Preview: Fez, A Release Date?!

If you've been active in the indie community for any amount of time, you know about Phil Fish and Polytron.  And if you haven't, you've probably heard a bit of buzz about Phil Fish, at the very least.  Anyone remember that whole gaffe about him saying that Japanese games just suck?  Even if you don't, you can probably already tell that Phil Fish is a very blunt dude, and one that certainly takes his game making seriously.  So seriously, in fact, that Fez has been in the making for about four years now (if memory serves me correctly).  People have been anticipating his title for all of those years, even to the point that when an advanced copy of Fez's soundtrack was released, a good majority of the devoted fanbase (to a game that wasn't even out yet, mind) decided to download it.  He's obviously a great developer, there's no getting around that.  Perhaps a bit blunt, and maybe a little conceited, but definitely not an amateur.

Japanese games just suck.  Except for all of the games I took inspiration from.

Those only mildly suck.

All kidding aside, Phil Fish and Polytron have done some excellent work with Fez.  And needless to say, up until now, Fez didn't have a release date.  But with each lovely push of media, the video game hipsters of the world only grew hungry for more of that deliciously-pixelated, fezed man.  Well, that is, until now.  Not to worry video game hipsters, Fez is coming.  And it has a release date.


April 4th, 2012.  You read that right.  2012, NOT 2013.  Anyone find it ironic that it's going to be released on a Friday?

Universal Rule: Hipsters can only release their works on unlucky days.

All for the sake of irony, my friends.

Anyone else notice that it's close?  Like, really close.  Like two weeks close.  Holy shit, I'm going to die with excitement.


And if anyone's interested, you can watch Fez's video trailers on their site.  

Or, y'know, right here.  It's gorgeous.  Just look at those pixels!

Needless to say, once I get my hands on the game, I'll give you guys what I think.  Oh, and next time, I'll have slightly less of a grudge against Phil Fish.  He's kind of an asshole, and his game is by no means a posterchild for indie games at all (more on that at a later date).  However, I can't deny that I'm a sucker for games that look like this, and the fact that it's realized in full 3D makes all that just the tinniest bit better.


Did I mention that Phil Fish is pretentious?