I was on Facebook today and one of the ads caught my eye. It was using a Phoenix Wright graphic and claimed that if you filled out a quick survey for a video game that I could win some cash prize. Thinking it could be worth a laugh I entered and after putting in some basic information (date of birth, what types of games I like, etc.). I was treated to an outline of a new game that was coming out. Here's the outline that was given:
Nelson Tethers, the only agent at the U.S. Bureau of Puzzle Investigation, hasn’t had a case in more than a decade – until today. An unexplained event in the bizarre town of Scoggins, Minnesota has left the entire burg obsessed with puzzle-solving, completely shutting down all productivity. The mystery can only be solved through Agent Tethers’ expert puzzle-solving skills. His path ultimately leads him to find that an unseen force has placed the entire town under mind control. Utilizing his crack puzzle solving abilities Tethers will unravel the mystery -- if the townspeople don’t stop him first. Who or what is this mysterious force and why is it making the good people of Scoggins solve puzzles 24/7?
It was then followed with the following about pricing and release
If this game were available now for $9.99 as a digital download for your preferred gaming platform, how likely would you be to purchase this game?
The next page consisted of screenshots from the game and showing various locations, characters, and parts of puzzles that you'll end up solving.
if it's anything as original as Machinarium (which it seems to be!) I will purchase! :)
I hope it's successful, because it might indicate that they have the finances and desire to pursue a more costly original IP idea next.
Bone - No
SnM - Yes
CSI - No
Strongbad - Yes
Wallace and Gromit - No
ToMI - Yes
Whatever this is - No.
This means that the next IP MUST be Day of the Tentacle! Yes!!!
Jayel
I just realized, had Star Wars sequels/prequels been released on May 4th, they could've used the tagline "May the 4th be with you!"
You've been beaten to the punch.
Ha ha ha, I'm awesome.
A comment: In the screenshot named "Instructions.jpg" (the one with the "Securicam Scramble" text,) the characters appear to be drawings placed in a 3d environment. The booth, the curved roof of the diner, and the kitchen window are pretty obviously polygonal, and all the dry-media-line textures in the environment conform to those surfaces. Also, the textures show a level of sampling that makes me think the background is being rendered in real-time.
Stoked stoked stoked.
Looks quite neat. I loved Layton, so that might be my bias, but some of the puzzles look a little TOO casual. The puzzles in Layton at the very least were like something you'd find in a Mensa(TM) booklet. These seem positively timid by comparison.
Here's hoping for a good turnout. Make mine steam. And bravo for finally getting that 2D in order, for those of us with puny rigs. Mayhap this is the first of things to come? 8^y
An unexplained event in the bizarre town of Scoggins, Minnesota has left the entire burg obsessed with puzzle-solving, completely shutting down all productivity.
Isn't that Professor Layton and the Curious Village?
Nevertheless, intrigued and compelled and will be a must-buy... if the PC does indeed get a version. I'm sure it will. And I guess we'll find out more on May 4th!
jp-30
Uhh, dude:
http://www.telltalegames.com/scogginserasers
boy is my face red. I turn in my nerd badge for today.
Sp0tted
This doesn't feel like Telltale to me. Iffy graphics (even if it is in 2d), and no voicework...
Besides, is TellTale the only company that makes games for 8.99/9.99? I think not.
Uhh, dude:
http://www.telltalegames.com/scogginserasers
AlfredJ
And it's an original IP!
No, it isn't.
It's based on former TTG employee Graham Annable's video series called Grickle.
Gabez
No expensive Ipads or cryptic clues sent to us... we'll just have to do with screenshots and game summaries. :(
Granted, our exclusives come about in roundabout ways, but they're still very exclusive!
I dunno, to me this seems like a step-backwards from the rich environments of ToMI and SnM to be the next Telltale game/series.
Besides, is TellTale the only company that makes games for 8.99/9.99? I think not.
Kroms
black_sheep
Also, this means Telltale can finally do 2D! Oh the possibilities :)
I doubt it's going to be advanced animation. It's probably choppy stuff, the way Annable does it.
Also, is this debate still alive? The 3D thing is getting better and better, and will look like regular 2d soon enough. I'd have thought that Monkey 2 CryEngine video would've been enough evidence.
Don't get me wrong, I'd prefer 3D over 2D any day of the week, but on an iPhone/Touch? Definitely the other way around. I'm just glad that I can enjoy Telltale wherever I go now :)
black_sheep
Also, this means Telltale can finally do 2D! Oh the possibilities :)
I doubt it's going to be advanced animation. It's probably choppy stuff, the way Annable does it.
Also, is this debate still alive? The 3D thing is getting better and better, and will look like regular 2d soon enough. I'd have thought that Monkey 2 CryEngine video would've been enough evidence.
I'm happy.
Remi O
I like it when Mojo gets its annual exclusive.
Annual?
Also yay it looks nice.