tl;wr (too long; won’t read) - HILARIOUS.  Be sure to call this number for more information: 1-866-631-1574

I. Overview

1. Game title: Deathspank
2. Publisher and Developer: HotHead Games
3. Release date: “2010ish”
4. Category: RPG/Adventure (comedy)
5. Development stage: Still in development
6. Platform: PC, XBOX 360, PS3

II. Analysis

1. Storyline/objective: An over-the-top hero (named DeathSpank) is in desperate search for an “artifact” that was ripped out of his hands. Take note of the “Thong of Justice” (the purple thong) – it is “important to the game.”
2. Target audience: Leans more towards a male audience, perhaps age 13 – late 20s. Often described as “Monkey Island meets Diablo.”
   

III. Interview/demo

1. Person: Vlad Ceraldi
2. Title: Director of Game Development
   

IV. Thoughts

1. Self
   i. What I like
   - The game has a personality of its own. The dialogue is amusing and the main character is a bit ridiculous.
   - The animation is smooth and looks cartoonish. It’s refreshing to see a game take on a more playful look as opposed to a more realistic look.
   - It actually looks fun. Oftentimes, games require you to be sitting with controller in hand, but just watching the demo – no previous knowledge of the game – made me want to play.
   
   ii. What I didn’t like
   - It didn’t look too challenging, but I’m sure the game gains difficulty at higher levels
   
   
2. Target audience
   i. Positives
   - It’s hilarious. If the gameplay doesn’t impress you, the comedy will.
   - It’s engaging. The game warmingly invites you to play – not as a challenge, but rather as an adventure.
   - It actually has a storyline?!
   
   ii. Negatives
   - Honestly can’t think of one – DeathSpank might be one of the most interesting titles I’ve seen at PAX this year
   
   

V. Assets

Couldn’t find any immediate assets, but PLEASE call this number for more information: 1-866-631-1574

This has got to be one of the best Heavy Weapons Guy cosplay AND impersonations I’ve ever seen.  I hope he find that Spy and gets his Sasha back. Or maybe that host IS that Spy. Dun dun dunnnnnnnnnnn…….

Download the podcast here

Just got back from Penny Arcade Expo 2009 and we have some stories to tell ya. We got to meet up with some cool people, party it up, and get sick.  If you haven’t heard yet, PAX was hit with Swine Flu.  But I think it was more like the Fat Mexican Flu because Raul was sick before, during and after the show.  So, I think it was he that spread the disease around.

We also, gave out some prizes. Don’t worry, we’ll be giving out more next podcast live recording. If you want some swag, go to PixelatedLIVE.com this Sunday @ 4:30pm pacific.

Aww what a cute couple

While walking the multiple floors of PAX, you’re bound to see something funny.  Here are 5 photos I snapped and laughed at.

He never found any "Hot Girlz"

Funny sign at a local restaraunt

It's true

The only Stormtrooper that took that day off from the Death Star

tl;wr (too long; won’t read) – Very, very, very, very friendly and warm community. They’ll make you feel like you’re family. You can easily become addicted to it. Not recommended for a hardcore audience.

I. Overview

1. Game title: Faunasphere
2. Publisher and Developer: Big Fish Games
3. Release date: March 2009
4. Category: Casual, social game
5. Development stage: Available
6. Platform: PC, browser-based

II. Analysis

1. Storyline/objective: Build up your Faunasphere (home) and get rid of the pollution.
2. Target audience: Casual gamers – all ages, male or female
   

III. Interview/demo

1. Person: Toby Ragaini
2. Title: Vice President, Community Games
   

IV. Thoughts

1. Self
   i. What I like
   - The players in the game are very friendly! Thanks for the help, BonnieJo!
   - Community is very warm and welcoming.
   - Very cute graphics
   - Game is not too demanding and is meant to be relaxing
   - Did I mention the players are super friendly?
   - The Faunasphere can be used as a way not only to showcase your high level, but also as a way to visually represent yourself
   - It’s free!
   
   ii. What I didn’t like
   - Gameplay is very simple – not very deep
   - While it might be easy to get addicted to this game, the rewards (bragging rights, getting a cool ending, etc.) aren’t very high

2. Target audience
   i. Positives
   - Players will really enjoy how friendly the community is. Everyone is very helpful.
   - Lots of options for customizing your own faunasphere, and even breeding your different faunas to create new ones
   - Game is not demanding at all
   - You can play from anywhere!
   
   ii. Negatives
   - The casual players might be discouraged after seeing other players at much higher levels, but it could alternatively be used as motivation
   
   

V. Assets

I got a chance to talk with Mike from Gunnar Optiks and learned about the company’s origin and future.  A lot has changed since November with Gunnar.  Check out the video below to soak up some knowledge on why all gamers, designers, techies, and just bascially anyone who stares at screens for a long period of time need Gunnar Optiks.

And it’s difficult to ignore when classic titles like Bomberman, Mega Man and Frogger have re-entered the stage with help from the Apple iPhone; they’ve exploded, blasted, and even hopped straight onto the palm of your hand. It’s like your childhood all over again, save for the blowing of the cartridge and angry hurls of the controller. And as this resurgence continues, one can’t help but wonder: why are more and more publishers beginning to create a large presence in the casual games department?

Enter Jon Kromrey, the General Manager of the Apple division at Namco Networks. Prior to his position at this company, he has worked at Apple, Eidos Interactive, iPlay, Namco Hometek, and several other companies – his roles primarily engaged in productions. Namco Networks has been releasing many of their own arcade games, with Dig Dug, Galaga and even Ms. Pac-Man wakka-wakka-wakkaing onto the touch screen.

“It’s popular and it appeals to carriers,” answers Kromrey. But he doesn’t simply aim to resurrect old favorites in hopes of hitting an established audience. Namco Networks has plans for “brand new things” and games that are “newly licensed.” Many of the employees at Namco Networks have history at Apple and EA, further adding quality to casual games that are sometimes ridiculed by a more core audience. Professionals with experience at console publishers aren’t afraid to get their feet wet in the casual market. Why is this?

Because the casual market is rapidly growing. Because creating an iPhone application is significantly less expensive and is sometimes more effective than creating a full-scale console game. And most importantly – because more than 21 million people own an iPhone.

“It’s like watching the stock market. You move when the market moves,” says Kromrey. He has mentioned once before that Apple’s mobile platform represents a “gold rush” that can’t be missed. Several thousand iPhone apps are submitted every week. The sales channels are open and it’s time to supply the demand, especially when almost everyone is willing to play.

Mr. Kromrey was kind enough to reveal a new game being released on the iPhone. Worst Case Scenario is an iPhone game that takes after the book of the same title. Players will be put into a tough situation (for example, being encountered by a mountain lion), and will then be given choices of what action to take. You gain points depending on how rational your choices are. The game is essentially a much more interactive version of the book, and would appeal not only to fans of the already-established brand, but also to those who are fans of Darwinism. Casual? Yes. Exclusively for “casual” gamers? Not at all.

Unfortunately, I had a very limited amount of time with the game (I’m talking about close to 2-3 minutes), and am unable to give you my full-fledged take on it. In fact, I can’t even give you a screen shot. However, if you’d like to learn more about it, it seems that the game is already a part of Namco Networks’ mobile division.

Lastly, to answer a reader’s question – yes, Kromrey is well aware that Soulcalibur > Tekken. This is because Kromrey had actually worked on the game. He provided no official comment on such games appearing on the iPhone, but he did mention that there are many problems that arise when trying to develop those titles. On a flat touch screen, it’s difficult to get the perfect controls, and even more difficult to do a move that requires a quick movement. He was kind enough to throw us a bone, however, claiming, “I think it’s just a matter of time.”

While some gamers are adamant on playing only the action-packed, smoothest-looking, million-dollar budget games with no less than a hundred billion pixels per frame, casual games appear to be taking it back to the basics. And when iPhone apps and PC downloads are available at a fraction of the cost – what’s there to argue?

tl;wr (too long; won’t read) – Beautiful, detailed artwork. Ideal game for its target audience – may be difficult to draw in a new audience.

I. Overview

1. Game title: Elemental
2. Publisher and Developer: Stardock
3. Release date: February 2010
4. Category: Fantasy turn-based strategy
5. Development stage: Public beta
6. Platform: PC

II. Analysis

1. Storyline/objective: “Elemental puts players in the role of sovereign in a fledgling kingdom where in order to conquer the surrounding lands players must rule with magic, might and diplomatic skill.”
2. Target audience: Male, perhaps age 16 – early 30s.
   

