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[Carmageddon: Reincarnation hits $400k goal with 10 days to go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/carmageddon-reincarnation-hits-400k-goal-with-10-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/carmageddon-reincarnation-hits-400k-goal-with-10-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/carmageddon-reincarnation-hits-400k-goal-with-10-days-to-go/#comments
Carmageddon: Reincarnation reached its $400k funding goal on Kickstarter this morning, ten days before its deadline. The Stainless Games team posted a video (above) to their Kickstarter page celebrating the funding achievement, which was first announced on May 8.

Since the project's announcement, the team added roughly a dozen updates on tiered rewards for those pledging, including details on the game revealed in a Q&A session on Reddit. Carmageddon: Reincarnation will be in "iterative development" with the potential for DLC after release. Additionally, the team described their plans to allow for the game to be modded, saying their "suite of modding tools is going to be really comprehensive and encourage extensive messing about with the game."

[Thanks, Will!]

JoystiqCarmageddon: Reincarnation hits $400k goal with 10 days to go originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carCarmageddoncarmageddon-reincarnationkickstarterpcStainless-GamesSun, 27 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ planning reverse stock split to avoid NASDAQ delisting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/thq-planning-reverse-stock-split-to-avoid-nasdaq-delisting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/thq-planning-reverse-stock-split-to-avoid-nasdaq-delisting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/thq-planning-reverse-stock-split-to-avoid-nasdaq-delisting/#comments ImageTHQ filed plans with the SEC Friday for a June 29 stockholders meeting, where the company will propose a reverse stock split to avoid delisting from NASDAQ.

In the filing, the company describes the need for the stock split to maintain the $1 per share minimum that NASDAQ requires for listing. THQ outlined three options in the process: 1:3, 1:5, and 1:10 reverse stock split ratios. Exercising any of these options results in fewer outstanding shares with an increased apparent value per share. For instance, should THQ perform a 1:3 reverse stock split, each stockholder would own one stock for every three owned prior to the split, even though the total value of the company's stock would not change.

The company's stock is currently trading at 61 cents per share.

THQ first received a delisting warning from Nasdaq on January 31, noting that the company's stock was trading below $1 per share. It has until July 23 to meet-and-maintain that closing standard for ten consecutive business days in order to be eligible for continued listing. THQ recently reported a net loss of $239.9 million for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2012.

JoystiqTHQ planning reverse stock split to avoid NASDAQ delisting originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delistingNASDAQreverse-stock-splitstocksTHQthqiSun, 27 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Gungnir screens show off battle scenes, dialogue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/new-gungnir-screens-show-off-battle-scenes-dialogue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/new-gungnir-screens-show-off-battle-scenes-dialogue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/new-gungnir-screens-show-off-battle-scenes-dialogue/#comments ImageNew screens from the upcoming strategy RPG game Gungnir show in-game battles and dialogue. The Sting-developed title will launch on June 12 for PSP.

Continue reading New Gungnir screens show off battle scenes, dialogue

JoystiqNew Gungnir screens show off battle scenes, dialogue originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlusdept-heavengungnirplaystationpspsonyStingSun, 27 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is a stranger in a strange land]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-a-stranger-in-a-strange-land/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-a-stranger-in-a-strange-land/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-a-stranger-in-a-strange-land/#comments It's been quite a week, my friends. Not only is this my first ever Webcomic Wrapup, but I've been a member of Joystiq's staff for a mere ten days. In ten days, a lot can happen. Just this week, we witnessed the closure of 38 Studios and Big Huge Games. It was a spectacular mess.

From the news came an unbelievable public outcry. The hashtag "#38jobs" began trending across the United States on Twitter. Facebook pages, websites, and Google docs sprang up, all bellowing support for those in the industry that lost their jobs this week in the form of open job postings.

Meanwhile, I had the privilege of watching the Joystiq team document the entire disaster. In a word, it was humbling. I feel honored to be a part of this team and deliver content to you, the readers. We so easily forget that in the land of video games, there is a significant impact on the well-being of families, and the reporting of news deserves an equal touch of care.

Likewise, a giggle here or there is important. I encourage you to check out last week's webcomics and vote for your favorite after the break to get those giggles in.

