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[Razer's Atrox arcade stick still exists, pre-orders open May 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/razers-atrox-arcade-stick-still-exists-pre-orders-open-may-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/razers-atrox-arcade-stick-still-exists-pre-orders-open-may-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/razers-atrox-arcade-stick-still-exists-pre-orders-open-may-21/#commentsRazer's Atrox arcade stick still exists, preorders open May 21 Gaming hardware manufacturer Razer has wrapped up the beta testing phase for its long-in-development Razer Atrox Arcade Stick for the Xbox 360, and will begin accepting pre-orders next week.

We had a look at a prototype version of Razer's controller at TGS way back in 2011, where the concept made a strong showing. Razer previously announced that it would be working closely with the fighting game community throughout the Atrox's development, and the finished product will ship with tournament-grade Sanwa buttons and multiple interchangeable ball-top and bat-top sticks.

Razer has developed the Atrox with modding in mind; the hatch-like surface can be opened with a button press, allowing for easy maintenance and design customization. Once opened, the Atrox boasts a spacious interior with compartments for replacement parts, tools, and the fat wads of cash you'll pick up from underground Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 money matches.

Atrox pre-orders will open at Razer's website on May 21. The Atrox will retail for $200.

JoystiqRazer's Atrox arcade stick still exists, pre-orders open May 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryarcade-stickcontrollerfightinghardwaremicrosoftrazerrazer-atroxxboxFri, 17 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skullgirls character color packs hit PSN, balance patch out on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/skullgirls-character-color-packs-hit-psn-balance-patch-out-on-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/skullgirls-character-color-packs-hit-psn-balance-patch-out-on-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/skullgirls-character-color-packs-hit-psn-balance-patch-out-on-x/#commentsSkullgirls character color packs hit PSN, balance patch out on XBLA Lab Zero Games released a PlayStation Network-exclusive batch of new DLC for its 2D fighter Skullgirls, giving the game's cast a wider variety of colorful wardrobe options.

Skullgirls' eight color packs grant access to five additional color schemes per character, and are priced at $0.99 each. Players can also grab all 40 alternate outfits by purchasing a $5 bundle.

Owners of the Xbox Live Arcade edition will have to wait until a later date to explore this new world of color coordination. Starting today, however, XBLA players now have access to a long-delayed balance patch. The newly released "required compatibility update," which is available as a hefty 273 MB download, fixes regional online play and improves GGPO performance, among many other character-specific tweaks. A full list of changes is here.

Gallery: Skullgirls (New Characters and Color Packs)

JoystiqSkullgirls character color packs hit PSN, balance patch out on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfightinglab-zero-gamesmicrosoftpatchplaystationps3skullgirlsupdatexboxTue, 14 May 2013 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Divekick preview: The two-button brawler]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/divekick-preview-the-two-button-brawler/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/divekick-preview-the-two-button-brawler/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/divekick-preview-the-two-button-brawler/#comments Divekick preview The twobutton brawlerIron Galaxy Studios' Divekick, which started out as a purely independent Kickstarter success story, pokes fun at the aspects of the fighting genre that people both love and loathe. It competes well in the genre it trivializes, and it does so with both hands in its pockets.

The build I played at PAX East used a fight stick with two buttons slightly larger than the palms of my hands. That underscores the key ingredient to Divekick: it introduces an appropriate level of depth for a fighter that only uses two forms of input. Smacking one button down would tell my character to jump in the air, while the other had them hopping backwards. Combinations of these buttons resulted in jumping in the air and kicking downward at an angle, or activating a character-specific ability when the "kick meter" filled up. Successfully kicking my opponent just once in the cat-and-mouse fighter won a round, with the match going to the first character to win five rounds.

Instead of memorizing button combinations, the playing field is leveled for all combatants, as timing is everything in this game. I found myself adopting familiar fighting game strategies, attempting to lure my opponent in before nailing them with a quick hop and kick. Other times, I would close the gap between us with a high vertical jump and kick, a risky proposition given the amount of time available for my enemy to counter. Kicking my opponent in the head wasn't just satisfying, it was a tactic that carried over to the next round, as the player suffering the blow began the first four seconds of the round in a daze. The daze slowed their movements, giving me a clear, but not absolute advantage.

Gallery: Divekick (3/27/13)

Continue reading Divekick preview: The two-button brawler

JoystiqDivekick preview: The two-button brawler originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>divekickFightingiron-galaxyiron-galaxy-studiospax-eastPAX-East-2013pcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaThu, 28 Mar 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Divekick takes a leap of faith on Steam Greenlight, due in summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/divekick-takes-a-leap-of-faith-on-steam-greenlight-due-in-summe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/divekick-takes-a-leap-of-faith-on-steam-greenlight-due-in-summe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/divekick-takes-a-leap-of-faith-on-steam-greenlight-due-in-summe/#comments Divekick takes a leap of faith on Steam Greenlight, pushed to summerDivekick, the two-button fighting game from One True Game Studios, is trying its luck on Steam Greenlight with an updated launch window of summer 2013, pushed back from this spring.

Divekick was the subject of a successful Kickstarter campaign in July, but Iron Galaxy canceled that fundraising drive once it secured a publishing deal with Street Fighter 3: Online Edition's Iron Galaxy. Perhaps One True Game is hoping to transfer all that unfinished mojo into a Steam launch.

One True Game Studios and Iron Galaxy have plans to bring Divekick to PC, PS3 and Vita this summer. Divekick began as a parody but is now a rising name in the fighting game circuit; it'll be at PAX East in booth 899, if you're around and down for some serious kicking action.

JoystiqDivekick takes a leap of faith on Steam Greenlight, due in summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>divekickFightingfighting-gamegreenlightiron-galaxy-studiosone-true-game-studiospcSTEAMsteam-greenlightTue, 19 Mar 2013 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Dev shares prototype footage of never-made Star Wars fighting game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/dev-shares-prototype-footage-of-never-made-star-wars-fighting-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/dev-shares-prototype-footage-of-never-made-star-wars-fighting-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/dev-shares-prototype-footage-of-never-made-star-wars-fighting-ga/#comments Tsui shares pitch footage of nevermade Star Wars fighting gameJosh Tsui, current president of Robomodo and veteran game developer on titles like Mortal Kombat 4, Fight Night Round 3, and Tony Hawk Shred, has shared some video on Twitter of an old prototype for a Star Wars-based fighting game.

The footage, which you can watch in full below, features Anakin Skywalker and Darth Maul going at it with lightsabers, hacking away and using the force for throws until one of them is able to skewer the other.

As the description on the video says, the footage is fairly "repetitive," but it was simply designed to show off all of the potential moves a game like this could make. There was a presentation paired with the video as well, and Tsui says it was part of a pitch for a new game back when he was working at Studio Gigante in Chicago. We'd say his team might want to return to the idea for the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII, but perhaps it's better if the Jedi knights stay away from fighting games in general.

Continue reading Dev shares prototype footage of never-made Star Wars fighting game

JoystiqDev shares prototype footage of never-made Star Wars fighting game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developersfightingjosh-tsuimicrosoftnever-madepcpitchpitchedstar-warsstar-wars-fighting-gamestudio-gigantevideovimeoxboxFri, 15 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Kaiju Combat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-kaiju-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-kaiju-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-kaiju-combat/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We believe they deserve a wider audience with the Joystiq Indie Pitch: This week, former Godzilla dev Simon Strange is back to bring some mega-monster pain to Kickstarter with Kaiju Combat.

The Joystiq Indie Pitch Kaiju Combat
What's your game called and what's it about?

The game is Kaiju Combat, an online multiplayer game with behemoths fighting in destructible city environments.

What inspired you to make Kaiju Combat?

Sunstone Games is almost entirely made up of ex-Pipeworks employees, who made the very popular Godzilla fighting games from 2002 - 2007. We get messages every few days asking about a sequel, so making a game like this has always been something we've considered. The rise of Kickstarter funding this year presented a real opportunity to get the game made on our own terms - that's been the missing piece before now.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Kaiju Combat

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Kaiju Combat originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fightingfighting-gamejoystiq-indie-pitchkaiju-combatmonstermonsterspcsunstone-gamesMon, 10 Dec 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skullgirls team forms new studio, continues work on series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/skullgirls-team-forms-new-studio-continues-work-on-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/skullgirls-team-forms-new-studio-continues-work-on-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/skullgirls-team-forms-new-studio-continues-work-on-series/#comments Skullgirls team forms new studio, continues work on gameThe team behind Skullgirls will continue work on the game under a new banner after being quietly laid off from Reverge Labs this summer. Shoryuken lays out the odd tale that finds the team being let go in June, but then reforming as Lab Zero Games and continuing work on the franchise.

"Not being able to tell anyone about these rather significant developments has almost been as bad as being largely unemployed and unable to continue our work on Skullgirls," an introductory letter on Lab Zero Games' site reads. "We have always strived to be as open and transparent as our business and legal obligations will allow, but we feared news of these events would discourage our fans more than our conspicuous silence would. Being able to finally fill everyone in on everything is a huge relief, and we hope you understand our reasons for keeping quiet until now."

We've reached out to Lab Zero for more details. In the meantime, the developer says the circumstances of the summer have delayed work on the PC version of Skullgirls and "indefinitely delayed" the first DLC character. They haven't given up, they're just busy trying to get back up.

JoystiqSkullgirls team forms new studio, continues work on series originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fightinglab-zero-gameslayoffsreverge-labsskullgirlsTue, 20 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Avengers: Battle for Earth features favorites, familiar faces]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/avengers-battle-for-earth-features-favorites-familiar-faces/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/avengers-battle-for-earth-features-favorites-familiar-faces/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/avengers-battle-for-earth-features-favorites-familiar-faces/#comments Avengers Battle for Earth character list features favorites, familiar facesUbisoft has named all twenty characters appearing in Avengers: Battle for Earth, the upcoming fighter for Kinect (and then Wii U). You'll be able to spin off some psy-force as the Phoenix, embodied by the X-Man Jean Grey, and take command of the Skrull queen Veranke, among others. It's not surprising to see a big "Secret Invasion" influence, given the game's initial trailer. See the full list after the break.

Avengers: Battle for Earth will have you and your friends jumping around and debating the correct time for clobberin' on November 9. If you want to see some of these heroes throwing down right away, there's a demo available for download in the meantime.

Continue reading Avengers: Battle for Earth features favorites, familiar faces

JoystiqAvengers: Battle for Earth features favorites, familiar faces originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avengersbattlecharactercharacter-listcharactersclobbering-timefightinggamekinectlistmarvelmarvel-avengers-battle-for-earthmarvel-entertainmentmicrosoftphoenixxboxFri, 19 Oct 2012 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead or Alive 5 review: Begrudge match]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/dead-or-alive-5-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/dead-or-alive-5-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/dead-or-alive-5-review/#comments Evaluating the plot in Dead or Alive 5 is ultimately a waste of words. Oh, you can make a qualitative judgment - observe that it somehow manages to be a train wreck, a plane wreck and a car crash all in one. It's like watching all combustible vehicles on Earth hurtle into each other at a singular point of stupidity, and then burning in the consequent fireball of awkward, unintentional comedy.

But we survive, insulated by apathy. What matters is that Dead or Alive 5 is an excellent fighting game.

Gallery: Dead or Alive 5 (9/25/12)

Continue reading Dead or Alive 5 review: Begrudge match

JoystiqDead or Alive 5 review: Begrudge match originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5fightingmicrosoftplaystationps3team-ninjatecmotecmo-koeixboxThu, 27 Sep 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation All-Stars public beta now accepting applications]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/playstation-all-stars-public-beta-now-accepting-applications/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/playstation-all-stars-public-beta-now-accepting-applications/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/playstation-all-stars-public-beta-now-accepting-applications/#comments PlayStation All Stars public beta now accepting applicationsThe PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale public beta starts on September 11, lasting one week to September 18. Anyone interested in being a part of the frantic action can sign up on the PSN beta site right now.

Players chosen will be notified via email, get a voucher code for the download on either PS3 or the PS Vita, and receive "test night information." Presumably, developer SuperBot will aim to test specific heroes, modes, or stages, so it'll direct players that way.

If you don't make this early cut, you'll have to wait until the full game arrives on November 20.

JoystiqPlayStation All-Stars public beta now accepting applications originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betafightinginformationplaystation-all-stars-battle-royaleps-all-starspublicpublic-betasuperbotsuperbot-entertainmenttesttestersvoucherWed, 29 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Zen of KickBeat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/the-zen-of-kickbeat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/the-zen-of-kickbeat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/the-zen-of-kickbeat/#comments The Zen of KickBeatZen Studios is best known for its prowess in the pinball market, amassing its fame from titles such as Pinball FX, Zen Pinball and Marvel Pinball (Notice a trend?). This success has enabled Zen to expand its creative department and develop a wide range of games for varying platforms.

KickBeat, for example, is a music-based crossover action title for Vita that throws a brilliant twist into the tired rhythm genre. It combines the quick dexterity of classic rhythm games with a few of the industry's favorite tropes and trends: fighting and ninjas.

The most noticeable fad that Zen Studios doesn't integrate in KickBeat also happens to be the game's best feature: It has absolutely no touchscreen or rear touchpad functions.

Continue reading The Zen of KickBeat

JoystiqThe Zen of KickBeat originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionFightinggamescom-2012kickbeatplaystationplaystation-vitaRhythmvitaZen-StudiosThu, 16 Aug 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Rumble Fish series returning ... to arcades]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/the-rumble-fish-series-returning-to-arcades/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/the-rumble-fish-series-returning-to-arcades/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/the-rumble-fish-series-returning-to-arcades/#comments The Rumble Fish series returning to arcadesLast week, developer Dimps announced that it had picked up the rights to its The Rumble Fish fighting games, and promised more information about plans. Today, the company revealed that it's going to "tune up" The Rumble Fish 2, originally released in 2005, and bring it back to Japanese arcades.

While the original release used Sammy's Atomiswave arcade hardware, the new versions will be released on the ubiquitous NESiCAxLive platform, arcade hardware that allows games to be downloaded to cabinets.

Dimps calls this re-release the first part of its Rumble Fish revival project. Perhaps after Japanese consumers get reacquainted with the series, the developer will unleash a new game in the bizarrely titled series.

JoystiqThe Rumble Fish series returning ... to arcades originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadedimpsfightingjapannesicaxlivethe-rumble-fishthe-rumble-fish-2Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dimps acquires rights to its Rumble Fish series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/dimps-acquires-rights-to-its-rumble-fish-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/dimps-acquires-rights-to-its-rumble-fish-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/dimps-acquires-rights-to-its-rumble-fish-series/#comments Dimps acquires rights to its Rumble Fish series
No, not the book. The Rumble Fish, by Street Fighter IV developer Dimps, was a 2D fighting series that debuted on Sammy's Atomiswave arcade hardware in 2004, followed by a sequel.

Now Dimps has picked up the rights from Sega Sammy, who didn't seem to be doing anything with them. Dimps relaunched the series' website, promising new information soon. The simplest course of action for the company would be to release the PS2 ports digitally on PS3, but there's no news yet about how involved Dimps' plans are.

JoystiqDimps acquires rights to its Rumble Fish series originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadedimpsfightingsega-sammythe-rumble-fishFri, 20 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 hitting NA in Spring 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/naruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-3-hitting-na-in-spring-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/naruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-3-hitting-na-in-spring-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/naruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-3-hitting-na-in-spring-20/#comments Come Spring 2013, North America will find itself directly in the path of another ninja-infused meteorological phenomenon. Namco Bandai has confirmed an English version of Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and has set up the first playable version at this week's San Diego Comic-Con.

Once again developed by the world's biggest Naruto fans at CyberConnect 2, this latest installment in the over-the-top fighting series pushes further into the story laid down by the popular manga, its sequel, and approximately 9,856 anime episodes.

Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 is the first in the series to pair the gorgeous cel-shaded art with 3D display support - "for the ultimate Ninja immersion experience," it says here. If you've been following the franchise for a while, however, you're probably wondering how 3D could happen before anti-aliasing.

Gallery: Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 (Comic Con 2012)

Continue reading Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 hitting NA in Spring 2013

JoystiqNaruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 hitting NA in Spring 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013cyberconnect2fightingmicrosoftnamco-bandainaruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-3playstationps3release-datesan-diego-comic-con-2012sdcc-2012xboxThu, 12 Jul 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nightwing and Cyborg coming to Injustice: Gods Among Us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/nightwing-and-cyborg-coming-to-injustice-gods-among-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/nightwing-and-cyborg-coming-to-injustice-gods-among-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/nightwing-and-cyborg-coming-to-injustice-gods-among-us/#comments Nightwing and Cyborg coming to Injustice Gods Among UsComic-Con just opened up its show floor for Preview Night, and in among the booths is a new playable version of Injustice: Gods Among Us, with two new heroes. Nightwing and Cyborg have joined the fight in Netherrealm's gritty fighting game. Nightwing (aka Dick Grayson, the original Robin) is a nimble staff-wielding fighter, and Cyborg is a heavy hitter, with strong close attacks backed up with laser shots and missile strikes.

We'll get a chance to play both of these heroes tomorrow on the show floor, and we'll let you know how the game is looking these days. Comic-Con runs through the weekend, so stay tuned for lots more four-color-based news from San Diego.

JoystiqNightwing and Cyborg coming to Injustice: Gods Among Us originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-concomic-con-2012cyborgdcfightinginjustice-gods-among-usmicrosoftnetherrealmnightwingplaystationps3sdcc-2012xboxWed, 11 Jul 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus explains Persona 4 Arena's region lock, expresses surprise at 'force' of community disapproval]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/06/atlus-explains-persona-4-arenas-region-lock-expresses-surprise/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/06/atlus-explains-persona-4-arenas-region-lock-expresses-surprise/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/06/atlus-explains-persona-4-arenas-region-lock-expresses-surprise/#comments Atlus explains Persona 4 Arena's region lock, expresses surprise at 'force' of community disapprovalThe unprecedented decision to region-lock the PS3 release of Persona 4 Arena will not lead to a "slippery slope," Atlus PR and sales manager Aram Jabbari said in a statement (available in full after the break).

"This is NOT the beginning of a new ATLUS policy, nor do we view it as a precedent or a slippery slope," Jabbari said. "If anything, your determination and dedication to what you believe in has certainly stood in the face of that. This is an isolated case, a situation precipitated by a number of factors, some of which are simply out of our North American hands." He admits that Atlus was "completely unprepared for the force with which the community communicated their disapproval."

Jabbari explained that the North American release contains both Japanese and English audio tracks, and will be released very close to the Japanese version (August 7 in North America and July 26 in Japan). "The unforeseen consequence in all of this was that we had a version of our biggest game of the year releasing within a couple weeks in two territories, both identical in content, but at radically different price points."

Because of the difference between the yen and the dollar's values right now, this situation could lead to mass importing, which would "cannibalize the performance of a title in one territory to the benefit of another." For reference, the Japanese retail price of Persona 4 Arena is ¥7,329, roughly $92, versus $59.99 in North America.

"The decision to region-lock P4 Arena was a business one, one that has very clearly affected how many perceive the project," Jabbari concluded, "but we ask you to please not overlook the exceptional efforts of the people behind the game and to work with us through constructive dialogue."

Continue reading Atlus explains Persona 4 Arena's region lock, expresses surprise at 'force' of community disapproval

JoystiqAtlus explains Persona 4 Arena's region lock, expresses surprise at 'force' of community disapproval originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusfightingpersona-4-arenapersona-4-the-ultimate-in-mayonaka-arenaplaystationps3region-lockingFri, 06 Jul 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crashing EVO: SpyParty's Chris Hecker on depth and fighting games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/crashing-evo-spypartys-chris-hecker-on-depth-and-fighting-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/crashing-evo-spypartys-chris-hecker-on-depth-and-fighting-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/crashing-evo-spypartys-chris-hecker-on-depth-and-fighting-game/#comments Crashing EVO SpyParty's Chris Hecker on depth and fighting gamesWhen we asked Chris Hecker how SpyParty snuck its way into EVO 2012, we didn't think he'd actually tell us - revealing sensitive information is opposed to an entire half of his game's title, after all. We assume it was the other half that allowed him to divulge the details behind how SpyParty, a one-on-one asymmetric Turing Test, snagged a featured spot at the year's largest fighting-game gathering:

"It all started with Seth Killian," Hecker said. "Seth and I have talked about my goals for SpyParty to be a game that can eventually be counted among the most intensely competitive player-skill games we have, games like Counter-Strike, Starcraft, LoL, Dota and Street Fighter, and he's been really supportive of that goal.

"Seth emailed me and asked if I'd be interested in bringing SpyParty to EVO. I knew a bit about EVO and was kind of blown away by the offer."

SpyParty is one of EVO 2012's Indie Showcase titles, and will be available for anyone to try out on the expo floor, which is completely free and open to the public July 6-7 at Las Vegas' Caesars Palace.

The game itself is based on subtlety, precision and practice, much like many fighting games, but it doesn't involve any twitch movements, bright, flashing colors or hadoukens - and it comes with a four-page manual that must be read before anyone attempts to play it. In terms of pacing for the American audience: if Mortal Kombat is football, SpyParty is soccer.

Continue reading Crashing EVO: SpyParty's Chris Hecker on depth and fighting games

JoystiqCrashing EVO: SpyParty's Chris Hecker on depth and fighting games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-heckercompetitive-gamingEvoevo-2012Fightingfighting-gamepcseth-killianspypartyMon, 25 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[7Sixty releasing Western version of HurricaneX2 on XBLA as Kung Fu Strike]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/7sixty-releasing-western-version-of-hurricanex2-on-xbla-as-kung/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/7sixty-releasing-western-version-of-hurricanex2-on-xbla-as-kung/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/7sixty-releasing-western-version-of-hurricanex2-on-xbla-as-kung/#comments
Rumors of developer 7Sixty being hard at work on a kung fu project, based on the Chinese game HurricaneX2, are true. The game is coming to an Xbox Live Arcade near you as Kung Fu Strike: The Warrior's Rise. The teaser trailer above doesn't show much in terms of gameplay, but you can see the screenshots below for more (and there's gameplay of the Eastern version out there as well).

The title looks like a quick and stylistic arcade beat-em-up, a genre that certainly has its fans. 7Sixty says the game, which comes with local co-op and versus modes, is showing up on XBLA "early this year." Expect to see more "very soon."
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Joystiq7Sixty releasing Western version of HurricaneX2 on XBLA as Kung Fu Strike originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7sixtybeat-em-updevelopersfightinghurricanex2kung-fu-strikekung-fu-strike-the-warriors-risemicrosoftxblaxboxThu, 16 Feb 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB warning might reveal new characters for Street Fighter X Tekken]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/esrb-warning-might-reveal-new-characters-for-street-fighter-x-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/esrb-warning-might-reveal-new-characters-for-street-fighter-x-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/esrb-warning-might-reveal-new-characters-for-street-fighter-x-te/#comments Street Fighter X Tekken has been officially listed by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (T for Teen, if you're wondering), and some details in the listing may have revealed a few more characters for the game. The description of possibly objectionable content in the game mentions both a character that uses "chainsaws," as well as the fact that "one wobbly character uses 'drunken' fighting moves."

Neither of those descriptions matches any of the announced characters thus far, and fans have jumped to the conclusion that Tekken's Alisa Bosconovitch (who wields chainsaw arms) and drunken fighter Lei Wulong may be making an appearance in the crossover. It certainly seems possible, and this wouldn't be the first time ESRB has mentioned information in its warnings that was supposed to be secret. With the game due out next month, we'll know the truth before long.

JoystiqESRB warning might reveal new characters for Street Fighter X Tekken originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alisacharacterscontentesrbfightinginformationlei-wulongmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ratingssecretstreet-fighter-x-tekkenwarningxboxWed, 01 Feb 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's what you'll be fighting over at Evo 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/heres-what-youll-be-fighting-over-at-evo-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/heres-what-youll-be-fighting-over-at-evo-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/heres-what-youll-be-fighting-over-at-evo-2012/#comments The organizers of the Evo fighting game tournament series have revealed this year's lineup of games, allowing you to start practicing now! Ideally, you'd have been playing a bunch of fighters already, but now you have a better idea of which ones you should be obsessively replaying. The roster includes Street Fighter X Tekken, Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition Ver. 2012, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Soulcalibur 5, King of Fighters 13, and Mortal Kombat. Admittedly, you'll have a harder time getting practice in on a couple of those right now.

The locations and dates for this year's events were also announced, with tournaments scheduled for all over the world. Shoryuken has the full list of locations for fightstick-toting pilgrims. This year, there are more tournaments, "which means more chances to earn seeding points." In addition, you can earn those points from any of those games, making it easier to move on if you're not a Street Fighter or MvC3 player.

JoystiqHere's what you'll be fighting over at Evo 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evoevo-2012fightingking-of-fighters-13microsoftplaystationps3soulcalibur-5street-fighter-x-tekkensuper-street-fighter-4-arcade-editiontournamentultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3xboxWed, 04 Jan 2012 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations coming in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/naruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-generations-coming-in-mar/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/naruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-generations-coming-in-mar/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/naruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-generations-coming-in-mar/#comments CyberConnect2's Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations -- a title so long, it scarcely leaves any room for news in this news post -- has been given an official North American street date of March 13, 2012. This news will surely delight fans of the surprisingly swell Naruto Shippuden series, the whole Naruto franchise, fans of the month of March and fans of ostentatiously long video game monikers.

The title will not only feature the same over-the-top combat of its predecessors, but also some sort of collectible trading card game mechanics woven into the core campaign. Personally, we love the juxtaposition of furious punching and kicking, followed by the thoughtful tapping of ancient martial arts mana cards.

Continue reading Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations coming in March

JoystiqNaruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations coming in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyberconnect2fightingmicrosoftnamco-bandainaruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-generationsplaystationps3xboxThu, 15 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Deja Review: Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/deja-review-ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/deja-review-ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/deja-review-ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3/#commentsWe're of the firm opinion that your time is too precious, too valuable to be spent reading a full review for a game that was already reviewed many, many years ago. What's the point of applying a score to a game that's old enough to be enrolled in the sixth grade? That's why we invented Deja Review: A quick look at the new features and relative agelessness of remade, revived and re-released games.
There are certain prerequisites that simply come with being a Capcom fighting game enthusiast. Alongside the need to recognize and understand various fundamentals (mostly in the form of now standardized button combinations), there's also the acceptance that game X will be regularly updated, and largely at the cost of the player.

Most revisions bring with them various tweaks to the formula, fixes for flaws that were only discovered once the completed game was in the hands of experts on the tournament circuit. Beefier updates add fighters new and old to the fray, while slightly less substantial but nonetheless obligatory cosmetic enhancements fall closer to the realm of shameless nickel and diming.

Most of Capcom's updates have been no-brainers, but in the case of the not-yet-one-year-old Marvel vs. Capcom 3, there is enough cause for trepidation. Could the expanded offerings of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 not be added as DLC? More pressing: Is UMvC3 worth the $40 price of admission? Not surprisingly, it depends entirely upon how much you loved the first edition.

Gallery: Ulimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 (10/31/11)

Continue reading Deja Review: Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3

JoystiqDeja Review: Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdeja-reviewfightingmarvel-vs-capcom-3microsoftplaystationps3ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3xboxWed, 23 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead or Alive 5 dishes out another round between Ryu and Hayate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/dead-or-alive-5-dishes-out-another-round-between-ryu-and-hayate/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/dead-or-alive-5-dishes-out-another-round-between-ryu-and-hayate/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/dead-or-alive-5-dishes-out-another-round-between-ryu-and-hayate/#comments
Team Ninja has released the second round of its pre-alpha Dead of Alive 5 showcase. The construction site becomes a destruction fight, with Ryu knocking poor Hayate right into an ongoing car crash. A vehicle hasn't been this useful since the Daytona car made it into Fighters Megamix.

JoystiqDead or Alive 5 dishes out another round between Ryu and Hayate originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5fightingmicrosoftplaystationps3team-ninjatecmotecmo-koeixboxThu, 06 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer building Xbox 360 arcade stick, with help from people who know arcade sticks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/razer-building-xbox-360-arcade-stick-with-help-from-people-who/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/razer-building-xbox-360-arcade-stick-with-help-from-people-who/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/razer-building-xbox-360-arcade-stick-with-help-from-people-who/#comments Razer, which just expanded into the luxury laptop market, is also trying its hand at arcade sticks. During TGS, it announced what is likely its most Japan-focused product: an Xbox 360 stick being designed with input from pro fighting gamers and other "community" members.

The concept is actually a "closed beta," launching at TGS, in which modders and fighting game enthusiasts will be given sticks and asked to provide feedback and improvements. The prototype of the stick shows that Razer's already on the right track -- it's hinged, and can be opened up easily for modding. Check out the prototype in the gallery below while we to try to go mess with the hardware in person at TGS.

And if you're skeptical about Razer being able to pull off an arcade stick, think about how you felt the first time you heard that Mad Catz was doing it.

Gallery: Razer Xbox 360 Arcade Stick prototype

Continue reading Razer building Xbox 360 arcade stick, with help from people who know arcade sticks

JoystiqRazer building Xbox 360 arcade stick, with help from people who know arcade sticks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcade-stickfightingmicrosoftperipheralsrazertgs-2011xboxThu, 15 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Over 2 million watched EVO 2011 tourney online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/over-2-million-watched-evo-2011-tourney-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/over-2-million-watched-evo-2011-tourney-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/over-2-million-watched-evo-2011-tourney-online/#comments Judging by readers' warm reception of the EVO 2011 Championship Series livestream we published during the event last weekend, the number of pro fighting game spectators is rapidly expanding. According to a press release distributed by the event's organizers, a record-breaking two million-plus viewers tuned into the different brawls therein over the weekend.

Perhaps more impressive is how these two million souls took to Twitter with their enthusiasm for the participants, making the names of top-tier fighters four out of ten worldwide trending topics on the social networking platform. This might be the tournament's most impressive feat of all: For one evening, EVO 2011 managed to confuse the living hell out of everyone else on Twitter.

Continue reading Over 2 million watched EVO 2011 tourney online

JoystiqOver 2 million watched EVO 2011 tourney online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-sportsevoevo-2011fightingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3super-street-fighter-4-arcade-editionxboxThu, 04 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pros get into the nitty gritty of Street Fighter x Tekken]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/pros-get-into-the-nitty-gritty-of-street-fighter-x-tekken/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/pros-get-into-the-nitty-gritty-of-street-fighter-x-tekken/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/pros-get-into-the-nitty-gritty-of-street-fighter-x-tekken/#comments Curious to learn how the pros will play in Capcom's upcoming mashed-up brawler, Street Fighter X Tekken? Check out some of the genre's best play a few matches (with helpful commentary) after the break! Personally, we think the kicks look a bit more spirited.

Continue reading Pros get into the nitty gritty of Street Fighter x Tekken

JoystiqPros get into the nitty gritty of Street Fighter x Tekken originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomfightingmicrosoftplaystationps3street-fighter-x-tekkenxboxFri, 24 Jun 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition review: Yun-balanced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/super-street-fighter-iv-arcade-edition-review-yun-balanced/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/super-street-fighter-iv-arcade-edition-review-yun-balanced/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/super-street-fighter-iv-arcade-edition-review-yun-balanced/#comments by Jared Rea

Let me lay a hypothetical on you. Let's say that tomorrow, a major update is released for StarCraft 2, League of Legends, Team Fortress 2 or whatever your favorite, tightly balanced competitive online game may be. This update greatly reduces the effectiveness of many of your trusty techniques, but delivers a handful of overwhelming improvements to a select few others. It's fair to assume that the outrage over this un-balancing would be deafening, and that players would demand an explanation.

"While we originally designed this title with strong competitive balance in mind," explains your favorite developer, "we've decided to purposely make these specific elements overly powerful as to manufacture a competitive experience amongst players."

Sounds preposterous, right? After all, who would purposely sabotage their own title? Now for the Shyamalanian twist: That is precisely what is happening with the release of Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition. (Spoilers, I know).

Gallery: Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition

Continue reading Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition review: Yun-balanced

JoystiqSuper Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition review: Yun-balanced originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balancecapcomdlcfightingstreet-fightersuper-street-fighter-ivsuper-street-fighter-iv-arcade-editionWed, 08 Jun 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Kombat gets a few balance tweaks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/mortal-kombat-gets-a-few-balance-tweaks/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/mortal-kombat-gets-a-few-balance-tweaks/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/mortal-kombat-gets-a-few-balance-tweaks/#comments NetherRealm Studios delivered a hotfix to Mortal Kombat over the weekend, making some overall balance changes and tweaking a few characters. Some non-specific changes include damage reduction on a few special moves and some adjustment to juggle combo damage scaling. Certain basic combos also saw their damage reduced as they were "doing too much damage without using any meter."

This is actually the second hotfix delivered for Mortal Kombat. NetherRealm revealed in April that it had the ability to adjust the game's balance without the need for patches. Check out the complete list of changes after the break.

We're just going to enjoy this sweet infinite combo we just discovered while we still can.

Continue reading Mortal Kombat gets a few balance tweaks

JoystiqMortal Kombat gets a few balance tweaks originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balancingfightingmicrosoftmortal-kombat-2011Netherrealm-Studiospatchplaystationps3warner-bros-interactivexboxMon, 23 May 2011 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Kombat waives 'Kombat Pass' until PlayStation Store returns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/mortal-kombat-waives-kombat-pass-until-playstation-store-retur/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/mortal-kombat-waives-kombat-pass-until-playstation-store-retur/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/mortal-kombat-waives-kombat-pass-until-playstation-store-retur/#comments The PlayStation 3 version of Mortal Kombat is seeing the end of an irksome TECHNICALITY: the "Kombat Pass," a token that is required for online play but cannot be redeemed while the PlayStation Store is offline, is being temporarily waived. Up until now, the pool of online combatants was limited to those who hastily activated their passes right before the PSN fell into a coma in late April.

Writing on Mortal Kombat's official Facebook page, NetherRealm Studios confirmed that the game's online component should now be unlocked for all players, though it'll be cordoned off as soon as Sony re-opens the PlayStation Store (possibly by next week). The Kombat Pass code is included with all new copies of Mortal Kombat, and can be purchased separately for $9.99 once a free trial period expires.

If you own a used copy of NetherRealm's well-received revamp, you now have an entire weekend to gauge the value of pulverizing pelvises over the internet.

JoystiqMortal Kombat waives 'Kombat Pass' until PlayStation Store returns originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fightingkombat-passmortal-kombatmortal-kombat-2011Netherrealm-Studiosplaystationplaystation-storeps3psnpsn-outage-2011Fri, 20 May 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Awesomenauts fights its way to XBLA and PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/awesomenauts-fights-its-way-to-xbla-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/awesomenauts-fights-its-way-to-xbla-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/awesomenauts-fights-its-way-to-xbla-and-psn/#comments Calling it a "Multiplayer Online Battle Arena" (MOBA) title, Ronimo Games has announced its latest creation, Awesomenauts. Destined for XBLA and PSN release, the game is "inspired by '80s animated series" and, though details are slim, appears to be a Smash Bros. style brawler.

Ronimo made its debut last year with the side-scrolling RTS title Swords & Soldiers for WiiWare, PSN and Steam. Awesomenauts will make its playable debut at E3 next month.

Gallery: Awesomenauts (5/18/11)

Continue reading Awesomenauts fights its way to XBLA and PSN

JoystiqAwesomenauts fights its way to XBLA and PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 May 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionawesomenautsdtp-entertainmentfightingmicrosoftplaystationps3psnronimo-gamesxblaxboxWed, 18 May 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Soulcalibur V coming to PS3, Xbox 360 in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/soulcalibur-5-coming-to-ps3-xbox-360-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/soulcalibur-5-coming-to-ps3-xbox-360-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/soulcalibur-5-coming-to-ps3-xbox-360-in-2012/#comments Namco Bandai's tale of souls and swords, chain whips, undead pirates, gas-mask fetishists, murderous ex-monks, Todd McFarlane rejects, bipedal lizards, elvis impersonators, razor-sharp hula hoops, and Siegfried Schtauffen, will continue in 2012 with the release of Soulcalibur V.

Shown during a press conference at Namco Bandai's "Level Up Dubai 2011" event, Soulcalibur V is set to launch on Xbox 360 and PS3, with a story that takes place 17 years after the faux-historical events of the previous game. At the rate technology is advancing in the Soulcalibur universe -- and the rate at which the women's clothes are shrinking -- we'll probably have all-nude musket duels within the next few games.

Namco has yet to send out a full character roster, but Siegfried and Nightmare already appear in the first trailer. The game's story is focused on a new character called Patroklos, son of Sopithia. Expect to see a little more media when the countdown on the game's teaser website concludes later today.

Update: You'll find the teaser trailer after the break.

Gallery: Soulcalibur V (Artwork)

Continue reading Soulcalibur V coming to PS3, Xbox 360 in 2012

JoystiqSoulcalibur V coming to PS3, Xbox 360 in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 May 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fightingjapanlevel-up-2011microsoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3soulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vstep-up-dubai-2011xboxWed, 11 May 2011 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom spending plenty to make Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike Online great]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/capcom-spending-plenty-to-make-street-fighter-3-3rd-strike-onli/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/capcom-spending-plenty-to-make-street-fighter-3-3rd-strike-onli/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/capcom-spending-plenty-to-make-street-fighter-3-3rd-strike-onli/#comments Though it's been a while since we've heard anything about Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike Online, Capcom has apparently been hard at work on the downloadable fighter. During a streamed "Ask Capcom" event, Capcom's Christian Svensson revealed that we'll be "deluged with information in about four weeks," putting the timeline around E3.

Svensson went on to classify 3rd Strike Online as "the highest budget digital title we've done" at Capcom USA, even exceeding the budget of Super Street Fighter II HD Remix, which had completely redrawn graphics by Udon Entertainment. That suggests that Capcom is putting a lot of effort into this game -- and also that Udon worked super, super cheap.

Capcom fighting game guru Seth Killian said that this update was "one of those things you sorta have hopes for and you hope it's gonna turn out a certain way ... and then it did." Sounds like this will be the definitive version of the game about fighting super-powered underwear guys.

JoystiqCapcom spending plenty to make Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike Online great originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 May 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomchristian-svenssonfightingmicrosoftplaystationps3psnseth-killianstreet-fighter-3-3rd-strikestreet-fighter-3-3rd-strike-onlinexblaxboxMon, 09 May 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai site teases 'new chapter,' likely next Soulcalibur]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/namco-bandai-site-teases-new-chapter-likely-next-soul-calibur/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/namco-bandai-site-teases-new-chapter-likely-next-soul-calibur/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/namco-bandai-site-teases-new-chapter-likely-next-soul-calibur/#comments We've known a new Soul Calibur game is coming since back in December and now it would appear that Namco Bandai is finally ready to make a formal announcement. Well, not now now. Like, in two weeks.

A site teasing a "new chapter" in something has recently emerged online, counting down to May 11 -- presumably when the identity of said chapter will be announced. Corroborating the mid-May reveal is a tweet from Soul Calibur's "current game director" Daishi Odashima promising "to announce something" at that time. If we were rating the mystery behind this reveal, we'd probably give it an F. Minus.

[Thanks, Jaxon]

JoystiqNamco Bandai site teases 'new chapter,' likely next Soulcalibur originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daishi-odashimafightingmicrosoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3soul-calibursoulcalibursoulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vteaserxboxWed, 27 Apr 2011 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Kombat review: Flawless victory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/24/mortal-kombat-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/24/mortal-kombat-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/24/mortal-kombat-review/#comments It's been nearly 20 years since the original Mortal Kombat debuted in arcades. It was a decent game that relied on two gimmicks -- gore and digitized fighters -- to gain notoriety. Now the ninth game in the franchise it spawned is here, and while the gore is still there, it's completely overshadowed by just how exceptional a game this is overall.

Series co-creator (ko-kreator?) Ed Boon and his team at NetherRealm Studios have created something that you can't help but see their blood, sweat and tears in. Sure, it's campy as all get-out, but it's also one of the most polished, deep and enjoyable fighting games I've ever played.

Gallery: Mortal Kombat (4/5/11)

Continue reading Mortal Kombat review: Flawless victory

JoystiqMortal Kombat review: Flawless victory originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fightingmicrosoftmortal-kombat-2011Netherrealm-Studiosplaystationps3Warner-Bros-InteractiveWBIExboxSun, 24 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel vs. Capcom 3 ships 2 million worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/marvel-vs-capcom-3-ships-2-million-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/marvel-vs-capcom-3-ships-2-million-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/marvel-vs-capcom-3-ships-2-million-worldwide/#comments Eleven years after Marvel vs. Capcom 2, people are still interested in seeing Ryu getting smashed by the Hulk. Capcom announced today that it has shipped two million copies of universe mashup fighter Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds worldwide. Capcom said that the release of MvC3 was "capitalizing on the resurgence of the fighting game boom that began last year" -- you know, the one Capcom started with Street Fighter IV.

These shipments, the company states, zlxo outpace the performance of Marvel vs. Capcom 2. In fact, that game doesn't appear on Capcom's list of million-selling titles at all, suggesting that the sequel outperformed it by a great deal.

JoystiqMarvel vs. Capcom 3 ships 2 million worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomfightingMarvel-vs-Capcom-3Marvel-vs-Capcom-3-Fate-of-Two-Worldsmicrosoftplaystationps3salesshipmentsxboxWed, 30 Mar 2011 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead or Alive Dimensions box art deemed too leggy by ESRB [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/dead-or-alive-dimensions-box-art-deemed-too-leggy-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/dead-or-alive-dimensions-box-art-deemed-too-leggy-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/dead-or-alive-dimensions-box-art-deemed-too-leggy-by-esrb/#comments The artwork adorning the cover of Dead of Alive Dimensions for 3DS when it hits the US this May will look more or less like it did on the Japanese release, with one change: no inner-thigh.

Tecmo tells Joystiq that the ESRB found the original art (left) too racy because it showed too much of Kasumi's right leg. In response, the company's art department whipped up an alternate cover (right) with more, well ... coverage of the highly offensive area.

Whatever -- we'll still like this vetoed cover much better. Plus, it's completely leg-fee.

Update, March 24: In what seems like some backpedaling in order to make nice with the ESRB, Tecmo has told 1UP the following:
"[T]his whole thing is getting blown way out of proportion. The truth is that when we submitted the box art as-is from Japan, there were a few parties both internal and external who thought there might be some issue with the image. Nobody 'demanded' anything be changed, it was just pointed out. You have to pick your battles, and covering up that small bit of the image seemed to be harmless. Honestly, if you look at the comparisons between the Japanese and US box shots, it's not like the image loses anything after the edit.

"The ESRB has been very helpful working with us on recent projects. If the box art was something we felt really strongly about, we would have kept it as-is. But we just didn't really see the harm in editing it to make it appropriate for everyone involved."
[Image: aussie-nintendo]

JoystiqDead or Alive Dimensions box art deemed too leggy by ESRB [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbox-artdead-or-alive-dimensionsdsesrbfightingnintendoteam-ninjatecmoTecmo-KoeiWed, 23 Mar 2011 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel vs. Capcom 3 patch preps for new mode, tweaks fighters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/marvel-vs-capcom-3-patch-preps-for-new-mode-introduces-balance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/marvel-vs-capcom-3-patch-preps-for-new-mode-introduces-balance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/marvel-vs-capcom-3-patch-preps-for-new-mode-introduces-balance/#comments Capcom launched an update for Marvel vs. Capcom 3 earlier today to prepare for the new "Event Mode" that will be added to the game this Friday -- however, the patch has also quietly introduced a few balance changes to some characters' intricately measured statistics. The most drastic is a reduction in Sentinel's health, which has been dropped from 1.3 million tiny units (the most health of any fighter in the game) to 905,000, according to Shoryuken.

The patch also nixes a few fairly unfair loops belonging to Spencer, Akuma and Haggar. Hey, why not remove their grappling hook, forbidden demonic Kung-Fu and impossibly gigantic muscles while you're at it? Those seem pretty unfair, too.

JoystiqMarvel vs. Capcom 3 patch preps for new mode, tweaks fighters originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balancecapcomfightingMarvel-vs-Capcom-3Marvel-vs-Capcom-3-Fate-of-Two-Worldsmicrosoftpatchplaystationps3psnsentinelupdatexboxxbox-liveTue, 22 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PowerUP Heroes listed by Ubisoft as Kinect Avatar brawler]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/powerup-heroes-listed-by-ubisoft-as-kinect-avatar-brawler/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/powerup-heroes-listed-by-ubisoft-as-kinect-avatar-brawler/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/powerup-heroes-listed-by-ubisoft-as-kinect-avatar-brawler/#comments After the dismal Fighters Uncaged, the words "Ubisoft," "Kinect" and "fighting" have not been uttered in the same sentence here at the 'Stiq, for fear of summoning a sequel to the game. We must now use them, though, to describe what Ubisoft has -- perhaps unintentionally -- revealed via its web store: a Kinect fighting game called PowerUP Heroes coming "summer 2011."

According to the description provided, the title will let players transform their Xbox 360 Avatars into superheroes, acquiring the abilities of defeated foes by taking their "super suits," Mega Man style. Mentioned are a necromancer suit that summons skeletons and a mentalist getup that can "break into your enemy's mind."

The listing also includes a price: $50, so we're talking a full retail title here. We're contacting Ubisoft to find out what more we can about this Kinect fighting game. Gah -- we did it again!

JoystiqPowerUP Heroes listed by Ubisoft as Kinect Avatar brawler originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarfightingkinectmicrosoftpowerup-heroesubisoftxboxTue, 15 Mar 2011 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Raiden enters the ring in electrifying Mortal Kombat footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/raiden-enters-the-ring-in-electrifying-mortal-kombat-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/raiden-enters-the-ring-in-electrifying-mortal-kombat-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/raiden-enters-the-ring-in-electrifying-mortal-kombat-footage/#comments We know what some of you are thinking: Raiden from Metal Gear Solid is in Mortal Kombat? Boss! No, no, friends -- this is the original Raiden, god of thunder, who shoots lightning and flies through the air yelling something that sounds sorta like "play the ukelele!" Oh, and he's all about that hat.

Continue reading Raiden enters the ring in electrifying Mortal Kombat footage

JoystiqRaiden enters the ring in electrifying Mortal Kombat footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fightingmicrosoftmortal-kombatmortal-kombat-2011Netherrealm-Studiosplay-the-ukeleleplaystationps3Warner-Bros-InteractivexboxFri, 11 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK Mortal Kombat tourney has a sweet arcade-size grand prize]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/uk-mortal-kombat-tourney-has-a-sweet-arcade-size-grand-prize/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/uk-mortal-kombat-tourney-has-a-sweet-arcade-size-grand-prize/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/uk-mortal-kombat-tourney-has-a-sweet-arcade-size-grand-prize/#comments The latest Mortal Kombat may be for consoles only, but that hasn't kept its publisher, Warner Bros. Interactive, from creating an arcade cabinet for the game ... which can only be had if you're the UK's best at MK. WBIE is teaming with GAME and GameStation to hold a tournament that runs from March 14 through April 11, culminating in a final round at the Gadget Show Live in Birmingham.

The winner will take lug home the custom coin-op cabinet, which houses a PS3, meaning it can technically be used to play Super Street Fighter IV, the upcoming Tekken Tag Tournament 2, or any number of fighters on the platform. The cabinet's artwork depicts Scorpion on one side and Sub-Zero on the other -- and looks pretty amazing, if you ask us. Check it out for yourself in high-res via the gallery below.

Gallery: Mortal Kombat (arcade cabinets)

Continue reading UK Mortal Kombat tourney has a sweet arcade-size grand prize

JoystiqUK Mortal Kombat tourney has a sweet arcade-size grand prize originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadearcade-cabinetfightinggamegamestationmortal-kombat-2011Netherrealm-Studiosplaystationps3tournamentukWarner-Bros-InteractiveThu, 10 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST