Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[You can choose the Madden 11 cover athlete]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/you-can-choose-the-madden-11-cover-athlete/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/you-can-choose-the-madden-11-cover-athlete/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/you-can-choose-the-madden-11-cover-athlete/#comments Another year, another Madden cover announcement. But wait, this year has a twist! EA and Doritos have teamed up with a unique promotion, allowing fans to vote on who they want to grace the cover of this year's annual gridiron update. The three candidates for this year's cover include Vikings' defensive end Jared Allen, Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne.

It may be tempting to choose your favorite athlete out of the bunch, but we urge you to play it smart. Instead, think about this as a strategic opportunity to inflict the Madden Curse on your most hated team! Best of all, you can vote every day to inflict as much negative karma as possible.

In addition to being able to decide who lands the cover of Madden 11, the Doritos-sponsored promotion also offers entry into a contest. Most notably, the weekly grand prize is a trip for two to see the NFL Draft in New York City this April. Considering you don't have to buy a single bag of Doritos to participate, this promo seems like a must for any NFL fan.

JoystiqYou can choose the Madden 11 cover athlete originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cover-athletedoritoseaea-sportsmaddenmadden-11Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Visceral producer has been thinking about Macbeth game 'for years']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/visceral-producer-has-been-thinking-about-macbeth-game-for-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/visceral-producer-has-been-thinking-about-macbeth-game-for-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/visceral-producer-has-been-thinking-about-macbeth-game-for-year/#comments
[image source: Andy Cohen]
It seems EA's Visceral Games team loved high school literature. With Dante's Inferno completed, Visceral's executive producer, Jonathan Knight, revealed his desire to do yet another video game adaptation of a literary classic. "Macbeth the game is something I've been thinking about for years," Knight told IndustryGamers. "But now, I think the emotional quality that games are achieving and the value level of the acting and the sound work makes it possible."

Knight seems to believe that a game adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth would require a bit more deft than what we've seen out of Dante's Inferno thus far. "Dante's is more of a violent interpretation of the poem for example," Knight explained. "Macbeth would be great, though; there are witches and a supernatural experience along with plenty of intrigue and murder."

Unfortunately, it seems we won't be see a Visceral interpretation of Macbeth any time soon. The team is admittedly busy on Dead Space 2, and who knows -- by the time they have some free time, fashion designer Marc Ecko's "completely re-imagined" Macbeth game may become a reality.

JoystiqVisceral producer has been thinking about Macbeth game 'for years' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jonathan-knightmacbethshakespearevisceral-gamesTue, 02 Feb 2010 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA['The Tester' reality series debuts on PSN Feb. 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/the-tester-reality-series-debuts-on-psn-feb-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/the-tester-reality-series-debuts-on-psn-feb-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/the-tester-reality-series-debuts-on-psn-feb-18/#comments Sony's PlayStation Network-exclusive reality series "The Tester" will begin February 18th. The competition will have the above real gamers vying for a chance to win a glamorous testing job at PlayStation. Until April 8th, the PlayStation Store (for PSP and PS3) will update every Thursday with new -- and free -- episodes of the series.

Should "The Tester" successfully sidestep traditional employee recruitment and take off, don't be surprised if Sony announces "Who Wants to be Our Janitor?" next season.

Joystiq'The Tester' reality series debuts on PSN Feb. 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstation-networkpsnreality-tvrelease-datethe-testerMon, 01 Feb 2010 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Disgaea Infinite visual novel for PSP releases this May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/disgaea-infinite-visual-novel-for-psp-releases-this-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/disgaea-infinite-visual-novel-for-psp-releases-this-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/disgaea-infinite-visual-novel-for-psp-releases-this-may/#comments We certainly didn't see this coming. While it may seem strange to doubt the release of another Disgaea game, Disgaea Infinite is not what you might expect. No, it's not a SRPG. It's not even a platformer. Instead, it's a visual novel game -- an interactive story-based adventure, akin to the Phoenix Wright series. According to a press release, this will be NIS America's first visual novel published in America.

Disgaea Infinite promises to keep the same over-the-top humor the franchise is known for. Players will assume the role of a Prinny on the hunt for an assassin trying to take down the demon Laharl. With the power to take over other characters minds and bodies, Prinny will be able to solve this almost-murder mystery. Expect it on PSP this May.

Gallery: Disgaea Infinite

JoystiqDisgaea Infinite visual novel for PSP releases this May originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disgaeadisgaea-infinitenis-americavisual-novelSat, 30 Jan 2010 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rust Buccaneers arr coming to PSN this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/rust-buccaneers-arr-coming-to-psn-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/rust-buccaneers-arr-coming-to-psn-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/rust-buccaneers-arr-coming-to-psn-this-year/#comments Finnish developer Pixolane expects to make its PS3 debut later this year with its first game, Rust Buccaneers. The PlayStation Network title is an arcade-style shooter featuring modern-day pirates. Just like pirates have done throughout history, though, players will raid cargo and passenger ships, and battle do-gooder patrol boats. The more ships you conquer, the higher your "infamy" becomes, and online leaderboards will keep track of the most notorious pirates on the high servers.

Rust Buccaneers promises both single and multiplayer modes. Not much else is known about the game at the moment, but we'll let you know when more details sail across our pirate radar.

Gallery: Rust Buccaneers

JoystiqRust Buccaneers arr coming to PSN this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>piratespixolanepsnrelease-daterust-buccaneersFri, 29 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Q Entertainment 'researching' PSN port of Rez HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/q-entertainment-researching-psn-port-of-rez-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/q-entertainment-researching-psn-port-of-rez-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/q-entertainment-researching-psn-port-of-rez-hd/#comments Very few games have been able to match the impact of the original Rez ... well, with the exception of Rez HD on Xbox Live Arcade; unsurprisingly, revamped visuals made for an even more psychedelic experience. Q Entertainment recently tweeted about a possible PSN port of the game, asking how much a PS3 version should cost. $15 seems to be the figure Q is working with, noting that "it would not be a huge profit" and "we're not big enough to do things for fun."

Q Entertainment hasn't committed to making the port yet, stating "this is no indication that it's happening, but we're researching if its feasible." Already, there have been some complaints from PlayStation loyalists who reject the notion of paying full price for a two year delayed port. We're confident that you, Joystiq reader, will be able to help Q figure out exactly what to do:

View Poll


[Thanks, kassatsu! Via PSN Stores]

JoystiqQ Entertainment 'researching' PSN port of Rez HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>psnq-entertainmentrezrez-hdThu, 28 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: Risen's second chance on Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/impressions-risens-second-chance-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/impressions-risens-second-chance-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/impressions-risens-second-chance-on-xbox-360/#comments
click to enlarge Piranha Bytes' RPG Risen is getting a second chance in America. Originally released in Europe on October 2009, reviewers slammed the game as "unfinished and unrefined" and "a technical mess" -- for good reason, too. The original retail release of Risen on Xbox 360 was largely a "beta" version of the game.

Four months later, Piranha Bytes is putting the true finishing touches to the game, and the improvement is immediately noticeable. The European game's framerate was inconsistent at best, but this revised version is -- dare we say it? -- playable. In fact, aside from the occasional hiccup, the experience is rather smooth. According to the developer, Risen now boasts higher resolution textures, denser vegetation, better lighting, sharper fonts and brightness controls. Visually, this is pretty much a different game altogether.

Unfortunately, that still doesn't place Risen in the same league as games like the graphically underwhelming Dragon Age Origins. This is still a visually dated product, but at least this time around, the game is playable.

Gallery: Risen

Continue reading Impressions: Risen's second chance on Xbox 360

JoystiqImpressions: Risen's second chance on Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>piranha-bytesrisenrpgThu, 28 Jan 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Netflix on PS3 provided 'significant' membership growth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/pachter-netflix-on-ps3-provided-significant-membership-growth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/pachter-netflix-on-ps3-provided-significant-membership-growth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/pachter-netflix-on-ps3-provided-significant-membership-growth/#comments Netflix may not have a home on the PS3's XMB, but that hasn't hindered Netflix's success on Sony's console. Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter told Industry Gamers that "the recent PS3 partnership is driving significant subscriber growth" to Netflix's subscription services. Netflix will likely benefit even further when the service becomes a standalone app on the OS. Pachter reiterated that the Netflix disc will no longer be necessary by the end of this year. "Netflix's exclusive relationship with Microsoft on the Xbox 360 will end in November (after two years), allowing the service to be accessed via the PS3 dashboard later this year."

Twelve million members currently use Netflix, and the service is likely to expand even more once it transitions to the Wii. Sure, a smaller percentage of Wii owners are likely to be interested in the service, but with Wii's billion-strong user base, there's bound to be some traction.

JoystiqPachter: Netflix on PS3 provided 'significant' membership growth originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>michael-pachternetflixThu, 28 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain demo lands worldwide February 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/heavy-rain-demo-lands-worldwide-february-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/heavy-rain-demo-lands-worldwide-february-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/heavy-rain-demo-lands-worldwide-february-11/#comments Want to get an early taste of Heavy Rain? Understandably, many readers are still on the fence about Quantic Dream's latest adventure game. "Is it just a long QTE?" "Is it actually a game?" Hopefully, the demo will be able to answer your questions. A free demo will be available on the PlayStation Network on February 11th, in both Europe and North America.

The demo will include two chapters: one featuring FBI agent Norman Jayden attempting to track down the Origami Killer, the other on Joystiq-favorite Scott Shelby, PI.

Just in case news of a demo isn't enough, there's also a new trailer we've tucked away after the break. We do warn you though, it contains some potential spoilers that you may want to save for the final game.

Continue reading Heavy Rain demo lands worldwide February 11

JoystiqHeavy Rain demo lands worldwide February 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoheavy-rainpsnquantic-dreamtrailerThu, 28 Jan 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft to introduce new online-enabled DRM for PC games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/ubisoft-to-introduce-new-online-enabled-drm-for-pc-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/ubisoft-to-introduce-new-online-enabled-drm-for-pc-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/ubisoft-to-introduce-new-online-enabled-drm-for-pc-games/#comments
image source: Comedy Central
PC gamers have long been vocal about intrusive DRM programs hidden in their games. With illegal game downloads in the millions, publishers are desperately trying to find new solutions in the war against piracy. Ubisoft's upcoming The Settlers 7 will introduce a new DRM model for the company, one that doesn't require disc authentication and allows multiple installations across multiple systems. "If you own a hundred PCs, you can install your games on a hundred PCs," Ubisoft's Brent Wilkinson told GameSpy.

Central to Ubisoft's new DRM plan is its online integration. Like select Steam games, Ubisoft will require players to log-in with a Ubi.com account in order to play, even for single-player games. As a plus, the online connectivity allows saves to be stored on Ubisoft's servers, meaning players can resume a game from any computer they own. Wilkinson dismissed concerns that some players may not have a ready internet connection: "We think most people are going to be fine with it. Most people are always connected to an Internet connection."

But just in case you aren't, may we suggest AOL dial-up? It's the future, we swear!

[Via BigDownload]

JoystiqUbisoft to introduce new online-enabled DRM for PC games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drmthe-settlers-7The-Settlers-7-Paths-to-a-KingdomubisoftWed, 27 Jan 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War II could have been a PS3 launch game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/god-of-war-2-could-have-been-a-ps3-launch-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/god-of-war-2-could-have-been-a-ps3-launch-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/god-of-war-2-could-have-been-a-ps3-launch-game/#comments God of War II was almost a PS3 game (at least, before it did become a PS3 game). In an interview with Game Informer, Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida remembered the internal debate over whether to release God of War II as one of the last big games for PS2 or as a headline title for the PS3 launch. "Many people, including marketing, suggested that maybe it should be moved to PS3," Yoshida recalled. Certainly, God of War II would've bolstered an exclusive launch lineup that was limited to Resistance: Fall of Man and very little else.

"We had a lot of debates about it, actually. I always firmly stood by keeping it on PS2," Yoshida continued, noting that "the end of a platform is when you see really great games, after developers really begin to understand the hardware."

Yoshida's "gamble" paid off, both critically and financially. If God of War II had been a PS3 launch title, more systems would probably have been pushed at launch, but software sales would've undoubtedly suffered compared to the game's success as a PS2 title. Besides, PS3 owners weren't excluded from the action! Back then, PS3s used to have this magical "backwards compatibility" thingy.

JoystiqGod of War II could have been a PS3 launch game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-wargod-of-war-2god-of-war-iishuhei-yoshidaTue, 26 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VGA 2009 viewership down 5% from 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/vga-2009-viewership-down-5-from-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/vga-2009-viewership-down-5-from-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/vga-2009-viewership-down-5-from-2008/#comments Spike TV's Video Game Awards show isn't simply about celebrating the best of the games industry. No, it plays host to numerous WORLD EXCLUSIVE trailers. But, just how many people tuned in to watch? According to a report by Variety's The Cut Scene, not too many: Roughly 647,000 viewers watched the broadcast in 2009, a 5-percent decrease from 2008's viewership, and a 30-percent decrease from 2007's. When accounting for DVR views, the total jumps to 691,000 viewers. (For comparison's sake, the most recent Golden Globe awards drew in 16.9 million viewers.)

The online numbers (via GameTrailers.com) should make it pretty clear what Spike TV is doing right -- and what it's doing wrong. The scene pictured above, featuring Mike Tyson and the cast of The Jersey Shore, got a paltry 16,000 views. The Halo: Reach trailer, on the other hand, got 584,000. Perhaps if the Video Game Awards focused on, y'know, video games, there would be more reason to stay tuned in.

JoystiqVGA 2009 viewership down 5% from 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ratingsSpike-TVspike-tv-video-game-awardsvgavga-2009Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed II PC specs, date revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/assassins-creed-2-pc-specs-date-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/assassins-creed-2-pc-specs-date-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/assassins-creed-2-pc-specs-date-revealed/#comments Joystiq's #2 game of 2009 is finally leaping onto PC on March 16. Ubisoft doesn't seem too apologetic about the four-month delay, pricing the game at $59.99 (a higher price usually reserved for console releases) for both retail and digital versions. However, the PC edition of Assassin's Creed II will act as a pseudo "director's cut" of the game, and it will include two upcoming DLC episodes, Battle of Forli and Bonfire of the Vanities.

In addition to the standard PC version, Ubisoft has announced a special "Black Edition" of Assassin's Creed II for $64.99. The press release is incredibly vague about what extras it may contain, simply referring to them as "additional content." An Ubisoft representative remained cryptic about the bonuses, too, promising a "reveal in February," which suggests that the content could differ from the "Black Edition" released on consoles.

Check out the PC specs after the break.

Continue reading Assassin's Creed II PC specs, date revealed

JoystiqAssassin's Creed II PC specs, date revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creedassassins-creed-2release-datespecsubisoftubisoft-montrealMon, 25 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 2 demo, DLC climb onto PlayStation Store on January 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/uncharted-2-demo-dlc-climbs-onto-playstation-store-on-january-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/uncharted-2-demo-dlc-climbs-onto-playstation-store-on-january-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/uncharted-2-demo-dlc-climbs-onto-playstation-store-on-january-2/#comments Chances are, you've played Uncharted 2 by now. Wait, you haven't? Why? Do you not trust us?!

If the lack of a single player demo has turned you off Naughty Dog's latest adventure, worry no more. A free Uncharted 2 demo is making its way to the PlayStation Store next Thursday, January 28th. In addition, premium DLC will supplement its release for fans that are still making their way through the online leaderboards.

As previously mentioned, the first DLC pack will add Sev and a Helghast soldier from Killzone 2, Nathan Hale and a Chimera from Resistance 2, and Cole (both good and evil variants) and Zeke from inFAMOUS. This first set of DLC will be available for $4.99 in the US.

JoystiqUncharted 2 demo, DLC climb onto PlayStation Store on January 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlckillzone-2naughty-dogresistance-2uncharteduncharted-2Uncharted-2-Among-ThieveszekeFri, 22 Jan 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead or Alive Paradise bounces to America this March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/dead-or-alive-paradise-bounces-to-america-this-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/dead-or-alive-paradise-bounces-to-america-this-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/dead-or-alive-paradise-bounces-to-america-this-march/#comments Finally! A Dead or Alive game that gets rid of that annoying "fighting" and "volleyball" nonsense. Dead or Alive Paradise is making its way to America on UMD and PSN this March. The game takes place on a two-week vacation on New Zack Island. You'll be able to play with nine Tecmo girls in an assortment of mini-games found throughout the island. As you befriend the girls, you'll be able to choose from over 100 bathing suit designs, ranging from scantily-clad to barely anything at all.

The press release seems to know exactly what players of Paradise will do when they pick up a copy. "You are in full control to create your own private paradise, in the palm of your hand ... Take your girls anywhere, and play with them anytime." Um ... are we done with this post yet?

Gallery: Dead or Alive Paradise

Continue reading Dead or Alive Paradise bounces to America this March

JoystiqDead or Alive Paradise bounces to America this March originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>climax-actiondead-or-alivedead-or-alive-paradisegirlsrelease-datetecmoFri, 22 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mature-themed Wii games get the black box in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/mature-themed-wii-games-get-the-black-box-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/mature-themed-wii-games-get-the-black-box-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/mature-themed-wii-games-get-the-black-box-in-japan/#comments Nintendo of Japan has launched a new program to better differentiate its diverse Wii software lineup. According to the company, future Wii games that earn a CERO C rating (equivalent to ESRB's Teen rating) or above will be packaged in new black boxes. Likely, this initiative was started due to the upcoming release of Zangeki no Reginleiv, Nintendo's first CERO D-rated game (ages 17 and up) in Japan.

It seems this is a platform-wide mandate, as Biohazard: The Darkside Chronicles looks to become the first third-party game to sport Nintendo's black packaging. By differentiating "hardcore" games from the rest of the Wii lineup, core gamers should have a much easier time identifying the titles they might like. As for helping "casual" folk make the quick decision, it's as yet unconfirmed if Nintendo will continue to use that striking red box for all Mario-themed games.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqMature-themed Wii games get the black box in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackboxcerojapannintendopackagingratingswiiFri, 22 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video Interview: BioWare's Dr. Greg Zeschuk on Mass Effect 2 & 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/interview-bioware-greg-zeschuk-on-mass-effect-2-and-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/interview-bioware-greg-zeschuk-on-mass-effect-2-and-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/interview-bioware-greg-zeschuk-on-mass-effect-2-and-3/#comments"You may not even see the impact of a decision in Mass Effect 1 in Mass Effect 2, but in Mass Effect 3," BioWare's Dr. Greg Zeschuk told us while elaborating about the whole Mass Effect franchise. The pedigreed co-founder of BioWare isn't simply set on promoting the upcoming Mass Effect 2, but a vision for the entire trilogy. "In planning out the overall trilogy, we know what general story beats we want to hit along the entire thing. So we know the key events we want to have in 3, and right now the team is starting to flesh that out, fill in the spaces. And of course, we're going to be waiting for the fan response to Mass Effect 2, to see what works and what didn't work, what we can strengthen."

Fan reaction is a huge part of the BioWare design, but according to Zeschuk, the Mass Effect team still goes with what they want to do. "Fan reaction is usually a really important part of what we do. We listen to everything the fans say, everything the press says. And when we make a sequel, that's one of the guiding things. Overriding that though really is the team's choice. And I think that's interesting because obviously the fans have been very vocal about who they want to see and how they want to see them. We've made our choices, and they may or may not be happy with what we did. But at the end of the day, they're going to think the experience was incredible. And you have to remember there's a third part, as well. Hey maybe you didn't see who you wanted to see in number two, but maybe you'll see them in number three. We're going to keep fans guessing."

Gallery: Mass Effect 2

Continue reading Video Interview: BioWare's Dr. Greg Zeschuk on Mass Effect 2 & 3

JoystiqVideo Interview: BioWare's Dr. Greg Zeschuk on Mass Effect 2 & 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaregreg-zeschukinterviewmass-effectmass-effect-2mass-effect-3rpgvideoFri, 22 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Green Day: Rock Band won't be the only Rock Band in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/green-day-rock-band-wont-be-the-only-rock-band-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/green-day-rock-band-wont-be-the-only-rock-band-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/green-day-rock-band-wont-be-the-only-rock-band-in-2010/#comments Some were disappointed to find out that Harmonix's follow-up to The Beatles: Rock Band was Green Day: Rock Band. MTV Games' Paul DeGooyer says the band was heavily demanded on the official Rock Band forums and added that a dedicated game would "satisfy a good amount of the constituency." DeGooyer, perhaps attempting to appease naysayers, also told Newsarama.com that "it's of course not going to be our only game this year."

So what is this mystery Rock Band game that DeGooyer is referring to? Most likely, it's the inevitable-but-not-quite-officially-announced Rock Band 3. While The Beatles and Green Day will take advantage of vocal harmonies, it seems Harmonix has other significant updates to make for the Rock Band platform. "As efficient as digital distribution is, there are still things that are much more efficiently delivered as a disc. In terms of major upgrades, I mean. That said, we haven't announce any formal plans for a sequel game ... yet."

Of course, we could be wrong about this whole "Rock Band 3" nonsense. Perhaps Harmonix will make our dreams come true with their real secret project: Jonas Brothers: Rock Band.

JoystiqGreen Day: Rock Band won't be the only Rock Band in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>green-daygreen-day-rock-bandharmonixmtv-gamesrock-bandrock-band-3Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain demo to fall on Europe February 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/heavy-rain-demo-to-fall-on-europe-february-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/heavy-rain-demo-to-fall-on-europe-february-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/heavy-rain-demo-to-fall-on-europe-february-11/#comments As promised, a Heavy Rain demo is coming to the PlayStation Store. SCEE's Mike Kebby told readers of the PlayStation.Blog to expect a demo on February 11th. While not guaranteed, it's likely that Sony will release the demo of one of its biggest first-party titles worldwide.

Of course, you could always make an extra European PSN account just in case. Don't worry, Sony doesn't seem to mind.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqHeavy Rain demo to fall on Europe February 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoheavy-rainpsnquantic-dreamsceeThu, 21 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Max Fever heats up PSN today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/dj-max-fever-heats-up-psn-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/dj-max-fever-heats-up-psn-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/dj-max-fever-heats-up-psn-today/#comments DJ Max Fever is being re-released on PSP today via the PlayStation Network. The Korean music game has been a hit amongst hardcore rhythm enthusiasts, but it's been a rather difficult game to find outside of import shops and specialty retailers. The game's re-release on the PlayStation Store should introduce it to a whole new audience.

With gameplay similar to Beatmania, DJ Max Fever should help fill the void left by the termination of Rock Band Unplugged DLC. Good news for PSP Go owners: Fever will include 60 songs from the get-go, with no need to buy the game piecemeal.

We'll be giving away ten copies of the game on our Facebook page later today, when the PlayStation Store update goes live. Make sure you become a fan so you can get a chance to win. Official rules apply.

JoystiqDJ Max Fever heats up PSN today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dj-maxdj-max-feverjoyswagmusicpsnpspgorhythmThu, 21 Jan 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3's Torne could give you Trophies for watching TV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/ps3s-torne-could-give-you-trophies-for-watching-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/ps3s-torne-could-give-you-trophies-for-watching-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/ps3s-torne-could-give-you-trophies-for-watching-tv/#comments
Hayden Panettiere desperately trying to get off her show.
Surely, you deserve some award for sitting through a season, nay, an episode, of Heroes. Torne, a new DVR service for Japanese PS3s, may do just that. A new report in Famitsu (via 1UP) suggests that Torne will offer viewers Trophies. "It's compatible with the PS3 trophy system, and you can get trophies for things like watching final episodes from a lot of TV series, for example," SCE's Kiyoto Shibuya told the magazine. Being able to unlock Trophies should make the Sony's DVR offering a "uniquely PlayStation product."

We've already brainstormed a few possible Trophy selections. How about a Gold "Otaku" Trophy for watching all 366 (and counting) episodes of Naruto? Here's an idea that could save network TV: a Bronze Trophy every time you refuse to hit fast-forward through the commercials?

JoystiqPS3's Torne could give you Trophies for watching TV originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvrheroes-suckstornetrophiesWed, 20 Jan 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain DLC to explore the origins of the Origami Killer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/heavy-rain-chronicles-dlc-to-explore-the-origins-of-the-origami/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/heavy-rain-chronicles-dlc-to-explore-the-origins-of-the-origami/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/heavy-rain-chronicles-dlc-to-explore-the-origins-of-the-origami/#comments Heavy Rain has you taking control of a number of playable characters. However, the game will only put you in the shoes of the heroes tracking down the elusive "Origami Killer." In an interview with French site gameblog.fr, game director David Cage revealed that players will be able to play as the villain in an upcoming DLC episode of the Heavy Rain Chronicles.

Other episodes of the Heavy Rain Chronicles will serve as prequels to the main game. For example, the already-revealed taxidermist scene will explain why Madison Paige is an insomniac. Additional episodes will focus on the other characters in the game, with another revealing how Norman Jayden became addicted to drugs.

The taxidermist episode will be about an hour long, and it's likely all future episodes will be as well. Cage didn't go into details on when the episodes will be delivered or how they will be priced. Depending on the success of these episodes, Quantic Dream may want to pursue even more prequel stories, considering a sequel simply doesn't seem likely.

[Thanks Elena P.!]

JoystiqHeavy Rain DLC to explore the origins of the Origami Killer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcheavy-rainheavy-rain-chroniclesorigami-killerquantic-dreamsonyWed, 20 Jan 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Persona 3 Portable coming to North America on July 6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/persona-3-portable-coming-to-north-america-on-july-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/persona-3-portable-coming-to-north-america-on-july-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/persona-3-portable-coming-to-north-america-on-july-6/#comments Atlus is bringing an English-language version of Persona 3 Portable to the US. The PSP version of Persona 3 isn't a direct port of the original PS2 RPG. Instead, it streamlines the experience for handheld play and adds a new playable female character, with her own "Social Links, special events, and unique romantic opportunities." In addition, P3P adds a few cameos from Persona 4, and introduces five difficulty settings, ranging from "beginner" to "maniac." The battle system has also drastically changed, with players able to directly control teammates.

The UMD version will be available at retail on July 6th, with a PSN version expected soon after. Check out the box art after the break.

Gallery: Persona 3 Portable

Continue reading Persona 3 Portable coming to North America on July 6

JoystiqPersona 3 Portable coming to North America on July 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusjrpgpersonapersona-3persona-3-portablepsnrelease-dateumdWed, 20 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: God of War III ends trilogy, but not franchise, Sony's John Hight says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/interview-god-of-war-3-ends-trilogy-but-not-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/interview-god-of-war-3-ends-trilogy-but-not-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/interview-god-of-war-3-ends-trilogy-but-not-franchise/#comments While God of War III will conclude the trilogy, it won't spell the end of the franchise, Sony Santa Monica's John Hight reveals in a recent interview with Joystiq. With the third game "capping off what we started with God of War," Hight says we should expect more God of War games to follow, but the decision on where to take the franchise after the initial trilogy (and portable prequel) won't be taken lightly. "We're going to be really careful about what we do next," he assures.

The full interview can be viewed in its entirety above. Select portions of the interview can be read in the following transcription:

Can you explain the new technology that you're showing off today?

So what we've kept under wraps until this time is dynamic environments. It means we can take literally anything in the game, including creatures and in this case, extremely large thousand foot plus creatures, and turn them into an environment that Kratos can now navigate, battle on, engage other creatures on, find treasures, you name it.

Even since the very first God of War, we keep a running list of features that we'd like to have. So you're in the middle of making something ... some of them make it into the game, and some of them get moved to the next game. And this was the case of definitely a feature that the team has thought about for a while, but God of War 3 and the technology of PS3 enabled us to actually build it.

Continue reading Interview: God of War III ends trilogy, but not franchise, Sony's John Hight says

JoystiqInterview: God of War III ends trilogy, but not franchise, Sony's John Hight says originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-wargod-of-war-3god-of-war-iiiinterviewjohn-hightsonysony-santa-monicavideoTue, 19 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Plummeting PS2 and PSP sales shrunk Sony's market share in 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/plummeting-ps2-and-psp-sales-shrunk-sonys-market-share-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/plummeting-ps2-and-psp-sales-shrunk-sonys-market-share-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/plummeting-ps2-and-psp-sales-shrunk-sonys-market-share-in-2009/#comments For many, 2009 was the year Sony started turning things around: the PS3 finally dropped to an affordable price with an ad campaign that didn't give children nightmares. However, Gamasutra's Matt Matthews points out that in terms of revenue, 2009 is one of the worst years for the company. Whereas Sony was able to generate $6.4 billion in revenue from its family of PlayStation products in 2008, the company was only able to rake in $5.1 billion in 2009 -- that's a drop of $1.3 billion, or 20 percent.

While Microsoft and Nintendo also shed some revenue in the difficult economic climate, their losses seem insignificant in comparison: about $200 million each. Matthews notes that a large portion of Sony's lost revenue in 2009 comes from sagging sales of its decade-old PS2 platform. The (understandable) lack of software sales on the PS2 resulted in the loss of approximately $700 million in revenue, while hardware sales have contracted another $150 million.

The PSP also had a difficult year, and it appears the PSP Go hasn't turned around Sony's fortunes. According to Gamasutra's analysis, hardware and software sales on Sony's handheld shrank by about $425 million in 2009. With the demise of the PS2, and the languishing state of the PSP, Sony's former dominance of the market seems but a memory.

JoystiqPlummeting PS2 and PSP sales shrunk Sony's market share in 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystgamasutrarevenuesonyMon, 18 Jan 2010 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: January 18-24, 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/now-playing-january-18-24-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/now-playing-january-18-24-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/now-playing-january-18-24-2010/#comments
Plug up any bullet holes with the chewing gum item.

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Last updated: Monday, 12:00 PM

Continue reading Now Playing: January 18-24, 2010

JoystiqNow Playing: January 18-24, 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>newgamesnow-playingMon, 18 Jan 2010 15:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: This is God of War III]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/this-is-god-of-war-iii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/this-is-god-of-war-iii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/this-is-god-of-war-iii/#comments
You should probably click this image. I summed up the E3 demo of God of War III with this opener: "God of War, in HD." That's not a "bad" thing per se, but for a franchise that's been known for pushing the graphical envelope, it simply wasn't enough. Thankfully, my concerns were obliterated last month when I got to play the latest build of the game. It only took a minute or so before I was able to say "this is God of War III -- and what it was always meant to be."

The demo was incredibly short, perhaps two or three minutes long. But that's all Santa Monica Studios needed to effectively demonstrate the scope of their vision. The graphical improvements were immediately noticeable: motion blur, depth of field, better lighting and special effects. However, it was the cinematic camera work and the incredibly inspired level design that really left an impression.

Once again, this demo takes place on the Titan, making his way to the top of Mount Olympus. What the VGA trailer failed to capture effectively, though, is how dynamic battles will feel atop a moving giant. Remember how impressive Uncharted 2's dynamic set pieces were? Imagine scenes like Uncharted's collapsing building and train, and remove the sense of "reality" that Nathan Drake has to adhere to.

Gallery: God of War III (1/18)

Continue reading Hands-on: This is God of War III

JoystiqHands-on: This is God of War III originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-wargod-of-war-3god-of-war-iiihands-onMon, 18 Jan 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PixelJunk creator disappointed by cheap gamers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/16/pixeljunk-creator-disappointed-by-cheap-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/16/pixeljunk-creator-disappointed-by-cheap-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/16/pixeljunk-creator-disappointed-by-cheap-gamers/#comments Q-Games' Dylan Cuthbert doesn't like you, cheap gamer. When quizzed by Develop, the PixelJunk creator described one thing that disappointed him most about the industry: gamers that refuse to open up their wallets. "Gamers complaining about our games being too expensive at 10 dollars. I'm not sure this is an industry problem, but it seems ridiculous that people complain about that price point." Cuthbert seems particularly sensitive about this issue, noting the rampant piracy of PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe on PSP earlier this year.

The naysayers seem few and far apart, though. PixelJunk Shooter went on to become the second best-selling game on PSN in December. Some members of the Joystiq community have even suggested the game is worth "more than $10." Obviously, the studio is doing well enough with its PSN endeavors, as Cuthbert confirms that "more PixelJunk is definitely in the pipeline." With PixelJunk Dungeons and presumably PixelJunk Shooter Encore in the works, the indie studio clearly has a lot to work on at the moment.

JoystiqPixelJunk creator disappointed by cheap gamers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dylan-cuthbertpixeljunkpixeljunk-shooterq-gamesSat, 16 Jan 2010 08:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Nolan North believes voice acting royalties 'unfair' to expect in gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/16/nolan-north-believes-voice-acting-royalties-unfair-to-expect-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/16/nolan-north-believes-voice-acting-royalties-unfair-to-expect-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/16/nolan-north-believes-voice-acting-royalties-unfair-to-expect-i/#comments By now, you should be familiar with one of gaming's most prolific actors, Nolan North, made famous by his role as Uncharted's Nathan Drake. In an interview with GamePro, the actor talks about his meteoric rise in gaming. "There's no pressure when going in for an audition now, since I've worked on such big games," North told the site. With the actor seemingly guaranteed work, it's no surprise that Giant Bomb dedicated an entire award to him: The Northies, for the Best Performance by Nolan North. "I'm humbled by all this. I feel blessed."

Of course, not all voice actors have been as lucky as Nolan North to get work with such regularity. Salaries for actors have always been a point of contention, especially with regards to royalties. In 2008, Grand Theft Auto IV's Michael Hollick slammed the industry for not providing better compensation for titles that go on to sell millions of units. North seems to disagree with that sentiment. "In all fairness, hundreds of people are working 12 hour days for several years to make a game, so it's unfair for me to expect residuals, given the amount of work I contribute."

Perhaps it's that attitude that continues to provide North a steady lineup of gigs, including the upcoming Alpha Protocol and Dark Void. With Uncharted 3 and a new Assassin's Creed in the works, it's clear that Nolan can expect a few more paychecks in the immediate future.

JoystiqNolan North believes voice acting royalties 'unfair' to expect in gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 06:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nolan-northroyaltiesvoice-actingSat, 16 Jan 2010 06:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Catan PS3 headed to US, says ESRB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/settlers-of-catan-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/settlers-of-catan-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/settlers-of-catan-ps3/#comments A PS3 adaptation of "The Settlers of Catan" board game may be coming to America. The ESRB has added a brand new listing for the game, donning the title an E rating. Most likely, this version of Catan is the one released in Japan in 2008, developed by longtime Sony partner Game Republic.

No other details can be garnered from the brief ratings listing. The original Japanese version released exclusively on PlayStation Network for 1200 yen (about $13). It seems safe to assume the US release will be similar.

JoystiqCatan PS3 headed to US, says ESRB originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catanesrbgame-republicpsnsettlers-of-catanFri, 15 Jan 2010 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Firmware 3.15 becomes mandatory, fixes minor Trophy glitch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/ps3-firmware-3-15-becomes-mandatory-fixes-minor-trophy-glitch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/ps3-firmware-3-15-becomes-mandatory-fixes-minor-trophy-glitch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/ps3-firmware-3-15-becomes-mandatory-fixes-minor-trophy-glitch/#comments Many readers have been sending tips to Joystiq about a new PS3 firmware update. In actuality, this is not a new update at all. Firmware 3.15 was released on December 9th and introduced the ability to play PSP Minis on the PS3. While this update was originally optional, the powers-that-be at Sony are now making it a mandatory update. "We have found out that users will not be able to acquire trophies on some game titles," we were told by a SCEE representative. "Users can avoid this problem by updating the PS3 system to firmware 3.15 and therefore we've made it a mandatory update. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate for your understanding and continued support."

If you haven't updated your PS3 yet, make sure to allocate some time before attempting to jump online to install this mandatory update. You don't want to be late to your MW2 party, do you? [ProTip: Save yourself some time by downloading the update now on a USB flash drive.]

JoystiqPS3 Firmware 3.15 becomes mandatory, fixes minor Trophy glitch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ps3-firmwareps3-firmware-3.15system-updateFri, 15 Jan 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition looks like a sequel in new trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/resident-evil-5-gold-edition-looks-like-a-sequel-in-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/resident-evil-5-gold-edition-looks-like-a-sequel-in-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/resident-evil-5-gold-edition-looks-like-a-sequel-in-new-trailer/#comments After numerous trailers for the upcoming Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition's zany costumes, Capcom has finally released a trailer focusing on both of the extra DLC story chapters. "Lost in Nightmares" takes place before the events of Resident Evil 5 and includes a mansion inspired by the setting of the very first RE game. "Desperate Escape" takes place during the end of Resident Evil 5, as Jill and Josh race to save Chris and Sheva from the endgame's exploding volcano.

With Jill serving as the "main character" for the additional content, the Gold Edition expansion looks like a genuine sequel, a la Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. Most importantly, we're glad to see Jill's masterful unlocking skills put to good use in this trailer. The first batch of RE5 DLC will be available on February 17.

JoystiqResident Evil 5: Gold Edition looks like a sequel in new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdesperate-escapedlclost-in-nightmaresresident-evilresident-evil-5resident-evil-5-gold-editionFri, 15 Jan 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty DLC tops PSN's 2009 sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/call-of-duty-dlc-tops-psns-2009-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/call-of-duty-dlc-tops-psns-2009-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/call-of-duty-dlc-tops-psns-2009-sales/#comments So you've learned what dominated December's PSN sales. But what about the other eleven months of the year? Sony has released a list of the top 10 premium downloads from the PlayStation Store for 2009.

1) Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 1
2) Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 2
3) Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 3
4) FIFA 09 Gold Pack
5) Final Fantasy VII (PS3/PSP)
6) Battlefield 1943
7) Fat Princess
8) MARVEL VS CAPCOM 2
9) Flower
10) Mortal Kombat II

Looks like people answered the Call of Duty ... by opening up their wallets. Undoubtedly, Modern Warfare 2 DLC is likely to top 2010's sales figures. Finally, Battlefield 1943 claims the award for top PSN game of the year, besting the PSN-exclusive Fat Princess.

JoystiqCall of Duty DLC tops PSN's 2009 sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-1943call-of-dutycall-of-duty-world-at-warpsnsalesworld-at-warFri, 15 Jan 2010 07:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep sells over 400K in debut week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-sells-over-400k-in-debut-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-sells-over-400k-in-debut-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleep-sells-over-400k-in-debut-week/#comments It seems Kingdom Hearts fanfare is still strong in Japan. Birth By Sleep, the franchise's latest entry, sold over 400,000 units in its first two days of sales, according to a report by Media Create. The PSP-exclusive prequel has claimed the best-performing handheld debut for the franchise so far, besting 358/2 Days' 300K and Chain of Memories' 200K.

Like every other major Square Enix game before it, Birth By Sleep had an accompanying limited edition hardware bundle. Expect to see PSP sales spike during our Japanese hardware sales report later this week.

JoystiqKingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep sells over 400K in debut week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birth-by-sleepjapankingdom-heartssalessquare-enixThu, 14 Jan 2010 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Flying Hamster fights laser-shooting owls in a race for beer, on PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/the-flying-hamster-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/the-flying-hamster-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/the-flying-hamster-psp/#comments At first glance, the headline may not make much sense, but that's exactly what this screenshot for the newly announced The Flying Hamster is telling us. Newton the Flying Hamster will have to soar through six levels, from the "big Japanese city" to "crazy ancient Egypt." No trips to normal ancient Egypt for this rodent!

Developed by The Game Atelier for the PSP, The Flying Hamster will also feature more than thirty enemies, ranging from "sneaky penguins, anti-air cows, exploding foxes" and worst of all, "ninja squirrels." Who else just became incredibly excited for this shmup?

Gallery: The Flying Hamster

JoystiqThe Flying Hamster fights laser-shooting owls in a race for beer, on PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-air-cowsflying-hamstergame-atelierninja-squirrelsthe-flying-hamsterThu, 14 Jan 2010 14:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy VIII tops PSN sales for December]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/final-fantasy-viii-tops-psn-sales-for-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/final-fantasy-viii-tops-psn-sales-for-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/final-fantasy-viii-tops-psn-sales-for-december/#comments December was a good month for PlayStation Network. According to a statement from SCEA's Patrick Seybold, December 2009 marked PSN's single highest revenue month so far, increasing 155% from a year ago. Most likely enamored with gifted systems and PSN cards, people were spending quite a bit of time on the PlayStation Store on Christmas Day -- it was the busiest day on the virtual marketplace that month. So what were people buying? Lots and lots of PSone classics:

1. FINAL FANTASY VIII (PS3/PSP)
2. PixelJunk Shooter
3. FINAL FANTASY VII (PS3/PSP)
4. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (PS3/PSP)
5. Resident Evil 2 (PS3/PSP)
6. Frogger Returns
7. Call of Duty Classic
8. Borderlands: The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned
9. MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 2
10. Battlefield 1943

JoystiqFinal Fantasy VIII tops PSN sales for December originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-viiipsnpsn-monthlysalesThu, 14 Jan 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unlock Xbox finalists announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/unlock-xbox-finalists-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/unlock-xbox-finalists-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/unlock-xbox-finalists-announced/#comments Did you vote in last year's Unlock Xbox competition? If so, did your pick make the final cut? Gamers and amateur designers were encouraged to submit their original ideas in the Doritos-sponsored competition. Out of over a thousand submissions, two will be turned into real (and free!) XBLA games. The three finalists to be considered by Microsoft execs are:
  • Harm's Way -- snipers and drivers team up in a game that combines racing and blowing someone's brains out. Delicious!
  • Avatar Crash Course -- inspired by Japanese obstacle courses, you must "press buttons, wiggle sticks, and jump up and down to survive."
  • Thrown -- "the whole point of it is to smash into other vehicles in order to throw the driver from their car and then run them over." A feel good game!
We're somewhat surprised by the violence involved in some of these XBLA suggestions. But perhaps we're looking in the wrong place for class, considering the last winner of Doritos' contest involved dinosaurs eating exploding trucks (seriously).

JoystiqUnlock Xbox finalists announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-crash-coursecontestdoritosharms-wayindiethrownunlock-xboxxblaWed, 13 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII 'International' trailer introduces English theme song]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/final-fantasy-xiii-international-trailer-introduces-english-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/final-fantasy-xiii-international-trailer-introduces-english-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/final-fantasy-xiii-international-trailer-introduces-english-th/#commentsDownload in HD from BigDownload Two months from now, Final Fantasy fans in America and Europe will be able to play the franchise's first numbered release since Final Fantasy XII -- roughly four years ago. To promote the game, Square Enix has released yet another five-minute trailer, thankfully devoid of Square Enix PR dudes trapped within humongous calendar mazes.

New to this trailer is the English theme song for the RPG, "My Hands" by Leona Lewis. "When Square Enix approached Leona about including her song 'My Hands' in Final Fantasy XIII, she was honored to be partnered with such an iconic and groundbreaking video game series," RCA Music Group's Tom Corson said in a press release. "Leona is a natural fit with the game's powerful themes and strong female protagonist." Y'know, themes like being able summon a giant ice motorcycle-robot-thing while falling from an exploding dragon airship-thing.

Gallery: FINAL FANTASY XIII (12/14)

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII 'International' trailer introduces English theme song originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiiijrpgleona-lewismy-handsrpgsquare-enixtrailervideoWed, 13 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Solid movie producer casts doubt on film adaptation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/metal-gear-solid-movie-producer-casts-doubt-on-film-adaptation/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/metal-gear-solid-movie-producer-casts-doubt-on-film-adaptation/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/metal-gear-solid-movie-producer-casts-doubt-on-film-adaptation/#comments Michael De Luca may not be a name you recognize, but he's had his hand in a number of cinematic accomplishments, producing films like Michael Myers' "The Love Guru" and Nicolas Cage's "Ghost Rider." He was also set to be a producer of the upcoming Metal Gear Solid movie adaptation.

However, De Luca sees the project falling apart, citing difficulties in getting "the agendas to match up" between Konami and Sony Pictures. De Luca told Collider that Konami (most likely at the request of Kojima Productions) was "very protective of their property." Perhaps learning from the experience with Silent Hill, Konami may have wanted to avoid tarnishing its most celebrated brand with the poor track record of video game movies.

All hope for a Metal Gear film isn't lost, though. De Luca does admit that if Disney's upcoming Prince of Persia film does well, Konami and Sony are likely to resume their talks. Until then, may we suggest buying the Metal Gear Solid 4 movie on Blu-ray? Sure, the movie is frequently interrupted by "gameplay" segments, but just think of them as incredibly elaborate menu screens.

[Via Videogamer]

JoystiqMetal Gear Solid movie producer casts doubt on film adaptation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kojima-productionskonamimetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-moviemichael-de-lucasony-picturesMon, 11 Jan 2010 17:14:00 EST<![CDATA[MLB 10 The Show catches Joe Mauer, March 2 release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/mlb-10-the-show-catches-joe-mauer-march-2nd-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/mlb-10-the-show-catches-joe-mauer-march-2nd-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/mlb-10-the-show-catches-joe-mauer-march-2nd-release-date/#comments Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer graces this newly revealed cover for Sony's MLB 10 The Show. It's an apt choice, considering one of the big new features of this year's iteration is the ability to play as the catcher, calling pitches whilst scratching your groin.

The PlayStation-exclusive series will appear on PS3, PSP and PS2 on March 2, the same day as 2K Sports' multiplatform MLB 2K10.

JoystiqMLB 10 The Show catches Joe Mauer, March 2 release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baseballjoe-mauermlb-10mlb-10-the-showFri, 08 Jan 2010 07:00:00 EST