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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[iPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/ipad-roundup-heres-the-stuff-that-may-interest-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/ipad-roundup-heres-the-stuff-that-may-interest-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/ipad-roundup-heres-the-stuff-that-may-interest-you/#comments With the iPad set to launch April 3, we know a lot of you out there are wondering what types of games and apps there are to look forward to. Well, we reprogrammed the Joystiq bots to scour the iTunes App store for information on updates and new games, culling the data for you all. There's plenty to look forward to, so don't waste time reading this -- head past the break for the goods!

Continue reading iPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you

JoystiqiPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-ton-games-inc2k-gamesactivisionamazon-hidden-expeditionangry-birdsangry-birds-hdapple-ipadasphaltasphalt-5azkend-hdbig-fish-gamesbreak-hdcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-world-at-warcall-of-duty-world-at-war-zombiescastlecraftcharadiumchillingoCivilizationcivilization-revolutioncogscogs-hdCommand-and-Conquercommand-and-conquer-red-alertdoonsdoons-hddungeon-hunterdungeon-hunter-hdeaElectronic-Artsfieldrunnersfiremintfiremint-incflick-bowlingflick-fishingflight-controlflight-control-hdfreeversefroggerfrogger-padgameloftgeometry-warsgluglyder-2imahjongimahjong-hdipadipad-launcjirbokonamilaminar-researcglets-golfmarvelmarvel-comicsmarvel-comics-appmetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-touchminigoreminigore-hdmirrors-edgemodern-combatmodern-combat-sandstormnamconba-hotshotneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftnflnfl-2010nfl-2010-hdngmoconovapac-manpaper-footballpaper-football-hdplants-vs-zombiesplants-vs-zombies-hdpopcappopcap-gamesreal-racingreal-racing-hdreal-soccerreal-soccer-2010-hdsam-and-maxscrabblesecret-exit-ltdsegasneeziessneezies-hdsnowboardingsnowboarding-hdsparkle-hdsubatomicsubatomic-studiossuper-monkey-ballsuper-monkey-ball-2super-monkey-ball-2-sakura-editionteam-17telltale-gamestetristhe-penal-zoneunouno-hdwarpgatewe-rulex-planezen-boundzen-bound-2Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and an iPhone game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/pride-and-prejudice-and-zombies-and-an-iphone-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/pride-and-prejudice-and-zombies-and-an-iphone-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/pride-and-prejudice-and-zombies-and-an-iphone-game/#comments Yes, last year's surprise smash hit novel, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, is getting the video game adaptation treatment. Prolific App developer Freeverse, creators of Top Gun, Flick Bowling, and like, a thousand other games, is turning the mash-up book into an iPhone title. The game, which will be a 2.5D action title featuring 19th century aristocrats and ... zombies, is due out in the next few weeks. (We're assuming Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters won't be far behind.)

Few details about the game have been revealed, but fighting hordes of zombies with makeshift weapons will almost certainly be part of the equation. As will courtship. And manners.

JoystiqPride and Prejudice and Zombies and an iPhone game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appApplebookcomedyfreeverseiPodpride-and-prejudicepride-and-prejudice-and-zombieszombiesTue, 30 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neil Young sees opportunity for ngmoco to be 'as meaningful as Electronic Arts,' still focusing on iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/neil-young-sees-opportunity-for-ngmoco-to-be-as-meaningful-as-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/neil-young-sees-opportunity-for-ngmoco-to-be-as-meaningful-as-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/neil-young-sees-opportunity-for-ngmoco-to-be-as-meaningful-as-e/#comments
[kyeung808]

Following up on the recent purchase of Freeverse by Neil Young's ngmoco, the ex-Electronic Arts exec spoke business with PocketGamer. Young's remarks ran the gamut, touching on subjects ranging from the possibility of expanding to other mobile platforms (spoilers: it ain't happening) to how he feels about the future of his still nascent dev house. "Our opportunity is to build a company in this space that's as meaningful, impactful and long lasting as Electronic Arts," the ngmoco head said.

And while he's still interested in the possible purchase of more studios ("We will continue to look for acquisitions that make sense at a studio or company level and acquisitions of applications."), he's still not committing to development for smartphones other than the iPhone. "The iPhone is in a strong leadership position ... I'd say that among the pack of competitors, Android is the furthest advanced but it remains significantly behind the iPhone and iPod touch ... for us the real focus is the iPhone OS," Young explained. We're not sure which parallel dimension's version of EA Mr. Young is comparing ngmoco to, but the EA we know makes its games for as many consoles as possible.

JoystiqNeil Young sees opportunity for ngmoco to be 'as meaningful as Electronic Arts,' still focusing on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionandroidAppledevelopmenteaelectronic-artsfreeverseGoogleiPodneil-youngngmocoThu, 25 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ngmoco acquires iPhone game dev Freeverse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/ngmoco-acquires-iphone-game-dev-freeverse/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/ngmoco-acquires-iphone-game-dev-freeverse/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/ngmoco-acquires-iphone-game-dev-freeverse/#comments Despite a still-wavering economy (and industry-wide layoffs), Neil Young's ngmoco has just bought up large Brooklyn-based iPhone game developer Freeverse. Gamasutra talked to both ngmoco and Freeverse, who (expectedly) had nothing but sugary kisses to throw at each other. "We've been thinking about how to accelerate our strategic growth though acquisitions of companies and intellectual property, and Freeverse was really at the top of our list," said Neil Young. Meanwhile, vice president of Freeverse Colin Lynch Smith described the relationship between his company and Young's as "like the perfect dating situation." Now things are really steaming up!

