Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogobig.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Halo Interactive Strategy Game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/joystiq-hands-on-halo-interactive-strategy-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/joystiq-hands-on-halo-interactive-strategy-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/joystiq-hands-on-halo-interactive-strategy-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Interactive level design to the max!

The Halo Interactive Strategy Game is a crown of shame, aiming a Christmas-ruining SPNKr at happy children everywhere. Sure, I tempered my expectations of a board game based off a video game -- especially an "interactive" one. But after imposing it on my regular game night friends, the Halo board game's missed potential let me down. Building the map was fun. Playing capture-the-flag, deathmatch, or an objective-based contest wasn't.

The game is full of weak and unclear rules and an optional DVD just distracts from the strategy. This could have been a chess-like adaptation of Halo, but it just ends up feeling sorry.

Gallery: Halo Interactive Strategy Game

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JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Halo Interactive Strategy Game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boardboard-gameboardgamebungiehalohands-onimpressionsjoystiqfeaturesjs-twittermicrosoftoff-the-gridThu, 06 Nov 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Personal Trainer: Cooking]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/joystiq-impressions-personal-trainer-cooking/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/joystiq-impressions-personal-trainer-cooking/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/07/joystiq-impressions-personal-trainer-cooking/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Out already in Europe and Japan, Personal Trainer: Cooking launches in North America on November 24. Like other upcoming Personal Trainer titles (Math! Walking!), Cooking is more tutor than game. After sampling its recipes, we developed a taste for the concept. The cookbook of 245 dishes gives step-by-step instructions, meeting chefs with a range of skill levels.

Gallery: Personal Trainer: Cooking

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JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Personal Trainer: Cooking originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSjoystiqfeaturesnfms08-hands-onnintendonintendo-fall-media-summit-08nintendo-fms-08personal-trainerpersonal-trainer-cookingrecipeTue, 07 Oct 2008 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Age of Empires: Mythologies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-age-of-empires-mythologies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-age-of-empires-mythologies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-age-of-empires-mythologies/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Age of Empires: Mythologies follows the style of the DS Age of Kings, turning the PC real-time strategy into a portable, turn-based title. We checked out the game a the Nintendo Media Summit and found a lot of depth in the transition. While you'll only choose from Greek, Norse, or Egyptian armies, there's still ample Age of Empires inside.

Gallery: Age of Empires: Mythologies

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JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Age of Empires: Mythologies originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-empiresage-of-empires-mythologiesDSjoystiqfeaturesnfms08-hands-onnintendonintendo-fall-media-summit-08nintendo-fms-08thqMon, 06 Oct 2008 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-rayman-raving-rabbids-tv-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-rayman-raving-rabbids-tv-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-rayman-raving-rabbids-tv-party/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Rabbids are back. We liked the original, thought they dozed on the sequel, and hope the combination of randomness and fun returns for TV Party. More than 50 mini-games are shipping with the new Wii game, most of which will be playable with four people. About 30 percent of the games will be able to use the Balance Board, although the fad device won't be required.

We played three mini-games at the Nintendo Media Summit and are hopeful that this will be the best version yet. We'll know for sure after the November 11 release.

Gallery: Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party

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JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Game companies must find old IP profitable, with yet another retro remake on the way in Tecmo Bowl Kickoff. This DS diversion plunges into the nostalgia glands within our hypothalamus; we fondly associate the NES original with grade-school sleep-overs. Maybe there's a direct connection between our memories and Visa card after all.

And on that level, Tecmo Bowl wins. It's hokey, clunky, and fun. We think gamers who missed the NES or SNES versions won't enjoy it nearly as much as their John Maddens. But the Tecmo Bowl simplicity can even be elegant. You're limited to just a few runs and passes. There's no play clock. Team names and players are fictitious. Cut-scene interludes show the biggest graphical effects, with on-field play just clear enough to make out what's happening.

Gallery: Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff (10-6-08)

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JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Tecmo Bowl Kickoff (DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSjoystiqfeaturesnfms08-hands-onnintendonintendo-fall-media-summit-08nintendo-fms-08tecmotecmo-bowltecmo-bowl-kickoffMon, 06 Oct 2008 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Tetris Party (WiiWare)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-hands-on-tetris-party-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-hands-on-tetris-party-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-hands-on-tetris-party-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We've soaked up Tetris on countless platforms. There's a balance to strike between versions that retain enough of the core game to be authentically Tetris, and adding new puzzle elements. Tetris Party for WiiWare nails this demand, providing about a dozen game modes, many of which, are all-new. Call it "yet another Tetris?" Maybe. But this is a Tetris on which we'll gladly spend 1,200 Wii points with its release sometime this month.

Nintendo claims there are 18 modes, 10 of which are new, but we only agree technically; the company counts some modes twice as single- and multi-player games. (Most modes support up to four players on one system, and a few work with up to six online.) We tore into as many as we could before overloading like a kid on a Halloween sugar-high. Here's how they stand up.

