Joystiq

Castle Crashers (XBLA) on sale for $7.50 through May 21

David Hinkle — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 EST

We can't imagine there are people out there who haven't ever played Castle Crashers - well, maybe babies haven't. Those babies should to take advantage of the current Xbox Live Arcade sale, which has priced Castle Crashers at 600 MS Points ($7.50) through May 21.

Castle Crashers (XBLA) on sale for $7.50 through May 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alien Hominid has been played 20 million times on Newgrounds

David Hinkle — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 EST

Before there was, uh, that other game called Alien Hominid (and Castle Crashers), there was the original Alien Hominid, a free browser run-and-gun game that debuted on Newgrounds. And that original game has now surpassed 20 million play sessions, The Behemoth has announced.

The brain child of Tom Fulp and Dan Paladin, Alien Hominid was built in Flash and released on Newgrounds way back in 2002. It would eventually be ported to the GameCube and PS2 in 2004 (and Europe would see Xbox and GameBoy Advance ports), then to Xbox Live Arcade in 2007. Currently, The Behemoth is working on Battleblock Theater.

Alien Hominid has been played 20 million times on Newgrounds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Check out Castle Crashers on Gamecube while you wait for Battleblock Theater

JC Fletcher — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:30:00 EST

All right, so Battleblock Theater doesn't have a release date yet. But The Behemoth offered a superb visual justification for why it takes as long as it does with each game: footage of an early version of Castle Crashers, back when it was a GameCube game and purely a side-scroller. "We decided it was cool but NOT COOL ENOUGH," Project Manager Emil Ayoubkhan said on the development blog.

"So anyway, this is why we took it back to the drawing board. We needed to tweak stuff and add awesomeness on top of it. This is essentially what's happening with BBT right now," Ayoubkhan explained. "Some of the largest steps forward have occured recently and we're so glad we didn't just settle on something that wasn't quite ready yet (and at the same time ready to explode from the excitement of handing it over)."

This example suggests that Battleblock Theater could go through some dramatic changes before we finally get to play it. It also suggests that, if development progresses like Castle Crashers did, we'll get to play it.

Check out Castle Crashers on Gamecube while you wait for Battleblock Theater originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alien Hominid: PDA Games adds new trial levels

David Hinkle — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:00:00 EST

We get it. In this tough economy, it's hard to scrape together cash for a game sometimes, even if it is only a buck. And so you've been rationing the trial levels in Alien Hominid: PDA Games. Well, today The Behemoth has added more trial levels for its frugal fans.

You can download the free version over on iTunes and, should you change your mind about that buck, you can purchase the full game in-app. The full version sports 20 different achievements across 500 levels.

Alien Hominid: PDA Games adds new trial levels originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BattleBlock Theater's prisoners step into the spotlight

David Hinkle — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 22:00:00 EST

We imagine incarcerated people the world over aren't very fond of spotlights -- at least during escape attempts -- but perhaps the opposite can be said for the inmates of BattleBlock Theater. The Behemoth has unleashed videos focusing on ten different playable characters in the game and they don't seem concerned with the extra attention.

Some inmates are decidedly less blocky than others, but each is a unique individual that, at least to us, doesn't look like much of a criminal -- unless being too cute is a crime.

Continue reading BattleBlock Theater's prisoners step into the spotlight

BattleBlock Theater's prisoners step into the spotlight originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alien Hominid: PDA Games holds iOS devices at laser-point

Jessica Conditt — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 22:30:00 EST

The Behemoth has brought the Alien Hominid PDA games to iOS devices with a pile of updates and shiny new things, including fresh art, 23 new achievements, 60 FPS, high-definition graphics and a pause feature that shows a run-through of your past 20 levels. The Alien Hominid: PDA Games app is available now in the App Store, with 15 trial levels for free, and all 500 levels for $0.99.

The Behemoth is steadily working on BattleBlock Theater, and Alien Hominid is a great way to ease the waiting period and get a glimpse of the gameplay that inspired the cat-crushing prison drama that is BattleBlock Theater.

Alien Hominid: PDA Games holds iOS devices at laser-point originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battleblock Theater player-to-player trading system channels Buffalo Bill

Jessica Conditt — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST

The Behemoth has let the cat out of the musty prison cell with details about Battleblock Theater's's trading system, which was inspired by the hacking of weapon drops in Castle Crashers. Battleblock Theater players will be able to collect the faces of other prisoners by freeing them with green gems found in co-op levels, and weapons by distracting their feline foes with balls of yarn. All weapons and strangers' faces for you to wear as your own will be randomized, and there are no duplicates of any one item, meaning trading will play an important role in collecting the pieces you want.

If you see an item -- let's say, a face -- on another player online, rip off your face and throw it at him, and if he returns the gesture, you've traded. Sounds ~~painful~~ simple enough. There are over 100 unlockable weapons and faces in Battleblock Theater, with more in the works before launch, which is scheduled for later this year. We recommend stocking up on lotion (or hoses) now.

Battleblock Theater player-to-player trading system channels Buffalo Bill originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Behemoth had the best gaming booth at Comic-Con

Mike Schramm — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST

If you were impressed by the arcade machine Sony brought to Comic-Con for Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One, you ain't see nothing yet. Indie developer The Behemoth went all out: They had a booth full of custom-made and designed arcade machines, playing both Castle Crashers and the upcoming Battleblock Theater, complete with all of the requisite joysticks and buttons for four or two players.

The Behemoth (and Newgrounds) co-founder Dan Paladin told me in between signings that the machines were hand-crafted by the company, in a project overseen by The Behemoth's John Baez. And they're even cooler than they appear -- Paladin said that the big screens up on top of the machines were controlled remotely, and could move in and out of the units mechanically for transportation.

If you missed these at Comic-Con, Paladin also said that they'll be on the road with the company, both at PAX Prime and the Tokyo Game Show later this year. The whole enterprise was very impressive; it's no wonder the booth was full all week long.

Gallery: The Behemoth Comic-con 2011 booth

The Behemoth had the best gaming booth at Comic-Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battleblock Theater prologue is very chatty, Hatty

Richard Mitchell — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 02:00:00 EST

Remember the delightful puppet theater magic captured by the Battleblock Theater introduction? You'll be happy to know it carries right over into the game's prologue, throwing in some wonderful hats and terrible cats in the process. We suggest you brighten your day by watching it right now.

Battleblock Theater prologue is very chatty, Hatty originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New BattleBlock Theater video throws a little surprise party

Mike Schramm — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:30:00 EST

It's been a while since we last saw The Behemoth's Battleblock Theater in action, so if you're forgetting all of the pertinent deets, let us remind you: The game, by the creators of XBLA superhit Castle Crashers, throws a few players with strangely-shaped heads into a theater run by cats and tasks them with navigating a maze of traps and troubles for the cats' presumed entertainment.

You can see some of that entertainment in this brand-new video, which features Prisoner 10321 and the game's co-op "throwing" mechanic, which allows players to launch their frienemies across gaps, into portal-like devices ... or into spikes and pits, if they happen to not be so fond of them at a given moment.

The official Behemoth blog says there's complexity here, too: you'll go farther when both characters are facing the same way, or not as far if they're facing apart. And while players can slide tackle each other while fighting, the throw move can cancel that out, blocking the slide and instead sending the slider into danger. We tell you that now so that when it happens in the game, you're not actually thrown for the proverbial loop.

New BattleBlock Theater video throws a little surprise party originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The ocean was all, like, 'psych' in BattleBlock Theater's intro

JC Fletcher — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST

The Behemoth sets the scene for BattleBlock Theater casually, with an intro movie that doesn't even really seem sure of what happened. Find out approximately how Hatty Hattington and his round-headed, nameless friend got into their predicament after the break.

Continue reading The ocean was all, like, 'psych' in BattleBlock Theater's intro

The ocean was all, like, 'psych' in BattleBlock Theater's intro originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battleblock Theater preview: Uncooperation

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST

When checking out games on the show floor of a convention like PAX East, there's a strange phenomenon that occurs with surprising regularity -- you're paired up with a stranger to play along with you in a much anticipated, co-op focused game, and by the end of your demo, the two of you are as thick as thieves. The goodbyes you share as you leave the demo station are as painful and poignant as that fateful farewell ceremony on the last day at Camp Golden Friendships.

My demonstration for Battleblock Theater was not one of these magical instances -- not due to the nature of my unacquainted co-op partner, but because of the many, many ways The Behemoth's latest allows you to royally screw your accomplice. With so many annoyances at his disposal, I can't really blame him for his malfeasance.

Continue reading Battleblock Theater preview: Uncooperation

Battleblock Theater preview: Uncooperation originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seen@PAX East: The Behemoth's Battleblock Theater and Castle Crashers arcade cabinets

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST

After experiencing Super Crate Box on the incredible Winnitron 1000 in person at GDC last week, imagine our delight to find both Castle Crashers and Battleblock Theater running on four-player arcade machines at this year's PAX East.

The Behemoth booth was packed full of folks getting their co-op on and purchasing game merch as we precariously circled and snapped a handful of shots. You can find them in the gallery below. As you'll see momentarily, the cabinets weren't just fun to play on, but also quite attractive in their own right.

Gallery: Seen@PAX East: Castle Crashers and Battleblocks Theater

Seen@PAX East: The Behemoth's Battleblock Theater and Castle Crashers arcade cabinets originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Soviet Missile Mastar available now for free on App Store

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 01:00:00 EST

So, maybe Super Soviet Missile Mastar doesn't possess the depth or polish of The Behemoth's other animated offerings, but it certainly has an unprecedented quantity of freeness. The Atari-inspired Alien Hominid mini-game is now a complimentary download on iOS devices, where, despite its simplicity, it comes equipped with Game Center functionality. That basically means that even though it's not the most sophisticated game, you'll be playing a lot of it in an attempt to usurp the scores of your internet friends.

Also, make sure you check out the credits for a bracing shot of honesty, in which The Behemoth asks players, "Don't forget to play our other, better games."

Super Soviet Missile Mastar available now for free on App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pink Knight joining Castle Crashers crew to benefit breast cancer research, PSN-only for now

Christopher Grant — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:20:00 EST

Always wanted to find a way to donate money to breast cancer research, but you're (curiously) allergic to pink ribbons? The Behemoth has a solution just for you! Meet: the Pink Knight, the latest warrior for old-school-melee-em-up Castle Crashers. He (knights are usually male, right?) comes with "the Lollipop and 4 other brand new additional weapons," all for the reasonable price of $1.99.

Too rich for your blood, you say? Well, The Behemoth is donating 100% of the revenue (that's all of it!) to "charities devoted to Breast Cancer Research." That's capitalized, so you know it's serious. And yes, it's true, this offer is PSN-only for now - with a February 8 release date - but it's not because XBLA owners hate women (ignore this); The Behemoth is "working hard on a title update for XBLA that will feature the Pink Knight as a playable character as well." But what do you do when life hands you (pink?) lemons? If you don't want to wait for pesky certification, you can donate to breast cancer research right here. There, doesn't that feel good?

Gallery: Castle Crashers (the Pink Knight)

Pink Knight joining Castle Crashers crew to benefit breast cancer research, PSN-only for now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Behemoth's free Super Soviet Missile Mastar targets iPhone

David Hinkle — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:20:00 EST

If you played Alien Hominid HD, you likely remember the little-commie-missile-that-could mini-game, Super Soviet Missile Mastar. In it, the motherland puts all of its hopes and dreams of crushing the Eest into one lone missile. Now that game is coming to iPhone.

The Behemoth also tells us it'll be a free download and plans to launch it "sometime in the next month," which is great because that coincides with the anniversary of the Czech coup of 1948. We could hardly think of a more synergistic time to launch.

The Behemoth's free Super Soviet Missile Mastar targets iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Behemoth's 'Tournament of Champions' giving away a gold-plated Xbox 360

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST

Take a good, hard look at your Xbox 360. Look at it, sitting in your entertainment center. It is plain. That, friend, is a pauper's gaming console. The Behemoth is offering you a chance to add some much-needed regality to your gaming experience: As part of its "Tournament of Champions" contest, the indie studio is giving away a 24 karat gold-plated 360 Elite to the top-ranked global Castle Crashers Arena fighter on Xbox Live Arcade.

There's plenty of other prizes to go around, including a Castle Crashers-themed 360 Elite, and ... um, 250 squishy chicken toys, all of which go to the third place winner, which is appropriately bizarre. Check out the rules and regulations for the contest over on The Behemoth's official site!

The Behemoth's 'Tournament of Champions' giving away a gold-plated Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Over two million have played Castle Crashers

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:40:00 EST

We've always known that the fan base for The Behemoth's colorful beat-em-up Castle Crashers would continue to grow throughout the fullness of time -- there's something just so universal about beating the tar out of dudes in exchange for food and coins, you know? Recently, that fan base passed a major milestone across all the game's platforms: According to the leaderboards, over two million players have taken up arms in the name of princess rescuing.

Will this impressive number carry over some steam to The Behemoth's next project, Battleblock Theater? It's hard to be sure -- both seem to have the same level of polish and oddball humor, though the studio's upcoming project doesn't appear to have quite as much diarrhea-stricken forest wildlife, so it's really anyone's guess.

Over two million have played Castle Crashers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Castle Crashers' Red Princess now decreeing TomTom directions

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:00:00 EST

There are plenty of homebrewed, game-themed voices for the TomTom GPS platform, but not many real developers take the time to turn their games' characters into tiny, digital cartographers. That's why we love The Behemoth: The studio recently made a TomTom voice out of Castle Crashers' Red Princess.

Continue reading Castle Crashers' Red Princess now decreeing TomTom directions

Castle Crashers' Red Princess now decreeing TomTom directions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BattleBlock Theater's curtain to rise in 2011

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST

The Behemoth's BattleBlock Theater has apparently gotten away from the team and won't make it to XBLA this year. The "confession" was made on the developer's site, in which The Behemoth said that the game is "becoming so much more" than the team had expected and that there's "a little more R&D than we thought and lots of new ground to break."

Following the impending, November 25 release of Castle Crashers on PSN in Japan, the team hopes to focus on getting more BattleBlock Theater videos and details together to share publicly. We're good with waiting for a quality product ... just so long as it has functional online support at launch.

[Thanks, Blacked Out]

BattleBlock Theater's curtain to rise in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Castle Crashers invades PSN on August 31

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Congratulations, PlayStation fans, you can pencil in a date for the end to all the anguish. That's right, the PSN version of Castle Crashers finally has a release date and it's very soon. On August 31, just under two weeks away, the game will launch on PSN for $15. We suggest you skip a few fast food meals and save the money for some sweet castle crashing action. It's worth it. Promise.

Castle Crashers invades PSN on August 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSN Castle Crashers set at $15, Behemoth heads to PAX

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The Behemoth has posted a quick update on the status of the long-awaited PSN port of Castle Crashers. While there aren't many concrete details, the dev states it is "right in the thick of the submission process" and has cemented the price. Just like its Xbox Live Arcade counterpart, Castle Crashers will arrive on PSN at $15 (packing some new features, don't forget).

The Behemoth also detailed its plans for PAX, set to go down in Seattle early next month. The studio is bringing along the latest build of Battleblock Theater and Behemoth merchandise. The company will also be toting along a custom, 4-player Castle Crashers arcade cabinet ... which we will be stealing.

PSN Castle Crashers set at $15, Behemoth heads to PAX originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preview: The Behemoth's Battleblock Theater (Comic-Con build)

Mike Schramm — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Indie gaming studio The Behemoth was an unexpected surprise among the video game booths at Comic-Con 2010 in San Diego. We haven't heard much about its upcoming Battleblock Theater since it was announced, making the brand new build on the show floor all the more enticing.

Like the previous version we played, gameplay revolved around little blockheads battling it out in a deathmatch ... put on for the entertainment of large cats.

Continue reading Preview: The Behemoth's Battleblock Theater (Comic-Con build)

Preview: The Behemoth's Battleblock Theater (Comic-Con build) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Partial list of Tokyo Game Show 2010 exhibitors announced

Mike Schramm — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

A partial list of vendors from the upcoming Tokyo Game Show has been released by the CESA, and lots of the usual suspects are on board, including Capcom, Square Enix, Konami and Sony. Microsoft, The Behemoth and Level-5 will also be in attendance. Hit the break for the list so far.

Continue reading Partial list of Tokyo Game Show 2010 exhibitors announced

Partial list of Tokyo Game Show 2010 exhibitors announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alien Hominid will be in PSN Castle Crashers

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 14 May 2010 14:45:00 EST

Folks who played the 360 version of Castle Crashers got a nice little bonus if they happened to have another of The Behemoth's XBLA games on their hard drive: a playable character based on the protagonist from Alien Hominid. Unfortunately, that particular game isn't available on the PSN, leading some to fear he/she/it wouldn't reprise its cameo in the PSN version of Crashers.

That fear is unwarranted, friends -- a recent post on The Behemoth's blog confirms that the Alien will be an unlockable character in the upcoming port of Castle Crashers, though the requirements for unlocking it are unknown at this point. We're guessing it has something to do with the level where you kill a thousand of his brothers and sisters.

Alien Hominid will be in PSN Castle Crashers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 May 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Castle Crashers PS3's Arena features team-building exercises

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:20:00 EST

Our favorite part of the original Castle Crashers was always the brief (but intense) competitive bouts which would crop up every time the players rescued a princess. We'd always swear allegiance to one of our former allies: "Let's have a pact of non-aggression until we deal with the other two!" The agreement would be honored until our accomplice was at his weakest, and then, ever so swiftly, we'd carry out our inevitable betrayal.

The Behemoth has interpreted this concept in the Arena mode for Castle Crashers on the PS3, which will now let players divide up into teams represented by a wide range of colorful flags. Check out the video after the jump to see how the buddy-buddy on buddy-buddy action breaks down.

Continue reading Castle Crashers PS3's Arena features team-building exercises

Castle Crashers PS3's Arena features team-building exercises originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Behemoth serves new Castle Crashers PS3 screens and video

JC Fletcher — Tue, 04 May 2010 21:00:00 EST

The Behemoth has sent out an update about the status of the PS3 version of Castle Crashers. No, there's no release date yet. But at least the game is still in development! That's good news. "We have now sent the title off to a 3rd party vendor for final testing before we begin the submission process with Sony," The Behemoth's Kelly Revak reports.

Two new Trophies have been added to the as-yet theoretical PSN game, in addition to those being ported over from the XBLA game's Achievements. "Social Networker" is earned for an "impressive" number of volleys in the new volleyball game, and "You are insane" is awarded to those who complete the game on Insane difficulty. See how that works?

While you (continue to) to wait for the game, enjoy some footage of a volleyball match after the break, and some volleyball screenshots in the gallery.

Gallery: Castle Crashers - Volleyball (PS3)

Continue reading The Behemoth serves new Castle Crashers PS3 screens and video

The Behemoth serves new Castle Crashers PS3 screens and video originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on: Battleblock Theater (XBLA)

David Hinkle — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST

Battleblock Theater, the Castle Crashers followup unofficially known as "The Crying Leprechaun Game," was available in one distinct play mode at PAX East: a multiplayer team deathmatch variant that centered around eating souls. It's the bright, colorful and playful kind of evil you might imagine is okay in most Saturday morning cartoons, and it's exactly the patented style we've come to identify as "The Behemoth Touch."

The basic format of the demo was a 2-on-2 team deathmatch gametype, in which cute little blue blockheads (they looked like a cross between a cat and a bear) try to defeat cute little red things of the same origin. By jumping onto an opponent's head, he (she? it?) is effectively killed, releasing a ghost or spirit that can be captured. Once you grab the escaping ethereal being and hold on to it, points slowly accumulate on the scoreboard -- all the while, a timer gradually counts down to zero. This is a straightforward affair of ghost-napping.

Continue reading Hands-on: Battleblock Theater (XBLA)

Hands-on: Battleblock Theater (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All about Castle Crashers Volleyball on PSN

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:14:00 EST

The bad news: The Behemoth still hasn't nailed down a release date -- or even a release month -- for the PSN version of Castle Crashers (though it's still slated for this year). The good news: PlayStation 3 owners will be treated to some brand new content. Specifically, a recent entry on The Behemoth dev blog revealed that the PSN version of the game will feature a new volleyball mini-game. The mini-game will allow up to eight players (locally or online) to play a game of volleyball using any of a player's unlocked characters. It will feature new serve and spike moves and magic attacks that place one of eight status effects on the ball. The volleyball game will even include its own leaderboards.

Again, it's not much to dull the pain of waiting, but at least the PSN is getting something extra in the deal. Also, if it makes you feel any better, The Behemoth will be showing off Castle Crashers and Battleblock Theater at PAX East next month.

All about Castle Crashers Volleyball on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Behemoth's BattleBlock Theater coming to XBLA

Justin McElroy — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:05:00 EST

It's hard to say just how good The Behemoth's newly announced BattleBlock Theater will be when it launches (no release date yet!). Even with all the clips and screens we've seen and all the time we've spent with the title (previously codenamed Game 3), we still don't have a deep understanding of what, exactly, is going on. But the team's got a pretty good track record with Castle Crashers and Alien Hominid, so we're willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

None of that matters, however, because what we do know is that what follows after the jump is probably our favorite trailer so far this year. It's actually -- and don't tell any advertisers or con-men this -- a little sad and scary just how easily we can be manipulated.

Continue reading Behemoth's BattleBlock Theater coming to XBLA

Behemoth's BattleBlock Theater coming to XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Behemoth collects over 30k for Haiti relief, extends promotion again

Xav de Matos — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST

Since January 20, the team at Behemoth have been raising money through Xbox Live DLC sales of Castle Crashers and Alien Hominid to support relief efforts in Haiti. Over four days, Behemoth has collected $15,585.65 through DLC purchases; however, since the promise was to donate 200% of all DLC sales, The Behemoth has matched the total leaving the donation jar filled with $31,171.29!

That's great, but for The Behemoth it isn't great enough. Today the team announced they will continue to extend the promotion until the total donation jar hits $50,000. What a bunch of sweethearts. Check out a list of the DLC you can buy to help offer support for the people in Haiti. They really need your help.

Continue reading Behemoth collects over 30k for Haiti relief, extends promotion again

Behemoth collects over 30k for Haiti relief, extends promotion again originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Behemoth Haiti DLC event extended to Friday

Justin McElroy — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST

If you neglected the opportunity to buy Castle Crashers or Alien Hominid DLC and have that money both donated and matched by developer The Behemoth to Haiti relief, you're a terrible person. But you're also in luck: The charity drive has been extended to this Friday, Jan. 29.

By all means, pick up all the DLC you can get your hands on, just don't expect St. Peter to give you much credit at the Pearly Gates if your only charitable act in life was forgetting to buy a video game until you remembered to later.

Behemoth Haiti DLC event extended to Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Behemoth DLC revenue going to Haiti this week

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:15:00 EST

Not to be outclassed by larger companies in the gaming industry, indie dev studio The Behemoth has announced its own initiative for helping out with recovery efforts in Haiti. Any revenue brought in by DLC purchases for Castle Crashers or Alien Hominid on XBLA will go directly to the Red Cross. The promotion is titled "The Behemoth Super Haiti Chicken Super Charity," because, hey, what else would you call it?

The folks at Behemoth also plan to match this sum of money with some of their own, coming directly from their pockets, wallets and bank accounts. That's quite generous of them -- why not show your own support by picking up some DLC for Alien Hominid or Castle Crashers before the promotion ends next Sunday?

The Behemoth DLC revenue going to Haiti this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Today only: Castle Crashers for $7 on XBLM

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST

With only two days of daily holiday deals left, it looks like Microsoft decided to make today's a doozy. Like the headline says, today's deal is Castle Crashers for a mere 560. That's sevenearth dollars and, more importantly, a substantial savings over the usual 1200 ($15) price tag. If you haven't experienced the co-op glory, now is the time. Trust us, people like this game. They like it so much that they build costumes of their favorite characters.

If you don't have it yet, you need that kind of joy in your life.

Shortcut: Add Castle Crashers to your 360 download queue [Via Xbox.com]

Today only: Castle Crashers for $7 on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The time-lapse evolution of a Castle Crashers boss

Randy Nelson — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:15:00 EST

The Behemoth, purveyor of fine classic-style action games with lovely high-res 2D artwork, has posted a nice time-lapse video on its developer blog showcasing the evolution of one of its Castle Crashers boss characters. In it, we get to see The Painter come a long way from his meager palette-sporting beginnings to the giant roller-wielding, toolbox-for-a-head monster we've come to know and despise.

It's not often that we get a glimpse at this aspect of the development process -- perhaps because a time-lapse video of an artist creating the 3D model for, say, the Joker from Batman: Arkham Asylum would be the length of most theatrical releases. The Behemoth's video, after the break, is thankfully only seven-and-a-half minutes long.

Continue reading The time-lapse evolution of a Castle Crashers boss

The time-lapse evolution of a Castle Crashers boss originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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(Castle) Crash Halloween with this Behemoth of a costume

Xav de Matos — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

The team at The Behemoth know you're having a hard time coming up with something original and awesome for Halloween, so the team has included an instructional guide to creating your very own Castle Crashers inspired costume on its blog.

Taking a simple 5-gallon bucket, some foam and a pocket full of hopes and dreams, you can rock one of the best costumes we've seen (all week, at least). As an added bonus, the guide is simple and includes plenty of pictures to guide would-be costume designers -- and future "Best Costume of the Night" award winners.

(Castle) Crash Halloween with this Behemoth of a costume originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on: The Behemoth's 'Game 3'

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST

There's a part of me that likes examining games' sub-superficial levels -- the lingering inspiration behind the art, gameplay, story and all the rest of its aggregate components. Behemoth's Game 3 is difficult to dismantle in this manner, largely due to the fact that, even when compared to past entries in Behemoth's bizarre repertoire -- it's an unabashed labor of madness.

It could also be due to the fact that the speed at which I was forced to play the Game 3 PAX demo could best be described as blistering. Still, it didn't take much time to get what the game's core components are all about: Frantic multiplayer platforming action, the likes of which you haven't seen since Super Mario Bros. 3.

Continue reading Hands-on: The Behemoth's 'Game 3'

Hands-on: The Behemoth's 'Game 3' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Castle Crashers Necromantic DLC coming tomorrow for 160 MS Points

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST

Wow. When Castle Crashers developer The Behemoth teased last week that its upcoming Necromantic DLC pack was coming "SOON," they weren't kidding. According to a countdown clock recently added to the game's official blog, it's due to drop tomorrow, bringing the long overdue chainsaw, two new characters and one new animal orb to the multi-man beat-'em-up.

The company has wisely placed the price of the expansion at 160 -- so before you download that new The Devil Wears Prada track on Rock Band 2, we want you to stop, and reconsider your priorities. Music from a hardcore band named after a Meryl Streep movie? Or chainsaws? (This decision is also a litmus test for whether we can still be friends with you. Choose wisely.)

Castle Crashers Necromantic DLC coming tomorrow for 160 MS Points originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Necromantic' DLC pack coming to Castle Crashers

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST

It's been a long time coming -- like, a looooong time -- but it looks like an upcoming DLC pack for The Behemoth's four-player beat-'em-up is finally delivering the oft-promised Chainsaw weapon to Castle Crashers worldwide. It's part of the "Necromantic" DLC pack, which in addition to the gas-powered armament, will give players access to two new characters (the titular Necromancer and The Cult Minion), a new "Dragonhead" animal orb and two new weapons (the NG Skull Mace and, yes, the Chainsaw).

The Behemoth didn't reveal a price or a definitive release date for the pack, but did mention it is coming "SOON." That's their choice of capitalization, not ours. As in, it's not coming "soon" -- it's coming "SOON."

'Necromantic' DLC pack coming to Castle Crashers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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G4TV gets hands on Behemoth's 'Game 3' platformer

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST

If your pure, pure love of Castle Crashers and Alien Hominid has left you starving for more info regarding The Behemoth's next title -- a multiplayer platformer tentatively titled "Game 3" -- then you should check out G4's recent hands-on with the title, in video form after the break. Adam Sessler got a chance to check out the idiosyncratic game while Dan Paladin rides shotgun, explaining a couple of the game's modes, as well as the overarching story for the title. In a nutshell, said plot features a schizophrenic madman who's managed to kidnap your friends, whom you must rescue. Sounds appropriately bizarre.

The video shows four players slugging it out in "Whale mode," and also gives a brief demo of the co-op mode. We can't wait to check it out -- sadly, with a nondescript launch window of "2010," it seems we'll be doing a great deal of waiting before we can do checking.

Continue reading G4TV gets hands on Behemoth's 'Game 3' platformer

G4TV gets hands on Behemoth's 'Game 3' platformer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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