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[The Cave opens up to adventurers in 2013, care of Ron Gilbert and Double Fine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-cave-opens-up-to-adventurers-in-2013-care-of-ron-gilbert-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-cave-opens-up-to-adventurers-in-2013-care-of-ron-gilbert-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-cave-opens-up-to-adventurers-in-2013-care-of-ron-gilbert-an/#comments
Double Fine and Sega have officially announced The Cave, a side-scrolling, multi-character adventure game coming to Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and PC in 2013. Led by Ron Gilbert, The Cave sees an eclectic cluster of impromptu spelunkers - including a scientist, a monk, a knight and a time traveler - finding their fortunes (and perhaps more) in the titular, mysterious and, err, "sultry" subterranean network. That's right: The Cave can speak.

The rest of the protagonists are silent, but up to three can venture into The Cave at a time. After picking your trio, you guide them all deeper into the seamless network of underground rooms, switching control between each to solve puzzles and exploit their unique abilities. The knight, for instance, can activate a guardian angel that protects him from flames and falls, while the hillbilly can hold his breath underwater forever. (Take that, Guybrush Threepwood!)

The game can be completed with any combination of characters, but certain endings and unique areas are locked to individual characters. Having the knight in your group, for example, will open up the medieval castle and its puzzles for play. And yes, there just happens to be a castle buried deep within in The Cave. With a "New Grog" vending machine (among other inharmonious objects) cropping up in the network's lower bowels, we think it's safe to say that Ron Gilbert's touch is evident throughout the game.

He also programmed the whole thing himself, we think. Probably.

Gallery: The Cave

JoystiqThe Cave opens up to adventurers in 2013, care of Ron Gilbert and Double Fine originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013double-finemicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnrelease-dateron-gilbertsegathe-cavexblaxboxThu, 24 May 2012 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega publishing Ron Gilbert's Double Fine game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/sega-publishing-ron-gilberts-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/sega-publishing-ron-gilberts-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/sega-publishing-ron-gilberts-double-fine-game/#comments ImageIt's been almost two weeks since Double Fine and Ron Gilbert gave us our first glimpse of their new game (different from Double Fine Adventure, the Kickstarter project), and today Sega all but outed itself as the publisher.

After tweeting a link to the image above, the official Sega account has been silent on the matte. It's easy to see the images Gilbert's been teasing match up with the shaded area above. All that remains is the official announcement.

JoystiqSega publishing Ron Gilbert's Double Fine game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finedouble-fine-productionsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ron-gilbertsegaxboxTue, 22 May 2012 22:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Three more playable characters for new Double Fine game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/three-more-playable-characters-for-new-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/three-more-playable-characters-for-new-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/three-more-playable-characters-for-new-double-fine-game/#comments ImageDouble Fine is building up an intriguing cast of characters for its mysterious, bone-themed game. First we had the monk, the hillbilly and the time traveler, and now we have three more random occupations to ponder: the adventurer, the scientist and the knight.

Double Fine's Ron Gilbert posted images of each of these characters on his blog, Grumpy Gamer. The only other information gleaned from the reveals appears to be that the knight isn't exactly Sir Bravery, but we could have gotten that from the little shaking knees in his picture.

JoystiqThree more playable characters for new Double Fine game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charactersdouble-fineimagesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Ron-Gilbertthe-adventurerthe-knightthe-scientistxboxMon, 21 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Time Traveler' is another playable character in Double Fine's mystery game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/time-traveler-is-another-playable-character-in-double-fines-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/time-traveler-is-another-playable-character-in-double-fines-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/time-traveler-is-another-playable-character-in-double-fines-m/#commentsImageDouble Fine's Ron Gilbert has revealed another character from his puzzling new title, this one called "the time traveler."

She is one of "three playable characters" that Gilbert has unveiled in three days on his personal gaming blog, Grumpy Gamer. Yesterday and the previous day Gilbert revealed the monk and the hillbilly.

The time traveler's silhouette is visible in the background of the puzzle Double Fine sent us earlier this month. We have to admit, she looks way cooler with glowing blue (we assume time-travel-inducing) accessories than as a vague, whispy shadow.

The plot, and the question, thickens: What do a hillbilly, a monk and a time traveler have in common?

Joystiq'Time Traveler' is another playable character in Double Fine's mystery game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finemicrosoftpcplaystationps3Ron-Gilberttime-travelerxboxFri, 18 May 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[This monk is suspicious of this hillbilly, only Double Fine knows why]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/this-monk-is-suspicious-of-this-hillbilly-only-double-fine-know/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/this-monk-is-suspicious-of-this-hillbilly-only-double-fine-know/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/this-monk-is-suspicious-of-this-hillbilly-only-double-fine-know/#comments ImageDouble Fine's Ron Gilbert isn't content with random websites leaking his own studio's work: he'll leak his own stuff, thank you very much. Gilbert posted the above two photos on Grumpy Gamer, his personal game industry blog.

His first post was a link to the monk. Apparently, no, it's not fanart for Diablo 3, unless developer JP LeBreton, who tweeted he'd been working on the related Monk link for nine months, has a lot of down time at Double Fine.

Gilbert later posted the hillbilly, a character we recognize from the puzzle Double Fine sent the press last week as an announcement of a new, spooky-tinged title. Now the age-old question returns: What do a monk and a hillbilly have in common? Besides mystery, of course.

JoystiqThis monk is suspicious of this hillbilly, only Double Fine knows why originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finehillbillymonkpcpuzzleRon-GilbertFri, 18 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A puzzling glimpse of Ron Gilbert's new Double Fine game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/a-puzzling-glimpse-of-ron-gilberts-new-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/a-puzzling-glimpse-of-ron-gilberts-new-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/a-puzzling-glimpse-of-ron-gilberts-new-double-fine-game/#comments
Click to enlarge
Derived from concepts that predate even Maniac Mansion, Ron Gilbert's new game is becoming a tad less nebulous today. The above image implies a spooky atmosphere, and shows a group of characters that look ready to assail all manner of creeping, moaning mysteries.

We captured the art after assembling a jumbled puzzle, sent to us this morning by Double Fine. Though the independent developer trusts the press to dutifully post this new artwork (which doubles as an invite to an upcoming event), it seems to have some reservations about our puzzle-solving prowess. It is, after all, only 35 pieces.

(After the break, see the game's matching Double Fine babies!)

Continue reading A puzzling glimpse of Ron Gilbert's new Double Fine game

JoystiqA puzzling glimpse of Ron Gilbert's new Double Fine game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredouble-finepuzzleron-gilbertThu, 10 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine Kickstarter adds new rewards, Schafer and Gilbert talk it out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/double-fine-kickstarter-adds-new-rewards-schafer-and-gilbert-ta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/double-fine-kickstarter-adds-new-rewards-schafer-and-gilbert-ta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/double-fine-kickstarter-adds-new-rewards-schafer-and-gilbert-ta/#comments

Double Fine's fundraiser for its point-and-click adventure title exploded on day one and has currently raised almost $2.1 million, and there are still 18 days left. To celebrate, reward its backers and entice even more, Double Fine has revamped its rewards for denomination-specific donations as follows:
  • $30 tier: Digital Soundtrack of the Documentary
  • $60 tier: Double Fine Adventure Book (digital PDF)
  • $100 tier: Special edition box set with the game disc and DVD/Blu-Ray documentary
  • $500 tier: Double Fine Adventure Book (physical copy)
As standard for Kickstarter projects, hitting a higher reward tier gets backers all of the rewards from previous tiers as well. For extra incentive, the 35-minute discussion between Tim Schafer and Ron Gilbert -- filmed before the Kickstarter began -- demonstrates the passion and thought that will be fueling Double Fine's game; check it out above.

JoystiqDouble Fine Kickstarter adds new rewards, Schafer and Gilbert talk it out originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredouble-fineDouble-Fine-AdventurekickstarterPoint-and-ClickrewardsRon-GilbertTim-SchaferFri, 24 Feb 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Gilbert shares more art from his Double Fine game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/ron-gilbert-shares-more-art-from-his-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/ron-gilbert-shares-more-art-from-his-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/ron-gilbert-shares-more-art-from-his-double-fine-game/#comments Ron Gilbert has posted two new pieces of art from the game he's working on with Tim Schafer's Double Fine Studios. Don't get too excited -- as far as we know, it's not that, extremely well-funded game. Nope, it's the pre-Maniac Mansion idea he's working up, and apparently it carnival booths and laser turrets.

JoystiqRon Gilbert shares more art from his Double Fine game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artcarnivaldevelopmentdouble-finegamelaserspcron-gilbertFri, 24 Feb 2012 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Gilbert's Double Fine game is based on unused pre-Maniac Mansion concept]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/ron-gilberts-double-fine-game-is-based-on-unused-pre-maniac-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/ron-gilberts-double-fine-game-is-based-on-unused-pre-maniac-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/ron-gilberts-double-fine-game-is-based-on-unused-pre-maniac-man/#comments Ron Gilbert is beginning to talk about the game he went to Double Fine to make. Gilbert said he is returning to a concept that he's been kicking around for years. "It predates Maniac Mansion and Monkey Island," he noted on his blog, giving us feverish visions of classic adventuring. Dare we hope to combine items to solve puzzles?

Gilbert isn't ready to share details on this new mystery game, except for images of two of its playable characters. The filenames on the images are "TheScientist" and "TheMobster." We'll let you solve the puzzle of which is which!

JoystiqRon Gilbert's Double Fine game is based on unused pre-Maniac Mansion concept originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredouble-fineron-gilbertTue, 29 Nov 2011 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[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[Watch the GDC 'Classic Game Postmortem' talks for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/watch-the-gdc-classic-game-postmortem-talks-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/watch-the-gdc-classic-game-postmortem-talks-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/watch-the-gdc-classic-game-postmortem-talks-for-free/#comments If you want to hear about Mark Cerny's first, overambitious version of Marble Madness for yourself, try to decipher Toru Iwatani's clues about a "singing Pac-Man" game, see the history of Prince of Persia in the time it takes to play Prince of Persia (one hour), or suck John Romero's Doom postmortem down, you are welcome to do so right now.

The GDC organizers have uploaded video and slides of many of this year's presentations to the GDC Vault, most of which are restricted to subscribers. However, the GDC Vault offers the Classic Game Postmortem series for free, including the aforementioned talks plus Eric Chahi on Another World, Will Wright on his first game, Raid on Bungeling Bay, Ron Gilbert looking back on Maniac Mansion, and more.

JoystiqWatch the GDC 'Classic Game Postmortem' talks for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-game-postmortemgdc-2011gdc-vaultjohn-romeromark-cernyretroron-gilberttoru-iwataniwill-wrightWed, 23 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Gilbert reflects on DeathSpank combat, and its under-developed 'intellectual element']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/ron-gilbert-reflects-on-deathspank-combat-and-its-under-develop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/ron-gilbert-reflects-on-deathspank-combat-and-its-under-develop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/ron-gilbert-reflects-on-deathspank-combat-and-its-under-develop/#comments Wired recently spoke with Ron Gilbert, creator of the Monkey Island and DeathSpank series, and the conversation turned to the latter's conventional hack-and-slash combat. Though he didn't stick around long enough to guide the final releases of this year's dual-developed DeathSpank games, Gilbert was their lead designer and said, if he could do it over, he'd likely add more depth to the combat. Instead of just "hacking through a bunch of enemies," he suggested "treating combat as if it was a puzzle to be solved [...] might have helped people a little bit with not just having to button-mash their way through battles."

Gilbert cited Dragon Age as an example, "not in its turn-based nature," but "more of the intellectual element" of requiring some strategy to combat. Perhaps that's not the best example. How about Diablo 3? That's shaping up to be a hack-and-slash game that introduces a satisfying level of strategy through its myriad spells and tactics. Now, if you were to marry such fine-tuned gameplay with Unicorn poop, you're talking "Game of the Year." Easy. Next time, Mr. Gilbert?

JoystiqRon Gilbert reflects on DeathSpank combat, and its under-developed 'intellectual element' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combatdeathspankDeathSpank-Thongs-of-Virtuemicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnron-gilbertxblaxboxFri, 03 Dec 2010 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Gilbert digs up treasure in the form of Monkey Island 2 bug reports]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/ron-gilbert-digs-up-treasure-in-the-form-of-monkey-island-2-bug/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/ron-gilbert-digs-up-treasure-in-the-form-of-monkey-island-2-bug/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/ron-gilbert-digs-up-treasure-in-the-form-of-monkey-island-2-bug/#comments"GB can trick LeChuck into bending over and grabbing his underwear an infinite number of times. GB can collect several pairs of LeChuck's underwear." Ron Gilbert posted some old bug reports filed during the development of Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge, printed December 10, 1991. It's a rare and fascinating glimpse at the development process of one of LucasArts' famed SCUMM adventure games.

The infinite-underwear error was in the "B" category, meaning "truly ugly (but you can finish)." Less severe errors, like "The martini glass looks the same empty as it does full of water," were given the "C" label, meaning "golly it would be nice if we could fix this." That's the category in which we put the major bug in our lives: "We can't go back to 1991 and get jobs working on Monkey Island 2."

JoystiqRon Gilbert digs up treasure in the form of Monkey Island 2 bug reports originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebugslucasartsmonkey-island-2monkey-island-2-special-edition-lechucks-revengepcretroron-gilbertThu, 18 Nov 2010 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Tim Schafer to be honored with lifetime achievement award at IndieCade 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/tim-schafer-to-be-honored-with-lifetime-achievement-award-at-ind/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/tim-schafer-to-be-honored-with-lifetime-achievement-award-at-ind/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/tim-schafer-to-be-honored-with-lifetime-achievement-award-at-ind/#commentsFiled under: , ,

IndieCade will be awarding its Honorary Trailblazer Award for Lifetime Achievement to none other than Tim Schafer, he of the Secret of Monkey Island series, Psychonauts and most recently Brütal Legend. Schafer was chosen for the honor as a role model to indie gamers everywhere, and for personifying "the risk-taking, boundary pushing spirit at the heart of the indepedent gaming community," according to a statement from the conference.

IndieCade 2010 takes place in about a week on October 8-10, 2010 in Culver City, California. Schafer will get his award presented to him by former (and current) colleague Ron Gilbert at the ceremony on Thursday night, hosted by Levar Burton.

JoystiqTim Schafer to be honored with lifetime achievement award at IndieCade 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsawards-ceremonyindiecadeindiecade-2010levar-burtonron-gilberttim-schafertrailblazerThu, 30 Sep 2010 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Gilbert reunites with Tim Schafer at Double Fine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/27/ron-gilbert-reunites-with-tim-schafer-at-double-fine/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/27/ron-gilbert-reunites-with-tim-schafer-at-double-fine/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/27/ron-gilbert-reunites-with-tim-schafer-at-double-fine/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Adventure game legend Ron Gilbert, who recently completed work on the Deathspank games, has accepted a position with Double Fine. But what, exactly, is that position? "We haven't really talked about that. I'm the boss of Tim," Gilbert said in an interview with Kotaku. Double Fine head Tim Schafer added, "He's the official Ron Gilbert. Though he started out as vice Ron Gilbert, we want to make sure he works out."

The addition of Gilbert to Double Fine is a rather auspicious reunion: Gilbert and Schafer worked together at LucasArts, collaborating on the design of The Secret of Monkey Island and its sequel. Gilbert is also responsible for the creation of the SCUMM engine that powered many LucasArts adventure games.

Schafer told Kotaku that Double Fine plans to continue working on multiple small games like Costume Quest. Gilbert is designing one of those games. Though he wouldn't go into specifics about it, he said, "It's an idea that I've been batting around for many, many years," adding that it's "very different than DeathSpank, and "fans of those old adventure games will like it." Later, Gilbert clarified, "That's not saying I'm making an adventure game." In case you thought you had it all figured out.

JoystiqRon Gilbert reunites with Tim Schafer at Double Fine originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureDouble-FineRon-GilbertTim-SchaferMon, 27 Sep 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Gilbert digs iPhone, hopes DeathSpank inspires other devs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/ron-gilbert-iphone-games-are-very-interesting-to-me-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/ron-gilbert-iphone-games-are-very-interesting-to-me-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/ron-gilbert-iphone-games-are-very-interesting-to-me-right-now/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GamerBytes has a nice long interview with DeathSpank creator Ron Gilbert, and while he waxes philosophical on all sorts of stuff found in the excellent XBLA/PSN hack-'n-slash title, he says he's not sure what he plans to do next. But iPhone gaming has grabbed his attention for the moment: "iPhone games are very interesting to me right now. I play a lot of them, and they're neat because then you can do two- or three-people teams to make those things," he says.

Making DeathSpank was tougher than expected, according to Gilbert -- he started out wanting to make Monkey Island meets Diablo, but the Diablo half of the game was more difficult to balance than he'd thought it would be. Not only did he have to balance weapons and combat, but he had to deal with DeathSpank's own character attributes. A class system was originally planned, but Gilbert wanted to play his character (which originally came from a Flash cartoon series), not yours, so the team eventually went with the "Hero Cards" system.

Gilbert also says he hopes that DeathSpank influences the downloadable market -- rather than simply house reissues of older games or big budget titles, he hopes that downloadable game platforms can be a place for originality, and that "we can get some really good, interesting games in the download space." We'll hack and slash to that!

JoystiqRon Gilbert digs iPhone, hopes DeathSpank inspires other devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>death-spankdeathspankdownloadableeahothead-gamesiphonemicrosoftmobileplaystationps3ron-gilbertxblaxboxThu, 29 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: DeathSpank]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/review-deathspank/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/review-deathspank/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/review-deathspank/#comments "DeathSpank? What a ridiculous name!" I can hear you saying it now. Yes, it is a ridiculous name, for a ridiculous game which revels in the fact that it's ridiculous. Well, that and damned funny. Oh, and a super-fun, retail-caliber yet downloadable action-RPG.

If you haven't been following all things 'Spank, know that it's the creation of Ron Gilbert (one of the mad geniuses who brought the world the Monkey Island series) and Hothead Games (makers of the delightful, and also downloadable, Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain Slick-Precipice of Darkness). Also know that it stars a hero, DeathSpank, who possesses enough machismo to fill a football stadium. His grasp on reality, on the other hand, would barely fill a football.

Gallery: DeathSpank

itsp-deathspankrg_logo_highitsp-dsscreen01itsp-dsscreen02itsp-dsscreen03itsp-dsscreen04

Continue reading Review: DeathSpank

JoystiqReview: DeathSpank originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-RPGDeathSpankEA-PartnersElectronicHothead-Gamesmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3PSNRon-GilbertXBLAxboxFri, 16 Jul 2010 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank trailer previews some unorthodox armaments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/deathspank-trailer-previews-some-unorthodox-armaments/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/deathspank-trailer-previews-some-unorthodox-armaments/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/deathspank-trailer-previews-some-unorthodox-armaments/#comments We've discussed some of the unique weapons you'll be wielding in Ron Gilbert's upcoming XBLA and PSN title, DeathSpank, but you really can't get a good feel for them until you see them in action. It's like, you can read about the Demon Poop Hammer all day, but you've really got to see it swing.

Continue reading DeathSpank trailer previews some unorthodox armaments

JoystiqDeathSpank trailer previews some unorthodox armaments originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspankhothead-gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3ron-gilbertxboxSat, 10 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank dispensing co-op justice on PSN July 13, XBLA July 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/deathspank-dispensing-co-op-justice-on-psn-july-13-xbla-july-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/deathspank-dispensing-co-op-justice-on-psn-july-13-xbla-july-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/deathspank-dispensing-co-op-justice-on-psn-july-13-xbla-july-14/#commentsFiled under: , ,

DeathSpank, Monkey Island co-creator Ron Gilbert's homage to Diablo, has been fully loaded with laughs and is ready to make its debut on PSN July 13, arriving on Xbox Live Arcade the next day, July 14 (barring any temporal anomalies). We played the game a couple months back and were smitten with its charm, humor, loot and bacon.

What we didn't see back then was DeathSpank's cooperative mode. Since there can only be one DeathSpank (we don't think the world could handle two of him) player two will control his spell-casting sidekick, Sparkles the Wizard. We're sure Sparkles is just fine with his silly name, so long as he gets to tag along with the Hero to the Downtrodden.

DeathSpank will loot your wallet for $14.99 on PSN and 1200 Microsoft Points ($15) via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Gallery: DeathSpank (co-op)

JoystiqDeathSpank dispensing co-op justice on PSN July 13, XBLA July 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspankEAEA-PartnersElectronic-ArtsHothead-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3PSNRon-GilbertXBLAxboxTue, 22 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank trailer dispenses justice, toll-free hotline number]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/deathspank-trailer-dispenses-justice-toll-free-hotline-number/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/deathspank-trailer-dispenses-justice-toll-free-hotline-number/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/deathspank-trailer-dispenses-justice-toll-free-hotline-number/#comments We get to see a little bit more of DeathSpank, the Diablo-like adventure from The Secret of Monkey Island co-creator Ron Gilbert, in the above video just dispatched by publisher EA. We've already spent some hands-on time with the game, which is due to land on PSN and XBLA this summer, and it places petty high on our list of games we want to spend a lot more time with, and soon. Not just because it's fun, but also stupendously funny (not to mention filled with forbidden bacon).

You can get an interactive taste of the game's humor right now by calling the DeathSpank Hotline at 1-866-631-1574 (toll-free from the US). It's reassuring to know there's a hero out there ready to dispense justice, vanquish evil and be a hero to the downtrodden in so many different languages!

JoystiqDeathSpank trailer dispenses justice, toll-free hotline number originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DeathSpankeaea-partnersElectronic-ArtsHothead-GamesMicrosoftPSNRon-GilbertvideoXBLAXbox-360Mon, 24 May 2010 15:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: DeathSpank (XBLA/PSN)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/deathspank-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/deathspank-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/deathspank-preview/#comments When a game is described as "Diablo meets Monkey Island," two reactions come naturally: "Neat!," followed by, "Wait a second ... how can that even be possible?"

Well, it is. I found this out for myself earlier this week when the 'Stiq had its first hands-on (we'd seen it at PAX 2009) with DeathSpank, the latest game from Ron Gilbert, designer of The Secret of Monkey Island (but not Diablo). His new downloadable game is a fast-paced, button-mashy loot-'em-up, as well as an adventure filled with interesting characters and diabolically funny dialog. Also, it's about bacon and a hero who's favorite number is ... plaid.

Gallery: DeathSpank (04/30/10)

Continue reading Hands-on: DeathSpank (XBLA/PSN)

JoystiqHands-on: DeathSpank (XBLA/PSN) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DeathSpankeaea-partnersElectronic-ArtsHothead-GamesMicrosoftpsnron-gilbertxblaXbox-360Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Industry vets joining En Masse Entertainment ... in large numbers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/industry-vets-joining-en-masse-entertainment-in-large-number/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/industry-vets-joining-en-masse-entertainment-in-large-number/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/industry-vets-joining-en-masse-entertainment-in-large-number/#comments While you're waiting anxiously for the eventual Western release of Korean MMO Tera, En Masse Entertainment is busy hiring up developers with high profile credentials by the handful. From Aaron LeMay (former resource manager and producer at Bungie and Volition), to David Noonan (worked on D&D 4th Edition), to ex-BioWare PR man Matt Atwood, it seems that En Masse is really, really interested in getting the attention of game industry vets.

According to En Masse's announcement, the man credited with creating the Xbox Live Operations Center, Marcus Schweig, has also been hired on to head up network operations. "As we build toward the launch of Tera, we are adding veteran strength to all facets of the company to ensure a topnotch Action MMO experience for our customers," CEO Dr. Jae-Heon Yang says of the acquisitions. Hey guys, you know that Ron Gilbert's up for grabs these days, right? Your move.

JoystiqIndustry vets joining En Masse Entertainment ... in large numbers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-lemayaionbungiedavid-noonanen-masseen-masse-entertainmentjae-heon-yangkorean-mmog-importmarkus-schweigmatt-atwoodmicrosoftmmoncsoftron-gilbertteravolitionTue, 13 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank creator Ron Gilbert has 'left Hothead' Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/deathspank-creator-ron-gilbert-has-left-hothead-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/deathspank-creator-ron-gilbert-has-left-hothead-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/deathspank-creator-ron-gilbert-has-left-hothead-games/#comments Just over a month after announcing a high-profile publishing arrangement with EA Partners for the XBLA and PSN release of DeathSpank, the game's creator (and locker room pinup at Joystiq HQ) Ron Gilbert announced on his personal blog that he has "left Hothead," the development team behind the game. Gilbert takes his leave as "the creative and production phases" on DeathSpank are ending and the "long and winding road of certification and testing" for the console (and "REDACTED" ... maybe PC?) versions are beginning; however, he isn't leaving the game behind. "I will be working closely with EA and Hothead on the PR for DeathSpank as the release date of [REDACTED] draws closer," he writes, cheekily poking fun at, well, posts just like this one we imagine.

Last month, Penny Arcade's Jerry Holkins told Joystiq that development on Penny Arcade Adventures was ending prematurely in large part so Hothead could focus on Deathspank. "Hothead has DeathSpank and they have a chance to do something really cool with it," Holkins said. "And they need to have an opportunity to make it incredible."

With a perceived surfeit of free time, Gilbert promises to "blog more" and remember his Twitter password ... which it appears he hasn't done yet. We've asked Hothead Games to comment on Gilbert's posting. We'll let you know what we hear back.

[Update: Hothead's Joel DeYoung sent us the following comment: "Ron has indeed moved on from Hothead. We've really enjoyed collaborating with him on DeathSpank -- a game we believe will be the best game yet on XBLA and PSN. We are really excited to share the result with Hothead and Ron Gilbert fans everywhere." So there you have it!]

[Thanks, fco]

JoystiqDeathSpank creator Ron Gilbert has 'left Hothead' Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DeathspankEAEA-PartnersElectronic-ArtsHothead-GamesMicrosoftPSNRon-GilbertXBLAXbox-360Tue, 06 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monkey Island: Special Edition team unearths lost dialogue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/monkey-island-special-edition-team-unearths-lost-dialogue/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/monkey-island-special-edition-team-unearths-lost-dialogue/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/monkey-island-special-edition-team-unearths-lost-dialogue/#comments As designer Adam Bormann dug through old code and notes while making Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition, he made a curious discovery. Along with notes from Ron Gilbert, Tim Schafer and crew, he also unearthed dialogue that didn't appear in the original game. Though the lines didn't make it into the special edition, Bormann, like a comedy archeologist, dusted off some of the best bits and collected them on the LucasArts Workshop blog.

Though we can see why some of it was left out, we can't help but feel a little wistful about how close we came to being able to ask Meathook for a sample of stump balm. And yes, now that you mention it, Meathook's Stump Balm would make a very good name for a band.

JoystiqMonkey Island: Special Edition team unearths lost dialogue originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdventureAppleiPodlucasartsMicrosoftMonkey-IslandPSNron-gilbertSecret-of-Monkey-Island-Special-EditionSteamThe-Secret-of-Monkey-IslandThe-Secret-of-Monkey-Island-Special-Editiontim-schaferXBLAXbox-360Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2009: Ron Gilbert gives us a tour of DeathSpank]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/06/pax-2009-ron-gilbert-gives-us-a-tour-of-deathspank/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/06/pax-2009-ron-gilbert-gives-us-a-tour-of-deathspank/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/06/pax-2009-ron-gilbert-gives-us-a-tour-of-deathspank/#comments Just a few scant hours after delivering the keynote address to a very pax'd audience at PAX 2009 (more on that later), legendary game designer Ron Gilbert gave me a tour of his latest creation, DeathSpank, best described as equal parts comic adventure game and Diablo-esque RPG. Yeah, it sounded crazy to me too.

I met Gilbert in a small meeting room in the PAX expo hall - inconveniently located adjacent to the cacophonous Rock Band stage - and he explained the pairing this way: "I really wanted to marry those things because obviously I like adventure games a lot - I really like the way adventure games tell stories; I like the way they tell it through dialog, through puzzles - but also I'm a big fan of Diablo and having this kind of action RPG stuff in there, I just wanted to meld those two things together. And DeathSpank is the result of that."

Initially billed as an episodic series in the vein of the Hothead-developed Penny Arcade Adventures, DeathSpank has outgrown that distribution model. "With DeathSpank, he's such an epic, over-the-top character that as we were working all the stories together for him - it sounds silly - but it was hard to contain him," Gilbert said. "And then once we stopped making it episodic, it was really interesting how the design blossomed at that point."

Gallery: DeathSpank

itsp-deathspankrg_logo_highitsp-dsscreen01itsp-dsscreen02itsp-dsscreen03itsp-dsscreen04

Continue reading PAX 2009: Ron Gilbert gives us a tour of DeathSpank

JoystiqPAX 2009: Ron Gilbert gives us a tour of DeathSpank originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DeathSpankHothead-GamesMicrosoftPAXPAX-2009Ron-GilbertXbox-360Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:30:00 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[Ron Gilbert's DeathSpank reappears with new details, screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/ron-gilberts-deathspank-reappears-with-new-details-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/ron-gilberts-deathspank-reappears-with-new-details-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/ron-gilberts-deathspank-reappears-with-new-details-screens/#comments Believe it or not, it's been three days short of a year since new DeathSpank info made its way onto Joystiq. Ron Gilbert's previously episodic project has now been detailed on 1UP, with the actual game part revealed as a delectable hybrid of Diablo-style role-playing and point-and-click adventure ... ing. We think we speak for all sane people when we say, "Please let us have this immediately."

Oh, but who pays attention to the internet's minority group?

JoystiqRon Gilbert's DeathSpank reappears with new details, screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredeathspankhothead-gamesron-gilbertrpgTue, 01 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Discover The Secret of Monkey Island (again) on July 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/discover-the-secret-of-monkey-island-again-on-july-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/discover-the-secret-of-monkey-island-again-on-july-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/discover-the-secret-of-monkey-island-again-on-july-15/#commentsMighty pirates and lowly flooring inspectors alike are encouraged to sign up for a return trip to the shores of Monkey Island on July 15th, when a remastered version of the adventure classic arrives on Xbox Live Arcade and PC (via Steam and other online distribution channels). The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition sees that lovable display of ineptitude, Guybrush Threepwood, rendered in splendid HD graphics, surrounded by newly recorded voices and ... fired out of a cannon with a pot on his head. That part's still the same.

LucasArts has yet to announce a price for the point-and-clicker, but if there's anything our encounters with the dreaded ghost pirate LeChuck have taught us, it's that you should never pay more than $20 for a computer game.

Gallery: The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition (PC, XBLA)

JoystiqDiscover The Secret of Monkey Island (again) on July 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurelucasartsMicrosoftMonkey-Islandpcpoint-and-clickron-gilbertSecret-of-Monkey-Island-Special-EditionSteamThe-Secret-of-Monkey-IslandThe-Secret-of-Monkey-Island-Special-EditionxblaXbox-360Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Gilbert to give keynote speech at PAX 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/ron-gilbert-to-give-keynote-speech-at-pax-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/ron-gilbert-to-give-keynote-speech-at-pax-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/ron-gilbert-to-give-keynote-speech-at-pax-2009/#comments We consider the creation of the SCUMM engine to be a historic event that's on par with the invention of the light bulb or the discovery of fire, so forgive any and all typos you may find within this post -- it's tough to type while squealing and flailing your arms about. A press release just landed in our inbox which revealed the keynote speaker for the 2009 Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle, WA -- it's Ron Gilbert, inventor of SCUMM and creator of Maniac Mansion and the first two Monkey Island games.

A collaboration between this adventure game luminary and the pair of comic-producing philanthropists isn't too surprising -- after all, Gilbert did consulting work on Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness. Surprising or no, we're still buying two passes to show how awesome we think this is. (No, you can't have the other one. It's symbolic.)

JoystiqRon Gilbert to give keynote speech at PAX 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurekeynotemaniac-mansionpaxpax-2009pcpenny-arcaderon-gilbertscummThe-Secret-of-Monkey-IslandWed, 03 Jun 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Secret of Monkey Island coming to XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/rumor-secret-of-monkey-island-coming-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/rumor-secret-of-monkey-island-coming-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/rumor-secret-of-monkey-island-coming-to-xbla/#comments Listen, we know you want to freak out after reading that headline, we do too. But let's work through this together, OK? GamerBytes says it spotted Secret of Monkey Island, the first in Ron Gilbert's revered adventure series, listed for Xbox 360 (likely XBLA) on the website of the German USK ratings board. The listing -- which actually called the game a "Special Edition" -- shows Activision as having some involvement, but likely because it handles European publishing duties for LucasArts.

However, the only evidence we have of the game now is GamerBytes' screengrab, as the listing's apparently been pulled. We're hoping against hope it was removed not because the listing was in error, but because it popped up a bit earlier than the companies behind it would have liked. You may now commence the freakout.

JoystiqRumor: Secret of Monkey Island coming to XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 May 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadventureMicrosoftMonkey-Islandron-gilbertThe-Secret-of-Monkey-IslandThe-Secret-of-Monkey-Island-Special-EditionxblaXbox-360Wed, 20 May 2009 09:30:00 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[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[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