The ngmoco head further describes his company's goal in the purchase as, "to acquire the companies we think have the right blend of talent and DNA and intellectual property we think will work well in the freemium space," echoing comments he made recently on why Rolando 3 never got to roll around on our iPhones. With plans to reach out to developers with the Plus+ SDK (the company's social networking service) in the coming weeks and an outwardly aggressive strategy to pursue the free-to-play market, ngmoco certainly has plenty on its plate in 2010.

JoystiqNgmoco acquires iPhone game dev Freeverse originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionApplecolin-lynch-smitheconomyfree-to-playfreemiumfreeverseiPodneil-youngngmocoplus+rolando-3Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone Top Gun game takes highway to the postmortem]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/iphone-top-gun-game-takes-highway-to-the-postmortem/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/iphone-top-gun-game-takes-highway-to-the-postmortem/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/iphone-top-gun-game-takes-highway-to-the-postmortem/#comments
 Top Gun on iPhone is one of the device's many hidden treasures. Not only does it have cool, After Burner-esque gameplay, it's also got one of the best easter eggs of all time (as you can see above). Unsurprisingly, nailing the unintentional humor of the movie is one of the things that Freeverse designer Justin Ficarrotta says his team got right in a new postmortem published on Gamasutra.

The dev's top mistake? Using the wrong plane, or at least a different plane than the one fans were counting on. But again -- and we don't think we can stress this enough -- you get to play volleyball with the disembodied heads of Maverick and Ice Man. Doesn't that grant some sort of perma-forgiveness?

JoystiqiPhone Top Gun game takes highway to the postmortem originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 03:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplefreeverseiPodpostmortemtop-gunWed, 16 Dec 2009 03:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Gun easter eggs are highway to funny zone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/top-gun-easter-eggs-are-highway-to-funny-zone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/top-gun-easter-eggs-are-highway-to-funny-zone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/top-gun-easter-eggs-are-highway-to-funny-zone/#comments
Yeah, that's the headline we picked. Deal with it.

In case you need another reason to purchase Top Gun on iPhone besides our glowing praise, we've got the nugget that's going to put you over the edge: Easter eggs. For example, by inputting the right codenames, you'll be able to transform your fighter jet into a starship or the car from Days of Thunder.

More importantly though, you'll be able to play volleyball over Goose's grave with the disembodied heads of Maverick and Iceman. No, really. If there's ever been a better way to blow two bucks, we haven't heard of it.

[Thanks, Gemini Ace]

Gallery: Top Gun (iPhone)

JoystiqTop Gun easter eggs are highway to funny zone originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 May 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleeaster-eggsfreeverseiphoneiPodtop-gunWed, 13 May 2009 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone It In: Top Gun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/iphone-it-in-top-gun/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/iphone-it-in-top-gun/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/iphone-it-in-top-gun/#comments
Listen, as the writer of Joystiq's only iPhone-related column, I do my fair share of playing licensed garbage. For example, I played a Land of the Lost-themed game that makes "Punch the Monkey" look like The Orange Box. I'm not even going to link to it, for fear that you'll play it. Seriously, it was the game equivalent of watching my immediate family die in a house fire.

You can imagine my confusion then when I say that Top Gun is shockingly good. No, don't laugh, it's true.

Gallery: Top Gun (iPhone)

Continue reading iPhone It In: Top Gun

JoystiqiPhone It In: Top Gun originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 May 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flightfreeverseiphone-it-inparamounttop-gunTue, 12 May 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marathon 2 map pack thrown up on Wednesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/marathon-2-durandal-dlc-thrown-up-on-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/marathon-2-durandal-dlc-thrown-up-on-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/marathon-2-durandal-dlc-thrown-up-on-wednesday/#commentsFiled under: ,


Yes, we know, you've been clamoring for more multiplayer maps like an irate, "plz sir can I hav sum moar" Oliver Twist. You yearn for more of Bungie's first-person shootery, dreaming of running and gunning down corridors you haven't been through countless times already. It'll genuinely make your day to see new downloadable content pop up on the Xbox Live Marketplace, but until a new Halo 3 map pack is announced, that day is still quite a ways off. But here, have some Marathon 2: Durandal stuff in the meantime.

For 250 MS Points (an awkward $3.125), the Jjaro Map Pack will net you 12 new multiplayer environments, playable in King of the Hill, Kill the Man with the Ball and Tag modes, and two achievements worth a combined 30 gamer points. If the game's infamously sickening motion doesn't make you throw up, be sure to grab the content just in case Marathon gets thrown off Xbox Live Arcade.

JoystiqMarathon 2 map pack thrown up on Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungieDLCDurandalFPSFreeverseHalo3MarathonMarathon-DurandalXBLAXbox-360Xbox-LiveTue, 17 Jun 2008 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Marathon DLC (Jjaro Map Pack) hitting tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/marathon-dlc-jjaro-map-pack-hitting-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/marathon-dlc-jjaro-map-pack-hitting-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/marathon-dlc-jjaro-map-pack-hitting-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We here at X3F love our old-school FPS's just as much as the new-school ones, and at a price of 250MSpts, the upcoming DLC for Marathon 2: Durandal looks to get us back into the archaic swing of things. The new Jjaro Map Pack will hit the Marketplace tomorrow and includes twelve multiplayer maps, two Achievements (worth 30pts total) and three new multiplayer modes (King of the Hill, Kill the Man with the Ball, and Tag).

For those obsessed with such things, the Achievement details can be found after the break. Oh, and according the post at 360sync, the devs will be Live and playing on the night of release.

Continue reading Marathon DLC (Jjaro Map Pack) hitting tomorrow

JoystiqMarathon DLC (Jjaro Map Pack) hitting tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bungiedlcdownloadable-contentFPSfreeverseFreeverse-Softwaremarathonmarathon-durandalXBLATue, 17 Jun 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marathon: Durandal DLC video blowout]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/marathon-durandal-dlc-video-blowout/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/marathon-durandal-dlc-video-blowout/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/marathon-durandal-dlc-video-blowout/#commentsFiled under: ,

Looks like 360Sync decided to turn the drip feed of Marathon: Durandal DLC info into a full torrent. There is now video of seven more maps in addition to the two that were revealed already. According to 360Sync, they also have video footage of one more, making ten maps so far. Here are all the maps currently revealed:
  • Duality
  • Thick and Chunky
  • Melatonin
  • Mime Target
  • Fortress Lh'owon
  • Arena
  • Mars Needs Women
  • Vulcan
  • Beyond Thunderdome
Not only that, but Bruce Morisson, project lead for Marathon at Freeverse, has left a comment stating there are "several" more to be included with the upcoming DLC. That's a lot of maps. Check out video of all of the maps revealed so far embedded above. Once the first video is over, the next will automatically load (alternately, you can skip to the next video using the navigation buttons).

[Thanks, StLouisRibs]

JoystiqMarathon: Durandal DLC video blowout originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 May 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungieFPSfreeverseFreeverse-Softwaremarathonmarathon-durandalxblaxbox-live-arcadeThu, 08 May 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Marathon maps and achievements on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/new-marathon-maps-and-achievements-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/new-marathon-maps-and-achievements-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/new-marathon-maps-and-achievements-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's kind of strange when you think about it. Here we have Marathon, a very old game getting DLC thanks to the magic of Xbox Live Arcade. 360Sync got a look at the new DLC (complete with new achievements) including some super spiffy videos. The first video, embedded above, shows off the map Duality (originally from the Marathon series and remade as Gemini in Halo 2). Fun fact: Duality was named for a game being created by Double Aught, a company comprised of former Bungie employees. Duality the game, sadly, was never released. The second video (embedded after the break) showcases "Thick and Chunky." The primary feature of the level is the large lava pit in the center, which also happens to be where the hill is located in King of the Hill mode. Ouch.

We're not sure how many more maps could wind up in the upcoming DLC. Keep your eyes on X3F for the latest on what to expect and details on when the DLC will be available.

Continue reading New Marathon maps and achievements on the way

JoystiqNew Marathon maps and achievements on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 May 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studiosfreeversemarathonxblaxbox-live-arcadeTue, 06 May 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Freeverse reveals Airburst screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/freeverse-reveals-airburst-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/freeverse-reveals-airburst-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/freeverse-reveals-airburst-screens/#commentsFiled under: ,


The folks at Freeverse, developers behind the XBLA port of Marathon 2: Durandal, shot over two screens of their upcoming revamp of the classic title Airburst.

Announced as an XBLA exclusive in October, Freeverse hopes to bring back the excitement of the 2001 Mac OS release. Developed by partner studio, Strange Flavour (who created the original), gamers can expect HD inverted pong-action, injected with insane color.

JoystiqFreeverse reveals Airburst screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airburstfreeversestrange-flavourxblaWed, 12 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Freeverse discusses porting Marathon 2 to XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/freeverse-discusses-porting-marathon-2-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/freeverse-discusses-porting-marathon-2-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/freeverse-discusses-porting-marathon-2-to-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,


Gamasutra's postmortems are excellent opportunities to look back at certain games, and hear with unabashed honesty what went right and wrong throughout the course of development. Such is the case with developer Freeverse's postmortem on their enhanced port of Bungie's classic Marathon 2: Durandal for Xbox Live Arcade.

Freeverse employee Mark Levin goes into insane levels of detail describing the arduous task of bringing Marathon 2 -- originally a Macintosh title -- over to the Xbox 360. He discusses the team's decision to re-work the graphics for HD, and the difficulty of bug-testing very old code, but somehow neglects to discuss the game's propensity for causing upset stomachs.

Regardless, it's a great and honest read, with some real insight into the treacherous task of bringing old games to new consoles.

JoystiqFreeverse discusses porting Marathon 2 to XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiefreeversemarathonmarathon-2Marathon-DurandalpostmortemxblaXbox-360xbox360Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Freeverse bringing Airburst to XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/freeverse-bringing-airburst-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/freeverse-bringing-airburst-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/freeverse-bringing-airburst-to-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,


Freeverse, the company that brought Spyglass Board Games and Marathon: Durandal to Xbox Live Arcade (on the same day!), has announced a new title for the service called Airburst. The game is being developed by Freeverse's UK counterpart Strange Flavour and emphasizes the pick-up-and-play philosophy of XBLA and "promises to be one of the best party games on the platform." The game features characters riding platforms made of balloons, doing their keep the "chainsaw-bladed burster ball" from destroying their platform while simultaneously bouncing the ball back towards the opponent's platform. It sounds a bit like Pong, only the object is to not let the ball hit your paddle. Airburst promises multiple gametypes, character-specific abilities, and the requisite "crazy power-ups," so it looks like everything is covered. Well, almost everything: no release date has been announced.

JoystiqFreeverse bringing Airburst to XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airburstfreeversestrange-flavourxblaThu, 25 Oct 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marathon motion sickness gets cured]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/marathon-motion-sickness-gets-cured/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/marathon-motion-sickness-gets-cured/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/marathon-motion-sickness-gets-cured/#commentsFiled under: ,


Freeverse sends word that a title update for Marathon: Durandal is now available. Among other things, the update gives players the option to choose a wider field of view. This option is supposed to help players that have experienced motion sickness whilst playing the game. We haven't personally experienced the alleged motion sickness, so we can't tell you whether or not a wider field of view fixes the problem. If you've fallen victim to the illness yourself, you may want to fire up Marathon and give the new setting a try. Once you're done, come back here and share the results with the rest of the class (unless the result is vomit; you don't need to share that).

JoystiqMarathon motion sickness gets cured originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungiestudiosfreeversemarathonmarathondurandalxblaxboxlivearcadeThu, 06 Sep 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Freeverse to offer advice on Marathon: Durandal motion sickness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/04/freeverse-to-offer-advice-on-marathon-durandal-motion-sickness/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/04/freeverse-to-offer-advice-on-marathon-durandal-motion-sickness/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/04/freeverse-to-offer-advice-on-marathon-durandal-motion-sickness/#commentsFiled under: ,

Perhaps noticing a few of his soldiers dropping like flies, Microsoft's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb spoke with Freeverse regarding the fits of motion sickness caused by their latest release, Marathon: Durandal.

While they're not offering a technical solution just yet, they do plan on giving folks fair warning and a bit of advice. Within the next few days, Freeverse will "implement a [dashboard] message on the download screen to advise users on steps they can take if this affects them and are investigating other options to address the issue."

When we spoke to Marathon:Durandal's project lead, Bruce Morrison, he suggested a simple flip of the "camera bob" option and that seemed to work wonders. With so many folks -- many with no prior history of motion sickness -- getting ill from playing, it may still require an alteration of the game itself.

JoystiqFreeverse to offer advice on Marathon: Durandal motion sickness originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Aug 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiefreeversemarathonMarathon-DurandalxblaXbox-360Sat, 04 Aug 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marathon causes loss of lunch?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/marathon-causes-loss-of-lunch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/marathon-causes-loss-of-lunch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/marathon-causes-loss-of-lunch/#commentsFiled under:


While we have yet to enjoy such things ourselves (thanks to an unwelcome visitor), reports are coming in that the Xbox Live Arcade version of Marathon: Durandal is making people a little queasy. As many gamers know, first person shooter games can often induce motion sickness, and it seems that this effect is magnified by Marathon. Joystiq spoke to Freeverse, developers of the XBLA port, about this issue to see if they could get some answers. Freeverse noted that Marathon's popularity and the spreading internet rumor that it can make people sick is probably responsible for most of the outcry. Frankly, we find the idea of a gamer-centric, psychosomatic illness spread via the internet to be highly entertaining.

Freeverse isn't laughing the matter away however, and is investigating the issue. In the meantime, they suggest that players play the game with the "camera bob" option turned on. This should keep the game from appearing smoother than it should be. Furthermore, make sure you're not sitting to close to the TV (duh).

Out of curiosity, have any readers out there experienced motion sickness while playing Marathon: Durandal?

JoystiqMarathon causes loss of lunch? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freeversemarathonmarathondurandalxblaThu, 02 Aug 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marathon: Durandal's bonus feature: motion sickness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/marathon-durandals-bonus-feature-motion-sickness/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/marathon-durandals-bonus-feature-motion-sickness/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/marathon-durandals-bonus-feature-motion-sickness/#commentsFiled under: ,


The first person shooter genre has always been synonymous with motion sickness, but when the ol' iron guts here at Joystiq started feeling queasy after playing Marathon: Durandal for Xbox Live Arcade, we knew something was wrong. Sure enough, threads began to pop up all over the place and even IGN noted in their official review that four of their editors felt ill while playing. To find out what's to blame for this poké-esque epidemic, we talked to Freeverse's Bruce Morrison, project lead on Marathon: Durandal.

"Marathon's obvious popularity, the sudden forum 'meme' of it making you sick, and the wealth of really excellent hurl jokes ... I think that explains a lot of it." teases Bruce. In all seriousness, he explains, "No one at Freeverse, Microsoft, Bungie, VMC or our testing and localization partners reported any motion sickness issues and many of us have logged hundreds of hours of playtime. So we really don't believe the problem is universal. However, a good number of people will experience motion sickness with any FPS."

While Freeverse is planning on investigating this matter, Bruce does have some suggestions. First, try playing with the "camera bob" option set to on as the lack of default motion tends to make things appear smoother than they already are. Also, if your mother never told you better, try adjusting your seating position. You may be sitting far too close to your set for this odd, stomach churning experience.

Having taken his advice, we can now enjoy this remastered classic with only a mild headache as the side effect. Thanks, camera bob!

JoystiqMarathon: Durandal's bonus feature: motion sickness originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barf!bungiefreeversemarathonMarathon-DurandalxblaXbox-360Thu, 02 Aug 2007 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Marathon and Board Games hit XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/marathon-and-board-games-hit-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/marathon-and-board-games-hit-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/marathon-and-board-games-hit-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's Wednesday and that means it's time for some brand new Arcade goodness. This week, you have two games from which to choose (which often seems to be the case these days). You can bring home a little slice of Bungie history with Marathon: Durandal, or you can enjoy some Vision Cam enabled chicanery with Spyglass Board Games. Both games feature multiplayer fun with Marathon offering splitscreen, system-link, and Live play (both co-op and versus), while Spyglass Board Games offers the aforementioned Vision Cam 1-on-1 play. Marathon will cost you 800 Microsoft bucks and Spyglass Board Games will set you back 400. Which will it be for you? Or, dare we ask, are you crazy enough to buy both?

JoystiqMarathon and Board Games hit XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freeversemarathonmarathondurandalspyglassboardgamesstrangeflavourWed, 01 Aug 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marathon and Halo -- Closer than ever before thanks to the gamepad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/31/marathon-and-halo-closer-than-ever-before-thanks-to-the-gamep/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/31/marathon-and-halo-closer-than-ever-before-thanks-to-the-gamep/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/31/marathon-and-halo-closer-than-ever-before-thanks-to-the-gamep/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With the 2001 release of Halo, Bungie proved that not only were high quality, console-centric FPS titles possible, but they could be controlled just as well with a gamepad as with a keyboard and mouse. Since then, just about every FPS title to grace a console has attempted to replicate the precision and familiarity of Halo's scheme.

So when it came time to bring a legendary Bungie title, Marathon: Durandal, to Xbox Live Arcade, the folks at Freeverse saw fit to keep it in the family.

"In moving the original, which was a keyboard [and] mouse game, we had to translate all the original behavior to the Xbox controller -- sticks and range of feedback instead of binary key hits." tells Ian Lynch Smith, president of Freeverse. "What we ended up doing is getting the actual curves and math that Halo 2 uses, so in those respects Marathon Durandal's controls have the exact same feel as Halo 2."

We can already hear the collective cry of the Marathon community. "Hold it! Doesn't injecting Marathon with bits of Halo compromise the integrity of the original?" Not so, according to Freeverse's Bruce Morrison as Marathon: Durandal still plays exactly the same.

"If it took 10 seconds to get from point a to point b on the original it will in ours."

Get a feel for the slick new controls yourself when Marathon: Durandal is released tomorrow on Xbox Live Arcade.

JoystiqMarathon and Halo -- Closer than ever before thanks to the gamepad originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freeversehaloMacmarathonMarathon-DurandalxblaXbox-360Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:54:00 EST<![CDATA[This week on XBLA: Marathon and Spyglass Board Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/this-week-on-xbla-marathon-and-spyglass-board-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/this-week-on-xbla-marathon-and-spyglass-board-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/this-week-on-xbla-marathon-and-spyglass-board-games/#commentsFiled under: ,


The days when Xbox Live Arcade releases were few and far between seem to be a distant memory now. Here we are again this week with yet another double scoop of downloadable pleasure. This week we have two surprisingly different games. In one corner, we have Marathon: Durandal, an old school FPS (and Halo precursor) that we had the good fortune to sample at E3 a couple weeks ago. In the other corner we have Spyglass Board Games, which offers classic board games with integrated video chat. The four games included are chess, checkers, Reversi, and our favorite, mancala. Marathon: Durandal and Spyglass Board Games will be available this Wednesday for 800 and 400 points respectively.


JoystiqThis week on XBLA: Marathon and Spyglass Board Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jul 2007 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiefreeversemarathonmarathondurandalspyglassboardgamesstrangeflavourxblaMon, 30 Jul 2007 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Marathon: Durandal video takes us back]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/marathon-durandal-video-takes-us-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/marathon-durandal-video-takes-us-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/marathon-durandal-video-takes-us-back/#commentsFiled under: ,

We like us some Marathon. That is no secret. For many people, however, Marathon: Durandal on Xbox Live Arcade will be their first experience with Bungie's seminal shooter. If you find yourself in such a situation, you may find the video above to be an edifying experience. The game packs some serious action as well as many features that were very new during Marathon's heyday, including reloading weapons, alternate fire, and dual-wielding. Oh yeah, and the ability to look up and down? Well that was just crazy (and something you wouldn't find in DOOM, for example). The fact that it also serves as a basis for many of the weapons, story elements, ideas, and concepts of Halo is just gravy. Watch and enjoy.

If you're really inclined to delve into Halo's history, you can grab the entire Marathon trilogy for free.

JoystiqMarathon: Durandal video takes us back originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungiestudiosfreeversemarathonmarathondurandalxblaFri, 20 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Everything you need to know about Marathon: Durandal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/18/everything-you-need-to-know-about-marathon-durandal/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/18/everything-you-need-to-know-about-marathon-durandal/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/18/everything-you-need-to-know-about-marathon-durandal/#commentsFiled under: ,

Over on Bungie.net, the crew posted an informative Q&A for upcoming XBLA game Marathon: Durandal to answer all the questions you've been asking since its announcement at E3. The Q&A session gives a short (and lengthy)explanation of how the Arcade version of Durandal came to be as well as talks about the game's improvements, why the original Marathon wasn't chosen, how much Bungie helped Freeverse, and it also goes through the game's features. Like we said, this Bungie.net Q&A is the de facto of all Marathon: Durandal Q&As even though it's the only one out there. But noticably absent in this information explosion is any mention of the game's release date. We guess we'll just have to stay at high alert status for that news to hit the intertubes.

JoystiqEverything you need to know about Marathon: Durandal originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freeversemarathondurandalxblaWed, 18 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Everything you ever wanted to know about Marathon: Durandal for XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-marathon-durandal-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-marathon-durandal-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-marathon-durandal-for/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Bungie has conducted an interview of their own with Freeverse, the folks behind Marathon: Durandal for Xbox Live Arcade. We've already gone hands-on with it ourselves and even gave you a friendly reminder as to how you can experience the original masterpiece. Now it's time to find out exactly what makes this release special.

The most prominent of the features is the brand-new 3D engine that allows Marathon: Durandal to run at 60 frames per second, compared to the 30 frames of the original. As you can clearly see in the image above, the leap in quality is tremendous. The jump from using a keyboard and mouse to the Xbox 360 controller has already been bemoaned by some, but the developers at Freeverse have been aided by Bungie in their pursuit of FPS perfection. Online play will have a huge role in Durandal with support for up to 8 players in both cooperative and competitive modes.

The new Survival mode is laid out and described by Freeverse's Bruce Morrison as, "a giant truck that pulls up to your house one day, where a platoon of alien commandos jump out, kidnap you, and wail on you until you're dead. And then the truck explodes, just to make sure the job gets done." Expect to be faced with wave after wave of enemies by the dozen in a desperate struggle to conquer the leader boards.

One feature from the original Marathon 2 getting the axe is saved films. A prominent piece of the Halo 3 puzzle, saved films simply wouldn't work out in the XBLA release of Durandal due to both the new network code and lack of online storage afforded to a game of its kind.

As to why Marathon 2 and not the original, Bruce Morrison from Freeverse gives two answers, though the non-technical of which is easier to digest. Should they have been faced with the worst case scenario of only being able to release one title from the series, Durandal simply made the most sense due to its comprehensive campaign, richer story and technical superiority over the original.

JoystiqEverything you ever wanted to know about Marathon: Durandal for XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiefreeverseMacmarathonMarathon-DurandalxblaXbox-360Tue, 17 Jul 2007 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Marathon Xbox Live Arcade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/joystiq-hands-on-marathon-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/joystiq-hands-on-marathon-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/joystiq-hands-on-marathon-xbox-live-arcade/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Being the last day of E3, we were bound and determined to finally lay our greedy little hands on Marathon: Durandal for Xbox Live Arcade. Having been turned away from Marathon's suite thrice yesterday, we were eager to finally get a hold of Bungie's seminal shooter (being developed for XBLA by Freeverse). Seeing as we only had a short time with the game, we decided to set off into multiplayer immediately. There were several maps to choose from, but "Giant Flaming Pit of Lava" caught our eye, so off we went.

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Marathon Xbox Live Arcade

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Marathon Xbox Live Arcade originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungiestudiosE3e307freeversemarathonMarathon-DurandalmarathondurandalxblaXbox-360xboxlivearcadeFri, 13 Jul 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marathon: Durandal confirmed for XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/marathon-durandal-confirmed-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/marathon-durandal-confirmed-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/marathon-durandal-confirmed-for-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,


The torrent of Xbox 360 news from the E3 press conference continues as, Microsoft confirmed in an Xbox Live Arcade reel that Marathon: Durandal is indeed heading to Xbox Live Arcade. Given that the game was rated by the USK and subsequently pulled from the USK's database, this should come as no surprise to X3F readers. The brief clip showed off at the press conference revealed improved graphics over its aging PC/Mac counterpart. For those unaware, the Marathon series is something of a spiritual precursor to the Halo series, featuring many similar plot and design elements. In essence, Marathon is the primordial ooze out of which Halo born. No price or release date have been announced.

Oh, and, for the record, we totally called it (last year even).

JoystiqMarathon: Durandal confirmed for XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadebungiebungiestudiosE3freeverselivearcademarathonmarathondurandalmgsmicrosoftgamestudiosxblaxboxlivearcadeWed, 11 Jul 2007 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Freeverse Software changes the name, to announce new products this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/freeverse-software-changes-the-name-to-announce-new-products-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/freeverse-software-changes-the-name-to-announce-new-products-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/freeverse-software-changes-the-name-to-announce-new-products-th/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Freeverse, the minds behind Totemball and the seldom mentioned Spyglass Board Games, has dropped the word "software" from their company name. Citing a diversification of their line-up including Mac utilities and the aforementioned Xbox Live Arcade titles, Freeverse is definitely pushing well beyond their Mac gaming roots.

Freeverse president Ian Lynch Smith explains, "As we've expanded into other realms such as console game development, the 'Software' part of our name has been feeling a little antiquated." With a launch of a new website forth coming, Freeverse also plans to announce new products this week.

As a prominent developer of original titles for the Mac, Freeverse has plenty of properties to bring to the console space.

JoystiqFreeverse Software changes the name, to announce new products this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e307freeverseMacXbox-360Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Mac publishers expect 2007 rebound, iPhone games uncertain [Macworld Expo]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/15/mac-publishers-expect-2007-rebound-iphone-games-uncertain-macw/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/15/mac-publishers-expect-2007-rebound-iphone-games-uncertain-macw/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/15/mac-publishers-expect-2007-rebound-iphone-games-uncertain-macw/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mac game developers and publishers at this year's Macworld Expo expect 2007 to be a significantly better year for the platform, with more releases and sales. The Mac companies are looking forward to the iPhone and hope to develop for that platform, but none we spoke with over the show week expected to have that opportunity since the iPod has eluded them.

The companies said last year's transition to Intel hardware stalled the Mac gaming industry and closed or slowed several competitors. Ian Lynch Smith, president of Freeverse told us, "Everyone else in the industry ran for the hills. That's why there were very few releases last year versus the year before." His brother and vice president, Colin Lynch Smith, remained positive, saying, "2007 should be a great year for [Mac] games." (Disclosure: This writer has created occasional trailers for Freeverse.)

David Stephen, head of Feral Interactive, said the "outlook is decent" for this year. "We're benefiting from growth in Apple's installed base," he added. Stephen also looks forward to the thinner number of competitors, saying the few remaining game companies "[make] it a little less competitive."

The companies respond to the iPhone after the break.

Continue reading Mac publishers expect 2007 rebound, iPhone games uncertain [Macworld Expo]

JoystiqMac publishers expect 2007 rebound, iPhone games uncertain [Macworld Expo] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 04:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleAspyrColin Lynch SmithColinLynchSmithDavid StephenDavidStephenFreeverseIan Lynch SmithIanLynchSmithiPhoneiPodLeah HeckLeahHeckMacMacworld ExpoMacworldExpoMacworldexpo07Steve JobsSteveJobsMon, 15 Jan 2007 04:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Freeverse product update (Macworld Expo)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/freeverse-product-update-macworld-expo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/freeverse-product-update-macworld-expo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/freeverse-product-update-macworld-expo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Freeverse occupies a typical booth at the Macworld Expo in an atypical space; instead of joining the few Mac gaming companies located in the North Hall, Freeverse holds down a corner of the bustling South Hall. Brothers Ian Lynch Smith and Colin Lynch Smith gave us updates about the company. (Full disclosure: this writer has occasionally created trailers for Freeverse games.)

The longtime Mac developer and publisher chose the South Hall because, like other Mac game publishers, Freeverse has diversified and sells "more than just games," according to Colin. (Indeed, vector graphic app Lineform, audio recorder Sound Studio, and comic maker Comic Life Deluxe are on display.)

For games, the company is showing its nearly-finished Mac version of Heroes of Might and Magic V, the first game published using the quick-port Cider technology. Cider helps translate Windows APIs, but the resulting games require an Intel Mac -- which is itself basically PC hardware. As the Cider guinea pig, Freeverse is looking forward to charting the game's sales against its costs.

Big Bang Brain Games -- Freeverse's take on Brain Training -- the latest Burning Monkey Solitaire, and other titles are also being showcased. The brothers remained cautiously optimistic about game sales, saying they expect 2007 to be better than 2006's transition to Intel hardware.

JoystiqFreeverse product update (Macworld Expo) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 06:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Big Bang Brain GamesBigBangBrainGamesBurning Monkey SolitaireBurningMonkeySolitaireCiderColin Lynch SmithColinLynchSmithFreeverseFreeverse SoftwareFreeverseSoftwareHeroes of Might and MagicHeroesOfMightAndMagicIan Lynch SmithIanLynchSmithMacmacworldexpo07PCFri, 12 Jan 2007 06:55:00 EST<![CDATA[MacBowl charity event raises $24,000 (Macworld Expo)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/macbowl-charity-event-raises-24-000-macworld-expo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/macbowl-charity-event-raises-24-000-macworld-expo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/macbowl-charity-event-raises-24-000-macworld-expo/#commentsFiled under: ,

Aspyr Media and Macworld magazine hosted their seventh annual MacBowl contest Thursday night. The Macworld Expo tradition pits Mac companies against each other while raising money through team fees for the San Francisco Unified School District.

This year's competition raised $24,000, while the total -- including previous years -- reached $146,000 donated to local schools. Mac gaming companies have historically been big team sponsors, although this year's limited gaming presence left just Freeverse and Aspyr with event teams, while Microsoft, Elgato, and many others fielded competitors.

JoystiqMacBowl charity event raises $24,000 (Macworld Expo) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 04:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyraspyr mediaAspyrMediafreeverseMacmacworldexpo07san franciscoSanFranciscoFri, 12 Jan 2007 04:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Freeverse puts 'Big Bang' in Brain Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/freeverse-puts-big-bang-in-brain-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/freeverse-puts-big-bang-in-brain-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/freeverse-puts-big-bang-in-brain-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

so where's this big bang at?Not one to miss out on the 'brain training' craze, Freeverse Software has announced its own line of puzzlers and memory trials designed to keep your dome fit, dubbed Big Bang Brain Games. We're not sure how the Big Bang comes into play, but you're free to download Reaction through Thursday -- the remaining five stimulators (Sudoku, Remembrance, Echo, Novasweeper, and Fallacy) will be released in December (not for free).

The Big Bang games were developed by Graveck Interactive using Over the Edge's Unity engine. Designed for Mac, the collection can be integrated with Apple's .Mac service, allowing trainees to show off their "Brain Scores" via Brain Pages. For those of you who can't land a headshot, this might be your best chance to top a leaderboard ... Big Bang l33t, holla!

JoystiqFreeverse puts 'Big Bang' in Brain Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleBig Bang Brain GamesBigBangBrainGamesBrain PageBrain ScoreBrainPageBrainScoreFreeverseGraveck InteractiveGraveckInteractiveMacOver the EdgeOverTheEdgeUnity engineUnityEngineWed, 15 Nov 2006 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sims 2 wins best Mac game award]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/sims-2-wins-best-mac-game-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/sims-2-wins-best-mac-game-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/sims-2-wins-best-mac-game-award/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sims 2 wins best Mac game awardAspyr Media's latest newsletter features a summary of the company's participation at last month's Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, where they took home the Best Mac OS X Game award for The Sims 2. Also recognized in the Apple Design Awards was runner-up Wing Nuts 2: Raina's Revenge from Freeverse.

While Apple isn't doing much for Mac gaming on the hardware front, Aspyr discusses their plans for using OS X Leopard's XCode developer toolset in future Mac game releases.

You can download the Universal Binary update for The Sims 2 here.

JoystiqSims 2 wins best Mac game award originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleApple Design AwardsaspyrEAElectronic-ArtsfreeverseleopardMacmac gamesMaxisos xsims 2The-SimsThe-Sims-2universal binarywing nutswwdcxcodeTue, 19 Sep 2006 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroes V hits Macs for the holidays]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/21/heroes-v-hits-macs-for-the-holidays/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/21/heroes-v-hits-macs-for-the-holidays/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/21/heroes-v-hits-macs-for-the-holidays/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Heroes V hits Macs for the holidays, Cider-freeThe Heroes of Might and Magic series has long been a mainstay of Mac gaming, and Freeverse plans to continue the tradition by delivering HoMM V for OS X this Christmas. However, it is uncertain if Ubisoft's popular strategy title will ship as a native Mac app, or if it will come wrapped in TransGaming's Cider emulation software.

Freeverse's Colin Smith had previously indicated the game would be a full blown port, but at the end of last week, he told Inside Mac Games that his company is now "actively evaluating" Cider for HoMM V. This would be an interesting test for Cider, given Heroes V's hefty hardware requirements, and it could be just what TransGaming needs to get their new portability engine off the ground.

See also: Cohen on Mac Pro's gaming prowess

JoystiqHeroes V hits Macs for the holidays originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Aug 2006 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cidercolin smithFreeverseheroes of might and magichomm vMacmac gamingmac osxmight and magictransgamingubisoftMon, 21 Aug 2006 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Wingnuts 2 released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/14/wingnuts-2-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/14/wingnuts-2-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/14/wingnuts-2-released/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Freeverse has released Wingnuts 2, a $29.95 OMG (original Mac game) that has been billed by the game's creator as the "ultimate arcade game." Based on the time we've spent with a pre-release version of the game, we're tempted to agree. Wingnuts 2 is a bucket of fun to play, and it happens to look great too.

According to Freeverse's minimum system requirements, you'll need at least an 800MHz G4, 32MB of VRAM, 512MB of system RAM and just under 1GB of Hard Drive space to run and store the game. You can download the demo here and watch a movie of the game in action here. Expect a full review of the game from us in the next few days.

JoystiqWingnuts 2 released originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jun 2006 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arcade gamingArcadeGamingFreeverseFreeverse InteractiveFreeverseInteractiveFUNMacMinimum requirementsMinimumRequirementsOMGOriginal Mac GamesOriginalMacGamesWingnutsWingnuts 2Wingnuts 2: Ariana's RevengeWingnuts2Wingnuts2:Ariana'sRevengeWed, 14 Jun 2006 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Wingnuts 2 is almost done!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/11/wingnuts-2-is-almost-done/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/11/wingnuts-2-is-almost-done/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/11/wingnuts-2-is-almost-done/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I'm dreading the release of Wingnuts 2 -- its predecessor was so addictive that it hooked my dad, my uncle and numerous friends. The phrase "can you help me get past this level?" has never been so annoying. On Freeverse's blog, they've announced that the game is nearing Gold Master status (the final stage before distribution) so make sure you've got a clear schedule for the next few days weeks months *ahem* years.

While you're waiting for the game to be released, check out the latest screenshots of the game over at Games4Mac.

Read - Wingnuts 2 nearing Gold Master
View - Latest Wingnuts 2 screenshots

JoystiqWingnuts 2 is almost done! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Apr 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arcade gameArcadeGameFreeverseGamesGamingMacMac GamingMacGamingWingnutsWingnuts 2Wingnuts2Tue, 11 Apr 2006 13:00:00 EST