Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Deja Review: Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/review-donkey-kong-country-returns-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/review-donkey-kong-country-returns-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/review-donkey-kong-country-returns-3d/#comments
In our 2010 review of Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Wii, our own JC Fletcher admitted a terrible truth: He had used the Super Guide. Nintendo gave us the nefarious innovation a few years ago, ostensibly a tool to help less experienced players navigate the trickier parts of its games. Seasoned players recognized it for what it really was: A taunt, a gently whispering devil on your shoulder.

Resisting the shiny, candy-like allure of the Super Guide is still a major component of Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, Monster Games' 3DS rendition of Retro Studios' Wii platformer. A new difficulty setting tries to soften the Wii version's sharp edges, but the brutal structure of its levels remains intact, and no amount of extra health is going to change that.

Gallery: Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (4/6/13)

Continue reading Deja Review: Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D

JoystiqDeja Review: Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdonkey-kong-country-returns-3dmonster-gamesnintendoretroretro-studiosFri, 17 May 2013 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Direct roundup: Multiple Sonics, Luigi and Best Buy E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/nintendo-direct-summer-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/nintendo-direct-summer-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/nintendo-direct-summer-roundup/#commentsNintendo Direct roundup post This morning's Nintendo DIrect, hosted by the ever gracious Satoru Iwata, covered NIntendo's plans for the summer. The company has another Nintendo Direct planned closer to E3, since it isn't holding a press conference at the mega show. Here's the highlights from this morning:

JoystiqNintendo Direct roundup: Multiple Sonics, Luigi and Best Buy E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendonintendo-direct-summersuper-luigi-uwii-uFri, 17 May 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[More Sega Game Gear titles coming to virtual console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/more-sega-game-gear-titles-coming-to-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/more-sega-game-gear-titles-coming-to-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/more-sega-game-gear-titles-coming-to-virtual-console/#commentsImage
During this morning's Nintendo Direct, company CEO Satoru Iwata announced more titles from Sega's Game Gear handheld were on their way to the 3DS via the Virtual console service. We've placed the announced line-up after the break.

Continue reading More Sega Game Gear titles coming to virtual console

JoystiqMore Sega Game Gear titles coming to virtual console originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsgame-gearnintendonintendo-direct-summersegasega-game-gearvirtual-consoleFri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zelda: Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons discounted for first three weeks on eShop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/zelda-oracle-of-ages-oracle-of-seasons-discounted-for-first-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/zelda-oracle-of-ages-oracle-of-seasons-discounted-for-first-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/zelda-oracle-of-ages-oracle-of-seasons-discounted-for-first-th/#comments

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons was previously announced to launch on the Nintendo eShop on May 30, but now we know its price, which will be discounted for a short time.

The game will launch on May 30 for $5.99, but for the first three weeks it'll be one dollar off. From May 30 until June 20 it will cost $4.99, so get the complementary Zelda games for $10. Although complimentary Zelda games sounds so much better.

Continue reading Zelda: Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons discounted for first three weeks on eShop

JoystiqZelda: Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons discounted for first three weeks on eShop originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendonintendo-direct-summerthe-legend-of-zelda-oracle-of-agesthe-legend-of-zelda-oracle-of-seasonsFri, 17 May 2013 10:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic: Lost World announced, launches 'exclusively' for Wii U, 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/sonic-lost-world-confirmed-for-wii-u-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/sonic-lost-world-confirmed-for-wii-u-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/sonic-lost-world-confirmed-for-wii-u-3ds/#commentsSonic Lost World announced 'exclusively' for Wii U, 3DS Sega and Nintendo have entered into a "worldwide partnership" on three upcoming Sonic games, and the first fruit borne from it is Sonic: Lost World. It's coming to Wii U and 3DS, and there'll be more news on it prior to E3.

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said on this morning's Nintendo Direct: "Sonic: Lost World is a brand new action-adventure platforming game that will launch exclusively on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS."

JoystiqSonic: Lost World announced, launches 'exclusively' for Wii U, 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendonintendo-direct-summersegasonic-lost-worldwii-uFri, 17 May 2013 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch this morning's summery Nintendo Direct right here [update: and it's done]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/nintendo-direct-summer-may-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/nintendo-direct-summer-may-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/nintendo-direct-summer-may-17/#comments
We're not sure today's Nintendo Direct will announce much in the way of new Wii U games. Well, it' unlikely to reveal any new EA ones, anyway. What we do know is that the North American broadcast covers Wii U and 3DS games coming in the summer.

As ever, the North American stream intertwines with simultaneous ones from Europe and Japan. Ninty's Euro division says its stream is about spring and summer Wii U games. Should you prefer, you can find both those streams after the break.

We hope you're ready to rumble, because this summer party gets started at 10AM ET (7AM PT, 3PM UK) right here on this post, right here on this Joystiq. We'll have all the news for you as it's revealed, like lots of little suns peeking out from behind an Iwata-shaped cloud.

Update: It's all over, friends. And there was a new game...

Continue reading Watch this morning's summery Nintendo Direct right here [update: and it's done]

JoystiqWatch this morning's summery Nintendo Direct right here [update: and it's done] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-summerwii-uFri, 17 May 2013 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo: 3DS software sales up 52% year-on-year in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/nintendo-3ds-software-sales-up-52-year-on-year-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/nintendo-3ds-software-sales-up-52-year-on-year-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/nintendo-3ds-software-sales-up-52-year-on-year-in-us/#comments Nintendo's 3DS is holding on strong to its place in the hardware charts, backed up by some successful software - and by "some" we mean "2.1 million first-party titles" in the first four months of 2013, in the US only. This is an increase of 52 percent over the same period last year.

Lego City Undercover: The Chase Begins sold 94,000 physical and digital copies in the US since its launch on April 24 and hit No. 9 on the April NPD chart. Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon sold 140,000 units in April, for a lifetime total of 530,000 in the states.

Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter expected the 3DS to be the only major console with sales up from April 2012, with the Wii, Xbox 360, PS3 and Vita down year-over-year. Pachter found the Vita down 57 percent, while the 3DS was up 46 percent with 185,000 sales.

Continue reading Nintendo: 3DS software sales up 52% year-on-year in US

JoystiqNintendo: 3DS software sales up 52% year-on-year in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dshardwarenintendosalessoftwareThu, 16 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[April NPD: Injustice: Gods Among Us reigns supreme]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/april-npd-injustice-gods-among-us-reigns-supreme/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/april-npd-injustice-gods-among-us-reigns-supreme/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/april-npd-injustice-gods-among-us-reigns-supreme/#comments Another hot, fresh loaf of financial data has been pulled out of The NPD Group's analytical oven, and its buttery goodness contains sales information for the four week period between April 4 and May 7, 2013. During that time, the physical retail sector of the games industry was down 25 percent when compared with its performance over the same four weeks in 2012, pulling in a grand total of $495.2 million. It's worth noting, however, that this figure does not include the sale of PC games.

Hardware sales brought in $109.5 million, a 42 percent decrease from the $187.8 million seen last year, with the Xbox 360 once again enjoying the highest sales with 130,000 units moved. Meanwhile, the brief reprieve from year-over-year decline seen by the Accessories segment last month was short lived, as in April it by dropped 19 percent to a total of $131.4 million.

Software sales (including PC games) topped out at $267.8 million, with NetherRealm Studios' Injustice: Gods Among Us taking top honors as the best-selling game for the period, the first time a fighting game has finished in first since 2011's Mortal Kombat. Dead Island: Riptide and BioShock Infinite rounded out the podium in spots two and three respectively - meanwhile MMO/Syfy series Defiance debuted in fifth. As always, scope the full list after the break.

Continue reading April NPD: Injustice: Gods Among Us reigns supreme

JoystiqApril NPD: Injustice: Gods Among Us reigns supreme originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20133dsapril-npdbioshock-infinitedead-island-riptidefinancialinjustice-gods-among-usmicrosoftnintendoNPDpcplaystationps3saleswiiwii-uxboxThu, 16 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Level 5's The Starship Damrey docks on 3DS today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/level-5s-the-starship-damrey-docks-on-3ds-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/level-5s-the-starship-damrey-docks-on-3ds-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/level-5s-the-starship-damrey-docks-on-3ds-today/#comments
The Starship Damrey, the first Guild02 game from Level-5, is available for download in the 3DS eShop today for $7.99. A sci-fi horror adventure game from Kazuya Asano and Takemaru Abiko, The Starship Damrey awakens players in a mysterious place and tasks them with finding out where they are, and who they are.

Kazuya Asano and Takemaru Abiko are influential writers whose prose can be seen in a multitude of visual novel games and text adventures in Japan. The two are known for leading the charge of the "Sound Novel" genre.

The Guild02 collection was a series of games, bundled together in Japan, featuring several notable contributors. Rather than being bundled, each game will be sold piecemeal in the US. It is worth noting, however, that all of the games from the Guild01 series eventually went on sale at the same time, forming a kind of cheap bundle. If you're patient, you might get lucky.

Gallery: The Starship Damrey

Continue reading Level 5's The Starship Damrey docks on 3DS today

JoystiqLevel 5's The Starship Damrey docks on 3DS today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3ds-eshopeshopguild02level-5nintendothe-starship-damreyThu, 16 May 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo mass-claims revenue from YouTube 'Let's Play' videos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/nintendo-mass-claims-revenue-from-youtube-lets-play-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/nintendo-mass-claims-revenue-from-youtube-lets-play-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/nintendo-mass-claims-revenue-from-youtube-lets-play-videos/#commentsNintendo massclaims revenue from YouTube 'Let's Play' videos A number of YouTube members report that Nintendo is issuing "Content ID Match" copyright claims en masse for videos featuring gameplay from its published titles.

The move appears to target the "Let's Play" community, in particular. Let's Play series authors often produce full video walkthroughs of featured games, with voiced or subtitled commentary accompanying gameplay.

When a "Content ID Match" is claimed for a YouTube clip, the claimant is given the right to place an advertisement at the beginning or the end of the video. Content ID Matches differ from DMCA takedown notices or outright video removals, in that matched videos remain viewable by the public and do not count as a copyright strike against their producers. All revenue earned from views, however, will go to the content's copyright owner, rather than the video uploader. The act is common for publishers like Activision, Electronic Arts, and Square Enix, but it's only recently that Nintendo has joined in the practice.

Multiple affected authors have come forward on Reddit to confirm Nintendo's new policy. To date, Nintendo's Content ID Matching spree seems to focus on recent releases like Super Mario 3D Land, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, and New Super Mario Bros. U. Currently, Let's Play videos for older Nintendo-published games are unaffected.

Nintendo explains its position in a statement issued to GameFront: "As part of our on-going push to ensure Nintendo content is shared across social media channels in an appropriate and safe way, we became a YouTube partner and as such in February 2013 we registered our copyright content in the YouTube database.

"For most fan videos this will not result in any changes, however, for those videos featuring Nintendo-owned content, such as images or audio of a certain length, adverts will now appear at the beginning, next to or at the end of the clips. We continually want our fans to enjoy sharing Nintendo content on YouTube, and that is why, unlike other entertainment companies, we have chosen not to block people using our intellectual property."

JoystiqNintendo mass-claims revenue from YouTube 'Let's Play' videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscopyrightlets-playnew-super-mario-bros-unintendowii-uyoutubeThu, 16 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Putty Squad bounces onto pretty much everything this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/putty-squad-bounces-onto-pretty-much-everything-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/putty-squad-bounces-onto-pretty-much-everything-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/putty-squad-bounces-onto-pretty-much-everything-this-summer/#comments
British publisher/developer System 3 has announced an enhanced remake of its blue-blob-based action platformer Putty Squad, available sometime this summer on Xbox 360, Wii U, PlayStation 3, Vita, 3DS and Windows 8.

The original Putty Squad was initially released on Super NES back in 1994, as a sequel to 1992's Putty for the Amiga. A demo was also released for Amiga and DOS systems, but the full game never dropped for either of those platforms. This new version, beyond offering obvious graphical improvements, will also include free downloadable levels and "location-based services used for extra content."

Continue reading Putty Squad bounces onto pretty much everything this summer

JoystiqPutty Squad bounces onto pretty much everything this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3putty-squadSystem-3vitawii-uxboxThu, 16 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U Direct tomorrow covers summer, autumn details around E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/nintendo-direct-tomorrow-may-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/nintendo-direct-tomorrow-may-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/nintendo-direct-tomorrow-may-17/#commentsWii U summer Nintendo Direct coming tomorrow Nintendo of America tell us it's got a Direct for tomorrow that's focused on summer Wii U and 3DS games. The company's Euro division also has a Wii U-focused Direct scheduled for the same time. Just to be different, its Direct is on spring and summer Wii U games. We've no confirmation of one for Japan yet, but chances are tomorrow's another worldwide triforce of Directs.

Nintendo of Europe also announced there'll be a Direct broadcast around the time of next month's E3 conference, and that one will cover Wii U games for "autumn and beyond." Nintendo recently revealed it'll have two closed events at E3 in lieu of the traditional presentation. The company noted "Nintendo Direct videos in the run up to E3," so there may be more pre-E3 broadcasts beyond the autumn one.

As ever, you'll be able to tune in to tomorrow's streams here on Joystiq, so we recommend you move precisely no muscles for the next day or so. Well, the streams will be in a new post, so you'll have to move some muscles. Apart from that, we'll see you right here(-ish) at 10AM ET (7AM PT, 3PM UK) tomorrow.

JoystiqWii U Direct tomorrow covers summer, autumn details around E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dse3-2013europenintendonintendo-directnorth-americawii-uThu, 16 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Nintendo eShop releases: Super Metroid, Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts, Mega Man 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-super-metroid-super-ghouls-n-ghos/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-super-metroid-super-ghouls-n-ghos/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-super-metroid-super-ghouls-n-ghos/#commentsNew Nintendo eShop releases Super Metroid, Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts, Mega Man 5 The ol' eShop gets a double dose of "super" this week with the release of both Super Metroid and Super Ghouls N' Ghosts on the Wii U. And, don't forget that Super Metroid is only $0.30 until June 12. The Blue Bomber continues his assault on the 3DS Virtual Console with the debut of Mega Man 5, along with the original Harvest Moon. Also available is a new 3DS port of Swords & Soldiers from Ronimo, creators of the excellent Awesomenauts.

Meanwhile, the Wii gets some love this week with a Virtual Console release of King of Fighters '99.

Finally, there are a couple of sales. Runner 2 is available for 25 percent off its usual $14.99 price. Also, those who purchase (or already own) Super Mario World on the Wii U Virtual Console can pick up Super Mario Bros. 2 for half price.

Continue reading New Nintendo eShop releases: Super Metroid, Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts, Mega Man 5

JoystiqNew Nintendo eShop releases: Super Metroid, Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts, Mega Man 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdseshopnintendonintendoware-weeklywii-uThu, 16 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shin Megami Tensei 4 trailer is definitely going to be a samurai]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/shin-megami-tensei-4-trailer-is-definitely-going-to-be-a-samurai/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/shin-megami-tensei-4-trailer-is-definitely-going-to-be-a-samurai/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/shin-megami-tensei-4-trailer-is-definitely-going-to-be-a-samurai/#comments
We've seen plenty of Shin Megami Tensei 4 in Japanese, so here's a better, albeit brief look at how the upcoming 3DS RPG looks and sounds in English. North America passed the rite to receive the Atlus game on July 16, while Europe is still waiting in the wings with a summer release window.

JoystiqShin Megami Tensei 4 trailer is definitely going to be a samurai originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsatlusnintendoshin-megami-tensei-4Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Powering beyond 100 hours in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/powering-beyond-one-hundred-hours-in-monster-hunter-3-ultimate/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/powering-beyond-one-hundred-hours-in-monster-hunter-3-ultimate/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/powering-beyond-one-hundred-hours-in-monster-hunter-3-ultimate/#commentsIn his weekly column, writer Bob Mackey will alternate between two of his passions: the Japanese RPG genre and classic games. This week, Bob returns to the world of Monster Hunter.

Since I don't play MMOs, it's a rare occasion to see the timer on any of my games roll past that magical 99:59 mark. Still, it's happened more times than I'd like to admit; whenever an especially deep or content-rich RPG hits me during a particularly inactive time in my life, I'll focus on it and it alone. Since I've chosen a career path laden with vast periods of inactivity, RPGs Fallout 3, the Persona and Dragon Quest franchises, and Dark Souls have done a fine job of soaking up free time that would have otherwise gone to waste on frequent power naps or community service.

Chalk it up to fate if you want, but Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate found me in the familiar condition of "nothing better to do," and for the past six weeks, Capcom's hardcore action-RPG has given me a whole new set of complex mechanics and arcana to obsess over with thousands of my fellow monster-hunting fans. Now that I've reached that monumental 100-hour mark, it's time to ask myself one question: Did I invest my time wisely?

Short answer: no, but I'll save regrets over playing too many video games for my death bed.

Gallery: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (1/17/13)

Continue reading Powering beyond 100 hours in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate

JoystiqPowering beyond 100 hours in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsCapcommonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendoOpinionwii-uWed, 15 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Friends coming to 3DS and DS this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/lego-friends-coming-to-3ds-and-ds-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/lego-friends-coming-to-3ds-and-ds-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/lego-friends-coming-to-3ds-and-ds-this-fall/#comments The never-ending march of LEGO games from Warner Bros. and Traveller's Tales continues with LEGO Friends. Based on the toy line of the same name, LEGO Friends is aimed at young girls and offers lots of activities as the titular friends explore Heartlake City.

Players can customize their character and living space - right down to the choice of pet and pet accessories - and work to build relationships with their friends, hoping eventually to reach "True Friend" status (aren't we all?). Activities include things like horse riding, photography, pet training, dancing and, our personal favorite, delivering cupcakes.

LEGO Friends heads to DS and 3DS this fall.

Continue reading LEGO Friends coming to 3DS and DS this fall

JoystiqLEGO Friends coming to 3DS and DS this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdslego-friendsnintendoTravellers-Talestt-gamesWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentwbieWed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom VP explains why Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies is eShop only, Japanese demo now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/capcom-vp-explains-why-ace-attorney-dual-destinies-is-eshop-onl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/capcom-vp-explains-why-ace-attorney-dual-destinies-is-eshop-onl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/capcom-vp-explains-why-ace-attorney-dual-destinies-is-eshop-onl/#comments Capcom VP Christian "Sven" Svensson has shed some light on why Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies is destined solely for the 3DS eShop in the west. Responding to users on the Capcom-Unity forums, Svensson stated that while he understands "the value" of owning a physical copy of a game, "it is a sign of the times that increasingly our business is going digital and not everything is going to be in both formats."

"Not every game is appropriate for both formats given the economics involved," he wrote, pointing to games like Darkstalkers Resurrection, Resident Evil 4 HD and Okami HD, which were released physically in Japan but digitally in the west. "Their COGS (costs of goods sold) and retail margins and reserve issues are entirely different there given the market differences," wrote Svensson. "It's a sad fact, but it's still a fact."

He added Capcom's US operation "worked very hard" to see Dual Destinies released in the west. "If we'd said 'no, it's not coming', it would have triggered the inevitable 'please bring it to eShop, at least' cries. Instead we shortcutted that and brought it straight to eShop."

In other gavel-banging news, a playable browser demo of Dual Destinies is now available on the game's Japanese website. Just make sure your Kanji is up to snuff if you hope to make heads or tails of it. Finally, Gematsu reports that the latest Famitsu confirms that both Miles Edgeworth and Trucy Wright will make a return appearance in the game.

JoystiqCapcom VP explains why Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies is eShop only, Japanese demo now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsace-attorney-5capcomeshopnintendophoenix-wright-dual-destiniesWed, 15 May 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft ends fiscal 2013 with €64.8 million in profit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ubisoft-ends-fiscal-2013-with-64-8-million-in-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ubisoft-ends-fiscal-2013-with-64-8-million-in-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ubisoft-ends-fiscal-2013-with-64-8-million-in-profit/#comments Ubisoft has released its financial information for the 12 month period ending March 31, 2013, which by all accounts seems to have been a pretty legit fiscal year for the publisher/developer conglomerate. The company crossed the finish line with €1.256 billion ($1.615 billion) in revenue and €64.8 million ($83.3 million) in profit, an 18.3 and 73.7-percent year-over-year increase, respectively, when compared to the €1.061 billion ($1.364 billion) in revenue and €37.3 million ($47.9 million) in profit recorded at the end of 2012.

Ubisoft contributes its stellar year to the continued success of its main three franchises, Assassin's Creed, Just Dance and Far Cry, the latest entries in which have all sold between six and 12 million copies.

JoystiqUbisoft ends fiscal 2013 with €64.8 million in profit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20133dsAssassins-Creedassassins-creed-3far-cryfar-cry-3financialsfiscal-2013just-dancejust-dance-4macmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ubisoftvitawii-uxboxWed, 15 May 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Scribblenauts Unmasked amasses thousands of DC Comics characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/scribblenauts-unmasked-amasses-thousands-of-dc-comics-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/scribblenauts-unmasked-amasses-thousands-of-dc-comics-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/scribblenauts-unmasked-amasses-thousands-of-dc-comics-characters/#comments
The creators of Scribblenauts have ceaselessly documented and cutely illustrated nearly everything in the known universe, so why not turn to the parallel worlds of DC Comics? Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure contains a number of heroes, villains and weirdos - that number being over 2,000.

Developer 5th Cell claims to have scrutinized every single superpower, series and universe in DC Comics history, all to serve the game's trick of summoning whatever or whoever the player commits to a magical notepad. Maxwell returns as jotting protagonist, joined this time by his twin sister Lily.

If Scribblenauts Unmasked doesn't have the best Batmans (Batmen?), it certainly has the most at 33 pairs of pointy ears in total, joined by an extravagant 130 Green Lanterns. That emerald grouping includes Mogo, a sentient planet with a lot of gravitational pull in the Green Lantern Corps.

Scribblenauts Unmasked is hinged on using adjectives and objects to complete "heroic feats," a bombastic term for puzzles procedurally generated from a dynamic list of DC characters, locations and potential tasks. Custom-built characters can also be thrown into the mix, though only DC's official figures get a written biography on the Batcomputer.

Scribblenauts Unmasked will be available on 3DS, Wii U and PC this fall.

Gallery: Scribblenauts Unmasked

JoystiqScribblenauts Unmasked amasses thousands of DC Comics characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds5th-celldc-comicsnintendopcscribblenauts-unmaskedwarner-broswii-uWed, 15 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metallic Red 3DS, Eevee 3DS XL evolving in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/metallic-red-3ds-eevee-3ds-xl-evolving-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/metallic-red-3ds-eevee-3ds-xl-evolving-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/metallic-red-3ds-eevee-3ds-xl-evolving-in-japan/#commentsMetallic Red 3DS, Eevee 3DS XL evolving in Japan In Japan-always-seems-to-have-the-coolest-3DS-skins news, the country's getting a new Metallic Red 3DS as well as - and we admit we're particularly jealous of this one - a very limited edition 3DS XL skin based on Eevee, the adorable critter from the Pokémon series.

The striped 3DS XL, which rather resembles 1960s wallpaper, was spotted by Hachima being advertized in one of Japan's official Pokémon Center stores. Like last year's Charizard 3DS XL, the ¥18,900 system ($185) is only available via reservations, which then go into a lottery to win the chance to buy the system. In other words, this is one of those times when the words 'limited edition' genuinely apply. The lottery is being held until June 3.

More freely available is the Metallic Red 3DS below, which will be released for ¥15,000 ($147) on June 13. Like the Light Blue and Gloss Pink models announced earlier this year, it includes a 4GB SD card.

Metallic Red 3DS, Eevee 3DS XL evolving in Japan

JoystiqMetallic Red 3DS, Eevee 3DS XL evolving in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3ds-xlcolorseeveejapannintendopokemonWed, 15 May 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures chomps North America this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/pac-man-and-the-ghostly-adventures-chomps-north-america-this-fal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/pac-man-and-the-ghostly-adventures-chomps-north-america-this-fal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/pac-man-and-the-ghostly-adventures-chomps-north-america-this-fal/#comments
Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures will launch this fall on PS3, Wii U and Xbox 360, with a special side-scrolling version coming to 3DS, Namco Bandai announced. The game takes inspiration from the TV show of the same name, which is slated to begin airing June 17 on Disney XD.

Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures features the iconic yellow character in a 3D adventure game in which he turns into a chameleon at some point, using his tongue to reel in ghosts. In the game's announcement trailer, Pac-Man also eats entire vending machines. Healthy choices, kids!

Gallery: Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures (Announcement)

Continue reading Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures chomps North America this fall

JoystiqPac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures chomps North America this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsannouncementmicrosoftNamco-Bandainintendopac-manpacman-and-the-ghostly-adventuresplaystationps3screenstrailerwii-uxboxTue, 14 May 2013 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Adventure Time, Regular Show games from WayForward this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/new-adventure-time-regular-show-games-from-wayforward-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/new-adventure-time-regular-show-games-from-wayforward-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/new-adventure-time-regular-show-games-from-wayforward-this-fall/#commentsNew Adventure Time, Regular Show games from WayForward this fall What time is it?! Well, Adventure Time obviously, but it's also Regular Show time and, most specifically, new games from WayForward time. The house responsible for Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!! and Ducktales: Remastered has announced that it will be putting out two new games this fall based on what we believe to be Cartoon Network's most hilarious/magical franchises.

Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I don't know! tasks players with exploring the Secret Royal Dungeon underneath the Candy Kingdom. The game features multiple selectable characters, including Finn, Jake, Marceline "and more," has co-op for up to four players and includes the voices from the show. Adventure Time creator Pendleton Ward is once again involved in production, though his specific role is unknown. The game will be available on Wii U, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC and 3DS.

Meanwhile, Mordecai and Rigby make their non-iOS gaming debut in Regular Show: Mordecai and Rigby In 8-Bit Land for the 3DS. As the name suggests, our heroes must survive being transported inside of their favorite games, which sounds about right for an episode of Regular Show. The game is being developed "in close collaboration with show creator JG Quintel," according to the press release.

JoystiqNew Adventure Time, Regular Show games from WayForward this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsadventure-time-explore-the-dungeonD3-PublisherD3Publishermicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3Regular-Show-Mordecai-and-Rigby-In-8-Bit-LandWayForwardwii-uxboxTue, 14 May 2013 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Wii U sales hit 55,000 in April, 20,000 below Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/pachter-wii-u-sales-hit-55-000-in-april-20-000-below-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/pachter-wii-u-sales-hit-55-000-in-april-20-000-below-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/pachter-wii-u-sales-hit-55-000-in-april-20-000-below-wii/#comments Nintendo's Wii U sold 55,000 units in April, down 19 percent from March, while the Wii sold 75,000 in April, down 16 percent from last year, Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter estimates. To compare, he says Microsoft sold 205,000 Xbox 360 units and Sony snagged 165,000 sales of the PlayStation 3 this April. By these numbers, sales of the Xbox 360 are down 13 percent and PS3 sales are down 5 percent year-over-year.

Nintendo hit 185,000 sales of its 3DS last month, a 46 percent jump in sales from the previous year, Pachter says. Sony's Vita is down 57 percent from 2012, selling just 30,000 units this April. These are of course the standard Pachter estimates, which can only mean one thing - the official numbers are on their way, via the NPD. Those figures are expected on Thursday.

As of March 31, the Wii U has sold 3.45 million units since its launch, below Nintendo's initial forecast of 5.5 million, and even January's adjustment to 4 million. Nintendo expects to have sold 9 million Wii U consoles by next fiscal year, ending March 2014, with sales spurred by the release of "key Nintendo titles."

JoystiqPachter: Wii U sales hit 55,000 in April, 20,000 below Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsestimatesMichael-Pachtermicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3saleswiiwii-uxboxTue, 14 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon X/Y gameplay trailer takes a tour of Lumiose City [update: screens, box art]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/pokemon-x-y-gameplay-trailer-takes-a-tour-of-lumiose-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/pokemon-x-y-gameplay-trailer-takes-a-tour-of-lumiose-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/pokemon-x-y-gameplay-trailer-takes-a-tour-of-lumiose-city/#comments
This new gameplay trailer brings the Pokemon X and Y info-dump from the latest CoroCoro magazine to life, with the two playable characters, four recently unveiled monsters, and the star-shaped Kalos region taking the limelight. The metropolis shown off above is Lumiose City, the epicenter of the Kalos region.

The four new Pokemon on show are Gogoat, Pancham, Fletchling, and Helioptile - find out more on them here. Also, as CoroCoro recently revealed, the two 3DS games support trainer hair and skin color customization - you know, in case the blonde with red gingham look just isn't doing it for you.

Update: We've caught some new screens as well the box art, which is after the break.

Gallery: Pokemon X / Y (5/14/13)

Continue reading Pokemon X/Y gameplay trailer takes a tour of Lumiose City [update: screens, box art]

JoystiqPokemon X/Y gameplay trailer takes a tour of Lumiose City [update: screens, box art] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendopokemon-x-yThe-Pokemon-CompanyTue, 14 May 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U, 3DS indie devs talk shop at iDEAME]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/wii-u-3ds-indie-devs-talk-shop-at-ideame/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/wii-u-3ds-indie-devs-talk-shop-at-ideame/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/wii-u-3ds-indie-devs-talk-shop-at-ideame/#comments
Nintendo was encouraged by its digital growth over the last year, and a significant part of that is the indie scene on Wii U and 3DS. The big N visited Madrid's iDEAME conference last month to chat with some of the indie faces behind the indie games, and thankfully it recorded the footage.

JoystiqWii U, 3DS indie devs talk shop at iDEAME originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsideamenintendowii-uTue, 14 May 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[3D Sonic the Hedgehog rolls onto 3DS eShop in Japan this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/3d-sonic-the-hedgehog-rolls-onto-3ds-eshop-in-japan-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/3d-sonic-the-hedgehog-rolls-onto-3ds-eshop-in-japan-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/3d-sonic-the-hedgehog-rolls-onto-3ds-eshop-in-japan-this-week/#comments3D Sonic the Hedgehog rolls onto 3DS eShop in Japan this week A 3D-enhanced version of Sonic the Hedgehog spins its way onto Japan's 3DS eShop on May 15. As Tiny Cartridge reports, the latest of Sega's 3D portable reworks has some interesting additions, including optional spin dashes, button remapping, and being able to choose either the Japanese or western version of the game.

You'd think that last one would indicate an impending western arrival, but we're still waiting on the 3D-enhanced versions of Space Harrier and Super Hang-On. We've reached out to Sega to find out what, if anything, is on the horizon.

Joystiq3D Sonic the Hedgehog rolls onto 3DS eShop in Japan this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsjapannintendosegasonic-the-hedgehogTue, 14 May 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy taking Animal Crossing 3DS XL bundle pre-orders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/best-buy-taking-animal-crossing-3ds-xl-bundle-pre-orders/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/best-buy-taking-animal-crossing-3ds-xl-bundle-pre-orders/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/best-buy-taking-animal-crossing-3ds-xl-bundle-pre-orders/#comments If the thought of going to a store and purchasing something the day it comes out only fills you with panic (what if they're sold out?!) then we have some reassuring news for you. Best Buy is taking pre-orders for the Animal Crossing 3DS XL bundle, launching on June 9 in North America.

The $219.99 bundle comes with a 4GB card, pre-loaded with Animal Crossing: New Leaf. In this latest entry in series, players assume the role of Mayor.

JoystiqBest Buy taking Animal Crossing 3DS XL bundle pre-orders originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsanimal-crossing-3dsanimal-crossing-new-leafbest-buyHAL-LaboratorynintendoTue, 14 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: May 13-19, 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/now-playing-may-13-19-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/now-playing-may-13-19-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/now-playing-may-13-19-2013/#commentsNow Playing May 1319, 2013
Head back underground this week with Metro: Last Light...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: May 13-19, 2013

JoystiqNow Playing: May 13-19, 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxMon, 13 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney 5 hits west as Dual Destinies this autumn]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-5-hits-west-as-dual-destinies-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-5-hits-west-as-dual-destinies-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-5-hits-west-as-dual-destinies-this/#comments
Ace Attorney 5 is scheduled to appear in North America and Europe this autumn, now under the new legal name of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies. Capcom says it's releasing the 3DS game in the west digitally (on the eShop).

Gallery: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies

JoystiqPhoenix Wright: Ace Attorney 5 hits west as Dual Destinies this autumn originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsace-attorney-5capcomeshopnintendophoenix-wright-ace-attorney-dual-destiniesphoenix-wright-dual-destiniesrelease-dateMon, 13 May 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon X and Y gets four new characters of various types]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/pokemon-x-and-y-gets-four-new-characters-of-various-types/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/pokemon-x-and-y-gets-four-new-characters-of-various-types/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/pokemon-x-and-y-gets-four-new-characters-of-various-types/#commentsPokemon X and Y gets four new characters of various types Four new Pokemon for Pokemon X and Y grace the pages of CoroCoro magazine, spotted and captured on film by Serebii.net. The fresh faces are a Fighting-type panda, Yanchamu; a rideable Grass-type, Gogoat; a Normal, Flying-type bird, Yayakoma; and an Electric-type, floppy-eared lizard creature.

The scan places Pokemon X and Y in the Karos region and says the game will support trainer hair and skin color customization. These four new Pokemon follow Pokemon X and Y's Mewtwo-inspired character, whom we've come to call Mewtwo With a Handle, or more lovingly, Super Saiyan Mewtwo.

JoystiqPokemon X and Y gets four new characters of various types originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsGame-FreaknintendoPokemonpokemon-x-yMon, 13 May 2013 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island Riptide tops the UK charts for third week running]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/dead-island-riptide-tops-the-uk-charts-for-third-week-running/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/dead-island-riptide-tops-the-uk-charts-for-third-week-running/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/dead-island-riptide-tops-the-uk-charts-for-third-week-running/#comments Dead Island Riptide is the second game this year to keep the competition at bay for three weeks in a row. Despite a 55 percent drop in sales, the semi-sequel repeats the run of BioShock Infinite earlier in the year. That's no surprise given the new releases shelves are just tumbleweeds rolling past each other.

The charts do include two (sort of) new releases, and both did well. Coming in at ninth is the physical box set of The Walking Dead, which released in North America late last year. Another latecomer to Europe is Persona 4 Arena, and distributor Zen United must be pleased with the fighter punching in at 11th.

As we said last week, you know it's quiet season when Call of Duty's re-gunning for the top; Black Ops 2 is now up to second place, a full six months after being released. Oh, and on the day Square Enix releases its financial results for the fiscal year, Tomb Raider makes it 10/10 - that's ten weeks in the UK top ten. Just. Saying.

Continue reading Dead Island Riptide tops the UK charts for third week running

JoystiqDead Island Riptide tops the UK charts for third week running originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklydead-island-riptidemicrosoftnintendopcpersona-4-arenaplaystationplaystation-vitaps3the-walking-deadukvitawii-uxboxMon, 13 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Harvest Moon: A New Beginning ratings point to PAL produce]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/harvest-moon-a-new-beginning-ratings-point-to-pal-produce/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/harvest-moon-a-new-beginning-ratings-point-to-pal-produce/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/harvest-moon-a-new-beginning-ratings-point-to-pal-produce/#commentsHarvest Moon A New Beginning ratings point to PAL produce Harvest Moon: A New Beginning may enter its European phase soon. The 3DS sim, which arrived in North America last October, cropped up on the Australian Classification Board and German ratings board USK over the weekend.

Both ratings list Zen United as the publisher - Zen distributed Persona 4 Arena in Europe recently, and has a history of bringing BlazBlue and Arcana Hearts games to the region. We've reached out to Zen in the hopes of cultivating some comment.

JoystiqHarvest Moon: A New Beginning ratings point to PAL produce originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseuropeharvest-moon-a-new-beginningmarvelous-aqlnintendoratingzen-unitedMon, 13 May 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[C-Wars Kickstarter ends with over $95K raised, heading to Wii U, iOS and Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/#comments C-Wars, the cyberpunk roguelike RTS by Beijing developer OniPunks Studio, raised a total of $95,574 in its Kickstarter campaign, which ended Saturday. That's $63,574 more than its initial $32,000 goal, just under 300 percent of its funding aspirations thanks to 3,348 backers.

The campaign hit a number of stretch goals along the way, which will result in the PC, Mac, Linux and Android game also coming to 3DS, Vita, Wii U and iOS. C-Wars is estimated to launch in late 2013.

JoystiqC-Wars Kickstarter ends with over $95K raised, heading to Wii U, iOS and Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidc-warsCyberpunkiosipadiphonekickstarterLinuxmacmobilenintendoonipunksonipunks-studiopcplaystationplaystation-vitaroguelikeRTSvitawii-uSun, 12 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA executives Andrew Wilson, Stephen Bene unload stocks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/ea-executives-andrew-wilson-stephen-bene-unload-stocks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/ea-executives-andrew-wilson-stephen-bene-unload-stocks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/ea-executives-andrew-wilson-stephen-bene-unload-stocks/#comments Two of Electronic Arts' top-level executives have collectively unloaded a total of 57,085 stocks, following a general increase in EA's stock value after this week's Star Wars exclusivity announcement. According to SEC forms filed yesterday, EA Sports executive vice president Andrew Wilson has sold his entire stake in the company: 32,085 shares at $21.42 a pop, for a grand total of $687,260.70.

EA senior vice president and General Counsel Stephen Bene followed suit, today exercising an option to buy 25,000 shares from EA at $16.06 per share for $401,500 in total, well below the current market value. Bene then sold those shares for $22.40 each, making $560,000. After subtracting the amount originally spent when the option to buy the shares was exercised, Bene made a net profit of $158,500. Unlike Wilson, Bene is still in possession of 6,700 shares of EA, according to SEC documents.

JoystiqEA executives Andrew Wilson, Stephen Bene unload stocks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAndrew-WilsonEAelectronic-artsfinancemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Stephen-Benestocksvitawii-uxboxFri, 10 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move review: Fancy pipe dream]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/mario-and-donkey-kong-minis-on-the-move-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/mario-and-donkey-kong-minis-on-the-move-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/mario-and-donkey-kong-minis-on-the-move-review/#comments There are four games in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, each sporting 2D puzzle-platforming action. What sets Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move apart from the group isn't just the change of "vs" to "and." Minis on the Move still tasks players with the challenge of guiding their Mario toys through a level of obstacles to a goal point, in this case a star, but the game diverges from the series' norm by operating in three dimensions. Players must drag tiles on the touch screen to create a track for their minis to safely traverse.

In true Nintendo fashion, this simple premise is expanded upon with a solid variety of obstacles to avoid and special tiles to use. For example, spring tiles launch your mini two spaces, and colored pipes warp your mini to another location on the small map. The occasional tile with Donkey Kong on it will send your mini flying three spaces in a given direction (I suppose that's where "and Donkey Kong" comes from).

I like to call the total package "Fancy Pipe Dream," as the gist of its primary design doesn't at all feel new or creative. It's much like the tile-based puzzler from the Miscrosoft Entertainment Pack of the 1990s, also known as Pipe Mania. The difference is that Minis on the Move is much more fleshed-out, as it includes special tiles, obstacles, and a few different modes. Oh, and Mario is in it.

Gallery: Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move

Continue reading Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move review: Fancy pipe dream

JoystiqMario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move review: Fancy pipe dream originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmario-and-donkey-kong-minis-on-the-movenintendopuzzleFri, 10 May 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai's year-end revenues rise despite missing Tekken target]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/namco-bandais-year-end-revenues-rise-despite-missing-tekken-tar/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/namco-bandais-year-end-revenues-rise-despite-missing-tekken-tar/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/namco-bandais-year-end-revenues-rise-despite-missing-tekken-tar/#commentsNamco Bandai's yearend revenues rise despite missing Tekken target Namco Bandai released its financial results for the end of its fiscal year today, noting increased earnings in multiple sectors despite missing sales targets for Tekken Tag Tournament 2 and Tales of Xillia 2.

The company's worldwide net sales grew by 7.3 percent, ending this fiscal year at ¥487 billion (approximately $4.9B), compared to last year's earnings of ¥434 billion. Namco Bandai's net income for the year ending March 31, 2013 was ¥32.4 billion ($327M), a 67.8 percent increase over last year's reported ¥19.3 billion.

Regional sales saw significant boosts. Net sales of Namco Bandai products in Japan increased 7.3 percent year-over-year to ¥406 billion ($4.1B), while sales for the Americas rose 38.3 percent, finishing at ¥33.6 billion ($339M).

The report additionally reveals that Namco Bandai failed to meet shipping targets for some of its key titles. Siliconera notes that Namco Bandai expected to ship 1.7 million units of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 worldwide, but came up short at 1.5 million. The Japan-exclusive RPG Tales of Xillia 2 shipped 500,000, missing its initial target of 650,000 units.

Other big titles for the company include SoulCalibur V, which shipped 1.05 million units worldwide in the fiscal year ending in March, and two entries in its Naruto Shippuden series, which shipped a combined 1.76 million units across all regions.

JoystiqNamco Bandai's year-end revenues rise despite missing Tekken target originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfinancialsfiscal-2012fiscal-2013microsoftnamconamco-bandainintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitawii-uxboxThu, 09 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami reports year-over-year losses, strength in social games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/konami-reports-year-over-year-losses-strength-in-social-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/konami-reports-year-over-year-losses-strength-in-social-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/konami-reports-year-over-year-losses-strength-in-social-games/#commentsKonami 2013 financial results report strength in social games, losses in pachinko Konami has released details of its financial performance in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013, reporting sizable year-on-year losses in its digital entertainment and pachinko divisions but growth in its social gaming sector.

Company product sales and service revenue for the year amounted to ¥226 billion ($2.4B), down 15 percent from its earnings of ¥266 billion last year. Net income sank to ¥13.2 billion ($140M), a decrease of 42.8% compared to last year's reported income of ¥23 billion.

Konami saw its largest losses in the pachinko sector, in which revenue fell more than 70 percent compared to last year. The company's Digital Entertainment division reported a loss of 17.1 percent in year-on-year revenue, though solid worldwide performances for titles like Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance boosted earnings.

Konami's finances are buoyed by the success of Metal Gear Solid Social Ops and another popular online game, Dragon Collection, which it operates in partnership with Japanese social networking service GREE. Konami's social games currently boast more than 35 million registered users worldwide.

JoystiqKonami reports year-over-year losses, strength in social games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfinancialsfiscal-2012fiscal-2013konamimicrosoftmobilenintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaxboxThu, 09 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Nintendo eShop releases: Mario and Donkey Kong, Xevious, Solomon's Key]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-mario-and-donkey-kong-xevious-sol/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-mario-and-donkey-kong-xevious-sol/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-mario-and-donkey-kong-xevious-sol/#comments
Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move highlights the new eShop releases this week. The 3DS puzzler has players guiding poor little mini Marios away from hazards by building a Pipe Dream-esque maze. The Wii U Virtual Console picks up two new games in the classic shooter Xevious and puzzle platformer Solomon's Key.

You can also pick up Chasing Aurora for half price on the Wii U until May 16. A demo for the Wii U version of Resident Evil: Revelations arrives May 14.

Continue reading New Nintendo eShop releases: Mario and Donkey Kong, Xevious, Solomon's Key

JoystiqNew Nintendo eShop releases: Mario and Donkey Kong, Xevious, Solomon's Key originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdseshopmario-and-donkey-kong-minis-on-the-movenintendonintendoware-weeklyresident-evil-revelationssolomons-keywii-uxeviousThu, 09 May 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Interactive down $54 million in Q2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/disney-interactive-down-54-million-in-q2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/disney-interactive-down-54-million-in-q2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/disney-interactive-down-54-million-in-q2/#comments By the end of the second quarter of its fiscal year, Disney Interactive was once again the media conglomerate's only unprofitable sector, reporting a $54 million operating income (read: pre-tax) loss for the three month period ending March 31, 2013. This is, however, a 22 percent year-over-year improvement when compared to Q2 2012's reported operating income loss of $70 million.

Disney contributes the loss to "growth at our Japan mobile business from a licensing agreement that started in February 2012 and lower acquisition accounting expense at our social games business." No mention is made of Junction Point Studios, which Disney closed in January after lackluster sales of Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, or of the company's forthcoming game/toy platform Disney Infinity.

JoystiqDisney Interactive down $54 million in Q2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsDisneydisney-infinityDisney-InteractiveEpic-Mickey-2financialsjunction-point-studiosmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Q2Q2-2013vitawii-uxboxWed, 08 May 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard closes out Q1 2013 with $1.32 billion net revenue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/activision-blizzard-closes-out-q1-2013-with-1-32-billion-net-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/activision-blizzard-closes-out-q1-2013-with-1-32-billion-net-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/activision-blizzard-closes-out-q1-2013-with-1-32-billion-net-re/#comments The first quarter of Activision Blizzard's fiscal 2013 has come to a close, with the massive developer/publisher reporting $1.324 billion in net revenue for the three months ending March 31, 2013. This figure is $164 million beyond Activision Blizzard's prediction for the quarter ($1.16 billion), and 12.96 percent more than the $1.172 billion earned during the same period last year.

"The shift in release dates of competing products, the disappointing launch of the Wii U, uncertainties regarding next-generation hardware, and subscriber declines in our World of Warcraft business all raise concerns, as do continued challenges in the global economy," CEO Bobby Kotick said in the report. "For these reasons, we remain cautious."

Despite this, Activision Blizzard is raising its net revenue outlook for calendar year 2013 by 3.3 percent, from $4.085 billion to $4.22 billion. Kotick attributed the company's successful quarter to Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm and World of Warcraft, as well as continued consumer interest in Call of Duty and Skylanders.

JoystiqActivision Blizzard closes out Q1 2013 with $1.32 billion net revenue originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivision-blizzardfinancialsfiscal-2013macmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3q1-2013vitawii-uxboxWed, 08 May 2013 17:00:00 EST