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Crush wins Develop Award, is best New Handheld IP
Congratulations to Zoe Mode and Crush -- the game just scored the best New Handheld IP award from the Develop Awards. The Develop Awards are focused on European companies and were judged by almost 100 "industry experts." In addition to Crush, PSP fans will be glad to hear that Sony Computer Entertainment of Europe (SCEE) picked up the biggest award of the evening: the Grand Prix award for their efforts with PlayStation 3. [Via PS3 Fanboy]
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 developer open to Wii sequel
Crush, the PSP's 2D/3D puzzle platformer, may have waggling in its future, according to an interview with Paul Mottram, senior producer at Crush developer Zoë Mode. We're talking faint "may" and distant future, since this was all idle speculation on his part. When asked the weirdly pointed question of why they made a PSP game instead of putting it on a Nintendo platform, Mottram responded, "There is no reason why it couldn't be transferred to multiple different platforms especially the Wii, DS and PS2 and this is something we are thinking about." He went on to describe the level editor they wanted to include, but couldn't. That definitely sounds like something well-suited to the DS or Wii, right?[Via Joystiq]
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]
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?
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%
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?
SGD '07: Crush
Sega's psychadelic dimension-bending puzzler Crush is due in just a few day's time. However, that didn't stop Sega from releasing a few new screens to tease us just a little bit more. Of particular note is the creepy box art: what's that guy wearing? %Gallery-3232%
Newest Crush video creeps us out
We knew Crush was going to be a little crazy. We didn't know it was going to be this crazy, though. GameTrailers is showing off one gameplay footage from Sega's hotly anticipated puzzler, and we have to say that it looks somewhat creepy. The random murmurs, creepy music, and surreal art all intertwine to create a somewhat Hitchcockian gaming experience. Who thought a puzzle game could do that?
Crush dev talks about the complexities of simplicity
The ideas behind Crush are deep, man. It's clear from the experimental games panel at GDC that Zoe Mode has a unique perspective on game design. In a new video interview with Gamespot, they reveal the aesthetic challenges of going from 2D to 3D. Simple design choices had to made, from darkening the background, to removing shadows, to brightening colors. Any fan of Crush will want to see the interview, if only for the tantalizing gameplay.
PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 17
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 the VIDEO folder. These high resolution 480x272 videos require firmware 3.30 or above. (Note: OE custom firmware will also play these videos.) Silent Hill: Origins [PSP] Download MP4 (3.9MB) | Download JPG The following videos are featured after the break: Surf's Up, Crush (PSP), Chuck & Larry, Pokemon Launch
Another video of Crush's mind-numbing gameplay
Many have been eager to compare the upcoming Crush to Wii's Super Paper Mario. While it's true that both feature dimension-shifting gameplay, the two are taking very different approaches to the concept. This PSP-exclusive puzzler has players going through a beautiful, dream-like world, looking for a way out. This new video from GameVideos.com showcases more gameplay--and we're psyched. Crush will land on PSP this June.
The puzzling items of Crush
Sega has released a new video, and a few tidbits about their upcoming PSP-exclusive Crush in their latest press release. Considering how awesome the game looks, I can't really complain. The video showcases some of the truly surreal puzzles you'll be tackling in this dimension-bending puzzler/platformer. The puzzles themselves are based on a few unique items, described after the break.
GDC 07: Crush highlights experimental design panel
There is one PSP game in everyone's mind here at the Game Developer's Conference: it's called Crush. Kuju Entertainment's revolutionary puzzle-platformer was highlighted in an experimental games panel, due to its highly innovative gameplay concept. One of the greatest challenges of creating such a unique project is trying to predict how the player will respond to it. Will they be able to understand how the gameplay works? Will they get too confused? Stuck? Through endless hours of QA & debugging, the team decided that the game has to explain to the player why one failed: it becomes a learning process, rather than a frustrating, alienating one. Although Crush hasn't been released yet, Kuju's Alex Butterfield wasn't afraid to think of other possibilities to expand the Crush idea: What if you could crush time? (For example, a block could turn into a bridge; a cockroach into a centipede.) What if you could crush multiple realities, in multiplayer? Would each player have their own reality? The questions become far more challenging to answer, but much more exciting at the same time. Hopefully, Crush will meet an appreciative audience when it debuts on the PSP--I'd love to see a sequel that explores these mind-numbing concepts.
The challenges and philosophies of Crush
At yesterday's Experimental Game Design lecture, Alex Butterfield discussed his latest project, the mind-bending PSP title Crush, billed as a "revolution twist on the puzzle platform." Butterfield's presentation focus on the challenges of making a game that seemingly transitions from 2D to 3D without effort. Crush is designed so that your character, who is under hypnosis to cure insomnia and forced to find a way through 40 dream sequence levels, can only "crush" (transform 3-dimensional space into 2-dimensional platformer) horizontally and top-down. Of the challenges discussed, Butterfield talked about the shortcut challenge, whereas the clever player would be able to use the crushing ability to move from the beginning of the level to the end without effort. Thus, the team devised three different blocks whose behavior differed when crushed: ghost block (insubstantial), solid blocks (impassible) and hollow blocks hollow block (somewhere in between). Other issues include disorientation, which Butterfield tried to fix by way of camera work and the placement of prominent landmarks to help the player. There were two design flaws that the dev team worked to solve. The creation of cut-zones let the developers section off part of the level so that one does not accidentally crush themselves next to a horrid enemy without prior knowledge. A safety feature was also implemented so that a crush process does not cause the character to fall helplessly to their doom; "an explanation as to why you failed the puzzle" will be shown instead. Many of these problems were also solved, of course, through countless QA and debugging. Following the talk of problems and problem solving, Butterfield moved into the realm of conjecture, philosophy and other higher-order thought. What if you were allowed to crush at any angle? What if you could crush outward into four dimensions (with time being the 4th candidate); i.e. a block could become a bridge, a cockroach would crush into a centipede, etc. How about multiplayer? Butterfield suggested separate realities for each character, whereby only you control the crushing in your reality and only your movement would be reported to the other player's screens. There's no clean-cut solution, but some of these problems give us an idea of the far future of platform puzzlers. Crush is looking good and the game's twist well-executed. The game is slated for release later this year on the PSP.
Crush developer turns into a woman
We've talked a hell of a lot about the inventive platformer/puzzler Crush already, but it looks like not just the game is creative. Kuju Brighton has decided to change their name to Zoë Mode. The new developer had this to say about their new name, "We've created Zoë Mode; she is the personality that reflects our in-house philosophy of accessible, fun gaming for everyone." I've heard of naming a boat after a woman, but this is the first time I've ever seen it happen to a company. Let's just hope Zoë has the skills to go along with her good looks. [Via Kotaku]
