Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogobig.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Skylanders Giants review: Big toys, small changes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/skylanders-giants-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/skylanders-giants-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/skylanders-giants-review/#comments Skylanders Giants review Big toys, small changesOf all the good fortune I've been afforded in my life, little compares with the joy of becoming a parent. That probably goes without saying. However, being able to justify the ludicrous cash outlay that comes in the pursuit of a hobby was, for me at least, an unexpected side benefit of having a son. Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure, Activision and developer Toys for Bob's experimental marriage of gaming and collectible toys, was just such a ridiculous expense. Fun, truly, but ridiculous just the same.

A year on, Skylanders: Giants deviates little from this tradition, with new purchasable plastic figures to collect and gameplay that again feels a bit like experiencing Diablo or Gauntlet through the lens of a Saturday morning cartoon. It's simple, yet addictive, and like Spyro's Adventure before it, Giants has quickly become a household favorite. Countless late nights and early mornings have already been victimized by this game's ability to draw us in for "just one more level."

Gallery: Skylanders Giants (Gamescom 2012)

Continue reading Skylanders Giants review: Big toys, small changes

JoystiqSkylanders Giants review: Big toys, small changes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisionmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3skylanders-giantstoys-for-bobwiiwii-uxboxThu, 18 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten review: A premise unchanged]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/disgaea-4-a-promise-unforgotten-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/disgaea-4-a-promise-unforgotten-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/disgaea-4-a-promise-unforgotten-review/#comments The Disgaea series is a tough nut to crack. With its dated gameplay and recycled graphics and music, each new entry in the franchise has flown in the face of convention. Nevertheless, whether owing its longevity to quirky storytelling or staggeringly deep and complex mechanics, the franchise has found favor among strategy role-playing game enthusiasts.

That storied tradition looks to continue with earnest in Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten, a testament that, all things considered, developer Nippon Ichi definitely still knows its audience.

Gallery: Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten (8/22/11)

Continue reading Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten review: A premise unchanged

JoystiqDisgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten review: A premise unchanged originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disgaea-4Nippon-Ichi-Softwarenis-americaplaystationps3strategyWed, 07 Sep 2011 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Empires Online review: Casual conquest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/age-of-empires-online-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/age-of-empires-online-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/age-of-empires-online-review/#comments In reading online discussions surrounding Age of Empires Online, you'd think that the developers had taken to traveling the country with the express intent of running over kittens.

Clearly, players have taken issue with this latest in the Ensemble-created historical strategy franchise, which layers the series' core formula beneath a highly stylized coat of paint and free-to-play business model. However, much of the mechanics that made Age of Empires a household name remain, though now alongside new features designed explicitly to both ease new players into the experience as well as capture the attention of the coveted MMO crowd.

Gallery: Age of Empires Online (5/31/11)

Continue reading Age of Empires Online review: Casual conquest

JoystiqAge of Empires Online review: Casual conquest originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-empiresAge-of-Empires-OnlineGas-Powered-Gamesmicrosoftpcrobot-entertainmentrtsstrategyTue, 16 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Tournament of Legends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/review-tournament-of-legends/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/review-tournament-of-legends/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/review-tournament-of-legends/#comments Tournament of Legends was originally conceived as Gladiator A.D., a fighter hinged on stylized gladiatorial combat. But the concept -- and, as it turns out, its potential -- was later scrapped in favor of the shallow SoulCalibur imitation we're now left with.

The real tragedy here isn't the lack of any real depth or character. No, the tragedy is how a seasoned developer managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of potential victory and turn what, at one point, appeared to be an inspired historically-influenced brawler into a forgettable mess.

Gallery: Tournament of Legends (E3 2010)

Continue reading Review: Tournament of Legends

JoystiqReview: Tournament of Legends originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fightinggladiator-adhigh-voltagemythologicalNintendosegatournament-of-legendsWiiTue, 06 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Ghostbusters: The Video Game (Xbox 360/PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/review-ghostbusters-the-video-game-xbox-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/review-ghostbusters-the-video-game-xbox-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/review-ghostbusters-the-video-game-xbox-360-ps3/#comments Listen ... do you smell something? Stripped of its license, Ghostbusters is a passable, if largely forgettable game. The entire experience is held together on the merits of its source material alone, with occasionally witty dialog and story draped like a sheet across what amounts to inconsistent gameplay and level design that would make most amateur modders cringe.

Still, given Ghostbusters' rocky road to retail, I suppose we should be grateful that there's a game to complain about at all.

Gallery: Ghostbusters (360/PS3/PC)

Continue reading Review: Ghostbusters: The Video Game (Xbox 360/PS3)

JoystiqReview: Ghostbusters: The Video Game (Xbox 360/PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionAtariGhostbustersGhostbusters-The-Video-GameMicrosoftTerminal-RealityXbox-360Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Survey: Developers still worship Miyamoto, Blow too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/survey-developers-still-worship-miyamoto-blow-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/survey-developers-still-worship-miyamoto-blow-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/survey-developers-still-worship-miyamoto-blow-too/#comments Luminary Shigeru Miyamoto hasn't lost his shimmer in the eyes of game developers, with a recent industry poll finding the Nintendo icon to be without equal. The survey, commissioned by organizers of next month's Develop Conference, asked 9,000 devs to name their game development hero, with nearly a third of respondents pointing to Miyamoto as the man with the plan.

