We promised to release this highly-anticipated episode of the series before the end of the year, so we’re happy PS3 fans get a chance to sink their teeth into Episode Two this week. Plus, as I mentioned in previous entries on this blog, with every episode we’re getting better and better at cutting down the time between the PSN and other version launches. I think less time waiting and more time playing is good news in anyone’s book!

We have been listening to feedback from everyone that played Episode One, and have incorporated a bunch of it into this new installment. Episode Two features difficulty settings so that you can tackle the game at your own level. And for the truly hardcore, finish the game to unlock Insane Mode which will both test your mettle and reveal several exclusive unlockables. Oh, and don’t forget trophies or all of the other PSN-specific features you’ve come to expect. ;)

And last (but certainly not least), the game features a story and characters whose ridiculousness surpasses even the last one. If you thought those little robots with proclivities for small orbs of fruit were weird, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

Download Episode Two on Thursday for $14.99 on the PlayStation Network. Enjoy!

In case you missed some of the earlier descriptions, the game is set in an alternate 1920s universe inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, where Gabe and Tycho operate the Startling Developments Detective Agency, taking cases that are far from routine. After a giant robot stomps your house to rubble, you join the duo as they follow the malevolent machine and attempt to solve the mystery (and find you a new place to live). Every aspect of Episode One was crafted by the team here at Hothead to feel authentically Penny Arcade, with Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins themselves directly involved in the game’s creation. Check out the trailer to see a little bit of this first installment of the RPG-Adventure series in action.

The first episode features 6-10 hours of gameplay and will be available for download at $14.99. We integrated the game with a number of PSN-specific features, including the oft-requested trophies. You create a customized character that you see not only in 3D but also in the game’s comic-strip style 2D cutscenes. And if you play future episodes in the series, you’ll be able to carry your character’s look and stats over from one episode to the next on the same platform. New episodes will follow every few months, with Episode Two becoming available on PSN before the end of this year.

At Hothead, we’re really proud of the game and hope you enjoy it. We are excited about our debut on PlayStation 3 and think this will be just the beginning of what we have in store for the platform. And we’re always happy to hear what you think: come on over to our forums and give us your feedback.

One last thing. I would be remiss not to mention the rumors you may have heard: this game shows robots doing things to fruit that not only skirt the edge of decency, but that may be illegal in some states. All of these rumors are true. Go check it out tomorrow on the PlayStation Network!

Expect Joel to come back closer to release to talk more about this and future chapters of PAA.

Oh, and perhaps to underscore future support of the PS3 platform, Hothead Games gave out this Penny Arcade autographed PS3. Congratulations to Ryan Reid of Medford, OR.