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[Rumor: Grin Barcelona worked on Strider, Streets of Rage games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/rumor-grin-barcelona-worked-on-strider-streets-of-rage-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/rumor-grin-barcelona-worked-on-strider-streets-of-rage-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/rumor-grin-barcelona-worked-on-strider-streets-of-rage-games/#comments
Anait Games published correspondence from an anonymous former employee of GRIN's Barcelona studio, which closed unceremoniously before the main studio did in 2009. The anonymous party went on to identify two projects that were in the works before the closure: an update of Capcom's Strider and a Streets of Rage game.

The Strider game had 3D models and concept art, and even a teaser video -- which you can see above. Capcom canceled the project, and GRIN kept working on it, with the intention of changing out the IP. It was only after the failure to get this game picked up that the studio went ahead with Streets of Rage, of which we have yet to see any media.

JoystiqRumor: Grin Barcelona worked on Strider, Streets of Rage games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomgringrin-barcelonastreets-of-ragestriderTue, 21 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Music from Grin's canned Final Fantasy game 'Fortress' found unguarded]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/music-from-grins-canned-final-fantasy-game-fortress-found-ung/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/music-from-grins-canned-final-fantasy-game-fortress-found-ung/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/music-from-grins-canned-final-fantasy-game-fortress-found-ung/#comments
Before Swedish megastudio Grin collapsed back in aught nine, it was juggling a trillion different projects for a trillion different publishers. One such project that never saw the light of day was a Final Fantasy franchise entry titled "Fortress," which we got a peek at not long after we learned of Grin's closure. And now we're able to hear some music sampled from the game as well, as former music director Erik Thunberg dropped one such track on his portfolio website.

So, uh, you may wanna line up these shots of the game with the music playing in another tab, to try and recreate the feeling of the Western-born Final Fantasy game that never was. Hold that Chocobo plushie extra tight.

JoystiqMusic from Grin's canned Final Fantasy game 'Fortress' found unguarded originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>erik-thunbergfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-fortressgrinmusicsoundtracksquare-enixswedenMon, 20 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Pid' is a pretty platformer from Grin vets Might & Delight, planned for XBLA/PSN/PC in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/pid-is-a-very-pretty-platformer-from-grin-vets-might-and-delight/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/pid-is-a-very-pretty-platformer-from-grin-vets-might-and-delight/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/pid-is-a-very-pretty-platformer-from-grin-vets-might-and-delight/#comments We're suckers for artsy platformers, so when Beefy Media's Adam Boyes took to Giant Bomb's livestream this evening with a debut trailer for Might & Delight's latest offering, "Pid," and the game was a gorgeous hand-drawn platformer, we were pretty excited to tell you all about it. In Pid, you'll control what appears to be a little boy in a colorful and mysterious world of platforms and robots -- like Limbo and Machinarium had a digital baby, if you will.

The trailer showed off a bit of co-op play, as well as a variety of different environments through which to romp. Pid is being built using the Unity engine (like that mystery Square Enix game, among many others), thus making its ubiquity across platforms all the easier.

While Boyes admitted the M&D folks don't have a publisher for the game yet, he said they've been actively speaking with publishers and are looking at an Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, and PC release in "the back half of 2012." Expect more details and the trailer tomorrow, on Joystiq, when the game gets announced "officially." Head past the break for a quick snap of the game in action.

Continue reading 'Pid' is a pretty platformer from Grin vets Might & Delight, planned for XBLA/PSN/PC in 2012

Joystiq'Pid' is a pretty platformer from Grin vets Might & Delight, planned for XBLA/PSN/PC in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-boyesbeefy-mediagrinmicrosoftmight-and-delightpcpidplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnq3-2012q4-2012release-dateunityunity-enginexblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeMon, 05 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's play the blame game: Inafune on what went wrong with Capcom's original IP push]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/lets-play-the-blame-game-inafune-on-what-went-wrong-with-capco/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/lets-play-the-blame-game-inafune-on-what-went-wrong-with-capco/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/lets-play-the-blame-game-inafune-on-what-went-wrong-with-capco/#comments In the latter half of 2009 and early 2010, Capcom released two major retail games in collaboration with prominent Western devs: Crimson Skies dev Airtight Games created Dark Void, and gun-for-hire Grin rebooted Bionic Commando. Those two games, however, were prominent sales flops. One even contributed to the eventual closure of Swedish dev Grin.

For its part, Capcom promptly returned to its tried and true franchises, with a lineup today featuring many more sequels than back in 2009. At the time, Mega Man co-creator Keiji Inafune was overseeing production on Capcom's retail titles, and when I spoke with him this past week at the Tokyo Game Show, I wanted to know what went wrong. Beyond sales, neither game was particularly loved by critics, especially Dark Void.

"[It's] very, very simple: The publisher was Japanese and the developer was foreign. Even inside Japan, when you work in two different companies, they always blame each other for any small mistakes, so that's pretty much what happened in those two games -- blaming each other," Inafune explained. He went on to compare those development experiences with that of Dead Rising -- a game that has since become a major franchise for Capcom, not to mention a commercial success.

Continue reading Let's play the blame game: Inafune on what went wrong with Capcom's original IP push

JoystiqLet's play the blame game: Inafune on what went wrong with Capcom's original IP push originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airtightairtight-gamesbionic-commandoDark-Voidgrinkeiji-inafunemicrosoftpcplaystationps3tgstgs-2011tokyo-game-showtokyo-game-show-2011xboxMon, 19 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Inafune: 'Messed up' working relationship led to Bionic Commando's Wifearm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/inafune-messed-up-working-relationship-led-to-bionic-commando/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/inafune-messed-up-working-relationship-led-to-bionic-commando/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/inafune-messed-up-working-relationship-led-to-bionic-commando/#comments "At the end of developing Bionic Commando, things got really messed up between the two companies," Mega Man creator and former global head of production at Capcom Keiji Inafune told me in an interview this week. Sitting in a quiet corner of Tokyo Game Show's business area, Inafune was addressing the retail version of BC developed by the now shuttered studio Grin -- a game that helped nail the coffin shut on the Swedish dev house, and scared Capcom off of its big third-party push. In case you weren't aware, at the end of BC's main campaign, it's revealed that the protagonist's bionic arm is, at least partially, made from his dead wife. Seriously.

