“In today’s society, man is powerful – We can travel at 60 mph; we can fly; we can connect with just about anyone, anywhere, at anytime. But on the street, people pass by each other ignoring the wonderful existence of other beings. We are overwhelmed by the attention needed to gain and execute our own power – just like we are in most video games. While we are doing that, we can become isolated and insecure deep inside our mind.

On the contrary, when we are hiking in the wild, we become tiny and weak again. These feelings make every other person we encounter much more important and enjoyable. We greet them, giving them genuine and useful help. We might travel together for a period, learn from and rely on each other. Struggling against the dangerous nature together, somehow, makes us warm and powerful inside. (This doesn’t make any rational sense, but somehow that’s how I feel. And I’m sure many of us do.)

While most video games offer the sense of empowerment in the online gaming experience, we felt the player will pay more attention to the other players if they are less distracted by the power, and the online gaming experience will be quite unique if it carries the feeling of awe towards the unknown. In a world where the majority of the players are distracted by technology, evoking a sense of awe and mystery could be very refreshing and powerful.”

From this we can gleam that Journey is a game designed around a sense of isolation, in a harsh and unforgiving land. The screenshots of the game help to further this feeling, as you can see what I can only assume is the player character completely isolated, with a strange backdrop glaring down upon him. The theme of power being a distraction interests me most, as in an online world where you are effectively powerless against the world’s many challenges, the game should take players on an entirely new path of gameplay, and not down the traditional route of empowering the player to the point upon which he is effectively fearless.

The rest of the blog takes on a more informative tone, and paints the game as purely exploratory, with the only motivation coming from the player to further their own traversal. The online mechanic is only briefly touched upon, with Kellee Santiago of companionship stating that “As you travel through the world, you may encounter a stranger who is on his or her own journey” This interests me the most, as it suggests that, should you be connected to the internet when you play Journey, the game will form an online experience for you without you realizing it, and I’m looking forward to the day in which they release more details on the online component, as it feels fresh and unique.

This is what interests me in Journey the most, the feeling of helplessness in a vast world, but with the constant feeling of discovery that game seeks to portray. I can’t wait to get my hands on it when the game when it releases in 2011.

[Source: thatgamecompany Blog]

The game is a stand-alone title for the series, and marks the first time that the franchise will include cooperative multiplayer (both online and local). Lara and her male ally, Totec, will be raiding tombs, earning points to unlock new items and weapons. The game also boasts a fair amount of puzzles which require the two characters to work together. As you can see by the gameplay screenshots, the entire game takes place from a fixed isometric view a la Gauntlet Legends or the Diablo series. Looks like a load of hacking, slashing, and looting fun.

Fortix is similar to the classic “fence off” game Qix.  The point of the game is to gradually expand your territory from the edges of the screen by fencing off shapes.   You win by claiming the entirety of the screen.  Where Fortix differs from Qix is its medieval setting and diverse enemies (some remain stationary and shoot while others patrol the land).

Fortix 2 sports some impressive graphical upgrades from the first installment, as well as a few gameplay boosters.  The main character, Fortix (I know…), will now be aided by his sister, Floriana.  Also, an inventory system will be implemented in order to carry potions and magical items.  Nemesys Team Studio boasts a “strong storyline,” but that will remain to be seen.  Look forward to this Mini in the near future.

Obligatory Press Release;

UTV IGNITION ENTERTAINMENT UNVEILS ‘SWARM’

Amazing new Hothead Games title to tease crowds at E3 2010!

E3, Los Angeles – June 16, 2010 – UTV Ignition Entertainment Ltd., a global publisher and developer of videogames, today announced that it has reached an agreement with Hothead Games to co-publish Swarm worldwide on all platforms via digital channels. Swarm will be unveiled via a short teaser trailer at E3 2010.

Swarm lets the player take control of 50 utterly fearless Swarmites and drive them through an intense, entertaining and often suicidal battle for a greater good. Run, bash, huddle, boost, stack, jump, push and throw your way through gauntlets of death and destruction in an attempt to collect valuable DNA and ensure that at least one Swarmite survives. With a unique combination of mass character control and fast action, the resulting brutal aftermath will make players want to play Swarm over and over again.

“UTV Ignition is excited to partner with Hothead Games on this fantastic title,” commented Nigel Fox, European Head of Publishing for UTV Ignition Entertainment. “Swarm is a brilliantly crafted, humorous and incredibly addictive title, of the high quality and creativity that is the cornerstone of our digital download strategy.”

“Swarm is very special to Hothead – it’s an idea we’ve nurtured for a while,” added Joel DeYoung, Director of Game Technology for Hothead Games. “We are excited to work with Ignition to make sure everyone hears about and ultimately gets a chance to play Swarm, Hothead’s next great game.”

Swarm is being developed by Hothead Games and will be available early 2011 across multiple platforms. To see the Swarm teaser trailer please visit the UTV Ignition booth at the E3 Expo 2010, booth number 4322 in the West Hall.

