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['Vote: The Game' is a political fighter from the Infinity Blade folks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/vote-the-game-is-a-political-fighter-from-the-infinity-blade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/vote-the-game-is-a-political-fighter-from-the-infinity-blade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/vote-the-game-is-a-political-fighter-from-the-infinity-blade/#comments 'Vote The Game' is a political fighter from the Infinity Blade folks
Yup, that's about as exciting as it sounds - a United States politics-based fighter from Infinity Blade developer Chair Entertainment. Call it "Ignominy Blade," if you will (we will). Or call it Vote: The Game, which is its actual name.

Epic and Chair announced the iOS entry this afternoon as a "cartoon-style political slugfest." The game was produced alongside the Rock the Vote folks in an effort to appeal to unregistered gamer voters - you can register to vote from right within the game.

Cartoon versions of both President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney appear in the title, where they battle Infinity Blade-style to win debates. It may trick a few potential voters into thinking that's how the debate process works, but that doesn't sound like too bad of a byproduct to us.

The game isn't available in the US iTunes App Store just yet, but it's already popping up in other territories. It should arrive on the North American store shortly.

Update: It's live now in the US, grab it here!

Gallery: Vote!!! The Game

Continue reading 'Vote: The Game' is a political fighter from the Infinity Blade folks

Joystiq'Vote: The Game' is a political fighter from the Infinity Blade folks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesiosipadiphonemobilerock-the-votevote-the-gameWed, 22 Aug 2012 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade 2 adds free 'Skycages' update, limited-time price cut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/infinity-blade-2-adds-free-skycages-update-limited-time-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/infinity-blade-2-adds-free-skycages-update-limited-time-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/infinity-blade-2-adds-free-skycages-update-limited-time-price/#comments Infinity Blade 2 adds free 'Skycages' update, limitedtime price cutInfinity Blade 2 received its final free content update today in the form of "Skycages." The expansion adds new areas, enemies and the "Solar Transport Energy Blades"... which look awfully similar to another franchise's elegant weapons.

To celebrate the latest update, the regularly priced $6.99 universal app is temporarily cut down to $2.99. Now, go slice up some new fools, who more than likely deserve it.

Gallery: Infinity Blade 2 (Skycages Update)

Continue reading Infinity Blade 2 adds free 'Skycages' update, limited-time price cut

JoystiqInfinity Blade 2 adds free 'Skycages' update, limited-time price cut originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-Entertainmentinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphonemobileThu, 02 Aug 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Unleash 'The Power of Liking' in Infinity Blade 2's 'Vault of Tears' this Thursday (tissues not included)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/unleash-the-power-of-liking-in-infinity-blade-2s-vault-of-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/unleash-the-power-of-liking-in-infinity-blade-2s-vault-of-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/unleash-the-power-of-liking-in-infinity-blade-2s-vault-of-te/#comments ImageIt's not a new box set from The Cure, nor from Joy Division, nor from Him. It's not a Tears for Fears reference, nor is it access to Prince's 1980s clothing selections! Nope, Infinity Blade 2's "Vault of Tears" is actually a massive (free) content update headed to Epic's latest iOS entry this Thursday.

Several new enemies are being added, as well as "more than 50 new items" and rewards. Most bizarrely, the ability to "earn extra turns and invite their friends, family, and other non-Infinity Blade players to do in-game damage with the power of liking and re-tweeting battle calls." You read that right, folks: "the power of liking and re-tweeting battle calls." In the biz, we call that a "paradigm shift." Also, awful.

Gallery: Infinity Blade 2 (Vault of Tears)

Continue reading Unleash 'The Power of Liking' in Infinity Blade 2's 'Vault of Tears' this Thursday (tissues not included)

JoystiqUnleash 'The Power of Liking' in Infinity Blade 2's 'Vault of Tears' this Thursday (tissues not included) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesfacebookinfinity-blade-2twitterupdatevault-of-tearsMon, 21 May 2012 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade 2 update drops next week, introduces ClashMobs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/infinity-blade-2-update-drops-next-week-introduces-clashmobs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/infinity-blade-2-update-drops-next-week-introduces-clashmobs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/infinity-blade-2-update-drops-next-week-introduces-clashmobs/#comments ImageHaving received an iPad 3 update recently, Infinity Blade 2 has a new, more substantial upgrade coming on Thursday. It will tweak the gem interface and let you meld together three gems, creating a single, more powerful jewel. There's also a new game mode, called ClashMob.

ClashMob is a global social game mode where hundreds or thousands of players can come together to take on enemies with massive health pools for the chance to unlock in-game goodies. By recruiting friends into your "Mob," you'll increase your odds at getting some sweet gear, cash, or whatever that particular challenge awards you. You'll be able to enlist folks in your Mob by importing your friends from Facebook and Game Center.

JoystiqInfinity Blade 2 update drops next week, introduces ClashMobs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.1-updatechairChair-Entertainmentepic-gamesinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphonemobileupdateSun, 08 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade 2 updated for iPad 3, new content teased for next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/infinity-blade-2-updated-for-ipad-3-new-content-teased-for-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/infinity-blade-2-updated-for-ipad-3-new-content-teased-for-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/infinity-blade-2-updated-for-ipad-3-new-content-teased-for-next/#comments Playing Infinity Blade 2 on that boring old iPad 2 like some kind of commoner? Get with the times, friend -- it's all about that new iPad now. Epic and Chair have updated the app to take advantage of the "increased memory and processing power, yielding even higher performance and more sophisticated rendering features." In other words, Infinity Blade 2 looks purtier.

Next month brings another Infinity Blade 2 update, adding new enemies, weapons and items, plus a new feature called ClashMob, in which players "work together to complete objectives and earn rewards." Chair promises to reveal more information in the coming month.

