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[Intelligent Systems divided over Fire Emblem: Awakening's casual mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/intelligent-systems-divided-over-fire-emblem-awakenings-casual/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/intelligent-systems-divided-over-fire-emblem-awakenings-casual/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/intelligent-systems-divided-over-fire-emblem-awakenings-casual/#comments Unlike most other games in the series, Fire Emblem: Awakening includes an optional "casual mode" that lets you use characters in future battles even after they're killed. It's surprisingly controversial, even within developer Intelligent Systems.

"I was on the side that said we shouldn't include Casual mode to the end," project manager Masahiro Higuchi said in an interview with localization team 8-4. "It's that nuance ... If someone dies, you can't just go and resurrect them like in other games. You need to think more carefully about the value of the lives you're controlling in the game. It connects with the difficulty level, too - it makes you work your way through the game very carefully, which I think makes each victory all the more exhilarating."

Higuchi admitted that permadeath also had the effect of keeping people from trying the game, and so its inclusion is important. "But I still play in Classic mode myself."

"Personally, the first time I heard about [the idea of Casual mode], I was like 'no way,'" said Genki Yokota, director. "My boss brought up the idea, and just like Higuchi-san, I was angry at the thought of going too casual. But in the end, we figured giving players a choice would help expand the appeal of the game." Yokota now plays in casual mode, partly because he likes Awakening's characters and doesn't want to see them die. He's "pretty sure" casual mode will carry on in future games.

JoystiqIntelligent Systems divided over Fire Emblem: Awakening's casual mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfire-emblem-awakeningintelligent-systemsnintendoWed, 03 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fire Emblem Awakening posts 180K first month sales, 63K downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/fire-emblem-awakening-posts-180k-first-month-sales-63k-download/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/fire-emblem-awakening-posts-180k-first-month-sales-63k-download/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/fire-emblem-awakening-posts-180k-first-month-sales-63k-download/#comments Fire Emblem Awakening shifted 180,000 units across its debut month at North American retail, Nintendo of America tells us. In a statement sent to Joystiq, the company said the tactical 3DS RPG enjoyed best ever first month sales in the franchise's nearly 23-year history. No doubt that was helped by a strong eShop uptake of 63,000 units, which comes in at 35 percent of total sales.

Considering the series' last entry, Shadow Dragon, sold just over 250,000 units in North America to date, Awakening's sales bump over here is impressive, much as we thought the game was in our review. We awarded Awakening four and a half stars, deeming it "the best soap opera since CBS canceled Guiding Light," which is certainly saying something.

JoystiqFire Emblem Awakening posts 180K first month sales, 63K downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfire-emblem-awakeningIntelligent-Systemsnintendonpdred-entertainmentFri, 15 Mar 2013 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Fire Emblem - Awakening review: One life to live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/fire-emblem-awakening-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/fire-emblem-awakening-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/fire-emblem-awakening-review/#comments Fire Emblem: Awakening is the best soap opera since CBS cancelled Guiding Light.

If you've never played a Fire Emblem before, imagine Final Fantasy Tactics from an overhead perspective, or a particularly bloated derivation of chess. Nintendo's stalwart helped establish the turn-based tactical RPG genre, and Fire Emblem: Awakening features everything you expect from the series. Dozens of warriors team up to protect the magical Fire Emblem from an ever expanding army of evil miscreants. Each chapter is a different battle fought on a square grid, with your small army of various combat classes fanning out across the terrain to wipe out the opposing forces. The standard array of RPG unit types are present - warriors deal heavy damage with axes or lances, wizards hurl bolts of fire and lightning from afar, archers arch and thieves thieve.

Forget the standard medieval fantasy trappings, though. Forget the swords and arrows, the burly warriors and lithe Pegasus knights, the pointy-hatted mages and high-hatting nobles. Forget the vast array of combat tactics permissible by the game's open-ended approach to strategy. Forget the experience points earned with every attack. Forget the more powerful unit types unlocked once characters hit level ten, and the forges that upgrade your weapons, and the Paralogue missions that provide a secondary story to explore. Those are all vital to Awakening's compulsive allure, but what elevates Fire Emblem above other turn-based tactical RPGs are the deep roster of characters and the relationships that flower between them. You'll get as wrapped up in their stories as your grandmother did with the vengeful harridans and scheming suits of a soap opera.

