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['Alphabet' made by Takahashi and Saltsman for LA Game Space backers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/alphabet-made-by-takahashi-and-saltsman-for-la-game-space-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/alphabet-made-by-takahashi-and-saltsman-for-la-game-space-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/alphabet-made-by-takahashi-and-saltsman-for-la-game-space-back/#comments TakahashiSaltsman's LA Game Space game is AlphabetAlphabet (written by its creators as A͈L͈P͈H͈A͈B͈E͈T͈) is a new game put together by Katamari Damacy's Keita Takahashi and Canabalt's Adam Saltsman. It was created for the bundle of indie games being given away to Kickstarter backers of the LA Game Space.

The mysterious Alphabet will be shown off later this week in Austin as part of "Juegos Rancheros," an event for the game development community. Also on display will be Takahashi's Tenya Wayna Teens, which involves two players - with sixteen buttons each - trying to avoid awkward social mishaps while trying to express teen love.

Alphabet, whatever it is, will be rewarded to backers as a playable game for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Joystiq'Alphabet' made by Takahashi and Saltsman for LA Game Space backers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-saltsmancanabaltgamegame-spaceindieKatamari+DamacyKatamari-Damacykeita-takahashikickstarterla-gamespacepctenya-wanya-teensMon, 01 Apr 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Katamari and Canabalt creators make a game just for LA Game Space]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/katamari-and-canabalt-creators-make-a-game-just-for-la-game-spac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/katamari-and-canabalt-creators-make-a-game-just-for-la-game-spac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/katamari-and-canabalt-creators-make-a-game-just-for-la-game-spac/#comments Keita Takahashi and Adam Atomic making LA Game Space gameLA Game Space has 10 days to reach its Kickstarter goal and is half way there, with $125,000 more to go. Today it's sweetening the deal for potential backers: Keita Takahashi, the creator of Katamari Damacy, and Adam Saltsman, the (running) man behind Canabalt, are teaming up to create a game just for people who back the project.

Anyone who pledges $5 or more to the LA Game Space Kickstarter will get Takahashi and Saltsman's game - whatever it turns out being - for PC, Mac or Linux. This is on top of the reward for pledges of $15 and more, which offers 30 new games from prominent indie developers such as Hotline Miami's Cactus, Steve Swink of Scale, Ben Esposito of Unfinished Swan, and Adventure Time's Pendleton Ward in collaboration with QWOP's Bennett Foddy, among others. Check out the entire list on on the Kickstarter's main page.

LA Game Space is looking to create a hub of game creation in Los Angeles, featuring development tools, pseudo classrooms, mentorship and networking opportunities, along with game development workshops streamed, for free, around the world. We interviewed co-founder Adam Robezzoli in a special episode of the Super Joystiq Podcast; give it a listen right here.

JoystiqKatamari and Canabalt creators make a game just for LA Game Space originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-robezzoliadam-saltsmanCanabaltkatamari-damacykeita-takahashikickstarterla-game-spacemacpcrewardsMon, 26 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Android Bundle 4 adds Canabalt, Cogs, Swords & Soldiers HD and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/humble-android-bundle-4-adds-canabalt-cogs-swords-and-soldiers-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/humble-android-bundle-4-adds-canabalt-cogs-swords-and-soldiers-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/humble-android-bundle-4-adds-canabalt-cogs-swords-and-soldiers-h/#comments In typical Humble Bundle fashion, the initial lineup of great games included in Humble Android Bundle 4 has had even more great games piled on top of it. Five more games are now included to previous purchasers and those who pledge more than $6.25 from here on out - Canabalt, Cogs, Swords & Soldiers HD, Zen Bound 2 and Avadon: The Black Fortress.

Avadon: The Black Fortress is a tablet-only, class-based tactical RPG from Spiderweb Software; Cogs is the acclaimed 3D puzzle game from Lazy 8 Studios where players must move pieces around on a 3D cube. Swords & Soldiers HD is Ronimo Games' casual-friendly side-scrolling strategy game where you manage unit spawning and steamroll everything in your path.

Zen Bound 2 is an artistic 3D puzzler where players are tasked with wrapping as little twine as possible around wooden objects to complete beautiful, simple sculptures. Finally, Canabalt is Adam Saltsman's excellent free-runner about standing up to the government and hating boxes. Oh man does that game make you hate boxes.

And as with the original lineup, each of these new games also include their respective soundtracks.

JoystiqHumble Android Bundle 4 adds Canabalt, Cogs, Swords & Soldiers HD and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-saltsmanandroidavadon-the-black-fortressCanabaltcogsmacmobilepcswords-and-soldiersswords-and-soldiers-hdzen-bound-2Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Beatshapers Indie Bundle drums up attention on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/beatshapers-indie-bundle-drums-up-attention-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/beatshapers-indie-bundle-drums-up-attention-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/beatshapers-indie-bundle-drums-up-attention-on-psn/#comments Beatshapers Indie Bundle drums up attention on PSNThe Beatshapers Indie Bundle is part of the PSN drop this week, including five games "from famous independent game makers" for $6.99 in the US store and €5.99 in the EU store. The bundle features Wizorb from Tribute Games, Canabalt from Adam Atomic, Enigmo from Brian Greenstone, Galcon Labs from Phil Hassey and BreakQuest from Felix Casablancas.

While you're checking out the high-profile finds from Tuesday's PSN lineup, don't forget about the big little guys in the Beatshapers Indie Bundle.

JoystiqBeatshapers Indie Bundle drums up attention on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beatshapersbreakquestCanabaltEnigmogalcon-labsIndieplaystationps3PSNwizorbWed, 05 Sep 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Influential indies on the brouhaha around Ouya]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/influential-indies-on-the-brouhaha-around-ouya/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/influential-indies-on-the-brouhaha-around-ouya/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/influential-indies-on-the-brouhaha-around-ouya/#comments Influential indies on the brouhaha around OuyaThe Ouya, a $99 Android-powered console whose prototype has raised $4.9 million in 7 days on Kickstarter, is a mystery wrapped in a sleek silver box. Many players seem to gravitate toward the idea because of its price point, while it would appear developers, especially indies, are backing it for its open hardware.

But those are just appearances - we want to know what prominent and plucky indie developers actually think the Ouya can do for the industry. So we asked a few, including Minecraft's Markus Persson, The Binding of Isaac's Edmund McMillen, Retro City Rampage's Brian Provinciano and five other indie starlings. Their thoughts are collected below in the order each developer responded to the email thread, because that seems more fair than arranging them by "best hair" or something.

A few of the indies are tenuously linked to the Ouya and have already been quoted on the Kickstarter itself, or have a game listed in the mock-up images, but none of the following developers have seen or played the Ouya. These are initial reactions to an idea, and speculation about a rapidly evolving industry:

Continue reading Influential indies on the brouhaha around Ouya

JoystiqInfluential indies on the brouhaha around Ouya originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidAuditoriumCanabaltdeveloperIndiekickstarterminecraftouyaretro-city-rampageserious-sam-double-d-xxlspypartysuper-meat-boythe-dream-machineMon, 16 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Canabalt iOS update might add local multiplayer, hardcore modes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/canabalt-ios-update-might-add-local-multiplayer-hardcore-modes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/canabalt-ios-update-might-add-local-multiplayer-hardcore-modes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/canabalt-ios-update-might-add-local-multiplayer-hardcore-modes/#comments ImageOutside of workshopping "challenge maps" for Canabalt, creator Adam Saltsman has been pretty mum on any kind of updates or changes for the free-runner ... until now. Rather than do a sequel, Saltsman is considering a free update that would add local multiplayer for up to two people, eight new hardcore game modes with corresponding leaderboards, and achievements for Game Center.

Saltsman also kinda joked about Canabalt without rooftops, as seen in the image above - sounds great to us because maybe then we'd stop jumping into walls. This was more of a hypothetical than anything, though Saltsman hasn't officially ruled it out. Maybe it'll be the most hardcore mode of them all: You spawn and then immediately fall to your death.

JoystiqCanabalt iOS update might add local multiplayer, hardcore modes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-atomicadam-saltsmanCanabaltiosipadiphonemobilesemi-secretsemi-secret-softwareupdateThu, 24 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Wheels of Destruction, I Am Alive, Canabalt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/psn-tuesday-wheels-of-destruction-i-am-alive-canabalt/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/psn-tuesday-wheels-of-destruction-i-am-alive-canabalt/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/psn-tuesday-wheels-of-destruction-i-am-alive-canabalt/#comments ImageSony's Spring Fever promotion brings Wheels of Destruction and discounts on various Mortal Kombat DLC, neither of which sound very "spring"-like to us. Outside of the promotion (but vaguely more appropriate giving its life-affirming title) is I Am Alive, out today on PS3.

