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 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[3D After Burner 2: M2's quest for port perfection]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/3d-after-burner-2-m2s-quest-for-port-perfection/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/3d-after-burner-2-m2s-quest-for-port-perfection/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/3d-after-burner-2-m2s-quest-for-port-perfection/#comments "Arcade-perfect" is a term that was bandied about in the '80s and '90s as developers struggled to port state-of-the-art arcade games to significantly less powerful console hardware. Compromises were made, features were removed, and many ports that were billed as "arcade-perfect" still needed to be scaled back quite a bit compared to their cabinet counterparts.

These days, consoles boast enough horsepower to emulate classic games at a software level - virtually recreating arcade hardware in order to run original programming code, rather than porting graphics, sound, and gameplay components from scratch. Purists argue, however, that straightforward emulation lacks a certain appeal specific to original hardware. Playing the classic racer Daytona USA using an Xbox 360 controller, for instance, is a vastly different experience compared to sitting in the cockpit of the original arcade cabinet and gripping a force feedback-equipped steering wheel that fights you at every turn.

Arcade-perfect ports still elude many publishers. Japanese porting studio M2, however, sets its sights higher than mere perfection.

M2's 3D After Burner 2, released in the Nintendo 3DS eShop in North America this week, is more than an arcade-perfect port. Not only does it make great strides toward simulating the look and feel of a classic arcade game, but it also improves on the game's original design in ways that its creators planned but never fully achieved. The result is perhaps the first "complete" look at After Burner 2 as it was originally envisioned, and it's a rare treat for classic gaming enthusiasts.

Continue reading 3D After Burner 2: M2's quest for port perfection

Joystiq3D After Burner 2: M2's quest for port perfection originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-after-burner-23dsafter-burner-2arcadem2nintendoportsegaFri, 16 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The best and fastest: Highlights from Awesome Games Done Quick 2015]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/the-best-and-fastest-highlights-from-awesome-games-done-quick-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/the-best-and-fastest-highlights-from-awesome-games-done-quick-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/the-best-and-fastest-highlights-from-awesome-games-done-quick-2/#comments The annual Awesome Games Done Quick marathon is one of the biggest charity events in gaming, with this year's show raising more than $1 million in charitable donations for the Prevent Cancer Foundation over a grueling week-long campaign. During the course of the event, gamers from across the globe gathered to complete classic and modern games at lightning speed, producing amazing playthroughs and earning thousands of viewer donations from the collective atmosphere and camaraderie.

This year's event was the most financially successful to date, and we've already covered highlights like this ultra-quick Pokemon Blue playthrough and an unlikely Mischief Makers marriage proposal. With more than 100 hours of speedruns to sift through, however, it may be tough to find the best of the best. With that in mind, here are our favorite runs from AGDQ 2015, with links to the original Twitch archives provided by this Reddit thread. You've got a lot to catch up on if you missed out on this year's event, so let's dive right in.

Continue reading The best and fastest: Highlights from Awesome Games Done Quick 2015

JoystiqThe best and fastest: Highlights from Awesome Games Done Quick 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agdq-2015awesome-games-done-quickcharitymarathonpcspeedrunTue, 13 Jan 2015 17:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Blue speedrunner uses 'shortcut,' is super effective]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/pokemon-blue-speedrunner-uses-shortcut-is-super-effective/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/pokemon-blue-speedrunner-uses-shortcut-is-super-effective/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/pokemon-blue-speedrunner-uses-shortcut-is-super-effective/#comments
Are you going through Awesome Games Done Quick withdrawal like we are? Those that missed some of the speedrunning marathon's fast-paced antics have two options: Attempt to mash through a game of their choice as fast as possible or catch up on the action with archived videos. Frankly, we're taking the easier approach, opting for this fascinating 21-minute speedrun of Pokemon Blue.

Performed by "Werster," this run avoids save-file-corrupting tactics, instead taking advantage of glitches that manipulate the number of items in the speedrunner's inventory. Thanks to the item manipulation glitch, he reached Pokemon Blue's final scene in mere minutes after triggering a few events early in the game. Awesome Games Done Quick wrapped up this past weekend, raising over $1.1 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation. The marathon offered plenty of entertaining moments to Twitch viewers, including a marriage proposal.
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqPokemon Blue speedrunner uses 'shortcut,' is super effective originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agdqagdq-2015awesome-games-done-quickgameboygbpokemonpokemon-bluespeed-runSpeedRuntwitchvideowersterMon, 12 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[3D After Burner 2 simulates multiple arcade cabinet styles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/3d-after-burner-2-simulates-multiple-arcade-cabinet-styles/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/3d-after-burner-2-simulates-multiple-arcade-cabinet-styles/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/3d-after-burner-2-simulates-multiple-arcade-cabinet-styles/#comments If your memories of Sega's classic arcade shoot-'em-up After Burner 2 are tied to one of the game's many unique cabinet styles, a new port for the Nintendo 3DS will hit you with an unexpected wave of nostalgia. The upcoming 3D After Burner 2 will simulate all of the game's arcade cabinet variations, porting studio M2 revealed as part of an ongoing interview series this week.

"The game had a number of arcade cabinet variations, starting with the 'Double Cradle' (moved both forward/backward and left/right) and the 'Single Cradle' (moved left/right)," the article reads. "More variations were released later, including 'Sit-down' and 'Upright' variations." Footage demonstrating the "Double Cradle" variant is available here.

3D After Burner 2 will simulate any of these machines at the player's option, surrounding the gameplay screen with cabinet artwork and flickering lights that indicate incoming enemy attacks. Another option simulates cabinet movement, tilting the emulated gameplay screen at appropriate angles according to player flight paths.

M2 previously simulated arcade cabinet aesthetics and motion in last year's 3DS ports of Space Harrier and Super Hang-On. 3D After Burner 2 will launch for the Nintendo 3DS eShop in North America this Thursday, January 15.

[Image: Sega]

Joystiq3D After Burner 2 simulates multiple arcade cabinet styles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-after-burner-23dsafter-burner-2eshopm2nintendosegaMon, 12 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Halo evolve in Did You Know Gaming's latest video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/watch-halo-evolve-in-did-you-know-gamings-latest-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/watch-halo-evolve-in-did-you-know-gamings-latest-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/watch-halo-evolve-in-did-you-know-gamings-latest-video/#comments
Did You Know Gaming explores the birth of the Halo series in its latest video, which drops some fascinating insight into the first-person shooter's references to Bungie's previous games. The video also dabbles in Halo's previous Apple exclusivity and discusses how it became a Microsoft property.

Continue reading Watch Halo evolve in Did You Know Gaming's latest video

JoystiqWatch Halo evolve in Did You Know Gaming's latest video originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2015 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungieBungie-Studiosdid-you-know-gamingHaloHalo-Combat-EvolvedmicrosoftvideoxboxWed, 07 Jan 2015 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Be a DOS boss: Play 2,386 PC games in your browser for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/be-a-dos-boss-play-2-386-pc-games-in-your-browser-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/be-a-dos-boss-play-2-386-pc-games-in-your-browser-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/be-a-dos-boss-play-2-386-pc-games-in-your-browser-for-free/#comments Forget that chubby guy from the North Pole, the real Santa Claus this holiday season is the Internet Archive, a non-profit digital library that now hosts 2,386 DOS games that can be played by anyone at no cost.

A digital cache of that size brings with it both good and bad news. On the downside, there's bound to be lots of bad games, even notoriously bad ones like the baffling 1989 fighting game Tongue of the Fatman. But on the upside, the collection also includes some legitimate classics like LucasArts' adventure game adaptation of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and the PC version of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Pool of Radiance campaign. With 2,386 games available there's far too many to briefly describe here, but you can browse the collection by visiting the Archive.

The best news, though, is that in lieu of simply archiving .exe files for each game, the Internet Archive listings feature an in-browser version of the ubiquitous DOSBox emulator. It won't be exactly the same experience you had playing these games in the late 1980s, but it's far easier than convincing games from the Reagan era to play nicely with modern computers.
[Image: LucasArts/Disney]

JoystiqBe a DOS boss: Play 2,386 PC games in your browser for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Indiana-Jones-and-the-Last-Crusadeinternet-archivelucasartspcpool-of-radiancessiTue, 06 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Teens playing Mario Kart 64: 'Who designed this?']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/watch-teens-play-mario-kart-64/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/watch-teens-play-mario-kart-64/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/watch-teens-play-mario-kart-64/#comments
Ready to feel old? The Fine Brothers' latest React Gaming video shows teens playing another classic game, 1996's Mario Kart 64. The ten-minute competition is entertaining through the final close race while taking older players back to simpler times. Among our favorite quotes is one of the test subject's confusion over the Nintendo 64 controller, turning it over while pondering, "Who designed this?"

The React Gaming series pairs retro games and consoles with youthful players, putting their bewilderment on display for the benefit of all. Past videos showed teens failing at Mega Man, discussing the size of the Game Boy and the absurdness of the NES, the latter featuring Game of Thrones' Maisie Williams. Younger players may have a greater appreciation for the latest game in Nintendo's racing series, Mario Kart 8, which was one of Joystiq's best games of 2014.
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqTeens playing Mario Kart 64: 'Who designed this?' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>get-off-my-lawnkids-reactmario-kartmario-kart-64mario-kart-8nintendo-64react-gamesreact-gamingreactionreaction-videoteens-reactthe-fine-brothersvideoMon, 05 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega Man channels Cut Man to deal with Virtual Console prices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/mega-man-channels-cut-man-chops-virtual-console-prices/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/mega-man-channels-cut-man-chops-virtual-console-prices/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/mega-man-channels-cut-man-chops-virtual-console-prices/#comments Capcom kicked off a sale on games in its Mega Man series through the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops today. The sale coincides with the 27th anniversary of the iconic blue hero as well as the debut of another game on Nintendo's Virtual Console: Mega Man Zero. The Game Boy Advance classic is now available on the Wii U eShop for $7.99.

The "Mega Manniversary" sale hacks 50 percent off the price of six Mega Man games until Monday, December 22 at 11:59 a.m. ET (8:59 a.m. PT). On sale are the Game Boy versions of Mega Man 2, Mega Man 3 and Mega Man 4 for 3DS, each down to $1.49. As for Wii U, players can download NES games Mega Man 5 and Mega Man 6 for $2.49 each as well as Mega Man 7 for $3.99. Of course, kids these days may have troubles with these difficult retro platformers.
[Image: Capcom]

JoystiqMega Man channels Cut Man to deal with Virtual Console prices originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2014 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3ds-eshopcapcomdiscounteshopgame-boygame-boy-advancegbamega-manmega-man-2mega-man-3mega-man-4mega-man-5mega-man-6mega-man-7mega-man-zeronesnintendonintendo-eshopsalesnesvirtual-consolewii-uwii-u-eshopWed, 17 Dec 2014 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Castlevania precursor Vampire Killer coming to Wii U Virtual Console...in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/castlevania-precursor-vampire-killer-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/castlevania-precursor-vampire-killer-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/castlevania-precursor-vampire-killer-coming-to-wii-u-virtual-con/#comments
One of the earliest entries in Konami's long-running Castlevania series is due for resurrection via the Wii U's Virtual Console service in Japan on December 17, Nintendo revealed this week.

Originally released for MSX home computers in 1986, Akumajou Dracula (aka Vampire Killer in European territories) resembles the 8-bit NES Castlevania aesthetically, but takes a more open-ended approach to its gameplay. This exploration-focused style returned in 1988's Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest, and became a defining element of later series entries like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

Unfortunately, given that MSX games are not featured in the Virtual Console's catalog stateside, it's unlikely that Vampire Killer will see a North American eShop release. Castlevania fans will have to be content with recent Wii U Virtual Console releases like Dracula X and Aria of Sorrow instead.

[Video: World of Longplays]

JoystiqCastlevania precursor Vampire Killer coming to Wii U Virtual Console...in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlevaniajapanmsxnintendovampire-killervirtual-consolewii-uThu, 11 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Strict retrogaming regimen produces 8-year-old who beat Spelunky]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/strict-retrogaming-regimen-produces-8-year-old-who-beat-spelunky/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/strict-retrogaming-regimen-produces-8-year-old-who-beat-spelunky/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/11/strict-retrogaming-regimen-produces-8-year-old-who-beat-spelunky/#comments What happens when you introduce your child to classic consoles at an early age? You end up breeding a superpowered Wunderkind who can complete one of the most difficult games of any gaming generation.

In this recent feature, writer and XOXO conference founder Andy Baio details his fatherly quest to introduce his son Eliot to classic gaming consoles chronologically, as part of an accelerated history lesson started on his fourth birthday. The plan kicked off with father and son tag-teaming every entry in the NES Mega Man series, and the pair later moved on to conquering Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.

By the time he turned seven, Eliot had collected all 120 stars in Super Mario 64. Eliot then beat Mossmouth's infamously difficult roguelike platformer Spelunky at the age of eight. Earlier this year, he completed Spelunky's Hell level on his own -- a feat that eludes many gaming veterans with decades of experience.

Eliot's recent favorites include Vlambeer's Nuclear Throne and, of course, Minecraft.

"You're probably either thinking I'm a monster or a pretty awesome dad. Maybe a little of both," Baio concludes. "That's okay with me. My son is amazing, he loves video games, and more than anything, he loves playing them with me."

[Image: Andy Baio, Eliot Baio]

JoystiqStrict retrogaming regimen produces 8-year-old who beat Spelunky originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kidsmossmouthnuclear-throneparenthoodspelunkyThu, 11 Dec 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest 3 now adventuring on iOS, Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/dragon-quest-3-now-adventuring-on-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/dragon-quest-3-now-adventuring-on-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/dragon-quest-3-now-adventuring-on-ios-android/#comments Square Enix's classic JRPG Dragon Quest 3 is out now for iOS and Android devices, marking its first English-language rerelease in over a decade.

Originally released for the 8-bit Famicom in 1988, Dragon Quest 3 was the first entry in the series that allowed players to create a custom party drawn from multiple character classes. The game also introduced innovations like a day/night cycle and a character job-changing system. A localized version later made its way to the Nintendo Entertainment System, and an upgraded Game Boy Color port landed stateside in 2001.

Dragon Quest 3's mobile debut follows up on the recent iOS and Android launches of Dragon Quest, Dragon Quest 4, and Dragon Quest 8. Dragon Quest 3 is priced at $9.99.

[Image: Square Enix]

JoystiqDragon Quest 3 now adventuring on iOS, Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Dec 2014 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddragon-questdragon-quest-3iosipadiphonemobileportsquare-enixFri, 05 Dec 2014 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The ZX Spectrum returns as a plug-and-play console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/the-zx-spectrum-returns-as-a-plug-and-play-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/the-zx-spectrum-returns-as-a-plug-and-play-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/the-zx-spectrum-returns-as-a-plug-and-play-console/#comments
The popular ZX Spectrum series of microcomputers has resurfaced as a crowdfunded plug-and-play console produced in a collaboration between Sinclair Research founder Clive Sinclair and tech startup Retro Computers.

The ZX Spectrum was a low-cost home computer that proved especially popular among game developers and hobbyists in the United Kingdom in the early 1980s. The Indiegogo-funded Sinclair Spectrum Vega includes over 1,000 built-in games, and additional titles will debut as free downloads following the console's launch next year. Users can also add their own games to the Vega's library via an included SD card slot.

Backers who pledge £100 or more will receive one of the first 1,000 Sinclair Spectrum Vega consoles to enter production. Shipments are scheduled to begin in April, 2015.

[Video: Retro Computers]

JoystiqThe ZX Spectrum returns as a plug-and-play console originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowdfundingindiegogopcplug-and-playretro-computerssinclairzx-spectrumTue, 02 Dec 2014 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Presents: A Zelda Story]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/28/joystiq-presents-a-zelda-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/28/joystiq-presents-a-zelda-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/28/joystiq-presents-a-zelda-story/#comments Do you remember the first day you played your favorite game? What about the moment you bought that game; what lengths did you go to pick it up? Joystiq's own Reviews Content Director Richard Mitchell (@TheRichardM) recalls the story of the the day he bought The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo 64, and discusses the patience of his mother with our Community Manager, Anthony John Agnello (@ajohnagnello).

Listen to the MP3

Continue reading Joystiq Presents: A Zelda Story

JoystiqJoystiq Presents: A Zelda Story originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Nov 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-zelda-storyjoystiq-presentsnintendonintendo-64radiorecommendedsnowthe-legend-of-zeldathe-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-timethe-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time-3dzeldaFri, 28 Nov 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic Adventure, Nights headline Humble Sega Bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/sonic-adventure-nights-headline-humble-sega-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/sonic-adventure-nights-headline-humble-sega-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/sonic-adventure-nights-headline-humble-sega-bundle/#comments
Sega peeks into its storied past this week with the Humble Sega Bundle, a pay-what-you-want collection featuring a handful of classics adapted from the Saturn and Dreamcast eras.

Pay any amount for the bundle and you'll get the surreal score-attack action game Nights Into Dreams, kart racer Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, and the Dreamcast Collection, which includes PC versions of Sonic Adventure, Sega Bass Fishing, Crazy Taxi, and Space Channel 5 Part 2.

The package also offers Total War: Rome II's "Caesar in Gaul" expansion and the Miles' Tactic DLC for Football Manager 2015. Beat the bundle's average purchase price (currently $3.68) and you'll unlock Empire: Total War, Company of Heroes 2 - The Western Front Armies: Oberkommando West, and additional games that will be revealed as the bundle enters its final week.

Total War: Shogun 2 - Fall of the Samurai is up for grabs as a $12 incentive, and you can also get an exclusive Dreamcast-themed t-shirt with a purchase of $50 or more. The Humble Sega Bundle will be available through December 9.

[Video: Humble Bundle / Sega]

JoystiqSonic Adventure, Nights headline Humble Sega Bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecompany-of-heroes-2crazy-taxidreamcast-collectionempire-total-warhumble-bundlenights-into-dreamspay-what-you-wantpcsegasega-bass-fishingsonic-adventuresonic-and-allstars-racing-transformedspace-channel-5-part-2total-war-shogun-2Wed, 26 Nov 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: If Pac-Man for the Atari 2600 was released today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/video-if-pac-man-for-the-atari-2600-was-released-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/video-if-pac-man-for-the-atari-2600-was-released-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/video-if-pac-man-for-the-atari-2600-was-released-today/#comments
We've seen variations on this sort of thing before, but this mocked-up glimpse at our industry's terrifying future is more plausible than most. Something Awful founder Rich "Lowtax" Kyanka proposes what Pac-Man for the Atari 2600 might play like if it was released today in the video above. The slick pay-to-play hooks clash fantastically with Pac-Man's terrible audiovisual presentation on the 2600, and some of the features parodied here are already an unfortunate reality in modern games. Maybe it's for the best if this one stays buried in a New Mexico landfill.

[Video: Rich Kyanka]

JoystiqVideo: If Pac-Man for the Atari 2600 was released today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atari-2600humorpac-manparodyWed, 19 Nov 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Duck Hunt tracking down Wii U Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/duck-hunt-tracking-down-wii-u-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/duck-hunt-tracking-down-wii-u-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/duck-hunt-tracking-down-wii-u-virtual-console/#comments Following a trailer for the Wii U version of Super Smash Bros. that showed the infamous chuckling dog from Duck Hunt in action (seen above), today's Nintendo Direct livestream revealed that the classic lightgun game is also on the way to the Wii U Virtual Console.