III. Interview/demo

1. Person: Paul Boyer
2. Title: Art Director/Designer
   

IV. Thoughts

1. Self
   i. What I like
   - Very careful attention to the artwork. Zoom-in and zoom-out features are insanely meticulous.
   - Fast (almost non-existent) loading times
   - Ability to modify many aspects of the map (i.e. structures, environment, etc.)
   
   ii. What I didn’t like
   - I will try to dispose of any bias when telling you this: Elemental is not my kind of game.
   - But this is exactly why I include why the target audience might enjoy it!
   
2. Target audience
   i. Positives
   - Players will be intrigued by the innovative diplomacy system, where family politics are involved in addition to simple trade.
   - It is inspired by the fantasy novels written by George R.R. Martin
   - Quests will include cost-benefit issues – will affect things like your army, diplomacy issues, etc.
   - Similar to classic fantasy turn-based game, Master of Magic
   - The game caters very well to its target audience
   
   ii. Negatives
   - It may be difficult to draw in new players, or a younger audience.
   
   

V. Assets

tl;wr (too long; won’t read) - Gratuitous violence with cute characters! Great to play when you’re either (1) recovering from a break-up or (2) drunk.

I. Overview

1. Game title: Fairytale Fights
2. Publisher and Developer: Playlogic
3. Release date: October 27, 2009
4. Category: Platform adventure
5. Development stage: Beta
6. Platform: PC, XBOX 360, PS3

II. Analysis

1. Storyline/objective: Fairytale characters and blood. Lots and lots of blood. Choose from Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Beanstalk Jack and the Naked Emperor.
2. Target audience: Perhaps male, ages 13 – late 20s. Although, the ESRB rating is M.

IV. Thoughts

1. Self
   i. What I like
   - Unreal Engine 3 is an immediate win.
   - The volumetric liquid system is realistically gruesome. Characters slide through puddles of blood like they’re ice skating.
   - The game itself has a personality. It’s similar to Itchy and Scratchy or Happy Tree Friends, where cute meets gore.
   - Multiplayer mode with friendly fire! And there’s no penalty for killing one another!
   - Killing the opponent is a no-brainer, and difficulty comes from obstacles placed in the actual level
   
   ii. What I didn’t like
   - The game becomes a bit repetitive after a while: Attack an opponent with a new weapon. Blood gushes out. Repeat.
   - Anymore characters? Perhaps it will be corrected with DLC.
   - Not the best choice if you’re looking for your favorite, most memorable game. American Pie vs. Scary Movie? This game would be Scary Movie. The game is entirely hack n’ slash, but the good news is that it’s not trying to be something that it isn’t.

2. Target audience
   i. Positives
   - Cute
   - and violence
   - COMBINED
   
   ii. Negatives
   - Might get a bit repetitive slaughtering everything – and this may seem like it takes longer to unlock the next level
   
   

V. Assets

tl;wr (too long; won’t read) - If your balls are big enough for Military Madness, there’s no need to scream about being in Sparta.

I. Overview

1. Game title: Military Madness: Nectaris
2. Publisher and Developer: Hudson Entertainment, Backbone Entertainment
3. Release date:  Summer 2009
4. Category: Turn-based strategy
5. Development stage: Available
6. Platform: XBLA, PSN, WiiWare

II. Analysis

1. Storyline/objective: Kill your opponent before your opponent kills you.
2. Target audience: Male. STRAIGHT UP TESTOSTERONE.

III. Interview/demo

1. Name of person: Morgan Haro
2. Title: Marketing Associate and Web Producer

IV. Thoughts

1. Self
   i. What I like
   - I kind of figured out how to play it without making myself look like a (complete) fool
   - Graphics were slightly reminiscent of retro gaming
   
   ii. What I didn’t like
   - Might be hard to get into if you aren’t already a fan
   - Seems more like a game to play while on-the-go (thank you, Military Madness: Neo Nectaris on the iPhone) or in-between other games

2. Target audience
   i. Positives
   - It’s brought back from the late 80s and early 90s
   - EXPLOSIONS, MAN
   - You can obtain the game straight from your couch
   - Multiplayer online mode available
   - Newer, updated cut scenes
   - While it’s your opponent’s turn, you can eat pizza
   
   ii. Negatives
   - Nothing too extremely new from the original series
   
   

V. Special Notes from Hudson

1. In addition to Military Madness: Neo Nectaris, other classic Hudson titles will be brought onto the iPhone: Knights of the Phantom Castle, Aqua Forest 2 and World RPS.
2. Why can’t Mario stop partying? “Because it’s always a good time. Why would you want to stop Mario?”