Today saw the release of two extra characters for the popular PlayStation Network title, PAIN. Along with these new additions, we’re also aware of plans to release an environmental-based add-on at some point in the near future . Due to this, we thought we'd get in touch with Idol Minds, creators of the game, in order to discuss any current and future endeavors that the studio has planned.

Our interview was conducted with Jason Coker, Associate Producer on PAIN at SCEA. Read on to find out what he had to say.

PSU: Who are the two new characters that were recently released in the latest PlayStation Store Update?

Jason Coker: Well, we just released a couple of new ladies, Muffy the cheerleader and Ginger the nurse, into the world of PAIN. Next up will be Nigel, a rather angry young lad from across the pond. I can’t hate on him though – I’d be a little bitter too if I were being repeatedly flung from a giant slingshot. After Nigel, we’ll probably go back to the ladies. Maybe someone younger…and in uniform. Hmmmm…OK, I’ve said too much!

PSU: What were some of the inspirations behind each character or what thoughts went into creating their looks and personalities?

Coker: You know, the characters come from everywhere. If someone has a good idea for a character, it bounces around the team for a while, and when a bunch of people start to get a similar vision of a particular idea, it comes together. I’d have to say that they are largely composites of people on the team though. Take Dave Walsh, Lead Designer at Idol Minds, for example. He lived and worked in England for several years, and now we have a profane, pissed off Brit coming to the game. Travis Williams, Senior Producer for PAIN here at SCEA San Diego likes to dress up like a nurse and offer people free “exams," and now we have Ginger. Coincidence? I think not.

As for the look of the characters, that is all about the talent at Idol Minds. Peter Walters and the rest of the art staff there are absolutely amazing. Those guys are just plain on point. They’re the reason for the twisted animations too. They’ve really brought the visuals of the game a long way and we’re really happy with the way things look.

By the way, although its never been said, I’m pretty sure I was the inspiration for Ed – not because I wear a cow suit or flip burgers (though I AM nice on a barbecue grill). It’s because I have udders. I can show you later if you’re not busy.

PSU: There is a new environment on the way correct? An Indoor-Amusement Park. Can you talk about it a little and what gamers can expect to see in this new level and when it might be available to download?

Coker: You’re correct – the next environment is the Indoor Amusement Park. One of the biggest differences right off the bat is that it’s indoors, which changes up gameplay a bit. There are going to be rides all over that the player can use to keep some momentum going, and at least one of those rides is going to be based on something folks have already seen in the Downtown environment. We have an early version of it running now, and we’re planning to get it out to folks this summer. Based on how well the early versions of Downtown ended up by release, I’d say that the Amusement Park is going to be ridiculously fun.

PSU: Outside of the two new characters and new environment, what are some other ideas you guys have been tossing around at Idol Minds? Characters, levels, new modes, or possibly a new game all together…

Coker: Character-wise, we are working on putting some celebrities in PAIN. Unlike the characters the team creates, there is a lot of contractual stuff that has to be taken care of long before we can work on actually putting celebs in the game. Once we get some of that taken care of, we will be able to talk ... (continued on next page)