Since the release of Pixeljunk Racers in September, 2007, the Pixeljunk series has been known for its simplicity, instant familiarity, and originality.  Whether it’s a racing game, tower defense game, or whatever you’d call Pixeljunk Eden, developer Q Games has stuck to its formula of 2D games delivered in full HD with controls and objectives that are both easy to grasp and easy to get hooked on.  Today Sony released the first screen shots and a trailer for the next Pixeljunk project, currently called Pixeljunk 1-4.  Take a look.

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While the graphics are as simple and charming as ever, 1-4 seems to include more gameplay elements than any of their previous games.  Shooting enemies while navigating a cavern and redistributing water and lava seems a lot more complex than slot racing, but no less fun.  There seem to be elements from Defender, Asteroid, Lemmings, Subterranea, and Choplifter at work here, which is a pretty impressive list of influences, and the way liquids flow in the game is quite impressive, so you can count me in when this one arrives.

Of course, by then, it should have a better name than “Pixeljunk 1-4,” but that’s up to you.  Pixeljunk has also announced a naming competition that is open to the public.  The top six entries, will receive free t-shirts, and the overall winner will have their name included in the game’s credits.  That’s in addition to lifelong bragging rights and the admiration of their peers, of course.  The contest ends May 11, so get your thinking caps on, come up with something cool, and submit it here.  I’ve got my pick; “Pixeljunk One-Four.”  Clever, eh?