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[Battlefield: BC, Mass Effect, Army of Two sequel sales all top 1 million; Dante's Inferno comes close in Q1 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/battlefield-bc-mass-effect-army-of-two-sequel-sales-all-top-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/battlefield-bc-mass-effect-army-of-two-sequel-sales-all-top-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/battlefield-bc-mass-effect-army-of-two-sequel-sales-all-top-1/#comments Electronic Arts' high-profile sequels helped the publisher fight its way to some positive cash flow in the final quarter of an otherwise traumatic fiscal year. Overall, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 led the charge with over three million units sold in the quarter across Europe and North America, with five million units sold to date.

Mass Effect 2 didn't do too shabby, selling 1.6 million units during the quarter in North America and Europe, while Army of Two: The 40th Day sold "over one million units worldwide in the quarter." It wasn't all sequel talk for the core titles,as Dante's Inferno got a mention too, having sold "almost one million units in the quarter" across Europe and North America. Oh, Dante, don't cry! It ain't easy for a new franchise in this world -- just ask EA's new IPs from last fiscal year.

JoystiqBattlefield: BC, Mass Effect, Army of Two sequel sales all top 1 million; Dante's Inferno comes close in Q1 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>army-of-twoArmy-of-Two-2Army-of-Two-The-40th-Daybad-company-2battlefield-bad-company-2dantes-infernoeaEA-Montrealelectronic artsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsmass-effect-2MicrosoftXbox-360Tue, 11 May 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2's new 'Scavenge' multiplayer mode revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/valve-unveils-left-4-dead-2s-new-scavenge-multiplayer-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/valve-unveils-left-4-dead-2s-new-scavenge-multiplayer-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/valve-unveils-left-4-dead-2s-new-scavenge-multiplayer-mode/#comments
click to Boomer-size Valve took the wraps off Left 4 Dead 2's brand-new competitive multiplayer game type, "Scavenge," at a press event in San Francisco this evening. According to the developer, this mode is built purely for "quick, more frantic gameplay." (Yes, L4D actually can be more frantic).

Scavenge has the four survivor characters scrambling to collect gas cans from various spots in a confined location -- in this case a motel, pictured -- in order to fuel up a generator before a two-minute timer expires. There are 16 cans total and 20 seconds are added to the clock for each one that's successfully retrieved.

Four other players, controlling Special Infected, must do their best to stop the cans from reaching the goal. The two new Special Infected, Spitters and Jockeys, really excel in this mode. The former can set dropped cans on fire, while the latter can leap onto the shoulders of a survivor, "steering" them away from their goal.

These best two-out-of-three matches are broken up into three rounds, during the "half time" of which players switch sides. Valve confirmed that each of L4D2's campaigns has a unique Scavenge map, for a total of six shipping with the game on November 17.

Gallery: Left 4 Dead 2 - Scavenge Multiplayer Mode

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2's new 'Scavenge' multiplayer mode revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-partnerselectronic artsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2MicrosoftvalveXbox-360Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Red Alert 3 looks best on PS3, thanks to delay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/ea-red-alert-3-looks-best-on-ps3-thanks-to-delay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/ea-red-alert-3-looks-best-on-ps3-thanks-to-delay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/ea-red-alert-3-looks-best-on-ps3-thanks-to-delay/#comments
Since changing its tune about "skipping" a PS3 release of Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, citing the platform's "exotic and tough" development climes, EA Los Angeles actually says its time learning the ins-and-outs of the architecture has been for the best.

Speaking to 1UP, producer -- and former games journo -- Greg Kasavin claims the PS3 version (the "Ultimate Edition") is the best-looking of the bunch, sporting better water effects and more detailed units. In addition, the "general color palette" is somehow improved. As we've previously reported, the PS3 release of Red Alert 3 is launching with free DLC maps and includes a whole bunch'a bonus material (making-of clips, bloopers and other vignettes).

The moral of this story: Developers can make PS3 perform some neat tricks if they just take the time to get to know it. Sometimes simply over a cup of coffee; other times while tackling one of those team-building obstacle courses together.

JoystiqEA: Red Alert 3 looks best on PS3, thanks to delay originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>command-and-conquercommand-and-conquer-red-alert-3eaea-los-angeleselectronic artsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsred-alert-3red-alert-3-ultimate-editionFri, 06 Mar 2009 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Need for Speed SHIFT]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/joystiq-hands-on-need-for-speed-shift/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/joystiq-hands-on-need-for-speed-shift/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/joystiq-hands-on-need-for-speed-shift/#comments
click to shift to a higher resolution
Like a mountain road just begging to be driven, the Need for Speed franchise has had its highs and lows since its 1994 debut on 3DO. It seemed poised to leap straight off the map following last year's lackluster Undercover; there were even rumors the series was being handed over to the Burnout Paradise team for CPR.

Then up popped not one, but three new NFS games. Need for Speed SHIFT is front-most on the starting grid for a pack that includes a free online PC title, Need for Speed World Online, and the Wii-exclusive Need for Speed: Nitro.
We recently got our hands on SHIFT, a racer that's got the makings to potentially rival the likes of Codemaster's GRID.

Gallery: Need for Speed SHIFT


Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Need for Speed SHIFT

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Need for Speed SHIFT originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtshands-onMicrosoftneed-for-speed-shiftneed-for-sppedslightly-mad-studiosXbox-360Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: EA releases old screens and new screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-ea-releases-old-screens-and-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-ea-releases-old-screens-and-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-ea-releases-old-screens-and-new-screens/#commentsFiled under:

Ah, E3 ... a time for news, announcements, and, if you're Electronic Arts, old screenshots for DS games. How disappointed were we to discover nothing new for such games as MySims Kingdom. After all, our home counterpart got lots of new media. We feel so left out.

