Articles

New Indy Jones demo released. No 'Euphoria' in sight! 26 May, 2006, 06:02 / 46 comments

By jp-30


After many setbacks, the fangame Indiana Jones and the Fountain of Youth has just released its first playable demo. Ten locations chock full of old-style "Fate of Atlantis" inspired 2D point-and-click goodness.

If you're not sure if fangames are for you, first check out the screenshots to see just how much work has gone into this game so far, then get the 5Mb demo!

Source: Barnett College

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DOTT represents history 23 May, 2006, 18:16 / 12 comments

By Remi


Or so resident LucasArts thinker elTee set out to prove with his HS120 - Writing And Representing History assignment. Completely dedicated to Day of the Tentacle, this might lead some of you to just blow it off as elTee's online persona finally taking over his day to day personality, but it's actually well researched and written. Plus professors love stuff like this. (Trust me, I wrote something similar about Donald Duck back in the day.) And Jake Rodkin is a source, and he is a top scholar as we all know.

But anyway, why are you reading this? Go get educated with Mojo!
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Seeing double 21 May, 2006, 09:51 / 11 comments

By Gabez


It seems that some bright spark called Neil Millstone has ported ScummVM to the Nintendo dual-screen thingamy. You can see a video of Sam & Max working on the device here, and you can download the port here. Apparently the touch screen part can be used to move the pointer in the game, which is pretty cool.

Update: Oops, this is actually old news, though I'm at least the Sam & Max video is new. (Thanks Haggis!)

And speaking of Sam & Max: if you don?t already, you should really read the Telltale blogs. There?s a good one about reactions to the new game (apparently some people didn?t already know about it!) as well as a report from e3, showing off some awesome looking posters.

Source: ThunderPeel2001

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Telltale working on SUPER SECRET license! Shhhhh! 19 May, 2006, 05:12 / 22 comments

By Jason


This probably should have been reported, like, last week, but just pretend this Shacknews writeup about E3 isn't a week old. Scroll down to the bottom of that page to read about a short discussion that everyone's favorite Chris Remo had with Kevin Bruner, where it's revealed that the company currently has a "secret project" in development, with not a single clue as to what it is. (Wolfgang would have given me a word puzzle at least.) Now I'm not one to jump to conclusions, but I'll eat my hat if it's not Big Sky Trooper II. Speculate wildly below!
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Just in case you missed it 17 May, 2006, 22:06 / 9 comments

By Gabez


The Sam & Max homepage was updated on Monday, allowing you to download the trailer in a variety of attractive formats. Now you can watch it again, and again, and again...

And in other news, shocking footage has been uncovered showing Jim Ward hard at work, scanning in textures for the next Indiana Jones game.
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Indy seems dead inside? 15 May, 2006, 21:47 / 17 comments

By Gabez


Penny Arcade have given some thoughts on the games at e3, including the new Indiana Jones. Here?s what they thought:
This was the year of procedurally generated content. Every other developer was telling me how instead of having artists and animators create a game for me they figured out a way to make a computer do it. They seem to think this is better but Indiana Jones is a great example of why it?s not. Instead of animating Indy they essentially taught him how to behave and react to his surroundings. They said this was better because it means you?ll never see the same canned animation over and over. What it means is that I see different stupid looking animations all the time though. I?m not sure that?s an improvement. I?ll take God of Wars beautifully animated special moves over Indy looking like some kind of retarded marionette any day.

To be honest, I'm finding myself agree with them. I don?t want to judge Indy before it's released, but I just hope that enough thought has gone into the characters, plot, style, dialogue, music and atmosphere than have gone into the physics engine. I guess we'll just have to wait and see!
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Vampyre Story has publisher. Possibly. 15 May, 2006, 08:33 / 2 comments

By jp-30


While NDA's stop Bill Tiller form spilling the beans, it's easy enough to read between the lines in his recent Autumn Moon Forum post.
Also our tech demo was to be shown to publishers at E3, not for the public... publishers are more forgiving of the rough edges around tech demos than the public is... and though I can?t say anything due to NDAs, let?s just say I am very happy right now, after an exhausting week. But I can say no more, though trust me I want to.
Let's hope the details are finalised soon and production on the game proper can finally begin!