In Minis news (yes, really) Canabalt is now available, though it doesn't show up on the Vita's PlayStation Store. Hopefully it can be transferred from PS3, because we would very much like to run and jump forever on the Vita's lovely screen.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Wheels of Destruction, I Am Alive, Canabalt originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canabalti-am-aliveplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psn-tuesdaypspsonyvitawheels-of-destructionTue, 03 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Adam Atomic workshopping Canabalt 'challenges']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/adam-atomic-workshopping-canabalt-challenges/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/adam-atomic-workshopping-canabalt-challenges/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/adam-atomic-workshopping-canabalt-challenges/#comments You can now play Canabalt in multiplayer (in the Windows/Mac/Linux version, available right now for literally any price in the Humble Android Bundle). But developer Adam Saltsman is still thinking about how to enhance the running/jumping/dying experience, polling Twitter followers about the "vague, mysterious ideas" shown on his Professional Game Designer Whiteboard.

The whiteboard depicts some kind of "challenge" mode, which features a map. This opens up the game to all kinds of uncomfortable change, like the potential for movement in another direction. After all, that map isn't a straight line that goes on forever. Or maybe it's a set of specific, creator-designed Canabalt situations arranged within a map display. Something like that.

JoystiqAdam Atomic workshopping Canabalt 'challenges' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-atomicadam-saltsmancanabaltmacpcWed, 21 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Bundle for Android #2 brings Canabalt to Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/humble-bundle-for-android-2-brings-canabalt-to-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/humble-bundle-for-android-2-brings-canabalt-to-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/humble-bundle-for-android-2-brings-canabalt-to-android/#comments
If you have an Android phone, you've probably been eagerly awaiting this day: the day when Semi Secret Software's auto-runner Canabalt jumps through a window and lands on Android. Not only is it out today, it's part of a new Android-focused Humble Bundle.

Other games in today's pay-what-you-want charity collection include Zen Bound 2, Cogs, and Spiderweb's Avadon: The Black Fortress. Those who pay over the average also get Swords & Soldiers.

Though it's an Android bundle, buying it gets you access to all the games across PC, Mac, and Linux as well, plus soundtracks for everything but Avadon. And, of course, you get the positive feeling of contributing to charity or whatever.

JoystiqHumble Bundle for Android #2 brings Canabalt to Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidavadon-the-black-fortresscanabaltcharitychilds-playcogseffhumble-indie-bundlemacmobilepcswords-and-soldierszen-bound-2Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Canabalt makes the jump to PlayStation Minis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/canabalt-makes-the-jump-to-playstation-minis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/canabalt-makes-the-jump-to-playstation-minis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/canabalt-makes-the-jump-to-playstation-minis/#comments Canabalt, the deceptively addictive single-button platformer from Adam Saltsman, is available for PS3, Vita and PSP as a PlayStation Mini in Europe right now, and is set to hit next week in the US. Canabalt costs £1.74/€1.99/AU $3.45.

Canabalt has already made its run as a free Flash game and an iOS title, and Saltsman (or Mr. Atomic, as we assume he sometimes prefers) is hard at work on the official iOS movie tie-in game, The Hunger Games: Girl on Fire.

JoystiqCanabalt makes the jump to PlayStation Minis originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-atomicadam-saltsmanCanabalteuropeminisplaystationplaystation-vitaps-minisps3pspsonyusvitaSat, 17 Mar 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Venus Patrol exclusives released to Kickstarter supporters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/psa-venus-patrol-exclusives-released-to-kickstarter-supporters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/psa-venus-patrol-exclusives-released-to-kickstarter-supporters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/psa-venus-patrol-exclusives-released-to-kickstarter-supporters/#comments If you donated $25 or more to the Venus Patrol Kickstarter fundraiser back in September of last year, check your email: Gun Godz, the retro hip-hop FPS developed by Vlambeer of Super Crate Box fame, and Capsule, the "minimalist sci-fi/survival-horror" title from Canabalt's Adam Atomic are both waiting for you.

As we found out late last year, Capsule's heavily stylized visual aesthetic and atmospheric, claustrophobic sound design are best enjoyed while wearing headphones in a darkened room, as are Gun Godz's Wolfenstein 3D-inspired graphics and Doseone-infused hip-hop soundtrack.

Gallery: Capsule (PC/Mac)

Gallery: Gun Godz (PC)

JoystiqPSA: Venus Patrol exclusives released to Kickstarter supporters originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-atomiccanabaltcapsulegun-godzmacpcsuper-crate-boxvenus-patrolvlambeerSat, 11 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy your very own copy of Canabalt for C64]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/buy-your-very-own-copy-of-canabalt-for-c64/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/buy-your-very-own-copy-of-canabalt-for-c64/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/buy-your-very-own-copy-of-canabalt-for-c64/#comments Paul Koller's C64 port of Canabalt was already pretty cool (if you're the kind of person who thinks a new Commodore 64 game is cool, a group that we begrudingly recognize doesn't include everyone). Now it's even cooler within that very specific niche, as it's available on a real C64 cartridge.

RGCD has the real, physical release of C64anabalt available in limited quantities for around £20, in your choice of two versions: one with a SID conversion of Danny Baranowsky's original soundtrack, or one with the music from the indie game ThrustBurst for some reason.

JoystiqBuy your very own copy of Canabalt for C64 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-atomicc64c64anabaltcanabaltMon, 09 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Jetpack Joyride (iOS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/portabliss-jetpack-joyride-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/portabliss-jetpack-joyride-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/portabliss-jetpack-joyride-ios/#commentsDid you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Jetpack Joyride.
The free NES games in Nintendo's 3DS Ambassador Program arrived at an awkward time, because the standout of that group for me, Balloon Fight, is now getting overshadowed by the many jetpacks of Barry Steakfries. Like Halfbrick's Monster Dash before it (and Balloon Fight's "Balloon Trip" mode long before that), Jetpack Joyride takes the autorunning genre defined on iOS by Canabalt and adds a few kinks.

Unlike Monster Dash, however, Jetpack Joyride is deep, with a mess of power-ups, vehicles, and mechanical and aesthetic additions. I was repeatedly taken aback by how fleshed out Halfbrick has made its latest iOS game, and repeatedly charmed by the studio's presentation. Nods to past Halfbrick titles abound (beyond the main character's return from previous iOS games), and the inclusion of an entire vehicle poking fun at the iPhone's most popular franchise lends an extra layer of levity to the already cheeky proceedings.

Gallery: Jetpack Joyride

Continue reading Portabliss: Jetpack Joyride (iOS)

JoystiqPortabliss: Jetpack Joyride (iOS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storebarry-steakfriescanabalthalfbrickhalfbrick-studiosiosjetpack-joyridemachine-gun-jetpackmobilemonster-dashportablissThu, 01 Sep 2011 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Walk with me through the MoMA's 'Talk To Me' gaming exhibit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/walk-with-me-through-the-momas-talk-to-me-gaming-exhibit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/walk-with-me-through-the-momas-talk-to-me-gaming-exhibit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/walk-with-me-through-the-momas-talk-to-me-gaming-exhibit/#comments This past Wednesday evening, high-brow gaming mag Kill Screen teamed up with a handful of developers, several sponsors, and New York City's Museum of Modern Art to celebrate "Talk To Me," an exhibit at the MoMA focusing on "Design and the communication between people and objects." Kill Screen's "Arcade" event brought together games from a variety of well-respected developers to highlight that very concept.

We headed over to the "Arcade" event and snapped a mess of photos of both that night's happenings and the exhibit itself -- a virtual walkthrough, if you will. "Talk To Me" will be on display at the MoMA through November 7, so you still have a few more months to head over and experience it firsthand if you like what you see. Sadly, there won't be a variety of games strewn throughout the museum when you visit, but perhaps playing Canabalt on your phone as you peruse the exhibit will offer some minor verisimilitude.

Gallery: 'Talk to Me' art exhibit, NYC MoMA

JoystiqWalk with me through the MoMA's 'Talk To Me' gaming exhibit originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadecanabaltkill-screenmomamuseum-of-modern-artnew-york-citynyctalk-to-meFri, 29 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sword and Sworcery devs talk with Adventure Time creator, for fun's sake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/sword-and-sorcery-devs-talk-with-adventure-time-creator-for-fun/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/sword-and-sorcery-devs-talk-with-adventure-time-creator-for-fun/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/sword-and-sorcery-devs-talk-with-adventure-time-creator-for-fun/#comments Two of the bombastic dudes behind the iOS gem Sword and Sworcery EP recently sat down with the creator of Cartoon Network's Adventure Time, Pendleton Ward, in an hour-long discussion with Juegos Rancheros, the independent video game collective in Austin, Texas.

Kris Piotrowski of development studio Capy and Craig Adams of Superbrothers had a talk with Ward about the fine lines between cartooning and gaming, pitches for a possible Adventure Time video game and the superb soundtrack to Sword and Sworcery, composed by Jim Guthrie. Take an adventure into the entire video above, moderated by Canabalt creator Adam 'Atomic' Saltsman.

JoystiqSword and Sworcery devs talk with Adventure Time creator, for fun's sake originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adventure-TimeBombasticCanabaltCapyjuegos-rancherosmobilependleton-wardsuperbrotherssuperbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-epsword-and-sworcery-epFri, 08 Jul 2011 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[NYC Museum of Modern Art to co-host 'Arcade' event with Kill Screen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/nyc-museum-of-modern-art-to-co-host-arcade-event-with-kill-scr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/nyc-museum-of-modern-art-to-co-host-arcade-event-with-kill-scr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/nyc-museum-of-modern-art-to-co-host-arcade-event-with-kill-scr/#comments It seems the "Games as Art" debate is over, as New York City's Museum of Modern Art is co-hosting a game-centric event later this month with haute gaming mag Kill Screen. Titled "Arcade," the one-night soiree on July 27 features several great indie games (Bit.Trip Beat, Canabalt, Limbo, and "a new motion-based Kinect project" from current Harmonix employees Ryan Challinor and Matt Boch, as seen here). The games will be playable throughout various parts of the museum, including the MoMA's gorgeous sculpture garden. That's where we'll be hanging out, in case that wasn't clear.

You may be wondering how the folks at Kill Screen finagled a gaming night at one of the world's most famous art museums, and we were too. It turns out that the event is part of MoMA's "Talk to Me" exhibit, which explores "the communication between people and objects." Video games seem like a perfect fit, no?

If the incredible location and selection of great games weren't enough to convince you, tickets are just $16 in advance and $20 at the door, which entitles you to "an exclusive viewing, a cocktail reception, a tote bag," as well as the aforementioned opportunity to play games at the MoMA. We'll also be there in our sharpest outfit handing out exaggerated high fives, so keep an eye out!

Update: This post originally pegged Ryan Challinor and Matt Boch as former Harmonix employees, when in fact they are both still employed at the studio. Sorry guys!

JoystiqNYC Museum of Modern Art to co-host 'Arcade' event with Kill Screen originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadebit-trip-beatcanabaltkill-screenkinectlimbomacmatt-bochmicrosoftmobilemomamuseum-of-modern-artnew-york-citynintendonycpcryan-challinorwiixboxFri, 01 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Winnitron 1000 brings exclusive indie arcade games to GDC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/winnitron-1000-brings-exclusive-indie-arcade-games-to-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/winnitron-1000-brings-exclusive-indie-arcade-games-to-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/winnitron-1000-brings-exclusive-indie-arcade-games-to-gdc/#commentsThe Winnitron 1000 is an arcade machine that houses indie games you won't find anywhere else, including two-player versions of Canabalt and Super Crate Box. Usually, the only way to experience these games is to visit the machine's home at the LoPub in Winnipeg, but the collective that created it occasionally takes it on tour to events -- like, say, the Game Developers Conference.

As much as we hate to publicize this and increase our own time spent waiting in line, the Winnitron 1000 will be playable at GDC, in booth 1137. That booth will also be home to a series of talks by indie luminaries Vlambeer, Adam Saltsman, Kyle Pulver, Chevy Ray Johnston, and the Indie Game: The Movie crew. We hear you'll be able to hear these talks best from just outside of the Winnitron line.

Continue reading Winnitron 1000 brings exclusive indie arcade games to GDC

JoystiqWinnitron 1000 brings exclusive indie arcade games to GDC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canabaltgdc-2011indiesuper-crate-boxwinnitron-1000Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie iPhone sale raises $25K as Canabalt goes open source]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/indie-iphone-sale-raises-25k-as-canabalt-goes-open-source/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/indie-iphone-sale-raises-25k-as-canabalt-goes-open-source/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/indie-iphone-sale-raises-25k-as-canabalt-goes-open-source/#comments The generosity of indie developer Semi Secret apparently knows no bounds. Not only did the studio lend its runaway (geddit?) hit Canabalt to the Indie iPhone sale, which has already raised over $25,000 for the Child's Play Charity with its ongoing $0.99 offers on iPhone hits such as Osmos, Drop7, and Solipskier, but the two-man team behind the grayscale game has opened up the Canabalt source code for everyone's perusal.

You can download and learn more about the Canabalt source on Semi Secret's official site -- all that we ask is that, should you go poking around in the game's brain, you finally program in whatever the agile protagonist is running from. We've spun off a number of theories involving the Illuminati, but it's entirely possible that we're way, way off base.

JoystiqIndie iPhone sale raises $25K as Canabalt goes open source originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canabaltindieiosiphonemobileopen-sourcesalesemi-secret-softwareFri, 31 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie iPhone games marked down to 99 cents for Child's Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/indie-iphone-games-marked-down-to-99-cents-for-childs-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/indie-iphone-games-marked-down-to-99-cents-for-childs-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/indie-iphone-games-marked-down-to-99-cents-for-childs-play/#commentsThe latest indie gaming charity drive allows you to simultaneously be stingy and charitable: six popular iPhone games have been discounted to 99 cents each through December 31, with one third of that lowered price (after Apple's cut) going to Child's Play.

The games in the Indie iPhone Holiday Sale include Canabalt, Solipskier, Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor, Osmos, Drop7, and Eliss, all of which we can safely say are required for your iPhone to work properly. And unlike other charity game bundles, which allow you to pay what you want, these are locked at 99 cents, so you can't feel guilty for not paying more. Well, you can, but you won't be able to do anything about it.

JoystiqIndie iPhone games marked down to 99 cents for Child's Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canabaltdrop-7drop7elissindie-iphone-holiday-salesmobileosmossolipskierspider-the-secret-of-bryce-manorTue, 21 Dec 2010 10:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Learn typing, flee invading robots with Canabalt: Typing Tutor Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/learn-typing-flee-invading-robots-with-canabalt-typing-tutor-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/learn-typing-flee-invading-robots-with-canabalt-typing-tutor-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/learn-typing-flee-invading-robots-with-canabalt-typing-tutor-e/#commentsFor those of you who are entirely too good at Canabalt (and we see you there on the leaderboards, you smug jerks), Adam Atomic has introduced a more difficult version under the guise of "education."

Canabalt: Typing Tutor Edition is the same game you're familiar with, but with the jump command mapped to a letter key that changes after every few uses, displayed in the corner of the screen. In order to successfully navigate the endless rooftop path, you have to be able to access the right key immediately. It also includes optional spacebar or double-click-based control options.

You can play the game in a browser window here. We don't expect to see this one on iPhone -- or, at least, we hope we never have to use the iPhone's virtual keyboard for this.

[Via GameSetWatch]

JoystiqLearn typing, flee invading robots with Canabalt: Typing Tutor Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-atomiccanabaltcanabalt-typing-tutor-editionflashsemi-secret-softwareThu, 06 May 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone game devs give us their thoughts on the iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/iphone-game-devs-give-us-their-thoughts-on-the-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/iphone-game-devs-give-us-their-thoughts-on-the-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/iphone-game-devs-give-us-their-thoughts-on-the-ipad/#comments With yesterday's announcement from Apple of its much hyped "latest creation" -- the iPad -- and the news that already existing iPhone applications (that means games too, folks) will be playable on the device, we started wondering how the developers of the world felt about this shiny new piece of gadgetry. So we asked a handful of our favorites -- Canabalt's Adam "Atomic" Saltsman, Pocket God's Dave Castelnuovo, and PopCap's Andrew Stein, just to namedrop a few -- to give us their reactions.

"It's hard to say anything concrete without actually playing with the thing personally, but I'm optimistic about it continuing to open up video games to even more 'normal' people," Saltsman told us. "I'm hopeful that having a big multitouch space will help mediate the whole 'fat fingers on a tiny screen' problem." PopCap's Andrew Stein agreed, telling us "We'll certainly look at the unique capabilities of the iPad and work hard to utilize those in instances where they can make our games even more fun."

Republic of Fun prez Mike Rasmussen sees things a bit differently, noting the opportunity in the upped horsepower of the device. "From a pure gaming perspective, I'm excited about the additional resolution and horsepower, and really interested to start understanding the 3D performance of the A4 [chip]." But even the most successful app developer on the market -- Pocket God creator Dave Castelnuovo -- seems a bit reticent of the iPad, telling us he sees "a lot of potential with the device," but his company is going to "wait to see what kind of acceptance the tablet will have" before moving forward with development.

But that's not all! See the full reactions from a variety of iPhone game developers after the break.

Gallery: Apple iPad

Continue reading iPhone game devs give us their thoughts on the iPad

JoystiqiPhone game devs give us their thoughts on the iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-atomicadam-saltsmanandrew-steinappleapple-ipadbattle-blastersbejeweledbolt-creativecanabaltdave-castelnuovodeveloperformationipadiPodjason-franzenkernlittle-guy-gamespegglepocket-godpopcaptom-frencelThu, 28 Jan 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Kevin's Picks of 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-kevins-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-kevins-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-kevins-picks-of-2009/#comments Halo Wars
Yeah, that's right, Halo Wars. I've already caught enough flak for putting this on my best-of list for 2009 (it's hard to even remember that it came out way back in February), but it deserves to be recognized ... so pay attention once your laughter has died down. Ensemble Studios (RIP) proved that you could bring a real-time strategy game to a console, and still make it enjoyable. Sure, you'll never have 1:1 parity mapping everything a full-sized keyboard offers onto a controller, but this game came close. It's a pity Ensemble closed, since we'll never see any expansion packs or a sequel. The good news is that, since it wasn't received with blaring trumpets and the sounds of cash registers ringing, you can pick this up for under 20 bucks for some good fun.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Kevin's Picks of 2009

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Kevin's Picks of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebattlefieldbattlefield-1943best-of-the-rest-2009canabaltclansdefense-griddefense-grid-the-awakeningdominionensemble-studiosflowergalaxy-truckergigamichalo-warsillusioiPodkillzonekillzone-2last-night-on-earthMicrosoftpandemicpcpower-gridpsnpuerto-ricopylosstarcraftstarcraft-2torchlightxblaXbox-360Sat, 02 Jan 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Randy's Picks of 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2009/#comments
Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes
 If I had my way ... well, a lot of things would be different. When it came to video games, I'd make sure that everyone -- whether they own a Nintendo DS or not -- had a chance to play Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes. Now, I know, Might and Magic? Isn't that some long-dead RPG franchise that's probably best left in the ground? Well, yes -- but Clash of Heroes is about as far from any of the other games in the series as you can get. At its core, it's a puzzle game -- a combat puzzle game -- developed by Capybara, the same team behind PSN's wonderful Critter Crunch. Take that game's core mechanic, add a load of clever new ones and build a story-driven experience around it and you have one of the finest (not to mention most addicting) DS games ever.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Randy's Picks of 2009

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Randy's Picks of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebest-of-the-rest-2009CanabaltcapcomCodemastersColin-McRae-DiRTDiRTExcitebikeExcitebike-WiiExcitebike-World-Rallygod-of-war-collectioniPodMicrosoftmight-and-magic-clash-of-heroesMonster-GamesNeed-For-Speed-ShiftNintendoRacingstreet-fighterstreet-fighter-ivWiiwiiwareXbox-360Sat, 02 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Ben's Picks of 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-bens-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-bens-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-bens-picks-of-2009/#comments
 Red Faction: Guerrilla
Arriving approximately seven months late to the party, I didn't play RFG until earlier this month when I desperately cobbled together 2009's game releases for a massive pre-GOTY playstravaganza. That marathon came to a long pause while I smashed through the many structures of Mars with my trusty sledgehammer, constantly hearing "Space A$&%*#&" playing along the way in my mind. Sure, RFG was a bit rough around the edges, but what it lacked in mechanical prowess was more than made up for by the sheer amount of childlike joy I experienced while demolishing everything in my path.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Ben's Picks of 2009

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Ben's Picks of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebest-of-the-restbest-of-the-rest-2009call-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2canabaltDShalohalo-3-odstiPodMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2Nintendopcpixeljunk-edenpixeljunk-eden-encorepixeljunk-shooterplants-vs-zombiesred-factionred-faction-guerrillaretro-game-challengerock-bandrock-band-unpluggedsuper-street-fighter-ivwolverinex-men-originsx-men-origins-wolverineX-Men-Origins-Wolverine-Uncaged-EditionXbox-360Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: JC's picks of 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-jcs-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-jcs-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-jcs-picks-of-2009/#commentsMuramasa: The Demon Blade
Muramasa appealed to me in a way that Odin Sphere didn't, thanks to an emphasis on combo-heavy sword action instead of planting and whatever. And the RPG elements that are left, like the sword upgrades and cooking, are not only fun, but simple enough that I can get right back into the game after a long break and still know what is going on.

Also, I don't mean to be shallow, but the fact that Muramasa is the most beautiful game of 2009 helps me be positive about it.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: JC's picks of 2009

JoystiqBest of the Rest: JC's picks of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-cellbest-of-the-rest-2009bit-trip-beatcanabaltcapybarademons-soulsDSGrand-Theft-Auto-Chinatown-Warsignition-entertainmentindies-zeromight-and-magic-clash-of-heroesmuramasa-the-demon-bladenamco-bandainew-super-mario-bros-wiiNintendoNintendo-SPD-Group-No.1phantasy-star-zeroretro-game-challengeRhythmrhythm-heavenscribblenautssegaspace-invaders-extreme-2the-legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracksubisoftvanillawareWiixseedFri, 01 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Slate's 'Game Club' kicks off third year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/slates-game-club-kicks-off-third-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/slates-game-club-kicks-off-third-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/slates-game-club-kicks-off-third-year/#comments Out of the handful of mainstream media outlets that handle video games in a capacity beyond when controversy strikes or the occasional blockbuster's release, Slate.com's "Game Club" annually gets together for a critical discussion on the year in games. This year's crew includes Chris Suellentrop, Leigh Alexander, Mitch Krpata and Jamin Brophy-Warren, and covers everything from the beauty and simplicity of Canabalt to the "shocking and meaningless" Modern Warfare 2 airport scene (their words).

Rather than present a top 10 list list like some mainstream publications choose (we're looking at you, Time Magazine!), the group discusses various themes that pervaded their favorite (and less than favorite) games of 2009. You might call it "game criticism," but we just call it "an interesting read."

JoystiqSlate's 'Game Club' kicks off third year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canabaltchris-suellentropgame-clubgame-criticismjamin-brophy-warrenleigh-alexandermitch-krpatamodern-warfare-2slate-game-clubslate.comtime-magazineFri, 18 Dec 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone It In: bitFLIP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/iphone-it-in-bitflip/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/iphone-it-in-bitflip/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/iphone-it-in-bitflip/#comments I first heard about iPhone pseudo-puzzler bitFLIP from the game's developer, Metamoorephosis Games owner (and JPAG member) Josh Hernandez. I'd be remiss to not mention upfront the hesitation with which I approached reviewing said game for iPhone It In, given the development source being a Joystiq reader and podcast listener.

It was a convenient delight then when I first loaded the game up on my 3G and had a thoroughly enjoyable time playing it. Though a truly egregious boot time put me off from playing bitFLIP during my every free moment over the two or so weeks I spent with the game (that time was reserved for Canabalt), I was still anxious to play it when my free time was longer than a scant few moments. Mixing interesting puzzle mechanics, great music, a truly unique (and often beautiful) visual presentation, and a variety of gameplay options, I can confidently say that there's more than enough enjoyable gaming to be had here to warrant your two bucks.

Gallery: bitFLIP

Continue reading iPhone It In: bitFLIP

JoystiqiPhone It In: bitFLIP originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebitflipcanabaltiphone-it-iniPodjpagmatch-3metamoorephosismetamoorephosis-gamesmusicpuzzleWed, 25 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone It In: Canabalt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/iphone-it-in-canabalt/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/iphone-it-in-canabalt/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/iphone-it-in-canabalt/#comments Canabalt is a 2D side-scroller where you control a gentleman continuously running across rooftops and cranes, gradually building up speed while avoiding various objects which will either slow down or kill him. Rather than "score" or "points," developer Semi Secret Software measures your success by the distance you manage to cross, even allowing for instant bragging via Twitter in-game. It's a simple premise with a surprising amount of depth.

And it's exactly the kind of game I want to pick up and play on my iPhone. Canabalt is perfect for the device: the gameplay comes in short, addictive bursts, it loads up quickly, and it employs the touchscreen in an intuitive way. Though a vast wealth of quick and addictive games now reside on my phone, I find myself constantly returning to Canabalt's rooftops and blaring techno music whenever I have a spare moment.

Gallery: Canabalt (iPhone)

Continue reading iPhone It In: Canabalt

JoystiqiPhone It In: Canabalt originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dApplecanabaltiphone-it-iniPodplatformersemi-secretsemi-secret-softwareside-scrollertwitterWed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST