head past the break and see for yourself.

Continue reading DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue's virtuous thongs: explained!

JoystiqDeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue's virtuous thongs: explained! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DeathSpank-Thongs-of-Virtuegameplayhotheadhothead-gamesmicrosoftpaxpax-2010pax-primepax-prime-2010playstationps3xboxMon, 06 Sep 2010 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade 'hoping' for Episode 3 reveal at PAX East]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/hothead-hoping-for-penny-arcade-adventures-episode-3-reveal-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/hothead-hoping-for-penny-arcade-adventures-episode-3-reveal-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/hothead-hoping-for-penny-arcade-adventures-episode-3-reveal-a/#comments While it's been some time since we last heard about the third installment in the Steampunkian Penny Arcade Adventures series, a glimmer of hope resides in the coming months with PAX East. A Penny Arcade representative confirmed to Joystiq that, "They [Penny Arcade] are hoping to have something to announce by PAX East. Unfortunately, we won't have anything before then." Presumably, we'll exclaim "oooooh" when we do finally see the game, as Mike "Gabe" Krahulik explained when we last heard from the duo about the game's absence.

Jerry "Tycho" Holkins further confirmed the possibility of an appearance for PAA: Episode 3 at PAX East, telling MTV Multiplayer, "Listen very closely to the announcements at PAX!" We're certainly ready to "feel the vigor in all our limbs," as Holkins claimed we would last September, but it's been so long we're not sure we'll remember that city-saving, hobo-beating, purple pantaloon-wearing protagonist of ours ... oh ... well, maybe not.

JoystiqPenny Arcade 'hoping' for Episode 3 reveal at PAX East originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotheadhothead-gamesjerry-holkinsMicrosoftmike-krahulikpax-eastpax-east-2010penny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventurespenny-arcade-adventures-3penny-arcade-adventures-episode-3psnxblaXbox-360Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank gameplay footage debuts at PAX '09]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/deathspank-gameplay-footage-debuts-at-pax-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/deathspank-gameplay-footage-debuts-at-pax-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/deathspank-gameplay-footage-debuts-at-pax-09/#comments PAX 2009 has yielded the first gameplay footage of Ron Gilbert and Hothead's forthcoming adventure slash RPG, DeathSpank. Billed as a potent mixture of Diablo's pointing and Monkey Island's clicking (or ... is it the other way around?), DeathSpank pokes fun at video gaming's huge array of heroic buffoons, though not without sending its own protagonist down a familiarly violent path. Mind you pay attention to the game's eye-catching art style beneath all that cartoon blood!

JoystiqDeathSpank gameplay footage debuts at PAX '09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredeathspankhotheadhothead-gamespaxpax-2009ron-gilbertrpgFri, 04 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade Adventures Ep. 3 announcement not coming at PAX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/penny-arcade-adventures-ep-3-announcement-not-coming-at-pax/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/penny-arcade-adventures-ep-3-announcement-not-coming-at-pax/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/penny-arcade-adventures-ep-3-announcement-not-coming-at-pax/#comments Those who were hoping to hear savory details about Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness Episode 3 during the Penny Arcade Expo (how appropriate!) are about to have said hopes dashed upon the rocks. During our recent interview with the comic's creators, Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik, we learned that no news regarding the game will come during the duo's Seattle-based gaming community event.

There's a reason for the game's non-appearance during PAX -- but Holkins and Krahulik were tight-lipped about what that reason is. Krahulik teased, "When you hear the announcement, you'll be like 'oooooh.' It'll make sense." Holkins articulately added, "You'll feel vigor in all of your limbs." We're fairly certain that's a good thing.

JoystiqPenny Arcade Adventures Ep. 3 announcement not coming at PAX originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureepisode-3episodichotheadmacMicrosofton-the-rain-slick-precipice-of-darknesspaxpax-2009penny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventurespenny-arcade-adventures-3penny-arcade-adventures-episode-3psnxblaXbox-360Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Thank the Canadian government for these great games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/thank-the-canadian-government-for-these-great-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/thank-the-canadian-government-for-these-great-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/thank-the-canadian-government-for-these-great-games/#comments
Ever heard of Fez? How about N+? DeathSpank, maybe? If any of these games are near and dear to you like they are to us (we're looking at you, N+), then you have the Canadian government to thank. Government funding towards game development in Canada helped make each of the aforementioned games come to fruition, according to Gamasutra.

