thatgamecompany
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flOw out this month in PAL territories; Ape Quest in April
According to a press release sent to New Zealand based site GeekPulp, PAL territories will be able to get their hands on flOw during the same month their American cousins will. The game is due out sometime this month for both territories and for more information you should check out our PSP hands-on. Another game hitting the PC Store is the monkeylicious Ape Quest, which Americans have had their hands on for a little while now. The Ape Escape spin-off RPG will be available in PAL territories sometime in April. Check out our review for more information. [Via N4G]
PSP Fanboy hands-on: flOw
Within the PlayStation Lounge at GDC, we were able to try out the upcoming PSP version of flOw. The game starts with an interesting attempt to connect to the Network. Interestingly, this is done outside of the usual PSP Network interface. We can only hypothesize that the PSP is looking for other systems to play with, if any happen to be nearby. Unfortunately, no one was able to comment. From the very get-go, one will see the seriously toned-down graphics. The screenshots initially released don't accurately convey how poorly the transition to PSP has affected the visual presentation. Pixelation is very present, and in spite of the small screen of the PSP, nothing looks very sharp. The framerate didn't seem silky smooth like the PS3 original, either. It doesn't look bad per se, but we were rather disappointed. %Gallery-15561%
GDC08: Hands-on with PSP's flOw
The good news is that nothing has been lost in flOw's translation to the PlayStation Portable. The bad news, however, is that something has been gained. Though the aesthetics and soothing audio of the PlayStation 3 version have been mostly preserved, SuperVillain Studios' pint-sized port has been "gifted" with with far more precise control, courtesy of the system's analog nub. Unfortunately, what would normally be considered to be an improvement introduces a mechanical, almost rigid feel to the relaxed and fluid movements in flOw. It's a bizarre complaint -- oh no, the control is more responsive! -- but in the dreamy context of flOw, an increase in precision isn't necessarily in the game's best interests. We should have considered throwing some quotation marks around the word "game" (just like that), as its serene atmosphere and aimless immersion still manages to evade such precise definition, even on a smaller screen.
flOw with these new screenshots
PSP owners are in for a treat when flOw comes out in March. This PSP port of the PS3 downloadable title will feature all of the content of the original game (sorry, the expansion pack isn't included). It looks like visually, the PSP version will match the fidelity of the console original. flOw is perfect for on-the-go gaming, and will certainly be a interesting and relaxing addition to our commutes. Check out the new screens in our updated gallery. %Gallery-15561%
flOw bringS anNoying cApitalization to psP (on March 6)
Posting on the official PlayStation blog, SuperVillain Studios has announced that serene swim sim flOw is expected to surface on the PlayStation Portable early next month. The comparatively puny version will include all of the content from the PlayStation 3 game (with the exception of its expansion pack) while eschewing SIXAXIS motion control for analog nub rubbin'. It's unknown how much you'll have to splash out when the downloadable title washes onto the PC's PlayStation Store, but we'll be sure to put up a fuss if we think we're getting pond* by the price. *We are so very sorry.
First trailer of flOw on PSP
It was a huge hit on PS3. Will it be able to recreate the same success on PSP? This downloadable PSN title has you playing as an ever-growing, ever-evolving creature in a dog-eat-dog world. Equally relaxing and competitive, flOw challenges the everyday look and feel of a game. Will the lack of SIXAXIS tilt controls make it less engrossing, or will it give PSP owners the precision they want? We're impressed by the visual fidelity of this PSP version -- it looks just as good as the PS3 one. We can't wait to find out more. %Gallery-15561%
flOw swims to PSP
Thatgamecompany's flOw is finally floating from the PS3 over to the Playstation Portable, CVG reports. The PSN title (which started out as a graduate thesis) will soon be available for purchase and download from the PC-based Playstation Store, where it can be beamed to the PSP for on-the-go underwater trippy creature-eating... stuff. According to CVG, the PSP version will likely remain largely unchanged from the PS3 original. Though no release date was given, CVG speculates that flOw may appear alongside today's scheduled PSN update. We can't confirm, but that would be neat.
How's about some portable flOw?
It seems Sony Computer Entertainment Europe have leaked out a bit of information regarding a PSP port of thatgamecompany's title, flOw. The game received warm reviews when it was released on the PlayStation Network last year and plays sort of like a nap -- trust us, that's a good thing. It's very relaxing. The game will pop up as downloadable through the PlayStation Store sometime soon during the regular Thursday update. [via Gamasutra]
flOw dev discusses blossoming new project
If the Tokyo Game Show trailer was any indication, flOw developer Thatgamecompany is not shying away from abstract projects. Speaking at the Montreal International Games Summit (via Gamasutra), TGC President Kellee Santiago explained how music played an important role in the the initial development phases of Flower. Two musical pieces were commissioned to set the tone of the project, according to Santiago, to "get everyone on the same page... doing sample audio tracks to evoke the emotion [will] keep everyone's work consistent." Details about Flower itself are rather scant, aside from confirmation that at least part of the game has to do with growing flowers. Said Santiago, Flower involves the "possible emotional impacts of the feeling of growing a flower, and possible interactions as the sun." The title is due out on the PlayStation Network sometime in 2008.
So what's up with Flower?
Ever since we first got wind of Thatgamecompany's next project, Flower, we've wondered what the game actually was. With flOw, we learned that there's more to gaming than explosions and storylines, and with this game, we figured there was some sort of similar cathartic mechanism in the works. The first "details" of the game have been released and all we can say is there's certainly a lot of emotion to go around, but we've still no idea what to expect. You raise flowers in a field, but the game aims to make you "experience a field in a way you couldn't in real life," according to Thatgamecompany's Kellee Santiago. During the game's development cycle, the team constantly wondered what the emotion interaction would be with the field if you played as the wind, or the sun, or the "emotional impact of flying petals around" as well as the emotions felt when growing a flower. The game originally had you controlling petals in the wind in an early prototype, but it's unclear whether or not that's still part of the game. Initially, there were even magical elements and special abilities in the game, but those were removed since they got in the way of your emotions. No matter what Flower ends up being, we know it's going to be an experience that will be difficult to explain to friends, but once we give them the controller, they'll understand. Maybe they'll shed a tear. Or not.
PSN games Everyday Shooter, flOw (and more) on sale for $5
Sony's latest PS3 promotion asks, "When was the last time $4.99 brought you hours of entertainment?" We don't have the heart to remind them that bunches of XBLA games – like Space Giraffe – are only $5. Also, that coloring book we bought last week for less than $5 has brought us dozens of hours of entertainment ... Regardless, here's the deets of their promotion: four of the highest-profile (and, as luck would have it, best) PSN downloadable titles are being offered for the low, low price of $5. Did you miss the normally $10 Calling all Cars' discounted $5 price last month? Well, the gods at Sony have granted you a second chance. How about indie-darlings Everyday Shooter (normally $10) and flOw (normally $8)? Pick 'em up for, you guessed it, $5 each. Last on the list is PixelJunk Racers (normally $7), which will also be available for $5. You've got until November 29th to catch 'em all and add them to your collection of Black Friday steals.
Warhawk, fl0w expanding in December
Expansions are coming for popular Playstation Network titles fl0w and Warhawk, according to Game Informer magazine. Firing Squad reports that a recent issue of the magazine reveals expansions in development for both downloadable titles, with planned releases in December. The Warhawk expansion will introduce a dropship into the game, which can pick up and relocate ground vehicles. The fl0w expansion, meanwhile, will add a multiplayer mode to the abstract game, as well as a new playable creature. While expansions for Warhawk are a no-brainer, it remains to be seen how typical downloadable content will fit in with the incredibly atypical fl0w.
TGS07: fl0w team's next game, fl0wer
It's amazing to see what adding two letters to the end of a word can do. thatgamecompany, creators of the fan-favorite fl0w, is working on a brand new project. Not much is know about the new project, but considering the unique atmosphere created by the team's previous endeavors, we're excited to see what they can bring to the table. [Via Joystiq]
Today's most flowery video: 'fl0wer' trailer
If the title looks like a blatant ripoff of indie fave fl0w, that's because it's actually the same developer. Thatgamecompany, that game company which brought abstract underwater battle to PSN, is working on a new game, announced via a short, artsy trailer at the Tokyo Game Show. We don't know much (okay, anything) about fl0wer -- only that it's being developed for PS3, and that it's not yet playable. Based on the name, we expect that it will at least be a spiritual successor to fl0w, which started as game designer Jenova Chen's graduate thesis. View the serene teaser after the break, and let the speculation begin.
TGS07: flOw expansion pack brings new creatures
A lot of people complained about the lack of critters in the ambient world of flOw. We don't really know why -- it's sort of a calming experience no matter what little amoeba-like creature you decide to evolve. Well, an expansion pack for the game is on its way and you can expect a new playable creature, a new enemy, and new types of food. The new creature is another of that circle-type creature you could play as before and the enemy is another variation on the spiky-puffer fish thing. Don't get too close! Another addition in the expansion is the funky ability to play as two different creatures in multiplayer. Now you don't have to argue about which small tapeworm thing is you. Nobody knows when this expansion pack is getting released, but it seems the most important addition is the ability to choose different characters in multiplayer.
Catching up with Thatgamecompany
FlOw has come a long way since being part of a master's thesis for then-University of Southern California student Jenova Chen. Now the title is the number one download on the PlayStation Network. We had the chance to speak with Chen and fellow Thatgamecompany co-founder Kellee Santiago about what's been going since we last heard from them at the Game Developers Conference. The developer is still very positive about their decision to sign a 3-game deal with Sony and say they have been very good to them, according to Santiago. They are still working inside the Sony offices. When we mentioned the success of flOw, Chen remarked that they see it more as a challenge.Though they can't reveal any information on the upcoming project, Chen considered it ambitious, with no previous reference material. He used an illustration metaphor, that they can always illustrate known game mechanics, "but now we're trying to sketch it ourself," he said. We thought flOw was a pretty ambitious title, so it'll be interesting to see what they really consider far out of the norm. According to the duo, information concerning their next title is hopefully going to be released this fall.
North American PLAYSTATION Store releases for the week
Sony continues to release a steady flow of Midway arcade classics over the PLAYSTATION Store. As we mentioned yesterday, this week's new downloadable title is Rampage: World Tour. Unfortunately, that's about it for this week. The only other thing is a video of the next Midway arcade release, Joust. Joy. Sony has also temporarily lowered the price on flOw. For a limited time, you can download one of the best PSN titles out there for only $4.99 (normally $7.99). Not much this time around, it's really a shame Sony didn't load up a bunch of the HD trailers from Gamer's Day. I'd LOVE to see the Uncharted trailer on my big screen.
European and Japanese PlayStation Network releases for Friday May 11th
I'm going to keep this post fairly short. The less said about the following, the better. Here's what we Europeans will see grace our PlayStation Stores today. Warhawk trailer (free) Rocky Blu-ray trailer (free) Impressed? No, neither am I. Hopefully we'll see something a little more substantial next Friday. Funny, I remember thinking the same thing this time last week. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, the Japanese store has been updated to finally include flOw. No bullet list needed. That's all they got. I guess comparing this to yesterday's American PSN update will just make us feel bad, though it's getting increasingly difficult not to.
PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 10
Note: This edition was delayed due to an internet outage. PSP Fanboy offers the latest and greatest movie and game trailers, formatted for the PSP in this new weekly feature. Check it out every Saturday. PSP owners can download files wirelessly via m.pspfanboy.com. Instructions: Save all movie and thumbnail files to MP_ROOT/101ANV01/. Requires firmware 2.00 or above. Do NOT place in "VIDEO" folder. Firmware 2.80 or above do not need to download thumbnails. LittleBigPlanet [PS3] Download MP4 (25.5MB) | Download THM The following videos are featured after the break: Warhawk [PS3], fl0w [PS3], Home [PS3], Heavenly Sword [PS3]
A numerical history, and future, of flOw dev That Game Company
On the first floor of Moscone's North hall last Friday, flOw developer That Game Company presented their storied origins. Co-founders Jenova Chen, who took a brief recess from the company to help on the DS version of Will Wright's Spore, and Kellee Santiago, met at the University of Southern California. "I don't see [video games] as being any different [than other interactive media], it's all story telling," Santiago said. Chen, who affirms that his proudest work is flOw and Cloud, explained their place in gaming with an ever-popular culinary allegory. Think of Gears of War as steak and World of Warcraft as chicken. Let's give lettuce a relation to Nintendogs and fish can be Brain Age. "Let's say you focus on chicken, but somehow you find a way to make it accessible and customizable," said Chen. The according Power Point slide shows the chicken transition into a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. "That also expands the audience or customers. How can you make existing games more accessible to wider audiences?" Does that mean flOw is a bowl of cereal? All we know now is that we're quite famished.
