Usavich

By: Derek Yu

On: November 22nd, 2007

This game‘s nothing too special. I don’t even know if it’s technically indie, either. I just wanted to draw your attention to the cartoon it’s based on, a series of shorts made for MTV Japan about two rabbits trapped in a Russian prison.

Hit the jump for the first episode.

(Source: selectbutton forums)

Sam n’ Max: Season Two – Now Open!

By: Derek Yu

On: November 11th, 2007

Season Two of Telltale Games’s Sam n’ Max started last week, with the first episode, “Ice Station Santa,” made available on Gametap and the Telltale website.

If you haven’t tried it out yet and you’re wondering whether it’s good – yes, what I’ve played so far is good! I was a huge fan of the original game, and these games seem like a true enough follow-up to that classic. Definitely take it for a test drive, at least. The fourth episode of Season One, “Abe Lincoln Must Die,” is now free, and you can get it here.

Steve Purcell, the creator of Sam n’ Max, also has an S&M (snicker) webcomic on the Telltale site, and the darn thing was nominated for an Eisner award this year.

I’m all over Sam n’ Max like stripes on a candy cane.

Jugglin’

By: Derek Yu

On: September 22nd, 2007

I really like games that have a simple theme and stick to making me feel like I’m really doing what I’m supposed to be doing. Nikujin makes me feel like a ninja, Death Worm makes me feel like a great big ol’ sandworm, Star Wars Episode VII makes me feel like a Jedi…

And Jugglin’ makes me feel like I’m jugglin’, yo! Not only that, but it lets you create your own tricks (e.g. “Holy Shit I am Good,” my amazing 13-ball trick, shown on your left!). And the loose, no-pressure structure makes the game frustration-free. Which is one aspect that is definitely not like real juggling.

I’m always surprised by how independent developers are able to get at the essence behind an idea and really distill what’s fun about it!

(Jim McGinley, the creator of Jugglin’, also entered the awesome “Mario Inna Space” into our B-Game Competition. He also happens to possess the uncommon mind which is behind the hilarious “”http://www.bigpants.ca/index.htm">Mister Happy Bigpants" comics.)

Blogs of Fury

By: Derek Yu

On: September 4th, 2007

Hope all you American TIGSource readers had a great Labor Day weekend! I got to hang out with some old friends, which was great.

But enough about me, eh? I wanted to bring to your attention the blogs of two artists and game designers that I have severe mancrushes on. The first one is from Cryptic Sea, home of Alex Austin and Edmund McMillen, the creators of Gish. Now, I was already VERY excited about Gish 2. (From what I’ve heard, it’s going to be Gish, but bigger, better, yadda yadda.) But after seeing this teaser image, well… I’m at “pee pee pants” level of excitement. And that’s a very high level.

I really loved Edmund’s previous work, but it’s obvious that he’s getting better and better! He’s a hilarious dude, too, and incredibly genuine. I wish the best for him.

Which brings me to Niklas Jansson, the artist for Cortex Command. He’s a talented technical artist, to be sure, but what I love about Niklas is his broad understanding of game design. Whereas any artist can take an old design and “modernize” it by making it dark, overwrought, and angry (cough Bomberman: Act Zero cough), Niklas stays true to the original essence of the old school. If only the games that he designed made it beyond the conceptual stage!

In his new blog, which supplements his portfolio site, Niklas shares his artwork and his thoughts on games, old and new. It’s fascinating stuff, so check it out!

Penny Arcade Adventures Hits XBLA in 2008

By: Derek Yu

On: August 27th, 2007

…along with the PC, Mac, and Linux! Not sure if it’s a simultaneous release, however.

Still rather ambivalent about this one, but it’s looking better all the time. One thing that still irks me is how brown the screenshots are, compared to the colorfulness of the comic strip. I understand that they’re going for a steampunk/noir vibe but… okay, I’m going to stop complaining until the game is released! I’m sure it’ll be fun and funny regardless.

(Source, including image: Game|Life)

Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet Trailer

By: Derek Yu

On: August 27th, 2007

Holy sh… an independent video game from comic book artist Michel Gagné?!

Click here for the trailer. Coming in 2008.

(Thanks for the news, Chrissketch!)

Comic Dice

By: Derek Yu

On: June 12th, 2007

Matt Hammill, the illustrator and creator of Gesundheit, has released a fun little toy called Comic Dice that generates a random comic. Not really a game, per se, but I found it quite fun! Wish there was an option to roll all three dice with one click.

(Source: Timmy)

New PA Adventures Trailer

By: Brandon McCartin (BMcC)

On: June 7th, 2007

Here is the second trailer for Penny Arcade‘s upcoming game Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness. And I have to admit… It’s looking much better.

I can see why. Though, the quick cuts are kinda annoying. I wanna see what I’m lookin’ at, ya know?

Anyway, this plus Ron Gilbert may just equal magic. Time will tell, I suppose…

DISCUSS, and all that.

Cave Story: the Comic

By: Derek Yu

On: May 30th, 2007

You know it doesn’t really feel like Pixel, and I think that’s a good thing. The artwork’s rather nice, in my opinion!

(Source: Tim W.)

Ron Gilbert and Penny Arcade Adventures

By: Brandon McCartin (BMcC)

On: May 9th, 2007

Whoa. It has just been announced that Monkey Island creator Ron Gilbert is working with Hothead and Penny Arcade on Penny Arcade Adventures.

That is pretty darn sweet. Ron is one of my heroes. My hopes for this project have just increased!