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[Mega Man 5 OST busts into the Capcom Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/mega-man-5-ost-busts-into-the-capcom-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/mega-man-5-ost-busts-into-the-capcom-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/mega-man-5-ost-busts-into-the-capcom-store/#commentsMega Man 5 OST busts into the Capcom Store The original soundtrack for Mega Man 5 is now available for $8.95 on Capcom's official shop; it's almost as if they planned its release to coincide with the debut of Mega Man 5 on the 3DS Virtual Console. What a weird coincidence!

At 57 hot jams long, Mega Man 5's soundtrack was composed by Mari Yamaguchi, who was often credited mononymously (as "Mari") for her work at Capcom. She also composed the music for Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts and several of the songs on the Breath of Fire soundtrack, in addition to handling arrangement duties for the TurboGrafx-16 version of Street Fighter 2: Champion Edition. Yamaguchi returned to the Mega Man franchise in 2010, penning the stage theme for Mega Man 10's Sheep Man.

JoystiqMega Man 5 OST busts into the Capcom Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomMari-Yamaguchimega-manmega-man-5musicOSTsoundtrackSat, 18 May 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro-bit bringing wireless controllers to retro consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/retro-bit-bringing-wireless-controllers-to-retro-conoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/retro-bit-bringing-wireless-controllers-to-retro-conoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/retro-bit-bringing-wireless-controllers-to-retro-conoles/#commentsRetrobit bringing wireless controllers to retro conoles Remember Retro-Bit, the company behind the nifty handheld NES / SNES, the RetroDuo Portable? Once again, the company is looking to make your outdated gaming habits a little more convenient, this time with a line of wireless controllers for vintage consoles.

There are three controllers in the Hypermode series, one for the Nintendo 64, a hybrid controller the NES and SNES, and finally one for the Sega Genesis. Each uses a 2.4GHz receiver to connect to its respective console, and all three have turbo functionality. The N64 controller also features a slot for a Rumble Pak. Furthermore, the NES / SNES and Genesis controllers can also be used on PC or Mac.

The N64 controller is slated to launch this summer, while the other two are planned for this fall. Each will cost $30. Distributor Innex will be showing the controllers at its booth during E3. We'll do our best to swing by and check them out.

In the meantime, we pose a simple question: Where's our wireless Saturn controller?

Gallery: Retro-bit Hypermode Controllers

Continue reading Retro-bit bringing wireless controllers to retro consoles

JoystiqRetro-bit bringing wireless controllers to retro consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genesisinnexn64nesnintendo-64peripheralsretro-bitsnesWed, 15 May 2013 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shaq's licensing company trademarks 'Shaqfighter']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/shaqs-licensing-company-trademarks-shaqfighter/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/shaqs-licensing-company-trademarks-shaqfighter/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/shaqs-licensing-company-trademarks-shaqfighter/#comments
Mine O' Mine, the licensing company responsible for all things bearing the resemblance of the legendarily mononymous Shaq, has registered a trademark for "Shaqfighter." The trademark's Goods and Services qualifications cover the term for "providing online games" and "computer and video game characters," among many other purposes along that line, which leads us to believe that this is probably a video game thing.

Of course, when the words "Shaq" and "fighter" are thrown together in such close proximity, 1994's Shaq-fu immediately springs to mind for any of us old enough to remember it in all of its confusing, supernatural glory. Well, "glory." Here's hoping this new jam ends up being more than an Infinity Blade clone starring an endless bloodline of medieval Shaqs. Actually ...

JoystiqShaq's licensing company trademarks 'Shaqfighter' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>shaqshaq-fushaqfightertrademarkUSPTOWed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[$15,500 not enough for Sega Pluto prototype]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/15-500-not-enough-for-sega-pluto-prototype/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/15-500-not-enough-for-sega-pluto-prototype/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/15-500-not-enough-for-sega-pluto-prototype/#comments$15,500 not enough for Sega Pluto prototype Roger Vega (aka YouTube user kidvid666) continues to have trouble unloading his purported Sega Pluto prototype console, one of only two rumored to exist in the world. The auction, originally listed on eBay earlier this month, has ended with a final bid of $15,500 and its reserve price unmet. As such, no money will exchange hands and Vega's Pluto will stay where it is.

This is Vega's second attempt at selling the device. His first auction, listed on vintage gaming auction site GameGavel, also failed to meet its reserve with a high bid of $7,600.

It may seem odd that no one is willing to drop more than 15 large and some change on what may be the rarest game console in existence - especially considering how much people have paid in the past for other historical relics - but the world of gaming archeology is more complicated than that. Since a Sega Pluto had never been seen in the flesh until a few weeks ago, one has subsequently never been sold at auction before, and therefore there's no established perception of the device's market value.

Also, removing the Sega Pluto from its pedestal will trigger a giant spherical boulder to drop from the ceiling and chase whoever wins the auction, which could be a bit of a deterrent.

Joystiq$15,500 not enough for Sega Pluto prototype originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionkidvid666prototypeRoger-Vegasaturnsegasega-plutosega-saturnsega-saturn-prototypeSat, 11 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The aging horror of Kenji Eno's D]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/the-aging-horror-of-kenji-enos-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/the-aging-horror-of-kenji-enos-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/the-aging-horror-of-kenji-enos-d/#commentsThis is Making Time, a column about the games we've always wanted to play, and the games we've always wanted to play again.


The inspiration to whip up a new column about an old game can come from anywhere, even a sad loss for the video game industry. In February, upon hearing about the death of Kenji Eno, I scanned Amazon and eBay for copies of his games, thinking I might write them up in remembrance, but ultimately never pulled the trigger on a purchase.

Two months later, I walk into a recently-opened used game shop (named ThrillHouse, if you can believe it), and what should I see under the glass? A boxed Sega Saturn copy of Kenji Eno's D in great condition, the creepy cover just as effective now as it was seventeen years ago. I gladly paid $30 for it.

Having played it for the first time since I was thirteen, D isn't as scary as I remember. While it isn't a very good game, I still find myself enjoying the experience.

Continue reading The aging horror of Kenji Eno's D

JoystiqThe aging horror of Kenji Eno's D originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dkenji-enomaking-timepcwarpFri, 10 May 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This backlit Mega Man 25th anniversary NES has style]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/this-backlit-mega-man-25th-anniversary-nes-has-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/this-backlit-mega-man-25th-anniversary-nes-has-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/this-backlit-mega-man-25th-anniversary-nes-has-style/#commentsMega Man 25th anniversary NES is backlit, cool Who could possibly want a statue to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Mega Man when you know that somewhere out there a Blue Bomber-adorned NES exists? Ryan Fitzpatrick (aka Platinumfungi) created this one-of-a-kind blue NES, which features a backlit Mega Man on top of the case with a rather slick paint job.

Fitzpatrick has a bunch of photos of the system on his Facebook page. One issue we have is that it just wouldn't feel right to play any NES game on it that isn't the best Mega Man game ever, Mega Man 2.

JoystiqThis backlit Mega Man 25th anniversary NES has style originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomMega-Manmega-man-25th-anniversarymodsNESnintendoThu, 09 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Backbone-developed Streets of Rage, ESWAT pitch art surfaces]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/backbone-developed-streets-of-rage-eswat-pitch-art-surfaces/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/backbone-developed-streets-of-rage-eswat-pitch-art-surfaces/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/backbone-developed-streets-of-rage-eswat-pitch-art-surfaces/#commentsBackbonedeveloped Streets of Rage, ESWAT pitch art surfaces
Developer Backbone Entertainment planned to produce new entries in multiple classic Sega franchises, as evidenced in a gallery of images posted online by former Backbone artist Arvin Bautista.

Bautista's art showcases characters from Sega's Streets of Rage beat-'em-up series, along with a mockup screenshot from a proposed remake of ESWAT, a side-scrolling action game that premiered in arcades in 1989. The games were pitched as downloadable titles for Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network, though neither was officially announced. It's unknown if either game is currently in development.

Despite its Genesis-era popularity, the Streets of Rage series stumbled when it came time to transition to later consoles. A Dreamcast sequel was cancelled early in development, and though Crackdown 2 developer Ruffian Games pitched a downloadable Streets of Rage remake for current-gen consoles, a release never materialized.

Adding to the bodycount, Bionic Commando Rearmed developer GRIN was rumored to be working on its own Streets of Rage game prior to its closure in 2009. Sega itself hasn't forgotten the series, producing last year's Sega Vintage Collection: Streets of Rage compilation for Xbox Live Arcade as a reminder, but at this point, you'd be forgiven for thinking that these streets are cursed.

JoystiqBackbone-developed Streets of Rage, ESWAT pitch art surfaces originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbone-entertainmenteswatmicrosoftplaystationps3streets-of-ragexboxTue, 07 May 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncut beta version of Conker's Bad Fur Day touted in fan fundraiser]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/uncut-beta-version-of-conkers-bad-fur-day-touted-in-fan-fundrai/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/uncut-beta-version-of-conkers-bad-fur-day-touted-in-fan-fundrai/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/uncut-beta-version-of-conkers-bad-fur-day-touted-in-fan-fundrai/#comments
Conker's Bad Fur Day is one of the Nintendo 64's more infamous releases. Originally pitched as a family-friendly adventure in the vein of developer Rare's own Banjo-Kazooie, Conker's direction changed drastically during its development, resulting in an M-rated adventure featuring squirrel hangovers, frequent profanity, and opera-singing turd creatures.

Conker tested the limits of Nintendo's publishing guidelines, and while much of the game's salty content made it to store shelves unscathed, some scenes were changed or removed prior to the game's completion. A fan-driven fundraiser seeks to release an uncut beta version of Conker's Bad Fur Day to the public as a downloadable ROM image.

The debug footage above, captured by demo cartridge owner Borman, shows an uncut scene in which the Nazi-like Tediz are performing experimental surgery on a live squirrel soldier. Nintendo apparently decided that this little vignette pushed things too far, as the retail version of the cutscene plays out quite a bit differently. Additional differences between Borman's demo and the retail release have been noted, spurring fan demand for a ROM release.

Along with the promised ETCS demo build, Borman will also release a second debug version of Conker, along with PAL and NTSC beta versions of Rare's Perfect Dark, once his $2,500 funding goal is met.

JoystiqUncut beta version of Conker's Bad Fur Day touted in fan fundraiser originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaconkerconkers-bad-fur-dayn64perfect-darkrareTue, 07 May 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shinobi, Vectorman join mobile House of the Dead: Overkill cast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/shinobi-vectorman-join-mobile-house-of-the-dead-overkill-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/shinobi-vectorman-join-mobile-house-of-the-dead-overkill-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/shinobi-vectorman-join-mobile-house-of-the-dead-overkill-cast/#commentsShinobi, Vectorman battle zombies in mobile House of the Dead addons Sega targets 16-bit superfans with two new character-themed upgrade packs for the iOS and Android versions of its first-person zombie shooter The House of the Dead: Overkill - The Lost Reels.

The Ninja Star pack replaces the game's standard Colt gun with an unlimited supply of shuriken, resulting in gameplay that resembles an extended bonus stage from the 1987 Shinobi arcade game. The Vectorman's Ball Gun upgrade, on the other hand, switches out the minigun for Vectorman's lime-green weaponry, and adds Genesis-like particle effects to your zombie massacre.

While Shinobi's protagonist Joe Musashi has made scattered showings in Sega-published games over the years (including a cameo as an unlockable character in 2011's 3DS title Shinobi), these upgrades mark a rare appearance for Vectorman. Fans of Sega's prerendered robotic hero had their hearts broken in 2003 following the cancellation of a planned Vectorman reboot for the PlayStation 2, and the franchise has remained dormant since.

Both items are available for purchase using in-game "Ka$h," which can be earned during gameplay or via microtransactions.

JoystiqShinobi, Vectorman join mobile House of the Dead: Overkill cast originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 May 2013 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidhouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkilliosipadiphonemobilesegaSat, 04 May 2013 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ming Mecca: An analog video game synthesizer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/ming-mecca-an-analog-video-game-synthesizer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/ming-mecca-an-analog-video-game-synthesizer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/ming-mecca-an-analog-video-game-synthesizer/#comments
What in the world is an analog video game synthesizer? That's a very good question, and one we are ill-equipped to properly answer, but here goes. Introducing Ming Mecca, a modular synthesizer that allows users to create and manipulate retro games ... solely by flipping toggle switches, turning knobs and plugging in wires. The system comes in two modules. The World Core manipulates the game world, and the Control Core utilizes an NES controller for a variety of different inputs.