Given that it made its debut in 1984 on NES, Duck Hunt just celebrated its 30th anniversary. While Nintendo didn't reveal an exact date for its launch, the game will arrive "soon" on the eShop and will require a Wii Remote controller to play.
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqDuck Hunt tracking down Wii U Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Nov 2014 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duck-huntduck-hunt-dogeshopnesnintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-nov-2014nintendo-eshopvirtual-consolewii-uwii-u-eshopwii-u-virtual-consoleWed, 05 Nov 2014 17:44:00 EST<![CDATA[ET and other exhumed Atari games hit eBay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/et-and-other-exhumed-atari-games-hit-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/et-and-other-exhumed-atari-games-hit-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/et-and-other-exhumed-atari-games-hit-ebay/#comments Want to buy some literal garbage? An eBay seller is auctioning off a collection of Atari 2600 cartridges recovered from a recent excavation of a New Mexico landfill, including several crushed copies of the infamous dud ET.

An excavation team headed out to Alamogordo, New Mexico, earlier this year in the hopes of discovering the truth behind a reported landfill stuffed with video games and consoles in the months leading up to the video game industry crash of 1983. The venture yielded many shrinkwrapped copies of ET, among other decades-old merchandise abandoned by Atari. A documentary film covering the dig, Atari: Game Over, will launch exclusively for Xbox consoles later this month.

Bidding starts at $50 for the unearthed games, which vary in condition but are otherwise remarkably well-preserved, considering they've been sitting in a landfill for more than three decades. Many ET cartridges are already going for hundreds of dollars, but if you're looking to snag a stinky piece of history for yourself, you might be able to pick up a cheap copy of Asteroids, Centipede, Defender or Swordquest EarthWorld.
[Image: tbhs575]

JoystiqET and other exhumed Atari games hit eBay originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Nov 2014 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alamogordoalamogordo-landfillatariatari-2600atari-game-overebayethistorynew-mexicoWed, 05 Nov 2014 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Demon's Crest, Gargoyle's Quest 2 invade eShop on October 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/20/demons-crest-gargoyles-quest-2-invade-eshop-on-october-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/20/demons-crest-gargoyles-quest-2-invade-eshop-on-october-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/20/demons-crest-gargoyles-quest-2-invade-eshop-on-october-30/#comments Capcom will resurrect a pair of demonic platformers from its back catalog next week with the launch of Demon's Crest and Gargoyle's Quest 2 for the Nintendo eShop.

Both games star Ghosts 'n Goblins series antagonist Firebrand, and both feature side-scrolling action bolstered by action-RPG elements. Firebrand navigates an RPG-like overworld in between difficult platforming sequences in 1992's Gargoyle's Quest 2 for the NES, while the 1994 SNES series finale Demon's Crest takes a more open-ended approach, challenging players to return to previously-explored levels as they uncover hidden items and pursue multiple endings.

Capcom's upcoming eShop re-releases will premiere at a significant discount compared to their current aftermarket prices. Cartridge-only copies of Demon's Crest are hovering around $100 on eBay these days, and Gargoyle's Quest 2 is approaching $70. 3DS and Wii U owners get Gargoyle's Quest 2 for $4.99 next week, and Demon's Crest will hit the Wii U eShop exclusively for $7.99.

(For the record, I sold my cartridge of Gargoyle's Quest 2 for $10 and complete-in-box (sob) copy of Demon's Crest for around $20 years ago. I regret my mistakes.)

[Image: Capcom / VG Museum]

JoystiqDemon's Crest, Gargoyle's Quest 2 invade eShop on October 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Oct 2014 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcomdemons-crestgargoyles-quest-2nesnintendosnesvirtual-consolewii-uMon, 20 Oct 2014 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Son remembers his Sega-loving father in tribute video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/16/son-remembers-his-sega-loving-father-in-tribute-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/16/son-remembers-his-sega-loving-father-in-tribute-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/16/son-remembers-his-sega-loving-father-in-tribute-video/#comments
Long before the days of YouTube, gaming enthusiasts had to make the best of home video recording equipment to express their passion for the medium. The above clip, unearthed and uploaded more than 20 years after its initial recording, shows a loving, geeky father sharing his hobby with his now-adult son.

Tyler Esposito's father produced this video in the hopes of selling his New York relatives on the Sega Genesis. Dad here has uncanny taste in games, and surely made a powerful argument with footage of 16-bit classics like Strider, Ghostbusters, The Revenge of Shinobi, and Castle of Illusion.

Esposito's father has since passed on, but his enthusiasm for gaming and love for his son is plain to see in the video he left behind. It's a must-watch if you want to see pure, generation-spanning appreciation for a medium that has since exploded in popularity.

[Video: The Sega Channel]

JoystiqSon remembers his Sega-loving father in tribute video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Oct 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>16-bitsegasega-genesisThu, 16 Oct 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This guy wants $164,000 for his gigantic video game collection]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/this-guy-wants-164-000-for-his-gigantic-video-game-collection/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/this-guy-wants-164-000-for-his-gigantic-video-game-collection/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/this-guy-wants-164-000-for-his-gigantic-video-game-collection/#comments Do you have $164,000 handy? If so, you can snag nearly every retro console game since the beginning of the NES era. Ebay seller "reel.big.fish," also known as Nintendo Twizer, is selling a positively massive collection of games and consoles, spanning everything from the NES to Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Game Gear, Game Boy and much more.

He claims to have complete sets of every single game for Super Nintendo, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Virtual Boy, 32X, Sega Master System, Game Gear and NES (except for Stadium Events), in addition to several incomplete sets for other consoles, notably a hefty Sega Genesis collection. On top of all the games, there are also multiple variants of various consoles, including every single N64 color. There's far too much to list here - almost 6,000 games - so you may as well watch the video above, and you can also peruse the master list of every single game in the collection.

The catch is that it's all being sold as a single lot, with a $164,000 asking price. That's pretty steep, to be sure, but before you scoff at the price, don't forget the crown jewel of the collection, a framed copy of "No One Wants to Play Sega with Harrison Ford," signed by artist Brandon Bird.

JoystiqThis guy wants $164,000 for his gigantic video game collection originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectionebaygame-boygame-boy-colorgame-geargenesismaster-systemn64nesnintendonintendo-64saturnsegasega-master-systemsega-saturnsuper-nintendovirtual-boyWed, 08 Oct 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wonder Boy creator Westone filing for bankruptcy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/wonder-boy-creator-westone-filing-for-bankruptcy/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/wonder-boy-creator-westone-filing-for-bankruptcy/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/wonder-boy-creator-westone-filing-for-bankruptcy/#comments Veteran Japanese developer Westone Bit Entertainment is facing bankruptcy after nearly 30 years of operation, Game Watch Impress reports (via Sega Nerds).

After debuting in 1986 with its landmark arcade side-scroller Wonder Boy (later adapted for the 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System as Hudson's Adventure Island), Westone went on to create the Monster World series, which saw several sequels across the Sega Master System, Sega Genesis, and TurboGrafx-16. The series was later compiled in the Japan-exclusive Monster World Complete Collection for the PlayStation 2, and eventually made its way to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 with the 2012 launch of Sega Vintage Collection: Monster World.

Westone has entered liquidation process and its website has since shuttered. Sega has issued no word regarding whether the closure will affect the continued sale of Sega Vintage Collection: Monster World.

[Image: Sega / Westone]

JoystiqWonder Boy creator Westone filing for bankruptcy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2014 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadebankruptcysegasega-master-systemwestonewestone-bit-entertainmentThu, 02 Oct 2014 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tetris feature film will be a 'sci-fi epic']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/tetris-feature-film-will-be-a-sci-fi-epic/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/tetris-feature-film-will-be-a-sci-fi-epic/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/tetris-feature-film-will-be-a-sci-fi-epic/#comments Feature film production company Threshold Entertainment announced today that it has partnered with The Tetris Company to produce a movie adaptation of the seminal puzzler Tetris.

If you're thinking about how perfectly film could capture the global drama surrounding Tetris' initial licensing, you can stop dreaming right now. The film version of Tetris will instead be a "sci-fi epic," presumably about a heroic L-shaped Tetromino taking on waves of evil T-Polyominos, or something. Little is known about the film at this point, but the concept makes about as much sense as the canned Asteroids project from several years back.

Threshold Entertainment's previous game-to-movie efforts include 1995's Mortal Kombat film and follow-up Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. A release window for Tetris: The Movie has not been set.

[Image: Nintendo / The Cutting Room Floor]

Continue reading Tetris feature film will be a 'sci-fi epic'

JoystiqTetris feature film will be a 'sci-fi epic' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>filmmovietetristhreshold-entertainmentTue, 30 Sep 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ice Climbers won't be in the new Smash Bros, and here's why]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/17/ice-climbers-wont-be-in-the-new-smash-bros-and-heres-why/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/17/ice-climbers-wont-be-in-the-new-smash-bros-and-heres-why/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/17/ice-climbers-wont-be-in-the-new-smash-bros-and-heres-why/#comments Fans of the Nintendo Entertainment System launch title Ice Climber (yes, they exist) may be disappointed to learn that stars Popo and Nana will not return for the latest entry in the Super Smash Bros. series, due out this year for the Nintendo Wii U and 3DS. In a recent issue of Famitsu, Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai revealed that the pair's absence was due to technical limitations, rather than any ill will aimed at Ice Climber.

Sakurai notes, via a Nintendo Everything translation, that the Ice Climbers were up and running in the Wii U version of Super Smash Bros, but the 3DS lacked the hardware horsepower to render the team, making a roster cut necessary. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Melee, players controlled both Popo and Nana simultaneously, requiring hardware capable of rendering eight playable characters at once in the event that all four players chose the Ice Climbers.

As consolation, players can look forward to a similar retro-inspired team making its debut in Super Smash Bros. No, it's not Balloon Fight's heroes, sadly, nor is it a pair of whatever-they-ares from Clu Clu Land. You get one more guess.

[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqIce Climbers won't be in the new Smash Bros, and here's why originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Sep 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsice-climberice-climbersnintendosuper-smash-bros-2014wii-uWed, 17 Sep 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former NEC employees tell the ballad of the TurboGrafx-16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/former-nec-employees-tell-the-ballad-of-the-turbografx-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/former-nec-employees-tell-the-ballad-of-the-turbografx-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/former-nec-employees-tell-the-ballad-of-the-turbografx-16/#comments NEC was poised to capture a significant share of the emerging North American video game market with the release of the TurboGrafx-16, but corporate indifference doomed the console to obscurity, an interview feature posted at Gamasutra today reveals.

Released alongside the Sega Genesis in 1989, the TurboGrafx-16 hosted a number of exceptional games during its short lifespan, and was the first home console to boast a CD-ROM add-on. While standout games like Bonk's Revenge, Blazing Lazers, and Ys Book 1 & 2 earned it a contingent of devoted fans, many of the console's greatest efforts -- including acclaimed Castlevania: Symphony of the Night predecessor Dracula X -- languished in Japan, leaving its North American branch to suffer a slow death.

Continue reading Former NEC employees tell the ballad of the TurboGrafx-16

JoystiqFormer NEC employees tell the ballad of the TurboGrafx-16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hudsoninterviewjohnny-turbonecttiturboduoturbografx-16turbografx16Fri, 12 Sep 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy 15th birthday, Sega Dreamcast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/09/happy-15th-birthday-sega-dreamcast/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/09/happy-15th-birthday-sega-dreamcast/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/09/happy-15th-birthday-sega-dreamcast/#comments Fifteen years ago today, Sega launched its final video game console. Arriving in stores on September 9, 1999, the Dreamcast stole our hearts with a plethora of amazing games.

There are plenty of essential classics from the Dreamcast era - Power Stone, SoulCalibur and Phantasy Star Online, to name a few - but what are some of the lesser-known favorites?

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the machine that refused to stop thinking, the Joystiq staff presents a short list of obscure treasures. The system may be gone, but our love is eternal.

What are some of your favorite, lesser-known Dreamcast titles? Tell us your picks and why and we'll add it to our gallery as a community choice!

>>Obscure Dreamcast Gems<<

JoystiqHappy 15th birthday, Sega Dreamcast originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamcastrecommendedSegaSega-DreamcastTue, 09 Sep 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Remasters of the universe: Obscure titles we want to revisit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/29/remasters-of-the-universe-obscure-titles-we-want-to-revisit/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/29/remasters-of-the-universe-obscure-titles-we-want-to-revisit/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/29/remasters-of-the-universe-obscure-titles-we-want-to-revisit/#comments It was no great shock when Sony released a PlayStation 4 version of its super-popular third-person title The Last of Us. Deep Silver bathing its new Metro franchise in the spotlight for next-gen consoles was no great surprise either.

A new generation seems to come with it a series of new versions of some of our favorite games. But what about the less obvious choices? Capcom bringing the original Resident Evil back makes sense, but what about Nintendo's cult-hit Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem?

The Joystiq staff has reached back into the last decade-plus for its obscure favorites to present a list of some games we would like to see make a return in remastered form.

Of course this is only a small slice of our favorite obscure games we'd want to revisit. Tell us your selections and why and they may be added to our gallery.

>>Obscure Games We Want to Revisit<<

JoystiqRemasters of the universe: Obscure titles we want to revisit originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2014 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>recommendedFri, 29 Aug 2014 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy 25th birthday, Sega Genesis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/15/happy-25th-birthday-sega-genesis/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/15/happy-25th-birthday-sega-genesis/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/15/happy-25th-birthday-sega-genesis/#comments Twenty-five years ago this week, the Sega Genesis made its way to stores in North America. Helping to usher in the 16-bit era with classic characters such as Sonic and Sonic & Tails and Sonic & Tails featuring Knuckles. And more non-Sonic-related characters, of course!

Too many memories could be shared about our time growing up with the Sega Genesis, but the most important thing about it was its library of games. Here are a few of our favorites - for a bigger list of favorites (by no means all of them), check out our Sega Genesis Anniversary Gallery.

What are your favorites?

Continue reading Happy 25th birthday, Sega Genesis

JoystiqHappy 25th birthday, Sega Genesis originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Aug 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>recommendedSega-GenesisSega-Genesis-25th-AnniversaryFri, 15 Aug 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Nintendo eShop releases: Mega Man BC Challenge, Double Dragon 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/14/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-mega-man-bc-challenge-double-drago/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/14/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-mega-man-bc-challenge-double-drago/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/14/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-mega-man-bc-challenge-double-drago/#comments
Capcom continues its quest to roll out a new Mega Man game in the eShop every week in August with Mega Man Battle Chip Challenge, a GBA-exclusive spinoff in the Battle Network subseries. Battle Chip Challenge joins the Wii U's eShop catalog this week alongside recently released series entries Mega Man 5 and Mega Man Battle Network.

Retrogaming fans can also get their hands on the NES version of Double Dragon 2 via the Wii U's Virtual Console service this week. Double Dragon 2 arrives with its two-player option intact, but please be considerate if you have friendly fire enabled -- your partner probably won't be too happy if an errant whirlwind kick ends them flying off a cliff.

Nintendo has more NES classics in store for the Wii U eShop by the end of the month, including Konami's Gradius follow-up Life Force and Donkey Kong Jr. Math, an early 8-bit release that commands a surprisingly high price on eBay despite its formulaic gameplay.

Other Wii U eShop highlights this week include Ubiquitous Entertainment's vertically scrolling shoot'em-up Gaiabreaker and PhobosLab's twin-stick shooter XType Plus. while 3DS owners can look forward to Collavier's action-puzzler Amida's Path and a demo version of the upcoming Cooking Mama 5: Bon Appétit! A full list of this week's featured games is after the break below.

Continue reading New Nintendo eShop releases: Mega Man BC Challenge, Double Dragon 2

JoystiqNew Nintendo eShop releases: Mega Man BC Challenge, Double Dragon 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Aug 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscooking-mama-5-bon-appetitdouble-dragon-2eshopmega-man-battle-chip-challengenesnintendonintendoware-weeklyvirtual-consolewii-uThu, 14 Aug 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncover Castle in the Darkness' secrets soon on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/06/uncover-castle-in-the-darkness-secrets-soon-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/06/uncover-castle-in-the-darkness-secrets-soon-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/06/uncover-castle-in-the-darkness-secrets-soon-on-steam/#comments
1001 Spikes developer Nicalis announced a new damning action-platformer today, Castle in the Darkness. The game "recalls a golden, bygone era" thanks to its retro-inspired art and steep difficulty curve. In it, players explore the kingdom of Alexandria, hunting down an evil force that took out every knight in the land save for the leaping hero they control.

Castle in the Darkness has been in development for the last two years by Matt Kap, who is credited with work on The Binding of Isaac and 1001 Spikes. The game features over 100 weapons, armor and magic to equip as well as RPG-style elements similar to games in the Metroid and Castlevania series. It also includes over 50 bosses to hunt, plus "so many secrets that they all might never be found." Castle in the Darkness will launch on Steam later this summer.
[Image: Nicalis]

Continue reading Uncover Castle in the Darkness' secrets soon on Steam

JoystiqUncover Castle in the Darkness' secrets soon on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Aug 2014 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-RPGannouncementcastle-in-the-darknessmatt-kapnicalispcRetroscreenshotsSTEAMWed, 06 Aug 2014 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyrule Warriors' adventure mode has NES Zelda appeal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/05/hyrule-warriors-adventure-mode-has-nes-zelda-appeal/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/05/hyrule-warriors-adventure-mode-has-nes-zelda-appeal/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/05/hyrule-warriors-adventure-mode-has-nes-zelda-appeal/#comments
Nintendo offered new details on Hyrule Warriors during a Nintendo Direct livestream last night dedicated to spilling new beans on the game. The Tecmo Koei-developed offering will include an adventure mode that features a NES-style map inspired by the original Legend of Zelda. In it, players hack through levels with unique victory conditions, such as "defeat 300 enemies in 10 minutes," acquiring and using classic items from the Zelda series to find rare goods like heart containers.

Additionally, Zelda fans will appreciate the familiar ability to chop away at grass in Hyrule Warriors and attack the chicken-like Cuccos, which will attack players after enough unjust damage has been done to the creatures. The livestream also touched on the game's leveling and skill/equipment crafting system; we've embedded the full Hyrule Warriors Direct stream for your viewing pleasure. Hyrule Warriors will launch September 26 for Wii U, and those that register their copies on Club Nintendo by October 23 will receive two Ganondorf costumes.
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqHyrule Warriors' adventure mode has NES Zelda appeal originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Aug 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecampaignhyrule-warriorskoei-tecmoNESnintendonintendo-directomega-forceTeam-NinjaTecmo-Koeithe-legend-of-zeldatrailerwii-uzeldaTue, 05 Aug 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One-man band covers Banjo-Kazooie theme, all instruments included]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/23/one-man-band-covers-banjo-kazooie-theme-all-instruments-include/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/23/one-man-band-covers-banjo-kazooie-theme-all-instruments-include/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/23/one-man-band-covers-banjo-kazooie-theme-all-instruments-include/#comments
Covering the intro theme from the Nintendo 64 platformer classic Banjo-Kazooie is a daunting task for any group of musicians. For one thing, it uses a million instruments -- aside from the obvious banjo and kazoo parts, other sections of the melody employ the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, violin, and piccolo, along with various percussive surfaces and cartoonish bear grunts. YouTuber SquidPhysics has assembled the necessary musical arsenal for the one-man performance above, and the results are as impressive as you might expect. Guh-huh!

[Image: SquidPhysics]

JoystiqOne-man band covers Banjo-Kazooie theme, all instruments included originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jul 2014 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banjo-kazooiecovermusicn64nintendo-64raresquidphysicsWed, 23 Jul 2014 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy 50th birthday, Ryu!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/21/happy-50th-birthday-ryu/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/21/happy-50th-birthday-ryu/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/21/happy-50th-birthday-ryu/#comments Street Fighter's iconic world warrior Ryu has just hit the big 5-0, a Reddit post pointed out earlier today. Feel free to send him "over the hill" birthday cards and jokey coffee mugs to mark the start of his sixth virtual decade. He'd love that.

A red-headed Ryu got his start in 1987's awful arcade brawler Street Fighter, overcoming clunky controls to beat Sagat and claim the title of world champion. Ryu later starred as the default character choice in the moderately more successful Street Fighter 2, and went on to appear in countless sequels, spin-offs, and side-stories alongside his brother-from-another-mother Ken.

Happy 50th, Ryu! Here's hoping you're still punching that waterfall when you're 100.

[Image: Capcom / kotogo]

JoystiqHappy 50th birthday, Ryu! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jul 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ryustreet-fighterstreet-fighter-2Mon, 21 Jul 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic Adventure 2 cutscene recreation is no faker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/07/sonic-adventure-2-cutscene-recreation-is-no-faker/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/07/sonic-adventure-2-cutscene-recreation-is-no-faker/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/07/sonic-adventure-2-cutscene-recreation-is-no-faker/#comments
YouTube animator Cameron Turner gives a brief but promising glimpse at what a Sonic Adventure 2 remake might look like in the fan-made scene recreation above, putting a new spin on a memorable clash between Sonic and Shadow. The recreation improves on the original scene in practically every way, adding more dynamic action and fixing its infamous overlapping dialogue. Honestly, the animation here is better than what the voice acting deserI'LL MAKE YOU EAT THOSE WORDS!

[Video: Cameron Turner]

JoystiqSonic Adventure 2 cutscene recreation is no faker originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamcastfan-madegamecuberecreationsegasonic-adventure-2Mon, 07 Jul 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega's 8-bit universe beats itself up in Master System Brawl]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/07/segas-8-bit-universe-beats-itself-up-in-master-system-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/07/segas-8-bit-universe-beats-itself-up-in-master-system-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/07/segas-8-bit-universe-beats-itself-up-in-master-system-brawl/#comments
If the upcoming Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo Wii U and 3DS has you jonesing for a similar arena fighter featuring Sega's classic characters, you'll want to check out Sega Master System Brawl (direct download link), a recently updated homebrew release for the Sega Genesis and Mega Drive.

Kids who grew up on the Sega Master System (our own Alexander Sliwinski among them) will recognize several featured cast members, including Alex Kidd, Wonder Boy in Monster Land star Tom-Tom, and Shinobi's Joe Musashi. The latest version's roster also includes characters and backdrops from a selection of lesser-known Master System greats like Kung-Fu Kid and the Castlevania-inspired Vampire: Master of Darkness.

Creator "Bonaf" tells Sega Nerds that future updates will add playable characters like JJ from Zillion, Dynamite Dux's Bean, and Sonic the Hedgehog himself. Sega Master System Brawl is available as a downloadable ROM file, and is playable via emulation and on original Sega Genesis hardware using a flash cartridge.

[Video: Bonaf]

JoystiqSega's 8-bit universe beats itself up in Master System Brawl originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bitalex-kiddmega-drivesegasega-genesissega-master-systemMon, 07 Jul 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Denny's reveals Atari-themed menu, remixed mobile games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/01/dennys-reveals-atari-themed-menu-remixed-mobile-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/01/dennys-reveals-atari-themed-menu-remixed-mobile-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/01/dennys-reveals-atari-themed-menu-remixed-mobile-games/#comments Denny's (yes, the family restaurant chain) has released a trio of reskinned Atari classics for mobile platforms to promote its new "Greatest Hits Remixed" menu.

Featured games include the vector-based Hashteroids (a remixed Asteroids), frantic shoot-'em-up Centipup (Centipede), and brick-breaking action game Take-Out (Breakout).

All games have had their graphics swapped out with breakfast-appropriate aesthetics, and all feature inexplicable and surreal storylines. Here's the synopsis for Centipup, for example: "Once upon a time, a young boy named Danny came across a bottle of syrup and with just a slight squeeze the bottle's sticky contents had the power to turn anyone or anything into a fried egg." Dang.

All three games are available via the free Denny's app for iOS and Android devices.

[Image: Denny's]

Continue reading Denny's reveals Atari-themed menu, remixed mobile games

JoystiqDenny's reveals Atari-themed menu, remixed mobile games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidataridennysiosipadiphonemobileTue, 01 Jul 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Record speedrun trumps Super Mario Bros. in under 5 minutes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/30/record-speedrun-trumps-super-mario-bros-in-under-5-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/30/record-speedrun-trumps-super-mario-bros-in-under-5-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/30/record-speedrun-trumps-super-mario-bros-in-under-5-minutes/#comments
Speedrunner "Blubbler" has set a new world record completion time for Nintendo's 1985 platformer Super Mario Bros, beating the previous best recorded time by less than a second.

The world record run, seen above, shows Mario speeding through a handful of levels before warping to the final world and toppling Bowser with few pauses in between. Blubbler's final time is four minutes and 57.69 seconds, beating the previous record of four minutes and 58.09 seconds

While Blubbler used an emulator rather than original NES hardware to achieve the record, no cheats were used during this playthrough. If some of Blubbler's methods left you scratching your head (the vine trick at the two-minute mark and the frame-perfect wall jump at 4:30, in particular), note that all of the tricks used in this world record run are quirks present in the original unmodified game.

[Video: Blubber / Nintendo]

JoystiqRecord speedrun trumps Super Mario Bros. in under 5 minutes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jun 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nesnintendospeedrunsuper-mario-brosMon, 30 Jun 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Shovel Knight couldn't run on a real NES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/27/why-shovel-knight-couldnt-run-on-a-real-nes/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/27/why-shovel-knight-couldnt-run-on-a-real-nes/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/27/why-shovel-knight-couldnt-run-on-a-real-nes/#comments Shovel Knight is a well-crafted homage to the golden age of NES platformers (read our review!), but that doesn't mean it could actually run on Nintendo's beloved 8-bit console. Children of the 80s and 90s will probably notice, for example, that there is no sprite flickering in Shovel Knight. As it turns out, that was a deliberate choice on the part of developer Yacht Club Games. In a fascinating piece on Gamasutra, Yacht Club programmer David D'Angelo breaks down exactly what the studio did to stay true to the NES hardware - and also where Shovel Knight departs from it for the sake of better gameplay or design.

Some of the obvious departures are internet-enabled features like StreetPass and MiiVerse, and the addition of a 16:9 perspective. Even with the wider horizontal perspective, Shovel Knight retains an accurate vertical resolution, although each of the game's "pixels" are actually 4.5 x 4.5 pixels on a 1080p display. There are also a few colors used that weren't available in the NES color palette. In addition to the NES' 54 possible colors, Yacht Club added 4 more to enable more detail in certain levels and include characters with darker skin tones.

The game also abandons memory limitations, futzes with the number of colors that can be used simultaneously and allows for much larger sprites. One of the best bits in the piece involves Shovel Knight's excellent soundtrack. It's completely authentic to the era ... but only if Shovel Knight were created for the Japanese version of the NES, the Famicom. Some late NES-era cartridges used a chip that offered 3 additional sound channels, allowing games to have richer soundtracks. The western NES "lacked the necessary cartridge connections" for the sound chip, says D'Angelo, "so it's an unfamiliar sound to most western gamers."

[Image: Yacht Club Games]

JoystiqWhy Shovel Knight couldn't run on a real NES originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2014 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendopcshovel-knightwii-uyacht-club-gamesFri, 27 Jun 2014 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[World's largest game collection draws over $750K at auction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/17/worlds-largest-game-collection-draws-over-750k-at-auction/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/17/worlds-largest-game-collection-draws-over-750k-at-auction/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/17/worlds-largest-game-collection-draws-over-750k-at-auction/#comments Last time we checked in on Michael Thomasson, the Guinness-certified owner of the world's largest video game collection, his attempts at selling his massive cache of gaming goods had attracted a top bid of $50,000. Now that the auction has ended, that total has skyrocketed to $750,250.

While a full tally of Thomasson's collection would be far too lengthy to include here, some of the highlights include complete sets of all North American games released for the Sega Dreamcast, near-complete sets for every Nintendo console ever released, and some truly esoteric hardware. It's doubtful many of you have heard of the Mattel Aquarius or the RCA Studio II, yet both consoles are included in Thomasson's massive hoard, among dozens of other machines.

Though his immense collection now belongs to another devoted gaming geek, Thomasson will not be leaving the world of video games. "I simply have an immediate family and extended family that have needs that need to be addressed," Thomasson explained in his GameGavel auction listing. "While I do not wish to part with these games, I have responsibilities that I have made to others and this action is how I will help meet them."
[Image: Bill Lundin/GameGavel]

JoystiqWorld's largest game collection draws over $750K at auction originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2014 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionguinness-book-of-world-recordsguinness-world-recordsmichael-thommasonTue, 17 Jun 2014 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tetris celebrates 30 years as the world's favorite puzzle game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/06/tetris-celebrates-30-years-as-the-worlds-favorite-puzzle-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/06/tetris-celebrates-30-years-as-the-worlds-favorite-puzzle-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/06/tetris-celebrates-30-years-as-the-worlds-favorite-puzzle-game/#comments After three decades, billions of points and far too many of those useless Z-shaped monstrosities that always arrive at the worst possible moment, the universally-beloved puzzle game Tetris is now celebrating its thirtieth birthday.

Originally conceived by Alexey Pajitnov during the final years of the Cold War, Tetris did what so many other Soviet creations could never manage: It escaped the Iron Curtain and proved an even bigger hit in the international market, reportedly selling more than 150 million copies since it debuted in 1984. Nintendo owes much of the success of the original GameBoy - and its success as a company - to Pajitnov's puzzler, as it was the handheld's "must own" game from its debut all the way up until 1996, when that title was usurped by a certain fuzzy, electric rat.

"I never imagined Tetris was going to be this successful, but the simple, yet addicting nature of Tetris still has me playing it a few times every week," said Pajitnov. "I meet fans from around the world who are also as passionate about Tetris as me, and there is no doubt in my mind Tetris will continue to expand and bring its classic appeal to new players in new ways and on new devices, whatever they may be."

To officially celebrate this milestone, Ubisoft plans to debut Tetris Ultimate on the Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC later this year.
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqTetris celebrates 30 years as the world's favorite puzzle game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alexey-pajitnovanniversarytetrisFri, 06 Jun 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: New Mexican museum to sell disinterred E.T. cartridges]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/30/report-new-mexican-museum-to-sell-disinterred-e-t-cartridges/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/30/report-new-mexican-museum-to-sell-disinterred-e-t-cartridges/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/30/report-new-mexican-museum-to-sell-disinterred-e-t-cartridges/#comments If you're in the market for a filthy yet arguably notable copy of the Atari 2600 debacle known as E.T., you may want to plan a trip to the New Mexico Museum of Space History.

One month ago, Microsoft funded a dig in the Southwestern state in search of a fabled cache of E.T. cartridges reportedly dumped by Atari in the wake of the game's disastrous launch. After boring through 30 feet of human refuse, 1,300 of the cartridges were recovered. 700 of those historical artifacts will now be sold to the public, according to a decision by the Alamogordo City Commission.

"We have been working with the space museum for curation, both for displaying and selling the games; they are now artifacts," Mayor Susie Galea told Polygon. "There are 700 that we can sell."

It's currently unknown what price these unearthed cartridges will fetch, as Galea claims the city is still working to have the 700 pieces appraised. Once that's complete, they'll be handed over to the museum, complete with certificate of authenticity, just in case any enterprising New Mexicans hope to strike it rich by retrieving the more than a half a million E.T. cartridges that remain buried.
[Image: Microsoft]

JoystiqReport: New Mexican museum to sell disinterred E.T. cartridges originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 May 2014 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e.t.landfillmicrosoftnew-mexicoFri, 30 May 2014 19:30:00 EST