JoystiqInfinity Blade 2 updated for iPad 3, new content teased for next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-Entertainmentepicinfinity-blade-2iosipadipad-3iphonemobilenew-ipadupdateFri, 16 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mustard: Infinity Blade success didn't stall Shadow Complex 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/mustard-infinity-blade-success-didnt-stall-shadow-complex-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/mustard-infinity-blade-success-didnt-stall-shadow-complex-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/mustard-infinity-blade-success-didnt-stall-shadow-complex-2/#comments Chair creative director Donald Mustard was nice enough to sit for a few moments with us to talk Infinity Blade 2 so, naturally, we took advantage of his generosity to grill him about the long-discussed (and apparently "largely designed") Shadow Complex 2.

We asked if the runaway success of Infinity Blade is what's kept the follow-up to the side-scrolling action-adventure off of Chair's radar.

"No, I think that's a complete misnomer," Mustard said. "When we sat down to figure out what we wanted to do after Infinity Blade, and we started to wonder 'Do we want to do Infinity Blade 2?', it wasn't about 'Do we want to make more money?' it was about 'Do we have more to say in this genre?' 'Can we push this gameplay somewhere meaningful?' Those are the questions we ask ourselves.

"Now that we've made the first Shadow Complex we kind of know what we're doing and we feel like we can really bring a lot to the Metroidvania genre and Shadow Complex franchise. We want it to be amazing, we want it to be perfect, and we want it to be delivered on the right platforms. It's really about finding the right opportunity for Shadow Complex, not that we've been diverted in any way.

"Everyone on our team at Chair will be dead long before we run out of games we want to make. So we try to be very careful about where we spend our time."

That's right, that's the answer: Mustard is choosy about projects because he's worried about his own mortality. We may not know when Shadow Complex 2 will arrive, but at least we know the source of the shadows: Donald Mustard's gloomy bummer clouds.

JoystiqMustard: Infinity Blade success didn't stall Shadow Complex 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-Entertainmentdonald-mustardinfinity-bladeShadow-Complexshadow-complex-2Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Chair on Infinity Blade 2 development crunch: It sucked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/chair-on-infinity-blade-2-development-crunch-it-sucked/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/chair-on-infinity-blade-2-development-crunch-it-sucked/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/chair-on-infinity-blade-2-development-crunch-it-sucked/#comments Chair co-founder Donald Mustard recently talked to Gamasutra about the trying circumstances under which Infinity Blade 2 was developed. The whole kit-and-caboodle was created in a six-month crunch; Mustard explained, "We don't look at that like that's a good thing at all. We only did it because we definitely, passionately wanted to get the game done, and we wanted a little more in there."

Mustard added, exhausted, "I think in retrospect, having done it twice, that our development cycles are a little too short." He tiredly explained his team had to "death march kill ourselves" for the last two or three months, which is detrimental to the studio's longevity. "And so we definitely won't do that again," Mustard added, with great fatigue. "It's not worth the cost."

We totally agree. Now, we're thinking Shadow Complex 2 by early April. Let's get cracking, okay?

JoystiqChair on Infinity Blade 2 development crunch: It sucked originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairdonald-mustardinfinity-bladeinfinity-blade-2iosiphonemobileThu, 01 Dec 2011 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Infinity Blade 2 (iOS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/portabliss-infinity-blade-2-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/portabliss-infinity-blade-2-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/portabliss-infinity-blade-2-ios/#comments
Did 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: Infinity Blade 2.
"Hey Marjorie, thanks so much for bringing the kids by for the holidays, we've had such a wonderful week. I'm just sorry your husband couldn't come along."

"But Michael ... he did come. He's just ... been in your bathroom since we got here."

"Ahh, Infinity Blade 2?"

"... Infinity Blade 2."

Gallery: Infinity Blade 2

Continue reading Portabliss: Infinity Blade 2 (iOS)

JoystiqPortabliss: Infinity Blade 2 (iOS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairepicinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphonemobileportablissWed, 30 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Chair pitch Infinity Blade 2 as an 'artistic experience']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/watch-chair-pitch-infinity-blade-2-as-an-artistic-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/watch-chair-pitch-infinity-blade-2-as-an-artistic-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/watch-chair-pitch-infinity-blade-2-as-an-artistic-experience/#comments
Infinity Blade 2 studio Chair Entertainment say the project is much more than just a game, calling it an "artistic experience" in the latest dev diary. As such -- just to be safe -- we'll play the iOS title in a local museum when it arrives next week.

JoystiqWatch Chair pitch Infinity Blade 2 as an 'artistic experience' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentdev-diarydonald-mustardepicepic-gamesgameplayinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphonemobiletrailerWed, 23 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade: The Soundtrack now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/infinity-blade-the-soundtrack-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/infinity-blade-the-soundtrack-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/infinity-blade-the-soundtrack-now-available/#comments Epic Games and Chair Entertainment have released Infinity Blade: The Soundtrack ahead of Infinity Blade 2's December 1 launch. Despite containing a finite number of songs, the soundtrack features orchestral scoring from both Infinity Blades 1 and 2, bringing the track listing to a rather sizable 25 jams.

Composed by Josh Aker (Undertow, Shadow Complex) the collection of chronologically recursive music is available on iTunes, Amazon (both regular and On Demand) and Zune for $9.99. You can also purchase each song individually for 99¢ if that's your style, but we can't figure out why anyone would be inclined to do so. It's not like high-fantasy soundtracks usually have singles, after all.

JoystiqInfinity Blade: The Soundtrack now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesinfinity-bladeinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphoneJosh-AkermobilesoundtrackSun, 20 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade 2 coming to iOS December 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/infinity-blade-2-announced-at-iphone-4s-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/infinity-blade-2-announced-at-iphone-4s-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/infinity-blade-2-announced-at-iphone-4s-event/#comments

After pulling down $20 million in revenue on Infinity Blade (no seriously) it should come as no surprise that Epic just announced Infinity Blade 2 during Apple's iPhone 4S announcement keynote. Better yet: It's coming December 1.

While Epic's Mike Capps insisted it's "only going to run like this on the iPhone 4S," it doesn't sound like the game will be exclusive to the new device.

Also of note: Need, want, please, now.

Gallery: Infinity Blade 2

JoystiqInfinity Blade 2 coming to iOS December 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphoneiphone-4smike-cappsmobileTue, 04 Oct 2011 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Bleszinski: Shadow Complex 2 is 'largely designed' and 'sitting there']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/bleszinski-shadow-complex-2-is-largely-designed-and-sitting/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/bleszinski-shadow-complex-2-is-largely-designed-and-sitting/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/bleszinski-shadow-complex-2-is-largely-designed-and-sitting/#comments Remember when we told you that Shadow Complex 2 was probably going to come out, even though Epic focused on a new iOS title, Infinity Blade, after releasing Shadow Complex? Turns out we were right. Again. Epic's Cliff Bleszinski confirmed to Gamasutra that Shadow Complex 2 is "largely designed" and is just "sitting there."

Bleszinski said Epic and Chair Entertainment, the developer behind Infinity Blade and Shadow Complex, are looking for a partner to help finish the sequel. Even though it left Shadow Complex 2 behind, Bleszinski said developing Infinity Blade for iOS was the right move: "We needed a flagship product for iOS, plain and simple," he said. "And we could have ported Shadow Complex, but it would have been a lot of work and it might not have been the right fit. And then Donald Mustard suggested Punch Out!! with swords with RPG layers and we were like, 'Yes!'"

Update: We got a comment from Chair, which reads:
In a recent interview, Cliff reiterated the same thing ChAIR's Donald Mustard has said in the past and Epic President Mike Capps commented on a few weeks ago. Following the release of Shadow Complex, ChAIR did some really great design work on Shadow Complex 2. ChAIR then shifted gears to develop Infinity Blade upon noticing a huge opportunity with the emerging iOS market.

In regards to the "looking for partners" comment, its likely Cliff was referring to a potential publishing partner. Given the tremendous popularity of Shadow Complex, there's a ton of interest in a sequel and plenty more we'd like to do in that universe. We're confident we'll revisit when the right opportunity presents itself.

JoystiqBleszinski: Shadow Complex 2 is 'largely designed' and 'sitting there' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 00:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-Entertainmentcliff-bleszinskiEpicEpic-Gamesinfinity-blademicrosoftmobileShadow-Complexshadow-complex-2xboxSat, 17 Sep 2011 00:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Epic Games hasn't made Shadow Complex 2 (but 'never say never')]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/why-epic-games-hasnt-made-shadow-complex-2-but-never-say-neve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/why-epic-games-hasnt-made-shadow-complex-2-but-never-say-neve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/why-epic-games-hasnt-made-shadow-complex-2-but-never-say-neve/#comments When Shadow Complex was released in 2009, it received critical praise and became a commercial hit. After Epic Games announced that Chair's next game would instead be an iOS title named Infinity Blade, many were curious as to what had happened to the obligatory, post-success sequel. "The reviews were great, it was a record seller for a single-player game on the platform, but at the same time we've got this mobile gaming push that's coming in strong," Epic Games president Mike Capps explained this morning during his GDC Europe keynote.

"And the big thing for me was that we were looking what the iPhone could do, and the games that were on iPhone, and we thought there was a huge gap, so we put our engine team on the problem, and that's where we came up with Infinity Blade," Capps said. "We were thinking about the sequel [to Shadow Complex], we were ready and 'Maybe we should start working on this,' and instead stopped everything and went and made Infinity Blade."

Capps expanded on the possibility of a Shadow Complex sequel when I followed up with him after his presentation. "Never say never," he offered. Of course, when Chair head Donald Mustard answered the same question earlier this year, he said that such a sequel is "a question of when, not if."

JoystiqWhy Epic Games hasn't made Shadow Complex 2 (but 'never say never') originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentdonald-mustardepicepic-gamesgdcgdc-europegdc-europe-2011gdce-2011infinity-bladeiosmicrosoftmike-cappsmobileShadow-Complexshadow-complex-2xblaxboxTue, 16 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade X for Mobage goes free in Japan, supported by virtual goods sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/infinity-blade-x-for-mobage-goes-free-in-japan-supported-by-vir/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/infinity-blade-x-for-mobage-goes-free-in-japan-supported-by-vir/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/infinity-blade-x-for-mobage-goes-free-in-japan-supported-by-vir/#comments DeNA, Japan's most successful mobile internet company, will offer a free-to-play version of Epic and ChAIR's incredibly successul iOS game, Infinity Blade. Over there it'll be called Infinity Blade X for Mobage, and promises to offer multiplayer and co-op features through DeNA's immensely popular Mobage network -- the game will be free to play and supported by the sale of virtual goods.

Infinity Blade, which is considered a "premium" title everywhere else but Japan (see: it costs more than a buck), was just recently updated with head-to-head multiplayer and survival modes. The game's latest milestone saw it surpass $10 million in sales.

Infinity Blade X for Mobage is scheduled to launch in Japan sometime this fall.

JoystiqInfinity Blade X for Mobage goes free in Japan, supported by virtual goods sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairdenadena-globalepic-gamesinfinity-bladeinfinity-blade-xinfinity-blade-x-for-mobageiosipadiphonejapanmobagemobileWed, 22 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade 'Arena' update adds multiplayer, survivor modes this Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/infinity-blade-arena-update-adds-multiplayer-survivor-modes-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/infinity-blade-arena-update-adds-multiplayer-survivor-modes-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/infinity-blade-arena-update-adds-multiplayer-survivor-modes-t/#comments The next big content update for Chair Entertainment's epic iOS sword battler, Infinity Blade, comes out swinging this Thursday, May 19. By far the most notable addition, the new Arena Mode introduces 1v1 multiplayer combat via Game Center.

Also making the cut is Survivor Mode, which challenges players to last as long as possible in an endless gauntlet of Titan battles. A variety of new weapons and items are also being introduced, including special holiday-themed helms. Finally, Infinity Blade will gain Facebook integration with the update, enabling players to take and share screenshots of their characters through a streamlined process.

The "Arena" update will be free of charge and, if past Thursday releases on the App Store are any indication, will actually roll out in North America this Wednesday night around 11:30PM ET.

