That swell mechanic we're talking about is the build-your-own-platform one, with carefully placed "platform ammunition" scattered around each level. Tasha's Game is pitched by Double Fine as a "Tasha simulator" for anyone out there interested in experiencing accurate jumping-while-wearing-a-hoodie.

We'd recommend giving it — and Double Fine's previous mini-game effort Epic Saga — some of your highly in demand internet time.

Tasha's Game [Double Fine Productions via Waxy]

What does EA CEO John Riccitiello have to say about the orphaned heavy metal adventure? Well, he's quite hip to its existence, saying he's seen it, but calls it a "very significant creative risk."

That doesn't necessarily spell doom for Brütal Legend, as Riccitiello also says "Sometimes significant creative risks end up being some of the world’s best products." Gah! Stop playing with our hearts! You've got the money, John. Do it!

Interview: EA's Riccitiello On Having Faith In Mirror's Edge, Grasshopper Manufacture [Gamasutra]

More interesting is how it may have happened. If you can believe it, our sources tell us that the rights slipped through the publisher's fingers thanks to a mix up or loophole in the contract.

Now the game is sitting pretty in the lap of its loving developer who appears to be taking their time looking for the right deal to publish. Could EA Labels be on the prowl for a little Black magic?

We've contacted Double Fine for comment and will update when and if they reply.

Sure, we knew that Vivendi and Activision and their subsidiaries weren't doing the E3 thing proper, but Activision is at least holding a press conference. Chalk it up to denial. The good news, according to MTV, is that Mr. Schafer says we may hear more about it "soon after" E3. I'm ignoring Tim's "we hope" caveat.

We're also going to refer to the newly merged Activision Blizzard as Activision Blizzard Brütal Legend to show just how important we think the game is.

No ‘Brutal Legend’ At E3 [MTV Multiplayer]

He writes of Drake's shirt "Jet skiing, swimming, and almost kissing—nothing can dislodge or fully tuck Drake's half-casual shirt. It is draped in a purgatory state, half in, half out, never completely free." A bold and fascinating analysis from a visionary mind that anyone who has even a passing interest in video game fashion should read. Compelling stuff.

Half-tuck is the new Mullett [Double Fine]

Brütal Legend still hasn't been officially announced outside of a Game Informer magazine spread, but this trailer for Double Fine Productions' follow-up to Psychonauts or Epic Saga - Extreme Fighter is so dripping with awesome sauce that other video game developers must feel like throwing in the towel when faced with competition like this. Metal up your ass!!

Thanks, Jon!

Players can choose to progress through the game's storyline with one of six fighters, including the Barbarian, Horny Witch, Dark Wizard, Cave Dweller and Gnome King, with the speedy Gnome featured as an unlockable character. This is AAA stuff, folks. Once you see all four frames of animation on each beautifully rendered character, you will believe that Double Fine is ready for the next-next-generation of hardware.

If you've got the skills to take on this series of truly extreme fighters, you won't be disappointed. The ending is nothing short of spectacular.

Epic Fighter [Double Fine Productions, thanks Collin!]

We'll be on hand at GCDC and Games Convention to bring you all the highlights and drink from the biggest steins possible.

Tim Schafer To Deliver 'Creative' GCDC Keynote [Gamasutra]