The International House of Mojo

PC Psychonauts players might want to grab the newly released patch, updating Psychonauts to version 1.02. What's in the new patch? Mostly camera stuff:

1) The user may now disable smart camera hints that direct the camera towards specific targets.

2) The user may now disable camera altitude dampening, which will make the mouse more responsive in pitching the camera.

Hopefully that cleans up the last remaining issues some PC players were having with the camera system. A bunch of other bugs and little issues were squashed as well. Get the patch here, or from your favorite file download site of choice (where that is is up to you).

Also (awesome), Mojo has been linked from the sidebar of Double Fine Action News. Woo!

... for the PS2 that is. It is expected to be in stores around June 21st.

And yes, that's all.

The first gameplay footage from the next-next-gen Indiana Jones game is posted on IGN.com, though you'll get a bit more info and screencaptures by heading over to The Indy Experience first.

The video also included a cool walkthrough of some of the levels in the new Indy game, including locations such as Istanbul and China. While the video quality is not the best, you can certainly tell that this is going to be an impressive Indy game to say the least.

Source: The Indy Experience

Razputin's Domain brings word that Amazon.co.uk has June 17th set as the UK release date for Psychonauts. Amazon has made some mistakes before when it comes to release dates, so time will tell if this is really it or not.

Also, make sure to check out all of Raz.net's updated sections, full of Psychonauts goodness.

Apparently Psychonauts for the PS2 was shown off at E3, and IGN has the pictures to prove it.

Judging by the screenshots, it looks like the graphics are in a whole other - and I do not mean better - league than the PC and Xbox version. Judge for yourself over at IGN.

Well, that's what they're saying over at Adventure Europe.

In the midst of all the pre-E3 buzz, an inside source from the gaming industry informed us that there are rumours about TellTale Games buying the CSI license from Ubisoft. We would like to emphasize that this is just a rumour yet and nothing official has been announced by TellTale Games or Ubisoft.

. Interesting. Telltale certainly have been hiring up a storm of late, so there's definitely something big in the wings. And a franchise as globally huge as CSI can only have positive spinoffs for the company both publicity wise and as a platform to help fund their more niche titles.

Source: Adventure Europe

Everyone's favorite Spaff, Spaff, has written a preview of Star Wars: Empire at War for Idle Thumbs. The game actually looks pretty decent, and is the only game I saw at the LEC booth this year.

More details on the Indy Game have been revealed at 1Up.com.

"Although it won't be a prologue per se, you can expect story seeds that tie to the new film. Those will include cinematics from the new film to help flesh out the plotlines... In the movies, Indy doesn't use the whip thousands of times. It's a signature tool he uses to pull himself out of particularly tough situations in spectacular fashion. Plan on seeing it used the same way in the game. You won't be whipping through environments like some sort of Castlevania game.

So, an internally developed title regarding the franchise LEC President Jim Ward mentions at every opportunity. More realistic use of the whip. Let's hope it's Insanely Great.

Source: 1Up.com

A Reuters story titled "Video game makers seek more fun" is currently making the rounds on different news services. Not surprisingly it's all about how un-fun a lot of games are these days, and features some interesting tidbits from Ron Gilbert.

Ron Gilbert, an independent game designer, said he is trying to create less expensive games that can be completed in four hours, which is about one-tenth the time of many games today. Gilbert said he is in the process of shopping story-based adventure games to publishers.

"When you spend all day at work, the last thing you want to do is go home and become frustrated by video games," Gilbert said. "There is a gigantic group of people who want easy-to-play games."

Make of this what you will.

Hot on the heels of the mercenaries2.com discovery, theforce.net forum's Indy3 uncovers that Microsoft has just registered STARWARSJEDIMINDTRICKS.COM.

It's quite odd that LucasFilm hasn't registered it.

Speculation that it's going to be an xbox360 title is probably good. Speculation that you will need to stick electrodes on your forehead to play it is probably bad.

Not shockingly, LucasArts has announced that a brand-spanking new Indy game will be available for the "next-gen consoles."

Powered by the next generation in console technology, Indy?s back and better than ever! Created internally by LucasArts, the yet-to-be-named Indiana Jones video game sends the iconic archaeologist on his most epic adventure yet. In 2007, the strength of the upcoming systems presents players with incredibly realistic, detailed environments that will span the globe. They?ll experience an interactive story unlike any that?s ever unfolded before them, as well as a noticeable evolution in physics and artificial intelligence.

Well, ok, that doesn't really say a whole lot, but Indy games tend to be fun, so keep an eye out for this one.