Source: Autumn Moon Games

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New MI games equivalent to Bewitched, Hazzard movies. 14 May, 2006, 01:39 / 43 comments

By jp-30


Thanks to a tipoff from mixnmojo reader jtacomis we can hear LucasArts boss Jim Ward publically declare how old television IP such as 'Bewitched' or 'Dukes of Hazzard' sucks when remade for the modern movie audience, which is why the old LucasArts IP such as Monkey Island and Day of the Tentacle will stay dead and buried "until at least 2015".

Uhhh. What now?

Watch for yourself.

Source: G4

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LucasArts at e3: day three 12 May, 2006, 21:00 / 8 comments

By Gabez



It really is!
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Wii lightsaber game not allowed to suck 12 May, 2006, 20:47 / 4 comments

By jp-30


When some IGN hack at E3 asked some LucasArts lackeys if they had ever considered making a Wii lightsaber combat game, the devs shuffled their feet and may have winked. Possibly.
[Sources] At the end of the demonstration questions were raised about the possibility of such a game, garnering knowing smiles from the room of LucasArts employees. Comments of "We are looking into it" were heard from members of their staff as ideas for the game were discussed among the people in the room.
This is obviously irrefutable proof that LucasArts are developing a Wiisaber game. And better yet you can do your part to ensure that the game does not suck.

Source: Google news

4

News filler 12 May, 2006, 17:58 / 6 comments

By Gabez


According to IGN, Mercenaries 2 is being developed, though for some reason there hasn?t been a peep about it out of LucasArts HQ, despite them being listed as the publisher. Check out the official site if you're interested.

Also, Will Write Wright loves Tim Schafer. The man has good taste.

Also also: Idle Thumbs have some neat e3 content up, including a Pod Cast where some people called "Marek" and "Spaff" make fun of the LucasArts e3 line-up. "Traxion!?" indeed.

Plus! There is a video from last year's e3, which is worth downloading if only for the awesome Monkey Island 2 spoof at the beginning. Yargh!

Source: Scummbuddy

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I've got the POWER (of the dark side) 11 May, 2006, 22:18 / 9 comments

By Gabez


You know that Darth Vader game that was rumoured but not announced? Well, it might be in development after all, slated for a 2007 release.

Computer and Video Games.com have some kind of exclusive scoop on the matter, together with news on LucasArts' latest technology. It sounds like they're co-operating with ILM a lot more, which could prove to be interesting for future games, maybe.
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LucasArts at e3: day two 11 May, 2006, 22:00 / 2 comments

By Gabez



Bow down to the POWER!
2

Sam & Max trailer 11 May, 2006, 15:24 / 42 comments

By Remi


Why are you reading this when you could be checking out the brand spanking new Sam & Max trailer? I mean seriously.

Oh, and to editorialize; it does get the Remi's seal of approval. Even the voices. What do you think? Watch then comment.

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LucasArts at e3: day one 10 May, 2006, 20:29 / 8 comments

By Gabez



Hoho

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Sam & Max on GameTap at E3 in your face 09 May, 2006, 01:53 / 26 comments

By Jason


Well this was unexpected. Check out this brief news item on Gamespot saying that a Sam & Max game will be debuting at E3 by the ever-growing game subscription service GameTap. Interesting.

The only real news reported is that there will be a video to show off on Wednesday. Since details about this announcement are nonexistent, nothing can be said for certain, but I'm gathering that GameTap will be one of the online outlets Telltale has selected for the series in addition to Telltale Now and others. Gamespot did make the statement that the Sam & Max games are being co-produced GameTap, whatever that means. More specific info will presumably be known later this week.

