Orange Box
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GDC08: Portal's "Still Alive" to be Rock Band DLC
Filed under news that'll make Portal fans squeal with joy, Rock Band's hmxsean just confirmed that the Portal hit "Still Alive" by GLaDOS will be releasing as Rock Band DLC in the near future. And that deserves a w00tacular! The news was revealed last night at Harmonix's GDC party where the man behind "Still Alive", Jonathan Coulton took the stage to make the announcement and play through the song with a few Harmonix developers. We guess this time the cake ended up not being a lie. Sweet.[Via Joystiq]
Bethesda designer creates new Portal map, Ren_Test3
Having already upped the ante in Portal challenges with Ren_Test2 in November, Bethesda's Daryl Brigner has returned with a new custom-made map aptly titled Ren_Test3. The download, available at TWHL, also includes Ren_Test 1 and 2 as well as Step, Time and Portal challenges for the maps.We haven't had a chance to play it yet (such is the crazy, fast-paced life of a blogger), so tell us what you think in the comments below. Let's hope Valve finds a way to pool some of the best custom maps for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 owners, too.
IGF finalist Audiosurf available for pre-purchase on Steam
Independent Games Festival award finalist, Audiosurf, is now available for pre-purchase on Valve's Steam service. Constantly trying to shake off the "rhythm", "racing" and "puzzle" genre labels we attempt to stick on it, Audiosurf generates three-dimensional tracks out of your music collection, enabling you to "surf" through your favorite tunes while collecting colored blocks. Audiosurf will launch on February 15th at the price of $9.95 (pre-purchasing saves you 10%), and will include the soundtrack to Valve's The Orange Box. You haven't experienced "Still Alive" quite like this yet, have you?
Valve: More Portal coming 'for sure'
Though we'd be GlaDOS can be to have another slice of Portal's topsy-turvy displacement gameplay, we'd almost certainly be unsatisfied with a quick 'n dirty content boost to our 2007 game of the year. Thankfully, Valve's Doug Lombardi has told Eurogamer that the developer isn't looking to simply throw a handful of new puzzles at us. "There'll be more Portal, for sure," he said. "But the details of that, to be honest, we're still working out."Also being worked out at Valve headquarters are the continuing adventures of crowbar-wielding physicist, Gordon Freeman, who's due to appear in Half-Life 2: Episode Three. "With Episode Three we want to live up to the promise of where we are taking things to; there's a lot of work being done to make sure we deliver on that promise." If you're dying to learn more about where said things are being taken to, you're going to have wait a bit, "probably months not weeks." And don't even get us started on how long you might have to wait for the actual game.At least you'll have some upcoming Team Fortress 2 content to keep you busy which, as per Valve's desire for all its additional content, will be free.
Revolutionary: GlovePIE v.30, The Great Equalizer
Every (other) Tuesday, Mike Sylvester brings you REVOLUTIONARY, a look at the wide world of Wii possibilities. So you've tuned in to Revolutionary expecting to see the dramatic conclusion of the Controller Showdown. Well, as I was evaluating games to use in the matchup, I found myself revisiting old scripts I'd put aside, and building new scripts for games which wouldn't be fit to judge the motion sensing capabilities of the Wii Remote and SIXAXIS. I realized that because of the recently updated build of GlovePIE, my passion for scripting has been re-ignited! You see, the latest version of GlovePIE supports the SIXAXIS, Xbox 360 control pad, and standard PC control pads, on top the already robust support for Wii Remotes and attachments. There's also a new function which allows you to easily write scripts for any and all of these controllers universally. So, before we commence with Round 2, let's take a look at the GlovePIE update that will figure heavily in the big battle.
Video: A day in the life of a Portal turret
Portal deservedly earned the respect of many gamers this year. One of the primary reasons for this is undoubtedly its dark sense of humor and excellent writing. One of the more brilliant ideas was to turn the game's turrets into actual characters. Spouting lines like "are you still there?" and "I don't hate you," the turrets provided an ample share of chuckles. Smooth Few Films has taken this idea and run with it, creating "Portal: a Day in the Life of a Turret," a short film about (you guessed it) Portal's turrets. Imagine two turrets shooting the breeze around the Aperture Science water cooler and you'll have a pretty good idea of what the film is about. Watch the (not safe for work) video after the break. Oh, and keep an eye out for a special appearance by the Weighted Companion Cube.
More TF2 tweaks for Pyro, Soldier
We knew some changes were headed to Team Fortress 2, namely to the Medic, but CVG is now reporting some of the planned changes for other classes as well. Specifically, we're talking about the Pyro and Soldier classes. So far, the only change announced for the Pyro has to do with scoring. Basically, Pyros will now be rewarded with points when they successfully light an enemy on fire. The idea, according to Valve's Robin Walker is to reward the player for foiling enemy plans even when doing so didn't necessarily end in their death. The Soldier class is due for an interesting change as well, as Walker notes that Valve "is focused on making Soldiers a little more careful firing their rockets at point blank targets." We're not exactly sure what that would entail, especially when factoring in rocket jumps, so we'll just have to wait and see. The changes should be rolling out within the next two months.[Via Joystiq]
Valve tweaking Team Fortress 2's pyro, possibly soldier
Though all the pretty colors and No One Lives Forever-esque art direction is enough to keep commoners like us entertained by Team Fortress 2, it's what's going on under the hood that's really important to the hardcore legion of fans. In an email to one member of that community, Valve's Robin Walker reveals a few changes incoming for the pyro and soldiers classes, part of the "large scale modification to the core of the game" Walker talked about earlier this month. For the pyros, they're going to be receiving points for every enemy they ignite, making mass burnings not just fun, but profitable. Walker's a little more vague about soldiers, saying the team wants them to be "a little morecareful firing their rockets at point blank targets." As TF2 newbs we have no idea what she means, but we imagine some of you commenters will have a few ideas.[Via CVG]
Portal 2: is it actually a good idea?
MTV's Multiplayer poses an interesting question: does Portal need a sequel? Hailed by many as one of the best games of 2007, and hailed by some as the best game of 2007, Portal represented a truly unique and engaging experience rarely seen in the video game industry. As Multiplayer puts it, the game was satisfying; it didn't leave you wanting more. Of course, we all know that one-off gaming creations are less than common in video games, as the ultimate goal of publishers and developers is to create a game that can be turned into a successful franchise. The question is not whether or not Portal will receive a sequel, but if it should.Our answer: yes. Because GLaDOS is still alive, and she's got to go. But what do you think? That's what we want to know. As such, we've drummed up a poll asking that very questions. Submit your answer below and tell us why you picked it in the comments.%Poll-8086%[Via Joystiq]
Joystiq's Top 10 of 2007: Portal
Out of all the superb titles released in 2007, Portal most effortlessly takes the cake. The true star of The Orange Box saw a talented team from DigiPen snatched up by Valve and ultimately transformed from students into teachers. Gamers and designers alike must play Portal, not only because it's so sublimely designed from start to gripping finish, but because there's so much to learn from it. The game is phenomenal in every sense of the word, its deviously delirious guide and antagonist, GlaDOS, already running rampant online as a fully fledged and infinitely quotable meme. It certainly speaks volumes of its witty writing when the game's other widely recognized star is nothing more than a vaguely endearing block. The intelligence isn't merely confined to the game's dialogue either -- it permeates every aspect of Portal's "Aha!" puzzles and perfectly paced progression. There is no filler here.When the seemingly unconnected room-based challenges give way to a daring escape attempt and a climactic showdown, the game's genius is not only revealed, but heard in the form of Jonathan Coulton's "Still Alive" ending song. Inescapably catchy and completely cognizant of its audience, it marks the perfect conclusion to this year's smartest and most focused game. Please accept our cake, Portal, but for the good of all of us, don't eat it! We don't want you getting fat like all those other games. %Gallery-12476%Joystiq's Top 10 of 2007 Portal BioShock Rock Band Super Mario Galaxy Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Halo 3 Assassin's Creed Peggle God of War II Mass Effect Please leave your comments below! Reset my progress! ->
Rumor: Orange Box patch might be on the horizon
It's no secret the PS3 version of Orange Box is inferior to the PC and 360 version due to the unforgivable amounts of bugs and bad coding. Many gamers have voiced their displeasure about the game, and one upset gamer, who purchased the game despite the highly publicized problems, posted a thread on Valve's forums. Soon after, a Valve employee responded to address his complaints. "I hope that we will be able to correct any major issues in the future," wrote Burton before wishing him a "Happy New Years." Now, this can be interpreted numerous ways, however, the most likely scenario is Valve issuing a patch to address these problems.One thing to keep in mind is that this mess isn't entirely Valve's fault since it handed over reigns to EA London for the PS3 port. However, it's still Valve's baby, and it's most certainly in the developer's best interests to keep the quality of its most-popular franchise as high as possible.
Orange Box game, soundtrack, on sale online and in-store this weekend
Continuing our mission to help everyone acquire The Orange Box regardless of financial means, we deliver the following news. If that last-minute Steam sale just isn't for you – who knows, maybe you don't game on a PC, or don't have a credit card, or don't have broadband, or don't have a roof over your head – Valve just let us know that "leading online and retail outlets around the world" will be discounting the gaming superpack this weekend. So if you've got gift cards to blow and/or you're looking for a console version, check out GameUK in the uh, UK or Best Buy in the States.Maybe you've already got the game, but just can't get the sound of it out of your head. If so, consider the official soundtrack, on sale at Amazon in delicious un-DMRed MP3 format for the new low price of $7.99. if you're into just the hot new hit single "Still Alive," snag just that for $0.89. Oh, and speaking of "Still Alive" peep this recent interview with the mad scientist behind the song, Jonathan Coulton. Referring to his understanding of GLaDOS, Coulton says, "It helps that my own personal conflict resolution techniques rely heavily on passive-aggressive behavior." Hey, us too! We expect Coulton to contribute some more video game tunes in the future -- at least if he wants us to keep writing about him.
Portal is Penny Arcade's top pick for 2007
The (143rd) Annual We're Right Awards at Penny Arcade have been revealed for 2007, and Portal has swept them all this year. Landing "Best Soundtrack," "Best Writing," and "Best New Game Mechanic," it looks like Gabe and Tycho like Portal (they really, really like it!). Honestly, we think it's a pretty good pick ourselves, as we were in love with it for the half a dozen or so hours it took to complete. What's remarkable here is not that Portal "won," but that it was the only game mentioned at all. Definitely big praise from one of the internet's largest gaming sites.Now, if you'll excuse us, we're working on our own awards for 2007.
BioShock and Portal grocery cart warnings
The photoshop mavericks over at Something Awful based last week's picture alterations on a shopping cart safety warning sign. You know, those little warning "seats" that you place kids in and they tell you what not to do while using them? Yeah, those ones. Anyhoo, one example of some great photoshopping is the Portal themed one you see above in all its cake glory. There's another Portal one after the break jump and even a BioShock themed one too. All are great photoshops and are based on themes that made us laugh. And before you ask (because we know you will), we say yes. Yes we would shop at a store that had these seats in their carts even if they were that nastified and dirty. That's just how we roll.
Steam's last-minute Christmas sale: 10-50% off everything
Valve's Steam service is having a last-minute holiday sale from today until January 1, with everything on the online store reportedly 10% to 50% off. While all they have to do is make one game 50% and the rest 10% to make that statement valid, there are some good deals going on. Highlights include: Orange Box - $37.45 (25% off) BioShock - $37.45 (25% off) S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - $22.45 (25% off) id Software Super Pack - $52.45 (25% off) Psychonauts - $9.95 (50% off) There are very few hours until Christmas. On this coast, most stores are closing down. Wouldn't be great if you could find the perfect gift for the ones you love? How about a downloadable copy of Psychonauts (no, we don't shut up about this game) for only $10? And while we're at it, you can afford to purchase Rag Doll Kung Fu ($13.45) and Bookworm Adventures ($17.95).
Happy Holidays from Aperture Science
To spread holiday cheer and to prove that the cake was not a lie, team Valve and everyone at Aperture Science sent along this video holiday greeting. And please, try not to be creeped out by the embedded video holiday card. It's just security camera footage of the Companion Cube (with a Santa hat) and a piece of cake sitting in front of a fireplace with a remixed holiday version of "Still Alive" playing in the background. Right? Actually, that is quite creepy ... but we love our Companion Cube so much so we'll overlook that and watch the video knowing that Aperture Science love us. Happy (holiday name here)!
Portal's plush companion cube puts a price on friendship
In case you missed it, Valve's online store now stocks a test subject's best and happily unsuspecting friend, the Weighted Companion Cube. Made of soft and sufficiently flammable polyester fiber, the demonically dimensioned (6" x 6" x 6") pal can be introduced to yourself or a "real" friend for $29.95. Unlike those irksome human mates you may or probably don't have, the companion cube will never complain when you hog all the cake or inevitably murder him.[Thanks, PeteyH]
Orange Box PS3 vs. 360 video
We know, we know, these comparison videos are sort of old hat nowadays, but with numerous reviews citing problems with the PS3 version of The Orange Box, this particular 360 vs. PS3 video is pretty interesting. The two videos posted by GameVideos compare Portal and Half-Life 2. For the most part, the games look virtually identical, as we've come to expect from more recent titles. Where the games differ is in the frame rates and loading times. In both instances, the PS3 version loads more slowly, though it takes much longer in Portal. Like, long enough to hike to the kitchen and grab a snack. Also, the PS3 version of Half-Life 2 seems to have some frame rate hitches, especially during autosaves. But enough blather, watch both videos after the break and judge for yourself.
Today's most comparative video: Orange Box PS3 vs. Xbox 360
Curious how the two Orange Box versions stack up? GameVideos have put the PS3 and Xbox 360 next to each other side-by-side - literally, it's a pretty impressive split-screen effort - of Portal and Half-Life 2. In fact, the visuals look very similar.The major difference, where one might consider the PS3 version "downright unplayable," is the load times. For video HL2, the loading difference shown is not as great, but Portal's comparative load time shown is rather drastic. See for yourself after the break.
New maps, fixes coming for Team Fortress 2
A squeaky wheel over at NeoGAF got greased down by a Valve staffer recently with a boatload of info on Team Fortress 2's future, both on consoles and PC. After poster and 360 owner "Shamrock" complained about a lack of communication from the company, software engineer Kerry Davis replied (in an email Shamrock reposted), painting a bright picture of the game's future, with a new patch just sent to Microsoft for certification that "fixes several game-play exploits, improves bandwidth usage, improves stats reporting and fixes some menu bugs."There are also new maps in the pipeline. Davis said that PC players would probably get the new levels piecemeal as they're finished and 360 owners would likely be downloading a PC pack. There is no mention of similar treatment for PS3 players. We're going to hope that's just because Davis was talking to a 360 owner and not because of ... well, you know. Other stuff.[Via Shacknews]
