Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogobig.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Unreal Engine issues cause Midway's PS3 delays; prompt release dates for '08 promised]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/unreal-engine-issues-cause-midways-ps3-delays-prompt-release-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/unreal-engine-issues-cause-midways-ps3-delays-prompt-release-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/unreal-engine-issues-cause-midways-ps3-delays-prompt-release-d/#commentsFiled under:


Underneath the depths of a crater-sized hole left from their earlier Unreal Tournament 3 PS3 delay, Midway CEO David Zucker also made a rather bold statement about Midway's future Unreal Engine-based PS3 releases. Citing "technical issues of the Unreal Engine 3.0" as the main culprit for the PS3 delays of Stranglehold, Area 51: Blacksite and of course, Unreal Tournament 3, the conference call also included the assurances these technical issues have since been worked out, barring PS3 delays for future multiplatform releases in 2008 and beyond.

Hmmm ... color PS3 fans bemused and slightly suspicious. After all, we're still left with a lingering sting from the triple whammy PS3 backhand they've dished out. If anything is certain, it's that death, taxes and occasional game delays are all but inevitable but we just hope Midway can stick to their guns to make one of those things, a thing of the past. Imagine ... no taxes! [Insert lolz here.]

JoystiqUnreal Engine issues cause Midway's PS3 delays; prompt release dates for '08 promised originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-zuckerepicmidwayps3-delayunreal-tounrament-3unreal-tournamentTue, 02 Oct 2007 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SCEA teams up with ESPN for X Games 13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/espn-teams-up-with-scea-for-x-games-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/espn-teams-up-with-scea-for-x-games-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/espn-teams-up-with-scea-for-x-games-13/#commentsFiled under: ,


For the upcoming X Games 13 event in Los Angeles in August, SCEA announced its "renewed sponsorship" for the global action sport competition. Lets hope the competitors aren't superstitious, eh? Like the last 8 years of Sony's sponsorship, this year's event will be highlighted with the presence of Sony, but this time in a new truck-like package. The gargantuan PlayStation Experience truck will allow players to get an up-close and personal hands-on with the latest software for the PS3, PS2 and PSP. A 52-inch LCD HDTV will be displaying your hands-on skills in games like Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction, Folklore, MotorStorm, Singstar Pop and even Parappa the Rapper. Leather chairs will ensure style and comfort while players game away.

The absence of heavier and more violent content is a purposeful move to merge the event (oddly enough) with Sony's softer, more kid-friendly side. "As the X Games and PlayStation appeal to the younger audiences, we couldn't be happier with this partnership and look forward to future events with them," says Rick Alessandri, Managing Director of the X Games franchise. The X Games 13 event will take place August 2-5 at both The Home Depot Center and the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA.

JoystiqSCEA teams up with ESPN for X Games 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationexperiencerickalessandrisceaxgamesxgames13xgamesthirteenFri, 27 Jul 2007 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony president says no more PS3 price cuts for the US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/sony-president-says-no-more-ps3-price-cuts-for-the-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/sony-president-says-no-more-ps3-price-cuts-for-the-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/sony-president-says-no-more-ps3-price-cuts-for-the-us/#commentsFiled under:

In a recent Reuters interview, Sony president Ryoji Chubachi said, "we've announced the price cut in the US and have no additional plans beyond that at this time." Um, okay. They DID just announce the PS3 price cut two weeks ago. Dropping the price again so soon would be quite silly (at least, from a business standpoint).

Or, and this is just a crazy theory of ours, maybe he is pre-announcing another price cut, by way of saying there isn't one, when it's already planned, right around the upcoming holiday season. Stranger things have happened, but looking back at all the price cut denials before the announcement of the $100 price cut before E3 certainly makes it seem all the more plausible.

[Via GamesDigest]

JoystiqSony president says no more PS3 price cuts for the US originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pricecutryojichubachisonypresidentFri, 27 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No exclusive content for PS3 GTA IV, says Rockstar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/no-exclusive-content-for-ps3-gta-iv-says-rockstar/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/no-exclusive-content-for-ps3-gta-iv-says-rockstar/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/no-exclusive-content-for-ps3-gta-iv-says-rockstar/#commentsFiled under:


In the "news that blows" category, a Rockstar spokesperson confirmed the absence of any exclusive content for the PS3 edition of GTA IV. In speaking with Games Radar, Rockstar spokesperson Hosi Simon claimed that if gamers want the "complete experience with the episodes" that they would be best served by the Xbox 360 version, because the PS3 edition will not have any exclusive content to call their own. We're betting Sony's Phil Harrison was on the cusp of telling fans something quite tasty awhile back, so we shouldn't be surprised if a reverse announcement comes out down the road. Seriously, in light of past exclusives falling by the wayside, it would be hard to believe anything is sacred in one camp alone.

[Via Pro-G]

JoystiqNo exclusive content for PS3 GTA IV, says Rockstar originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GrandTheftAutoIvgtaIVHosiSimonrockstarThu, 26 Jul 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Target will sell standalone Blu-ray player, but not HD-DVD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/target-will-sell-standalone-blu-ray-player-but-not-hd-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/target-will-sell-standalone-blu-ray-player-but-not-hd-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/target-will-sell-standalone-blu-ray-player-but-not-hd-dvd/#commentsFiled under:


Beginning in October, savvy Target shoppers looking to jump onto the Blu-ray bandwagon can join the party with a standalone Blu-ray player. The Sony BDP-S300 Blu-ray player will be offered in addition to the PS3, providing consumers with a decision for their Blu-Ray movie watching. With another "tug" in the HD tug-of-war, Blu-ray gets a bonus as being alone on the shelving space for standalone players. Target has yet to announce plans to begin offering HD-DVD standalone players (not counting the already offered Xbox 360 add-on drive). As far as retail space for HD discs, Target has still confirmed they will continue to sell both Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs, alongside the standard DVD movies.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqTarget will sell standalone Blu-ray player, but not HD-DVD originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdps300blurayformat warformatwarhddvdsonytargetThu, 26 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[EMotion FX 3.5 character animation SDK now available for PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/25/emotion-fx-3-5-character-animation-sdk-now-available-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/25/emotion-fx-3-5-character-animation-sdk-now-available-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/25/emotion-fx-3-5-character-animation-sdk-now-available-for-ps3/#commentsFiled under: ,


It looks like programming for complex real-time character animations just got a little easier, thanks to Mystic Game Development's EMotion FX 3.5 SDK release for the PS3. MysticGD's website shows a laundry list of current clients using EMotion FX, such as Sigil Games Online, Mythic and Piranha Bytes. The specs on the newest release are quite technical but a few highlights include "tight integration with 3D Studio Max and Maya," with "high quality automatic lip-sync generation" and "multiprocessor and multicore support." John van der Burg, Development Director at MysticGD says clients have been, "wanting next-generation performance, memory efficiency and cross-platform support, as well as clear focus on reducing the artist effort required to deliver high-quality next-gen character content in their games." New toolsets are certainly a welcome addition for PS3 programmers. Anything that makes their job easier and allows us full-on visual eye candy is a good thing, right? Lets hope this leads to exciting breakthroughs for those sometimes complicated port jobs.

Continue reading EMotion FX 3.5 character animation SDK now available for PS3

JoystiqEMotion FX 3.5 character animation SDK now available for PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emotion fx 3.5EmotionFx3.5john van der burgJohnVanDerBurgmysitc game developementMysitcGameDevelopementmysticGDmythicprogrammingsdksigil games onlineSigilGamesOnlineWed, 25 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cross-platform support still up in the air for The Agency]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/cross-platform-support-still-up-in-the-air-for-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/cross-platform-support-still-up-in-the-air-for-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/cross-platform-support-still-up-in-the-air-for-the-agency/#comments
While it hasn't been completely ruled out at this point, SOE hasn't made a decision on whether to make The Agency cross-platform compatible between the PS3 and it's distant cousin, the PC. Lead designer Hal Milton said, "we're evaluating cross-platform support" and then completely closed the topic with the declarative "we're not prepared to make a statement at this time." The Agency isn't the only game set to release on PS3 and PC without the confirmation of dual-platform support between the two. Seeing as how we're breaching a new frontier here, we are beginning to wonder if PS3 gamers can, or even want to live a happy co-existence with their PC brethren. Although critically flawed, Shadowrun seemed to offer a pleasurable cross-platform experience between the PC and the Xbox 360. What do you think? Can SOE pull it off with The Agency?

Gallery: The Agency



JoystiqCross-platform support still up in the air for The Agency originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-platformhal miltonHalMiltonsoesoe seattleSoeSeattlesony oline entertainmentSonyOlineEntertainmentthe agencyTheAgencyTue, 24 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stick-figures get their hero in Echochrome]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/stick-figures-get-their-hero-in-echochrome/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/stick-figures-get-their-hero-in-echochrome/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/stick-figures-get-their-hero-in-echochrome/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Enter Echochrome, one of the most interesting and engaging new titles popping up at this year's E3. "Least graphics, most game play is their angle," said Sony's Phil Harrison, as he introduced Echochrome in the midst of Sony's E3 keynote. In addition to our earlier description as, "Jenga blocks, plus stick figure man plus acid," game play seemingly bears a distant resemblance to games like Crush (PSP) and the upcoming PC release Portal. Echochrome looks like it will have players assembling the game world to steer the stick-figure hero to his end goal. An orchestral score keeps an ambient atmosphere, which should help for those ultra-tricky sections that will be sure to induce cold sweats. Ah, the intense pleasures of a great puzzler. Echochrome certainly looks promising and the fact it will arrive on both UMD for the PSP and the PlayStation Store as one of the "more than 80 first-party games available" makes it all the more desirable.

JoystiqStick-figures get their hero in Echochrome originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e307echochromekeynotephil harrisonPhilHarrisonplaystation networkplaystation storePlaystationNetworkPlaystationStorePSPFri, 13 Jul 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Oblivion gets a Game of the Year release, this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/oblivion-gets-a-game-of-the-year-release-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/oblivion-gets-a-game-of-the-year-release-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/oblivion-gets-a-game-of-the-year-release-this-fall/#comments

Like all good things that sell over 1.7 million copies in one month, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is getting a "Game of the Year" edition. This one will hit the PC and all consoles (sans the Nintendo Wii) for a simultaneous release this fall. Just like the PS3 version you can buy in stores now, this "Game of the Year" edition will include the Knights of the Nine expansion. In addition, Bethesda's decided to now include the previously unavailable The Shivering Isles expansion. Thank goodness. We were beginning to wonder if Bethesda actually had any plans to make this one available over the PlayStation Network as previously suggested, being that recent news on that front had gone cold.

The PS3 release of Oblivion came a lot later than its Xbox 360 counterpart, but thankfully, stands as a testament to the PS3's capabilities with improved frame rate, faster loading times and greater draw distance. This version will also be compatible with previous game saves, allowing players to pop the "Game of the Year" disc in and continue their questing right where they left off. Pricing details haven't yet been released for this "Game of the Year" edition, but we speculate if the $59.99 price tag doesn't hold, $69.99 sounds about right. Time will tell. So in case you've been living in a cave with your PS3 and haven't yet experienced the gaming bliss of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion or any of its two expansion packs, you can't do any better than picking up the "Game of the Year" edition this fall.

JoystiqOblivion gets a Game of the Year release, this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda softworksBethesdaSoftworksgame of the yearGameOfTheYearknights of the nineKnightsOfTheNineoblivionthe elder scrolls IV: oblivionthe shivering islesTheElderScrollsIv:OblivionTheShiveringIslesMon, 09 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 European launch helped sell over 180,000 Blu-ray movies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/ps3-european-launch-helped-sell-over-180-000-blu-ray-movies/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/ps3-european-launch-helped-sell-over-180-000-blu-ray-movies/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/ps3-european-launch-helped-sell-over-180-000-blu-ray-movies/#commentsFiled under:

The HD war over real estate in your living room just hit a new milestone with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's recent claim of just how successful the European launch of the PS3 was. Citing a 1000% increase in Blu-ray movie sales since the European launch of the PS3 in March, the boys (and girls) in the Sony camp are certainly smiling. Sony Pictures also mentioned sales of their movies account for 50% of all Blu-ray movies sold in Europe, thanks in large part to the permeation of their strongest release to date, Casino Royale.

Other top-selling HD discs include The Departed, which previously enjoyed the top-selling Blu-ray movie slot prior to Casino Royale's runaway truck-like sales growth, and the fantastic BBC documentary Planet Earth. Both highly recommended, no matter what side of the HD fence you happen to fall on.

JoystiqPS3 European launch helped sell over 180,000 Blu-ray movies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raycasino royaleCasinoRoyaleps3 launchPs3Launchsony pictures home entertainmentSonyPicturesHomeEntertainmentthe departedTheDepartedWed, 04 Jul 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pursuit Force designer promises "the whole cow" for meatier PSP sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/pursuit-force-designer-promises-the-whole-cow-for-meatier-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/pursuit-force-designer-promises-the-whole-cow-for-meatier-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/pursuit-force-designer-promises-the-whole-cow-for-meatier-psp/#commentsFiled under:


Designers say the darnest things sometimes. Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice lead designer for Chris Whiteside recently sat down for an interview with IGN and immediately responded to past forum suggestions and direct pleas for more content in the sequel. According to Chris, "many people commented on forums that they wished there was a little more 'meat on the bone', and with Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice you get the whole cow." No kidding.

For the second go-round, the team of developers decided to sit down for a fireside chat with Hollywood script writers to encapsulate that "blockbuster-type feel" and from the sounds of it, it worked. The extra content includes Pursuit Force "recruits" that will have "their own behaviors and characteristics" of which to help the player progress. The game will also feature a new "Boss" feature, in which the boss battles seem more of a stage on their own, taking the player "onto huge vehicles and navigating huge hazards to reach your opponent." Lets see. 24 new weapons (including our all-time favorite in just about any game, the flamethrower), assault rifles, rocket launchers, 54 drivable (and more responsive) vehicles, control sentry guns, hovercrafts, 4-player ad hoc wireless, story mode with purchasable content, three difficulty settings and more ... the whole cow, no kidding. Look for more on Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice as we near its September release.

Gallery: Pursuit Force Extreme Justice

JoystiqPursuit Force designer promises "the whole cow" for meatier PSP sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bigbig studiosBigbigStudioschris whitesideChrisWhitesidepursuit forcepursuit force: extreme justicePursuitForcePursuitForce:ExtremeJusticesceesony computer entertainmentSonyComputerEntertainmentTue, 03 Jul 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider Anniversary looking less chunky in new screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/tomb-raider-anniversary-looking-less-chunkier-in-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/tomb-raider-anniversary-looking-less-chunkier-in-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/tomb-raider-anniversary-looking-less-chunkier-in-new-screens/#commentsFiled under:


A fresh batch of screen shots from Lara Croft's upcoming Tomb Raider Anniversary go-round on the PSP shows a prettier and less "chunkier" Tomb Raider than Legend was, though at this point we're more curious as to how it plays. Last year's Tomb Raider Legend turned out pretty decent, but frame rate issues, chunky textures and clunky controls hurt the overall reception of the title. Feast your eyes on the recent released screenshots of the PSP-bound title and let us know if this reiteration is still on your radar. Despite the slight delay from its original June release, Tomb Raider Anniversary is still on the agenda for a late July arrival. Lets hope the extra time spent on its development results in a classier and smoother ride.

JoystiqTomb Raider Anniversary looking less chunky in new screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarycrystal dynamicsCrystalDynamicseidoslara croftLaraCroftlegendtomb raider anniversaryTombRaiderAnniversaryTue, 03 Jul 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Store managers detail PS3 failure rate at less than 1%]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/store-managers-detail-ps3-failure-rate-at-less-than-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/store-managers-detail-ps3-failure-rate-at-less-than-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/store-managers-detail-ps3-failure-rate-at-less-than-1/#commentsFiled under:


The inquisitive folks over at Ripten decided to do a little research on the failure rate of current next-gen consoles. Their conclusions should come as no surprise, with the PS3 resulting in a low failure rate. What is surprising however, is the failure rate for one console in particular appears to be higher than previously anticipated. An EB Games associate singled out the Xbox 360 console by advising "failure rates for all other consoles were not high enough for EB to consider revising their policies" further claiming the failure rate of the Sony PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii to be "less than one percent." An EB Games manager reiterated the low failure rates of the Nintendo Wii by exclaiming that "zero [consoles] have come back defective." A Best Buy manager then went on record saying "a quarter to a third" Xbox 360 consoles sold, come back defective, confirming the 33% failure rate percentage. The methods used to determine failure rates for these consoles appear to be too elementary to really prove anything concrete. Nevertheless, this story allows us to breathe a little bit easier, as it continues to prove our console of choice can still fold like a champ and have a longer lifespan than that of its direct competition.

[Via digg]

JoystiqStore managers detail PS3 failure rate at less than 1% originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defectiveeb gamesEbGamesfailure rateFailureRateps3riptenxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 03 Jul 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Fanboy review: Rainbow Six: Vegas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/ps3-fanboy-review-rainbow-six-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/ps3-fanboy-review-rainbow-six-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/ps3-fanboy-review-rainbow-six-vegas/#commentsFiled under:


After much delay, PS3 owners are finally able to taste the dish Ubisoft first baked for Xbox 360 owners back in mid-November. Has the extra six months in the Ubi incubator, provided PS3 gamers with a far superior version? Does the PS3 version blow its Xbox cousin out of the water? Does the PS3 rendition give you superhuman powers?

Rainbow Six: Vegas weaves an interesting-enough plotline, centering around southern boy Logan Keller, a recent rising star amongst the ranks of the Rainbow team and whose face you'll become intimately familiar with as you duck him behind crates or crane his neck around doorways to spot and eliminate bad guys. One of our hero's first missions starts the Rainbow team off in Mexico, where you're being sent to eliminate a terrorist threat led by international terrorist Irena Morales. The game's plot is riddled with conspiracy-a-plenty, taking twists and turns while leading the Rainbow team to locales like Mexico, Vegas (of course) and later, an expansive hydroelectric dam.

Continue reading PS3 Fanboy review: Rainbow Six: Vegas

JoystiqPS3 Fanboy review: Rainbow Six: Vegas originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>logan kellerLoganKellerrainbow sixrainbow six: vegasRainbowSixRainbowSix:Vegasreviewubisoftubisoft montrealUbisoftMontrealvegasMon, 02 Jul 2007 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution coming to PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/sid-meiers-civilization-revolution-coming-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/sid-meiers-civilization-revolution-coming-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/sid-meiers-civilization-revolution-coming-to-psp/#comments
 Not to be left out of the Civ lovin', the PSP is getting a Civ fix in the form of the brand new rendition, Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution. The official press release is a bit loose on exactly which handhelds will be getting this title, saying only that Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution will be coming to "next gen consoles and handhelds." We think we can safely assume a Nintendo DS version will be dropping in tune with the Sony PSP's release but hey, why get the Nintendo version? (wink, wink). The game is said to have "extensive multiplayer capabilities" with "integrated video and voice chat." Voice chat on the PSP? Maybe not, but at least having "extensive multiplayer capabilities" and "downloadable content" should prove a worthwhile venture on the PSP, especially for Civ gamers on the go. 16 civilizations are making the grade here, with Sid Meier himself in the hotseat as lead designer. Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution is set for a Spring 2008 release, so we imagine it won't be much longer before we can share some screen shots. Stay tuned.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqSid Meier's Civilization Revolution coming to PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k games2kGamescivcivilizationfiraxisfiraxis gamesFiraxisGamessid meiersid meier's civilization revolutionSidMeierSidMeier'sCivilizationRevolutiontake-two interactiveTake-twoInteractiveThu, 28 Jun 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scans of early-build Fallout 3 show much promise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/scans-of-early-build-fallout-3-show-much-promise/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/scans-of-early-build-fallout-3-show-much-promise/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/scans-of-early-build-fallout-3-show-much-promise/#commentsFiled under:


Finnish magazines get all the love. Well, at least when it comes to recent press on Fallout 3. Finnish magazine Pelaaja grabbed a few scans of the game in progress and we must say, it seems to be coming in line nicely, following details already laid out by Bethesda. These scans look great, even if they are a little blurry (likely due to the fact they are scans and not pure screen shots of the game in progress). The character models appear to be fleshed out with texture-a-plenty and we'll bet the lighting will hold similar Oblivion-like bloom effects upon the game's release.

The Fallout franchise certainly has its fair share of rabid fans, so it was extremely important that Bethesda carry the torch with gloved hands, as to not disrupt or crack the foundation already set in place. Without a preview of the game, it's far too early to tell if the plot will hold firm on the foundation set by former developer Black Isle, but the scans show mighty promise. The colors are fairly drab and muted, kept to a palette rich in silver and brown (perfect for a post-apocolyptic setting such as this). Also, the scans confirm Bethesda's previous confirmation of using a modified Oblivion engine and keeping the 1st and 3rd person perspective for RPG narrative. We've put all four scans into a gallery and will be updating with more scans and screen shots as they come in. Fallout 3 is quite a ways off, scheduled for release in Fall of 2008.

Continue reading Scans of early-build Fallout 3 show much promise

JoystiqScans of early-build Fallout 3 show much promise originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda softworksBethesdaSoftworksblack isleBlackIslefalloutfallout 3Fallout3interplayThu, 28 Jun 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution is coming to PS3 [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/sid-meiers-civilization-revolution-is-coming-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/sid-meiers-civilization-revolution-is-coming-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/sid-meiers-civilization-revolution-is-coming-to-ps3/#comments2K Games, courtesy of Take-Two Interactive, dropped a Civ bomb today, announcing their publishing deal for Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution for both PS3 and Xbox 360. As of yet, no announced plans for a PC release. That's because consoles rule and PC's drool. (/Humor) In all seriousness, this endeavor should pose quite a challenge, as the console audience is vastly different in control and appeal (especially considering the plethora of trigger-happy preteens from FPS overload).

This marks the first time Sid Meier actually has a hand in producing a Civilization console release, which we hope will bear significance on its quality and polish. Sixteen civilizations will be available for player control with real-time interaction with leaders and advisors, packed with "extensive multiplayer capabilities" featuring "integrated video and voice chat." No screenshots as of yet, but that should change as the sands of time bear down on us.

According to Sid Meier, "Civilization Revolution is the game I've always wanted to make! We are excited to take advantage of the power of next generation consoles and the ingenuity of handhelds, to create a great and unique strategy game for newcomers to the series, as well as the millions of fans around the world who enjoy Civilization on the PC." We guess he wasn't kidding when he professed his love for Sony. Welcome to the party, Sid. Glad you came aboard.

[Via Joystiq]

[Update: Added the newly-released trailer, embedded for your enjoyment.]

Continue reading Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution is coming to PS3 [Update]

JoystiqSid Meier's Civilization Revolution is coming to PS3 [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k games2kGamescivilizationfiraxisfiraxis gamesFiraxisGamessid meiersid meier's civilization revolutionSidMeierSidMeier'sCivilizationRevolutiontake-two interactiveTake-twoInteractiveThu, 28 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Where is Rainbow Six: Vegas?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/where-is-rainbow-six-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/where-is-rainbow-six-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/where-is-rainbow-six-vegas/#commentsOnline retailers are either still showing the release date as June 26th, which was previously expected, or delayed until Thursday, Friday or even Saturday.

According to Gamestop's website, the game "usually ships within 24 hours," which generally points to the game being in stock at many stores. However, our local Gamestop in central New York says Rainbow Six: Vegas for PS3 won't be in stores until June 30th, at the earliest. Message boards across this crazy worldwide web are lighting up with tales of Gamestop employees reiterating similar tales, that the shipping date shows June 29th with expected in-store availability for June 30th.

How about other retailers? Best Buy online shows the game coming in tomorrow (June 27th). As is par for the course, their in-store clerks can only confirm its current absence in store shelves, without any further idea as to when the game will come in. Mega-retailer Amazon doesn't fare much better, showing its release date as June 26th with an 11-13 day shipping time frame. Yeesh. Sans an Ubisoft developer connection, it doesn't appear likely that gamers will be able to experience the PS3 reiteration of Rainbow Six: Vegas until later this week. Weekend releases are practically unheard of, but we at least hope this one proves true. Waiting another full week for some hot online Rainbow action? Too much. Now where's that copy of The Darkness ...

Thanks to all who sent this in.

JoystiqWhere is Rainbow Six: Vegas? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buyBestBuygamestoprainbow six: vegasRainbowSix:Vegasrelease dateReleaseDateubisoftvegasTue, 26 Jun 2007 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Bourne Conspiracy snipes a PS3 release [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/the-bourne-conspiracy-snipes-a-ps3-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/the-bourne-conspiracy-snipes-a-ps3-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/the-bourne-conspiracy-snipes-a-ps3-release/#commentsFiled under:


Yes folks, another tie-in. The Bourne Ultimatum is coming to theaters this summer while a different, next-gen offering The Bourne Conspiracy, hits PS3 and Xbox 360 next year in 2008. The game is tailoring its plot around Jason Bourne's identity, borrowing heavily from source materials of ... The Bourne Identity. We don't fully understand why Ludlum Entertainment doesn't just call the game The Bourne Identity, other than perhaps to induce confusion amongst the franchise titles. Considering the first film already has a well-established fan base, it would seem starting the game franchise at the base level and allowing sequels to follow the film release time line would make more sense. But hey, we don't make games, we just play 'em. What do we know? Fans of The Bourne Identity novel and film reiteration will also notice new story elements added to the game. For example, the game will include the pivotal moment when Jason Bourne first learns his identity and the discovery of the overabundant cans of whoopin' he has at his disposal. No release date yet, but expect to hear more on this after The Bourne Ultimatum's release this summer and subsequent (and highly likely) DVD release.

[Update: The Bourne Ultimatum is coming to theaters this summer. The Bourne Conspiracy is the game title only, of which there has yet to be a film reiteration. Corrections made to the post clarifying this.
Thanks, The Sh0wstopper & Jon K]

JoystiqThe Bourne Conspiracy snipes a PS3 release [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bournehigh moon studiosHighMoonStudiosjason bourneJasonBourneludlum entertainmentLudlumEntertainmentmatt damonMattDamonsierrathe bourne conspiracythe bourne identityTheBourneConspiracyTheBourneIdentityTue, 26 Jun 2007 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dev for SEGA Rally Revo calls PS3 and Xbox 360 "equal"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/dev-for-sega-rally-revo-calls-ps3-and-xbox-360-equal/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/dev-for-sega-rally-revo-calls-ps3-and-xbox-360-equal/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/dev-for-sega-rally-revo-calls-ps3-and-xbox-360-equal/#comments
Add yet another console comparison to the pile. This time around, the flame bait can't really be cast either way. SEGA Racing Studio boss Guy Wilday came out calling both consoles equal on development opportunities. SEGA Rally, an arcade favorite since 1995, is making its way to both the Xbox 360 and the PS3 in a title appropriately called, SEGA Rally Revo (gallery below). According to Guy Wilday, both games look fairly identical when comparing graphics, saying "you're really hard pushed to tell the difference." In sync with earlier confirmations made on the PS3 development, he stated, "the learning curve is steeper in that you have to do certain things to get the most out of the platform." It may come as a shock to some developers, but this appears to be concise proof that simultaneous development for both platforms can prove successful with identical results. Now lets get to the good stuff and make that PS3 really shine. SEGA Rally Revo makes its way to PS3, Xbox 360 and PC platforms this September.

Gallery: SEGA Rally Revo



JoystiqDev for SEGA Rally Revo calls PS3 and Xbox 360 "equal" originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guy wildayGuyWildaysegasega driving studiosega rallysega rally revoSegaDrivingStudioSegaRallySegaRallyRevoThu, 21 Jun 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sir Howard proclaims with PS3's help, Sony "is on a comeback"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/sir-howard-proclaims-with-ps3s-help-sony-is-on-a-comeback/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/sir-howard-proclaims-with-ps3s-help-sony-is-on-a-comeback/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/sir-howard-proclaims-with-ps3s-help-sony-is-on-a-comeback/#comments
The always cheery Sir Howard Stringer awoke from his six-month hibernation tossed a few nuggets of positivity to investors at the annual shareholders meeting in Tokyo. First, he announced the company is on the road to recovery and held the PS3 in high regard as "vital" for a successful Sony future. Pronouncing that "production problems have been solved" he went on to ease investors likely nervous from the last earnings report by reassuring them of the cyclical nature of console profits. "We always lost money in the hardware, initially and recover that money gradually," he said. And in downplaying his non-Japanese citizenship, he beat his chest and exclaimed, "I am not a foreigner. I am a warrior." Uh-huh. Perhaps if he wore a headdress and performed a tribal dance, his warrior statement would've been more compelling instead of just ... silly.

JoystiqSir Howard proclaims with PS3's help, Sony "is on a comeback" originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>annual shareholdersAnnualShareholdersinvestorsPS3shareholderssir howard stringerSirHowardStringersonywarriorThu, 21 Jun 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Call of Duty 4 trailer astounds in a non-WWII kind of way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/new-call-of-duty-4-trailer-astounds-in-a-non-wwii-kind-of-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/new-call-of-duty-4-trailer-astounds-in-a-non-wwii-kind-of-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/new-call-of-duty-4-trailer-astounds-in-a-non-wwii-kind-of-way/#commentsFiled under:

We have to admit we weren't really excited at the last Call of Duty reiteration, Call of Duty 3. A fine game, to be sure, but we couldn't overcome the been-there done-that feeling. Then the announcement and subsequent first peek at Call of Duty 4 in action, which did more than generate a frenzy of renewed interest. We had long since grown tired of WWII shooters and now, the leader of WWII shooters was going all modern. We took a peek at the latest trailer and literally, were blown away. The lighting on your fellow solders, the smoke entrails from heat-seeking rockets, the spinning and exploding helicopter: jack the sound up as you watch and you may find yourself sharing similar "OMFG" sentiments. Call of Duty 4 is reported to be on track for an Xbox 360, PS3 and PC release, sometime this fall and it's definitely on our "must buy" list now. How about yours?

JoystiqNew Call of Duty 4 trailer astounds in a non-WWII kind of way originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall of dutycall of duty 4CallOfDutyCallOfDuty4gametrailersinfinity wardInfinityWardWed, 20 Jun 2007 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Paris airport gets some serious PS2 and PS3 lovin']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/rumor-french-airport-gets-some-serious-ps2-and-ps3-lovin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/rumor-french-airport-gets-some-serious-ps2-and-ps3-lovin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/rumor-french-airport-gets-some-serious-ps2-and-ps3-lovin/#commentsFiled under: ,

All Paris PS3 fans would be wise to book all future flights out of Charles de Gaulle International Airport. According to a translated story off PS3 site Playfrance, on June 27th, 14 PS3 consoles will be connected individually to Sony Bravia 1080p HDTV sets in the "Galerie Parisienne" terminal. A slightly easier-to-read translation mentions the stations will be spread amongst "three comfortable" sections and "able to accommodate up to 28 players simultaneously." On an even harder to swallow note, "80 PS2 consoles" were deployed in the same airport, in order to allow a new generation of potential gamers to "discover the new plays of PlayStation 2." Wait, 80 PS2 consoles already deployed, and now 18 PS3's connected to 1080p Bravia HDTV's? Hmm ... something sounds awfully fishy about this. Until we can confirm it with more reliable sources, we're labeling this as "rumor." Although not the first case of gaming in airports, if it proves to be true it would certainly make flight delays a whole lot more enjoyable. By chance, would any of our French readers happen to be on their way to the Charles de Gaulle airport? Screenshots, or it never happened!

[Via PS3 Forums]

JoystiqRumor: Paris airport gets some serious PS2 and PS3 lovin' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airportcharles de gaulle international airportcharles de gualleCharlesDeGaulleInternationalAirportCharlesDeGuallegalerie parisienneGalerieParisienneplayfranceWed, 20 Jun 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Has Blu-ray won the HD war? Panasonic exec thinks so]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/has-blu-ray-won-the-hd-war-panasonic-exec-thinks-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/has-blu-ray-won-the-hd-war-panasonic-exec-thinks-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/has-blu-ray-won-the-hd-war-panasonic-exec-thinks-so/#commentsFiled under:

Joseph Taylor, the executive VP/COO of Panasonic Corporation of North America, spoke a bit more profoundly on his predictions over the ongoing HD format war. Profoundly as in, "I'm giving a very politically incorrect answer. I think the battle is over. I think Blu-ray has won." Strong words indeed, but considering Blockbuster's large announcement earlier this week and growing exclusive support from home video libraries, it would certainly seem his prediction has merit. Mr. Taylor gives basis for his claim on two key points. One, the number of content providers on the Blu-ray front (sans Universal) and two, the number of Blu-ray units sold compared to HD-DVD, citing a 2-1 ratio. Other reports may suggest the fight may be closer than that, but we can't say we don't prefer one format over another. Bring on the Blu-ray!

[Via PS3 Forums]

JoystiqHas Blu-ray won the HD war? Panasonic exec thinks so originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raycontent providersContentProvidershd format warhd-dvdHdFormatWarjoseph taylorJosephTaylorpanasonicpanasonic corporation of north americaPanasonicCorporationOfNorthAmericaWed, 20 Jun 2007 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadians get a crack at a red PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/canadians-get-a-crack-at-a-red-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/canadians-get-a-crack-at-a-red-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/canadians-get-a-crack-at-a-red-ps3/#commentsFiled under:


Want to be the coolest Canadian on your block? Better head on over to the Canadian PlayStation site and register to win your very own Adrian Anz designed, red PS3 T-shirt! We should also mention that t-shirt comes with a PS3 console. No worries, it's a 60GB version and similar in every way to the shiny, black obelisk-looking ones you can buy in retail stores. Except it's red ... "china red" to be exact, with "wine red" tinted clear coat. Red-a-licious. Head to their website for additional information. We're already in the process of telling all our Canadian friends about this sweet contest. Since only three of these bad boys will be given away, all Canadian gamers ought to not delay further and head over to enter.

[Via PS3 Forums]

JoystiqCanadians get a crack at a red PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adrian anzAdrianAnzcanadian playstation websiteCanadianPlaystationWebsitechina redChinaRedred playstation 3red PS3RedPlaystation3RedPs3wine redWineRedWed, 20 Jun 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft CEO says the PS3 launch price was "right"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/ubisoft-ceo-says-the-ps3-launch-price-was-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/ubisoft-ceo-says-the-ps3-launch-price-was-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/ubisoft-ceo-says-the-ps3-launch-price-was-right/#commentsFiled under:

CEO's can sometimes say the darndest things. The always outspoken CEO of Ubisoft, Yves Guillemot, spoke with Gamesindustry.biz about the cost of the PS3, which clearly differed from his earlier views. Speaking about Sony directly, he says, " [they] sold a machine that is actually expensive to build at the right price for consumers. It's just that if we want more consumers, we'll have to have a price that will make more people come in." Well Sony has at least one CEO in their corner in mild agreement about the launch price of the PS3, except it just further exemplifies a growing demand for a price cut now. The interviewer inquired about the possibility of a price cut before the all-important holiday season, to which Guillemot of course, agreed would be nice. "For publishers, we want as many machines sold as possible, so for us the lower the price the better," he says. Previously, analysts have estimated a PS3 price cut could already be on the way. Time will tell.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqUbisoft CEO says the PS3 launch price was "right" originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceogamesindustry.bizprice cutPriceCutubisoftyves guillemotYvesGuillemotWed, 20 Jun 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Future PS3 firmware updates could improve upscaling 30% to 40% [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/future-ps3-firmware-updates-could-improve-upscaling-30-to-40/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/future-ps3-firmware-updates-could-improve-upscaling-30-to-40/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/future-ps3-firmware-updates-could-improve-upscaling-30-to-40/#commentsFiled under:

If you're already impressed by the PS3's upscaling of older PlayStation games and DVD movies, wait until you see what Sony engineers have in store for future updates. SCE chief technology officer Kawanishi and AV manager Kanehide were talking about the future of the PS3's firmware updates when a very interesting claim was made. "We have gotten feedback from critics regarding several failure patters for upconverting, but we are getting closer to the goal. I think we can improve another 30 to 40%," said Kawanishi. He is talking about the upscaling performance, as in, 30 - 40% better than what was given during firmware 1.80. The dynamic duo also believe they can give this performance boost without additional fan noise, further believing in a future, fanless PS3 console. Very cool indeed.

[Update: We had previously, failed to source Next-Gen Biz for the original story. The links have slightly changes, but all sourcing is cited correctly. Apologies all around.]

[Via CVG]

JoystiqFuture PS3 firmware updates could improve upscaling 30% to 40% [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firmwareKanehideKawanishiSCEupconvertingupscalingWed, 20 Jun 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Demo for Ape Escape spin-off, headed for Japanese gamers only]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/ape-escape-spin-off-headed-for-japanese-gamers-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/ape-escape-spin-off-headed-for-japanese-gamers-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/ape-escape-spin-off-headed-for-japanese-gamers-only/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Introducing another shining example of Sony shafting non-Japanese gamers, Sony is releasing a demo of Sarugetchu: SaruSaru Daisakusen (a take off their popular Ape Escape franchise) at the World Hobby Fair on June 23rd. This same demo will also be available for download on the PlayStation 3, through the Japanese PlayStation Store, and later on June 29th, through means of an 8MB downloadable demo off their website. The full game is set for a July 26th release and as with most Japanese-originating releases, there is no official word on a North American translation or confirmed release at all. How many more Ape Escape fans do we have with us here that are hoping this title makes its way to other territories?

JoystiqDemo for Ape Escape spin-off, headed for Japanese gamers only originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ape escapeApeEscapedowloadable demoDowloadableDemoplaystation storePlaystationStoresarugetchu: saruSaru daisakusenSarugetchu:SarusaruDaisakusenworld hobby fairWorldHobbyFairTue, 19 Jun 2007 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Masters of Horror, a Blu-ray exclusive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/masters-of-horror-a-blu-ray-exclusive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/masters-of-horror-a-blu-ray-exclusive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/masters-of-horror-a-blu-ray-exclusive/#commentsFiled under:

We admit it. We have a rather unhealthy addiction to cheese-ball horror flicks. Only the truly awful fail to squeak through the rose-colored reviews we freely give to anyone within speaking distance. Some might consider it unhealthy, but my, how we love watching vixens and brain-dead sorority girls being dispatched in mischievous and often inventive ways. Soon, we'll get a taste of what Blu-ray can do to intensify the experience of a horror movie when Starz Home Entertainment releases Masters of Horror exclusively on Blu-ray. The Masters of Horror anthology stands as some of the best, current horror around, notable for its format on cable television.

The Starz Home Entertainment umbrella covers a lot of territory, encompassing Anchor Bay Entertainment, so it's exciting to note that this announcement from Starz implies the inevitability of such classic horror franchises as Halloween, Night of the Living Dead, Evil Dead and Re-Animator. So needless to say, we are excited. Couldn't you tell? As of the announcement, no pricing details, content packaging or release date yet for its first Masters of Horror release.

JoystiqMasters of Horror, a Blu-ray exclusive originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anchor bay entertainmentAnchorBayEntertainmentblu-rayevil deadEvilDeadhalloweenmasters of horrorMastersOfHorrornight of the living deadNightOfTheLivingDeadre-animatorstarz home entertainmentStarzHomeEntertainmentTue, 19 Jun 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ken Kutaragi officially throws in the towel, retires from SCE]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/ken-kutaragi-officially-throws-in-the-towel-retires-from-sce/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/ken-kutaragi-officially-throws-in-the-towel-retires-from-sce/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/ken-kutaragi-officially-throws-in-the-towel-retires-from-sce/#commentsThe father of the PlayStation, Ken Kutaragi, has officially retired from Sony Computer Entertainment. Previously, following a corporate re-shuffle, Mr. Kutaragi stepped down as CEO of SCE, replaced by Kaz Hirai. Now, Ken Kutaragi is relinquishing his Sony duties further, stepping down as SCE's Chairman and Group Chief Executive while remaining on board with SCE in an advisory role. Perhaps Sir Howard Stringer can assist with Ken Kutaragi's early retirement by quickly issuing restraining orders against him on all things Sony PlayStation-related. After all, earlier reports show "Krazy Ken" Kutaragi clearly doesn't know "when to say when" as he proceeded to inflate the PS3's budget until it exploded in everyone's collective faces, causing fallout from a few layoffs to a huge quarterly loss. Except now without Kutaragi in the limelight, how are we going to get such beautiful mock-ups of the PlayStation grill?

JoystiqKen Kutaragi officially throws in the towel, retires from SCE originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kaz hiraiKazHiraiken kutaragiKenKutaragikrazy kenKrazyKenplaystationscesir howard stringerSirHowardStringersony computer entertainmentSonyComputerEntertainmentTue, 19 Jun 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alliance: The Silent War possibly shelved due to Second Life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/alliance-the-silent-war-possibly-shelved-due-to-second-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/alliance-the-silent-war-possibly-shelved-due-to-second-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/alliance-the-silent-war-possibly-shelved-due-to-second-life/#comments
Windward Mark Interactive's first next-gen offering may have been shelved due to their recent acquisition from Linden Lab, makers of Second Life. Last month, Linden Lab acquired Windward Mark for their graphic technologies, reportedly to assist in a graphical overhaul for Second Life. Asi Land, Windward Mark Interactive's president, says even he is unsure of the future of Alliance: The Silent War. "We'll see how it plays with our new roles here at Linden ... we're very much still in love with the project," said Mr. Land. Too early to count it out completely but at the same time, don't hold your breath. It's a shame too, because the technologies acquired by Linden Lab are quite impressive. For example Nimble, their 3D cloud system, is quite spectacular, although its inclusion in a shooter would likely lead to players staring at the clouds more than shooting people in the face. Nevertheless, we hope Windward's new home allows them to continue the project through to completion.

[Via PS3 Forums]

JoystiqAlliance: The Silent War possibly shelved due to Second Life originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliance: the silent warAlliance:TheSilentWarasi landAsiLandlinden labLindenLabnimblesecond lifeSecondLifewindlightwindward mark interactiveWindwardMarkInteractiveTue, 19 Jun 2007 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[First glimpse at ten-button Rock Band guitar controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/first-glimpse-at-ten-button-rock-band-guitar-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/first-glimpse-at-ten-button-rock-band-guitar-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/first-glimpse-at-ten-button-rock-band-guitar-controller/#commentsFiled under:


Harmonix was just getting us warmed up, it seems. Instead of the five fret buttons we've grown accustomed to on the past Guitar Hero series, the Rock Band official Stratocaster-based guitar controller displays ten fret buttons. On the second pic embedded below, you'll notice the five new buttons down at the base of the neck. We can only imagine what kind of sick guitar solo action Harmonix has in store for us with these.

The pics arrive courtesy of a Gamestop newsletter, which also details the new features embedded into the guitar controller. As we reported earlier, guitar effects will play a large role, allowing the player to flange, wah, reverb and delay their way into guitar gaming bliss. No official pricing was included at this time, though we wouldn't be surprised to see something closer to $79.99 or thereabouts for the controller alone. Price be damned, we're still going to have to give this bad boy a spin. Anyone else?

Continue reading First glimpse at ten-button Rock Band guitar controller

JoystiqFirst glimpse at ten-button Rock Band guitar controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buttonsfret buttonFretButtonguitar controllerguitar heroGuitarControllerGuitarHeroharmonixmtv gamesMtvGamesrock bandRockBandstratocasterTue, 19 Jun 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Paid subscription a possibility for the future of PlayStation Network]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/paid-subscription-and-achievements-the-future-of-playstation-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/paid-subscription-and-achievements-the-future-of-playstation-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/paid-subscription-and-achievements-the-future-of-playstation-ne/#commentsFiled under:


Paying for a subscription would certainly seem to be a possibility, especially as the long-rumored feature upgrades come filing into the PlayStation Network. When speaking with Geoff Keighley on the latest edition of Gametrailers' Bonus Round, Eric Lempel spoke about the PlayStation Network's current free service and that, "in time, anything can change." Comparing the PlayStation Network to Microsoft's Xbox Live service, Lempel, Sony's director of Network Operations reconfirmed "we're working on an achievements system," describing its inclusion as "an important feature." Voice-chat across all games is also something (thankfully) that Mr. Lempel touched base on, saying "talking across games ... definitely builds momentum for games and actually migrate(s) users to other games and keeps you in touch with your gaming community." We couldn't agree more.

Exactly when these implementations will make it to a PS3 near you, via firmware upgrade, is uncertain. "It's not in the next firmware update but it's something we're working on," says Mr. Lempel. We certainly hope so, though we are catching wind of the potential trade-off here. What do you think? Would you pay a subscription fee (similar to Xbox Live) for a plan that allows cross-game invites, built-in voice chat for all multiplayer games and a similar achievement points implementation? Or would you rather say the heck with all that, and voice to keep the PlayStation Network free for all, setting it apart from Microsoft's Xbox Live service?

[Via Next-Gen]

JoystiqPaid subscription a possibility for the future of PlayStation Network originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Anyone in the market for a new HDTV and a brand-spankin' new PS3 will very soon be in the market for a PS3 game and a Blu-ray movie. It just so happens that Best Buy understands all those needs fully, which is why they're offering all four items as part of a nice bundle for this week's deal.

The required item for this deal is the HDTV itself, and the 40" 1080p Sony LCD TV they're offering is quite an eye-catcher, having received pretty decent reviews from the users that purchased it. Although the HDTV fetches for $1550 - $1700 online, once you factor in the PS3, the game and the Blu-ray movie, it becomes quite a deal. Add it all up and if you're so inclined, head on over to Best Buy and partake.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqBest Buy offers sweet PS3 bundle with 1080p HDTV originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pbest buyBestBuyblu-raykdl40v2500lcdps3 bundlePs3BundlesonyMon, 18 Jun 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Tomb Raider: Anniversary making its way to PS3?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/rumor-tomb-raider-anniversary-making-its-way-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/rumor-tomb-raider-anniversary-making-its-way-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/rumor-tomb-raider-anniversary-making-its-way-to-ps3/#commentsFiled under:

The Xbox 360 is receiving their Tomb Raider: Anniversary fix in the form of episodic content over Xbox Live, however it's initially limited only to those that own the last next-gen outing, Tomb Raider: Legend. While it would seem trite of Eidos to snub Sony by not releasing any similar content for the PlayStation Network, they do have plans to release a retail version of all episodic content on one disc. PSX Extreme says there is reason to believe this retail version will hit PS3 through the magical re-engineering of porting the Xbox 360 code.

We aren't holding our breath on this one. Knowing how most devs feel about the port process leave us more than a bit skeptical, especially considering the fact that Tomb Raider: Anniversary is more or less just a new map on top of the already-built game engine of Tomb Raider: Legend. Porting it to PS3 would more than likely take a larger team of devs to complete than Eidos is willing to fund. But hey, we're wishful thinkers. We sincerely hope that if this slim rumor holds any weight, the port team will be diligent and give PS3 owners the chance to experience the new Tomb Raider: Anniversary content in all its PS3 splendor.

JoystiqRumor: Tomb Raider: Anniversary making its way to PS3? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal dynamicsCrystalDynamicseidoslara croftLaraCrofttomb raidertomb raider: anniversarytomb raider: legendTombRaiderTombRaider:AnniversaryTombRaider:LegendMon, 18 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SCEA aware of porting difficulties, requiring "re-engineering"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/scea-aware-of-porting-difficulties-requiring-re-engineering/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/scea-aware-of-porting-difficulties-requiring-re-engineering/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/scea-aware-of-porting-difficulties-requiring-re-engineering/#commentsWe have a love-hate relationship with these kind of articles, lest they deter into all-too-familiar fanboy territory (wink wink). Regardless, they still are fascinating reads on technology and where our beloved full-time job hobby is headed. Gamepro recently questioned a developer tasked with high-profile PS3 ports from Xbox 360 code and the response was unsurprisingly, "nobody wants to touch that issue right now." Can't say we blame them. It's becoming increasingly complex a situation, with console exclusives falling by the wayside as publishers strive to get the most out of their investment. Professing love for one platform over another just doesn't seem like it would make things easier for anyone.

An article by Dr. Dobbs Portal that ran in March, delivers an in-depth dissection about how much longer the learning curve is when it comes to developing for the Cell and how much more fruit the Cell can bear once established and competent developers get through the crux of utilizing its potential.

Continue reading SCEA aware of porting difficulties, requiring "re-engineering"

JoystiqSCEA aware of porting difficulties, requiring "re-engineering" originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celldave karrakerDaveKarrakerdr. dobbsDr.Dobbsgameproportingsceasonyxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 13 Jun 2007 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 has the power to convert even critics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/ps3-has-the-power-to-convert-even-critics/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/ps3-has-the-power-to-convert-even-critics/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/ps3-has-the-power-to-convert-even-critics/#commentsFiled under: ,

A rather outspoken PS3 critic has given ten reasons as to why he recently changed his mind on hating the PS3 to loving it dearly. Interesting, because the top 10 reasons are eerily similar to why we fell in love with the PS3 in the first place and hence, why we became PS3 Fanboys. Only the "graphics" reason is a little shakier than the rest, simply because we have so few titles to really wow our friends with. That will change soon.

Now, if we had to ask ourselves which one feature could turn the most heads, we'd have to say it would be Blu-ray. Little else has impressed our friends quite as much as the first glimpse of a Blu-ray movie, like X-men: The Last Stand or Planet Earth. One look and most are intrigued enough to ask how much a Blu-ray player and movies cost. Not to say the other features aren't valid, but when it comes to converting either a PS3 naysayer or enticing a non-gamer to purchase a PS3 over another console, the Blu-ray feature is simply more enticing with wider audience appeal and has given us the most "oohs" and "aahs" in general.

So how about you? If you had to list the only reason to own a PS3, taking a hint from the ten features listed in the tech.co.uk article, which one reason would it be?

[Via PS3 Forums]

JoystiqPS3 has the power to convert even critics originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayplanet earthPlanetEarthrungsberrytech.co.ukten reasonsTenReasonstop 10 reasonsTop10Reasonsx-men: the last standX-men:TheLastStandWed, 13 Jun 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Jericho preview with details to scare you silly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/new-jericho-preview-with-details-to-scare-you-silly/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/new-jericho-preview-with-details-to-scare-you-silly/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/new-jericho-preview-with-details-to-scare-you-silly/#commentsFiled under:


If these Clive Barker's Jericho screens don't already demand your attention, we're not sure what else will. Judging from the success of the last Clive Barker Undying outing on PC alone, this is definitely a highly anticipated title for all consoles.

The boys at IGN had their fill of the latest build and felt similarly to CVG during their earlier play-test. Needless to say, they came away impressed, noting crisp textures across the diverse levels and enemies with clever touches of detail throughout the world, like swarms of helpful black flies that scurry fallen enemies off the map. Cool. The game also features interactive anxiety-riddled button-pressing segments (ala Resident Evil 4). No official word on SIXAXIS interactivity for these scenes, but the type of game play during these scenes practically screams for it. At any rate, feast your looking balls on the new gallery and stay tuned for more updates as we approach the September release date for Clive Barker's Jericho.

JoystiqNew Jericho preview with details to scare you silly originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clive barker's jerichoCliveBarker'sJerichocliver barkerCliverBarkercodemastersjerichomercurysteamundyingWed, 13 Jun 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony vows legal action against hackers and pirates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/sony-vows-legal-action-against-hackers-and-pirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/sony-vows-legal-action-against-hackers-and-pirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/sony-vows-legal-action-against-hackers-and-pirates/#commentsFiled under:


SCEA has declared that they will "actively pursue" legal action against hackers that attempt to crack the PS3 anti-piracy software. This announcement arrives just after recent news that hackers were close to completely cracking the PS3 anti-piracy software found in firmware versions 1.10 and 1.11. Their progress on the crack would allow pirated PS3 games to boot, but they still were not playable. The homebrew community is also still waiting in the wings, as even this latest attempt still prevents any type of homebrew gaming on the PS3 console.

Obviously, SCEA hopes to stalwart further progress and deter hackers from completely subverting the anti-piracy measures completely, because saying "please" just doesn't carry the same weight as legal action. Dave Karraker, SCEA spokesperson says, "the best we can do as a company, is to make our security that much stronger and aggressively pursue legal action against anyone caught trying to use an exploit in an illegal manner."

The pirates who want to burn and run copied PS3 disks? Yeah, they're bad. Bad, bad. Spankings all around kind of bad. And if you're thinking of doing it, you shouldn't. Go find someone to deliver a spanking for even thinking such thoughts. On the homebrew front, we're kind of indifferent. Now, we're stepping out on a very thin limb here, but maybe, just maybe if Sony was a little bit more organized in lining up a steady stream of content for thirsting PS3 owners, we wouldn't have hackers so interested in cracking the PS3 for homebrew. What do you think?

JoystiqSony vows legal action against hackers and pirates originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave karrakerDaveKarrakerfirmwarehackershackinghomebrewmoddingpiracypiratessceaTue, 12 Jun 2007 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon offers up to 43% off select Blu-ray titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/amazon-offers-up-to-43-off-select-blu-ray-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/amazon-offers-up-to-43-off-select-blu-ray-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/amazon-offers-up-to-43-off-select-blu-ray-titles/#commentsFiled under: ,

More good news for high-def fans. The discounts on Blu-ray titles just keep on coming. Amazon announced plans to offer up to 43% on select Blu-ray and HD-DVD titles, starting today. After discount, titles like The Terminator, Species and King Arthur: (Director's Cut) can be had for as little as $16.99. New entries to Blu-ray format are apparently also being sliced with deep discounts. Payback: Straight Up - The Director's Cut and Deja Vu were released on Blu-ray less than two months ago and are at $17.99 and $21.49 respectively, after discount. With savings like these, it'll be easier on the wallet to start rebuilding that high-def Blu-ray library.

JoystiqAmazon offers up to 43% off select Blu-ray titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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