Subprime Loans (Virtual Shackles)
You Got It (Nerf NOW!!)
Paynefully Subtle (No Cash Value)
Luigi's Mansion 2 (Game Over Nation)
Track and Field (Blow the Cartridge)
I know what I have to do (Magical Game Time)

Continue reading Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is a stranger in a strange land

JoystiqWeekly Webcomic Wrapup is a stranger in a strange land originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>webcomicSat, 26 May 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bang Bang Racing fires up new screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/bang-bang-racing-fires-up-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/bang-bang-racing-fires-up-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/bang-bang-racing-fires-up-new-screens/#comments ImageThe latest Bang Bang Racing screens show off a few of the 20 vehicles and nine tracks the downloadable title offers. Also: exploding barrels!

The game hits PSN on June 5 (June 13 in Europe), XBLA on June 6, and PC/Steam on June 8.

Continue reading Bang Bang Racing fires up new screens

JoystiqBang Bang Racing fires up new screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bang-bang-racingdigital-realitymicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSat, 26 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[60 GAME Australia stores to close]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/60-game-australia-stores-to-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/60-game-australia-stores-to-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/60-game-australia-stores-to-close/#comments GAME Australia administrators announced plans to close 60 retail stores at the cost of 264 jobs, GamesIndustry International reported Friday. An additional 17 head office positions will be terminated at the company.

In a media release, Kate Warwick of PricewaterhouseCoopers said, "this is a difficult time for employees and closing the stores was not a decision we made easily. However it is not financially viable to continue to operate at this level at this time." Warwick was appointed as voluntary administrator of GAME Australia on May 14.

The Australian Financial Review posted a list of the 60 stores that have closed.

Joystiq60 GAME Australia stores to close originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaclosuregamegame-australiaretailSat, 26 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie reveals its non-plan for E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/bungie-reveals-its-non-plan-for-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/bungie-reveals-its-non-plan-for-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/bungie-reveals-its-non-plan-for-e3/#comments Bungie revealed its plan for E3 2012 in a community Q&A blog post on Friday. Or rather, its lack of plans for the annual trade show, as the company will not be there in any official capacity this year.

When asked about presenting their latest project at E3, the development team said they "never started one, and we're not going to be at E3 in any official capacity this year. Some of us will be there, lurking from booth to booth, but don't expect any announcements."

Word of Bungie's ongoing project, code-named "Destiny," leaked earlier this week in documents related to the court battle between Activision and former Infinity Ward heads Jason West and Vince Zampella.

JoystiqBungie reveals its non-plan for E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bungiedestinye3-2012Sat, 26 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Play will not receive Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/xperia-play-will-not-receive-ice-cream-sandwich-upgrade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/xperia-play-will-not-receive-ice-cream-sandwich-upgrade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/xperia-play-will-not-receive-ice-cream-sandwich-upgrade/#comments Sony's Xperia Play phone will not be updating to Android version 4.0, also known as "Ice Cream Sandwich," as noted on a recent product blog entry. Sony cites consistency and stability in its decision to withhold the phone from the list of devices receiving the upgrade, which was initially planned to release at the end of May/early June.

Sony explained that "after extensive in house testing with our developer teams and working with our partners, we have concluded that a consistent and stable experience, particularly with gaming, cannot be guaranteed for this smartphone on Ice Cream Sandwich." Its decision appears bolstered by feedback from advanced users and game developers that used a beta ROM of the Android version on their Xperia Play devices.

While instability in the software could compromise a "quality gaming experience" on the phone, we secretly want to believe that a patent unveiled in late April indicates a dual-keyboard device is on the way.

JoystiqXperia Play will not receive Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidAndroid4.0ice-cream-sandwichSonyxperiaxperia-playSat, 26 May 2012 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA IV mod has R2-D2 destroying Liberty City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/gta-iv-mod-has-r2-d2-destroying-liberty-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/gta-iv-mod-has-r2-d2-destroying-liberty-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/gta-iv-mod-has-r2-d2-destroying-liberty-city/#comments
Image

A new Grand Theft Auto IV mod has surfaced, and features quite an angry little robot. Created by YouTube user jmoorfoot4, the mod gives players the ability to roam the streets of Liberty City as R2-D2.

As the video above demonstrates, R2-D2 is just as pushy and capable of destruction as Niko Bellic ever was. Watch it for a good laugh, though we're not sure it tops the removal of wheel friction in the game.

JoystiqGTA IV mod has R2-D2 destroying Liberty City originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Grand-Theft-Auto-4GTA4GTAIVmodpcR2-D2RockStarrockstar-northSun, 20 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White 2 story trailer features Pokemon, people]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/pokemon-black-and-white-2-story-trailer-features-pokemon-people/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/pokemon-black-and-white-2-story-trailer-features-pokemon-people/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/pokemon-black-and-white-2-story-trailer-features-pokemon-people/#comments
Image

An animated trailer showcasing the plot of the upcoming Pokemon Black and White Version 2 games was released on the official Pokemon website, and features the return of the villainous N and Team Plasma. Though the website notes that the video is not intended to be used during the games, the Japanese trailer sheds a little light on the characters involved in the DS sequels.

In addition to the familiar foes, it seems players can expect to see friends-of-the-hero Bianca and Cheren. The games are due out on June 23 in Japan and will launch some time in the fall in North America.

JoystiqPokemon Black and White 2 story trailer features Pokemon, people originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsnintendopokemon-black-2-white-2pokemon-black-version-2pokemon-white-version-2Sun, 20 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Beyond Good & Evil 2 leaked screens are fishy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/rumor-beyond-good-and-evil-2-leaked-screens-are-fishy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/rumor-beyond-good-and-evil-2-leaked-screens-are-fishy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/rumor-beyond-good-and-evil-2-leaked-screens-are-fishy/#comments ImageOne leaked screenshot of Beyond Good & Evil 2 isn't cool. Do you know what's cool? Try three leaked pictures of the fabled Ubisoft game, found by All Games Beta.

Our rumor gauge is at an appropriate level for this one, especially since Jade is standing unusually close to fresh fish in one of the pictures. Check out the gallery below!

Gallery: Beyond Good & Evil 2 (Rumor)

JoystiqRumor: Beyond Good & Evil 2 leaked screens are fishy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-good-and-evil-2bge2UbisoftSun, 20 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark Hamill returns as The Joker in DC Universe Online expansion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/mark-hamill-returns-as-the-joker-in-dc-universe-online-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/mark-hamill-returns-as-the-joker-in-dc-universe-online-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/mark-hamill-returns-as-the-joker-in-dc-universe-online-expansion/#comments ImageIn addition to the player-versus-player goodies the latest DC Universe Online downloadable content pack provides, Mark Hamill will be returning to voice The Joker, and he won't be alone.

"The Last Laugh" DLC pack also features Arleen Sorkin, who returns as Harley Quinn, a role she played in Batman: Arkham Asylum. Adam Baldwin joins the two as Superman, his first video game voiceover role since, well, DC Universe Online. The content is free for Legendary subscribers and can be purchased by free and Premium users via PSN and the game's website.

Continue reading Mark Hamill returns as The Joker in DC Universe Online expansion

JoystiqMark Hamill returns as The Joker in DC Universe Online expansion originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-baldwinarleen-sorkinDC-Universe-OnlineMark-Hamillpcplaystationps3Sony-Online-EntertainmentSun, 20 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Swords & Soldiers gets 'super saucy' DLC on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/swords-and-soldiers-gets-super-saucy-dlc-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/swords-and-soldiers-gets-super-saucy-dlc-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/swords-and-soldiers-gets-super-saucy-dlc-on-steam/#comments

Ronimo Games, the team behind Awesomenauts, recently announced "Super Saucy Sausage Fest" downloadable content for Swords & Soldiers on the Steam platform. First released on Steam in December 2010, the side-scrolling strategy game is receiving a fresh single-player campaign this week in the form of ten levels for two dollars.

Players control Chief Meat on his quest to the annual Super Saucy Sausage Fest, while utilizing new units and spells. The content pack also includes a bonus challenge mode called "Boulder XL."

Continue reading Swords & Soldiers gets 'super saucy' DLC on Steam

JoystiqSwords & Soldiers gets 'super saucy' DLC on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 May 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcronimo-gamesswords-and-soldiersSun, 20 May 2012 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop offers, then removes AT&T mobile data plans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/gamestop-offers-then-removes-atandt-mobile-data-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/gamestop-offers-then-removes-atandt-mobile-data-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/gamestop-offers-then-removes-atandt-mobile-data-plans/#commentsImageIt seems that GameStop plans on offering AT&T data plans for mobile devices under a service called GameStop Mobile, according to information posted on their website. The information has since been pulled, but not before our friends at Engadget reported on it.

So, as long as GameStop Mobile continues to not be a reality, we will continue reporting the information we've yet to learn about the service. Hypothetically-speaking, GameStop Mobile would require AT&T-compatible or unlocked devices. The service would probably include pay-as-you-go five dollar plans and $55 monthly plans, which would include unlimited voice and text and 500MB of data, or 1GB of data for data-only device users.

The someday-news of GameStop Mobile would make more sense out of the company's recent addition of Android devices to their trade-in lists.

JoystiqGameStop offers, then removes AT&T mobile data plans originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attgamestopgamestop-mobilemobileSat, 19 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Tactics 'friends and family' beta begins May 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/mechwarrior-tactics-friends-and-family-beta-begins-may-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/mechwarrior-tactics-friends-and-family-beta-begins-may-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/mechwarrior-tactics-friends-and-family-beta-begins-may-22/#comments MechWarrior Tactics, the upcoming turn-based strategy game by Acronym Games and Roadhouse Interactive set in the BattleTech universe is entering a "friends and family" closed beta program on May 22.

Those that register on the game's forums will receive a beta key "sometime after" May 22, according to an official post on said forums. As of now, it has yet to be determined if you are expected to play the game with friends and family, or ignore them.

[Thanks, Joe!]

JoystiqMechWarrior Tactics 'friends and family' beta begins May 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acronym-gamesmechwarrior-tacticspcroadhouse-interactiveSat, 19 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Knuckle-puck time: NHL 13 slated for Sept. 11, collector's edition announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/knuckle-puck-time-nhl-13-slated-for-sept-11-collectors-editi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/knuckle-puck-time-nhl-13-slated-for-sept-11-collectors-editi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/knuckle-puck-time-nhl-13-slated-for-sept-11-collectors-editi/#comments Image

EA Sports Canada recently announced the feature set for NHL 13, which is due for release on September 11 in North America and September 14 in Europe on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Among the more noteworthy features listed are the additions of "True Performance Skating" and "EA Sports Hockey I.Q."

True Performance Skating is the latest in EA Sports' apparent efforts to introduce physics-based engines to player movement. Much like FIFA 12's Player Impact Engine, True Performance Skating promises to deliver the "explosiveness, momentum and top end speed displayed by today's NHL players," while utilizing over a thousand new player animations. The result, according to the team, should allow for more realistic and creative player movement.

NHL 13 also features EA Sports Hockey I.Q., and unfortunately it isn't a sports-themed quiz show. EA Sports elaborated on the shortcomings of the computer A.I. in last year's game, saying that "players were only aware of skaters in their immediate proximity and goalies could only react to the player in control of the puck." EA Sports Hockey I.Q. is expected to encourage, you guessed it, more intelligent decisions by computer-controlled players, who will now "read the whole ice."

The series' Be a GM mode, traditionally a single-player feature, will allow players to pit their teams against one another in a full 30-team online league in NHL 13. EA Sports Canada says there will be a "companion mobile app" for players to connect to their online leagues as well.

EA Sports also listed details on collector's edition versions of the game, which mostly includes Hockey Ultimate Team card packs. Both the standard and collector's editions of the game are available to pre-order now from the Origin store.

JoystiqKnuckle-puck time: NHL 13 slated for Sept. 11, collector's edition announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EA-Sportsmicrosoftnhl-13playstationps3xboxSat, 19 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 app for Android checks server status]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/diablo-3-app-for-android-checks-server-status/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/diablo-3-app-for-android-checks-server-status/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/diablo-3-app-for-android-checks-server-status/#comments Those dying to play Diablo 3 online don't need to sit by their PCs to see if the servers are up and running anymore. A Diablo 3 server-checking app, aptly named "Diablo 3 Server Checker," is now available for free (ad-supported) on Google Play for Android devices.

Developed by Eluamous, creator of other server-checking apps for games like World of Warcraft, the app pulls status messages from US.Battle.net to view updates from Diablo 3 servers in the US, Europe, and Asia. The app also includes a widget for use on the home screen of Android devices.

The app is in obvious response to the recent server issues Blizzard has been dealing with.

JoystiqDiablo 3 app for Android checks server status originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidBlizzardDiablo-3diablo-3-server-checkermobileServer-MaintenanceSat, 19 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones gets June 8 UK release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/game-of-thrones-gets-june-8-uk-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/game-of-thrones-gets-june-8-uk-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/game-of-thrones-gets-june-8-uk-release-date/#comments Game of Thrones, the latest RPG from Cyanide, is set to take over the UK and Ireland on June 8 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Based on the world first penned by George R.R. Martin, players guide two playable characters through locales both new and familiar to the series.

Players land in Riverspring, a new location to the Game of Thrones world and the home of Alester Sarwyck, who seeks to put a stop to his sister's marriage. Also starring in the game is Mors, a brother of the Night's Watch that guards the wall.

Those wanting to seize the iron throne while living across the sea (you silly Targaryens!) can check out our review of the game and then try for themselves in June.

Continue reading Game of Thrones gets June 8 UK release date

JoystiqGame of Thrones gets June 8 UK release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thrones-rpgcyanide-studiosgame-of-thrones-rpgmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSat, 19 May 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Diabolical Pitch review: Field of nightmares]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/diabolical-pitch-review-field-of-nightmares/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/diabolical-pitch-review-field-of-nightmares/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/diabolical-pitch-review-field-of-nightmares/#comments You are McAllister, a living legend in baseball, hunched over on the mound while gripping your lifeless throwing arm one moment after throwing a record-breaking out. Next thing you know, you're in a car accident, and wake up at a demented, run-down amusement park called Queen Christine's Dream Land. There, a man in a suit with the head of a cow explains that you can get your arm back to form by throwing your way to the castle at the end of the park -- while wearing a bionic arm.

This is Diabolical Pitch, the latest XBLA title from Grasshopper Manufacture. As odd as it sounds, what's important to note is that this game is dependent on Microsoft's Kinect peripheral, and every throw by McAllister is a real-life throw by you.

Continue reading Diabolical Pitch review: Field of nightmares

JoystiqDiabolical Pitch review: Field of nightmares originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codename-ddiabolical-pitchgrasshopper-manufacturekinectmicrosoftxboxFri, 06 Apr 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA Street review: When players collide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/fifa-street-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/fifa-street-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/fifa-street-review/#comments There's no way FIFA Street could have merely been an additional mode in FIFA Soccer 12. The latter takes to the conventional styles of soccer, where setting up plays and well-timed crosses are the keys to victory. The former focuses on "the beautiful game," where one player juggles a ball around with blinding grace, tricking an opponent into moving one direction while taking the ball in the other.

FIFA Street utilizes the Player Impact Engine found in FIFA 12, which relies more heavily on the physics of players and the ball instead of using only animations. It's a good starting point for a game that, compared to other FIFA titles, spotlights soccer tricks more than ever. The end result, however, turns into a "FIFA lite" of sorts, with shoddy action frighteningly reminiscent of the problematic FIFA 12 demo.

Continue reading FIFA Street review: When players collide

JoystiqFIFA Street review: When players collide originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsElectronic-Artsfifa-streetmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxThu, 15 Mar 2012 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[MLB 2K12 Review: Grounding into a double play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/mlb-2k12-review-grounding-into-a-double-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/mlb-2k12-review-grounding-into-a-double-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/mlb-2k12-review-grounding-into-a-double-play/#comments
Milwaukee Brewers closer John Axford has a sweet mustache. The commentary team in Major League Baseball 2K12, Steve Phillips, Gary Thorne, and John Kruk even spend time talking about it when he's on the mound, throwing strikes. Yes, dialogue was recorded specifically to discuss the pitcher's facial hair -- and yet Axford's player model is clean-shaven with some average-joe sideburns.

Like Axford's mustache, something feels like it's missing from MLB 2K12, as if it were a rough version of what it could potentially become. Transitions between player animations feel jarring, fielders especially. In one instance, Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano gloved a ball at the wall down the third base line. He then proceeded to run in place for seven steps before turning and rocketing the ball to second base, where the runner was already safe. Instances like these pop up in every game, in which fielders in particular look stiff and sluggish, then take a few extra steps between their throws.

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JoystiqMLB 2K12 Review: Grounding into a double play originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-sportsmicrosoftmlb-2k12playstationps3xboxThu, 08 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UFC Undisputed 3 review: Pride Fighting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/ufc-undisputed-3-review-pride-fighting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/ufc-undisputed-3-review-pride-fighting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/ufc-undisputed-3-review-pride-fighting/#comments I hate BJ Penn. "Hate" might be a strong word, but twice now he's thwarted my attempts to win the UFC Lightweight Championship title. While pummeling my way to 30 wins feels rewarding, my five losses (two from Penn) are an inescapable stain on my record. Falling from the #2 ranking to #7 is embarrassing. Between fights, I hit my limited opportunities to train hard, building up my submission and grappling defense with one goal in mind: to beat Penn and win the belt.

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JoystiqUFC Undisputed 3 review: Pride Fighting originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3thqufc-undisputed-3xboxyukesMon, 13 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WWE '12 review: Men in Tights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/wwe-12-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/wwe-12-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/wwe-12-review/#comments Pro wrestling has never been depicted as well as it has in WWE '12, a decidedly non-wrestling game. Sure, it's got "wrestling" embedded somewhere in its acronymic title, but WWE '12 acts like a fighting game. In pro wrestling, the "other guy" in a match takes bumps, and helps dictate the pace of the bout. The video game versions of wrestling don't include blatant options to take falls. There is no intentional means of losing to give a low-card wrestler a "push."

WWE '12 continues the tradition of advancing the illusion of wrestling. Both as a video game and as an extension of the WWE product, it accomplishes that task exceedingly well.

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JoystiqWWE '12 review: Men in Tights originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3thqwrestlingwwewwe-12wwe-2012xboxyukesMon, 28 Nov 2011 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA Soccer 12 review: Impactful]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/fifa-soccer-12-review-impactful/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/fifa-soccer-12-review-impactful/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/fifa-soccer-12-review-impactful/#comments Video games have a rich history of vaguely emulating sports while being subject to the limitations of the systems we play them on. Sports gamers are accustomed to repetitive animations, unnatural movement, and broken mechanics, all ripe for players to take competitive advantage of.

Somewhere along the lines, we lost the authenticity of sports in our video games. FIFA 12 does a magnificent job of depicting the sport of soccer in video game form, with all of its beautiful and natural imperfections.

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JoystiqFIFA Soccer 12 review: Impactful originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-sportsfifafifa-12fifa-soccer-12microsoftplaystationps3soccerxboxFri, 30 Sep 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL 12 review: Vacuum-sealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/madden-nfl-12-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/madden-nfl-12-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/madden-nfl-12-review/#comments Reviewing, let alone investing in an annual sports game series is difficult. In my experience, Madden fans are typically the reluctant type; they hope for vast improvements every year and expect a new game that will blow them away. Madden NFL 12 is not that game. It's not the kind of game that answers every problem players have with football games. But this year, EA Sports tackled some core issues that elevates this game as one of the best in the series.

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JoystiqMadden NFL 12 review: Vacuum-sealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsfootballMaddenmadden-nfl-12microsoftNFLplaystationps3xboxFri, 26 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D review: Soccer punch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/pro-evolution-soccer-2011-3d-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/pro-evolution-soccer-2011-3d-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/pro-evolution-soccer-2011-3d-review/#comments Sports gamers don't have much in the way of quality portable options. Games that try to emulate the console experience while lacking dual-stick controls typically fall flat, and their presentation never meets the standards console versions set.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D comes close, and for some, that might just be good enough.

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JoystiqPro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D review: Soccer punch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskonaminintendopro-evolution-soccer-2011-3dMon, 04 Apr 2011 19:50:00 EST