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Stranger's Wrath HD dev will 'look to' bring PS3 update to PC for free
While we're no closer to learning if the HD update to the formerly Xbox-exclusive Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath will ever make it to Xbox Live Arcade – either it's got to shrink in size or Microsoft has to bump up that size limit ... again – developer Just Add Water is hinting at another platform that may see the "NOT PS3-exclusive" remake. JAW's Stewart Gilray took to the Steam forums to placate Oddboxx consumers angry about the inconsistency of the PC port of Stranger's Wrath. Porting the title from Xbox (and an Xbox-specific implementation of DirectX) to PC and OpenGL introduced a number of issues, which Gilray was eager to address. "From a personal note, to read these comments that the game is beyond broken hurts," he wrote in the forums. "I am always incredibly paranoid about that work I/we do and am always self-critical, so please help us fix these issues by providing as much positive feedback as you can with system specs and detailed descriptions." As users turned in (generally angry) bug reports, one asked the question everyone's been wondering: "Why can't the PC port be as good as the PS3 version?" Gilray responded simply, "Because the PS3 version is not completed yet," before adding, "As for the PS3 version, we will look to bring this to the PC as an update to the current PC version at a later date." While it's far from a promise, it is a reminder that the HD remake isn't contractually bound to remain a PS3-exclusive, and it's also a potential silver lining for anyone plagued by bugs in the current Oddboxx release. %Gallery-112128%[Thanks, BoogerA]
Just Add Water talks new models for Stranger's Wrath
Despite what you may think, it turns out that remastering a five-year-old game up to today's graphical standards is actually very complicated. Just Add Water has posted a new developer diary for the upcoming remake of Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath, this time discussing the work that has gone into creating the new character models. Some models, like the Stranger, can be based on the models used in the pre-rendered cinematics from the original title. Others, which have no CG version, must be remade from scratch, such as the Fuzzle seen above. Check out the diary, which is full of fancy terms like "NURBS" and "Ambient Occlusion," for a closer look at the Stranger's journey into modernity.
File size restriction currently keeping Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath from XBLA
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath was an Xbox exclusive. Why, then, is the remake exclusive to PlayStation 3? Developer Just Add Water says that it isn't -- theoretically. "Whilst I can't go into complete detail on this," a news post on the company's website states, "I can tell you that we are NOT PS3 Exclusive. As far as we are concerned we are a multi-platform company, supporting the big 3, PC/PS3 & 360." The specific reason why Stranger's Wrath isn't on 360 yet is a surprising one, one we haven't heard for a while: XBLA size restrictions. "On XBLA there is a 2 GigaByte size limit we have to adhere to," the developer said. "Currently the title weighs in at 2.1GB and that is without any updates, so either we have to pull a miracle out of the bag with some type of amazing compression system, or ask Microsoft to increase their 2GB limit, however this limit is apparently hardware led, so please let us try and make a miracle happen." Don't worry, Oddworld fans. Microsoft increasing the XBLA size limit is less a "miracle" and more "inevitable."
Oddworld's Stranger getting a makeover for PS3 remake
As seen in the image above, Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath's main character is getting a truckload or two of new polygons in Just Add Water's forthcoming remastered version of the game. How many more, specifically, you ask? Is 17,000 enough, roughly seven times more than the original Xbox version? Certainly is for us! The difference is far more stunning when viewed on a larger scale than our header image will allow, so we'd suggest heading to JAW's dev blog and seeing for yourself. On the same blog, you'll find a handful of details regarding what specifically is being changed about Stranger's Wrath.
Stranger's Wrath HD the first of six Oddworld projects from Just Add Water
The Oddworld franchise is making a comeback, starting with a remastered version of Stranger's Wrath created by a small team at Just Add Water. The developer's ambition encompasses six Oddworld projects in total -- that's an Oddworld Quintology plus one. "Well for one I'm a HUGE fan, and always have been, all the way back to 1997," said Stewart Gilray, managing director of Just Add Water. "Other members of the team are also fans, and as a company we all care deeply about the project, and will only sign off on it ourselves, when we are happy with it in every aspect." Talking to Joystiq via email, Gilray explained that his company's collaboration with Oddworld Inhabitants started when he was introduced to series creator Lorne Lanning, during the 2009 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. Hello. Follow me. Isn't that how all these deals happen?
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath remake coming to PS3 in 2011
Are you ready, Steef? Just Add Water is working on a high-definition remake of Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath. The Gravity Crash developer announced the project earlier today, highlighting it as the first in a "long and fruitful relationship" with the original game's developer, Oddworld Inhabitants. "Having a chance to update the great title and release it on PS3 is just a brilliant opportunity, not least for us, but for the fans too," added Just Add Water MD Stewart Gilray. Set for release on PlayStation Network during Easter next year, the PS3 remake of Stranger's Wrath will offer enhanced 720p visuals, more detailed character models, remastered dialogue, PlayStation Move support and "additional bonus material." When it launched on Xbox in January 2005, Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath was notable for being, well, a really bizarre first-person shooter. It placed the franchise's environmental missive inside a wild and weird Western aesthetic, and replaced ammunition with ravenous fuzzballs. An EA-developed port for PlayStation 2 never made it to stores.
Gravity Crash colliding with PSP tomorrow, July 20
The portable iteration of Just Add Water's modern take on a retro classic, Gravity Crash, will finally see the light of day tomorrow. The new and arguably improved PSP version of the game will be added to the PlayStation Store in the next PSN content update tomorrow, available for $10. The new version of the game features an anti-gravity ship, which is less eager to go crashing into the surrounding walls than the original -- though, isn't that kind of counter-intuitive to the game's moniker? For the full list of changes visited upon the handheld port, check out the developer's recent post on PlayStation Blog.
New Oddworld games in the works at Just Add Water
The long-dormant Oddworld franchise is ready to make its return. Just Add Water, developer of Gravity Crash, has been working with Oddworld Inhabitants on "multiple projects, across multiple platforms ... starring all of your favorite Oddworld characters." Just Add Water Managing Director Stewart Gilray has also revealed that franchise creator Lorne Lanning is involved in the new projects. While further details aren't yet available, a few more teases will be revealed on the PS Nation podcast tonight. To keep abreast of any breaking revelations, you can also follow AbeMudokon on Twitter.
Just Add Water announces 'Vektar Beat' for PSP Minis and iPhone
Gravity Crash developer Just Add Water has announced a brand new game for PSP, PS3 and iPhone. Vektar Beat is a "rhythm/puzzle game" that will presumably feature vector-styled graphics. Taking a page from WiiWare's Bit.Trip franchise, Vektar Beat is just the first in a series of Vektar mini-games. While details are scant, there's good reason to play close attention to the game. Just Add Water plans on charging as little as $1 for the game on the Minis service, introducing pricing parity between the App Store and the PlayStation Store for the first time. For PSP owners frustrated at overpriced Minis, Vektar Beat represents an interesting experiment. Vektar Beat is scheduled for release in the Spring. Further details are scant for now, but tonight's episode of the PS Nation podcast should reveal much more.
Gravity Crash PSP adds exclusive 'Survivor Mode'
It's been a while since Gravity Crash landed on the PS3. But what ever happened to the PSP version? It's still in the works, and it's gotten much bigger since we last heard of it. Not only will the PSP version of Gravity Crash feature the same retro-inspired gameplay as the PS3 game, it'll add a brand new "Survivor" mode, exclusive to the handheld version. In addition, the previously-canceled level editor has found its way back on the PSP. Looks like LittleBigPlanet PSP isn't the only Play, Create, Share game on the system! Additionally, a new patch is hitting the PS3 version of the game. For more details, visit the PlayStation.Blog. Check out a trailer of the PSP game after the break.
Gravity Crash lands a global PSN release on Tuesday, November 24
It's taken a while, but Just Add Water's play-create-share dual-stick shooter Gravity Crash will be landing on both the American and European PlayStation Stores next Tuesday, November 24th. The game has certainly come a long way since its E3 showing, especially in terms of visuals. Unlike so many other PSN games, Gravity Crash will launch with a free demo which will include access to four levels and the in-game level editor (seen after the break). The demo will give you nearly unrestricted access to the editor, with one caveat -- you'll only be able to publish levels online by buying the full game. Gravity Crash will be available on PS3 for £6.29 / €7.99 / $9.99. A PSP version -- which also includes a level editor -- is also in the works, and is likely to arrive in December. For more details on the game, check out Episode 140 of the PS Nation podcast. %Gallery-65004% Source - PlayStation.Blog Europe Source - PS Nation podcast
Gravity Crash landing on PS3 and PSP
The little-known retro-themed PSN shooter, Gravity Crash isn't staying still on PS3. SCEE stealthily revealed a PSP version at Gamescom. Like its big brother, Gravity Crash will be distributed through the PlayStation Network. Looking at the trailer for the PS3 game (above), it's clear the transition to PSP should be rather easy. Both versions of the game are being developed by Just Add Water, but it appears that only the PS3 version will include the ability to create and share levels. Too bad! Guess PSP owners will have to stick with LittleBigPlanet instead.
'Project V' to be revealed at E3, will hit PS3 and PSP
SCEE is partnering up with development studio Just Add Water on a new downloadable PlayStation Network game, for both PS3 and PSP. Currently called "Project V," the game is expected to be announced at E3.PSP has received a number of PSN ports in the past, such as Super Stardust Portable and Everyday Shooter. However, this may be the first time the two platforms will receive a downloadable game simultaneously. [Update: We forgot about Echochrome!] Obviously, details on the upcoming title are slim, but it'll be interesting to see how the two platforms interface with each other (if at all).[Via superannuation]
