Joystiq Mobile http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq Mobile http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.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[Battlefield 3: Aftershock pulled from App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/battlefield-3-aftershock-pulled-from-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/battlefield-3-aftershock-pulled-from-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/battlefield-3-aftershock-pulled-from-app-store/#comments Battlefield 3: Aftershock is MIA from the iOS App Store due to a lack of quality. IGN got a hold of a communique from EA, in which the publisher stated it is committed to delivering quality mobile entertainment and, therefore, decided to remove the game.

An EA spokesperson said the company is "currently re-evaluating the app" in response to the consumer feedback. Sounds like the 2.5 star rated app, which suffered complaints about its controls and multiplayer, may not return to the app arena any time soon.

Gallery: Battlefield 3: Aftershock

JoystiqBattlefield 3: Aftershock pulled from App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3-aftershockEAEA-MobileElectronic-ArtsiosipadiphonemobileThu, 23 Feb 2012 00:45:00 EST<![CDATA['Aaaaa!!!' plummets onto iOS 'February 30']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/aaaaa-plummets-onto-ios-february-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/aaaaa-plummets-onto-ios-february-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/aaaaa-plummets-onto-ios-february-30/#comments
Dejobaan's AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! for the Awesome drops into the iOS App Store next week as AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! (Force = Mass x Acceleration). The game will launch on March 1 as a $2.99 universal app. Meaning, you pay once and play it on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.

Having had some hands-on time with the mobile version recently, the iPad experience can be particularly intense. The tilt controls are super intuitive -- since you're falling and trying to avoid buildings -- and I found myself tilting my head to avoid scraping against buildings. The size of the screen and focus on the experience started making everything else around me fade away.

For a less intense, but still enjoyable game, the iPhone version feels like guiding an object through space instead of yourself.

Gallery: Aaaaa...!!! - A Reckless Disregard for Gravity (iOS)

Joystiq'Aaaaa!!!' plummets onto iOS 'February 30' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-a-reckless-disregard-for-gravitydejobaandejobaan-gamesiosipadiphonemobileowlchemy-labsWed, 22 Feb 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Assassin's Creed game, Gameloft's 'Gang Domination' coming to GREE platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/new-assassins-creed-game-gamelofts-gang-domination-coming-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/new-assassins-creed-game-gamelofts-gang-domination-coming-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/new-assassins-creed-game-gamelofts-gang-domination-coming-t/#comments A new Assassin's Creed mobile game will launch in December of this year for English and Japanese audiences. The title is being developed by Ubisoft and GREE. In the same breath, GREE is teaming up with Gameloft on Gang Domination, which will be available on various smartphone devices this coming June.

So, what's GREE? Beyond being a company with way too much money, it's a mobile publisher/platform that's huge in Japan and is moving into the global marketplace, launching the GREE Platform in the second quarter of 2012. The company bought mobile social network OpenFeint last year and has offices in Tokyo, San Francisco, London, Beijing, Sao Paulo and Dubai. The company states: "GREE will continue to aggressively expand worldwide."

"GREE will continue to focus on building relationships with third party game developers and publishers as it moves towards releasing its new platform."

So, if GREE wasn't on your radar before, it appears to be a company you're going to be hearing about a lot in the near future.

Continue reading New Assassin's Creed game, Gameloft's 'Gang Domination' coming to GREE platform

JoystiqNew Assassin's Creed game, Gameloft's 'Gang Domination' coming to GREE platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidassassins-creedGameloftgang-dominationGREEiosiphonemobileUbisoftWed, 22 Feb 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Catball Eats It All]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-catball-eats-it-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-catball-eats-it-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-catball-eats-it-all/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, Tyson and Matt Anderson of Broken Compass Studios share the artistic influences of their Kickstarter-funded mobile title, Catball Eats It All. Yes, it stars a cat shaped like a ball. You know you're intrigued.


What's your game called and what's it about?

Tyson Anderson: Our game is Catball Eats It All. From a story standpoint, it's about a voracious little furball that eats everything in sight, and... that's it! Short and sweet. From a gameplay perspective, it's an action-puzzle game based around navigating and optimizing paths through levels and mastering responsive play controls.

As a graffiti artist, how did NoseGo get involved with Broken Compass?

Matt Anderson: We all met through a mutual friend Jeff, who is now our very talented producer. Yis Goodwin -- aka NoseGo -- had expressed a desire to make a game featuring his work, and Tyson and I have been working in games for a while. Jeff, in true producer-ly fashion, put the people together, and the magic was there. We clicked, and our visions, both as creators and as a business, quickly solidified.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Catball Eats It All

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Catball Eats It All originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Broken-Compass-Studioscatball-eats-it-alldogwallGab-BonghigraffitiiosipadiphoneJeff-Hsujoystiq-indie-pitchMatt-AndersonmobileNoseGoTyson-AndersonYis-GoodwinWed, 22 Feb 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Simpsons 'Tapped Out' in free-to-play iOS game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/the-simpsons-tapped-out-in-free-to-play-ios-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/the-simpsons-tapped-out-in-free-to-play-ios-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/the-simpsons-tapped-out-in-free-to-play-ios-game/#comments The Simpsons are going to your phone! Again! Cnet reports that EA is planning to release a free-to-play Simpsons game called The Simpsons: Tapped Out. The free iOS game focuses on rebuilding Springfield after Homer blows it up. Unlockable characters (voiced by the show's actors) will give you quests as you work on your version of the city.

Of course, your progress will be limited every day, unless you purchase virtual currency, in the denomination of "donuts." You'll also be able to find them in town.

Tapped Out is due on iOS in the next few weeks. An Android version will follow a few months later.

JoystiqThe Simpsons 'Tapped Out' in free-to-play iOS game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidea-mobileelectronic-artsiosiphonemobilethe-simpsonsthe-simpsons-tapped-outTue, 21 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[WWE WrestleFest on iOS today, coming to XBLA, PSN, PC, Android in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/wwe-wrestlefest-on-ios-today-coming-to-xbla-psn-pc-android-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/wwe-wrestlefest-on-ios-today-coming-to-xbla-psn-pc-android-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/wwe-wrestlefest-on-ios-today-coming-to-xbla-psn-pc-android-i/#comments Well, this is definitely the craziest thing to happen in wrestling games in quite some time -- and wrestling is a sport built entirely on human insanity. WWF WrestleFest, the classic arcade game by Technos, has been updated for release on iOS by THQ. The new "WWE Wrestlefest" has smoother graphics and an updated roster of wrestlers (a rostler, if you will) including John Cena and Randy Orton, alongside old-school wrestlers like the late "Macho Man" Randy Savage. It's also been modernized with "an extensive downloadable content program."

