Articles

I've always liked irony 31 Mar, 2010, 14:07 / Comments: 4

By Kroms


Breaking news, posted today on hardcore gaming website Now Gamer:
Following unsuccessful applications to Atari and Hewlett Packard (the rejection letters from which are posted on the Double Fine blog) Schafer had a disastrous phone interview at LucasFilm Games (now LucasArts) where he was eventually employed in 1989, working on games such as Monkey Island.

Schafer has now posted the ingenious application that got him the job: a humorous semi-graphic adventure-style printout that he created from scratch. "I’ve told this story many times before but I’ve never shown the actual letter," said Schafer. "Here then is the WORLD PREMIER of what will surely become the standardized temlate for all future job-getting letters:"
Is their code breaking their database? Or is it late and sloppy journalism? I don't know, but I suspect that, as happens with all true innovators, it may be due to Mojo's work finally being recognized and imitated by the site's peers; Mojo itself is, after all, so close to death. To quote some dead guy, so it goes.

Source: NowGamer

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STIYPASI 31 Mar, 2010, 12:04 / Comments: 11

By Webmonkey


(Spam removed)

Sorry again we are working very hard to correct the situation your patience is appreciated.
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Penny Arcade Ep 3 binned, Hothead focusing on DeathSpank 31 Mar, 2010, 01:20 / Comments: 13

By The Tingler


While we've only cast a cursory glance towards the Penny Arcade Adventures series by Hothead (the only reason we did at all was due to Ron Gilbert helping out with them), I for one thoroughly enjoyed them. Unfortunately due to flagging interest (both from its creators and the public) Episode 3 is now no more. The story will continue on the Penny Arcade website, if they actually bother to mention it at all this time.

The good news is that DeathSpank is alive and well, and with PAA Ep 3's cancellation Hothead are now focusing all their attention on making it great. Jerry Holkins of Penny Arcade said:
"Hothead has DeathSpank and they have a chance to do something really cool with it, and they need to have an opportunity to make it incredible.."

Source: Joystiq

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Breaking site 30 Mar, 2010, 21:58 / Comments: 6

By Gabez


Sorry about the whoopsy earlier... some of the site was broken either because the code is finally evaporating or because we have a security breach. But we're not now completely in control of the situation so there should be no more problems.

Please, if you see anything suspicious (broken link, etc.) please let me know and I will try to fix it.

Your patience is apreciated!

P.S. Even though there have been some weird things going on there have not been any cases of virus/trojans like we had a few weeks ago. Zaarin managed to get all the traces of the virus last time so viewing this site is perfectly safe. If in doubt use the forums.
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Ghost Pirates and the Galleon of Doom? 29 Mar, 2010, 23:03 / Comments: 7

By Jason


Bill Tiller's latest tweet will be of great interest to fans:
Brain storming ideas fir Ghost Pirates and the Galleon of Doom! Fun fun fun!
Now, even assuming a sequel to Ghost Pirates has been greenlit by a publisher, the fact that they're "brain storming" would make a release pretty distant. Still, exciting!
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Eurogamer retrospectives DOTT, still not as good as ours 29 Mar, 2010, 01:51 / Comments: 3

By The Tingler


Following in the footsteps of their recent Zak McKracken retrospective, Eurogamer now have revisited another LucasArts classic: Day of the Tentacle. Read it and try and remember your favourite quote.

Try as you might Eurogamer, you still can't beat our effort. So nyeh.

Source: Eurogamer

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"You mean we have to pay for this crap?" 28 Mar, 2010, 02:29 / Comments: 4

By Jason


The Wii versions of the first two Sam & Max seasons are the only ones we've yet to bless you with our take on in review form, and the recent Atari release of Season 2/Beyond Time and Space leaves us with fewer excuses to put the obligation off. Instead of just writing up a brief review of the Wii versions, however, the article ended up evolving into an unwieldy compendium of the various retail incarnations of the two seasons, with the Wii impressions being encased in there somewhere. Oh well!
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Autumn Moon maestro relaunches site 28 Mar, 2010, 01:44 / Comments: 1

By Jason


A development recently alerted to the world by The Pumpkin Post is the fact that Pedro Macedo Camacho, the composer responsible for the film quality soundtracks of both of Autumn Moon's games, has relaunched his online presence at http://www.musicbypedro.com/.