Gallery: Tetris Party (WiiWare, 10-06-08)

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JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Tetris Party (WiiWare) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hudsonjoystiqfeaturesnfms08-hands-onnintendonintendo-fall-media-summit-08nintendo-fms-08tetristetris-partywiiwiiwareMon, 06 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Cave Story (WiiWare)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-cave-story-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-cave-story-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-cave-story-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


click to enlarge
We played Cave Story at the Nintendo Media Summit, and other than controlling the game with the Wii Remote - old-school sideways, natch' - it's nearly the same as the free PC and Mac game. The retro look and gameplay make this seem like an overlooked garage-sale find, for good or bad. (Usually good.)

Gallery: Cave Story (WiiWare)

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JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Cave Story (WiiWare) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cave-storyjoystiqfeaturesMacnfms08-hands-onnintendo-fall-media-summit-08nintendo-fms-08PCWiiwiiwareMon, 06 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-dead-rising-chop-till-you-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-dead-rising-chop-till-you-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-dead-rising-chop-till-you-drop/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click to enlarge
Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop thins components from the 360 original into a Wii port. And that's not always a bad thing. As much as we liked the original, we were frustrated by losing track of side missions and the unforgiving save system. The Wii remake addresses both issues, running players through a condensed, linear story with more frequent save- and restore-points. And Wii controls often feel good, especially for pointing and shooting, although we're still uncertain about some of the motion additions, such as shaking off zombies.

But after playing at the Nintendo Media Summit, we're apprehensive about what's being lost. There's no photojournalism, many weapons have been cut, and we're just not sure if the Wii can push enough zombies-per-second to create the ambling masses of the first. The Wii version seems suited to gamers who never tried the original; it'll hold up better without any direct comparison to the 360 game.

Gallery: Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop (10-06-2008)

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JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdead-risingdead-rising-chop-till-you-dropjoystiqfeaturesnfms08-hands-onnintendo-fall-media-summit-08nintendo-fms-08WiizombieMon, 06 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Animal Crossing: City Folk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-animal-crossing-city-folk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-animal-crossing-city-folk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-animal-crossing-city-folk/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Animal Crossing is a one-hit-wonder. You might like it and play it forever, hate it and avoid it completely, or think it was catchy and then just get tired of the tune. Animal Crossing: City Folk does little to change our perception. This is Animal Crossing, again; go fishing, pull weeds, repeat. Some love it, some hate it, and some just want something new.

From what we saw at the Nintendo Media Summit, the city is just another place to go. Instead of Tom Nook's shop in your own town, you can buy from an upscale store. Instead of waiting for the fortune teller to visit, you can see her in the city. A few minor additions include a city-based auction house and theater where you see shows.

The rest of the updates seem equally subtle. You can play with your Mii face. Up to four players can meet in one of their towns or the city. Gamer can talk over the WiiSpeak microphone (sold separately). You can type messages by plugging in any USB HID keyboard. Otherwise, it's Animal Crossing again.

Gallery: Animal Crossing: City Folk (10/6/08)

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JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Animal Crossing: City Folk originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganimal-crossing-city-folkAnimal-Crossing-MMOAnimal-Crossing-Wiijoystiqfeaturesnfms08-hands-onnintendoNintendo-EADnintendo-fall-media-summit-08nintendo-fms-08WiiMon, 06 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neopets Puzzle Adventure gets October release window]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/neopets-puzzle-adventure-gets-october-release-window/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/neopets-puzzle-adventure-gets-october-release-window/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/neopets-puzzle-adventure-gets-october-release-window/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


When we raved about the Othello-based, Neopets Puzzle Adventure, we couldn't scrub away the sadness of endorsing something built on a Tomagotchi-knock-off. We name-dropped how it's being developed by Infinite Interactive, creators of Puzzle Quest, but that wasn't enough. We shivered for weeks.

Capcom let us know that the PC and DS versions are due by the end of October, while a Wii edition is coming later. So you'll soon be able to share our love of the puzzler (and self-loathing). Check out our original impressions again for the full details.

JoystiqNeopets Puzzle Adventure gets October release window originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomDSinfinite-interactiveneopetsneopets-puzzle-adventurenintendoPCpuzzle-questWiiMon, 06 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq eyes-on: How to Build a Better Being, with Will Wright]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-eyes-on-how-to-build-a-better-being-with-will-wright/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-eyes-on-how-to-build-a-better-being-with-will-wright/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-eyes-on-how-to-build-a-better-being-with-will-wright/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



We're starting to get a little sick from Spore fever, since we gamers have been hearing about it for what seems like eons. But once the title launches September 7 in North America (and September 5 in Europe and Asia), we'll have to ride the wave of hype again when the rest of the world hears about the title. Set your TiVos for one of the first (of potentially many) Spore tie-ins; the National Geographic Channel will air its HD special, How to Build a Better Being on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 PM. The production is also included in the $80 Spore Galactic Edition.

The show offers a primer in DNA and genetics beyond what we remember from high school, connecting science with Spore. It's less a look at the game directly and more of a handshake (sometimes literally) between Will Wright and genetic scientists.

How to Build a Better Being centers on the Creature Creator and the genetic basis for the game's evolution and multitude of parts. After watching a screener, we wish it also covered science behind other parts of the game. However, the hour-long show works as a companion to that fundamental Spore angle.