But the good news is, we've got some new Skate It images, as well as screens from Zubo and the Littlest Pet Shop. Talk about something for everyone!

Skate It


Zubo


Littlest Pet Shop

JoystiqE308: EA releases old screens and new screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308eaelectronic artsElectronicArtslittlest-pet-shopmysims-kingdomskate-itzuboTue, 15 Jul 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA reveals SimAnimals for DS, Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/ea-reveals-simanimals-for-ds-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/ea-reveals-simanimals-for-ds-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/ea-reveals-simanimals-for-ds-wii/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While everyone was distracted by EA's ongoing press conference, EA went and uploaded a bunch or screenshots and some basic information about a bunch of games, including a new one called SimAnimals for the DS. According to EA's Web page, the game lets players "control more than 60 animals" with an "on-screen animated hand that allows you to reach out and touch, pick up and move everything in the game from foxes and bears to trees and flowers." Animals will grow to like or dislike this disembodied, manual overlord based on how it treats them. Remind you of any other popular simulation game? Look for SimAnimals in January of 2009, and more about the project as we hear it.

Update: An official press release includes a few more details and some enthusiastic quotes from EA execs. Fun!

Gallery: SimAnimals (Wii)



Gallery: SimAnimals DS

JoystiqEA reveals SimAnimals for DS, Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsDSe3-2008EAelectronic artselectronic-artsElectronicArtssimSimAnimalsSimsWiiMon, 14 Jul 2008 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Moore explains EA Sports' PC snub]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/peter-moore-explains-ea-sports-pc-snub/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/peter-moore-explains-ea-sports-pc-snub/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/peter-moore-explains-ea-sports-pc-snub/#commentsFiled under: ,


PC sports gamers are somewhat justifiably unhappy with Peter Moore right now. Earlier this year, the EA Sports executive announced that Madden and many other EA Sports games won't be coming to the PC market this year. But wait, you didn't give him a chance to explain! Well, actually, you did, and he did, but today Moore went into more detail about his division's scaled back PC support. A summary of the reasoning behind the decision:
  • PC sports gamers are gravitating to consoles.
  • The PC sports gaming market is gravitating to a downloadable model rather than a "packaged" model.
  • The PC versions of EA Sports games aren't getting a good enough return on investment.
  • You PC gamers just pirate everything anyway and we're not going to make a PC version just so millions of you can just steal it! (We may have exaggerated the tone a little bit on this one, but you get the idea).
PC Sports fans can still hold out hope that EA Sports will change its mind, though. Moore hinted that the company might be coming back into the PC space next year with "new, innovative, maybe even less-expensive ways to play all of our franchises on the PC." If there's one thing sports fans should be familiar with, it's squeezing that one, slim ray of hope for all it's worth.


JoystiqPeter Moore explains EA Sports' PC snub originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>09EA sportsea-sportsEaSportselectronic artselectronic-artsElectronicArtsmaddenmoorePCpeter-mooreFri, 04 Jul 2008 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA, Massive extend in-game ad deal through next two years]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/ea-massive-extend-in-game-ad-deal-through-next-two-years/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/ea-massive-extend-in-game-ad-deal-through-next-two-years/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/ea-massive-extend-in-game-ad-deal-through-next-two-years/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We can expect ads to continue to be shoved down our throats in games from Electronics Arts as the company has extended its deal with Microsoft's in-game ad firm Massive to offer dynamic ads in games for the next two years.

While Massive will continue to offer in-game ads in existing titles from EA, such as the recently released Burnout Paradise, the new deal will allow more advertisers to continue to hawk wares in existing titles, as well as in upcoming games -- including the next two Madden, NBA Live, Nascar, and NHL releases. According to EA, ads will focus on appealing to guys between the ages of 18 and 34, but interestingly will just be served to versions released for the Xbox 360 and PC. For players on other platforms looking for a similar experience, might we suggest taping up ads from your Sunday circular to the television while playing -- at least that way you have the option to take the nuisances down.

JoystiqEA, Massive extend in-game ad deal through next two years originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingeaelectronic artsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsin-game adsin-game advertisingIn-gameAdsIn-gameAdvertisingmassivePCXbox-360Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: EA eyeing Ubisoft takeover next?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/rumor-ea-eyeing-ubisoft-takeover-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/rumor-ea-eyeing-ubisoft-takeover-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/rumor-ea-eyeing-ubisoft-takeover-next/#commentsFiled under: ,

Take this one with some mountainous mounds of salt, but a suspicious web site registration has some buzzing that EA might be considering a Take Two-style takeover bid for Ubisoft as its next potential expansion move. A poster over at Gamecyte noticed that a proxy registration for eaubisoft.com was set up by the same company on the same day as the registration for eatake2.com, the lobbying site created to convince Take Two shareholders to accept the company's unsolicited takeover bid (it did not succeed).

Of course, with proxy registration, it's impossible to know whether it was EA that actually registered the second site or if it's just the act of an overzealous domain camper. Still, given the close proximity of the registrations and the fact that EA already owns close to 25 percent of the voting shares in Ubisoft , the circumstantial evidence that EA was at least considering a move is significant (it wouldn't be the first such takeover attempt, either).

Ubisoft for its part, is focusing on license acquisition to spur its own growth in light of the Take Two offer. You know what they say ... when a bear like EA is chasing you, you don't have to be faster than the bear, just faster than the guy you're running with.

JoystiqRumor: EA eyeing Ubisoft takeover next? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biddealEAelectronic artselectronic-artaElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsrumortakeoverUbisoftTue, 26 Feb 2008 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[EA releases even more casual take on The Sims]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/ea-releases-even-more-casual-take-on-the-sims/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/ea-releases-even-more-casual-take-on-the-sims/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/ea-releases-even-more-casual-take-on-the-sims/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Electronic Arts has put a new casual - well more casual - spin on its popular The Sims franchise by announcing a new collection of downloadable Sims titles over EA's casual games service, Pogo.com. The line, titled The Sims Carnival, currently includes two different titles, neither of which come across as particularly compelling nor innovative, a line of thinking with which we think EA should be intimately familiar.

The first of these new titles, The Sims Carnival Bumper Blast, asks players to shoot at Sims-styled bumpers before their ammo supply runs dry, while the other, a rather tepid-sounding Tetris clone called The Sims Carnival SnapCity, has players construct a city out of falling blocks. Both games are bundled together for download for $19.99. The announcement is the latest in EA's not so secretive move to establish a significant foothold in the casual games space, and while we appreciate the effort, it will be interesting to see if The Sims branding alone is enough to convince gamers to hop on board ... or simply break Will Wright's heart in twain.

JoystiqEA releases even more casual take on The Sims originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualeaelectronic artselectronic-artsElectronicArtsPCThe Sims Carnivalthe-simesThe-Sims-CarnivalthesimsTheSimsCarnivalFri, 21 Dec 2007 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii, DS ninja party game strikes from the shadows in March 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/wii-ds-ninja-party-game-strikes-from-the-shadows-in-march-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/wii-ds-ninja-party-game-strikes-from-the-shadows-in-march-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/wii-ds-ninja-party-game-strikes-from-the-shadows-in-march-2008/#commentsFiled under: ,


Right on time, agents from EA have stepped from the shadows to confirm details surrounding the previously revealed Ninja Reflex, a "ninja party game" for the Wii and DS. The game, which will ship in March 2008, will be co-published by both EA and the appropriately named Nunchuck Games, and is being developed by Sanzaru Games, a new California studio founded earlier this year by seven former Activision devs with an obvious ninja obsession. And who can blame them?

While we presume that a Wii-based ninja party game will have us lurking from the rafters and terrorizing the family cat, EA notes that Ninja Reflex's gameplay will center on performing challenges and testing reaction time " with millisecond precision" as players try to earn the right to wear the coveted black belt. There is also promise of four player multiplayer matches, and while we've grown weary of traditional party games, we imagine there's nothing quite as satisfying as the crunch that comes from leaving your best mates blackened and bloodied as they beg for mercy after being beaten senseless at the business end of your Wii remote.

JoystiqWii, DS ninja party game strikes from the shadows in March 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSeaelectronic artselectronic-artsElectronicArtsninja reflexninja-reflexNinjaReflexninjasnunchuck gamesnunchuck-gamesNunchuckGamesSanzaru GamesSanzaru-GamesSanzaruGamesWiiWed, 05 Dec 2007 12:53:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity 'gifted' to One Laptop per Child]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/simcity-gifted-to-one-laptop-per-child/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/simcity-gifted-to-one-laptop-per-child/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/simcity-gifted-to-one-laptop-per-child/#commentsFiled under: , ,

olpc
SimCity is EA's gift to the world, the publisher announced today as plans to include the seminal sim game on each computer in the One Laptop per Child initiative have been finalized. EA might describe this event as "the first time a major video game publisher has gifted a game to the world" (reality check: gifted a game to an estimated 10 million laptops by the end of '08), but we doubt the company is gonna take home many 'Philanthropist of the Year' awards for donating a game that was first booted up on Mac OS 6 (it's that old). While a proposed open source version appears to have been nixed from the agenda, we're confident that the generation of dormant hackers sure to be sprung by the OLPC program will make short work of any imposed limitations -- that is, if they ever tire of the free porn.

JoystiqSimCity 'gifted' to One Laptop per Child originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artselectronic-artsElectronicArtsolpcPCsimcityThu, 08 Nov 2007 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: BioWare, Pandemic purchase 'mutually beneficial,' studios to remain distinct]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/ea-bioware-pandemic-purchase-mutually-beneficial-studios-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/ea-bioware-pandemic-purchase-mutually-beneficial-studios-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/ea-bioware-pandemic-purchase-mutually-beneficial-studios-to/#commentsFiled under: ,


With the gaming world still reeling over this afternoon's purchase of BioWare and Pandemic by EA, the major publisher/developer held a conference call discussing its plans for the studios, calling the acquisition "mutually beneficial" for all parties.

Says EA CEO John Riccitiello, "We bring a lot to the table ... we simplify the process of courting publishers, basically taking it to zero." He adds that EA, being the publishing giant that it is, can "reach places where [BioWare and Pandemic] don't get to so we can build their properties bigger." As for what EA itself gets out of the deal, the exec noted matter of factly that EA is "not in the open world action-adventure business. These guys are the leaders ... this strengthens us where we need to be stronger."

Continue reading EA: BioWare, Pandemic purchase 'mutually beneficial,' studios to remain distinct

JoystiqEA: BioWare, Pandemic purchase 'mutually beneficial,' studios to remain distinct originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionbiowarebreakingnewselectronic artsElectronicArtsmmopandemicThu, 11 Oct 2007 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[EA looks to partner, acquire Asian studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/ea-looks-to-partner-acquire-asian-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/ea-looks-to-partner-acquire-asian-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/20/ea-looks-to-partner-acquire-asian-studios/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Industry stalwart Electronic Arts is looking to land a partner in Japan, and who can blame them, what with the region's love of natural beauty and delicious cannibalism. According to a new Financial Times report, the company is entertaining the prospect of partnering with or even acquiring an existing Japanese company, no doubt in order to further EA's well known plans for world domination.

The report quoted EA Asia president Jon Niermann, who during an interview at this week's Tokyo Game Show referred to Japan as a "strategic priority" for the company, which already owns a 15 percent stake in Chinese MMO firm The9. Earlier this year the company also invested in South Korean developer Neowiz, establishing the publishing powerhouse as the studio's second largest shareholder.

Says the report, the region will still likely play only a minor role in EA's global plans, though Niermann was quick to point out the potential benefit of tapping into established talent in the area, noting that "EA offers a great global distribution opportunity in terms of taking Japanese products to other parts of the world and in turn there are certainly companies that are much better at local development than we've ramped up to be."

[Via Gamasutra]

JoystiqEA looks to partner, acquire Asian studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 19:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaeaeagameselectronic artsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtstgsworld dominationWorldDominationThu, 20 Sep 2007 19:52:00 EST<![CDATA[TF2 Soldier video splits sides (with rockets)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/23/tf2-soldier-video-splits-sides-with-rockets/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/23/tf2-soldier-video-splits-sides-with-rockets/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/23/tf2-soldier-video-splits-sides-with-rockets/#commentsFiled under: ,

Remember the Team Fortress 2 video featuring the Heavy? You know, "I am Heavy Weapons Guy," and "WHO TOUCHED MY GUN?!" and all that? Well, we're hesitant to say it, but we think this video tops it. Something like Patton with a little extra derangement sprinkled on top, the video features the Soldier class as he explains to the troops the very invention of war. Apparently it involves Sun Tzu and the collection of animals. In short, the video is comedy gold and should not be missed. Watch it now or forever be an outcast in gaming circles.

Now where the hell is our Orange Box damn it?

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqTF2 Soldier video splits sides (with rockets) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsorangeboxTeam-FortressTeam-Fortress-2tf2valveThu, 23 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's skate looks pretty darn polished and extreme]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/eas-skate-looks-pretty-darn-polished-and-extreme/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/eas-skate-looks-pretty-darn-polished-and-extreme/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/eas-skate-looks-pretty-darn-polished-and-extreme/#commentsFiled under:

We're not scared to admit it -- we've got a pretty biased attitude against Electronic Arts. They aren't the best at making quality titles ... they're more of the Kroger brand soda to Sony or Epic or Konami's name-brand colas. However, things may be turning around. First, Burnout Paradise seems to be built from the ground up on Sony's system and it's looking sharp. Then comes skate. This game looks excellent and the level of polish is impressive. We're not fond of "totally xtreem sportz" titles, but this one really makes us want to reconsider. Interesting dual-analog gameplay mechanics and a more skating-sim style make us squirm with anticipation. Check out the video. We like it!

JoystiqEA's skate looks pretty darn polished and extreme originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsplaystation 3Playstation3ps3skatesonyMon, 16 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 07: Hot diggity! The Simpsons DS videos!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/e3-07-hot-diggity-the-simpsons-ds-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/e3-07-hot-diggity-the-simpsons-ds-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/e3-07-hot-diggity-the-simpsons-ds-videos/#commentsFiled under:

Though the Nintendo DS version of The Simpsons Game won't have the 3D frills that its console counterparts will feature, that's perfectly fine with us! We didn't need 3D to enjoy The Simpsons' license when it was an arcade game in the 90s, and we don't need it now!

Judging by these first two video previews, the family's first foray onto our dual-screened system looks fantastic! As expected, the 2D platformer is teeming with references and characters from the show, even including a a level where you get to eat your way through the Land of Chocolate. According to Game|Life, Electronic Arts will be packing the handheld title with 2000 lines of spoken dialogue.

We weren't impressed with most of the minigames we saw unlocked in Noiseland Arcade, but the "Pet Homer" Nintendogs spoof definitely made us smile. We've always wanted a donut-chomping lout of our own to poke, feed, and care for. Do the Bartman and dance past the post break for GameTrailers' developer walkthroughs.

Continue reading E3 07: Hot diggity! The Simpsons DS videos!

JoystiqE3 07: Hot diggity! The Simpsons DS videos! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dseaelectronic artsElectronicArtsnintendonintendo dsNintendoDssimpsonssimpsons dsSimpsonsDsthe simpsonsTheSimpsonsMon, 16 Jul 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday Video: MySims is setting us up for months of addiction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/friday-video-mysims-is-setting-us-up-for-months-of-addiction/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/friday-video-mysims-is-setting-us-up-for-months-of-addiction/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/friday-video-mysims-is-setting-us-up-for-months-of-addiction/#commentsFiled under:



Sure, we could have shown some other E3-centric videos here in our weekly spotlight, but we really wanted an excuse to talk a little more about the fun potential of MySims, which continues to bear a strong (though less anthropomorphic) resemblance to Animal Crossing. We even saw a little guy with a shovel in this trailer. Since there has been no real sign of Animal Crossing for the Wii, this looks ripe to tide us over while we wait. Who knows, we may even (gasp!) like it better.

Also, splashing in a fountain sounds pretty good right about now. Oh, July, July ... how you make us long for December.

Continue reading Friday Video: MySims is setting us up for months of addiction

JoystiqFriday Video: MySims is setting us up for months of addiction originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal crossingAnimalCrossingeaelectronic artsElectronicArtsffvmysimssimssimulationtrailervideoFri, 13 Jul 2007 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Impromptu E3 gathering wants Rock Band, dead or alive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/impromptu-e3-gathering-wants-rock-band-dead-or-alive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/impromptu-e3-gathering-wants-rock-band-dead-or-alive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/impromptu-e3-gathering-wants-rock-band-dead-or-alive/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



To anyone who might still doubt that Rock Band can instantly create a party, any time, anywhere, check out the above video of an impromptu gathering at the E3 2007's Fairmont hotel. Remember, these are highly jaded journalists and developers, coming to hang out and play a game after the formal show has ended for the day. If they're singing along, just imagine how much your friends will get into it.

JoystiqImpromptu E3 gathering wants Rock Band, dead or alive originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 07:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e307EAelectronic artsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsharmonixPS3rock bandRockBandWiiXbox-360Fri, 13 Jul 2007 07:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Attend the Rock Band party vicariously through the magic of video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/attend-the-rock-band-party-vicariously-through-the-magic-of-vide/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/attend-the-rock-band-party-vicariously-through-the-magic-of-vide/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/attend-the-rock-band-party-vicariously-through-the-magic-of-vide/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


You've seen the pictures. You've read the psuedo sort-of liveblog. Now, check out Joystiq's exclusive video of EA/MTV/Harmonix's Rock Band Party at LA's historic Troubadour bar. Apologies for the sound and picture quality at parts -- the lighting and speakers weren't exactly specifically tuned for our pocket shaky-cam. Be prepared to turn the volume down ... to 11!

JoystiqAttend the Rock Band party vicariously through the magic of video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e307EAElectronic ArtsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsHarmonixMTVPS3Rock BandRockBandWiiXbox-360Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Burnout Paradise screens careen online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/burnout-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/burnout-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/burnout-paradise/#commentsFiled under: ,


Electronic Arts released a slew of screenshots for Burnout Paradise after the Press Conference earlier today. Shots show off an exotic and muscle car racing through the streets of Paradise City. Joystiq has some impressions up, though the only version showing at E3 is the PS3 version. Either way, the game is looking great, and we'll try to get some time to talk with EA/Criterion about the 360 version and should the versions be identical, get some hands on impressions, blasphemous or not.

JoystiqBurnout Paradise screens careen online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Burn outBurnOutBurnout 5Burnout ParadiseBurnout5BurnoutParadiseCriterionE AE3EAElectronic ArtsElectronicArtsThu, 12 Jul 2007 05:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq first look: SimCity Societies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/joystiq-first-look-simcity-societies/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/joystiq-first-look-simcity-societies/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/joystiq-first-look-simcity-societies/#commentsFiled under: ,



When we asked the super-helpful PR representative at EA's E3 booth what game she was most excited about showing off, she cheerfully replied "SimCity Societies." It's easy to see why. The game is a major departure for the series, letting players truly build whatever kind of city they want.

While the previous games in the SimCity franchise have generally avoided restrictions on your city-building options, the general visual style and implied goal of the cities was always that of a modern, metropolitan area. Societies throws that idea out the window, with all sorts of different types of city types available, from "industrial" to "fun."

What type of city you build is your call, and is determined by which of the hundreds of buildings you decide to build. Each building affects your city's "societal values" -- knowledge, spirituality, productivity, creativity, and prosperity -- and these in turn determine what your citizens want and what type of city you will get.

The city's look will change as you slide from one type to another, with a dingy, dirty look for "industrial" cities and bright, blue skies in the "fun" cities, for example. In another departure for the series, each type of city has specific victory goals such as population and financial production which earn the players trophies. Players can feel free to ignore the goals and just do whatever they want, but those who want something concrete to work towards now have it.

The developers have focused on making Societies accessible to players who don't want to get into the nitty-gritty of city building. Societies does away with previous titles' focus on micromanaging systems like power grids and sewer pipes. You only really have to pay attention to four basic building types: power generators, homes, money generators and venues such as stadiums and libraries.

If you do want to get micro, though, you can zoom in on the status of individual buildings. The location of your buildings in relation to one another will affect their individual stats -- for example, building a tight cluster of retail shops together will make each one produce more money (and more tax revenue).

SimCity Societies will be available for the PC this holiday season.

JoystiqJoystiq first look: SimCity Societies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic ArtsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsMaxisPCSimCitySimCity SocietiesSimcitySocietiesWed, 11 Jul 2007 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band to have weekly DLC, Full Album downloads, and Metallica]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/rock-band-to-have-weekly-dlc-full-album-downloads-and-metallic/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/rock-band-to-have-weekly-dlc-full-album-downloads-and-metallic/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/rock-band-to-have-weekly-dlc-full-album-downloads-and-metallic/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos announced that Rock Band has some serious plans for delivering content to players. First off, Harmonix plans to release new music tracks every week. They can be released in singles, multi track bundles, or more deliciously, full albums. As an example Alex announced that The Who's Who's Next would be available for download following the game's release.

As icing on the proverbial cake, selections spanning Metallica's musical career will be made available, with "Enter Sandman" playable on the retail disc. All in all, Harmonix is pushing Rock Band more as a platform than just a game, and we couldn't agree with the prospect more. We'll be back with hands on impressions and a proper tribute to Weezer as soon as we can.

JoystiqRock Band to have weekly DLC, Full Album downloads, and Metallica originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E AE3E3 07E307EAElectronic ArtsElectronicArtsHarmonixM T VMTVRock BandRockBandWed, 11 Jul 2007 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch EA press conference live at GTR]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/watch-ea-press-conference-live-at-gtr/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/watch-ea-press-conference-live-at-gtr/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/watch-ea-press-conference-live-at-gtr/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just a friendly reminder that EA's press conference just kicked off minutes ago and the crew over at Gamertag Radio are streaming the event live on their blog. If you're interested in watching all the EA goodness go down, simply head on over to GTR's E3 2007 page for the live stream. Hurry though, because the conference just started and you wouldn't want to miss any "Spore to be an Xbox 360 exclusive" kind of announcments now would you?

JoystiqWatch EA press conference live at GTR originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e307eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsgamertag radioGamertagRadioWed, 11 Jul 2007 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercenaries 2 lets you destroy just about anything]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/mercenaries-2-lets-you-destroy-just-about-anything/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/mercenaries-2-lets-you-destroy-just-about-anything/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/mercenaries-2-lets-you-destroy-just-about-anything/#commentsFiled under:

We are a gaming news site, after all. Let's move away from all the juicy new info and give you a preview of a game we're still in the air about. Some may dislike it, but the loyal fanbase of the original Mercenaries title are ready for more and we've got some hands-on impressions from IGN to keep you worked up. Let's make a list.
  • Everything is destructible, so set those trees on fire and watch the blaze spread. The fire is claimed to be the best-looking thing in the early build of the game. So either it looks really good or the game looks kinda bland.
  • Did we mention everything is destructible? Every building, vehicle, other person, whatever -- all can meet their doom thanks to you.
  • There are thirty weapons in Mercs 2 and over 200 vehicles. The fun lies in the vehicles, though. You won't necessarily have to pull a Grand Theft Auto and take a 20 minute jog to get the perfect vehicle, though. As you kick ass, you earn cash. This cash can be traded in for special weapons, attacks (air strikes), or vehicles to be delivered on the spot. Want a Wave Runner on that small lake? You got it!
  • Stealing a tank from an enemy involves a more God of War inspired button-pressing sequence, whereas other vehicles will only require one press of the action button to oust whoever else happened to be driving it.
There are a lot more impressions about the actual level played in the hands-on treatment, but we'd like to leave that up to you to read. It's pretty entertaining and we're moderately jealous. The game seems to be shaping up nice, but since we haven't heard how their online service will work, we've got our reservations until we see that in action.

JoystiqMercenaries 2 lets you destroy just about anything originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsmercenaries 2Mercenaries2pandemic studiosPandemicStudiosplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonyMon, 09 Jul 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Burnout Paradise: it's crashtastic!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/burnout-paradise-its-crashtastic/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/burnout-paradise-its-crashtastic/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/burnout-paradise-its-crashtastic/#commentsFiled under:

Realistic and powerful. That's how the cars in Burnout Paradise are being described. Their engines are loud, their paint is shiny, their speed is ferocious! Basically, the cars are pretty badass. Built from the ground up instead of using an existing engine, Criterion's Burnout Paradise has a lot going for it. The neatest feature is the damage physics. Ramming a pole at extremely high speeds will result in car-wrapping goodness, with details mirroring all those old crash test dummy videos. Sometimes, if you're especially violent in your wipeout, you can crack your vehicle right in half.

Online racing is incredibly simple and incredibly seamless. Invite a buddy to race and when the person accepts, the race begins. No menus apparently. No waiting. This was demoed on the PS3 version, so we know we'll be getting this seamless feature. Chances are, the 360 build will get the same thing. The point is this: we're not getting shafted this time.

Every street has "race rules" across the 30 square mile city, so again you won't be bothered by pop-up menus or interrupting boxes of text to tell you the rules. It's hard to imagine how they'll do this, since it's nearly unprecedented, but it sounds lovely. There's a lot more to this game than meets the eye (no, they don't transform), with tune-up shops, crash mode, freeburn and more. Check out the rest of the preview if you're curious. It's worth the read!

JoystiqBurnout Paradise: it's crashtastic! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnoutburnout paradiseBurnoutParadiseeaelectronic artsElectronicArtsplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonySun, 08 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Guitar Prices PS3 vs 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/rock-band-guitar-prices-ps3-vs-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/rock-band-guitar-prices-ps3-vs-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/rock-band-guitar-prices-ps3-vs-360/#commentsFiled under: ,


An anonymous employee from Game Crazy sent a tip and scan to Joystiq of their pricing for Harmonix's Rock Band peripherals for both the PS3 and Xbox 360. The microphone and drum kit cost $29.99 and $79.99, respectively. Unfortunately, the guitar controller has a price discrepancy between the two platforms, with the PS3's wireless guitar costing $59.99 and the 360's $79.99, a twenty dollar difference.

As the story goes, Red Octane supposedly couldn't get a wireless guitar because using Microsoft's proprietary wireless technology would jack the price on the controller. Could the PS3's wireless technology be easier and cheaper to implement that would cause it to be cheaper than the 360's? Harmonix denied their being any discrepancy when asked that question, so we'll have to wait for either an announcement on pricing or some more concrete evidence from retailers.

JoystiqRock Band Guitar Prices PS3 vs 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jul 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E AEAElectronic ArtsElectronicArtsHarmonixM T VMTVMusic TelevisionMusicTelevisionRock BandRockBandSun, 08 Jul 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spielberg enters booming Jenga genre]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/spielberg-enters-booming-jenga-genre/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/spielberg-enters-booming-jenga-genre/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/spielberg-enters-booming-jenga-genre/#commentsFiled under:

Which of these two recently-announced Steven Spielberg games would you want to play?

  • an action-puzzle simulator that "neatly blends the creativity of the building-blocks game Jenga with the charm of a Saturday-morning cartoon," or
  • a game in which "you're an ex-secret agent, and the bond that you forge while on the run with [a] computer-controlled woman -- good, bad, indifferent -- determines the nature of her special abilities and the ways in which she'll assist you."
We hope you picked the former because that's the project Electronic Arts and the famed director plan to bring to the Wii! The other title -- the one which Newsweek's N'Gai Croal described as "yet another hit" from Spielberg -- is headed for the Xbox 360 and the PS3. Expounding on the Wii action-puzzle sim, code-named PQRS, Spielberg explained, "It just seemed like a great thing for the entire family to play together over Christmas." We bet you can't wait for Christmas!

JoystiqSpielberg enters booming Jenga genre originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jul 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsetjenganintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiipqrsspielbergsteven spielbergStevenSpielbergwiiSun, 08 Jul 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Medal of Honor: Airborne delayed for PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/medal-of-honor-airborne-delayed-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/medal-of-honor-airborne-delayed-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/medal-of-honor-airborne-delayed-for-ps3/#commentsSorry to be the bearer of bad news, everyone, but it seems those of you waiting for your Medal of Honor: Airborne fix are going to have to wait a bit longer than owners of other consoles. In another cheap move by EA (who we believe more and more to be lazy developers who don't even try to optimize their games for each system ... why won't their sports games be at 60fps on the PS3, but will on the 360? We know the system can handle it, so the fault clearly lies within the developer house), PS3 owners get to wait an extra couple of months.

Due out by the end of August initially, MoH:A has been pushed to a November release. A time where they will have to deal with much more important titles as competition. While no clear reason for this delay was explained, we're pretty sure we know why. We highlighted it above. The PS3 is harder to develop for, so the port from 360 to PS3 is giving them troubling results. Instead of optimizing performance for the PS3 itself, they're trying to debug a faulty, most likely less-impressive, port. We could be wrong. Maybe we get extra content. Tell us your thoughts!



[via Joystiq]

JoystiqMedal of Honor: Airborne delayed for PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airborneeaelectronic artsElectronicArtsmedal of honormedal of honor: airborneMedalOfHonorMedalOfHonor:Airborneplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonyFri, 06 Jul 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Rock Band's Mississippi Queen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/video-rock-bands-mississippi-queen/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/video-rock-bands-mississippi-queen/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/video-rock-bands-mississippi-queen/#commentsFiled under: ,


Update: It looks like the video has been pulled.

Gametrailers has a new video up of a Pre-E3 Rock Band playtest, akin to the one our fellow 'Stiqqers attended, and shows off the menu UI, along with band member selection prior to the song. Speaking of which, today's performance is "Mississippi Queen", and despite Player 2 pausing twice during the jam session, it all went well, especially since the song featured more cowbell. The guitar players are using the Fender Stratocaster, and the drum kit is different than the one seen in the earlier video, as it is all black. Also, at the beginning, other songs in the play list that are different from the ones revealed earlier are David Bowie's "Suffragette City" and The Hives' "Main Offender". All in all some cool tidbits, and we can't wait to play "Say it Ain't So" at E3 next week.

[Thanks, DarkStar]

JoystiqVideo: Rock Band's Mississippi Queen originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E AEAElectronic ArtsElectronicArtsHarmonixRock BandRockBandFri, 06 Jul 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Medal of Honor: Airborne PS3 delayed until November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/medal-of-honor-airborne-ps3-delayed-until-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/medal-of-honor-airborne-ps3-delayed-until-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/medal-of-honor-airborne-ps3-delayed-until-november/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Though originally though to be released August 28 across all three platforms -- Xbox 360, PC and PlayStation 3 -- Medal of Honor: Airborne won't be landing on Sony's console until months later.

Gamespot noticed a brief addendum on the bottom of yesterday's press release announcing Michael Giacchino as the game's composer that stated the PS3 version would arrive in November. A previous trailer for the game, embedded after the break, gave the release date August 28 and implied that it was identical across all three platforms.

No reason was cited for the delay. The game appears to still be on track for an August 28 release in North America (August 24 in Europe) for Xbox 360 and PC owners.

Continue reading Medal of Honor: Airborne PS3 delayed until November

JoystiqMedal of Honor: Airborne PS3 delayed until November originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Of all the wonderful things we've learned about Rock Band, we were completely unprepared for the bombshell dropped in Joystiq's hands-on with the game. It is truly the best thing we have heard in a long time. Yes, that's right, the microphone not only doubles as a tambourine, it also serves as a cow bell. If you're playing Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper," you can bet your booties that you'll be applying some judicious cow bell. Of course, Joystiq's hands-on preview contains much more information, and you really should read it, but it is our job to extract the essence of all that we cover. If there be anything purer than cow bell, we haven't seen it.

JoystiqJoystiq plays Rock Band, now with cow bell! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsharmonixmtvmusic televisionMusicTelevisionrock bandRockBandFri, 06 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fight Matt Groening to beat The Simpsons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/fight-matt-groening-to-beat-the-simpsons/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/fight-matt-groening-to-beat-the-simpsons/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/fight-matt-groening-to-beat-the-simpsons/#commentsFiled under:

It seems the upcoming The Simpsons video game from Electronic Arts is positively full of surprises. First and foremost, obviously, is that it actually looks pretty good (visually at least). Add to that the news that Matt Groening, creator of television series, will star as the game's final boss (or one of them at least). Groening has stated, according to gamesindustry.biz, "They did a send-up of videogames. It's a videogame about videogames; and I'm in the videogame. I'm a boss that you have to fight at the end of the game." Groening added that he has enjoyed recording his voice for the game. Eager Simpsons fans can get their hands on the game this fall.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqFight Matt Groening to beat The Simpsons originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsmatt groeningMattGroeningsimpsonsthe simpsonsTheSimpsonsThu, 05 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See Rock Band in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/see-rock-band-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/see-rock-band-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/see-rock-band-in-action/#commentsFiled under:

Care to see how four players jam together in the upcoming Rock Band? Gamespot has had footage of a quartet taking on Welcome to the Jungle by Guns n' Roses.

The two guitarists here aren't using the new Fender strat replicas and a microphone is nothing new, but seeing the drums in action and how they'd be implemented on screen (check out the right middle column) is interesting. And yes, you too will be required to make those faces when you play the game.

Update: The video has been taken down from Gamespot, but quazi has found a copy on YouTube. Footage embedded after the break.

Continue reading See Rock Band in action

JoystiqSee Rock Band in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsharmonixrock bandRockBandTue, 03 Jul 2007 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[60 FPS: Football will be better on the 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/60-fps-football-will-be-better-on-the-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/60-fps-football-will-be-better-on-the-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/60-fps-football-will-be-better-on-the-360/#commentsFiled under:

1UP is reporting that all the heavy hitting football games coming out this year (Madden 08, NCAA Football 08, and All-Pro Football 2K8) will be running best on the Xbox 360. 30 frames smoother to be exact. 1UP says that they've confirmed with developers that the 360 versions of each football game will run at a buttery smooth 60 frames per second while the PS3 version will have to settle for 30 frames per second. What does that mean? Well, it means animations will be smoother, faster and less jarring than the PS3 version. And that's a good thing.

We aren't sure why the PS3 versions of the games are stuck at 30 FPS, but we're thinking the dev teams just didn't find it worth the extra cash to optimize it for the platform. But even if that were the case it should still put a feather in Microsoft's ego cap, because it would just further prove that the 360 is easier to develop for.

Joystiq60 FPS: Football will be better on the 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k sports2kSportsall pro footballAllProFootballeaelectronic artsElectronicArtsmadden 08Madden08ncaancaa football 08NcaaFootball08Mon, 02 Jul 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCAA Achievements have product placement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/30/ncaa-achievements-have-product-placement/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/30/ncaa-achievements-have-product-placement/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/30/ncaa-achievements-have-product-placement/#commentsFiled under:


Xbox 360 Achievements got their hands on NCAA Football 08's Achievement list earlier this week. It looks like this year, EA's making an effort to require you to play the game, rather than just simming your way through it, though we can't say for certain that you can't get any of them via simming. The last three did grab our eye, though, they all have blatant product placement for Pontiac and Old Spice, even using the company's respective logo. Fight Night Round Three kind of did the same thing, though the events were "sponsored by the companies". Still, give the list a look, and if your like EA Sports previous offering, hopefully this will fit the bill this year.

JoystiqNCAA Achievements have product placement originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jun 2007 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E AEAEA SportsEaSportsElectronic ArtsElectronicArtsN C A ANCAANCAA 08NCAA Football 08Ncaa08NcaaFootball08Sat, 30 Jun 2007 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA sponsors indie podcast's trip to E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/ea-sponsors-indie-podcasts-trip-to-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/ea-sponsors-indie-podcasts-trip-to-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/ea-sponsors-indie-podcasts-trip-to-e3/#commentsOur friends at Gamertag Radio have announced that Electronic Arts will be sponsoring their trip to E3. The significance of this isn't readily apparent, so some explanation is in order. As many of our readers may know, E3 has become an invitation only affair. At first, some suspected that this format would limit coverage to those who were sympathetic to the companies presenting at E3. There was fear that internet journalists (who are arguably more outspoken than print magazines that are heavily subsidized by the very companies they cover) would be shut out. That fear has been mostly allayed (Joystiq, along with X3F, will definitely be at E3), but there remains another gap: independent operations. With Electronic Arts sponsoring Gamertag Radio, a door has been opened, and with that comes a number of questions.

Continue reading EA sponsors indie podcast's trip to E3

JoystiqEA sponsors indie podcast's trip to E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsgamertag radioGamertagRadioFri, 29 Jun 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Touchdown! EA unloads Madden 08 info]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/touchdown-ea-unloads-madden-08-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/touchdown-ea-unloads-madden-08-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/touchdown-ea-unloads-madden-08-info/#commentsFiled under:


Boy oh boy has there been a bunch of Madden 08 news hitting the internet lately and we figured what better way to get you the dish than recapping all of it in one convenient post. Yeah, that kind of logic could only come from the smartest of bloggers. So, let's get right into all the crunchy Madden 08 news and media.

First off, EA released Madden 08's official soundtrack list including tracks from The Hives, Timbaland, Daddy Yankee and Xbox Artist of the Month Ozzy Osbourne. Madden 08 sounds like it's going to be a rocking good time. Also released were screenshots featuring all twenty-four new "weapons" classifications which are used to show players' crazy advanced abilities. It's a brand new way to identify stand out players and a first for the Madden franchise. The third piece of Madden 08 goodness comes in the form of a new trailer that we've embedded above. Give it a watch and you'll agree that stiff arms and side stepping never looked so nice. Finally, the Gamerscore Blog crew posted a few photos and a writeup of EA's little Madden 08 party which was held in LA the other night.

Now, if that's not enough Madden 08 news to keep you satisfied then by golly you're a football addict and need to drink some Gatorade. Go hit the showers and review all the new Madden news, because August 14th will be here soon enough.

[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqTouchdown! EA unloads Madden 08 info originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsmaddenmadden 08madden nfl 08Madden08MaddenNfl08Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCAA Football 08 trailer tackles Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/ncaa-football-08-trailer-tackles-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/ncaa-football-08-trailer-tackles-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/ncaa-football-08-trailer-tackles-marketplace/#commentsFiled under: ,


A new trailer for NCAA Football 08 popped up on Xbox Live Marketplace this morning. Try as we might, it's hard for us to find ways to colorfully describe it. It is football, of that we're certain. There are players, a field, and there is most certainly a ball. The graphics look decent enough, and the hits look good. All in all, it looks to have most of the necessities required by a football game. What more do you need, right? Check out the trailer for yourself, conveniently embedded at the top of this post.

JoystiqNCAA Football 08 trailer tackles Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronicArtslive marketplaceLiveMarketplacemarketplacencaancaa football 08NcaaFootball08xblmxbox live marketplaceXboxLiveMarketplaceFri, 29 Jun 2007 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your Boogie on, save it for posterity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/get-your-boogie-on-save-it-for-posterity/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/get-your-boogie-on-save-it-for-posterity/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/get-your-boogie-on-save-it-for-posterity/#commentsFiled under:



Boogie just looks like good, clean dancin' fun and we're really excited about giving it a try, particularly after seeing this new video of ... well, video! Specifically, the video-making function in the forthcoming EA title. Looks very easy to use, and the results are pretty spiffy. Seems that impressions from the Nintendo Media Summit were on target -- Boogie is ready to get down. Now if only we could speed ahead to August!

Continue reading Get your Boogie on, save it for posterity

JoystiqGet your Boogie on, save it for posterity originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienboogiedanceeaelectronic artsElectronicArtskaraokemusic videoMusicVideovideoWed, 27 Jun 2007 17:15:00 EST