Why do you care? Well, for one thing, Pedro has posted several tracks from his A Vampyre Story and Ghost Pirates of Vooju Island scores for your enjoyment. In fact, I don't know that the entire soundtrack for both games isn't on there. To listen, navigate to "Projects" under the "Music" menu item on the top of the page, then choose your game on the left. (The Flashy nature of the site prevents me from providing a more direct link.) How awesome is that?
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On impending contest deadlines 26 Mar, 2010, 23:52 / Comments: 1

By Jason


Hey, just letting you guys know that if it was your intention to enter our On Stranger Tides contest, you have days left. So step to it, ye swabs.
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Full Brutal Legend postmortem now available online 25 Mar, 2010, 22:31 / Comments: 5

By Jason


Although excerpts from it have been previously made available, the postmortem for Brütal Legend that appeared in the December issue of Game Developer magazine is now available in its entirety on Gamasutra. The comprehensive look back by executive producer Caroline Esmurdoc on what went right and wrong during the project's enormous production is more than worth the read you're going to be giving it.
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New Lucasforums Poll 23 Mar, 2010, 23:17 / Comments: 23

By Gabez


Excited about the new Monkey Island 2: Special Edition? Then show it!

The latest poll on Lucasforums is asking "how do you feel about the Monkey Island 2 Special Edition?" and (at the time of writing) "meh" is tied with "excited!!"

Vote here if you want to show the Star Wars people that they're missing out.
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New Sam & Max documentary, like one of those things Richard Attenborough does 23 Mar, 2010, 01:43 / Comments: 4

By The Tingler


GameTrailers have a lovely new video up on Sam & Max: Season Three Freelance Police The Devil's Playhouse, a GDC documentary interview with the team behind the game. I can't watch it where I am now (that'll be work), so I can't tell you how spoilery it is.

By all accounts it should be an interesting documentary. It's no Last Chance To See, but then nothing is. Not even Last Chance To See.

Source: GameTrailers

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Strong Badia the Free Game 21 Mar, 2010, 22:17 / Comments: 1

By jp-30


To get a free Wiiware Strong Bad game all you have to do is live in the UK or Germany, have your Wii online and fill out this short survey.

The free game is Strong Bad Episode 2, Strong Badia the Free.

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Ghost Pirates chart a course for digital shores 20 Mar, 2010, 07:19 / Comments: 6

By Jason


Given the amount of people who seem to be waiting on the digital version of Ghost Pirates of Vooju Island, I figured I'd ask Mamba Games, the UK publisher, if they had any kind of status they were at liberty to share on that front. Here's what they got back to me with:
Thank you for your email. The download should be available from our site within the next 3 weeks, or if you order off the website we will ship direct to you.
So there you go. If you're willing to sit tight for a bit longer, you can get Ghost Pirates in a format as non-corporeal as the game's protagonists. If you can't hold out (and who could blame you?), you have the usual options open to you.
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Pre-order The Devil's Playhouse for your PS3 19 Mar, 2010, 20:26 / Comments: 3

By Kroms


Sam and Max: The Devil's Playhouse is now available for pre-order on your PS3 - assuming, of course, you're using the North American PlayStation Store. Europeans, being a lesser species in the eyes of all three major platform holders, have to wait.

The pre-order nets you a $5 discount, but you don't get a disc version like the PC/Mac folk do at the end.

Read about how to pre-order stuff on PSN here, and a kinda spoilerly hands-on preview, written by former Telltaler Emily "fov" Morganti for Adventure Gamers here. Click the final "here" for the obligatory second link to the main story.

Update: Any German or UK Wii-owners should fill out this survey; the reward is a free copy of episode two of Strong Bad's Cool Game Attractive People (Wii version), but the supply's limited.

Source: Telltale Blog

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Ghost Pirates of Vooju Island - our review 19 Mar, 2010, 00:07 / Comments: 7

By Jason


Back when it was originally announced, Ghost Pirates seemed poised as a humble comeback for the fantasy pirate adventure game, and today it drowns helplessly in an angry ocean of Monkey Island resurgence. But now the English version of Bill Tiller's all-new swashbuckling romp is available, and we're here to tell you our opinion, which is, of course, always right. Read!
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Sean Vanaman fingered by Idle Thumbs 18 Mar, 2010, 09:58 / Comments: 12

By SurplusGamer


The latest Idle Thumbs podcast for March 15th 2010 features Sean Vanaman of Telltale Games. You may remember him from such GDC panels as that one on comedy from the other day.

In the podcast, from about the 46 minute point, they discuss that very panel and Sean has some quite interesting things to say about writing for Guybrush.

Have a listen up there, or directly here.

Source: Idle Thumbs

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New Star Wars animated series planned, George Lucas spinning in his grave 18 Mar, 2010, 06:44 / Comments: 13

By The Tingler


With The Clone Wars improving a lot in its current second season and getting progressively darker, Lucasfilm is obviously worried that Star Wars is getting good again and so are planning a new animated series for pre-schoolers. Yes, kindergarteners, nursery schoolers, or those annoying brats that Anakin brutally murdered in Episode III. Presumably that last scene won't make it to this new series.

Anyway, the working title is 'Squishies' for god knows what reason, and is reportedly based on the popular/crap line of squat toys called 'Galactic Heroes'. What part of the Star Wars timeline it will cover is anyone's guess.

Star Wars Babies next, anyone?

Source: IESB

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Interrogation of Sam & Max cast continues 18 Mar, 2010, 00:27 / Comments: 16

By Jason


Samandmax.co.uk is at it again, and they ain't quittin' until they get their hands on every last voice actor bearing a credit on a Sam & Max episode. Their latest interview is with Brian Sommer, the voice of such characters as Brady Culture and Jurgen's monster. You may also know him from his roles in other Telltale titles, including Bone, CSI, and TMI. As always, it's well worth reading what Samandmax.co.uk was able to extract.
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Gamespot previews The Old Republic 17 Mar, 2010, 12:00 / Comments: 1

By Jason


Well, they did. I think posting Star Wars news every now and again looks good on our tax return or something.
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The Escapist visits Lucasarts, Escapes 17 Mar, 2010, 03:09 / Comments: 2

By jp-30


It's like the Seinfeld of Games stories, three pages of article about nothing.
Earlier this week, we interviewed Chris Taylor, the creator of the Supreme Commander games. He asked us point blank if we'd been yet to see Lucasarts. When we told him we hadn't, but that we had an appointment, he told us to beware.

"You think you're going into NORAD or something," he said. "You think 'God, you make movies and games. You don't make nuclear missile guidance systems.'"

It's a fair point. Lucasarts makes games. These days mainly games based on an existing franchise, Star Wars. What could they possibly be hiding?
There's also a sister article that DOES discuss The Old Republic's gameplay here, as was the point of the visit.

Source: The Escapist

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Mixnmojo Podcast #9 16 Mar, 2010, 23:57 / Comments: 20

By Gabez


This week we talk about Monkey Island 2 Special Edition (including which version of Monkey Island 1 is the best), Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse (including the question "is Max gay?"), and Ghost Pirates of Vooju Island (Bill Tiller's new game; mild spoilers included).

You can download it here (1:08 hrs, 62mb). The jingle was by Goblin, and the musical "bed" is from Bart Klepka's Barbary Coast Booty Remix.

Incidentally, apologies for the news post below that for some reason decided to jump ahead in time by 8 years. We think someone might have accidentally brushed against some tables in the database... let's hope that's the case anyway, and that it's not the site falling apart again!
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I'd just like to say... 16 Mar, 2010, 18:25 / Comments: 37

By Spaff


I'd just like to say that It's been a long time since Mojo was last alive and a lot has happened since then.

The downtime and looooong development time was mostly my fault, with my various massive life changes and personal issues, but I'd like to say that without a certain few people Mojo would not be alive any more. These people have supported both me and Mojo through a long struggle and finally their hard work has paid off.

Thank you, you all know who you are, but extra special mention has to go to Jake and DJG without who nothing would have been done. Ever.

