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PC Trine to retail Sept. 8, PSN cries single tear
While PS3 users are still waiting for the PSN release of thiefy-wizardy-knighty-platformer Trine, SouthPeak has announced that the PC version of the game will soon be headed to retail. The retail version of the game will land on shelves September 8 -- peep its box art above.So, if you've been waiting for a chance to own a copy of Trine that actually comes with a box, you're wait is almost over. If, on the other hand, you've been waiting to download the game on a certain, special console, you'll have to continue settling for nothing but deep sighs and long, wistful looks out the window.
Section 8 demo slams onto Xbox Live
We have to admit that we really dig the concept of Section 8. First, you've got power-armored super soldiers that drop into the battlefield from 15,000 feet -- kind of like ODSTs without those pansy drop pods. Players can run across the battlefield in seconds, jump 20 feet in the air, and even have a tank hot-dropped right into the action.We liked what we saw of the game at GDC, and now everyone can get their hands on the game, thanks to a demo that just dropped (geddit?) onto Xbox Live Marketplace. The demo allows players to try out the game's multiplayer mode. It's similar to Battlefield, in which points are earned by performing team objectives, only with a twist. The objectives aren't determined by game type, but pop up dynamically during gameplay. One minute you might be disrupting an enemy caravan, and another you could be escorting a VIP to your base. Check out the video above for a quick explanation, then download the demo and give it a try.[Thanks, scott!]
Gamecock acquisition goes south - vendors accuse SouthPeak of not paying up
Created by industry entrepreneurs Mike Wilson, Rick Stults and Harry Miller, the Gamecock Media Group set out to buck-buck-buck the trend -- a perceived sequence of retreads, rehashes and remakes that characterized a rapidly expanding games industry. The games were undoubtedly indie, the choices bizarre and the rooster costumes touted by Wilson and the gang were just plain weird. But not nearly as weird as the David vs. Goliath scenario that ended with the lowly rock slinger shaking hands with his imposing foe. But in October of 2008, SouthPeak Interactive Corporation stepped out of the role of opposition, instead donning the chivalrous and sharply dressed persona of corporate savior. A shaky economy had compelled Gamecock's main investor to tighten the belt, an act which former Gamecock CEO (and subsequent co-founder of Devolver Digital) Mike Wilson deemed a swift and unexpected crisis. "He and his board decided that with their main business bleeding so badly, they needed to cut off anything 'ancillary'," Wilson said, "such as his investment in outside businesses, one of which was our company." With the timing sitting uncomfortably close to the Christmas rush and promising titles like Legendary and Mushroom Men on the verge of completion, Gamecock needed help. "And suddenly there was NO money. So, we literally had to find someone to acquire us immediately ... someone who knew the business, could see the imminent revenues versus liabilities, and move very fast." And for a Goliath, SouthPeak was pretty fast. "A week later, we were bought, and all we could do was put on a happy face and hope for the best."
Section 8 open beta is go
TimeGate Studios has announced that the Section 8 open PC beta for North America, Europe and Australia is now ... open. The beta grants users with access to two of the game's multiplayer maps and offers up "a variety of some of the vehicles, weapons, deployables, missions, and equipment." The beta is free, and all that's needed to get fragging is a Fileplanet, IGN or GameSpy account. To sign up, simply visit this link and fill out a few forms. You'll then be given a CD-Key and access to download the beta. The beta is on a first come, first serve basis, so hop to it if you want in. To find out if your rig can handle the game, check out the PC specs after the break.
Video: The story behind Section 8
We know what you've been thinking. You've been watching the videos and reading the articles about Section 8 and you've thought, "Sure, it's pretty cool that I can drop from space, charge across half a mile of terrain in 10 seconds and then have HQ drop a tank right on the battlefield for me, but what's my motivation?" Thankfully, the fine folks at TimeGate have your answer in the form of a new developer diary. The video delves into he history of Section 8 (the good guys), the rise of its best soldier, Alex Corde, and the group's conflict with the Arm of Orion (not the good guys). With that out of the way, hopefully we can all just focus on the whole drop-from-the-sky-and-kill-everything aspect of the game now.
Ousted Take-Two CEO Eibeler joins SouthPeak board
Tuesday 4 August 170-something lbs. of face-palming rage.Food consumed today:A lot of really audible snacks and stuff that makes me sound bone-crunchy and vicious, like a Central Park West poodle.Just past midnight. New York: my penthouse. Do people never learn? Found out today that SouthPeak Interactive has hired Paul Eibeler to be on its board of directors. This is the same guy I had ousted from Take-Two back in '07 -- not to mention, Diary, I'm still bitter about that golden parachute we gave him.What really wrinkles my suit, though, is this statement by SouthPeak chair Terry Phillips: "As one of the most respected executives in the interactive games industry, we welcome Paul to the board of directors." LOL to the ROFLCOPTER! I laugh in their general direction, Diary. Eibeler was named "Worst CEO" by MarketWatch in 2005 for his handling of Take-Two and the way he dealt with the "Hot Coffee" scandal. I mean, I've taken my licks, but Eibeler getting hired? It's like nobody Googles anymore.
Steam weekend sale: Velvet Assassin, X3: Terran Conflict, Men of War
If our inability to finish Velvet Assassin hasn't diminished your interest in the game, know that Steam is slashing 50% off its price this weekend. Joining the stealth title in this weekend's sale is Egosoft's X3: Terran Conflict, which has also been discounted by 50%, and Aspyr's Men of War, which has been discounted by a huge 75%. Of course, none of this probably matters to most Steam users, as they're most likely enjoying a romp through Monkey Island right about now.
SouthPeak releasing DS music training software
In a weird coincidence, a second DS music learning game has been announced, following the discovery of Jam Sessions 2. The DS is determined, as a platform, to teach you music if it kills you. SouthPeak will publish Nobilis's Music, a DS "musical activity game" based on Shiro Tsuji's "Anybody Can Read Music" teaching method, this fall.Music features a series of music lessons, along with various quizzes, and 65 "notable compositions" to learn and play on the game's virtual instruments. There is also a selection of cute rhythm minigames. For adept amateur musicians, the game lets players create and record their own compositions.%Gallery-44541%
Plenty of post-release content planned for Section 8
We've got high hopes for Section 8, a promising sci-fi FPS from TimeGate. But today we learned that the game has even more going for it than the ability to drop from space and kill a tank (which you can admit is already quite a lot). The devs are also pretty adept at forward thinking. Producer Robert Siwiak told Gamasutra, "We're already planning on releasing additional map packs and other content, potentially new weapons and vehicles into the mix. After the game has launched, we fully intend to support the community and add in additional content and otherwise fill the gap between now and a potential Section 8 sequel." Yikes, already thinking sequels, TimeGate? Live in the now!
New Section 8 trailer drops in
Okay, so the latest trailer for TimeGate's Section 8 certainly looks cool. What with the robo-solders dropping into battle from the sky, calling in tanks and giant mechs, and FPS action, we'll give it that. Our only question is this: Where's the heart?What's that? You don't care about heart? You're more interested in all the action and nifty multiplayer features? Oh, well you should watch the trailer then.
Three games to light up your 4th
The founding of a nation is pretty significant and well worth getting excited about. The best way to display said excitement is, of course, with massive, colorful airborne explosions, a.k.a. fireworks. Tomorrow night, towns across the USA will be putting on fireworks displays, big and small -- but why should you have to wait for it to get dark? The games you'll find after the break will let you get all explode-y from the comfort of your living room, without the charred mess and frantic 911 call. So, put on your favorite patriotic tune (it's "The Stars & Stripes Forever" for us) and make with the clicking! [Image]
SouthPeak bringing Trine to PC, demo out now
The indie, fantasy action-platformer that is FrozenByte's Trine has already impressed us during hands-on time with it. Today, SouthPeak announced that it will be publishing a PC version of the game in the US so that non-console gamers can experience its unique blend of on-the-fly object creation -- both for puzzle-solving and attacks/defense -- and side-scrolling gameplay for themselves.Supporting three-player co-op, the game is due to hit PC, PSN and XBLA (the latter via Atlus) in late summer. PC owners don't have to wait for a taste of the game, though, as the San Francisco Examiner turned us on to the fact that a demo is available now from BigDownload. If you want a better idea of the console version's gameplay ... plug in a 360 controller and BAM![Thanks, theineffablebob!]
Section 8 pre-order bonus revealed, GameStop exclusive
SouthPeak has revealed a special Section 8 goody for those who pre-order the game from GameStop (and only at GameStop). Pre-order either the PC or Xbox 360 version of Section 8 and you'll get a special set of armor known as the Captain's Armor. The armor can be worn by either of the game's factions. Members of Section 8 will don the armor with a golden eagle on the shoulder, while members of the rebellious Arm of Orion will sport a helmet with a gold-trimmed lion. Considering what some people are willing to go through for an in-game set of armor, we'd say pre-ordering is a pretty simple option. Check out shots of the armor in the gallery below. %Gallery-66033%
Renegade Kid returning to the hospital in Dementium II
Developer Renegade Kid apparently stumbled across some leftover brown paint, and is currently working up a sequel to Dementium: The Ward. The game is set to continue the story of the first game, which had players stumbling through the darkened grimy halls of an abandoned hospital trying to discover a way out. Or at least some morphine to dull the pain.Notes Renegade Kid's Jools Watsham, "We were extremely satisfied with what we accomplished with the original Dementium, but knew we could do even more given the chance to develop a sequel." Little is known about the return trip into portable madness, though publisher SouthPeak promises even more hospital scares when Dementium II ships for the DS in the first part of 2010.
Sushi Go Round coming to DS and Wii
We have to admit, we're always a little bummed when we see free games coming to cartridges. Take Sushi Go Round, for instance. It's a tough time management game that's been downloaded more than 60 million times from Miniclip.com. Now, SouthPeak and Asylum are bringing the game to the Wii and DS, where, presumably, you'll have to buy them.We don't begrudge anyone getting paid, and we know that this will bring the game to new audiences. But doesn't turning a free game into something you have to buy miss the point?
X-Blades demo now on X-Box Live
Major Nelson has announced that an X-Blades demo is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. If X-Blades managed to slip under your radar, we wouldn't blame you. All you really need to know is that the game features a scantily clad lady slicing and dicing bad guys with swords. Oh, the lady is attractive too. That's important. You can add the demo to your 360 download queue right here.
SouthPeak sees revenue surge on 'post-holiday demand'
Hey, SouthPeak, we're in a recession, didn't you hear? The publisher again pocketed an impressive wad of cash, reporting $13.5 million in revenue during its fiscal third quarter, up more than $2 million over the same time the previous year. According to Gamasutra, the company cited "post-holiday consumer demand" and recent releases like Big Bang Mini and X-Blades as key factors in the outfit's financial buoyancy.With 711,000 units of software flying out the door during the quarter, it's no wonder the company is making plans for the future. The report notes that SouthPeak has more than 60 games in the works, with over $14 million currently invested in development of new titles and IP. Perhaps we can finally quit pointing and laughing as the publisher of Gamecock cast-offs Legendary and Velvet Assassin rolls up to the bank. Clearly some gamers' spirits are more resilient than others.
JoystiQuitter: Velvet Assassin
If there's one thing we hate about our new focus on reviewing games here at Club Joystiq, it's having to play games that we don't like very much. But then we realized: For every second we spend playing a game we hate/just don't want to play, that's another second we can't spend telling you about a good game, or putting hilarious captions on pictures of cats.So, we'd like to humbly introduce Joystiquitter, where we tell you what we thought, why we stopped playing and just how long it took for the game to break our spirits.
Southpeak bringing Sled Shred to Wii
Here's a perfect example of why there needs to be freer communication between the press and game publishers. This morning, Southpeak announced that it would be releasing Sled Shred on the Wii, a downhill racing game that takes advantage of the Wii Balance Board. More importantly, though, the release stated that players would race "with and against the world-renowned Jamaican Bobsled team."Springing into action, we asked the most obvious, important questions: [1] Will Doug E. Doug appear in the game? [2] Will zombie John Candy appear in the game? [3] At any point, will someone say "Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, its bobsled time!"? Get this: We still haven't gotten a response from Southpeak. Guess we'll have to wait until Fall 2009 to find out for ourselves.
