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Drawn to Life's story comes pre-written
Frequent readers know that we are infatuated with Drawn to Life. It's a 2D platformer that makes use of a fun gimmick that is perfect for the DS. What's not to love? So every time some news comes around about it, we're thrilled to post it. GamesRadar interviewed Scott Rogers from THQ about the game, and got a little information about the story. You play "The Creator" who draws in the Book of Life to create champions and items, etc., in order to save a race called the Raposa from some evil drawings. It seems one of the Raposa tried to use the Book of Life, but his drawings came out all evil, and then the whole town was covered in ominous darkness. Dude should have read the manual first. Oh, did we mention video? There's some video too.
Today's potential franchise relaunch video: Crash Bandicoot
Gameplay footage from Crash of the Titans held our interest for today's video pick. The upcoming Bandacoot adventure for all current platforms besides PS3 will be out this fall, and Crash fans may find a new title to love. (We're not talking about you, Action Pack.) Or is Crash looking a little too like The King for his own good?See the new video after the break, and watch a longer GameTrailers developer interview, too.
Potential Drawn to Life boxart is really cute
Good boxart is sometimes a rarity. We hope that this image is what THQ really plans to use for Drawn to Life, because it's perfect. The hand-drawn character featured not only demonstrates the main gimmick of the game, he's adorable. The color scheme is great, and the box is eye-catching in general. We're rooting for Drawn to Life because it looks great and because we need more original side-scrolling platformers. A visually appealing boxart may not affect sales hugely, but it would at least attract the eyes of shoppers. We don't want this one to slip through the cracks. [Via GoNintendo]
Metareview: Crush
It's obvious from our review of Crush, that we think it'll be a worthwhile experience. Does the game press agree with us, or do they think Crush is a bomb? Let's find out! GameSpy (90/100) got certifiably addicted: "With levels that build on each other in terms of complexity (and, thusly, difficulty), the game inspires that kind of 'just one more level' feeling of addiction that may result in you freeing Dan from his insomnia but earning yourself a nasty case in return." 1UP (95/100) loves the originality: "Most games can be described as an amalgam of others, as borrowed game mechanics and thematic elements bounce from game to game within a genre. Crush might have a recognizable aesthetic (think Psychonauts in a dark alley), but it's gameplay is wholly -- and compellingly it's own." EuroGamer (80/100) appreciates the challenge: "There's a genuine sense of achievement and enjoyment when a seemingly impossible level suddenly clicks (or crushes into place, and the confident way the game uses its central conceit as more than just a gimmick is undeniably reassuring and appealing." If only being correct on game quality was like unhatching an evil plan, we'd laugh maniacally right now. Heck, we'll do it anyway. We were right! MWA HA HA HA HA!
Crush producer considers multiplatform release, level editor
Sixty reasons not enough to convince you to buy a PSP? This interview with Crush senior producer Paul Mottram will only serve to justify your stubbornness. Speaking to Sega Nerds, Mottram expresses interest in taking the game to other platforms. "There is no reason why it couldn't be transferred to multiple different platforms especially the Wii, DS and PS2," he said, "and this is something we are thinking about." Discussing a potential sequel, Mottram said "It's something we'd all love to do since there are so many features we didn't get the opportunity to put into this version." Consideration is at least six degrees away from confirmation and execution, but it does seem the folks at development studio Zoë Mode aren't feeling compelled to keep the franchise PSP-exclusive. Should a sequel or new release come out, it will give Mottram and co. a chance to implement a level editor, one of the big ideas that they had but never made it to the final product. "We have a terrific in-game level editor running on the PSP which our designers used to create all the levels in the game. Unfortunately, we didn't have the time to get this running on a commercial PSP or implement all the necessary user friendly features we would have needed if it was to be shipped with the game. As you could imagine designing Crush levels can be tricky at times." Crush designer Alex Butterfield gave a speech at this year's Game Developers Conference discussing the challenges of making levels in the game. Mottram summed it up best: "You could spend hours perfecting a level only to see someone instantly circumvent the entire level with a crush we had never considered." %Gallery-3191% [Via PSP Fanboy]
Level editor abandoned in Crush (but could appear in sequel)
This awkwardly-worded headline does a horrible job at conveying the incredible excitement that surged through me when reading Sega Nerds' interview with Zoe Mode. Paul Mottram, producer of Crush, revealed that there was an in-game level editor used by the developers, but it couldn't be finished in time: "We have a terrific in-game level editor running on the PSP which our designers used to create all the levels in the game. Unfortunately, we didn't have the time to get this running on a commercial PSP or implement all the necessary user friendly features we would have needed if it was to be shipped with the game. As you could imagine designing Crush levels can be tricky at times." Of course, the developers would have more time to work on such a mind-blowing feature in a potential sequel ... something Zoe Mode isn't denying. "It's something we'd all love to do since there are so many features we didn't get the opportunity to put into this version."
Video walkthrough reveals answers to Crush
Crushed about one of Crush's more diabolical levels? Don't feel too bad -- you're not alone. Many gamers have found the innovative 2D/3D puzzle game to be maniacally difficult. For better or worse, longtime PSP Fanboy reader JIMMY has provided some incredible video walkthroughs for the game. Each video will reveal, step by step, how to get to the exit. But, beware! While we're incredibly grateful for these guides, they may defeat the incredible sense of accomplishment one can get for getting to the end successfully. Do you want to risk that? Of course, finding the answer certainly beats being stuck on a single level for hours on end. See also: Complete Loco Roco guide for download
Crush gets Develop Award nomination
While PSP is home to many great PlayStation franchises, it's also where many exciting, new and innovative IPs have taken off. Crush is yet another example of a great original PSP title, and it's already getting the attention of critics and developers alike. The Develop Conference has announced its nominations for award recipients, and Crush stands as the easy favorite in the "New Handheld IP" category. Awards will be announced on July 25th. Will the unanimously beloved Crush get a win? [Via Joystiq]
Indie platformer Knytt Stories to be released by end of August
Previously silent on the timing of the release of a Knytt sequel, Within a Deep Forest creator Nifflas has finally let a date slip from his keyboard: August 30th. The indie game creator has forged new ground in the community by crafting atmospheric platform adventures that emphasize mood, environment, and exploration. Within a Deep Forest poured the challenge on like warm, thorny honey, while the follow-up Knytt nixed most of the enemies in favor of item discovery. Knytt Stories continues in the same vein and will include a powerful level-editor, a first for Nifflas. Another first will be the release of an expansion pack with extra levels, music, and other bonuses available for purchase, though both the game and editor will remain free. [Via Independent Gaming]%Gallery-3719%
N+ level creation competition is on
Following the recent announcement of the indie platformer N making its way to DS, PSP, and Xbox Live Arcade, Metanet has launched a level creation event aimed at spurring creativity in the already-active community. SUBLiME (Submit Unique and Brilliant Levels in to Metanet Event) launched Monday and lasts through June 18th. Level designers can download special versions of N's editor (Ned) to create platform-specific stages. Winners "may" receive N+ gear and their levels "may" be included on the upcoming releases.
PSP Fanboy review: Crush
Crush is many things. It looks and sounds great, is very competent technically and is incredibly difficult. It comes packed with style, innovation and replay value. Not to mention it has a genuinely compelling story, told through the use of atmospheric and well-acted cutscenes. Puzzle games - even those that pretend not to be puzzle games, such as Crush - don't come much better than this. If this sounds like something you want in a game, then pick up Crush. Now.
Worldwide PSP releases for the week of May 27
Every Sunday PSP Fanboy lets you know what's coming out for the PSP worldwide. If a game is listed as coming out in a different country from where you live, don't worry. Your PSP can play games from any region. That gives every game on this list the potential to be in your future game library. It's a slow game week, but finally Crush hits the US. Keep reading to find out if there's a game you want this week! US Games Crush Surf's Up Legend of the Dragon EU Games Smash Court Tennis 3 Asian Games Minna no Golf Ba Release dates may always change, so you may want to call before heading to your local game shop. Do any of these games interest our readers?
Flash game N+ getting official DS release
Metanet's N is a physics-based platformer in which players run and jump around a big room collecting coins. It's a simple concept that is executed so well that it earned the game an Independent Games Festival Audience Award. Next on the list of honors: an official retail release on the DS and PSP from Atari, to be called N+.We don't know how the game will be changed, other than the addition of, as Metanet puts it, "pretty cool new features and graphics." Really, we hope it isn't changed much at all-- especially the level-editing feature. Atari, we've never asked you for anything before-- let us make and trade N+ levels online.You can download the Flash version of N here. Try it out and see how you'd feel about a DS version!
Nintendo Media Summit: Drawn to Life impressions (DS)
The Nintendo Media Summit this week had many quirky games, but one of the most unique and endearing was the DS action/adventure title, Drawn to Life. The coolest part of the game is that you can actually draw your in-game character, his weapons, and even create moving platforms to help you get over bottomless caverns. It's an incredibly fun idea, and the game pulls it off well. The story of the game is fairly typical: Your village is overcome by darkness and evil and it's up to you to save the day by beating down all the bad guys. The twist is just how much of the game is user-created or modifiable. You can use pre-existing character models, or you can tweak them, or you can just make your own guy entirely. You'll even create in-game creatures by drawing them! There is something really fun about seeing your drawing spring to life and hop around. The game also allows you to trade your various creations back and forth with other friends (handy if one of your friends is a better artist than you). %Gallery-3419%
One more look at Crush
Crush is already being enjoyed by the lucky Europeans that received the game a week earlier than the rest of us. While Jem is already prepping his review of the game, we wanted to take one more look at Sega's innovative dimension-twisting puzzle game. Check out this new trailer, and some new images in our updated gallery. %Gallery-3232%
First Drawn to Life Videos are Animated to Life
Someone at Gametrailers has worked some arcane sorcery upon the preview images of Drawn to Life. We cannot comprehend the events that are occurring before our eyes. BEHOLD ... THE PICTURES MOVE! After the break, we've posted three developer walkthroughs that show character creation, item creation, weapon creation, and, of course, the basic platforming gameplay. And it all looks amazing. There is a different category of customizable weapon for each of four worlds. The animation on the characters is remarkable for something that is based on player drawings. Plus you can replace moving platforms with your own drawings. Something that random and weird, we have to love.
Drawn to Life previewed
1UP's Jeremy Parish was lucky enough to get to play 5th Cell's Drawn to Life, a game whose hype train we have already boarded, even before we knew anything about the gameplay. Parish's preview has gotten us even more hyped, because the drawing element, rather than being gimmicky window dressing, is integral to the gameplay in really unique ways. One example given in the preview: players are asked to draw a clam to be used as a springboard. We don't know if the player's drawing affects the performance of the springboard (if, for example, the angle of the thing affects its power) but it seems logical. The actual platforming, according to Parish, was just okay-- inoffensive, but not exceptional. We could chalk that impression up to its lack of novelty compared to the editing functions; and as long as the game isn't bad, we think the drawing will carry it. %Gallery-3281%
Worldwide PSP releases for the week of May 20
Another week, and luckily another set of game releases. Every Sunday we give you the 411 on what's coming out for the PSP worldwide. If a game is listed as coming out in a different country from where you live, don't worry. Your PSP can play games from any region. That gives every game on this list the potential to be in your future game library. We have some interesting choices this week, so read on! US Games Brooktown High Senior Year Diner Dash Legend of the Dragon Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End EU Games Crush Heatseeker Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Winx Club Asian Games Bleach: Heat the Soul 4 Juiced Eliminator Release dates may always change, so you may want to call before heading to your local game shop. I totally want Bleach, but do any of these games interest our readers?
DS Daily: Visual edition
Okay, here's what we want you to do: Go to the Drawn to Life demo page. Draw a character. Be an adult and keep it clean. Children: Be like adults. Save a screenshot of your handiwork. Upload it to Imageshack or something. Post the URL in the comments. Share a hearty laugh with your fellow commenters! While laughing, distribute high fives all around.
Drawn to Life is demonstrably great
5th Cell has released a demo of the character-drawing utility used in Drawn to Life. We've messed with it for a while, and here are our detailed impressions: wheeeee! The tool is simple-- freehand, flood fill, and eraser, but it works well, and there is something incredibly satisfying about drawing a character and seeing it animate on the top screen as you're drawing it. It'll be a lot more satisfying to do the drawing with an actual stylus. So far, we feel justified in our anticipation of Drawn. When you've created a character you're satisfied with (like our completely original protagonist above), you can enter it into a contest, the winner of which gets included in the game! Oh, and also you get a bunch of stuff.