So yeah, my deepest aplogies and also thanks! Enjoy Mojo, you know it loves you and always will. xx
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Tim Schafer, Sean Vanaman discuss Comedy in Games, inspire unfunny news headlines 15 Mar, 2010, 01:54 / Comments: 8

By The Tingler


On the last day of the Game Developer's Conference Sean Vanaman (Telltale games writer), Rhianna Pratchett (daughter of Terry and writer of the Overlord games), and Tim Schafer (oh, you know him and not Sean Vanaman? Shame on you) chaired a panel on Comedy In Games. 1Up has a nice sum-up, along with some nice quotes. Of course Tim gets all the best ones.
Moderator: Either within the games world or outside it, what informs your comic sensibility when you're putting together a script or a game?

Tim: [long pause] Where are we stealing our ideas from?

Source: 1UP

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Ghost Pirates shanties shant be denied 13 Mar, 2010, 23:22 / Comments: 1

By Jason


As those who've played it (a populace which I'm thankful to announce now includes me!) are well aware, Autumn Moon's regular composer, the super-talented Pedro Macedo Camacho, assembled another excellent score with his music for Ghost Pirates of Vooju Island. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, the pirate song that the game opens with (essentially its version of "A Pirate's Life for Me") ended up being truncated, so Pedro came to the rescue by providing the Post with the complete version of the song along with the lyrics.

Even more exciting is that Pedro suggests that wheels are in motion in order to get an official soundtrack album of Ghost Pirates released, and if that doesn't happen, he will offer it himself for free. I like the cut of that man's treble clef.
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You knew about MI2:SE before Steve Purcell did 13 Mar, 2010, 14:37 / Comments: 2

By Jason


The Onion A.V. Club interviewed Steve Purcell while at GDC for his thoughts on the announcements of Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse and LeChuck's Revenge: Special Edition, and related topics. When Purcell opens his mouth, you would do well to listen. A taste:
AVC: Has the reprint of your comics bred any new interest?

SP: I have no idea. I haven't checked with the sales figures for that, but I'd imagine there must be a saturation point for the same set of comics that that reprint has been. I'm not sure I can milk any more readers out of that one. I always tell people I have this story at home that's half-finished, and a quarter of it is inked and it's the story I feel I should sit down and finish and get it off my plate once and for all. It's a story where Max is shot in the ear and has to go to the hospital, and Sam recruits a new partner: a white-handed gibbon.
By the way, where were all you rumor mongerers when this was going on, anyway?

Source: A.V. Club

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It's only because I feel that special student/mentor/pieces-of-eight bonding that I'm going to these lengths 13 Mar, 2010, 09:18 / Comments: 8

By Kroms


Monkey Island 2: Special Edition is now announced, packed-in with promised "developer commentary". People have been wondering: who, exactly, will provide the "developer commentary"? Someone called xgfx told us about a MI2:SE preview (Gamespot video, YouTube video), which includes an interview with SE leader Craig Derrick. While there's no footage of the game in action, Derrick does clarify that it is the original designers who are providing the commentary. Might this photo supply some basis for the next round of rumors?

(Note to any rabid Monkey fanboys/girls, especially those in Europe and/or Germany: that photo does not mean a new full-length Monkey game is in the works.)

Source: Gamespot

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...My shaven queen at my side... 12 Mar, 2010, 06:33 / Comments: 26

By Kroms


With Sam and Max: The Devil's Playhouse now "officially" announced, and new details trickling-in, you might want be wondering how it all looks. Surely, you think, the trailer is exaggerated? Does the game really look so beautiful?

Actually, it doesn't: the trailer does not do the game justice. Oh, it's a great trailer (and props to Telltaler "Shauntron" Shaun Finney for putting it together; seriously, excellent work!), but look at this cutscene (Gamespot video) - apparently the very first one in the game. If you want to see how to use lighting properly in a game, watch that cutscene. Those opening shots are beautiful. I demand some wallpapers.

In other words, Mixnmojo is now in the strange position of telling you that a game looks prettier than its advertising makes it out to be. No kidding.

Here's some gameplay videos, though do keep in mind their spoilerly nature.

Update: Giant Bomb nabbed Chuck Jordan and Will Armstrong and had them preview an early build: Enjoy some spoilers.

Source: Gamespot

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The Old Republic - costliest endeavor since the pyramids? 12 Mar, 2010, 04:51 / Comments: 2

By Jason


Various blogs and news sites are sure making it sound that way.

Source: Eurogamer

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Mojo's throwback reviews continue! 12 Mar, 2010, 04:19 / Comments: 8

By Jason


Even though we were arguably the most appropriate web site on the entire internet to review The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition, we ended up being the only one not to do so. In preparation for the hotly anticipated LeChuck's Revenge revamp, we've rectified the situation.

Note: Apologies for all the broken and/or weird stuff you may have observed while I was getting this published - Mojo has a few miles on her. Also, for anyone who cares, the score is supposed to be 3.5 skulls - we'll get that fixed at some point, I'm sure.

Sam and Max The Devil's Playhouse: The Penal Zone officially announced! 12 Mar, 2010, 00:24 / Comments: 22

By ATMachine


Yes, Telltale has finally launched its website for Sam and Max Season 3: The Devil's Playhouse.

The site includes the recently-leaked-and-then-removed official season trailer, plus several screenshots from the first episode, whose title is, as we had already guessed, The Penal Zone. Incidentally, a couple of the new images showcase the new direct control system in action!

The website also includes the names of all five episodes in the season.
  • Episode 2: The Tomb of Sammun-Mak
  • Episode 3: They Stole Max's Brain!
  • Episode 4: Beyond the Alley of the Dolls
  • Episode 5: The City That Dares Not Sleep
Also of note: The Tales of Monkey Island Collector's DVD is finally available to pre-order!

As well, there's now a boatload of new Monkey Island merchandise available, including a second set of TMI buttons, a replica of the Voodoo Lady's tarot card set, a TMI drinking mug, a TMI T-shirt, a portfolio of concept art by Telltale's Ryan Church, and best of all, a "treasure chest" of TMI swag. This last item includes, among other things, a replica Piece of Eight, a "Trial of the Century-y-y-y" souvenir button, and a copy of Reginald Van Winslow's beloved map.

Sam and Max: The Devil's Playhouse Episode 1, coming April 15 11 Mar, 2010, 20:37 / Comments: 15

By ATMachine


The trailer that leaked earlier for Telltale's Sam and Max Season 3 (aka The Devil's Playhouse) claimed the first part of the five-episode season would come out in April. Now IGN brings us word that the first chapter's release date is, more specifically, April 15.

Apparently, Season 3 will come with an in-game notebook designed to get new players up to speed on the events of previous seasons. Also, the article confirms that the direct control scheme which Telltale first debuted in Tales of Monkey Island will now be ported to Sam and Max. Other technical improvements, such as real-time shadows, have also been implemented.

The pre-order price will be $29.95, a five-dollar savings from the standard season price $34.95, much as with other Telltale titles. (As happened with Tales, Telltale will be selling only the season package, not individual episodes.) Plus, as with the Tales pre-orders, those who pre-order will get access to a special forum to chat with the game developers until the first episode goes out.

The series is scheduled to debut on three platforms--PlayStation Network, PC, and Mac--simultaneously. For those who want to experience The Devil's Playhouse on PSN, pre-orders will be available through the PlayStation Store.

Oh, and do beware: the IGN article contains a few SPOILERS for the first episode's beginning.

Edit: Updated to reflect the actual pre-order price, as opposed to IGN's speculation.

Source: IGN

MI:SE costumes for your PlayStation Home avatar 11 Mar, 2010, 13:25 / Comments: 1

By ATMachine


It pales in comparison to our previous announcements, but at some point in last night's exciting press conference, LucasArts announced that the clothing of various Monkey Island characters would soon be available for your PlayStation Home avatar to wear.

This Joystiq article includes a photo. It appears that most of the costumes are taken from the Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition.

Sadly, it would seem that Stan's coat features a realistic plaid pattern! Shocking, we know.

Source: Joystiq

LeChuck's Worst Kept Secret Confirmed 11 Mar, 2010, 02:48 / Comments: 99

By jp-30


"LeChucks Revenge: Special Edition is official! New puzzles, new enemies, new hair!"

New Puzzles? What?

And... is there an announcement Three?

Update by Jason: While clarification of the features will no doubt come in the morning in the form of a press release and an official site launch, it's been confirmed that, like with Monkey Island 1, there will be full voice acting, and the original game will be included. "Developer commentary" has bizarrely been alluded to as a bonus feature - who knows what that means, but Tim Schafer and Ron Gilbert were on-site for the announcement. Also, here's the cover art.

