Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogobig.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Bullet For My Valentine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/rock-band-weekly-bullet-for-my-valentine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/rock-band-weekly-bullet-for-my-valentine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/rock-band-weekly-bullet-for-my-valentine/#comments ImageA "Bullet For My Valentine" may sound like a really terrible gift for anyone that doesn't collect antique minié balls, but it's actually the name of next week's featured band over in Rock Band DLC world.

The aptly named "Bullet For My Valentine Pack 01" features three songs spanning three albums, including 2008's Scream Aim Fire, which we're not entirely sure is an accurate or trustworthy set of instructions for properly operating a firearm. Remember kids, always consult your physician before taking advice from Welch heavy metal bands.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Bullet For My Valentine

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Bullet For My Valentine originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullet-for-my-valentinemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3rock-bandRock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxSun, 27 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision paid Infinity Ward over $493 million in bonuses since 2003]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/activision-paid-infinity-ward-over-493-million-in-bonuses-since/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/activision-paid-infinity-ward-over-493-million-in-bonuses-since/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/activision-paid-infinity-ward-over-493-million-in-bonuses-since/#comments Hard numbers are starting to come out of the Activision v. Infinity Ward case as things continue to ramp up towards the actual trial, which is currently slated to take place next month. Specifically, Activision revealed during a hearing last Friday that it has paid out in excess of $493 million in bonuses to Infinity Ward, a figure that includes the $42 million payout that occurred earlier this month, according to Polygon.

That $439 million encompasses all bonuses paid out to Infinity Ward since the original Call of Duty launched in 2003. To date, IW has been granted bonuses for games it was directly involved with as a studio, as well as games that used its tech and the Call of Duty IP, like the Treyarch-developed Call of Duty: World at War.

Attorneys for former IW heads Vince Zampella and Jason West argued that the ex-Infinity Ward employee group is also owed its share of "launch quarter" bonuses from the release of Black Ops and Modern Warfare 3, a point that Activision obviously disagrees with.

JoystiqActivision paid Infinity Ward over $493 million in bonuses since 2003 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3Infinity-WardJason-Westlawsuitlegalmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3TreyarchVince-ZampellaxboxSun, 27 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WizOrb coming to PlayStation Minis this June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/wizorb-coming-to-playstation-minis-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/wizorb-coming-to-playstation-minis-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/wizorb-coming-to-playstation-minis-this-june/#comments Image
Generally, having a magical wizard in your pocket would either be incredibly uncomfortable for one (or both) of you, or prohibitively expensive. Wizard upkeep costs an arm and a leg as it is, and with the money you'd spend on the reagents needed to concoct a shrinking potion, you could buy an entire mage. It's a pain, and usually not worth it.

There's is, however, a more humane, cost effective solution on the horizon. WizOrb, the pixelated, chiptuned indie block-breaking/RPG hybrid from Beatshapers and Tribute Games will smash through geometrically perfect arrangements of blocks and onto your friendly neighborhood PS3, PSP and/or Vita next month, when it launches as a $3.99 PlayStation Mini.

Gallery: WizOrb (PlayStation Minis launch)

JoystiqWizOrb coming to PlayStation Minis this June originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beatshapersplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonytribute-gamesvitaSat, 26 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft addresses lack of split-screen co-op in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/ubisoft-addresses-lack-of-split-screen-co-op-in-ghost-recon-fut/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/ubisoft-addresses-lack-of-split-screen-co-op-in-ghost-recon-fut/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/ubisoft-addresses-lack-of-split-screen-co-op-in-ghost-recon-fut/#comments ImageLiving-room soldiers looking to team up with a real-life buddy for some Ghost Recon: Future Soldier couch co-op may be sorely disappointed once they discover that split-screen multiplayer doesn't exist for the game's campaign mode, despite various online retailers (including Ubisoft's own UbiShop) purporting the game's support of that very feature.

"We've been made aware of the presence of outdated information on UbiShop and several retailer sites stating split screen, cooperative play is available in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's campaign," Ubisoft forum manager EvilPixieGrr said in an update on the publisher's forums. "We have ensured the information has been updated on the sites affected by this."

Luckily for Ubisoft, Future Soldier's actual retail box art does not sing the praises of local campaign co-op.

[Thanks, Keith!]

JoystiqUbisoft addresses lack of split-screen co-op in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>campaignco-opGhost-Recon-Future-Soldierlocal-multiplayermicrosoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftUbisoft-Parisubisoft-red-stormxboxSat, 26 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: 'Need for Speed: Most Wanted' listed on E3 booth schedule [Update: Yup!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/report-need-for-speed-most-wanted-listed-on-e3-booth-schedul/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/report-need-for-speed-most-wanted-listed-on-e3-booth-schedul/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/report-need-for-speed-most-wanted-listed-on-e3-booth-schedul/#comments ImageThat mysterious Need for Speed game mentioned during EA's fiscal 2012 investors call may become slightly less ethereal during E3, as TwitchTV's booth schedule lists "Need for Speed: Most Wanted" as one of the games it'll be showcasing, according to IGN.

If that name sounds familiar, that's because it should: The original Need for Speed: Most Wanted (above) was released on nearly every system in existence way back in the ancient caveman days of 2005. It's possible that this may be the Criterion-developed Need for Speed game the rumor mill was churning over a couple weeks ago, but that's just rampant speculation on our part.

It's also possible that TwitchTV could merely be showing off the Game Boy Advance port of the original or something, we're going to go ahead and assume that isn't the case since we don't live in a Far Side cartoon.

Update: We have also received the schedule in question and can confirm that Need for Speed: Most Wanted is indeed among TwitchTV's on-site programming for E3, along with "TBA" titles from Ubisoft, Capcom and Warner Bros.

JoystiqReport: 'Need for Speed: Most Wanted' listed on E3 booth schedule [Update: Yup!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-GamesE3-2012EAelectronic-artsneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-most-wantedtwitchtvSat, 26 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Android tablets now available at 1,600 Gamestops, include free games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/android-tablets-now-available-at-1-600-gamestops-include-free-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/android-tablets-now-available-at-1-600-gamestops-include-free-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/android-tablets-now-available-at-1-600-gamestops-include-free-g/#comments ImageIt looks like that clandestine photo of a Gamestop computer replete with entries for Android devices has proven to be accurate, at least as far as tablets are concerned. Rather than stocking Samsung products exclusively, however, 1,600 Gamestops now carry Android tablets from Acer, Asus and Samsung; specifically the Asus Transformer and Transformer Prime, the Acer Iconia (both 7 and 10.1 versions), and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Each tablet comes pre-loaded with "a hand-picked selection of free games, like Sonic CD and Riptide, the Kongregate Arcade gaming app and a free issue of Game Informer Digital," according to the PR available after the break. Naturally, trade-in credit can be applied towards the purchase of one of these devices. Find out if one of your several dozen local Gamestops is a member of that 1,600-store collective by entering your zip-code here, and don't forget to do your research before plopping down several hundred clams on an iPad alternative.

Continue reading Android tablets now available at 1,600 Gamestops, include free games

JoystiqAndroid tablets now available at 1,600 Gamestops, include free games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcerandroidasusgamestopmobileSamsungtabletsSat, 26 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy record for Arkham City, destroy the fabric of reality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/watch-mark-hamill-and-kevin-conroy-record-for-arkham-city-destr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/watch-mark-hamill-and-kevin-conroy-record-for-arkham-city-destr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/watch-mark-hamill-and-kevin-conroy-record-for-arkham-city-destr/#comments Image
This voice acting-oriented episode of Inside Rocksteady Studios is the first time we personally have ever seen either the Joker or Batman's voices come out of real human bodies, and suffice to say that oh man is it weird.

It's almost like Batman and the Joker are providing voiceovers for Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, instead of the other way around. Seeing the Joker's spooky laugh come out of a hunched-over Mark Hamill is an image that'll stick with us for a while, and his cheshire cat grin didn't help much either. The video also features Stana Katic (Talia in Arkham City and Detective Becket on Castle), but seeing her perform isn't so much of a head trip, considering that it's basically just Detective Becket with an undercover accent.

JoystiqWatch Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy record for Arkham City, destroy the fabric of reality originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CityKevin-Conroymark-hamillmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3Rocksteady-Studiosstana-katicvoice-actingvoice-overWarner-Bros-Interactive-Entertainmentwii-uxboxFri, 25 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft sells 6 million on PC, 'around 9 million' across all platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/#comments Minecraft's ability to churn through the bank accounts of all the cosmos continues unabated, having sold six million copies on PC to date, according to a tweet from Mojang mogul Markus Persson. Factoring in XBLA, Android and iOS sales, the figure is "around nine million," according to Persson, a number that Mojang's Daniel Kaplan puts a tiny bit more specifically as "maybe 9.2" million.

If you've been affected by Minecraft's unwavering grasp on the gaming universe, make sure to listed to the Mailbag portion of this week's Super Joystiq Podcast, wherein Joystiq's feature content director Xav de Matos, managing editor JC Fletcher and editor in chief Ludwig Kietzmann discuss various methods for breaking Minecraft addictions.

JoystiqMinecraft sells 6 million on PC, 'around 9 million' across all platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemacMarkus-PerssonmicrosoftMinecraftmobilemojangnotchpcsales-figuresxboxFri, 25 May 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaked WWE 13 trailer shows off slams, jams and a Nov. 1 2012 release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/leaked-wwe-13-trailer-shows-off-slams-jams-and-a-nov-1-2012-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/leaked-wwe-13-trailer-shows-off-slams-jams-and-a-nov-1-2012-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/leaked-wwe-13-trailer-shows-off-slams-jams-and-a-nov-1-2012-re/#comments Image
The above leaked trailer for WWE 13, assuming it hasn't been ripped from the pages of YouTube by THQ, shows off many of the wrestling acrobatics and tiny shorts one can look forward to performing and wearing this fall, when the game pile drives its way onto retail shelves come November 1.

Eagle-eyed readers will recognize wrestling legends The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Mankind, among newer faces like Sheamus, Mark Henry, CM Punk and Chris Jericho. Hey THQ, how 'bout bringing back some Doink?

JoystiqLeaked WWE 13 trailer shows off slams, jams and a Nov. 1 2012 release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doink-the-clownleakleakedmankindmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3steve-austinStone-Cold-Steve-Austinthe-undertakerTHQtrailerwiiwwewwe-13xboxyukesFri, 25 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Adventure Update components coming to Minecraft XBLA, eventually]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/adventure-update-components-coming-to-minecraft-xbla-eventually/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/adventure-update-components-coming-to-minecraft-xbla-eventually/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/adventure-update-components-coming-to-minecraft-xbla-eventually/#comments It may not be the next update (that's scheduled to be an Xbox approximation of Beta version 1.7.3, which adds pistons), but at some point the XBLA version of Minecraft will be brought up to parity with PC version 1.8, also known as the Adventure Update.

"There are no big architecture changes with the move to 1.7.3, so it's been quite straightforward. The move to 1.8.2 is much more challenging," 4J Studios co-founder Paddy Burns told OXM. "We are working with Daniel Kaplan at Mojang to define what is going in to the Xbox version, but the aim is to include as many of the PC features that make sense on the Xbox as possible. The game isn't Minecraft on the Xbox, it is Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition, so it isn't really a direct port of the PC game."

When the Adventure Update went live last on PCs September, it introduced the Endermen, several new kinds of building materials, a new mode specifically designed for free-form creation (dubbed "Creative mode"), as well as more minor changes to combat mechanics and the introduction of a food system.

JoystiqAdventure Update components coming to Minecraft XBLA, eventually originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j-studiosAdventure-UpdatemicrosoftMinecraftMojangxblaxboxThu, 24 May 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD soundtrack revealed, Superman returns with Powerman 5000]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/tony-hawks-pro-skater-hd-soundtrack-revealed-superman-returns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/tony-hawks-pro-skater-hd-soundtrack-revealed-superman-returns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/tony-hawks-pro-skater-hd-soundtrack-revealed-superman-returns/#comments We've been pretty worried about the fate of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD's soundtrack after we caught word that the remake probably wouldn't have all of the songs featured in the first two Pro Skater titles, stemming from licensing issues and whatnot. Now that the complete soundtrack has been released, though, we're feeling a little more confident about hitting the asphalt goofy-style once more.

The complete track list can be found after the break, and we're glad to say that "Superman" by Goldfinger and "When Worlds Collide" by Powerman 5000 are both present and accounted for. The new replacement tracks include stylistically appropriate songs such as "Flyentology" by hip-hop artist El-P (featuring Trent Reznor). El-P once featured on the Del the Funky Homosapien track "Offspring," and Del's song "If You Must" was on the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 soundtrack. If we're playing by Six Degrees of Separation rules, we can call that a winner.

Continue reading Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD soundtrack revealed, Superman returns with Powerman 5000

JoystiqTony Hawk's Pro Skater HD soundtrack revealed, Superman returns with Powerman 5000 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionel-pmicrosoftplaystationpowerman-5000ps3rodomodosoundtracksupermantony-hawk-pro-skater-hdtony-hawks-pro-skater-hdxboxThu, 24 May 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GameFly to publish iOS and Android games, launch 'GameStore' for Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gamefly-to-publish-ios-and-android-games-launch-gamestore-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gamefly-to-publish-ios-and-android-games-launch-gamestore-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gamefly-to-publish-ios-and-android-games-launch-gamestore-for/#comments GameFly is moving forward with its plan to "help good games get made" by not only publishing said games on both iOS and Android platforms, but by opening its own "expertly curated" marketplace on Google's mobile operating system.

GameFly's "GameStore" for Android is set to debut sometime this holiday season and will cater to both smartphone and tablet Android users, supplying games for both formats. The app will also support social discovery mechanisms such as friend recommendations and ratings/reviews from other users. Whether GameStore will exclusively stock GameFly-published titles is still unknown, but considering that the app will reportedly house "thousands of the best games," we expect content from other publishers to be present.

As far as GameFly's in-house publishing prospects are concerned, the company expects to release its first game sometime this summer. Mobile developers interested in being published by GameFly should send an email to GameDev at GameFly dawt com.

JoystiqGameFly to publish iOS and Android games, launch 'GameStore' for Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidGameFlyGameStoreiosipadiphonemobileThu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tekken Tag Tournament 2 drops worldwide on Sept. 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/tekken-tag-tournament-2-drops-worldwide-on-sept-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/tekken-tag-tournament-2-drops-worldwide-on-sept-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/tekken-tag-tournament-2-drops-worldwide-on-sept-10/#comments ImageThe console version of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 will hit PS3s and 360s the world over with a lightning-infused glove come the week of September 10, 2012 -- just four days shy of the game's one-year arcade anniversary Japan.

Coming from Namco Bandai's European wing, the announcement was accompanied by news of pre-order bonuses and a European collector's edition, as seen above. Pre-ordering from Shopto will net you Michelle Chang and Angel as bonus fighters, whereas a pre-order from Zavvi includes Kunimitsu and Ancient Ogre, all of which can be seen in the gallery below.

Meanwhile, the "We Are Tekken" collector's edition includes a metal case, the game's soundtrack, a remix album, a behind-the-scenes DVD, a 200-plus page hardcover artbook (and the game itself).

We've reached out to Namco Bandai to find out if any of these bonuses will be making it stateside.

Gallery: Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (Pre-order Characters)

JoystiqTekken Tag Tournament 2 drops worldwide on Sept. 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectors-editionmicrosoftplaystationpre-orderps3release-dateTekken-Tag-Tournament-2TTT2xboxWed, 23 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage for Vita looks like this]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/retro-city-rampage-for-vita-looks-like-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/retro-city-rampage-for-vita-looks-like-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/retro-city-rampage-for-vita-looks-like-this/#comments Image
We may not have any idea when to expect Retro City Rampage on the Vita (and various other platforms), but we're starting to see what it'll look like once it's finally done.

Potential rampagers need not worry about the Vita's smaller screen size, according to developer Brian Provinciano, as the portable version has been outfitted with two different scaling options; one that scales the game to ensure everything is clearly visible, and another that maintains the console version's original 16:9 aspect ration and stylized borders.

Touchscreen functionality has also been "tastefully" implemented, but only so far as to aid in navigating menus and during shopping sprees. "If you're an absolute purist," Provinciano adds, "you can still play the game 100% with the buttons." The Vita version also supports "continuous play" with the PS3 version, meaning that saves transfer between the two platforms and both versions share the same universal scoreboard.

Additionally, the Vita and PS3 ports will come packed with visual filters that make the game look like various systems of yore, such as the all-red "Virtual Burn" and monochrome "Brick Handheld" settings.

JoystiqRetro City Rampage for Vita looks like this originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitaps3retro-city-rampagevblank-entertainmentvitaMon, 21 May 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: New 3DS Castlevania to debut at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/rumor-new-3ds-castlevania-to-debut-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/rumor-new-3ds-castlevania-to-debut-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/rumor-new-3ds-castlevania-to-debut-at-e3/#comments Image
A new Castlevania game will be announced for the 3DS during E3 next month, according to Dutch site n1ntendo, as translated by neoGAF. The project will reportedly be exclusive to Nintendo's handheld and already has Castlevania: Lords of Shadow producer David Cox and director Enric Alvarez attached - according to information that supposedly comes from a leaked E3 schedule for Konami.

Cox did tease that he was spending time "in the land of Dracul" last April, though his Twitter responses to this latest rumor call the idea "misinformed," reiterating that "the truth is ALWAYS better than fiction!"

JoystiqRumor: New 3DS Castlevania to debut at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscastlevaniacastlevania-lords-of-shadowdavid-coxE3-2012Enric-AlvarezkonaminintendoMon, 21 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Patch to fix Street Fighter X Tekken patch incoming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/patch-to-fix-street-fighter-x-tekken-patch-incoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/patch-to-fix-street-fighter-x-tekken-patch-incoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/patch-to-fix-street-fighter-x-tekken-patch-incoming/#comments As you may have noticed during online play, or perhaps heard about on an internet website, Street Fighter X Tekken's reccent Patch 1.04 introduced a major, game-breaking glitch, wherein any knife-like projectile will cause the game to hard freeze, should it come into contact with any fireball.

"The development team is currently examining the problem and planning to patch the game as quickly as possible," said producer Tomoaki Ayano in a statement to Capcom Unity. "The patch to fix the glitch should be released by mid June." Patch 1.04 was originally released with the intention of correcting infinite combos and other game-breaking glitches that had been discovered.

JoystiqPatch to fix Street Fighter X Tekken patch incoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcommicrosoftpatch-1.04pcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3street-fighter-x-tekkenvitaxboxMon, 21 May 2012 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon's Dogma review: Heartache every moment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/dragons-dogma-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/dragons-dogma-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/dragons-dogma-review/#comments ImageI have slain a dragon. I have walked the coasts of this land more times than I can count, treading upon the lives of creatures most foul. I have felled the beasts of the forest with arrows and steel and pillaged their leavings for aught. I have died, thousands of times, as have those who have adventured with me. And, in the end, I think back on almost none of it with fondness, or the nostalgic recollection given to hard fought, hard won battles. I am no hero.

Listen now, as I play for you the song of my heartache. Let me spin you a tale of confusion, anger, humility and bona fide bewilderment in the face of abject mediocrity. Let me tell of Seraphina the Arisen, her loyal pawn Josephine, and their stupid, stupid quest to save the kingdom of Gransys. Let me tell you of Dragon's Dogma.

Gallery: Dragon's Dogma (4/10/12)

Continue reading Dragon's Dogma review: Heartache every moment

JoystiqDragon's Dogma review: Heartache every moment originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capcomdragons-dogmamicrosoftplaystationps3xboxMon, 21 May 2012 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Stiq Figures, May 7 - 13: I'mma can't use any of my dominoes edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/stiq-figures-may-7-13-imma-cant-use-any-of-my-dominoes-edi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/stiq-figures-may-7-13-imma-cant-use-any-of-my-dominoes-edi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/stiq-figures-may-7-13-imma-cant-use-any-of-my-dominoes-edi/#comments Welcome to Stiq Figures, where the sales data is after the break and the posts don't matter. Every week, we take a look at, uh, something - meanwhile, the previous week's Japanese hardware sales figures are posted after the jump, and a discussion of said figures takes place in our comments. It may not be conventional, but it's a time-honored Joystiq tradition.
Image

By now, Mario's cheerful, sing-song voice is as endemic to the character as his mustache and overalls. Sprightly proclamations of "It'sa me, Mario!" and the like have endeared voice actor Charles Martinet's work to the hearts and minds of millions, but it might surprise you to know that Martinet's first stint as the man behind the 'stache wasn't Super Mario 64. In fact, it wasn't a Nintendo game at all.

Martinet's first appearance as the prolific plumber was actually Mario's Game Gallery, a digital collection of card and board games for DOS, Windows and Mac OS, developed by Presage Software and published by Interplay. Mario's Game Gallery predates Super Mario 64 by roughly a year, but as you can tell from the collection of sound files above, Martinet had already settled into a ridiculous, heartwarming and hilarious groove as Mario Mario.

It's physically impossible to make it all the way through this video without laughing. In fact, it might be physically impossible just to make it all the way through this video.

Continue reading Stiq Figures, May 7 - 13: I'mma can't use any of my dominoes edition

JoystiqStiq Figures, May 7 - 13: I'mma can't use any of my dominoes edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 May 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanesehardwaresalesstiqfiguresSun, 20 May 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is welcoming a new member to Joystiq]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-welcoming-a-new-member-to-joystiq/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-welcoming-a-new-member-to-joystiq/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-welcoming-a-new-member-to-joystiq/#comments You may have noticed a shiny new name floating around our bylines today, true believers, and no, you are not suffering from amnesia nor are you the subject of a cruel life/reality simulation program. That name you see, "Mike Suszek," belongs to none other than our brand new, pine-fresh Weekend Editor, Mike Suszek.

This means that you'll be seeing a lot less of Jess Conditt and myself during the next couple of weekends as Mike settles into his new position, with the eventual goal being for Mike to take over the weekends entirely before too long.

Yes, that includes the Weekly Webcomic Wrapup, but we've still got at least one more weekend together, my darling readers. Come, let us cherish our remaining time together by reading these webcomics from last week, and voting for our favorites after the break.

Your Money or Your Life (Brawl in the Family)
The Deepest Pit of Hell (Virtual Shackles)
It takes a village (Extra Life)
Too Late (Nerf Now!!)
Masking Jape (Awkward Zombie)
Silence is Golden (GameOver Nation)
Deuce Duel (Hejibits)
You must win, my love (Magical Game Time)
Potion Purée (The Gamer Cat)
The Bitter End (Brentalfloss: The Comic)

Continue reading Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is welcoming a new member to Joystiq

JoystiqWeekly Webcomic Wrapup is welcoming a new member to Joystiq originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>webcomicSat, 19 May 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 fixes voice chat, framerate issues from first game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/borderlands-2-fixes-voice-chat-framerate-issues-from-first-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/borderlands-2-fixes-voice-chat-framerate-issues-from-first-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/borderlands-2-fixes-voice-chat-framerate-issues-from-first-game/#comments The folks over at Gearbox Software have been busy with a lot more than designing fancy collector's editions, according to Borderlands 2 producer Matt Charles. Answering fan-submitted twitter questions on the PlayStation Blog, Charles addressed several technical problems suffered by Borderlands - by and large, the news is positive.

Voice chat issues that plagued the first game, for instance, are currently being worked on and the system "will be working for everyone when the game launches." Charles also said that while it's "too early for me to give any final numbers," Borderland 2's framerate will "see an improvement over the first game."

He also mentioned the upgraded user interfaces we've talked about before, and that players will now automatically pick up ammo and currency dropped by felled villains: "There's a lot more useful data for gear comparison and also more descriptive text on the item cards as well. Having said that, the best way to know what a gun does is to use it."

JoystiqBorderlands 2 fixes voice chat, framerate issues from first game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesborderlandsborderlands-2gearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSat, 19 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Redesigned Wii U tablet shown off by TT Games QA guy [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/redesigned-wii-u-tablet-shown-off-by-tt-games-qa-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/redesigned-wii-u-tablet-shown-off-by-tt-games-qa-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/redesigned-wii-u-tablet-shown-off-by-tt-games-qa-guy/#comments ImageA QA tester at TT Games (Lego Harry Potter, Lego Star Wars, et al.) has tweeted an image of a Wii U tablet that appears to have undergone a redesign since we saw one out in the wild during last year's E3.

Most importantly, the concave 3DS-esque circle pads have been replaced with Wii-style analog sticks. The Wii U logo has been moved to the bottom left-hand side of the unit, while the plus and minus buttons have been moved to the right. Two mysterious button-ish indentations exist below the d-pad and between the power button and battery life indicator; their function, if any, remains unclear. Click here for an omega hyper resolution version.

Update: Well that didn't take long! The tweet in question has been removed, but a screenshot of said tweet has been safely ensconced after the break.

Additionally, eagle-eyed commenter Anthony noticed a couple more disparities between this unit and those seen at E3, namely that the Home button appears to be surrounded by an Xbox 360-style ring light, and that the tablet's edges look more dramatically beveled than previously seen. We've also noticed that the gates surrounding the analog sticks are circular, rather than octagonal, as seen on the Wii Nunchuk and Classic Controller.

Continue reading Redesigned Wii U tablet shown off by TT Games QA guy [update]

JoystiqRedesigned Wii U tablet shown off by TT Games QA guy [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendoredesigntabletwii-uSat, 19 May 2012 17:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Amazing Spider-Man trailer showcases the 'web rush' movement and combat system]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/latest-amazing-spider-man-trailer-showcases-the-web-rush-movem/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/latest-amazing-spider-man-trailer-showcases-the-web-rush-movem/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/latest-amazing-spider-man-trailer-showcases-the-web-rush-movem/#comments Image
Spider Man games are, generally speaking, made or broken by how satisfying it is to traverse New York City as your Friendly Neighborhood Spider Man. Slingin' webs is the essence of that fantasy, second only to being an accomplished journalist. That's why everyone likes Spider Man, right? The journalism?

Beenox's solution for The Amazing Spider Man, the "Web Rush," pulls double duty as both locomotive and combative solution by slowing down time, thus allowing the player to select their next web-oriented target of interest. Slowing down time will also be helpful for making J. Jonah Jameson's incredibly strict deadlines, which we know you're also concerned about. No one ever said the life of a genetically enriched photojournalist would be easy.

JoystiqLatest Amazing Spider-Man trailer showcases the 'web rush' movement and combat system originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionamazing-spider-manbeenoxmicrosoftplaystationps3the-amazing-spider-manweb-rushxboxSat, 19 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga shares close at record low following lackluster Facebook IPO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/zynga-shares-close-at-record-low-following-lackluster-facebook-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/zynga-shares-close-at-record-low-following-lackluster-facebook-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/zynga-shares-close-at-record-low-following-lackluster-facebook-i/#comments Facebook went public yesterday, and its unexpectedly less-than-stellar performance on the trading floor has had powerful ramifications for its social soul sister Zynga, which finished the day's trading at a record low of $7.16 a share.

It's possible that Facebook's unimpressive IPO, closing out Friday at $38.23 a share - four dollars less than its $42.05 opening price - caused Zynga's value to drop in tandem, as the two platforms are inexorably intertwined in the public mindset. It's also possible that Zynga share holders jumped ship in favor of that new Facebook hotness, no longer having to settle for social second best.

Regardless, the severe downturn in value lead to two trading halts on Zynga shares over the course of the day; once after reaching $7.17 a share, and once again after a slight increase in market value. Despite this, share values eventually dropped to as little as $6.93 before finally settling at $7.16.

JoystiqZynga shares close at record low following lackluster Facebook IPO originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfacebookiosipadiphoneIPOmacmobileNASDAQpcstock-marketzyngaSat, 19 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/#comments Electronic Arts and BioWare's social soiree in Ferelden will be coming to an end on June 18, 2012, according to the official Dragon Age Legends website. E-commerce for the title ended yesterday, meaning that while the game it still active for the time being, it's no longer possible to convert your real-life dollars into fake Dragon Dollars crowns for use in Ferelden's many shops.

BioWare has also initiated a "massive fire sale" on all in-game items until the servers go down, so anyone with stockpiles of fake internet money can get their fake internet money's worth, at least for a few weeks. If the thought of living without a weird Facebook adaptation of the Dragon Age world is too much to handle, take heart: A single-player version of the game will be made available on the official site "shortly after the current version of the game shuts down."

JoystiqPSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbiowarebioware-socialdragon-agedragon-age-legendsEAelectronic-artsiosipadiphonemacmobilepcPSASat, 19 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Tekken: Rise of the Tournament' coming from Ong-bak director Prachya Pinkaew]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/tekken-rise-of-the-tournament-coming-from-ong-bak-director-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/tekken-rise-of-the-tournament-coming-from-ong-bak-director-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/tekken-rise-of-the-tournament-coming-from-ong-bak-director-pr/#comments A prequel to 2010's straight-to-video/Netflix Tekken film has been announced by Crystal Sky Pictures CEO Steven Paul during this week's Cannes Film Festival in France. Tekken: Rise of the Tournament is set to be directed by Prachya Pinkaew of Ong-bak and Chocolate fame - a martial arts pedigree that bodes better for the franchise than Tekken director Dwight H. Little's resume of slasher flicks and Free Willy sequels.

No actors have been signed to the project as of yet, but Crystal Sky will be aiming at finding thespians that look like Tekken's characters, rather than attaching big-name stars. The production company will be aiming for a theatrical release in North America, although nothing has actually been decided in terms of distribution.

In addition to Tekken: Rise of the Tournament, Crystal Sky Pictures is in the post-production stages of a Baby Geniuses trilogy and is also set to begin production on Dracula: The 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Can't make this stuff up.

Joystiq'Tekken: Rise of the Tournament' coming from Ong-bak director Prachya Pinkaew originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal-Sky-PicturesOng-bakPrachya-Pinkaewtekkentekken-movieTekken-Rise-of-the-TournamentSat, 19 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Harley Quinn is still really upset in the latest Arkham City DLC trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/harley-quinn-is-still-really-upset-in-the-latest-arkham-city-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/harley-quinn-is-still-really-upset-in-the-latest-arkham-city-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/harley-quinn-is-still-really-upset-in-the-latest-arkham-city-dlc/#comments Image
Poor Harley Quinn. First the Joker breaks her mind, and then The Batman breaks her heart. It's nice to see that she's not wallowing in self-pity, though, and that she's got the initiative to get back out in the world and make a name for herself. Granted, she's using homicide to do so, but still, good for her.

This latest trailer for Ms. Quinzel's starring role as an Arkham City DLC antagonist gives us a look at the various brow beatings Batman and Robin will dispense to the citizenry of Gotham's beating lunatic heart, as well as somewhat unsettling introduction from the man in white himself.

JoystiqHarley Quinn is still really upset in the latest Arkham City DLC trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Cityharley-quinnHarley-Quinns-Revengejokermicrosoftpcplaystationps3robinthe-jokerxboxFri, 18 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Rising's live-action vignettes continue with 'Sword']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/metal-gear-risings-live-action-vignettes-continue-with-sword/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/metal-gear-risings-live-action-vignettes-continue-with-sword/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/metal-gear-risings-live-action-vignettes-continue-with-sword/#comments Image
Previously, Konami's FMV-esque trailers for Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance have given us weird, disorienting looks into the surgical processes involving Raiden's robo-arm and cyborg eye, but this latest episode is a little more ... theatrical, let's say.

Anyone who clearly remembers and is still somehow able to comprehend Raiden's background as outlined in Metal Gear Solid 2 will be able to piece together what's happening in this video, though we're still not entirely sure why you'd hand a sword to someone during surgery, even if that surgery's purpose is to turn them into a milk-powered electro-ninja.

JoystiqMetal Gear Rising's live-action vignettes continue with 'Sword' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Kojima-Productionskonamimetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingmicrosoftPlatinum-Gamesplaystationps3xboxThu, 17 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 box art deserves its own post]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/borderlands-2-box-art-deserves-its-own-post/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/borderlands-2-box-art-deserves-its-own-post/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/borderlands-2-box-art-deserves-its-own-post/#comments ImageSure, we already had a post earlier today detailing the lavishly equipped Deluxe Vault Hunter's Collector's Edition and Ultimate Loot Chest Limited Edition of Borderlands 2, but what about us average Joes? What about everyone who wants to look at Borderlands 2 packaging, but doesn't want to waste time daydreaming over ornate collector's editions that won't fit in our tiny efficiency apartments? Where's that post?!

Shhhhh, it's okay. It's right here, friend. This is that post. Behold, the regular retail packaging for Borderlands 2.

Gallery: Borderlands 2 (Box Art)

JoystiqBorderlands 2 box art deserves its own post originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesborderlands-2box-artgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 17 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's the first Forza Horizon screenshot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/heres-the-first-forza-horizon-screenshot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/heres-the-first-forza-horizon-screenshot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/heres-the-first-forza-horizon-screenshot/#comments ImageBack when Forza Horizon was first officially announced by Microsoft and Playground Games back in March, all we had to gaze upon was a montage of desperately pretty cars and people, living the kind of life you'd expect someone with that kind of a car to live.

Now, though, we've got our first real look at the game in the form of the screenshot above, which features the 2013 SRT Dodge Viper, some rocks, an extremely flat American highway and the same vignette framing we've come to expect from Forza in-game screenshots. Granted, this is but a single image, but from where we're sitting it sure does look a hell of a lot like a Forza game, which is reassuring considering that this is Playground Games' first spin behind the franchise's wheel.

Gallery: Forza Horizon

JoystiqHere's the first Forza Horizon screenshot originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013-srt-dodge-viperbox-artDodge-ViperForzaforza-horizonmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosPlayground-GamesscreenshotSRT-ViperViperxboxThu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NovaLogic sues Activision over use of 'Delta Force']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/novalogic-sues-activision-over-use-of-delta-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/novalogic-sues-activision-over-use-of-delta-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/novalogic-sues-activision-over-use-of-delta-force/#comments ImageNovaLogic, the developer behind 1998's PC FPS Delta Force and its subsequent sequels, has filed suit against Activision over the inclusion of its own "Delta Force" in Modern Warfare 3. As you can see in the tastefully photoshopped comparison image above, Acti's Delta Force logo (right) bears a striking resemblance to NovaLogic's - additionally, NovaLogic owns a trademark on the words "DELTA FORCE."

"Despite Activision's irrefutable knowledge of NovaLogic's superior trademark rights," reads the complain, "Activision created knockoff marks that are nearly identical [to] NovaLogic's design and word marks. Activision then shamelessly inserted these infringing marks throughout its competing first person military adventure video games." The complaint also makes reference to the various Modern Warfare 3-branded headsets, Xboxen and strategy guides in production that feature Activision's Delta Force logo.

Both NovaLogic and Activision's fictional Delta Force teams are based on the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, a counter-terrorism branch of the United States military. NovaLogic claims that Activision's inclusion of a Delta Force in MW3 has caused NovaLogic to lose millions, and that if "infringing practices are not discontinued quickly, it is likely that the damage to NovaLogic will grow exponentially, causing more confusion in the market place, and to the reputation for quality that NovaLogic has worked so hard to establish." The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and also calls for an injunction to protect against further trademark infringement.

JoystiqNovaLogic sues Activision over use of 'Delta Force' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3delta-forcelawlawsuitlegalmodern-warfare-3NovaLogicThu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: EA to reveal COD Elite-like service for Battlefield 3 at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/#comments Electronic Arts is prepping its own subscription-based companion service for its flagship military-centric first person shooter, according to a "very reliable source" belonging to Battlefieldo. The service (dubbed Battlefield[TM] Premium) would be to Battlefield 3 what Activision's Call of Duty Elite program is to Modern Warfare 3, granting access to "a number of content drops with unique in-game items not available anywhere else," so sayeth the allegedly leaked press release.

"First out is the one-of-a-kind Premium knife and black dog tag," the missive continues, "plus a set of soldier camos, weapon camos, dog tags and Assignments that will make sure you stand out and get more personalization options." Should this all pan out, Battlefield Premium will be officially announced during E3, specifically on June 4. We've reached out to EA for comment and will update if/when we hear back.

JoystiqRumor: EA to reveal COD Elite-like service for Battlefield 3 at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlefield-3Battlefield-Premiumcall-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3DICEEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3xboxMon, 14 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix sees 6 billion yen profit in fiscal 2012 thanks to Deus Ex, FFXIII-2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/#comments Square Enix's financial results for fiscal 2012 have been posted, and thanks to the releases of Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Final Fantasy XIII-2, the developer has ended the year in the black, to the tune of a ¥6.06 billion (or $75.9 million) profit.

Total income from sales for the fiscal year, which for Square Enix ran from April 2011 through March 2012, totaled up to ¥127.89 billion ($1.6 billion) - a 2.1 percent year-over-year increase. After subtracting taxes and operating costs, the company was left with over ¥6 billion in profit, which must be welcome news for stockholders still feeling the sting from Square Enix's ¥12.04 billion ($150.86 million) loss in fiscal 2011.

"In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, we continued our efforts aimed at increasing profitability, including establishing best practices for the content in said growth areas, improving quality of our major online game, and strengthening our global structure," said Square Enix president Yoichi Wada in a statement accompanying the financial report. "We are accelerating the reformation to generate a substantial earnings improvement in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 and beyond."

JoystiqSquare Enix sees 6 billion yen profit in fiscal 2012 thanks to Deus Ex, FFXIII-2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsfiscal-2012iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxMon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stiq Figures, April 30 - May 6: SG-1000 edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/stiq-figures-april-30-may-6-sg-1000-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/stiq-figures-april-30-may-6-sg-1000-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/stiq-figures-april-30-may-6-sg-1000-edition/#comments Welcome to Stiq Figures, where the sales data is after the break and the posts don't matter. Every week, we take a look at, uh, something - meanwhile, the previous week's Japanese hardware sales figures are posted after the jump, and a discussion of said figures takes place in our comments. It may not be conventional, but it's a time-honored Joystiq tradition.
Image
For most of us who've grown up outside of Asia, Sega's history as a gaming hardware manufacturer begins with the Sega Master System, released on North American shores in June of 1986 to the tune of $200. In truth, the Sega Master System was actually the Sega Mark III, which itself was the third iteration of Sega's real first foray into hardware design, the SG-1000.

The SG-1000 (an acronym of "Sega Game" 1000) was released in Japan on July 15, 1983 for ¥15,000, which at the time amounted to $62.48 USD, assuming an average exchange rate of ¥240.06 to the dollar. (Coincidentally, this was the also the day that Nintendo launched the Famicom.) Armed with a blistering 3.5 MHz CPU and two whole entire kilobytes of RAM, the SG-1000 was only mildly successful in Japan, Australia and New Zealand, but curiously saw much greater success in the piracy-infected Taiwanese market.

North America, however, never saw an official SG-1000 release, although the Telegames Personal Arcade was released stateside and was capable of playing SG-1000 carts, had they somehow managed to make the trip across the Pacific. The SG-1000 Mark II was released a year later in 1984, sporting a redesigned case and identical components (sound familiar?). Nowadays, Mark I versions of the SG-1000 can go on eBay for as much as $1,500 - a good bit more than the 63 bucks it would have run you back in 1983.

Continue reading Stiq Figures, April 30 - May 6: SG-1000 edition

JoystiqStiq Figures, April 30 - May 6: SG-1000 edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanesehardwaresalesstiqfiguresSun, 13 May 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DLC Quest now on Mac App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/dlc-quest-now-on-mac-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/dlc-quest-now-on-mac-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/dlc-quest-now-on-mac-app-store/#comments Image
Going Loud Studios' uniquely endearing commentary on the current state of our industry's fetish for all things microtransactional is now available on the Mac App Store for $0.99, a whole dollar less than its original price on Desura.

In case you somehow missed our Indie Pitch or the subsequent interview with the game's creator, DLC Quest examines what happens when "DLC goes too far," requiring players to collect coins to purchase basic gameplay functionality such as "animation" and "walking to the left."

JoystiqDLC Quest now on Mac App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsDLC-QuestGoing-Loud-Studiosmacmac-app-storeSun, 13 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Awesomenauts DLC character info discovered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/rumor-awesomenauts-dlc-character-info-discovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/rumor-awesomenauts-dlc-character-info-discovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/rumor-awesomenauts-dlc-character-info-discovered/#comments ImageA GameFaqs forums user by the name of MirrorB appears to have unearthed information detailing two forthcoming Awesomenauts DLC characters, one of which was already teased officially two days ago.

Sprites (above) and character sheets recovered from the game's system files outline two new Awesomenauts: Coco Nebulon and Derpl Zork. Coco, also known as "the cosmic waveblazer," rides a hoverboard and attacks with various ranged and melee forms of electricity. Her hoverboard jump also has a chance to randomly result in a completely wicked front-flip.

Meanwhile, Derpl Zork, aside from being the nephew of the president of Zork Industries and having an IQ "under the level of plankton in the official galaxial IQ test," is a slug in a walking tank. Zork's "combat walker" has been outfitted with traps, turrets and the ability to "Mew enemies into oblivion by shooting explosive holocats."

Of course, none of this is officially official until Ronimo Games makes some sort of announcement, but we're cautiously optimistic that this'll all play out. We really want explosive holocats to be a part of our lives.

JoystiqRumor: Awesomenauts DLC character info discovered originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomenautsCoco-NebulonDerpl-ZorkDLCdtp-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3ronimo-gamesxboxSun, 13 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy the greatest song ever written (and other Sonic soundtracks) on iTunes [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/buy-the-greatest-song-ever-written-and-other-sonic-soundtracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/buy-the-greatest-song-ever-written-and-other-sonic-soundtracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/buy-the-greatest-song-ever-written-and-other-sonic-soundtracks/#comments Image
The pinnacle of all human achievement, "Open Your Heart" from the Sonic Adventure soundtrack, is now available on iTunes, as are a plethora of other Sonic-related albums from across the breadth of time and space. The soundtracks to Sonic Adventure, Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic CD and others can be yours for the paltry sum of $9.99 each, which is a small price to pay for 20 to 30 tracks per album of gloriously ridiculous nostalgia-metal.

Soundtracks for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 and Episode 2 will be available before too long, according to Sega. Head on through to the other side for a full list of what's available now and how to get it.

Update: As it turns out, these soundtracks have been available since last year or earlier. Sega decided to nest the announcement of forthcoming Episode 1 and Episode 2 soundtracks within a reiteration of the availability of its other musical offerings.

Continue reading Buy the greatest song ever written (and other Sonic soundtracks) on iTunes [update]

JoystiqBuy the greatest song ever written (and other Sonic soundtracks) on iTunes [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crush-40iTunesJun-SenouemusicSegasonic-adventuresonic-adventure-2Sonic-CDSonic-ColorsSonic-Heroessonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2soundtrackssuper-sonic-songsthe-worksSun, 13 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Good morning, here's the Dragon's Dogma launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/good-morning-heres-the-dragons-dogma-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/good-morning-heres-the-dragons-dogma-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/good-morning-heres-the-dragons-dogma-launch-trailer/#comments Image
Most people may not know this, but starting your day off with dragons, burning ouroboroses and cheesy, overwrought voice acting is just as important as eating a well-balanced breakfast. It's something to do with fiber, and having your humors balanced ... Look, we're not nutritionists, okay?

JoystiqGood morning, here's the Dragon's Dogma launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdragons-dogmalaunch-trailermicrosoftplaystationps3xboxSun, 13 May 2012 10:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is confused and scared]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-confused-and-scared/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-confused-and-scared/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-confused-and-scared/#comments Roughly two and a half weeks ago, at the behest of the Joystiq Qrew and my family, I ceased all consumption of soda-pop and fast-food. The change has been dramatic, to say the least, and while I feel less "full of goo" than I once did, I fear that I also may be changing into someone, or something, that I'm not comfortable with.

Earlier this week, for instance, I purchased blueberry-flavored Pop Tarts while grocery shopping, when I just as easily could have bought S'mores flavored. There wasn't even anyone else with me, it was a decision I made of my own volition and what's worse, I didn't even realize it until much, much later. This is just one example of the many, increasingly frequent health-conscious decisions I've made as of late.

So, I just wanted to tell you guys that I love you, while I still can. I don't know what is to become of me, but I want you to take these webcomics from last week, read them, vote for your favorites after the break, and enjoy. The old me would have wanted it that way.

Revenge of the Aparoids (Brawl in the Family)
The Warrior Spirit (Penny Arcade)
Hidden Power (Nerf Now!!)
Hands-On Experience (Awkward Zombie)
Canine Conundrum (Life in Aggro)

Continue reading Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is confused and scared

JoystiqWeekly Webcomic Wrapup is confused and scared originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>webcomicSat, 12 May 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the scenes of Modern Warfare 3's 'Face Off' DLC and Content Collection 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/behind-the-scenes-of-modern-warfare-3s-face-off-dlc-and-conte/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/behind-the-scenes-of-modern-warfare-3s-face-off-dlc-and-conte/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/behind-the-scenes-of-modern-warfare-3s-face-off-dlc-and-conte/#comments Image
Modern Warfare 3's upcoming Face Off mode isn't set hit to Xbox 360-enabled living rooms until next Wednesday, May 16, but it's never too soon to start using promotional materials (like the behind the scenes video above and screenshots below) to start memorizing map layouts. This is war, dammit, and you need every possible advantage you can get to survive. Don't come crawling back to us when you've been blasted to the bottom of the leaderboards, riddled with shame bullets from the hand cannons of someone who actually took the time to prepare.

... Watching the video because you enjoy development diaries and/or have a casual interest in Modern Warfare games is also acceptable.

Gallery: Modern Warfare 3 (Face-off Content Collection)

JoystiqBehind the scenes of Modern Warfare 3's 'Face Off' DLC and Content Collection 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3Content-Collection-2Face-OffInfinity-Wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3MW3pcplaystationps3sledgehammer-gamesTreyarchxboxSat, 12 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gate Five's lawsuit against Beyonce going to court]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/gate-fives-lawsuit-against-beyonce-going-to-court/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/gate-fives-lawsuit-against-beyonce-going-to-court/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/gate-fives-lawsuit-against-beyonce-going-to-court/#comments Manhattan judge Charles Ramos has ruled that Gate Five's lawsuit against Beyonce Knowles is sufficiently jelly prepared, and as such will be heading to court at some unspecified date in the future. Justice Ramos agreed with Gate Five's assertion that Beyonce did not give proper notice before backing out of the deal: "You continue to negotiate right up until the time you pull the plug," Ramos said as he addressed Beyonce's lawyers, according to the New York Post. "That is not going to work with me."

As you'll recall, Gate Five's lawsuit purports that Beyonce was in breach of contract when she backed out of a deal to lend her likeness to Starpower: Beyonce, and that her departure from the project directly resulted in the firings of 70 employees. Beyonce's attorneys attest that Gate Five did not have funding in place for Starpower: Beyonce's development, but Gate Five maintains that Beyonce was aware of an impending agreement with unnamed financiers scheduled to take place on December 6, 2010 - just three days after Beyonce bounced.

Gate Five's lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $100 million; $6.7 million in investment capitol and $100 million in hypothetical Starpower: Beyonce profits. Honestly, Gate Five should have known something was up when Beyonce didn't put a ring on it.

JoystiqGate Five's lawsuit against Beyonce going to court originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyoncebeyonce-knowlesgate-fivelawsuitlegalstarpower-beyoncesuedSat, 12 May 2012 21:00:00 EST