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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spy Hunter races to 3DS and PS Vita this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/spy-hunter-races-to-3ds-and-ps-vita-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/spy-hunter-races-to-3ds-and-ps-vita-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/spy-hunter-races-to-3ds-and-ps-vita-this-fall/#comments
Warner Bros. has announced a new Spy Hunter game for the 3DS and PlayStation Vita. It's in development at TT Fusion, which was previously Embryonic Studios, a smattering of key staff from Gizmondo - who made the Gizmondo - and Warthog, a UK studio who has done a lot of licensed titles. TT Games snatched up the studio in 2006 before being bought by Warner Bros. a year later.

This Spy Hunter reboot will be available this fall, and ... well, it's Spy Hunter. You drive a transforming car to take down evil dudes. This latest installment adds an aerial support drone and will let users customize the Interceptor (the official ride of spies everywhere) through tech and weapon upgrades. The car is also red now, which seems like the worst color for a spy car but that's just our two cents.

Gallery: Spy Hunter (Vita/3DS)

Continue reading Spy Hunter races to 3DS and PS Vita this fall

JoystiqSpy Hunter races to 3DS and PS Vita this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaspy-huntertt-fusiontt-gamesvitawarner-brosWed, 30 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroes of Ruin delayed until July in North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/heroes-of-ruin-delayed-until-july-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/heroes-of-ruin-delayed-until-july-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/heroes-of-ruin-delayed-until-july-in-north-america/#comments Co-op 3DS dungeon crawler Heroes of Ruin got a little lost on the way to North America and will be delayed by a month. Developer n-Space noted on its Facebook page today that the game will launch on July 17 in North America, instead of the previously announced June 26 date.

The release date in Europe for the Square Enix published game remains steady at June 15.

[Thanks, Brendan M.]

Gallery: Heroes of Ruin (Coral Tombs)

JoystiqHeroes of Ruin delayed until July in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsDelayheroes-of-ruinnintendoSquare-EnixWed, 30 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: May 28 - June 3, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/now-playing-may-28-june-3-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/now-playing-may-28-june-3-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/now-playing-may-28-june-3-2012/#comments Image
Fight for the survival of humanity this week with Resistance: Burning Skies...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: May 28 - June 3, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 28 - June 3, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxTue, 29 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Invite a yellow Yoshi into Mario Tennis Open, our treat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/invite-a-yellow-yoshi-into-mario-tennis-open-our-treat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/invite-a-yellow-yoshi-into-mario-tennis-open-our-treat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/invite-a-yellow-yoshi-into-mario-tennis-open-our-treat/#comments ImageIf you'd like to play doubles in Mario Tennis Open with someone who looks vaguely like a tennis ball in hue, we can help with that. Nintendo shared the above QR code exclusively with Joystiq, and now we're sharing it with you. From within the 3DS game, you can snap a picture of this code and unlock a yellow Yoshi for your game.

We hope you love it! Get it - because "love" is a tennis term ... but wait, "love" is bad in tennis. We're going to have to think about this joke and get back to you. Anyway, here's that Yoshi.

JoystiqInvite a yellow Yoshi into Mario Tennis Open, our treat originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmario-tennis-3dsmario-tennis-opennintendoTue, 29 May 2012 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate whips onto 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fate-whips-onto-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fate-whips-onto-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fate-whips-onto-3ds/#commentsImageCastlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate is coming to the 3DS from Spanish developer Mercury Steam. Nintendo was previously rumored to announce a new Castlevania title at E3 next week, but the June 2012 issue of Nintendo Power proved the might of print and outed the title in a cover story.

Details as divulged by GoNintendo read as follows: The story involves Trevor Belmont and he fights mainly with a Combat Cross; secondary weapons include a boomerang-like glaive and an electric bomb; the game has light and shadow magic.

In an ultra-exclusive, super-surprising reveal, Nintendo Power says Mirror of Fate will also include skeletons, it appears.

JoystiqCastlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate whips onto 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscastlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fateerisedmercury-steammirror-of-fatenintendoTue, 29 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Start (farm) fresh in Harvest Moon: A New Beginning for 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/start-farm-fresh-in-harvest-moon-a-new-beginning-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/start-farm-fresh-in-harvest-moon-a-new-beginning-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/start-farm-fresh-in-harvest-moon-a-new-beginning-for-3ds/#comments ImageOn the 15th anniversary year of the North American debut of Harvest Moon, Natsume will introduce a new 3DS edition of the farming game with features never seen before - you know, to keep the vegetation from growing stale.

Harvest Moon: A New Beginning puts an emphasis on customization, allowing you to build your own character, buy and design furniture for your house, decorate the nearby village, and move stuff on your farm around ... which can't be good for the crops.

In A New Beginning, you start a farm up around Echo Village to revitalize the town and bring people and animals back. It'll be out this year, and will be shown off as part of Natsume's Harvest Moon celebration at E3.

Continue reading Start (farm) fresh in Harvest Moon: A New Beginning for 3DS

JoystiqStart (farm) fresh in Harvest Moon: A New Beginning for 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsharvest-moonharvest-moon-a-new-beginningnatsumenintendoTue, 29 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video Games Live at E3: Journey, Skyrim, Diablo 3, Earthworm Jim and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/video-games-live-at-e3-journey-skyrim-diablo-3-earthworm-jim/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/video-games-live-at-e3-journey-skyrim-diablo-3-earthworm-jim/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/video-games-live-at-e3-journey-skyrim-diablo-3-earthworm-jim/#comments During the week of E3, on June 6, Video Games Live will take over the Nokia Theater L.A. Live arena. Being E3 and all, and L.A. being one of the most frequently played venues for Tommy Tallarico's live video game concert, this year he wanted to add some special scores - like Austin Wintory's Journey score, conducted by Wintory himself.

It's just one of the more recent audio accompaniments added for the June 6 show. There are also select tunes from Skyrim, which will be handled by a secret guest conductor; composer Russell Bower will conduct some Diablo 3 tunes. Donkey Kong Country, Star Fox and even a Street Fighter segment - to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Capcom's fighter - are planned. Akira Yamaoka will also play guitar at some point.

Finally, there's Earthworm Jim to consider, a game that Tallarico himself worked on. Apparently folks have been asking him to add it to Video Games Live for quite some time now, which we're totally in favor of - as long as we get that thrash metal remix of "Use Your Head" we've been waiting our entire lives for.

JoystiqVideo Games Live at E3: Journey, Skyrim, Diablo 3, Earthworm Jim and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustin-wintorydonkey-kong-countrydse3-2012journeykinectmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psprussell-bowerskyrimsonytommy-tallaricovideo-games-livevitawiiwii-uxboxThu, 24 May 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Mighty Switch Force update, Game & Watch Gallery 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/nintendoware-weekly-mighty-switch-force-update-game-and-watch-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/nintendoware-weekly-mighty-switch-force-update-game-and-watch-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/nintendoware-weekly-mighty-switch-force-update-game-and-watch-ga/#comments ImageIf you've got Mighty Switch Force, go download it again from the eShop later today. WayForward is updating it to a "New Edition" featuring the vocal stylings of a young Bobby Brown. Actually, it features five new levels, upgraded 3D effects, and a "retry" button.

If you'd like to buy something else while you're on the eShop, the Game Boy Game & Watch Gallery 2 is on the shop today, as is the DSiWare game Snakenoid Deluxe, which is, of course, Snake plus Arkanoid. And this Friday, you can get a Madagascar 3 trailer on Nintendo Video, to bring Chris Rock's voice with you everywhere.

And on Wii this week: nothing.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Mighty Switch Force update, Game & Watch Gallery 2

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Mighty Switch Force update, Game & Watch Gallery 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsdsiwareeshopgame-and-watch-gallery-2mighty-switch-forcenintendonintendoware-weeklysnakenoidvirtual-consoleThu, 24 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD monthly reports integrate Walmart data starting next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/#comments Every month, the NPD Group releases a report on the previous month's US sales in the game industry, both consoles and software. While that monthly report is already "projected to 100% of the market," according to NPD Group's David Riley, next month, it'll get bolstered by the nation's largest retailer: Walmart. Despite being revealed this past February, the past several months of NPD reports haven't included Walmart's numbers.

"Our enhanced retail coverage, including the addition of several new retailers, begins with May data released on Thursday, June 14," Riley told me in an email yesterday. While he couldn't supply a list of all of the retailers involved, he told me, "Yes, it does include Walmart."

With any luck, the addition of Walmart to NPD's stable of retailers reporting - which already includes America's largest game retailer, GameStop - will help to thwart claims of NPD being a "very poor indicator of the industry's performance." Then again, between the lack of digital sales accounted for in NPD's monthly report and the urge of publishers to spin poor sales numbers, those complaints likely won't stop anytime soon.

JoystiqNPD monthly reports integrate Walmart data starting next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdavid-rileydsmicrosoftnintendonpdnpd-groupplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonythe-npd-groupvitawal-martwalmartwiiwii-uxboxThu, 24 May 2012 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Inafune working with Level-5 on Guild02 [update: screens]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/inafune-working-with-level-5-on-guild02/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/inafune-working-with-level-5-on-guild02/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/inafune-working-with-level-5-on-guild02/#comments ImageGuild01 is an upcoming 3DS cart by Level-5, collecting four small games by Suda 51, Seaman's Yoot Saito, Yasumi Matsuno, and comedian Yoshiyuki Hirai. Even before the (so far Japan-only) release of this game, early Famitsu info reveals the existence of a second collection called Guild02, this time involving the outspoken and suddenly very busy Keiji Inafune.

Inafune's game translates to "Insect Tank," and puts the player in the role of a miniaturized WWII tank fighting giant insects. His game is joined by "Alone," a "suspense game" by Chunsoft visual novel writers Takemaru Abiko and Kazuya Asano, about someone who wakes up in a dark room with no memories, and "The Friday When Monsters Appear" by Kazu Ayabe, creator of the My Summer Vacation series. True to the title, monsters show up every Friday in a '60s-era town full of children who love the giant Ultraman-style heroes of the day.

Guild02 will also have some kind of connectivity with the previous collection, allowing Guild01 owners to get passwords to unlock material in Guild02. We suppose that's one advantage over releasing these games one by one on the eShop, but seriously, Level-5, release these games one by one on the eShop. That's what it's for.

Update: Famitsu has screens of all three games. Above (obviously), Insect Tank.

JoystiqInafune working with Level-5 on Guild02 [update: screens] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsguild02keiji-inafunelevel-5nintendoWed, 23 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes and a whole new (open) world]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes-and-a-whole-new-open-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes-and-a-whole-new-open-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes-and-a-whole-new-open-world/#comments
We know, we know... another Lego game based on a popular franchise? But Lego Batman 2: DC Super Hereoes is looking to be different, featuring an open world and the borderline blasphemy of talking Lego characters. Also, we'd be lying if we said that the exchange between Batman and Superman in this trailer didn't make us smirk.

Continue reading Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes and a whole new (open) world

JoystiqLego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes and a whole new (open) world originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsLego-Batmanlego-batman-2-dc-super-heroesmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Travellers-TalesvitaWBIEwiixboxTue, 22 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[3DS sells over 6 million units in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/3ds-sells-over-6-million-units-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/3ds-sells-over-6-million-units-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/3ds-sells-over-6-million-units-in-japan/#comments ImageThe 3DS has crossed six million units sold in Japan, according to Enterbrain data reported by Enterbrain-owned magazine Famitsu. The last news about Japanese 3DS sales milestones came when it passed 5 million after less than a year, more quickly than any system to date. The system has sold 17.13 million units worldwide as of March 31.

Regional sales totals are not available for the 3DS's main competitor system, the PlayStation Vita, which was released in Japan about ten months after the 3DS and two months later worldwide. However, the 1.8 million systems sold to date worldwide provide contrast.

The 3DS suffered similarly slow sales in the period before its price drop and holiday releases; as of April of last year, it was at 3.6 million worldwide. That's slow, even if it is twice the Vita's current life-to-date total.

Joystiq3DS sells over 6 million units in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsjapannintendosalesTue, 22 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: New 3DS Castlevania to debut at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/rumor-new-3ds-castlevania-to-debut-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/rumor-new-3ds-castlevania-to-debut-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/rumor-new-3ds-castlevania-to-debut-at-e3/#comments Image
A new Castlevania game will be announced for the 3DS during E3 next month, according to Dutch site n1ntendo, as translated by neoGAF. The project will reportedly be exclusive to Nintendo's handheld and already has Castlevania: Lords of Shadow producer David Cox and director Enric Alvarez attached - according to information that supposedly comes from a leaked E3 schedule for Konami.

Cox did tease that he was spending time "in the land of Dracul" last April, though his Twitter responses to this latest rumor call the idea "misinformed," reiterating that "the truth is ALWAYS better than fiction!"

JoystiqRumor: New 3DS Castlevania to debut at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscastlevaniacastlevania-lords-of-shadowdavid-coxE3-2012Enric-AlvarezkonaminintendoMon, 21 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: May 21-27, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/now-playing-may-21-27-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/now-playing-may-21-27-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/now-playing-may-21-27-2012/#comments Image
Become a high-tech warrior in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: May 21-27, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 21-27, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 21 May 2012 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's got more than a few ways to watch its E3 2012 press conference]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/nintendos-got-more-than-a-few-ways-to-watch-its-e3-2012-press-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/nintendos-got-more-than-a-few-ways-to-watch-its-e3-2012-press-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/nintendos-got-more-than-a-few-ways-to-watch-its-e3-2012-press-c/#comments ImageWhat will you be doing on June 5 at noon ET? Nintendo sure hopes your answer to that question revolves around its impending E3 2012 press conference, and it's got a whole bevy of options should that be the case. Beyond partnering with Viacom to broadcast the show live (and commercial-free) on Spike TV and MTV2 (there's still an MTV2?!?!), Nintendo will offer the conference via internet on its usual E3 site.

Nintendo's E3 presentation this year will focus on its next home console, the Wii U, though we'll no doubt hear a few new nuggets about the 3DS. As always, we're hoping for a triumphant return from Ravi Drums. Don't keep breaking our hearts, Nintendo! Let Mr. Drums free!

Sony and Microsoft are also streaming their respective press conferences; more info can be found on each here and here.

Continue reading Nintendo's got more than a few ways to watch its E3 2012 press conference

JoystiqNintendo's got more than a few ways to watch its E3 2012 press conference originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdse3-2012nintendowiiwii-uMon, 21 May 2012 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Tennis Open review: Holding court]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/mario-tennis-open-review-holding-court/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/mario-tennis-open-review-holding-court/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/mario-tennis-open-review-holding-court/#comments ImageMario Tennis Open, like most of the Mushroom Kingdom's forays into the world of athletics, isn't really a sports game. All of the pieces are set in place to look like a tennis game, with a layer of Mario's signature whimsy on top, but the game itself is all rhythm and pattern recognition.

This simplicity makes it easy to pick up and play, with the unfortunate side effect of making it lose its challenge too quickly. It's a satisfying game and packs some exhilarating moments, but it exhausts its mechanics too soon.

Gallery: Mario Tennis Open (4/6/2012)

Continue reading Mario Tennis Open review: Holding court

JoystiqMario Tennis Open review: Holding court originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscamelot-softwaremario-tennis-3dsmario-tennis-opennintendoFri, 18 May 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rayman Origins finally makes it to 3DS on June 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/rayman-origins-finally-makes-it-to-3ds-on-june-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/rayman-origins-finally-makes-it-to-3ds-on-june-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/rayman-origins-finally-makes-it-to-3ds-on-june-5/#comments Image
The release of a 3DS Rayman Origins demo did indeed lead into a (new) release date announcement. According to the information in the eShop and in this trailer, the platformer will finally arrive on 3DS June 5, 2012.

That's a day after Ubisoft's E3 press conference, so Rayman Origins could potentially arrive on 3DS after the official announcement of its own sequel. Awkward!

Gallery: Rayman Origins (3DS)

JoystiqRayman Origins finally makes it to 3DS on June 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendoq2-2012rayman-originsrelease-dateThu, 17 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Rayman Origins demo, Kirby's Block Ball]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/nintendoware-weekly-rayman-origins-demo-kirbys-block-ball/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/nintendoware-weekly-rayman-origins-demo-kirbys-block-ball/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/nintendoware-weekly-rayman-origins-demo-kirbys-block-ball/#comments ImageIf you're looking for stuff to download for your Wii, just move along. There's nothing this week.

But on 3DS, Kirby's Block Ball brings classic mascot-based ... Breakout? And today is finally your opportunity to play Rayman Origins on 3DS. At least, in demo form. There's still no release date for the game itself.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Rayman Origins demo, Kirby's Block Ball

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Rayman Origins demo, Kirby's Block Ball originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsdsiwareeshopkirbys-block-ballnintendonintendoware-weeklyrayman-originsThu, 17 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stare in disbelief at EX Troopers' first trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/stare-in-disbelief-at-ex-troopers-first-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/stare-in-disbelief-at-ex-troopers-first-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/stare-in-disbelief-at-ex-troopers-first-trailer/#comments Image
Just a reminder, because there's no way you'll get this from the trailer: This cel-shaded, unmistakably anime game about a plucky teen and his robot ... is a Lost Planet spinoff. The PS3/3DS action game E.X. Troopers is even more implausible in motion than when all we had was a text description.

JoystiqStare in disbelief at EX Troopers' first trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsex-trooperslost-planetnintendoplaystationps3Thu, 17 May 2012 10:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Xenoblade Chronicles dev Monolith Soft creating Project X Zone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/xenoblade-chronicles-dev-monolith-soft-creating-project-x-zone/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/xenoblade-chronicles-dev-monolith-soft-creating-project-x-zone/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/xenoblade-chronicles-dev-monolith-soft-creating-project-x-zone/#comments ImageAdd a fourth company to the group contributing to Project X Zone - Nintendo. At least, it's a Nintendo-owned developer creating the 3DS Capcom/Namco/Sega crossover SRPG. Monolith Soft, most recently known for Xenoblade Chronicles, is developing the new game, Famitsu has revealed (via Andriasang).

It makes sense given Monolith's history - it developed Namco X Capcom, a similar crossover game for PS2. What doesn't make sense, at least at face value, is a Nintendo-owned company making a game about three other companies' characters.

JoystiqXenoblade Chronicles dev Monolith Soft creating Project X Zone originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsjapanmonolith-softnamco-bandainintendoproject-x-zoneWed, 16 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Mickey 2 and 'The Power of Next Gen']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/epic-mickey-2-and-the-power-of-next-gen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/epic-mickey-2-and-the-power-of-next-gen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/epic-mickey-2-and-the-power-of-next-gen/#comments Image
Epic Mickey's first foray was a Wii-exclusive affair. This time around, Junction Point is bringing Mickey's epic-ness to what it's calling "next-gen consoles." We might call them "7-year-old consoles," but, well, Mickey's best bud is from 1920, so we can appreciate the anachronism at play here.

JoystiqEpic Mickey 2 and 'The Power of Next Gen' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsepic-mickey-2gameplayjunction-pointjunction-point-studiosmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 16 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[You can Dream Drop more cash for a 'Mark of Mastery' edition of Kingdom Hearts 3D]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/you-can-dream-drop-more-cash-for-a-mark-of-mastery-edition-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/you-can-dream-drop-more-cash-for-a-mark-of-mastery-edition-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/you-can-dream-drop-more-cash-for-a-mark-of-mastery-edition-of/#comments ImageThere's no better way to flaunt your mastery of the art of having $55 than with the Kingdom Hearts 3D "Mark of Mastery" edition. The newly announced special edition comes with a clear 3DS case and a set of art cards that look like they can be slipped into said case, and five AR cards to unlock in-game Dream Eaters. All of this comes in a big box with a magnetic clasp.

This edition shows one of the advantages of portable games: the limited edition boxes don't cost quite as much as those for console games.

Continue reading You can Dream Drop more cash for a 'Mark of Mastery' edition of Kingdom Hearts 3D

JoystiqYou can Dream Drop more cash for a 'Mark of Mastery' edition of Kingdom Hearts 3D originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dskingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancelimited-editionmark-of-masterynintendospecial-editionWed, 16 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EX Troopers: a Lost Planet spinoff for ... 3DS and PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/ex-troopers-a-lost-planet-spinoff-for-3ds-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/ex-troopers-a-lost-planet-spinoff-for-3ds-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/ex-troopers-a-lost-planet-spinoff-for-3ds-and-ps3/#comments ImageWe certainly didn't expect a 3DS spinoff of Lost Planet ... and we definitely didn't expect a 3DS-slash-PS3 spinoff. EX Troopers, revealed in this week's Famitsu magazine, is also unexpectedly anime styled, featuring manga panel cutscenes and a theme by Jpop star May'n.

EX Troopers takes place on EDN-3rd, in some kind of academy. Bren Turner is new in school, and seems to jump right into the Akrid fighting in what producer Shintaro Kojima describes as a beginners' action shooter.

No official images have been released yet (above is Lost Planet 3), but expect to see a lot of this, as Capcom indicated plans to use this IP outside of games, like its other "Single Content Multiple Usage" initiatives.

JoystiqEX Troopers: a Lost Planet spinoff for ... 3DS and PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcomex-trooperslost-planetnintendoplaystationps3Wed, 16 May 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Mario Kart 7 patch fixes Maka Wuhu exploit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/psa-mario-kart-7-patch-fixes-maka-wuhu-exploit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/psa-mario-kart-7-patch-fixes-maka-wuhu-exploit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/psa-mario-kart-7-patch-fixes-maka-wuhu-exploit/#comments ImageAlong with a 3DS firmware update (which doesn't do anything interesting), a new patch sent to 3DSes yesterday closes up the Maka Wuhu shortcut, in Mario Kart 7. The patch is required for online play, so you will no longer see miraculous leaps forward on that particular course. The glitch still shows up in time trials.

Now you have only your own driving skill to rely on in Mario Kart. Well, that and blue shells. Actually, mostly blue shells. Now, you have only the random chance that you'll get a blue shell and not be hit by a blue shell to rely on.

JoystiqPSA: Mario Kart 7 patch fixes Maka Wuhu exploit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmaka-wuhumario-kart-3dsmario-kart-7nintendopatchpsaupdateWed, 16 May 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Dream Radar, Pokedex 3D Pro coming to North American 3DS this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/pokemon-dream-radar-pokedex-3d-pro-coming-to-north-american-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/pokemon-dream-radar-pokedex-3d-pro-coming-to-north-american-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/pokemon-dream-radar-pokedex-3d-pro-coming-to-north-american-3ds/#comments ImageThe two eShop-based Pokemon games announced during the last Nintendo Direct are coming to 3DSes in North America this fall. Pokemon Dream Radar is a pseudo-shooting game in which players move their 3DSes around to find Pokemon hiding in augmented-reality environments, then catch them by shooting. Pokemon caught in this game, including "some hard-to-get Pokemon," can be transferred into Black 2 and White 2.

Pokedex 3D Pro is an upgraded version of the free Pokedex 3D app, with "detailed information about the more than 600 Pokémon featured in the history of the Pokémon video game series." Unlike Pokedex 3D, which hid many of its contents behind AR markers, everyone is unlocked from the start.

Pricing information was not announced for North America, but Dream Radar and Pokedex 3D Pro sell for 300 yen ($3.75) and 1,500 yen ($18.77) in Japan respectively. Is ultimate Pokemon knowledge worth $18 to you?

Gallery: Pokedex 3D Pro (3DS eShop)

Gallery: Pokemon Dream Radar (3DS eShop)

Continue reading Pokemon Dream Radar, Pokedex 3D Pro coming to North American 3DS this fall

JoystiqPokemon Dream Radar, Pokedex 3D Pro coming to North American 3DS this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseshopfall-2012nintendopokedex-3dpokedex-3d-propokemonpokemon-dream-radarrelease-dateTue, 15 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: May 14-20, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/#comments Image
Traverse the depths of Hell once again in Diablo 3...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: May 14-20, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 14-20, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 14 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega earnings down in fiscal 2011, Mario & Sonic sell 3 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sega-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2011-mario-and-sonic-sell-3-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sega-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2011-mario-and-sonic-sell-3-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sega-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2011-mario-and-sonic-sell-3-million/#comments Sega's earnings are down in the year ended March 31, 2012, which shouldn't come as a surprise given the company's recent extreme restructuring measures. Sega reported net sales of 395.5 billion yen ($5 billion), down 0.3 percent from 2011; net income dropped 47.4 percent to 21 billion yen.

In the "consumer business" division (the one that deals with home video games), Sega reported a year-over-year drop in unit sales. Its best-performing game was Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, of course, at 3.28 million copies. Sonic Generations followed at 1.85 million; Virtua Tennis 4 sold 1.04 million across five platforms. Sega listed sales for Football Manager 2012 (710,000) and Yakuza: Dead Souls (550,000), but nothing else -- so we don't know how well Binary Domain did, except to guess that it probably didn't do very well.

JoystiqSega earnings down in fiscal 2011, Mario & Sonic sell 3 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsearningsfy-2011microsoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsegasonyvitawiixboxFri, 11 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aqua Blue 3DS washing out of Nintendo's lineup in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/aqua-blue-3ds-washing-out-of-nintendos-lineup-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/aqua-blue-3ds-washing-out-of-nintendos-lineup-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/aqua-blue-3ds-washing-out-of-nintendos-lineup-in-japan/#comments ImageThe Aqua Blue 3DS, one of two launch colors for the handheld, is going out of production, according to a tiny note on Nintendo's Japanese site. That leaves five variants in that region, including a different blue.

Nintendo of America senior director of corporate communications Charlie Scibetta told Joystiq that "We have nothing to announce about the Aqua Blue Nintendo 3DS in our territory at this time." Still, we can't help but worry for the future of what is clearly the best 3DS variation to put a Slime sticker on.

JoystiqAqua Blue 3DS washing out of Nintendo's lineup in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaqua-bluenintendoFri, 11 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order Kingdom Hearts 3D for 'Dream Eater' AR cards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/pre-order-kingdom-hearts-3d-for-dream-eater-ar-cards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/pre-order-kingdom-hearts-3d-for-dream-eater-ar-cards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/pre-order-kingdom-hearts-3d-for-dream-eater-ar-cards/#comments ImageKingdom Hearts 3D is taking a page from Kid Icarus: Uprising's book ... or a card from its album, maybe? Square Enix is handing out a semi-random selection of AR cards with pre-orders in North America.

Every pre-order gets the card that unlocks the "R&R Seal Dream Eater" and the card that unlocks a viewing stand for 3D Dream Eater images. A third card will unlock one of three other Dream Eaters: Ursa Circus, Sudo Neku, or Meowjesty. These characters can be recruited to join you in battle.

You can see the Dream Eaters for yourself in the gallery below (they're the cute monster things), along with character art of The World Ends With You's Neku and others, and some shots of Traverse Town.

Gallery: Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (Traverse Town and Character Art)

Continue reading Pre-order Kingdom Hearts 3D for 'Dream Eater' AR cards

JoystiqPre-order Kingdom Hearts 3D for 'Dream Eater' AR cards originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsar-cardskingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendoFri, 11 May 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kid Icarus: Uprising sequel not likely, Sakurai says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/kid-icarus-uprising-sequel-not-likely-sakurai-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/kid-icarus-uprising-sequel-not-likely-sakurai-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/kid-icarus-uprising-sequel-not-likely-sakurai-says/#comments Despite strong sales and positive reception, it seems a Kid Icarus: Uprising sequel just isn't in the cards right now. Masahiro Sakurai, the game's director, has said that it's possible we could see another Kid Icarus game in the next 25 years, but not from his studio, Project Sora.

"If by 'lasting universe' you mean to ask if there's a sequel, the answer is no," Sakurai told IGN, "because we pushed a lot into the game in order to let people have this short yet deep experience, but the novelty of that would likely grow thin in the next game. For now, my thought is that perhaps we'll see someone else besides me make another Kid Icarus in another 25 years."

25 years is a long time, but we're sure Kid Icarus: Rerising will really rock the 8DS when it drops in 2037.

JoystiqKid Icarus: Uprising sequel not likely, Sakurai says originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dskid-icarus-uprisingmasahiro-sakurainintendoproject-soraThu, 10 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Monster World IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/nintendoware-weekly-monster-world-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/nintendoware-weekly-monster-world-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/nintendoware-weekly-monster-world-iv/#comments ImageWhile we wait for Sega's "Monster World Collection" to debut the previously Japan-only (and acclaimed!) Monster World IV on PSN and XBLA, Sega went ahead and deposited the game on Wii Virtual Console today, causing even more surprise than other, increasingly rare, VC releases.

If you have the Wii Points kicking around, you can build a pseudo-complete Wonder Boy collection now - bolstered by Sega's simultaneous release of the arcade version of Wonder Boy in Monster Land. At least one version of each game in the series is available.

In non-interactive news, Dinosaur Office returns to Nintendo Video tomorrow.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Monster World IV

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Monster World IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsdsiwareeshopmonster-world-ivnintendonintendoware-weeklypauls-shooting-adventure-2sudoku-by-nikoliwiiwiiwarewonder-boywonder-boy-in-monster-landThu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Ketzal's Corridors (3DS eShop)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/portabliss-ketzals-corridors-3ds-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/portabliss-ketzals-corridors-3ds-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/portabliss-ketzals-corridors-3ds-eshop/#commentsDid you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Ketzal's Corridors.
Image
Ketzal's Corridors is an unusual puzzle game, in that the task you're asked to perform is pretty simple - you rotate a single 3D shape to fit through matching shapes cut out of walls. No big deal, right? You just rotate it until all the blocks form the correct profile.

The difficulty, at least for me, is entirely in the controls. Normally, that wouldn't be a good thing, but it forms the entire basis of the challenge, forcing you to think quickly about what you're doing in order to navigate a 3D space. You're flying toward those walls at a high speed, and trying to rotate the block in three dimensions in time. Translating three-dimensional movement into presses of the d-pad and R button is as hard as it sounds. It is not intuitive at all, forcing you to practice before you can acquire the skill.

Or maybe that's just me. Maybe I have bad spatial skills. I can imagine the kind of person who rotates Tetris pieces in both directions, instead of hitting a single button over and over again every time, picking this up. I'm certain even those geniuses will find something to like here, as there are challenges beyond the basic fitting-in. Often, a hole will have heart-shaped items in it, which you collect by touching it with the block, further influencing your movements and giving you another rapid-fire decision to make. In addition, there are moving obstacles to deal with.

Oh, and you're timed. A timer counts down constantly, encouraging you to hold the L button to speed through each consecutive wall, and adding another layer of pressure.

A game very much like this one, also developed by accessory maker Keys Factory (baffling!), came out on WiiWare under the title ThruSpace, but it works better as a portable game. Not because it's divided into bite-sized challenges, though it is - simply because it's a lot more effort to put down a Wii game in a hurry and pick it back up when you've calmed down. You have to turn the TV back on and everything, instead of just opening the 3DS up again.

Ketzal's Corridors is available on the 3DS eShop for $6.99. We're always looking for new distractions. Want to submit your game for Portabliss consideration? You can reach us at portabliss aat joystiq dawt com.

JoystiqPortabliss: Ketzal's Corridors (3DS eShop) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseshopketzals-corridorsnintendoportablissWed, 09 May 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard Q1 2012 financials: $1.17 billion in net revenue, down year-over-year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/activision-blizzard-q1-2012-financials-1-17-billion-in-net-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/activision-blizzard-q1-2012-financials-1-17-billion-in-net-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/activision-blizzard-q1-2012-financials-1-17-billion-in-net-rev/#comments Activision Blizzard has released its financial results for the first quarter of its fiscal 2012, posting total net revenue (pre-tax income) of $1.17 billion for the period ending on March 31, 2012. This is a 23 percent drop over the same period in 2011, where Activision Blizzard posted a net revenue of $1.44 billion. Net income (post-tax/expenses profit) was also down year over year, with the pub/dev reporting a remainder of $384 million for Q1 2012, as compared with $503 million in Q1 2011.

Breaking that down a little more specifically, Activision itself was responsible for 23 percent ($271 million) of segment net revenues, down 19 percent form the $323 million it was responsible for in 2011. Blizzard accounted for 21 percent ($251 million) of segmented net revenues, down 42 percent year-over-year vs. the $357 million it posted for Q1 2011.

Many of Activision and Blizzard's major releases are still pending, including Diablo 3, World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. Looking forward, Activision Blizzard expects to report a "record" non-GAAP Q2 net revenue of $805 million due to Prototype 2, Amazing Spider Man and Diablo 3. As for the rest of the year, the company expects to end fiscal 2012 to the tune of $4.2 billion in net revenue.

JoystiqActivision Blizzard Q1 2012 financials: $1.17 billion in net revenue, down year-over-year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsActivision-Blizzarddsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspQ1-2012sonyxboxWed, 09 May 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Alien Hominid has been played 20 million times on Newgrounds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/#comments ImageBefore there was, uh, that other game called Alien Hominid (and Castle Crashers), there was the original Alien Hominid, a free browser run-and-gun game that debuted on Newgrounds. And that original game has now surpassed 20 million play sessions, The Behemoth has announced.

The brain child of Tom Fulp and Dan Paladin, Alien Hominid was built in Flash and released on Newgrounds way back in 2002. It would eventually be ported to the GameCube and PS2 in 2004 (and Europe would see Xbox and GameBoy Advance ports), then to Xbox Live Arcade in 2007. Currently, The Behemoth is working on Battleblock Theater.

JoystiqAlien Hominid has been played 20 million times on Newgrounds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAlien-Hominidandroiddsfree-to-playgamecubeiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenewgroundsnintendopcplaystationps3the-behemothwiiwii-uxblaxboxWed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portable gaming's 'Race to Zero']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/portable-gamings-race-to-zero/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/portable-gamings-race-to-zero/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/portable-gamings-race-to-zero/#comments Despite their occasional protests to the contrary, both Nintendo and Sony have seen the pervasive mobile market take chunks of the portable gaming industry. The mobile app space burgeoned as game developers undercut each other constantly, in a race toward 99 cents that set a buck as the de facto price point for the new marketplace. This, in turn, made a massive price disparity between mobile games and their handheld competition, which tends to retail for much more. Why buy a $30 DS game, when you can buy 30 games for the same price?

However, we're now seeing yet another race all the way to the bottom: free. Even as the PC space is largely adopting a free-to-play, microtransaction-driven business model, the shift is similarly occurring in the mobile market. Recent F2P hits have started a run of similar titles, with some paid apps adopting a free-to-play option.

The change began subtly. Rovio's breakout hit Angry Birds may have stuck near the top of the Top Paid Apps charts, but the Top Grossing arena was ruled by little blue men early last year. Smurfs Village spent months as the Top Grossing app, no doubt bolstered by co-marketing for the then-upcoming film. Still, the free app had an inviting price point, and even a few 99 cent purchases per user would easily push it above the revenue for a one-time dollar fee. Then, Tiny Tower became the talk of the iOS App Store blogosphere, using a similar model inspired by social gaming on Facebook, even garnering recognition as Apple's official Game of the Year.

Continue reading Portable gaming's 'Race to Zero'

JoystiqPortable gaming's 'Race to Zero' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidandroid-marketapp-storeblackberry-app-worldiosipadiphonemobilenintendoplaystationplaystation-vitavitawindows-phone-7Tue, 08 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fall 2012 is Adventure Time on 3DS and DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/fall-2012-is-adventure-time-on-3ds-and-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/fall-2012-is-adventure-time-on-3ds-and-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/fall-2012-is-adventure-time-on-3ds-and-ds/#comments Image"Hey Ice King! Why'd you steal our garbage?" asks the cover of WayForward's Adventure Time game. The answer, it seems, is to build a Garbage Princess, which Finn and Jake have to then rescue for some reason. Maybe they just want to beat up the Ice King again.

D3Publisher officially announced the game today, announcing plans to release both DS and 3DS versions this fall. Players will get to control both Finn and Jake through "a unique action-adventure experience" designed in collaboration with Pendleton Ward, creator of the show. D3 has yet to release any screens, but we'll be sure to let you know when you can see the garbage for yourself.

Gallery: Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why’d you steal our garbage?! (Concept Doodles)

Continue reading Fall 2012 is Adventure Time on 3DS and DS

JoystiqFall 2012 is Adventure Time on 3DS and DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsadventure-timed3publisherdsnintendowayforwardTue, 08 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: May 7-13, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/now-playing-may-7-13-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/now-playing-may-7-13-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/now-playing-may-7-13-2012/#comments Image
Build, fight, and conquer this week with Starhawk...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: May 7-13, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 7-13, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 07 May 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom earnings down in fiscal 2012; Monster Hunter Tri-G, Raccoon City, Street Fighter X Tekken sell a million each]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/capcom-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2012-monster-hunter-tri-g-racco/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/capcom-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2012-monster-hunter-tri-g-racco/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/capcom-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2012-monster-hunter-tri-g-racco/#comments ImageCapcom's net sales are down 16 percent year over year, for the fiscal year ending March 31. The company brought in 82.1 billion yen (just over $1 billion), with its Consumer Online Games division responsible for 53.5 billion yen of that (23.9 percent lower than that division's performance last year).

The performance dip can be attributed to the movement of Dragon's Dogma out of the fiscal year (and into this month), and to outstanding performance of the company's titles last year. Capcom experienced record sales of its big games in fiscal 2011, and fiscal 2012 pales in comparison. Monster Hunter Tri-G, the Japan-exclusive 3DS version, topped the company's sales chart at 1.6 million copies. Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City also sold well; Street Fighter X Tekken "lagged" in comparison to expectations, though both it and ORC broke a million.

Capcom didn't share sales data for its other releases, Asura's Wrath, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, and Resident Evil Revelations, merely acknowledging the games as things that came out.

JoystiqCapcom earnings down in fiscal 2012; Monster Hunter Tri-G, Raccoon City, Street Fighter X Tekken sell a million each originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsasuras-wrathcapcomearningsfinancialmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3resident-evil-operation-raccoon-citystreet-fighter-x-tekkenxboxMon, 07 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto's DS patent offers upgraded tourist hunting techniques]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/miyamotos-ds-patent-offers-upgraded-tourist-hunting-techniques/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/miyamotos-ds-patent-offers-upgraded-tourist-hunting-techniques/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/miyamotos-ds-patent-offers-upgraded-tourist-hunting-techniques/#commentsImage
The DS Lite could see society's next great advancement in GPS technology, at least in tourist-heavy areas such as museums and haunted-home expeditions, a patent from Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto suggests.

The patent describes a system where an overhead grid of infrared "positional information transmitters" reads a user's DS to light up floor patterns and potential walkways. The user can then pick which route he'd like to take, reading tourist facts along the way.

Nintendo has already infiltrated the museum scene with the 3DS giving guided tours in the Louvre, and it's doing a pretty great job, from what we hear. There's no guarantee that a patent will translate to an actual product, but the thousands of infrared beams hovering over the Mona Lisa fulfills a few of our own spy fantasies, so we'll hope this one works out in some way.

JoystiqMiyamoto's DS patent offers upgraded tourist hunting techniques originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsmuseumnintendopatentshigeru-miyamototourtourismUSPTOSun, 06 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sakurai explains Kid Icarus: Uprising's contentious controls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/sakurai-explains-kid-icarus-uprisings-contentious-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/sakurai-explains-kid-icarus-uprisings-contentious-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/sakurai-explains-kid-icarus-uprisings-contentious-controls/#comments The thing about Kid Icarus: Uprising is that, even though it induces carpal-tunnel syndrome, it's just so gosh-darned fun. Developer Project Sora's director Masahiro Sakurai has offered some insight into the control scheme and some tips for a more comfortable gaming experience - beyond "use the stand," that is.

"I think any game needs to provide new experiences and stimulating things to discover, but if we provided run-of-the-mill controls for it, that cuts down on the game's potential," Sakurai told IGN. "If a player used to touchscreen-based aiming played against someone used to right-analog control, the first player would probably dominate. The speed is on a whole different level."

As for the pain in your hand, Sakurai has an easy solution: relax. "If there are players who say that it makes their hand tired, that's because you're applying too much force. Try to relax and work on building a rhythm to your control. Place the pen in the middle of the touchscreen; when you're flicking it, take the pen off the screen as you're sweeping with it, and stop right there. That's the basic idea." So in short, don't press too hard and try to be more elegant in your wrist control - it takes practice.

Oh, and if you're a lefty, just know how lucky you are to be able to play Kid Icarus: Uprising with a Circle Pad Pro - left-handed controls almost didn't make their way into the game. "Considering how close to the limit we pushed the 3DS during development, it's a miracle that we were even able to provide support for left-handed controls at the point of completion. Providing support for independent analog control was something that was technically impossible."

JoystiqSakurai explains Kid Icarus: Uprising's contentious controls originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dskid-icarus-uprisingmasahiro-sakurainintendonintendo-eadproject-soraFri, 04 May 2012 14:30:00 EST