Further Update by ATMachine: According to LucasArts' Twitter feed, MI2:SE will feature voice acting both in the high-resolution updated-graphics mode and in the low-res, original-graphics mode. Plus, Guybrush's hairstyle has been changed, so hopefully there will be fewer complaints about that this time round.

Update 3: According to LucasArts, MI2:SE will be available for PSN, XBLA, Mac, iPhone, and PC.

Update 4: This Joystiq article suggests that the game will be released "this summer." Also, there will be a new direct control scheme implemented in addition to the previously used point-and-click method.

Finally, it notes this about the extra content:

"They've also added never-before-seen art from Peter Chan and Steve Purcell and developer commentary (!) for you Monkey Island fanboys out there (that's you)."

Update 5 by Jason: Official site launched and here's the press release.

Source: Twitter

Secret of Monkey Island heading to PSN and Mac (UPDATE: And Telltale's online store!) 11 Mar, 2010, 02:46 / Comments: 4

By jp-30


LucasArts has revealed via its Twitter account that The Secret of Monkey Island (Special Edition) is heading to the Playstation Network and to Mac. That's "Announcement One", apparently.

Expect more details in the coming hours from the Game Developer's Conference in San Francisco.

And bring on "Announcement Two"!

Update by ATMachine: Reports trickling out from the LucasArts press conference suggest that SOMI:SE will soon become available for purchase from Telltale's website. However, this has not been confirmed yet.

Update 2: In addition to the earlier Twitter report, Kotaku has now picked up the news of Telltale selling SOMI:SE in their online store, so it seems pretty official.

Source: Twitter

Sam and Max: The Devil's Playhouse trailer 10 Mar, 2010, 19:32 / Comments: 16

By Kroms


The trailer for Sam and Max: The Devil's Playhouse, Telltale's latest Sam and Max game, is now up on G4TV.

Of note is that the game is coming to PSN, debuting Telltale's games on the PlayStation - and, err, only to PSN? Well, no, but that's the only logo slapped at the end of the trailer. Anyways, the first of the five episodes hits April (which is embarrassing).

Enjoy! And remember: 100 Mojo Cookie Pirate points for each reference you spot.

Update: Trailer's down! Guess it was put-up too early?

Update by Remster: Former Mojoer and now head of the Telltale Illuminati, Jake, has confirmed on the TTG forums that it was posted before it was supposed to and thus removed.

Book of Grickle forthcoming 09 Mar, 2010, 23:13 / Comments: 2

By jp-30


Graham Annable, formerly of Telltale Games (and who still supplies the Telltale website with Dank/Dunc/Dunk comics) is having a 'best of' book "The Book of Grickle" published by Dark Horse comics.

Comic Book Resources interviews Graham about the publication.

My current main focus is a project I'm hoping to be able to announce sometime in the near future. I'm extremely excited about it and the direction it's been going in. But right now it's all top secret I'm afraid. Kind of a cryptic answer I know, but I really shouldn't say more just yet.


Check it out.

Source: Comic Book Resources

Sam & Max's second season - now in stores 09 Mar, 2010, 13:15 / Comments: 8

By Jason


Today is the shipping date for Atari's slightly belated retail release of Sam & Max Behind Beyond Time and Space for the PC and Wii. Head on over to the product's official page for a 20% off deal - both versions retail for a reasonable $19.99, by the way. So, awesome! And I wonder what the exclusive bonus content is?

Incidentally, today is the first day of GDC, and while there are still a number of upcoming conventions for epic reveals to be spaced out across, I would expect a pretty big announcement or two to be coming our way this week. The only variable when it comes to the LeChuck's Revenge special edition is the "when?" and Telltale still has to launch their The Devil's Playhouse pre-orders and maybe announce the mysterious new series they've been tantalizing about for a year now.

And there's plenty of other possible announcements for both companies to make. Handsome Halibut? More back catalogue re-releases? Those crazy Telltale iPhone rumors? Be sure to keep up with us throughout the week (with your malware software running, ideally) as we keep you on top of all the madness.