The popularity contest also named id Software's John Carmack as the next most idealized developer, followed by Maxis and now Stupid Fun Club brainpan Will Wright. The top ten list of industry highlights was rounded out by Braid dev Jonathan Blow, who's likely too busy rewinding time (to see if he can somehow land higher on the ballot) to care.

JoystiqSurvey: Developers still worship Miyamoto, Blow too originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>braiddevelop-conferenceDSid-softwarejohn-carmackjonathan-blowmiyamotonintendoshigeru-miyamotoshigerumiyamotoshiggystupid-fun-clubWiiwill-wrightMon, 15 Jun 2009 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Solid Rising getting re-done graphics engine ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/metal-gear-solid-rising-getting-re-done-graphics-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/metal-gear-solid-rising-getting-re-done-graphics-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/metal-gear-solid-rising-getting-re-done-graphics-engine/#comments Like a case of bad allergies, Metal Gear Solid 4's graphics left us rubbing our eyes. That said, when it comes to developing the recently unveiled Metal Gear Solid Rising, the latest sequel's eye candy is not nearly sweet enough.

According to Kojima Productions assistant producer Sean Eyestone, the team is remaking Rising's engine "from scratch" to make it look better than MGS4. Speaking during a recent Kojima Productions podcast, Eyestone describes the multiplatform project as "a big project like Metal Gear Solid 4," adding that the team "team is serious about making it look as good as possible on every platform." Let's just hope our meager eyes can take it.

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqMetal Gear Solid Rising getting re-done graphics engine originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hideo-kojimahideokojimakojimakojima-productionskojimaproductionskonamimetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-4Metal-Gear-Solid-4-Guns-of-the-Patriotsmetal-gear-solid-risingmgsMicrosoftmultiplatformXbox-360Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sucker Punch explains why it remains PS3 exclusive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/sucker-punch-explains-its-ps3-exclusivity/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/sucker-punch-explains-its-ps3-exclusivity/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/sucker-punch-explains-its-ps3-exclusivity/#comments Developer Sucker Punch started life nearly a decade ago with its first release on the Nintendo 64. Since that time, however, the studio has created titles exclusively for Sony platforms, including the Sly Cooper franchise and recent electro-shocky superhero game, inFamous. Co-founder Brian Fleming recently spoke out on his company's love-in with Sony, explaining that Sucker Punch's platform exclusivity has less to do with money and more to do with simply enjoying what they do.

According to Fleming, while going cross-platform puts a game in front of more potential eyeballs, "it also introduces a whole bunch of problems and compromises and difficulty that doesn't make making games a lot more fun. In fact, I think it subtracts from that."

While the exec notes without reservation that the studio is in this business to make money, he adds that you "have to be careful about being greedy." He adds that the pursuit of dollars has to be weighed against other things, like enjoying what you do for a living, publisher relations and game quality. We'd be hard pressed to argue, especially since our obsession with inFamous has only grown since the game first shocked our hearts.

JoystiqSucker Punch explains why it remains PS3 exclusive originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infamoussonysucker-punchThu, 11 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Famitsu lifts camouflage off Metal Gear Arcade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/famitsu-lifts-camouflage-off-metal-gear-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/famitsu-lifts-camouflage-off-metal-gear-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/famitsu-lifts-camouflage-off-metal-gear-arcade/#comments It's a little known fact that here at Joystiq we have a pretty extensive collection of coins, both big and small. It's a source of pride, but even so we're just as eager as you are to empty our piggy banks in the name of Hideo Kojima and his mysterious Metal Gear Arcade. The project was one of E3's most enigmatic announcements, with few details offered to accompany our baffled looks and gaping maws.

Now some news about the game comes from Famitsu's latest issue -- but you might want to sit down for this. No really, as the mag reports that Metal Gear Arcade will be played sitting down while wearing 3D glasses and using a "special controller that allows for separate movement and viewpoint controls." The game will also support both solo and 16-player co-op matches. It sounds like we'll be trading these quarters for yen when Metal Gear Arcade targets Japanese arcades later this year.

Gallery: Metal Gear Arcade

JoystiqFamitsu lifts camouflage off Metal Gear Arcade originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadehideo-kojimahideokojimakojima-productionskonamimetal-gearmetal-gear-arcadeThu, 11 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 was successful for little guys too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/e3-was-successful-for-little-guys-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/e3-was-successful-for-little-guys-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/e3-was-successful-for-little-guys-too/#commentsOkay, we admit it. Despite E3's recent return to form, we missed Kentia Hall's secluded cave of unspoken delights, if only for its cheap food and even cheaper thrills. Still, the lack of a space to call their own didn't stop some companies from venturing to the surface and setting up shop in the outskirts of E3 proper. It's an adventure that, according to some, was well worth the effort. Glad we all agree.

Operating a booth on the fringe of South Hall, Gamer Grub's Raphael DiBianco was one of a handful of smaller outfits that got something out of the experience. The game snack pusher told IndustryGamers that while it didn't invest much money into its E3 presence, "we got a lot of bang out of what we did." Still, he joked that the big guys at the show "ostracize the little kids and leave us in the corner." Just be glad, DiBianco, this isn't the E3 of old. Oh, the hazing stories we could tell.

JoystiqE3 was successful for little guys too originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009gamer-grubkentiakentiahallWed, 10 Jun 2009 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Fang sinks teeth into former Looking Glass artist]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/blue-fang-sinks-teeth-into-former-looking-glass-artist/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/blue-fang-sinks-teeth-into-former-looking-glass-artist/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/blue-fang-sinks-teeth-into-former-looking-glass-artist/#comments Now, we don't want to come right out and say that game industry vet Alex Chouls has a zoo fetish, but he has sided with Blue Fang Games, the studio behind Zoo Tycoon, Zoo Tycoon 2 and, well, almost every game we can think of with 'zoo' in its title.

The former Looking Glass 3D artist first joined the company shortly after the System Shock house turtled in 2000, and recently leapfrogged into a new role at Blue Fang as the studio's creative director. In his new post, Chouls will help steer the newly announced zoo sim World of Zoo for the Wii, work he expects to build on for future projects. After all, he otter-know.

JoystiqBlue Fang sinks teeth into former Looking Glass artist originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-fangblue-fang-gamespromotionzoo-tycoonzoo-tycoon-2zoo-tycoon-dsTue, 09 Jun 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Halo Wars dev bites into Apple]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/former-halo-wars-dev-bites-into-apple/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/former-halo-wars-dev-bites-into-apple/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/former-halo-wars-dev-bites-into-apple/#comments When Ensemble Studios closed its doors earlier this year many of its staff landed behind a desk at either Robot Entertainment or Bonfire Studios, a pair of outfits that rose up from the Age of Empires and Halo Wars dev's splintered remains. Not Graeme Devine, however -- he's far too trendy for that business.

Instead, the Halo Wars lead designer revealed to Kotaku's @crecenteb via Twitter that he opted for a job at Apple, working for the company's iPhone group. It's unclear exactly what he's working on at the popular fruit company, though given his experience perhaps Apple is looking to bring game development in-house. We've reached out to Devine for more, though whatever he's up to we're sure there's an app for that.

[Via Develop]

JoystiqFormer Halo Wars dev bites into Apple originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebonfire-studiosensemble-studioshalo-warsiphonerobot-entertainmentTue, 09 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto flattered, not worried by Sony, Microsoft motion controllers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/miyamoto-flattered-not-worried-by-sony-microsoft-motion-contro/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/miyamoto-flattered-not-worried-by-sony-microsoft-motion-contro/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/miyamoto-flattered-not-worried-by-sony-microsoft-motion-contro/#comments If there was one driving theme behind this year's E3, it was that motion controls are too cool for school. However, even with both Microsoft and Sony jumping onto the bandwagon with their own gesture-based antics, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto tells the BBC that he's "not worried at all" about being left behind.

In fact, the brain trust says that Nintendo's "very flattered" by the competition. Still, Miyamoto barbed his comments, stating that, based on what he's seen so far, neither competitor's motion controllers "have the type of depth that we're able to provide with Wii Motion Plus." Sony. Microsoft. You hear that hitting the floor? That's the gauntlet.

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqMiyamoto flattered, not worried by Sony, Microsoft motion controllers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbce3-2009Microsoftmiyamotomotion-controlmotion-controlsmotion-sensingmotionsensingnintendoshigeru-miyamotoshigerumiyamotoWiiXbox-360Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar, Media Molecule lead 2009 Develop Awards nods]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/rockstar-media-molecule-lead-2009-develop-awards-nods/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/rockstar-media-molecule-lead-2009-develop-awards-nods/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/rockstar-media-molecule-lead-2009-develop-awards-nods/#comments Rockstar Leeds and Rockstar North, together with LittleBigPlanet dev Media Molecule have netted an impressive eleven nominations for the 2009 Develop Industry Excellence Awards, the UK's annual prize patrol for all things excellent in the industry.

The Rockstar houses pocketed six of their own for work on GTA: Chinatown Wars and GTA IV: The Lost and the Damned, including nods for visual arts, technical innovation and audio. Rockstar Leeds is also up for the award for best handheld game studio, while both are in the running for being recognized as the best in-house team. Media Molecule is up for five awards as well, including best indie studio and best new IP. The Guildford studio is also up for the technical innovation award, where it's not only up against the Rockstar folks, but the teams behind Killzone 2, PlayStation Home, Football Manager Live and Fable II.

We wish all nominees the best of luck and remind them not to forget to thanks their moms should they take the stage and accept an award during the July 15 ceremony.

JoystiqRockstar, Media Molecule lead 2009 Develop Awards nods originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>develop-awardsdlcgrand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-chinatown-warsgrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-chinatown-warsgta-ivgta-iv-dlcgta-iv-the-lost-and-damnedgtaivlittlebigplanetlost-and-damnedmedia-moleculerockstarrockstar-gamesrockstar-leedsrockstar-northukFri, 05 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obscure making PSP Go jump this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/obscure-making-psp-go-jump-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/obscure-making-psp-go-jump-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/obscure-making-psp-go-jump-this-fall/#comments Despite its name, Playlogic is doing it best to ensure that its teen survival horror caper, Obscure: The Aftermath, is anything but hard to find. The publisher announced that in addition to the game's previously mentioned UMD release in September, the company will also release the Obscure sequel for download on the PSP Go this fall. A version for play on toaster ovens and other household appliances is also rumored to be in the works, though Playlogic representatives were not immediately available for comment.

JoystiqObscure making PSP Go jump this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>obscureplaylogicpsp-gosurvival-horrorFri, 05 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Renegade Kid returning to the hospital in Dementium II]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/renegade-kid-returning-to-the-hospital-in-dementium-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/renegade-kid-returning-to-the-hospital-in-dementium-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/renegade-kid-returning-to-the-hospital-in-dementium-ii/#comments Developer Renegade Kid apparently stumbled across some leftover brown paint, and is currently working up a sequel to Dementium: The Ward. The game is set to continue the story of the first game, which had players stumbling through the darkened grimy halls of an abandoned hospital trying to discover a way out. Or at least some morphine to dull the pain.

Notes Renegade Kid's Jools Watsham, "We were extremely satisfied with what we accomplished with the original Dementium, but knew we could do even more given the chance to develop a sequel." Little is known about the return trip into portable madness, though publisher SouthPeak promises even more hospital scares when Dementium II ships for the DS in the first part of 2010.

JoystiqRenegade Kid returning to the hospital in Dementium II originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dementiumdementium-iidementium-the-wardDSNintendorenegade-kidsouthpeaksouthpeak-gamessouthpeakgamessouthpeakinteractivesurvival-horrorWed, 03 Jun 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kratos seeking vengeance in Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/kratos-seeking-vengeance-in-soulcalibur-broken-destiny/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/kratos-seeking-vengeance-in-soulcalibur-broken-destiny/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/kratos-seeking-vengeance-in-soulcalibur-broken-destiny/#comments Namco Bandai must have an entire department dedicated to finding new ways and characters to market with its Soulcalibur brand. Following last year's ballet with the Force, the company has announced that God of War's Kratos will be taking out his frustration on the cast of Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny for the PSP.

What with all of his disemboweling and afternoons on the links, we honestly don't know how everyone's favorite Spartan with a chip on his shoulder fits bickering with Soulcalibur brawlers into his busy schedule. Nevertheless, the Ghost of Sparta will appear as a guest character in the miniaturized fighter. We just hope he's on his best behavior while in someone else's house when Broken Destiny ships later this summer.

See the trailer after the break.

Gallery: Kratos in Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny (PSP)

Continue reading Kratos seeking vengeance in Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny

JoystiqKratos seeking vengeance in Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-warkratossoulcalibursoulcalibur-broken-destinyWed, 03 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pro skaters sound off in Tony Hawk Ride trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/pro-skaters-sound-off-in-tony-hawk-ride-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/pro-skaters-sound-off-in-tony-hawk-ride-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/pro-skaters-sound-off-in-tony-hawk-ride-trailer/#comments Sure, that new skateboard controller for Tony Hawk Ride looks rad, but what do the pro's think? Several professional skaters, including Christian Hosoi and Mr. Hawk himself, talk up the game and skate deck in this latest trailer using phrases like "the ultimate rush" while what looks like innocent bystanders explode. Seriously.

There's some choice comments, though we think the best comes from Paul Rodriguez, who says simply, "If you've had an interest in skating, but maybe didn't want to put yourself in a position of getting injured, here's your chance." We've no desire to fall and straddle any railing at high speed, so this sounds right up our alley.

Gallery: Tony Hawk Ride (6-2-09)

JoystiqPro skaters sound off in Tony Hawk Ride trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisione3-2009MicrosoftNintendotony-hawktony-hawk-rideWiiXbox-360Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:15:00 EST<![CDATA[ModNation Racers, like LittleBigPlanet on wheels]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/modnation-racers-like-littlebigplanet-on-wheels/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/modnation-racers-like-littlebigplanet-on-wheels/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/modnation-racers-like-littlebigplanet-on-wheels/#comments It wasn't all sequels and plugged leaks at Sony's E3 press conference. Sony also announced a new PlayStation 3 franchise called ModNation Racers, the latest in the company's Play.Create.Share lineup popularized by LittleBigPlanet. The game looks to strap LBP's overcute style and love of physics into kart racing that, according to Sony, will let players express themselves and become "superstar designers" by sharing tracks, karts and characters over the PlayStation Network.

JoystiqModNation Racers, like LittleBigPlanet on wheels originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009little-big-planetlittlebigplanetmodnation-racerssonyuser-generated-contentTue, 02 Jun 2009 15:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 2 unlockables tied to PSP version]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/assassins-creed-2-unlockables-tied-to-psp-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/assassins-creed-2-unlockables-tied-to-psp-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/assassins-creed-2-unlockables-tied-to-psp-version/#comments Completionists looking forward to strapping themselves in Da Vinci's flying machine in Assassin's Creed II will need to pick up the game's PSP version as well. Speaking during Sony's E3 2009 press gathering, Ubisoft revealed that the upcoming sequel will feature unlockable weapons, which players will only be able to unsheathe by connecting the game to the series' upcoming PSP debut this holiday. Animus compatibility, however, is still a ways off, so we're told.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 2 unlockables tied to PSP version originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creedassassins-creed-2assassinscreede3-2009sonyubisoftunlockablesTue, 02 Jun 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Zombies infecting PSP in Resident Evil Portable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/zombies-infecting-psp-in-resident-evil-portable/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/zombies-infecting-psp-in-resident-evil-portable/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/zombies-infecting-psp-in-resident-evil-portable/#comments Among the more infectious news from Sony's E3 2009 press conference was the reveal of Resident Evil for the PSP. Described as a "whole new game," details are eerily light on the upcoming portable zombie hunt. We'll be on the lookout for more on the game as the week wears on, hoping to uncover a green herb or two along the way.

JoystiqZombies infecting PSP in Resident Evil Portable originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcome3-2009sonyTue, 02 Jun 2009 15:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo assaulting E3 with ninjas, zombies ... basketball?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/tecmo-assaulting-e3-with-ninjas-zombies-basketball/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/tecmo-assaulting-e3-with-ninjas-zombies-basketball/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/tecmo-assaulting-e3-with-ninjas-zombies-basketball/#comments Dear Koei,

Things are great, and so far infection-free here at E3. Sure, we miss your quirky style, who wouldn't? Still, we're keeping ourselves busy readying games for the show, including Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, which ships for the PlayStation 3 this fall.

Other games we've got at our booth this year include Family Fun Football on the Wii, action game Undead Knights for the PSP, and -- oh -- did you know we were making a basketball game? It's true! We've got several downloadable titles this year, including a "contemporary retro" arcade-style basketball game called NBA Unrivaled and an action puzzler named Puzzlegeddon, both we hope to hit XBLA and PSN later this year.

Team Ninja's PS3-exclusive "art nouveau" shooter, Quantum, and the musical 2D platformer Fret Nice will also be on hand, though neither are expected to ship until sometime next year. All in all, we've got a lot of games to show off -- plus without any Dynasty Warriors games blocking our view we've got a clear shot those Ninja Gaiden models. Oo la la!

Wishing you were here,

Tecmo

JoystiqTecmo assaulting E3 with ninjas, zombies ... basketball? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009family-fun-footballfret-nicekoeikotecMicrosoftninja-gaiden-sigma-2Nintendopsnquantumquantum-theorytecmoundead-knightsWiixblaXbox-360Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham Asylum Joker DLC will be free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/batman-arkham-asylum-joker-dlc-will-be-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/batman-arkham-asylum-joker-dlc-will-be-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/batman-arkham-asylum-joker-dlc-will-be-free/#comments What's with the goofy grin? Did you dip into the jar of Smilex, or are you just giddy that playing as the Joker in Batman: Arkham Asylum won't cost you a dime?

Eidos has confirmed that the PS3-exclusive DLC will be free, allowing players to frolic about in the game's challenge maps as the Clown Prince of Crime when Batman: Arkham Asylum swoops onto store shelves this August.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham Asylum Joker DLC will be free originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman-arkham-asylumdlceidosexclusivejokerwarner-broswarnerbrosMon, 01 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA, Crytek announce Crysis 2 for Xbox 360, PS3, PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/ea-crytek-announce-crysis-2-for-xbox-360-ps3-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/ea-crytek-announce-crysis-2-for-xbox-360-ps3-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/ea-crytek-announce-crysis-2-for-xbox-360-ps3-pc/#comments Crytek isn't waiting around for the next wave of consoles to hit before melting eyeballs in the living room. In fact, publisher Electronic Arts announced that the German developer is already prepping a follow up to Crysis, this time for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 as well as the PC.

Creatively titled Crysis 2, the title is the first built using the studio's new console-ready middleware, CryENGINE 3. Nothing else is known, though with E3 kicking off this week we've opened up a new box of tissues just in case we hear more.

JoystiqEA, Crytek announce Crysis 2 for Xbox 360, PS3, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crysiscrysis-2crytekeaelectronic-artsMicrosoftmultiplatformshooterXbox-360Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantom Brave pushed out to August for Japanese voices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/phantom-brave-pushed-out-to-august-for-japanese-voices/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/phantom-brave-pushed-out-to-august-for-japanese-voices/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/phantom-brave-pushed-out-to-august-for-japanese-voices/#comments Brace yourselves. The upcoming port of Phantom Brave won't possess Wii consoles in June as expected. Now, assuming you survived that Prinny Bomb, NIS America says in its press release (PDF link) that the delay will allow the niche publisher to put the oft-requested Japanese voice-over track back into the game.

It's a gift, however, that requires some "extra programming and debugging," and players looking forward to the moody strategy game will now have to wait until August 4 to get their grinding fix.

JoystiqPhantom Brave pushed out to August for Japanese voices originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaydisgaeaNintendonisnis-americaphantom-braveWiiSat, 30 May 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: 4mm raps with us about Def Jam Rapstar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/interview-4mm-raps-with-us-about-def-jam-rapstar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/interview-4mm-raps-with-us-about-def-jam-rapstar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/interview-4mm-raps-with-us-about-def-jam-rapstar/#comments When Rockstar founders Jamie King and Gary Foreman announced plans to start up a new company earlier this month, even the clairvoyant among us were taken aback by the pair's plans to take on an already bloated music game genre with an entry of their own. However, that appears to be exactly what the newly founded 4mm Games is up to, and together with Def Jam Interactive and with considerable backing from investment firm CEA Autumn Games, Def Jam Rapstar was born.

While 4mm is keeping much of the game's details safely away from the mic until E3, Joystiq recently caught up with company CEO Nicholas Perrett backstage to talk about Def Jam Rapstar, as well as what else the company has planned and the reason behind calling the studio "4mm."

Continue reading Interview: 4mm raps with us about Def Jam Rapstar

JoystiqInterview: 4mm raps with us about Def Jam Rapstar originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 May 2009 23:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4mm4mm-gamesdef-jam-rapstare3-2009image-metricsinterviewFri, 29 May 2009 23:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus opens up old wounds with Trauma Team for Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/atlus-opens-up-old-wounds-with-trauma-team-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/atlus-opens-up-old-wounds-with-trauma-team-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/atlus-opens-up-old-wounds-with-trauma-team-for-wii/#comments Just days before the real life trauma of E3 takes hold, Atlus announced that it will localize the recently revealed Trauma Center successor, Hospital, as Trauma Team for the Wii in North America. As previously noted, the game will feature gameplay across six different medical fields, as players play as a general surgeon, diagnostician, E.M.T., orthopedic surgeon, endoscope technician, and medical examiner.

Atlus hasn't yet sewn up all of the details, However, the game is expected to be among the publisher's titles on display during next week's show and we look forward to finding out more before Trauma Team scrubs in next Spring.

Gallery: Trauma Team

JoystiqAtlus opens up old wounds with Trauma Team for Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 May 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atluse3-2009hospitalNintendotrauma-centertrauma-teamtraumacenterWiiFri, 29 May 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Smoking Gun, Cyberia author Rushkoff partner for games, books]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/smoking-gun-cyberia-author-rushkoff-partner-for-games-books/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/smoking-gun-cyberia-author-rushkoff-partner-for-games-books/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/smoking-gun-cyberia-author-rushkoff-partner-for-games-books/#comments Smoking Gun, an independent studio formed in 2007 by Relic Entertainment vets, has landed a new deal with tech evangelist Douglas Rushkoff, with the award-winning author set to pen the story for an as-yet-unannounced property. Details remain light, though Rushkoff notes his narrative will be used in multiple games as well as related books.

If that's not enough to interest you, consider that Rushkoff, whose works include cyber culture novel Cyberia and the DC comic series Testament, is set to lend words to an entire range of titles "across a range of media formats that can feed off one another and exist concurrently." Honestly, we're just as confused as you are, but once the headache stops and the Advil kicks in we'll reach out to Smoking Gun for more.

JoystiqSmoking Gun, Cyberia author Rushkoff partner for games, books originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 May 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>authorcompany-of-heroescyberiadouglas-rushkoffrelicrelic-entertainmentsmoking-gunThu, 28 May 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space Extraction severing limbs September 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/dead-space-extraction-severing-limbs-september-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/dead-space-extraction-severing-limbs-september-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/dead-space-extraction-severing-limbs-september-29/#comments Electronic Arts has narrowed its previously announced fall release window for Dead Space Extraction. The Wii-exclusive experiment is set to slice into retail shelves (and necromorphs' limbs) in North America on September 29. Adventurers overseas have a bit more waiting to do, with the game expected to ship in Europe on October 2.

Extraction promises a number of new features over the original Dead Space, including co-op gameplay as well as new weapons and enemies. We were left impressed following our recent time with the upcoming "guided first-person shooter experience," and assuming our limbs can take all that twisting we look forward to turning back the alien scourge this fall.

JoystiqDead Space Extraction severing limbs September 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 May 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spacedead-space-extractioneaelectronic-artsNintendovisceral-gamesWiiThu, 28 May 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine cleansing consoles for the emperor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/warhammer-40-000-space-marine-cleansing-consoles-for-the-empero/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/warhammer-40-000-space-marine-cleansing-consoles-for-the-empero/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/warhammer-40-000-space-marine-cleansing-consoles-for-the-empero/#comments THQ has officially confirmed work on Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, yet another game set against the backdrop of Games Workshop's gritty tabletop universe. Relic has again been handed developer duties on the title, though unlike Dawn of War, the console-focused Space Marine will be an action RPG that lets players control individual units through a "narrative-driven story campaign and in wide-scale online battles."

In development for both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, it's unclear what ties, if any, the project has to the leaked Space Marine footage that made the rounds late last year. However, judging from this IGN-hosted trailer, the game certainly looks to keep more with 40K's combat-heavy fiction when it eventually decides to chainsword retail shelves.

JoystiqWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine cleansing consoles for the emperor originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 May 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actiondawn-of-wargames-workshopMicrosoftrelicrelic-entertainmentrole-playingspace-marinethqwarhammer-40kwarhammer-40k-space-marineXbox-360Thu, 28 May 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Glu Mobile exec Nate Jones joins Turbine ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/former-glu-mobile-exec-nate-jones-joins-turbine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/former-glu-mobile-exec-nate-jones-joins-turbine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/former-glu-mobile-exec-nate-jones-joins-turbine/#comments Another executive has leveled up to MMO developer Turbine. Following recent appointments of Ken Surdan as operations vice president in March and ex-Flagship guys Dave Brevik and Jeff Lind last October, former Glu Mobile exec Nate Jones has joined Turbine as the company's new VP of corporate and business development. In his new job, Jones will look after licensing partnerships, joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions for the company.

The position should be familiar to Jones, who previously served as Glu Mobile's vice prez of strategy and corporate development, a role which to our untrained ears sounds very much the same as his new duties at Turbine. Granted we're sometimes not up to speed on the latest corporate speak, so while this all sounds impressive in truth this could just be a fancy way of describing Jones' work as Turbine's newest sandwich artist. He picked a hell of a day to quit working at Glu.

JoystiqFormer Glu Mobile exec Nate Jones joins Turbine originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 May 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asherons-callddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommoturbineThu, 28 May 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Avast! Disney milking Pirates of the Caribbean again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/avast-disney-milking-pirates-of-the-caribbean-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/avast-disney-milking-pirates-of-the-caribbean-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/avast-disney-milking-pirates-of-the-caribbean-again/#comments
 Disney Interactive has announced Pirates of the Caribbean: Armada of the Damned, a new open-world action RPG in development at Turok dev, Propaganda Games. According to Disney, the game will take place before the events in the films, with "moral and character choices" promised that shape both the player's character and the game's world.

Beyond this, not much is known, though Armada of the Damned isn't scheduled to set sail until fall 2010 on both the PC and "next-generation" consoles. Still, after posting a considerable $45 million loss earlier this year, who can blame the company for diving back into its treasure chest for the few remaining doubloons left at the bottom.

Gallery: Pirates of the Caribbean: Armada of the Damned

JoystiqAvast! Disney milking Pirates of the Caribbean again originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 May 2009 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-interactiveMicrosoftpiratespirates-of-the-caribbeanpirates-of-the-caribbean-armada-of-the-damnedpiratesofthecaribbeanpropaganda-gamesturokXbox-360Wed, 27 May 2009 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Jaffe 'not showing anything' at E3, definitely next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/jaffe-not-showing-anything-at-e3-definitely-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/jaffe-not-showing-anything-at-e3-definitely-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/jaffe-not-showing-anything-at-e3-definitely-next-year/#comments David Jaffe will be roaming the halls at next week's E3. His mysterious new project, however, "absolutely" won't make an appearance. In fact, the Twisted Metal creator noted on his latest video blog that he's "not showing anything" at the big show.

Commented Jaffe, "Part of me would love to announce at E3, and so you walk into the Sony booth and bam -- there's our game." Next year, however, is another story. The Eat Sleep Play co-founder says that he "fully expects" the presumably car-heavy game to be on the show floor in 2010. Certainly no later than that.

JoystiqJaffe 'not showing anything' at E3, definitely next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 May 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-jaffee3e3-2009eat-sleep-playgod-of-warsonytwisted-metaltwisted-metal-2011unannouncedTue, 26 May 2009 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Analysts expect in-game ad spending to reach $1 billion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/analysts-expect-in-game-ad-spending-to-reach-1-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/analysts-expect-in-game-ad-spending-to-reach-1-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/analysts-expect-in-game-ad-spending-to-reach-1-billion/#comments Analysts at Screen Digest estimate we'll be seeing a lot more virtual billboards as companies throw greater sums of money at in-game advertising. A lot more. The UK-based firm suggests that spending on in-game ads will push beyond a $1 billion by 2014, accounting for about one and a half percent of total global advertising dollars spent.

This is despite what the firm refers to as "short term softness" of in-game ad spending so far in 2009. In fact, the company believes in its gilded heart that virtual billboards are here to stay, as they help reach groups of people who are "increasingly hard to reach via other media." So, listen rookie, those bullets the enemy are using are very real, so keep your head down behind that fallen Pepsi billboard over there and bring me a soda.

JoystiqAnalysts expect in-game ad spending to reach $1 billion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 May 2009 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingin-game-advertisingscreen-digestTue, 26 May 2009 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Knight News awards to recognize serious games, zombies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/knight-news-awards-to-recognize-serious-games-zombies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/knight-news-awards-to-recognize-serious-games-zombies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/knight-news-awards-to-recognize-serious-games-zombies/#comments We weren't sure what to expect when we rolled up to the first annual Knight News Game Awards, wearing our finest armor and eager to graciously accept our much-deserved award for sharpest swords. It turns out the ceremony, named for its sponsor -- the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation -- is designed instead to recognize a new genre of games, namely those that are "journalistic and enhance people's ability to make decisions in a democracy." Boy, were our faces red, not that you could tell beneath our newly-polished helmets.

The awards presentation is set to kick off as part of the Games for Change Festival this week, which runs from May 27-29 in New York City. Event organizers today announced the finalists for the awards, which include a handful of socially-conscious games including Hurricane Katrina: Tempest in Crescent City, Play the News and the controversial September 12th - A Toy World. Our pick: The Budget Maze, where players navigate a dungeon while quizzing zombies on city or state budget processes. Who better to consult on financial planning than the undead?

JoystiqKnight News awards to recognize serious games, zombies originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 May 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>games-for-changeknight-news-game-awardsserious-gamesthe-budget-mazezombiesMon, 25 May 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Scribblenauts gets more awesome with level creation, sharing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/24/scribblenauts-gets-more-awesome-with-level-creation-sharing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/24/scribblenauts-gets-more-awesome-with-level-creation-sharing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/24/scribblenauts-gets-more-awesome-with-level-creation-sharing/#commentsWe already know that developer 5th Cell's ambitious DS project Scribblenauts will keep us distracted with its purported ability to let us conjure up anything simply by writing its name on the screen. What we didn't know is that the game will also let us confound others by letting us edit and share levels. Seriously, is there anything this cute little game can't do?

In Scribblenauts, players will be able to create and share custom obstacle course-style levels with other players, as well as dictate how objects in these levels behave. We might create a whale who loves honey, or a rainbow that attracts flies. Or, as Kotaku's Totilo puts it, things could get weird when Scribblenauts pencils in all of our free time this fall.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqScribblenauts gets more awesome with level creation, sharing originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 May 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-cellDSNintendoplatformerPuzzleScribblenautsuser-created-contentWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWBIESun, 24 May 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Behold the vacant stare of the Chun-Li action figure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/24/behold-the-vacant-stare-of-the-chun-li-action-figure/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/24/behold-the-vacant-stare-of-the-chun-li-action-figure/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/24/behold-the-vacant-stare-of-the-chun-li-action-figure/#comments NECA has a long history of crowding our shelves with action figures, and while we're accustomed to emptying our wallets for these plastic diversions without question there's just something about this latest Chun Li figure that looks a little ... off.

Set for release in August, she's one of a three new NECA toys based on Street Fighter IV, including figures modeled after Akuma and Guile as well. And while each of the figs has their own unique quirks, maybe it's Chun Li's oddly-defined muscles or creepy blank stare that's weirding us right out. On second thought, it's gotta be the hands. They're just way too small.

JoystiqBehold the vacant stare of the Chun-Li action figure originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 May 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figuresakumachun-liguilenecastreet-fighterstreet-fighter-ivtoysSun, 24 May 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek exec Avni Yerli joins GDC Europe advisory board]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/crytek-exec-avni-yerli-joins-gdc-europe-advisory-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/crytek-exec-avni-yerli-joins-gdc-europe-advisory-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/crytek-exec-avni-yerli-joins-gdc-europe-advisory-board/#comments Like momma always said, if you're gonna effect change, the best place to be is on the inside. Avni Yerli, managing director and co-founder of Crytek, has joined the GDC Europe advisory board, where together with existing members he hopes to "create a conference that will hit the industry's nerve."

GDC Europe's Frank Sliwka put it another way, offering hope that Yerli's membership will "elevate the conference to a whole new level." Let's just hope the board's processors can handle the stress without -- dare we say it -- crying.

JoystiqCrytek exec Avni Yerli joins GDC Europe advisory board originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 May 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avni-yerlicrysiscrysis-warheadcrytekgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-europegdcgdc-europeFri, 22 May 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fuel sets Guinness record as biggest console game ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/fuel-sets-guinness-record-as-biggest-console-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/fuel-sets-guinness-record-as-biggest-console-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/fuel-sets-guinness-record-as-biggest-console-game-ever/#comments Codemasters' Fuel is big, and while some may argue that size doesn't matter, they're probably just jealous of the open-world racer's immense girth. In fact, the upcoming off-road racing game was recently crowned by Guinness World Records for having the largest playable environment in a console game ever with 5,560 square miles of accessible in-game terrain.

To help us wrap our heads around how big that is, the Codies say that's larger than Hong Kong, Singapore, St Lucia and the Isle of Man put together. Let's just hope developer Asobo (pictured) remembers to fill all that space with enough to do, else it's going to be a very long and boring ride. Are we there yet?

Gallery: FUEL

JoystiqFuel sets Guinness record as biggest console game ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 May 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asobo-studioscodemastersfuelguinnessguinnessbookofworldrecordsMicrosoftracingrecordXbox-360Fri, 22 May 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Rockstar Games founders form 4mm Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/former-rockstar-games-founders-form-4mm-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/former-rockstar-games-founders-form-4mm-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/former-rockstar-games-founders-form-4mm-games/#comments Eager to fill their lungs with the clean air of independent living, Rockstar Games co-founders Jamie King and Gary Foreman have headed for the hills. Along the way the pair picked up Nicholas Perret from Image Metrics, known for its amazing yet slightly creepy Emily video, and entertainment exec Paul Coyne. Next stop: 4mm Games, a new game studio that, according to CEO Perret, aims to "deliver groundbreaking content with global appeal to a consumer who lives online."

4mm isn't talking specifics, though the company has netted "significant" backing from game-focused investment firm, CEA Autumn Games. According to 4mm, the companies have agreed to a multi-year partnership, which includes multiple titles and platforms. Beyond this, 4mm is keeping quiet on what it plans to spend its new-found cash on, but we'll keep our eyes on the horizon as things develop.

JoystiqFormer Rockstar Games founders form 4mm Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 May 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4mm4mm-gamesgtagta-ivgtaivrockstarrockstar-gamesrockstargamesThu, 21 May 2009 09:00:00 EST