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Hatoful Boyfriend released from its cage: PS4, Vita in 2015
Finally, you can go to the park and feed the pigeons while simultaneously dating a handful of pigeons and discovering their bird-brained plot to overtake the world and enslave humanity. Finally. Pigeon-dating simulator Hatoful Boyfriend is due out on PS4 and Vita in early 2015 from Devolver Digital and Mediatonic. It'll be $10 (£7 /€8), and "a launch party is currently being planned in front of a bench in Central Park with a bar serving a range of high-end breadcrumbs," according to the press release. The PC version of Hatoful Boyfriend launched in September, based on the visual novel by Hato Moa. "I never dreamt when I first made Hatoful Boyfriend I'd see it on PlayStation," Moa says. "Thanks to the amazing fans and Mediatonic, I hope now even more people will discover pigeon love. All you need is dove." Hatoful Boyfriend is a surprisingly deep game about dating pigeons – yes, you really date pigeons – and uncovering the dark secrets of a new avian world. Our review describes the drop as follows: "The larger narrative kicks in and everything is suddenly colored with an awareness that something has gone horribly awry." For those just diving in, make sure to play through all of your pigeon-suitor options. [Image: Devolver Digital]
Crossing Souls: 80s RPG about friendship, death and adventure
Call 2014 the Year of the Souls: Titan Souls, Wayward Souls, Dark Souls 2 and now coming from Devolver Digital and Fourattic, Crossing Souls, an action-adventure RPG with hints of neon and 1980s nostalgia. Crossing Souls stars five friends who discover an ancient relic that allows them to interact with the world of the dead, calling forth people and things from the past while they accidentally embark on a truly epic quest. Watch to the end of the trailer to see just how epic this thing may get. The cutscenes in Crossing Souls are done up in the trailer's retro cartoon style, while gameplay is pixelated and action-packed. The Fourattic team wants to reignite the magical feeling of 80s entertainment found in Teen Wolf, Weird Science, Back to the Future and ET. "With Crossing Souls the team want to revive those childhood feelings," Fourattic writes. "Those adventures that could happen to anyone. We want to develop a funny and profound game, with a great plot that can make the player remember those times with a bit of nostalgia: more than one has used a towel as a cape, a broomstick as a sword or have had a hidden cabin." Fourattic has launched a Kickstarter for Crossing Souls, seeking $45,000 to finish the game for PC, Mac and Linux by 2015. The game will be available on Steam, Humble and GOG.
Test your machine's, brain's aptitude at The Talos Principle
The Talos Principle, next month's cryptic puzzler from Serious Sam series creator Croteam, can now be sampled on PC, Mac and Linux via Steam. The sort-of beta includes "four increasingly difficult complete puzzle levels" as well as a benchmarking bot to test your build's capability of running the game. We suppose that in a way, the puzzles are also a benchmarking tool to see whether your brain can run The Talos Principle, or if its attempt will simply result in a melted, confused pile of goop. An additional taste of The Talos Principle can be had by downloading Sigils of Elohim on iOS, Android, or on PC, Mac or Linux through Steam. Sigils of Elohim offers sets of one puzzle type that's found throughout The Talos Principle, which tests organizational skills that were likely earned by any Tetris player. Senior Reporter Jess Conditt conquered a few of The Talos Principle's obstacles on video during her tour of publisher Devolver Digital's booth at Gamescom 2014. Those punishing bosses in Titan Souls though ... not so much. [Image: Devolver Digital]
Philosophy, puzzles and Tetris in The Talos Principle next month
First-person puzzler The Talos Principle is coming to Steam on December 11 for PC, Mac and Linux, with PS4 and Android versions scheduled for the first quarter of next year. You'll likely recognize Serious Sam makers Croteam as the developer, but compared to its previous fare the studio's latest effort is an altogether different beast. Self-proclaimed as a "philosophical" game, The Talos Principle explores the greenery and stone of a ruined castle that's curiously interlocked with futuristic technology. So one minute you're strolling down an idyllic woodland path, the next you're moving laser projectors around a courtyard to get past a barrier of light. All the while, as Joystiq's Jessica Conditt put it in her Gamescom write-up, the narrative "approaches death, religion and other deeply introspective topics" as you seek to decipher the underlying mystery. You can watch Jess taking The Talos Principle for a spin at Gamescom by exploring beyond the break. Point the video to the 3:21 mark to skip to the game, or just watch her dying aplenty in two of Devolver Digital's other upcoming offerings, Not a Hero and Titan Souls.
Super Game Jam's final episode now on Steam
The fifth and final episode of Devolver Digital's Super Game Jam is now available on Steam. Super Game Jam tells the stories of five pairs of developers that craft games during a 48-hour game jam. The final episode follows London-based developers Tom Francis (Gunpoint) and Liselore Goedhart (Remembering, Nott Won't Sleep) as they quickly concoct the game SimAntics under the game jam theme "simulation." The five-episode documentary series is currently 25 percent off ($14.99) on Steam through the end of the weekend, and includes copies of the five games created by the development duos. Announced in March, the series was directed by filmmakers Bram Ruiter and Daniel Oliveira Carneiro in five cities over the course of six months and features designers such as Vlambeer's Jan Willem Nijman (Ridiculous Fishing, Luftrausers) and Jonatan Söderström (Hotline Miami). Nijman appeared in the first episode, which launched in May. Head past the break for a teaser trailer of Super Game Jam's final installment. [Image: Devolver Digital]
Joystiq Weekly: Mordor's photo mode, The Evil Within review, Devolver's appeal and more
Welcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet. As the Smash Bros. and Halo series have taught us, stopping the action to play around with in-game cameras can be oddly compelling (and gleefully annoying to rivals/co-op partners). If The Last Of Us: Remastered and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor's inclusion of similar features are the start of a trend, we'd welcome it with open shutter arms. Repositioning the camera for the perfect shot of an epic summon in Final Fantasy 15? Showcasing the full scope of a crazy moment in the time-defying Quantum Break? Yes please! There was plenty more to this week than snapping photos of an orc squadron's downfall though – Halo: The Master Chief Collection is expected to have a ~20GB day one patch, there were reviews for The Evil Within, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel and Bayonetta 2, and we got a full-frame perspective of publisher Devolver Digital. Check all that out and more after the break!
For a good time, call Devolver
Founded in 2009 in Austin, Texas, Devolver Digital has gained a reputation for introducing the mainstream audience to games with undeniable personality that might have otherwise been overlooked. "When you read Twitter and you follow a bunch of game developers, it's easy to forget that most people outside of this bubble don't really know of many of the games that you hear about all the time. The concept of 'indie' games is still mostly unknown," Mark Foster of Titan Souls developer Acid Nerve told Joystiq. "Devolver kind of breaks out of the bubble and draws more attention to it – makes more people aware that these smaller budget games exist and that some of them are awesome."
Shadow Warrior takes a swipe at PS4, Xbox One on October 21
Following a short delay, publisher Devolver Digital has revealed that the gory ninja combat of Shadow Warrior will reach the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on October 21. For those unaware, Shadow Warrior was originally created as an offshoot of the crass humor of the Duke Nukem franchise. The original game, released in 1997, was essentially Duke Nukem 3D in a world of kung fu movie cliches and Asian stereotypes, and was largely overshadowed by other, more notable first-person shooters. More recently, while Duke Nukem was resurrected to resounding anger from fans and critics alike, Shadow Warrior was rebooted as a competent hybrid of first-person shooting and swordplay that maintained the low-brow humor of the original, while ditching its most egregiously dumb aspects and replacing them with copious arterial spray. Not just a remake of the 2013 PC release, this console iteration of Shadow Warrior also introduces a new Arena mode not unlike the fan-favorite Horde mode found in Gears of War, as well as a host of new unlockable content. [Image: Devolver Digital]
Joystiq Streams: The Vanishing of Ethan Carter blind play giveaway
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is weird. Really weird. So weird that it really has to be seen to be believed. While the Joystiq review certainly had fine things to say about it, Richard Mitchell's bold description of its unsettling strangeness has merely piqued our curiosity rather than sated it. Emboldened by resurrected forest mystery Twin Peaks, Vanishing's siren call is now irresistible. We will stream it together, blind and unknowing, ready for what may come. Starting at 4:00PM EST on Joystiq.com/Twitch, we'll be streaming The Vanishing of Ethan Carter as Anthony John Agnello (@ajohnagnello) plays it for the first time. Apparently forest astronauts happen. Awesome. Richard Mitchell (@TheRichardM) will be hanging out in the chat, offering moral support, and giving away Steam codes for Vanishing gratis. Joystiq.com/Twitch at 4:00PM EST, just like we do every Tuesday and Thursday. Chances are we'll be streaming some weirdness on Friday too! What will we be streaming? Follow us on Twitch to find out. [Images: The Astronauts]
Hotline Miami 2 dials D-E-L-A-Y for a launch by early 2015
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is now due out between late 2014 and early 2015, according to the game's official Twitter account. It was originally scheduled to launch by September 2014. "Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is still getting some final tweaks and polish, expected to be ready for late 2014 or early 2015," the tweet reads. A follow-up message says, "Your patience is appreciated and will ultimately be rewarded with everything you hoped for and nothing like what you expected." By "tweaks and polish," we assume developers at Dennaton Games mean "doubletaps and blood." Because it's a gory game, you see. Hotline Miami 2 has more of a 90s vibe, rather than the 80s action movie feel in the first game – and that violence may serve a deeper purpose this time around.
Broforce gets level editor, Mad Max and Kill Bill bros
Broforce received a free "tactical update" today, adding new missions and characters to the side-scrolling shooter. The two new bros in the game are Bro Max, a spoof on Max Rockatansky from Mad Max, and The Brode, a take on Uma Thurman's character The Bride from the Kill Bill series of films. The game's new campaign missions are set in Eastern Europe. The update also introduced Steam Workshop support for the game, allowing players to create their own levels and share them with the game's bro-mmunity. Broforce launched on Steam Early Access in April and was a source of fun for Joystiq Streams around that time. The game is still in beta, available for $14.99 through Steam and the Humble Store. Head past the break for a brotastic trailer that shows off the new items delivered through the game's update. [Image: Devolver Digital]
Joystiq Streams: If Hatoful Boyfriend is wrong, I don't want to be right
For many hours and days that pass ever soon the winds have caused the flame to dim At last the wing is straight, the talon to the loom Is this to end or just begin? All of my bird love, all of my bird love, Hatoful Boyfriend love to you. After four days of Destiny streaming, Joystiq is desperate for a palate cleanser. What better way to wash down the Dinklage than with a dating simulator about birds? Join us at 4PM EST on Joystiq.com/Twitch for a session with Hatoful Boyfriend. Jess Conditt shows us the meaning of true bird love while Anthony John Agnello and Susan Arendt wonder just what the hell is going on. That's Joystiq.com/Twitch at 4PM EST! [Images: Devolver Digital]
Wang tough, 'small delay' to Shadow Warrior console ports
Shadow Warrior isn't slicing and dicing into consoles until October 24 in the UK, Bandai Namco revealed in a release schedule sent to Joystiq this morning. As VideoGamer reports, a statement from developer Flying Wild Hog suggests the delay to the PS4 and Xbox One ports is likely to be reflected stateside, while both Amazon and GameStop are now listing the US release for October 21. "Bringing Shadow Warrior to PS4 and XB1 has proven to be a challenge for us as we want to make sure the player experience is perfect," reads the statement to VideoGamer. "In play testing we have been focusing in on the controller inputs and response. We recognized that we needed more time to improve this as Shadow Warrior is an old school FPS and this demands perfection. Sadly this means a small delay in the release date, but Lo Wang needs to be at his best on these shiny new consoles."
Launch an attack on Titan Souls and die plenty in new gameplay trailer
Out in Q1 2015, PS4, Vita and Steam top-down death factory Titan Souls has a single task for you: defeat 20 bosses. Unfortunately, you only have one bow and one arrow. Oh, and just one hit point. To see why that ungodly formula could be fun, check out our preview. [Image: Devolver Digital]
Pigeon dating sim Hatoful Boyfriend delayed to September
Sorry lovebirds, but the pigeon of your dreams won't land until September. Hatoful Boyfriend, the world's finest (and, as far as we know, only) pigeon dating simulator has been delayed from August 21 to September 4. For those unaware, Hatoful Boyfriend is a largely typical Japanese dating sim, only in lieu of waifish teenagers, your prospective mates all happen to be pigeons. Common pigeons, tough pigeons, especially fancy pigeons - whatever sort of teenaged male archetype you'd typically be into is represented in pigeon form. This bizarre twist earned Hatoful Boyfriend a cult following, which eventually spawned an agreement to localize the game for English-language territories. Publisher Devolver Digital has offered no explanation for the delay, beyond a note that the game "needs a just a little more TLC before it's ready to hatch." Once this issue is cleared up, Hatoful Boyfriend will be available for PC, Mac and Linux. [Image: Devolver Digital]
Hotline Miami 2 footage leaks, action figure nears funding goal
Two big pieces of news for Hotline Miami fans: Not only has nearly an hour and a half of footage from Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number appeared on the 'net, but a 12" action figure based on Hotline Miami protagonist Jacket is currently nearing its crowdfunding goal. The figure, a collaboration between ESC Toy, Dennaton Games, and Devolver Digital, is a 1/6 replica of its murderous virtual source material and includes the character's trademark letterman jacket, interchangeable heads featuring a number of the game's more popular masks, and a complement of weaponry taken from the top-down action gorefest. This figure was only posted to Kickstarter earlier today, but there should be no doubts about its success. Of the $60,000 the toy makers were seeking, the figure has already attracted just over $53,000 and there are 31 days remaining in its fundraiser. On the opposite side of things, a YouTube user under the name "LennyReviews" has uploaded the first two acts of Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number to the ubiquitous video sharing service. Hotline Miami 2 won't officially debut until later this year, so if you're allergic to spoilers you should probably avoid the clip past the break. [Image: Devolver Digital]
Titan Souls: One hit point, one bow, one arrow, lots of deaths
Of the three key influences in Acid Nerve's Titan Souls, From Software's Souls series is the least obvious. The PS4, Vita and PC game is an immediate callback to top-down Zeldas like A Link to the Past, with its pixelated bow-wielding hero dueling with boss after boss hidden in room-like caverns. The bosses themselves are huge, powerful and varied, and the very nature of a game in which you only take on bosses clearly takes inspiration from Shadow of the Colossus. These influences aren't hard to spot. Your hero only has one hit point and a single weapon, the bow and arrow. It's a formula which on paper presents a challenge that doesn't have much to do with the Souls games at all. Yet there is a key similarity, and it's what makes Titan Souls shine with so much potential. If you love a good challenge, Titan Souls should definitely be on your radar.
See the pretty pixels sprouting in Devolver's indie garden
Devolver Digital's indie garden at Gamescom features a lineup of games that the publisher has curated over a few years for mass-market consumption, including three that we're particularly excited about: Not a Hero, Titan Souls and The Talos Principle. Each one is wildly different, but they all carry a similar theme. Not to bring the mood down or anything, but that theme is death. Not a Hero stars a bearded dude with no special powers, but he does have a gun. The problem is, everyone else has a gun, too. It's a twist on the classic pixelated platformer in that the environments have depth, allowing players to sink behind outcroppings in the walls to hide from flying bullets. It's lighthearted, fast-paced action featuring a humanoid blue bunny gang lord. Not a Hero comes from OlliOlli studio Roll7, and it's due out on PC in early 2015, with PS4 and Vita versions in the summer. Titan Souls has been a favorite of ours since E3, when it was awarded one of the coveted Joystiq E3 Selection stickers. It's all about one – you have one arrow, one life and you fight one giant, punishing enemy at a time. The only thing more than one in this game is the number of times you'll die. Titan Souls is by Claw and it's due out on PC, Mac, Linux, PS4 and Vita in Q1 2015. The Talos Principle is a slower burn than its companions, offering a serene, 3D puzzle experience similar to Portal or what we've seen of The Witness. Between the shape and light-manipulation puzzles, it approaches death, religion and other deeply introspective topics from a philosophical angle, offering a mix of narrative and riddle. The Talos Principle is in development at The Swapper studio, Croteam, for PC, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS and PS4.
Hotline Miami 2 takes a spin on vinyl [Update]
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is coming to a new format: vinyl. Of course, vinyl is technically an old format for storing data, but you get the idea. Devolver Digital's developer herder, Graeme Struthers, let slip the new Hotline Miami 2 format on episode three of the Super Joystiq Podcast Special: Gamescom 2014, recorded on Wednesday night. Struthers didn't mention what a game on vinyl actually entails because he immediately realized this was supposed to remain a secret for a while longer and was then too occupied with banging his head against a cabinet to say anything more. While vinyl may be odd in a high-tech industry, consider this Devolver's version of a boxed product; a digital-only game making its way into the physical world. It's a symbol of the discerning publisher's dedication to its games. Besides, this could be the next big thing – so start liking it now before it becomes cool.
Hotline Miami dials up PS4's number, makes plans for August 19
Hotline Miami will make its next generation debut when it launches for PS4 on August 19. The game first arrived in October 2012 for PC before taking its first trip to PS3 and Vita in June 2013. According to a tweet from the game's official Twitter account, players will be able to "beat people to death by shaking the gamepad" with the sounds of your executions emanating from the controller's speaker, which just seems pleasant. Players will also have the option to use the DualShock 4's touch pad to look around and lock on to enemies. We rather enjoyed Hotline Miami, and found the action in the game to be gruesome and "well-executed" in our review. Other players seemed to enjoy the game as well, enough for developer Dennaton Games to craft a sequel in Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, which is due to launch in Q3 2014. Hotline Miami will feature Cross-Buy support, so those with any other PSN version of the game will receive the PS4 game for free. In addition to the release date, Devolver Digital also offered a new gameplay trailer for the game's PS4 version. [Image: Devolver Digital]