Similar initiatives are being proposed or practiced in many US cities, however, the Canadian government has a long history of promoting game development in the country. It even gave DeathSpank developer Hothead Games over a half million dollars -- to develop a game named DeathSpank! Though it'd be nice to say that such quality stuff was being developed in our backyards, we'll take what we can get. Good games are good games, no?

JoystiqThank the Canadian government for these great games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadadeathspankfezgamasutragame-developmentgovernment-fundinghotheadhothead-gamesn Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Downloadable titles should avoid Q4 release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-downloadable-titles-should-avoid-q4-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-downloadable-titles-should-avoid-q4-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-downloadable-titles-should-avoid-q4-release/#comments
In a session for developers hoping to have their downloadable titles noticed on XBLA and PSN, the panel, which included Capcom, Hothead Games, Backbone and Jonathan Blow, agreed that these games should avoid releasing during the holidays. With strong competition from major titles at retail during the holiday season, the group agreed that downloadable games are best served avoiding the rush.

Age of Booty was used as an example of a solid game that was crushed under the tidal wave of the holiday releases. Downloadable games apparently see a dramatic drop in sales between late September until December. Although developers don't really have control over when Microsoft or Sony release their games, Blow noted that they'd want "March or June or August" as a release date and for downloadable games to "stay away from Christmas."

JoystiqGDC09: Downloadable titles should avoid Q4 release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbonecapcomdownloadable-gamesgdc-2009hotheadhothead-gamesjonathan-blowWed, 25 Mar 2009 21:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade Adventures Ep. 2 coming to PSN Dec. 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/penny-arcade-adventures-ep-2-coming-today-to-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/penny-arcade-adventures-ep-2-coming-today-to-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/penny-arcade-adventures-ep-2-coming-today-to-psn/#commentsFiled under: ,

The PlayStation Blog gives word that the second episode of Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness will be available today on the PSN.

PAA: OtR-SPoD: Ep. 2 features Trophy support and, unlike the first installment, the option to change difficulty settings. The fruit-fracking mini-RPG will cost $15 and should be available as soon as the PSN update occurs later in the day.

Gallery: Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 2

JoystiqPenny Arcade Adventures Ep. 2 coming to PSN Dec. 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adventuregreenhousehotheadhothead-gamesMicrosoftOn-The-Rain-Slick-Precipice-of-Darkness-Episode-2paa-episode-2penny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventuresPenny-Arcade-Adventures-Episode-2Penny-Arcade-Adventures-On-The-Rain-Slick-Precipice-of-Darkness-Penny-Arcade-Episode-2PS3rain-slick-precipice-of-darknessRPGXBLAXbox-360Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade Episode 2 next week for 1200 points]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/penny-arcade-episode-2-next-week-for-1200-points/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/penny-arcade-episode-2-next-week-for-1200-points/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/penny-arcade-episode-2-next-week-for-1200-points/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft, it would seem, has no pity whatsoever for our aching bank accounts (or cash stuffed mattresses, these days), as it has been officially announced that Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode 2 will arrive on Xbox Live Arcade next Wednesday, October 29. The game includes many new gameplay features, including extra difficulty modes, completion tracking, and the ability to transfer Episode One characters into the game. The game will also feature music from The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets, a rock group devoted to the writing of H. P. Lovecraft. Perhaps best of all -- and certainly most interesting -- PAAOTRSPDE2 will cost 1200 Microsoft Points, a full $5 less than the 1600 point Episode One. Find another video after the break.

Gallery: Penny Arcade Epidsode 2

Continue reading Penny Arcade Episode 2 next week for 1200 points

JoystiqPenny Arcade Episode 2 next week for 1200 points originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotheadpenny-arcadepenny-arcade-2penny-arcade-adventurespenny-arcade-adventures-episode-2Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade Adventures Ep. 2 coming Oct. 29 to XBLA, PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/penny-arcade-adventures-ep-2-coming-oct-29-to-xbla-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/penny-arcade-adventures-ep-2-coming-oct-29-to-xbla-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/penny-arcade-adventures-ep-2-coming-oct-29-to-xbla-pc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The second episode of Penny Arcade Adventure: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, is coming next Wednesday, October 29, for Xbox Live Arcade, Windows, Mac and Linux. According to the press release, the PC versions will be available via Greenhouse. As previously revealed, the episode will cost $15 for all platforms. No word on the PlayStation 3 release. Episode One will finally be hitting the PS Store tomorrow, or six days before everyone else gets the sequel.

Gallery: Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 2

JoystiqPenny Arcade Adventures Ep. 2 coming Oct. 29 to XBLA, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adventurebreakingnewsgreenhousehotheadhothead-gamesMacMicrosoftOn-The-Rain-Slick-Precipice-of-Darkness-Episode-2paapaa-episode-2PCpenny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventuresPenny-Arcade-Adventures-Episode-2Penny-Arcade-Adventures-On-The-Rain-Slick-Precipice-of-Darkness-Penny-Arcade-Episode-2RPGxblaXbox-360xbox-liveWed, 22 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade Adventures Ep. 1 dated, priced for PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/penny-arcade-adventures-ep-1-dated-priced-for-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/penny-arcade-adventures-ep-1-dated-priced-for-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/penny-arcade-adventures-ep-1-dated-priced-for-psn/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's been a long(ish) wait for PlayStation 3 owners, but the first episode of Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness is finally landing on the North American PlayStation Network this Thursday, October 23rd. Other regions will follow "shortly thereafter," notes the press release.

In addition to gaining Trophies, custom soundtrack support and a score ranking feature, PS3 gamers will receive a "thanks for waiting" discount in the game's lower, $15 price. The Mac, PC and Linux versions on Greenhouse have also dropped to $15 -- good news for Penny Arcade fans and people who don't write for Edge.

JoystiqPenny Arcade Adventures Ep. 1 dated, priced for PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HotheadHothead-GamesOn-the-Rain-Slick-Precipice-of-DarknessPAAPenny-ArcadePenny-Arcade-AdventuresPS3PSNTue, 21 Oct 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2008: Penny Arcade Adventures producer gushes about Episode 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/pax-2008-penny-arcade-adventures-producer-gushes-about-episode/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/pax-2008-penny-arcade-adventures-producer-gushes-about-episode/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/pax-2008-penny-arcade-adventures-producer-gushes-about-episode/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Last week during PAX 2008, we sat down with Hothead COO and Penny Arcade Adventures Producer Joel DeYoung as he guided us through Episode 2 and improvements to the engine. The gist of it is: if you liked Episode 1, you'll like Episode 2 that much more. Here's the rundown from our talks:
  • Highlighting points of interest has been made easier! "If you have your proximity putting you close enough to 2 or 3 things, you can slide through that with bumpers," said DeYoung.
  • There are now difficulty levels, including an Insane Mode (unlockable only after beating the game). Special collectibles and pickups are only available if you play Insane Mode. Comparatively, Episode 1's difficulty is "a little easier" than medium.
  • All the weapons have been replaced. Tycho gets a shotgun, Gabe has new fist upgrades and your player now possesses -- wait for it -- a hoe! Also changed are the special attack minigames.
  • You now have, among other new items, a revive potion. Healing won't be enough to bring your troops back to life. "Just adds a little bit of depth to it," said DeYoung.
  • The real-time reaction for defense has been made more obvious (e.g. "Block!" now appears when you need to push block), but nothing analogous for attacking has been added.
More after the break.

Gallery: Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 2

Continue reading PAX 2008: Penny Arcade Adventures producer gushes about Episode 2

JoystiqPAX 2008: Penny Arcade Adventures producer gushes about Episode 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotheadhothead-gamesinterviewjoel-deyoungjoystiqfeaturesMacpaa-episode-2pax-08pax-2008PCpenny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventurespenny-arcade-expoPS3Xbox-360Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bloody new DeathSpank trailers, details from PAX 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/bloody-new-deathspank-trailers-details-from-pax-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/bloody-new-deathspank-trailers-details-from-pax-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/bloody-new-deathspank-trailers-details-from-pax-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While Hothead is busy pimping its upcoming Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode 2, let's not forget about its other, simpler-titled project DeathSpank. The company has released three new teaser trailers for the snarky title ("Fight" is shown above), built from the ground up with Joystiq's own Ludwig Kietzmann in mind as the target demographic.

During last weekend's Penny Arcade Expo, Hothead COO Joel DeYoung said he considered the game a "more Diablo-esque" episodic action RPG with ample amounts of creator Ron Gilbert's humor, "lampooning video game space and the idea of the video game hero that takes himself too seriously." The game is not using PAA's Torque engine. More information about DeathSpank should be coming "soon," he said. After the break, check out the "Item" and "Armor" trailer. (Spoiler: Two of these three videos use the phrase "Thong of Justice.")

Continue reading Bloody new DeathSpank trailers, details from PAX 2008

JoystiqBloody new DeathSpank trailers, details from PAX 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspankhotheadhothead-gamesron-gilbertThu, 04 Sep 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First Penny Arcade Episode 2 screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/first-penny-arcade-episode-2-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/first-penny-arcade-episode-2-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/first-penny-arcade-episode-2-screens/#commentsFiled under: ,


Given that PAX is organized by the creators of Penny Arcade (it's right there in the title, really), it's pretty much the perfect venue to release the first screenshots of Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode Two. For the sake of brevity, let's just call it Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 2, mkay? This first batch of screenshots hints at some of the story in Episode 2, namely the sanitarium that's featured briefly in the introduction of Episode 1. Also featured are shots of the game's combat. Sadly, it looks like the game's protagonist (i.e. "You") will not be ditching his or her trusty rake, as we spotted a special attack entitled "A License to Till." Check out all the new screens in the gallery below.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqFirst Penny Arcade Episode 2 screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadehotheadhothead-gameslive-arcadepenny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventurespenny-arcade-adventures-episode-2penny-arcade-episode-2xblaxbox-live-arcadeTue, 02 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New, fruit-tacular Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 2 screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/new-fruit-tacular-penny-arcade-adventures-episode-2-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/new-fruit-tacular-penny-arcade-adventures-episode-2-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/new-fruit-tacular-penny-arcade-adventures-episode-2-screens/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With PAX 2008 bringing out oodles of Penny Arcade love, why not use this opportunity to pimp the upcoming PA Adventures Episode 2? In addition to chatting with COO Joel DeYoung (that aftermath of which will be published early this week), Hothead Games sent us more than a dozen new screenshots, including a few that are just for us (we feel touched by that, although on that note we wonder if some of them are creepy subliminal messages to us). PAA:OTRSPoD Episode 2 is due out later this year.

Gallery: Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 2

JoystiqNew, fruit-tacular Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 2 screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotheadMacotrspodpaa-episode-2PCpenny-arcade-adventuresPS3Xbox-360Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade Adventures due on PSN this Winter (with Trophies!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/penny-arcade-adventures-due-on-psn-this-winter-with-trophies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/penny-arcade-adventures-due-on-psn-this-winter-with-trophies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/penny-arcade-adventures-due-on-psn-this-winter-with-trophies/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Oh, how you yearned for their unrestrained chuckles -- their sparkling smiles -- to be transformed into naught but a cacophony of wailing and ceaseless misery. What gave them the right? Was it their fancy PCs, Macs and Xbox 360s? Did they so enjoy coasting down The Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness on their technological toboggans that they couldn't even cast a single glance towards you, sitting atop a lonely and immobile PlayStation 3? Well, when the snow falls again this Winter, revenge will be yours.

Also, Trophies! Posting on the official PlayStation Blog (they let anybody on there these days), Hothead producer Joel DeYoung confirmed that the first episode of Penny Arcade Adventures would arrive on PSN before the end of the year, complete with Trophy support and 1080p resolution. "Looking back, I think it's a shame that we weren't able to release the PS3 version closer to the initial launch of the game," he said.

With the game's engine now up and running on the hardware, DeYoung expects that future episodes will arrive on Sony's platform in a more timely fashion. No more being left out in the cold, our monolithic friend.

Gallery: Penny Arcade Adventures: Episode 1 (PS3)

JoystiqPenny Arcade Adventures due on PSN this Winter (with Trophies!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsHotheadHothead-GamesJoel-DeYoungPenny-ArcadePenny-Arcade-AdventuresPS3PSNRon-GilbertThu, 28 Aug 2008 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Penny Arcade Adventures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-penny-arcade-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-penny-arcade-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-penny-arcade-adventures/#commentsFiled under:

For this week's XBLA in Brief, we welcome the arrival of (ahem) Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode One. The first in a series of four episodes, Penny Arcade Adventures presents the very first episodic game to grace Microsoft's download service. The question that remains is whether or not it's any good. After our experience with the trial version, we'd say that it is (so long as you like Penny Arcade, role-playing games, adventure games or, even better, all three). Check out the video to find out if On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness is for you.

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[M4V] Download the M4V directly.

JoystiqX3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Penny Arcade Adventures originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotheadpenny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventuresrain-slick-precipice-of-darknessx3f-tvxbla-in-briefWed, 21 May 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade Adventures: Episode One is gold, due out 'later this quarter' for $20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/penny-arcade-adventures-is-gold-due-out-later-this-quarter-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/penny-arcade-adventures-is-gold-due-out-later-this-quarter-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/penny-arcade-adventures-is-gold-due-out-later-this-quarter-fo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Developer Hothead Game just announced that Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode One has gone gold for Windows, Mac and Linux. The press release is a good reminder that right now, somewhere in the world, someone is playing the full version of the game and you're not.

There, there, we know, it'll get better over time, promise ... okay, you're gonna need to stop making that whimpering noise, it's starting to get people's attention and it's embarrassing to both yourself and to us. PAA:OtRSPoD:E1 is due out "later this quarter" via their new Greenhouse download service for $20. The game is also coming to Xbox Live, potentially in another quarter, for 1600 MS points (US $20). In the meantime, enjoy some new wallpapers.

Gallery: Penny Arcade Adventures

JoystiqPenny Arcade Adventures: Episode One is gold, due out 'later this quarter' for $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsgoldhotheadhothead-gameslinuxMacPCpenny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventu...Xbox-360Thu, 01 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade announces 'Greenhouse' online game store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/penny-arcade-announces-greenhouse-online-game-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/penny-arcade-announces-greenhouse-online-game-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/penny-arcade-announces-greenhouse-online-game-store/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Penny Arcade and Hothead Games -- the developer behind On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness -- have just announced a joint partnership to launch Greenhouse, a brand new online game store, focused on digital distribution for independent games.

Not to be mistaken for a downloadable client application (like GameTap and Steam), Greenhouse is simply a website for digital distribution, putting it in direct competition with fellow indie game portal Manifesto Games. The site, which is currently in beta, will initially be the exclusive download source for Precipice, offering the PC, Mac, and Linux versions. Later, more Hothead Games will be distributed via the service, along with other indie offerings.

While the digital distribution market is getting a bit saturated as of late, let's hope Greenhouse's platform-agnostic approach to publishing keeps the service on our radar.

JoystiqPenny Arcade announces 'Greenhouse' online game store originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsgreenhousehotheadhothead-gamesindieMacPCpenny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventuresprecipiceWed, 02 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade XBLA game priced at $20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/penny-arcade-xbla-game-priced-at-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/penny-arcade-xbla-game-priced-at-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/penny-arcade-xbla-game-priced-at-20/#commentsFiled under: ,

The XBLA game with the overly long title of Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode One finally got some real details. Hothead games, the developer, released the game's final price, $19.99 (1600 MSpts). It remains to be see how the game will sell with a relatively high (for an XBLA game) price. It also remains to be seen what form of episodic game Penny Arcade Adventures will end up being. With a price of twenty dollars it seems more likely to be Half Life 2 style episodes (which debuted at the same price). The only other real episodic gaming example that would apply would be the Sam and Max episodes. Those however are $8.95 and have a monthly release cycle. What path PAA takes remains to be seen, but if it does end up following the Half Life 2 model, expect at least a trilogy of games with an overarching story across them all.

Via Joystiq

JoystiqPenny Arcade XBLA game priced at $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotheadhothead-gamespenny-arcade-adventu...xblaThu, 27 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade Adventures priced at $20, specs released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/penny-arcade-adventures-priced-at-20-specs-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/penny-arcade-adventures-priced-at-20-specs-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/penny-arcade-adventures-priced-at-20-specs-released/#commentsFiled under: , ,

penny arcade adventures
Hothead Games today punched its rambling epic, Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode One (phew!), with a $19.95 price tag. That's just over 30 cents a letter (colons not included), assuming cost is derived, as it is for all episodic games, by the title's length. Currently, that price applies to all versions of the game, which include PC, Mac, Linux and Xbox Live Arcade editions. 1600 Microsoft Points ($20) would be new territory for digital distribution on Xbox 360, but clearly, Hothead and its two stars have made it a point to be living on the edge.

PC, Mac and Linux specs are posted after the break.

Gallery: Penny Arcade Adventures

Continue reading Penny Arcade Adventures priced at $20, specs released

JoystiqPenny Arcade Adventures priced at $20, specs released originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewshotheadlinuxMacPCpenny-arcade-adventuresxblaXbox-360Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interviews DeathSpank's Ron Gilbert]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/joystiq-interviews-deathspanks-ron-gilbert/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/joystiq-interviews-deathspanks-ron-gilbert/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/joystiq-interviews-deathspanks-ron-gilbert/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Described as "the perfect melding of a Monkey Island style adventure game with the wicked RPG gameplay of Diablo," Ron Gilbert's episodic endeavor also formed part of our recent GDC interview with Hothead Games. Though the Orphans of Justice still have quite a bit of growing up to do, we quickly quizzed designer Ron about Deathspank's upcoming lampooning of adventure game heroes, as well as the series' inevitable downward spiral in quality after the, uh, 600,000th episode.

Continue reading Joystiq interviews DeathSpank's Ron Gilbert

JoystiqJoystiq interviews DeathSpank's Ron Gilbert originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DeathspankDiabloEpisodicGDCGDC08HotheadHothead-GamesJoel-DeYoungMonkey-IslandOrphans-of-JusticeRon-GilbertThe-Secret-of-Monkey-IslandMon, 03 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview: Penny Arcade Adventures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/joystiq-interview-penny-arcade-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/joystiq-interview-penny-arcade-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/joystiq-interview-penny-arcade-adventures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


It's fair to say that quite a lot is expected from Vancouver-based developer, Hothead Games. The group not only has to deliver a series of downloadable and episodic adventure RPGs in regular intervals, but also appease a fanbase so large and rabid that it can click your website to death -- accidentally, if you're lucky. On top of all that, the poor developers are occasionally dragged into a tiny room for the sole purpose of being poked by a plethora of questions regarding their upcoming games.

Penny Arcade Adventures producer, Joel DeYoung, and Hothead creative director, Ron Gilbert, had to endure just such a prodding during GDC, the results of which can be viewed after the break. Appropriately enough, our interview's almost as long as the title of the series: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness.

Gallery: Penny Arcade Adventures

Continue reading Joystiq interview: Penny Arcade Adventures

JoystiqJoystiq interview: Penny Arcade Adventures originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DeathspankEpisodicGDCGDC08HotheadHothead-GamesJoel-DeYoungPCPenny-ArcadePenny-Arcade-AdventuresPennyArcadeAdventuresRon-GilbertXBLAXbox-360Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Quest Quiz I: Ron Gilbert]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/gdc-quest-quiz-i-ron-gilbert/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/gdc-quest-quiz-i-ron-gilbert/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/gdc-quest-quiz-i-ron-gilbert/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We did a terrible thing at last week's Game Developer's Conference. Aside from our usual barrage of photographs and "reporting," a select group of attendees had to endure a particularly inane and utterly pointless line of questioning -- just for laughs. This is what happens when you hunt down several adventure game connoisseurs and challenge them to solve a typically obnoxious adventure game puzzle.

The Player
Ron Gilbert, designer of The Secret of Monkey Island (amongst other LucasArts adventures), consultant on Penny Arcade Adventures and designer of Hothead's upcoming episodic series, Deathspank.

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

The Inventory
  • (1) perforated parasol
  • (1) rubber chicken with a pulley in the middle
  • (1) sealed manila envelope
  • (1) miniature macaroni Tim Schafer statue
Find Ron Gilbert's surprisingly direct solution after the break.

Continue reading GDC Quest Quiz I: Ron Gilbert

JoystiqGDC Quest Quiz I: Ron Gilbert originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DeathspankGDCGDC-Quest-QuizGDC08HotheadMonkey-IslandPenny-Arcade-AdventuresRon-GilbertThe-Secret-of-Monkey-IslandMon, 25 Feb 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Penny Arcade dev aims for episode every 4 months]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/gdc08-penny-arcade-dev-aims-for-episode-every-4-months/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/gdc08-penny-arcade-dev-aims-for-episode-every-4-months/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/gdc08-penny-arcade-dev-aims-for-episode-every-4-months/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


As the folks at Telltale Games are sure to tell you, one of the tricks to successful episodic gaming is releasing content on a regular basis. Vancouver-based Hothead Games appears to be in agreement, with Penny Arcade Adventures producer, Joel DeYoung, telling us of the developer's tentative goal to release a new episode every four months. "Yeah, definitely there's a fixed release schedule. It's tentative right now, but we're talking about one every four months," DeYoung explained in a GDC interview. "[It's tentative] because, you know, this is a new model for us, and it is quite tricky with all the project management scheduling and making sure we're officially overlapping the work on all the episodes."

With some work on Episode Three already underway, we can expect to be tumbling down the precipice of darkness for at least eight months. Look for the full interview to be published on Joystiq later this week.

JoystiqGDC08: Penny Arcade dev aims for episode every 4 months originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GDCHotheadHothead-GamesPCPenny-ArcadePenny-Arcade-AdventuresPennyArcadeAdventuresRon-GilbertXbox-360Sat, 23 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hothead Games to publish Ron Gilbert's 'DeathSpank']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/hothead-games-to-publish-ron-gilberts-deathspank/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/hothead-games-to-publish-ron-gilberts-deathspank/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/hothead-games-to-publish-ron-gilberts-deathspank/#commentsFiled under: ,


Described as -- and you'll want to sit down for this -- "the perfect melding of a Monkey Island style adventure game with the wicked RPG game play of Diablo," Ron Gilbert's latest creation has been revealed to be an episodic title dubbed "DeathSpank: Episode 1: Orphans of Justice." The adventure legend has joined Vancouver-based Hothead Games as Creative Director, noting that he's spent over four years searching for "the right publisher for this strange little game." He went on to quip, "Now that I've done it, you just know that somewhere four horsemen are saddling up."

Followers of Gilbert's grumpy ramblings may remember DeathSpank as a satirical game character mentioned in a series of Flash comics, created with the aid of Clayton Kauzlaric and offered on Gilbert's personal blog. They'll also recall that Gilbert is currently providing his expertise and surly demeanor to Penny Arcade's episodic endeavor, On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness. Expect to hear more on both titles... soonish.

JoystiqHothead Games to publish Ron Gilbert's 'DeathSpank' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsDeathSpankHotheadHothead-GamesOrphans-of-JusticePenny-ArcadePenny-Arcade-AdventuresPennyArcadeAdventuresRon-GilbertRonGilbertWed, 09 Jan 2008 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 07: Penny Arcade adventures to XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/pax-07-penny-arcade-adventures-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/pax-07-penny-arcade-adventures-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/pax-07-penny-arcade-adventures-to-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're a little late in getting to it, but we would be remiss in our fanboy duties if we didn't report that Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness is officially heading to Xbox Live Arcade. As Rain-Slick is an episodic affair, its arrival on XBLA is a fairly momentous occasion. Episodic gaming is a term that has been bandied around for a while now, so we're hopeful that the game will deliver on the promise of cheap, easily digestible gaming. Penny Arcade Adventures is scheduled to debut on XBLA in early 2008 alongside the PC, OS X, and Linux versions. More information about Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness can be found on the official site.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqPAX 07: Penny Arcade adventures to XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotheadpennyarcadepennyarcadeadventuresxblaxboxlivearcadeTue, 28 Aug 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 07: The licensed games panel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/pax-07-the-licensed-games-panel/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/pax-07-the-licensed-games-panel/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/pax-07-the-licensed-games-panel/#commentsFiled under: ,


There's nothing more indicative of gamer culture than the fact that a bunch of us got together at a fan event, with games to be played right over in the exhibition hall, to talk about business. We can't help it! We love sales numbers and such.

Vlad Ceraldi and Steve Bocska from Hothead, Steve Bowler from Midway, and David Freeman from Sabertooth Games held a panel to talk about licensed games yesterday at PAX. All of these individuals have unique qualifications to talk about the subject: the two Hothead representatives, in addition to working on Penny Arcade Adventures now, previously worked on last generation's Simpsons games. Bowler worked on NBA Ballers and is now on John Woo Presents Stranglehold, and Freeman juggles licenses in his work with Sabertooth's Universal Fighting System card game.


Continue reading PAX 07: The licensed games panel

JoystiqPAX 07: The licensed games panel originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotheadlicensedgamesmidwaypennyarcadeadventuressabertoothstrangleholdufsMon, 27 Aug 2007 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 07: Our very own Penny Arcade Adventures trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/25/pax-07-my-very-own-penny-arcade-adventures-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/25/pax-07-my-very-own-penny-arcade-adventures-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/25/pax-07-my-very-own-penny-arcade-adventures-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It's Interactive Day for Joystiq's PAX coverage! First we got to assist in the creation of a Sam & Max scene, and now we made a dude in the Penny Arcade game trailer bald!

The Hothead booth at PAX had a demo of the character creation system in On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness. After we finished our character editing, the demo presented a video from the game with our character in the lead role. It then offered to email us the video, which means we get to share it with all of you! Enjoy the video, starring a guy who looks not that much like any of us!

JoystiqPAX 07: Our very own Penny Arcade Adventures trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Aug 2007 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charactercreatorhotheadMacPAXpax07PCpennyarcadeadventuresSat, 25 Aug 2007 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 07: Penny Arcade Adventures coming to XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/25/pax-07-penny-arcade-adventures-coming-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/25/pax-07-penny-arcade-adventures-coming-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/25/pax-07-penny-arcade-adventures-coming-to-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , ,


At the Penny Arcade game panel today at PAX, they've just confirmed that Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness - the first installment of their episodic series - will "debut" on Xbox Live Arcade in 2008. That's in addition to the already announced PC, Mac OS X, and Linux platforms. It's unclear if the game is console exclusive to the XBLA platform or if other console ports are in the works.

This is the first digitally distributed episodic title to be announced for a home console download service. Telltale is working on Xbox 360 and Wii ports of Sam & Max, but it's unclear if the title will be distributed as a full season retail product or as individual releases through Xbox Live Arcade and Wii Ware respectively. You can check out the game's recently launched site here.

Gallery: Penny Arcade Adventures

JoystiqPAX 07: Penny Arcade Adventures coming to XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Aug 2007 21:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We went to the Press only Hothead Games Q&A for their upcoming PC (Windows, Mac and Linux) game for Penny Arcade, On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode One. It opened up with a new trailer that built upon the previous one, that has taken huge steps in capturing the Penny Arcade look, in both the 2D and 3D realm. As they start showing the same demo on the show floor today, the trailer and gameplay footage will more than likely be hitting the intertubes soon so you can form your own opinions in the the progress of the art direction. After the trailer played the fired up their build of the game and started a new campaign. Full details on the demo and information from after the Q&A session can be found after the break.

Continue reading PAX 07: Penny Arcade Adventures developers panel

JoystiqPAX 07: Penny Arcade Adventures developers panel originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Aug 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HotheadhotheadgamesMacontherainslickprecipiceofdarknesspax07PCpennyarcadeadventuresSat, 25 Aug 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: XBLA could get Penny Arcade game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/rumor-xbla-could-get-penny-arcade-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/rumor-xbla-could-get-penny-arcade-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/rumor-xbla-could-get-penny-arcade-game/#commentsFiled under: ,


According to Gaming Target, EGM is reporting that Penny Arcade's first game could soon join their innumerable picture packs and themes on Xbox Live. The mag brings the news in their September issue that Penny Arcade Adventures Episode One: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness will appear on the Xbox Live Arcade in the fall.

Developer Hothead Games isn't confirming the news at the moment, but with PAX a scant three weeks away, they could just be trying to keep the tabby in the satchel so Gabe and Tycho can reveal the news at the show. For our part, we'd love to launch PA's game from our Cardboard Tube Samurai-themed Dashboard, the theme we shall continue to rock until something better comes along, in other words: Forever.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqRumor: XBLA could get Penny Arcade game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmhotheadpaxpennyarcadepennyarcadeadventuresxblaXbox-360Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:15:00 EST