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[Dead Space 2 DLC 'Severed' adds two single-player chapters, brings back DSG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/dead-space-2-dlc-severed-adds-two-single-player-chapters-brin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/dead-space-2-dlc-severed-adds-two-single-player-chapters-brin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/dead-space-2-dlc-severed-adds-two-single-player-chapters-brin/#commentsDead Space 2 DLC While Dead Space 2 has only been on retail shelves for about ... oh, a couple hours, that hasn't stopped EA from announcing more Dead Space 2 in the form of "an all-new digital download pack that extends the Dead Space 2 story with the addition of two standalone chapters in the single-player game." Most notably, "Dead Space 2: Severed" features the return of some nobody named Gabe Weller and ... Lexine "Dead Space Girl" Murdoch! Some of you may recall a certain blog's fondness for DSG ... we still remember seeing her for the first time (and haven't gotten her out of our heads since).

The only other details we have on Severed include a release window of "soon" for both the Xbox 360 and PS3. And yes, PC gamers, we realize that means your platform of choice isn't included and, since we wouldn't want anyone to miss out on an opportunity to be reunited with Ms. Murdoch, we've asked the publisher to clarify what's going on.

[Update: An EA rep got back to VG247 and said, simply, "Dead Space 2: Severed will not be available on the PC." So, we guess that's that?]

JoystiqDead Space 2 DLC 'Severed' adds two single-player chapters, brings back DSG originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-space-2Dead-Space-2-SeveredDLCDSGLexine-Murdochmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnSeveredvisceral-gamesxboxxbox-liveTue, 25 Jan 2011 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Street artists beef up billboards with Doom graphics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/street-artists-beef-up-billboards-with-doom-graphics/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/street-artists-beef-up-billboards-with-doom-graphics/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/street-artists-beef-up-billboards-with-doom-graphics/#comments
[Flickr user Mr. Talion]
You know what? Driving around is boring. Luckily, some Germans are taking steps to amp up the experience by incorporating Doom graphics into billboard ads, effectively upping their cool factor exponentially. Check out this Flickr set and tell us these billboards are anything but completely awesome. We dare you!

Hopefully, this is the beginning of a trend that will cross the oceans of the world and spread throughout every major city, causing us to actually care about these outdoor advertising eyesores. In the spirit of international sharing, we've got a couple ideas of our own you can check out past the break.

[Via Animal New York and Nerdcore; thanks, Ryan]

Continue reading Street artists beef up billboards with Doom graphics

JoystiqStreet artists beef up billboards with Doom graphics originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billboardbillboardsbubsydoomdsgduke-nukemWed, 09 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space 2 announced for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/dead-space-2-announced-for-pc-ps3-and-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/dead-space-2-announced-for-pc-ps3-and-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/dead-space-2-announced-for-pc-ps3-and-xbox-360/#comments
 Not official art, actually
Do us a favor and read the following sentence really slowly -- seriously, savor it. It's been hinted and teased at enough to give the world's remaining necromorphs a heart attack, but Dead Space 2 has finally been officially announced for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Now, you might be wondering why you had to take your time with that easily understandable sentence. Well ... we don't really have anything else to tell you. It's still Visceral, it's still Isaac Clark, it's still the necromorph invasion. We don't even have a release window. The best thing EA has to say is, "Survival isn't the only thing on Isaac's mind in Dead Space 2 - this time, he calls the shots," which makes it sound like our engineer protagonist dumped his abusive boyfriend and moved to the big city to work in an office pool with Dolly Parton and Morgan Fairchild.

... Actually, that sounds pretty good.

JoystiqDead Space 2 announced for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spacedead-space-2eaElectronic-Artsisaac-clarkeMicrosoftsurvival-horrorvisceralvisceral-gamesXbox-360Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Dead Space Extraction sold 9,000 copies in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/npd-dead-space-extraction-sold-9-000-copies-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/npd-dead-space-extraction-sold-9-000-copies-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/npd-dead-space-extraction-sold-9-000-copies-in-september/#commentsEA's latest experiment with mature Wii games doesn't seem to be going so well. According to numbers given to Edge by the NPD, Dead Space Extraction only managed to sell around 9,000 copies in September -- although it should be noted that the game was out for only five days in the NPD's September sales period (September 29 - October 3).

EEDAR's Jesse Divnich, however, cites the sales as the result of a successful not telling anyone about the game experiment. "Electronic Arts didn't market Dead Space Extraction as much as it does with other titles," he told Edge. "And the success or failure of a Wii title usually correlates directly to marketing spend. If Electronic Arts spent little on marketing, I am sure the sell through was no surprise to them." It was, like everything, a complete shock to Dead Space Girl.

JoystiqNPD: Dead Space Extraction sold 9,000 copies in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spacedead-space-extractioneaElectronic-ArtsNintendonpdWiiWed, 21 Oct 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space 2 entering production in 'next few months']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/dead-space-2-entering-production-in-next-few-months/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/dead-space-2-entering-production-in-next-few-months/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/dead-space-2-entering-production-in-next-few-months/#comments
LinkedIn continues to provide our only link to the status of a true sequel to Dead Space. A recent job posting on the professional networking site, created by EA senior recruiter Jeff Ballard, reports, "The previous installment in the Dead Space franchise received numerous awards ... and the same core team is in place to create an even better follow up." The posting adds, "The game is in the later stages of pre-production, ready for production in the next few months, with many of the navigational and combat mechanics in place."

With the point-n-shoot spin-off, Dead Space Extraction, releasing this week for Wii, confirmation that the core-series sequel (expected for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC) will soon roll into production phase comes as welcome news to fans looking for the franchise to stay the traditional course. Hopefully, EA and developer Visceral Games' transmissions will continue to pick up from here on out.

[Via superannuation]

JoystiqDead Space 2 entering production in 'next few months' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spacedead-space-2eaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftpre-productionsequelstatusthe-horror-the-horrorvisceral-gamesXbox-360Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[We want this Fallout 3 Brotherhood of Steel costume]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/we-want-this-fallout-3-brotherhood-of-steel-costume/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/we-want-this-fallout-3-brotherhood-of-steel-costume/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/we-want-this-fallout-3-brotherhood-of-steel-costume/#comments
OK, we're sure this has been floating around the tubes for a bit, but we're more than happy to devote some attention to the very cool Brotherhood of Steel costume you see above. Made out of awesome and love (probably some foam and paint in there too), the beautiful homage to Fallout 3 was apparently completed back in March.

After seeing this, we don't feel so bad about losing that auction for the 7'10" Brotherhood of Steel statue. We'd go to work wearing this costume if we could.

[Thanks, Gawk]

JoystiqWe want this Fallout 3 Brotherhood of Steel costume originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworksbrotherhood-of-steelcosplaycostumefallout-3MicrosoftRPGXbox-360Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[JAKKS wants to keep WWE, THQ not quite sure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/jakks-wants-to-keep-wwe-thq-not-quite-sure/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/jakks-wants-to-keep-wwe-thq-not-quite-sure/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/jakks-wants-to-keep-wwe-thq-not-quite-sure/#comments
JAKKS is more than happy to reenter into its WWE licensing deal with THQ, but the gaming company isn't so sure it's ready to make a commitment. After JAKKS signed on the dotted line to extend its gaming agreement with the wrestling group for five years, THQ sued the toymaker, saying it wasn't ready to make a decision and that JAKKS had no right to sign the agreement without THQ's consent.

There were some reportedly shady dealings when JAKKS originally got the contract -- perhaps THQ wants to get the whole pie for itself. Who knows? Either way, the two companies have entered into arbitration, so hopefully the tiff won't have an impact on releases.

JoystiqJAKKS wants to keep WWE, THQ not quite sure originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jakkslawsuitMicrosoftsportsthqwrestlingwweXbox-360Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vandal Hearts delayed for XBLA and PSN, still hearts you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/vandal-hearts-delayed-for-xbla-and-psn-still-hearts-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/vandal-hearts-delayed-for-xbla-and-psn-still-hearts-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/vandal-hearts-delayed-for-xbla-and-psn-still-hearts-you/#comments If you had your heart set on downloading Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment via XBLA or PSN this September, prepare to have it broken. Konami has confirmed to Joystiq a report by Eurogamer that the return of the company's classic strategy RPG franchise has been delayed until "winter."

No reason was provided for the postponement of the game, which we first caught a glimpse of earlier this year. Let's hope the developer's equipment wasn't ... wait for it ... vandalized. (That one was from the heart.)

JoystiqVandal Hearts delayed for XBLA and PSN, still hearts you originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayskonamiMicrosoftpsnvandal-heartsvandal-hearts-flames-of-judgmentxblaXbox-360Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The internets present: Michael Pachter FACTS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/michael-pachter-facts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/michael-pachter-facts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/michael-pachter-facts/#comments
Joystiq admittedly went a little crazy with stories involving Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter recently. But, how can the internet blame us? The man is such an important figure. Not only to the video game industry, but to the current state of humanity. Inspired by Harmonix's Alex Navarro, the facts of Michael Pachter's importance were spoken across the Twitterverse and compiled by one Jared Newman. A small sampling:
  • When Michael Pachter gets the Red Ring of Death, he sends Microsoft a coffin.
  • Publications often misrepresent Michael Pachter as a "Wedbush Morgan Analyst." No company can contain Michael Pachter.
  • Michael Pachter willed the Dreamcast to its destruction. No one can cast dreams except Michael Pachter.
  • There is a little-known seventh ESRB rating: P. It stands for Pachter. P-rated games can only be played by the awesome.
  • Michael Pachter has learned to suppress the pon farr. He's that logical.
We hope these facts help clarify his importance. Those looking to learn more can always search Twitter for #pachterfacts. Some facts show a lack of refinement, created by jealous heathens, but many will bestow the importance of this one man. If you know more facts, please feel free to add them below. Inspiration will get you kudos, crassness will get you a one way ticket off Joys- Pachstiq.

JoystiqThe internets present: Michael Pachter FACTS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metamichael-pachterpachterpachter-factspachterfactsWed, 01 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LGJ: The new meaning of 'player vs player']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/lgj-the-new-meaning-of-player-vs-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/lgj-the-new-meaning-of-player-vs-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/lgj-the-new-meaning-of-player-vs-player/#commentsEach week Mark Methenitis contributes Law of the Game on Joystiq ("LGJ"), a column on legal issues as they relate to video games:


Terra Nova recently posted a note about a Craigslist case that could have some impact on the gaming space. It relates to theories about how players could sue other players, which is something that briefly came up in a World of Warcraft suit two years ago (which settled before going to court). The result of the case was, in no uncertain terms, that a lawsuit under a third-party beneficiary theory could be entirely blocked by a well written Terms of Use. That's not to say that all cases involving third parties are barred, as another World of Warcraft legal battle, the Glider case, was successful; though primarily based on tortious interference. So, while some potential sources of player-versus-player lawsuits may be now foreclosed, I still think there's a range of potential suits that could become prevalent.