"I don't even know what happened there," Inafune lamented. The project was apparently rife with development issues, which Inafune exemplified with a phrase that represented the attitude Grin and Capcom had for each other at the time: "Whatever, do what you want, I don't care."

Though he couldn't say what specifically happened to result in such a bizarre game ending, Inafune explained that the issue of foreign companies working with Japanese ones was at the heart of the situation. "At the beginning, things are very, very good between the two companies. Things get kind of weird from the middle, and it gets really bad at the end -- especially for the Japanese companies," he said of the development process.

"They should be more flexible about things," Inafune added, no doubt part of his decision to leave his long-time employer late last year. "If you don't do that, everything will become messed up from the middle. And that's the most important part. Not the beginning, but in the middle and finishing the game."

JoystiqInafune: 'Messed up' working relationship led to Bionic Commando's Wifearm originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bionic-Commandocapcomgrinkeiji-inafunemicrosoftpcplaystationps3tgstgs-2011tokyo-game-showtokyo-game-show-2011wife-armwifearmedxboxSat, 17 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Payday: The Heist announced, hopes to steal your free time on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/payday-the-heist-announced-hopes-to-steal-your-free-time-on-ps/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/payday-the-heist-announced-hopes-to-steal-your-free-time-on-ps/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/payday-the-heist-announced-hopes-to-steal-your-free-time-on-ps/#comments The Official PlayStation Blog has announced a brand new title called Payday: The Heist, a downloadable first-person shooter for PSN built around a series of six high-stakes robberies. With AI or fellow co-op players, you'll charge into banks, prisons, and armored cars to get the goods and get out as alive as possible. The graphics look ... serviceable, but there's supposed to be some depth here too, with three classes to play with, and an experience-based upgrade system to unlock new weapons and other accessories.

The game's being developed by Overkill Software, and all we know about them is they're run by Bo Andersson, a Swedish developer from Grin, the company that developed Bionic Command: Rearmed and the PC ports for Tom Clancy's GRAW and its sequel. So there's a little pedigree here to begin with. We'll have to see how the game looks in full action later next week at E3.

JoystiqPayday: The Heist announced, hopes to steal your free time on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionbo-anderssonfirst-person-shootergrinoverkill-softwarepayday-the-heistplaystationps3robberysonyFri, 03 Jun 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[GRIN founders say Square Enix turned their smiles upside down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/29/grin-founders-say-square-enix-turned-their-smiles-upside-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/29/grin-founders-say-square-enix-turned-their-smiles-upside-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/29/grin-founders-say-square-enix-turned-their-smiles-upside-down/#comments Despite shipping three poorly received titles back-to-back - those would be Wanted: Weapons of Fate, Terminator: Salvation, and Capcom's reboot of Bionic Commando - it was still quite a surprise when developer GRIN suddenly closed its doors in August of 2009. Shortly after the shuttering, we learned that the Swedish developer had been working on a new Final Fantasy game titled 'Fortress' for Square Enix and now, nearly two years later, co-founders Ulf and Bo Andersson are finally pointing fingers. And they're both pointing right at Square Enix.

"We wanted to come in and revolutionize Final Fantasy, which is exactly what they need," the brothers told Sweden's Aftonbladet in a far-reaching article on the demise of the once-mighty studio. "The latest version sucks of course." After working on Fortress for Square Enix for six months without receiving any payment, the studio simply couldn't afford to stay open.

Square Enix, for its part, introduced seemingly impossible restrictions on the delivery of milestones. At one point, GRIN was directed to deliver its code to Japan via fax. Bo Andersson told Aftonbladet, "It is as silly as it sounds. It is an impossible requirement, you can not send ascii or binary codes on the fax. It is backward. Really retarded. It was almost a criminal activity." To make matters worse, Andersson claims that Square Enix then said the milestones were not being sent to the right person and instead should have been sent to the legal department.

The Andersson brothers suggest that Square Enix had already made up its mind that Fortress wasn't a project it wanted anymore. "Nothing seemed good enough. Square did not believe anymore that the Nordic style suited Final Fantasy," the Anderssons said. To test their hypothesis, they sent over concept art from Square Enix's own Final Fantasy XII, to which Japan responded, "It does not look like Final Fantasy."

While many former GRIN staffers landed at studios like Fatshark, others formed their own outfits, like Might&Delight, Outbreak Studios, and Whiteout. The Anderssons, however, have been hard at work on a new studio, one with a notable change: It won't be dependent on big publishers. They'll be at E3 next week showing off their new project, so expect to learn more about it - and more about the demise of GRIN - then.

JoystiqGRIN founders say Square Enix turned their smiles upside down originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 May 2011 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bionic-CommandoBo-AnderssonFinal-Fantasy-FortressFortressGRINlayoffsSquare-EnixSwedenUlf-AnderssonSun, 29 May 2011 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Bionic Commando Rearmed reduced on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/bionic-commando-rearmed-reduced-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/bionic-commando-rearmed-reduced-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/bionic-commando-rearmed-reduced-on-steam/#commentsSteam has restarted its "Midweek Madness" offers now that its two weeks of madness have ended. From now through Thursday at 4PM PST, you can get Bionic Commando Rearmed for just five bucks, half off its normal price! If you've never checked out Bionic Commando, this is a great chance to do so before Rearmed 2 hits on February 1.

We promise we won't judge you for never having played Bionic Commando if you do this soon. But we'll warn you, that window's closing. We feel an urge to just completely go off on someone who's never played one of the best NES games ever, or its beautifully executed remake. Five dollars is a small price to avoid that lecture.

JoystiqBionic Commando Rearmed reduced on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bionic-Commando-RearmedBionic-Commando-Remakecapcomgrinmidweek-madnesspcsteamWed, 19 Jan 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former GRIN devs form Whiteout]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/former-grin-devs-form-whiteout/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/former-grin-devs-form-whiteout/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/former-grin-devs-form-whiteout/#commentsFiled under: , ,

From the knocked-out teeth of developer GRIN comes a new studio: Whiteout. GI.biz reports the team is currently working on a CryEngine 3 project, for which it has already created a playable prototype, and will generally focus on downloadable titles. This is likely a wise direction to take, considering Bionic Commando: Rearmed was GRIN's one real success amidst the retail disaster trifecta of Bionic Commando, Wanted: Weapons of Fate and Terminator: Salvation.

Whiteout is at least the third studio to respawn (which is a totally different studio) out of the death of GRIN. Outbreak Studios formed before the corpse was even cold, while Might&Delight -- made up of the Rearmed team -- is also grappling new projects.

JoystiqFormer GRIN devs form Whiteout originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bionic-Commando-RearmedBionic-Commando-RemakeBionic-Commando-XBLAbusinessGRINWhiteoutMon, 02 Aug 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Might&Delight's Jakob Tuchten]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/interview-mightanddelights-jakob-tuchten/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/interview-mightanddelights-jakob-tuchten/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/interview-mightanddelights-jakob-tuchten/#comments With little more than a cursory announcement a few weeks back of Might&Delight's existence, the ex-GRIN staffers making up M&D's numbers haven't been vocal about what they're working on next. And according to art director Jakob Tuchten, that's (at least partially) because the future is still somewhat unknown for the fledgling studio. "We have had some really nervous and positive meetings with publishers, and we´re sketching up some promising ideas."

M&D has said, however, that it aims to "continue doing what we started with [Bionic Commando] Rearmed ... small, fresh games with strong old school flavor." So when we asked about working on more licensed properties, it wasn't surprising that Tuchten teased, "We have a tasty list with publishers and their old titles that we would love to remake." That said, he added that M&D probably won't head in that direction. Hit the break to find out more about the studio's plans for the future, as well as everything else that Tuchten had to tell us.

Continue reading Interview: Might&Delight's Jakob Tuchten

JoystiqInterview: Might&Delight's Jakob Tuchten originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedbionic-commando-rearmed-2capcomdevelopmentgrininterviewjakob-tuchtenmight-and-delightFri, 07 May 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 jumping into Q1 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/bionic-commando-rearmed-2-q1-2011-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/bionic-commando-rearmed-2-q1-2011-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/bionic-commando-rearmed-2-q1-2011-release-date/#commentsDownload in HD from Big DownloadRumored over the weekend to have been revealed at Captivate 2010, Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 is now official. The game is slated to once again hit Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network in Q1 2011 -- no PC version has been announced. While fans might have hoped development would be helmed by Might & Delight, the studio formed by the ex-Grin staffers responsible for the original Rearmed, the task's been handed to Fatshark, the studio behind Lead & Gold.

The sequel sees Nathan Spencer return, this time fighting the presumably evil General Sabio, "a new technologically sophisticated foe," who is "on the brink of launching a deadly missile attack." Rearmed 2 also promises new weapons, two-player co-op (no word if it's online this time) and new tunes from the same composers who created the brilliant soundtrack for the original Rearmed.

Of course, none of that is important because, as the debut trailer makes quite clear, Nathan has learned how to jump.

Gallery: Bionic Commando Rearmed 2

JoystiqBionic Commando Rearmed 2 jumping into Q1 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedbionic-commando-rearmed-2capcomcaptivate-2010fatsharkGRINMicrosoftpsnq1-2011release-datexblaXbox-360Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel vs Capcom 3 for Xbox 360 & PS3 announced, along with Bionic Commando: Rearmed 2 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/rumor-marvel-vs-capcom-3-going-hd-on-360-ps3-in-late-2010-or/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/rumor-marvel-vs-capcom-3-going-hd-on-360-ps3-in-late-2010-or/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/rumor-marvel-vs-capcom-3-going-hd-on-360-ps3-in-late-2010-or/#comments Update: Capcom has officially announced both Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and Bionic Commando: Rearmed 2. Additionally, a Capcom representative clarified some details about the MvC3 character roster for Joystiq: "We're not necessarily hyping the number of characters with MvC3, we're hyping quality. These aren't just sprites you can plug into the game. This is a full, disc-based release with gorgeous 3D models powered by the latest version of MT Framework. At this point, there are roughly 30 characters in the game, but that number will increase. You can rest assured that Niitsuma-san and his team will be working hard to include as many characters as possible before the game hits next year."


Original Story: There have been rumors swirling around about a sequel to Capcom's superhero-flavored fighter Marvel vs Capcom 2 pretty much since the game arrived 10 years ago. And given Capcom's recent success with a Street Fighter revival -- not to mention the sales rampage of MvC2 on XBLA and PSN -- the sequel rumor mill has once again begun turning furiously. This week's press-only Captivate event in Hawaii, held yearly by the Japanese publisher, is said to have showcased just such a sequel in Marvel vs Capcom 3 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, claims PlanetXbox360. At the same event, a sequel to Bionic Commando: Rearmed is alleged to have been announced, though no details were provided in the post.

According to the report, MvC3 will receive a retail release "later this year or early 2011" and will run in "full 1080p." Allegedly, while the full character list is unknown, some have been confirmed. "Wolverine, Spider-Man, The Hulk, Magneto, Storm, and a few others will be back; but the team behind MvC3 have said they will be blowing fans out of the water with the sheer number of characters this game includes," alleges PlanetXbox360. The rumored sequel is said to be a nontraditional 2D fighter, which suggests that it could feature 3D elements, as seen in Street Fighter IV. PlanetXbox360 claims we'll hear more about the title next week and that the game will be playable at E3 this June. When reached for comment, Capcom told Joystiq, "We don't comment on speculation and rumors."

[Thanks Nathan Garcia!]

Editors' note: Joystiq did not attend Captivate this year. We determined the perceived environment, and associated downtime, of the event was not in accordance with our editorial policy. We expect to provide firsthand preview coverage of all Capcom titles shown at Captivate during E3 this June. For more information on our policies, click here.

JoystiqMarvel vs Capcom 3 for Xbox 360 & PS3 announced, along with Bionic Commando: Rearmed 2 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-command-rearmed-2bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedbionic-commando-rearmed-2capcomfightingGRINmarvelmarvel-vs-capcommarvel-vs-capcom-2marvel-vs-capcom-3Microsoftstreet-fighter-ivXbox-360Sat, 17 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Might&Delight reassembles GRIN's Bionic Commando Rearmed team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/mightanddelight-reassembles-grins-bionic-commando-rearmed-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/mightanddelight-reassembles-grins-bionic-commando-rearmed-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/mightanddelight-reassembles-grins-bionic-commando-rearmed-team/#comments GRIN may be no more, but some of the talent behind the studio is coming back. The team responsible for Bionic Commando Rearmed, arguably GRIN's greatest title, have announced plans to return to game development with a new studio: Might&Delight. Focused on "advancing back to the 80s," the new studio opens today in Stockholm, Sweden. According to a press release, "our ambition is to continue doing what we started with Rearmed. Small, fresh games with strong old school flavor."

Starting another team is no small task, so we wish Might&Delight the best of luck on its future endeavors. We can't wait to see what retro revivals it'll be able to come up with.

JoystiqMight&Delight reassembles GRIN's Bionic Commando Rearmed team originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commando-rearmedgrinmight-and-delightstockholmswedenFri, 16 Apr 2010 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Former GRIN/Square Enix title 'Fortress' tech demo leaked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/rumor-former-grin-square-enix-title-fortress-tech-demo-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/rumor-former-grin-square-enix-title-fortress-tech-demo-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/rumor-former-grin-square-enix-title-fortress-tech-demo-leaked/#comments It's been awhile since we've heard anything about GRIN's "unreleased masterpiece" -- a collaboration with Square Enix (and assumed Final Fantasy off-shoot) titled Fortress. An anonymous report released last September claimed the title was currently in the hands of another, unnamed developer. Yesterday, some tech demo footage purportedly displaying the fruits of said studio's labor landed on YouTube. We've posted said video after the jump.

Without any inclination of who is responsible for developing Fortress -- if anyone is developing Fortress -- it's impossible for us to test the credibility of this video. The original poster, YouTube user DiipuSurotu, doesn't mention where the video came from, only stating that it's a tech demo for an "official, but currently unannounced sequel to Final Fantasy XII." We've contacted Square Enix to see what they think of the footage.

It doesn't really look like your traditional Squeenix fare, but the character models certainly resemble those featured in the leaked concept art that surfaced last year. Oh, also? There's totally a Chocobo at the 1:15 mark. That's Final Fantasy-y enough for us.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading Rumor: Former GRIN/Square Enix title 'Fortress' tech demo leaked

JoystiqRumor: Former GRIN/Square Enix title 'Fortress' tech demo leaked originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiifortressgrinrumorsquare-enixtech-demovideoyoutubeSun, 17 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[More abandoned GRIN projects surface]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/more-abandoned-grin-projects-surface/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/more-abandoned-grin-projects-surface/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/more-abandoned-grin-projects-surface/#comments With several canceled games previously revealed by an artist's online portfolio, another online portfolio has now revealed what appear to be two more projects from the recently shuttered developer GRIN. The first features a very angry looking man with a magical, possibly possessed shield. Sketches in the portfolio elaborate on the game's combat system, showing off various gameplay situations like counterattacks and dodges.

Other sketches make reference to a ninja game, above, and go into detail about a "Ninja energy" system. Said energy would serve to fuel the game's sweet ninja maneuvers like bullet deflection, super jumps and "shadow dodge". The concept goes on to illustrate other abilities, like mounting the backs of dinosaurs and hijacking enemy vehicles. Also, the ninja's sword looks a bit like the tonfa blade wielded by one Strider Hiryu. That's probably just wishful thinking on our part, though a new Strider was rumored way back in 2008.

Of course, these are just sketches, and it's possible any related projects never made it past the planning stages at all. Still, we can't help but wonder about the games that might have been.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqMore abandoned GRIN projects surface originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledgrinrumorunreleasedTue, 12 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom may shift established franchise development overseas, Q1 delays 'strategic']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/capcom-may-shift-established-franchise-development-overseas-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/capcom-may-shift-established-franchise-development-overseas-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/capcom-may-shift-established-franchise-development-overseas-q1/#comments Capcom will apparently focus original IP development in its Japan-based studios and outsource established franchises to other lands, according to a Question and Answer session (warning: PDF link) posted on the company's investor relations site. No executives are named in the Q&A brief, but the transcript is of a phone meeting with analysts. In it, a Capcom representative states that the reboot of Bionic Commando, developed by the late GRIN, "demonstrated the difficulty of outsourcing the development of [a] new title to overseas companies."

The document adds that the company is "considering ways to separate the roles of activities in Japan and overseas." International companies may be used to develop existing games series with "well-established characters and universal themes." A little less clear is this note: "Overseas companies will also handle certain parts and/or lineups of such games."

Also mentioned is the "strategic decision" which prompted the recent Q1 2010 delays of major franchises, making for a rocky financial quarter. Capcom allegedly "combines management and development to reach various decisions ... [it] would not decide to postpone the launch of a title" purely for development reasons.

Source -- Q&A Summary [PDF Link]

JoystiqCapcom may shift established franchise development overseas, Q1 delays 'strategic' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobusinesscapcomdelaydelaysgrinMon, 28 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: GRIN Final Fantasy game in hands of new studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/rumor-grin-final-fantasy-game-in-hands-of-new-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/rumor-grin-final-fantasy-game-in-hands-of-new-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/rumor-grin-final-fantasy-game-in-hands-of-new-studio/#commentsWhile the closure of GRIN was sad for many reasons, some of you may have been disappointed never to have seen the company's Final Fantasy project, which we believe is the Fortress game seen in this concept art. Based on word from "sources close to both [GRIN and Square Enix]," GamesIndustry.biz reports that the game is actually still in development -- though obviously no longer by GRIN. So, assuming this new developer finishes the game, you'll get to see GRIN's "unreleased masterpiece" after all. Kind of.

In fact, according to the report, GRIN was removed from Fortress after six months due to "quality issues," which means that the game was in someone else's hands before the studio shut down. The loss of the Fortress job may then have contributed to GRIN's financial troubles.

JoystiqRumor: GRIN Final Fantasy game in hands of new studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfortressgrinrumorsquare-enixMon, 21 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Art from GRIN's canceled projects revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/13/art-from-grins-canceled-projects-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/13/art-from-grins-canceled-projects-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/13/art-from-grins-canceled-projects-revealed/#comments We knew that GRIN was working on a project in conjunction with Square-Enix titled Fortress at the time of its closure -- however, the portfolio of Bionic Commando lead character designer Björn Albihn offers a look at a few more of the studio's games which might have been. In addition to concepts from Fortress, the art collection includes a look at a spaghetti-western shooter called The Cult, a PSP game called Switch and a number of character models from an untitled project.

All the models look amazing -- particularly the designs for The Cult. Though the smiling developer has closed its doors, we certainly hope these projects will see the light of day in some form or another.

[Via Superannuation]

JoystiqArt from GRIN's canceled projects revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artbjorn-albihnconceptsfortressgrinswitchthe-cultSun, 13 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GRAW and Splinter Cell: Double Agent infiltrate Games on Demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/graw-and-splinter-cell-double-agent-infiltrate-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/graw-and-splinter-cell-double-agent-infiltrate-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/graw-and-splinter-cell-double-agent-infiltrate-games-on-demand/#comments Grab your night-vision goggles and strap on your Kevlar, Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter and Splinter Cell: Double Agent have been added to Xbox Live's Games on Demand service. While GRAW is available in nearly all Xbox Live regions, Splinter Cell: Double Agent is only available to (most) European Xbox Live users. Prices vary by region, but we're confident in saying that no matter where you live, the asking price is probably too high for games that launched in 2006.

JoystiqGRAW and Splinter Cell: Double Agent infiltrate Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Advanced-Warfightergames-on-demandghost-reconghost-recon-advanced-warfightergrawGRINMilitaryRed-StormRed-Storm-EntertainmentShootersplinter-cellsplinter-cell-double-agentTom-Clancys-Ghost-Recon-Advanced-WarfighterubisoftUbisoft-ParisUbisoft-Shanghaixbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceThu, 03 Sep 2009 10:39:00 EST<![CDATA[GRIN's 'unreleased masterpiece' was a Final Fantasy game codenamed 'Fortress']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/grins-unreleased-masterpiece-was-a-final-fantasy-game-codenam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/grins-unreleased-masterpiece-was-a-final-fantasy-game-codenam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/grins-unreleased-masterpiece-was-a-final-fantasy-game-codenam/#comments
GRIN closed its doors last week, causing a flood of ex-staffers to put their work online in the hopes of scoring a job. Tomislav Spajic is one of those former employees and has confirmed on his LinkedIn profile that GRIN's "unreleased masterpiece" was actually a Final Fantasy game for Square Enix. Yeah, we can hardly believe it, too.

In fact, Spajic's personal site has a whole bunch of concept art and one of the games listed (called "Fortress") is likely the Final Fantasy game for Square Enix. We've seen it on other ex-GRINners' LinkedIn pages, like Erik Lindqvist's here, where Lindqvist flat-out says, "During 2009 I've been working on the preproduction for an unannounced, and now canceled project with the production name 'Fortress' for Square Enix."

[Via superannuation]

JoystiqGRIN's 'unreleased masterpiece' was a Final Fantasy game codenamed 'Fortress' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Erik-Lindqvistfinal-fantasyfortressgrinrpgsquare-enixTomislav-SpajicThu, 20 Aug 2009 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Bionic Commando developer GRIN closes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/bionic-commando-developer-grin-closes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/bionic-commando-developer-grin-closes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/bionic-commando-developer-grin-closes/#commentsRecent reports of layoffs revealed that Swedish developer GRIN was in financial trouble. Today, in a statement on the GRIN website, founders Bo and Ulf Andersson announced that the company was officially closing, citing an "unbearable cashflow situation" due to delayed payments from unnamed publishers.

In the statement, the founders mentioned "our unreleased masterpiece that we weren't allowed to finish" and thanked many of the companies they worked with, including Ubisoft and Capcom -- but not Warner Bros., for whom GRIN made Wanted: Weapons of Fate and Terminator: Salvation. As reported earlier today, several GRIN staffers who had previously been laid off have gone on to form Outbreak Studios.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqBionic Commando developer GRIN closes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandogrinlayoffsterminator-salvationwanted-weapons-of-fateWed, 12 Aug 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-GRIN staffers form Outbreak Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/ex-grin-staffers-form-outbreak-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/ex-grin-staffers-form-outbreak-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/ex-grin-staffers-form-outbreak-studios/#comments
Now that's what we call an expedient rebound -- a number of developers who were recently laid off from GRIN have bounced back, forming a new studio operating under the moniker Outbreak Studios. The head honcho for the new outfit is former GRIN lead programmer Peter Björklund, who, in addition to the games produced by his former place of employment (Wanted: Weapons of Fate and Bionic Commando, among others), worked on Battlefield: Bad Company, Race Pro and Just Cause.

The studio's recently opened site has a clear mission statement -- to "develop titles for Xbox 360 (XBLA), PS3 (PlayStation Store), Games For Windows Live, PSP Go and iPhone." The new developer is also hoping to "deliver online components for AAA titles, both existing or upcoming." We wish the Outbreak team the best of luck, and hope their new ventures far outshine their previous ones.

[Via Edge Online]

JoystiqEx-GRIN staffers form Outbreak Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppledevelopergriniPodMicrosoftoutbreak-studiospcpsnpsp-gostudioXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeWed, 12 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Nobody's smiling about more GRIN layoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/rumor-nobodys-smiling-about-more-grin-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/rumor-nobodys-smiling-about-more-grin-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/rumor-nobodys-smiling-about-more-grin-layoffs/#comments It appears that the rumors of layoffs at Stockholm-based developer GRIN are getting worse, with the company itself allegedly on the brink of collapse. Gamasutra has been informed by reliable sources that the studio has had another round of layoffs and that some employees have been told not to show up for work. Two of the company's studios have already shut down, with the main Stockholm office being the next domino.

Despite critical acclaim for Bionic Commando Rearmed, the studio saw sluggish sales and tepid reviews from big-budget titles like Terminator Salvation, Wanted: Weapons of Fate and -- the game that could really have given it a boost -- Bionic Commando. We'll update as we hear more.

JoystiqRumor: Nobody's smiling about more GRIN layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedbusinesscapcomgrinlayoffsterminator-salvationwanted-weapons-of-fateTue, 11 Aug 2009 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Bionic Commando grapples Steam, soundtrack released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/bionic-commando-grapples-steam-soundtrack-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/bionic-commando-grapples-steam-soundtrack-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/bionic-commando-grapples-steam-soundtrack-released/#comments Get ready for a double bionic news whammy. First up, both Bionic Commando and its retro cousin, Bionic Commando Rearmed, are now available on Steam. Bionic Commando can be grappled for $39.99, while Rearmed will make heads explode for only $9.99. If you want to just go crazy and get 'em both, you can save a whole five bucks by picking up the Bionic Commando Pack for $44.99.

In other bionic news, the Bionic Commando soundtrack is now available from Sumthing Digital and iTunes for $9.99. While opinions on Bionic Commando are mixed, the soundtrack is definitely worth checking out (just like its cousin).

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqBionic Commando grapples Steam, soundtrack released originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedcapcomgrinsteamWed, 29 Jul 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bionic Commando Rearmed Trophies are almost here]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/bionic-commando-rearmed-trophies-are-almost-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/bionic-commando-rearmed-trophies-are-almost-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/bionic-commando-rearmed-trophies-are-almost-here/#comments Hey, remember Bionic Commando Rearmed? Probably not, seeing as it came out almost a year ago. It was a pretty decent remake of the NES classic. Only one problem -- it didn't have Trophies. Still, Capcom promised they'd patch them in. Then they canceled that promise. Then they promised again.

Now, finally, we've been told via the company's official Twitter account that the Trophy patch has been approved for the US, with Europe scheduled to be approved in the next few days. The upshot of which is that you "may" be getting your long-awaited Trophies within the next "7 to 10 days." We're pretty sure most of you will have moved on by now, but it's the thought that counts.

JoystiqBionic Commando Rearmed Trophies are almost here originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedBionic-Commando-RemakeBionic-Commando-XBLAcapcomGRINtrophiesTue, 21 Jul 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bionic Commando swings to PC July 17 in EU, July 28 in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/bionic-commando-swings-to-pc-july-17-in-eu-july-28-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/bionic-commando-swings-to-pc-july-17-in-eu-july-28-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/bionic-commando-swings-to-pc-july-17-in-eu-july-28-in-us/#comments
If you've been anxiously awaiting Nathan Spencer's latest romp, Bionic Commando, on the PC, then we've got some important days you'll need to mark on your calendar. First up, courtesy of Eurogamer, we know the title will release in Europe on July 17. Capcom has confirmed with us that the game will arrive in North America two weeks later, on July 28.

The PC version of Bionic Commando will feature the same gameplay as its console counterparts, but will boast new features in DirectX 9 and 10 support, higher resolutions, customizable controls and online options. Considering the game only managed to move 27,000 copies on consoles in its first month of US release, we wonder how the PC launch will fare.

JoystiqBionic Commando swings to PC July 17 in EU, July 28 in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandocapcomgrinWed, 08 Jul 2009 20:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Bionic Commando Rearmed update coming to XBLA as well]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/bionic-commando-rearmed-update-coming-to-xbla-as-well/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/bionic-commando-rearmed-update-coming-to-xbla-as-well/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/bionic-commando-rearmed-update-coming-to-xbla-as-well/#comments Worried about news that Capcom's Bionic Commando Rearmed was getting patched with Trophy support as well as new difficulty levels on PlayStation Network, with no mention at all of an Xbox Live Arcade patch? We feared the worst and asked Capcom to set us straight. A spokesperson told us, "Yes yes of course, same new Easier modes on both platforms." There you have it!

Eleven days ago Capcom's John Diamonon assured us that the patch (at least on PSN) "should be available real soon"; however, as of today, neither patch has appeared. We'll go ahead and assume the new release date is "really really soon."

Gallery: Bionic Commando Rearmed

JoystiqBionic Commando Rearmed update coming to XBLA as well originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bionic-CommandoBionic-Commando-RearmedBionic-Commando-RemakeBionic-Commando-XBLACapcomGrinXBLAMon, 29 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bionic Commando grappled only 27k sales in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/bionic-commando-grappled-only-27k-sales-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/bionic-commando-grappled-only-27k-sales-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/bionic-commando-grappled-only-27k-sales-in-may/#comments
The new Bionic Commando sold a mere 27,000 units during its first month of sale in the US this May, reports Gamasutra. Well, its "first month" might be stretching it (like a grapple arm) a bit. The title went on sale May 19, which means it was at retail for the Xbox 360 and PS3 for a little under two weeks. Although, even with that caveat, those sales figures still aren't good for the modestly reviewed title, which had plenty of promotion.

Terminator Salvation, also developed by (the allegedly downsized) Grin and released around the same time as BC, sold 43,000 units with exceptionally poor reviews. To really put things in perspective, Bionic Commando Rearmed -- the high-def remake of the classic game -- sold 130,000 copies during its first week late last year.

JoystiqBionic Commando grappled only 27k sales in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandocapcomgrinMicrosoftXbox-360Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Terminator Salvation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/review-terminator-salvation/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/review-terminator-salvation/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/review-terminator-salvation/#comments Terminator Salvation is a truly terrible game.

My reviews might occasionally sacrifice a touch of clarity in exchange for glibness or sesquipedalianism, so I find it important to write this review with its ultimate conclusion as its preface. The game is supremely awful, and you shouldn't buy it, rent it or play it. If that stern recommendation was all you were looking for, feel free to move on without reading the remainder after the jump.

If you want a lesson in how not to make a game, read on. Especially if your name appears anywhere in the Terminator Salvation credits. (Yes, even you, Rose McGowan -- IF THAT IS EVEN YOUR REAL NAME.)

Continue reading Review: Terminator Salvation

JoystiqReview: Terminator Salvation originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 May 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adaptationevolved-gamesgrinmovieterminator-salvationWed, 27 May 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: GRIN lays off more than 100]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/rumor-grin-lays-off-more-than-100/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/rumor-grin-lays-off-more-than-100/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/rumor-grin-lays-off-more-than-100/#comments
GRIN sort of exploded onto the scene recently with Wanted, Bionic Commando and Terminator Salvation all releasing within a couple of months of each other. Like a star post-supernova though, it seems that the company might be shrinking in on itself. Kotaku's reporting that various sources have indicated to them that the company has let go of more than 100 staff members.

We're working on getting official confirmation from someone at GRIN, we'll let you know what we find out.

JoystiqRumor: GRIN lays off more than 100 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 May 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandocapcomgrinlayoffsrumorterminator-salvationwantedWed, 27 May 2009 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Grab Bionic Commando Rearmed on XBLA for $5 this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/grab-bionic-commando-rearmed-on-xbla-for-5-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/grab-bionic-commando-rearmed-on-xbla-for-5-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/grab-bionic-commando-rearmed-on-xbla-for-5-this-week/#comments Major Nelson received accurate information this week indicating that the Xbox "deal of the week" would be Bionic Commando Rearmed for 400 ($5). A small reminder: to take advantage of the deal, you must have an Xbox Live gold membership, otherwise it'll show as the standard 800 ($10).

It's also worth noting that the Metacritic average for BCR is an 85, while the super new and flashy Bionic Commando is 70. Which one is getting five of your dollars?

JoystiqGrab Bionic Commando Rearmed on XBLA for $5 this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bionic-Commandobionic-commando-rearmedBionic-Commando-RemakeBionic-Commando-XBLAcapcomdeal-of-the-weekgrinMicrosoftXbox-360Mon, 25 May 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Terminator Salvation PC replacement begins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/terminator-salvation-pc-replacement-begins/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/terminator-salvation-pc-replacement-begins/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/terminator-salvation-pc-replacement-begins/#comments
Evolved Games has begun its replacement program for recalled defective retail copies of Terminator: Salvation on PC. For those of you not keeping score at home, Terminator: Salvation PC shipped with an unfortunate feature, it wouldn't allow users to install the game at all. Add that to the fact that the game itself is virtually unplayable (that's not a glitch, it just isn't very good) and Terminator: Salvation has turned into one of the biggest movie-based gaming debacles since Charlie's Angels hit the GameCube.

Retail PC users looking for a replacement can find more information on Evolved Games' support site. The studio also released a statement apologizing for "any inconvenience that end users may have suffered." Digital distribution copies were unaffected by the bug.

Gallery: Terminator Salvation



[Via Shacknews]

JoystiqTerminator Salvation PC replacement begins originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 May 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evolved-gamesglitchgrinrecallterminator-salvationwarner-bros-interactiveFri, 22 May 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bionic Commando leaderboards swing online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/bionic-commando-leaderboards-swing-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/bionic-commando-leaderboards-swing-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/bionic-commando-leaderboards-swing-online/#comments Capcom Unity reports that the leaderboards for Bionic Commando are now viewable on the game's website. The boards are fairly basic, displaying each players overall XP as well as their total kills, deaths and wins. Right now, it looks like the leaderboards are only available for the Xbox 360 version of the game, despite its availability on the PS3 and PC. Alas, there doesn't appear to be a search function, so good luck looking up how awesome you are.

Conversely, it will be much easier for bad players to hide their shame.

JoystiqBionic Commando leaderboards swing online originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 May 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandocapcomgrinxbox-liveWed, 20 May 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview - Bionic Commando (Xbox 360/PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/metareview-bionic-commando-xbox-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/metareview-bionic-commando-xbox-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/metareview-bionic-commando-xbox-360-ps3/#comments
Now that we've subjected you to our own review of Bionic Commando, it's high time we check out what others had to say about Nathan Spencer and his latest exploits. In short, it would seem the game is a success with most outlets. So, swing your eyes below and see what the rest of the gaming community thinks of Capcom's franchise reboot.
  • IGN (80/100): "If you can look past the replayability issues that crop up due to the linear play, you'll find an enjoyable adventure that easily re-establishes the franchise for Capcom."
  • Giant Bomb (80/100): "Bionic Commando goes back and forth between moments of great, navigation-based gameplay and a lot of little touches that don't work as well as you'd like. It makes the final product a little frustrating, because you can almost see a better game trying to bust its way out of its constraints."
  • Eurogamer (70/100): "Bionic Commando succeeds in resurrecting a good idea lost to the Capcom archives, and giving it a new lease of life, but it falls foul of a few old standards in the process."
  • Game Informer (63/100): "It's hard to forget the unresponsive controls, ludicrous story, and questionable combat encounters. The game is uneven and inconsistent enough to scare away even eager fans who have patiently waited 20 years for another swing." [June 2009, p.83]
Source - Metacritic: Bionic Commando (Xbox 360)
Source - Metacritic: Bionic Commando (PS3)

Gallery: Bionic Commando

JoystiqMetareview - Bionic Commando (Xbox 360/PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandocapcomgrinmetareviewMicrosoftXbox-360Tue, 19 May 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Review: Bionic Commando (single-player)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/joystiq-review-bionic-commando-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/joystiq-review-bionic-commando-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/joystiq-review-bionic-commando-single-player/#comments
It figures. Right after I reinvent the face of modern games criticism by deciding not to finish a game I hated, a title comes along that really does get better in its second half: Bionic Commando is a pretty good game, but you'd be hard-pressed to tell from the first few hours.

Make no mistake, I'm not talking about the level of disdain I had for Velvet Assasin. I never really considered giving up on this rethinking of the 8-bit classic. But in Bionic Commando's opening hours, it was hard to stop wondering where Capcom had gone wrong.

Gallery: Bionic Commando

Continue reading Joystiq Review: Bionic Commando (single-player)

JoystiqJoystiq Review: Bionic Commando (single-player) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 May 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandocapcomgrinMicrosoftXbox-360Mon, 18 May 2009 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Bionic Commando Rearmed NOT swinging in at $5 this week [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/bionic-commando-rearmed-swings-in-at-5-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/bionic-commando-rearmed-swings-in-at-5-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/bionic-commando-rearmed-swings-in-at-5-this-week/#comments Major Nelson notes that this week's Xbox "deal of the week" (which actually lives up to its name, for once) is Bionic Commando Rearmed for 400 ($5). That's less than what you'll spend at the McDonalds drive-thru -- and a whole lot healthier.

The only thing diminishing our fanfare of this deal is that the PSN already dropped the BCR price last week. Either way, the price is something worth jumping for joy over. Sorry, Radd. Too soon for jumping jokes?

Update: The Major was apparently given misinformation. BCR is still $5 on PS3's PSN.

JoystiqBionic Commando Rearmed NOT swinging in at $5 this week [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 May 2009 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedBionic-Commando-RemakeBionic-Commando-XBLAcapcomdeal-of-the-weekgrinMon, 18 May 2009 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Bionic Commando demo with Capcom (again)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/play-bionic-commando-demo-with-capcom-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/play-bionic-commando-demo-with-capcom-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/play-bionic-commando-demo-with-capcom-again/#comments We have to admit, we were really tempted to copy last week's post about this and just paste it in here. Alas, someone was looking, so the plans were scrapped. Suffice it to say that Capcom is once again hosting a little community playdate with the Bionic Commando demo. If you'd like a chance to own some Capcom fools, simply send an Xbox 360 friend request to "Snow Infernus" -- gamertag of Capcom's Shawn Baxter.

After that, just sign into Live when the action starts at 3:00pm Pacific (6:00pm Eastern). If you get invited to a private match, then congratulations! You're playing with Capcom. Finally, a story worth telling the grandkids someday. Also, sorry, but there is no word on whether or not Bionic Middle Manager will be taking part in the event.

JoystiqPlay Bionic Commando demo with Capcom (again) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 May 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandocapcomgrinxbox-liveFri, 15 May 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: The big guns and big moves of Bionic Commando]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/video-the-big-guns-and-big-moves-of-bionic-commando/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/video-the-big-guns-and-big-moves-of-bionic-commando/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/video-the-big-guns-and-big-moves-of-bionic-commando/#comments The latest Lab Report video for Bionic Commando has been released, this time showing off some of the game's weaponry and finishing moves. While we enjoy watching Nathan Spencer -- the game's hero -- hurling boulders at giant robots, our favorite piece of kit in the video has to be the Tarantula gun, which fires fires a cluster of missiles at distant targets. Also shown in the video is what appears to be a female sidekick and a sniping villainess.

A bionic love triangle, perhaps? Let's hope so.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqVideo: The big guns and big moves of Bionic Commando originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 May 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandocapcomgrinMicrosoftXbox-360Fri, 15 May 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bionic Commando Rearmed drops to $4.99 on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/bionic-commando-rearmed-drops-to-4-99-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/bionic-commando-rearmed-drops-to-4-99-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/bionic-commando-rearmed-drops-to-4-99-on-psn/#comments Capcom Unity has announced on its Twitter account that the excellent Bionic Commando Rearmed has received a price cut on the US Playstation Store. Specifically, the once $10 game is now available for only $4.99. If you haven't taken the plunge on the beautifully revamped remake, there's no time like the present.

After all, it's not like you get to explode the head of a resurrected World War 2 dictator every day. And, even if you did, it wouldn't be this cheap.

JoystiqBionic Commando Rearmed drops to $4.99 on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 May 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedBionic-Commando-RemakeBionic-Commando-XBLAcapcomgrinpsnThu, 14 May 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Grin praises XBLA/PSN development, dislikes submission process]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/grin-praises-xbla-psn-development-dislikes-submission-process/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/grin-praises-xbla-psn-development-dislikes-submission-process/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/grin-praises-xbla-psn-development-dislikes-submission-process/#comments Stockholm, Sweden-based Grin, developer of last year's superb downloadable title Bionic Commando: Rearmed, recently told Develop magazine that while XBLA and PSN give smaller developers a chance to get just as much exposure as the largest publishers, the process of actually getting a game onto them can be daunting.

Grin CEO Bo Andersson expressed, "It's really nice that, whoever you are, you can get the same sort of attention [on XBLA and PSN]. I don't think the big publishers can muscle their way in for more exposure on the platform; it's a level playing field. That promotes quality." His brother Ulf, the company's creative director, admited that actually getting onto that field can be tricky.

"It's still much easier to make digital games on the PC than it is with XBLA and PSN. With the consoles' online platforms, Sony and Microsoft have their own rules and regulations to follow, and you have to have a pretty robust [bug testing] session to get your game out there," he said. "That's something which smaller independent developers run into." Sounds like Sony's Pub Fund could be quite useful for bringing on the extra bug-squashing muscle.

JoystiqGrin praises XBLA/PSN development, dislikes submission process originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 May 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commando-rearmedgrinMicrosoftpsnpub-fundxblaXbox-360Wed, 13 May 2009 21:00:00 EST