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[Our one of a kind Spore figurine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/26/our-one-of-a-kind-spore-figurine/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/26/our-one-of-a-kind-spore-figurine/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/26/our-one-of-a-kind-spore-figurine/#commentsFiled under: ,


Some Joystiq readers will no doubt be jealous when we remind them of how Joystiq special correspondent Randall Bennett got to play Spore behind closed doors at E3. And again when he got to see Robin Williams crack jokes while making his own creature at that Wired party.

Well, our jealousy was rekindled when, after some months, Randall's friendly neighborhood UPS guy rang his bell to deliver a Spore figurine identical to the character he had designed at E3. They should definitely have a service so consumers can order their own custom figurine. More pics after the break.

Continue reading Our one of a kind Spore figurine

JoystiqOur one of a kind Spore figurine originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action figureActionFiguree32006EAElectronic-ArtsMaxisPCSporestatuetoyWed, 26 Jul 2006 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[An in-depth review of E3 media booths]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/06/an-in-depth-review-of-e3-media-booths/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/06/an-in-depth-review-of-e3-media-booths/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/06/an-in-depth-review-of-e3-media-booths/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kyle over at Video Game Media Watch turns the spotlight back on the media's presence at E3 with an in-depth review of the big media booths that were dotted around the show floor. Here's the quick and dirty from Kyle's write-up:
  • 1UP/Ziff Davis' booth wasn't very crowded, although the free copies of EGM were popular.
  • BradyGames, the strategy guide publisher, stuck a couple of Guitar Hero 2 booths in their stall and let the crowds grow exponentially.
  • GameSpot's booth was very inaccessible. So either they were working hard, or they were playing a massive LAN game.
  • UGO couldn't hide their Geometry Wars addiction. Oh, and they stole chairs from neighboring booths.
  • G4 let people browse the web for free: free internet FTW!
Kyle goes into a lot more detail, so make sure to check out his full article.

JoystiqAn in-depth review of E3 media booths originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jun 2006 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1UPE3 mediaE32006E3MediaG4G4TVGameSpotIGNJoystiqUGOZiff/DavisTue, 06 Jun 2006 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[UK gaming events this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/06/uk-gaming-events-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/06/uk-gaming-events-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/06/uk-gaming-events-this-summer/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This summer is shaping up to be great one, at least in terms of the number of UK gaming trade shows and conferences coming up soon. The great gaming fiasco of 2004 resulted in both of the major gaming trade shows in the UK (Game Stars Live and ECTS) being canceled when they decided to take place at exactly the same time, so it's great to finally see that the industry has picked itself up.

Click continue to see a round-up of some future gaming events within the United Kingdom. Joystiq's UK contingent (consisting of Jennie and I) hopes to be able to attend as many of these events as possible so if you're also planning on attending make sure to leave us a comment. If we've missed a show or conference, let us know and I'll add your tip to the table.

Continue reading UK gaming events this summer

JoystiqUK gaming events this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jun 2006 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESConradConsumer Electronics ShowConsumerElectronicsShowDevelop ConferenceDevelopConferenceE3E32006ECTSEdinburgh Interactive Entertainment FestivalEdinburghInteractiveEntertainmentFestivalEIEFEuropean Computer Trade ShowEuropeanComputerTradeShowGame Stars LiveGames Market EuropeGamesEDUGamesMarketEuropeGameStarsLiveGDCGDC LondonGdcLondonGMEJennieSummerTGSTokyo Games ShowTokyoGamesShowUnited KingdomUnitedKingdomWomen in GamesWomenInGamesTue, 06 Jun 2006 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii takes "Best of Show" from E3 awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/wii-takes-best-of-show-from-e3-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/wii-takes-best-of-show-from-e3-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/wii-takes-best-of-show-from-e3-awards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

An elite band of ninja game critics were chosen for their uncanny (and often deadly) speculative accuracy to determine the winners of the Game Critic Award's Best of E3 2006. Their choice for top honors, "Best of Show"? Nintendo's newest console: the Wii. Other big winners included Spore, nabbing three awards, and Gears of War with two.

While the desire to see a victor emerge from the rubble-strewn LA Convention Center is great, the distinction hasn't always been accurate. Take for example, 2001's E3 champion: the Gamecube. 2002's best of show: Doom III. We could keep going, but you get the point.

Regardless, Gamespot's Greg Kasavin wrote of the Wii, "It's a good thing Nintendo got the name change of its next console out of the way before E3. With the shock of that announcement mostly over, the company proceeded to become the talk of the show ... by inviting audiences to get their hands on an impressive lineup of fun and interesting software for the Wii...not to mention that wild controller." Insert insightful sprint versus marathon metaphor here and reflect.

Check out some fun stats on the all the winners.

JoystiqWii takes "Best of Show" from E3 awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSE3E32006Game Critics AwardsGameCriticsAwardsGameCubeGCAPCPS2PS3PSPWiiXboxXbox-360Thu, 01 Jun 2006 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq poll: Will the PS3 price affect your console combo?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/28/joystiq-poll-will-the-ps3-price-affect-your-console-combo/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/28/joystiq-poll-will-the-ps3-price-affect-your-console-combo/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/28/joystiq-poll-will-the-ps3-price-affect-your-console-combo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Remember back in January when we asked you about your preferred console combo plan? We were operating under two assumptions then: that Nintendo's strategy involved being the second console of choice; and that the PS3 and Xbox 360 would be evenly priced. While we may have our worries about Sony's price, we almost forgot the impact this might have on Nintendo's diminutive Wii.

While there's the Wii60 console combo, will PlayStation 3 owners pony up the extra cash for a Wii? With a finite amount of entertainment dollars going to next-gen consoles, it could be argued that every extra dollar spent on a PS3 is one less being spent on another console like the Wii. So, what's it gonna be ...

Pick your (reevaluated) console combo:
PS3 and Wii
Xbox 360 and Wii
PS3 and Xbox 360
Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii
Wii
PS3
Xbox 360
  

JoystiqJoystiq poll: Will the PS3 price affect your console combo? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 May 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comboE3e32006PollPS3Sun, 28 May 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of E3 2006 from TeamXbox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/19/best-of-e3-2006-from-teamxbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/19/best-of-e3-2006-from-teamxbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/19/best-of-e3-2006-from-teamxbox/#commentsFiled under: ,


The guys over at TeamXbox.com have whipped up their "Best of E3" feature to give gamers the heads-up on what shined through at the convention. You can probably deduce from their name that they didn't nominate certain companies or their products (we're looking at you Sony and Nintendo). So with that said, here are a few noteworthy awards for everything Xbox.

Best Graphics: Gears of War / Runner up: BioShock
Best Action Game: Lost Planet / Runner up: Too Human
Best Racing Game: MotoGP '06 / Runner up: Test Drive Unlimited
Best Sports Game: Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis / Runner up: NCAA Football 07
Sleeper Hit: Just Cause / Runner up: Dead Rising
Best Xbox 360 Game: Mass Effect / Runner up: Gears of War

So what do you think? Of course, don't forget to check out the full feature for write-ups and other nominations.

JoystiqBest of E3 2006 from TeamXbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 May 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360awardse3E32006microsoftteam xboxtopxboxFri, 19 May 2006 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Totally awesome E3 games that everyone missed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/19/totally-awesome-e3-games-that-everyone-missed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/19/totally-awesome-e3-games-that-everyone-missed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/19/totally-awesome-e3-games-that-everyone-missed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lore Sjöberg of Wired took a look at the games from his imagination this year's E3 that no-one wanted to play. In his own words, all these games contained the best mini game of all "not standing in line." So did he find any gems in his mind at E3? Here's a selection of what he imagined saw:
  • Sandbox -- playing off the popularity of open-ended GTA style games comes Sandbox, a game that's 100% true to its genre. Sandbox exposes children to the delights of a real life sandbox, sans the real life sand. The developers told Sjöberg that they'd like to include a shovel and bucket in the final game, "but that may not be a realistic goal."
  • Mission: Marketplace --  this game progresses the demand for downloadable content and episodic games to its climax. Mission: Marketplace's innovation is that it requires players to purchase all the content separately -- alternatively you can just plunk down $200 and watch the credits roll. We can't wait for this one.
That's not all: he also discovered Pac-Man Boulevard, a game that demonstrates the continued advantages of sequels over original franchises and Casual Game: The Game, a game so casual that engaging your brain (or even possessing one) reduces your overall enjoyment. We're like, totally hyped about these completely revolutionary games, so get your arse over to Wired and read all about 'em.

[Image credit: art.com]

JoystiqTotally awesome E3 games that everyone missed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 May 2006 07:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadable contentDownloadableContentE3e32006episodic gamesEpisodicGamesImaginationMarketplacesandSandboxSarcasmWiredFri, 19 May 2006 07:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard: polite clapping for Nintendo is quite enough, fanboys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/18/overheard-at-e3-polite-handclaps-for-nintendo-only-please/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/18/overheard-at-e3-polite-handclaps-for-nintendo-only-please/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/18/overheard-at-e3-polite-handclaps-for-nintendo-only-please/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Fellow Joystiq blogger Chris Grant forwarded the following quote to me and asked, "Why does this sound like something you'd say?"

Washington Post blogger Mike Musgrove overheard one member of a cluster of bloggers behind him caution his fellow bloggers just prior to the beginning of the Nintendo's E3 press conference: "Remember, no fanboyism -- if something happens, polite clapping is enough."

Hilarious!

... but only for a moment. Editorialising follows after the post break.

Continue reading Overheard: polite clapping for Nintendo is quite enough, fanboys

JoystiqOverheard: polite clapping for Nintendo is quite enough, fanboys originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 May 2006 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e32006e3expojournalismpressThu, 18 May 2006 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[CliffyB's guided tour through Gears of War]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/18/cliffybs-guided-tour-through-gears-of-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/18/cliffybs-guided-tour-through-gears-of-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/18/cliffybs-guided-tour-through-gears-of-war/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You  already know what we thought of CliffyB's space marine action shooter, Gears of War (in case you don't, it's awesome!). Now listen to what CliffyB has to say about it. Gears of War Realm (that's right, a GoW specific fansite is already up and running) has posted a video of CliffyB's part in an E3 panel with a troika of console-specific gaming luminaries including Hideo Kojima (Metal Gear Solid 4 on PS3), Xavier Poixwho (Red Steel on Wii), and Cliff Bleszinski (Gears of War on Xbox 360, duh).

Cliffy talks a bit about his design of the game -- "it's almost like a platform game but instead of jumping up, you're jumping forward and around the world" -- before walking us through the first level with running director's commentary. I always love the juxtaposition of thoughtful CliffyB (see Smartbomb) and pimp-suit CliffyB. Thoughtful CliffyB is on display here.

[Thanks, Luke]

(Update: I've embedded a higher-quality video after the break. Thanks for the link, James!)

Continue reading CliffyB's guided tour through Gears of War

JoystiqCliffyB's guided tour through Gears of War originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 May 2006 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CliffyCliffyBE3E32006EpicEpic GamesEpicGamesGears of WarGearsOfWarGeoff KeighleyGeoffKeighleySecond WaveSecondWaveXbox-360Thu, 18 May 2006 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[360 to Wii: Anything you can do, I can do better]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/17/360-to-wii-anything-you-can-do-i-can-do-better/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/17/360-to-wii-anything-you-can-do-i-can-do-better/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/17/360-to-wii-anything-you-can-do-i-can-do-better/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We saw what Sony's PlayStation 3 EyeToy can do in terms of motion technology (as well as its upgraded PS3 remote), and we know Nintendo's primary console feature is its motion-sensored remote, but what about the Xbox 360? Aaron Stanton of About.com visited the GestureTek booth in Kentia Hall at last week's E3 to learn about a new development kit to use with the Xbox 360 camera. Not only can it map your face to a character model, but with GestureTek's technology the Xbox 360 camera can accurately track a player's movement, including specific finger usage.

To further impress, GestureTek demonstrated for Stanton how the technology can emulate each Nintendo Wii game on the show floor. The technology is impressive, of course, but as Stanton points out not likely to surpass the Wii. Simply put, the GestureTek demo is just that -- a demo. And on top of that, technology for a peripheral, which can be easily ignored by developers. It'll be interesting to see if Microsoft and Sony use their respective cameras to match Nintendo's features, but if Sony's press conference is any indication (Sony just glazed over its EyeToy demo), we doubt it.

[Thanks, Eric Stoben]

Joystiq360 to Wii: Anything you can do, I can do better originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 May 2006 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e32006eyetoyimmersionkentia hallKentiaHallPS3WiiXbox-360Wed, 17 May 2006 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[PC impressions: Re-Mission]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/17/pc-impressions-re-mission/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/17/pc-impressions-re-mission/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/17/pc-impressions-re-mission/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Surprisingly fun. Re-Mission is a third-person shooter from Hope Labs where you play Roxxi, a cancer-killing nanobot, as she moves through the human body hunting down and destroying cancer cells. In the one level we played, we were informed that we must kill all the lymph node cells. However, the catch is that we must spare all the white blood cells, so one must be careful to aim precisely.  The control scheme hearkens back to Descent, which works well -- the mouse aims, the keyboard moves through 3D space. There are multiple weapons, the voice acting and tongue-in-cheek dialogue works, and the visuals are pretty. We found ourselves enjoying this game, despite its academic value.

While playing the title at the Games for Health booth, we also learned of the research done around this game. Among cancer patients who played Re-Mission (as opposed to those who just played other games):
  • Their cancer knowledge increased.
  • Their reported quality of life increased.
  • Their self-efficacy (how well they come to terms with their situation) increased.
  • Their antibiotic usage increased.
  • Their consumption of oral chemotherapy stayed consistent, whereas the control group declined in taking their medication.
The facts are impressive and praise-worthy, but what sets this game apart is its general entertainment value and mass appeal. Take away its connection to cancer research, and you still have a fun title. You can view a trailer and order the game through the game's website.

See Also:
Games for Health: the industry's unsung heroes

JoystiqPC impressions: Re-Mission originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 May 2006 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e32006games for healthGamesForHealthPCWed, 17 May 2006 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Engadget & Joystiq Interview: Microsoft's Shane Kim [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/the-engadget-and-joystiq-interview-microsofts-shane-kim/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/the-engadget-and-joystiq-interview-microsofts-shane-kim/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/the-engadget-and-joystiq-interview-microsofts-shane-kim/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you haven't already watched the video, now you can read the transcription of our interview with Shane Kim, General Manager of Microsoft Game Studios. On Wednesday (in the middle of E3), Vlad Cole and I got some time to sit down and ask him about some of the biggest questions facing Microsoft's early entrant into the next-gen console wars, like whether there are any more developer acquisitions lined up, which Xbox Live Arcade titles will show up on Vista with Live Anywhere, what are the plans for ad-supported gaming, and just how many paid subscribers does Xbox Live has.

We're corroborating with several sources: is Peter Moore's [Grand Theft Auto 4] tattoo real?

You know, I wasn't there when it was put on there, it's a very personal thing so I can neither confirm nor deny.

Okay... so it's real. Prior to E3, people were really looking forward to actual demonstrations of the Wii controller. That was the big buzz coming into the show and, after they unveiled it, I think people were more or less satisfied with it. So how do you think you fared versus that intense excitement towards that controller?

I think we fared extremely well.  One of the big things we talked about yesterday was all the momentum we're going to have this next generation. We're going to have 10 million units in consumers' hands before the competitor even ships unit one. We're well on our way to 6 million connected members on Xbox Live and we're going to have 160 games in the market by the end of the year. We've got great momentum. We had Bill Gates attend E3 for the first time ever to announce the vision of Live anywhere. Again, demonstrating leadership in the online space isn't just about what we've achieved to date, but also about how we're going to take that forward across multiple platforms and devices. And finally, first and foremost, it's about the games and the content. Yesterday we started with Gears of War and ended with Halo 3, and we sprinkled in a little bit of Fable 2, Forza 2, Alan Wake, and, oh by the way, the Grand Theft Auto 4 announcement as well. So I think from the content standpoint we're definitely doing great there. So, better online, better content, and better pricing than some of the competition; we feel good about where we're at.
Do you think it's important to win E3?  I think most people say you have, at least in terms of the keynotes. 

I think it's always great to be recognized for what you're doing, whether it's at E3 or any other point. Sometimes I worry there's too much importance placed on that but since people are saying we won this year, I'll say it's a great thing we won E3.

Continue reading The Engadget & Joystiq Interview: Microsoft's Shane Kim [update 1]

JoystiqThe Engadget & Joystiq Interview: Microsoft's Shane Kim [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 May 2006 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3E32006FableForzaHaloHalo 3Halo3LionheadLionhead-StudiosLive AnywhereLiveAnywhereMicrosoft Game StudiosMicrosoftGameStudiosShane KimShaneKimXboxXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveTue, 16 May 2006 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Readers pick best webcomic (E3 edition)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/readers-pick-best-webcomic-e3-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/readers-pick-best-webcomic-e3-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/readers-pick-best-webcomic-e3-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Quite overwhelmingly, Tim Buckley's stab at Sony was voted as the top webcomic of the week -- we can't help but be reminded of Penny Arcade's comic from last year's E3 regarding Will Wright's new game. The other winners were Extra Life and Dueling Analogs in second and third, respectively.

Thanks to everyone who voted, and be sure to let us know of any game-related webcomics you stumble upon this week!

Continue reading Readers pick best webcomic (E3 edition)

JoystiqReaders pick best webcomic (E3 edition) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 May 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comicctrl alt delCtrlAltDelE3e32006webcomicTue, 16 May 2006 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore confirmed for Wii, sorta [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/spore-confirmed-for-wii-sorta/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/spore-confirmed-for-wii-sorta/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/spore-confirmed-for-wii-sorta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

SporeSpeaking with GameSpy during E3, Will Wright confirmed that Spore will be available "on all platforms," including cell phones - and presumably Wii. While Wright did not specifically name-drop "Wii," we must assume that "all platforms" includes Wii. In addition, Wright, by his own admission, is a bit of a Nintendo fanboy: "I'm rooting for Nintendo," he told GameSpy. Despite this statement, Wright was critical of the Wiimote, observing "the way the Wii controller works depends a lot on how close you are to your TV."

Interestingly enough, Wright currently favors the DS as his platform of choice. Any chance Spore will end up on Nintendo's handheld? [Update: Spore has been confirmed for the DS. Thanks, Sense.]

Spore is tentatively set to debut on the PC early next year (April/March 2007).

[Thanks, Vik]

JoystiqSpore confirmed for Wii, sorta [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 May 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSE3E32006EAElectronic-ArtsPCSporeWiiWill WrightWillWrightTue, 16 May 2006 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO players convene after E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/mmo-players-convene-after-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/mmo-players-convene-after-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/mmo-players-convene-after-e3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Those of us heavily invested in massively multiplayer games are part of a community, just as FPS clans have a brotherhood borne out of hours of playing together. Events like BlizzCon provide an opportunity for MMO guilds and players to meet up -- for the unknown to meet the infamous.

E3 may have been over, but that didn't stop NCsoft arranging a player get-together last Saturday. Over 400 players signed up, some travelling from as far as Arizona for this one evening. While NCsoft had rented out a LAN centre for the event, players spent just as much time talking as they did playing, with a sizeable contingent of developers and community managers on hand to help the event along. NCsoft celebrities including Richard Garriott and Matt "Positron" Miller attended the event, showing a pleasing commitment to the player base.

Continue reading MMO players convene after E3

JoystiqMMO players convene after E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 May 2006 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebritiescity of heroesCityOfHeroese3e32006eventsfatal1tyguild warsGuildWarsLANmmommorpgncsoftpartiespmsTue, 16 May 2006 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony to support homebrew with Linux on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/sony-to-support-homebrew-with-linux-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/sony-to-support-homebrew-with-linux-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/sony-to-support-homebrew-with-linux-on-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Linux on PlayStation 3It's hard to imagine that Sony, a company that continues to actively block unlicensed applications on the PSP, will welcome the homebrew community with open arms when it ushers in the PlayStation 3. But, according SCE network system development manager Izumi Kawanishi, the console will ship with a built-in Linux OS, complete with compilers and other tools. It would seem that Sony is indeed inviting homebrew enthusiasts to develop basic applications and game content. Just don't expect Sony to provide technical support or access to SDK libraries, as these privileges are reserved for licensed developers.

While Linux support on the PS3 has been known for some time, this latest revelation implies an added value to the console, which in turn could justify the exorbitant price tag for some. The question is, will mainstream consumers ignore this key feature?

[Thanks, Fan]

JoystiqSony to support homebrew with Linux on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 May 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3E32006PS3Tue, 16 May 2006 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Video: Karaoke Revolution Country]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/joystiq-video-karaoke-revolution-country/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/joystiq-video-karaoke-revolution-country/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/joystiq-video-karaoke-revolution-country/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


As luck would have it, the edited version of Randall and I's Karaoke Revolution performance live in LA just got uploaded during a nice slow night of blogging. Now, instead of getting washed away in a torrent of E3-related posts, it'll sit on the front page, gathering exposure and accumulating your precious mockery ... alright Joystiqers, have at it!

If the embedded video isn't working, check out our local version (.mov).

[Thanks, Alexia and Randall!]

Continue reading Joystiq Video: Karaoke Revolution Country

JoystiqJoystiq Video: Karaoke Revolution Country originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 May 2006 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American IdolAmericanIdolE3e32006KaraokeKaraokeRevolutionKonamiPS2Tue, 16 May 2006 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spielberg of gaming and Spielberg of movies play Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/spielberg-of-gaming-and-spielberg-of-movies-play-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/spielberg-of-gaming-and-spielberg-of-movies-play-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/spielberg-of-gaming-and-spielberg-of-movies-play-wii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The AP managed to snap some shots of Shigeru Miyamoto -- often called the Spielberg of video games -- and Steven Spielberg -- the, uh, Spielberg of movies -- playing a quick round of tennis in LA last week, as celebrities are wont to do. Couple things though: they played using Nintendo's new Wii console, and they did it in amidst the frenzy of E3.

Really wish we got in there for this although, judging by the relatively empty space behind them, it appears Nintendo had these VIPs isolated from the unwashed masses. That reminds me, things to do before I die: play a Nintendo game with Shigeru Miyamoto.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqSpielberg of gaming and Spielberg of movies play Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 May 2006 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e32006MiyamotoMoviesShigeru MiyamotoShigeruMiyamotoSpielbergSteven SpielbergStevenSpielbergWiiMon, 15 May 2006 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Moore gets grilled ... by Space Ghost]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/peter-moore-gets-grilled-by-space-ghost/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/peter-moore-gets-grilled-by-space-ghost/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/peter-moore-gets-grilled-by-space-ghost/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We weren't the only ones to get an interview with Peter Moore at E3. Space Ghost was asking "the hard questions" at the GameTap booth during E3 (hint: Turner owns GameTap and Cartoon Network). Hear Peter's responses to SG's ideas for a dermatology game for teens, listen to him talk some serious trash on Sony, and then watch him drop it like it's hot (seriously). If you didn't think Peter Moore was a good sport before ...

Click the "Continue" link to check out the embedded video, or head over to YouTube. Warning: the video is NSFW; you've been warned.

[Via Gamerscore]

Continue reading Peter Moore gets grilled ... by Space Ghost

JoystiqPeter Moore gets grilled ... by Space Ghost originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 May 2006 20:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3E32006Peter MoorePeterMooreSpace GhostSpaceGhostXbox-360Mon, 15 May 2006 20:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Solid movie confirmed definitively]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/metal-gear-solid-movie-confirmed-definitively/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/metal-gear-solid-movie-confirmed-definitively/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/metal-gear-solid-movie-confirmed-definitively/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Metal Gear Solid creator, Hideo Kojima, has already ruled out Uwe Boll ("it's impossible") as a directorial candidate of a possible cinematic adaptation of the celebrated series, without confirming that such a project was even under way ... until now, that is. Gamespot reports that the Kojima Productions spoof of the E3 Show Daily, dubbed "Show Maybe," teases, "In a late-breaking surprise announcement, director Hideo Kojima revealed that his most famous creation -- Metal Gear Solid -- is getting the live-action treatment."

On the back page Kojima writes, "I have received many offers to adapt Metal Gear Solid. It has taken a long time, but we have finally settled on an arrangement ... False facts aside, a movie project is underway. I have finalized a Class-A contract with a party in Hollywood." Now that the cat's out of the bag, expect periodic updates leading up to the 2007 release of Metal Gear Solid 4. Who's directing? Whose starring? For once, fans can't complain about lengthy cut scenes!

JoystiqMetal Gear Solid movie confirmed definitively originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 May 2006 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E32006Hideo KojimaHideoKojimaMetal Gear SolidMetal Gear Solid 4MetalGearSolidMetalGearSolid4MGSMGS4MovieMoviesPS2PS3PSPUwe BollUweBollMon, 15 May 2006 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Who's got a Joystiq T-shirt?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/whos-got-a-joystiq-t-shirt/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/whos-got-a-joystiq-t-shirt/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/whos-got-a-joystiq-t-shirt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Our limited-edition Joystiq T-shirts are rolling out to our biggest (and speediest) fans right now. Then there's our not as limited-edition Joystiq E3 shirts that we were giving out at the show. Did you grab enough business cards from Joystiqers on the show floor, like the Joystiq luchador did? Did you make it to the AOL booth during our short, one-hour handout? Or were you gracious enough to grant Joystiq an interview, like Peter, Perrin, Shane, and Miyamoto-san?

If you're sporting a Joystiq tee, let us know what you think. Didn't get one? We'll be giving away the orange shirts on the site so keep your eyes peeled. And if you see somebody sporting one on the street, stop 'em and say hi. They're either Joystiq readers or one of us.

Big thanks to Philip and Yann for the incredible designs. Seriously, we're humbled.

JoystiqWho's got a Joystiq T-shirt? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 May 2006 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSE3E32006Perrin KaplanPerrinKaplanPeter MoorePeterMooreShane KimShaneKimShigeru MiyamotoShigeruMiyamotoT-ShirttshirtWiiXbox-360Mon, 15 May 2006 18:56:00 EST<![CDATA[The Engadget & Joystiq Interview: Nintendo's Perrin Kaplan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/the-engadget-and-joystiq-interview-nintendos-perrin-kaplan/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/the-engadget-and-joystiq-interview-nintendos-perrin-kaplan/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/the-engadget-and-joystiq-interview-nintendos-perrin-kaplan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

On the last day of E3 we got to sit down with Perrin Kaplan, Nintendo of America's Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Affairs. We still had a lot of questions for her to field after interviewing Miyamoto-san the day before, specifically regarding the naming of the Wii (yeah, we had to ask), what Nintendo's online strategy actually is, what they're doing with launching first party titles like Smash Bros. on the Wii, why the GameCube was suspiciously absent this year, and exactly where homebrew gaming fits into the final equation.

So I guess we should get started. Thank you very much for meeting us. Everybody here has this badge that says "what's your brain age?" so I'm curious to know what your brain age is.

Oh my gosh, I haven't played in a good couple of weeks. I guess down to 30 or so.

Really?

Yeah, I need to work on it. Our President [Satoru Iwata] is very proud that his is 20.

Today is the last day, everything is pretty much behind us. How do you guys think you fared?

Even better than we thought. I think we were all really excited coming in, with pretty much trying to say to people, "It's not about what you see, you have to try it," which is why our theme is "playing equals believing." I think you really have to try and take the products for a ride yourself. And that people are embracing that and lining up at record lengths and number of hours and really enjoying it -- saying it was worth the wait is fantastic.

One of the things I've been hearing from a lot of people in the industry is they felt that Sony really fell flat this year, and I was curious to know what you think they could have done better.

That's a hard one. I have my own personal rule: I don't hold a media briefing that's over 60 minutes. I think it's really hard to have a captive audience be engaged that long. Even in school, I could have had the most stimulating presentation from a teacher and an hour starts to get a long time. That's probably one thing I would do differently. But their product line is what their product line is and their approach is their approach, so what I would do differently is really hard for me to say because we're over here doing something really different and it feels really great. I think being innovative, at least for us, is exciting.

Continue reading The Engadget & Joystiq Interview: Nintendo's Perrin Kaplan

JoystiqThe Engadget & Joystiq Interview: Nintendo's Perrin Kaplan originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 May 2006 16:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSE3E32006GameCubeNintendoPerrinPerrin KaplanPerrinKaplanPS3WiiXbox-360Mon, 15 May 2006 16:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Games for Health: the industry's unsung heroes [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/games-for-health-the-industrys-unsung-heroes/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/games-for-health-the-industrys-unsung-heroes/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/games-for-health-the-industrys-unsung-heroes/#commentsFiled under:

Last Thursday, we had the chance of traversing through Kentia Hall to meet with Ben Sawyer to talk with us about Games for Health, an effort to use videogames and game technology to promote healthy behavior and alleviate patients' pain and the burden of illness (and a part of the Serious Games Initiative). Some of the highlights, from both Games for Health and the Serious Games Initiative, include:
  • Elemental -- a "falling brick" puzzle game that teaches you where elements are located on the periodic table, their relations to one another, and basic common compounds. Intended to help with early Chemistry courses.
  • Free Dive -- a virtual reality/underwater exploration game intended to control pain during procedures such as a spinal tap.
  • A Force More Powerful -- a strategy title that sets up scenarios where players can resolve international conflict using nonviolent outlets. This title was developed with aid from experts on nonviolent conflict.
  • Re-Mission -- a third-person shooter from inside your body, promoting cancer knowledge and antibiotic usage. We had a chance to play this game and will have hands-on impressions for you later this week.
  • Take Back Illinois -- a title that teaches players about the important political issues and promotes voter registration. Rest assured, sponsor Tom Cross has made games for both sides of the political spectrum.
  • Stone City -- A training game commissioned by Cold Stone Creamery. Imagine learning how your job works with just a few clicks of the mouse.
What surprised us most about these games was not the educational value, but the fun. Many of these games were really entertaining, and we think that is the key to their effectiveness. We'll have more on Games for Health, including a hands-on with Re-Mission and an interview with Ben Sawyer, as the week progresses.

[update 1: clarified that many of the games listed were also part of Serious Games Initiative]

JoystiqGames for Health: the industry's unsung heroes [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 May 2006 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e32006educationalMon, 15 May 2006 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Post-E3 swag shopping on Ebay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/post-e3-swag-shopping-on-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/post-e3-swag-shopping-on-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/post-e3-swag-shopping-on-ebay/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you thought selling your E3 swag haul on Ebay was going to pay for your bus ticket back home or, fancifully, your $600 PS3, consider the frustrating law of supply and demand. Currently a luggage bag worth of junk is going for around around $50-$70. Smaller lots are fetching far less, while single PS3 lanyards -- the pennies of the E3 swag economy -- are going for a mere $.99. (Sony distributed these things with the zeal of Hare Krishnas doling out flowers on doomsday -- their apparent substitute for an accessible PR operation). Adopting a Marxist perpsective, making the gullible fanboy proletariat pay for swag is a cruel capitalistic joke anyway. If, like me, you believe free crap should remain free, stick around. Joystiq will unload it's treasure trove of cheaply-produced, Chinese-made chotchkeys to our loyal readers in due time.

JoystiqPost-E3 swag shopping on Ebay originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 May 2006 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e32006ebayswagMon, 15 May 2006 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq won't let Tim Buckley cut in line]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/joystiq-wont-let-tim-buckley-cut-in-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/joystiq-wont-let-tim-buckley-cut-in-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/15/joystiq-wont-let-tim-buckley-cut-in-line/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tim Buckley's Ctrl+Alt+Del comic strip has a pretty massive following. So it's an honor, really, that Tim gave us a little nod in his E3 recap comic. As many of you have pointed out, one of the guys standing in line for the Wii is wearing our new T-shirt.

According to our calcultions, the distance from Los Angeles to the Utah border is approximately 380 miles. There are 5,280 feet in a mile, and the average person in line took up around 2-1/2 feet of breathing room, resulting in approximately 802,600 attendees* in front of us waiting in line for the Wii. So yeah, sorry Tim, we weren't going to let you in -- we had been waiting in line since Wyoming.

[Thanks to everyone who tipped us off; image courtesy of The_Wind_Waker8]

(Update: Corrected spelling of Tim's name; although the paraprax "Time" could still be accurate ... sort of.)

JoystiqJoystiq won't let Tim Buckley cut in line originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 May 2006 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buckleycad comicCadComicctrl alt delE3e32006godzillastiqosaurtimMon, 15 May 2006 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[E3: Gears of War mural, completed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/e3-gears-of-war-mural-completed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/e3-gears-of-war-mural-completed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/e3-gears-of-war-mural-completed/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Apologies for the delay in updating you on the status of Kurt Wenner's giant chalk Gears of War painting adorning the floor of the Los Angeles Convention Center. Our photograph didn't turn out so well but -- lucky for us -- we managed to find one on Flickr, courtesy of user da.budhha.

We'll let you know when Microsoft releases the time-lapse video of the process.

See also:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4

JoystiqE3: Gears of War mural, completed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 May 2006 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artchalkcharcoalE3E32006Xbox-360Sun, 14 May 2006 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3: Let there be vents]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/ps3-let-there-be-vents/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/ps3-let-there-be-vents/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/ps3-let-there-be-vents/#commentsFiled under: ,


When Sony first unveiled the PlayStation 3, everyone wondered in unison, "Where's the vents?" If this thing was half as powerful as they were claiming, the box on display until this point couldn't have been more than just a prototype. Sure enough, the final form factor revealed at E3 has one major difference: vents! Placed on the right side, they will allow for proper ventilation in both hortizontal and vertical configurations. Phew, glad we can put this one to rest.

(Update: Check out this thread for a great side-by-side comparison of the newer, well perforated PS3 enclosure and the older, ventless one. Thanks, David)

JoystiqPS3: Let there be vents originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 May 2006 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e32006PS3ventilationVentsSun, 14 May 2006 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Best PSP driving game ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/best-psp-driving-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/best-psp-driving-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/best-psp-driving-game-ever/#commentsFiled under: , ,


So this is why that Gizmondo dude mutilated his $1 million Ferrari (other than street racing while drunk). Lumines on the sun visors.

JoystiqBest PSP driving game ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 May 2006 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carscrashE32006FerrarigizmondoPSPSun, 14 May 2006 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[OMG SPORE R0X0Rz!!!1!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/omg-spore-r0x0rz-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/omg-spore-r0x0rz-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/omg-spore-r0x0rz-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


While I was busy banging out uber sweet videos, a lot of people were standing in lines at E3. Two main groups camped out for hours just to get a glimpse of the future of gaming: in one, the line stretched the length of the entire hall, brimming with gamers eager to get their hands on the Wii; meanwhile, at EA's booth, eager gamers had a chance to see Spore played by the designer himself, Will Wright.

While you may have seen our demo video earlier -- which it turns out is virtually the same demo shown on the show floor -- I didn't get a chance to post my perspective until now. It may sound hyperbolic to say that Spore will change gaming forever and surpass Wright's other franchise, The Sims, to become biggest selling PC game of all time, but once you look at the video for yourself and get to actually, y'know, play the game, you may feel the same way.

Continue reading OMG SPORE R0X0Rz!!!1!

JoystiqOMG SPORE R0X0Rz!!!1! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 May 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e32006eaElectronic-ArtsmaxisPCrobin williamsRobinWilliamssporewill wrightWillWrightSun, 14 May 2006 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PixArt to provide object tracking tech for Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/the-company-behind-the-wii-remote/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/the-company-behind-the-wii-remote/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/the-company-behind-the-wii-remote/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ever wonder who will be responsible for  the motion sensing part of Nintendo's motion-sensing Wii remote? PixArt Imaging Corporation, "a market leader in CMOS sensor SoC (System-On-a-Chip) and related application semiconductors," has issued a press release announcing a strategic relationship to provide object-tracking technology to Nintendo:

PixArt's Multi-Object Tracking[TM] engine (MOT sensor[TM]) technology can track multiple objects in an unbelievably quick and responsive way. As a result, Nintendo can enable its new gaming controller to interact with people by tracking the movement of the Wii Remote. The playing experience will be unprecedented, exciting and easy, even for young children or older people who cannot operate the traditional gaming controllers.


It's not clear from the release whether PixArt's tech will improve the performance of the remote or if this is what was used in the E3 demo units. God know there are plenty of people who can't operate traditional gaming controllers. Some of them write for this blog.

JoystiqPixArt to provide object tracking tech for Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 May 2006 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3E32006PixArtWiiwii remoteWiiRemoteSun, 14 May 2006 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 Fashion: Glowing red teeth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/e3-fashion-glowing-red-teeth/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/e3-fashion-glowing-red-teeth/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/e3-fashion-glowing-red-teeth/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I found the man with the brightest smile at E3 roaming Kentia Hall in the closing hour of E3. "Mr. Silver" told me he sells patented mouth lights and bodypaint on his website, but I don't see a link, so you'll have to email him if you really want to show off your tartar control. He claims he can eat and drink without difficulty or risk of electrocution. Of course, there's also a medical model for serious dental applications.

JoystiqE3 Fashion: Glowing red teeth originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 May 2006 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesE3e32006fashionperformersSun, 14 May 2006 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[John Woo's Stranglehold hands-on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/john-woos-stranglehold-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/john-woos-stranglehold-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/john-woos-stranglehold-hands-on/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Take the gun out of your mouth folks. John Woo's Stranglehold looks like more than just a shot-to-sh-t cash-in on the Hong Kong action auteur's single-syllable last name. Senior Game Designer Patrick Curry (a loyal Joystiq reader) pulled me out of the crowd  for a little quality time with Midway's homage to Woo's bullet ballets and I came away impressed. This 360 game is from the same team that did Psi-Ops: Mindgate Conspiracy, an awesome Xbox title that was on everybody's "best game that no one played" list. After commiserating with the staff over the inexplicable disappointing sales of that game, I picked up the controller to try out  its "spiritual" next-gen sequel. Stranglehold plays like Max Payne with, better graphics, more style and more ridiculously cool slow-mo moves. Midway's pitch focused on the destructable environment, which allowed me to blow up everything from wall tiles to frozen pigs. Combined with an array of Woo-ish bullet-time maneuvers, the level I saw did a good job of recreating the vibe from the tea house shoot-out scene in Hard-boiled. I asked executive producer Brian Eddy for the honest truth about Woo's involvement and was told he really did write  the script. He also personally nixed blown off limbs, which sadly aren't his stylistic bag. Fortunately, he does prefer  that perforated enemies stack up a la The Killer rather than disappear, so the team is working on that feature. They're also adding melee moves beyond the standard pistol whip present in the current build. Employing a common E3 tactic, Midway is keeping multiplayer details close to the shoulder holster, but I was assured that bullet-time will be implemented in an innovative way. Oh, and no warehouse levels. 

JoystiqJohn Woo's Stranglehold hands-on originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 May 2006 01:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionE3e32006licensemidwaythird-personwooXbox-360Sun, 14 May 2006 01:50:00 EST<![CDATA[News wrap-up from E3!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/news-wrap-up-from-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/news-wrap-up-from-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/news-wrap-up-from-e3/#commentsFiled under:


The industry's biggest event is now over, and while posting on the Joystiq mothership maybe have taken up all of our time, we can't forget about our Fanboys. We've got some post-E3 reflections on the way, so get ready. Here's an aggregate of the show coverage:

Engadget & Joystiq's live coverage of Sony's PlayStation 3 E3 event
PS3 impressions: Resistance Fall of Man
PS3 impressions: Sonic the Hedgehog
PS3 Impressions: Heavenly Sword
PS3 impressions: Virtua Tennis
Joystiq hands-on: new PS3 controller
Joystiq Video: Resistance Fall of Man
E3 Vox Populi: What are your thoughts on the PS3 prices?
E3 Vox Populi: Will lack of rumble hurt the PS3?
E3 Vox Populi: Who had the best press conference?
E3 booth tours: Sony
A look at EA's new realism tools
The PS3 controller that might have been
Sony's PS3 is still $600
Microsoft befriends Nintendo in fight vs Sony
First look: The Club (Xbox 360 & PS3)
The jacket that says "I can afford a PS3"
Sony's Play Beyond campaign played up at E3
Extended 15-minute MGS4 trailer on the hour
PS3 worth its weight in Uranium
Dual Shake functionality tacked on at last minute
Anatomy of shame: Dual Shake vs. Wiimote
Sony steals motion idea, but not from Nintendo
New PS3 controller loses DualShock vibration
PS3 investing in tangible user interfaces
PS3: A tale of 2 SKUs
Clash of the Consoles: a sneak peek!
PlayStation 3 in its final form
The real PlayStation 3 controller revealed
Final Fantasy XIII announced for PS3

JoystiqNews wrap-up from E3! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 May 2006 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360BOOTHCONTROLLERE3E32006HEAVENLY SWORDLAUNCHMICROSOFTNEWSNINTENDOONLINEPLAYSTATIONPRICEPS2PS3SONYTOURUPVIRTUA TENNISWIIWRAPXBOXSat, 13 May 2006 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 booth boi at N-Gage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/e3-booth-boi-at-n-gage/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/e3-booth-boi-at-n-gage/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/e3-booth-boi-at-n-gage/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I am so offended.

Do these companies really think that having some H-O-double-T, hot Booth Boi with a St. Tropez spray-on tan, a Colgate smile and wearing nothing but a skin-tight t-shirt parading around their E3 booth will get me to buy and play their games?!?! Show me a Booth Boi who looks good and knows how to handle his Wii and then I'll be impressed, okay?

Besides, don't these Booth Bois have any respect for themselves at all?!?!? All it does is continue to objectify men...

JoystiqE3 booth boi at N-Gage originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 May 2006 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booth babebooth babesE3E32006Sat, 13 May 2006 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Busted: Meet the Joystiq E3 crew]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/busted-meet-the-joystiq-crew/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/busted-meet-the-joystiq-crew/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/busted-meet-the-joystiq-crew/#commentsFiled under: ,


GamerScoreBlog posted some pics chronicling the embarassing amount of time (from a media ethics perspective) the Joystiq crew spent on or near the Xbox 360 Blogger Bus. Did I say crew? Maybe it was just me eating those Peanut M&Ms. For the people who don't know who the hell we are, try to match names with faces. Here's a hint: I'm the good-looking one.

JoystiqBusted: Meet the Joystiq E3 crew originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 May 2006 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blogger busBloggerBusE3e32006gamerscoremarketingpicsswagteamXbox-360Sat, 13 May 2006 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Next-gen Sega Rally: Damn good donuts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/next-gen-sega-rally-damn-good-donuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/next-gen-sega-rally-damn-good-donuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/next-gen-sega-rally-damn-good-donuts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Two things I remember from my closed door look at the rebirth of Sega's famed arcade racer for PS3 and 360:

1. Sega Driving Studio Director Guy Wilday's first and last name. It just rolls off the tongue. Guy Wilday. Guy Wilday.

2. The dynamically deformable terrain will have you making more donuts than Krispy Kreme.

JoystiqNext-gen Sega Rally: Damn good donuts originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 May 2006 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drivingE3E32006first impressionsFirstImpressionsPS3rallysegaXbox-360Sat, 13 May 2006 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS impressions: Touch Detective]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/ds-impressions-touch-detective/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/ds-impressions-touch-detective/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/ds-impressions-touch-detective/#commentsFiled under:

"This game seems a little confusing."
"Yes, it's almost as if it's in a completely different language."

As the E3 demo had not yet been translated from Japanese, it was initially difficult to come to grips with Atlus' Touch Detective. Luckily, a background in old-school adventure gaming served as a boost over the language barrier. The game is, at its heart, a completely traditional adventure (point-and-clicker, if you prefer) augmented by a very bizarre art style. Using the touch screen and stylus to move your wide-eyed character, collect objects, traverse dialogue trees and examine the environment, the gameplay is just about a perfect portable representation of a genre considered to be dead by many. Many people are wrong.

Though I couldn't make heads or tails (or any sort of appendage) of the story, the game is littered with strange characters, including a talking corpse and a sentient mushroom...phallus...thing. We'll have a better idea of where the game is headed once it enters localization, but for now, it appears to be a visually arresting throwback to the adventure games of yore.

JoystiqDS impressions: Touch Detective originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 May 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdventureAtlusE32006Point and ClickPointAndClickTouch DetectiveTouchDetectiveSat, 13 May 2006 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Female at E3: a look back]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/female-at-e3-a-look-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/female-at-e3-a-look-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/female-at-e3-a-look-back/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Being a female attendee at E3 puts one into an interesting niche. The number of women present at the show this year was surprisingly high -- a quick non-scientific headcount showed about 3 in 20 to be female. However, booth babes flashed their wares from a number of stands, gleaming cars and trucks advertised games with no cars in them, and Paris Hilton trundled out to wow the crowds.

With all this advertising clearly targeted at guys -- and, by the look of the crowds, working well -- it's easy to believe the "neglected demographic" hype.

Continue reading Female at E3: a look back

JoystiqFemale at E3: a look back originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 May 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbooth babesBoothBabese3e32006female gamersFemaleGamersgirlgamersgirlsmarketingsexismwomenSat, 13 May 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Would the real Quang show his thang?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/would-the-real-quang-show-his-thang/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/would-the-real-quang-show-his-thang/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/would-the-real-quang-show-his-thang/#commentsFiled under: ,

E3 may be over, but  the Joystiq team is still blowing through posts and tying up loose ends from a wild, sleepless week of non-stop blogging. When I posted about Blake Snow getting trampled in Friday's early morning Wii stampiid, I thought the man whose badge Blake "traded" for in the ensuing chaos might step forward. Instead the post provoked a flurry of "I am Spartacus" commenters claiming to be one Quang Nguyen. Fortunately, Joystiq reader Sepll Cehck has tracked down a guy on the web who looks like he really could be the Quangster (pictured at right). The Quang man is welcome to have his exhibitor badge back assuming he's the right Nguyen, although it won't do him much good now. I'm waiting for an email. In the mean time, if a small Asian man approaches you claiming to be Blake Snow of Joystiq, don't believe him.

JoystiqWould the real Quang show his thang? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 May 2006 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badgesE3E32006medianintendowiiSat, 13 May 2006 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[DS impressions: Contact]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/ds-impressions-contact/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/ds-impressions-contact/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/ds-impressions-contact/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The game that has been jokingly called "Almost Earthbound" is quite possibly one of the most unique RPGs to hit Nintendo's touchy-feely handheld. The impetus of Contact is that you're not in direct control of the main character. Instead, you act as a mysterious external force that helps out a young boy as he searches for the parts of a weird professor's downed spaceship. The bottom screen of the DS allows you to guide your character through some wonderful looking environments, while the top screen always shows the professor scurrying about and doing work in his lab. He constantly communicates with you, making odd remarks, providing useful information and generally hurling a wrecking ball through that pesky fourth wall.

Getting back to your character in the bottom screen, it's possible to engage enemies by tapping on them with the stylus and selecting the attack icon. Now, the battles are competely automatic with the exception of using the d-pad to dodge some attacks. Some will definitely be turned off by ths approach, but it fits in well with the game's exploration and its acknowledgement of the player as an entity in the story. The game makes pretty good use of the touch screen, with the special attacks particularly standing out. Essentially, you peel off  the attack command as if it were a sticker on your screen and then stick in back into an appropriate slot. Much like the rest of the game, it's a pretty fun and quirky experience.

JoystiqDS impressions: Contact originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 May 2006 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtlusContactDSE3E32006EarthboundMother 3Mother3Sat, 13 May 2006 16:30:00 EST