HOT PXL is a myriad of mini-games (think Nintendo’s Wario Ware) aimed at a more mature, cultured crowd. The rapid fire game play requires players to draw on their reflexes and 2D gaming prowess to get through hundreds of inspired scenarios ? whether it’s blasting through an old-school Zaxxon-inspired game, busting tricks on a skateboard or a BMX, stage-diving at a pixellated concert or simply trying to cross the street. By playing through the main Story Mode, players unlock alternate versions of the mini games which add infinite replayability in the Theater Mode and within the game’s Smart Playlists. HOT PXL will take full advantage of the PSP system's unique capabilities, including the ability to download new content through a PC/web interface, ensuring hardcore and casual gamers alike receive the most original and versatile gaming experience on the scene.

Hot PXL From Skater to Gamemaker:

First, a brief intro: It's easily one of the strangest games to ever hit the PSP. Hot PXL, from developer zSlide, takes a stab at urban street culture by offering an eclectic mix of "micro-games." And by micro-games, you should understand super-short, simplified mini-games. It's a pretty safe bet most articles on Hot PXL will reference Nintendo's own Wario Ware, since both titles revolve around super-short, oddball challenges.

Most games in Hot PXL only use the "X" button, along with the d-pad or thumbstick. Not only that, each one only lasts five or so seconds. You get a limited number of "lives" for each one, with each wrong answer resulting in the shooting of Djon, the game's creator and protagonist. It's funny watching him get blasted, plus there's a spray of pixilated blood, making it feel twisted yet just as funky as the rest of the game...

HOT PXL is about fun. Basically, it's a collection of fast paced mini games, whose aesthetics quickly switch from photo-realism to street influenced graphics and retro pixel art. With HOT PXL, zSlide set out to create an original video game that would break down the traditional frontiers between gaming and entertainment, blending audio, video and games. The goal was to focus on the gaming experience and not try to technically one-up previous releases, keeping it fun and simple for the largest crowd. It was also a matter of turning a video game into a long-lasting renewable experience. We also worked in close collaboration with Atari to include the best of Atari classics, revamped and pumped up: you never played them that way!

The story of HOT PXL is kind of unusual. Before I was recruited as a Creative Director, I was a journalist and I had created two magazines and a video podcast - Tricks magazine about skateboarding, Clark magazine and www.streetsmartcoolcat.com videos about the street culture lifestyle. As Atari and zSlide decided to make me the hero of the game, gaming met reality in some odd way.

That's why HOT PXL takes you through all the situations of a urban explorer's not-so-typical day: cross a busy street, customize sneakers, write on the griptape of a skateboard, take snapshots of street art, enhance a photo on a computer, adjust the image on a screen, shoot ketchup on invading fries, arouse a girl with your fingers, play BreakOut on the façade of a skyscraper, scratch a vinyl back and forth… or simply chomp burgers!

This video game evolves: the day you buy it, you can go to www.hotpxl.com and download new mini games! You can play the mini games in preset playlists, create your own, or have the computer carve a "smart playlist" especially for you: if you ace the games, HOT PXL will give you an even tougher challenge. And if you're so strong, prove it to your friends in the multiplayer mode!

That's what we're working on… Hope you get the big picture… Anyway, soon HOT PXL will be in your hands, for you to enjoy!

I don't have a moustache and I don't have big boobs... Still, if you're interested in knowing more about HOT PXL and my video podcast, please "request" me in MySpace (here's my profile: www.myspace.com/jchoq). Feel free to post me questions, comments and other fun stuff. This is not an official profile for the game, this is my own profile! See you there!