It's pretty bizarre, and designer Jordan Bartee of Special Stage Systems admits to Joystiq that he can't even predict what users will do with it. Some will undoubtedly use it "purely as a sort of 8-bit glitch visualizer," he says. "I've been calling Ming Mecca an ontological toy. When I use it, it's about exploring the possibility space of game mechanics, sure - but more deeply it's about exploring the inner systems of virtual worlds, and by extension, of our own world." Naturally, not everyone will see it that way, he says, noting that "the system can be fun just as a pure video synth."

Special Stage Systems is hoping to have Ming Mecca ready to ship to customers by summer of 2014. Price hasn't been determined yet, but Bartee estimates it will be "in the neighborhood of $999 for the World Core, $350 for the Control Core," which he says is competitive with similar modular synthesizers. For DIY enthusiasts, firmware source code and schematics for Ming Mecca are already available for free, and Special Stage Systems will release the PCB and panel designs after the retail launch.

If nothing else, the strange device has given us one incredible video. You can also watch two technical videos, explaining the World Core and Control Core, after the break.

Continue reading Ming Mecca: An analog video game synthesizer

JoystiqMing Mecca: An analog video game synthesizer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ming-meccaspecial-stage-systemsFri, 03 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First4Figures unveils statuette of Shenmue's Ryo Hazuki]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/first4figures-unveils-statuette-of-shenmues-ryo-hazuki/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/first4figures-unveils-statuette-of-shenmues-ryo-hazuki/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/first4figures-unveils-statuette-of-shenmues-ryo-hazuki/#commentsFirst4Figures unveils statuette of Shenmue's Ryo Hazuki Ryo Hazuki, protagonist of Sega's Shenmue series, is being adapted into a statue that captures the full emotional range of the character - by which we mean it is completely devoid of emotion. Ryo Hazuki is the first in the Sega All Stars range from premium collectibles maker First4Figures.

The one-foot-tall representation of the martial arts student/occasional dock worker comes in two variants: a $170 regular edition and a $185 "Exclusive" version with a base modeled after the sought-after "Phoenix Mirror" relic from the game. The figures are up for pre-order, due to ship in Q4.

Just think, boxes of these will be moved in and out of warehouses by forklift.

Gallery: Sega All-Star statue (Ryo Hazuki Figure)

JoystiqFirst4Figures unveils statuette of Shenmue's Ryo Hazuki originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first4figuresryo-hazukishenmueWed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[John Madden Football designer's lawsuit against EA going to court]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/john-madden-football-designers-lawsuit-against-ea-going-to-cour/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/john-madden-football-designers-lawsuit-against-ea-going-to-cour/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/john-madden-football-designers-lawsuit-against-ea-going-to-cour/#commentsMadden lawsuit going to court Robin Antonick, designer of John Madden Football for 8-bit computers, will have his case against EA proceed to trial June 17, after a federal judge denied EA's motion to dismiss Antonick's lawsuit. Antonick filed in 2011, seeking royalties and a cut of profits from the Madden series' subsequent success.

"We have very compelling evidence indicating that EA used Mr. Antonick's ground-breaking code and design elements as the basis for both past and present Madden NFL titles," Robert Carey, one of Antonick's attorneys, said in a press release. "Yet, EA has failed to compensate him as required by his agreement or give him proper credit for his work. We look forward to proving our case at trial, and we are very confident that we will prevail." Antonick claims he signed a deal with EA in 1986 entitling him to royalties from derivative works, and claims that the later Madden games all count as derivative from his game.

[Image: Mobygames]

Continue reading John Madden Football designer's lawsuit against EA going to court

JoystiqJohn Madden Football designer's lawsuit against EA going to court originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsjohn-madden-footballlawsuitrobin-antonickTue, 30 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix releasing 'Remaster' soundtracks for SNES Final Fantasy games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/square-enix-releasing-remaster-soundtracks-for-snes-final-fant/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/square-enix-releasing-remaster-soundtracks-for-snes-final-fant/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/square-enix-releasing-remaster-soundtracks-for-snes-final-fant/#comments Square Enix remixing SNES Final Fantasy musicSquare Enix is dipping into its back catalog to offer remastered versions of its SNES Final Fantasy soundtracks, starting with Final Fantasy 4 on July 3. The Japanese release of the CD will come in a special box with art by character designer Yoshitaka Amano.

While the CD soundtrack likely won't see official release in North America, you can purchase it from an importer like CDJapan. And Square Enix is surprisingly good about digitally releasing soundtracks.

JoystiqSquare Enix releasing 'Remaster' soundtracks for SNES Final Fantasy games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-4japansoundtracksoundtrackssquare-enixMon, 29 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Neo Geo X hits $100 at Best Buy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/neo-geo-x-hits-100-at-best-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/neo-geo-x-hits-100-at-best-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/neo-geo-x-hits-100-at-best-buy/#comments The Neo Geo X Gold console has reached its lowest price yet, with Best Buy putting the handheld (with Neo Geo-shaped dock, full-size joystick, and Ninja Master's cartridge) on sale for $99.99, $100 cheaper than its original price. If you'd like an extra arcade stick, it's also half-price, on sale now for $25.

Amazon still offers the set for $129.99 - which will be the MSRP of the standalone Neo Geo X (with no dock) when that launches.

JoystiqNeo Geo X hits $100 at Best Buy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buyneo-geo-xneo-geo-x-goldThu, 25 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega Man 3 soundtrack now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/mega-man-3-soundtrack-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/mega-man-3-soundtrack-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/mega-man-3-soundtrack-now-available/#comments Mega Man 3 OST now availableA digital version of Mega Man 3's official soundtrack is now available through Capcom's equally intangible web store, for the default price of $8.95.

The 39 track album includes such classics as "Shall we go on a Magnetic Continuous tour?" and the game's title screen theme, which has been scientifically proven to be one of the most effective pump-up jams of all time.

The soundtrack was composed by Capcom composer/sound designer Yasuaki Fujita, under the alias "Bun Bun." Fujita was also responsible for the soundtracks to NES versions of The Little Mermaid and Darkwing Duck, as well as Panic in Nakayoshi World, which as far as we can tell is some kind of Sailor Moon/Bomberman thing.

JoystiqMega Man 3 soundtrack now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bun-BunMega-ManMega-Man-3OSTsoundtrackYasuaki-FujitaWed, 24 Apr 2013 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dreamcast shoot-'em-up 'DUX 1.5' now shipping]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/dreamcast-shoot-em-up-dux-1-5-now-shipping/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/dreamcast-shoot-em-up-dux-1-5-now-shipping/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/dreamcast-shoot-em-up-dux-1-5-now-shipping/#comments Dreamcast shoot'emup 'DUX 15' now shippingSega may have shelved its final console more than a decade ago, but for homebrew developers, at least, the Dreamcast lives on. HUCAST Games announced this week that its R-Type-ish Dreamcast shoot-'em-up, DUX 1.5, is now available.

Originally released back in 2009, DUX was later retooled and offered as an incentive for fans who helped to Kickstart an upcoming sequel. Along with a new soundtrack and rebalanced gameplay, DUX 1.5 gives players the option of respawning instantly upon death - a key addition, for those who have had it up to here with the original game's checkpoint system.

If you happen to own a copy of the original DUX and are willing to jump through a hoop or two, you're eligible for a free upgrade. HUCAST Games notes that DUX owners can get a free copy of DUX 1.5 if they submit a proof of purchase or, alternatively, "a picture of your DUX 1.0 copy with a current newspaper in picture."

JoystiqDreamcast shoot-'em-up 'DUX 1.5' now shipping originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamcastduxdux-1.5hucast-gamesretroTue, 23 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U Virtual Console launch: Punch Out, Excitebike, F-Zero, 5 more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/wii-u-virtual-console-launch-punch-out-excitebike-f-zero-5-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/wii-u-virtual-console-launch-punch-out-excitebike-f-zero-5-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/wii-u-virtual-console-launch-punch-out-excitebike-f-zero-5-m/#comments It's the Wii U Virtual Console launch listThe Wii U Virtual Console launch list is slim and trim, largely mirroring the initial list of games we got earlier this month: Balloon Fight, Donkey Kong Jr., Excitebike, Ice Climbers, Kirby's Adventure, Punch Out, F-Zero and Super Mario World. A handful of these games were already available on the Wii U, via the Virtual Console's early preview.

If you've forgotten what all of these games look like (it has been a long time, after all), check out some screens on the Wii U Facebook page. Virtual Console is scheduled to launch this week.

JoystiqWii U Virtual Console launch: Punch Out, Excitebike, F-Zero, 5 more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balloon-fightdonkey-kong-jrExcitebikef-zeroice-climberskirbys-adventurenintendoPunch-Outsuper-mario-worldvirtual-consolewii-uTue, 23 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthbound is an effective band-aid for the Wii U's Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/earthbound-is-an-effective-band-aid-for-the-wii-us-virtual-cons/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/earthbound-is-an-effective-band-aid-for-the-wii-us-virtual-cons/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/earthbound-is-an-effective-band-aid-for-the-wii-us-virtual-cons/#comments Earthbound is the best possible bandaid for Virtual ConsoleA few months ago I opined that the Wii U's Virtual Console, with its limited launch lineup, limited platforms, and limited upgrades from the Wii Virtual Console, was less than ideal. A few things have changed since then: some of the games have launched (for 30 cents), we have a solid launch date for the service in earnest, and there's a more detailed launch list. However, none of the basic issues have been fixed; the Virtual Console carries the same inherent flaws it did in January.

But for now, all is forgiven. Because Earthbound.

Continue reading Earthbound is an effective band-aid for the Wii U's Virtual Console

JoystiqEarthbound is an effective band-aid for the Wii U's Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earthboundfangamermothernintendostarmenvirtual-consolewii-uMon, 22 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Rare 'Pluto' prototype variant of Sega Saturn shown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/rumor-rare-pluto-prototype-variant-of-sega-saturn-shown/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/rumor-rare-pluto-prototype-variant-of-sega-saturn-shown/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/rumor-rare-pluto-prototype-variant-of-sega-saturn-shown/#comments Rumor Rare Sega Pluto prototype surfacesSomeone claiming to be a former Sega employee, calling himself Super Magnetic (after the Dreamcast game) posted pictures on the ASSEMbler forums of a device purported to be the previously unseen "Sega Pluto," a prototype Sega Saturn variant with a built-in NetLink modem. The modem was released separately, and allowed web browsing along with online play of games including Duke Nukem 3D and Virtua Racing.

Super Magnetic says that this prototype, which runs North American Saturn firmware, is one of only two ever made. The American firmware, and Super Magnetic's having found this at his job at Sega of America in the Dreamcast era, both suggest that this hardware design is from Sega of America, much like the 32X.

A prototype for another unreleased Sega combination system, the Genesis/32X "Neptune," was on display recently at GDC's Videogame History Museum. Previous Sega combos include the JVC-designed X'Eye, the CDX, and the Tera Drive, which combined a Genesis and a PC.

JoystiqRumor: Rare 'Pluto' prototype variant of Sega Saturn shown originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolejapannetlinknetlink-adapterplutopluto-02prototypesegasega-consolesega-plutosega-saturnThu, 18 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Illustrated inspiration: Crafting Zac Gorman's 'Magical Game Time']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/illustrated-inspiration-crafting-zac-gormans-magical-game-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/illustrated-inspiration-crafting-zac-gormans-magical-game-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/illustrated-inspiration-crafting-zac-gormans-magical-game-time/#comments Art from inspiration The world of Zac Gorman's 'Magical Game Time'It's not clear who or what is positioned dead center on a suburban street in the initial overhead shot, but as the panels zoom in to reveal bright-eyed children - two holding hands, stares locked - we consider the written message: "And we never got tired. And we never got old. We just ran through the streets forever. And everything was perfect."

The average viewer might see the comic as a charming ode to the carefree naivety of youth; of first loves and curfew-skirting dalliances with neighborhood pals. But for those who recognize the leads of the seminal Super Nintendo RPG Earthbound in the faces and apparel of these rapscallions, the message may suddenly feel highly personal. It's not a specific narrative moment from the game, nor does it utilize familiar dialogue, but its tone is that of how players may have romanticized the adventures of these beloved characters in their minds, or how they imagined they might feel in that setting. Perhaps it's how they felt once upon a time. Whatever the case, the voice feels authentic, and as such delivers an emotional wallop in just four sentences and seven panels.

For little more than a year and a half, cartoonist Zac Gorman has strived to locate that little pocket of feeling between the events of a classic game and the emotions triggered in your mind while playing it - and then translate that into one-off comics under his Magical Game Time banner. With subjects as varied as The Legend of Zelda and Costume Quest, Gorman has amassed a fan following by pairing common and universal themes with memorable characters and scenarios.

Continue reading Illustrated inspiration: Crafting Zac Gorman's 'Magical Game Time'

JoystiqIllustrated inspiration: Crafting Zac Gorman's 'Magical Game Time' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArtcomicsHuman-Interestmagical-game-timeZac-GormanTue, 16 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pebblis app crams Tetris clone into your Pebble watch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/pebblis-app-crams-tetris-clone-into-your-pebble-watch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/pebblis-app-crams-tetris-clone-into-your-pebble-watch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/pebblis-app-crams-tetris-clone-into-your-pebble-watch/#comments
If you're an electronic device, you really haven't made it to the world's stage until you can run Tetris. Pebblis, a free app for the Kickstarted e-paper smart watch Pebble, presents the clone seen here.

JoystiqPebblis app crams Tetris clone into your Pebble watch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 06:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pebblepebblistetrisTue, 16 Apr 2013 06:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega Man 2 OST now available through Capcom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/mega-man-2-ost-now-available-through-capcom/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/mega-man-2-ost-now-available-through-capcom/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/mega-man-2-ost-now-available-through-capcom/#comments Mega Man 2 OST now available through CapcomCapcom's ongoing quest to make all of the original NES Mega Man soundtracks legally available in the US continues this week, with the release of Mega Man 2's official soundtrack over at the Capcom store. The 42 track album (!) is available digitally for $8.95.

Mega Man 2's soundtrack was composed by Takashi Tateishi, who also composed the music for the arcade version of Willow and U.N. Squadron, among other things. His work on Mega Man 2 was credited under the alias "Ogeretsu Kun," a practice which was not entirely uncommon for Capcom at the time. Additional contributions to the soundtrack were also made by Mega Man composer Manami Matsumae.

In related news, the music from Dr. Wily's castle is still the hottest jam.

JoystiqMega Man 2 OST now available through Capcom originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomManami-MatsumaeMega-ManMega-Man-2Ogeretsu-KunOSTsoundtrackTakashi-TateishiSat, 13 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Project Unity' is 15 fully-functional consoles in one giant box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/project-unity-is-15-fully-functional-consoles-in-one-giant-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/project-unity-is-15-fully-functional-consoles-in-one-giant-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/project-unity-is-15-fully-functional-consoles-in-one-giant-box/#comments
Constructed by evil genius/mad scientist/hardware hacker Bacteria, Project Unity is a single, unified gaming console that can play Sega Master System, Neo Geo MVS, GameCube, Dreamcast, Saturn, Intellivision, Colecovision, Atari 7800, Turbografx 16, PS1/PS2, Mega Drive, NES, Super NES, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64 and Amstrad GX4000 games.

Project Unity's most impressive feature, besides the fact that it works, is that it was constructed entirely out of authentic hardware and does not make use of emulators or combo units like the FC Twin. It also manages to use a single power supply, video output and custom-built controller, regardless of the system selected.

Jump to 09:30 in the video above for a demonstration of this behemoth in action, including the repurposed NES cartridges that contain different circuit boards for each controller type, or start from the beginning for some deliciously chaotic wiring shots.

Joystiq'Project Unity' is 15 fully-functional consoles in one giant box originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amstrad-GX4000Atari-7800BacteriaColecovisioncustomDreamcastGame-Boy-AdvanceGameCubeGenesishackingIntellivisionMega-Drivemoddingneo-geo-MVSNESNintendo-64project-unityPS1PS2Saturnsega-master-systemSega-SaturnSNESSuper-NESTurbografx-16Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA['NoiseChan & Nugget: Adventures in Chiptune' features hot jams, good causes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/noisechan-and-nugget-adventures-in-chiptune-features-hot-jams/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/noisechan-and-nugget-adventures-in-chiptune-features-hot-jams/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/noisechan-and-nugget-adventures-in-chiptune-features-hot-jams/#comments 'NoiseChan & Nugget Adventures in Chiptune' features hot jams, good causesChiptune internet radio program Noise Channel Radio, in conjunction with digital music label Ubiktune, has released a compilation album of (surprise!) chiptune jams, dubbed NoiseChan & Nugget: Adventures in Chiptune.

The album, available through BandCamp on a pay-what-you-want basis, features songs from Adventure Time/Double Dragon Neon/Contra 4 composer virt, in addition to 10 other artists. Additionally, all album sale proceeds go directly to Child's Play, which means that while Adventures in Chiptune is technically available for free, you could drop some bucks for a good cause.

Joystiq'NoiseChan & Nugget: Adventures in Chiptune' features hot jams, good causes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandcampcharitychilds-playchiptuneJake-Kaufmanmusicnoise-channel-radioNoiseChan-and-Nugget-Adventures-in-ChiptuneubiktunevirtSat, 13 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grandia: How a forgotten JRPG solved the problem of repetitive combat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/grandia-how-a-forgotten-jrpg-solved-the-problem-of-repetitive-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/grandia-how-a-forgotten-jrpg-solved-the-problem-of-repetitive-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/grandia-how-a-forgotten-jrpg-solved-the-problem-of-repetitive-c/#commentsThis is a weekly column from freelancer Rowan Kaiser, which primarily focuses on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity. This week, however, Rowan focuses on a forgotten JRPG: Grandia.

Grandia How a forgotten JRPG solved the problem of repetitive combat
One of the core issues facing most role-playing games is how they deal with repetitive combat. Since RPGs tend to be so much longer than normal games, with a wider scope, it's much more difficult for them to create unique battles like a shorter action game can. So RPGs tend to have constant, similar, repetitive fights. These are often derided by players and critics under umbrella terms like "random battles," "grinding," or in massively multiplayer games, "trash."

Yet RPGs need those regular battles to keep the games interesting. With rare exceptions, the player skills are unlikely to be tested in terms of skill outside of combat, and most RPG stories depend on violence and its consequences. This makes combat an integral component of the pacing of RPGs. Successful RPGs tend to strike a balance between combat, exploration, and storytelling. When one of those three part is left unchecked, the game can become boring - and it's usually excessive repetitive fighting that's the issue.

For decades now, RPGs have attempted to make their regular battles more interesting, and less likely to be described as trash or grinding. Japanese RPGs have historically tended to experiment with different combat forms more aggressively than their Western counterparts. Some games, like the Suikoden series, tries to avoid the combat issue by making combat smooth and unobtrusive, as I wrote about in a prior column. But not every RPG can, or should, de-emphasize combat. When combat works, even in common random battles, it can be the best part of an RPG. How can RPGs avoid having combat be too repetitive and meaningless?

