The Wide Load

IGN slams Chimp

IGN's review is up, and a little less than bubbly. They complain about the AI, UI issues, and a general not funniness. Still no copies of Chimp within 100 miles of here, so I can't let you know what I think just yet.

Jerk Picks on Small Animals

Leigh Alexander of Variety had a go at Chimp, and unfortunately was not a fan. I still haven't played the games, so I can't say if I agree, but it would seem people are sort of pigeonholing Chimp into being a party game, which apparently always has mini games. Then they complain they didn't like the mini games because they are too big. Oh well, at least the reviewer didn't know the difference between a publisher and a developer, and so, blamed it on Gamecock.

Ok, one review

Narcogen pointed out that there is a Hail to the Chimp review at gamepro. Had I been keeping an eye on the sexy new Rampancy.net I would have already known. Also of interest Kotaku has HttC as in stores on the 1st, so perhaps I will see it then.

What is going on?

While Hail to the Chimp was released 5 days ago, it is still not in my hands. Gamestop and wal-mart still don't have the game. The other thing that is odd is that there have been absolutely no reviews since release. Is this game available anywhere?

Chimp review

Hail to the Chimp still isn't available in my city (cry), but there is a new review up from TWL favorite Matt Leone, over at 1up Its a pretty positive review overall, the biggest complaint was that it is a little light on gameplay. These reviews are getting me excited!

Release

Today is the day. Wideload's newest game, Hail to the Chimp is out. If you have purchased it, let us know what you think!

Tomorrow, Tomorrow

Hail to the Chimp is out tomorrow. Get your wallets ready!

Big money

Wall Street Journal wrote an article yesterday called Can Videogames Be Funny?. It is about Wideload a bit, but also about the various places they contracted writers from. They drew their talent from some great sources this time around.

Getting close

As release date nears, reviews are starting to show up. Most so far are in magazines, but the one from ugo is online. So far reviews range from average to good. Start getting excited for tuesday!

Its Official

Stubbs is out as an original. Head over to xbox live on your 360 and download it if you have never played before. It will be one of the best purchases you have made!

Two in a day

Big news for stubbs. He will soon see re-release as an Xbox Original! This is a great chance for anyone who missed out on his first run.

What a mouthful

Gamasutra has a new article entitled Interview: Seropian On The State Of The Union For Indies. I don't know what I could describe for you that the article title didn't, so I will let you check it out. Interesting ideas about the unfortunate pigeonhole that is "casual game".

Bad News for Those Who Can't Wait

Joystiq reports that Hail to the Chimp has been delayed until mid June. The official reason is for polish, but Joystiq suspects a bit more advertising time would be useful as well.

Part of the Solution

There is an article on 411mania all about achievements. It includes an interview with Designer Doug Zartman, with a bit of insight into the HttC achievements.

Today only!

Looks like EB games is offering free shipping on HttC preorders, today only! Act now... or wait until it is in stores. Your call. (note, this link will only be correct on 4/17/08. After that, you will see some other daily deal.

Here we go again

Another trickle of news. Word is Wideload did a bunch of press stuff today, so we should be seeing some more big stuff soon. 1up did an interview with Matt Soell and Tom Kang. It sounds like GRR news has been doing an excellent job in stirring up interest in Hail to the Chimp. If you are wondering where Grr news is, wonder no more, for I just linked you.

Wideload Blog

As usual, where there is news, I am nowhere to be seen! I appear to have missed not one, but two posts at the Wideload 1up blog. Silly me. You however have the chance to be less silly and go read them!

Interview with Cef Grima

Cef Grima, in case you didn't know is the art director at Wideload Games. He was interviewed by Team Xbox. There is some interesting talk about how the art style came about, as well as a bit more insight into what we can expect as far as flair goes. Its nice to hear from all different members of the Wideload team!

Looking Good

Narcogen over at Rampancy pointed out a hands on with HttC over at worthplaying . They liked what they saw!

Dear Mr Mann...

Michael Mann took time out of his busy day to answer fan mail, and let me just send a warning to Gamecock now. Watch out, or your excellent PR techniques are going to be overshadowed by Michael's. You have been warned Gamecock, you have been warned.