Tag Archives: episodic game

Word Burn

Burn baby, burn!

Stimulus.com is running a lengthy interview with yours truly where I answer questions about Grimm, how to turn fairy tales into video games, making weekly episodic content, and the future. Here’s a little chunk:

Was there anything you thought was going to be a good idea, and finally decided to remove it?

Lots of things actually. One major feature we planned from the start was the idea of “words as weapons”. In using this concept the Player would run up to an object inside the game, hit a key to convert that object into a word, then carry the word around for use in another location. So you could walk up to a sheep, convert it into the word “sheep”, then carry that to a pit filled with wolves and toss “sheep” into the void. Upon hitting the ground it would convert back into the original object, and you’d have a diversionary sheep. We also envisioned combining words, so you might have a “flaming sheep” by collecting “fire” and “sheep” and combining them together.

I always liked the “words as weapons” concept. We were using it for everything from power ups to weapons and abilities. But ultimately, it didn’t work out. Meh. Maybe some day we’ll return to the concept in another game (Grimm 2 anyone?) and figure out how to make it fun. Until then, enjoy the Stimulus interview.

And don’t forget – Stimulus is a digital download site where you can purchase standalone episodes of Grimm, or entire episode bundles. Head over today and check out what Grimm has in store for you!

Grimm Episode 10 “The Singing Bone”

The Singing Bone

The Singing Bone!

Once again we’re singing the praises of Grimm. And this week we’re getting help from a very special bone – “The Singing Bone”!

David Craddock over at BigDownload has already posted a review of this week’s episode in which he says:

Just like The Master Thief, The Singing Bone allows players to craft a darker version of the tale that is different from the lighter version. The light theater doesn’t depict the boar terrorizing anything, for example, but lazing around like the fat sloth it is. After sufficiently darkening enough of that particular level, Grimm hops aboard the beast, which has been altered to reflect its nasty, vicious nature. Players are then able to ride the boar, whose ability to plow through villagers and livestock is met with satisfying sprays of gore.

Nothing satisfies like a spray of gore! If you want to experience the spray of grim, gore, and goodness for yourself, head over to GameTap and check out this latest version of Grimm.

And stay tuned – Next week we’ll present one of my favorite episodes, “King Midas”. This episode is particularly interesting because we really push the “transformation” idea to some new places. Check it out and you’ll see what I mean!

Grimm Episode 9 Review

David Craddock over at Big Download has already posted a review of the latest Grimm episode “Master Thief” who says, “If The Master Thief is an example of what players can expect from the new season of American McGee’s Grimm, then this is a series that should be enjoyed by both the casual and hardcore crowds… Play it; you shouldn’t be disappointed.”

Master Thief – FREE for Halloween

If you didn’t catch mention of it last time, here’s the news again:
The latest Episode of Grimm, “The Master Thief” isn’t just free for 24 hours – but for several days.
Yep, you can play Episode 9 of Grimm for free between Oct 30th and Nov 1st on GameTap.

And not only is this episode free, but it’s another kind of special: Halloween Special!

So, if you’ve been waiting to dip your toe in the stinky pool that is Grimm, this is a perfect time!

Grimm’s Back! (Almost)

WolfStalker

Nice Wolf, Nice Rabies

Whew! It’s been a while since I wrote a post. Was off in Japan, enjoying some trees, checking out Tokyo Game Show, eating lots of awesome food, and working on The Next Big Thing. Back in Shanghai since last weekend – been catching up on Grimm production, a mountain of emails, and the start of TNBT. Speaking of, we had our official pre-production kick-off meeting today! Big day!

But wait, we’re getting ahead of ourselves! There’s another 16 episodes of Grimm still coming down the pipe. And best of all, these new episodes keep getting better and better. Don’t believe me? Then check out what David Craddock over at Big Download has to say about the next “season” of episodes:

Everything that made Grimm fun has returned, and everything that didn’t appears to have been trimmed away. As someone who often deliberated between yay and nay when it came to Grimm’s first season, I can say with confidence that The Master Thief provides a promising glimpse of what awaits us when Season Two begins later this month.

David goes on to talk about the release schedule for the next series of 8 episodes, which will see Episode 9 “The Master Thief” released on October 30th:

Speaking exclusively to Big Download, publisher GameTap has revealed the full line-up for the next season of developer Spicy Horse’s American McGee’s Grimm. Beginning on October 30, the next season of Grimm features expanded mechanics that allow for a deeper gameplay experience than that of Season One. The title of each new episode, as well as its respective release date, can be found below.

10/30 – The Master Thief
11/06 – The Singing Bone
11/13 – King Midas
11/20 – Cinderella
11/27 – The Golden Goose
12/04 – Iron John
12/11 – The Pied Piper
12/18 – A Christmas Carol

Master Thief is certainly worth a try – we added in a ton of fun content specifically for Halloween. And wouldn’t you know it, Grimm loves Halloween!

I’ve updated the countdown clock on the site so you can keep track of what’s coming and when it’s arrived. As with the first 8 episodes, each new episode is FREE FOR 24 HOURS on GameTap. Set your alarms for October 30th and head over to GameTap for more Grimm fun.

Episode 8 – Beauty and the Beast

Grimm Beast

The Nefarious Beast

Woot! Episode 8! The final episode of this first chunk of 8! This time Grimm is visiting the classic tale of “Beauty and the Beast“. And boy is this episode a cool one. First off, it is BIG. Second off, it features a ton of PIRATES. And lastly, did I mention the pirates? Yeah, I know, I know, Disney’s version didn’t have pirates in it. But then, Grimm really likes pirates. (Looking at the P2P networks it seems the pirates like Grimm too!)

Amazing to think we’ve gotten through the first batch of 8 episodes. That’s an episode every week for 8 weeks – 2 months of cool episodic game content. That’s some kinda video game history, right? Hmmm… well… Maybe when we release *another* 8 episodes, and then another.

Speaking of, Grimm’s going on a little break. I can’t say for how long exactly – but more than 1 month, less than 2 months. Then he’ll be back with 8 new episodes, all new game mechanics, power ups, and FUN.

Be sure to check out Episode 8 on GameTap.