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PSN Thursday: Try Trine, Get Gex
PS3 owners don't have much to download, with Numblast (pictured above) and Military Madness the sole new games on PSN this week. For your retro thrills, Gex crawls out of the Not-Very-Popular-PS1-Mascots Archive. Make sure you get the free LBP birthday costume, and don't miss out on the Trine demo (especially if you're on the fence!). PSP owners have a lot more to choose from with the addition of Numblast, Dissidia, Ghostbusters and a free MotorStorm: Arctic Edge demo. Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list: (Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)
PSN Thursday: The time for Trine
After a "last-minute bug" delayed its PSN release back in July, with a hold-up in quality assurance in September, it appears that it's finally time for tryin' Trine. Then again, with the way Critter Crunch (demo out now) sold, it appears folks are into their big holiday retail titles at the moment. Admit it, you're playing Uncharted 2 for the third time right now. Check out the full PSN update after the break. Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list: (Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)
Trine coming to US PSN today; Frozenbyte answers the obvious question
What happened? Frozenbyte has reiterated that Trine will really, for reals be available on PSN today. The PSN puzzle-platformer was supposed to be out in July, before the PC version, but it failed to meet either of those deadlines. So why is it three months late?Essentially, as Frozenbyte has said, the delay can be attributed to stringent testing for a console release, combined with a long wait for approval of every test -- with just a dash of Sony marketing strategy. Frozenbyte's Joel Kinnunen has described the issue in a lengthy forum post. "The reason why the US version is so late is a bit of a similar situation as the overall delay," Kinnunen wrote. "We had the US version done around the same time as the European version and I think the publisher submitted it swiftly after hearing the European version was 'ok.'" After that delay, Kinnunen believes, it was Sony's desire to "give the game a good window with regards to other PSN titles/content" that kept it off the US PlayStation Store until today.
Trine (finally) gets US PSN release date: October 22
All the tryin' is over -- Trine is coming to America. But is it too late? The PSN title looks to finally overcome major delays, only to find itself releasing amidst Uncharted 2, Borderlands and Ratchet & Clank. Good luck, ye brave platformer.Trine will try and find its way to the North American PlayStation Store on Thursday, October 22. No word on price yet, but the European version launched at €19.99 (about $29); and the currently available PC version is listed for $20.
Trine's Platinum Trophy is all heart and soul
Though Trine's lengthy delay has become the butt of many a tactless joke, European PlayStation 3 owners can finally access Frozenbyte's physics-based platformer today -- the pleasant result of a wizard, a warrior and a thief walking into a cross-media bar. As consolation, the trio have brought along a Platinum Trophy, a rarity among downloadable PlayStation Network games."Trine has a Platinum Trophy because it's a fairly large game for a downloadable title (and dare I say great quality)," Frozenbyte PR manager Joel Kinnunen told Joystiq. "I think all the heart and soul we poured into the game fused into a platinum core, so maybe that's another reason." The virtual reward, obtained by earning all lower-tier Trophies, is generally reserved for the PS3's retail releases.You may suspect Trine to become one of them -- the PC version made it to retail in North America, after all -- but Kinnunen ruled out any immediate plans for a Blu-ray release. %Gallery-50263%
European PSN releases for September 17
We've been Trine really hard to come up with a clever statement for this week's European PSN releases, but we've come up short. Our usual Command of the English language has failed us -- a fact which will keep us up all through the Insane Night.... Also, Bomberman Ultra is out. Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list: (Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)
Trine PS3 due this week in Europe [update]
Eurogamer reports -- and Sony Europe has confirmed with Joystiq as well -- that the long-awaited puzzle platformer, Trine, is set to arrive on the European PlayStation Store this week. It appears developer Frozenbyte may have finally worked out its quality assurance testing issues with Sony.We've contacted Sony America and are still awaiting an official response about the PS3 version's release in North America. Keep an eye on this week's PSN Thursday updates for the final word.Update: Sony America hasn't made an official statement; however, a member of developer Frozenbyte has stated on the company forum, "All I know is that US release is not tomorrow."[Thanks, B. Wright]%Gallery-50263%
Trine 'stuck' in Quality Assurance testing, dev unsure of release date
Remember that game Trine? The summer is quickly coming to a close, and we've yet to see the innovative multiplayer platformer hit the PlayStation Network. What happened to the game, and why isn't it out yet?Develpoer Frozenbyte's CEO Lauri Hyvärinen spoke with GameSetWatch and said the game has been stalled due to Sony's rigorous QA testing. "On consoles it takes weeks, even months if the game gets stuck in the technical quality testing stuff. It's not anybody's fault really, and it guarantees a better end product, but the time it takes can be frustrating."Frustration? We certainly didn't notice that in our comments section! Unfortunately, Hyvärinen doesn't have much to console us. According to Frozenbyte, they're as in the dark about the release as we are: "I think we are waiting for the PSN release just as much as gamers out there." Hopefully, Trine will see release soon -- before the holiday's big guns start hogging all our attention.%Gallery-50263%
PC Trine to retail Sept. 8, PSN cries single tear
While PS3 users are still waiting for the PSN release of thiefy-wizardy-knighty-platformer Trine, SouthPeak has announced that the PC version of the game will soon be headed to retail. The retail version of the game will land on shelves September 8 -- peep its box art above.So, if you've been waiting for a chance to own a copy of Trine that actually comes with a box, you're wait is almost over. If, on the other hand, you've been waiting to download the game on a certain, special console, you'll have to continue settling for nothing but deep sighs and long, wistful looks out the window.
Trine hammers 25% off Steam price until Aug. 19
Multiplayer puzzle-platformer Trine is enjoying a 25-percent discount on Steam for a limited time. Lasting until August 19, the deal will lift $22.50 from your wallet. This brings the PC version a little more in line with the expected price of the PS3 version, which, last we heard, was getting itself out of "a big mess." %Gallery-50263%
Trine delayed, trying to release on PSN soon
Trine will not make it onto the PlayStation Network this week, due to the discovery of a "last-minute bug." G4tv reports that Frozenbyte confirmed the delay and noted that it can't verify a release for next week either. The best answer the company could give is that the game will arrive soon.Fret not, for if you have a PC, the game is already available. Also, we're still not sure if "last-minute bug" is a euphemism for "Fat Princess was going to devour all our sales."[Via 1UP]
New Trine trailer focuses on physics-based co-op gameplay
No, Trine isn't available on PSN ... yet! However, a brand new trailer on the PlayStation.blog makes us wish we could play it on our PS3s right now. (Note: You can buy it on Steam ... but it'll cost you some more.) This new footage focuses on the co-op gameplay and how multiple players can take advantage of the physics system to help each other traverse the game's 16 levels. Unfortunately, there's no release date revealed on the blog, other than a simple "coming soon." Boo. Soon doesn't mean today, does it?See the trailer after the break.
Trine dev: Project is 'a big mess'
To be clear, Frozenbyte spokesman Joel Kinnunen wasn't saying that the company's fantasy action platformer itself is a mess, but everything surrounding it -- like price point disparity between regions and territories -- has become quite the kerfuffle.The problem, apparently, is that Trine started life as PC game before migrating to PSN and (maybe) XBLA. While that may be good for getting the game to as many people as possible, it's not ideal for a game launch."Trine as a project is a big mess," Kinnunen said, "as opposed to Trine as a game, which is pretty sweet. Ultimately it's the game part that really matters and helps us sleep at night, though."
Trine casts a spell on Steam today
Trine is a game with a lot of buzz surrounding it, and for good reason. It's an ambitious title, to say the least, and we're glad to report that the game will be available on Steam today for your downloading pleasure. The game's a bit on the pricier side ($29.99), but provides plenty of bang for those bucks, including three different playable characters, 15 different levels, and co-op for up to three players. Oh, and if you pre-ordered, don't forget about your free copy of Shadowgrounds.Just do us one favor before you download: Make sure you put on your robe and wizard hat. Thanks.
Frozenbyte responds: 'XBLA version of Trine is a possibility'
While we were ready to believe that online co-op in the Xbox Live Arcade release of Trine was "speculation," we'll admit, we were pretty taken aback to hear the developer refer to the XBLA release itself as "speculation" as well. While Trine's would-be XBLA publisher at Atlus issued a terse "no comment," we got a hold of the developers at Frozenbyte, whose Lauri Hyvärinen had this to say: An XBLA version of Trine is a possibility but nothing more at present time. We would love to have Trine on XBLA and we've partnered with Atlus to make it happen, but it needs Microsoft's approval and there are other factors as well. So it may happen or it may not, that's really the current situation. Everything else ranging from release date to features is just speculation and isn't based on any facts.As soon as we know more we will also inform everyone else :) So, there you have it. Microsoft needs to approve the game and Frozenbyte has to address "other factors" (we don't think online co-op is required – Bionic Commando Rearmed lacks online support for its co-op mode). But don't keep your feelings bottled up inside (you can get sick that way, y'know?). Share them with us in our handy poll, which is awaiting your input just after the break.
Saywhut? Trine dev says XBLA release is 'speculation' [Update: Frozenbyte responds]
Anatomy of confusion: At E3 earlier this month, Atlus announces that they'll be publishing Frozenbyte's very impressive co-op platformer Trine on Xbox Live Arcade. Primotech is purportedly told by an Atlus representative at E3 that the Xbox Live Arcade release will feature online co-op as well as offline. Neither the PC nor PSN versions, both of which are being released much sooner than the XBLA version, will feature online co-op. Shacknews links Primotech's assertion, and Joystiq in turn links that. Developer Frozenbyte takes to the forums to clear the confusion, stating that "The XBLA version and its features is just speculation at this point." Wait, what? "The XBLA version ... is just speculation at this point"?Developer fb_joel writes, "... as developers, we would love as many people as possible to be able to play our games and therefore I hope Trine will eventually find its way to XBLA too." So, not only is Frozenbyte stating that online co-op in the Xbox Live Arcade version is "speculation" but that the XBLA release itself is speculation as well! We bet Atlus wishes someone told them that at E3!The developer later said, "On the actual topic I will not comment as no-one knows anything about XBLA at this point, and I really hope when some people do know, I would be one of them." Yeah, we're right there with you. GamerBytes reported from E3 that Trine "hasn't been given the official nod from Microsoft for concept approval, and therefore Atlus are unable to send out press releases or other information about the game." That may explain why, when contacted for this story, Atlus responded with a very terse "no comment." We've reached out to Frozenbyte as well, and will update this story accordingly.[Update: We've heard from Frozenbyte's Lauri Hyvärinen and here's what they say: "An XBLA version of Trine is a possibility but nothing more at present time. We would love to have Trine on XBLA and we've partnered with Atlus to make it happen, but it needs Microsoft's approval and there are other factors as well. So it may happen or it may not, that's really the current situation. Everything else ranging from release date to features is just speculation and isn't based on any facts. As soon as we know more we will also inform everyone else :)So, there you have it. Trine on XBLA is not a sure thing. There, there ... it'll be okay.]%Gallery-50263%[Via Shacknews]
Trine PSN costs 2/3 of PC version, scheduled for July release [Update]
By now, you're probably familiar with the ambitious, multiplayer puzzle-platformer, Trine. Shacknews is reporting that the upcoming PC version of the game will have an "official" price of $40, with Steam pre-orders available for a discounted $30. (Check out a downloadable demo at BigDownload. Update: We received a clarification from SouthPeak, publisher of the PC game. All versions of the PC game, retail and digital, will cost $30.) Those who want to experience Trine in the most affordable way possible will want to download the PSN version of the game, priced at $20.Obviously, that's a rather high price point for a downloadable game. However, developer Frozenbyte says the high production values merit the sticker tag. "Trine is far from a game created by a solo hero developer (we have over 20 employees and Trine has contributions from a double amount of people) ... we are very confident that we can deliver a full retail experience with Trine."Our early impressions of the game suggest Frozenbyte is right. We'd much rather buy this than, say, the equally priced Watchmen: The End is Nigh. While an official PSN date isn't set, the publisher is expecting a July release. An Xbox 360 version of the game, which will support online co-op (a feature not included in the initial PC or PSN releases), is also in the works. [Update 2: Developer Frozenbyte has said that news of online co-op support is "just speculation at this point."]%Gallery-50263%
Pre-order Trine on Steam, get Shadowgrounds for free
Usually, whenever we're offered free games as a pre-order bonus, there's some common theme between the reserved title and the aforementioned playable incentive. Perhaps the bonus game is the prequel to the upcoming release, or at least belongs in the same genre as the pre-ordered title. However, a recent deal on Steam seems to go against this convention -- if you pre-order the upcoming fantasy action-platformer Trine on Steam's download service, you get the frantic top-down shooter Shadowgrounds for free.Okay, so they're both made by indie developer Frozenbyte, but still -- there's a wide chasm between the worlds of Smash TV and ... well, we can't think of a pre-existing game to compare Trine to. Super Ultima-rio Bros?
SouthPeak bringing Trine to PC, demo out now
The indie, fantasy action-platformer that is FrozenByte's Trine has already impressed us during hands-on time with it. Today, SouthPeak announced that it will be publishing a PC version of the game in the US so that non-console gamers can experience its unique blend of on-the-fly object creation -- both for puzzle-solving and attacks/defense -- and side-scrolling gameplay for themselves.Supporting three-player co-op, the game is due to hit PC, PSN and XBLA (the latter via Atlus) in late summer. PC owners don't have to wait for a taste of the game, though, as the San Francisco Examiner turned us on to the fact that a demo is available now from BigDownload. If you want a better idea of the console version's gameplay ... plug in a 360 controller and BAM![Thanks, theineffablebob!]
E3 2009 highlights: The Xbox roundup
E3 was brütal! If you blinked, for a split/second, you missed something. Even if you were trine to keep up, it was a blur -- staying a.wake like that, you only pushed yourself to the brink of your own dark void. That's where Joystiq comes in; to crackdown on the madness; to reach out ... with conviction -- phew! Crysis averted. We've scoured the dark corners and survived the inferno to piece together this roundup of all things Xbox at E3. Why? Just 'cause we love you. So, draw nier and shift your eyes past the break.