ABOUT UTV IGNITION ENTERTAINMENT LTD:
UTV Ignition Entertainment Limited is a UTV Media Communication company. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in the U.K. with offices in Los Angeles, Florida and Tokyo. In 2007 it received major investment from UTV Software, a diversified conglomerate based in Mumbai India and listed on the Mumbai and London stock exchanges. UTV has Walt Disney as its major shareholder, which current owns 60% of its common stock. Forthcoming titles include BlackLight: Tango Down and Arc Rise Fantasia, which will ship during summer 2010. For more information on Ignition and its products, visit http://www.ignition-ent.com

ABOUT UTV SOFTWARE COMMUNICATIONS LTD:
UTV Software Communications Ltd. is India’s foremost Media & Entertainment Company with leadership position in four Verticals that includes Motion Pictures, Broadcasting, TV Content and Interactive (i.e. Animation and Gaming). Listed on the Mumbai Stock Exchange with the Motion Pictures business listed on the AIM, London Stock Exchange. Walt Disney Inc. holds a strategic stake in UTV. It has subsidiaries with offices across India, the UK and USA. More information on the group is available at www.utvnet.com

ABOUT HOTHEAD GAMES:
Hothead Games, headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, is an independent developer and publisher of groundbreaking downloadable titles. Hothead is currently bringing to life original games such as the highly anticipated DeathSpank and the award-winning Swarm. Hothead is also partnering with indie studios around the globe to bring games like Braid to new platforms and new audiences. Visit us at www.hotheadgames.com.

Coming this August to PSN for both PS3 and PSP is TNT Racers. In TNT Racers up to 4 players, either online or locally, race around the track while trying to knock others off it. To do this you have your usual power-ups, like in most kart racers.

What make this game different is the “shadow racers”. If you happen to fall off the track, you will turn into a “shadow racer”. As a shadow racer you can take revenge against the other players trying to knock them off as well.

Single player is comprised of 3 different modes with 3 speed classes (difficulties) each. The press release states that there are 45 challenges as well. Multiplayer, as said before, can be played locally or online. When playing multiplayer you have the same options as in single player.

There will be leaderboards and trophies like always. As an added bonus you can unlock new cars and tracks. TNT Racers is due out sometime this August.

The Fact Sheet;

Destroy cities, eat people, smash your friends and unleash your beast.

• Build your unique creature in the Monster Lab and go on a monster mash, causing as much damage to the city as possible.
• Power your rampaging beast’s weapons and abilities by eating the city’s inhabitants.
• Enjoy bonus missions, multiplayer modes and global leaderboards to maximise your monster madness.

[Source: UK Playstation.com]

Everyone’s favorite zombie shooter got some new screens from E3 today. Doesn’t really show much of the game in action, but it does look intense. Housemarque is promising “the most on-screen zombies in a video game to date.” Knowing their pedigree I am sure they can pull it off.

So get ready this fall to add to the global zombie kill count.

We finally get some new info on the sequel to one of our favorite games last year. Spoilers will be abound after this first set of screens so beware if you didn’t finish the first game.

PixelJunk Shooter 2 begins where we left off in the last game, swallowed by that big ass worm. So we have to navigate our way out of there and pick up any survivors along the way. It is a fluid sim just like last time, so you will have to interact with the levels in order to beat them.

New features to Shooter 2 are online head-to-head battling, ghost players, and “virtual” co-op. The first you has been mentioned before here on the site. So you can read about that on the other stories. Virtual co-op is what I want to talk about. Throughout the levels there will be “ghost docks”. From there a scripted ghost will appear and you will have to perform certain tasks in the level with it.

Does all this info make you want the game? Well you will have to wait until this fall… sorry

Once I hear more I will let you all know.

An exotic adventure with a more serious tone, Journey presents TGC’s unique vision of an online adventure experience. Awakening in an unknown world, the player walks, glides, and flies through a vast and awe-inspiring landscape, while discovering the history of an ancient, mysterious civilization along the way.

Journey’s innovative approach to online play encourages players to explore this environment with strangers who cross their path from time to time. By traveling together, they can re-shape the experience – creating authentic moments they will remember and discuss with others.

So I get to wander the desert looking for people to play with… sounds interesting to say the least.

Announced at Captivate ’10 early this year, Nathan Spencer is back. Fighting an all new foe, General Sabio, you will have all new weapons and abilities to work with. The game is slated for release sometime in Q1 2011.

PR Below

Dead Space Extraction on PlayStation 3 will offer the entire single-player game complete with all-new trophy support, as well as co-op gameplay, using the new PlayStation Move motion controller, in addition to the standard DUALSHOCK 3 and SIXAXIS controllers. Players will be armed with an arsenal of weaponry and an easy-to-use control system customized to take full advantage of the capabilities of PlayStation Move. Dead Space Extraction will also be sold separately as a standalone game via the PlayStation Store.

No further details yet, but I will post them as I get them.

Still no release date yet, but it is still looking pretty.

That is all the PSN stuff. I am sure we will hear more about other things later this week.

1:20 – Dead Space Extraction PSN Bound.

1:13 – First month’s freebies are WipeOut HD, Age of Zombies, Fieldrunners, and some PSone Classic.

1:10 PlayStation Plus Announced. Features include: early demos, early betas, free games, minis, discounts on store, push for downloads. Price: $49.99 for a year. First 3 months free.

1:05 – PSN games please

1:02 – E3 Home Space!

1:01 – PSN time! 50million users.

12:48 – echochrome 2 announced for Move.

12:00 – I spotted some PSN titles in that opening montage.