Continue reading Joystiq eyes-on: How to Build a Better Being, with Will Wright

JoystiqJoystiq eyes-on: How to Build a Better Being, with Will Wright originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSeaElectronic-Artsgeneticshow-to-build-a-better-beingMacmaxisnational-geographicnational-geographic-channelPCsciencescience-of-sporesporespore-creature-creatorwill-wrightFri, 29 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure (DS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/joystiq-hands-on-henry-hatsworth-in-the-puzzling-adventure-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/joystiq-hands-on-henry-hatsworth-in-the-puzzling-adventure-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/joystiq-hands-on-henry-hatsworth-in-the-puzzling-adventure-ds/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure combines a block-matching, DS puzzle game--think Panel de Pon/Planet Puzzle League--with a side-scrolling platformer. This puzzling mash-up keeps the blocks on the bottom screen, Hatsworth jumping up top, and you toggling between each to maintain progress. We recently played this stylish title, due at the beginning of 2009. With so many small things to get right, we're uncertain that the puzzle-platformer will work, but we're impressed by its potential.

Gallery: Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure (DS)

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JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure (DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dseaEA-Tiburonelectronic-artsElectronic-Arts-Tiburonhenry-hatsworthhenry-hatsworth-in-the-puzzling-adventurekyle-grayNintendopanel-de-ponplanet-puzzle-leagueplatformPlatformerpuzzletiburonMon, 18 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (PS2/PSP)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/joystiq-hands-on-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-ps2-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/joystiq-hands-on-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-ps2-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/joystiq-hands-on-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-ps2-psp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The PS2 and PSP versions of The Force Unleashed are close siblings, and I recently enjoyed playing nearly-finished editions of both. Each follows the same bounty-hunting apprentice story and settings as the 360/PS3 game, although specific level design occasionally differs. Unlike 360/PS3 game, the PSP version gets two-player duel-mode fights against a local gamer, and it also includes five "historical missions" pulled from the movies. The PS2 version includes the full camera control of the 360/PS3, but not those extras.

The PS2 and PSP games felt slightly scaled back from the 360/PS3, with fewer destructible objects or enemies in any one moment. But both maintained a fluid sense of battle, maintaining the visceral thrill of the Force powers. With the game's September 16 release, PS2 and PSP gamers will find a kinetic action title suited to their systems.

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (PS2)

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JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (PS2/PSP) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>force-powersjedijoystiqfeatureslightsaberlucasartsps2pspstar-warsstar-wars-the-forcestar-wars-the-force-unleashedthe-forcethe-force-unleashedMon, 07 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (DS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/joystiq-hands-on-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/joystiq-hands-on-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/joystiq-hands-on-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-ds/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The DS version of The Force Unleashed tries to cram all of the light-saber-rage from the consoles into a handheld package. You'll be disappointed if you directly compare the two. I recently tried a late version of the DS game, and I didn't think enough of the system's strengths and weaknesses affected the design. The DS game gives a 3D perspective of the action on the top screen with adequate visuals, but the chunky graphics steal some of the excitement. And since the camera can't be repositioned, you'll be regularly attacked by people just off-screen. Worse, player attacks are issued by tapping on icons, causing hunting-and-pecking through battles.

Since The Force Unleashed is about going nuts with explosive superpowers, that sense of excitement got lost by scaling everything down to fit the DS. A wireless, four-player, local battle mode might make it a fun game to play with friends, but I wasn't able to test that feature. I hope the final game will grow on me after its September 16 release. But the time I had with this portable edition left me cautious.

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (DS)

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JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsforceforce-powersjedijoystiqfeatureslucasartsportablestar-warsstar-wars-the-forcestar-wars-the-force-unleashedthe-forcethe-force-unleashedMon, 07 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/joystiq-hands-on-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/joystiq-hands-on-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/joystiq-hands-on-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-wii/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

For good and bad -- or should I say light and dark -- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed for Wii is clearly a Wii game. Side-by-side with the PS3 and 360 versions, the Wii graphics disappoint, and the complexity and frequency of enemies feels scaled back. But the Wii motion controls are regularly interesting, mapping many of the game's controls into gestures. The simplest ones feel great, like punching the Nunchuk forward to do the Force-push.

After recently playing late-development versions of all four game editions--360/PS3, Wii, DS, and PS2/PSP--I think the Wii game holds up as well as any of them. I had fun throwing enemies, shooting them with lightning, and hitting them with the lightsaber. And while the Wii holds its own, I'm mildly concerned that the final game could be repetitious, just cutting down waves of attackers. Hopefully the many different attacks, and Wii-specific two-player duel mode, will keep the game interesting.

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Wii)

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JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-sideforce-powersforce-unleashedgesturejedijoystiqfeatureslight-saberlightsaberlucasartsstar-warsstar-wars-the-forcestar-wars-the-force-unleashedthe-force-unleashedwagglewiiMon, 07 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the Team: Zack Stern]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/meet-the-team-zack-stern/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/meet-the-team-zack-stern/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/meet-the-team-zack-stern/#commentsFiled under:

In the world of professional game blogging, the people are represented by two separate, yet equally important groups: the bloggers who investigate the stories and readers who make silly comments. These are the first group's stories.
  • Name: Zack Stern
  • Job Position: Contributing Editor
  • Past Experience/Education: I worked as an editor at Gamers.com in its (brief but glorious) 2000 heyday, and have since contributed to dozens of technology and gaming publications. Recent articles have appeared in PC World, PC Gamer, Maximum PC, Official Xbox Magazine, Mac|Life, Wired Test, Make, and many more.
  • Life outside of the 'Stiq: I'm an improviser, photographer, videomaker, and cook. Those all blend together into a delicious, sometimes metaphorical hooch.
  • Why I'm blogging: I'm entrenched in old media but want to maintain a presence online. The two styles inform each other; knowing their similarities and differences makes me better at both.
  • First game experience: I used to play Chinese checkers at my grandparents' house growing up, and the pinball machine at my mom's ad agency was better than day care.
  • Favorite games: Prince of Persia, Myth, Deus Ex, Pikmin, Kururin Paradise, Portal, Rock Band
  • Compact Flash or SD? Compact Flash.
There's more to come every Tuesday and Thursday.

JoystiqMeet the Team: Zack Stern originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 May 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biomeet-the-teammeet-the-team-08zack-sternThu, 15 May 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-crash-bandicoot-mind-over-mutant/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-crash-bandicoot-mind-over-mutant/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-crash-bandicoot-mind-over-mutant/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Crash Bandicoot returns for another platforming adventure in October, 2008. The boisterous character again has the power to ride defeated enemies, using their special abilities. For example, before crossing a lake, he might force a frost-breathing creature to freeze it solid. Other times, he might roll on top of a spherical enemy over ramps, like a Sonic or Billy Hatcher.

But unlike the previous Crash, players can carry along a favorite enemy at all times. This way, gamers can defeat an immediate puzzle, but still retain the abilities of another, go-to creature.

I recently tried Radical's Wii version of the in-development title. The team is building for the Wii first, and essentially scaling the graphics up for the 360 and down for the PS2. This approach gives the Wii title a finished sheen that beats most others Wii games. (Multi-platform games often scale PS2 graphics up to the Wii, but don't truly utilize the hardware.) Crash seemed fun; its bright graphics and light tone should attract its kid-targeted audience.

Gallery: Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant (Wii)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Few games appeal to adults and kids, but The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon could please both audiences. The younger group gets its beloved purple dragon and familiar platforming. The older crowd will like the depth in gameplay; among other changes, Spyro can now fly at any time.

After recently seeing a demo of the game, I was most impressed by its style and art; adults will find a lot of nuance here, too. Spyro mixes a lot of brightness and darkness in its style, reminding me of Fantasia or other old-guard Disney animations. Grasses leaned back as the wind raked over them, in a saccharine outdoor scene. But in another moment, sharp, muted stones matched the danger from an attacking monster.

Due in Fall, 2008 for 360, PS3, Wii, PS2, and DS, Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon could even interest players who know nothing of the character.

Gallery: The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon (360/PS3/PS2/Wii/DS)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon (360/PS3/PS2/Wii/DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dawn-of-the-dragonDSPS2PS3sierrasierra-spring-event08spyrospyro-the-dragonthe-legend-of-spyroWiiXbox-360Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Assorted Sierra XBLA games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-assorted-sierra-xbla-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-assorted-sierra-xbla-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-assorted-sierra-xbla-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sierra recently showed off its upcoming crop of XBLA games at a media event. While a couple have promise, most could be buried by the quantity or quality of competitors. All are confirmed only for XBLA, but Sierra is considering PSN versions of most. All will be out this Summer.

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Assorted Sierra XBLA games

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Assorted Sierra XBLA games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you remember World in Conflict from last year, expect more of the same in this fall's World in Conflict: Soviet Assault. If you don't remember it, you might have been washed over by a dozen other great games. The real-time battle strategy takes gamers into an alternate 1989; the Cold War turns into a firefight.

Two changes define this update: 360 and PS3 gamers can play, and a new campaign lets you play from the Soviet perspective. PC gamers who have the original can opt for a download-only Soviet expansion, while those new to the title can get a bundled, PC edition. Console gamers will get the full, original game in this version, too.

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: World in Conflict: Soviet Assault controls (360/PS3)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: World in Conflict: Soviet Assault controls (360/PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cold-warPCPS3sierrasierra-spring-event08strategyworld-in-conflictworld-in-conflict-soviet-assaultXbox-360Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand (360/PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-50-cent-blood-on-the-sand-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-50-cent-blood-on-the-sand-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-50-cent-blood-on-the-sand-360-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

If you buy only one game featuring 50 Cent and G-Unit shooting people in a quest to get back their diamond-encrusted skull this year, make it 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand. I'm still overwhelmed by the game's plot, and when 50 Cent is your protagonist, you might as well embellish as much as you can. Go over the top, and then go even higher.

50 Cent: Blood on the Sand is a straight-ahead action game. You'll fire all kinds of guns to kill waves of disposable enemies, all trying to stop you from getting back what's rightfully yours. In a recent demo of the title, I felt a little bad for the sheer numbers of enemies you must dispatch; surely, these lowly thugs aren't making diamond-encrusted-skull money.

And before I get too far, a clarification: 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand is not necessarily set in the Middle East. Lots of places have sand, including Miami Beach, school playgrounds, ant farms, and other non-Middle-Eastern settings. The game is merely set in a fictitious, unnamed country with sand, palm trees, and vaguely Middle-Eastern architecture.

Gallery: 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand (360/PS3)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand (360/PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>50-cent50-cent-250-cent-blood-on-the-sand50-Cent-BotSblood-on-the-sanddiamond-encrusted-skullg-unitMicrosoftPS3sierrasierra-spring-event08Swordfish-StudiosTHQXbox-360Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Prototype (360/PC/PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-prototype-360-pc-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-prototype-360-pc-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-prototype-360-pc-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


After a recent demo of Sierra's Prototype, I came away feeling a little less excited for the title than when I started. I'm still anticipating its Fall, 2008 360/PC/PS3 release, assuming it ships on time. I think it could be an exciting third-person action/mystery. But I'm uncertain about if it will become a cohesive experience by then; I saw well-executed elements but I'm not sure if they will combine.

And admittedly, Prototype's open-world scope is much too big to take in from a single demonstration. The fast, physical action and control look better than other games, with the player able to change fighting techniques and attacks at any moment. Developer Radical Entertainment didn't spill too much about the story, only repeating that you play an amnesiac with the ability to morph into other peoples' identities.

I hope that plot can connect to the action. I think it could, especially because the character gains the memories and abilities of the identities he steals. And while the anti-hero is becoming a cliche, Radical stressed that you're not trying to save Manhattan from its plague of monsters. You're out for yourself, and the story is supposed to explain why.

Gallery: Prototype

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Prototype (360/PC/PS3)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Prototype (360/PC/PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new-yorknew-york-cityopen-worldPCprototypePS3ritualritual-entertainmentsandboxsierrasierra-spring-event08Xbox-360Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Ghostbusters (360/PS3/Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-ghostbusters-360-ps3-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-ghostbusters-360-ps3-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-ghostbusters-360-ps3-wii/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ghostbusters is one of those nerdy properties that when reissued, will never please all of its fans. Even in a brief demo with a few other writers, questions -- and follow-ups -- circled around "crossing the streams" and even geekier topics. I'm not at that level of spirit-stopping enthusiast, but I'm cautious about the new version, probably because it shows so much promise. I hate to get behind something, especially a beloved property, only to see it crumble.

The Ghostbusters animation, graphics, settings, and physics look great. The original cast has reassembled to record for this game. It's even being written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. But the biggest thing I didn't see was that story, and that narrative is an important part of Ghostbusters. We'll find out how well the script and setting hold up with its October, 2008 release.

Gallery: Ghostbusters (360/PS3/PC)

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Ghostbusters (360/PS3/Wii)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Ghostbusters (360/PS3/Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Nintendo an ancestor of Aperture Science? A dummy corporation? We recently recorded the North American voice of the Wii Fit Balance Board, and it bears an uncanny resemblance to Portal's happy little turrets. Even the hierarchy of henchmen follows Portal. Aperture science has GLaDOS, and Wii Fit has a male- or female-voiced personal trainer.

Yes, there are still a few differences. The Balance Board voice -- and we presume nefarious AI -- comes through the Wii and out a TV, while the turrets are all self-contained. Plus the balance board might not be trying to kill us. The verdict is still uncertain, but be warned.

Aperture Science turret


Wii Fit Balance Board

JoystiqSeparated at birth: Wii Fit Balance Board and Aperture Science turret originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aperture-sciencebalance-boardgladosnintendoPCportalPS3voiceWiiwii-fitwiifitXbox-360Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Wii Wheel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-wii-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-wii-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-wii-wheel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


I had low expectations for the Wii Wheel before playing a few rounds of Mario Kart at the Nintendo Media Summit. The circular chunk of plastic exceeded my expectations. And that's my advice in life: Expect little and be constantly pleased.

I twisted the small wheel to turn my racer. Gentle movements steered me around the tracks, and the setup was most sensitive if I held it at a 90-degree angle, with the face pointing directly away from the TV. A button pad pushed the B trigger, giving me a bigger target to hop and turn. I reached the other buttons easily.

But the control felt imprecise because it wasn't mounted to anything. I unintentionally dropped the wheel angle sometimes, making the system less sensitive. I don't know why someone would want to buy one of these, and I expect most gamers will stick with other control methods.

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Wii Wheel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-kartnintendonintendo-media-summit-08Wiiwii-wheelwiiwheelTue, 15 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Pop (Wiiware)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-pop-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-pop-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-pop-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

WiiWare will include casual, simple, and hopefully cheap titles with its upcoming release outside of Japan. While some of the Wiiware efforts on display at the Nintendo Media Summit impressed and surprised me, I was more ambivalent about Pop.

The simple game is just about pointing and clicking on bubbles that drift by. Click a bunch of like-colors in a row, and rack up a bonus score that's activated when you pop a different-colored bubble. Miss the bubbles completely, and the count-down timer jumps ahead, moving closer to the end of the game. The only other catch is that your potential points and time keep rising with bubble-popping combos, but they aren't added to the game until you break the run. Get too greedy, and you'll run out of time.

Gallery: Pop (WiiWare)

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Pop (Wiiware)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Pop (Wiiware) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualnintendo-media-summit-08nnooopopWiiwiiwareTue, 15 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Zenses: Ocean (DS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-zenses-ocean-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-zenses-ocean-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-zenses-ocean-ds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Game Factory showed off its upcoming DS puzzler, Zenses: Ocean, and the Nintendo Media Summit. This publisher has made a business out of licensed titles -- Bratz, Garfield, Build-A-Bear Workshop -- but is trying to break into original games with Zenses.

Pitched as a relaxing, almost trance-inducing ride -- some bundles of the game will include earphones to play back its mellow soundtrack -- I found few of its six game modes that didn't feel repetitive. Especially at a $30 price, I hope that the game gets tweaked or the price drops before its October, 2008 release.

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Zenses: Ocean (DS)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Zenses: Ocean (DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSnintendo-media-summit-08the-game-factoryzenseszenses-oceanzenses-rainforestTue, 15 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King (WiiWare)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-final-fantasy-crystal-chronicles-my-life-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-final-fantasy-crystal-chronicles-my-life-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-final-fantasy-crystal-chronicles-my-life-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King turns RPG gamers into a coach, vicariously living out the glory of dungeon quests by sending in adventurers. I saw the game at the Nintendo Media Summit and didn't understand the appeal. Aren't the quests the best part of RPGs?

If you think upgrades and management are RPG highlights, maybe you'll like My Life as a King. Your young character returns to an abandoned castle to reclaim his dynasty after his dad left in exile. Your job is to spruce up the place, adding new shops that attract and upgrade townsfolk. Some buildings just allow for more people to move in, while weapon shops, magic guilds, and other structures help advance your people.

But with limited coffers, you'll have to send these citizens on quests to raid dungeons and return with more resources to keep building. Force a weak party into a dangerous situation, and they'll crawl back, beaten-down and loot-free. Send a well-equipped party into battle, and they'll bring back treasure.

Gallery: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King (WiiWare)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King (WiiWare) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-chroniclesfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-crystal-chroniclesmy-life-as-a-kingNintendonintendo-media-summit-08square-enixsquareenixWiiwiiwareTue, 15 Apr 2008 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Major League Eating: The Game (WiiWare)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-major-league-eating-the-game-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-major-league-eating-the-game-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-major-league-eating-the-game-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Major League Eating: The Game initially seemed to be a weak concept for a licensed title. Is eating actually a game? How do you turn one tenuous "sport" into a tenuous videogame?

Mastiff has met that challenge by embellishing on competitive eating, spinning the contests into a fantasy world of power-ups, attacks, and other tested game elements. I'm still doubtful that I'll play Major League Eating: The Game after its release, but I think it'll appeal to other people, especially kids. Any title in which your 3D character loses after 3D vomiting has a built-in audience somewhere.

Gallery: Major Leage Eating: The Game (WiiWare)

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Major League Eating: The Game (WiiWare)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Major League Eating: The Game (WiiWare) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>major-league-eatingmajor-league-eating-the-gamemastiffnintendo-media-summit-08WiiwiiwareTue, 15 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-sonic-chronicles-the-dark-brotherhood/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-sonic-chronicles-the-dark-brotherhood/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-sonic-chronicles-the-dark-brotherhood/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


A turn-based RPG, Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood moves the speedy Sega characters into a role-playing world. After a big, "Huh?" I gave this DS-only game a shot at the Nintendo Media Summit. But especially with Bioware behind the project, I came away thinking it could be a fun game for kids and even adult RPG players. And forget Sonic; the deep game mechanics, dialogue options, and great-looking world could combine into a portable RPG favorite.

Gallery: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDSnintendo-media-summit-08segasonic-chroniclessonic-chronicles-the-dark-brotherhoodsonic-the-hedgehogTue, 15 Apr 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People (WiiWare)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-strong-bads-cool-game-for-attractive-peopl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-strong-bads-cool-game-for-attractive-peopl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-strong-bads-cool-game-for-attractive-peopl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Days before the Nintendo Media Summit, Telltale Games revealed Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People. I tried the adventure game at the event and spoke with Telltale's marketing coordinator, Emily Morganti.

Strong Bad follows in the game style of Sam & Max and other adventures, but it trades some of the linear, story elements for more random activities. For example, Strong Bad can make prank phone calls; play mini-games, including fake-retro throwbacks from the online cartoon; check in-game email, and otherwise explore his world.

Players drive most of the game interaction by pointing and clicking with the Wii Remote, although some mini-games use an NES-style approach. Morganti stressed that for this game and the upcoming Sam & Max conversion, Telltale won't add motion controls for their own sake.

Telltale's own team of writers and producers, including many who have been part of Sam & Max, are collaborating the Chapmans, Homestar Runner's creators. But unlike Sam & Max, Telltale plans to have different people lead the production on each of the five, roughly monthly episodes.

Morganti explained, "Each episode, a different designer [is in charge], which is more like they do on TV. ... It's still the same team. [But] it'll be interesting to see how the episodes feel as a result. With Sam & Max, we've had complaints that they feel too similar. We might find with Strong Bad, that each one feels very different."

Gallery: Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People (WiiWare)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People (WiiWare) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendo-media-summi...PCsame-and-maxstrong-badstrong-bads-game-for...telltaletelltale-gamesWiiwiiwareTue, 15 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Rock Band (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-rock-band-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-rock-band-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-rock-band-wii/#commentsFiled under:


Rock Band is coming out on the Wii June 22, with the guitar-mic-drum-game bundle price of $179. You've played it on other systems. I played it on the Wii. My short impression: It's Rock Band on the Wii.

Rock Band looks a little different on the Nintendo system. The controllers are all finished in white and mimic Nintendo's blue LED dots to mark the player order. Best of all, the guitar controllers are wireless ($60 alone). [Update: A couple comments have asked good questions about how the wireless gear connects. There's a USB hub and dongle with an RF transmitter. So the Wii Remotes aren't a factor except for the mic user.] And the white drums ($80 alone) and other hardware include behind-the-scenes revisions that weren't included in the original launch last fall. Harmonix mentioned that those changes, including a wider drum layout and sturdier parts, have been rolled out to the 360 and PS3 already.

Rock Band Wii includes 63 songs, including a few "bonus" tracks that PS3 and 360 owners might have already downloaded, like "Roxanne". As already lamented, the Wii version doesn't offer online downloads or internet play, but game representatives indicated that those are important additions that they're pursuing. (Roughly $12-million worth of "important" and counting.) However, there are no specific plans to either add them to the Wii game or save them for a Rock Band 2.

Gallery: Rock Band (Wii)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Rock Band (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendo-media-summit-08rock-bandrock-band-wiiWiiTue, 15 Apr 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Space Invaders Extreme (DS/PSP)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-space-invaders-extreme-ds-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-space-invaders-extreme-ds-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-space-invaders-extreme-ds-psp/#comments My surprise of the week: Space Invaders Extreme. I played a few rounds at the Nintendo Media Summit since there was no line for the lonely kiosk. (Its PR handlers had even abandoned it, working double-duty at the Crystal Chronicles station across the room.) But as soon as I began tapping the buttons, I was hooked; this update borrows the basic idea of Space Invaders and remixes it into a wild, fast-paced shooter.

Like the classic, enemy ships make formations above you, raining shots down the screen. Otherwise, nearly everything else has been squeezed, twisted, and stretched into a modern game. The transition deserves comparison to our lauded Pac-Man Championship Edition, but I haven't yet decided if its as elegant an update. Regardless, an update is an update, and Space Invaders Extreme betters nearly every other current shooter.

Gallery: Space Invaders Extreme (DS)

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Space Invaders Extreme (DS/PSP)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Space Invaders Extreme (DS/PSP) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Backbone-EntertainmentDSNintendonintendo-media-summit-08space-invadersspace-invaders-extremeSquare-EnixTaitoTue, 15 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Boom Blox (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-boom-blox-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-boom-blox-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-boom-blox-wii/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


In our previous coverage of Boom Blox, we highlighted the basic way you toss baseballs, bowling balls, and other objects at the blocks. But this casual game has even more game modes that have gotten less coverage. I sampled some of the lesser-know variants at the Nintendo Media Summit.

The game's adventure mode introduces other mechanics. Players move through successive levels, trying to initially knock down structures with as few throws as possible. But following levels give gamers unlimited baseballs to toss at a pack of bears, for example; these cranky creatures try to amble off with your gem blocks, and you have to knock them down. Another change on later levels forces you to protect an advancing group of sheep. Monkeys throw items from their own block-built castle, and you need to knock them all down before the sheep are wiped out.

Gallery: Boom Blox

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Boom Blox (Wii)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Boom Blox (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboombloxeaelectronic-artssteven-spielbergWiiTue, 15 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Wii Fit mini-games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-wii-fit-mini-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-wii-fit-mini-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-wii-fit-mini-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Sure, Wii Fit is about health and lifestyle, but I'm looking forward to the games; I sampled some of the lesser-known modes at the recent Nintendo Media Summit. We've already played with the hula-hoop, soccer, ski-jump, and other basics, so I jumped straight to tightrope walking, floating in a bubble, and other later unlockables. But first, I warmed up with jogging.

Gallery: Wii Fit

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Wii Fit mini-games

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Wii Fit mini-games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mini-gameminigamenintendo-media-summi...nintendo-media-summit-08Wiiwii-fitwiifitTue, 15 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: World of Goo (WiiWare)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-world-of-goo-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-world-of-goo-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-world-of-goo-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Cute graphics and sounds: Check. Clever puzzle mechanic: Check. Irresistible gameplay: Check. World of Goo hits the required bullet points to be an indie game darling. And comfortable Wii Remote controls make it a perfect fit to be in Nintendo's WiiWare lineup.

Players build simple structures by pointing and dragging living, bouncing goo balls. These spherical wonders extend a few arms to their closest neighbors, becoming rigid when the Remote button is released. Gamers have to figure out how to build bridges, towers, and other structures without toppling them over, all while trying to use as few balls as possible. In the end, they're trying to lead the remaining balls to a mysterious pipe that sucks them away at the end of the level.

I tried the action-puzzler at the Nintendo Media Summit and am anticipating its release sometime this year. (Developer 2D Boy says its work will be complete in the Summer, and Nintendo will schedule the release after that.) World of Goo felt great and could be poised to be an indie game that crosses over into commercial success.

Gallery: World of Goo

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: World of Goo (WiiWare)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: World of Goo (WiiWare) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2d-boydownloaddownloadablegoogoo-ballkyle-gablerlinuxmacnintendo-media-summit-08PCron-carmelWiiwiiwareworld-of-gooTue, 15 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: LostWinds (WiiWare)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-lostwinds-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-lostwinds-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-lostwinds-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Briefly previewed at GDC, LostWinds is a stylish, creative take on platforming. The Nunchuk analog stick moves your small character over obstacles from a side-view. But the the character can't jump or climb very high; he needs the wind to push him up and over pits.

The Wii Remote fills this role naturally. A pointer swipe and button push gusts the wind into the world, lifting the small character to higher plateaus. Even ambient background objects like trees and grasses sway with the breeze. Later puzzles require you to guide the wind into other objects, not just the small fellow.

These techniques feel fresh and the visuals rival other Wii games. LostWinds was one of my favorite experiences from the Nintendo Media Summit.

Gallery: LostWinds

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: LostWinds (WiiWare)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: LostWinds (WiiWare) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontierFrontier-DevelopmentslostwindsNintendonintendo-media-summit-08platformerWiiwiimotewiiwareTue, 15 Apr 2008 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed duel mode (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-duel-mode-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-duel-mode-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-star-wars-the-force-unleashed-duel-mode-wii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

At the Nintendo Media Summit, LucasArts showed off the Wii-only duel mode in its multi-platform game, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. These fights require two human players -- there's no AI option -- but otherwise feel almost like they could have shipped as a stand-alone game. I swung sabers against fellow writers and was impressed by the amount of depth in the matches.

Each player picks one of 27 characters -- including about 11 costume-variations on the single-player apprentice -- and the fights take place in nine Star Wars locations. The characters include a young Luke, Darth Maul, General Grievous, and others that don't related to The Force story. And their moves are all about the same as in the single-player game, so Luke uses the lightning strike alongside the "dark" characters.

The match locations impact the the fights, with players instantly losing a life if they fall into the sarlacc pit, Smash Bros.-style. Otherwise, Hoth, the Jedi temple, and other locations include objects to toss around at each other, giving each location subtle differences.

These setting, and deep attacks, counter-attacks, and blocks should add a lot of ways to play these match-ups. This variety makes me anticipate its September 16 release. Plus there's a whole other single-player story to beat.

Gallery: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Wii)

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed duel mode (Wii)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed duel mode (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duelduel-modelucasartsstar-warsstar-wars-the-force-unleashedstarwarsthe-force-unleashedtheforceunleashedWiiTue, 15 Apr 2008 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Samba de Amigo (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-samba-de-amigo-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-samba-de-amigo-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-samba-de-amigo-wii/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Samba de Amigo without maracas is like seeing an old friend you've missed for years; it's still the same person, but the subtle changes add up. The Wii's Fall, 2008 version of Samba De Amigo follows the idea of the first, with gamers shaking two controllers -- any two, as long as one is a Remote -- in time with music and on-screen commands. The game reads the angle of the controller, which generally simulates the low, medium, and high positions.

But the Remote and Nunchuk just don't feel the same as the original maracas. Sega representatives mentioned that the company is still considering input device add-ons and alternatives; the game might even ship with a new maraca controller. (I wouldn't bet on it, but apparently, it's still a possibility.) Short of that, it might include some sort of rattling add-on, like the Wii Wheel of rhythm games.

I flailed and shook to a few Samba tracks from the game's more-than-40 options. Sega is including many from the Japan-only Samba 2K release as well as classics and new tunes. Mentioned music and musicians include "La Bamba," "Take On Me," "Santana," and "The Gypsy Kings." While any music game plays better with your favorite songs, Samba has been less about the tracks and more about the maracas. I was entertained, but I missed that rattle.

Gallery: Samba de Amigo (Wii)

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Samba de Amigo (Wii)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Samba de Amigo (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendo-media-summit-08sambasamba-de-amigosambadeamigosegaWiiTue, 15 Apr 2008 06:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Guitar Hero: On Tour (DS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-guitar-hero-on-tour-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-guitar-hero-on-tour-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-impressions-guitar-hero-on-tour-ds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Activision and Nintendo briefly demonstrated Guitar Hero: On Tour at last week's Nintendo Media Summit. As previously announced, the portable rhythm game includes a four-fret controller that slips into the DS GBA slot. A stylus shaped like a guitar pick can be stored inside and pulled out for portable rocking.

Guitar Hero: On Tour includes the same kind of career mode and single-song play as Guitar Hero III; many of the portable songs also overlap with other versions of the game. But 20 new tracks, a few control twists, and a new versus mode should make it more than Guitar Hero Lite.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: On Tour (DS)

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Guitar Hero: On Tour (DS)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Guitar Hero: On Tour (DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionDSGH-On-TourGuitar-HeroGuitar-Hero-DSGuitar-Hero-On-TourMusicNintendonintendo-media-summit-08Vicarious-VisionsTue, 15 Apr 2008 06:07:00 EST