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Save on Grimrock, Torchlight, Ultima and more on GOG.com this weekend
If you've been looking for an excuse to pick up some new games, GOG.com has you covered this weekend. A selection of indie games is on sale for half-off this weekend, with Legend of Grimrock, Torchlight and Geneforge 1-5 all clocking in at $7.50. Meanwhile, Spacechem, Tiny & Big and Darwinia can all be had for $5 each.If that's not enough, you can also grab GOG.com's entire Ultima collection, featuring Ultima 1 through 9 and both Ultima Underworld games, for $17.94. Alternatively, you can snag individual Ultima titles at a 30 percent discount.
New Humble Indie bundle packs Darwinia, more Introversion stuff
Introversion is in the spotlight for the latest Humble Indie Bundle, which offers up four of the studio's titles: Darwinia, Multiwinia, UpLink and Defcon. As usual, paying above the average will net you some extras, namely Aquaria and Crayon Physics Deluxe in this specific bundle. And if you're wondering what other fun stuff will be added to the bundle down the line, perhaps toying with a "wait and see" approach, don't sweat it. No matter when you buy this bundle, you'll get access to everything added to it -- that is, if you choose to buy the bundle. If you don't, then clearly you don't like fun games, which isn't so much a character flaw as it is just a flaw flaw.
Darwinia devs working on new project, 'Prison Architect'
It seems Darwinia developer Introversion has put its procedurally generated heist game Subversion on the shelf while it focuses its efforts on a new, not entirely unrelated project. See, what happens when a heist goes bad? The Heistees go to prison. But who designs those prisons? You do, in Introversion's new game, which is called Prison Architect. It's the circle of crime! Few details about this project are known outside of the name, but we'll keep you posted. Until then, start thinking about what kind of prison you'd want to build. We're thinking of using a lot of lilac and lavender hues -- something to soothe the nerves of our incarcerated guests, you know?
Introversion releases first screens of Subversion
It's hard to believe that, after being announced in 2006, we're just now getting our first look at Subversion, the tactical action game from developer Introversion, which just released Darwinia+ on XBLA last week. The screens, recently unveiled on the Introversion forums (with some of the first gameplay details) look ... well, they don't look like a game. Introversion says that Subversion's look (which is still unfinished) is based on 3D blueprints, and it looks quite compelling. We can't seem to get enough of games that don't look like games -- especially Excel. We've been into Excel LAN parties since way before it was cool. [Via Big Download]
X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Darwinia+
This week on Xbox Live Arcade, Darwinia+ finally, finally makes its way onto Microsoft's download service. It's been a very long time coming, but now it's here for everyone to enjoy. There's plenty to enjoy, too, as the game contains both the original Darwinia and the multiplayer version, Multiwinia. See what all the hubbub is about in the latest XBLA in Brief, then decide if you want to plunk down the 1200 ($15) entrance fee. Shortcut: Download the trial version of Darwinia+ [via Xbox.com] [iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes. [Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly. [RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [M4V] Download the M4V directly.
This Wednesday: Darwinia+ invades XBLA
Well, folks, it's been a long wait but it's finally here. After first being rumored nearly four years ago, Darwinia+ is due to hit Xbox Live Arcade in only two more days. We're sure that the game's fans are pleased to hear the news, as is developer Introversion. After all, the company has a lot riding on Darwinia's XBLA outing. The game features a single-player campaign, online multiplayer for four players and plenty of sweet, retro stylings. Taking cues from real-time strategy, god games and, oh, let's say Tron, Darwinia has players controlling squads of 2D sprite characters called Darwinians as they battle an evil computer virus. The original PC version of the game took home the grand prize at the 2006 Independent Games Festival. The price of admission is 1200 ($15).