The app is available in a free "Lite" version and a $2.99 "Premium" version for iPhone, and both "Lite" and paid for iPad.

THQ also plans to release this new WrestleFest on XBLA, PSN, Android, and PC, sometime in 2012. So we hope the new version is good.

Continue reading WWE WrestleFest on iOS today, coming to XBLA, PSN, PC, Android in 2012

JoystiqWWE WrestleFest on iOS today, coming to XBLA, PSN, PC, Android in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapp-storeiosipadiphoneitunesitunes-app-storemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationportps3technosthqwrestlingwwewwe-wrestlefestxboxTue, 21 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA['A MAZE. Indie Games Award' is open for submissions, amazement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/a-maze-indie-games-award-is-open-for-submissions-amazement/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/a-maze-indie-games-award-is-open-for-submissions-amazement/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/a-maze-indie-games-award-is-open-for-submissions-amazement/#comments The A MAZE. Indie Games Award 2012, held during the Deutsche Gamestage in Berlin from April 26 to 27, is now taking submissions and will award one single indie game the "Most Amazing Indie Game" title, which would be a pretty awesome thing to put on your resume. The winner is selected by a "high-profile international jury" to be revealed in March, and will receive €5000 ($6,599) and a suitably "amazing trophy."

Submissions are open to anyone and everyone, for a fee of €45 ($59) through March 30, with finalists announced in mid-April. This is just a hunch, but now might be the time to build that rat-maze game you were thinking of at 2 a.m. that one night -- the one with the makeup-testing and cancer-treatment levels. Again, just a hunch.

Joystiq'A MAZE. Indie Games Award' is open for submissions, amazement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A-MAZEA-MAZE-Indie-Games-AwardandroidawardsgermanyIndieindie-gamesiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3xboxMon, 20 Feb 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Idle Thumbs Kickstarter includes exclusive game, neat artwork]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/idle-thumbs-kickstarter-includes-exclusive-game-neat-artwork/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/idle-thumbs-kickstarter-includes-exclusive-game-neat-artwork/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/idle-thumbs-kickstarter-includes-exclusive-game-neat-artwork/#comments It seems everyone's got a Kickstarter nowadays. Double Fine just surpassed $2 million, inXile is going to use Kickstarter to reboot a classic and now the Idle Thumbs video game podcast is using the site to finance its future.

The interesting thing about this Kickstarter campaign, however, is that it includes an exclusive game called Thirty Flights of Loving by Blendo Games. It's a sequel to the one-man indie development studio's previous effort, Gravity Bone, a spy-based affair blending adventure and first-person shooting elements. Thirty Flights of Loving will be given to all backers who drop $30 or more down.

If you want to throw down more cash, Vincent Perea and Graham Annable, the artists behind The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom and Puzzle Agent, respectively, will toss in some of their doodlings. So hurry up and help the crew finance their -- oh, they already hit their goal? Okay then, head on over if you want to pay for some stuff you want.

JoystiqIdle Thumbs Kickstarter includes exclusive game, neat artwork originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroiddsidle-thumbsiosipadiphonekickstarterkinectmacmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxMon, 20 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim Interactive Map App is a world of microtransactions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/skyrim-interactive-map-app-is-a-world-of-microtransactions/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/skyrim-interactive-map-app-is-a-world-of-microtransactions/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/skyrim-interactive-map-app-is-a-world-of-microtransactions/#comments Still wandering aimlessly around Tamriel, trying to remember where you left your giant pile of buckets? Get out your phone and get some help. Publisher Prima Games just released an official Skyrim map app, beating the fanmade Dragon Shout to the punch.

The app comes with a world map and 9 capital city maps for free, with other detailed locations available through in-app purchases. You can drop pins on points of interest (say, Bucket Stack Alpha) and zoom in 3200%.

While we're a bit shocked that portions of the Skyrim map are behind a paywall in an app that is nothing but maps of that one game, we must concede the point that Skyrim is irresponsibly huge.

JoystiqSkyrim Interactive Map App is a world of microtransactions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elder-scrolls-5iosipadiphonemicrotransactionsmobileprimaprima-gamesskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimMon, 20 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gabe Newell: Valve is excited about wearable computers, open hardware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/gabe-newell-valve-is-excited-about-wearable-computers-open-har/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/gabe-newell-valve-is-excited-about-wearable-computers-open-har/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/gabe-newell-valve-is-excited-about-wearable-computers-open-har/#comments Finally, we have a concrete reason for the eternal delay of Half-Life 2 Episode 3: Valve head Gabe Newell is more interested in wearable computing. OK, that's not directly why Valve hasn't announced a new Half-Life title, but wearable computing and hardware development are definitely something Valve is interested in, Newell told Penny Arcade Report.

Wearable computers -- think Star Trek communication badges, wrist-bound touchscreens or SixthSense -- are seeing a resurgence, and Valve is doing its own research into how they might function as gaming devices. Wearable computers now are "way higher resolution, way lighter weight, much better battery life," and Valve is doing its own research into this technology through biometrics, and is excited to see where it goes, Newell said.

"So we're thinking of trying to figure out how to do the equivalent of the [Team Fortress] incremental approach in software design and try to figure out how would you get something similar to that in the hardware space as well," he said. If Valve were to produce hardware, it would be something easy to iterate so customers don't have to buy 10 million devices, Newell said. Of course, that's if.

"Well, if we have to sell hardware we will," Newell said. "We have no reason to believe we're any good at it; it's more we think that we need to continue to have innovation and if the only way to get these kind of projects started is by us going and developing and selling the hardware directly then that's what we'll do."

No company is safe from irrelevance, as far as Newell sees it, and even Microsoft and Sony can suffer the same fate as Atari and Commodore if they continue to create closed systems and don't innovate. "As soon as Valve stops doing interesting, innovative work we're gonna be left behind," Newell stated, unfortunately missing the "left for dead" pun opportunity.

JoystiqGabe Newell: Valve is excited about wearable computers, open hardware originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabe-newellhalf-life-2-episode-3half-life-3iosipadmacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3valvewearable-computerwearable-gaming-interfacexboxMon, 20 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine Adventure surpasses $2 million on Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/double-fine-adventure-surpasses-2-million-on-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/double-fine-adventure-surpasses-2-million-on-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/double-fine-adventure-surpasses-2-million-on-kickstarter/#comments
So, that Double Fine Adventure Kickstarter. You know, the one you contributed to. With 22 days left on the campaign, the total sits at $2,005,826 -- 501 percent of the developer's $400,000 goal.

When the project hit its goal (in about eight hours), Double Fine studio head Tim Schafer said the extra money would go into more production values for the games and accompanying 2 Player Productions documentary. The result of that, so far, has been multiplatform, multilingual development of the game.

How many of the world's 6,909 known languages can Double Fine translate into, if the money keeps rolling in like this? Think of all the populations who have never experienced an adventure game!

JoystiqDouble Fine Adventure surpasses $2 million on Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcha-chingdouble-finedouble-fine-adventureiosiphonekickstartermacmobilepcMon, 20 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fake Pokemon Yellow ends up on iOS App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/fake-pokemon-yellow-ends-up-on-ios-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/fake-pokemon-yellow-ends-up-on-ios-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/fake-pokemon-yellow-ends-up-on-ios-app-store/#comments A fraudulent version of the Game Boy Color classic Pokemon Yellow has somehow made it through Apple's approval gauntlet and wound up on the App Store. Published by "Home of Anime" with Daniel Burford listed as the author, the "game" runs for $0.99 and has a one-and-a-half star rating after 1,352 reviews. According to said reviews, the app crashes after the title screen and cannot actually be played.

As if the simple existence of a Pokemon game on the App Store weren't enough of a red flag, the listing's screenshots aren't even from Pokemon Yellow, they're actually from Pokemon Fire Red/Leaf Green. The app's description also contains unattributed "press quotes" and a statement that "all trademarks and copyrights are owned by their respective owners," because everyone knows that admitting your copyright infringement absolves you of all responsibility, right? We've reached out to Apple for comment.

Editor's Note: My faulty, old-man brain confused the fact that Pokemon Yellow launched with a Poke-themed Game Boy Color, with it actually being a Game Boy Color game (which it was not). I've exploded an Electrode in penance.

JoystiqFake Pokemon Yellow ends up on iOS App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storecounterfietfake-pokemonfraudiosipadiphonemobilepokemonpokemon-yellowscamMon, 20 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BAFTA nominates Arkham City, L.A. Noire, FIFA 12 for best of 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/bafta-nominates-arkham-city-l-a-noire-fifa-12-for-best-of-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/bafta-nominates-arkham-city-l-a-noire-fifa-12-for-best-of-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/bafta-nominates-arkham-city-l-a-noire-fifa-12-for-best-of-201/#comments The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has released its nominations for the 2012 Video Game Awards, which honors the top games from 2011 as chosen by the charity. The British stand-outs differ from our Yankee choices slightly, stressing the brilliance of Batman: Arkham City, which also made our Top 10 of 2011 list, but also including L.A. Noire, which hit our Best of the Rest, and FIFA 12, which... well. Just because we share a language doesn't automatically mean we share interests.

Check out the entire list below:

Continue reading BAFTA nominates Arkham City, L.A. Noire, FIFA 12 for best of 2011

JoystiqBAFTA nominates Arkham City, L.A. Noire, FIFA 12 for best of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsBAFTAbritish-academy-of-film-and-televisionfifa-12fifa-soccer-12microsoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxSun, 19 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Robota: Vengeance pits robots against genetically modified dinosaurs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/robota-vengeance-pits-robots-against-genetically-modified-dinos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/robota-vengeance-pits-robots-against-genetically-modified-dinos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/robota-vengeance-pits-robots-against-genetically-modified-dinos/#comments

Robota: Vengeance would be your average CGI robot-warfare game featuring gladiator-style combat with genetically modified dinosaurs, if not for three important factors:
  1. The franchise was created by Academy Award winner Doug Chiang, lead designer on Star Wars: Episode 1 and 2, and creative director for Industrial Light and Magic, working on Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Forrest Gump and other titles.
  2. Robota will be released for iOS and Android as the first full-scale rival to Infinity Blade.
  3. It has genetically modified dinosaurs.
Developed by indie studio SiXiTS, Robota: Vengeance has players build their own custom robots, and then battle giant, evil robots and -- did we mention? -- genetically modified dinosaurs, all while discovering the secrets that lie within themselves. SiXiTS is holding a Kickstarter to fund the project, asking for $100,000 from potential fans to bring Robota to mobile devices and the web.

Check out the video above and if you're intrigued, head on over to its Kickstarter page, and gauge how much you want to invest in genetically modified dinosaurs. We mean, Robota: Vengeance. Same thing.

JoystiqRobota: Vengeance pits robots against genetically modified dinosaurs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidDoug-Chianggenetically-modified-dinosaursinfinity-bladeiosipadiphonekickstartermobilepcRobotaRobota-VengeancesixitsSun, 19 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Forbidden Island]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-forbidden-island/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-forbidden-island/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-forbidden-island/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, Sean Wilson of international indie studio Button Mash Games explains how his iPad title, Forbidden Island, is contributing to the tabletop game's renaissance.

What's your game called and what's it about?

Forbidden Island is an iPad board game where one to four adventurers cooperate to capture the four ancient treasures hidden on a sinking island. As the game progresses, parts of the island sink into the ocean, making it more difficult to collect the treasures. The game is based on the award-winning board game designed by Matt Leacock and published by Gamewright.

How were you able to create a licensed game as a brand new indie company?

