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Twisted Metal: Head On - Extra Twisted Edition stuffed with features
Two things you might not have known about David Jaffe: He likes ridiculously long game titles (a colon and a dash? You have outdone yourself, sir), and he also loves bonus features in games. This is why Twisted Metal: Head On - Extra Twisted Edition for the PS2 features a wealth of new content not seen in the PSP version.The included content includes new levels, several of which were originally designed for Twisted Metal: Black, access to an online soundtrack, an art book, a 30-minute making-of documentary, a new "Sweet Tour" mode, and ending footage originally shot for the first Twisted Metal game. Oh yeah, and the port of the PSP game is in there too, with an improved framerate and textures.Considering the game will retail for $19.99 USD, that's a whole lot of content included. TM:HO-ETE is scheduled for a February release in the States.
Jaffe wouldn't mind a little involvement with God of War III
David Jaffe, creator of the original God of War, says he would love to be involved somehow with God of War III, even though he's no longer with Sony. He notes that if he could figure out how to freeze time and still make it home for dinner with the family -- and if Sony would let him work on the project -- he'd do it. Jaffe says that he had a "master plan" for the God of War story when he was still with Sony and that the Santa Monica team has his notes -- but whether they want to follow them is their choice.That's just one small part of a large interview done by GameDaily BIZ with Jaffe. In the full interview, he discusses his new studio Eat, Sleep, Play and what it's like focusing on medium-sized titles. There's a pretty frank discussion about how he just couldn't get into BioShock -- he blames being too focused on the "nuts and bolts of play mechanics." There's a lot more straightforward Jaffe talk too, but honestly, did you expect anything less?
MTV talks Playstation Store in thorough interview
Sony's PC-based Playstation Store launched in late November with very little fan-fare -- a move that seemed somewhat uncharacteristic of the confident console maker. Still, despite the company's best efforts to downplay the service, MTV's Stephen Totilo sees what he feels could be the future of the industry.In an interview with Playstation's director of network operations Eric Lempel, Totilo learns pretty much everything there is to know about the Playstation Store, including the decision to restrict the downloads to PC (as opposed to allowing purchases directly from the PSP's browser). The interview also reveals more titles coming to PSPs via the download service, including SOCOM: Fire Team Bravo and Twisted Metal: Head On.
First trailer for Twisted Metal: Head On port emerges
We've just got to say it: Watching a trailer for a new Twisted Metal game makes us feel downright nostalgic. It doesn't hurt that this trailer for the upcoming PSP-to-PS2 port of Twisted Metal: Head On (now subtitled the Extra Twisted Edition) makes no efforts to seem hip or modern, sticking to the edgy, dark, metal-inspired pastiche that's been a series hallmark since its inception more than a decade ago. If you're old enough to remember Sweet Tooth and the rest of the upwardly mobile monsters he associated with (or just like making cars explode) this new offering seems to be a pretty solid deal, jam-packed with new levels, updated graphics and a bevy of bonus features. As a coming-out party for David Jaffe's Eat Sleep Play, this "everything old is new again" approach seems like a good choice. It's one he explained further today on Sony's official blog where he wrote that working on a new Twisted Metal game was "like coming home." We know exactly what you mean, Dave. We know exactly what you mean.
Jaffe pops the top on Eat Sleep Play's Logo
Ever since David Jaffe announced he was striking off on his own with new development house Eat Sleep Play, there's one particular bit of information gamers everywhere have been clamoring for. No, not the company's first original title -- what gamers really want to see is the logo.Well, the day has finally arrived. At long last fans, well-wishers and hangers-on can check out the above logo, courtesy of Newsweek. Jaffe says the soda-bottle-cap logo represents "the heart and soul of what our company is all about ... fizzy, refreshing fun." Frankly, it makes us think of Popcap Games more than anything like that.Along with the exclusive logo reveal, Newsweek has also posted up the first two parts of a three-part interview with Jaffe wherein he talks up the financial possibilities of smaller games and bravely reveals that he doesn't know what the word "remuneration" means. Careful David... those internet trolls are real sticklers for vocabulary.Read - The logo revealedRead - Newsweek Jaffe interview (part II)
Jaffe and Incognito chief leave Sony to start 'Eat, Sleep, Play' - announce Twisted Metal PS2 port
As promised, game developer David Jaffe has finally announced – in a move many expected – details of his new development studio located, not surprisingly, in Utah. Titled Eat, Sleep, Play, the new studio is a partnership with Incognito chief Scott Campbell who worked with Jaffe on the popular Twisted Metal series while both were at SCEA. With Ingognito's Warhawk about to take flight on PS3 and Jaffe having just finished Calling All Cars, the two are finally ready to branch out on their own ... but it's hard to get away from the mothership Sony. They've "signed on for a multi-year, multi-title deal to create titles for the PlayStation family of products, with the first slated for release in 2008."It's not clear if that includes their first project, a PlayStation 2 port of the PSP's Twisted Metal: Head On with some notable tweaks: bumped to 60 frames per second, higher-res textures, "5-7 levels from the never released Twisted Metal Black: Part II," and "a documentary on the history of the series." Jaffe surmises it may be some eight to twelve months before we hear about these new titles, but Twisted Metal: Head On will be available this holiday season. Read – One Door Closes [Jaffe's Blog]Read – SCEA Announces Exclusive Game Development Deal
Eat, Sleep, Play with Jaffe's new studio
David Jaffe and Scott Campbell are proud to announce the creation of their new studio. Jaffe, an outspoken developer, is famous for his work on the God of War series. Campbell, founder of Incognito, is receiving accolades for his latest project, Warhawk. Jaffe and Campbell have collaborated previously on the PlayStation downloadable game, Calling All Cars.Their new studio called "Eat, Sleep, Play" will be designing multiple games, exclusively for the PlayStation family of products. The first project is planned to release in 2008. In addition, the company will also be releasing Twisted Metal: Head On for the PlayStation 2, which will feature new levels not found in Black Part II, and a new documentary.Additional details aren't available yet -- but we're hoping that Jaffe and Campbell will be able to create games with just as much energy and creativity as they did when they were part of Sony's internal studios. The fact that they're still working exclusively with Sony is a huge win for us, and we can't wait to see what comes to fruition.[Update: Jaffe has updated his personal blog with some more info: "Again, we are working with Sony and that just feels great. We met with some other interested parties but at the end of the day, Sony is our home, our family, and we're really thrilled and honored they wanted to work with us and continue the relationship we've spent almost 15 years cultivating. So in many ways, it's like very little has changed, other than the pay cut."][Thanks, Glenn!]
