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The Best Of Big Download: May 23-31, 2008
Who says PC gaming is dying? We don't. The new Big Download blog site continues to gain readers and post up exclusive news and content on all aspects of PC gaming. This week we have a ton of Mass Effect PC features as well as other content for you to check out. Here are the highlights from the past week:Exclusive Features In-Depth: Mass Effect: We go in detail on the new PC port of BioWare's acclaimed science fiction RPG Big Iron: Mass Effect's effective mass: We find out if your PC rig can run the game with all the bells and whistles. Big Versus: Mass Effect: How do the PC and Xbox 360 versions of the game compare to each other? We find out. PvP vs PvE: EA Mythic on Warhammer Online: Our series of PvP interviews for MMO games continues with EA Mythic's Jeff Hickman on their plans for the feature in Warhammer Online. Running With Scissors Vince Desi on the Postal movie: We chat with the Postal development head on the newly release movie version of their dark satire action game series. Big Versus: Penny Arcade Adventures - Episode One: We compare the PC and Xbox 360 versions of the new downloadable adventure-RPG from Hothead Games Casually Speaking: Are causal games really gateway games?: Our weekly casual games column looks at the debate on how playing casual games could lead some players to try more hardcore titles Freeware Friday: Abuse: The weekly column on free games takes a look at a golden oldie; the side-scrolling sci-fi shooter Abuse MODvelous Monday: This week's look at game mods looks at the Classic Doom 3 total conversion for Doom 3
Penny Arcade Adventures: XBLA, PC versions go head-to-head
Sure, there are demos for all the versions (download here: Windows, Mac, Linux), but if you still can't decide which Penny Arcade Adventures: Episode One: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness is right for you, our friends at Big Download have sired Big Versus, a comparison of the Xbox 360 and PC versions. Their conclusion is a statistical tie, with minor complaints for both iterations, biggest of which is the lack of hotkeys for the PC. Read the details for yourself here.
Rez, Ikaruga hold record for best XBLA launches
In news post yesterday, Penny Arcade's Gabe revealed the top four best launches ever for Xbox Live Arcade, with the launch window being the first three days of availability. The list is as follows: Rez HD, 25k units Ikaruga, 22.5k units Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 1, 16.5k units N+, 13k units Honestly, we're a bit surprised by the initial success of Rez and Ikaruga. Not that we didn't want them to succeed (they really are awesome games), but we didn't expect to see Xbox Live community rally so quickly around years-old re-releases. Now, if we could only see data for worst XBLA launches, or even total Rez playtime using multiple controllers as trance vibrators.%Gallery-12973%[Via X3F]
Penny Arcade Episode One third best XBLA launch to date
It looks like Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness - Episode One has broken through the controversy and landed as the third most successful XBLA games during its launch period.According to a post from Penny Arcade's illustrator Mike Krahulik (aka Gabe), Episode One sold 16.5K units in the first three days of release. While it's already impressive for a new game wedged between known quantities like RezHD, Ikaruga and N+ to sell well, it's even more impressive considering Penny Arcade was priced twice as high as the rest in the top four.According to Mike Krahulik, the top four three-day launch titles on XBLA are: RezHD -- 25k units Ikaruga -- 22.5k units Penny Arcade Adventures Episode One -- 16.5k units N+ -- 13k units Also, according to a report by VGChartz, Penny Arcade's debut title has landed the top spot as the highest grossing XBLA title to date; at $330,000 in its first three days, Episode One beat out the record debut titleholder WormsHD. Congrats to Hothead Games for rolling twenties.
Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is on the rain-free precipice of sunshine and rainbows
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! 'Tis not a single thing bad about this day! Althought we're knee-deep in the awesome Penny Arcade Adventures (hence the really bad tracing on the Photoshop above), we thought we'd take a moment to reflect on sunnier adventures. ... Okay, we're done, back to the game! Here are our picks for the week's best game-related webcomics. Voting after the break.Bingo, the New Game by Rockstar (Married to the Sea)Universal Access (Robot Martini)Tales of the Boundless Universe (Nobody Scores)Super Ultra Double Secret (Penny Arcade)Million Dollar Arcade (Dueling Analogs)The Case (CAD)Ages 7 and Up ... and Up! (VG Cats)A Turn of Events (2P Start)Waistline Dilation (Digital Unrest)D'awwwww! (Fanboys Online)
Metareview -- Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode One (PC/360)
Though it's perhaps easier to write these metareviews when critics seem to agree, we really prefer to have some differing opinions in there. That's certainly the case with Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode One which has already netted reviews ranging from a paltry 40 to a very respectable 80 (where Penny Arcade's own Gabe slots it, as a matter of fact).That said, most of the critics are residing on the higher end of that spectrum. Here's a sample of what they're saying: GameSpot (75/100): "This is not just some generic trash stamped with the Penny Arcade logo; this is the long-running webcomic seamlessly realized in video game form." Edge (40/100): "With the episodic development cycle all but demanding that structure and form be locked down in the first instalment, with content added thereafter, the series' future looks precarious at best." Wired (70/100): "...while it does try to bite off a great deal more than it can chew -- and suffers for it -- the game is a solid, clever, hilarious piece of entertainment that will more than please its audience." OXM (85/100): "Twenty bucks is a perfectly reasonable sum when you consider how many retail Xbox 360 games offer the same quantity of content...and we'll bet you didn't laugh half as much playing any of those as you will playing this."
The Best Of Big Download: May 16-22, 2008
Hello once again, loyal reader. The team at Big Download has had an extremely busy second week with lots of features, downloads and news to report about on the PC gaming scene. It doesn't get much bigger than the release of Penny Arcade Adventures (and yes we have the PC, Mac and Linux demo versions available to download) and of course Age of Conan was pretty huge as well. We are still trying to iron out a few more bugs on the site but we are pretty happy with what we've got so far. Let's take a quick look at the highlights for our second official week:Exclusive Features: PvP vs PvE: ArenaNet on Guild Wars: We chat with game designer Isaiah Cartwright on how they develop the PvP and PvE aspects of Guild Wars. Epic's Mark Rein on Chair Entertainment purchase: We chat briefly with Epic Games' VP on their acquisition of Chair Entertainment Age of Conan: The pros and cons: Should you buy Funcom's new MMO? We look at the pluses and minuses of the fantasy game. Big Iron: Age of Conan's demanding tribute: Our hardware columist takes a look at what kind of PC you will need to run Age of Conan MODverlous Monday: Our new weekly mod column takes a look at two Half-Life 2 mods Freeware Friday: Our weekly look at free games takes a look at the classic title N Casually Speaking: Orisinal and the Zen of design: Our casual game columist checks out an impressive casual game web site Talkin' Smack: Online voice chat in kids' games: An editorial on how game designers might deal with the tricky issue of game voice chat for children Guide to Team Fortress 2 Medic Achievements: Check out the final two parts of our extensive look at the various achievements for the Medic class in Valve's multiplayer shooter: Part 5; Part 6
X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Penny Arcade Adventures
For this week's XBLA in Brief, we welcome the arrival of (ahem) Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode One. The first in a series of four episodes, Penny Arcade Adventures presents the very first episodic game to grace Microsoft's download service. The question that remains is whether or not it's any good. After our experience with the trial version, we'd say that it is (so long as you like Penny Arcade, role-playing games, adventure games or, even better, all three). Check out the video to find out if On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness is for you.[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4V directly.
Joystiq talks with Tycho about Penny Arcade Adventures
Now that Penny Arcade Adventures has finally landed, Joystiq got to sit down with Jerry Holkins (better known by his alter-ego Tycho Brahe) and discuss the creation of the game and how it has impacted the folks behind Penny Arcade. To call it an "in depth" interview would be a disservice to the term. There are literally pages and pages of information to be absorbed here, and frankly we won't attempt to encapsulate them. Rather, we suggest you simply head over to Joystiq and ingest it all for yourself. Seriously, go forth. Ingest.
Tycho Brahe weighs in On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Penny_Arcade_s_Tycho_talks_about_the_Rain_Slick_Precipice'; The unique experiment of Penny Arcade Adventures has already begun in earnest. The long-term question in the making -- "Can game comic-makers make a videogame?" -- is moot. On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness is now available via Xbox Live and the Greenhouse website (with demos here: Windows, Mac and Linux). The question now becomes: What do the creators think of their spawn? We sat down with Jerry "Tycho" Holkins, Penny Arcade's writer-in-residence, to get some perspective on that very issue.We had the chance to discuss a number of the game's elements -- from the origins of the Startling Developments Detective Agency to the foul creation of the evil bums. Mr. Holkins also shed a dim light on future episodes in the series as we discussed the music and writing that surround the overarching story. We also clarified that for Penny Arcade, as a creative team, there is no rest. Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins are not celebrating today, they're not patting themselves on the back. Instead, they're returning to what they do best: working.Read on to find out why these guys are driven to mine the funny for your benefit.%Gallery-1545%
No Penny Arcade adventures for Wii owners after all
The dream was nice while it lasted, guys. It looks like that there's no chance for the Penny Arcade game to make it to us via WiiWare, at least, not unless something changes. After comic co-creator Mike Krahulik gushed about his hopes for the game to appear on Nintendo's service last November, Vlad Ceraldi of developer Hothead Games has axed the possibility. "Until the size restriction is increased, the game will not be going to WiiWare. Sorry."Penny Arcade Adventures is apparently pretty large even among XBLA releases, so this isn't terribly surprising news, but it is a little disappointing to know we just missed bringing our Wii remotes to Gabe and Tycho's party.
Xbox 360 Spring Showcase impressions roundup
Our friends at Xbox 360 Fanboy are having a ball at the Xbox 360 Spring Showcase, sending word of their hands-on experiences with the console's upcoming lineup. (Update: Now with more Human.) Check out their impressions below: Impressions: Ninja Gaiden IIIt's unapologetically hardcore, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Impressions: Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & BoltsThere is good reason that Rare did not decide to title the game Banjo Threeie. It's something new. Impressions: Penny Arcade AdventuresOn the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness. Turns out the game is a meld of Japanese RPG and old-school adventure.
Xbox 360 Spring Showcase screenshot roundup
If a picture's worth a thousand words, we'll spare you the copious blabber and lead your eyeballs right to the trailhead (just hop past the break to get started!). Be warned though, the path through Microsoft's Xbox 360 Spring Showcase is a long one (but thankfully smooth and well lit). Be sure to sit a few feet from the screen, rest your eyes between galleries and drink lots of water! Enjoy.
Penny Arcade Adventures storms XBLA on May 21st
Just because we know you haven't already had enough Microsoft Spring Showcase announcements, we thought we'd pass along word that Penny Arcade's (deep breath) Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode 1 has now been confirmed to release onto the XBLA next Wednesday, May 21st. Phew! The semi-bad news is that this little Penny Arcade gem will cost a whopping 1600 Microsoft points, which is guaranteed to cause a lot of people's reaction to be something along the lines of "ouch!" or "no-way!" Though, we expect true Penny Arcade fans to unanimously agree that the $20 is worth every penny (pun intended) to experience a Gabe and Tycho featured episodic RPG. Check the new screens below.%Gallery-16607%
Penny Arcade Adventures hitting XBLA on May 21
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Penny_Arcade_Adventures_hitting_XBLA_on_May_21'; Microsoft has politely informed us that next week's Xbox Live Arcade game is none other than Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One. It should be out by the time you're done saying the title, then. Developed by Hothead Games, in collaboration with mighty adventure game designer, Ron Gilbert, and the folks behind Penny Arcade, the game sees Gabe and Tycho leap out of their webcomic frames and into an episodic RPG adventure. Even at 1,600 MS Points ($20), we don't think anything short of a clawshrimp attack will keep us away from this one.%Gallery-1545%
Penny Arcade announces 'Greenhouse' online game store
Penny Arcade and Hothead Games -- the developer behind On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness -- have just announced a joint partnership to launch Greenhouse, a brand new online game store, focused on digital distribution for independent games.Not to be mistaken for a downloadable client application (like GameTap and Steam), Greenhouse is simply a website for digital distribution, putting it in direct competition with fellow indie game portal Manifesto Games. The site, which is currently in beta, will initially be the exclusive download source for Precipice, offering the PC, Mac, and Linux versions. Later, more Hothead Games will be distributed via the service, along with other indie offerings.While the digital distribution market is getting a bit saturated as of late, let's hope Greenhouse's platform-agnostic approach to publishing keeps the service on our radar.
Penny Arcade Adventures priced at $20, specs released
Hothead Games today punched its rambling epic, Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode One (phew!), with a $19.95 price tag. That's just over 30 cents a letter (colons not included), assuming cost is derived, as it is for all episodic games, by the title's length. Currently, that price applies to all versions of the game, which include PC, Mac, Linux and Xbox Live Arcade editions. 1600 Microsoft Points ($20) would be new territory for digital distribution on Xbox 360, but clearly, Hothead and its two stars have made it a point to be living on the edge.PC, Mac and Linux specs are posted after the break.%Gallery-1545%
Joystiq talks to Penny Arcade Adventures devs
Our power hungry potentates at Joystiq managed to snag Ron Gilbert and Joel DeYoung from Hothead games for an interview concerning Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, the upcoming episodic title for XBLA. Gilbert and DeYoung discuss what it's like to work with Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins of Penny Arcade, and also the challenges of translating a 2D comic into a 3D adventure game. The Hothead devs also discuss the reasoning behind the episodic structure for the game their plans to release new episodes every four months (woot). Hit the "read" link and soak it all in. You'll be glad you did.
Joystiq interview: Penny Arcade Adventures
It's fair to say that quite a lot is expected from Vancouver-based developer, Hothead Games. The group not only has to deliver a series of downloadable and episodic adventure RPGs in regular intervals, but also appease a fanbase so large and rabid that it can click your website to death -- accidentally, if you're lucky. On top of all that, the poor developers are occasionally dragged into a tiny room for the sole purpose of being poked by a plethora of questions regarding their upcoming games.Penny Arcade Adventures producer, Joel DeYoung, and Hothead creative director, Ron Gilbert, had to endure just such a prodding during GDC, the results of which can be viewed after the break. Appropriately enough, our interview's almost as long as the title of the series: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness.%Gallery-1545%
GDC Quest Quiz I: Ron Gilbert
We did a terrible thing at last week's Game Developer's Conference. Aside from our usual barrage of photographs and "reporting," a select group of attendees had to endure a particularly inane and utterly pointless line of questioning -- just for laughs. This is what happens when you hunt down several adventure game connoisseurs and challenge them to solve a typically obnoxious adventure game puzzle. The Player Ron Gilbert, designer of The Secret of Monkey Island (amongst other LucasArts adventures), consultant on Penny Arcade Adventures and designer of Hothead's upcoming episodic series, Deathspank. The Puzzle You're standing in front of a cave. The goal is to get inside the cave, taking care to foil the ferocious robot bear guarding the entrance first. The Inventory (1) perforated parasol (1) rubber chicken with a pulley in the middle (1) sealed manila envelope (1) miniature macaroni Tim Schafer statue Find Ron Gilbert's surprisingly direct solution after the break.