LEC alumni at the Oscars 08 Mar, 2010, 23:30 / Comments: 8

By Jason


As reader BillieJoe86 informs us, Michael Giacchino picked up a golden statuette at last night's Academy Awards for his musical score for Disney/Pixar's Up. In addition to his movie and TV credits, Giacchino is an experienced game composer, having worked on such LucasArts titles as Secret Weapons Over Normandy, Mercenaries, and Thrillville.

Though I'm guessing he wasn't at the ceremony, also worth noting is the fact that Best Animated Feature Film nominee Coraline featured the storyboarding talents of Graham Annable, former LucasArts animator and Telltale Creative Director, not to mention the father of Dank/Dunk.

"A man they all called Death-wha?" 08 Mar, 2010, 07:05 / Comments: 1

By Kroms


A couple of minutes ago, I decided to visit the official Deathspank website and see if they had anything new. It didn't look like it; so imagine my surprise when I clicked the play button on the video and found an updated, something-like-70%-different-with-loads-of-new-footage trailer. Talk about silent updates. It starts out the same, but then goes off on a tangent. I think the little demon who laughs was intentionally placed there to make fun of any "Wha-?" noises you may pipe out.

Anyways, you should check it out. Maybe read Mojo's interview with Bay Area Sound afterwards.

Source: Pure luck

Bay Area Sound interview 07 Mar, 2010, 16:01 / Comments: 10

By Jason


It's actually somewhat shameful that it's only now that we're posting an interview with BA Sound, the guys who handle the audio for the titles of LEC as well as Telltale and the other spinoffs.

Depending on the project, their services range from a game's sound design, music composition, and voice direction, and given the particular importance those things have in a story game, and considering that the studio's resume of them is longer than a Double Fine development cycle, it's clear that they're owed a lot for what makes some of our favorite titles so awesome. And that you owe it to yourself to read the interview.

The indiscretion of voice actors 06 Mar, 2010, 17:34 / Comments: 8

By Jason


Turns out that following someone's twitter feed benefits more than serial killers. For example, the twitter page of Alexandra Boyd, voice of Elaine Marley, reveals the following February 21st tweet:
Alexandras ep of New Tricks on BBC1 mon 9pm. FROM PARIS WITH LOVE opens fri & new series of Monkey Island starts recording on Tuesday!!
Which would certainly gel with the existence of the all-but-announced Monkey Island 2 special edition. (She probably means "series" of recording sessions - it seems a wee early for this to be Telltale-related.)

Of course, Boyd isn't the only one sharing things best kept behind closed doors. Take David Boyll, voice of Hugh Bliss and Philo Pennyworth (not to mention D'oro the Explorer in Tales), who reveals a disquieting openness about the frequency of his bathroom visits in the latest interview snagged by samandmax.co.uk.

Spankin' that Monkey at GDC 06 Mar, 2010, 09:28 / Comments: 22

By Kroms


The first word on Monkey Island 2: The Special Edition has emerged from the muddy swamps. We don't usually report rumors, but we can report reporting on rumors. From Kotaku:
We've heard from sources that the game is due to be announced very soon, perhaps even next week at the Game Developer's Conference, and that like the first game's special edition, will contain all-new graphics and audio.

Unlike the first game, however, this one will be reaching a few more consumers, with versions planned for not just the Xbox 360, PC ad iPhone (like Monkey Island), but the PlayStation Network as well.
(Highlights by me.)

There's a lot to look forward to this GDC: Tim Schafer and Sean Vanaman will banter about the funny, Telltale will be there with "big news" (regarding Sam and Max 03? There's no Mr. Featherly in that, by the way), and finally there's the GDC awards that Brutal Legend got nominated in.

Lastly, there was a lot of clamoring yesterday after EA announced the list of consoles they'd be bringing Deathspank to - a list that excluded "PC". This does not mean a PC version is not coming. As EA's Jeff Green said yesterday: "DeathSpank: If you're freaking out about no PC version announce yet, stop freaking out. EA wants as many people as possible to play it..."

MOJO HACKED DO NOT PANIC 04 Mar, 2010, 20:43 / Comments: 16

By Gabez


It seems that Mixnmojo has been targetted once again by vile hackers: details here.

You may remember that a few years ago some Brazillians hacked into Mojo, essentially killing the site.

A team of Mixnmojo engineers have been dispatched to the server core to try and contain the infection. We wish them the best of luck.

We urge you all NOT TO PANIC. Everything is under control here. DO NOT PANIC.

Update: The "All Clear" signal has been given from our tech experts (Zaarin). It is now safe to visit the site (but not the hosted sites which will still make your computer explode).

We have plugged all the leaks in the code with some more old code that we found in a store room. That should stop the hackers for now (probably).

Your console's gonna get Deathspank'd 04 Mar, 2010, 18:08 / Comments: 5

By Kroms


EA Partners today announced that they will be publishing Ron Gilbert's new downloadable game DeathSpank, for PSN and XBLA. Kotaku has the details and two new screenshots.

Before anyone gets in a flurry over the lack of a PC version, however, please note that this does not mean the game will be console-exclusive. Ron Gilbert has stated, in the past, that the game is also coming to Mac. You PC lovers still have a chance.

Special thanks to Clone2727 for the tip-off on the forums.

Update by Jason: Gamasutra's write-up includes a response from EA regarding a PC version:
Asked about potential PC plans for DeathSpank, a game drawing from genres with strong PC heritage, an EA representative declined to comment conclusively, but told Gamasutra, "EA and Hothead want as many people as possible to experience DeathSpank," and advised gamers "not to read too much into the [announced] SKUs just yet."]

Source: Kotaku

Bone characters to be voiced and 3D animated FOR THE SECOND TIME EVER! 04 Mar, 2010, 00:44 / Comments: 1

By Jason


While it's heartbreaking to think that we won't get anymore Bone games from Telltale, the epic saga's upcoming animated film version seems to be chugging along nicely. The evidence is this new interview with Jeff Smith. Although it admittedly doesn't offer a wealth of information you don't already know if you've been following the production along with us, Smith provides a progress update and describes the level of involvement he will have to ensure that the cinematic adaptation of Bone doesn't turn out calcium deficient:
For more than 10 years, Hollywood has been interested in putting Smith's entertaining epic on the big screen. At one point, Nickelodeon Movies and Paramount held an option. In 2008, Warner Bros. acquired the rights for producer Dan Lin (Sherlock Holmes). Animal Logic, the Australian visual effects company (The Matrix, Happy Feet, 300) will turn Smith’s drawings into CGI. Despite a recent kerfuffle with Warner—a potential train wreck that instead became “one of those fires that gets put out”—Bone, the movie, is on track and a director will soon be announced. Smith is the film’s executive producer. And although he is not writing the screenplay, all quality control decisions pass through him. “I’ve seen everything,” he says. “It’s their project. But they’ve been very good about keeping me in the loop and showing me everything and it’s pretty exciting so far.” He admits that he is “kind of stubborn when it comes to Bone and animation.”
The film will apparently utilize motion capture in some way, though considering the production company's pedigree (Happy Feet), you have to think that there will be plenty of, erm, "traditional 3D animation" involved as well.

Source: printmag.com

Telltale to continue to make video games, speculates CEO 03 Mar, 2010, 02:13 / Comments: 17

By Jason


A new interview with Telltale CEO Dan Connors has been published by Develop. Dan hints at the ways his studio will continue to evolve the episodic format, and he talks a bit about the company's future as well:
What's next?

We're looking to engage more franchises, including those that are more topical and relevant in the current entertainment world.
Sounds like we can expect to see Telltale working on something super high-profile in the near future. Anyhow, read the whole article for more. Key tidbits include a 1.5 million unit tally for episodes sold so far across all franchises, and the suggestion that The Future could see Telltale deploying on some unconventional channels.

Update by Kroms: Here's a video interview with co-founder Kevin Bruner, which also deals with the future of the company, and a never-seen-before interview with Sean Vanaman ("Muzzled!"), who discusses Wallace and Gromit.

Sam & Max characters revealed to be fictional, actor interviewed 01 Mar, 2010, 00:53 / Comments: 2

By Jason


Seeing that The Unofficial Sam & Max Website has fallen into disuse since the forces behind it have gone on to actually make Sam & Max games, it's nice to see that samandmax.co.uk is getting frequently updated. These new kids on the block have already got another interview with a Bay Area voice actor posted, and this time the subject is Peter Barto, the voice of Flint Paper, Agent Superball, and Peepers (RIP) in Telltale's Sam & Max seasons. Head on over and check it out.