Rumor: Twisted Metal PS3 hinted at in clownsplosion?
We say "clownsplosion" because at first, the image of an atomic explosion seemed innocent enough (relatively speaking) and we didn't see the hidden image inside the puffs of PlayStation 3 exclusive smoke. We'd outline it, but we're too lazy. There's a madly laughing clown. A lot of debate has been floating around the PS3 Forums about this picture, but most seem to agree -- Twisted Metal. It's been a long time, what with the last TM game coming around the PS2's launch.Why do we think it's Twisted Metal? What other game has a clown that would be so delighted to have an atomic explosion bearing a laughing clown hidden therein? Only Sweet Tooth will suffice. Yeah, the face doesn't look as dark and sadistic as Sweet Tooth, but the fact remains: there is an explosion and it is a clown. We welcome Twisted Metal coming on the PS3, even if it's a collection of the old games. Though we'd love a new entry with some badass online modes and "Create Your Own" car of sometimes-humorous death.
Rumor: Sony and Incog Inc. splittville?
The coveted developer that created the Twisted Metal and Warhawk franchises may soon be parting ways with the Sony empire. Rumor has it Sony has been none too pleased with Incog's performances as of late. Sony will sever ties once Warhawk is completed for the PS3, and even scoop up a few of their talented developers in their wake. Those remaining on-board with Incog would likely have to form new financial relationships with publishers and such. If you were waiting for some Twisted Metal love on the PS3, you might just have to wait indefinitely. No word on exactly who will retain the rights to either Warhawk or Twisted Metal after the deal is done. More to come on this as it develops. [Via PSXExtreme]
PS1 catalogue on PS3 not yet playable
Speaking with 1UP, Sony's Phil Harrison detailed plans to make most of the PlayStation (PS1) catalogue available for download on PlayStation 3 -- in addition to PSP. Harrison confirmed that a few titles will be available at launch, including Twisted Metal and Syphon Filter. The catch is you'll have to play them on your PSP, since PS3 currently lacks PS1 emulation software.Once the patch is distributed though -- Harrison hopes by year's end -- each PS1 download will be playable on both PS3 and PSP, allowing us to enjoy treasured classics and rarities on-the-go and on the big screen. Just be warned, PS1 games will not be enhanced for your 1080p display.Note: Actual PS1 discs will be playable at launch.
Famitsu releases details on new aerial-combat game
Our close friends at Famitsu (Actually, I don't think have any idea who we are) have just released some screens and info about M.A.C.H. (Modified Air Combat Heroes). The game, which will be published by Vivendi Games, combines aerial racing and combat that may be somewhat similar to Twisted Metal in the sky."M.A.C.H. is set in the year 2049, when manned jet fighters are no longer used. The main character of the game, a member of the final graduating class of the Air Force Academy, obtains the military's remaining stock of jet fighters. For one reason or another, he then decides to hold races with the fighters," according to PSP-Vault's translation.While there doesn't seem to be any additional information available for the game, IGN has the game scheduled to be released in the U.S. Dec. 19. [Via PSP-Vault]
New Need for Speed Carbon video released
I gotta admit the Need for Speed franchise has come a long, long way since I first played it on the Playstation. I can still remember its god-forsaken turning sensitivity that just about drove me crazy. Thankfully, those days are long gone, and the series is still going strong, which is proven by the upcoming release of Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City. While the video is light on gameplay, it does show what appears to be the game's cutscenes that may have been stolen borrowed from the Twisted Metal series. It also sheds some light on the story line. In the game, players must take control of their rivals' territories by outracing them. But watch out because you'll also have to keep an eye out for the "fuzz" who are always looking to spoil the fun. Carbon ships Nov. 1.
Jaffe abandons PSP, releasing quick-turnaround PS3 title
David Jaffe didn't have to make a game to "make you cry," he just had to cancel it. After boisterous claims that he was working on a game that would bring tears to our eyes, Jaffe blogs -- yep, back from his hiatus -- that this mysterious Project HL is now "on the shelf." For you optimists, the foul-mouthed designer adds, "fuck it. We'll do HL later ... maybe."As it turns out, Jaffe has focused his spastic energy on an unannounced PlayStation 3 project, which apparently shares characteristics with Twisted Metal and Bomberman and, well, Jaffe's not ready to say much else ... Interestingly, the game has only been in development for 6–7 months, but being on the verge of goin' Alpha, Jaffe expects the final version to hit retail between November and January. A surprise launch title? Perhaps.In typical Jaffe fashion, the post explodes, in ALL CAPS, into an excited ramble, envisioning the future of games as "SHORTER, LESS EXPENSIVE" projects, akin to the churn'em-out-style of old Warner Bros. cartoons. "...just knocking them out," blogs Jaffe, "and some are -- worst case -- just average, while some are amazing ... but it adds up to a hell of a batting average over time and lots of fun games." You have our attention. Now please deliver.[Via PSP Fanboy]
