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[X10: Splinter Cell: Conviction hands-on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/x10-splinter-cell-conviction-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/x10-splinter-cell-conviction-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/x10-splinter-cell-conviction-hands-on/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There you are, old Sam Fisher, minding your own business at some unknown cafe when the waiter brings you a cell phone and Bluetooth earpiece, compliments of the caller. It's Grim, it's Third Echelon, and it's the end of his vacation. Some thugs have managed to upset his vacation -- now we know why he's always carrying 12 rounds and a pistol.

Gallery: Splinter Cell: Conviction (X10)

Continue reading X10: Splinter Cell: Conviction hands-on

JoystiqX10: Splinter Cell: Conviction hands-on originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onMicrosoftsplinter-cellsplinter-cell-convictionstealthubisoftubisoft-montrealx10Xbox-360Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Rising 2 single player hands-on: two chainsaws, one paddle, no mercy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/dead-rising-2-singleplayer-hands-on-two-chainsaws-one-paddle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/dead-rising-2-singleplayer-hands-on-two-chainsaws-one-paddle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/dead-rising-2-singleplayer-hands-on-two-chainsaws-one-paddle/#commentsFiled under: , ,


"I came, I chainsaw, I conquered" -- killer weapons in Dead Rising 2

Friends, I have seen the future and it is not so bleak after all. It is a world that Max Brooks and Sam Raimi have prepared me for, but neither could anticipate the sheer awesome power of the paddle saw: two chainsaws tied to both ends of a paddle. The goal of our Dead Rising 2 demo at X10 was simple: 20,000 pp in 10 minutes. My friends, I've failed you, but it was not for lack of trying and it certainly was not without its grandiose moments.

Gallery: Dead Rising 2 (X10)

Continue reading Dead Rising 2 single player hands-on: two chainsaws, one paddle, no mercy

JoystiqDead Rising 2 single player hands-on: two chainsaws, one paddle, no mercy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdead-rising-2hands-onMicrosoftx10Xbox-360Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:06:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Hands-on with Dante's Inferno in the Land of the Lust]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/tgs-2009-hands-on-with-dantes-inferno-in-the-land-of-the-lust/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/tgs-2009-hands-on-with-dantes-inferno-in-the-land-of-the-lust/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/tgs-2009-hands-on-with-dantes-inferno-in-the-land-of-the-lust/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've talked up Dante's Inferno and its similarities to God of War before -- and not much has changed in that regard in the game's latest build. So, instead of going deep into the gameplay here, we'll focus on the content we saw in the new level, based on the sin of "Lust." It's quite the hellish journey, especially for the folks at the ESRB.

(Just a warning: despite our best efforts, given the subject matter, some of the content described might be considered NSFW. Read on at your own risk.)

Gallery: Dante's Inferno

Continue reading TGS 2009: Hands-on with Dante's Inferno in the Land of the Lust

JoystiqTGS 2009: Hands-on with Dante's Inferno in the Land of the Lust originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dantes-infernoeaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftPS3tgstgs-2009Visceral-GamesXbox-360Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard@TGS: A high five from the real Dante]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/overhead-tgs-a-high-five-from-the-real-dante/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/overhead-tgs-a-high-five-from-the-real-dante/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/overhead-tgs-a-high-five-from-the-real-dante/#comments "Well, you know, I do think Dante would approve of our game. He was a man ahead of his time," supposed a Dante's Inferno developer about Dante Alighieri, author of 14th-century epic poem the Divine Comedy; the first part, Inferno, serving as the game's source material ... in theory.

JoystiqOverheard@TGS: A high five from the real Dante originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dantedante-alighieridantes-infernodivine-comedyMicrosoftoverheardtgs-2009Xbox-360Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:13:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Hello, Goodbye edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/wrup-hello-goodbye-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/wrup-hello-goodbye-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/wrup-hello-goodbye-edition/#commentsFiled under:

Sure we've got a new skin and some structural changes, but the biggest change is one you probably won't see. I'll let you in on a secret: We've adopted a litter of kittens to shadow write for us, and then we throw in animated GIFs to give it a human touch. How's that for and ? While the felines formulate, we'll be taking a long overdue gaming break. Here's what we'll be up to. (Stay tuned after the WRUP for a bonus scene.)

Continue reading WRUP: Hello, Goodbye edition

JoystiqWRUP: Hello, Goodbye edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dino-lasersross-millerwhat-are-you-playingwrupFri, 30 Jan 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Thin Lizzy, Pat Benatar, The Pretenders ... Nikko]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/rock-band-weekly-thin-lizzy-pat-benatar-the-pretenders-ni/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/rock-band-weekly-thin-lizzy-pat-benatar-the-pretenders-ni/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/rock-band-weekly-thin-lizzy-pat-benatar-the-pretenders-ni/#comments For next week's Rock Band offerings, Harmonix is doling out a quintet of five classic rock songs from the likes of Thin Lizzy, Pat Benatar and The Pretenders. And hey, if you're too young to know who any of these people are, there are a couple of Nikko songs for ya (no relation to Nico of Velvet Underground fame), from the movie Spectacular!

Thin Lizzy 3-Pack (440 / $5.49)
  • "Boys are Back in Town (live)" (160 / $2)
  • "Cowboy Song (live)" (160 / $2)
  • "Jailbreak (live)" (160 / $2)
Individual Songs
  • "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" - Pat Benatar (160 / $2)
  • "Precious" - The Pretenders (160 / $2)
  • "Don't Tell Me" - Nikko (80 / $1)
  • "Break My Heart" - Nikko (80 / $1)
Videos for these songs can be found after the break. All tracks are masters and will be available for download next Tuesday and Thursday for Xbox 360 and PS3, respectively.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Thin Lizzy, Pat Benatar, The Pretenders ... Nikko

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Thin Lizzy, Pat Benatar, The Pretenders ... Nikko originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlceaelectronic-artsharmonixMicrosoftmtvmtv-gamesrhythmrock-bandrock-band-2rock-band-dlcrock-band-weeklyXbox-360Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Writer Marv Wolfman signs up for DC Universe Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/writer-marv-wolfman-signs-up-for-dc-universe-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/writer-marv-wolfman-signs-up-for-dc-universe-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/writer-marv-wolfman-signs-up-for-dc-universe-online/#comments Earlier this week we heard about a secret comic book "legend" joining the DC Universe Online development team. The silhouetted individual was supposed to be revealed at New York Comic Con next weekend. Of course, you didn't expect it to remain a secret until then, did you? The latest issue of Wizard magazine (via BigDownload) has let the Black Cat out of the bag: writer Marv Wolfman will be enlisting with previously revealed comic veterans Geoff Jones and Jim Lee and the rest of Sony Online.

The creator of Blade and writer of Crisis on Infinite Earths will be expanding and adding to the narrative already written by Jones, while Lee is handling the art direction. Even though the surprise has apparently been spoiled, you'll still be able to enjoy a brand new playable demo at the convention. Look for the DC Universe Online panel on Saturday, February 7.

JoystiqWriter Marv Wolfman signs up for DC Universe Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-comicsdc-universedc-universe-onlinegeorff-jonesjim-leemarv-wolfmanmmommorpgnew-york-comic-connew-york-comic-con-2009nycnyccnycc09nycc2009rpgsony-onlinesony-online-austinsuperherosuperheroesFri, 30 Jan 2009 13:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Punch-Out!! coming first half 2009, and more US / Europe Nintendo release dates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/punch-out-coming-first-half-2009-and-more-us-europe-nintend/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/punch-out-coming-first-half-2009-and-more-us-europe-nintend/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/punch-out-coming-first-half-2009-and-more-us-europe-nintend/#comments Nintendo has dropped a bob-omb of release dates for 2009 (via Videogamer). While mostly vague launch windows -- some of which will still likely be missed -- New Play Control! Pikmin and Mario Tennis will hit Europe February 6 and March 3, respectively, with the US getting both sometime in March. Other notable titles include Pokemon Platinum (March 22 for US, sometime 2009 for Europe) and Punch-Out!! (first half of 2009 for both regions).

Additionally, the Big N said Europeans will be able to welcome the DSi into their homes sometime this spring or summer -- not exactly the most narrow window there, and nothing we haven't already heard since president Satoru Iwata said the portable would be launching worldwide by summer 2009. Check out the the full list for Europe and US after the break.

Continue reading Punch-Out!! coming first half 2009, and more US / Europe Nintendo release dates

JoystiqPunch-Out!! coming first half 2009, and more US / Europe Nintendo release dates originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSeuropemario-and-luigi-rpg-3mario-power-tennisnintendopikminpokemon-platinumrhythm-heavenWiiFri, 30 Jan 2009 10:36:00 EST<![CDATA[New Starcraft 2 screens 'make it rain' zerglings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/new-starcraft-2-screens-make-it-rain-zerglings/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/new-starcraft-2-screens-make-it-rain-zerglings/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/new-starcraft-2-screens-make-it-rain-zerglings/#comments
Click above to play "Where's Waldo's half-eaten corpse?" What's this, more StarCraft II screenshots? Admittedly, we're a bit powerless to stop ourselves from looking at these 10 or so new images from a Fansite kit that Blizzard discreetly updated (our compatriots say only eight of these are new, but we count two more that we've never seen before).

If you take nothing else from these screens, just remember that zerg rushes still elicit a sensory overload billed directly to your occipital lobe. Latest pics are in the front of the gallery. So Blizzard, how about a public beta soon to feed our addiction?

Gallery: Starcraft 2


[Via Big Download]

JoystiqNew Starcraft 2 screens 'make it rain' zerglings originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardgalleryimageimagesscreenshotscreenshotsstarcraftstarcraft-2zergzerglingThu, 29 Jan 2009 16:26:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ: Rumored closure false, Euro wireless subsidiary restructured]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/thq-rumored-closure-false-euro-wireless-subsidiary-restruct/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/thq-rumored-closure-false-euro-wireless-subsidiary-restruct/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/thq-rumored-closure-false-euro-wireless-subsidiary-restruct/#comments Earlier today, a rumor circulated across the interwebs, stating that THQ had closed its doors and laid off* all its employees. The origin of the story seems to be a "source" close to N-Europe. We've already heard of "significant business realignments," as well as one analyst's proclamation that the publisher's franchises were slumping, but just this week it hinted at sequels to de Blob -- so what gives?

As it turns out, this is (probably) much ado about nothing. We've got an official statement from the publisher rebuking the story. Said THQ, "Today, we advised our staff of a restructuring of our wireless subsidiary in Europe. That's all that has happened." N-Europe has also updated a retraction to the story. False alarm, folks, go back to your Spongebob games.

* Feel free to substitute with axed, sacked, made redundant, karate chopped, etc.

JoystiqTHQ: Rumored closure false, Euro wireless subsidiary restructured originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesslayofflayoffsrumorrumorongthqThu, 29 Jan 2009 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian MMOs: Without classification, but still on store shelves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/australian-mmos-without-classification-but-still-on-store-shel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/australian-mmos-without-classification-but-still-on-store-shel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/australian-mmos-without-classification-but-still-on-store-shel/#commentsFiled under:

We've talked about it in the past ad nauseum, but for those who are just now joining us: the Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) doesn't have a rating for video games above MA15+. Thus, if your title is deemed too inappropriate for someone 15 years or older, it's Refused Classification (RC), essentially barring it from sale in the country. Except, it seems, if your game is an MMO.

Our friends at Massively took a look at MMOs in Australia, which -- with few exceptions -- are sold at retail without any rating whatsoever. Developers and publishers claim they've never submitted their titles to the OFLC because they didn't believe it was necessary to do so. That misconception may have come from the board itself, who is said to have given such counsel before it was merged with the Federal Attorney-General's Office. However, the now-assimilated group is saying that MMOs require classification, and selling an unclassified game is a crime. Hit up Massively for more information. This is gonna be a very interesting story to follow.

JoystiqAustralian MMOs: Without classification, but still on store shelves originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacensorshipclassificationlawlegalmmommo rpgMmoRpgoflcratingratingsrpgThu, 29 Jan 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Wiikly: Six more tracks, just what we needed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/rock-band-wiikly-six-more-tracks-is-just-what-we-needed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/rock-band-wiikly-six-more-tracks-is-just-what-we-needed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/rock-band-wiikly-six-more-tracks-is-just-what-we-needed/#commentsFiled under: ,


Another week, another bundle of Rock Band DLC oldies for the Wii, which according to the press release should be available now.

Individual Tracks (200 Wii points apiece)
  • "Attack" - 30 Seconds to Mars
  • "Gimme Three Steps" - Lynrd Skynrd
  • "Live Forever" - Oasis
  • "Just What I needed" - The Cars
  • "Siva" - Smashing Pumpkins
  • "Tell Me Baby" - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Fun fact: the Rock Band series has about 559 songs. At this point, Wii owners have access to 212 of them, leaving 347 songs to go. At 6 songs per week -- not counting any future DLC -- we should see Wii owners catch up to everyone else some time before mid-2010.

JoystiqRock Band Wiikly: Six more tracks, just what we needed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>30-seconds-to-marscarsdlceaelectronic-artsharmonixlynrd-skynrdmtvmtv-gamesNintendooasisred-hot-chili-peppersrhcprock-bandrock-band-2rock-band-dlcrock-band-weeklyrock-band-wiirock-band-wii-dlcrock-band-wiiklysmashing-pumpkinsthe-carswiiTue, 27 Jan 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero World Tour Monthly: Wings, Bob Seger, Shins, Incubus, Ryan Adams]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/guitar-hero-world-tour-monthly-wings-bob-seger-shins-incubus/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/guitar-hero-world-tour-monthly-wings-bob-seger-shins-incubus/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/guitar-hero-world-tour-monthly-wings-bob-seger-shins-incubus/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Much like it did last month, Activision Blizzard has announced three new DLC packs for Guitar Hero World Tour due out in February. Let's hope this remains a dodeca-annual affair.

Acoustic Track Pack (440 / $5.49)
  • "Drive" - Incubus (160 / $2)
  • "New Slang' - The Shins (160 / $2)
  • "Wonderwall (Oasis cover)" - Ryan Adams (160 / $2)
Wings Track Pack (440 / $5.49)
  • "Junior's Farm" (160 / $2)
  • "Hi Hi Hi" (160 / $2)
  • "Jet" (160 / $2)
Bob Seger Track Pack (440 / $5.49)
  • "Old Time Rock and Roll" (160 / $2)
  • "Her Strut" (160 / $2)
  • "Get out of Denver (live)" (160 / $2)
The Acoustic Track Pack is coming Thursday, February 12, followed by Wings and Seger on the two Thursdays after that, respectively, for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii. Check out videos for the first trio after the break.

Continue reading Guitar Hero World Tour Monthly: Wings, Bob Seger, Shins, Incubus, Ryan Adams

JoystiqGuitar Hero World Tour Monthly: Wings, Bob Seger, Shins, Incubus, Ryan Adams originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardbob-segerdlcghwtghwt-dlcghwt-monthlyguitar-heroguitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-world-tourguitar-hero-world-tour-dlcguitar-hero-world-tour-monthlyincubusMicrosoftneversoftNintendopaul-mccartneyPS3ryan-adamsshinsWiiwingsXbox-360Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Satoru Iwata to deliver GDC 2009 keynote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/satoru-iwata-to-deliver-gdc-2009-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/satoru-iwata-to-deliver-gdc-2009-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/satoru-iwata-to-deliver-gdc-2009-keynote/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nintendo President Satoru Iwata will be putting his oratorical skills to the test, delivering a keynote entitled "Discovering New Development Opportunities" at this year's Game Developers Conference. There are no other details provided, and trying to discern any surprise announcements based on that speech title is pretty much a fruitless endeavor.

Iwata last gave a GDC keynote in 2006, when he showed Brain Age and Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. Company man Miyamoto gave the 2007 speech and revealed ... the Everybody Votes Channel. As for last year, the House of Mario's presence was limited to a handful of sessions. Get your bingo cards ready, Iwata's keynote is set for Monday, March 25 at 9 a.m. PST (that's noon, Joystiq Standard Time).

JoystiqSatoru Iwata to deliver GDC 2009 keynote originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSgame-developers-conferencegdcgdc-2009iwatanintendosatoru-iwataWiiTue, 27 Jan 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Banjo-Tooie to beat up on XBLA this April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/banjo-tooie-to-beat-up-on-xbla-this-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/banjo-tooie-to-beat-up-on-xbla-this-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/banjo-tooie-to-beat-up-on-xbla-this-april/#commentsFiled under: ,

When Microsoft said Banjo-Tooie was coming to Xbox Live Arcade in early 2009, we were hoping for something in the first quarter or so. Rare's announcement this week puts the game just beyond that window and into April.

Rare is calling it a "note-perfect migration" with upped graphics and framerate. BT will also feature the ill-fated Stop 'n' Swop, a relic from the Nintendo 64 days allowing items collected in Banjo-Kazooie to materialize in the sequel. No indication on what such items will be or how they'll affect gameplay. As for the cost, mum's the word for now, but our guess is it'll be at or near BK's 1200 ($15) price tag.

Gallery: Banjo-Tooie (XBLA)

JoystiqBanjo-Tooie to beat up on XBLA this April originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banjoBanjo-KazooieBanjo-Kazooie-2banjo-tooiekazooiemgsmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmicrosoft-games-studiomicrosoft-xbox-360raretooiexblaxbox-360xbox-live-arcadeTue, 27 Jan 2009 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Guitar Hero World Tour outsells Rock Band 2 by 2:1 in 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/npd-guitar-hero-world-tour-outsells-rock-band-2-by-2-1-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/npd-guitar-hero-world-tour-outsells-rock-band-2-by-2-1-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/npd-guitar-hero-world-tour-outsells-rock-band-2-by-2-1-in-2008/#commentsFiled under: ,

The NPD Group has tallied up all of the SKUs for Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero World Tour -- both multi-instrument packs and separate games -- and found that Activision / Neversoft's rocker came out on top with 3.4 million units sold last year, twice the number achieved by Rock Band 2 (1.7 million).

Though the staggered release dates (especially for Wii) didn't help matters, this hardly indicates a terrible loss for EA's side. The Guitar Hero branding is, after all, a powerful force to be reckoned with. We'd be interested to see how the original Rock Band fared last year, given that it's also competing for living room space alongside the other two. And hey, why not throw in some Rock Revolution sales data? We could use a laugh.

JoystiqNPD: Guitar Hero World Tour outsells Rock Band 2 by 2:1 in 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioneaelectronic-artsguitar-heroguitar-hero-world-tourharmonixmtvmtv-gamesneversoftrock-bandrock-band-2Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone dominates list of IGF Mobile 2009 finalists]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/iphone-dominates-list-of-igf-mobile-2009-finalists/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/iphone-dominates-list-of-igf-mobile-2009-finalists/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/iphone-dominates-list-of-igf-mobile-2009-finalists/#commentsFiled under: ,

Whereas last year's entries seemed more diverse (with a heavy Java slant), the 2009 Independent Games Festival Mobile finalists are almost entirely composed of iPhone / iPod touch games -- 11 of the 14 contestants, to be exact. The remaining three entries are represented by a Nintendo DS, Java and Flash game.

A trio of games lead the pack with three nominations apiece: Wardive, Edge and Fieldrunners (pictured). We're not anywhere close to calling it "the future of gameplay," but the iPhone's App Store -- not to mention massive install base -- has proven to be a viable and tempting business model for aspiring developers.

JoystiqiPhone dominates list of IGF Mobile 2009 finalists originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleDSigfigf-2009igf-mobileigf-mobile-2009independent-games-festivaliphoneipod-touchMobileMon, 26 Jan 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Resistance 2 patch 1.40 coming Monday, un-resets your experience]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/resistance-2-patch-1-40-coming-monday-un-resets-your-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/resistance-2-patch-1-40-coming-monday-un-resets-your-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/resistance-2-patch-1-40-coming-monday-un-resets-your-experience/#commentsFiled under: ,

Have you been noticeably irked by some of Resistance 2's precious little "features" (i.e. bugs)? Fear not, true believer, patch 1.40 is on its way and coming Monday, January 26. If you've noticed your multiplayer level inexplicably reset to one, you'll now get it back to the proper level, plus whatever experience you earned post-reset.

The update will also correct Trophy errors, such as the one requiring 10,000 kills -- if you've done the deed but not gotten the reward, this patch will retroactively apply it. Full patch details after the break.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

Continue reading Resistance 2 patch 1.40 coming Monday, un-resets your experience

JoystiqResistance 2 patch 1.40 coming Monday, un-resets your experience originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 22:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>insomniacinsomniac-gamespatchPS3r2resistanceresistance-2resitance-2-1.40updateFri, 23 Jan 2009 22:56:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Don't Panic Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/wrup-dont-panic-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/wrup-dont-panic-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/wrup-dont-panic-edition/#commentsFiled under:

We know change can be scary, but please, listen to the good book, have a Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster, and whatever you do, don't panic.
  • Alexander Sliwinski: Continuing my quest to beat the Left 4 Dead levels on Expert. Completed "No Mercy" last weekend with a reader and we plan to push forward. Beyond that, there will be Fallout 3.
  • Andrew Yoon: I'm back in Mirror's Edge. I got my 50 Star Trophy -- but the upcoming DLC is asking for a ridiculous 90 Star score. Time to practice.
  • Christopher Grant: Having timed my journey into Fallout 3's post-apocalyptic Washington DC to roughly coincide with this week's Obamania (it's just like going to the inauguration, but less crowds!), I'll be spending much of gaming weekend there. My only complaint so far: it's actually too detailed. Not only the stats-heavy gameplay, but the aesthetic. I'm sure all that focusing gave me a headache last night.
  • Griffin McElroy: LittleBigPlanet has encased me in its adorable tendrils, and refuses to let go. I feel like I've played through the brunt of the magnificent, highly rated levels out there -- anyone got any suggestions for me?
  • James Ransom-Wiley: (still "...")
  • Jason Dobson: I'll be scrounging through the couch cushions for quarts this weekend and hitting a newly opened local arcade for a gaming experience only slightly less engaging than those in my own living room.
  • Justin McElroy: I'm going to spend the week mourning the old Joystiq, when it was still good before it sold out to corporate interests. Old Joystiq FTW.
  • Ludwig Kietzmann: I'll be playing ... Naruto: Rise of a Ninja, which I still can't believe is a Ubisoft game. I'm always wary of any anime series that has over a billion episodes, so a compressed and interactive narrative sounds like a better way to catch up on this thing the kids are all on about. Believe it! ... That's what he says, right?
  • Randy Nelson: I'm going to play catch-up with Battlestar Galactica on Legendary difficulty. That's sort of like a game, right? It is very fun ... although there are a lot of cut scenes.
  • Ross Miller: I've got a hella-busy day, so I probably won't be gaming at all. If all goes according to plan, however, I will be checking out the Portal gun in person, which is all kinds of awesome.

JoystiqWRUP: Don't Panic Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>what-are-you-playingwrupFri, 23 Jan 2009 21:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost, Damned, and caught on video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/lost-damned-and-caught-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/lost-damned-and-caught-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/lost-damned-and-caught-on-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Meet Billy, he's lost. Meet Malc, he's probably lost too. Possibly damned, we don't know for sure. Together, they make for one zany couple. Wonder what kind of hi-jinx they like to get into? See for yourself after break.

Gallery: Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned DLC

Continue reading Lost, Damned, and caught on video

JoystiqLost, Damned, and caught on video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-ivgtagta4gtaivlost-and-damnedthe-lost-and-damnedXbox-360Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings swings onto Wii, DS in Spring 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/indiana-jones-and-the-staff-of-kings-swings-onto-wii-ds-in-spri/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/indiana-jones-and-the-staff-of-kings-swings-onto-wii-ds-in-spri/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/indiana-jones-and-the-staff-of-kings-swings-onto-wii-ds-in-spri/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A trailer for Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings has popped up online. Watch as Indy gets thrown through a window, escapes floods, uses a whip, steals an amulet, and runs away from gunfire -- all without ever losing his trademark fedora. Yep, all in a day's work.

According to the video, it's coming Spring 2009 for Wii, DS, and an unidentified PlayStation console (it's already been rated for PSP and we know Wii games often see a PS2 port). This is great, LucasArts. Really ... but any chance of getting an Indy game in the vein of Indiana Jones and The Emperor's Tomb on 360 and PS3?

Oh, it all makes sense now: IGN's rumor; the vague response. Sounds to us like that project won't ever see the light of day, while Staff of Kings is LucasArts' "commitment" to the franchise. Is it possible to miss something that was never released?

[Via Mixnmojo]

JoystiqIndiana Jones and the Staff of Kings swings onto Wii, DS in Spring 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSindiana-jonesIndiana-Jones-and-the-Staff-of-Kingsindyindy-joneslucasartslucasfilmPS2PSPWiiFri, 23 Jan 2009 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Super-sized Burnout Paradise update detailed, coming Feb. 6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/super-sized-burnout-paradise-update-detailed-coming-feb-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/super-sized-burnout-paradise-update-detailed-coming-feb-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/super-sized-burnout-paradise-update-detailed-coming-feb-6/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Burnout Paradise's first-ever premium content pack is coming February 6, and even if you aren't willing to dole out the dead presidents, Criterion's giving you another reason to mark that date. Coming alongside the Party Pack DLC is a rather hefty title update ... and it's free!

Highlights include an in-game store, in-game access to the Criterion Games Network website (details to come; PC and PS3-only), enhanced visuals, a restart event option (yay!), easier barrel rolls and some vehicle and game mode tweaking. Hit up the developer's site for full details, and check out PS3 Fanboy for a full list of the new Trophies.

Gallery: Burnout Paradise - Feb 2009 update

JoystiqSuper-sized Burnout Paradise update detailed, coming Feb. 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnoutburnout-paradiseburnout-paradise-dlcburnout-paradise-updatecriterioncriterion-gamesPCPS3Xbox-360Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft: Prince of Persia had 'slower take-off', Far Cry 2 ships 2.9m]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/ubisoft-prince-of-persia-had-slower-take-off-far-cry-2-nets/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/ubisoft-prince-of-persia-had-slower-take-off-far-cry-2-nets/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/ubisoft-prince-of-persia-had-slower-take-off-far-cry-2-nets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As part of its fiscal earnings report for the quarter ending December 2008, Ubisoft has revealed the "sell-in sales" (that's to retailers, not consumers) for a handful of key titles. Far Cry 2, launched in late October, shipped 2.9 million, while Raving Rabbids TV Party has tallied up 1.5 million since its mid-November unveiling.

Unfortunately, a certain wisecracking acrobat didn't seem to meet expectations. According to the report, the above figures helped to "offset the impact of a slower take-off" for Prince of Persia and its 2.2 million shipped units for December. Yesterday's NPD stats put PoP's US sales at around 483K. Ubisoft has also confirmed a fiscal 2009 release window for Assassin's Creed 2, Splinter Cell Conviction and a new Ghost Recon.

JoystiqUbisoft: Prince of Persia had 'slower take-off', Far Cry 2 ships 2.9m originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>far-cryfar-cry-2PCprince-of-persiaPS3raving-rabbidsraving-rabbids-tv-partyrrtvptv-partyubisoftXbox-360Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Street Fighter IV trailer looks awesome, sounds not awesome]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/new-street-fighter-iv-trailer-looks-awesome-sounds-not-awesome/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/new-street-fighter-iv-trailer-looks-awesome-sounds-not-awesome/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/new-street-fighter-iv-trailer-looks-awesome-sounds-not-awesome/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Capcom, we need to talk -- or rather, you need to talk less. You see, we were watching the new Street Fighter IV trailer and, beautiful though it may be, we had to mute it halfway through. The video, which highlights each of the game's characters, has some pretty cornball material -- we're talking laughing at, not laughing with.

... Then again, once we get our hands on the game, we'll probably be too enthralled to notice. SFIV is set to punch you in the face on February 17.

JoystiqNew Street Fighter IV trailer looks awesome, sounds not awesome originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomPS3sf4sfivstreet-fighter-4street-fighter-ivXbox-360Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Pole's Big Adventure: Sega's countdown to reveal 8-bit WiiWare title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/poles-big-adventure-segas-countdown-to-reveal-8-bit-wiiware-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/poles-big-adventure-segas-countdown-to-reveal-8-bit-wiiware-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/poles-big-adventure-segas-countdown-to-reveal-8-bit-wiiware-t/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sega's mysterious countdown still has about two days to go, but Japanese mag Famitsu has already spilled the beans on what the publisher is planning to reveal. Pole's Big Adventure is a satire of the 8-bit platforming era, developed by Phantasy Star Universe producer Takao Miyoshi. According to IGN, there willl be over 100 hidden gags in the game. For example, eat enough mushroom powerups and your character will grow beyond the size of the screen.

No word on a stateside release yet, but it's set to debut in Japan on February 3rd for 500 Wii points. Oh, and feel free to visit the countdown if you're bored. The mushroom now makes noises. Awesome!

[Via NWF]

Source - Sega Nerds
Source - IGN

JoystiqPole's Big Adventure: Sega's countdown to reveal 8-bit WiiWare title originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>famitsumiyoshipolepoles-big-adventuresegatakao-miyoshiWiiWed, 21 Jan 2009 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: MGS4 sells over 1 million in US, Tomb Raider left undiscovered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/npd-mgs4-sells-over-1-million-in-us-tomb-raider-left-undiscove/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/npd-mgs4-sells-over-1-million-in-us-tomb-raider-left-undiscove/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/npd-mgs4-sells-over-1-million-in-us-tomb-raider-left-undiscove/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Now that we've seen the real list for 2008's top-selling games, Gamasutra has taken a look at some of the high-profile titles that didn't make the cut. Thanks to data from the NPD, we now know Metal Gear Solid 4 has passed the one-million threshold in the US with 1.08M in sales -- 775K in June, 301K since then. It's worth noting that the figure doesn't include copies sold in the MGS4 PlayStation 3 bundle. Globally, Old Snake has enlisted over 4 million soldiers. As for LittleBigPlanet and Resistance 2, they sold 611K and 598K stateside in 2008, respectively.

Here's the bad news: Tomb Raider: Underworld has managed only 246K across three platforms since launching mid-November -- indeed a disappointment, but also a lowered bar for Naughty Dog's Nathan Drake vs. Lara Croft claim. To its credit, TRU has done better elsewhere, selling 1.5 million worldwide. Meanwhile, Prince of Persia did 483K in December, with at least 213K of those going to the PS3 version. While that puts it on par with Sony's first-party titles last month, it also means the Xbox 360 version saw relatively disappointing sales.


Metal Gear Solid 4 and LittleBigPlanet were both "honored" (if you can call it that) in our Best of 2008 awards. See what else made the list.

JoystiqNPD: MGS4 sells over 1 million in US, Tomb Raider left undiscovered originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidoskojimakojima-productionskonamilbplittlebigplanetmedia-moleculemetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-4Metal-Gear-Solid-4-Guns-of-the-Patriotsmgs4npdPCprince-of-persiaPS3resistance-2tomb-raidertomb-raider-underworldubisoftXbox-360Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:43:00 EST<![CDATA[I Am Alive to show itself in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/i-am-alive-to-show-itself-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/i-am-alive-to-show-itself-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/i-am-alive-to-show-itself-in-march/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ubisoft has given first-person disaster-survival title I Am Alive an enigmatic March release window. That puts the launch anywhere from six to ten weeks from now, a very short amount of time considering we've seen approximately zilch in terms of gameplay footage. After being hyped up so much at E3, there's been little to no promotion for the game. We're a bit perplexed by this one, and hope it's not a foreboding sign.

Other games slated to come out in March include Tom Clancy's HAWX, a PC version of EndWar and Broken Sword Wii. Tenchu: Shadow Assassin, a Wii exclusive, has been given a more exact March 6 date.

JoystiqI Am Alive to show itself in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broken-swordendwarhawxi-am-alivePCPS3tenchutom-clancyubisoftXbox-360Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars preview-splosion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-preview-splosion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-preview-splosion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/grand-theft-auto-chinatown-wars-preview-splosion/#commentsFiled under: ,

In case you haven't noticed, there's been a glut of previews today for Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. Fortunately, GTAGaming.com has collated all of them and provides selected highlights. The isometric view will be joined by a steady 30 frames per second, weather effects and day / night cycles. As for the soundtrack -- a franchise staple -- there are some instrumentals of licensed songs, but nothing to write home about. It also doesn't seem to shy away from the F-bomb, according to IGN.

The wanted level is handled very differently. While you still need to outrun the cops, you're now also required to send a few cops shuffling off the mortal before you'll lose a star. And yes folks, piloting a helicopter makes a very welcome return.

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars preview-splosion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinatown-warsDSgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-chinatown-warsgtagta-cwgtacwrockstarTue, 20 Jan 2009 18:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming PS3 firmware 2.60 adds Photo Gallery, DivX 3.11 support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/upcoming-ps3-firmware-2-60-adds-photo-gallery-divx-3-11-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/upcoming-ps3-firmware-2-60-adds-photo-gallery-divx-3-11-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/upcoming-ps3-firmware-2-60-adds-photo-gallery-divx-3-11-support/#commentsFiled under:

If you've been pining for new ways to harness the Cell processor to achieve Maximum Photo Viewing Awesomeness[TM], the incoming PlayStation 3 firmware update (version 2.60) will satiate your wanton cravings with the aptly titled Photo Gallery. Joking aside, we're impressed by the sheer number of sorting options, including a few oddballs like the relative age of depicted people or the number of smiles. For a better picture of how the app works, check out the video after the break.

Firmware 2.60 also adds DivX 3.11 support -- a blessing for those of you who still have ripped movies from 1999. Additionally, non-PSN members will be able to access the PS Store to browse for demos and other free goodies. According to the official PS blog, the update is "coming soon."

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

Continue reading Upcoming PS3 firmware 2.60 adds Photo Gallery, DivX 3.11 support

JoystiqUpcoming PS3 firmware 2.60 adds Photo Gallery, DivX 3.11 support originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firmwarephoto-galleryPS3ps3-firmwareps3-firmware-2.60sceaSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaTue, 20 Jan 2009 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard releases WoW patch 3.0.8, first since Lich King's launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/blizzard-releases-wow-patch-3-0-8-first-since-lich-kings-launc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/blizzard-releases-wow-patch-3-0-8-first-since-lich-kings-launc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/blizzard-releases-wow-patch-3-0-8-first-since-lich-kings-launc/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Don't panic, click to view the guide

Blizzard has released its first post-Wrath of the Lich King update for World of Warcraft. There are a plethora of changes, including the much-requested ability to create a Death Knight in any realm, provided you've got a level 55 character tied to your account (prior to this, you needed a level 55 on the same server).

We're not even going to try to delve any further into the patch notes. Instead, we'll kindly point you in the direction of WoW Insider for a full in-depth analysis. If for whatever reason, your auto-updater isn't working, you can download the patch via BigDownload.

JoystiqBlizzard releases WoW patch 3.0.8, first since Lich King's launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentMacPCWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-Wrath-of-the-Lich-KingwotlkWoWwow-patch-3.0.8Wrath-of-the-Lich-KingTue, 20 Jan 2009 14:18:00 EST<![CDATA[The Conduit: Then vs. now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/the-conduit-then-vs-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/the-conduit-then-vs-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/the-conduit-then-vs-now/#commentsFiled under: , ,

High Voltage Software's The Conduit has an interesting backstory. It popped up out of nowhere back in April, giving hope of filling that unfilled void of mature first-person shooters for Wii, and remained without a publisher for about six months until Sega finally picked it up.

Of course, what really sparked interest was the impressive, dare we say, not Wii-like visuals. The folks at Gametrailers have a video comparing an early and pre-rendered build to the game's current state. It's a fun -- if not too short -- before-and-after look at the FPS. See it for yourself after the break. The Conduit is expected to hit retail sometime this Spring.

Gallery: The Conduit

Continue reading The Conduit: Then vs. now

JoystiqThe Conduit: Then vs. now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conduithigh-voltagehigh-voltage-softwaresegathe-conduitWiiMon, 19 Jan 2009 20:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes profiles Kotick, calls Rock Band 'shameless knockoff of Guitar Hero']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/forbes-profiles-kotick-calls-rock-band-shameless-knockoff-of-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/forbes-profiles-kotick-calls-rock-band-shameless-knockoff-of-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/forbes-profiles-kotick-calls-rock-band-shameless-knockoff-of-g/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is the cover story for the latest issue of Forbes magazine, and the article's got one helluva quote -- and it's not even from the man himself. While you might balk at the businessman's lack of gaming credentials (read: he doesn't play games), this is the line, written by Forbes itself, that'll cause more than a few raised eyebrows: "EA also teamed with MTV to sell Rock Band, a shameless knockoff of Guitar Hero that added drums, bass and a microphone to the world of make-believe rock stars."

The decidedly negative tone without attribution is uncharacteristic for the magazine, and also feels a bit ... off? We know the Harmonix-RedOctane schism can be a bit confusing, but when the creators of the hit franchise are the ones making Rock Band -- and doing the multi-instrument thing first -- is that really the best choice of words?

[Via geoffkeighley]

JoystiqForbes profiles Kotick, calls Rock Band 'shameless knockoff of Guitar Hero' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbobby-kotickforbeskotickrobert-kotickwtfMon, 19 Jan 2009 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Flower to bloom on PSN February 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/flower-to-bloom-on-psn-february-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/flower-to-bloom-on-psn-february-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/flower-to-bloom-on-psn-february-12/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Thatgamecompany's not-quite-a-game-but-an-interactive-poem Flower finally has a virtual shelf date. According to TGC president Kellee Santiago, we should expect to see it germinate sprout up on the US and European PSN stores February 12th.

Our friends at PS3 Fanboy recently got some hands-on time with a preview build and came away impressed, just as we did at E3. No word yet on price, unfortunately. Check out new gameplay footage after the break.

Gallery: Flower

Continue reading Flower to bloom on PSN February 12

JoystiqFlower to bloom on PSN February 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionFlowerPS3PSNrelease-dateSCEASonySony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaThatGameCompanyMon, 19 Jan 2009 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[FFXIII demo, special edition 160GB PS3 coming April 16 to Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/ffxiii-demo-special-edition-160gb-ps3-coming-april-16-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/ffxiii-demo-special-edition-160gb-ps3-coming-april-16-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/ffxiii-demo-special-edition-160gb-ps3-coming-april-16-to-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Final Fantasy XIII demo is hitting Japan on April 16 packaged with the Blu-ray Final Fantasy flick, Advent Children Complete. According to Famitsu, Sony will commemorate the release with a new 160GB PlayStation 3 bundle for ¥49,980 (US$550) that includes the movie, demo and specially marked console seen above.

Already got a PS3? ACC is also coming sans hardware for ¥5,900 (US$65) with the demo and ¥4,900 (US$54) without ... but let's be honest, is there really a market for people who want the movie but don't want to play and / or eBay the FFXIII trial? Square Enix recently said that there are no plans to release the demo overseas, so if you've been pining for a taste of the long-awaited RPG, we suggest you brush up on your Japanese.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqFFXIII demo, special edition 160GB PS3 coming April 16 to Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advent-childrenff7ff7-advent-childrenfinal-fantasy-13final-fantasy-7final-fantasy-viifinal-fantasy-xiiiPS3sonyMon, 19 Jan 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: JRW is MIA edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/wrup-jrw-is-mia-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/wrup-jrw-is-mia-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/wrup-jrw-is-mia-edition/#commentsFiled under:


James, ca. E3 2007
I'm back! However, now that I've returned, James Ransom-Wiley has mysteriously disappeared. If you see this man, please leave him be, he's on a week's vacation and plans not to do anything but sit in his apartment and eat Mochi cakes (or so we imagine).
  • Alexander Sliwinski: Accidentally got into Colonization last weekend. It's good enough, so I might try a little more this weekend. Really need to push ahead in Fallout 3 and send that back to GameFly. Also, playing more Left 4 Dead, getting comfortable with Advanced difficulty.
  • Christopher Grant: I've got a date with Knothole Island. If, somehow, I manage to unearth every secret and dig up every buried treasure (not to mention gather all those delicious achievements!) I'll look into finishing up Mirror's Edge and Prince of Persia. Also, Left 4 Dead. Duh.
  • Griffin McElroy: Since my 360 is about to red ring, it doesn't look like I'll get to finish Prince of Persia -- luckily, I've got a beat on a copy of Secret of Mana from a classmate. I'll also be seeing if my Rock Band drum skills translate to actual drum skills when I purchase drums, and cause my neighbors on both sides to flee in terror.
  • James Ransom-Wiley: ...
  • Jason Dobson: I'm going tank slaying in Valkyria Chronicles this weekend, putting another notch in my bedpost. I mean my controller. Yes, controller.
  • Justin McElroy: I'm gonna do my best to uncover the secrets of Knothole Island, but Skate 2's staring at me hard, I'm ready to embarrass myself there too.
  • Ludwig Kietzmann: "Dude, you need to play LocoRoco." And so I shall. And stop calling me "dude."
  • Randy Nelson: Me? I'll be spending at least part of the weekend investimagating every nook and cranny of Knothole Island for rich stuff. I'll also probably start a new game of Mirror's Edge -- this time on my PC -- to see if I manage to die less using a mouse and keyboard.
  • Ross Miller: My plan is sleep, sleep and more sleep, still trying to catch up from last week's grueling Vegas escapade. If there's any other time, I'll probably take a trip to Knothole Island.

JoystiqWRUP: JRW is MIA edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>what-are-you-playingwrupFri, 16 Jan 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CoD: World at War unlocks Nazi zombies for all, gives double XP this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/cod-world-at-war-unlocks-nazi-zombies-for-all-gives-double-xp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/cod-world-at-war-unlocks-nazi-zombies-for-all-gives-double-xp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/cod-world-at-war-unlocks-nazi-zombies-for-all-gives-double-xp/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Due to popular demand, Treyarch is now opening up Call of Duty: World at War's Nazi zombie co-op playlist to everyone on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live, nullifying the previous requirement of completing the single-player campaign. For the uninitiated, Nazi zombie co-op has you and up to four others fighting off endless waves of -- you guessed it -- nazi zombies. And before you ask, no, we never tire of nazis or zombie massacres.

Treyarch is also giving out double the experience points this weekend. It started this afternoon at 1:00 PM ET and will stay in effect until an undisclosed time -- probably Monday morning, if we had to guess. If you're in desperate need for some double XP, we suggest you take off work / school now and head to your console of choice.

[Via X3F; thanks, mdouet!]

JoystiqCoD: World at War unlocks Nazi zombies for all, gives double XP this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutycall-of-duty-5call-of-duty-world-at-warcod5codwawPS3treyarchworld-at-warXbox-360Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Steve Miller, Belly, Rob Zombie, Godsmack, Mute Math, Ghost Hounds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/rock-band-weekly-steve-miller-belly-rob-zombie-godsmack-mut/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/rock-band-weekly-steve-miller-belly-rob-zombie-godsmack-mut/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/rock-band-weekly-steve-miller-belly-rob-zombie-godsmack-mut/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fun fact of the day: Steve Miller Band's "Space Cowboy" and "The Joker" are not the same song, but "Joker" is often referred to by both names because of its first line, "Some people call me the Space Cowboy..." Just keep that in mind as you're shopping for Rock Band DLC next week.

Steve Miller Band 3-Pack (440 / $5.49)
  • "Space Cowboy" (160 / $2)
  • "Take the Money and Run" (160 / $2)
  • "The Joker" (160 / $2)
Individual songs
  • "I Stand Alone" - Godsmack (160 / $2)
  • "Feed the Tree" - Belly (160 / $2)
  • "Wind Me Up" - Ghost Hounds (160 / $2)
  • "Typical" - Mute Math (160 / $2)
  • "War Zone" - Rob Zombie (160 / $2)
Videos for these songs can be found after the break (except for "Wind Me Up," which we couldn't find -- sorry, folks!). All tracks are masters and will be available for download next Tuesday and Thursday for Xbox 360 and PS3, respectively. The DLC content for Wii's Music Store should be up later today, according to Harmonix's Sean Baptiste.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Steve Miller, Belly, Rob Zombie, Godsmack, Mute Math, Ghost Hounds

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Steve Miller, Belly, Rob Zombie, Godsmack, Mute Math, Ghost Hounds originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bellydlcghost-houndsgodsmackmute-mathPS3rob-zombierock-bandrock-band-2rock-band-dlcrock-band-weeklysteve-miller-bandXbox-360Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Castle Crashers dev teases new game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/castle-crashers-dev-teases-new-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/castle-crashers-dev-teases-new-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/castle-crashers-dev-teases-new-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

Curious as to what Castle Crashers developer The Behemoth has been up to lately? Well too bad, because the team isn't saying. Co-founder and self-proclaimed Best Blogger of 2009 Dan Paladin, however, is teasing on the company's site that they've been prototyping a new game. No other details are provided. Our prediction? It's gonna look like a Flash game.

Last week, Microsoft announced that Castle Crashers was the most popular Xbox Live Arcade game of 2008 and ranked it 17th out of all Xbox LIVE titles. The King Pack DLC debuted earlier this week for 160 ($2).

JoystiqCastle Crashers dev teases new game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behemothPCteasethe-behemothXbox-360Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil 5 CE unveiled: $90 for figurine, bag and Kijuju]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/resident-evil-5-ce-unveiled-90-for-figurine-bag-and-kijuju/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/resident-evil-5-ce-unveiled-90-for-figurine-bag-and-kijuju/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/resident-evil-5-ce-unveiled-90-for-figurine-bag-and-kijuju/#commentsFiled under: ,

Now that you've already seen our Steel Book unboxing (and if not, click here to be amazed), Capcom has revealed what else you'll be getting with the North American Resident Evil 5 Limited Edition set. For $90, you'll find yourself the proud owner of a Chris Redfield figurine (no pump-action grip, unfortunately), a Tricell messenger bag (the latest trend, it seems), a BSAA patch, a bonus disc, a Kijuju necklace, and of course, the game itself. Let us know if you'll be shelling out the extra $30 for this collection when it releases on March 13, 2009.

Gallery: Resident Evil 5 Collector's Edition (PS3)

JoystiqResident Evil 5 CE unveiled: $90 for figurine, bag and Kijuju originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcollectors-editionlimited-editionPS3re5re5-leresident-evilresident-evil-5resident-evil-5-leXbox-360Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Tech issues ruined Dark Knight game, pushed Pandemic AU to ruin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/rumor-tech-issues-ruined-dark-knight-game-pushed-pandemic-au-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/rumor-tech-issues-ruined-dark-knight-game-pushed-pandemic-au-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/rumor-tech-issues-ruined-dark-knight-game-pushed-pandemic-au-t/#commentsFiled under:

At this point, we don't even have confirmation that Pandemic Brisbane is gone, but according to a report from Kotaku Australia, the axe dropped after the studio couldn't finish the oft-rumored Dark Knight game in time for the film's DVD / Blu-ray release. Blame allegedly goes to the short timeframe allotted to development and a lack of technology / tools needed to make the open-world title the team had in mind.

Reportedly, a second team was working on an open-world Wii title and managed to retain rights to the project after the studio closed. We're still waiting to discover the studio's fate, but in the meantime, the report is definitely worth a read. After the break, check out footage from a different -- some would say fake -- Dark Knight game.

Continue reading Rumor: Tech issues ruined Dark Knight game, pushed Pandemic AU to ruin

JoystiqRumor: Tech issues ruined Dark Knight game, pushed Pandemic AU to ruin originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmandark-knighteaelectronic-artslayoffspandemicpandemic-brisbanerumorrumorsthe-dark-knightFri, 16 Jan 2009 12:58:00 EST