Of course, this theorizing requires a basic understanding of third party-beneficiaries, and that goes all the way back to the basics of contracts. In a simple contract, there are generally two parties. A basic sales transaction is probably the simplest contract. Say you go to GameStop to purchase inFAMOUS: You give the clerk your $59.99 plus tax, and he gives you the game and a receipt. That was a basic contract for the sale of goods, and the receipt is evidence of some additional terms of the contract for sale, such as the return policy.

Continue reading LGJ: The new meaning of 'player vs player'

JoystiqLGJ: The new meaning of 'player vs player' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columnshernandez-vs-igelawlaw-of-the-gamelawsuitlgjmmoplayer-vs-playerpvpWed, 01 Jul 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Suda 51 plays Burnout Paradise (a lot) more than you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/suda51-plays-burnout-paradise-a-lot-more-than-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/suda51-plays-burnout-paradise-a-lot-more-than-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/suda51-plays-burnout-paradise-a-lot-more-than-you/#comments Grasshopper Manfacture boss Goichi "Suda 51" Suda likes to do everything to the extreme, whether it's the ultra-violence of No More Heroes or -- as we now know -- playing other developers' games, specifically Criterion's Burnout Paradise. The British dev's head honcho, Alex Ward, issued a tweet revealing that Suda had recently popped by his studio (likely after the recent Nordic Game Conference) and is a "hardcore Burnout fan."

"Hardcore" may be an understatement, as Ward disclosed that server logs show Suda has played more than 700 hours of Burnout Paradise. So, there it is: Even more proof that Suda 51 knows great games and takes everything to the extreme. It may also explain why we haven't heard anything more about the horror title he's working on for EA alongside Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqSuda 51 plays Burnout Paradise (a lot) more than you originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionburnout-paradisecriterioneaelectronic-artsgoichi-sudagrasshopper-manufacturesuda51Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fitness Hero! Workout Hero! (Not from Activision, though!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/fitness-hero-workout-hero-not-from-activision-though/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/fitness-hero-workout-hero-not-from-activision-though/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/fitness-hero-workout-hero-not-from-activision-though/#comments
Trademarks for both Fitness Hero and Workout Hero have been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Siliconera, which spends its summer afternoons looking up trademarks, found the listings aren't by Activision, but by VPT Technologies, an exergaming developer.

We said it before -- when Gearbox Software registered War Hero -- doesn't Activision own the word "hero" in relation to any video game by this point? We know Activision is litigious -- even when it's wrong. Some attorney on retainer should be all over this.

JoystiqFitness Hero! Workout Hero! (Not from Activision, though!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fitness-herosiliconeraworkout-heroWed, 01 Jul 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: UFC to ban fighters that sign on for EA's MMA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/rumor-ufc-to-ban-fighters-that-sign-on-for-eas-mma/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/rumor-ufc-to-ban-fighters-that-sign-on-for-eas-mma/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/rumor-ufc-to-ban-fighters-that-sign-on-for-eas-mma/#comments
There's been a pretty crazy rumor floating around. originating from the mixedmartialarts.com forums. The rumor states that UFC will blacklist any fighter that chooses to be a part of EA's upcoming game, MMA. That means should any fighter sign up to be represented in EA's game, they won't ever be endorsed by the UFC or asked to join. Crazy, right?

It makes sense, though, considering how well UFC 2009 Undisputed sold. UFC has a bona fide franchise on its hands, and will likely begin prepping for a sequel soon (if not already), and doesn't want that threatened by EA's game. But, hey, can't we all just get along? This isn't football, after all.

We've put in word to UFC corporate about the rumor and will be sure to get back to you as soon as we hear something.

[Via BloodyElbow; Thanks, Ryan!]

JoystiqRumor: UFC to ban fighters that sign on for EA's MMA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftmixed-martial-artsmmarumorufcufc-2009-undisputedXbox-360Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Sam Fisher's rebirth in Splinter Cell Conviction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/video-sam-fishers-rebirth-in-splinter-cell-conviction/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/video-sam-fishers-rebirth-in-splinter-cell-conviction/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/video-sam-fishers-rebirth-in-splinter-cell-conviction/#comments Let's face it, Splinter Cell's Sam Fisher has traveled a rocky road. For a while he completely disappeared from the console scene. Sure, we saw him every once in a while, lurking in magazines or in a few videos (complete with Emo makeover). Now Sam has reemerged from his beloved shadows, and the developers at Ubisoft are here to share everything about his new abilities and the new features in Splinter Cell Conviction.

Check out the video above for a look at the new "mark and execute" feature as well as the "last known position" silhouette. And, of course, you can just admire Sam being a badass. Get to the watching.

JoystiqVideo: Sam Fisher's rebirth in Splinter Cell Conviction originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftsplinter-cellsplinter-cell-convictionubisoftubisoft-montrealXbox-360Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hacker brings PlayStation to the Pre]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/hacker-brings-playstation-to-the-pre/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/hacker-brings-playstation-to-the-pre/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/hacker-brings-playstation-to-the-pre/#comments
We can't tell you the number of times we've been on a train or bus and thought, "Wow, I really wish I was playing (insert your favorite PSX game here, though we're going to assume it's Pepsiman because of course it is)." Engadget reports that super hacker ZodTTD has heard our silent prayer and brought PlayStation 1 emulation to the Palm Pre.

It's not quite perfect yet (and not just because you have to play the thing with a keyboard), but at least we know our dream of bringing refreshing Pepsi-Cola to the children of the world on the go is just a bit closer to fruition.

JoystiqHacker brings PlayStation to the Pre originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackpalm-preplaystationpsxWed, 01 Jul 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[A peek (and head tilt) into the future: head-tracking in FPS games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/a-peek-and-head-tilt-into-the-future-head-tracking-in-fps-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/a-peek-and-head-tilt-into-the-future-head-tracking-in-fps-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/a-peek-and-head-tilt-into-the-future-head-tracking-in-fps-gam/#comments
Move over Johnny Lee. Now that you've gone corporate, there's a new student researcher in town ready to take up your mantle. What mantle is that, you ask? The "show us cool tech that can be used in video games via YouTube" mantle, of course. Introducing Torben Sko, a PhD candidate at Australian National University. He's currently "studying the idea of augmenting traditional forms of computer game interaction using unconventional, but commercially viable approaches." Translation: head- and face-tracking in video games using a traditional webcam.

The video after the break shows off several very impressive demonstrations of this technology using none other than Half-Life 2's Source engine: 1) VR Desktop is a "replication of the [technique] made popular by Johnny Lee"; 2) Zoom in by moving your head closer to the screen; 3) Peering allows you to look around the corners by tilting your head; 4) Camera rotation/spinning allows you to look around, "more like a Handycam"; 5) Ironsighting "allows the player to aim down the barrel of their weapon by tilting their head to the side."

If you're anything like us, you're already imagining this functionality in games using both the Xbox Project Natal camera and the PlayStation Eye. Afraid that new camera-based interfaces herald the death of traditional gameplay? ("I don't want to play Halo Reach by jumping up and down!") Fear not! This video is whispering in your ear, Core Gamer, and saying, "Don't be afraid. Everything is going to be alright."

[Via PushingPlay]

Continue reading A peek (and head tilt) into the future: head-tracking in FPS games

JoystiqA peek (and head tilt) into the future: head-tracking in FPS games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>face-trackinghead-trackingTorben-SkoWed, 01 Jul 2009 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Geek songsmith Jonathan Coulton]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/interview-geek-songsmith-jonathan-coulton/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/interview-geek-songsmith-jonathan-coulton/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/interview-geek-songsmith-jonathan-coulton/#comments
Internet balladeer Jonathan Coulton has a new CD + DVD out called "Best. Concert. Ever." It features 20 different tracks of music with an accompanying video on DVD. Plus, we're giving a copy away! Read through our interview with Coulton below, which contains all the information you ever wanted to know about him and then some, and leave a comment on the related Joyswag post telling us what your dream job would be.

Read on for more, and you might want to put some music on while you do. It's a long interview. Like, seriously long. Grab a cold drink, turn up some tunes (here are a few suggestions), and kick back while you read about the musical voice of geekery.

Gallery: Jonathan Coulton

Continue reading Interview: Geek songsmith Jonathan Coulton

JoystiqInterview: Geek songsmith Jonathan Coulton originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best-Concert-EverinterviewJonathan-CoultonmusicWed, 01 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Jonathan Coulton's latest CD / DVD 'Best. Concert. Ever.']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/joyswag-jonathan-coultons-latest-cd-dvd-best-concert-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/joyswag-jonathan-coultons-latest-cd-dvd-best-concert-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/joyswag-jonathan-coultons-latest-cd-dvd-best-concert-ever/#comments
The good news? We've got a copy of Jonathan Coulton's latest project to give away. It's a double-disc set that features a DVD full of videos from his "Best. Concert. Ever." that was filmed in San Francisco last year, and a CD packed with the music from the same event. That's over 20 tracks, the accompanying videos, and a nifty plastic-free box to hold it in.

The bad news? You have to read through our entire two-part interview with him and send us a footnoted and bibliographed book report on it. Okay, just kidding. But if you're the slightest bit interested, it's there for your reading enjoyment. Once you've moseyed through, leave a comment here telling us what your dream job would be.
  • Leave a comment telling us what your dream job would be
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec) - sorry! These aren't our laws :-(
  • Limit 1 entry per person
  • This entry period ends at 12:00pm ET on Wednesday, July 8. We'll randomly select 1 winner at that time to receive: one copy of Jonathan Coulton's CD+DVD project "Best. Concert. Ever." (ARV $19.99)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

JoystiqJoyswag: Jonathan Coulton's latest CD / DVD 'Best. Concert. Ever.' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Jonathan-CoultonJoyswagMusicWed, 01 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom reveals list of PSP and PS1 games coming to PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/capcom-reveals-list-of-psp-and-ps1-games-coming-to-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/capcom-reveals-list-of-psp-and-ps1-games-coming-to-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/capcom-reveals-list-of-psp-and-ps1-games-coming-to-psn/#comments
Capcom is making good on its promise to release a ridiculous amount of PSP and PS1 titles on the PSN and has announced, via the PS Blog, the next batch of games that will be available to (re)purchase. Resident Evil fans won't be disappointed with the rest of the PS1 franchise entries making their way to the PSN, alongside Dino Crisis. PSP fans will also get their hands on seven titles, including two Mega Man games, two Capcom Classics collections, Darkstalkers and Power Stone Collection.

It's a pretty good bunch of games and you can see the full list after the break. Other than Capcom Classics Remixed, which releases in America this week, none of the other games have been dated for any territory, nor even confirmed for European release. We've contacted Capcom Europe to ask, but release dates for the US will be revealed on the PlayStation Blog over time.

Continue reading Capcom reveals list of PSP and PS1 games coming to PSN

JoystiqCapcom reveals list of PSP and PS1 games coming to PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdino-crisismega-manPS1psnresident-evilresident-evil-2resident-evil-3Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Surprising no one, StarCraft II fans petition for LAN support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/surprising-no-one-starcraft-ii-fans-petition-for-lan-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/surprising-no-one-starcraft-ii-fans-petition-for-lan-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/surprising-no-one-starcraft-ii-fans-petition-for-lan-support/#comments
You can say that we're getting old, but this petition, created by StarCraft II fans that want to see LAN support included in the game, is actually making us a little nostalgic. The air is once more thick with with slight, reedy voices crying fruitlessly out for ultimately inconsequential change! It's intoxicating!

But we have to admit that their opener, "We, your most loyal fans, implore you to reconsider adding LAN as a network feature to StarCraft II," is a little soft for our taste. C'mon guys, when this totally doesn't work at all, you need to feel like you gave it your best shot.

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqSurprising no one, StarCraft II fans petition for LAN support originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardlanpcpetitionrtsstarcraft-2Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 getting 1080p, 5.1 sound ... ads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/xbox-360-getting-1080p-5-1-sound-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/xbox-360-getting-1080p-5-1-sound-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/xbox-360-getting-1080p-5-1-sound-ads/#comments Thanks to Silverlight, Microsoft's answer to Adobe's cross-platform Flash standard, Xbox 360 owners will soon be able to experience the thrill of high-definition interactive advertisements. Speaking to MediaPost, Microsoft's advertising business group director, Sean Alexander, touted the ability for HD ads created using the technology to run in web browsers, on mobile phones and on the fancy-schmancy, multi-touch Surface "table computer" without needing to be re-written.

The tech is to be implemented on 360 "within the year," Alexander said. Though it would likely require a minimal download, we've got the feeling MS will save its roll-out for the next major Dashboard upgrade, rumored to hit this fall. We can't wait.

[Via Edge Online]

JoystiqXbox 360 getting 1080p, 5.1 sound ... ads originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingmicrosoftsilverlightXbox-360Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mizuguchi, Suda 51 weigh in on E3's new motion controllers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/mizuguchi-suda-51-weigh-in-on-e3s-new-motion-controllers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/mizuguchi-suda-51-weigh-in-on-e3s-new-motion-controllers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/mizuguchi-suda-51-weigh-in-on-e3s-new-motion-controllers/#comments
In this week's Famitsu, three major Japanese developers discussed this year's E3 and how they feel about the various motion technology displayed. Grasshopper Manufacture's Suda 51, Q Entertainment's Tetsuya Mizuguchi and Level-5's Akihiro Hino all somewhat agree on what they see as the future of gaming. "Hardware-wise, it was all about Project Natal," Mr. Suda said, as translated by 1UP, noting his excitement on the possibility of creating a game specifically based around its technology.

"It's not a shift from 2D to 3D or in the number of polygons, but it's games trying to open up an entirely new door," Mizuguchi agreed, continuing, "I thought it would take longer, but it's happening faster than I expected." Ironically, when the trio chose the most exciting games at E3, the list quickly filled with Western-developed games, from Splinter Cell: Conviction and Assassin's Creed 2 to The Beatles: Rock Band. Could they resist the ubiquitous Final Fantasy name drop? No, no they could not. "The visual quality was so impressive that I doubted it was even a game," Hino said of AC2, adding, "Final Fantasy XIII is the same way." Impressed/interested by the motion technology but still loving AAA-franchise sequels? Sounds like the whole game industry right now.

Gallery: Project Natal

JoystiqMizuguchi, Suda 51 weigh in on E3's new motion controllers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akihiro-hinoassassins-creed-2famitsufinal-fantasy-xiiigrasshopper-manufacturelevel-5Microsoftproject-natalq-entertainmentsplinter-cell-convictionsuda-51tetsuya-mizuguchithe-beatles-rock-bandXbox-360Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard files trademark for 'Cataclysm']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/blizzard-files-trademark-for-cataclysm/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/blizzard-files-trademark-for-cataclysm/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/blizzard-files-trademark-for-cataclysm/#comments The identity of Blizzard's unannounced MMO project may have just been revealed. Anonymous gaming news bloodhound superannuation recently uncovered a trio of trademarks from the MMO juggernaut, reserving the name "Cataclysm" for use in the fields of computer games, online games and paper-based products. We assume that last one doesn't mean Blizzard's dealing in Cataclysm-branded stationary.

Our acronym-infused sister site WoW.com reminded us of a very important point -- not all Blizzard trademarks turn into actual games (isn't that right, StarCraft: Ghost?). However, they also noticed that the domain name wowcataclysm.com recently expired and is now held by GoDaddy -- who handles all of Blizzard's domains. It looks like Big Blizz is up to something -- but we might have to wait till BlizzCon to find out what that something is.

[Via WoW.com]

JoystiqBlizzard files trademark for 'Cataclysm' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcataclysmmmotrademarkunannounced-mmoWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmwowWed, 01 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shoryuken see Everybody Loves Raymond's mom drop a shoryuken ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/shoryuken-see-everybody-loves-raymonds-mom-drop-a-shoryuken/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/shoryuken-see-everybody-loves-raymonds-mom-drop-a-shoryuken/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/shoryuken-see-everybody-loves-raymonds-mom-drop-a-shoryuken/#comments
This moment brought to you by the letters W, T, and F:

After the break, a very special moment made up of three disparate, but equally important, elements: 78-year-old Doris Roberts (that's Everybody Love's Raymond's mom to most of you); the line "Game on!"; and an honest-to-goodness shoryuken (don't call it an uppercut!).

We have the upcoming movie Aliens in the Attic to thank for the existence of this moment. To spare you the pain of watching the entire trailer, we've trimmed out the relevant scene from Hulu and tucked it away after the break. Overseas? Try this YouTube variant (but skip to 1:25! You've been warned!).

[Via Capcom Unity]

Continue reading Shoryuken see Everybody Loves Raymond's mom drop a shoryuken

JoystiqShoryuken see Everybody Loves Raymond's mom drop a shoryuken originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-in-the-AtticDoris-RobertsshoryukenStreet-FighterWTFWed, 01 Jul 2009 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[And you thought DJ Hero was expensive in America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/and-you-thought-dj-hero-was-expensive-in-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/and-you-thought-dj-hero-was-expensive-in-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/and-you-thought-dj-hero-was-expensive-in-america/#comments
Europeans will be paying through the nose -- but pay they will, if past Hero franchise figures are anything to go by -- for the next rhythm game from Activision. ShopTo has told Eurogamer that DJ Hero will retail for a ridiculous £108 in the UK. That's about $178 -- a $50 markup from the already silly US price.

Retailers are doing their best to bring the price down to something a little more reasonable, with ShopTo offering the game for £94.85 and HMV listing a £99.99 price point. Still a bit steep, but we suspect the game will still sell pretty decently. Although, that depends on how much Scratch will be selling for ...

JoystiqAnd you thought DJ Hero was expensive in America originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-heroeuropeMicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Go Grease Lightning (to the Wii and DS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/go-grease-lightning-to-the-wii-and-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/go-grease-lightning-to-the-wii-and-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/go-grease-lightning-to-the-wii-and-ds/#comments Listen up, musical theater majors! Your time of reckoning approaches. Sure, your friends can easily best you at Halo 3 or Call of Duty 4 -- but in a short while, a title which will finally allow you to invoke your unique skill set will hit store shelves. We speak, of course, of Grease. The movie. The video game. For Wii and DS.

505 Games recently picked up the rights to adapt the musical film in conjunction with Paramount Digital Entertainment. The game will put players in the gaudy, unfortunate shoes of one of Sandy or Danny's cronies, forcing them to sing and dance using motion controls, microphones or the DS touch screen. Further gameplay details or a release date for Grease are currently unknown. C'mon, 505! Tell us more! Tell us more!

JoystiqGo Grease Lightning (to the Wii and DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamescasualDSgreaseNintendoparamount-digital-entertainmentWiizoe-modeWed, 01 Jul 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kojima Productions in 'support role' for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/kojima-productions-in-support-role-for-castlevania-lords-of-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/kojima-productions-in-support-role-for-castlevania-lords-of-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/kojima-productions-in-support-role-for-castlevania-lords-of-s/#comments
Hideo Kojima has further reiterated his supporting role in Castlevania: Lord of Shadow in a new interview with Weekly Famitsu, reports 1UP. "This has become a big project, one with the idea that we needed to make a Castlevania which had that same kind of feverish Western support, and that's why Kojima Productions came in to help," Kojima told the Japanese publication.

With his Metal Gear Solid games beloved by everyone the world over (everyone with taste, anyway), Kojima's the right man for the job. But seeing as how this game is being developed by Madrid-based Mercury Steam Entertainment, Kojima obviously won't be on-site to aid in development. Instead, the team comes up with concepts to run by Kojima and he has them "fix things based on my objective viewpoint." An example given is the initial model for the hero's face, which Kojima had them redesign to be, well, more heroic looking. See, people, this is the kind of thing only Kojima can bring to the table!

JoystiqKojima Productions in 'support role' for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlevaniacastlevania-lords-of-shadowhideo-kojimakojimakonamimercurysteammercurysteam-entertainmentMicrosoftXbox-360Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Frozenbyte responds: 'XBLA version of Trine is a possibility']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/frozenbyte-responds-xbla-version-of-trine-is-a-possibility/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/frozenbyte-responds-xbla-version-of-trine-is-a-possibility/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/frozenbyte-responds-xbla-version-of-trine-is-a-possibility/#comments
While we were ready to believe that online co-op in the Xbox Live Arcade release of Trine was "speculation," we'll admit, we were pretty taken aback to hear the developer refer to the XBLA release itself as "speculation" as well. While Trine's would-be XBLA publisher at Atlus issued a terse "no comment," we got a hold of the developers at Frozenbyte, whose Lauri Hyvärinen had this to say:
An XBLA version of Trine is a possibility but nothing more at present time. We would love to have Trine on XBLA and we've partnered with Atlus to make it happen, but it needs Microsoft's approval and there are other factors as well. So it may happen or it may not, that's really the current situation. Everything else ranging from release date to features is just speculation and isn't based on any facts.

As soon as we know more we will also inform everyone else :)
So, there you have it. Microsoft needs to approve the game and Frozenbyte has to address "other factors" (we don't think online co-op is required - Bionic Commando Rearmed lacks online support for its co-op mode). But don't keep your feelings bottled up inside (you can get sick that way, y'know?). Share them with us in our handy poll, which is awaiting your input just after the break.

Continue reading Frozenbyte responds: 'XBLA version of Trine is a possibility'

JoystiqFrozenbyte responds: 'XBLA version of Trine is a possibility' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtlusFrozenbyteLauri-HyvrinenMicrosoftTrineXBLAXbox-360Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Dave Perry gives first video tour of Gaikai]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/dave-perry-gives-first-video-tour-of-gaikai/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/dave-perry-gives-first-video-tour-of-gaikai/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/dave-perry-gives-first-video-tour-of-gaikai/#comments
Between OnLive and Gaikai, we're not sure who to trust less. Both systems are clearly operating under some form of unknown dark magic, allowing the mysterious services to stream high-def gaming directly into your television and computer browser. Both services though -- luckily and necessarily -- have representatives willing to happily test our skepticism in OnLive's Steve Perlman and Gaikai's Dave Perry.

The video (found after the break) has the latter demoing Gaikai, streaming games from Mario Kart 64 to Spore to EVE Online, all from his Vista-powered PC running Firefox on an 800-mile trip between the server and his home. He claims in the video to be streaming all of the games demoed from sub 1-megabit internet speeds and says that "even a NetBook" could run Gaikai with no problems. From what we can see, things are running smoothly, though unlike OnLive, we've yet to get our hands on the equipment. Perry says we'll see more at this month's Develop Conference, so for those of you itching for more Gaikai, you've got a two-week wait on your hands. Perhaps you should play some of those old, less magic-filled gaming consoles you have.

[Via Edge Online]

Continue reading Dave Perry gives first video tour of Gaikai

JoystiqDave Perry gives first video tour of Gaikai originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-perrydavid-perryeve-onlinegaikaimario-kart-64onlivepcsporesteve-perlmanWed, 01 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First Quake Arena Arcade screen drops, new level and all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/first-quake-arena-arcade-screen-drops-new-level-and-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/first-quake-arena-arcade-screen-drops-new-level-and-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/first-quake-arena-arcade-screen-drops-new-level-and-all/#comments
click to Arena-size
It's been awhile since we've heard anything "official" regarding Quake Arena Arcade, the Xbox Live Arcade port of Quake III Arena. For example, we just found out that "Quake Arena Arcade" is the title of the game! First announced nearly two years ago at QuakeCon 2007, the Pi Studios-developed title was MIA until John Carmack told Joystiq in February that the title was "very close" to being finished.

Now, with the power of Twitter at its side, Pi Studios has ushered the very first screenshot of the game into this world. Sure, it's a pretty boring menu screen; however, the more astute amongst you will notice things like: new levels! "Cliffside"? That looks awfully bright and airy compared to the Quake III Arena we remember (see: Arena Gate). Pi Studios' site has some more details on the game: 40 Arenas in single and multiplayer; 16-player multiplayer; leaderboards, matchmaking; and oodles of game modes, including "Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Tournament, Harvester and Overload."

So, "very close" eh? We don't see it in this here Summer of Arcade post ... maybe QuakeCon will bring more news.

[Via Gamerbytes]

Source - Quake Arena Arcade page at PiStudios.com
Source - @QuakeXBLA

JoystiqFirst Quake Arena Arcade screen drops, new level and all originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>id-SoftwareMicrosoftQuake-Arena-ArcadeQuake-XBLAXBLAXbox-360Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: E74 victims should have received refund check by now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/psa-e74-victims-should-have-received-refund-check-by-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/psa-e74-victims-should-have-received-refund-check-by-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/psa-e74-victims-should-have-received-refund-check-by-now/#comments
If your Xbox 360 fell victim to the E74 error and you paid Microsoft for the repair, you should have received a refund check back from the company by today. If you paid for a repair and have yet to receive a check, you'll need to follow up with Microsoft before the hard deadline of November 1, 2009. After that ... well, you're just going to have to eat it.

The E74 error was placed under a similar warranty to that of the Xbox 360's "Red Ring of Death," after data revealed it was another widespread defect for the console.

[Thanks, Matt L]

JoystiqPSA: E74 victims should have received refund check by now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defecte74microsoftrefundrrodXbox-360Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[New Uncharted 2 multiplayer demo incoming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/new-uncharted-2-multiplayer-demo-incoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/new-uncharted-2-multiplayer-demo-incoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/new-uncharted-2-multiplayer-demo-incoming/#comments
After deftly dodging questions like, "How many polygons are there in Nathan's eyebrow?" and "Can I give Elena an accent in my fanfic?" Naughty Dog co-president Evan Wells confirmed a new Uncharted 2: Among Thieves demo in an online Q&A held yesterday, courtesy of the PlayStation Blog. "Yes, we're going to have another multiplayer demo before the game hits shelves," Wells said. "The exact timing isn't finalized yet, but it should be available to an even wider group this time, so if you missed the last one I don't think you'll have any problem getting in this one."

We're hoping that by "even wider group," he's referring to everyone who can't wait to play the frantically anticipated action-adventure (which is everyone) and failed to gain entry into the recent beta. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is currently scheduled for release this Fall -- a more exact date will be announced "very soon," Wells teased.

JoystiqNew Uncharted 2 multiplayer demo incoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betademoevan-wellsmultiplayernaughty-doguncharted-2Uncharted-2-Among-ThievesWed, 01 Jul 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Square Enix teaser game revealed as Final Fantasy Gaiden: The Four Warriors of Light]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/latest-square-enix-teaser-game-revealed-as-final-fantasy-gaiden/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/latest-square-enix-teaser-game-revealed-as-final-fantasy-gaiden/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/latest-square-enix-teaser-game-revealed-as-final-fantasy-gaiden/#commentsFor once, a Japanese publisher has managed to create a teaser site without having the identity of the new game revealed by Famitsu scans before the official unveiling. Because Jump scans revealed it first.

The Jump scan shows the same dragon-riding artwork found on the teaser site, with two more characters than the site currently shows, revealing a party of four. Final Fantasy Gaiden: The Four Warriors of Light (not related to the Game Boy Final Fantasy Adventure, known in Japan as Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden) is an original turn-based Final Fantasy RPG for DS, in the same style as the recent Final Fantasy DS remakes.

The scan refers to a "four-person party adventure," but we can't tell if that means multiplayer or if it's just a reference to parties controlled by a single player. According to IGN, the main character is a boy who must rescue a princess from a witch.

The battle system is a familiar turn-based, menu-driven system, with what appears to be the addition of a sort of action points: each character's status includes a certain number of yellow dots, and each action seems to have a dot next to it, indicating a cost. Final Fantasy Gaiden will be out this fall in Japan, and we wouldn't be too surprised to see it in North America the following summer for $40.

JoystiqLatest Square Enix teaser game revealed as Final Fantasy Gaiden: The Four Warriors of Light originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-gaidenNintendorpgsquare-enixWed, 01 Jul 2009 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Hunt monsters in Namco Bandai's 'God Eater']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/hunt-monsters-in-namco-bandais-god-eater/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/hunt-monsters-in-namco-bandais-god-eater/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/hunt-monsters-in-namco-bandais-god-eater/#commentsFamitsu scans have revealed the God Eater project whose title was trademarked by Namco Bandai a couple of months ago. It's a multiplayer action game for PSP that appears aimed at the Monster Hunter market (which, let's be honest, every Japanese developer probably should be trying to do on the PSP). God Eater trades out the fantasy setting of Monster Hunter for a more futuristic, industrial venue. It features a mix of mythical creatures and big, robotic monsters.

According to Siliconera, God Eater will be out this fall in Japan. The existence of that US trademark suggests that the company will be releasing it here as well.

JoystiqHunt monsters in Namco Bandai's 'God Eater' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaction-rpggod-eatermonster-hunternamco-bandaiWed, 01 Jul 2009 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Face-melting deal: GHWT guitar and mic for $50, today only]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/face-melting-deal-ghwt-guitar-and-mic-for-50-today-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/face-melting-deal-ghwt-guitar-and-mic-for-50-today-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/face-melting-deal-ghwt-guitar-and-mic-for-50-today-only/#comments
Everyone's favorite plastic peripheral purveyor, Red Octane, is having a bit of a deal today. The normally $60 wireless guitar and $20 wired microphone for Guitar Hero World Tour (across all platforms) are being offered together in a $50 package -- today only!

If you're less than impressed by the GHWT deal from today, why not get into your fancy schmancy time machine and head back to yesterday when you could've gotten an even better deal? Oh, what's that -- you don't have a time machine? Guess you're stuck with the $50 dollar deal over at Red Octane's website then, fancy pants.

JoystiqFace-melting deal: GHWT guitar and mic for $50, today only originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondealsghwtguitar-heroguitar-hero-world-tourMicrosoftneversoftNintendored-octaneWiiXbox-360Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Damnation devs at Blue Omega laid off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/damnation-devs-at-blue-omega-laid-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/damnation-devs-at-blue-omega-laid-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/damnation-devs-at-blue-omega-laid-off/#comments
It appears that all of the developers at Blue Omega Entertainment, the folks behind Damnation (and producer of B-movie horror flicks like Dark Ride and Danika, starring Marisa Tomei!), have been laid off. Sure, a tweet announcing this has been floating around since June 23rd, but it appears a former employee, who sent a tip to several media outlets, finally got the news ball rolling. Kotaku confirmed with "several former employees" that the entire development team was laid off.

The tipster also reveals there were bigger "issues" at the studio and mentions that, if anyone has access to US and UK legal records, digging around will reveal those problems. Shacknews followed up and found a paper trail of legal disputes and drama involving Blue Omega, publisher Codemasters and subcontractors working on the game.

Whatever all those layers of problems were, it likely had an influence on the team's product: Damnation had an average Metacritic score in the high 30s.

[Via Develop]

JoystiqDamnation devs at Blue Omega laid off originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue-Omegablue-omega-entertainmentcodemastersdamnationlayoffsMicrosoftXbox-360Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space Extraction box art is terrified and screaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/dead-space-extraction-box-art-is-terrified-and-screaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/dead-space-extraction-box-art-is-terrified-and-screaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/dead-space-extraction-box-art-is-terrified-and-screaming/#comments
The guys at Visceral Games have revealed the box art for the upcoming Wiixclusive Dead Space prequel, Dead Space Extraction. This time, there's no sign of Isaac or his iconic space suit. Instead, it consists of a terrified and screaming woman protecting a man from evil space beasties -- an ultimately futile battle if the events of the first game are anything to go by.

We're all for equal opportunities in the space monster-battling workplace, but this terrified and screaming woman is using Isaac's plasma cutter -- is she a space-engineer too? We suppose anything will do when you're terrified and screaming for your life. Try not to look at the artwork too long, you might get the image of that poor woman's face stuck in your head, like we have ...

JoystiqDead Space Extraction box art is terrified and screaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>box-artdead-spacedead-space-extractionNintendovisceral-gamesWiiWed, 01 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST