Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Humble Indie Bundle V includes Psychonauts, Limbo, Superbrothers, Amnesia, Bastion (as a bonus)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/humble-indie-bundle-v-includes-psychonauts-limbo-superbrothers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/humble-indie-bundle-v-includes-psychonauts-limbo-superbrothers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/humble-indie-bundle-v-includes-psychonauts-limbo-superbrothers/#comments Image
The fifth iteration of the Humble Indie Bundle has gone live, granting donors their choice of Mac, PC or Linux versions of Psychonauts, Limbo, Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP and Amnesia: The Dark Descent, as well as the soundtracks for each game. Anyone that pays above the average price (currently $6.71) will also receive Baston and its soundtrack.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amnesia-the-dark-descentbastionCapyDoubleFineFrictional-GameslimbolinuxmacpcPlaydeadpsychonautssuperbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-epsupergiant-gamesThu, 31 May 2012 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine deals found in the Amazon, Psychonauts and Costume Quest under $5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/double-fine-deals-found-in-the-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/double-fine-deals-found-in-the-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/double-fine-deals-found-in-the-amazon/#comments ImageAmazon's PC digital distribution service has a few Double Fine titles on discount this week. Psychonauts -- the original Inception -- is available for $3.99, Costume Quest is a treat at a mere $2.99 and you can nest at ease with Stacking at $7.49.

If you've yet to play or own any of these games (for shame!), then pick 'em all up for $10 with the "Oh So Fine" bundle.

JoystiqDouble Fine deals found in the Amazon, Psychonauts and Costume Quest under $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Costume-QuestDouble-FinepcPsychonautsStackingMon, 07 May 2012 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch reels in Psychonauts 2 talk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/notch-reels-in-psychonauts-2-talk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/notch-reels-in-psychonauts-2-talk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/notch-reels-in-psychonauts-2-talk/#comments Ever since Double Fine snagged publishing rights for Psychonauts back in 2011, we've all hoped the studio would work on a sequel. Actually, no past tense about it -- we still hope Double Fine cranks out a sequel. And when Markus Persson (Notch) of Minecraft fame expressed interest in funding a sequel, we thought it was a dream come true.

Then Double Fine went ahead and set records on Kickstarter as the developer sought funding for a new adventure game. Suddenly, Psychonauts 2 was on the backburner. But Notch hasn't forgotten about it, much as we haven't, and published a missive today with some more information. Spoiler alert: it's a much more difficult undertaking than we initially thought.

"The budget for doing a Psychonauts 2 is three times higher than my initial impression," Notch wrote on his blog. "I have NO idea if this is actually going to happen." He went on to say that he is still interested in doing it (and still believes it would be a profitable venture), but posits that Double Fine could simply go through Kickstarter again to fund the sequel, considering how crazy successful the company's first campaign currently is. Today it was revealed the Double Fine adventure game would launch on PC, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android devices.

"All I know is that IF the numbers work out and IF they still want to do it and IF they don't decide to self fund a sequel by doing more crowd funding (which is honestly what I would've done if I were them), I would be most interested in doing this type of investment." We hope it all works out, but be patient, fellow interested parties: if it happens, it's not going to be for a good long while.

JoystiqNotch reels in Psychonauts 2 talk originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-fineMarkus-PerssonmojangnotchPsychonautspsychonauts-2Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Schafer needs a millionaire to fund Psychonauts 2, Notch raises hand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/schafer-needs-a-millionaire-to-fund-psychonauts-2-notch-raises/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/schafer-needs-a-millionaire-to-fund-psychonauts-2-notch-raises/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/schafer-needs-a-millionaire-to-fund-psychonauts-2-notch-raises/#comments Double Fine's Tim Schafer would love to make Psychonauts 2, he told Digital Spy -- he's pitched it to publishers a few times, but no one has ponied up for the project, and Schafer still needs a few million dollars to back it up. Enter: Notch.

After learning of Schafer's problem, Markus "Notch" Persson, creator of Minecraft and resident indie millionaire, tweeted at Schafer, "Let's make Psychonauts 2 happen," followed by ";D Also, I'm serious." This afternoon, the official word from Double Fine is, "Tim and Markus are talking. Who knows what might happen?"

Notch has followed up candidly, tweeting that he and Schafer are talking via email, hinting that they may talk more at GDC, and finishing with a warning: "Anyway, please don't get your hopes too high yet. Everything is extremely vague!"

There it is, ladies and gentlemen. The potential multi-million-dollar business deal to create Psychonauts 2, started on Twitter and including a winky, open-mouthed-smiling emoticon. Ah, technology.

JoystiqSchafer needs a millionaire to fund Psychonauts 2, Notch raises hand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-fineMarkus-Perssonmicrosoftmillionaireminecraftnotchpcplaystationps3Psychonautspsychonauts-2Tim-SchafertwitterxboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Witcher 2, Double Fine games, more in Steam Holiday Sale today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/witcher-2-double-fine-games-more-in-steam-holiday-sale-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/witcher-2-double-fine-games-more-in-steam-holiday-sale-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/witcher-2-double-fine-games-more-in-steam-holiday-sale-today/#comments Pace yourself! Steam's Holiday Sale is only in day two, and you can already get Costume Quest for $3.74 (or with Psychonauts for just $2 more!), Lego Batman for $5, The Witcher 2 for $24, The Witcher 1 for $2.49, and Modern Warfare 2 for $15.

You're definitely going to be broke after this year's sale but, on the upside, you'll be able to play a lot of games until your electricity is shut off and you're evicted.

JoystiqWitcher 2, Double Fine games, more in Steam Holiday Sale today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costume-questdealmodern-warfare-2pcpsychonautssteamsteam-holiday-salesteam-holiday-sale-2011the-witcherthe-witcher-2valveTue, 20 Dec 2011 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts comes to Mac, gets Steam update and iOS app]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/psychonauts-comes-to-mac-gets-steam-update-and-ios-app/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/psychonauts-comes-to-mac-gets-steam-update-and-ios-app/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/psychonauts-comes-to-mac-gets-steam-update-and-ios-app/#comments If your allegiance to the Mac platform was the only thing holding you back from playing Psychonauts, then today is your day: Double Fine has announced the game is available for Mac OSX. The Mac port is currently available on the Mac App store and Steam, along with other digital distribution channels. Accompanying it is a free iOS app that allows you to view all of the game's Memory Vaults right on your iDevice, along with new commentary from Tim Schafer and Scott Campbell.

The PC version of the game has also been updated to allow for achievements and cloud saves on Steam, plus it scales down the difficulty of the Meat Circus. Additionally, we'd like you to do a us a favor and not google "meat circus."

Continue reading Psychonauts comes to Mac, gets Steam update and iOS app

JoystiqPsychonauts comes to Mac, gets Steam update and iOS app originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-fineiosipadiphonemacmac-osxmobileosxpcPsychonautsThu, 29 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine obtaining Psychonauts publishing rights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/double-fine-obtaining-psychonauts-publishing-rights/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/double-fine-obtaining-psychonauts-publishing-rights/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/double-fine-obtaining-psychonauts-publishing-rights/#comments Double Fine is in the process of receiving the publishing rights for Psychonauts, its cult 2005 game published by Majesco. The word came from Double Fine senior gameplay programmer Anna Kipnis, who tweeted that the developer was now the "sole publisher" of the game and that proceeds from any purchases would go to the studio. That last part wasn't exactly accurate -- not yet, anyway.

Double Fine head Tim Schafer told Gamasutra, "It's true the publishing rights have reverted to Double Fine, but there are some more deals that need to be worked out and contracts that need signing before that actually means anything, financially."

Schafer said that once that's all squared away the studio will have something fun to announce ... but "it's not Psychonauts 2." Double Fine has always retained the IP rights to Psychonauts, and Schafer has stated previously that a sequel is dependent on a publisher paying the way.

Update: Tim Schafer's comment to Joystiq can be found after the break.

Continue reading Double Fine obtaining Psychonauts publishing rights

JoystiqDouble Fine obtaining Psychonauts publishing rights originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finemicrosoftpcpsychonautspsychonauts-2xboxWed, 15 Jun 2011 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts is $2.49 until 10AM Eastern on GOG.com]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/psychonauts-is-2-49-until-10am-eastern-on-gog-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/psychonauts-is-2-49-until-10am-eastern-on-gog-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/psychonauts-is-2-49-until-10am-eastern-on-gog-com/#comments Criminally underappreciated action-adventure game Psychonauts is available on GOG.com for $2.49 until 10AM Eastern. If you already own it, send that cash to Double Fine to get Psychonauts 2 rolling.

For pieces of Double Fine work on consoles, check out the studio's cost-effective, bite-sized offerings with Stacking and Costume Quest.

JoystiqPsychonauts is $2.49 until 10AM Eastern on GOG.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finedouble-fine-productionspcPsychonautsWed, 23 Feb 2011 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts 2: Tim Schafer is 'ready to do it']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/psychonauts-2-tim-schafer-is-ready-to-do-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/psychonauts-2-tim-schafer-is-ready-to-do-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/psychonauts-2-tim-schafer-is-ready-to-do-it/#comments From our "It's Fun to Dream" file comes a story from the latest issue of PSM3, in which Double Fine's Tim Schafer says he's ready to do a sequel to his classic action platformer Psychonauts. So ... Psychonauts 2: Revenge of the Milkman coming fall of 2012, pre-order now to get your commemorative goggles. Right?

Not so fast, bucko. Schafer wants to make a new Psychonauts, but he still needs to find someone to help foot the bill. "It's really a question of getting a publisher who's interested in doing it," he told the magazine. "Over the years it's gotten into the hands of a lot of people ... so if all these people were going to buy the sequel it would be a big hit."

So, any of you have a few spare millions kicking around? Maybe if everybody pooled together? Let's see, we have ... $7.12, a piece of Bazooka and a marble. That's ... that's not going to cut it, is it?

JoystiqPsychonauts 2: Tim Schafer is 'ready to do it' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finepsychonautspsychonauts-2Tim-SchaferThu, 11 Nov 2010 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts only costs $2 until Thursday on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/psychonauts-only-costs-2-until-thursday-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/psychonauts-only-costs-2-until-thursday-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/psychonauts-only-costs-2-until-thursday-on-steam/#comments Stand up. Walk over to your couch, and remove its cushions. Stick your hand into the exposed crevasses of your sofa, taking care not to lose any fingers in any reclining mechanisms which may be hiding within your chair. Dig out eight quarters, or twenty dimes, or forty nickels, or two-hundred pennies, or any combination of these denominations which add up to 200 cents.

Deposit your recently excavated horde in your bank account, or the bank account of a trusted friend or relative. Access Steam, and use these funds to purchase Psychonauts, which, until tomorrow, only costs 200 cents. Download the game, and play it. When you get a free moment, return the cushions to your couch, so it can collect more funds for the next time Steam slashes the price on one of our favorite games ever.

[Thanks, Dao]

JoystiqPsychonauts only costs $2 until Thursday on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finepsychonautssalesteamtim-schafertwo-dollarsWed, 27 Jan 2010 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Tim Schafer thinks 'fans worry too much about sales']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/tim-schafer-thinks-fans-worry-too-much-about-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/tim-schafer-thinks-fans-worry-too-much-about-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/tim-schafer-thinks-fans-worry-too-much-about-sales/#comments
Speaking to MTV Multiplayer, Tim Schafer recently addressed humanity's shocking failure to purchase a satisfactory number of Psychonauts game discs. "Fans worry too much about sales, to tell you the truth," said the procrastinating awards show host, possibly telling the truth. "As long as you make a cool game, publishers want to talk to you... [They say,] 'We liked 'Psychonauts. and we think we could have sold it better."

Schafer assuaged fears of Brütal Legend becoming the next commercial Psychonauts, pointing out that the open-world shred-em-up "naturally has more commercial hooks, like hot babes and Jack Black." As reassuring as that is, fans may still worry, if only because we yearn to see Tim Schafer showered in unimaginable riches, enough for him to buy all the tuxedos he wants or construct a rocket-propelled candy castle which he'll use to fly across the globe searching searching for that special person that was missing in his life and then he'll land in our backyard and before we can yell at him for incinerating the dog during the landing procedure he'll walk up to us and put his finger to our lips and say shh don't worry where we're going you won't need animal companionship or anything because where we're going is a place where there are no animals because it's in space and that is where my space station is and we will learn to design really awesome games together but for now you have to stop writing this sentence because it's quite long you know.

JoystiqTim Schafer thinks 'fans worry too much about sales' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutal-legenddouble-finepsychonautssalestim-schaferMon, 06 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts soundtracks now available online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/14/psychonauts-soundtracks-now-available-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/14/psychonauts-soundtracks-now-available-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/14/psychonauts-soundtracks-now-available-online/#comments
Those catchy tunes we remember from Psychonauts are now available online as Double Fine has released the soundtrack and cinematic score to Tim Schafer's mental adventure over most major online outlets, including iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, eMusic and Amazon.

Oh sure, we already own the Peter McConnell-composed music on CD, but as the studio's blog puts it, eCopies free us from such dangers as "deadly plastic discs" and "eye-burning lasers." Well, when you put it that way, here take our digital money. Just please don't melt our brains.

JoystiqPsychonauts soundtracks now available online originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredigitaldouble-finedownloadsmusicpsychonautstim-schaferSat, 14 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts encyclopedia wants your brain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/psychonauts-encyclopedia-wants-your-brain/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/psychonauts-encyclopedia-wants-your-brain/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/psychonauts-encyclopedia-wants-your-brain/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Double Fine has (thankfully) not forgotten its beloved platformer, Psychonauts -- and neither has its legion of fans. The developer recently launched a wiki-style "Psycho-pedia" to flesh out the game's 'verse, offering up articles on all of its important people, places, and things. Oh, so many things.

What's more, Tim Schafer and crew have opened the tome of knowledge to ... your knowledge. By creating an account at the site, you can update the articles with info that (gasp!) even the developer might have overlooked. Double Fine is also soliciting fan art, fan music, cosplay photos, and "any other art you may have created while under the influence of Psychonauts." We can see this getting fittingly weird.

JoystiqPsychonauts encyclopedia wants your brain originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-fineencyclopediaPCpsychonautstim-schaferwikiXboxXbox-360Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Free Game Club: Psychonauts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/the-joystiq-free-game-club-psychonauts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/the-joystiq-free-game-club-psychonauts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/the-joystiq-free-game-club-psychonauts/#commentsFiled under:


We thought we'd take a break this week from our usual Flash-based fare this week on the Free Game Club to talk about a slightly meatier experience that you could be having for for free right now: Psychonauts. Yeah, that's right. Tim Schafer's bizarre, hilarious action-platformer is available right now as a free selection on GameTap.

So here's the question: Why haven't you played it yet? You might have had an excuse a couple of years ago, when it was just a poorly-marketed Majesco game. But how has it not made its way onto your must play list at this point? It's cleverly written, it's got some really memorable levels and characters, it's just an all-around great way to spend your time. OK, so maybe some of the actual platforming and combat gameplay is a touch spotty from time to time. But we can look past it, and we're betting you can too.

If you've played the game, feel free to use the comments below to share your thoughts/gushing adoration. If you haven't, we'd love to hear your excuses. If you're about to play it for the first time ... well, don't let us keep you. We'll still be here when you're done.

JoystiqThe Joystiq Free Game Club: Psychonauts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finefree-game-clubgametapjoystiqfeaturesPCpsychonautsMon, 28 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Show and Tell: Minty inspiration]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/show-and-tell-minty-inspiration/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/show-and-tell-minty-inspiration/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/show-and-tell-minty-inspiration/#commentsFiled under:

You may be wondering just what this is. Stark white slabs, neatly stacked ... no, it's not the preliminary plans for Apple iChocolate (available in white only), but rather, the work of a DS owner in need. Reader PeZ had a problem: a lost game. And while the missing game turned up later, it revealed a flaw in his DS cart storage system. Nothing quite fit his needs; either everything was too big, too small, or unsafe. One day, as he finished off some Läkerol mints, an idea struck. Surely that neat little tin would be good for something.

And so PeZ got to work. As a designer, he had some idea of how to start -- he drew up plans for the perfect cart case. To the right, you can see the plans, which were eventually cut from black cardboard and glued to the inside of the tin. PeZ reports that, with slots cut in, the carts are perfectly secure, even with the tin held upside down! But with the practical inside complete, the outside needed a little work. To see what he came up with, jaunt on past the break.

Got something you want to show off to all the other DS fans? We like just about anything with a little Nintendo flavor, so snap a few pics and send 'em off to tell us what's up, and send it all to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest.

Continue reading Show and Tell: Minty inspiration

JoystiqShow and Tell: Minty inspiration originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casecustomDIYlakerolpsychonautsThu, 03 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Return to Quest Quiz: Tim Schafer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/return-to-quest-quiz-tim-schafer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/return-to-quest-quiz-tim-schafer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/return-to-quest-quiz-tim-schafer/#commentsFiled under: ,


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

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

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

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

Continue reading Return to Quest Quiz: Tim Schafer

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brutal-LegendBrutalLegendDouble-FineDoubleFineFull-Throttlegdc-quest-quizGrim-FandangoPsychonautsTim-SchaferTimSchaferFri, 07 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Quest Quiz IV: Erik Wolpaw]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/gdc-quest-quiz-iv-erik-wolpaw/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/gdc-quest-quiz-iv-erik-wolpaw/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/gdc-quest-quiz-iv-erik-wolpaw/#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
Erik Wolpaw, co-author of the now-defunct Old Man Murray. He's written for games such as Psychonauts and Portal, and once accused the adventure genre of committing suicide.

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
The Solution
 "How is the pulley attached to the rubber chicken? See, this is why I hate adventure games. I think you're expecting a joke answer, and I'm actually trying to figure it out. OK, type 'quit.' That's what I would do. Go to the menu and type 'quit.'"

(Catch the rest of our interview with Wolpaw later this week!)

JoystiqGDC Quest Quiz IV: Erik Wolpaw originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Erik-WolpawGDCGDC-Quest-QuizGDC08PortalPsychonautsValveTue, 26 Feb 2008 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam's last-minute Christmas sale: 10-50% off everything]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/steams-last-minute-christmas-sale-10-50-off-everything/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/steams-last-minute-christmas-sale-10-50-off-everything/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/steams-last-minute-christmas-sale-10-50-off-everything/#commentsFiled under: ,

Valve's Steam service is having a last-minute holiday sale from today until January 1, with everything on the online store reportedly 10% to 50% off. While all they have to do is make one game 50% and the rest 10% to make that statement valid, there are some good deals going on. Highlights include:
  • Orange Box - $37.45 (25% off)
  • BioShock - $37.45 (25% off)
  • S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - $22.45 (25% off)
  • id Software Super Pack - $52.45 (25% off)
  • Psychonauts - $9.95 (50% off)
There are very few hours until Christmas. On this coast, most stores are closing down. Wouldn't be great if you could find the perfect gift for the ones you love? How about a downloadable copy of Psychonauts (no, we don't shut up about this game) for only $10? And while we're at it, you can afford to purchase Rag Doll Kung Fu ($13.45) and Bookworm Adventures ($17.95).

JoystiqSteam's last-minute Christmas sale: 10-50% off everything originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockhalf-lifehalf-life-2holidayorange-boxPCpsychonautssalesteamvalveMon, 24 Dec 2007 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: December 18, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/today-in-joystiq-december-18-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/today-in-joystiq-december-18-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/today-in-joystiq-december-18-2007/#comments Okay, so a Weighted Companion Papercraft is cute but overplayed, the coin box is creative but part of the ages-old Mario fan art category ... is that a representation of Sasha Nein's mind from Psychonauts as a papercraft doll? No way! Schafer love knows no bounds it seems. (Thanks, Tim) Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Readers pick best webcomic: You compete me

News
Nintendo: no plans for a Kirby Wii title
New PSP, PS3 firmware goes live
Burnout Paradise soundtrack features Guns N Roses
EA confirms Command & Conquer FPS Tiberium
Unofficial Wii bundles make Nintendo unhappy
Sonic the Hedgehog and Peggle come to iPod
Stores worried about their DS supply
Assassin's Creed could save Ubisoft from EA's maw
Amazon ceases taking Gears of War 2 pre-orders
New firmware enables PS1 games on PSP through Remote Play
Rock Band mea culpa game offer better than expected
PlayStation Network cards available in NA early '08
Second Life CTO resigns to seek third life
More Half-Life games confirmed; nobody surprised
Verne Troyer supersizes WoW ad campaign
Peggle (finally) coming to Mac
Rock Band Weekly: Radiohead, Weezer and The Pretenders
Duke Nukem Forever teaser coming tomorrow
PSP Media Manager now free to download
BioShock bubbles up Take-Two's Q4 sales
N-Gage platform nearing relaunch; pre-release available on Nokia N81
Valve enables 'Steam'y gift purchasing

Rumors & Speculation
Intel predicts camera-powered, controller-free game system
Pachter insists Mass Effect coming to PS3

Culture & Community
E3 returns to LA Convention Center next July, remains invite-only
Sony places twice in list of business blunders
GameDaily 'Persons of the Year': #1 - 3 and readers' choice

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: December 18, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dailyrecappsychonautsTue, 18 Dec 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Schafer: No new Psychonauts on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/schafer-no-new-psychonauts-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/schafer-no-new-psychonauts-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/schafer-no-new-psychonauts-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under:

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

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutallegenddoublefinepsychonautstimschaferWed, 24 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts 2 in development?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/psychonauts-2-in-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/psychonauts-2-in-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/psychonauts-2-in-development/#comments
Hot off the heels of Double Fine's announcement of Brütal Legend, we get this tasty little morsel of potential excellence. On Double Fine's projects page, beneath the link for Brütal Legend, we have the teaser image pictured above. No great mystery regarding its contents -- that's clearly Raz, and the logo for the first Psychonauts.

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

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

[Via Rock Paper Shotgun]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finedoublefinepsychonautstim-schafertimschaferTue, 23 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tim Schafer's Brutal Legend lands on Game Informer cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/tim-schafers-brutal-legend-lands-on-game-informer-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/tim-schafers-brutal-legend-lands-on-game-informer-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/tim-schafers-brutal-legend-lands-on-game-informer-cover/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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

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

[Thanks, Max]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brutal-LegendDouble-FineDoubleFineFullThrottlePS3PsychonautsXbox-360Thu, 11 Oct 2007 21:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine returns with Epic Saga: Extreme Fighter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/double-fine-returns-with-epic-saga-extreme-fighter/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/double-fine-returns-with-epic-saga-extreme-fighter/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/double-fine-returns-with-epic-saga-extreme-fighter/#commentsFiled under: ,


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

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

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily recapDailyRecapdave grossmanDaveGrossmandouble fineDoubleFinefull throttleFullThrottlegrim fandangoGrimFandangolucas artsLucasArtsMonkey-Islandpsychonautstim schaferTimSchaferThu, 22 Feb 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamecock's Insecticide and Mushroom Men]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/gamecocks-insecticide-and-mushroom-men/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/gamecocks-insecticide-and-mushroom-men/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/gamecocks-insecticide-and-mushroom-men/#commentsFiled under:

I never thought I'd write about cock on this blog, but it's unavoidable now that a new company has formed called Gamecock. The company was founded by the former CEO and former president of the defunct Gathering of Developers. They aim to bring risk taking, creative indie titles to all platforms. Two of their first games are headed to not just next-gen systems, but also an unnamed handheld. It seems like the PSP is the most likely candidate.

The first game is Mushroom Men, which follows three-inch-high Mushroom Men as they battle in a war against different spore factions. Use common household items to fashion weapons and tools to help turn the tide of war. The second game is Insecticide which has a Tim Burton/Psychonauts look to its character designs and is an action/adventure game set in a world that is decaying and full of bugs ... sexy bugs. You can visit Gamecock's site to see more on all their games.

[Via IGN]

JoystiqGamecock's Insecticide and Mushroom Men originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamecockgathering of developersGatheringOfDevelopersinsecticidemushroom menMushroomMenpsychonautsTue, 13 Feb 2007 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A blueprint for game marketing (or: what happened to Psychonauts?)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/a-blueprint-for-game-marketing-or-what-happened-to-psychonauts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/a-blueprint-for-game-marketing-or-what-happened-to-psychonauts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/a-blueprint-for-game-marketing-or-what-happened-to-psychonauts/#commentsFiled under: ,

Game designer Pierre-Alexandre Garneau ("just call me Pag") has written a piece for Gamasutra that is essentially a Magic 8-ball for determining the success, by means of marketing, of a quality title. The piece, entitled "10 Minute Game Sales Potential Test," presents six questions for determining whether a publisher will be able to successfully market a title.

It's a fascinating read. The words of wisdom one can reap from the piece, if you believe Garneau's analysis, is that original, complex ideas have a steep curve when it comes to profitability. Spore without Will Wright would likely not garner so much attention and anticipation, and we're inclined to agree. As much as one might despise EA for rather annually "rehashing" Madden titles, the company still manages to sell millions of copies of each iteration -- as a business, they are acting as we'd expect.

Also presented in the piece are examples where the test explains the financial success and failure of quality titles (Grand Theft Auto 3 and Psychonauts, respectively). It would be interesting to see how the analysis stacks up to other games both deserving and undeserving of their sales.

See Also: Ad Critic

JoystiqA blueprint for game marketing (or: what happened to Psychonauts?) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 20:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisinggrand theft autoGrandTheftAutogtamarketmarketingpagpsychonautsMon, 12 Feb 2007 20:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Huzzah! Psychonauts on 360, Soul Calibur, Conker too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/huzzah-psychonauts-on-360-soul-calibur-conker-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/huzzah-psychonauts-on-360-soul-calibur-conker-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/huzzah-psychonauts-on-360-soul-calibur-conker-too/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

for realzWe won't be satisfied until every Xbox title is compatible on 360, but today's backwards compatibility update is a major step in that direction. Sure, we knew the patch was coming, but it's a relief that it's here, Pyschonauts now playable -- as are Shenmue II, Indigo Prophecy, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, Dead or Alive Ultimate, Buffy, Destroy All Humans, and others.

The update's final list of games also features some additional surprises (unrevealed during the premature posting on Xbox.com), most notably Soul Calibur 2 (North America only) and Conker: Live and Reloaded. Still, each of these bc updates is bitter sweet, inevitably lacking games we've been longing for. It's been a year, and still no Panzer Dragoon Orta?

Continue reading Huzzah! Psychonauts on 360, Soul Calibur, Conker too

JoystiqHuzzah! Psychonauts on 360, Soul Calibur, Conker too originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Dec 2006 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Backwards CompatibilityBackwardsCompatibilityBCConkerDownloadEmulationPsychonautsUpdateXboxXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveThu, 14 Dec 2006 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-huzzah: Psychonauts spotted on back-compat list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/pre-huzzah-psychonauts-spotted-on-back-compat-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/pre-huzzah-psychonauts-spotted-on-back-compat-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/pre-huzzah-psychonauts-spotted-on-back-compat-list/#commentsFiled under: ,


For a brief moment in time, an updated version of the Xbox 360's backwards compatibility list was exposed for all the internet to see. Though it was yanked in a matter of minutes, one new entry stood out like an atomic mushroom cloud in a serene, children's playground. Not to imply that Psychonauts is capable of melting children or flooding large masses of land with deadly radiation, but its presence was rather devastating to the psyche.

In case you weren't aware (and clearly you aren't much of the time), Tim Schafer and his team at Double Fine did extraordinary things with Psychonauts, managing to take the seemingly incompatible platformer and adventure genres and mash them together like two pieces of clay. That's before they twisted the whole mess into a variety of amusing shapes.

Oh, there's a whole bunch of other new games too. However, when asked about the exact release date of this December update, Microsoft warned us that the list is not final. "We'll have more news soon -- as I'm sure you're aware with any software development, things can change at any time so we want to make an announcement when we're sure we've got the final, solid list."

View the non-final, slightly wobbly list of additions after the break.

[Thanks Nick! Thanks to Richard from Xbox 360 Fanboy for remembering to take a screenshot.]

Continue reading Pre-huzzah: Psychonauts spotted on back-compat list

JoystiqPre-huzzah: Psychonauts spotted on back-compat list originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Dec 2006 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backwards compatibilityBackwardsCompatibilityEmulationEmulatorMortal KombatMortalKombatPsychonautsShenmueXBLXBLAXboxXbox back compatXbox LiveXbox-360XboxBackCompatXboxLiveTue, 12 Dec 2006 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Tim Schafer talks new-gen, suggests XBL MySpace features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/tim-schafer-talks-new-gen-suggests-xbl-myspace-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/tim-schafer-talks-new-gen-suggests-xbl-myspace-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/tim-schafer-talks-new-gen-suggests-xbl-myspace-features/#commentsDouble Fine founder Tim Schafer told Gamasutra that while he's mostly a single-player kind of guy, he has really enjoyed the Xbox Live system that "facilitates ... playing with people you know," he said.

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

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

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double fineDoubleFinemiipsycho nautsPsychoNautstim schaferTimSchaferxbox liveXboxLiveThu, 07 Dec 2006 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[The PS3 backwards compatibility list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/the-ps3-backwards-compatibility-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/the-ps3-backwards-compatibility-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/the-ps3-backwards-compatibility-list/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sony's PlayStation site now features a handy little Javascript program that lets you check on any compatibility issues the PS3 might have with the PlayStation catalogue. Instead of a list, however, you have to type in the games about which you are curious into the search box to find out all the glitches.

We understand not making a list of every PSOne and PS2 title that has compatibility issues, but at the same time we are not sure to what extent BC problems are prevalent. We are impressed with how detailed every glitch has been chronicled, so that you know exactly how the game will screw up (major or minor) while being played on the PS3. We decided to run of a few searches ourselves:
  • Psychonauts, unlike its Xbox counterpart, "has no major problems" with the PS3. Huzzah!
  • The Ratchet series works fine.
  • The Jak series is okay, except for a handful of issues with Jak X: Combat Racing.
  • Almost surprisingly, every Madden title works well. Only Madden NFL 2007 has some issues with static IP / DHCP and online gaming.
  • Every SOCOM title has at least one or two issues.
  • The Final Fantasy series is a mixed bag. X, XII, and Tactics work, but Anthology, Chronicles, Origins, VIII, and IX have issues. FF VII has one graphical anomaly during one of the first battles in the game. Final Fantasy XI has problems using the PS3's HDD, but a future software update promises to fix that.
Mess around the search box and let us know what else you find. Don't throw out your PS2 until you check your favorite titles first.

[Via CVG]

JoystiqThe PS3 backwards compatibility list originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Nov 2006 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backwards compatibilityBackwardsCompatibilitybcfinal fantasyFinalFantasyjakmaddenPS2PS3psychonautsratchetsocomMon, 20 Nov 2006 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts and Valve make steamy, Steam-y love]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/psychonauts-and-valve-make-steamy-steam-y-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/psychonauts-and-valve-make-steamy-steam-y-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/psychonauts-and-valve-make-steamy-steam-y-love/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Thanks, 1up_clock]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double fineDoubleFinePCpsycho nautsPsychoNautspsyco nautsPsycoNautsshafershaffertim schaeferTim schaferTimSchaeferTimSchaferFri, 15 Sep 2006 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts still not guaranteed to be Xbox 360-compatible]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/20/psychonauts-still-not-guaranteed-to-be-xbox-360-compatible/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/20/psychonauts-still-not-guaranteed-to-be-xbox-360-compatible/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/20/psychonauts-still-not-guaranteed-to-be-xbox-360-compatible/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

PsychonautsDespite yesterday's promising development, Psychonauts is still not guaranteed to make Xbox 360's backwards compatibility list. Microsoft's Emulation Ninjas are indeed working on the next batch of BC titles, which includes Psychonauts, but Emulation Ninja Alan Stuart warns:

"Even though we are working on Psychonauts, there is no guarantee we will ever be able to make the game backward compatible. We may run into technical limitations that will prevent us from ever shipping the game; we don't know yet."

Ominous words from an official Ninja. But hope lives on ...

JoystiqPsychonauts still not guaranteed to be Xbox 360-compatible originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jun 2006 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backwards compatibleBackwardsCompatiblePsychonautsTim SchaferTimSchaferXboxXbox-360Tue, 20 Jun 2006 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts willing its way to BC List]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/19/psychonauts-willing-its-way-to-bc-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/19/psychonauts-willing-its-way-to-bc-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/19/psychonauts-willing-its-way-to-bc-list/#commentsFiled under:


Peter Moore may think backwards compatibility is for chumps (or does he?), but some of us would like to enjoy our Xbox classics. Psychonauts has been an especially vocal candidate for the back compat list lately. Tim Schafer, creator of Psychonauts, even launched an email campaign to get the game on Microsoft's sacred list. It looks like the petition got someone's attention over in Redmond, because a Microsoft back compat team member was compelled to post this on the IGN forums last week:

"Rest assured, we are working on Psychonauts."

Good news indeed. Now if they could just do something to make the game sell...

[Via Xboxic]

JoystiqPsychonauts willing its way to BC List originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jun 2006 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1UPIGNPsychonautsTim SchaferTimSchaferMon, 19 Jun 2006 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Innovation falls flat in UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/15/innovation-falls-flat-in-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/15/innovation-falls-flat-in-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/15/innovation-falls-flat-in-uk-charts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Despite a pleasant atmosphere of European expectation at the start of February, we're halfway through and the charts look as mundane as ever. The Guardian Gamesblog's Greg took a look at this week's UK charts--notable absentees include Psychonauts and We ♥ Katamari. Ouch.

Greg, and blog commenters, ponder the cause of these games' failures--from crazy cartoony packaging to gamers' inability to actually find the titles in shops. It seems most likely that the European release delay is responsible, though; after receiving rave reviews and building up buzz months ago, these titles are all-but-forgotten now.

JoystiqInnovation falls flat in UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2006 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartselspaeuropeinnovationkatamariPCPS2psychonautsukWed, 15 Feb 2006 20:30:00 EST