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Zoombies is a fiesta of undead carnage

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:30:00 EST

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

Say the name High Voltage, and your first thought might be the Conduit series of first-person shooters (or this). While the studio is indeed known most recently for The Conduit, one of its other ideas has been languishing for quite some time, namely Animales de la Muerte. Originally slated for WiiWare, and then for XBLA and PSN, the game has finally found a home on iOS.

Renamed Zoombies: Animales de la Muerte, the game tells the story of two children who must save a Mexican zoo from being overrun by a horde of zombified animals. To do this, the kids utilize every available tool of destruction, ranging from axes to shotguns, roman candles and even the occasional dollop of guacamole.

Zoombies is the most festive zombie game I've ever played, and it's also one of the most immediately entertaining.

Gallery: Zoombies: Animales de la Muerte (5/15/2013)

Continue reading Zoombies is a fiesta of undead carnage

Zoombies is a fiesta of undead carnage originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Conduit developer lets loose 'Le Vamp,' an iOS endless runner

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST

High Voltage Software, the developer of hardcore Wii FPS The Conduit, is exploring the other side of the family-friendly spectrum with Le Vamp, an endless runner starring a cartoonish vampire boy, out on the App Store for $2.

Le Vamp has players manipulate the world around the main character, rather than controlling him directly, as he attempts to outrun an angry mob. High Voltage has its eyes on Andoid systems for another project, The Conduit HD, coming to Tegra-powered Androids on March 14.

Continue reading The Conduit developer lets loose 'Le Vamp,' an iOS endless runner

The Conduit developer lets loose 'Le Vamp,' an iOS endless runner originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Conduit HD coming to Tegra-powered Android devices March 14

Mike Suszek — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST

High Voltage Software recently announced a port of the single-player levels from Wii shooter The Conduit to Tegra-powered Android devices. Called The Conduit HD, the game will land on the Google Play store on March 14, offering the first two levels for free to players.

The rest of the single-player campaign can be purchased for $4.99, or players have the option of buying levels three through six and seven through nine in two separate packs for $2.99 apiece. While TegraZone notes that the game will be compatible with GameStop's tablet controller, there's no mention of it supporting Nvidia's Project Shield handheld system.

Gallery: The Conduit HD (Announcement)

The Conduit HD coming to Tegra-powered Android devices March 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zone of the Enders HD Collection compared to source material

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 22:30:00 EST

New comparison videos appear to show incongruities between Zone of the Enders HD Collection and its source games, Zone of the Enders and Zone of the Enders 2: The 2nd Runner, as well as disparities between the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the HD collection.

The most important issue, according to Enders fans that have contacted us, is that both games in ZOEHDC move more slowly than the original PS2 versions. The comparison video seen here shows that mechs, lasers and melee attacks all lack the amped-up pace of the original, as though the game were being played in slightly-slow-motion.

Other concerns have been raised over framerate inconsistencies between the 360 and PS3 versions of ZOEHDC, with video comparisons supposedly showing that the 360 version runs at a higher, more consistent average framerate than its PS3 sister. Regardless, neither version consistently runs at the 60-frames-per-second figure stated by the collection's official UK website, rather the majority of the game operates between 30 and 40 FPS.

Unfortunately, this isn't the first time such reports have come in regarding an HD rerelease of a Konami classic: Silent Hill HD Collection had its fair share of framerate issues, so much so that a patch was pushed for the PS3 version and Xbox 360 owners were given the option to exchange the game entirely. We've reached out to Konami for a statement and will update with any new information we receive.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Zone of the Enders HD Collection compared to source material originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conduit developer teases franchise news before year's end

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST

A representative for High Voltage Software has teased there's something in the works for Wii shooter franchise The Conduit. Answering questions on GameFAQs, Bob Chamot, a designer at the studio said, "We haven't forgotten about Conduit over here, either. I would expect some new Conduit-related news before the year is out."

High Voltage Software has been working on several projects, including the Zone of the Enders: HD Collection. We've followed up with the developer to see if there's anything more it can share about the Conduit project. Whatever it is, we hope it'll be an improvement over Conduit 2.

Conduit developer teases franchise news before year's end originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conduit 2 review: More like Con-don't-do-it 2

T. Michael Murdock — Tue, 03 May 2011 17:25:00 EST

And with that headline, I exhausted and easily matched every bit of creativity that Sega and High Voltage Software put into Conduit 2, a half-rendered, poorly scripted, mysteriously voice-acted, first-person shooter for the Nintendo Wii.

I'm not allowed enough space to truly get down to the essence of lackadaisical trash this game is, but dear, sweet Lord, I'm going to try.

Gallery: Conduit 2 (1/28/11)

Continue reading Conduit 2 review: More like Con-don't-do-it 2

Conduit 2 review: More like Con-don't-do-it 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conduit 2 multiplayer trailer gets political

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 22:30:00 EST

Sure, sure, the Conduit 2 trailer does a great job of showing off the different modes included in the title's 8-person multiplayer -- but we're more intrigued by how every player is named after a US president. We just can't wait to trade shots with "Mr.Roosevelt" and "Mr.Polk."

Continue reading Conduit 2 multiplayer trailer gets political

Conduit 2 multiplayer trailer gets political originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conduit dev High Voltage making Kinect-enabled 'licensed' game for 2K

Christopher Grant — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:01:00 EST

Though it may be best known for its Wii-exclusive sci-fi shooter The Conduit, and its upcoming, The-less sequel Conduit 2, High Voltage Software makes most of its scratch putting out licensed games. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for Wii and DS? Yup, that's High Voltage. Iron Man 2 ... for Wii and PSP? Also High Voltage. And now the Chicago-area developer is working on another licensed game due out this year -- but there's something unique about this one: it uses Kinect.

"It's not announced yet," High Voltage's Eric Nofsinger told Eurogamer. "We're doing that with 2K. It's a licensed game. That's our bread and butter as a developer." Nofsinger added that this new game "works well with or without Kinect" and that, while it "works very well" with Kinect, "I don't think it's this brilliant, genius idea." As if intent on further lowering expectations for the Kinect functionality, Nofsinger said, "It works really well because it's a 360 game. I don't think it necessarily works really well because it's a Kinect game."

Regardless of how tacked on the developer thinks this bit of Kinect functionality is, we'll find out more "around GDC" when the game is expected to be announced. High Voltage previously made a licensed Family Guy title for 2K in 2006 and Go, Diego, Go!: Safari Rescue, based on the Nickelodeon series, for 2K Play in 2008.

Conduit dev High Voltage making Kinect-enabled 'licensed' game for 2K originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conduit 2 channels March 22 launch, new weapons trailer

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST

High Voltage Software's Conduit 2 will be available on March 17, 18 and 22 in Australia, the UK and North America, respectively. There's also a new trailer for the latest alien blasting pew-pew devices after the break.

Continue reading Conduit 2 channels March 22 launch, new weapons trailer

Conduit 2 channels March 22 launch, new weapons trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conduit 2 trailer catches us up on the going-ons of Ford

David Hinkle — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST

Heroes come from the most unlikely places. For example, Conduit 2 protagonist Michael Ford, in the first game, unwittingly found himself at the center of a conspiracy involving The Drudge, a seemingly alien-looking race of creatures who had it out for the human race.

Continue reading Conduit 2 trailer catches us up on the going-ons of Ford

Conduit 2 trailer catches us up on the going-ons of Ford originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Show off with Conduit 2's Limited Edition

JC Fletcher — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:20:00 EST

If you're a fan of both The Conduit and displays of wealth, you'll be happy to know that if you buy Conduit 2 from GameStop, you can make both your copy and your in-game character look more opulent. The retailer is offering a limited-edition version of High Voltage's Wii FPS (for the same $50 price as the regular edition) that includes an art book. It's just the thing to show off the fact that you have a limited edition.

In addition to the art book, you'll get in-game bonuses including the "Eye of Ra," a version of the All Seeing Eye that finds hidden items twice as quickly, and "Gold Destroyer Armor" for multiplayer, which is like the normal armor, but golden.

Gallery: Conduit 2 Limited Edition

Show off with Conduit 2's Limited Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conduit 2 narrows launch period to Feb. 2011

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:55:00 EST

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

Sega has announced a February 2011 release date for the Wii-exclusive sci-fi shooter, Conduit 2. The developers at High Voltage Software were apparently taking notes while fans played the game at PAX last month and will incorporate public feedback as they complete the game (which was recently pushed back to 2011). "Because of this," Sega says, "the game is extending its development a few more months in order to bring players the most complete shooter on Wii."

If you were worried about not getting enough use out of PDP's Headbanger Headset, you'll be pleased to learn that Conduit 2 will support it for online multiplayer. And while you're playing, be sure to tell your friends to "pipe up." How they'll laugh and laugh and laugh ...

Gallery: Conduit 2 (10/14/10)

Continue reading Conduit 2 narrows launch period to Feb. 2011

Conduit 2 narrows launch period to Feb. 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conduit 2's All Seeing Eye avoids GoldenEye, moves to 2011

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST

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

November 2 was going to mark the release of not one, but two high-profile first person shooters on Wii: Conduit 2 and GoldenEye. It looks like Sega and High Voltage are taking a step back, telling Nintendojo that the Conduit sequel has been pushed back to Q1 2011.

There's no specified reason for the delay, but it's likely that Q1 offered a better release window for the Wii shooter. Sega famously released Resonance of Fate one week after Final Fantasy XIII. Presumably, Sega would want a better fate for Conduit 2.

Conduit 2's All Seeing Eye avoids GoldenEye, moves to 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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High Voltage Software lays off 25 employees [update]

Justin McElroy — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:35:00 EST

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

A trusted source informs Joystiq that ~~at least 20 staffers~~ have been let go from High Voltage Software, the development studio behind The Conduit and its upcoming sequel. While the initial account cited between 20 and 30 layoffs, the final tally could be "a lot more," according to our source. We're currently working to get an official comment and further clarification from High Voltage. [Update: We've got official word from High Voltage now: 25 layoffs with no more expected.]

Though The Conduit apparently performed well enough to merit a follow-up, High Voltage's most recent release, mythological fighter Tournament of Legends, failed to impress critics, netting an average score of 47 on Metacritic.

High Voltage Software lays off 25 employees [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K Play announces Nickelodeon Fit, bringing exer-fun to the children

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST

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

With the recent reveal of Nickelodeon Fit, 2K Play looks to capitalize on the still-raging exergaming craze in a fairly unorthodox way. The Wii-exclusive is a youth-oriented, Balance Board-supported title that features characters from Nickelodeon cartoons, including Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, Ni-Hao, Kai-lan and The Backyardigans. The game's young players will participate in context appropriate exercises, such as pogo-sticking with Dora (which we all know is the most efficient method for blasting your core).

Scoff as you might, but we don't think this sounds like too terrible an idea. If we had access to an exercise game when we were kids featuring Rocko, Ren, Stimpy and Doug, we probably wouldn't have received a "Laughable" rating on our Presidential Physical Fitness Test.

2K Play announces Nickelodeon Fit, bringing exer-fun to the children originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preview: The Grinder

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 09:30:00 EST

It only took me a few minutes into my E3 appointment with High Voltage Software -- a company I am admittedly not too familiar with -- to understand the inspirations behind the PS3 and 360 versions of the studio's upcoming project, The Grinder. I didn't pay too much attention to the game when it was announced as a first-person shooter for the Wii. Imagine my surprise when I learned that, on the other two platforms, it's actually a current-gen iteration of one of my favorite games from the generation past -- one I spent countless nights during my high school career playing with three friends, occasionally from start to finish in a single, rapturous sitting.

"You know what game this really reminds me of," I stated to the game's on-hand developers. "Hunter: The Reckoning."

"Yeah," one of them replied, "we made that game."

"Oh? Awesome."

Continue reading Preview: The Grinder

Preview: The Grinder originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jun 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Said@E3: On Babies and Grenades

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:30:00 EST

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

Our hands-on preview of High Voltage Games' The Grinder brought about a fairly surreal statement on our part. A brief explanation: Players pick up a number of throwable secondary weapons, including your basic frag grenades, as well as weirder fare, such as baby dolls which monsters will swarm on when dropped. Of course, once we'd grabbed a number of these pickups, a completely logical question came to mind:

"What's the button to switch between babies and grenades?"

(A pause.)

"By the way, that was the most ridiculous thing I've ever said."

Said@E3: On Babies and Grenades originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preview: Conduit 2

David Hinkle — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 01:45:00 EST

The High Voltage representatives showing off ~~The~~ Conduit 2 behind closed doors at the Sega booth were quick to admit that the first game may not have lived up to the hype. While they were incredibly proud of what they created with that game, they admitted there was plenty of room for improvement -- generic, repeating waves of enemies were just one of the frank criticisms they had for their game. The sequel would afford them opportunity to correct these shortcomings. And then we were thrust into the demo.

Gallery: Conduit 2 (E3 2010)

Continue reading Preview: Conduit 2

Preview: Conduit 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conduit 2 includes optional MotionPlus support

JC Fletcher — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST

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

High Voltage Software experimented with support for the MotionPlus peripheral in The Conduit, but omitted it from the final game. Sega announced today that the sequel will allow players to augment the game's controls with the underused gyroscope peripheral.

According to the announcement, in addition to general response improvements, the MotionPlus will improve "edge tracking and transitions to pointer control" -- which sounds like it should make the experience of accidentally pointing off screen while turning somewhat less infuriating.

If you are living a MotionMinus life and still want to play Conduit 2, don't worry: it's totally optional. Conduit 2 will be out this fall.

Conduit 2 includes optional MotionPlus support originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NintendoWare Weekly: X-Scape, Ben 10, Wild Guns

David Hinkle — Mon, 31 May 2010 11:15:00 EST

Even though it's a holiday here in the US, Nintendo has released a plethora of new downloadable titles for the Wii and DSi. It's a great thing, not simply because OMG moar gamez, but because it gives us a distraction from the day's festivities. There's only so much of Aunt Linda's trip to the Grand Canyon we can listen to, you know?

Gallery: X-Scape (DSiWare)

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: X-Scape, Ben 10, Wild Guns

NintendoWare Weekly: X-Scape, Ben 10, Wild Guns originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 May 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epic trailer and screens for Tournament of Legends

JC Fletcher — Wed, 12 May 2010 18:45:00 EST

Sega released a new trailer for High Voltage's Tournament of Legends (formerly Gladiator A.D.), the weapon-based Wii fighter due in July. The trailer's got some enjoyably melodramatic narration, which, combined with the theme of the game (mythological beings hitting each other with swords and whatnot) and the appearance of huge monsters in each stage, lends a sort of Clash of the Titans feel to it. One detail seen in this trailer that we especially love: the combo counter is displayed in Roman numerals!

See the trailer after the break, and check our gallery for IX new screenshots.

Gallery: Tournament of Legends (Wii)

Continue reading Epic trailer and screens for Tournament of Legends

Epic trailer and screens for Tournament of Legends originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 May 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Namco Bandai game segment records annual losses ... but Ben 10 sales soar!

James Ransom-Wiley — Fri, 07 May 2010 17:58:00 EST

Namco Bandai's "Content" segment, which combines its video game software and arcade machine products, recorded ¥6.86 billion ($74.68 million) in operating losses for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010. The division proved the most costly for the company, which also runs a successful "Toys & Hobby" segment, in addition to several other businesses.

Overall, Namco Bandai suffered ¥29.08 billion ($317.28 million) in net losses for fiscal 2010, but the company forecasts a modest turnaround in net income of ¥4.5 billion ($49.1 million) for the current fiscal year. The games segment, which this fiscal year includes the previously separate "Visual and Music Content" division, is forecast to post ¥3.5 billion ($38.19 million) in operating income over the next four quarters; aided by an estimated 90 game releases, which are predicted to bring in ¥88 billion ($960 million) in sales.

In fiscal 2010, Namco Bandai software sales, which encompassed 86 titles (or 225, if you're counting localized versions), totaled 22.737 million units and ¥77 billion ($840 million); with portable games accounting for a significant 9.701 million units sold. Multiplatform versions of Ben 10 Alien Force and its sequel, Ben 10 Alien Force: Vilgax Attacks, in the US and Europe during the fiscal year, combined to sell 1.89 million copies alone. The console version of Tekken 6 was the publisher's only title to move more units than either of those two Ben 10 games. A third Ben 10 title, Protector of the Earth, added another 610,000 units sold in the fiscal year.

Across all Namco Bandai products, "Ben 10" the franchise racked up ¥17.9 billion ($195.3 million) in sales. Not quite Mobile Suit Gundman numbers (¥34.6 billion), but still.

Head past the break for the complete list of Namco Bandai's top-10 bestsellers and sales distribution by platform.

Continue reading Namco Bandai game segment records annual losses ... but Ben 10 sales soar!

Namco Bandai game segment records annual losses ... but Ben 10 sales soar! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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High Voltage: It's just 'Conduit 2' now

JC Fletcher — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 01:00:00 EST

In a Nintendo Life interview, producer Jason Olson clears up something regarding the title of the sequel to last year's The Conduit: it's less definite now. "It's Conduit 2. The 'THE' got a bit clunky - too much of a mouthful - and we always referred to it as Conduit 2 internally. It flows better and just kinda stuck." Of course: now that there are two of them, each is just a Conduit.

Olson also offered some details about the revamped multiplayer. Perks will now be available, which will allow players to customize their characters significantly. "If I wanted to be a medic, for example, I'd probably pick Reverse Damage (Shooting allies heals them), Field Medicine (Doubles revive times), and Robot Legs (Unlimited sprint) among my perks. If I wanted to be a tank, I'd pick Heavy Armor (Damage reduction at a cost to movement speed), Ammo Belt (Two extra magazines), and Improved Bullet Damage." And you'll be able to set up two sets of abilities, so you can switch quickly.

High Voltage: It's just 'Conduit 2' now originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega releases first screens and details of The Conduit 2

JC Fletcher — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:31:00 EST

Following its unveiling in Nintendo Power magazine, The Conduit 2, High Voltage's second pass at a Wii FPS, has been officially announced by publisher Sega.

Due this fall, The Conduit 2 expands the venue for the serie's action from Washington, D.C. to a variety of locations across the world. The game also adds "all-new" online and couch co-op modes, including Team Invasion Mode, a 4-player split-screen mode that can be played online or off. The 12-player online competitive play now benefits from "larger and more intricate indoor and outdoor battlefields," and retains the Wii Speak functionality that so few games employ.

Turn your All-Seeing Eye toward Sega Europe's blog to see the first screenshots.

Sega releases first screens and details of The Conduit 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Astro Boy voice acting gets real with Kristen Bell

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:00:00 EST

You'll remember Kristen Bell from her less-than-endearing performance as Lucy in Assassin's Creed a couple years ago (and you should remember her from TV's Veronica Mars). Bell's back in the sound booth to record another game voice, playing Cora in Astro Boy, the upcoming movie-based adaptation. According to the video interview above, her character is a "17-year-old, edgy girl," immediately demonstrated by her declaration, "Sorry, we don't need any newbies." Good to know! (We were worried.)

Astro Boy voice acting gets real with Kristen Bell originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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High Voltage licenses Infernal Engine for-ev-er

Justin McElroy — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Talk about your long-term commitments. The Conduit developer High Voltage Software has just entered into a lifetime agreement with Terminal Reality to use the company's Infernal Engine (right, that's the one that makes Ghostbusters run). High Voltage hasn't really been a force on PS3 or 360 yet, so we're wondering if the move was prompted by slow sales on its last Wii outing (which, you may remember, ran on its own Quantum3 engine).

"By incorporating some of the best PS3/360 technology, we are able to really push the envelope with our next wave of titles," Kerry J. Ganofsky, founder of High Voltage, said in the release. In related news, isn't Infernal Engine the best name for an engine ever? We're pretty sure it is.

High Voltage licenses Infernal Engine for-ev-er originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Conduit sales fizzle in late-June debut

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:02:00 EST

Once again, Sega places its hopes and dreams in the untapped hardcore Wii market, and once again it just doesn't pay off. With the June NPD sales figures comes a sad truth for those who've been hyping The Conduit since it first reared its head last April: according to those figures, the conspiracy-infused FPS sold under 72,000 copies between its June 23 launch and the NPD cutoff date of July 4, placing it at number 25 on the U.S. top sellers list.

Sure, The Conduit hasn't been out for a full month yet, but that sales total has got to be a disappointing figure for Sega, whose last two adult-themed Wii releases, MadWorld and House of the Dead: Overkill, made even smaller impacts during their respective launch months (we suppose there's a little silver lining in The Conduit performing slightly better). We've contacted both Sega and High Voltage to find out how they're feeling about the game's somewhat underwhelming sales figures.

The Conduit sales fizzle in late-June debut originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metareview: The Conduit (Wii)

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:31:00 EST

While you're patiently waiting for the end of the week so you can cash that paycheck and pick up High Voltage Software's The Conduit for your Nintendo Wii, why not take a gander at what the rest of the interweb had to say about the game? Considering the lack of correlation between Metacritic scores and the sales numbers of Wii games, though -- at least according to Peter Moore -- you probably shouldn't let these numbers get to you too much.

GamePro (70): "The Conduit is the closest you will get to recapturing the magic of Goldeneye ... To be blunt, The Conduit is a by the numbers shooter that offers a couple of thrills but ultimately doesn't make much of an impact ... anyone who loved Goldeneye will want to give a look as well if only to get a nice dose of nostalgia, but the rest of you shouldn't feel a need to abandon your favorite next-gen shooter for this one."
GamesRadar (80): "The Conduit is fun, controls well, and is, at times, quite beautiful ... Both humans and alien drones are animated with competent physics and personality that puts High Voltage Software's Quantum3 engine outside the realm of the "GameCube 1.5" criticisms ... The truth is you probably wouldn't bat an eye at The Conduit had it appeared on PC, PS3 or Xbox 360 ... The solid, yet unremarkable single-player won't win any awards, but The Conduit still features the most finely honed online outings available on Wii."
IGN (86): "The Conduit is not a revolutionary first-person shooter, but it's a damned good one ... the title features the tightest, most comfortable control scheme of any console-based first-person shooter to date ... The Conduit features a robust list of modes and maps to play online and nearly 20 weapons to use as you rip through arenas blasting foes ... it's not revolutionary, but The Conduit is a great first-person shooter designed just for Wii owners."

Gallery: The Conduit

Metareview: The Conduit (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Impressions: Astro Boy (Wii)

David Hinkle — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:15:00 EST

Many of you likely remember the punishing gameplay of Astro Boy: Omega Factor. In fact, our first question to the High Voltage rep that demoed the game at the D3 Publisher booth was just that, if they played the game and whether they planned to follow in its footsteps. The good news is that High Voltage indeed did play through Omega Factor and took inspiration from the game, evident in the 2.5D approach of the Wii game and simplistic combat. The bad news is that this seemed less like a game inspired by Omega Factor and more a watered down version of one of the better GBA games out there.

Continue reading Impressions: Astro Boy (Wii)

Impressions: Astro Boy (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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High Voltage announces another new Wii game: 'The Grinder'

JC Fletcher — Wed, 27 May 2009 09:15:00 EST

The Conduit developer High Voltage Software has announced another new Wii game, and, like Gladiator A.D., it's a brutally violent game designed to attract the bloodthirsty "hardcore gamer." The Grinder is an online co-op FPS starring "a sort of the cryptobiological A-Team," in the words of High Voltage's Eric Nofsinger, who goes on to refer to "a team of freelance hunters that ruthlessly exterminate savage armies of bloodthirsty monsters."

The FPS shows a clear (and acknowledged) Left 4 Dead influence, with each member of the team different in skills and personality. The game differs from L4D in that instead of just zombies, your team fights werewolves, vampires and all manner of other mythical shootables.

High Voltage announces another new Wii game: 'The Grinder' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 May 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq hands-on: The Conduit online multiplayer

Randy Nelson — Wed, 06 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

click to enlarge

Wii's biggest FPS of the summer (we'd say year, but Ubisoft has a little something cooking), The Conduit, has, perhaps in keeping with its theme of conspiracy and hidden secrets, only just now been shown with its online multiplayer component virtually complete and ready for the game's June 23 release. We spent an afternoon at Sega America playing through its various maps and modes with other games press and members of the dev team from High Voltage Software.

Before we even got into the action, though, we were already impressed by how, well ... un-Wii-like the online mode was in both presentation and function. High Voltage has clearly spent a good deal of time pondering what players will want to find when they sit down for a multiplayer game of The Conduit for the first time.

Gallery: The Conduit (Online Multiplayer)

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: The Conduit online multiplayer

Joystiq hands-on: The Conduit online multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 May 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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High Voltage Software revealing two games at E3

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:30:00 EST

Though its highly anticipated, National Treasure meets Duke Nukem shooter The Conduit has yet to hit store shelves, High Voltage Software is already teasing the big E3 reveal of two new Wii-exclusive titles. According to French gaming site Nintendo Master's recent interview with Voltage's Eric Nofsinger, the developer is cranking out another FPS (one with even stronger visual tech than The Conduit), and another title which is "a different kind of a thing." You know what that means? Equestrian breeding sim. Check out the video interview after the jump!

[Via Nintendo Everything]

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High Voltage Software revealing two games at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq interview: High Voltage Software on The Conduit

Jason Dobson — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST

While the Wii can often become a minigame jukebox, games like House of the Dead: Overkill and MadWorld prove that there's still room on Nintendo's console for players hungry for more than just another party. Despite Nintendo's preaching that it has not abandoned core gamers, others, like Illinois-based High Voltage Software, are doing something about it.

High Voltage's upcoming shooter, The Conduit, was positioned early on as the studio's effort to prove that the Wii could handle a hardcore FPS. Now, with it set to release in June, we cornered High Voltage creative director Matt Corso and spoke at length on the Wii, its perception with the hardcore crowd, and how his game's graphics size up to other titles like Gears of War.

Gallery: The Conduit

Continue reading Joystiq interview: High Voltage Software on The Conduit

Joystiq interview: High Voltage Software on The Conduit originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Compare The Conduit's graphics to other Wii FPS titles [update]

David Hinkle — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST

Update: Apparently neither Sega or High Voltage approved this video, and it was uploaded by accident. At the request of Sega and High Voltage, we've removed it from the post.

High Voltage dares you. This isn't some kind of silly kid's dare, though. No, this is a triple dog-dare, the coup de grace of all dares. And, after watching the video past the break, which compares The Conduit to the likes of other Wii FPS games such as Metroid Prime 3, Red Steel, and Call of Duty: World at War, we'd say High Voltage has certainly made its case. What do you all think?

[Via Go Nintendo]

Compare The Conduit's graphics to other Wii FPS titles [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Conduit channeled into retail on June 23

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:25:00 EST

Representatives for High Voltage Software and Sega have informed Joystiq that The Conduit will reach retail on June 23. There was some confusion this morning about The Conduit's development status, following a Eurogamer story indicating that Sega had "pushed ambitious Wii first-person shooter The Conduit back from spring to summer." This is technically accurate -- The Conduit was originally scheduled to release June 9 (spring), but will now release June 23, two days after summer begins.

High Voltage Software's Eric Nofsinger assured us that the game's development hadn't slipped at all, but that pushing the "Nintendo networking beyond its usual transfer of data and taking full use of the WiiSpeak" is "good for the game and gamer," even if it lengthens the time taken for testing and approval.

Gallery: The Conduit

The Conduit channeled into retail on June 23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No split-screen multiplayer in The Conduit to preserve visuals

Xav de Matos — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST

Sorry, split-screen fans, The Conduit is hanging you out to dry. According to lead designer Rob Nicholls, the upcoming shooter will exclude a split-screen multiplayer option in order to maintain the game's visual punch. In an interview with HD Warriors, Nicholls said the main reason the feature isn't included is because of concern the graphics quality would be reduced when "double-rendering" the game for the mode.

High Voltage's top priority in developing The Conduit is making sure the title achieves the "best looking" graphics on the Nintendo Wii, said Nicholls. While the in-house tech team at High Voltage continues to squeeze power out of the console, The Conduit will ship without split-screen -- but Nicholls said it is a possibility for future titles.

[Via Nintendo Everything]

No split-screen multiplayer in The Conduit to preserve visuals originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conduit devs had 'dusty Wii syndrome,' hope to release cure

Xav de Matos — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:05:00 EST

The dev team at High Voltage Software has suffered from dusty Wii syndrome, but is hopeful that its upcoming shooter, The Conduit, will hold a piece of the cure. Speaking with CVG, Conduit producer Josh Olson said High Voltage Software's Wii units had been "gathering dust" due to a lack of games for the core audience. Of course, Olson's comments echo (Conduit publisher) Sega's recent company line that the hardcore market needs Nintendo Wii love too. To that point, Sega has recently released The House of the Dead: Overkill and MadWorld. Or maybe High Voltage just wants gamers to start cleaning up their rooms.

Olson also took an opportunity to discuss the multitude of player customization options found in The Conduit. In the game, players are free to remap the controls, alter the sensitivity, remodel the in-game HUD and pretty much change anything they can think of because High Voltage isn't "so arrogant to think that the game has to be played a certain way." Then Olson throws it down, exclaiming that he is confident that The Conduit will be "the best-looking game on the console" and will include the "best available" multiplayer the Wii has ever offered. Unfortunately, High Voltage hasn't detailed any multiplayer features other than the use of Wii Speak.

[Via GoNintendo]

Conduit devs had 'dusty Wii syndrome,' hope to release cure originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tap into new The Conduit screens

David Hinkle — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:45:00 EST

Click for more screens, you con-du-it

It feels like we just wrote a post about new The Conduit screens. Oh wait, that's because we did. Yesterday. But, these are new screens, differing from those presented yesterday in almost every way possible. So, if you're anxious to step into Mr. Ford's shoes, then we suggest you step into our gallery below and satiate yourself on 13 brand new screens, some of which even depict real-life locations.

Gallery: The Conduit (3/19/09)

Tap into new The Conduit screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why High Voltage dropped MotionPlus from The Conduit

David Hinkle — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:10:00 EST

We've all been under the impression that The Conduit would feature MotionPlus, but it turns out that High Voltage has tried it, and decided to take it out of the game. Why, you ask? Well, High Voltage's VP and chief creative officer Eric Nofsinger tells 1UP that Nintendo provided them "with early hardware and good developer support," but when they put it into The Conduit, it "didn't really add anything for our primarily ranged combat."

Nofsinger also got a bit more technical, adding that High Voltage hoped MotionPlus "would allow for better off screen IR tracking." Instead, Nofsinger says the device "seems to lend itself more naturally for hand to hand combat" and that it "doesn't feel like an optimal fit for how we had designed our moment to moment gameplay." Well, that explains it.

Sure, we want as many features as we can get our hands on in a game, but if it doesn't improve on the experience and just feels tacked on for the sake of being a bullet point on the back of a box, it's not worth it. It looks like High Voltage agrees.

Why High Voltage dropped MotionPlus from The Conduit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Conduit to use Wii Speak, new trailer sizzles with 'conspiracy'

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST

It's been a while since we've seen anything out of High Voltage's little-shooter-that-could, The Conduit -- a problem that was expediently rectified on last night's episode of GameTrailers TV. In addition to the revelation that the game won't support Wii MotionPlus but will allow users to chat via Wii Speak, the latest trailer for the shooter, titled "Conspiracy," was aired.

In addition to showing a sizable chunk of gameplay, the trailer (which we've posted after the jump) gives further hints regarding the game's plot. Here's what we've pieced together: There's a conspiracy (Aliens? Illuminati? Grassy Knoll?), which appears to be causing protagonist Michael Ford to have a very bad day. Don your tinfoil hat, crank up the Alex Jones, and check out the trailer after the break.

Continue reading The Conduit to use Wii Speak, new trailer sizzles with 'conspiracy'

The Conduit to use Wii Speak, new trailer sizzles with 'conspiracy' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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