Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Impressions: 'Alan Wake' runs toward darkness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/impressions-alan-wake-runs-toward-darkness/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/impressions-alan-wake-runs-toward-darkness/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/impressions-alan-wake-runs-toward-darkness/#comments
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Previously on Alan Wake... in search of lost manuscript pages for a novel he doesn't recall writing, Alan Wake is searching the Pacific Northwest town of Bright Falls for his missing wife. The pages aren't only a clue as to where Alan must search next, but seem to be the basis of a dark force taking over the small town.

In the latest demo of Alan Wake, the title character is without a weapon or the protection of a light source -- the only thing that can slow down the darkness taking over the small town. During this section of the game, Alan must retreat into the darkened forests, pursued by an FBI agent named Nightingale who is sure Wake is to blame for all of the terrible things happening in the town. Sadly, Nightingale may not be wrong.

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JoystiqImpressions: 'Alan Wake' runs toward darkness originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-wakeimpressionsMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosremedyremedy-entertainmenttgs-2009Xbox-360Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2009: Hands-on with Torchlight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/pax-2009-pixar-diablo-torchlight/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/pax-2009-pixar-diablo-torchlight/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/pax-2009-pixar-diablo-torchlight/#comments

We never thought a completely new game would rise from the ashes of Mythos in just over a year, but that's exactly what Torchlight represents. We played through Torchlight for half an hour at the show, and it's a delightful action RPG that looks like a cartoon version of Diablo ... which doesn't mean it's for toddlers. There's still killing of the smashing, bashing and magical varieties throughout this thing, you know!

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JoystiqPAX 2009: Hands-on with Torchlight originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>impressionsMythosPAXPAX-2009RunicTorchlightMon, 07 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: Afrika]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/impressions-afrika/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/impressions-afrika/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/impressions-afrika/#commentsPokémon Snap fans, beware! Afrika is the Pokémon game you know and love, just all grown up ... and, ya know, without all those Pocket Monsters. Instead, you're chasing around lions and tigers and, erm, zebras with fancy Sony brand cameras, trying your best to capture shots and not get trampled.

Oh, wait, that's right! There is no "trample." In fact, there's no interaction with the animals of any kind. You don't even get the satisfaction of oddly petting them like in Endless Ocean. With Afrika, you get an African safari simulator and little else. Which really makes it hard for us to even classify Afrika as a "game" as opposed to edutainment. Sure, there are assignments and "challenges," should you so choose to engage them, but there is little (if any) real progression through the experience.

Better cameras do unlock as you complete assignments and a whole mess of National Geographic footage/stills/information also serve to reward various complete objectives, but none of this makes the "game" any more game-ey. Those of you looking for an interactive African safari simulation, Afrika is for you. For those of you whose first interest is seeing if you can run down a rhino, look elsewhere -- this "game" ain't for you.

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JoystiqImpressions: Afrika originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afrikae3-2009impressionsnational-geographicnatsumesafarisimulationWed, 10 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: Heavy Rain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/impressions-heavy-rain/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/impressions-heavy-rain/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/impressions-heavy-rain/#comments
Heavy Rain is not your typical game -- the experience promises to change and morph throughout the different scenes. While the Taxidermist and Mad Jack scenes are reasonably similar, with our protagonists infiltrating areas for clues and then making their escape after being discovered, the new scene shown off at E3 by Quantic Dream's David Cage illustrated how situations and gameplay styles will differ throughout.

This new scene does exactly what it says on the tin. Named "Madison At The Blue Lagoon," it follows the exploits of our female protagonist, Madison -- who you may recognise from the Taxidermist scene -- at a busy club called the Blue Lagoon. Madison has gone in search of the club's owner, Paco, in order to get new information regarding something. As usual, Quantic Dream's David Cage is appropriately cagey about giving away too much of the story.

In contrast to the other scenes we've been shown, which have involved only a couple of characters at a time, the Blue Lagoon is packed full of people. Madison weaves through them naturally and realistically as she makes her way through the dancing throng towards the bar. This game's graphical fidelity tends to range from "incredible" to "a bit iffy," but this scene looked great, despite the relatively large number of characters on screen. With a Q1 2010 release date and with the game 70% done, there's still time to iron out any graphical kinks.

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JoystiqImpressions: Heavy Rain originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-cagee3-2009heavy-rainimpressionsInteractive-DramaQuantic-dreamSCESCEASonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaMon, 08 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: Splinter Cell Conviction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/impressions-splinter-cell-conviction/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/impressions-splinter-cell-conviction/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/impressions-splinter-cell-conviction/#comments
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If anything is clear about the new look of Splinter Cell: Conviction, it's that Sam Fisher is a changed man. After losing his daughter in what was believed to be an accident, Sam learns the tragedy was planned as a personal attack. Cutting all ties with the secret government organization Third Echelon, Sam goes on his own in search of revenge. This is the beginning of Badass: The Game ... Splinter Cell: Conviction.

We had a chance to sit down with Splinter Cell: Conviction and learn the ins-and-outs of Sam's latest adventure. Have questions about what you saw at the Microsoft Press Briefing? Then you have to read this.

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JoystiqImpressions: Splinter Cell Conviction originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>impressionsMicrosoftsplinter-cell-convictionubisoftXbox-360Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: Final Fantasy XIII]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/impressions-final-fantasy-xiii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/impressions-final-fantasy-xiii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/impressions-final-fantasy-xiii/#comments
Final Fantasy XIII? That's so yesterday. Despite the announcement of Final Fantasy XIV, XIII still isn't out yet and much of the game is still shrouded in mystery. We were given a very brief demonstration of the title behind closed doors at Square Enix' booth, where we were shown more of the combat system. Specifically: summons. More specifically: Shiva.

The demo -- which, we reiterate, was very short -- was taken from an early part of the game. Motomu Toriyama, who was controlling the demo, took control of Snow in order to show us his partnered summon, Shiva. Each character has a partnered summon and it seems this is story specific, rather than a Final Fantasy VIII style "Junction" system.

Toriyama quickly initiated a battle and explained how the new "assault" combat option automatically selects the most approprate combat option for you. In other words, it's an autopilot for the smaller scale combat situations you're likely to come into contact with while grinding -- and if we know Final Fantasy, there'll be plenty of that.

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JoystiqImpressions: Final Fantasy XIII originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiiiimpressionsMicrosoftsquare-enixXbox-360Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 screens emerge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/new-socom-fireteam-bravo-3-screens-emerge/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/new-socom-fireteam-bravo-3-screens-emerge/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/new-socom-fireteam-bravo-3-screens-emerge/#comments
click to enlarge As we told you before, the PSP's upcoming SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 looks to be a more action-oriented entry in the popular franchise. There's a bigger focus on firefights this time around -- and we don't mean the kind with hooks and ladders. You'll be blasting away, sneaking up on unsuspecting turret-jockeys, and leading your four-man team into a series of shootouts that make that bank robbery scene in Heat look like a day in the park. A really, really boring day in the park where nothing happens.

Though their static presentation may not adequately capture the game's intensity, these latest screenshots from Sony Gamers Day 2009 should at least awaken that inner desire to shoot people getting in the way of freedom.

Gallery: SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3

JoystiqNew SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 screens emerge originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fireteam-Bravofireteam-bravo-3impressionsSocomsocom-fireteam-bravo-3Sonysony-gamers-day-09Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yo Joe? More like: Oh no, G.I. Joe game impressions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/yo-joe-more-like-oh-no-g-i-joe-game-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/yo-joe-more-like-oh-no-g-i-joe-game-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/yo-joe-more-like-oh-no-g-i-joe-game-impressions/#comments
EA is talking up its first G.I. Joe game, a movie spin-off, as "cross-generational." It's so easy to control that even "mom" can play. Which means, moms -- if you're reading -- not only will you be subjected to chaperoning a mission to the local theater to suffer through the G.I. Joe film adaptation this summer, you also may be expected to idle away your weekends with the game. Let's hope it's a short one.

G.I. Joe: The Game plays as any generic third-person shooter, with the bonus of the aforementioned base layer Mom Controls(R). Literally, all that is needed to proceed is the left thumb steering the on-screen character and the right index finger, locked down on the designated shooting button -- just keep on holding it and the game will automatically target a new enemy once the current one has absorbed too many laser blasts and disappears into the well known in-game ether. Of course, "hardcore" gamers will find melee and character-exclusive secondary attacks, along with a rolling dodge and cover mechanic mapped to their controllers.

EA is throwing out some big-name inspirations for its game: Contra, Ikari Warriors and Ikaruga. We suppose you could consider G.I. Joe as a like-designed title in so far as it is built as an "arcade" throwback, with high scores being the ultimate reward. Actually, the ultimate reward is unlocking all twelve playable characters -- unlocking characters requires score points, though. Scoring is linked directly to difficulty setting and one's play. Dying, for example, decreases one's overall score, but, on the lowest difficulty setting, will not produce further setbacks. Think of this as a "no fail" setting -- you know, the one mom can play.

Continue reading Yo Joe? More like: Oh no, G.I. Joe game impressions

JoystiqYo Joe? More like: Oh no, G.I. Joe game impressions originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-helixeaElectronic-Artsfoundation-9gi-joehasbroimpressionsMicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Halo Interactive Strategy Game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/joystiq-hands-on-halo-interactive-strategy-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/joystiq-hands-on-halo-interactive-strategy-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/joystiq-hands-on-halo-interactive-strategy-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Interactive level design to the max!

The Halo Interactive Strategy Game is a crown of shame, aiming a Christmas-ruining SPNKr at happy children everywhere. Sure, I tempered my expectations of a board game based off a video game -- especially an "interactive" one. But after imposing it on my regular game night friends, the Halo board game's missed potential let me down. Building the map was fun. Playing capture-the-flag, deathmatch, or an objective-based contest wasn't.

The game is full of weak and unclear rules and an optional DVD just distracts from the strategy. This could have been a chess-like adaptation of Halo, but it just ends up feeling sorry.

Gallery: Halo Interactive Strategy Game

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JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Halo Interactive Strategy Game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boardboard-gameboardgamebungiehalohands-onimpressionsjoystiqfeaturesjs-twittermicrosoftoff-the-gridThu, 06 Nov 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F Hands-on: Gears of War 2 - Act One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/x3f-hands-on-gears-of-war-2-act-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/x3f-hands-on-gears-of-war-2-act-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/x3f-hands-on-gears-of-war-2-act-one/#commentsFiled under: ,


Whether you realize it or not, Gears of War 2 is the most important title for Microsoft this holiday season. Promising a longer and more story focused experience than the 2006 award-winning original, Epic Games hopes the return of Marcus and Dom will resonate with story loving gamers of a post BioShock, Portal world. We had a chance to play through the first act of the final version of Gears of War 2 recently, jump in to find out if the beginning of the anticipated shooter starts off strong or leaves us wishing for more.

Disclaimer: While major story elements have been made purposely vague in this article we should qualify that some of the following feature contains spoilers of the characters and scenarios in Act One of Gears of War 2.

Continue reading X3F Hands-on: Gears of War 2 - Act One

JoystiqX3F Hands-on: Gears of War 2 - Act One originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gears-2-launchgears-of-war-2hands-onimpressionsjoystiqfeaturesMon, 27 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 08: Hands-on with Demon's Souls (PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/tgs-08-hands-on-with-demons-souls-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/tgs-08-hands-on-with-demons-souls-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/tgs-08-hands-on-with-demons-souls-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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"Nothing but a player?s decision and a tactics of using various weapons are important than anything that you really need to think to play." This line, taken from the official Demon's Souls site blurb, should make you feel as scared and confused as I felt when I got my hands on the game. My first thought, "ouch," remains scrawled at the top of my notes and, sadly, it's all downhill from there.

Gallery: Demon's Souls

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JoystiqTGS 08: Hands-on with Demon's Souls (PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Demons-soulsFROM-softwarehands-onimpressionsjoystiqfeaturesPS3tgs08Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Call of Duty: World at War beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/joystiq-hands-on-surviving-call-of-duty-world-at-war-beta-xbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/joystiq-hands-on-surviving-call-of-duty-world-at-war-beta-xbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/joystiq-hands-on-surviving-call-of-duty-world-at-war-beta-xbo/#commentsFiled under: ,


click for the full, embiggened gallery
This week, we had the chance to enlist into the Call of Duty: World at War beta for Xbox 360, which features a handful of online maps to play. What follows is a back-and-forth discussion of our initial impressions after playing the game for a few hours.

Alexander Sliwinski: Um, isn't it just Call of Duty 4 with a different setting?
Ross Miller: More or less, and I think that's a great way to describe the game: It's Call of Duty 4, with a few differences. For example, instead of helicopters, you've got dogs.

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Call of Duty: World at War beta

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Call of Duty: World at War beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-5call-of-duty-world-at-warcod5hands-onimpressionsjoystiqfeaturestreyarchworld-at-warXbox-360Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 08: Ninja Blade cut from familiar cloth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/tgs-08-ninja-blade-cut-from-a-familiar-cloth/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/tgs-08-ninja-blade-cut-from-a-familiar-cloth/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/tgs-08-ninja-blade-cut-from-a-familiar-cloth/#commentsFiled under: , ,


"The main character is, as you can see, a ninja."

We were quite pleased to have figured this part out on our own, shortly before From Software's Kazuhiro Hamatani laid down the pertinent facts in a pre-Tokyo Game Show presentation of Ninja Blade. Which, as you can see, is a "cinematic action game." For better or worse -- and it's better if Ninja Gaiden II failed to satisfy your unhealthy hankering for third-person kill-em-ups -- Ninja Blade appears to be almost exactly what you'd expect. We're not proponents of judging a game by its cover, but in this case, we're almost able to peer through to the back of the box and recite the bullet points:
  • Cinematic Action Game (i.e. quick time events)!
  • Ninjas (i.e. running on walls, being a badass)!
  • Hideous enemies (i.e. giant spiders and bats)!
  • Crazy Ninja Powers (i.e. bullet time and highlighted weak points)!
  • Upgradeable Weapons (i.e. kill more to kill better)!
  • Exotic Locations (i.e. monsters just won't leave Tokyo alone)!

Gallery: Ninja Blade

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JoystiqTGS 08: Ninja Blade cut from familiar cloth originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>From-SoftwareImpressionsJoystiqFeaturesNinjaNinja-BladeTGSTGS-2008Those-things-which-are-inferior-to-piratesXbox-360Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/joystiq-hands-on-castlevania-order-of-ecclesia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/joystiq-hands-on-castlevania-order-of-ecclesia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/joystiq-hands-on-castlevania-order-of-ecclesia/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Classic 2D Castlevania is here to stay. At least, that's how we feel after playing the latest in the series to hit the Nintendo DS, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia. While the game stays true to the flat-faced games we've seen in the past, there's enough here in this little square cartridge to make things feel fresh ... blood fresh.

One of the elements that stands out the most in this new Castlevania is the glyph system. In order to carry out actions, characters absorb glyphs (which are usually either weapons, i.e. a rapier, or magic, i.e. flying fire balls) and assign them to the X and Y buttons. You can equip the same glyph more than once, making things slightly more economical. You have a green bar under your red health bar -- this is a magic gauge. This depletes as you use your glyphs, but refills quickly as soon as you stop performing any actions with them; it basically regulates your attacks, so you won't be able to mindlessly breeze through the game.

Gallery: Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

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JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlevaniacastlevania-order-of-ecclesiaDShands-onimpressionsjoystiqfeatureskonamiorder-of-ecclesiaThu, 18 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq sticks-on: Final thoughts on the ION Drum Rocker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/joystiq-sticks-on-final-thoughts-on-the-ion-drum-rocker/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/joystiq-sticks-on-final-thoughts-on-the-ion-drum-rocker/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/joystiq-sticks-on-final-thoughts-on-the-ion-drum-rocker/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Since our initial impressions, we've had a few weeks to get used to the ION Drum Rocker set (a variant of the Alesis DM5 Pro set -- pedal, cymbals, pads/hardware). More importantly, we've had a few days to play on it with Rock Band 2. Is it worth the $300 cost of entry? Read on for our final thoughts.

Gallery: ION Drum Rocker: Unboxing, Set Up and Impressions

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JoystiqJoystiq sticks-on: Final thoughts on the ION Drum Rocker originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>impressionsionion-drum-rockerjoystiqfeaturesrock-bandrock-band-2Xbox-360Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2008: One hour with full version of Fallout 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/pax-2008-one-hour-with-the-full-version-of-fallout-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/pax-2008-one-hour-with-the-full-version-of-fallout-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/pax-2008-one-hour-with-the-full-version-of-fallout-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Click for all our Fallout 3 coverage
We were given one hour with Fallout 3 at this year's PAX, and we don't mean some pared down, nerfed, demo-ized level; this was the full version. Not only that, but the Bethesda folks showed it to us in the tricked out Fallout 3 Airstream Trailer, complete with a nuclear family peering in.

Lead designer Emil Pagliarulo started us out roughly an hour into the game, when you exit the vault for the very first time. We missed the whole "growing up" phase in order to rush right into the action. We didn't mind. but what of our first 18 or so years? Maybe you start out on the cellular level, and fight your way out in a glorious Spore/Fallout hybrid. Your guess is as good as ours.

Gallery: PAX 2008: The Fallout 3 Airstream Trailer

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JoystiqPAX 2008: One hour with full version of Fallout 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworksfalloutfallout-3hands-onimpressionsjoystiqfeaturespax-08pax-2008PCpenny-arcade-expoRPGXbox-360Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2008 hands-on: Valkyria Chronicles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/pax-2008-hands-on-valkyria-chronicles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/pax-2008-hands-on-valkyria-chronicles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/pax-2008-hands-on-valkyria-chronicles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Final Fantasy Tactics meets X-Com in a Miyazaki-esque, Advance Wars universe. With watercolors. That's what you get when you play Sega's upcoming strategy RPG, Valkyria Chronicles. The PS3 exclusive is already out in Japan but will be heading West before the end of the year and, from what we saw of the game at PAX, it will be Sega's console gem of the year.

We were guided through the game's tutorial by the producer, Christopher Kaminski, who showed off the basic gameplay mechanics. It's a strategy RPG, but there's no grid. Instead, you have a "fuel" meter, which depletes as you move farther, giving the game more of an action RPG feel.

Gallery: Valkyria Chronicles (Leipzig 2008)

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JoystiqPAX 2008 hands-on: Valkyria Chronicles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onimpressionsjoystiqfeaturespax-08pax-2008playstation-3PS3Segavalkyria-chroniclesThu, 04 Sep 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2008 hands-on: Demigod]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/pax-2008-hands-on-demigod/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/pax-2008-hands-on-demigod/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/pax-2008-hands-on-demigod/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Following an interview with Gas Powered Games at PAX 2008, we got some hands on time with their newest creation, Demigod. The first thing we noticed while watching it running on glowing, envy-inducing PCs was how deliberate much of it looked. Everything from the unit/map design to the ease-of-use control scheme oozed hours of careful consideration on developer GPG's part. While the concept of Demigod tends to bewilder many who hear it -- ourselves included -- understanding the idea only took us a few minutes of playing the atypical strategy game.

Players only control their Demigod and its set of abilities. Our time was spent with the RPG-style Torchbearer, a Norse flavored character that can switch between ice and fire modes. We were digging his armored-burn-victim look, which just so happened to feature more armor and less burn. The Torchbearer is all about freezing everything before switching to fire and watching the screen light up as your enemies burn. Our magical offensive certainly got us some kills, but it wasn't moving the battlefront at all. Once we began to work more attentively with our AI-controlled troops of the non-Skynet variety, the battle quickly shifted to our favor.

Our actions in-game where peppered by murmurs of, "Oh, whoa." and "I want this game, now" from various onlookers behind us. We were starting to agree with this sentiment. It surprised us to find out that the game is actually running on a version of the Supreme Commander engine, as we saw more visual variety in 30 minutes with Demigod than we ever did playing hours of SupCom. GPG assured us that the system requirements are designed to include low-end machines, which is very much due to the fact that Demigod doesn't try to do a thousand things at once on-screen while you play it. (our wallets say thanks) Looking at the game, it was fairly hard to imagine that the harpy-like creatures and wiggling death-plant-things were living in the same engine that featured angular robot-spiders and hover tanks that bogged down our computers just a year and half ago. All in all, Demigod looks like it's going to steal away our precious personal time when it eventually ships on Stardock's Impulse service next year.


[MP3] Download this interview in MP3 format

JoystiqPAX 2008 hands-on: Demigod originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demigodgas-powered-gameshands-onimpressionsjoystiqfeaturespax-08pax-2008pax08PCSun, 31 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ION Drum Rocker: Unboxing and initial impressions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/ion-drum-rocker-unboxing-and-initial-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/ion-drum-rocker-unboxing-and-initial-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/ion-drum-rocker-unboxing-and-initial-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Update: The cymbals problems discussed below relate to a faulty "brain" for the set that ION replaced for us before the final review.

Over the past week, we've had a chance to check out ION's premium Rock Band 2 drum set, the Drum Rocker (We've played it once before at E3 2008). We're waiting for a copy of RB2 for our final impressions; in the meantime, here are our initial thoughts of the set with the original Rock Band.
  • Our order arrived in two boxes weighing in at 33 lbs. and 6 lbs., respectively. The lighter box contained the third cymbal and colored discs to put on all three cymbals for differentiation.
  • Total time to unbox: 20 minutes (although, to be fair, we were taking a lot of pictures). That said, total time for setup (no camera usage) was close to an hour, with a large amount of time spent trying to screw in the cymbal clamps. Just another 2 or 3 mm on the screw length and we would've had a much easier time here.
  • Protip: Make sure you screw everything in very tight, or you'll be having to either pause the game to make fixes mid-song or learn to adjust to the added difficult of a drooping tom or cymbal. Even then, adjustments will have to be made to get the toms placed just right.
Read on for more impressions.

Gallery: ION Drum Rocker: Unboxing, Set Up and Impressions

Continue reading ION Drum Rocker: Unboxing and initial impressions

JoystiqION Drum Rocker: Unboxing and initial impressions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drumdrum-rockerdrum-setdrumshands-onharmoniximpressionsionjoystiqfeaturesrock-bandrock-band-2Xbox-360Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW Insider: August 5-12, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/the-best-of-wow-insider-august-5-12-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/the-best-of-wow-insider-august-5-12-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/the-best-of-wow-insider-august-5-12-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We can't exactly decide whether this freaky-looking Dwarf makes us want to play as a Death Knight more or not, but he does look freaky. This was just one of the hundreds of images and impressions coming out of the Wrath of the Lich King beta this week on Joystiq's sister site WoW Insider. Below are our top posts from the past week, and as you can see, there's lots and lots of Death Knight and Wrath beta news to be had.

News

Features

JoystiqThe best of WoW Insider: August 5-12, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>death-knightgalleriesimpressionsnewswow-insiderwrath-betawrath-of-the-lich-kingTue, 12 Aug 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Not-So-Iron Fanboy, Part II: Evaluation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/not-so-iron-fanboy-part-ii-evaluation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/not-so-iron-fanboy-part-ii-evaluation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/not-so-iron-fanboy-part-ii-evaluation/#commentsFiled under: ,

So we've tracked down ingredients, crafted our meals, and gobbled down the results ... but how effective is the Cooking Guide, really? Will it turn a total newbie into a master chef? Will it at least help you make dinner? The intrepid DS Fanboy "chefs" who undertook the cook-off are back for a deeper look at the title, which is headed soon to the U.S. Once it's out, should you give it a shot? Let us help you decide.



NEXT >>

JoystiqNot-So-Iron Fanboy, Part II: Evaluation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cant-decide-what-to-eatcookingcooking-guideimpressionsnongamerecipestrainingMon, 04 Aug 2008 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq E3 eyes-on: Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/joystiq-e3-eyes-on-sid-meiers-civilization-iv-colonization/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/joystiq-e3-eyes-on-sid-meiers-civilization-iv-colonization/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/joystiq-e3-eyes-on-sid-meiers-civilization-iv-colonization/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is an interesting title in its marketing and presentation. The Civ IV tag is put on the game to give an idea of what to expect for those who don't remember the original Colonization, but the game is also clearly based on the Civilization IV engine and uses similar assets. Also, given some of the well-designed mods in Civ IV expansion, Beyond the Sword, we were wondering if Colonization would end up being a glorified mod or appear to be an actual new game? We still haven't come to a conclusion on that question, but there's a lot in this stand-alone product that certainly goes beyond what we'd call "a mod."

For starters, and it really bites that we can't show the UI or find videos, the interface and music are different from Civilization IV. Also, the graphics have been given a nice boost and, seeing them in person, it's certainly noticeable. Senior Producer Jesse Smith also walked us through several other things that make Colonization different from Civ IV.

Gallery: Civilization IV: Colonization

Continue reading Joystiq E3 eyes-on: Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization

JoystiqJoystiq E3 eyes-on: Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesCiv-4Civ-IVCivilizationCivilization-4Civilization-4-ColonizationCivilization-IVe3-2008Firaxis-GamesimpressionsPCSid-Meiers-Civilization-4Sid-Meiers-Civilization-IVStrategySun, 20 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Joystiq Hands/Eyes-on recap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-joystiq-hands-eyes-on-recap/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-joystiq-hands-eyes-on-recap/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-joystiq-hands-eyes-on-recap/#commentsFiled under: ,

Our BFFs at Joystiq are hard at work playing through upcoming games so they can drop expert knowledge into your waiting arms.

Like our own Fallout 3 and Banjo Kazooie: Creation Tools hands-on features, expect an in depth report sprinkled with some wacky humor. Here is a recap of all the features Joystiq has been working on. Expect more expert analysis as E3 continues throughout the week and beyond.

Joystiq Hands-on
Joystiq Eyes-on
 Joystiq Impressions

JoystiqE308: Joystiq Hands/Eyes-on recap originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bayonettaE3e3-08e3-2008e308gears-of-war-2hands-onimpressionsleft-4-deadrecapthis-is-vegaswheelmanWed, 16 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq E3 impressions: This is Vegas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/joystiq-e3-impressions-this-is-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/joystiq-e3-impressions-this-is-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/joystiq-e3-impressions-this-is-vegas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


We'll make a promise to you: not once in this preview will we reference the "Things that occur in Vegas" advertising slogan that seems to pop up every time someone mentions the mecca of mischievousness in the middle of Nevada. Except for that one time. No more.

This is Vegas is a game dreamed up by an assistant. Senior Associate Producer Trevor Ellington told us the real story behind the Sin City-based open-world humor game: an executive assistant at Midway came up with the idea of a game that replicated all of the wild fun to be had in Vegas, and thus was born TiV. During the demo we saw here at E3, the game presented four various scenarios: Fight, Party, Game, Drive, but by the time the game is released in 2009, they'll all be melded into what's supposed to be a sandbox of a good time.

Continue reading Joystiq E3 impressions: This is Vegas

JoystiqJoystiq E3 impressions: This is Vegas originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casinosE3e3-2008fightinggamblingImpressionsjoystiqfeaturesmidwaypartyPCPS3surrealthis-is-vegasXbox-360Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq E3 impressions: Wheelman]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/joystiq-e3-impressions-wheelman/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/joystiq-e3-impressions-wheelman/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/joystiq-e3-impressions-wheelman/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Vin Diesel's gaming company, Tigon Studios, is trying to make good with Wheelman, a Driver-esque, open world action/driving experience due out from Midway. There were a few... interesting innovations in the game (instead of stopping your car to steal other vehicles, you can now hijack any car on the road while in motion), but this was mostly a case of "we saw it being played so you don't have to."

Still, Producer Pall Palsson was kind enough to show us what his team has been up to lately, so check after the break to see both what Wheelman has to offer, and what it doesn't (hint: realistic physics).

Continue reading Joystiq E3 impressions: Wheelman

JoystiqJoystiq E3 impressions: Wheelman originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2008impressionsjoystiqfeaturesmidwayPCPS3shootervin-dieselwheelmanXbox-360Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands on: Fallout 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/hands-on-fallout-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/hands-on-fallout-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/hands-on-fallout-3/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click to embiggen
Some things must be made clear. One, I played Bethesda's Fallout 3 today. Two, I have never played a Fallout title before, so I can't judge it based on the merits of the series. Joystiq will detail the differences between Fallout 3 and its predecessors in its hands on preview llater this week. With that out of the way, let me just throw this on the table: Fallout 3 is Oblivion with guns. It's a short analysis, but I stand by it. If one were to expand upon this analysis, one might say that Fallout 3 is a post-apocalyptic Oblivion with guns. Having said that, allow me elaborate that this is a compliment. Oblivion fans will understand this. Upon hearing my analysis, our own Xav de Matos noted, "I think I need a cigarette.... that sounds awesome."

Continue reading Hands on: Fallout 3

JoystiqHands on: Fallout 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaE3e3-08e3-2008e308falloutfallout-3hands-onimpressionsx3f-impressionsTue, 15 Jul 2008 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions -- Call of Duty: World at War]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/joystiq-impressions-call-of-duty-world-at-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/joystiq-impressions-call-of-duty-world-at-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/joystiq-impressions-call-of-duty-world-at-war/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


By now, you already know that Call of Duty is indeed coming back, though not in the Modern Warfare variety you've come to know and love. You know, that edition which sold over ten million copies and was developed by another studio. No, Activision has handed the reins back to Treyarch to create Call of Duty: World at War, which returns the franchise to the WWII genre, albeit in a new theater: The Pacific. Find everything we know about Call of Duty 5, err, Call of Duty: World at War, after the break.

Gallery: Call of Duty: World at War

Nightfire (DLC)

Continue reading Joystiq impressions -- Call of Duty: World at War

JoystiqJoystiq impressions -- Call of Duty: World at War originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-world-at-warcod5impressionsPCPS3treyarchworld-at-warXbox-360Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[You have rookie eyes: a first-timer's MGS4 experience]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/you-have-rookie-eyes-a-first-timers-mgs4-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/you-have-rookie-eyes-a-first-timers-mgs4-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/you-have-rookie-eyes-a-first-timers-mgs4-experience/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I have a confession to make: this is my first serious attempt at playing a Metal Gear Solid title. Back at GDC 2007, my editor Chris Grant kept making references to the flash video Metal Gear Awesome. I was admittedly confused, and he thus dropped everything to show me the video. It took me a long time to appreciate all the humor.

Cut to present day. Like war, a lot has changed. I tried playing the MGS remake Twin Snakes on hard mode, only to succumb to frustration two hours later. For today's Metal Gear Solid 4 release, I brushed up on Metal Gear lore, exhausted Wikipedia, and commissioned one of our writers to give me a crash course in the series. I got my copy last night, installed the game, and I was ready to play.

This is Metal Gear Solid 4, through rookie eyes.

Gallery: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of The Patriots

Continue reading You have rookie eyes: a first-timer's MGS4 experience

JoystiqYou have rookie eyes: a first-timer's MGS4 experience originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onimpressionsjoystiqfeqturesmetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-4Metal-Gear-Solid-4-Guns-of-the-Patriotsmgsmgs4newbnoobPS3rookie-eyesThu, 12 Jun 2008 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[A little more insight on Little League World Series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/a-little-more-insight-on-little-league-world-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/a-little-more-insight-on-little-league-world-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/a-little-more-insight-on-little-league-world-series/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're not sure whether to be charmed or creeped out by the look of Little League World Series 2008, but maybe checking out some more screens will help us make up our minds.

Some IGN impressions we've dug up also reveal more details about the game. For one, the character customization is purely cosmetic, meaning you can change a player's hair, clothing, stance, name, and such. As for the controls, they sound like a mix between legitimate motion-controls and waggle, but even the waggle seems to be implemented creatively. Fielding is automatic, for instance, but shaking the Wiimote will make your player hustle faster. You can also press the "A" button to make him dive.

Little League World Series offers four levels of difficulty, meaning that you play with ease or aim for a challenge. You can try Skill Challenge mode, too, which includes minigame-esque situations (such as a Home Run Derby, or the pitching game pictured above). Lastly, we like the "achievements" that this baseball title has to offer, as you can earn bobble-head dolls and trophies for your clubhouse.

It sounds to us like those of you who've already written of Little League World Series should give it another look. Depending on your personal preferences, though, the one thing that may deter you is its lack of online multiplayer.

JoystiqA little more insight on Little League World Series originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbaseballhands-onimpressionslittle-leaguelittle-league-world-serieslittle-league-world-series-2008sportsFri, 06 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Resident Evil 5 (Xbox 360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/joystiq-impressions-resident-evil-5-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/joystiq-impressions-resident-evil-5-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/joystiq-impressions-resident-evil-5-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click to enlarge

Sadly for everyone attending, Resident Evil 5 wasn't able to be played by commoners at Capcom's Captivate 08 event, but we were some of the first on the globe to see a playable version, so we're not complaining.

After showing a new trailer for the game, Jun Takeuchi began walking us through one of the early stages, the African village you've likely become familiar with in recent months. We're told that it's four times larger than Resident Evil 4's starting town, and we can believe it. You can see almost to the edge of the town -- it's sprawling, decrepit and totally imposing. We were impressed that the team has managed to create an environment that's frightening, even without the dark creepiness of earlier games in the series.

Gallery: Resident Evil 5 (06-02-2008)

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Resident Evil 5 (Xbox 360)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Resident Evil 5 (Xbox 360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcaptivate-08impressionsjun-takeuchiPS3resident-evil-5Xbox-360Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[360 Fanboy shows us real ultimate power with Ninja Gaiden II demo impressions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/360-fanboy-shows-us-real-ultimate-power-with-ninja-gaiden-ii-dem/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/360-fanboy-shows-us-real-ultimate-power-with-ninja-gaiden-ii-dem/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/360-fanboy-shows-us-real-ultimate-power-with-ninja-gaiden-ii-dem/#commentsFiled under: ,


We can think of a lot of great things to sell our souls for, such as telekinesis, a swimming pool full of hundred dollar bills, or a seventh season of Mr. Belvedere. However, Xbox 360 Fanboy's Richard Mitchell (or as we like to call him around the office, Rich Mitch) recently showed his undying love for scarved ninjas by dealing with Beelzebub to get his hands on an early copy of the Ninja Gaiden II demo. Judging by the tone of his impressions as he plays the first seven minutes of the preview, it was totally worth it.

We strongly advise watching the above video -- not only will it get you totally pumped for the quickly approaching June 3 release date for the title, but you can also witness Rich Mitch's incredible proclivity for ninja flipping and henchman dismemberment.

Joystiq360 Fanboy shows us real ultimate power with Ninja Gaiden II demo impressions originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360demoimpressionsninjaninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iirealultimatepowerrichardmitchellrichmitchryuhayabusateamninjaXbox-360xbox360Sat, 31 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- X3F Impressions: Ninja Gaiden II demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/x3f-tv-x3f-impressions-ninja-gaiden-ii-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/x3f-tv-x3f-impressions-ninja-gaiden-ii-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/x3f-tv-x3f-impressions-ninja-gaiden-ii-demo/#commentsFiled under:

Don't ask us how, but we managed to lay our hands on the coveted Ninja Gaiden II demo today. Sure, we could have used it solely for selfish purposes. We could have kept it to ourselves to play over and over again (which, come to think of it, we already have). But no! Rather than hog the demo, we've encapsulated our impressions in a new episode of X3F TV. Check out our impressions in the video above (hint: Ninja Gaiden fans will be pleased).

[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.
[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).
[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[M4V] Download the M4V directly.

JoystiqX3F TV -- X3F Impressions: Ninja Gaiden II demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 May 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>impressionsngng2ngiininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmox3f-impressionsx3f-tvFri, 30 May 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hikes the handheld pigskin in Tecmo Bowl Kickoff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/joystiq-hikes-the-handheld-pigskin-in-tecmo-bowl-kickoff/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/joystiq-hikes-the-handheld-pigskin-in-tecmo-bowl-kickoff/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/joystiq-hikes-the-handheld-pigskin-in-tecmo-bowl-kickoff/#commentsFiled under: ,


Joystiq managed to get their dirty hands on Tecmo Bowl Kickoff, and really enjoyed the redux of the old classic. According to our evil incredibly smart and good-looking overlords, the game both looked and played well on the DS -- what more can you ask for?

When it comes to the controls, players have the option between using the D-pad/buttons or the stylus. Joystiq thought that the D-pad option was the better scheme, and was intuitive enough to make the game accessible to all gamers, not just those who've spent hours upon hours training with Madden. They also really enjoyed the addition of super moves, even though this new feature isn't an extravagant change to the gameplay. The point is, though, that Tecmo football didn't need a big overhaul.

Their one major concern, though, was the WFC play. Not the fact that it exists, clearly. Yet, Tecmo Bowl Kickoff's customization scheme might be a little too deep for its own good, thereby ruining online play. You see, Tecmo cleverly worked around EA's NFL monopoly by adding tons of customization options (as seen in the video above). Player names and stats can be changed, among other things. In terms of multiplayer battles, however, we can foresee many gamers abusing such statistics in order to create an advantage over their opponents.

Hopefully that won't be too much of an issue. In any case, pop on past the break to see some gameplay videos, or go here to read the unabridged impressions from Joystiq.

Continue reading Joystiq hikes the handheld pigskin in Tecmo Bowl Kickoff

JoystiqJoystiq hikes the handheld pigskin in Tecmo Bowl Kickoff originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>footballhands-onimpressionssportstecmotecmo-bowltecmo-bowl-kickoffFri, 30 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five quick Wii Fit factoids]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/five-quick-wii-fit-factoids/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/five-quick-wii-fit-factoids/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/five-quick-wii-fit-factoids/#commentsFiled under:

At long last, Wii Fit hit shelves in the U.S. this week, bringing with it the sleek new Balance Board. Seldom have I been so interested in a game; usually, one has something of an idea what to expect. But trying Wii Fit is an experience that videos just can't quite get across. How does it feel? What's it like to really stand there on the board? After lingering over the unboxing -- which you can check out in the gallery below -- it was time to readjust the living room and get in the game. The baby daddy decided to play along, and serve as guinea pig and unboxing assistant. After a little time with the title, a few things became abundantly clear ....

Gallery: Unwrapping Wii Fit

The box arrives!Batteries

Continue reading Five quick Wii Fit factoids

JoystiqFive quick Wii Fit factoids originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 May 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-boardexergamingimpressionsjoystiqfeaturesmiitrainingunboxingwii-fitThu, 22 May 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy reviews the WiiWare launch lineup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/wii-fanboy-reviews-the-wiiware-launch-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/wii-fanboy-reviews-the-wiiware-launch-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/wii-fanboy-reviews-the-wiiware-launch-lineup/#commentsFiled under:

Sure, Microsoft may be living it up with the Xbox 360 Spring Showcase, but let's not forget about Nintendo's WiiWare launch this past Monday. Our friends at Nintendo Wii Fanboy have been churning out reviews and impressions to give you an idea of what to expect.
Lost Winds (review)
"Without a doubt, LostWinds is like finding a diamond-encrusted Hummer in your box of corn flakes." (Gallery)
Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King (impressions)
"Several hours later, since I was still playing ... Without my even realizing it, My Life as a King had gone from boring to fun." (Gallery)

Continue reading Wii Fanboy reviews the WiiWare launch lineup

JoystiqWii Fanboy reviews the WiiWare launch lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-chroniclesdefend-your-castlefinal-fantasyhands-onimpressionslost-windsmy-life-as-kingpopreviewstv-show-kingWiiwiiwareTue, 13 May 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- X3F Impressions: Bourne Conspiracy Demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/x3f-tv-x3f-impressions-bourne-conspiracy-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/x3f-tv-x3f-impressions-bourne-conspiracy-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/x3f-tv-x3f-impressions-bourne-conspiracy-demo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


A few hours ago, Xbox Live Marketplace was treated to an early demo of The Bourne Conspiracy, the High Moon Studios developed title based on the best-selling novels by Robert Ludlum. We thought this was a great time to debut a feature X3F readers have asked us for in the past, video impressions of demos for retail Xbox 360 games.

Ordinarily we have a catchy (or what we think is catchy) name for our video features, but this time we drew a blank. Have an idea for what this feature should be called? Drop your name idea in the comments and tell us what you think of The Bourne Conspiracy demo yourself.

Music Credit:
"The Truth About These Outlaws" by Critical Mood

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JoystiqX3F TV -- X3F Impressions: Bourne Conspiracy Demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 May 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bourne-conspiracydemohigh-moon-studiosimpressionssierrax3f-impressionsx3f-tvMon, 05 May 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq checks out Crash Bandicoot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/joystiq-checks-out-crash-bandicoot/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/joystiq-checks-out-crash-bandicoot/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/joystiq-checks-out-crash-bandicoot/#commentsFiled under:

There may be a ridiculous amount of Crash Bandicoot games, but since we enjoyed the last one, we're wearily keeping our eyes on Mind Over Mutant. Announced last weekend at the Sierra Spring Event as having an October 2008 release, our Joystiq overlords got their grubby little hands on the Wii version of the game and offered up some promising impressions.

Like Crash of the Titans, Mind Over Mutant offers drop-in co-op play. According to Joystiq, the humor famous to the series remains in tact, and with 8,500 different lines programmed for the characters to say, they hardly (if ever) repeat themselves when shouting random bits of dialogue.

While Joystiq acknowledges that this game is targeted toward the younger crowd with its sillyness and bright graphics, it seems like a game that any lover of the platforming genre could enjoy.

Gallery: Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant



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JoystiqJoystiq checks out Crash Bandicoot originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash-bandicoothands-onimpressionsmind-over-mutantplatformerradicalradical-entertainmentsierrasierra-spring-event08Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: GTA IV online multiplayer (Xbox 360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/impressions-gta-iv-online-multiplayer-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/impressions-gta-iv-online-multiplayer-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/impressions-gta-iv-online-multiplayer-xbox-360/#comments
Stepping off the boat into the menacingly awaiting Liberty City, I can only imagine the emotions running through Niko Bellic's closely-shaved mind. As the stoic Eastern European protagonist first set eyes upon this labirynthian city and this brave new nation, he must have experienced no small amount of intimidation at the vast amount of opportunities that had, in a mere instant, been made available to him.

As I first popped Grand Theft Auto IV into the disc tray that it would surely be entombed in for the next few months, and charged with giving my impressions on the game's enigmatic online capabilities, I felt the same sort of intimidation -- and so, I imagine, will you. Not just because of GTA IV's multitude of online options and game types, but also due to the fact that, aside from those who played San Andreas online on PC, most of us have never taken this seminal series onto the equally cavernous internets.

Gallery: Grand Theft Auto IV

Continue reading Impressions: GTA IV online multiplayer (Xbox 360)

JoystiqImpressions: GTA IV online multiplayer (Xbox 360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagtaivhands-onimpressionsTue, 29 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto IV impressions: A stranger in Liberty City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/grand-theft-auto-iv-impressions-a-stranger-in-liberty-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/grand-theft-auto-iv-impressions-a-stranger-in-liberty-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/grand-theft-auto-iv-impressions-a-stranger-in-liberty-city/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The PlayStation 3 has forced us to become accustomed to having to endure lengthy installations prior to being able to sit down and play a game, a fact made all the more aggravating for Grand Theft Auto IV, both because of the already overflowing anticipation as well as the aftertaste of having been up for multiple hours elbow to elbow with fellow players waiting for the opportunity to play the game.

But there's little use in complaining at this point, so I took the opportunity to make me some tea and a sandwich as I prepared for what was to be a memorable evening that would mark my first visit to Liberty City ... ever.

Gallery: Grand Theft Auto IV

Continue reading Grand Theft Auto IV impressions: A stranger in Liberty City

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto IV impressions: A stranger in Liberty City originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-auto-ivgrandtheftautograndtheftautoivgta-4gta-ivgta4gtaivhands-onimpressionsjoystiqfeaturesPS3rockstartake-twoXbox-360Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto IV impressions: A fistful of firsts (Xbox 360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/grand-theft-auto-iv-impressions-a-handful-of-firsts-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/grand-theft-auto-iv-impressions-a-handful-of-firsts-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/grand-theft-auto-iv-impressions-a-handful-of-firsts-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

After enduring quite a few long lines in preparation for the midnight launch, we finally got home to check out Grand Theft Auto IV in its final retail form. Here's our impressions of the first 90 minutes of playtime:

First carjacking: I enter through the passenger door and punch the male passenger in the forehead, and then toss him out. I slide into the car and immediately punch the male driver, and push him out. I pull a u-turn into the parallel lane as the passenger pursues me on foot, yelling -- oops! I broadside a cop car, but the cop only readjusts his car back onto the road and pulls ahead, stopping at a red light. I'm concerned -- my first doubts clashing against the anticipation. I pull in behind, as the light turns green. I turn right and drive on. I check the rear view. Dude's stopped chasing me. (Playtime: 00:14:00)

Continue reading Grand Theft Auto IV impressions: A fistful of firsts (Xbox 360)

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto IV impressions: A fistful of firsts (Xbox 360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivgtaivhands-onimpressionsjoystiqfeaturesPS3rockstarTake-TwoXbox-360Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST