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Robot Entertainment has one unannounced title in development
Robot Entertainment is not a large studio. With only 50 people to toil away on Hero Academy updates and to help get Orcs Must Die! 2 out the door this summer, there's not much manpower to spare.Still, the studio has something else up its sleeve, design director Ian Fischer revealed to Joystiq here at PAX East. Fischer wouldn't give us much beyond the existence of an unannounced title, though he did say it will be "unlike anything we've ever done before."
Torchlight 2 will 'ideally' launch shortly after Diablo 3
Here's the one big question everyone is directing at Runic Games CEO Max Schaefer about Torchlight 2: When is it launching?"Well, I'm sure you've noticed Diablo has announced a date. So, we don't want to fall right on that," Schaefer said when we met at PAX East today. "The real answer is when [Torchlight 2] is finished, is Diablo 3 right now [owning the conversation]? Then we'll wait."Schaefer said the launch date will "ideally" be shortly after the one occupied by Diablo -- and optimistically it'll be a month later. He noted that Runic isn't going to rush to beat Blizzard, however. With the two products selling alongside one another, he feels it's best to polish the game as much as possible. He doesn't want to be the "cheap" alternative, simply the less expensive one at a $20 price. He also noted the game would have an offline mode, modding, LAN support, and that its pacing would separate it from the competition.Does he have something to communicate directly to fans waiting for Torchlight 2?"Be patient. Our total development time on this game is going to be about two years, which is not unreasonably long for this type of game. We're going as fast as we can. It'll be worth the wait, it'll totally be worth the wait. In the long run, people will be happy we took this extra time."
The benefit of making mistakes in Super T.I.M.E. Force
Super T.I.M.E. Force puts a fresh emphasis on the process of encountering an obstacle, dying and then returning with the knowledge to overcome that hazard. The game's central mechanic lets you rewind the scene and start again, playing alongside the ghost of your past self.
Find Alex, Mat, or Fox at PAX East and get a free in-game companion pet
If you can find Alex, Mat, or Fox walking around the convention floor at PAX East this weekend, be sure to say hi, and you could get a code for an in-game companion pet. All you need to do is tell them you want it -- maybe sweeten the deal by saying how cool WoW Insider is -- and it's yours! Alex, Mat, and Fox will be giving these out on Friday and Saturday, so the sooner you find them, the better chance you'll have at some sweet loot. Supplies are limited. Oh, and there's this WoW Insider Panel on Saturday at 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Wyvern Theater, where we're giving away just about everything under the sun. Actually, including the sun. Yup. The above picture is of Fox and Michelle Morrow after Fox was denied several hugs at a taping of The Price is Right. I'm not sure if he'll be wearing his Price is Right name tag or not at PAX East, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is. Hit the break for pictures of what Mat looks like. I've also thrown in a picture of Sacco for good measure, even though he doesn't have any codes to give away. (/chuckle)
Sega: Rhythm Thief 'still happening'
We still have no official word on the aftermath of Sega's restructuring -- how many employees were laid off, or which games have been canceled. However, we obtained confirmation from a Sega rep on the PAX East show floor of one upcoming packaged game that has not been canceled: Rhythm Thief and the Emperor's Treasure. The representative told us explicitly that the 3DS rhythm action game is "still happening." Good news, because we've enjoyed our brief time with it so far. It seemed like a relative lock, given that it's done, and out in Europe, but given Sega's recent issues no packaged game seemed safe. We're glad to have confirmation of that one.We were also assured that Aliens: Colonial Marines was still going to make it to retail, but the recent media blitz, explicit mention as a profitable franchise in Sega's restructuring plan, and giant, separate booth were already clues to that.
Ms. Splosion Man platform 'splosion: coming to PC, iOS, Windows Phone
Like playing Ms. Splosion Man, but have an intractable grudge against your Xbox 360? Twisted Pixel is bringing its concussive platformer to several new platforms, including PC (on both Steam and Games for Windows Live), iPhone, iPad, and Windows Phone 7. The porting process is a multi-studio endeavor, requiring the talents of not only Twisted Pixel, but Iron Galaxy, Fire Hose Games, and Panic Button Games as well.The PC version appears identical to the XBLA release, but the mobile game is a "unique experience" designed specifically for touchscreens -- using a virtual d-pad. You'll be able to find out how well these new containers withstand explosive force this summer.
Assassin's Creed 3 creative director doesn't dislike your ideas that much, Internet
Despite Assassin's Creed 3 creative lead Alex Hutchinson's recent fighting words with the internet over its "boring" ideas for potential AC settings, he told us this morning that he still loves you. Or something like that. "It's part of a bigger discussion. Obviously any setting is potentially awesome," he said in a brief PAX East show floor followup. "The point we were making was that some settings are more familiar in video games than other settings. And the two particular ones that were mentioned are very familiar video game settings."Hutchinson is referring to both the World War II and Feudal Japan ideas brought up during an interview with OXM recently. "The exciting thing is that the game can go anywhere," Hutchinson said. "We've had versions of the assassin ... people have thrown ideas around for probably literally any setting that people would think of. But when you get right down to it – when we're doing the actual nitty gritty of spending the time on it, spending a couple years making something – we wanna go to a setting that other games haven't gone to." As for the aforementioned pair of settings? "We're trying to find places that will surprise people."And Hutchinson doesn't want you to hate him, internet. He also spoke to his statements regarding net denizens coming up with "the most boring settings" for future AC games. "If people think they have the worst ideas, I apologize for that," he told us. "But really, they're very predictable. The internet is not the place for insight, unfortunately," Hutchinson added with a laugh.As for recent news that AC3 will be Desmond's biggest outing yet, Hutchinson said, "There's a big opportunity when the real timeline crosses the fictional timeline. Like, this is a fun idea. So there's stuff that we have to deal with. We feel like it's about time to pay off the people who've been sticking with the franchise for a long time." When asked if this would be Desmond's last appearance in the series, Ubisoft PR assassins jumped in and said, "I think people are gonna be entertained by it." We're not sure what that means either, but we'll be sure to keep asking.
Play Bastion (circa October 2009) at PAX East this weekend
What's that? You already played the entirety of Bastion, bought the soundtrack, and have been learning how to play those tunes on your Wurlitzer? That's all fine and dandy, but you probably haven't even seen how the game looked way back in October 2009 when its first playable demo burst into existence. As the picture above reveals, that demo will be available for PAX East attendees.Supergiant and the super early build of Bastion will be on the PAX East show floor just behind The Behemoth. If you get lost, just start shouting, "Bastion! I'm looking for Bastion!" That should work out pretty well.
PAX East 2012: Cryptic shows new Neverwinter trailer
The first reveal of PAX East 2012 belongs to Cryptic and its Neverwinter title. The game began its life as a co-op RPG in 2010 but was then converted to a full-fledged MMO when Cryptic was acquired by Perfect World Entertainment last year. If you're heading to the Boston convention, the game is playable on the show floor. If you can't make it, feast your eyes on the new CG trailer that we've got for you after the break, and look for our report on the game itself later this weekend. Massively's on the ground in Boston during the weekend of April 6-8, bringing you all the best news from PAX East 2012. Whether you're dying to know more about TERA or PlanetSide 2 or any MMO in between, we aim to have it covered!
Get your PAX strategy guides here
Heading to PAX East this weekend? If so, you're in good company, as the Massively and Joystiq crews are going too! ThriftyNerd has put together a brief PAX strategy guide, and it's well worth a look if you don't have your itinerary planned out to the minute (or heck, even if you do, because you might have forgotten something). The guide has a rundown on essential mobile apps as well as plenty of tips for both the seasoned con-goer and the wet-behind-the-ears rookie. Be sure to follow Massively all weekend as we'll be bringing you all the best MMO news direct from Boston.
WoW Insider's PAX East/Boston survival guide
Heading into Boston for PAX East? Well then, welcome -- you're visiting Fox Van Allen's hometown. Be sure to wipe your feet first. And pay no mind to that dude on the bicycle making the siren noise -- he's just part of the ambiance. If this is your first time at PAX East -- or really, your first time in Boston -- you might be a little bit overwhelmed by this fair city I call home. But don't be! Boston is one of the nicest, cleanest cities in the United States (no, seriously). It's also one of the safest. If you're spending every waking hour at the convention hall, you're seriously missing out.
PAX East strategy guide and helpful apps
As thousands (including the whole Joystiq crew) make their way to Boston in preparation for PAX East 2012 this weekend, it helps to have a cheat sheet of useful links to survive the three-day event. ThriftyNerd has a helpful post featuring links for apps, events and Twitter accounts to follow and get the latest going on at (and around) the show -- we recommend following the Joystiq crew's twitters as well.Guidebook is the official PAX East guide app. If you're using public transportation in Boston, there are many apps available, but we'd steer you toward the OpenMBTA app, available in iPhone, iPad and Android flavors. Also, don't forget to stop by our Joystiq Show live, happening at 3PM on Saturday, April 7, in the Manticore Theatre. See you at the show!
Hi-Rez Studios offering exclusive Tribes and SMITE demos at PAX East
With the excitement and craziness of PAX East just a couple of days away, studios are clamoring for your attention with promises of candy and sweet, sweet previews. Hi-Rez Studios is no different; the company hopes that attendees will check out its booth for exclusive demos of its upcoming Tribes: Ascend and SMITE. Players who visit booth 962 can check out a new preview release build of Tribes: Ascend before the game launches formally later this month. The demo contains a new game mode, Capture & Hold, which is a fast-paced experience that requires the mastery of vehicles and teamwork. Players will also get to see the return of a classic 1998 Tribes map revamped for modern times: Raindance. Hi-Rez's other PAX East offering is its MOBA SMITE, which is in closed alpha testing. Here, attendees can choose from one of 15 deities and head out on to 5v5 battleground maps for serious smackdown. New to the public are six of these playable deities and the first look at the Fire Giant mob. [Source: Hi-Rez press release]
Dungeon Defenders adding Penny Arcade skins; free at PAX East
Dungeon Defenders gets into the PAX East spirit this Friday with a Penny Arcade-themed character skin pack. The DLC will be available for free during PAX East at the Reverb Publishing booth (808) or online for $1.99.That character skin pack includes (pictured, left to right) Tycho for the Squire class, Annarchy as a Huntress, Cardboard Tube Samurai as the Monk and Jim Darkmagic in place of the Apprentice.Attendees to PAX East will also have a chance to play Aquanos, part three of four in the Quest for the Lost Eternia Shards DLC. Stop by the Reverb Publishing booth early, as supplies of free PA skins are limited.
Indie Megabooth is a Voltron of indie exhibitors at PAX East
Sixteen developers have scooted in together to give you a concentrated dose of indieness at PAX East. Dejobaan, Gaijin Games, Haunted Temple, Drinkbox Studios, and more have booths situated in a tight grid to form the "Indie Megabooth."To see the full list of games available in this cooperative, you can go to the official Megabooth website (sure to be the only official website for a PAX East booth).
Max Payne 3 playable at PAX East
For once you won't need to dive around the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, pretending to shoot things in slow motion. Instead, you can do that in Max Payne 3 at Rockstar's PAX East booth this weekend, April 6th through 8th.Rockstar hasn't said exactly what will be on offer in the Max Payne 3 demo -- it could be a sampling of single-player or a taste of the crew-based multiplayer mode. Either way, those looking for an idea of what May holds will be able to get their fill at booth 914. Just look for the giant R.
Joystiq goes hands-on with the Star Wars Xbox (and you can win it!)
Microsoft sent us one those fancy Star Wars Xbox Kinect bundles, so we thought it would be nice to give our readers a closer look. If the video leaves you drooling for the sweet R2-D2 console, C-3P0 controller and white Kinect, you should really make plans to come see Joystiq's live podcast at PAX East ... where we'll be giving it away!Be sure to come see us on April 7 at 3PM in the Manticore Theatre for your shot at this and some other goodies.
PSA: PAX East Friday passes nearly sold out
Good Friday, indeed. The official PAX East twitter account warns there are only "a few hundred" Friday passes left for this weekend's show, noting they expect to sell out in the next few days.Three-day and Saturday passes have already sold out (sorry if you'll miss our panel).Once Friday is out, that leaves only Sunday. In case you have familial or spiritual obligations, this is our friendly reminder that Sunday is Easter, before you buy tickets for the only option remaining a few days from now.[Image credit: Flickr user 'WeeScot']
Mario Tennis Open, Spirit Camera playable at PAX East
You'll be able to try Nintendo's upcoming 3DS lineup at PAX East. This morning, the publisher announced that it's bringing Mario Tennis Open and Spirit Camera to the convention, playable by all attendees, alongside a selection of released games. The eShop title Ketzal's Corridors can also be sampled at the event.Along with game demos, Nintendo is also holding a series of special Kid Icarus Uprising events, including ... a scavenger hunt for AR Idol Cards and a multiplayer tournament on Friday night. If you want to join the battle, bring your game and 3DS, and equip your very best weapon and powers.
Orcs Must Die! 2 announced with co-op, playable at PAX East
Robot Entertainment's Orcs Must Die! 2 was announced this morning, with the sequel adding the feature that was painfully absent from the original: cooperative gameplay. The sequel, which will be playable at this weekend's PAX East, welcomes the return of the doofy War Mage and adds the Sorceress, "who keeps enemies at bay with mind-control and magic.""Only 3.4 billion orcs have been slaughtered to date," Robot Entertainment CEO Patrick Hudson declared this morning. "The only way we will get to a respectable orc death toll is by adding another killing machine and cooperative play. Bring a friend and destroy the orcs!"The sequel adds a whole new campaign, more enemies, additional defenses and a new upgrade system. We look forward to hearing the call of orc slaughter and reporting back on our experience this weekend.%Gallery-152005%