This was really a combination of confidence and luck. We reached out to Matt Leacock, the original game designer, and expressed our interest in making the game. We created a small gameplay demo and explained our passion for the project and Matt put us in touch with Gamewright. They believed in our enthusiasm and plans for the game so they agreed to work with us. They gave us the freedom to take the game design in the directions we believed were best, but pushed us to reach further than we would have if we didn't have any outside feedback. The game has tons of improvements directly because of their ideas.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Forbidden Island

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Forbidden Island originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Button-Mash-GamesForbidden-Islandiosipadjoystiq-indie-pitchmobilerenaissanceSean-Wilsontabletoptabletop-gamingSun, 19 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony: Call of Duty blasting onto Vita this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/sony-call-of-duty-blasting-onto-vita-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/sony-call-of-duty-blasting-onto-vita-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/sony-call-of-duty-blasting-onto-vita-this-fall/#comments Call of Duty will be launching on Vita this fall, Sony's SVP of PlayStation Brand Marketing told Game Trailers in a video interview. SVP Guy Longworth, hired by Sony in October 2011, casually dropped the news about Vita's Call of Duty title, saying his kids love first-person shooters and "in the autumn, they're really looking forward to Call of Duty on Vita, and we think that's going to be an absolute game-changer for the platform."

When pressed for more details, Longworth said Sony wasn't ready to announce which title will be hitting Vita, but we bet it'll be the one with the guns during that war against those bad guys with strange accents.

JoystiqSony: Call of Duty blasting onto Vita this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Call-of-Dutyfall-2012Guy-Longworthmobileplaystationplaystation-vitavitaSun, 19 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie devs launching XBLIG app for WP7 because MS hasn't]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/indie-devs-launching-xblig-app-for-wp7-because-ms-hasnt/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/indie-devs-launching-xblig-app-for-wp7-because-ms-hasnt/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/indie-devs-launching-xblig-app-for-wp7-because-ms-hasnt/#comments The Indie Games section of Xbox Live has been a point of contention for indie developers since its launch, in part because the app was hard to find and confusing to navigate. Microsoft has since made improvements -- with the most recent dashboard update, even -- but a group of indie devs and industry enthusiasts are speeding up the process with a new app for Windows Phone, tentatively called the XBLIG Companion.

The XBLIG Companion scrapes the RSS feeds of XboxIndies.com and gathers the XML and CSV data for every applicable game, updating the app's listings as the games are updated themselves. XBLIG Companion will offer easy browsing of Xbox Indie Games' selection and will allow users to purchase games for their consoles directly from their phones.

Created by Casey Young and organized by Dave Voyles, XBLIG Companion is currently in beta testing -- anyone with a Windows Phone 7 can check out the prototype now by contacting Dave [at] ArmlessOctopus [dot] com, and leaving feedback right here. Now that wasn't so difficult, was it, Microsoft?

JoystiqIndie devs launching XBLIG app for WP7 because MS hasn't originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Casey-YoungDave-VoylesIndieindie-gamesmicrosoftmobilewindows-phonewindows-phone-7wp7xbligXBLIG-CompanionxboxFri, 17 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed Recollection free on iPad for a limited time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/assassins-creed-recollection-free-on-ipad-for-a-limited-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/assassins-creed-recollection-free-on-ipad-for-a-limited-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/assassins-creed-recollection-free-on-ipad-for-a-limited-time/#comments We enjoyed our time with Assassin's Creed Recollection, enough to recommend it to you now that you don't have to pay for it. For a limited time, the iPad app is available free of charge.

Assassin's Creed Recollection is a real-time trading card game where players aim to capture territories. There's a story mode, online multiplayer and Game Center support -- oh, and stabbing. It wouldn't be Assassin's Creed otherwise, would it?

JoystiqAssassin's Creed Recollection free on iPad for a limited time originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creedassassins-creed-recollectioniosipadmobileubisoftFri, 17 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Space is Rovio's next big game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/angry-birds-space-is-rovios-next-big-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/angry-birds-space-is-rovios-next-big-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/angry-birds-space-is-rovios-next-big-game/#comments
In space, no one can hear you fling. Rovio's next title is indeed another Angry Birds game, because why not? Angry Birds Space is, presumably, Angry Birds in space.

The official site for Angry Birds Space suggests a March 22 launch. Outside of the teaser trailer above and the site, that's all we have to go on right now. But it's not like you needed more, right? We're pretty sure this'll just be more Angry Birds.

JoystiqAngry Birds Space is Rovio's next big game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsangry-birds-spacemobilerovioFri, 17 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer's Mass Effect 3 peripherals include game DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/razers-mass-effect-3-peripherals-include-game-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/razers-mass-effect-3-peripherals-include-game-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/razers-mass-effect-3-peripherals-include-game-dlc/#comments
Razer is releasing a series of Mass Effect 3-branded peripherals, and you'd better believe every single thing in the product line comes with DLC codes. The wares include N7-themed versions of the BlackWidow Ultimate keyboard, the Imperator mouse, the Onza Tournament Edition 360 controller, the Chimera 360 headset and the Vespula mousepad. There's also an iPhone 4(S) case and messenger bag available to "protect and safeguard peripherals and gadgets from the intensity of the intergalactic warfare in Mass Effect 3."

Available for pre-order now and shipping sometime in March, each piece of kit comes with a code for a "Collector Assault Rifle" and "multiplayer content packs," although the contents of those content packs remain a mystery. We don't know about you guys, but playing a video game has never caused our cell phone to spontaneously suffer extensive physical abuse.

Gallery: Razer Mass Effect 3 Accessories

Continue reading Razer's Mass Effect 3 peripherals include game DLC

JoystiqRazer's Mass Effect 3 peripherals include game DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareBlackWidow-UltimatechimeraDLCEAElectronic-Artsimperatoriosiphonemass-effect-3microsoftmobileonzapcRazervespulaxboxThu, 16 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Max Payne 3 staying true to its roots, but will be uprooted for mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/max-payne-3-staying-true-to-its-roots-but-will-be-uprooted-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/max-payne-3-staying-true-to-its-roots-but-will-be-uprooted-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/max-payne-3-staying-true-to-its-roots-but-will-be-uprooted-for/#comments The Max Payne series, originally created by Alan Wake's Remedy Entertainment, follows a few traditions -- no driving, no brawling, and an emphasis on blazing noir-style gunplay. None of this is going to change in Max Payne 3, Rockstar said in this week's Asked & Answered session.

"As we've stated in the past, we're working very hard to ensure that we're being faithful and true to the heritage of Max Payne -- and the heart and soul of Max Payne gameplay has always been as a pure shooter," Rockstar said. Max will have melee opportunities in close-quarter combat, but otherwise Rockstar has "no intention of betraying that to introduce driving/racing or brawling elements."

Rockstar also provided a brief update on its mobile installment of the original Max Payne, saying it should see an official launch in the next couple months, with a release date to be announced soon.

Rockstar fields more questions about Remedy and Max Payne 3 on its Asked & Answered page.

JoystiqMax Payne 3 staying true to its roots, but will be uprooted for mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>IOSMax-Payne-3microsoftmobilepcplaystationps3Remedyremedy-entertainmentRockStarRockstar-GamesxboxThu, 16 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie dream team building The Hunger Games: Girl on Fire for iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/indie-dream-team-building-the-hunger-games-girl-on-fire-for-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/indie-dream-team-building-the-hunger-games-girl-on-fire-for-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/indie-dream-team-building-the-hunger-games-girl-on-fire-for-ios/#comments Adam Saltsman, the mastermind behind Canabalt, Gravity Hook and Capsule, has rallied an indie dream team to make an original iOS title based on The Hunger Games movie. The Hunger Games: Girl on Fire is Saltsman's brainchild, backed by production company Lionsgate, and in collaboration with designers/programmers Mark Johns (Tap Tap Dance) and Kevin Coulton (Hot Throttle), lead artist and animator Paul Veer (Super Crate Box), and composer Daniel Baranowsky (Super Meat Boy, Canabalt).

Saltsman says he was skeptical about taking on the adaptation, as most companies who approach him want to re-skin Canabalt and call it a day. Not Lionsgate though. "I pitched them on an original touch-based action game instead," Saltsman said. "It does feature a running character, but the focus of the game is more on marksmanship and strategy... but we'll have more to say and show about that later! It's a small idea, but a tight one too."

The Hunger Games: Girl on Fire will launch for iOS devices "timed to the theatrical release," which is March 23.

JoystiqIndie dream team building The Hunger Games: Girl on Fire for iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-atomicadam-saltsmanDaniel-BaranowskiiosipadiphoneKevin-CoultonLionsgateMark-JohnsmobilePaul-Veerthe-hunger-gamesThe-Hunger-Games-Girl-on-FireThu, 16 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Death Rally pulls into Android Marketplace in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/death-rally-pulls-into-android-marketplace-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/death-rally-pulls-into-android-marketplace-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/death-rally-pulls-into-android-marketplace-in-march/#comments
Remedy's downloadable darling, Death Rally, is pulling off the iOS highway and heading for Android country. A preliminary launch goes down in Canada today, ahead of Death Rally's planned worldwide release in March.

Death Rally boasts 4 million players on iOS. The version going out to Android owners next month sports all of the flashy rims and gigantic spoilers of its iOS counterpart.

JoystiqDeath Rally pulls into Android Marketplace in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddeath-rallymobileremedyremedy-entertainmentWed, 15 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine's adventure coming to PC, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android devices [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/double-fines-adventure-coming-to-pc-mac-linux-ios-and-androi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/double-fines-adventure-coming-to-pc-mac-linux-ios-and-androi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/double-fines-adventure-coming-to-pc-mac-linux-ios-and-androi/#comments
Double Fine has just announced that its upcoming Kickstarter-funded adventure project will be DRM-free on the PC, Mac, and Linux when the project finally launches. A closed beta for Kickstarter supporters will be available on Steam.

"We got a little bit more money than we thought we'd get," Double Fine's Tim Schafer said in a YouTube video announcing the platforms. "So the game is going to be just a little bit better. Well, it's going to be a lot better, actually." The project will also be available on iOS devices and "certain Android phones."

Schafer also added that, due to the astounding amount that has been donated (now over $1.8 million!), the game will include full voice in the English version as well as subtitle support for French, Spanish, Italian, and German. Another few bucks and we're sure they'll add Klingon.

Update: Double Fine's Greg Rice tells us that backers of the project will have access to the PC, Mac, and Linux versions of the game. Granting access to the mobile version by backing the game via Kickstarter is "not currently possible."

JoystiqDouble Fine's adventure coming to PC, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android devices [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddouble-fineDouble-Fine-AdventureiosipadiphonemacmobilepcTim-SchaferWed, 15 Feb 2012 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Phoenix Wright movie to premiere at AM2 convention this June, no objections]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/phoenix-wright-movie-to-premiere-at-am2-convention-this-june-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/phoenix-wright-movie-to-premiere-at-am2-convention-this-june-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/phoenix-wright-movie-to-premiere-at-am2-convention-this-june-no/#comments

Ace Attorney, feature-length film, is hitting North American shores this June at the AM2 (anime, manga and music) convention in Anaheim, California. Ace Attorney, directed by Ichi the Killer's Takashi Miike, debuted as a feature film in Japan earlier this month.

AM2 will hold two exclusive screenings at the Anaheim Convention Center, one for passport holders only and one with pass holders preferred and general audience as seating permits. The AM2 convention runs from June 15-17.

While this isn't exactly a widespread theatrical release for Ace Attorney, it does open the doors for US screenings. Keep your eyes on your local independent theaters for a chance to see all the cartoony flair (and hair) of Phoenix Wright in reality.

Continue reading Phoenix Wright movie to premiere at AM2 convention this June, no objections

JoystiqPhoenix Wright movie to premiere at AM2 convention this June, no objections originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>am2anaheimanimeconventiondsmangamobilemusicnintendoPhoenix-Wright-Ace-Attorneyphoenix-wright-movietakashi-miikewiiWed, 15 Feb 2012 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga lost over $400 million in 2011 while 58.5 million people played its games every day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/zynga-lost-over-400-million-in-2011-while-58-5-million-people-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/zynga-lost-over-400-million-in-2011-while-58-5-million-people-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/zynga-lost-over-400-million-in-2011-while-58-5-million-people-p/#comments Zynga's 2011 financial report is chock full of unexciting numbers (we'll get to them in a moment, if that's your kind of thing), but it does contain a few interesting morsels. For instance, Zynga completely owned the top five most played games on Facebook -- according to daily active user numbers -- refuting a report from Facebook late last year which fudged the numbers to bizarre effect.

The company dominated Facebook's annual game charts with 54 million of the approximately 800 million users playing Zynga games every single day in Q4 (roughly 4.25 million fewer than Zynga's annual average DAUs). And those users were buying up enough microtransacted goods to earn Zynga $1.07 billion solely online for the entirety of 2011, with a total of $1.14 billion earned in revenue for the year.

Now here's the bad news: despite earning over $1 billion in 2011, the company ended up with a net loss for the year of $404.3 million. According to the quarterly financials press release, Zynga paid out $510 million for "stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock units issued to employees" -- compensation it didn't have to pay until the company went public. The company's stock is currently trading $4.35 north of its introductory $10 price per share.

JoystiqZynga lost over $400 million in 2011 while 58.5 million people played its games every day originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfinancialsfy-2011iosipadiphonemacmobilepcq4-2011zyngaTue, 14 Feb 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Back to the Future Ep. 1 free on iPad, other episodes on sale for a limited time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/back-to-the-future-ep-1-free-on-ipad-other-episodes-on-sale-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/back-to-the-future-ep-1-free-on-ipad-other-episodes-on-sale-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/back-to-the-future-ep-1-free-on-ipad-other-episodes-on-sale-fo/#comments Life could always use more adventure, more wacky scientist sidekicks, dogs with awesome names and reluctant yet plucky heroes. And life could definitely use more time travel. If you feel the same way, a new Telltale promotion may interest you.

Back to the Future Episode 1 on the iPad is available for download right now, free of charge. Back in October, the iPad versions of Back to the Future received substantial updates addressing graphics and bug issues. All subsequent episodes have also had their price reduced in light of this new promotion, dropping episode 2 through 5 to $2.99 each for a limited time.

JoystiqBack to the Future Ep. 1 free on iPad, other episodes on sale for a limited time originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureback-to-the-futureiosipadmobiletelltale-gamesTue, 14 Feb 2012 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds wins a prize for making money through merchandising]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/angry-birds-wins-a-prize-for-making-money-through-merchandising/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/angry-birds-wins-a-prize-for-making-money-through-merchandising/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/angry-birds-wins-a-prize-for-making-money-through-merchandising/#comments Rovio, the people sprinkling stale bread behind Angry Birds, received the Property of the Year prize at the 12th annual Toy of the Year awards (yeah, that's totally a thing). Rovio won based on the massive amount of Angry Birds physical merchandise it's released over the past two years, which includes plush toys, backpacks, clothing, phone cases and bacon. OK, not bacon, but Rovio has branded almost every other item imaginable.

"Our physical goods business has great momentum just now," Ville Heijari, Rovio's VP of franchise development, told Develop. "It's especially interesting to see many app and social game devs emulate the merchandising strategy that Rovio has been pushing with Angry Birds for the last two years."

JoystiqAngry Birds wins a prize for making money through merchandising originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsdsmicrosoftmobilenintendoplaystationps3pspRoviosonyToy-of-the-Year-AwardswiixboxTue, 14 Feb 2012 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami's new service has a fake girlfriend email you about her day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/konamis-new-service-has-a-fake-girlfriend-email-you-about-her-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/konamis-new-service-has-a-fake-girlfriend-email-you-about-her-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/konamis-new-service-has-a-fake-girlfriend-email-you-about-her-d/#comments

Konami's dating sim, Love Plus, is a hit in Japan, allowing players to have girlfriends without the hassle of actually having a girlfriend. The next installment, New Love Plus, launches for 3DS in Japan tomorrow and offers more ways to bring virtual girlfriends into real-life experiences, Siliconera reports.

Love Plus Tools, which allows players to import their previous Love Plus data into New Love Plus, will offer compatibility with AR cards that Konami will release every Monday. Users can take life-sized photos of their girlfriends and print them out on size A3 or A4 paper (16.5 x 11.7 in or 11.7 x 8.3 in, respectively).

New Love Plus will also introduce Girlfriend Mail, wherein players will receive email from their in-game girlfriends, accessible via PC and smartphone. Girlfriend Mail will cost 315 yen ($4) per month, but Konami is offering it for free until March. Owners will also be able to link their game data with Girlfriend Mail, so emails will include their pet names, and on birthdays or anniversaries players will get "special mail." Whatever that means.

JoystiqKonami's new service has a fake girlfriend email you about her day originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdating-simJapanKonamilove-plusmobilenew-love-plusnintendopcvirtual-girlfriendTue, 14 Feb 2012 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga sued for patent infringement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/zynga-sued-for-patent-infringement/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/zynga-sued-for-patent-infringement/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/zynga-sued-for-patent-infringement/#comments Zynga is being sued again, but not for any of the reasons you're probably thinking of. Personalized Media Communications, an intellectual properties company that makes its living by licensing its plethora of patents to various technology companies, has filed suit against the social mogul, alleging that Zynga's headlining titles infringe upon four of its patents.

The patents in question cover a wide range of exceedingly vague situations, from "controlled access of media content" to "personalized content based on individual attributes" and "the use of control and information signals embedded in electronic media content to generate output for display that is personalized and relevant to a user."

If you're thinking "Well gosh, those sound like they could potentially apply to literally everything on the whole Internet," that's the whole point. After countless billable hours and several appeals, this will either end with Zynga signing a licensing agreement with PMC and paying a potentially substantial amount of back license fees determined by the court, or PMC's patents will be deemed as either inapplicable or too vague, at which point everyone goes home. Either way, some lawyers are getting paid.

JoystiqZynga sued for patent infringement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonelawlawsuitlegalmacmobilepcpersonalized-media-communicationsPMCzyngaMon, 13 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga's Dream Heights ready to build tiny towers on App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/zyngas-dream-heights-ready-to-build-tiny-towers-on-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/zyngas-dream-heights-ready-to-build-tiny-towers-on-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/zyngas-dream-heights-ready-to-build-tiny-towers-on-app-store/#comments There's been plenty of controversy regarding the visual similarities between NimbleBit's popular Tiny Tower and Zynga's Dream Heights, but now the public can check out the full monty. Zynga announced that Dream Heights, which "surely isn't the first of many great games already in this category" according to the publisher, is now widely available. Zynga describes Dream Heights as the "most social" game of its kind, allowing players to invite their Facebook friends to the mobile title.

As of this writing there are two polar reviews:

1 star: "Simply awful and shameful attempt to capitalize on the success of Tiny Tower."

5 stars: "Dream Heights is beautiful, fun and polished. Another must-play from Zynga."

Check out Dream Heights and let us know what you think.

Gallery: NimbleBit Letter to Zynga

JoystiqZynga's Dream Heights ready to build tiny towers on App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dream-heightsiosipadiphonemobileNimbleBittiny-towerZyngaMon, 13 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cut the Rope inks toy deal, getting 'Bath Time' content update soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/cut-the-rope-inks-toy-deal-getting-bath-time-content-update-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/cut-the-rope-inks-toy-deal-getting-bath-time-content-update-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/cut-the-rope-inks-toy-deal-getting-bath-time-content-update-s/#comments Cut the Rope will transcend the virtual world inside of your techno-gizmo for that of the real. Several new partnerships will ensure Cut the Rope-branded products are in your local brick-and-mortar soon.

A new board game that mimics the gameplay of the app will launch from Mattel, along with digitally enhanced toys that interact with your device. An example given details an OmNom toy interacting with an iPad to unlock a special Cut the Rope app. Jakk's Pacific will produce a plug-and-play game console for your TV. It will come with a special controller to play Cut the Rope on your TV.

Finally, there will also be a new update for Cut the Rope: Experiments that introduces a new character and new physics, and adds water-based puzzles into the mix. No word on when the update will launch as of right now -- ZeptoLabs is waiting on Apple approval right now for Bath Time.

Continue reading Cut the Rope inks toy deal, getting 'Bath Time' content update soon

JoystiqCut the Rope inks toy deal, getting 'Bath Time' content update soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcontent-updatecut-the-ropeiosipadiphonejakks-pacificmattelmobiletoysupdatezeptolabMon, 13 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iCade 8-bitty is your iOS device's new wireless NES controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/icade-8-bitty-is-your-ios-devices-new-wireless-nes-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/icade-8-bitty-is-your-ios-devices-new-wireless-nes-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/icade-8-bitty-is-your-ios-devices-new-wireless-nes-controller/#comments iCade is expanding its lineup of weird iOS device controllers once again, with the "8-bitty," a wireless, NES-style controller that connects wirelessly to iPad or iPhone.

The device, shipping "later this year" exclusively from ThinkGeek for $25, is compatible with the same lineup of games the as the iCade cabinet, and includes a d-pad, start, select, and (an anachronism we'll learn to deal with) four buttons. It's also got handsome faux woodgrain accents.

As with the bigger iCade, there's an open-source SDK, so any app developers out there can add support to their apps and make this thing all the more appealing.

JoystiqiCade 8-bitty is your iOS device's new wireless NES controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bittyicadeiosipadiphonemobilethinkgeekMon, 13 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: QUBE Adventures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-qube-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-qube-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-qube-adventures/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, Klaus Silveira stretches our imaginations with a slingshottable, lovable cube named Qube, in the iOS title QUBE Adventures.
What's your game called and what's it about?

QUBE Adventures is a simple physics game that has QUBE, a small rubber cube with an intriguing wish for adventure, as the protagonist. The main objective of the game is to help QUBE get through the doors of the world beyond the clouds by throwing him around dozens of platforms, jumpers and more.

What inspired you to make QUBE Adventures?

I always enjoyed physics-based games and the gameplay possibilities that physics provides. As an indie game developer, I wanted to create a game that had an interesting mechanic, with addicting gameplay. I came up with QUBE, which reinvents the slingshot mechanic and mixes it with traditional platforming elements. It's meant to be a difficult game, easy to pick up yet impossible to master. I always disliked casual games and how they build their relation with the player: praising his small acts, congratulating the player for nothing, being a boring flatterer. I wanted to create a relationship just like old NES games did: put the player on his knees, make him beg.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: QUBE Adventures

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: QUBE Adventures originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonejoystiq-indie-pitchKlaus-SilveiramobileQUBE-AdventuresSun, 12 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Beat Hazard Ultra now on iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/beat-hazard-ultra-now-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/beat-hazard-ultra-now-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/beat-hazard-ultra-now-on-ios/#comments
Beat Hazard Ultra, the procedurally generated twin-stick shooter by 1-man indie powerhouse Cold Beam Games, is now available as a Universal App for iOS devices. As with the PSN, XBLA and Steam versions, Beat Hazard Ultra uses music stored on your device to generate its levels. The game can also use streaming radio apps as its musical muse, a feature which is unique to this version.

Beat Hazard Ultra supports Game Center leader boards and achievements, although the PSN version's online multiplayer fails to make the jump to iOS. Between Survival, Boss Rush and Chill Out modes, though, it certainly sounds like you'll get your dollar's worth out of the title, which happens to be the app's limited introductory price.

Gallery: Beat Hazard Ultra (iPad)

JoystiqBeat Hazard Ultra now on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beat-hazard-ultraBHUcold-beam-gamesindieiosipadiphonemobilePSNSteamXBLASat, 11 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega Valentine's Day sale starts today for mobile titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/sega-valentines-day-sale-starts-today-for-mobile-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/sega-valentines-day-sale-starts-today-for-mobile-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/sega-valentines-day-sale-starts-today-for-mobile-titles/#comments For some, Valentine's Day is a sweet occasion. Happy couples the world over will be lounging back, nibbling on an array of chocolate delights before partaking in the annual somersault contest that ensues. You know, like how our parents used to do before they got all old and stuff.

For us loners, the holiday is a day of self-indulgent sobbing and darkness, but it doesn't have to be. If you're in the market for some iOS or Android games, you can snuggle up to Sonic and company through Sega's Valentine's Day sale starting today and running through the 14th.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 and Sonic CD lead the charge of discounted downloads for iOS and Android users, both half off, while iDevices also see considerable price cuts down to $.99 on Streets of Rage, Golden Axe and Super Monkey Ball. Gunstar Hero, Altered Beast and Virtua Fighter 2 are also on sale for a buck each.

For the full list of what's on sale, hit the source link below.

JoystiqSega Valentine's Day sale starts today for mobile titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altered-beastandroidgolden-axeiosipadiphonemacmobilesegasonic-cdsonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1streets-of-ragesuper-monkey-ballvalentines-dayvalentines-day-saleSat, 11 Feb 2012 07:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Darius Bursts onto the App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/darius-bursts-onto-the-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/darius-bursts-onto-the-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/darius-bursts-onto-the-app-store/#comments
Square Enix has released another Taito shmup on the App Store, and as with pretty much all Square releases, we can't help but be aghast at the price. Given the source material, however, maybe $11 isn't that bad.

Dariusburst Second Prologue is based on both the PSP Dariusburst and its arcade followup, Another Chronicle -- the two latest iterations of Taito's long-lived shmup series about shooting enormous robot fish. The PSP game content is all here, along with a remixed mode with new enemy patterns and stuff from Another Chronicle. There are also four new tracks by Taito's Zuntata band.

In other words, if it were on PSP, there'd be no question of its value. We admit we're still kind of balking at the App Store price anyway. That's just how the market is on that platform!

Gallery: Dariusburst Second Prologue (iOS)

Continue reading Darius Bursts onto the App Store

JoystiqDarius Bursts onto the App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darius-burstdariusburstdariusburst-second-prologueiosipadiphonemobilesquare-enixtaitoFri, 10 Feb 2012 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Meat Boy's super boys explain what it means to go mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/super-meat-boys-super-boys-explain-what-it-means-to-go-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/super-meat-boys-super-boys-explain-what-it-means-to-go-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/super-meat-boys-super-boys-explain-what-it-means-to-go-mobile/#comments Yesterday Edmund McMillen and Tommy Refenes of Team Meat dropped a gigantic, raw bomb on Twitter (gross), announcing their plans to strip down Super Meat Boy and rebuild it completely for mobile touch devices. They were vague on details apart from an intent to create a brand new game in the Super Meat Boy universe, and that they definitely wouldn't use "shitty touch controls."

We thought they were being coy, but it turns out they don't know much more about the touchscreen version than we do. It's still in the engine phase of development, McMillen told Joystiq, and they're pretty much winging it, playing with things that work and throwing out ideas that don't -- even if that includes the entire game.

"I mean, honestly, this is simply a challenge for us," McMillen said. "It's easy to poo-poo a new system because of its horrible use of touchscreen on ported titles; it's harder to attempt to try and figure out a design that works and make something worth checking out.

"So that's basically what we are doing -- no idea how it will turn out -- but Tommy and I wanted to jump back into dev again with something that isn't going to take a year-plus to make, so prototyping this idea seemed most appropriate and inspired."

Continue reading Super Meat Boy's super boys explain what it means to go mobile

JoystiqSuper Meat Boy's super boys explain what it means to go mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidedmund-mcmilleniosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilepcprototypesuper-meat-boyteam-meattommy-refenestouchscreenxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Meat Boy to be torn apart, rebuilt for touchscreen devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/super-meat-boy-to-be-torn-apart-rebuilt-for-touchscreen-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/super-meat-boy-to-be-torn-apart-rebuilt-for-touchscreen-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/super-meat-boy-to-be-torn-apart-rebuilt-for-touchscreen-devices/#comments Super Meat Boy has seen success on Xbox Live, PC and Mac, but as is often the case while playing SMB, Team Meat have decided that's not good enough. Edmund McMillen and Tommy Refenes of Team Meat announced via Twitter today that they're rebuilding Super Meat Boy from scratch for a potential launch on mobile touch devices.

In a six-part tweetfest, Team Meat disclosed the following details: The touch title will be remade from scratch and won't play like Super Meat Boy; it will be a larger, more traditional game, unlike titles such as Doodle Jump; and they promised it won't use "shitty touch controls."

"if you liked SMB im sure you will enjoy this (if its good enough to continue on :) ) we just had a few cool ideas and wanted a challange," one of Team Meat's tweets reads.

Team Meat said that if the project fails and turns out to not be any fun, they'll scrap it and move on to the next idea, which we can only assume is a Super Meat Boy live-action point-and-click adventure title in 3D. Those adventure things are all the rage these days, we're told.

JoystiqSuper Meat Boy to be torn apart, rebuilt for touchscreen devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edmund-mcmillenmacmicrosoftmobilepcprototypesuper-meat-boyteam-meattommy-refenestouchtwitterxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EU could lose tax breaks for game developers, threatens talent exodus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/eu-could-lose-tax-breaks-for-game-developers-threatens-talent-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/eu-could-lose-tax-breaks-for-game-developers-threatens-talent-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/eu-could-lose-tax-breaks-for-game-developers-threatens-talent-e/#comments The European Union provides us a small-scale glimpse into the potential functions of a truly global society -- and more recently, a global society in crisis. The unified currency of the EU, the Euro, was on the brink of collapse recently and all of its member countries are still running damage control.

Now, France in particular is facing another monetary hurdle, as its tax incentive for game development has expired and casued "genuine concern" the EU may not renew the exception that would reinstate it. State aid is normally forbidden under EU law, but in some cases it is allowed -- without an exception, game-development tax incentives would be banned in all EU countries, including France and the UK, Develop reports.

French developer Quantic Dream (Heavy Rain) said that if the tax break is not reinstated it would relocate its operations to Canada, which does offer incentives for development companies, Develop adds. And according to TIGA, The UK's game-development workforce -- which sees no tax breaks -- fell 10 percent between 2008 and 2011, with 41 percent of its workers relocating overseas to countries such as Canada.

JoystiqEU could lose tax breaks for game developers, threatens talent exodus originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaEUeuropeEuropean-UnionfranceHeavy-Rainmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3quantic-dreamtax-breakstaxesvitawiixboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 03:15:00 EST