JoystiqInfinity Blade 'Arena' update adds multiplayer, survivor modes this Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 May 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionarenachairdlcEpicfacebookinfinity-bladeIOSipadiphonemobilemultiplayerrelease-datesurvivor-modeupdateTue, 17 May 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade more successful than Shadow Complex, Rein says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/infinity-blade-more-successful-than-shadow-complex-rein-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/infinity-blade-more-successful-than-shadow-complex-rein-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/infinity-blade-more-successful-than-shadow-complex-rein-says/#comments Though Epic Games doesn't divulge direct sales figures, vice president Mark Rein did give me something to work with: Infinity Blade has been more successful than Shadow Complex. "Hugely successful," in fact.

Right now, if you check the leaderboard data (best overall score) for Shadow Complex, you will see the names of 545,023 players. While Rein's comment doesn't necessarily confirm that Infinity Blade has been downloaded more times than Shadow Complex, the former game's lower asking price - $5.99 versus Shadow Complex's $15 - would make it "more successful" either in terms of downloads or revenue.

If it's revenue, our napkin math indicates the iOS-exclusive title being downloaded by at least 1,362,557.5 people, two-and-a-half times the total number of entries on Shadow Complex's leaderboard. If we're talking number of downloads, Infinity Blade should have at least bested Shadow Complex's 545K units.

JoystiqInfinity Blade more successful than Shadow Complex, Rein says originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesgdc-2011infinity-blademicrosoftmobilesalesxboxThu, 03 Mar 2011 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade in finite time: How ChAIR made its iOS hit in five months]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/infinity-blade-in-finite-time-how-chair-made-its-ios-hit-in-fiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/infinity-blade-in-finite-time-how-chair-made-its-ios-hit-in-fiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/infinity-blade-in-finite-time-how-chair-made-its-ios-hit-in-fiv/#comments Infinity Blade Released late last year, Infinity Blade ushered in a new era of graphical fidelity in mobile phone games and delivered on Epic's promise to turn its "Epic Citadel" tech demo into an actual game. The Salt Lake City-based team at Chair Entertainment - led by brothers Donald and Geremy Mustard - delivered another hit for Epic on another digitally distributed platform, opening doors for more Unreal Engine licensees all the way. At last year's GDC the brothers Mustard delivered a panel on their XBLA hit Shadow Complex and this year it's Infinity Blade, titled "Infinity Blade: How We Made a Hit, What We Learned, and Why You Can Do it Too!"

"We got a call from Epic saying there's this opportunity," Donald Mustard told a packed GDC auditorium. Epic told him, "Mobile games are really taking off and we've secretly had part of the engine team getting the Unreal Engine to work on mobile devices over the past year and it's ready to go [...] and we really want to get a game out this year that really shows it off. Do you guys want to participate in that?" Mustard replied, "Absolutely." But there was a catch.

Gallery: Infinity Blade: How We Made a Hit, What We Learned, and Why You Can Do it Too!

Continue reading Infinity Blade in finite time: How ChAIR made its iOS hit in five months

JoystiqInfinity Blade in finite time: How ChAIR made its iOS hit in five months originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChairChair-EntertainmentEpic-GamesGDCGDC-2011infinity-blademobileWed, 02 Mar 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade update coming tomorrow, detailed today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/infinity-blade-update-coming-tomorrow-detailed-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/infinity-blade-update-coming-tomorrow-detailed-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/infinity-blade-update-coming-tomorrow-detailed-today/#comments Chair and Epic Games announced this morning that the first free content update for iOS game Infinity Blade will arrive tomorrow. Alongside the previously revealed Marrow Fiend -- "rumored to devour its victims, taking their bones for its blade and shield" -- comes a smattering of swords and shields (five each), a shiny new set of armor, and five new helms (the Xmas-themed Holiday Helm, among others).

The level cap will also be adjusted to 45 from 40, and players will be able to purchase gold from within the game. And if you're anything like us, you'll want to be rocking to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra while fighting the Marrow Fiend with the Holiday Helm equipped -- the ability to pump your own music into the game comes as part of the update. Chair further promises "New areas to conquer! New enemies to fight! Multiplayer! New swords, shields, helmets, and magic rings! And more!" for some point next year, so don't go forgetting about Infinity Blade just yet.

Gallery: Infinity Blade (Content Pack #1)

Continue reading Infinity Blade update coming tomorrow, detailed today

JoystiqInfinity Blade update coming tomorrow, detailed today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storechairchair-entertainmentcontent-update-1dlcepicepic-gamesholiday-helminfinity-bladeiosmarrow-fiendmobileMon, 20 Dec 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade conceived as a Kinect game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/infinity-blade-conceived-as-a-kinect-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/infinity-blade-conceived-as-a-kinect-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/infinity-blade-conceived-as-a-kinect-game/#comments If you've played iOS slasher Infinity Blade as much as us, you've probably spent some of your finger-callous massaging sessions thinking, "Why couldn't I be hacking up the God King in the completely callous-free world of Kinect?"

Believe it or not, developer Chair Entertainment is way ahead of you ... and even ahead of itself, in a sense, according to co-founder Donald Mustard.

"We always have some cool ideas on deck, and kind of the inception of Infinity Blade began as a discussion around: 'If we were going to make a Kinect title, what would we make? What would a Chair Kinect game look like?'," Mustard revealed. "That discussion happened, you know, a year and a half ago. We had this really cool design, and it's not that dissimilar from the game you're playing today; it's just been refined and adapted to the iOS screen, which honestly I think is where the design works the best."

Mustard made clear that Infinity Blade isn't a Kinect game rejiggered for iOS so much as an idea sparked by Microsoft's device that found its home on iOS platforms. That said, Chair isn't closing any doors to Infinity Blade on Xbox 360.

"Yeah," co-founder Geremy Mustard added, "if the Kinect really takes off over the holiday season, who knows?"

JoystiqInfinity Blade conceived as a Kinect game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-Entertainmentdonald-mustardgeremy-mustardinfinity-bladeioskinectmicrosoftmobilexboxTue, 14 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ender's Game tabled by Chair]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/enders-game-tabled-by-chair/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/enders-game-tabled-by-chair/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/enders-game-tabled-by-chair/#comments Chair Entertainment co-founder Donald Mustard has confirmed to Joystiq that the studio's Ender's Game project has been put on indefinite hold. Announced in early 2008, the downloadable game was to take place in the story's "Battle Room," a place where the protagonist partakes in simulation combat.

"We have and had an amazing design for the Ender's Game game," Mustard assured, but "one of [parent company] Epic's primary objectives is to create original and unique franchises. I don't know that Ender's Game fits into that strategic objective anymore."

"So, probably not," Mustard said of the project's completion. "Not from us."

Still, Chair maintains a good relationship with Ender's Game author Orson Scott Card, who wrote a novel set in the developer's Shadow Complex universe. "If anyone decides they want to make it," Mustard added, "I have some ideas I'd love to talk to them about."

JoystiqEnder's Game tabled by Chair originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-EntertainmentdelaysDonald-MustardEnders-GameEpicEpic-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxTue, 14 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade trailer takes Epic stab at knight fights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/infinity-blade-trailer-takes-epic-stab-at-knight-fights/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/infinity-blade-trailer-takes-epic-stab-at-knight-fights/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/infinity-blade-trailer-takes-epic-stab-at-knight-fights/#comments Out of the 43 bajillion or so games on the App Store, we can't say we've ever come across one that features as startlingly rendered an environment as the Unreal Engine 3-powered castle in Infinity Blade. Of course, sight seeing is not the reason to load up this Retina Display showcase on your iOS device of the moment -- stabbing the crap out of giant monster bosses is! How predictably Epic is that?

GameTrailers has posted the debut trailer for Infinity Blade -- "coming soon" to iPhone 4, iPad and iPod Touch. Check it out after the break.

Continue reading Infinity Blade trailer takes Epic stab at knight fights

JoystiqInfinity Blade trailer takes Epic stab at knight fights originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesinfinity-bladeiosipadiphonemobileunreal-engine-3Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Sword becomes Infinity Blade, coming to iThings this holiday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/infinity-blade-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/infinity-blade-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/infinity-blade-announced/#comments Project Sword, the technologically impressive game you've been using to show off your new iPhone 4 to friends, family and Charlie Chaplin, is set to become a full game this holiday. Dubbed "Infinity Blade," the Chair-developed "action-RPG sword fighting adventure" will be available for iPhone 4, iPad and iPod Touch.

Infinity Blade will feature single-player battles within ye olde castle environments and will gradually grant you experience, improved stats and more powerful items. It will be expanded to support a multiplayer mode (and Game Center) via free updates after launch.

According to Epic Games, the Unreal Engine 3-powered demo landed in the hands of over one million people, lured in by the promise of what the company calls "triple-A mobile gaming." How much are people willing to pay for triple-A mobile gaming? Epic has yet to announce a price, but it'll have to be careful not to build a costly moat around its spot on the App Store.

Gallery: Infinity Blade (11/2/10)

Continue reading Project Sword becomes Infinity Blade, coming to iThings this holiday

JoystiqProject Sword becomes Infinity Blade, coming to iThings this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-Entertainmentepic-gamesgame-centerinfinity-bladeiosipadiphoneipodmobilerelease-dateTue, 02 Nov 2010 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq's Top 10 of 2009: Shadow Complex]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2009-shadow-complex/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2009-shadow-complex/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2009-shadow-complex/#comments In many ways, Shadow Complex finds itself in similar standing as Rock Band and Guitar Hero; it's a style of game Konami has left for its competitors to refine and perfect. Taking its cues from the Metroids and Castlevanias of the world, the Xbox Live Arcade-exclusive title was able to stand out in 2009, regardless of its forgettable storyline and poorly constructed characters. As an overall experience, Shadow Complex was the best downloadable experience of 2009 -- and one of the year's overall best, for that matter.

Shadow Complex is a prime example of a developer -- in this case, Chair -- designing a game best suited for its platform and skyrocketing past expectations. It proves that 2D exploration and adventure can still have a meaningful impact if approached correctly. Sadly, Konami has decided against bringing new Castlevania experiences of this style to consoles and only now (since 2004's Metroid: Zero Mission) has Nintendo decided to return Samus closer to her roots in the upcoming Metroid: Other M (another game revealed at E3 2009).

It's no surprise that Shadow Complex resonated with us (hell, we dedicated quite a bit of time to the game), and while we weren't left mouth-agape at its originality, the entire experience left us craving more. We have yet to satisfy that craving, as no additional content has been delivered for the game since its August 19, 2009 debut.

Beyond its excellent blend of shooting and platforming, and its tremendous value (only $15!), Shadow Complex stands out as one of the best experiences we've had all year. It simultaneously resurrected our love of the 2D exploration genre and our inner speedrun freak, and is a testament to the maturity of the download space on consoles within the last few years. We hope the franchise will be with us for the long haul.

<< Back(8) | Comment | 6. Post Modern Warfare >>

JoystiqJoystiq's Top 10 of 2009: Shadow Complex originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionchairChair-EntertainmentEpicepic-gamesjoystiq-best-of-2009MicrosoftMicrosoft-Games-Studiosshadow-complexxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeFri, 01 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft lists more jobs for Project Natal, 343 Industries; hiring Shadow Complex, Gears of War franchises lead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/microsoft-lists-more-jobs-for-project-natal-343-industries/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/microsoft-lists-more-jobs-for-project-natal-343-industries/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/microsoft-lists-more-jobs-for-project-natal-343-industries/#comments With Shadow Complex setting very specific week-one sales records on XBLA, Epic and Chair would be kind of nuts to not consider a sequel. One job listing out of a recent crop on Microsoft's employment boards seems to out that likely scenario, implying that Shadow Complex is a bona fide franchise for Microsoft Game Studios and Epic. Said listing specifically calls for a Lead Producer to "lead the publishing side of games made by Epic: Gears of War and Shadow Complex."

Additionally, Microsoft appears to be looking for more able bodies to join its growing pool of Project Natal and 343 Industries employees. Existing job listings call for everything from designers to engineers to even a few artists. Sadly, the company isn't looking for MJOLNIR armor models yet, but just in case, Microsoft, you know how to reach us.

[Via Develop]

JoystiqMicrosoft lists more jobs for Project Natal, 343 Industries; hiring Shadow Complex, Gears of War franchises lead originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieschairChair-Entertainmentemploymentepicepic-gamesgears-of-warhalojob-listingjobsmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosproject-natalshadow-complexxblaXbox-360Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ogle Chair's hand-drawn Shadow Complex map]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/ogle-chairs-hand-drawn-shadow-complex-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/ogle-chairs-hand-drawn-shadow-complex-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/ogle-chairs-hand-drawn-shadow-complex-map/#comments It's a sad testament to how much we loved Shadow Complex that we were able to spend several happy minutes simply poring over Chair's hand-drawn proto-map for the game, as obtained by MTV Multiplayer. As an added bonus, we got to hear the story of Chair staffers playing the game with their imaginations, tracing a stick figure's journey through a giant-sized version of the map as they tried to perfectly balance the experience.

Golly! Imagination? Non-electronic games? What will video game developers think of next?

JoystiqOgle Chair's hand-drawn Shadow Complex map originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairepicshadow-complexxblaWed, 14 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Complex cheaters will have scores deleted, Gamerscore reset]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/shadow-complex-cheaters-will-have-scores-deleted-gamerscore-res/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/shadow-complex-cheaters-will-have-scores-deleted-gamerscore-res/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/shadow-complex-cheaters-will-have-scores-deleted-gamerscore-res/#comments
Chair Entertainment is ready to lay the smack down on Shadow Complex cheaters. Major Nelson sends word that Microsoft will take action this week against those "verified as cheaters," deleting their records from the Shadow Complex leaderboards, as well as resetting their associated accounts' Gamerscore. Worse still, said accounts will be branded on Xbox.com (and dashboard) as belonging to cheaters.

For those looking to brush up on what constitutes cheating on Xbox Live, feel free to review Microsoft's policy on "Gamerscore corrections." Of course, if you're a cheater, then you probably already know.

JoystiqShadow Complex cheaters will have scores deleted, Gamerscore reset originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentcheaterscheatinggamerscore-correctionmicrosoftshadow-complexxblaWed, 16 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Complex sets week-one sales record]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/shadow-complex-sets-week-one-sales-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/shadow-complex-sets-week-one-sales-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/shadow-complex-sets-week-one-sales-record/#comments That's, um, sales of single-player games (multiplayer ones don't count!). And, uh, you know, we're just talking about Xbox Live Arcade titles -- not that clarifying this awfully specific sales record is an attempt to take away from the much-deserved success of Chair's excellent Shadow Complex or the 200,000-plus downloaders (much of the Joystiq staff included) who didn't wait long to cash in 1200.

Still, we're not going to label Shadow Complex's sales Achievement(R) (as Microsoft does) the "New Era of Downloadable Games." It takes far too much effort to produce a decent Metroidvania experience than it does a mediocre dual-stick shooter, after all.

We will, however, join in on the not-so-subtle peer pressuring. Seriously, you still haven't purchased Shadow Complex? Shame on you. (So ... just direct deposit that check, cool? Thanks Microsoft!)

Gallery: Shadow Complex

JoystiqShadow Complex sets week-one sales record originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionchairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesmicrosoftMicrosoft-Games-Studiossalesshadow-complexxblaXbox-360Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Top 10 dominated by Shadow Complex, CoD: World at War]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/xbox-live-top-10-dominated-by-shadow-complex-cod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/xbox-live-top-10-dominated-by-shadow-complex-cod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/xbox-live-top-10-dominated-by-shadow-complex-cod/#comments
Major Nelson has revealed the latest figures for Xbox Live activity, which once again sees Call of Duty: World at War being the most played Xbox 360 Live title. That's not to say it's all business as usual, as the Lost Planet 2 co-op demo managed to claw its way onto the list, along with a new Xbox Live Arcade pair, Shadow Complex and Trials HD.

Both titles made it onto the top two spots on XBLA's most played list, with Chair's Metroid-inspired adventure making its debut in first place. The remainder is comprised of usual suspects Battlefield 1943, Marvel vs Capcom 2 and 'Splosion Man.

JoystiqXbox Live Top 10 dominated by Shadow Complex, CoD: World at War originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-1943call-of-dutycall-of-duty-4call-of-duty-world-at-warchairchair-entertainmentdemoepicepic-gameshalohalo-3lost-planet-2marvel-vs-capcom-2mementooutpost-kaloki-xshadow-complexsplosion-mantrials-hdxblaxbox-live-top-10xbox-live-top-tenTue, 25 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Community teamwork solves Shadow Complex speed run mystery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/community-teamwork-solves-shadow-complex-speed-run-mystery/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/community-teamwork-solves-shadow-complex-speed-run-mystery/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/community-teamwork-solves-shadow-complex-speed-run-mystery/#comments
For fans of speed runs, Shadow Complex housed a clever secret that allows gamers to skip most of the game and complete it in record time. Surrounding the mystery was knowledge that players are able to obtain the Foam ability within the first 15 minutes of gameplay. Over the last few days (since its August 19 release), gamers across multiple message boards compiled data and quotes, and tried brilliant ideas to crack the code.

And they blew it wide open. If a certain number of tasks are completed within a short time frame, gamers are able to bypass an entire section of the game, landing them within a few rooms of the Foam ability.

Spoiler Warning! YouTube user Nogarda1 showcases the steps needed to cleverly infiltrate the enemy base after the break.

Continue reading Community teamwork solves Shadow Complex speed run mystery

JoystiqCommunity teamwork solves Shadow Complex speed run mystery originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentepic-gamessecretsshadow-complexspoilersSat, 22 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Shadow Complex credits a multiplayer tester]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/why-shadow-complex-credits-a-multiplayer-tester/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/why-shadow-complex-credits-a-multiplayer-tester/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/why-shadow-complex-credits-a-multiplayer-tester/#comments Those of you who've blown through Shadow Complex already (shame on you, it should be savored) may have noticed a strange anomaly during the credits. The game (which is single-player only) credits T.J. Duez as the sole member of the game's multiplayer test team. We emailed developer Chair and parent company Epic to get the skinny.

"The only explanation I can offer is that we used a lot Epic's internal testers for the game and since they have a number of multiplayer games, that might just be his title at Epic," said Chair's Laura Mustard. "Otherwise, he's got a pretty good gig as there's not much multiplayer testing that can be done on a game that is single-player only, right?" Epic's Mark Rein concurred, adding "We have testers at Epic who specialize in multi-player testing and probably one of them helped out on Shadow Complex in their spare time."

Sorry, gang. Sounds like if you were hoping for co-op complex crawling, you're going to be waiting a while.

JoystiqWhy Shadow Complex credits a multiplayer tester originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairepic-gamesMicrosoftshadow-complexsummer-of-arcadeXbox-360xbox-liveWed, 19 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spoiler Warning: Shadow Complex secrets and strategies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/spoiler-warning-shadow-complex-secrets-and-strategies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/spoiler-warning-shadow-complex-secrets-and-strategies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/spoiler-warning-shadow-complex-secrets-and-strategies/#comments With Shadow Complex closing out the second Summer of Arcade today, the Joystiq crew has been hard at work compiling a series of videos and images to help would-be explorers unlock the secrets of Chair Entertainment's latest adventure.

Of course (as the headline would indicate) this feature is filled to the brim with spoilers and strategies necessary to unlock some of Shadow Complex's many secrets. If you're looking for a Shadow Complex news fix, this isn't the feature for you ... but if you want to know where (and how) to find most of the game's hidden gems, jump in.

Gallery: Shadow Complex

Continue reading Spoiler Warning: Shadow Complex secrets and strategies

JoystiqSpoiler Warning: Shadow Complex secrets and strategies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionChairchair-entertainmentEpicepic-gamesMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosMicrosoft-Games-Studiosshadow-complexshadow-complex-mapspoiler-warningtips-and-tricksvideowalkthroughxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeWed, 19 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Shadow Complex]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-shadow-complex/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-shadow-complex/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-shadow-complex/#commentsFiled under:

This week's XBLA in Brief is a little different. Normally we only take the trial version for a spin, but we were lucky enough to get our hands on the full version of Shadow Complex last week, so we've spent quite a bit of time with it. We've already handed the game a great review, now you can see what all the fuss is about.

The full version is 1200 ($15).

Download the trial version of Shadow Complex

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JoystiqX3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Shadow Complex originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairepicshadow-complexx3f-tvxblaxbla-in-briefWed, 19 Aug 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Complex launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/shadow-complex-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/shadow-complex-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/shadow-complex-launch-trailer/#comments You know that Shadow Complex is good, right? Yeah, well, it is, and this trailer aims to make sure you know it. Apart from a liberal sprinkling of impressive-sounding critical quotes, there's also some gameplay in there, too. If you hold an Xbox 360 controller as you watch it, you can pretend that you're playing it right now. If you take a controller to work, you can pretend to play at work, too!

Until you can actually play the real thing, It's really the only sensible thing to do.

JoystiqShadow Complex launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairepicshadow-complexxblaMon, 17 Aug 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Shadow Complex (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/review-shadow-complex-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/review-shadow-complex-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/review-shadow-complex-xbla/#comments Let's get this out of the way: You'll need to forgive Shadow Complex its generic trappings. For one of the most hyped elements of the production, author Orson Scott Card's contributions are underwhelming. The hero (everyman Jason Fleming but let's call him ... Nathan Bourne) and the story are both entirely forgettable; however, the real star of the game comes from the other half of this collaboration: the gameplay. Put simply, Shadow Complex is the easiest Xbox Live Arcade recommendation I can make and one of the best games of the year.

Gallery: Shadow Complex

Continue reading Review: Shadow Complex (XBLA)

JoystiqReview: Shadow Complex (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionChairChair-EntertainmentEpicEpic-GamesMicrosoftMicrosoft-Games-StudiosShadow-ComplexXBLAXbox-360Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Orson Scott Card talks 'Shadow Complex' and the future of 'Empire']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/orson-scott-card-talks-shadow-complex-and-the-future-of-empir/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/orson-scott-card-talks-shadow-complex-and-the-future-of-empir/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/orson-scott-card-talks-shadow-complex-and-the-future-of-empir/#comments
Beyond being an award-winning author, Orson Scott Card has some gaming cred on his resume. An avid old school gamer himself, Card has worked on a few notable game projects, including The Secret of Monkey Island, for which he penned the swordfighting insults. On August 19, Card returns to gaming by creating the world that surrounds Shadow Complex, which runs parallel to the events in Card's best-selling novel, Empire.

However, unlike his experience working on the poorly-received game Advent Rising -- which Card was brought into late to develop the game's story -- the author and Chair Entertainment collaborated from the beginning to bring the Empire book trilogy and Shadow Complex to life. "They do their thing and I do mine. Two very different arts end up working together to tell the same story," Card told Variety. Card says, he enjoys Shadow Complex's main character so much, he suspects readers will see Jason Flemming (voiced by Nolan North) appear in a future novel within the universe. Shadow Complex's story was written by Star Trek novelist Peter David.

Card also notes that he is confident he has "come up with something" to allow future games in the series to be different. "Nothing would be worse than if they play the second game is the same as the first," Card said. Apparently in Card's world, gamers love change.

Gallery: Shadow Complex

JoystiqOrson Scott Card talks 'Shadow Complex' and the future of 'Empire' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairempireepicorson-scott-cardshadow-complexxblaxbox-live-arcadeTue, 11 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Complex Achievements arrive with a handful of screens, new trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/shadow-complex-achievements-arrive-with-a-handful-of-screens-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/shadow-complex-achievements-arrive-with-a-handful-of-screens-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/shadow-complex-achievements-arrive-with-a-handful-of-screens-ne/#commentsWill Shadow Complex be this year's Bionic Commando: Rearmed -- ya know, minus all that direct nostalgia? Between the 2D platforming, arsenal of weapons, huge bosses, and frosted camera lens, it's getting harder and harder for us not to draw the comparison. One thing the new gameplay you see above features that BC:R lacked? Jumping! (Thankfully!)

An Achievement for melee kills (find the whole list after the break) helps to assuage our concerns of, well, not having a robot arm -- though anyone with half a brain knows that third-party human being parts beat out melee weapons every time. Hopefully the extra $5 for Shadow Complex over BC:R means those weapons are really sharp when you check them out on August 19.

Gallery: Shadow Complex (7/21/09)

Continue reading Shadow Complex Achievements arrive with a handful of screens, new trailer

JoystiqShadow Complex Achievements arrive with a handful of screens, new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsActioncastlevaniachairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesgameplaymetroidmetroidvaniaMicrosoftMicrosoft-Games-Studiosshadow-complextrailerxblaXbox-360Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Complex script penned by comic book scribe Peter David]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/shadow-complex-script-penned-by-comic-book-scribe-peter-david/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/shadow-complex-script-penned-by-comic-book-scribe-peter-david/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/shadow-complex-script-penned-by-comic-book-scribe-peter-david/#commentsEpic Games and Microsoft Game Studios are ramping up for the impending release of Chair Entertainment's Shadow Complex on XBLA, today revealing that the game's script was written by Eisner Award winning author Peter David. David has worked on various comic book titles for numerous imprints, but is probably best known for his run on The Incredible Hulk. He currently writes She-Hulk and X-Factor for Marvel.

The script for Shadow Complex is adapted from work by sci-fi author and visionary Orson Scott Card, whose 2006 novel, Empire, is based on the game's universe and an original concept by game designer Donald Mustard. David has written a story that parallels the events of the novel, which itself focuses on a future American civil war. We recently saw the game in action and wrote up our impressions.

David, Mustard and Epic's Cliff Bleszinski will be on-hand at next week's San Diego Comic-Con to promote the game, which hits the Xbox Live Marketplace on August 19.

JoystiqShadow Complex script penned by comic book scribe Peter David originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionChairchair-entertainmentcomicsepicepic-gamesMicrosoftMicrosoft-Games-Studiospeter-davidshadow-complexxblaXbox-360Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: Shadow Complex]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/impressions-shadow-complex/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/impressions-shadow-complex/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/impressions-shadow-complex/#comments With just a little more than a month to go before the game hits the Xbox Live Marketplace, today we got a look at more of Chair Entertainment and Epic Games' love letter to Super Metroid, a.k.a Shadow Complex. We'd journeyed through some of the same in-game territory during E3, but this latest glimpse was geared more towards getting into gameplay we didn't really get a good look at then.

For starters, we witnessed several nods to the stealth-oriented gameplay of Metal Gear Solid (the game also draws on Kojima's classic series for artistic inspiration). In one area, designer Donald Mustard -- an avid fan of the 2D action-adventure who hopes his game kick-starts a new trend among his fellow developers -- guided his hero past moving floodlights and security cameras which, if not avoided, would have locked down the area requiring players to find an alternate path through. Stealth kills have also made their way into the game and even work on smaller robots, who, like human enemies, are fair game as long as players aren't in their line of sight.

Gallery: Shadow Complex

Continue reading Impressions: Shadow Complex

JoystiqImpressions: Shadow Complex originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionChairchair-entertainmentEpicepic-gamesMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosMicrosoft-Games-Studiosshadow-complexxblaXbox-360Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Complex likely won't be less than $20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/shadow-complex-likely-wont-be-less-than-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/shadow-complex-likely-wont-be-less-than-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/shadow-complex-likely-wont-be-less-than-20/#comments While checking in with Epic's upcoming Xbox Live Arcade title Shadow Complex again today, we were given a nice little tidbit of info from Epic programmer Rob McLaughlin. While playing through the game's introductory level, we casually asked about a price for Unreal Engine 3-fueled shmup, to which Rob replied that the title would likely not see price point below $20. We grilled hm for more info, but, sadly, he couldn't accommodate us.

JoystiqShadow Complex likely won't be less than $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionChairChair-Entertainmentepicepic-gamesMicrosoftMicrosoft-Games-Studiosshadow-complexxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeThu, 04 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Complex has stat trackers beyond Achievements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/shadow-complex-has-stat-trackers-beyond-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/shadow-complex-has-stat-trackers-beyond-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/shadow-complex-has-stat-trackers-beyond-achievements/#comments Shadow Complex, the XBLA game from Chair and Epic that's two parts Metroid and one part Castlevania (even Cliff Bleszinski noted it was a "Metroidvania" title), has a robust stat tracking system behind the scenes. Beyond the standard Xbox Live Achievements, the game also tracks things like headshots with "Your head a-splode."

The 10-15 hour title is meant to be accessible to those who casually played titles like Super Metroid, but it's definitely being designed to appeal to speed-runners. There will be unlockables in the game for playing with only a certain weapon or beating the game under a certain amount of time. Chair's Donald Mustard told us there's a special unlockable for beating the game in under two hours*. Our theory: Marcus Fenix skin for the main character.

*Update: MTV Multiplayer has more details on the 2-hour speed run (one of several "Master Challenges"), which has been dubbed "Jason Bailey" -- an obvious homage to Metroid's skivvies code, JUSTIN BAILEY. New theory: Scantily clad Marcus skin unlocked.

Gallery: Shadow Complex

JoystiqShadow Complex has stat trackers beyond Achievements originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionchairChair-EntertainmentepicEpic-GamesMicrosoftMicrosoft-Games-Studiosshadow-complexxblaXbox-360Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:05:00 EST