Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ron Gilbert's Scurvy Scallywags gets trailer, screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ron-gilberts-scurvy-scallywags-gets-trailer-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ron-gilberts-scurvy-scallywags-gets-trailer-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ron-gilberts-scurvy-scallywags-gets-trailer-screens/#comments
Scurvy Scallywags, the upcoming game from Ron Gilbert and DeathSpank co-creator Clayton Kauzlaric, is a little different from most match-three puzzlers. As we learned in March, players can influence the direction in which the board collapses after making a match. This, in turn, can move their character around the board and allow them to engage in combat with other characters.

The concept is a bit difficult to put down on paper, so thankfully there's a new trailer! Take note of the end of the video, as we're fairly certain this is the first sea shanty in history to feature a theremin.

Gallery: Scurvy Scallywags

JoystiqRon Gilbert's Scurvy Scallywags gets trailer, screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beep-gamesiosipadiphonemobilescurvy-scallywagsFri, 17 May 2013 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic the Hedgehog speeds to Android today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-speeds-to-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-speeds-to-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-speeds-to-android-today/#comments Update: The game is now available on the Google Play store.

There are quite a few Sonic games available on Android, but today marks the first appearance of the Blue Blur's original adventure, Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic's first adventure has been updated for mobile devices, adding widescreen support, a remastered soundtrack, leaderboards and more. Furthermore, a brand new addition will allow users to play as either Knuckles or Tails. This new feature is also being added to the iOS version of Sonic the Hedgehog via a free update.

The game hasn't appeared on the North American Google Play store as of this writing, but it's slated to arrive today for $2.99.

Continue reading Sonic the Hedgehog speeds to Android today

JoystiqSonic the Hedgehog speeds to Android today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgoogle-playiosipadiphonemobilesegasonic-the-hedgehogThu, 16 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie platform confessional: Steam, Humble Store, Apple, Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/indie-platform-confessional-steam-humble-store-apple-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/indie-platform-confessional-steam-humble-store-apple-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/indie-platform-confessional-steam-humble-store-apple-android/#commentsIndie platform confessional Steam, Humble Store, Apple, Android
The internet is kind of like a classic confessional - except it's not a box, it's a lot brighter and everyone can hear what you have to say. Still, we asked a handful of independent developers for their thoughts on what exactly makes a platform effective, and they spilled it all, dissecting the pros and cons of the most popular, current models of distibution.

Today, we feature answers from Ridiculous Fishing's Rami Ismail, Canabalt's Adam Saltsman, Octodad's Philip Tibitoski, Retro City Rampage's Brian Provinciano and others. This group of developers had specific thoughts about Steam, the Humble Store, Apple's app stores and the Android hub, Google Play.

This follows yesterday's batch of answers from the Steam, Humble Store, iOS and Android camps. Let the confessions begin:

Continue reading Indie platform confessional: Steam, Humble Store, Apple, Android

JoystiqIndie platform confessional: Steam, Humble Store, Apple, Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidIndieindie-confessionaliosipadiphonemobilepcThu, 16 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds flick flies to cinemas July 1, 2016]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/angry-birds-flick-flies-to-cinemas-july-1-2016/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/angry-birds-flick-flies-to-cinemas-july-1-2016/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/angry-birds-flick-flies-to-cinemas-july-1-2016/#comments A release for the upcoming Angry Birds flick has been narrowed to July 1, 2016, with Sony distributing the movie worldwide, Rovio announced on its website today.

Rovio's intent on creating a feature film was made public late last year, when the studio tapped producers John Cohen and David Maisel from Despicable Me and Iron Man to lead the project. The Angry Birds movie is unique in that it's being completely done in-house - Rovio is funding and producing the film entirely on its own.

JoystiqAngry Birds flick flies to cinemas July 1, 2016 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-movieiosipadiphonemacmobilepcrovioWed, 15 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Zoombies is a fiesta of undead carnage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/zoombies-review-portabliss/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/zoombies-review-portabliss/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/zoombies-review-portabliss/#commentsThis is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go.

Zoombies is a fiesta of undead carnage
Say the name High Voltage, and your first thought might be the Conduit series of first-person shooters (or this). While the studio is indeed known most recently for The Conduit, one of its other ideas has been languishing for quite some time, namely Animales de la Muerte. Originally slated for WiiWare, and then for XBLA and PSN, the game has finally found a home on iOS.

Renamed Zoombies: Animales de la Muerte, the game tells the story of two children who must save a Mexican zoo from being overrun by a horde of zombified animals. To do this, the kids utilize every available tool of destruction, ranging from axes to shotguns, roman candles and even the occasional dollop of guacamole.

Zoombies is the most festive zombie game I've ever played, and it's also one of the most immediately entertaining.

Gallery: Zoombies: Animales de la Muerte (5/15/2013)

Continue reading Zoombies is a fiesta of undead carnage

JoystiqZoombies is a fiesta of undead carnage originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>high-voltageHigh-Voltage-Softwareiosipadiphonemobileportablisszoombies-animales-de-la-muerteWed, 15 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Play launches game services for mobile, social, cloud gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/google-play-launches-game-services-for-mobile-social-cloud-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/google-play-launches-game-services-for-mobile-social-cloud-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/google-play-launches-game-services-for-mobile-social-cloud-gam/#commentsGoogle Play launches game services for mobile, social, cloud gaming Google is kicking off games services on its Play Store that allows developers to add achievements, social and public leaderboards, cloud saving, and real-time multiplayer. The games service goes live today and works completely on Android, and mostly on iOS or other "connected devices" - that second batch won't support multiplayer.

Google Play's games services differs from Apple's Game Center in that it offers backend support, rather than a standalone application.

Anyone making a game with Google Play has access to its developer services. A handful of games already have these services incorporated: World of Goo, Super Stickman Golf 2, Beach Buggy Blitz, Kingdom Rush, Eternity Warriors 2 and Osmos.

"We won't make it a mandatory exercise, or have any certification process around it," Google lead product manager Greg Hartrell told Engadget. "We create fantastic services that allow developers to create these great game experiences, and help promote their discovery, help retain their users and keep them engaged."

Check out the games services on Google's developer site.

Continue reading Google Play launches game services for mobile, social, cloud gaming

JoystiqGoogle Play launches game services for mobile, social, cloud gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgamesgames-servicesgooglegoogle-gamesgoogle-io-2013google-playiosipadiphonemobileWed, 15 May 2013 12:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Karateka Classic coming to iOS and Android tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/karateka-classic-coming-to-ios-and-android-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/karateka-classic-coming-to-ios-and-android-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/karateka-classic-coming-to-ios-and-android-tomorrow/#commentsKarateka Classic coming to iOS, Android History repeats itself in both video games and colas it seems. Years after releasing the original Karateka, Jordan Mechner revised the formula, giving the world "new" Karateka. Some people liked the new flavor - others, not so much. Hearing the demand of fans everywhere, Mechner has announced that Karateka Classic is coming back, specifically to iOS and Android.

Karateka Classic recreates the Apple II experience - right down to the disk drive noises - and offers a range of "monitor" choices, including color CRT, green or amber display. There are a couple of new additions, including gameplay tips and a rewind feature that can be earned, allowing players to reverse their mistakes.

Karateka Classic arrives on iOS and Android tomorrow for $0.99.

Gallery: Karateka Classic

JoystiqKarateka Classic coming to iOS and Android tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonejordan-mechnerkarateka-classicliquid-entertainmentmobileWed, 15 May 2013 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rovio lets loose Stars publishing program for third-party games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/rovio-lets-loose-stars-publishing-program-for-third-party-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/rovio-lets-loose-stars-publishing-program-for-third-party-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/rovio-lets-loose-stars-publishing-program-for-third-party-games/#comments
Rovio is entering the mobile publishing arena through its Rovio Stars initiative, which will cover the whole spectrum of publishing duties such as marketing and PR. Rovio will even consult with developers to help them optimize their games prior to launch.

Budding developers can already submit their mobile works to Rovio Stars through a handy application page, though all applicants must have a playable build to present. Screens, videos and other supplementary materials are also encouraged, as it provides Rovio with a better sense of the overall game.

As of now, Rovio Stars has recruited two games: Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage from Longdon-based Nitrome (based on the Flash version) and Tiny Thief from Barcelona indie outfit 5 Ants. The latter is due sometime this summer, while Icebreaker's mobile release is tentatively scheduled for "soon" on the official site.

Continue reading Rovio lets loose Stars publishing program for third-party games

JoystiqRovio lets loose Stars publishing program for third-party games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5antsandroidicebreaking-a-viking-voyageiosipadiphonemobilenitromeroviorovio-starstiny-thiefWed, 15 May 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA developing Frostbite Go mobile game engine for iOS and Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ea-developing-frostbite-go-mobile-game-engine-for-ios-and-androi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ea-developing-frostbite-go-mobile-game-engine-for-ios-and-androi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ea-developing-frostbite-go-mobile-game-engine-for-ios-and-androi/#commentsEA has a mobile version of Frostbite EA has published a website for its Frostbite graphical engine, and text on the website mentions the existence of a project called Frostbite Go, which EA describes as "a mobile division empowering EA game developers with Frostbite's proven excellent workflows and features to bring true Frostbite experiences to all major mobile platforms." In other words, the company is putting together the technology to run Frostbite on platforms such as iOS and Android.

The blurb doesn't say which version of Frostbite the mobile engine will be based on, but given that Frostbite 3 is the new hotness around EA, it's a fair guess that the company is adapting the latest and greatest for Frostbite Go. We're supposed to see Frostbite 3 games arrive later on this year (with Battlefield 4 being the first of these), so odds are that any Frostbite Go-created products should hit the market at that same time.

JoystiqEA developing Frostbite Go mobile game engine for iOS and Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbattlefield-4developmenteaenginefrostbitefrostbite-3frostbite-gogamegamesiosipadiphonemobileTue, 14 May 2013 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam is king in service wars, Humble Store a sleeping giant, indies say]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/steam-is-king-in-service-wars-humble-store-a-sleeping-giant-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/steam-is-king-in-service-wars-humble-store-a-sleeping-giant-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/steam-is-king-in-service-wars-humble-store-a-sleeping-giant-in/#commentsSteam is king in service wars, Humble Store a sleeping giant, indies say Twenty-one randomly selected indie developers walk into a digital room and ponder the question, "Which online distribution system has been the most effective for your games?"

If this were the set-up to a joke, the punchline would probably be, "Facebook." But for many indie developers, the question of which platform to publish their games on is a very serious one, with potentially dire consequences. Pared down, platform success is all about accessibility, upload and support, and in terms of those factors, there's a clear, unsurprising favorite: Steam.

But maybe not for long.

I asked 21 indie developers this question, and while the majority mentioned Steam in the same casual manner that begets an unchallenged king, there were consistent whispers of other platforms doing things well, perhaps even better than Steam, from a backend perspective. One of these platforms was the Humble Store, which received the second-highest number of solid votes and a handful of positive shout-outs.

"I owe pretty much my entire survival the last few years to iOS, the Humble Store, and to a lesser extent Android and Steam," Adam Saltsman, the creator of Canabalt, said. But iOS ran into some bad censorship issues, Android had discoverability problems and Steam was "obviously" too closed, he said. If Saltsman could choose just one of those platforms to release his next game on, it would be, "Humble Store," hands-down.

Continue reading Steam is king in service wars, Humble Store a sleeping giant, indies say

JoystiqSteam is king in service wars, Humble Store a sleeping giant, indies say originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androideShophumble-storeiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3PSNSTEAMvitawii-uXBLAxbligxboxTue, 14 May 2013 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Mosaique (iOS, Android)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/portabliss-mosaique-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/portabliss-mosaique-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/portabliss-mosaique-ios-android/#commentsThis is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go.


Puzzle games tend to fall into one of two categories. There are the fast and frenetic ones, where you watch pieces smash into one another, pushing your mental and physical reflexes as far as they can go before a wire is crossed and it all comes crashing down, hopefully after you've set a new high score. Then there are the Zen puzzlers. These are slow, asking you to plan the best moves for the highest score. You examine the board, analyzing its patterns and discerning how best to eliminate all those pesky blocks or orbs or gems or what-have-you.

Mosaique falls into the latter category, presenting a deceptively simple game of destroying colored blocks. At no point will it bring you either the stress or exultation of a Tetris or a Puzzle Fighter, but sometimes that's okay. Sometimes you want to sit back, relax, and watch as everything falls into place.

Continue reading Portabliss: Mosaique (iOS, Android)

JoystiqPortabliss: Mosaique (iOS, Android) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemobilemosaiqueportablisswinning-blimpTue, 14 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lucid's Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery unravels on Vita, iOS this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/lucids-jacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mystery-unravels-on-vita-io/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/lucids-jacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mystery-unravels-on-vita-io/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/lucids-jacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mystery-unravels-on-vita-io/#commentsLucid's Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery unravels on Vita, iOS this week Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery sets off for Vita and iOS this week. Lucid's cutesy-looking Unreal Engine 3 puzzler pitches up in North America via PSN on Tuesday, May 14 - it should be Wednesday in Europe. Then iOS welcomes it on Thursday. No prices are announced as yet.

The game features Jacob, a kid who prefers traipsing the outdoors to milling around with his peers. Thankfully, his trip to Camp Eagle Feather includes bumping into Bigfoot, an event that always brightened our summer camp excursions.

Meanwhile, we're still waiting on Lucid's mid-May announcement, which looks to be a racing game, and one possibly tied to Microsoft's own mid-May announcement. The studio, comprised of ex-Bizarre devs, gave a brief shout-out today to fans of Blur and Project Gotham Racing who'd sent the studio messages recently. Which group will be the more pleased later this month, if either, remains to be seen.

JoystiqLucid's Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery unravels on Vita, iOS this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonejacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mysterylucid-gamesmobileplaystationplaystation-vitarelease-datevitaTue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hit mobile RPG Puzzle & Dragons earned $113 million in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/hit-mobile-rpg-puzzle-and-dragons-earned-113-million-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/hit-mobile-rpg-puzzle-and-dragons-earned-113-million-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/hit-mobile-rpg-puzzle-and-dragons-earned-113-million-in-april/#commentsHit mobile RPG Puzzle & Dragons earned $113 million in April In its latest financial report (translated here by Dr. Serkan Toto) Osaka-based publisher GungHo Entertainment announced that its mobile puzzle-RPG Puzzle & Dragons grossed over $113 million in April.

To put that in perspective, GungHo's catalog-wide earnings for April totaled ¥12 billion ($119 million) - a 1,142.8 percent increase over its performance in April 2012. Puzzle & Dragons currently generates $3.76 million in daily revenue, and boasts 13 million players in Japan.

Puzzle & Dragons originally launched for iOS and Android devices last year. A Nintendo 3DS adaptation is slated for release in Japan this winter.

JoystiqHit mobile RPG Puzzle & Dragons earned $113 million in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfinancialsgunghoiosiphonemobilepuzzle-and-dragonsMon, 13 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/#comments
There's a certain stigma attached to strategy games, where deep systems and mechanics can hoist a sky-high barrier for the uninitiated. Sid Meier's Ace Patrol sidesteps these stigmas, presenting a turn-based experience so simple that even the strategically challenged will be able to play and excel.

Designed for iOS devices, Ace Patrol is a dogfighting game set in WWI. With a series of taps, intense air combat is engaged over a battlefield of hexagonal grids. Using these taps, players execute everything from strafing to swooping dives, hard banking, the Immelman turn and other expert maneuvers.

Gallery: Sid Meier's Ace Patrol

Continue reading Sid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified

JoystiqSid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesiosipadiphonemobilesid-meiersid-meiers-ace-patrolMon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[C-Wars Kickstarter ends with over $95K raised, heading to Wii U, iOS and Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/#comments C-Wars, the cyberpunk roguelike RTS by Beijing developer OniPunks Studio, raised a total of $95,574 in its Kickstarter campaign, which ended Saturday. That's $63,574 more than its initial $32,000 goal, just under 300 percent of its funding aspirations thanks to 3,348 backers.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidc-warsCyberpunkiosipadiphonekickstarterLinuxmacmobilenintendoonipunksonipunks-studiopcplaystationplaystation-vitaroguelikeRTSvitawii-uSun, 12 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Into the Dead, endless zombie shooter for mobile, hits 10 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/into-the-dead-endless-zombie-shooter-for-mobile-hits-10-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/into-the-dead-endless-zombie-shooter-for-mobile-hits-10-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/into-the-dead-endless-zombie-shooter-for-mobile-hits-10-millio/#commentsInto the Dead, endless zombie shooter for mobile, gets 10 million hits Mobile games may not all reach the same level of fame as retail or desktop counterparts, but the market is strong, producing games that sell millions more than some of our favorites and support entire teams of developers. Into the Dead from mobile publisher PikPok, for example, just passed 10 million downloads across iOS and Android devices, after five months on the market.

Into the Dead is an endless runner combined with a shooter, all set in the zombie apocalypse. It's free on iOS and Android, but a no-ad version of the game is available for $2 as an in-app purchase. And now for a thought experiment: If only 10 percent of players purchase the ad-free game, that's $2,000,000. Not bad for a 5-month-old.

If you want to bring Into the Dead to 10,000,001 downloads, head to the App Store or Google Play. Another PikPok game to pass 10 million downloads is Flick Kick Football. The Flick Kick series has clocked in more than 20 million downloads.

Continue reading Into the Dead, endless zombie shooter for mobile, hits 10 million

JoystiqInto the Dead, endless zombie shooter for mobile, hits 10 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-millionandroiddownloadfree-to-playinto-the-deadiosipadiphonemobilepikpokzombiesFri, 10 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Room unlocks 2 million sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-room-unlocks-2-million-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-room-unlocks-2-million-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-room-unlocks-2-million-sales/#comments The Room has cracked 2 million sales since its launch in September 2012. Speaking at the Game Horizon conference in the UK, Fireproof Studios Commercial Director Barry Meade revealed the new milestone. The iOS and Android puzzler hit 1 million sales in January, shortly after earning Apple's iPad Game of the Year award.

Meade put down the ex-Criterion devs' success to The Room being featured on Apple's store, and this generating word of mouth. He also noted originality as significant.

"We did not want to do a better version of someone else's game, or an update of a genre," Meade told the audience at Game Horizon. "We thought we're not doing our jobs properly if we don't add to what's out there. As a game creator that's your responsibility. If you're not doing that, if you're chasing what other people are doing, you don't deserve success because you're not showing respect to the audience."

Interior detectives can look forward to The Room getting a sequel this fall, with a free chapter due beforehand.

JoystiqThe Room unlocks 2 million sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgame-horizon-2013iosipadiphonemobileThu, 09 May 2013 07:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Bad Piggies adds recording, sharing to iOS, more levels for everyone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/bad-piggies-adds-recording-sharing-to-ios-more-levels-for-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/bad-piggies-adds-recording-sharing-to-ios-more-levels-for-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/bad-piggies-adds-recording-sharing-to-ios-more-levels-for-ever/#comments

The Rise and Swine update for Rovio's Bad Piggies adds 15 new levels and two fresh items, suction-cup tires and spring-loaded boxing gloves. The big, bad news in this update is the addition of a recording and sharing feature for iOS devices, allowing users to record moments on a whim and share to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The recording feature will come to Android later, Rovio says.

The Rise and Swine update also adds a new sandbox and the Road Hog Challenge. Rise and Swine is a free update, so get up and grab it now on your download service of choice. You know what they say - the early Bird gets Angry. We don't know what that has to do with Bad Piggies, but it's true regardless.

Continue reading Bad Piggies adds recording, sharing to iOS, more levels for everyone

JoystiqBad Piggies adds recording, sharing to iOS, more levels for everyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbad-piggiesiosipadiphonemobileRovioThu, 09 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rovio introduces Rovio accounts: resume progress across devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/rovio-introduces-rovio-accounts-resume-progress-across-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/rovio-introduces-rovio-accounts-resume-progress-across-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/rovio-introduces-rovio-accounts-resume-progress-across-devices/#comments Angry Birds fans will soon be able to have their progress migrate across multiple devices. Enter: Rovio accounts, only available in The Croods game and the original Angry Birds (Poland and Finland) right now, but Rovio expects to roll out the functionality to all of its games eventually.

Rovio's latest financial report shows the company had a strong 2012, earning $195 million in revenue, with almost half of that coming from toy sales alone. The most recent Angry Birds game from Rovio is Angry Birds Friends, a free app on iOS and Android that integrates with Facebook.

JoystiqRovio introduces Rovio accounts: resume progress across devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birds-friendsiosipadiphonemacmobilepcrovioWed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Pixel Press Kickstarter is live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/psa-pixel-press-kickstarter-is-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/psa-pixel-press-kickstarter-is-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/psa-pixel-press-kickstarter-is-live/#comments
The Kickstarter for Pixel Press is now live. As we wrote last week, the app allows iOS devices to scan level designs drawn on special graph paper, automatically turning them into a playable platformer. Once scanned, users will be able to adjust textures and music using either pre-installed assets or their own custom work. Users will then be able to share their levels with other Pixel Press users.

Developer Roundthird is seeking $100,000 to fund the project.

JoystiqPSA: Pixel Press Kickstarter is live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemacmobilepcpixel-pressWed, 08 May 2013 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No Star Wars games in FY 2014, EA says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/no-star-wars-games-in-fy-2014-ea-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/no-star-wars-games-in-fy-2014-ea-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/no-star-wars-games-in-fy-2014-ea-says/#comments EA won't launch a Star Wars game during its 2014 fiscal year - April 2013 to March 2014 - EA said during an investor call today. Yesterday EA announced it had signed an exclusive, multi-year deal with Disney to develop and publish games in the Star Wars universe.

EA released its FY 2013 results today, complete with expectations for 2014 that put net revenue at $3.50 billion. This is based on the launch of 11 games and 15 mobile titles, EA Labels President Frank Gibeau said. In FY 2013, EA saw a net revenue of $3.797 billion, down from $4.143 billion in 2012.

Gibeau called out the next Battlefield, FIFA, Madden, NBA Live and Need for Speed games as next-gen titles. It's notable that NBA Live is on the schedule at all, considering that series' rocky launch history.

"In fiscal 14, we will release 11 major titles across consoles, and on the PC. This includes our core sports titles," EA Labels President Frank Gibeau said, before listing the following franchises and games:

Continue reading No Star Wars games in FY 2014, EA says

JoystiqNo Star Wars games in FY 2014, EA says originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androideaElectronic-Artsfinancialsfy-2014iosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Star-Warsvitawii-uxboxTue, 07 May 2013 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Rex Rocket zooms past funding goal, dev looks to the future]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/rex-rocket-zooms-past-funding-goal-dev-looks-to-the-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/rex-rocket-zooms-past-funding-goal-dev-looks-to-the-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/rex-rocket-zooms-past-funding-goal-dev-looks-to-the-future/#commentsRex Rocket zooms past funding goal, dev looks to the future The last week as been "pretty amazing," says developer Rob Maher. His team - composed of himself, programmer Tyler Bud and composer Nigel "Saskrotch" Shields - just got Rex Rocket funded on Kickstarter. It was a small goal compared to other Kickstarter projects, just $6,000, but to Maher it's monumental. "I mean it's kind of a dream come true for us to put our game up on Kickstarter and have it supported by all these different people, and it's really been exciting for myself and the team."

Rex Rocket draws from Maher and Bud's Nintendo-fueled childhood, taking cues from Mega Man, Metroid and Mario, telling the story of a has-been hero drawn once more into the line of fire. Now, with the project fully funded, Maher and the team can focus on the game full-time. There are still 20 days left to earn more, however, and the team has big plans, including possibly achieving another dream, seeing Rex Rocket published on a Nintendo platform. And, even now, before the Rex Rocket Kickstarter is closed, Maher is planning the team's next game, Blossom Tales.

But let's take it one thing at a time.

Gallery: Rex Rocket

Continue reading Rex Rocket zooms past funding goal, dev looks to the future

JoystiqRex Rocket zooms past funding goal, dev looks to the future originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidiosipadiphonekickstartermacmobilenintendopcplaystationps3rex-rocketwii-uTue, 07 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The evolution of Morning Star's ugly-cute bad guy, the Renfield]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/the-evolution-of-morning-stars-ugly-cute-bad-guy-the-renfield/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/the-evolution-of-morning-stars-ugly-cute-bad-guy-the-renfield/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/the-evolution-of-morning-stars-ugly-cute-bad-guy-the-renfield/#commentsThe evolution of Morning Star's uglycute bad guy, the Renfield Morning Star, from Halo creator Alex Seropian and Seven Lights founder Tim Harris' studio, Industrial Toys, pits players against a variety of alien enemies in a hardcore FPS for mobile devices. The Renfield are a race of agile, bulldog humanoids subservient to the main conquering race, the Dust, who are vampiric monsters bent on destruction.

The Renfield take their name from Bram Stoker's Dracula and its secondary antagonist, R.M. Renfield, a psych ward patient with a penchant for consuming living organisms. In the novel, Renfield is under the control of Count Dracula, just as the Renfield in Morning Star are slaves to the Dust. Marvel artist Mike Choi designed the Renfield in Morning Star in one sketch, and from there the enemy has evolved into varying classes: sniper, trooper and "some surprises," Harris writes.

Get a good look at the Renfield on the Industrial Toys blog.

JoystiqThe evolution of Morning Star's ugly-cute bad guy, the Renfield originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex-Seropianandroidenemiesindustrial-toysiosipadiphonemobilemorning-starrenfieldtim-harrisSun, 05 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Realm's game design concepts explained in Kickstarter video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/the-realms-game-design-concepts-explained-in-kickstarter-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/the-realms-game-design-concepts-explained-in-kickstarter-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/the-realms-game-design-concepts-explained-in-kickstarter-video/#comments
Atomhawk Design recently updated its Kickstarter page for The Realm with a new video explaining the game's design details. The video shows the game's designers elaborating on their inspirations for The Realm, including aspects of popular point-and-click adventure games the team avoided in creating the game, such as deep inventory management. Members of the Atomhawk team also describe the ways that the game's two main characters, a girl named Sarina and her golem friend Toru, interact to solve puzzles.

The Realm has 16 days left in its Kickstarter campaign to reach its goal of £195,000 ($297,000), of which the developer has currently raised £50,497 ($78,593).

JoystiqThe Realm's game design concepts explained in Kickstarter video originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidatomhawk-designDesign-Philosophyiosipadiphonekickstartermacmobilepcthe-realmSun, 05 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pixel Press creates games from your drawings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/pixel-press-creates-games-from-your-drawings/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/pixel-press-creates-games-from-your-drawings/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/pixel-press-creates-games-from-your-drawings/#comments
Maybe, when you were a kid - or currently, if you are a kid - you used to draw your favorite video games. Maybe you designed your own levels, sketching them out on notebooks instead of paying attention in science class (sorry Mrs. Brown!). If you did, Pixel Press might be the most magical thing you'll hear about today.

Pixel Press is an application that works across computers and iOS devices to transform drawings into video game levels. All would-be designers have to do is print off a special sheet using a printer, draw detailed levels onto the grid (like graph paper), and scan the sheet using an iPhone or iPad. Once uploaded, the level can be edited using a computer, allowing designers to apply customized graphics and sound and, finally, share the level with other Pixel Press users. The simple platform game that the app creates doesn't appear to be very complex, but it also requires no coding skills, and it's designed to appeal to kids and families.

A Kickstarter for Pixel Press will launch on May 7. Check out a more detailed tutorial video after the break.

Continue reading Pixel Press creates games from your drawings

JoystiqPixel Press creates games from your drawings originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonekickstartermacmobilepcpixel-pressFri, 03 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Joystiq Podcast 048 Live: Grand Theft Auto 5, Soul Sacrifice, Ace Patrol]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/super-joystiq-podcast-048-live-grand-theft-auto-5-soul-sacrifi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/super-joystiq-podcast-048-live-grand-theft-auto-5-soul-sacrifi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/super-joystiq-podcast-048-live-grand-theft-auto-5-soul-sacrifi/#comments As the ever looming presence of E3 draws closer, we gather to discuss a few of this week's recent and upcoming games on the Super Joystiq Podcast live. Join us as we chat about Grand Theft Auto 5, Thomas Was Alone, which recently made the (double) jump to PSN, Keiji Inafune's Soul Sacrifice for the Vita and Sid Meier's new iOS jam, Ace Patrol.

As usual, we'll have some goodies to giveaway, so stay tuned to learn how you can win. Be here for the live broadcast at 3:55 Eastern!

JoystiqSuper Joystiq Podcast 048 Live: Grand Theft Auto 5, Soul Sacrifice, Ace Patrol originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-auto-5gta5iosipadiphonemobilepcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3soul-sacrificesuper-joystiq-podcastvitaThu, 02 May 2013 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Angry Birds Friends app lands on iOS, Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/free-angry-birds-friends-app-lands-on-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/free-angry-birds-friends-app-lands-on-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/free-angry-birds-friends-app-lands-on-ios-android/#comments Angry Birds Friends - essentially Angry Birds with Facebook integration - is now available on Android and iOS. The free mobile download is compatible with the established Facebook app, letting you invite Facebook friends to play, gift power-ups to your besties, take part in weekly challenges and resume progress between platforms.

The first weekly tournament will go live this Monday, May 6. After that, new weekly tournaments will be initiated every Monday, with new levels also being added every week. So until then, consider this practice time for the real thing - because friendship is all about proving you're better than the other person.

Gallery: Angry Birds Friends

JoystiqFree Angry Birds Friends app lands on iOS, Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-friendsiosipadiphonemobilerovioThu, 02 May 2013 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Hiversaires (iOS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/portabliss-hiversaires-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/portabliss-hiversaires-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/portabliss-hiversaires-ios/#commentsThis is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go.

Portabliss Hiversaires iOS
Why am I here? What do these weird symbols mean? What is this place?

Hiversaires poses more questions than it provides answers. It's an adventure game where the player is provided no context for what is happening, thrust into a beautiful monochromatic world and forced to poke and prod through one strange area after the next.

Gallery: Hiversaires (iOS)

Continue reading Portabliss: Hiversaires (iOS)

JoystiqPortabliss: Hiversaires (iOS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-mondou-labbehiversairesiosipadiphonemobileportablissThu, 02 May 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Firaxis' 'Haunted Hollow' available now on iOS (for real this time)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/firaxis-haunted-hollow-available-now-on-ios-for-real-this-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/firaxis-haunted-hollow-available-now-on-ios-for-real-this-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/firaxis-haunted-hollow-available-now-on-ios-for-real-this-ti/#comments

Firaxis Games' (XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Civilization) free-to-play mobile game Haunted Hollow is available now on the iOS App Store. As we noted last week - when the game accidentally launched the first time - Haunted Hollow takes place over a series of one-on-one, tug-of-war style matches in which players scare the local villagers.

Firaxis also has another iOS title ready to fly in with Ace Patrol, a World War I dogfighting tactics game by strategy game guru Sid Meier himself, which will be available May 9 as a free download.

JoystiqFiraxis' 'Haunted Hollow' available now on iOS (for real this time) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxishaunted-hollowiosipadiphonemobileThu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft: Pocket Edition sells 10 million, Mojang plans major additions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/minecraft-pocket-edition-sells-10-million-mojang-plans-major-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/minecraft-pocket-edition-sells-10-million-mojang-plans-major-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/minecraft-pocket-edition-sells-10-million-mojang-plans-major-a/#commentsMinecraft Pocket Edition sells 10 million, Mojang plans major additions Mojang announced that the mobile version of its runaway hit, Minecraft, surpassed 10 million units in sales, and revealed that it will add several major features to the game in the coming months.

Minecraft: Pocket Edition's forthcoming updates range from matters of convenience (players will no longer have to exit to the main menu in order to change settings) to experimental additions that, initially, will be available exclusively to players using high-end mobile devices. Once these unnamed features are sufficiently tested, they will be rolled out in another update for all players.

Mojang is also working on Minecraft Realms, a cloud-based multiplayer service that allows players to collaborate on shared projects without needing to be online at the same time. Minecraft Realms will be launched as a subscription-based mode that can be unlocked in Minecraft: Pocket Edition via an in-app purchase.

Mojang hopes to launch its next Minecraft: Pocket Edition update by the end of May.

JoystiqMinecraft: Pocket Edition sells 10 million, Mojang plans major additions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphoneMinecraftminecraft-pocket-editionminecraft-realmsmobilemojangsalesWed, 01 May 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Enemy teaser designs some bullies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/silent-enemy-teaser-designs-some-bullies/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/silent-enemy-teaser-designs-some-bullies/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/silent-enemy-teaser-designs-some-bullies/#comments
The next project from Papo & Yo developer Minority, Silent Enemy, tackles another sensitive topic: bullying. Many of the developers were bullied and that history affected the design and development of SIlent Enemy.

JoystiqSilent Enemy teaser designs some bullies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphoneminoritymobileouyapcplaystation-4ps4silent-enemyWed, 01 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Curiosity's end may coincide with new Xbox reveal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/curiositys-end-may-coincide-with-new-xbox-reveal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/curiositys-end-may-coincide-with-new-xbox-reveal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/curiositys-end-may-coincide-with-new-xbox-reveal/#comments
Curiosity: What's Inside the Cube is now officially down to its last 50 layers. Even Peter Molyneux is impatient for 22Cans' bizarre iOS experiment to end, telling Polygon: "Enough's enough, for crying out loud."

The game, which is about tapping to remove dots from a cube to reveal the "life-changing" secret within, features a countdown timer running toward the projected end of the experiment, when one person will clear the final layer.

"I thought six months was about the length of time that Curiosity should go on before it closed, and this is almost exactly the six month anniversary of the end of Curiosity," Molyneux told GameSpot. "Bizarrely, as part of that controversy, is that the end of the cube - the last layer of the cube - might well be, I mean probably if you look at our analysis of probability, the same day that the next Xbox is announced. Which would be a bizarre twist of fate." The next Xbox is due to be revealed May 21.

Or a bizarre twist of Pete? Regarding the coincidence, he told GameSpot, "There's an interesting opportunity, possibly, for me to ... well, I can't say any more than that. There may be some words from me around that time. I'm not saying any more." Confirmed: The next Xbox will come in a box made of billions of tiny cubes.

Along with today's news, 22Cans released the above video, which features visual proof that people like Curiosity at least enough to scrawl dirty words into the cube.

JoystiqCuriosity's end may coincide with new Xbox reveal originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>22Canscuriositycuriosity-whats-inside-the-cubeiosiphonemobilepeter-molyneuxWed, 01 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier's Ace Patrol lands on iOS May 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/sid-meiers-ace-patrol-lands-on-ios-may-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/sid-meiers-ace-patrol-lands-on-ios-may-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/sid-meiers-ace-patrol-lands-on-ios-may-9/#commentsSid Meier's Ace Patrol lands on iOS next week Sid Meier's next project is an iOS game set in World War I called Ace Patrol, a dogfighting strategy game created by Meier himself. Ace Patrol will launch on the App Store May 9 as a free download.

Ace Patrol is comprised of four campaigns - all downloads gain access to the British campaign and multiplayer side; in-app purchase is required to access the other campaigns. Of course, you can also throw some coin down on the typical tactical and cosmetic boosts, like new planes and elaborate paint jobs.

Multiplayer pits two squadrons against each other, allowing for either hot-swapping a device or asynchronous matches over Game Center.

Gallery: Ace Patrol (iOS)

Continue reading Sid Meier's Ace Patrol lands on iOS May 9

JoystiqSid Meier's Ace Patrol lands on iOS May 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-mobileace-patrolfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesiosipadiphonemobilesid-meiersid-meiers-ace-patrolWed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[May the Fourth be an excuse for Star Wars Pinball discounts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/may-the-fourth-be-an-excuse-for-star-wars-pinball-discounts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/may-the-fourth-be-an-excuse-for-star-wars-pinball-discounts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/may-the-fourth-be-an-excuse-for-star-wars-pinball-discounts/#commentsMay 4th discounts on Star Wars pinball tables Every year, we forget that people celebrate Star Wars-related stuff on May 4, thanks to a cute pun, and every year we smile a bit when we remember. This year, Zen Studios is marking the occasion with a sale on Star Wars Pinball, marking the game down 50% in all of its multifarious versions.

Starting yesterday, and through May 7, Star Wars Pinball as part of Pinball FX2 on Xbox is 400 Microsoft Points; Star Wars Pinball for Zen Pinball 2 is €4.99 for European PS Plus members; and the iOS, Android, Mac App Store, and new Kindle Fire HD versions are all 99 cents.

There have been some ups and downs for Star Wars recently - new owners, and new movies, but LucasArts is gone. Enjoy this game, then, as it's likely to be a while before we see more Star Wars games.

Continue reading May the Fourth be an excuse for Star Wars Pinball discounts

JoystiqMay the Fourth be an excuse for Star Wars Pinball discounts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosiphonemacmicrosoftmobilepinball-fx-2playstationps3star-wars-pinballxboxzen-pinball-2Wed, 01 May 2013 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ecco the Dolphin 'Big Blue' Kickstarter fails, trying again with 'Little Blue']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/ecco-the-dolphin-big-blue-kickstarter-fails-trying-again-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/ecco-the-dolphin-big-blue-kickstarter-fails-trying-again-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/ecco-the-dolphin-big-blue-kickstarter-fails-trying-again-with/#comments Ecco the Dolphin 'Big Blue' Kickstarter fails, trying again with 'Little Blue'Oceanic adventure game Big Blue, put together by members of the team that made Ecco the Dolphin, has failed its Kickstarter bid. The game raised just under $56,000, falling well short of its $665,000 goal.

Creator Ed Annunziata isn't giving up though, and has already announced plans to launch a second Kickstarter campaign.

Annunziata admitted that "it is hard to get people to see how compelling a game like the Big Blue will be," and revealed plans for Little Blue, which will essentially serve as a "slice" of the original project. Little Blue will require a "much lower" level of funding, and should serve to properly convey Big Blue's full potential to players. The game will be less ambitious, featuring significantly fewer environments and creatures, though one of the two playable creatures is promised to be a dolphin.

Assuming its funding is successful, Little Blue will be launched for free and contain a link to forward players to another Kickstarter for the full-fledged Big Blue. For the moment, the launch date for the Little Blue Kickstarter is still murky.

JoystiqEcco the Dolphin 'Big Blue' Kickstarter fails, trying again with 'Little Blue' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbig-blueiosipadiphonekickstarterlittle-bluemacmobilepcMon, 29 Apr 2013 17:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Rex Rocket Kickstarter looks pretty mega, man]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/rex-rocket-kickstarter-looks-pretty-mega-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/rex-rocket-kickstarter-looks-pretty-mega-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/rex-rocket-kickstarter-looks-pretty-mega-man/#comments
What's that, another pixel-art game inspired by the likes of Mega Man and Metroid on Kickstarter? And why not! Rex Rocket tells the story of ... Rex Rocket, a war hero aboard the "epic star cruiser" SS Montana. His days of combat over, he's now saddled with the mundane job of ferrying a bunch of scientists and "Terra-Oozlings" to the Washington solar system. Naturally, things don't go according to plan. Long story short, Rex soon finds himself battling escaped Oozlings, haywire robots and the SS Montana's damaged computer.

The game features plenty of weapons, exploration, puzzles, platforming, a sweet chiptune soundtrack and lots of enemies. Developers Rob Maher and Tyler Bud are seeking $6,000 to fund the project, with a planned release in January 2014. Rex Rocket is guaranteed on PC, though the duo hopes to port it to pretty much everything, including Mac, Wii U, 3DS, Vita, Xbox Live Indie Games, iOS and Ouya.

JoystiqRex Rocket Kickstarter looks pretty mega, man originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidiosipadiphonekickstartermacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitarex-rocketvitawii-uxboxMon, 29 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Command boldly sets launch date for this Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/star-command-thursday-may-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/star-command-thursday-may-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/star-command-thursday-may-2/#comments

Star Command is finally ready to explore the stars this Thursday, May 2, on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Developer Warballoon notes the Android version is set to leave space dock next, followed by PC.

The ambitious mobile project first appeared on federation sensors in 2011 when it created a Kickstarter to up its budget and test the waters for an Android port.

Justin Coombs, designer and art director at the Boulder-based developer, told us at the time, "We don't want Star Command to be a good mobile game, we want it to be just a great game, in the conversation with PC and console releases."

The game's Kickstarter also occurred in the pre-Double Fine era, with some harsh lessons learned about crowdsource financing.

A 13-minute preview of Star Command was posted late last year, but it's now only a few short days until the game is finally ready to beam to iOS devices.

JoystiqStar Command boldly sets launch date for this Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemobilestar-commandWarballoonMon, 29 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quell: Memento brings heritage, block shuffling to Vita, iOS, Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/quell-memento-brings-heritage-block-shuffling-to-vita-ios-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/quell-memento-brings-heritage-block-shuffling-to-vita-ios-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/quell-memento-brings-heritage-block-shuffling-to-vita-ios-an/#comments
Quell: Memento, coming to Vita, Android, and iOS, has a long lineage. "You see, the game prototype was originally created on an Amstrad CPC computer, way back in 1993," writes Fallen Tree Games art director Lewis Boadle on the PlayStation Blog. "Having said that, it was very different back then - it was called "Last of the Smileys" and was a lot more 8-bit in style."

Since that Amstrad prototype, the Quell series has grown, with two other games on mobile platforms. Memento is a series of 150-plus puzzles set in an abandoned house, in which you slide a raindrop to collect pearls, navigating other obstacles with various idiosyncratic properties. The elements are, in general, recognizable real-world things. "This would mean, we felt, that the player is able to establish the rules of play quickly, because they know that a pearl is valuable, or that a thorn will likely burst a droplet," Boadle says.

JoystiqQuell: Memento brings heritage, block shuffling to Vita, iOS, Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfallen-tree-gamesiosiphonemobileplaystationplaystation-vitaquellquell-mementovitaSat, 27 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Batman brings the DC Super Heroes to iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/lego-batman-brings-the-dc-super-heroes-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/lego-batman-brings-the-dc-super-heroes-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/lego-batman-brings-the-dc-super-heroes-to-ios/#comments Lego Batman DC Super Heroes out on iOS nowLego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes continues its campaign to occupy every single platform, with the release of an iOS version. That joins the existing PC, Mac, PS3, Vita, 3DS, DS, Wii, Wii U, and Xbox 360 versions in a sort of Justice League of near-identical games.

The iOS release costs $4.99 and includes two different control schemes, which means there's a slightly better chance you might find one that's workable, though we're always skeptical of console-to-iOS ports.

JoystiqLego Batman brings the DC Super Heroes to iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonelego-batman-2lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroesmobileFri, 26 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Developer Kung Fu Factory tapped to expand Konami's mobile catalog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/developer-kung-fu-factory-tapped-to-expand-konamis-mobile-catal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/developer-kung-fu-factory-tapped-to-expand-konamis-mobile-catal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/developer-kung-fu-factory-tapped-to-expand-konamis-mobile-catal/#comments Developer Kung Fu Factory tapped to expand Konami's mobile catalogIn a bid to expand its presence in the mobile marketplace, Konami has partnered with Bellator: MMA Onslaught developer Kung Fu Factory as part of a plan to "publish multiple mobile titles throughout 2013."

"As we continue to build upon Konami's social and mobile offerings, we look to partner with more independent developers like Kung Fu Factory to expand the variety of content," said Konami Digital Entertainment's director of digital publishing John Coligan. "Kung Fu Factory does a great job of creating engaging and unique gaming experiences for audiences of all kinds, and we intend to support them through the entire development and release process."

Konami was an early supporter of the App Store, having released iOS-exclusive entries in its Silent Hill and Metal Gear Solid franchises alongside original efforts like Dragon Collection and Alcatraz Breakout. Kung Fu Factory is no stranger to the platform, either; its most recent release is the top-selling Nickelodeon-published platformer Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rooftop Run.

Specific titles under development by Kung Fu Factory will be announced soon.

Continue reading Developer Kung Fu Factory tapped to expand Konami's mobile catalog

JoystiqDeveloper Kung Fu Factory tapped to expand Konami's mobile catalog originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosiphonekonamikung-fu-factorymobileThu, 25 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST