Joystiq

Portabliss: Fish Out of Water (iOS)

David Hinkle — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST

This is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go.

Halfbrick's Fish Out of Water launches on iOS today and it's unlike any of the studio's previous games. It's a much more casual experience with a far more simple premise that is, by all appearances, aimed at capturing a younger audience.

The goal of Fish Out of Water is to see how far you can fling a fish across the ocean. Your score is calculated across three tosses, factoring in both distance and the number of times your fish skipped across the water.

Gallery: Fish Out of Water (iOS)

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Portabliss: Fish Out of Water (iOS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tank Tactics: The prototype that almost ruined Halfbrick

David Hinkle — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST

After Fruit Ninja was finished, the guys at Halfbrick spent almost two years shipping updates. Finally ready to do something new, Halfbrick started doing prototypes. It would be a simple game that everyone at Halfbrick could play competitively.

This is when Tank Tactics was conceived. Halfbrick chief creative officer Luke Muscat showed off the first version, made of graph paper and little paper squares, at GDC. He quietly set up the game in a corner of the Halfbrick offices, gave everyone an action point and went back to his desk. Three hours later, commotion ensued - the entire game board was a graveyard.

Continue reading Tank Tactics: The prototype that almost ruined Halfbrick

Tank Tactics: The prototype that almost ruined Halfbrick originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jetpack Joyride ascends to two million downloads on PSN

David Hinkle — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST

Speaking to Joystiq at GDC today, Halfbrick Chief Marketing Officer Phil Larsen confirmed with that Jetpack Joyride has amassed two million downloads on PSN.

Halfbrick unleashed Jetpack Joyride on Sony's network in November 2012, initially as a $3.99 download. In December, the game became free on PSN, quickly rising to its first million downloads by February of this year.

Jetpack Joyride ascends to two million downloads on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Halfbrick's Fish Out of Water coming to iOS soon

David Hinkle — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST

Halfbrick's next mobile game is ready to hit the iOS App store "very soon." That's according to Chief Marketing Officer Phil Larsen, who handed me an iPad running Fish Out of Water, a new game which expects you to fling some fish as far as you can.

That's really all it is: you touch a fish to snag it, then swipe to fling. The further your fish goes, and the number of skips it makes on the surface of the ocean, both factor into your overall score, which is calculated from three separate tosses.

The fish are not only aesthetically different, they're functionally unique. Pointy fish tend to dive down more depending on the arc of your fling, while the puffy blow fish fella is more prone to skipping across the surface.

Fish Out of Water features the same mission system found in Jetpack Joyride, and it's one of the many systems included to fuel replay. The game also has competitive leaderboards through Google+ and Facebook, hourly weather changes and unlockable treasures.

Fish Out of Water will debut on iOS devices first for $.99, and though there aren't any ports in the works right now, Larsen said "it's only logical to think it'll be on other platforms later."

Gallery: Fish Out of Water (iOS)

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Halfbrick's Fish Out of Water coming to iOS soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Australian government invests in game industry to halt job migration

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:15:00 EST

Australia's government-funded Screen Australia program plans on investing $20 million into the local video game industry. Gamasutra reports the organization will spend $4-5 million on games production and $2-3 million on supporting business sustainability over the next year.

The organization cites the American-owned Firemonkeys, studio-killing LA Noire and Halfbrick (Fruit Ninja, Jetpack Joyride) as successful signs of Australian-developed games - hey, one legit shout-out to Halfbrick out of three ain't bad.

Australia has had to spend the past several years reinventing its place in the video game industry. Unfavorable exchange rates for foreign investors caused major publishers to pull console game development out of the country, causing severe job losses over a three-year period. The region has found success focusing on the mobile market.

Australian government invests in game industry to halt job migration originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jetpack Joyride sells over a million copies on PSN

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:40:00 EST

Fruit Ninja developer Halfbrick announced today that its other baby, Jetpack Joyride, has been downloaded over a million times on PlayStation 3 and PS Vita. The portable PlayStation version of the game has also recently received an update that integrates Twitter support and "performance upgrades."

Jetpack Joyride is currently available on... wait, let's try this another way. Jetpack Joyride is currently not available on Xbox 360, Nintendo systems and most brands of toasters.

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Jetpack Joyride sells over a million copies on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jetpack Joyride free on PSN in NA on Monday, today in Europe

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:45:00 EST

Halfbrick's Jetpack Joyride will become a free download on the PlayStation Network beginning today, December 21, in Europe and Monday, December 31, in North America. The game was previously available for $3.99 as a Mini for PSP, PlayStation Vita and PS3.

Jetpack Joyride on PSN includes everything found in the game's 1.3 update. Fly, Barry Streakfries, fly as long as you can!

Continue reading Jetpack Joyride free on PSN in NA on Monday, today in Europe

Jetpack Joyride free on PSN in NA on Monday, today in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All Halfbrick games free on App Store now

JC Fletcher — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:30:00 EST

Go buy every Halfbrick game on the App Store, for your iPhone or iPad. We don't normally make such direct demands on our readers' finances, but as it turns out, this won't affect your finances much.

For a "very limited time," all Halfbrick games on iPhone or iPad are free. That includes stuff like Fruit Ninja, Age of Zombies, Jetpack Joyride, and Monster Dash. Halfbrick games are among the most clever and addictive pastimes on the iOS platform. We'd recommend them even at nonzero prices!

All Halfbrick games free on App Store now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jetpack Joyride lands on PlayStation Network

David Hinkle — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 02:30:00 EST

After going free-to-play on iOS and Android (and undergoing a subsequent Facebook port), Halfbrick's Jetpack Joyride has made its way to PlayStation Network today. Jetpack Joyride is available for $3.99 on Sony platforms right now under the Minis section, making it compatible with PSP, PlayStation Vita and PS3.

Jetpack Joyride features the most recent version of the game, replete with waves of nigh-unending challenges, a store full of unlockable jetpacks, outfits and other virtual goods. Plus: lasers. There are so many lasers in this game.

Jetpack Joyride on PSN also includes gadgets, like coin magnets and gravity belts, which were introduced in the 1.3 update.

Jetpack Joyride lands on PlayStation Network originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luxembourg software company suing EA, Square Enix, several others over patent infringement

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST

What do Notch, John Riccitiello, Yoichi Wada, and Phil Larsen all have in common? A likely lacking fondness for Luxembourg-based software company Uniloc, who filed lawsuits against Notch's Mojang, Riccitiello's EA, Wada's Square Enix, and Larsen's Halfbrick recently (among others), contending that all the companies infringe on a networking patent held by Uniloc.

The patent, US patent number 6,857,067, says that Uniloc has rights to a "system and method for preventing unauthorized access to electronic data," and Uniloc contends that the aforementioned corporations are infringing on that patent via Android-based games. In the case of EA, it's Bejeweled 2, and in the case of Square Enix, it's Final Fantasy III that's cited - if the game at any time communicates with a centrally owned server to legitimize its license, Uniloc contends that it violates the patent.

Uniloc has a history of patent litigation over software. The company sued Microsoft in 2003, eventually winning. It has since filed suit against many, many other software manufacturers for other alleged patent violations.

Luxembourg software company suing EA, Square Enix, several others over patent infringement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jetpack Joyride adds attractive coin magnet in next patch

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 03:00:00 EST

Halfbrick has been teasing gadgets and gizmos aplenty for Jetpack Joyride's upcoming version 1.3 patch, with its latest animated short featuring the irresistible "Coin Magnet." The free update will be available this month and adds 15 gadgets to keep Barry Streakfries flying for as long as possible.

Jetpack Joyride adds attractive coin magnet in next patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jetpack Joyride's 'Gravity Belt' drops in soon

JC Fletcher — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST

Halfbrick is teasing new, weird gadgets for version 1.3 of Jetpack Joyride, including today's "Gravity Belt." We don't know how it works in-game, exactly, but the cute video introducing it makes it seem like something that makes flight more difficult.

We can't imagine Jetpack Joyride being more fun without all the ... jetpack joyriding ... but we trust Halfbrick to know what it's doing. We look forward to seeing how being stuck to the ground translates into fun.

Jetpack Joyride's 'Gravity Belt' drops in soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The evolution of Jetpack Joyride's store, in pictorial form

David Hinkle — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:45:00 EST

Halfbrick's chief creative officer Luke Muscat took panel attendees on a whirlwind tour of the development process for Jetpack Joyride during his Depth in Simplicity: The Making of Jetpack Joyride panel. Aside from sharing what the final name of the game could've been, Muscat also showed us the progression of the store. You may not know this, but the Jetpack Joyride storefront wasn't always so slick.

In fact, early on it was downright ugly, but Muscat and his team iterated and looked to competitors on the App Store for inspiration. We snapped some shots of the earliest versions of the store on through what Halfbrick came up with later on -- screens we've conveniently embedded in the gallery below.

Gallery: Jetpack Joyride Storefront Evolution (GDC 2012)

The evolution of Jetpack Joyride's store, in pictorial form originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jetpack Joyride was almost 'Machine Fun Jetpack'

David Hinkle — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:15:00 EST

During his GDC talk Depth in Simplicity: The Making of Jetpack Joyride, Halfbrick Studios' chief creative officer Luke Muscat shared the story of the 11th hour name change for Jetpack Joyride, which was originally supposed to be called Machine Gun Jetpack.

"I'll tell you, we almost changed the app to this name because we thought by making it too drastically different we were going to undermine all of our marketing effort, but we actually had this name for a while: Machine Fun Jetpack," Muscat said. "At the time, we were like 'that sounds alright, maybe I could live with that.' Then I got in the next morning, and I walked up to Phil's desk, and we both said the same thing at the same time: 'What the fuck were we thinking?' I'm so glad we didn't go out with that name."

Jetpack Joyride was almost 'Machine Fun Jetpack' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jetpack Joyride straps on Air Barrys

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST

Alongside finalizing a major content update coming this April, Halfbrick has released a teaser and some screens for the upcoming Jetpack Joyride 1.3. The game, which has seen 16 million downloads since launch, will gain "gadgets" in the upcoming patch.

Continue reading Jetpack Joyride straps on Air Barrys

Jetpack Joyride straps on Air Barrys originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fruit Ninja Kinect sells a million units; Jetpack Joyride update in April

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST

Halfbrick announced today that Fruit Ninja Kinect has reached a million sales, solidifying it as a very successful "console experiment" for the company. The company announced a month ago at DICE 2012 that sales had surpassed a half million.

Phil Larsen, chief marketing officer at Halfbrick, also told us that the Jetpack Joyride 1.3 update is coming this April. It will add 15 gadgets that are "kinda like perks," which players can choose at the beginning of the round to assist.

Gadgets include Air Barry shoes, allowing Barry to jump instead of glide up. Along with the "Freeze o Matic," which turns Barry into a sliding ice block when he crashes for extra distance. There are also magnets which allow Barry to collect coins. Still no item that allows you to actually stop playing Jetpack Joyride.

Fruit Ninja Kinect sells a million units; Jetpack Joyride update in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Halfbrick to debut new IP in 2012

David Hinkle — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:11:00 EST

During a meeting with Halfbrick's Phil Larsen, the iOS juggernaut's marketing man couldn't really give us much on what the studio was up to next despite our relentless inquiry. Following Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride is no small task, but at least Larsen could tell us the company will debut a new iOS title this year.

"You'll see updates for all of our games and a new IP this year," Larsen promised following a demo of the 1.3 update for Jetpack Joyride here at GDC. Jetpack Joyride 1.3 adds 15 new gadgets to The Stash.

Halfbrick to debut new IP in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fruit Ninja Kinect sells a half-million copies; Jetpack Joyride reaches 14 million downloads

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST

Australian developer Halfbrick is flying high on the success of its Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride franchises. Chief Marketing Officer Phil Larsen told us at the DICE conference in Las Vegas today that Fruit Ninja Kinect has reached a half-million sales and has been a very successful console experiment for the company. The company also plans to continue supporting Fruit Ninja on iOS with more updates rather than cannibalize its momentum with a sequel.

As for Jetpack Joyride, which went free to play in mid-December, Larsen notes the game has seen significant growth since the change.

"There's an update coming in the next month," Larsen said about Jetpack Joyride. "It's the biggest one we've done so far."

He told us the previously $1 app reached about 1 million paid sales before going free and has since seen 13 million downloads as a free product. He estimates about 5-10 percent of customers will spend at least a dollar on the app through its in-game store, so revenue has been higher since the game went "free."

Fruit Ninja Kinect sells a half-million copies; Jetpack Joyride reaches 14 million downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots is free on Android today

David Hinkle — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST

If you missed it last month, Halfbrick's movie tie-in, Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots, is once again free for Android users. The game is available exclusively through the Amazon Appstore for Android, normally at $.99. It's available gratis for today only, so don't linger on the decision for too long.

Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots is free on Android today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jetpack Joyride content update takes Barry to the woods, adds stuff to the store

David Hinkle — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:15:00 EST

If you haven't stolen a top-secret experimental jetpack in a while, good on you for sticking to your post-prison rehabilitation program. We know how tough it is for a jetpack thief to give up the glamor of "the life." ... Oh, wait, sorry, we got our files mixed up. We meant to address Barry Steakfries -- you can leave now, other person.

Barry, we'd like to inform you that the latest content update for Jetpack Joyride adds 125 new mission badges to unlock, a new forest environment and some new achievements and store items. Halfbrick also managed to squash a few bugs, because we all know about your insect phobias, Barry.

Gallery: Jetpack Joyride (Content Update)

Jetpack Joyride content update takes Barry to the woods, adds stuff to the store originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fruit Ninja dev Halfbrick chopping away at sequel in new Sydney studio

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:05:00 EST

Halfbrick Studios is working on a sequel to Fruit Ninja at its new government-supported studio in Sydney, Australia. In mid-October it was revealed that the Brisbane-based company was opening up a second studio in Sydney; a new piece in the Illawarra Mercury tosses up some more details.

According to New South Wales Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner, the studio is the result of a new $3 million "Interactive Media Fund," but there is no clear indication regarding how much of that fund went to Halfbrick.

"The new Sydney team will develop the next evolution of the Fruit Ninja games franchise. The new game will involve players launching a series of fruit to knock ninjas off their towers in a 3D world, with each fruit having special powers," Stoner said. The game is expected in 2012, with an initial launch on iOS.

Stoner explained the $3 million fund is designed to support local developers over the next two years. Given the current state of the Australian development scene for big publishers, it may be time to get a bigger fund for the local indies.

Fruit Ninja dev Halfbrick chopping away at sequel in new Sydney studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jetpack Joyride update injects new jetpacks, reaffirms our loathing of Game Center friends

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST

Our love for Jetpack Joyride is well documented, but we're not above admitting that accessing the game's leaderboard system is a bit on the cumbersome side. That's why today's surprise update with in-level leaderboard implementation is so, so exciting. Now, while flying along in your jetpack of choice, sign posts will point out friends' scores as you soar past them, maniacally laughing in the bathroom, all alone.

The update also adds a pair of new jetpacks and a trio of wearable items for Señor Steakfries, giving players even more stuff with which to dress up the chronically murdered main character. Another bonus: The update is totally free, and the full game still costs $0.99.

Jetpack Joyride update injects new jetpacks, reaffirms our loathing of Game Center friends originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fruit Ninja dev opening new studio in Sydney

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:00:00 EST

Australian developer Halfbrick is opening up a studio in Sydney, which likely comes as welcome news for the nation's troubled development scene. Gamasutra took note of the job listings for the new Sydney office for the Brisbane-based studio.

Halfbrick is best known for Fruit Ninja, which has made the studio so much money, it sponsored an orchard as reparations for all the virtual fruit waste. It is also going to make more coin going the Angry Birds movie tie-in route, with the upcoming Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots. We're particularly fond of Halfbrick's Jetpack Joyride.

Asked if Halfbrick would change its name to "Fullbrick" after opening a second studio, Marketing Director Phil Larsen told us, "No. A logical question nonetheless."

Fruit Ninja dev opening new studio in Sydney originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots is a thing, really; coming to iOS on Oct. 20

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST

As if the fruit on your phone, iPod, tablet, Android, and Kinect weren't already sliced thoroughly enough, Halfbrick is burdening yet more fruit with potential murder in the upcoming movie tie-in Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots. As you've likely surmised, the game is a Puss in Boots-themed Fruit Ninja release, which imagines the titular Puss slicing up fruit with his dutiful foil.

In addition to introducing a well-timed theme into the mix, FN: PIB adds the "all-new Bandito mode," which tasks players with surviving progressively more difficult levels with unique challenges, and the "Desperado" mode, which updates the first game's "Classic" mode. "We wanted to create something new and different for our fans while keeping the magic of Fruit Ninja intact, and we think Bandito Mode will keep even the most practiced players on their toes," Jetpack Joyride playable character and Halfbrick chief marketing man Phil Larsen notes in the announcement.

Oh, and tomatoes? Totally in there, definitively proving once and for all that they're fruit. Take that, science! Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots arrives on the iOS App Store on October 20 for $0.99 on iPhone and $1.99 on iPad.

Gallery: Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots

Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots is a thing, really; coming to iOS on Oct. 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jetpack Joyride update adds new jetpacks, one Phil Larsen

David Hinkle — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST

The thing about joyriding is that it's a chaotic act, one that has no motivation or plans beyond the need to take a ride in the name of joy. Halfbrick's latest, Jetpack Joyride, embodies that spirit -- only with jetpacks. And today, a new update adds a couple new rides to race around in, MTV Multiplayer reports.

One of them is a new vehicle named Mr. Cuddles, a giant fire-breathing dragon. Also added are a new jetpack which pays homage to the company's original hit, Fruit Ninja, and Halfbrick's head of marketing, Phil Larsen, who makes an appearance as a playable character skin. He's perfect for crossing two things off on your bucket list: playing a game as a head of marketing and playing a game as a former Joystiq employee. Congrats, Phil!

Jetpack Joyride update adds new jetpacks, one Phil Larsen originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Portabliss: Jetpack Joyride (iOS)

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:15:00 EST

Did you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Jetpack Joyride.

The free NES games in Nintendo's 3DS Ambassador Program arrived at an awkward time, because the standout of that group for me, Balloon Fight, is now getting overshadowed by the many jetpacks of Barry Steakfries. Like Halfbrick's Monster Dash before it (and Balloon Fight's "Balloon Trip" mode long before that), Jetpack Joyride takes the autorunning genre defined on iOS by Canabalt and adds a few kinks.

Unlike Monster Dash, however, Jetpack Joyride is deep, with a mess of power-ups, vehicles, and mechanical and aesthetic additions. I was repeatedly taken aback by how fleshed out Halfbrick has made its latest iOS game, and repeatedly charmed by the studio's presentation. Nods to past Halfbrick titles abound (beyond the main character's return from previous iOS games), and the inclusion of an entire vehicle poking fun at the iPhone's most popular franchise lends an extra layer of levity to the already cheeky proceedings.

Gallery: Jetpack Joyride

Continue reading Portabliss: Jetpack Joyride (iOS)

Portabliss: Jetpack Joyride (iOS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jetpack Joyride launch trailer blasts off

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 06:00:00 EST

Jetpack Joyride, the game formerly known as Machine Gun Jetpack, serves up a heap of Barry Steakfries for the universal app's September 1 launch.

That's today!

Jetpack Joyride launch trailer blasts off originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Machine Gun Jetpack dev fires off a video diary

David Hinkle — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 02:50:00 EST

For some, the limited ammo of the machine gun jetpack power-up in Monster Dash was quite the problem. Such a device should have unlimited ammo, right?! Well now it does, in Halfbrick's upcoming free-runner, Machine Gun Jetpack.

Machine Gun Jetpack dev fires off a video diary originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 02:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox Live Summer of Arcade 2011 kicks off July 20

David Hinkle — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:23:00 EST

Can't have summer without hot new Xbox Live games, right? Microsoft has announced its line-up for the warmer months, kicking off July 20 -- strangely, in an email and not, you know, during its E3 2011 press conference. Regardless, a total of five games will be on offer. No exact time table for the games was announced nor prices but, hey, at least we know what's coming.

The first game listed is Toy Soldiers: Cold War, a sequel to one of 2010's most lucrative Xbox Live Arcade games. The next game listed is Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet, Fuelcell's stylish UFO simulator, followed by Fruit Ninja Kinect, a flail-tastic port of Halfbrick's darling mobile (and soon, Facebook!) title. Next we have Bastion, a game we suggest you all should keep an eye on. Finally, rounding out the list of games is From Dust, Eric Chahi's god game. An impressive list, to say the least.

It's important to know that this is simply how Microsoft listed the games in its press email and not indicative of when each title will launch throughout the promotion.

Xbox Live Summer of Arcade 2011 kicks off July 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Halfbrick's Age of Zombies now on Xperia Play

David Hinkle — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST

Halbrick's brought its twin-stick shooter, Age of Zombies, from iOS and PlayStation Minis on over to the Xperia Play, as seen in the video past the break. Currently available in the Android Marketplace (but, like the PSOne Classics releases, only downloadable on the Xperia Play), the port is certified "Xperia Play optimized" and brings with it touch-screen controls as well as support for Xperia's gamepad control scheme.

The app will set you back A$2.99 (about $3.10) and will be available to the greater Android marketplace after "about a one month period."

Gallery: Age of Zombies (Xperia Play)

Continue reading Halfbrick's Age of Zombies now on Xperia Play

Halfbrick's Age of Zombies now on Xperia Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Machine Gun Jetpack preview: Run-and-fun

David Hinkle — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST

Halfbrick's latest iOS project, Machine Gun Jetpack, is probably the most straightforward game I've ever played. Barry Steakfries wants a jetpack, and so he takes one -- one propelled by machine gun fire, what else? -- rocketing from the science lab and dodging obstacles as he escapes.

You tap the screen of your iOS device to hover (holding your finger down to ascend), and you try not to die.

Gallery: Machine Gun Jetpack (iOS)

Continue reading Machine Gun Jetpack preview: Run-and-fun

Machine Gun Jetpack preview: Run-and-fun originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fruit Ninja hits six million sales, sponsors a fruit orchard

Alexander Sliwinski — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 01:00:00 EST

Halfbrick's little iPhone app Fruit Ninja has hit 6 million paid downloads. To make amends for slaughtering over 150 billion pieces of virtual fruit, the company is partnering with the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation -- yup, it's a real thing. Halfbrick will sponsor the planting of an orchard in a "low-income Native American community," with the delicious fruits of such an endeavor quite obvious to all parties involved.

The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation will be charged with planting and maintaining the Halfbrick fruit orchard. Residents of the internet will be able to check out the growth of the fruit development complex on FTPF.org and Halfbrick's site. Now we will meditate on the bizarre nature of our world, where wholesale virtual fruit slaughter (or real-life, if one is cosplaying) in an app spawns the development of a real-world orchard.

Fruit Ninja hits six million sales, sponsors a fruit orchard originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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De Blob 2 surfaces on February 22

JC Fletcher — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:20:00 EST

THQ has quietly revealed a release date for De Blob 2 (now minus "The Underground"), the multiplatform sequel to the Wii splatformer: February 22, 2011. The date was revealed on the newly launched website, along with the box art for each version, which also reveals Move compatibility for the PS3 version. Interestingly, the box art carries the "SyFy Kids" logo, suggesting that the network is partnering with THQ not just for other Blob media based on the game, but for the game as well.

After the break, check out a trailer. You can see more footage of the HD version in IGN's video preview, which reveals that special "target buildings" must be reclaimed not just by painting them, but by completing 2D challenges.

Gallery: De Blob 2 (Wii, DS, Xbox 360, PS3)

Continue reading De Blob 2 surfaces on February 22

De Blob 2 surfaces on February 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Age of Zombies coming to iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad

David Hinkle — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 03:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Halfbrick has scored big on Apple devices (thanks, Fruit Ninja!) and has initiated a port of its Minis title, Age of Zombies. It's coming to the iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad in the form of a universal app sometime this October. The new port will feature "updated graphics, new menus and the intuitive touch-specific controls and tutorials," along with the original's five game worlds and Survival mode.

There's no word yet on pricing, but the Minis game was set at $4.99, so we expect something similar. If you're looking for a taste of Barry Steakfries' antics, head past the break for a trailer of the Minis game or hit up the gallery below for some new screens.

Gallery: Age of Zombies (iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad)

Continue reading Age of Zombies coming to iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad

Age of Zombies coming to iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fruit Ninja HD slices up the iPad later this week

David Hinkle — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:50:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Having trouble slicing those kumquats, tangerines and cherries in your standard edition of Fruit Ninja? Then you'll be pleased to know that Halfbrick is preparing an enhanced version for iPad called Fruitninja HD. But improved graphics aren't the only addition to the game, as the iPad installment will also boast input for up to eight fingers and head-to-head multiplayer battles through Classic Attack and Zen Duel modes. Look for Fruit Ninja HD in the App Store on July 14 for $4.99.

We know what you're thinking: how can any ninja, let alone one skilled in the ways of battling fruit -- an enemy with barely any defensive skills whatsoever -- wield up to eight swords at once? Frankly, we just don't know. The ways of the ninja have long been shrouded in mystery and pulp, but we have managed to secure a brief piece of communication from the ninja clans, which you can watch right after the break.

Continue reading Fruit Ninja HD slices up the iPad later this week

Fruit Ninja HD slices up the iPad later this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo Power reveals de Blob: The Underground for DS, Wii

David Hinkle — Thu, 27 May 2010 11:16:00 EST

[Nintendo Power]

The upcoming July issue of Nintendo Power reveals a new de Blob game coming to the DS and Wii, called de Blob: The Underground. Wii players can expect two-player support in The Underground, as well as "new moves, new foes" and "new 2D platforming segments." Blue Tongue will once again handle development on the Wii version, while Australian studio Halfbrick works on the DS debut.

de Blob: The Underground is currently slated to launch in Spring 2011 -- but before that, you'll see much more at next month's Electronic Entertainment Expo.

Nintendo Power reveals de Blob: The Underground for DS, Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Halfbrick shares Fruit Ninja sales numbers, how to succeed on the App store

David Hinkle — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:30:00 EST

iPhone and iPod Touch gamers have likely already heard of Fruit Ninja, a game where you coldly murder different offerings from nature's bounty -- by tapping and slicing across the screen, you cut down watermelons and the like. It's a pretty simple game and at only $.99, it's quickly climbed the charts of the most popular Apps in the US, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Denmark and Sweden. So we decided to grill Halbrick's creator and lead designer of Fruit Ninja, Luke Muscat, on all things iPhone.

Joystiq: You sent out a press release before the weekend claiming 140,000 copies sold of your iPhone/iPod Touch game, Fruit Ninja. What's the current total at?

Luke Muscat: Over 200,000 now. That's a pretty big milestone for us, we are very happy to have achieved such great success in a market that can be pretty unpredictable. If you're reading this and have purchased the game - you rule the App store!

Continue reading Halfbrick shares Fruit Ninja sales numbers, how to succeed on the App store

Halfbrick shares Fruit Ninja sales numbers, how to succeed on the App store originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on: Raskulls (XBLA)

David Hinkle — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST

Most Xbox Live Arcade enthusiasts likely aren't familiar with Halfbrick Studios, the Brisbane, Australia-based studio that's only previous work on the platform involved Indie Games that weren't very successful. After switching gears and offering some PSP Minis titles, the dev studio is back on Xbox with Raskulls, a polished and quirky game that has a variety of inspirations, from Mario Kart to Bomberman to, most notably, Mr. Driller.

Gallery: The Raskulls (XBLA)

Continue reading Hands-on: Raskulls (XBLA)

Hands-on: Raskulls (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swag Sunday: Age of Zombies eats your braaaaaaains (PSP Minis)

Kevin Kelly — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST

Why do zombies eat brains? There's usually perfectly available, good meat around, so what's with the brain-cravings? It's not like they do anything special with them. If they saved them for some kind of a stew or possibly pulled a Sylar, then you could understand it, but this willy-nilly shambling towards grey matter? Weird. Plus, do they have some sort of brain detector built-in? They always seem to know exactly which way to go.

Whoops, pardon our tangent. You want to get right to the swag, don't you? We're giving away nine copies of Halfbrick's brand new Age of Zombies, the PSP minis game that combines cute and cuddly with brain-hungry and undead. Seriously, these little zombies are adorable, and they'll look super keen on your PSP or your PS3. Since we can't explain why zombies crave brains, all you have to do is follow the rules below and tell us what the perfect side dish would be.

Leave a comment telling us what the perfect side dish would be for a serving of brains.
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec -- it has to do with Pierre Duchesne and he knows why).
Limit 1 entry per person per day.
This entry period ends at 11:31AM ET on Monday, March 8.
At that time, we'll randomly select nine winners to receive a code good for one copy of Age of Zombies for PSP or PS3 (ARV: $4.99).
For a list of complete rules, click here.

What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.

Gallery: Age of Zombies (PSP and PS3 Minis)

Swag Sunday: Age of Zombies eats your braaaaaaains (PSP Minis) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Raskulls screens break on through to the other side

David Hinkle — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:15:00 EST

Click image to go from half-size to full-size

Halfbrick has uploaded a slew of new screens for its upcoming XBLA puzzle-platformer, The Raskulls, to the game's official site. There hasn't been much on the title yet, save for a brief trailer showing some gameplay and thoughts on the game from its art lead during our interview with Halfbrick, but these new shots show the game is coming along nicely. We have yet to get our hands on it, but if the recent trailer is any indication, it looks like a frenetic, friendship-endangering good time. Hit up the gallery below for the new screens.

Gallery: The Raskulls (XBLA)

The Raskulls screens break on through to the other side originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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