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[First4Figures unveils statuette of Shenmue's Ryo Hazuki]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/first4figures-unveils-statuette-of-shenmues-ryo-hazuki/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/first4figures-unveils-statuette-of-shenmues-ryo-hazuki/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/first4figures-unveils-statuette-of-shenmues-ryo-hazuki/#commentsFirst4Figures unveils statuette of Shenmue's Ryo Hazuki Ryo Hazuki, protagonist of Sega's Shenmue series, is being adapted into a statue that captures the full emotional range of the character - by which we mean it is completely devoid of emotion. Ryo Hazuki is the first in the Sega All Stars range from premium collectibles maker First4Figures.

The one-foot-tall representation of the martial arts student/occasional dock worker comes in two variants: a $170 regular edition and a $185 "Exclusive" version with a base modeled after the sought-after "Phoenix Mirror" relic from the game. The figures are up for pre-order, due to ship in Q4.

Just think, boxes of these will be moved in and out of warehouses by forklift.

Gallery: Sega All-Star statue (Ryo Hazuki Figure)

JoystiqFirst4Figures unveils statuette of Shenmue's Ryo Hazuki originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first4figuresryo-hazukishenmueWed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Curiosity's end may coincide with new Xbox reveal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/curiositys-end-may-coincide-with-new-xbox-reveal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/curiositys-end-may-coincide-with-new-xbox-reveal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/curiositys-end-may-coincide-with-new-xbox-reveal/#comments
Curiosity: What's Inside the Cube is now officially down to its last 50 layers. Even Peter Molyneux is impatient for 22Cans' bizarre iOS experiment to end, telling Polygon: "Enough's enough, for crying out loud."

The game, which is about tapping to remove dots from a cube to reveal the "life-changing" secret within, features a countdown timer running toward the projected end of the experiment, when one person will clear the final layer.

"I thought six months was about the length of time that Curiosity should go on before it closed, and this is almost exactly the six month anniversary of the end of Curiosity," Molyneux told GameSpot. "Bizarrely, as part of that controversy, is that the end of the cube - the last layer of the cube - might well be, I mean probably if you look at our analysis of probability, the same day that the next Xbox is announced. Which would be a bizarre twist of fate." The next Xbox is due to be revealed May 21.

Or a bizarre twist of Pete? Regarding the coincidence, he told GameSpot, "There's an interesting opportunity, possibly, for me to ... well, I can't say any more than that. There may be some words from me around that time. I'm not saying any more." Confirmed: The next Xbox will come in a box made of billions of tiny cubes.

Along with today's news, 22Cans released the above video, which features visual proof that people like Curiosity at least enough to scrawl dirty words into the cube.

JoystiqCuriosity's end may coincide with new Xbox reveal originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>22Canscuriositycuriosity-whats-inside-the-cubeiosiphonemobilepeter-molyneuxWed, 01 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Machinima app, other wildly random entertainment on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/machinima-app-other-wildly-random-entertainment-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/machinima-app-other-wildly-random-entertainment-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/machinima-app-other-wildly-random-entertainment-on-xbox-live/#commentsMachinima app, Gods of Rock awards come to Xbox Live Xbox Live is home to a new Machinima app, allowing you to view that website's content, like Mortal Kombat: Legacy and everything else, through your Xbox. Joining that app are three more entertainment options, which we'd categorize as "interestingly eclectic."

Tune into the Events Player on Thursday, and you'll be able to watch the Revolver Golden Gods Awards Show, which is apparently some kind of rock/metal show, and which has apparently been going on for five years. The show is SmartGlass-enhanced, allowing you to fill out polls, see backstage interviews, and "Check out the award nominees in categories like "'Best Drummer,' 'Comeback of the Year' and 'Most Metal Athlete.'"

Starting May 10, Xbox Video will host new episodes of The LeBrons, an animated series about LeBron James based on Nike commercials. And in the indefinite future, a OneBeat app will be released on Xbox with a calendar of events, ticket sales and more for electronic dance music. Eclectic!

JoystiqMachinima app, other wildly random entertainment on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>machinimamicrosoftonebeatrevolver-golden-gods-award-showthe-lebronsxboxxbox-liveWed, 01 May 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pay what you want for a virtual pile of video game ebooks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/pay-what-you-want-for-a-virtual-pile-of-video-game-ebooks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/pay-what-you-want-for-a-virtual-pile-of-video-game-ebooks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/pay-what-you-want-for-a-virtual-pile-of-video-game-ebooks/#commentsPay what you want for a virtual pile of video game ebooks The new StoryBundle - a pay-what-you-want, DRM-free collection of eBooks - offers an instant collection of game history and culture, including Jordan Mechner's journals for Karateka and Prince of Persia, Videogames: In the Beginning by Ralph Baer (who would know!), Brendan Keogh's Killing is Harmless, a longform review/critique of Spec Ops: The Line, a couple of Kill Screen issues, and more.

To get all the books, you need to pay at least $10; however, you can pay anything and get merely most of them. Either way, your ebook reader is going to be loaded up with game history.

JoystiqPay what you want for a virtual pile of video game ebooks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ebooksjordan-mechnerralph-baerstorybundleWed, 01 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom encases 3DS, 3DS XL in vintage Mega Man look]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/capcom-encases-3ds-3ds-xl-in-vintage-mega-man-look/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/capcom-encases-3ds-3ds-xl-in-vintage-mega-man-look/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/capcom-encases-3ds-3ds-xl-in-vintage-mega-man-look/#commentsCapcom store celebrates Mega Man with 3DS case Capcom has taken part in an ongoing observation of Mega Man's 25th anniversary with statues, soundtrack releases, USB drives, and even an officially promoted fan game. As we stretch into year two of the 25th anniversary celebration, Capcom is producing a Mega Man-themed case for 3DS and 3DS XL.

At first blush, outfitting a 3DS in Mega Man garb seems like a cruel tease, after the death of Mega Man Legends 3. But Capcom is releasing all of the NES Mega Mans on the handheld's Virtual Console (it's up to 4 now), making an NES-style Mega Man motif appropriate.

The case will be on sale at Comic-Con, as well as at Capcom's online store.

JoystiqCapcom encases 3DS, 3DS XL in vintage Mega Man look originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaccessoriescapcomcasecomic-con-2013mega-mannintendoWed, 01 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[May the Fourth be an excuse for Star Wars Pinball discounts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/may-the-fourth-be-an-excuse-for-star-wars-pinball-discounts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/may-the-fourth-be-an-excuse-for-star-wars-pinball-discounts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/may-the-fourth-be-an-excuse-for-star-wars-pinball-discounts/#commentsMay 4th discounts on Star Wars pinball tables Every year, we forget that people celebrate Star Wars-related stuff on May 4, thanks to a cute pun, and every year we smile a bit when we remember. This year, Zen Studios is marking the occasion with a sale on Star Wars Pinball, marking the game down 50% in all of its multifarious versions.

Starting yesterday, and through May 7, Star Wars Pinball as part of Pinball FX2 on Xbox is 400 Microsoft Points; Star Wars Pinball for Zen Pinball 2 is €4.99 for European PS Plus members; and the iOS, Android, Mac App Store, and new Kindle Fire HD versions are all 99 cents.

There have been some ups and downs for Star Wars recently - new owners, and new movies, but LucasArts is gone. Enjoy this game, then, as it's likely to be a while before we see more Star Wars games.

Continue reading May the Fourth be an excuse for Star Wars Pinball discounts

JoystiqMay the Fourth be an excuse for Star Wars Pinball discounts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosiphonemacmicrosoftmobilepinball-fx-2playstationps3star-wars-pinballxboxzen-pinball-2Wed, 01 May 2013 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[A Link to the Past, Street Fighter 2 and more coming to Wii U Virtual Console in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/a-link-to-the-past-street-fighter-2-and-more-coming-to-wii-u-vi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/a-link-to-the-past-street-fighter-2-and-more-coming-to-wii-u-vi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/a-link-to-the-past-street-fighter-2-and-more-coming-to-wii-u-vi/#comments
A launch trailer for the Wii U Virtual Console in Europe reveals some upcoming games for that region, including Balloon Fight, Mega Man, Xevious, Street Fighter 2, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Super Ghouls & Ghosts, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Not mentioned in the video, but shown in passing, were Street Fighter 2 Turbo and Super Street Fighter 2. No specific dates were offered for any of these releases. They are all out on Wii Virtual Console, and thus playable on Wii U already, but the Wii U specific releases will add restore points, custom controls, and most importantly off-TV play.

The European Virtual Console launched on April 27 with Super Mario World, F-Zero, Mario's Super Picross, Excitebike, Ice Climber, Donkey Kong Jr., and Punch-Out!! The North American lineup was identical, except Balloon Fight and Kirby's Adventure replaced Mario's Super Picross.

JoystiqA Link to the Past, Street Fighter 2 and more coming to Wii U Virtual Console in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendovirtual-consolewii-uTue, 30 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[John Madden Football designer's lawsuit against EA going to court]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/john-madden-football-designers-lawsuit-against-ea-going-to-cour/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/john-madden-football-designers-lawsuit-against-ea-going-to-cour/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/john-madden-football-designers-lawsuit-against-ea-going-to-cour/#commentsMadden lawsuit going to court Robin Antonick, designer of John Madden Football for 8-bit computers, will have his case against EA proceed to trial June 17, after a federal judge denied EA's motion to dismiss Antonick's lawsuit. Antonick filed in 2011, seeking royalties and a cut of profits from the Madden series' subsequent success.

"We have very compelling evidence indicating that EA used Mr. Antonick's ground-breaking code and design elements as the basis for both past and present Madden NFL titles," Robert Carey, one of Antonick's attorneys, said in a press release. "Yet, EA has failed to compensate him as required by his agreement or give him proper credit for his work. We look forward to proving our case at trial, and we are very confident that we will prevail." Antonick claims he signed a deal with EA in 1986 entitling him to royalties from derivative works, and claims that the later Madden games all count as derivative from his game.

[Image: Mobygames]

Continue reading John Madden Football designer's lawsuit against EA going to court

JoystiqJohn Madden Football designer's lawsuit against EA going to court originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsjohn-madden-footballlawsuitrobin-antonickTue, 30 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Terraria expands to European PSN May 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/terraria-expands-to-european-psn-may-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/terraria-expands-to-european-psn-may-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/terraria-expands-to-european-psn-may-15/#comments The console version of Terraria arrived worldwide on Xbox 360 and in North America back in March, while European PSN players have been waiting patiently for their chance. Or maybe they haven't been patient. We haven't polled anyone.

Anyway, the point is Terraria will be out on PS3 in Europe and Australia on May 15, at a €14.99 / £11.99 price point.

If you still don't mind waiting, a Vita version is on the way later this summer.

JoystiqTerraria expands to European PSN May 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeplaystationps3psnrelease-dateterrariaTue, 30 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fetch Metal Gear Rising's Blade Wolf DLC starting May 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/fetch-metal-gear-risings-blade-wolf-dlc-starting-may-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/fetch-metal-gear-risings-blade-wolf-dlc-starting-may-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/fetch-metal-gear-risings-blade-wolf-dlc-starting-may-14/#commentsBlade Wolf DLC on May 14 Metal Gear Rising's Blade Wolf character will take center stage on May 14 in North America, and will probably take a few nerve centers while he's at it, given the usual flow of that game's action. The Blade Wolf DLC will be released on PSN in North America and Xbox Live in North America and Europe that day, with a European PS3 release following the next day.

Don't expect a buddy comedy between Blade Wolf (formal name: LQ-84i) and Raiden; the story takes place before the two cyborgs face off, with Blade Wolf still working under Mistral. You probably didn't even think about what his life was like before he started yelling "COMBINATION ATTACK" at Raiden, but now you'll know.

Gallery: Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (Blade Wolf DLC)

Continue reading Fetch Metal Gear Rising's Blade Wolf DLC starting May 14

JoystiqFetch Metal Gear Rising's Blade Wolf DLC starting May 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-wolfdlcmetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingrelease-dateTue, 30 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops 2 updated with Arms Race Team Deathmatch and multiplayer fixes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/black-ops-2-updated-with-arms-race-team-deathmatch-and-multiplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/black-ops-2-updated-with-arms-race-team-deathmatch-and-multiplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/black-ops-2-updated-with-arms-race-team-deathmatch-and-multiplay/#comments A new update has gone out for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, adding a new Bonus Playlist game mode, a Connection Quality survey "to assess online gameplay connection quality," and a list of multiplayer tweaks. The new mode, Arms Race Team Deathmatch, gives players 150 score per kill, leading to quick Scorestreaks. It's available for a "limited time."

The multiplayer tweaks are mostly bug fix type changes - "Fixed an issue reported by the community where players could get infinite ammo for the Death Machine and War Machine" and the like. You can find a full list of tweaks on both PS3 and Xbox after the break.

Continue reading Black Ops 2 updated with Arms Race Team Deathmatch and multiplayer fixes

JoystiqBlack Ops 2 updated with Arms Race Team Deathmatch and multiplayer fixes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-black-ops-2microsoftpatchplaystationps3xboxTue, 30 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stealth Bastard Deluxe infiltrates Mac and Linux, cheap on Steam this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/stealth-bastard-deluxe-infiltrates-mac-and-linux-cheap-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/stealth-bastard-deluxe-infiltrates-mac-and-linux-cheap-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/stealth-bastard-deluxe-infiltrates-mac-and-linux-cheap-on-steam/#comments Stealth Bastard Deluxe on Mac and LinuxCurve Studios' Stealth Bastard Deluxe may have been renamed Stealth Inc. - A Clone in the Dark for its upcoming PSN release, but it's still the same Bastard on Mac and Linux, where it launched this week.

To celebrate the new platforms for the stealth platformer, Curve has discounted all available versions 50% on Steam. It's now $4.99 with SteamPlay, with the soundtrack and DLC also half off.

Continue reading Stealth Bastard Deluxe infiltrates Mac and Linux, cheap on Steam this week

JoystiqStealth Bastard Deluxe infiltrates Mac and Linux, cheap on Steam this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>curve-studiosmacpcstealth-bastard-deluxesteamTue, 30 Apr 2013 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Arcade documentary '100 Yen' launches on DVD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/arcade-documentary-100-yen-launches-on-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/arcade-documentary-100-yen-launches-on-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/arcade-documentary-100-yen-launches-on-dvd/#comments
For those of us unable to pop into a nearby Taito Station, the film "100 Yen" sounds like the next best thing, and without some guy angrily making an "X" shape with his arms when you try to shoot photos.

The documentary film features a series of interviews illustrating the evolution of arcade culture, focusing on shooting, rhythm, and fighting game scenes in Japanese, Canadian, and American arcades.

The film was funded through two IndieGogo campaigns, and is now available on DVD through distributor Filmbuff, which also released Exit Through the Gift Shop and Super Size Me. Blu-ray and online versions are due in Q4.

JoystiqArcade documentary '100 Yen' launches on DVD originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100-yenarcadedocumentaryindiegogoMon, 29 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix releasing 'Remaster' soundtracks for SNES Final Fantasy games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/square-enix-releasing-remaster-soundtracks-for-snes-final-fant/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/square-enix-releasing-remaster-soundtracks-for-snes-final-fant/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/square-enix-releasing-remaster-soundtracks-for-snes-final-fant/#comments Square Enix remixing SNES Final Fantasy musicSquare Enix is dipping into its back catalog to offer remastered versions of its SNES Final Fantasy soundtracks, starting with Final Fantasy 4 on July 3. The Japanese release of the CD will come in a special box with art by character designer Yoshitaka Amano.

While the CD soundtrack likely won't see official release in North America, you can purchase it from an importer like CDJapan. And Square Enix is surprisingly good about digitally releasing soundtracks.

JoystiqSquare Enix releasing 'Remaster' soundtracks for SNES Final Fantasy games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-4japansoundtracksoundtrackssquare-enixMon, 29 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft books LA venue for event on June 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/microsoft-books-la-venue-for-event-on-june-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/microsoft-books-la-venue-for-event-on-june-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/microsoft-books-la-venue-for-event-on-june-10/#comments Microsoft has booked its usual LA haunt, the Galen Center, for an event on June 10. Neowin contacted the venue and discovered the booking, which suggests that Microsoft will hold a pre-E3 press conference the day before the show begins.

This isn't a surprise - Microsoft always holds a pre-E3 event at the Galen Center - but the company has yet to announce this year's iteration. This event follows very shortly after the May 21 event at which Microsoft will reveal the next Xbox. Presumably we'll get more detail on that system and new game announcements at the E3 event. Or we'll be tricked into some avant-garde circus performance.

JoystiqMicrosoft books LA venue for event on June 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2013galen-centerkinectmicrosoftxboxMon, 29 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game and Wario will retail for $39.99]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/game-and-wario-will-retail-for-39-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/game-and-wario-will-retail-for-39-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/game-and-wario-will-retail-for-39-99/#comments Game and Wario will cost $3999Game & Wario, Nintendo's Wii U collection of GamePad enhanced microgames, will retail for $39.99, an unexpectedly low price for a retail Wii U game, especially one from Nintendo. Retailers posted pre-order pages over the weekend at that price, and we have just obtained confirmation of the $39.99 MSRP from Nintendo.

Game & Wario will be released June 23 in North America.

JoystiqGame and Wario will retail for $39.99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-and-wariomsrpnintendowii-uMon, 29 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix lays off staff in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/square-enix-lays-off-staff-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/square-enix-lays-off-staff-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/square-enix-lays-off-staff-in-europe/#comments According to a statement given to UK press (including MCV and CVG) by Square Enix, the publisher is instituting an unspecified number of layoffs in Europe. "We do expect changes to the UK office, which will affect personnel," the publisher said. "We will update you when the time is right, but our priority right now is for the people within the business." We've reached out to Square Enix for more information.

These cuts follow layoffs in Square Enix's North American division, during which the company warned of cuts coming in Europe and Japan. Square Enix is undergoing massive restructuring, due in part to the fact that its Western console games only sold excellently, and failed to meet the company's stratospheric expectations.

JoystiqSquare Enix lays off staff in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europelayoffssquare-enixsquare-enix-europeMon, 29 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You gotta go fast on the new treadmill-based Sonic arcade game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/you-gotta-go-fast-on-the-new-treadmill-based-sonic-arcade-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/you-gotta-go-fast-on-the-new-treadmill-based-sonic-arcade-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/you-gotta-go-fast-on-the-new-treadmill-based-sonic-arcade-game/#comments You gotta go fast on the new treadmillbased Sonic arcade gameSonic Athletics is a new arcade game at Sega's Joypolis park that uses a control scheme that seems obvious, even natural for a Sonic game: running. The giant machine uses eight side-by-side treadmills to compete in 100 meter dash, long jump, and 110 meter hurdles. You won't have to make yourself ill trying to do spin jumps, as that's handled by a button.

The ¥500 ($5.11) attraction seems a lot more sensible than Sonic's last attempt at motion controls. Even if playing it results in spending the rest of your day at the Tokyo amusement park covered in sweat.

JoystiqYou gotta go fast on the new treadmill-based Sonic arcade game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>athleticsjapanjoypolissegasonicsonic-athleticsMon, 29 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quell: Memento brings heritage, block shuffling to Vita, iOS, Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/quell-memento-brings-heritage-block-shuffling-to-vita-ios-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/quell-memento-brings-heritage-block-shuffling-to-vita-ios-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/quell-memento-brings-heritage-block-shuffling-to-vita-ios-an/#comments
Quell: Memento, coming to Vita, Android, and iOS, has a long lineage. "You see, the game prototype was originally created on an Amstrad CPC computer, way back in 1993," writes Fallen Tree Games art director Lewis Boadle on the PlayStation Blog. "Having said that, it was very different back then - it was called "Last of the Smileys" and was a lot more 8-bit in style."

Since that Amstrad prototype, the Quell series has grown, with two other games on mobile platforms. Memento is a series of 150-plus puzzles set in an abandoned house, in which you slide a raindrop to collect pearls, navigating other obstacles with various idiosyncratic properties. The elements are, in general, recognizable real-world things. "This would mean, we felt, that the player is able to establish the rules of play quickly, because they know that a pearl is valuable, or that a thorn will likely burst a droplet," Boadle says.

JoystiqQuell: Memento brings heritage, block shuffling to Vita, iOS, Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfallen-tree-gamesiosiphonemobileplaystationplaystation-vitaquellquell-mementovitaSat, 27 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Chasm demo released as Kickstarter crosses $100k]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/new-chasm-demo-released-as-kickstarter-crosses-100k/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/new-chasm-demo-released-as-kickstarter-crosses-100k/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/new-chasm-demo-released-as-kickstarter-crosses-100k/#comments
Discord Games has released a new demo version of its side-scrolling action-RPG Chasm as the game's Kickstarter project enters its third week with over $100,000 in pledges.

Playing like a mashup of Symphony of the Night and Wanderers from Ys, Chasm challenges players to plumb a procedurally generated mineshaft for stat-boosting equipment and other valuable artifacts. The demo version includes the game's first village and a handful of dungeon floors, and gives a good idea of the kind of hack-and-slash action that will be featured in the final release. Watch out for those bats, by the way - they're total jerks.

Discord Games seeks $150,000 to fully fund the project, and notes that Chasm currently ranks at #17 in the Steam Greenlight charts.

JoystiqNew Chasm demo released as Kickstarter crosses $100k originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chasmdemokickstarterpcFri, 26 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham City is a board game now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/batman-arkham-city-is-a-board-game-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/batman-arkham-city-is-a-board-game-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/batman-arkham-city-is-a-board-game-now/#comments Batman Arkham City is a board game nowBatman: Arkham City Escape is a board game based on the game sequel to the game based on the comics, due in the UK this June (and elsewhere in "Q2") from Cryptozoic Games.

In the two-player game, one player controls Batman's villains, using their special abilities to escape from Arkham City with hostages in tow. The other player controls Batman, using his stealth, tools, and impressive glower to prevent their escape. Randomly located gargoyles help him travel around the board, just like in the video game.

Start working on your utility-belt style card holster now!

Continue reading Batman: Arkham City is a board game now

JoystiqBatman: Arkham City is a board game now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-citybatman-arkham-city-escapecryptozoicFri, 26 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery is an Unreal puzzle game for Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/jacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mystery-is-an-unreal-puzzle-game-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/jacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mystery-is-an-unreal-puzzle-game-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/jacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mystery-is-an-unreal-puzzle-game-for/#comments
Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery is an unexpected use of Unreal Engine 3: it's a Professor Layton-style puzzle game, for one thing, instead of any variety of shooter. It stars a group of kid campers, designed to resemble vinyl toys, instead of tree trunk-sized men. And it's for Vita!

Basically, Epic should be using this game to demonstrate the flexibility of the engine.

Lucid Games' new puzzler is the story of a shy kid who goes off to summer camp, and is miserable, until he discovers Bigfoot! Then something something puzzles.

JoystiqJacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery is an Unreal puzzle game for Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mysterylucid-gamesplaystationplaystation-vitapsnvitaFri, 26 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Batman brings the DC Super Heroes to iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/lego-batman-brings-the-dc-super-heroes-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/lego-batman-brings-the-dc-super-heroes-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/lego-batman-brings-the-dc-super-heroes-to-ios/#comments Lego Batman DC Super Heroes out on iOS nowLego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes continues its campaign to occupy every single platform, with the release of an iOS version. That joins the existing PC, Mac, PS3, Vita, 3DS, DS, Wii, Wii U, and Xbox 360 versions in a sort of Justice League of near-identical games.

The iOS release costs $4.99 and includes two different control schemes, which means there's a slightly better chance you might find one that's workable, though we're always skeptical of console-to-iOS ports.

JoystiqLego Batman brings the DC Super Heroes to iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonelego-batman-2lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroesmobileFri, 26 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Rising's Blade Wolf DLC out in Japan May 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/metal-gear-risings-blade-wolf-dlc-out-in-japan-may-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/metal-gear-risings-blade-wolf-dlc-out-in-japan-may-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/metal-gear-risings-blade-wolf-dlc-out-in-japan-may-9/#comments MGR Revengeance's third DLC due May 9 in JapanMetal Gear Rising Revengeance's upcoming DLC stars Blade Wolf, who is sure to be recognized as this year's best chainsaw-tailed robodog character. It's due in Japan on May 9, Konami announced today, which suggests it won't make the April date originally given for the North American release.

The preceding Jetstream Sam DLC was met with complaints that it wasn't actually that different from the base game. We're holding out hope that this new pack will be a more varied experience - after all, Blade Wolf is much less similar to Raiden than Sam was, what with the four legs and all.

JoystiqMetal Gear Rising's Blade Wolf DLC out in Japan May 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-wolfdlcjapanmetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingmicrosoftplaystationps3release-datexboxFri, 26 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get Deoxys for Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/get-deoxys-for-pokemon-black-2-and-white-2-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/get-deoxys-for-pokemon-black-2-and-white-2-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/get-deoxys-for-pokemon-black-2-and-white-2-next-month/#comments Something about PokemonThe creepy-looking Pokémon Deoxys will be available in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 starting May 8, through a special character distribution online. If you're still playing the trading card game, it's also being released for that in a new "Plasma Freeze" expansion. Are people still playing the TCG?

When Deoxys was first introduced back in 2005, it was revealed as part of a cross-promotion between Pokémon and NASA designed to help teach kids about DNA. Perhaps you didn't realize, when you woke up this morning, that you lived in a world where NASA and Pokémon had collaborated.

Continue reading Get Deoxys for Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 next month

JoystiqGet Deoxys for Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deoxysdlcdsnintendoThu, 25 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo details its new E3 plans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/nintendo-details-its-new-e3-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/nintendo-details-its-new-e3-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/nintendo-details-its-new-e3-plans/#comments Nintendo details E3 plansNintendo isn't doing the full E3 press conference this year, as revealed last night. In a statement, Nintendo of America explained what its revised plans are, offering details of the two closed events it will host in lieu of a Ravi Drums-enhanced conference.

"Beyond the news that will be communicated through Nintendo Direct videos in the run up to E3, at the show itself we're hosting two smaller events on Tuesday morning before the LACC opens instead of just our traditional one event," Nintendo said. "A media event and a partner presentation will both occur that morning," which is when the press conference would traditionally occur.

The media event will take place at Nintendo's E3 booth before the show, allowing "a small group of media" to play new games. Meanwhile, "at the Nokia theater we'll meet with business partners (retailers, publishers, analysts, etc.) from the NOA territory and discuss our plans for driving the business and providing tailored information that this group finds useful to their operations."

Yes, that's right. Nintendo is still renting out the Nokia Theater, and just putting on a smaller show there. That suggests that either this plan was conceived very recently - after the company had already booked the theater - or that Nintendo is going to try to wow its smaller, focused audience with a big show.

Continue reading Nintendo details its new E3 plans

JoystiqNintendo details its new E3 plans originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dse3-2013nintendowii-uThu, 25 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neo Geo X hits $100 at Best Buy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/neo-geo-x-hits-100-at-best-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/neo-geo-x-hits-100-at-best-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/neo-geo-x-hits-100-at-best-buy/#comments The Neo Geo X Gold console has reached its lowest price yet, with Best Buy putting the handheld (with Neo Geo-shaped dock, full-size joystick, and Ninja Master's cartridge) on sale for $99.99, $100 cheaper than its original price. If you'd like an extra arcade stick, it's also half-price, on sale now for $25.

Amazon still offers the set for $129.99 - which will be the MSRP of the standalone Neo Geo X (with no dock) when that launches.

JoystiqNeo Geo X hits $100 at Best Buy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buyneo-geo-xneo-geo-x-goldThu, 25 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony talks up DualShock 4 features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/sony-talks-up-dualshock-4-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/sony-talks-up-dualshock-4-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/sony-talks-up-dualshock-4-features/#comments
Sony still isn't willing to show more than the controller for the PS4, but it's getting all the mileage it can from that. Here, Sony devs go over each feature of the DualShock 4. Well, mostly the new ones - the share button, the light bar, the speaker. There's not too much discussion of, like, L2.

JoystiqSony talks up DualShock 4 features originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dualshock-4playstationps3Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Nintendo eShop releases: Rayman Legends Challenges, Mega Man 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-rayman-legends-challenges-mega-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-rayman-legends-challenges-mega-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-rayman-legends-challenges-mega-man/#comments New Nintendo eShop releases Rayman Legends Challenges, Mega Man 4The free Rayman Legends Challenges app launches today on the Wii U eShop. Half demo and half conciliatory gesture, this exclusive app was promised after Ubisoft delayed the Wii U version to prepare a multiplatform release. The full game is due September 3.

On 3DS, the collection of NES Mega Man games grows with Mega Man 4. And Color Commando launches on DSiWare, a puzzle-platformer about placing blobs of paint around a level to neutralize same-color monsters.

Continue reading New Nintendo eShop releases: Rayman Legends Challenges, Mega Man 4

JoystiqNew Nintendo eShop releases: Rayman Legends Challenges, Mega Man 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscolor-commandodsdsiwareeshopnintendonintendoware-weeklyrayman-legendsrayman-legends-challengessengokuwiiwii-uThu, 25 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo not doing E3 press conference, holding smaller closed events instead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/nintendo-not-doing-e3-press-conference-holding-smaller-closed-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/nintendo-not-doing-e3-press-conference-holding-smaller-closed-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/nintendo-not-doing-e3-press-conference-holding-smaller-closed-e/#comments Nintendo not doing E3 press conference, holding smaller closed events insteadIn an investor presentation, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata announced that Nintendo will skip the usual large-scale E3 press conference this year in favor of "a few smaller events that are specifically focused on our software lineup for the U.S. market."

One of these events will be for American distributors, with another closed event "for mainly the Western gaming media." Iwata noted that Nintendo is not planning to announce any new hardware at this E3, with showing off software the main focus.

While Nintendo is dropping a lot of mainstream press attention with this move, it makes a lot of sense for a company with the recent financial history of Nintendo to skip out on some expensive pageantry. Especially when the company makes E3-level announcements monthly, for a tiny fraction of the cost.

JoystiqNintendo not doing E3 press conference, holding smaller closed events instead originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdse3-2013nintendosatoru-iwatawiiwii-uWed, 24 Apr 2013 23:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Miiverse now accessible through web browsers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/miiverse-now-accessible-through-web-browsers/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/miiverse-now-accessible-through-web-browsers/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/miiverse-now-accessible-through-web-browsers/#comments Miiverse now partially accessible through web browsersYou can't quite draw Mario tableaux on your smartphone to share with your pals yet, but you can load up Miiverse on your computer or smartphone's web browser to look at your friends' stuff. Browser access to the Wii U's adorable social network has launched, in beta.

Load up the Miiverse site here and you'll be able to view your Activity Feed, friends list, and notifications, and "Yeah!" others' posts - pretty much everything but make new posts and new accounts.

Even though it's now accessible outside the Wii U, you still need to make a Nintendo Network ID on a Wii U in order to use Miiverse.

JoystiqMiiverse now accessible through web browsers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>miiversemobilenintendopcwii-uWed, 24 Apr 2013 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Steve Jackson's Sorcery conjured onto iOS next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/steve-jacksons-sorcery-conjured-onto-ios-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/steve-jacksons-sorcery-conjured-onto-ios-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/steve-jacksons-sorcery-conjured-onto-ios-next-month/#comments Steve Jackson's Sorcery zapping onto iOS next monthSteve Jackson's Sorcery is on the way to iOS next month from Inkle, a studio formed by ex-PlayStation designer Jon Ingold and industry veteren Joseph Humfrey, "specializing in interactive storytelling."

Steve Jackson's Sorcery is a version of a 1983 Fighting Fantasy gamebook, sort of a Choose Your Own Adventure RPG. The iOS version updates the formula with 3D maps, a touch-based swordfighting system, and graphics.

If you ask nicely, you can have some of Steve Jackson's Sorcery in May. He doesn't need all of it.

Gallery: Steve Jackson's Sorcery! (iOS)

Continue reading Steve Jackson's Sorcery conjured onto iOS next month

JoystiqSteve Jackson's Sorcery conjured onto iOS next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inkleiosipadiphonemay-2013mobilerelease-datesteve-jacksons-sorceryWed, 24 Apr 2013 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Dyad explodes onto PC today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/psa-dyad-explodes-onto-pc-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/psa-dyad-explodes-onto-pc-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/psa-dyad-explodes-onto-pc-today/#comments
Had enough of the real world and its boring, bland visuals? Enjoy some hyperreality, some surreality, some ... whatever you want to call it, some flashing color blasts in space tubes on your PC, with the release of Dyad.

The former PS3 exclusive is out today on Steam and GOG. It's still available for $13.49, a discount of 10 percent, through May 1. We spent some time in developer Shawn McGrath's abstract universe upon its original release, and we liked what we saw. Did we understand it? Maybe. But we liked it.

JoystiqPSA: Dyad explodes onto PC today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dyadgogpcpsasteamWed, 24 Apr 2013 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles emerge from the shadows to show off some fighting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-emerge-from-the-shadows-to-show-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-emerge-from-the-shadows-to-show-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-emerge-from-the-shadows-to-show-off/#comments
As demonstrated by "party dude" Michaelangelo, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows' combat closely resembles Batman: Arkham Asylum and its sequel. But with more dancing.

JoystiqTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles emerge from the shadows to show off some fighting originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3psnteenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-out-of-the-shadowsxblaxboxWed, 24 Apr 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Animal Crossing: New Leaf has new ways to spend money]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/animal-crossing-new-leaf-has-new-ways-to-spend-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/animal-crossing-new-leaf-has-new-ways-to-spend-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/animal-crossing-new-leaf-has-new-ways-to-spend-money/#comments
The latest "tourism" trailer for Animal Crossing: New Leaf shows potential new mayors some of the shopping options available in the latest game. For the first time, you can actually choose how you'd like your house to be renovated, instead of having Tom Nook demolish your house based on his own assumptions.

The result is the same, however: You owe Tom Nook crazy Bells.

JoystiqAnimal Crossing: New Leaf has new ways to spend money originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsanimal-crossing-3dsanimal-crossing-new-leafnintendoWed, 24 Apr 2013 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Unity ending Flash support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/unity-ending-flash-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/unity-ending-flash-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/unity-ending-flash-support/#comments Unity dropping Flash supportMultiplatform game engine Unity is getting a little less multiplatform. "As of today, we will stop selling Flash deployment licenses," CEO David Helgason announced. " We will continue to support our existing Flash customers throughout the 4.x cycle."

Helgason said that the decision to stop supporting Flash was motivated by what Unity sees as a lack of commitment to Flash on the part of Adobe, because of player instability, canceled projects, and various other factors.

Besides which, "Developers are moving away from Flash, and while Flash publishing has gotten little traction, our own Unity Web Player has seen unprecedented growth in recent months."

JoystiqUnity ending Flash support originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashpcunityWed, 24 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Skullgirls funding temporarily blocked by Paypal [update: XBLA patch on the way]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/skullgirls-funding-temporarily-blocked-by-paypal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/skullgirls-funding-temporarily-blocked-by-paypal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/skullgirls-funding-temporarily-blocked-by-paypal/#comments Paypal froze Lab Zero Games' account briefly today, due to risk that a significant number of Skullgirls crowdfunding pledges would be revoked. Lab Zero allowed backers to vote on new DLC characters, leading to the theory that if their chosen character didn't make it into the game, some fans would pull their "vote." "Basically, they are terrified of chargebacks," CEO Peter Bartholow told Venturebeat. "If we spend all the money and don't deliver and everyone [requests] chargebacks, PayPal is concerned they will be on the line for [the money]. So, they are effectively treating it as a loan."

After discussions with PayPal, the company has "unrestricted" Lab Zero's account, but continues to hold around $35,000, which Lab Zero CEO Peter Bartholow had planned to use for payroll. "They've only got $35k of our money frozen, so we're not in any real danger," Bartholow said on NeoGAF. "It's just an inconvenience at the moment."

Update: In other Skullgirls news, Bartholow tells XBLAFans the "Slightly Different" patch should arrive in the next two weeks on Xbox.

JoystiqSkullgirls funding temporarily blocked by Paypal [update: XBLA patch on the way] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowdfundingindiegogolab-zero-gamesmicrosoftpaypalpcplaystationps3skullgirlsxboxTue, 23 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword also becoming a movie, direct to video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/heavenly-sword-also-becoming-a-movie-direct-to-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/heavenly-sword-also-becoming-a-movie-direct-to-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/heavenly-sword-also-becoming-a-movie-direct-to-video/#comments Heavenly Sword also becoming a movie, direct to videoRatchet & Clank isn't the only Sony franchise from which Blockade Entertainment is adapting an animated film. As almost a footnote on Variety's article about the Ratchet movie, the publication reports that Blockade is producing a CG animated movie based on Heavenly Sword, for a direct to video release.

Heavenly Sword was a PlayStation 3 exclusive way back in 2007, an action game by Ninja Theory about a warrior, Nariko, who wields the magical sword protected by her clan in a campaign against an evil tyrant.

JoystiqHeavenly Sword also becoming a movie, direct to video originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blockade-entertainmentHeavenly-Swordmovieplaystationps3Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco's Idolm@ster games released on iOS in English (for $55 each)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/namcos-idolm-ster-games-released-on-ios-in-english-for-55-eac/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/namcos-idolm-ster-games-released-on-ios-in-english-for-55-eac/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/namcos-idolm-ster-games-released-on-ios-in-english-for-55-eac/#comments Namco's Idolmster games released on iOS in English for $55 eachNamco Bandai's Idolm@ster games have been exclusive to Japan since the series started, and for good reason: they're all about being a producer who recruits, trains, and promotes a girl group of "idol" performers. It's a huge sensation in Japan, and would meet mostly blank stares over here.

And now, Namco is helping generate those blank stares, releasing three Idolm@ster games, in English, on the iOS App Store. The catch: they're rhythm game spinoffs, without any of the simulation aspects. The real catch: they're $54.99 each. They're the same, except each stars a different team of erstwhile idols and includes a different animated sequence.

Square Enix just breathed a massive sigh of relief, as the pressure is off of its insane iOS pricing tendencies for a while.

JoystiqNamco's Idolm@ster games released on iOS in English (for $55 each) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>idolmasterinsane-pricesiosipadiphonemobilenamcoMon, 22 Apr 2013 21:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Animated platformer 'Buddy & Me' succeeds on Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/animated-platformer-buddy-and-me-succeeds-on-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/animated-platformer-buddy-and-me-succeeds-on-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/animated-platformer-buddy-and-me-succeeds-on-kickstarter/#comments Animated platformer 'Buddy & Me' succeeds on KickstarterBuddy & Me, a beautifully drawn 2D endless runner about a boy and his "magical flying creature" pal having adventures in a dream world of "infinite treehouses," passed its $40,000 Kickstarter goal, ending with $42,093 raised. That funding will enable developer Sunbreak Games to complete the iOS/Android game, expected in June.

Founder Jason Behr had experience working on the Metroid Prime series as lead level designer, and on Halo 4 as senior mission designer, before starting his own company and working on a game that looks nothing like either of those. "At Sunbreak," the Kickstarter project explains, "we're dedicated to crafting entertainment with a more 'positive' tone, so for Buddy & Me we focused on three core themes: companionship, an obsession with treehouses, and the natural excitement of exploring the great outdoors."

JoystiqAnimated platformer 'Buddy & Me' succeeds on Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbuddy-and-meiosipadiphonekickstartermobilesunbreak-gamesMon, 22 Apr 2013 18:50:00 EST