E3 2019: Devolver Digital doubles down on its weirdness, sells rip-off versions of its own games

If you know anything about Devolver Digital’s E3 appearances, you already know what to expect from the indie video game publisher: Weird, bloody and bloody entertaining. 

This year’s Big Fancy Press Conference was no different, and “Devolver Direct” was broadcasted as an anti-conference as usual. In lieu of polished scripts, an uncomfortably enthusiastic live audience, and general logic, Devolver once again brought their fictional corporate executive Nina Struthers to the fore and… things ensue inside her mind. Then it ends with her being rescued, Terminator style. 

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riNcPrsFYM0[/embed]

It’s classic Devolver. In between the fever dreams of surreal Adult Swim-esque skits, games were announced. Here they are. 

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Fall Guys

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OAVHWmeV0c[/embed]

A Battle Royale-type game, with a wonderfully colourful, playful twist. 100 players will get flung together online through rounds of bizarre obstacles, where they’ll have to shove each other and survive the chaos to make it to the crown — of which only one victor will obtain. No gameplay, but looks like a fun party game. 

Devolver Bootleg 

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6cAS2hFvp0[/embed]

Going to Devolverbootleg.com “wholly unironically” forwards you to a Steam page for a collection of eight original off-brand versions of Devolver Digital games. Hotline Milwaukee is a rip-off of Hotline Miami; Super Absolver Mini Turbo Fighting Championship is a rip-off of Absolver; Catsylvania is a rip-off of Gato Roboto. Oh, and they’re on sale for 1 percent off. Can always trust Devolver to pull off something like this. 

Carrion

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-L0_TJ4i-o[/embed]

After bursting out of an executive way too early because time doesn’t exist in its dimension, Carrion Beast introduced Carrion, a deliciously gory 8-bit platformer. Be the nightmare amorphous monster that you never knew you wanted to be in a “reverse horror experience”. 

Enter the Gungeon: House of the Gundead

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YusO47cGJdI[/embed]

Devolver’s beloved bullet hell roguelike is coming to arcades as a light gun shooter. Like the original game, you’ll be able to dodge roll to avoid oncoming fire. If you’ve got the spare change, you can pre-order the game's dedicated arcade cabinet for just $4,999.

The Messenger: Picnic Panic

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjmIWMataSI[/embed]

The Messenger came out last year to critical acclaim — a tight, stylish tribute to old platformers like Ninja Gaiden, Metroid, and Castlevania. Now, a new “tropical adventure” comes in the form of a free expansion called The Messenger: Picnic Panic. Surf’s up, my dudes. 

My Friend Pedro

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-AsYZCdpts[/embed]

With just 10 more days to go till the launch of hyper-cool, hyper-bloody gun-fu title My Friend Pedro, there’s nothing left to do except getting people on a literal hype train. 

ilyas@asiaone.com