In other news, there will be a PSP version of Star Wars: Battlefront II, and Star Wars Galaxies: The Total Experience and Star Wars: Empire at War are still due to be released. I don't know if that's news as such, but anyway. Check out the press release for more info.<:MORENEWS:>

LUCASARTS ANNOUNCES NEXT-GENERATION INDIANA JONES GAME AND ITS PLANS TO ENTER THE HANDHELD MARKET WITH A PSP VERSION OF THE EAGERLY ANTICIPATED STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT II

OTHER UPCOMING HITS INCLUDE STAR WARS GALAXIES: THE TOTAL EXPERIENCE AND STAR WARS EMPIRE AT WAR

Electronic Entertainment Expo ? Los Angeles, CA ? May 18, 2005 ? LucasArts revealed today that Indiana Jones? will once again don his famous fedora with a new video game set for release on next-generation consoles in 2007. The company also announced its intention to enter the handheld gaming market, with a Sony PSP? version of Star Wars Battlefront? II set to join the previously unveiled PlayStation?2 computer entertainment system, Xbox? video game system from Microsoft and PC versions this Fall. Also coming to the PC platform are immersive online adventures in Star Wars Galaxies?: The Total Experience (May 24, 2005) and the power to command galactic forces in Star Wars Empire at War? (Spring 2006).

?As gaming consoles head into the next generation, so too do our development teams,? said Jim Ward, President of LucasArts. ?Our teams are truly embracing the incredible power of these systems, not only with amazing graphics but also, more importantly, with unforgettable story-driven adventures starring fascinating characters like Indiana Jones. At the same time, titles for the revolutionary new handheld systems are something we know gamers want, and we?re excited to enter this field.?

LEGACY OF HITS
A recent series of hit releases has blasted LucasArts to its most successful era in nearly 25 years as a company. Just two weeks ago, it released the Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith video game on PlayStation 2 and Xbox, which has become the fastest-selling title in LucasArts history. Prior to that, the well-reviewed squad-based shooter Star Wars Republic Commando ranked as the No. 1 Xbox release for March 20051, and the playground of destruction found in Mercenaries blew the living crap out of the system-wide charts en route to becoming the best-selling game of 2005?s first quarter1 (also proving that not every LucasArts game needs Star Wars in the title to be a hit). In September 2004, Star Wars Battlefront became the best-selling Star Wars game of all time after being released in concert with the Classic Trilogy DVD set and receiving rave reviews. Finally, the award-winning Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic series has given players a whole new way to experience the temptation of the dark side of the Force, as the 2003 original netted more than 40 Game of the Year awards2 and the 2004 sequel (subtitled The Sith Lords) received further acclaim.

BREAK OUT THE HAT AND WHIP
Powered by the next generation in console technology, Indy?s back and better than ever! Created internally by LucasArts, the yet-to-be-named Indiana Jones video game sends the iconic archaeologist on his most epic adventure yet. In 2007, the strength of the upcoming systems presents players with incredibly realistic, detailed environments that will span the globe. They?ll experience an interactive story unlike any that?s ever unfolded before them, as well as a noticeable evolution in physics and artificial intelligence.

SIZE MATTERS NOT
LucasArts will finally unleash its first handheld game this fall. While other companies have released handheld Star Wars games in the past, Star Wars Battlefront II for PSP is the first to actually be published by LucasArts.

Developed by Savage Entertainment, Star Wars Battlefront II for PSP is similar to its recently announced console counterpart (see below) with space combat, playable Jedi, and Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith content, yet it still boasts several distinct features meant to embrace the ?on-the-go? nature of a handheld system. The game includes several unique mini-campaigns as opposed to the much longer campaign seen on consoles. Players can join the Rebellion as a smuggler, work for themselves as a mercenary for hire, or use their Imperial sniping skills to rid the galaxy of pesky species like Jawas, Ewoks and Gungans. Wi-Fi compatibility permits up to four players to join in at once, either cooperatively or competitively, and they can also partake in classic Instant Action mode to fight their favorite Star Wars battles any way they want to.

THIS IS WHERE THE FUN BEGINS
?Even as the industry prepares for the next generation of consoles, it?s important to recognize that current systems are still very relevant and that the PC platform remains as strong as ever,? said Vice President of Product Development Peter Hirschmann. ?Upcoming releases like Star Wars Battlefront II, Star Wars Galaxies: The Total Experience and Star Wars Empire at War demonstrate LucasArts? commitment to satisfying the huge install base of both markets, which we?ll continue to do for the foreseeable future.?

Set for a Fall 2005 release on the PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC platforms, Star Wars Battlefront II takes the best-selling Star Wars video game of all time one Imperial-walker step forward with all-new space combat, playable Jedi, and never-before-seen environments straight out of the Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith film. Fans of the original Star Wars Battlefront will also enjoy an all-new single-player experience that takes players through an epic, story-based saga where every action the player takes impacts the battlefront and, ultimately, the fate of the Star Wars galaxy. Critically acclaimed Pandemic Studios is once again developing the game for LucasArts.

Star Wars Galaxies: The Total Experience collects Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided, Star Wars Galaxies: Jump to Lightspeed and Star Wars Galaxies: Episode III Rage of the Wookiees into one affordable package. The immersive online experience brings the worlds of Star Wars to life through the eyes of their most heroic character?you! Team up with fellow adventurers playing online?thousands play at any given time?as you explore 11 space zones and planets like Tatooine, Naboo and the Episode III Wookiee planet of Kashyyyk. Develop your own character from 10 highly customizable species, and choose from over 30 professions. Also, command your own starship and recruit a crew comprised of the friends you've made playing the game. The collection is developed by Sony Online Entertainment and ships on May 24, 2005.

Star Wars Empire at War puts the power to command an entire war for the Star Wars galaxy in the hands of players, giving them the freedom to determine how they play the game within the completely scalable and accessible gameplay. Set a few years before the events of Episode IV: A New Hope, LucasArts? new PC game lets players wage war on ground and in space, as well as experience the creation of the Rebel Alliance, the strengthening of the Empire and the beginnings of the Galactic Civil War. Players choose to join either the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire, building and setting up tactical forces to unleash upon the enemy in real-time 3D. Memorable Star Wars hero characters can be brought into the action to help turn the tide of the battle as players build, manage and upgrade their space and ground-based units, vehicles, troops and base structures. Las Vegas-based strategy veterans at Petroglyph developed the game, which is scheduled for release in Spring 2006.

For more information, keep your eyes on www.lucasarts.com.

About LucasArts
LucasArts, a Lucasfilm Ltd. company, is a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software worldwide for video game console systems, computers and the Internet. Based in Marin County, Calif., as well as on the Internet at www.lucasarts.com, LucasArts was created in 1982 by George Lucas to provide an interactive element to his vision of a state-of-the-art, multifaceted entertainment company.

Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the world's leading film and entertainment companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully integrated entertainment company. In addition to its motion-picture and television production operations, the company's global activities include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, serving the digital needs of the entertainment industry for visual-effects and audio post-production; and Lucas Licensing, which manages the global merchandising activities for Lucasfilm's entertainment properties. Additionally, Lucas Online creates Internet-based content for Lucasfilm's entertainment properties and businesses. Lucasfilm's motion-picture productions include five of the 20 biggest box-office hits of all time and have received 19 Oscars and 53 Academy Award nominations. Lucasfilm's television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in Marin County, Calif.

1: Per The NPD Group
2: For complete list of awards please visit lucasarts.com

Recently spotted by Indy3 on theforce.net forums, LucasArts registered the domain mercenaries2.com late last year.


So because LucasArts.com isn't teasing us with an E3 section this year, I guess this is as good as it gets regarding hints for forthcoming game announcement speculation. Umm... Woot!

Benzo, known as a hacker of anything LucasArts related, has released two new versions of his Psychonauts hacking tools.

First there's the PKG Dumper that enables you to dump the contents of .pkg files as found in both the full and demo version of the game. (PC and Xbox.) This will allow you to view textures and other... stuff... Anyway! Read more.

Secondly there's an update to the Psychonauts Audio Ripper which has some Xbox fixes among other things. Check it out.

Over at the Vampyre Story website, there's a new short teaser video showing the 3D model of Mona, the main character, walking and doing some other stuff. It looks really really nice.

Should you happen to check out this week's Entertainment Weekly, you might get a surprise reading "The Must List". For those not familiar with it, it's basically a "Top 10 Cool Things" list of anything related to pop-culture. Anyway! Right on top, on the #1 spot you can read:

Psychonauts - Game designer extraordinaire Tim Schafer is at it again with a trippy Xbox/PC title about a youngster with an ability to enter the minds of others.

Granted, you might not be surprised after reading this. It's sure nice to see the game getting some mainstream lovin' though.

Want to hook up with some talented artists? Well, if you're in the Berkley area, you have the chance to meet Double Fine's Scott Campbell, Raz, and Nathan Stapley as well as Telltale's Graham Annable at Comic Relief.

