PixelJunk Shooter 2 Message Board

The PixelJunk collection goes on deep discount today later today on PSN, with some games on sale for a mere dollar. If you don't already have Racers, Monsters, Eden and Shooter, you absolutely should pick them up for a buck each.

PixelJunk Shooter 2 and SideScroller are both half-off for $5. The sale will conclude on May 15, when PixelJunk 4am will launch in a swirl of sounds and we can all taste the purple.

Those who live in the San Francisco area can attend the PixelJunk 4am Event this Thursday, May 10, at the Harlot. The first 75 attendees will receive a code for the game that they can activate when it goes live next week.

The PlayStation Blog has posted PSN's top-selling indie games of 2011, with Limbo and PixelJunk Shooter 2 topping the third-party self-published and Sony-published lists, respectively. Big Sandwich Games' Hoard flies above the list of indies sponsored by Sony's Pub Fund.

Asked if the lists are skewed by free PlayStation Plus or "Welcome Back" content, a Sony representative told Joystiq, "The list includes all paid downloads, including Plus, but excludes free Plus content."

Head on over to the PlayStation Blog for the lists of the best-selling PSN indies of the year.

PixelJunk Shooter 2 is unleashing its FREE online battle demo via PSN now. Go start the download! Go on. It’ll be done by the time you finish reading this. :) We’re putting big bounties on the heads of higher-ranked players (especially those in our Sun League), and PixelJunk Shooter 2 staff will be in the mix. Join in the assault on our Veteran players this weekend.

So what’s in it for the Veterans? The PixelJunk team would like present you with a new battleground. From July 15th, we will be uncovering a hidden stage for PixelJunk Shooter 2′s online battles. This stage will be made available to all players for FREE as a salute to your battling prowess. I should advise you though that while dredging up this ancient stage, a few blocks might have come loose. You’ve been warned…

As an extra hat tip to our online battling brethren (both seasoned and fresh), we’re going to share some data with you on current popular item trends. From our statistics, we’ve calculated your expected “chance of winning” when equipping certain items:

Magma Resistance – 64.5%
Resurrection – 64.4%
Fluid Converter – 59.6%
Sticky Ship – 59.5%
Mine – 58.8%

As you can see, the Magma Resistance item (which lets you fly through magma) appears to be giving many people a slight edge.

Our Top 10 online battle players have also shown us some more unique play styles which are clearly working for them and deserve a mention. Some of the items in their arsenals were quite unexpected. Certain Top 10 players (we’ll let you figure out who) use the Camouflage or Fluid Converter one in three matches, and there is even a master Thief using the Snatch n’ Grab every two out of three matches!

So is that free Shooter 2 Demo download done yet? Then go get onto PSN for a weekend of intense 1v1 PixelJunk Shooter 2 online battling action!

We're going to be straight with you guys: It's not the best week for European PSN releases. There's a trial version of Dead Nation and a demo for PixelJunk Shooter 2, while the poor PSP only gets a handful of Minis. The real highlight of the week is the long-awaited Final Fantasy VII costumes for LittleBigPlanet 2, which should provide you with adequate hours of enjoyment to last you until next week.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Hey everyone!I am happy to announce a patch for PixelJunk Shooter 2. We’ve changed a few things. Read on for the full list:

There was a bug where some enemies would spawn right on top of you giving you that awesome “insta-death” you really don’t want in a game… well, we fixed it! The online connectivity has been tuned to allow you to hook up with other players much more easily. Try it out! If you get matched against a higher ranking player you get a nice large cash bonus (Q space bucks of course) if you win! This gives you a big incentive to challenge yourself more when you get matched up against someone who seems better than you. Hint: stay calm and use strategy, you can definitely take them! We added an option to the pause screen that lets you take a break in the middle of a stage and come back later to finish it off. So when your mom calls you to the dinner table just choose that option, go eat your dinner *and* be nice to the environment by switching off your PS3! Even if you kill a few survivors and get a game over screen you can “continue” – your score will be reset, but if you are just exploring and trying to get as far as you can this feature stops you from being thrown back to the start of a stage just because a few puny survivors happen to have gotten in the way of your missiles. A message on the pause screen lets you know if there are any diamonds still hidden in the current screen. This is very handy when you are searching out that last diamond in order to unlock the awesomely cool secret last stage! Acid walls aren’t as nasty anymore – we gave the giant alien whose insides you are exploring some antacid and he’s feeling a lot better now!

We have another PixelJunk announcement or two for over the next few weeks, so stay tuned…and enjoy the new-and-improved PixelJunk Shooter 2.

#watchingyou Cheese is great. It really is. So are PixelJunk's games, like PixelJunk Shooter 2 for the PS3. More »

Sequel design 101: Make your game bigger. Given one of the only complaints fans had with the original PixelJunk Shooter was its length, the explosion of content in the sequel makes sense. Over a year in the making, Shooter 2 has bigger bosses, bigger levels and a bigger feature set. But, bigger doesn't always equal better; while Shooter 2 will keep fans busy, it's one of the few "disappointments" from the studio's otherwise impeccable portfolio.

The most significant addition to the Shooter formula is the new competitive multiplayer feature. I was skeptical at first, doubtful that PvP would be able to retain the game's unique charm. I was proven wrong with my first online battle. The subtle changes to the core mechanics make for an interesting game of cat-and-mouse. Just like in the main game, you must rescue survivors. But, in versus mode, there's someone else hellbent on rescuing more of them than you.

Each of the maps offer different strategic options, taking advantage of the unique liquidity of the game's levels. Risk maneuvering through an active volcano to avoid enemy fire, for example. Or, try having a shootout in the water, to avoid heating up. Flashier players may even try to steal survivors from an enemy base.

Familar, but fun.

Care to watch a a Q-Games developer talk about medication, bathroom usage and Thai curry tacos? Yes, it's another PixelJunk Shooter 2 "Survivor Files" video, and it's just as bizarre as the series' last installment. Perhaps even more so, which we didn't know was possible.

Go head-to-head with your friends in PixelJunk Shooter 2's multiplayer mode!

Go solo in the sequel to the popular downloadable PixelJunk Shooter!

What are your thoughts on cheese? Seems like a strange question to ask a (fictitious) survivor rescued from deep within a planet in PixelJunk Shooter 2. Then again, this entire live-action clip -- filmed by Q Games boss Dylan Cuthbert -- is just plain strange, in the best possible sense.

If you're ready for a second dose of subterranean aviation and fluid dynamics, you'll be delighted to hear that PixelJunk Shooter 2 is rapidly approaching its release date on PSN. Q-Games just announced that the sequel, which adds an online versus mode and three new worlds, will be released on March 1.

In the announcement on the PlayStation Blog, Q-Games president Dylan Cuthbert teased "very interesting things" the company plans to announce in the next few weeks. It's likely to be good news for fans of HD games with tiny, tiny sprites.

Q-Games' newest creation is closer than you'd think.

Hey PixelJunkies, the date has been set in stone – PixelJunk Shooter 2 will be released exclusively to PlayStation Network on March 1st! The glowing previews should begin flying in soon too (fingers crossed)!

Compared to the original, this game is packed even more full of lovely gushing liquid action across three entirely new worlds, and there is a whole new game in itself with the online versus mode we have put in there (over 20 weapons and abilities for you to use against your opponent!). This is why it has taken a little longer than expected to get this into your hands, but we’re really happy that now, after winging its way through the digital tapestry called “game submission,” it has been approved for release!

Keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks as we have some very interesting things to announce and remember to tune into our PixelJunk Radio podcast if only to hear us talk in dulcet tones!

If you have any questions about Shooter 2, fire away below and either myself or Ariel will attempt to answer them!

We've caught a glimpse of PixelJunk Shooter 2's multiplayer, but a new video interview with producer Matt Morton goes into greater detail. Though the game is now in the certification phase, Morton doesn't have a launch date yet, but promises we'll know "soon."

We offered extended hands-on time with the nearly-final PixelJunk Shooter 2 this past weekend at CES, and this led to many questions: What’s up with the online multiplayer? What kind of bosses will we face? And why is it PixelJunk Shooter 2 instead of Encore (like with PixelJunk Monsters and Eden)?

Fortunately, we didn’t have to sit and ponder these things alone, as producer Matt Morton was conveniently standing right there next to the game…

As soon as PixelJunk Shooter 2 has a solid release date, or something new to show, you’ll see it right here.

Hey there! This is Ariel Angelotti reporting from Q-Games headquarters in Kyoto, Japan, and I have some great news! PixelJunk Shooter 2 is nearly ready for launch, getting that final coat of paint before it takes off to the sky. While the release date is still hush-hush at this point, I can assure everyone of its complete and total awesomeness, so keep a keen eye out for more information shortly.

Until then, we’ve prepared something special to keep everyone entertained As a regular consumer of videogame podcasts, I thought it would be a great idea to round up a rather reluctant Dylan and two other Q staffers, Bear Trickey and Duncan Flett, to record our own. Thus, “PixelJunk Radio” was born. Well, our podcast has finally been released, so join us over beverages and discussion of life in Japan, videogames, and yes, the ever mysterious Japanese toilet by clicking the following link and subscribing to our podcast on iTunes.

Or you can catch a video version on the PixelJunk YouTube Channel which features images of the cast to watch while you listen here

Be on the lookout for more podcasts in the future!

As it turns out, the greatest foe in the PixelJunk Shooter universe isn't the ever-present danger of being consumed by one of many hazardous elements -- but rather, the danger presented by the cunning of your fellow man. A new trailer for the sequel to
Q-Games' underground action title shows off some of the game's high-tension, cat-and-mouse competitive gameplay, as well as some of the special abilities you'll be able to use while either hunting or hiding from your foes. (Lava tsunami? Don't mind if we do.)

If that sounds a little too intense for your frayed nerves, there's quite a bit of single-player footage in the trailer as well, demoing some of the new liquids, solids, gases and hideous mutants you'll be tasked with surviving this time around. We suggest you start preparing for battle by checking out this new trailer after the jump.

Long time no post! Here at Q-Games we’ve been ultra-busy finishing PixelJunk Shooter 2; unfortunately it took a little longer than we expected but that’s because of a number of (very cool) reasons!

You may have already heard, but PixelJunk Shooter 2 has the most insanely fun online Versus mode that has ever been created. Rather than just do a simple battling-type system, we created a special cat-and-mouse type game which has you and the enemy take turns as cat or mouse, either scouring the stage for the other player or running away from him. The trick being that the “mouse” is invisible to the other player unless he views you directly, so you can sneak around collecting the survivors and transporting them to your base. Each survivor that goes into your base is an extra point. But watch out: When it is the other player’s turn to play mouse they can steal them back if they are cunning enough.

Carefully laid out on top of this really addictive core game is a league system that earns you “money” that you can use to buy crazy and special items for use in battle (you only have to buy them once and you can use up to three types at any time per battle). The ultra-slow but ultra-smart homing missile is one of my favourites (it doggedly tracks the other player and is difficult to shake off!), as is the “Time Slip” item that rewinds the positions of both players for a few seconds. There is a limit on the number of uses of certain items within a battle, so a lot of strategy is involved and it has a seriously good “just one more go” factor – if you win, you will climb into new leagues to get bonuses so you can buy even cooler weapons (with 20 to choose from!) and more maps to play on. I can see many, many late nights being caused by just this part of PixelJunk Shooter 2.

But on top of all this we have created a whole new set of three worlds with new liquids, puzzles and some brilliant new enemies and bosses, packing even more fun into the regular adventure mode too! So PixelJunk Shooter 2 is not only our first true sequel in the PixelJunk series, it’s also our first PS3 online-enabled game and the combination of these two things means it is simply bursting at the seams! Oh, and remember to look forward to the new “suits” for your ship of, course!

Anyway, no more chit-chat. Check out the trailer above and see what I mean!

Like basketball crossed with Combat, and covered in lava.

Sony has announced another LA playtest event for a PSN game, this time PixelJunk Shooter 2. If you're accepted to one of the testing sessions, you'll get to play an unreleased game -- and you'll get a free Move starter pack! Also, if the game is bad when it comes out, you'll be blamed.

We are looking for PS3 owners in the Los Angeles area to help us test the latest and greatest installment to the PixelJunk series — PixelJunk Shooter 2: The Belly of the Beast!

We want to get a solid mix of PixelJunk enthusiasts, as well as people who are new to the franchise. The purpose of these focus tests will be to help us balance and polish the game to make sure it’s as fun and exciting as it can be. As you can guess, we’ve got a TON of exciting things to offer in this sequel to the already amazing PixelJunk Shooter, but we need your input to help make it the absolute best it can be!

As you can guess, we’ve got a TON of exciting things to offer in this sequel to the already amazing PixelJunk Shooter, but we need your input to help make it the absolute best it can be! What will we need from you? Your honest opinions on the game as you play through segments of each of the three new environments and encounter new challenges along the way. You will also get to go head-to-head against other testers and experience the online Battle System in which you fight 1-on-1 taking turns being the hunter or the hunted!

If you are in the local Los Angeles area and are available this Friday, December 3rd, we want to hear from you! We will be hosting three sessions at 1:00pm, 3:00pm and 5:00pm so when responding, please let us know which session you would like to attend. Expect each session to run about 90 minutes. Seating is extremely limited and we expect the available slots for testing to fill up fast!

As a “Thank You” for helping us out, we will give each of our testers a brand new PlayStation Move starter bundle to take home.

Requirements for application:

• Have reliable transportation to the testing location.
• Be 18 years of age. If under the age of 18, you will need your parent or legal guardian present for the entire duration of the session.

If you are interested, here’s what you need to do:

Send an email to PJS2Test@gmail.com.

In the email please state the following:

• Full Name
• Age
• Email address for confirmation purposes.
• Phone number for confirmation purposes.
• Time of session you are interested in.
• Let us know if you are a PixelJunk player or not. Not to worry if you aren’t, as we need all kinds of testers!

Thank you, and we hope to hear from you soon!

It may not have had an official presence at TGS this year, but I had a chance to see an updated build of PixelJunk Shooter 2 behind closed doors. Q-Games' Dylan Cuthbert was mum on when we can expect the PSN sequel, but he did showcase a bevy of new features we can expect in the Shooter follow-up.

Like its predecessor, Shooter 2 is all about elements. Whereas the first game explored more traditional elements like water, lava and gas, the sequel expands upon the concept with new gimmicks: light and dark, acid, foam and sand. Whilst in foam, you'll lose control of your ship, requiring the use of a grappling hook that can swing you around obstacles. Sound familiar? Perhaps it's because it looks a bit like Q's platformer, PixelJunk Eden.

There are a number of games that offer inspiration for the sequel. Shockingly, Dig-Dug is one of them. In areas with sand, you'll be able to don a new suit that lets you dig through the earth. Your movement is restricted, just like in its arcade inspiration, and you'll have to navigate carefully to make sure that you aren't crushed by any rocks. PixelJunk Shooter 2 takes more direct inspiration from classic hardcore shmups as well, with a new enemy type that sprays out complex bullet patterns that require pixel-perfect movement, timing and reflexes. As in the best shmups, these segments are all about dodging: You won't be able to shoot these enemies. Instead, you must grapple them when close.

We're not big on ordering folks around here at Joystiq, but every now and then, you've gotta. Like with this PixelJunk Shooter 2 trailer, fresh from GamesCom: if you don't watch it, we aren't bros, muchachos or even acquaintances any longer. We hate to draw lines in the sand, but on this one thing, we will not budge.

So not only save our relationship by checking out the trailer past the break, but do yourself a favor and watch some footage of a sequel to an awesome game.

Q-Games and Dylan Cuthbert are cooking up plenty of new tricks for PixelJunk Shooter 2, the follow-up to the 2009 PSN title that mixed retro-styled audio-visuals with progressive gameplay mechanics. But once I picked up the controller at last week’s NYC PlayStation media day, I discovered that PixelJunk Shooter 2 expands upon this formula in several key ways.

Light and dark. I quickly learned that darkness is not your friend in PixelJunk Shooter 2. Traveling though a dark area for more than a few seconds will attract invulnerable apparitions – the spectral remnants of a “lost civilization” — and almost instant death. Faced with a long, shadowy tunnel, I turned my cannons on a nearby phosphorescent mushroom. While it bobbed like a metronome, I was able to stay within its small orb of light to pass through the tunnel unscathed.

That’s when I discovered another threat lurking in the darkness: worm-like parasites that latched onto my ship’s hull and slowed my movement to a crawl. Once exposed to light, the worms quickly wither and die — but their slowing effect can spell doom when you’re desperately trying to escape the ghosts.

New elements. By and large, the original game tasked players with manipulating magma and water (plus that magnetic black fluid found near the end of the game) to advantageous effect in order to rescue stranded explorers. But being set inside the “Belly of the Beast,” PixelJunk Shooter 2’s various substances have a more organic theme: I saw a caustic bile-like fluid as well as a mysterious purple ooze.

Eden…found? In another sequence, I encountered vast clouds of a smoke-like substance that caused my ship to spin like a top and careen helplessly out of control. Trouble was, I had to traverse the cloud in order to reach the end of the level. What to do?

While spinning, I used my grappling hook on an oddly shaped object placed nearby, which caused me to swing around and around like a kid on a merry-go-round. By releasing the grappling hook at the right time, I was able to propel myself out of the cloud and safely into the level’s exit. PixelJunk Eden fans will feel right at home!

My first hands-on experience with PixelJunk Shooter 2 didn’t last long, but it also gave me a chance to track down answers to a couple of PlayStation.Blog reader-submitted questions, which I’ve posted below.

plaztiksyke asks: Will PixelJunk Shooter 2 have a longer campaign than the original?

Q-Games is still hard at work on PixelJunk Shooter 2’s development process. From what I’ve been told, they haven’t yet nailed down the set number of levels and environments for the final game, though the game’s overall length is expected to be roughly comparable to the original game.

I was also reminded that PixelJunk Shooter 2 will also include a new competitive arena, as well as a “ghost attack” mode, both of which will add further gameplay options.

plaztiksyke asks: Who’s doing the music for PixelJunk Shooter 2?

High Frequency Bandwidth will be returning to create new music tracks for PixelJunk Shooter 2.

Who knew the inside of a giant subterranean monster would provide such a great setting for a shooter? The first PixelJunk Shooter was abruptly ended by the awakening of a giant beast, one in which you happen to be trapped in the first numbered sequel in the PixelJunk franchise. Acid, light and darkness -- in addition to lava, water and gas -- are just some of the elements you'll get to play with in this PSN exclusive for PS3.

The short demo I played gave me a chance to play with some of the new elements. Acid works almost exactly as you would expect: it raises the temperature of your ship considerably. However, unlike other fluids, the acid will cling to your ship, continuing to damage it until you rinse yourself in water. It's definitely one of the simpler elements (for now, at least), but the levels do force you to swim through the substance, meaning you'll have to play even more cautiously than in the first.

Far more interesting than acid is the play on light and dark. As in the first Gears of War (or Pitch Black), staying in darkness for too long will summon a swarm of creatures that instantly destroy the ship. To rescue any marooned scientists, you'll have to figure out ways of getting light into darkened passages: whether it's by flipping switches, destroying rocks, or playing with the other elements. The mechanic lends itself really well in crafting complex puzzles; fans of the first game should be ecstatic.

#e3 Building on elements of the first game, Q-Games brings corrosive acid and creative lighting tricks to bear in PixelJunk Shooter 2. More »

When it was released last December, PixelJunk Shooter received plaudits for its old school shooting gameplay coupled with modern elemental physics. Also, it’s just plain fun.

As the first PixelJunk game with a story, it’s also the first PixelJunk game with a sequel (as opposed to an “Encore”). Here are producers Deb Mars and Matt Morton with more on what Shooter 2 will bring. HINT: fan-requested feature addressed.

They should call this one "PixelJunk in the Trunk."