Continue reading Grandia: How a forgotten JRPG solved the problem of repetitive combat

JoystiqGrandia: How a forgotten JRPG solved the problem of repetitive combat originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Game-ArtsgrandiaJRPGOpinionplaystationps3PSXSCEAUbisoftFri, 12 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega Man 1 OST now available digitally through Capcom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/mega-man-1-ost-now-available-digitally-through-capcom/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/mega-man-1-ost-now-available-digitally-through-capcom/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/mega-man-1-ost-now-available-digitally-through-capcom/#comments Mega Man 1 OST now available digitally through CapcomAs the first step in an ongoing effort to make all of the original NES Mega Man soundtracks "legitimately available in the West," the fly jams built into 1987's Mega Man are now available directly through the Capcom Store. The digital pack costs $8.95 and includes 28 different tracks from the game, including such unforgettable hits as "Staff Roll (PS)" and "Capcom Logo."

In case you missed it yesterday, Mega Man composer Manami Matsumae is still in the video game composing business after 26 years, and will be contributing her extensive talents to Shovel Knight's soundtrack, in the form of two original songs.

JoystiqMega Man 1 OST now available digitally through Capcom originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomManami-MatsumaeMega-ManMega-Man-1OSTsoundtrackSat, 06 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RetroN 5 and the uncomfortable tension between old and new]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/retron-5-and-the-uncomfortable-tension-between-old-and-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/retron-5-and-the-uncomfortable-tension-between-old-and-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/retron-5-and-the-uncomfortable-tension-between-old-and-new/#comments RetroN 5 columnThere are at least two schools of thought when it comes to playing retro games. Let's call it two for the sake of argument. On one side, there are people who want all the modern conveniences, both in-game and out: save states, fast-forward and rewind in the games, and wireless controllers, high definition output, and non-finicky hardware to play them with. These are the people who like emulation the most, either through downloading ROMs or official downloadable re-releases of games.

On the other side, there are people who strive for absolute authenticity: real cartridges on real consoles, played on CRT televisions with real controllers. These are the people who, hypothetically speaking, stuff a Twin Famicom in their suitcase while on a business trip to Tokyo.

Somewhere in the middle is this thing.

Continue reading RetroN 5 and the uncomfortable tension between old and new

JoystiqRetroN 5 and the uncomfortable tension between old and new originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-boygenesisnesretron-5snesThu, 04 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X-COM could've had bunny monsters, Chryssalid was a happy accident]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/x-com-couldve-had-bunny-monsters-chryssalid-was-a-happy-accide/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/x-com-couldve-had-bunny-monsters-chryssalid-was-a-happy-accide/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/x-com-couldve-had-bunny-monsters-chryssalid-was-a-happy-accide/#comments XCOM could've had bunny monsters, Chryssalid was a happy accident X-COM's cast of alien characters could have looked vastly different. During a postmortem at GDC, X-COM creator Julian Gollop showed some of the alien design mock-ups that were created by one of the game's artists, John Reitze. "This is the visual piece de la resistance of my entire presentation, because it is the only surviving concept work from the whole game," said Gollop. Many of the aliens are variations on the familiar X-COM enemies we all know today. There are different takes on Sectoids and Ethereals, for example. And then there's the giant bunny monster, which you can see in the first row of the image above. Probably for the best that one didn't make the cut.

Another interesting tidbit is that Chryssalids, one of the toughest enemies in X-COM, was something of an accident. "You'll notice that the Chrysallid is right next to the zombie character," said Gollop (third row, far left). "John didn't really imagine them to be connected in any way, but I very quickly had this idea that a Chryssalid would infect your soldiers, and this would turn them into zombies, which would then sprout new Chryssalids, and probably created the most annoying monster in the entire game." We're not sure "annoying" is really the right word - we'd probably go with "terrifying."

During the same panel, Gollop also revealed that X-COM was briefly canceled in 1993, when publisher Microprose was acquired by Spectrum Holobyte. See a larger version of the menagerie in the gallery below.

Gallery: X-COM alien concepts (GDC 2013)

JoystiqX-COM could've had bunny monsters, Chryssalid was a happy accident originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2013MicroProsepcx-com-ufo-defenseSat, 30 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA['RetroN 5' console plays NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA and Famicom, supports HDMI, save states]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/retron-5-console-plays-nes-snes-genesis-gba-and-famicom-su/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/retron-5-console-plays-nes-snes-genesis-gba-and-famicom-su/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/retron-5-console-plays-nes-snes-genesis-gba-and-famicom-su/#comments 'RetroN 5' console plays NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA and Famicom, supports HDMI, save statesHyperkin's reveal of the "RetroN 4" console at the Midwest Gaming Classic turned out to be the unveiling of the RetroN 5, with the addition of another cartridge slot for Japanese Famicom games (which have 60 pin connectors vs. the NES's 72 pin). Now the console supports Nintendo, Famicom, SNES, Genesis (plus Mega Drive), and Game Boy Advance (with Game Boy/Color support), all over HDMI, with controller ports for NES, SNES, and Genesis controllers, as well as its own wireless Bluetooth controllers. The company plans to make the controllers remappable and usable cross-platform, but those features are still in the works.

The console upscales old games to HDMI with special image processing to make them look decent on HD screens. It also supports save states just like emulators do, with an SD card slot to store saves. Furthermore, you can speed up gameplay and remap the Bluetooth controller buttons to control these features.

Hyperkin doesn't have a firm price or release date, but is hoping to release the console around July for less than $100.

Joystiq'RetroN 5' console plays NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA and Famicom, supports HDMI, save states originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyperkinmidwest-gaming-classicretron-4retron-5Sun, 24 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Original voice actors return for DuckTales Remastered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/original-voice-actors-return-for-ducktales-remastered/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/original-voice-actors-return-for-ducktales-remastered/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/original-voice-actors-return-for-ducktales-remastered/#comments Original voice actors return for DuckTales RemasteredThe full voice cast of the original DuckTales cartoon will reprise their respective roles for the newly announced nostalgiapocalypse DuckTales Remastered, Capcom senior vice-president Christian Svensson revealed in a Capcom Unity forum thread yesterday.

"We have ALL the original voice actors from the show," Svensson said, including Scrooge voice actor Alan Young, who "still came into the studio and did his thing like a pro. The voice work really adds a lot to the package."

"Scrooge's voice actor," as a quick aside, is a man named Alan Young, who's been in the entertainment industry since the 1940s. Before he endeared himself to the hearts of millions as a penny-pinching old duck, Young's original claim to fame was as Wilbur Post, the star of Mister Ed. We wonder if Young knew at the time that talking animals would become a running theme for his 70-odd years in show business?

Update: Joystiq has been contacted by a representative for Alan Young, who clarified the details of Mr. Young's entertainment career.

JoystiqOriginal voice actors return for DuckTales Remastered originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-YoungCapcomDuckTalesducktales-remasteredmicrosoftnintendopax-east-2013playstationps3VAvoice-actorsWayForwardwii-uxboxSat, 23 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duke Nukem 2 hits iOS next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/duke-nukem-2-hits-ios-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/duke-nukem-2-hits-ios-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/duke-nukem-2-hits-ios-next-month/#comments
Duke Nukem's two-dimensional VGA romp through the alien-ridden, distant future year of 1998 is coming to various iOS devices next month, in celebration of the game's twentieth anniversary. Originally released in 1993 for MS-DOS, Duke Nukem 2 will be available for $1.99 and will be compatible with iOS devices iPhone 4S and newer, including iPad Minis and last-generation's iPod Touch.

As seen in the trailer above, Interceptor Entertainment's iOS port uses virtual button controls to navigate Duke through the game's 32 levels. While Duke's pre-3D adventures were a little bit more Contra than they were Doom, the franchise's sense of humor had already been firmly cemented in place, much like his hairstyle.

JoystiqDuke Nukem 2 hits iOS next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsapogeeduke-nukemduke-nukem-2interceptor-entertainmentiosipadiphonemobileSat, 16 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Custom wood Neo Geos are so pretty they might be worth the price]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/custom-wood-neo-geos-are-so-pretty-they-might-be-worth-the-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/custom-wood-neo-geos-are-so-pretty-they-might-be-worth-the-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/custom-wood-neo-geos-are-so-pretty-they-might-be-worth-the-price/#comments Neo Geo custom wood mods are pretty insaneAnalogue Interactive, purveyor of ridiculously cool (and expensive) Neo Geo hardware mods, has upped the ante with a new service that builds custom, new CMVS Slims out of your choice of domestic and exotic woods, dubbed Black Label. Consoles start at $1,300, and that's for one made with domestic wood.

The Black Label set comes with an Analogue CMVS Slim, two analogue arcade sticks, brass Black Label tags and the requisite cables. Check out the entire selection on Analogue Interactive.

JoystiqCustom wood Neo Geos are so pretty they might be worth the price originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analogue-interactiveblack-labelcmvscustomneo-geowoodThu, 14 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Full F-Zero AX arcade game discovered in F-Zero GX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/full-f-zero-ax-arcade-game-discovered-in-f-zero-gx/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/full-f-zero-ax-arcade-game-discovered-in-f-zero-gx/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/full-f-zero-ax-arcade-game-discovered-in-f-zero-gx/#comments
F-Zero GX for GameCube was one of a pair of games. It was released concurrently with F-Zero AX, a game designed for the Sega/Namco/Nintendo "Triforce" arcade platform, which connected to the home game via memory cards to unlock tracks. AX had arcade-style timed gameplay, along with those tracks.

Modder "Ralf" found that the full code for the arcade game is hidden on the GameCube disc - and accessible with a series of codes for the Action Replay cheat device. The long list of codes is found on The Cutting Room Floor (a site which, if this is your first visit, you're welcome).

Now, someone go peek in Mario Kart: Double Dash and see if Arcade GP is in there.

JoystiqFull F-Zero AX arcade game discovered in F-Zero GX originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-replayf-zerof-zero-axf-zero-gxThu, 07 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom Arcade Cabinet adds Ghosts 'n Goblins, Gun.Smoke, Section Z]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/capcom-arcade-cabinet-adds-ghosts-n-goblins-gun-smoke-section/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/capcom-arcade-cabinet-adds-ghosts-n-goblins-gun-smoke-section/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/capcom-arcade-cabinet-adds-ghosts-n-goblins-gun-smoke-section/#comments
You can now stock your Capcom Arcade Cabinet with three more games. The 1985-I pack launched yesterday on PSN and XBLA in North America and today on PSN in Europe, with frustration engine Ghosts 'n' Goblins, vertically scrolling Old West shmup Gun.Smoke and 8-way shooter Section Z. We still don't know why there's a period in "Gun.Smoke" - well, beyond avoiding copyright issues with the TV show.

The pack costs $9.99 or 800 Microsoft Points. Concurrent with its release, the games from last week's pack (1943 and Avengers [not those Avengers]) are available as individual purchases, for $3.99 each. Check Capcom-Unity for a chance to win a FightStick with custom art for this week's games.

JoystiqCapcom Arcade Cabinet adds Ghosts 'n Goblins, Gun.Smoke, Section Z originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcom-arcade-cabinetmicrosoftplaystationps3psnsection-zxblaxboxWed, 06 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA['RetroN 4' console plays NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA over HDMI]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/retron-4-console-plays-nes-snes-genesis-gba-over-hdmi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/retron-4-console-plays-nes-snes-genesis-gba-over-hdmi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/retron-4-console-plays-nes-snes-genesis-gba-over-hdmi/#comments 'RetroN 4' console plays NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA over HDMIHyperkin's new RetroN 4 console is designed to play NES, SNES, Genesis, and Game Boy Advance cartridges. It's compatible with both PAL and NTSC formats, has dedicated controller ports for NES, SNES, and Genesis controllers (and uses its own Bluetooth controller), and uses HDMI output. A special UI built into the console allows users to reassign buttons, among other things.

More details about the console will be revealed at the Midwest Gaming Classic in Brookfield, Wisconsin on March 23. That includes pictures of the device.

Who ever thought you could get away with announcing a new console, the fourth in its series, with details of its functionality but no pictures of the console itself? Honestly.

Continue reading 'RetroN 4' console plays NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA over HDMI

Joystiq'RetroN 4' console plays NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA over HDMI originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyperkinretron-4Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dev shares prototype footage of never-made Star Wars fighting game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/dev-shares-prototype-footage-of-never-made-star-wars-fighting-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/dev-shares-prototype-footage-of-never-made-star-wars-fighting-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/dev-shares-prototype-footage-of-never-made-star-wars-fighting-ga/#comments Tsui shares pitch footage of nevermade Star Wars fighting gameJosh Tsui, current president of Robomodo and veteran game developer on titles like Mortal Kombat 4, Fight Night Round 3, and Tony Hawk Shred, has shared some video on Twitter of an old prototype for a Star Wars-based fighting game.

The footage, which you can watch in full below, features Anakin Skywalker and Darth Maul going at it with lightsabers, hacking away and using the force for throws until one of them is able to skewer the other.

As the description on the video says, the footage is fairly "repetitive," but it was simply designed to show off all of the potential moves a game like this could make. There was a presentation paired with the video as well, and Tsui says it was part of a pitch for a new game back when he was working at Studio Gigante in Chicago. We'd say his team might want to return to the idea for the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII, but perhaps it's better if the Jedi knights stay away from fighting games in general.

Continue reading Dev shares prototype footage of never-made Star Wars fighting game

JoystiqDev shares prototype footage of never-made Star Wars fighting game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developersfightingjosh-tsuimicrosoftnever-madepcpitchpitchedstar-warsstar-wars-fighting-gamestudio-gigantevideovimeoxboxFri, 15 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega introduces line of console-themed laptops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/sega-introduces-line-of-console-themed-laptops/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/sega-introduces-line-of-console-themed-laptops/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/sega-introduces-line-of-console-themed-laptops/#comments Sega introduces line of consolethemed laptopsIt's not quite the return to hardware production that some Sega loyalists may be hoping for, but Sega's new line of retro console-themed laptops are expensive and doomed to obsolescence, so it's kind of the same thing.

Manufactured in conjunction with Japanese retailer Enterbrain, the Sega Note PC laptops come in four styles: Generic Sega, Mega Drive, Sega Saturn and Dreamcast. Your choice of style can be ordered in one of four hardware configurations, with ascending prices ranging from ¥99,750 ($1075.47) to ¥194,250 ($2094.35). The base model comes equipped with the 64-bit version of Windows 8, a 1920x1080 display, 4 gigs of RAM and a 500 gig HD, all powered by a Pentium 2020M processor, according to our friends at Engadget.

It's kind of a lot of money for not a lot of computer, but each laptop is packed with Sega-branded Windows 8 themes, replete with custom system sounds. Shipment is expected to begin in June for those who either live in Japan or are brave enough to import.

Gallery: Sega Note PC

JoystiqSega introduces line of console-themed laptops originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamcastenterbraingenesisimportlaptopmega-drivepcsegasega-laptopsega-note-pcsega-saturnFri, 15 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MANOS: The Hands of Fate attempts to please the Master on Greenlight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/manos-the-hands-of-fate-attemps-to-please-the-master-on-greenli/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/manos-the-hands-of-fate-attemps-to-please-the-master-on-greenli/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/manos-the-hands-of-fate-attemps-to-please-the-master-on-greenli/#comments
Torgo's bizarre undulations and wobbly-voiced predictions of the Master's disapproving nature might reach a much wider audience, as Mystery Science Theater 3000 homage MANOS: The Hands of Fate is seeking the communal go-ahead on Steam Greenlight.

Based on the 1966 horror film of the same name, MANOS originally launched on iOS in June of last year, with a PC port arriving on Indievania last December. The Steam port will include a new "Play as Torgo" mode, assuming the game makes it onto the service. No word on Steam pricing as of yet, but the existing iOS and PC versions go for $1.99 and $5.99, respectively.

JoystiqMANOS: The Hands of Fate attempts to please the Master on Greenlight originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freakzone-gamesgreenlightindiemanosmanos-the-hands-of-fatepcsteamsteam-greenlightSat, 09 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[These old Nintendo promo videos are a national treasure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/these-old-nintendo-promo-videos-are-a-national-treasure/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/these-old-nintendo-promo-videos-are-a-national-treasure/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/these-old-nintendo-promo-videos-are-a-national-treasure/#comments
A collector of gaming antiquities has provided an incredible public service to the world, by uploading six extremely rare, extremely retro Nintendo corporate promotional tapes to YouTube. The six videos (above and after the break) were originally used as sales pitches to promote various products and live events, such as the Super Game Boy and the 1990 Nintendo World Championships, to retailers and potential venues.

Beyond their value as hilarious distractions, however, these blurry, color-smeared glimpses into the past also serve as a reminder of our community's history -- one that must be preserved and cherished, so that our children may one day know how completely ridiculous everything was in the early 90s.

Their tiny, adorable faces will look up and ask "Daddy, why are there day-glo pink triangles all over everything in these 'video tapes'?" To which we'll reply, "Hush, sweetie. Eat your gruel before Ag'rathas and his Labor Wardens start our next shift, here in the Salt Mines of Kuu'uultepth, which is in space because this is humanity's bleak future as a conquered people."

Continue reading These old Nintendo promo videos are a national treasure

JoystiqThese old Nintendo promo videos are a national treasure originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demodisplayDonkey-KongDonkey-Kong-CountrynintendoNintendo-world-championships-1990promotional-tapespromotional-videossuper-game-boyVHSSat, 09 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neo Geo X production to continue, more games/peripherals on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/neo-geo-x-production-to-continue-more-games-peripherals-on-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/neo-geo-x-production-to-continue-more-games-peripherals-on-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/neo-geo-x-production-to-continue-more-games-peripherals-on-the/#comments This week's reports that Japanese Neo Geo X production had come to a halt are only somewhat correct, Engadget has learned. In actuality, only production of the Neo Geo X Gold Limited Edition model has ceased, which was always part of the plan. You know, it being a Limited Edition product and everything.

"Tommo will be continuing to support the NEOGEO X format going forward with more games, peripherals and software updates, as well as more units of the console hardware," Tommo told Engadget. "The NEOGEO X Gold System Limited Edition Collection Series that includes Ninja Masters, was always planned to be a limited edition product."

Further elaborations were not made concerning what said games and peripherals might be. Considering that the original Neo Geo AES didn't really have peripherals though, save for a memory card and an adapter that let the AES play arcade cabinet cartridges, we're curious about what Tommo might come up with.

JoystiqNeo Geo X production to continue, more games/peripherals on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>limited-editionneo-geoneo-geo-AESneo-geo-MVSneo-geo-xneo-geo-x-goldproductionSNKtommoFri, 25 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST