Date posted: November 6, 2009
Categories: Eurogamer Expo 2009, Interviews, PlayStation 3
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At the Eurogamer Expo we got the chance to hook up with Relentless Studios (who make Buzz for the Playstation 3), and check out their new game Blue Toad Murder Files. Blue Toad Murder Files is a very unique looking murder mystery game which will be available on the Playstation Network exclusively this December. The game will consist of six episodes, which in total will accumulate over 90 puzzles, Whodunnits’, and cross-examinations.

Below I have a fantastic interview with Jade Tidy who represents Relentless Studios, we have a video version but it was ruined due to noise from the expo. So I have worked hard at writing the interview out for all you fans out there. You can still check out the video version of the interview if you wish to however. Also check out the artwork from the game, and thanks again to Relentless Studios.

 

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Gary A Swaby Interviews Jade Tidy of Relentless Studios

Gary A Swaby: Hi jade, we had the privilege of checking out this game yesterday. But could you just tell the fans a little bit about the game.

Jade Tidy: Sure, its called Blue Toad Murder Files. It’s coming out on the playstation network, and will be available in December. You play as a detective; as you begin the game you are having a good time chilling out, until someone gets killed. You then need to figure out who committed the murder. You are introduced to four possible suspects, you then go around the village chatting to the suspects and gathering their alibis. In between this there are puzzles and all kinds of extra clues for the players to figure out.

Gary: That sounds like a very cool concept right there, also unique. Speaking of unique tell us about the art style, because I see it is very fun looking and cartoonish for a murder mystery type of game.

Jade: We made about four or five different prototypes of the game and came up with a bunch of different styles. Then we came up with the sort of Pixar/Disney kind of style and that was a really strong image for us. It was a great job by our artist, and I can’t take any credit for that. It looks great.

Gary: Exactly, I love the art style and the way it looks. So as far as the missions in the game and how the player interacts, could you tell us a little more?

Jade: As a company we like to make games that are easy to interact with, so the challenge should be playing the game aside from actually getting to grips with the controls first. We have controls that are a bit like moving around a board game, so sometimes there’s one location and sometimes there’s multiple ones. So once you pick the location you will then go on to interact with the characters in that specific location. You may then be presented with a scene, and then after that scene you may be presented with a puzzle for instance.

Gary: Just expand on the puzzles for me if that’s ok.

Jade: All the puzzles are different, so they all have their own unique element to them. There is a range of different difficulties on each puzzle, but ultimately it should not be hard for a non gamer to figure them out.

Gary: Ok so would you say this game is very complex, or would you say it’s a very user friendly experience that perhaps a family could enjoy together?

Jade: We really tried to create an element of fun, we don’t try to take ourselves too seriously. We like to work on games where everyone can have fun, so it’s not a serious story where there is lots of blood and gore, it is not that type of game. It’s more about having a laugh as you go along; so it should be a game you could play with your mates, or on a Sunday, or when you have the family around.

Gary: We heard that there will be multiple episodes for the game, so let the fans know exactly how this will work.

Jade: We have 6 episodes in total for the series, two of which come out December the 17th. So you could choose to buy just episode one, or you could buy both episodes together. Then we will be releasing the next four episodes in a similar manner after the New Year. The story continues through, you could play them by themselves as well, you don’t have to play the whole lot. However you will get the full experience if you play them all.

Gary: So is there any chance that the story will continue after the six episodes?

Jade: Maybe not for this particular series, we might move the series to a new location. However we cannot really confirm nothing at the moment, I hope that we will get the chance to though as it has been a great experience for us.

Gary: Ok thanks for your time Jade, the game looks exciting so congratulations. We at the Koalition will let everyone know about the game.

Jade: Are you going to buy it?

Gary: Hell yes, of course.

Jade: (Laughs), thanks guys.

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All images are property of Relentless Studios.

Written By Gary A Swaby

Deeper than the words embedded in somebody's wedding ring