This is, possibly not surprisingly, a Stickleback-Hickee signing, and it will take place from 7-9pm tonight at 2026 Shattuck Ave. in Berkley. Tim Schafer also promises snacks and beverages, so how can you go wrong?

Looks like things are heating up over at Telltale - if you've been looking for some more hard info on Bone, you can't go wrong with the new official website. There are a couple of screenshots and character art posted, as well as some game info. (You get to play Ted!)

Run over there now.

Wow! First news drought in awhile at the Mojo. There's nothing too substantial going on that's worth reporting in this post, but we are, in fact, still alive. Hope everyone is playing the hell out of Psychonauts! That game has dominated our news for the past few months, but now that its out, things worth reporting have been harder to find.

However, the Double Fine team seem to be back from vacation, since the DFAN page has been updated, and a few new comics from Scott C have popped up. No mention of Psychonauts related news or any upcoming projects, but go there anyway!

E3 is less than a week from now (and we're going)! Surprisingly, LucasArts didn't make a special page for their upcoming wares this year. I think the big titles will be Battlefront 2 and Empire at War, both of which seem promising, but it's weird that there's no mention yet of the expo on the official site.

Always on the horizon are Bone from Telltale and A Vampyre Story from Autumn Moon, there's just nothing to report on at this moment. So, sorry for wasting your time!

If you're looking for some cool Star Wars action before Revenge of the Sith makes a bundle from the box-office next week, you can apparently do a lot worse than the video game version of the movie. Scoring 4/5 on GameSpy, the game has an "excellent combat system" and is filled with "lots of cool little extras."

GameSpot is a bit more reserved, giving it a 6.3 while saying that "[this] is just a short and shallow game that brings neat ideas to the table and ultimately never capitalizes on." (I'm thinking there might be a "them" missing there.)

Look out for a Mojo review if anybody actually plays the game.

Should you happen to be in the London area on Sunday (May 8th) at 2pm you might want to stop by The Volunteer pub at 247 Baker street. Not only do you get the chance to meet our very own Gabez (which might be reason enough in itself!), but Ron Gilbert will be there to indulge every Monkey Island fan's dream. Yes, you can meet up with the man behind the series, and chat him up about it (and other things) too.

There will probablyalso be a meet-up in Amsterdam, but that date is currently not set. Check Grumpy Gamer for up-to-date updates about that tour stop. It has now been confirmed for 3pm tomorrow.

Update: The Amsterdam leg of Ron's trip across the globe has come and gone, and it left behind a photo.<:MORENEWS:> Ron himself isn't pictured, but you can spot Marek Bronstring from Adventure Gamers on the far left, #monkey-island's own CaliMonk 6th from the left, and Paco Vink 7th from left. Remi claims he's spotted WorldofMI's Junaid in the photo as well, but we have no confirmation, so for now it is assumed that Remi is lying.*

Hopefully we'll be getting a photo from the London stop, totally exposing Gabez.

*Junaid is there, and Remi wasn't lying. Further reports also reveal that there was a strange naked man swinging about on ropes in the background throughout the gathering. Hired by Gilbert, or just Amsterdam living up to its reputation? We don't know, but there is a picture of him on Grumpy Gamer.

Remember when Telltale asked fans to send them questions for an interview? Well the questions are all in and answered, and you can read the results here. A quote:

Being that many of you were on the Sam&Max team, and founding TellTale was in part inspired by the cancellation of that project, do you have any juicy tidbits to share with us about the game, or the making of the game? -Apignarb/Udvanorky

Graham A: One thing I can tell you is that Mike Stemmle had the ability to launch into random show tunes at any given time on the project. It was one of the more interesting aspects of our team meetings. You never knew when it was going to hit.

Heather has also promised a series of mini-interviews based on typical days over at Tell Tale Towers, to be published through the site blog. Sounds pretty awesome to me ? keep an eye on the main page over the next couple of weeks for that.

The dudes and dudettes over at Telltale Games really seem to got something going. Not only is Bone getting a cash infusion thanks to smart investements, they are also adding even more employees, many of who used to work at LucasArts. Some of the more interesting names are Brian Gillies, lead artist on the Evil Genius, and Lea Mai Nguyen, a lead artist on RTX Red Rock (the game might suck, but the art was really nice).

Even more interesting, Telltale will soon start work on another license, which is clearly Sam & Max Freelance Police. Although no further details were given, unofficial sources suggest this second project is not based on a comic book license.

Source: Adventure Gamers