Darwinia+ colonizes XBLA servers February 10
Though Microsoft's XBLA Shadow Force has the real final say over when games are released on the company's digital distribution service, Introversion recently announced on its forums that its upcoming action RTS, Darwinia+, will be set free on February 10 -- set free for $15 (1200). Introversion has made a strong plea for your support, citing a "minimum sales figure" that "has to be achieved" in order for the independent studio to carry on. A better reason to buy Darwinia+ -- which features both Darwinia and Multiwinia in all its plusitude -- is simply that it's pretty fantastic. Still not convinced? Check out the trailer above and those screens below. You're welcome. %Gallery-83846%
Darwinia dev on PSN/XBLA differences, PSN challenges
Speaking to CVG, Darwinia+ developer Introversion spoke to the differences between Xbox Live Arcade and PSN, as well as the realities of game development. Regarding why Darwinia+ is an XBLA exclusive, Introversion's Mark Morris noted that independent developers "have to go with whatever [they're] offered," though he'd like to see the game on both platforms. According to Morris, XBLA is preferable because Microsoft greenlight's games from the beginning. "As long as you deliver what you said you'd deliver you're going to launch," said Morris, whereas Sony approves a potential PSN project later in the process, meaning a developer's hard work could eventually be rejected. Concerning Introversion's current status, Morris noted that the company's future is riding entirely on Darwinia+. He said the game has a "minimum sales figure" that "has to be achieved." If not, said Morris, "Then we don't have enough money to continue going - simple as that." That said, he added that Darwinia+ doesn't have to be a "a massive runaway success," elaborating that performance would have to be roughly equivalent to Jeff Minter's Space Giraffe (an achievable goal if we've ever heard one). Assuming Introversion stays afloat, its next project will be called Subversion, which utilizes automatic city generation. The developer has previously hinted that Subversion may release on both PC and XBLA.
Crysis and Street Fighter IV round out today's Steam deals
Despite discounting games as part of its ongoing holiday sale event, Valve has seen fit to offer even more games at reduced prices, this time flipping the switch on massive discounts for triple-A titles like Street Fighter IV, which can be yours for $10, and Crysis Maximum Edition -- a bundle of Crysis and Crysis Warhead -- for under $14. That's not all, as your hard-earned greenbacks can also net you cheap digital copies of Medieval II: Total War, Half-Life: Source and Shattered Horizon -- though we'd be remiss if we didn't point out the very tempting combo of Darwinia and Multiwinia, both of which can be yours for $3.
Here are your Darwinia+ Achievements
Now that Darwinia+ has passed Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade certification process, you likely have your passport ready for the upcoming trip to Darwinia's action RTS battlefields. According to Xbox 360 Achievements, lending a helping hand to your stick brethren in need won't just net you the warm fuzzies, but will also reward you with some Gamerscore. There's 200 to be had in total, rewarding players for things like saving Darwinians, crushing invading ant hordes and winning matches on every map in the game. It's a nice, varied list that doesn't look like it encourages too much grinding -- well, except for the Stick Man Slaughter Achievement, which requires you to kill 65,536 enemies.
Darwinia+ for XBLA passes Microsoft certification
You may not have to wait too long after Christmas for Darwinia+ on Xbox Live Arcade, because Introversion Software says the game has passed Microsoft's certification process. It's been a long time coming and you can bet we're glad to finally see those little stick men at the end of the tunnel. If you're wondering what all of the hubbub is about, then we suggest you check out this free demo of the PC version over at Big Download.
Introversion: Darwinia+ on XBLA after Christmas
Darwinia creator Introversion announced during this week's Eurogamer Expo that its upcoming Darwinia+ should arrive on Xbox Live Arcade by "the next side of Christmas." The game should be submitted to Microsoft certification in the coming weeks, hopefully ensuring a release early next year. Darwinia devotees will remember that the game began its journey to XBLA all the way back in 2006, and, according to Eurogamer, Introversion isn't exactly happy about it. The company's Chris Delay noted that Microsoft required several changes to the game, most notably the inclusion of multiplayer. Said Delay, "We were trying to satisfy Microsoft. That's the most awful motivation in the world for making a videogame." Here's hoping the developer's devotion to bringing the game to XBLA has paid off.
Steam offers 75% discount on indie games this weekend
Steam is offering the "who's who" of independent video games in an incredible sale you'd be silly to miss. For $30, you can get 10 indie games via the service: Audiosurf Blueberry Garden Braid Crayon Physics Deluxe Darwinia Everyday Shooter Gish Mr. Robot The Path World of Goo There's a lower-budget $20 option as well, which only includes half the games above. Either way, you'll be feeding starving independent developers without having to break the bank. Oh, and most of these games are pretty fun, too. It's a win-win for everyone, so make sure you rush to Steam before the sale ends on Monday, August 10.
Introversion details Microsoft approval process for Darwinia+
The XBLA approval process has always been a process shrouded in mystery ... until now. Developer Introversion, the folks behind upcoming XBLA game Darwinia+, are laying all the cards on the table -- design documents, internal emails, weekly reports, code from the game and even the project plan -- thus providing transparency of the XBLA approval process. Available on Introversion's website, the company has made it clear that it'll show "the good, the bad, and the very very very bad" that takes place during game development. "If we can show it to you -- we will."Teaming up with GamesIndustry.biz, the company will also be regularly updating an ongoing series "critiquing the ongoing development process," and presumably helping those outside of Introversion to understand more intricately what has gone into creating Darwinia+. The game is set to release internally on September 24, so with any luck we'll see it not too long afterward.[Via GamesIndustry.biz]
Multiwinia preview shows off pixelated mayhem
Introversion devotees know exactly what Multiwinia is and why they should be excited, but many others might not remember the multiplayer update to award-winning strategy title Darwinia, due out this September. Both parties should check out Rock Paper Shotgun's extensive preview of Multiwinia, showing off just how hardcore the adorable little flat sprites can be. Multiwinia: Survival of the Flattest will feature the usual smattering of multiplayer modes, built upon the stellar gameplay and gorgeous aesthetic that made Darwinia an instant Joystiq classic. Gameplay modes will include Darwinian twists on deathmatch, king of the hill, capture the flag, territories, and a few more modes unique to the Darwinia universe. We can't wait to wage tiny, tiny war.
Darwinia+ confirmed for XBLA, lands this Fall
So, should we expect all PC-to-XBLA ports to add a plus sign to their titles and call it a day now? Nominal concerns aside, Introversion Software has acknowledged the ESRB rating of Darwinia for the Xbox 360 and confirmed the existence of the title. The game will be titled Darwinia+ and will include both the original Darwinia and the upcoming multiplayer expansion, Multiwinia: Survival of the Flattest. Details are sparse, apart from the fact that Darwinia+ should hit XBLA in Fall 2008For those who don't have the patience to wait that long, we suggest you snag the demo from Introversion, which is available for Mac, PC, and Linux.
Darwinia+ confirmed for Xbox Live this Fall
Acknowledging the game's "leak" by the ESRB, Introversion has confirmed that Darwinia+, a combination of Darwinia and the multiplayer variant Multiwinia: Survival of the Flattest, is coming to Xbox Live this Fall. Introversion also provided reassureance that Multiwinia is coming to the PC.No other details are given; if you have never played Darwinia, then we strongly suggest you to download the demo (available for Windows, Mac and Linux) and try it out. Here's hoping this starts a precedent and we can one day enjoy DEFCON and the upcoming Subversion on our platform of choice.
Darwinia rated by ESRB for Xbox 360 [update]
The all-knowing US rating overlords at the ESRB have declared cult favorite Darwinia is on its way to Xbox 360 with an E rating. The long-rumored console version of Darwinia is expected as an Xbox Live Arcade title.The real question about the XBLA version of Darwinia is whether it'll incorporate Multiwinia, an announced multiplayer version of the game. For those who know nothing about Darwinia, the game oozes with geekiness as the player is tasked with saving the Darwinians, a colony of AIs living in old '80s servers under attack. No release date is attached to the project.Update: Introversion confirms everything. Darwinia and Multiwinia will release together as one package called Darwinia+ on XBLA this fall.[Thanks Bob, Via X3F]
Darwinia 360 finally rated by ESRB
Well that took a while. After being rumored for Xbox Live Arcade nearly two years ago, Darwinia from Introversion has been rated by the ESRB for Xbox 360. While we don't have any more solid details regarding the 360 version of the game -- believed to be an XBLA title -- the ESRB rating gives us hope that it won't be too long before we start to hear more about the title (or better yet, get a chance to actually play it).For those that haven't played it, the gameplay is regarded as somewhat hard to classify, so we've embedded a trailer in the hopes that it might clarify things a bit (hint: it doesn't, but the game sure looks fun).[Via XBLArcade]
Multiwinia: Darwinia goes multiplayer in 2008
Introversion has announced that award-winning game Darwinia is going multiplayer. Set for release as a standalone product, Multiwinia will let you play cooperatively or competitively with someone else. The number of people who can play together simultaneously is currently unknown, but we're hoping for for some pretty frantic action across many, many armies.The game will be spearheaded by John Knottenbelt while Introversion co-founder Chris Delay "[begins] work on other new projects" (console titles? Subversion?). Knottenbelt mentions there will be graphical improvements from the game, though it's unclear if he's talking about the recent Vista upgrades or something beyond that, and a new formation mode, "which will let you organise your Darwinians into ranks to create massive armies."Details are sparse currently, though Introversion is expected to make a few announcements at next week's Game Developers Conference. Multiwinia is being planned for a 2008 release.[Thanks, Sam!]