Update update: Telltale's responded by posting its new Sam & Max web site that not only clears up the confusion but features an updated Q&A, wallpaper, a "comic strip generator," the promise of an E3 trailer on Thursday, and other neat stuff for you to fondle. Why are you not there?!

Update! Press release available below the cut.<:MORENEWS:>

GameTap and Telltale ANNOUNCE REVERED "Sam & Max" FRANCHISE TO DEBUT ON
THE GAMETAP NETWORK

GameTap and Telltale team up to bring America's favorite crime fighters
back to the video game screen in time for holiday season - Exclusive E3
trailer screening



LOS ANGELES - E3 - (May 9, 2006) - "Sam & Max," the legendary dog and
rabbit crime-fighting stars of video games, television and comics, make
their triumphant return to the gaming scene after an absence of more
than a decade! At the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), GameTap, the
first-of-its-kind broadband entertainment network from Turner
Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.), and interactive entertainment
pioneer Telltale today announced they are co-producing an all new "Sam &
Max" episodic adventure series that will debut on the GameTap network in
time for this holiday season. Telltale will also sell individual
episodes from its Sam & Max website at http://snm.telltalegames.com.

At GameTap's E3 booth (South Hall #1078), fans of "Sam & Max" can view a
trailer that provides a sneak peek of what's to come. There is even a
special poster designed by series creator Steve Purcell which fans can
obtain by taking the GameTap Aptitude Test. Visitors can also sign up
for a chance to win an Alienware computer. For those who cannot attend
E3, the trailer will be available on GameTap TV and on the Telltale
website at snm.telltalegames.com later in the week.

The new "Sam & Max" series marks GameTap's first outing as a producer.
Also an industry first is the introduction of a brand new title on
GameTap's broadband network. GameTap now boasts more than 500 video game
titles as well as original video programming, music channels and
thriving online communities.

"GameTap is all about great games, so we're thrilled that the first
GameTap-produced title and the first brand new game to debut on our
service is a 'Sam and Max' episodic series," said Ricardo Sanchez,
GameTap's vice president of content. "We're also very excited to be
working with Telltale Games to pioneer episodic game development."


"GameTap is a great fit for Sam & Max," said Telltale CEO Dan Connors.
"They have a tremendous amount of respect for the series, and their
online channel makes them an ideal partner for episodic content. We
look forward to our collaborations for accelerating innovation in the
interactive entertainment space."

With its unique visual style and clever storylines, the "Sam & Max"
franchise has amassed a devoted following in comic book, animation, and
video game circles. By coming to GameTap, the "Sam & Max" legacy will
continue to grow and thrive in the bold new frontier of broadband
entertainment.

"Sam & Max" will join GameTap's extensive library of on-demand content
that now boasts more than 500 video game titles as well as original
video programming, spanning music, animation, reality shows and more,
all of which targets followers of the pop-culture driven video game
lifestyle. Telltale is continuing to release new "Sam & Max" content at
its website on a regular basis, including the serialized webcomic story
which began last winter, collectible prints signed by Steve Purcell,
t-shirts and a completely new cartoon strip generator, which it has
posted to the site today.

About Sam & Max
Steve Purcell published "Monkeys Violating the Heavenly Temple" as his
first Sam & Max comic in 1987. Sam & Max solved assorted crimes and
mysteries as "Freelance Police" in their sturdy 1960 Black and White De
Soto Adventurer from their home base in New York City. After a series of
follow-up comic books, Purcell worked with a team at LucasArts to create
the critically acclaimed "Sam & Max Hit the Road" adventure game in
1993. The dog and bunny duo moved to television, in an original animated
series on the Fox Kids Network in 1997.

About Telltale
Telltale delivers Tales for Your Imagination - high caliber interactive
entertainment which features engaging stories, strong characters, and
rich environments. A new era of interactive entertainment is emerging,
with customers expecting more from their investment in play time.
Telltale is developing and deploying cinematic quality animation and
storytelling technologies, to create entertaining and exciting
interactive adventures which meet these new expectations. Staffed with
long time industry veterans, Telltale is currently creating tales based
on Jeff Smith's Bone series, Steve Purcell's Sam & Max characters and
television's popular CSI program in partnership with Ubisoft. Telltale
offers content development and custom publishing services for
license-holders interested in adapting their properties for interactive
delivery. Telltale has created innovative tools, designed specifically
for rapid development of high quality, space-efficient titles for
digital distribution. Telltale titles can be downloaded from its
website, as well as online partners such as Yahoo! Games,
Direct-to-Drive, Trymedia Systems, Boonty, and CNET. To learn more about
Telltale, please visit www.telltalegames.com

About GameTap

GameTap delivers hundreds of the greatest games-on-demand plus original
programming via a broadband-connected PC. To access GameTap, players
securely download and install Turner-developed client software from
www.gametap.com that acts as a gateway to the GameTap vault. Because
games reside securely on the PC, not across a network, they act just as
if they were still on the console or at the arcade. Fast response times,
3D effects, colors, and characters are all present and accounted for.
New games and original programming will be added to the service each
week. GameTap supports navigation and game play using keyboard and
mouse, as well as most USB peripherals.

Source: Gamespot

Ronzo loves the game 07 May, 2006, 19:43 / 0 comments

By Gabez


Ahoy! Here's some news that you probably missed:

  • An adventure game called Ankh was released a while back. Apparently the Telltale crew helped out with its creation, which might explain a few references (scanned from PC Zone magazine)
  • A new Pirates of the Caribbean trailer has been released. Yes, it does include a Voodoo Lady in a familiar looking swamp, and yes, the trailer does look pretty awesome (thanks to The Tingler for the heads up).
  • You can now review games over at IMDB... it only takes a second, and it will guarantee the production of Monkey Island 5, probably. Read all about it (thanks to Alien426).
  • Nightlight Productions have released part IX of Lost Cause!
  • bgbennyboy from Quick and Easy brought out a new program that lets you play old 2D SCUMM games in 3D, and vice-versa. I think. Something like that, anyway.
  • Yo-yos are now available from the Double Fine store! They glow in the dark giving you a +5 steet cred bonus (thanks to Raz's Domain).
  • Ron Gilbert loves the Gibbage!

    • Telltale wants your feedback dammit 04 May, 2006, 20:49 / 1 comments

    By Jason


    There's a large survey that's been posted on the Telltale web site, and you should really take it. Otherwise Sam & Max is going to get canceled.

    Speaking of Sam & Max, the latest newsletter claims that stuff about that moderately anticipated title will be coming next week.

    The newsletter also reveals that the long-mentioned localized versions of Bone will be available "soon" with German, Spanish and French subtitles. At that time anyone who has already purchased the game can get the upgrade for free.

    And finally, for you exceedingly not intelligent people who have Out from Boneville but have neglected to buy The Great Cow Race, the $12.99 offer for the packaged version has been extended to the end of the month. The contents of this post should convince you that you need to subscribe to Telltale's newsletter if you haven't already.

    LucasArts Confirm New Non Star Wars, Non-Indy Game 04 May, 2006, 19:44 / 5 comments

    By jp-30


    Total Video Games today confirms that the speculation was right. LucasArts is expanding its Mercenaries franchise with Mercenaries2: World in Flames.
    "While the original Mercenaries'(TM) high-octane, go anywhere, do anything and blow the crap out of everything style was a hit with gamers, the whole experience was screaming to run on next-generation game systems," explains Pandemic CEO Andrew Goldman. "And while we're building on the core mercenary experience we created for the original, we've taken full advantage of next-gen technology to offer a more richly detailed, reactive, living world than gamers have ever seen before."
    More to be revealed at E3, naturally.

    Source: Total Video Games