Gallery: Fire Emblem: Awakening (01/11/2013)

Continue reading Fire Emblem - Awakening review: One life to live

JoystiqFire Emblem - Awakening review: One life to live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfire-emblem-awakeningIntelligent-Systemsnintendored-entertainmentWed, 30 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fire Emblem: Awakening teaches the value of friendship]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/fire-emblem-awakening-teaches-the-value-of-friendship/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/fire-emblem-awakening-teaches-the-value-of-friendship/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/fire-emblem-awakening-teaches-the-value-of-friendship/#comments
You might have thought the best part of friendship was a sense of camaraderie and togetherness. As this Fire Emblem: Awakening trailer proves, the real boon of friendship is sweet combat boosts.

JoystiqFire Emblem: Awakening teaches the value of friendship originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfire-emblem-awakeningIntelligent-Systemsnintendored-entertainmentThu, 17 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Empowering your Fire Emblem: Awakening army with StreetPass]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/empowering-your-fire-emblem-awakening-army-with-streetpass/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/empowering-your-fire-emblem-awakening-army-with-streetpass/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/empowering-your-fire-emblem-awakening-army-with-streetpass/#comments Empowering your Fire Emblem Awakening army with StreetPassDespite the unique and interesting qualities of the 3DS' StreetPass and SpotPass functionality, I've rarely had reason to use it. So far, my favorite example of StreetPass functionality has been found in Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy, where it's possible to swap Dark Notes and custom character cards. When Fire Emblem: Awakening launches next month, however, I expect the mileage I get from those features will increase.

At a preview event on Wednesday, Nintendo demonstrated its upcoming 3DS strategy game, giving the media a glimpse at its secondary features. My time with it left me intrigued. It's rare to see StreetPass bonuses and DLC embedded so deeply in the single-player experience.

Fire Emblem: Awakening's DLC plan, for the most part, has already been revealed. We've been aware that characters such as Marth, Roy, Ike, and other franchise luminaries will be available via an in-game variant of the eShop. What I hadn't realized until now, however, is that there are actual rewards for completing a map in the game.

Gallery: Fire Emblem: Awakening (01/11/2013)

Continue reading Empowering your Fire Emblem: Awakening army with StreetPass

JoystiqEmpowering your Fire Emblem: Awakening army with StreetPass originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfire-emblem-awakeningIntelligent-SystemsnintendoRed-EntertainmentFri, 11 Jan 2013 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Crashmo review: Push some mo']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/crashmo-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/crashmo-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/crashmo-review/#comments You might be wondering just what a "crashmo" is. The word is meaningless. It's not even a word. It's just an awkward collection of letters that means nothing to the average person. It might look familiar if you've played last year's 3DS puzzler Pushmo, though, and the similarity isn't a coincidence. This here is a full-blown sequel.

If you didn't play Pushmo, go do so. Now that you have, know that Crashmo isn't just a booster pack of additional puzzles. Crashmo expands on Pushmo's block-pushing dynamic, resulting in a better and more complicated game.

Gallery: Crashmo

Continue reading Crashmo review: Push some mo'

JoystiqCrashmo review: Push some mo' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscrashmoIntelligent-SystemsnintendoWed, 05 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pushmo sequel 'Fallblox' heading to 3DS in November [update: In North America Nov. 22]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/pushmo-sequel-fallblox-heading-to-3ds-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/pushmo-sequel-fallblox-heading-to-3ds-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/pushmo-sequel-fallblox-heading-to-3ds-in-november/#comments A sequel to Pushmo is coming to the 3DS, Nintendo Europe president Satoru Shibata announced during the latest Nintendo Direct. Entitled Fallblox (the original Pushmo is called Pullblox in Europe), the game puts a new twist on the Pushmo formula.

Rather than simply pulling blocks from the background, blocks can now be pushed and pulled in any direction. Depending on how the blocks are pushed, others may even fall. The video showcased a player moving three differently-sized blocks in order to create a staircase.

Fallblox is slated to arrive in Europe this November. We've contacted Nintendo to see if it will head to North America as well. Just in case you glossed over the rest of this article: New Pushmo!

Update: Nintendo has just announced that the sequel is indeed headed to North America, where it will be titled Crashmo. It's set to hit the eShop on November 22.

Continue reading Pushmo sequel 'Fallblox' heading to 3DS in November [update: In North America Nov. 22]

JoystiqPushmo sequel 'Fallblox' heading to 3DS in November [update: In North America Nov. 22] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscrashmoeshopfallbloxIntelligent-Systemsnintendonintendo-directpushbloxpushmopushmo-2Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Fire Emblem: Awakening's latest (very Japanese) trailer examines systems]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/fire-emblem-awakenings-latest-very-japanese-trailer-examines/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/fire-emblem-awakenings-latest-very-japanese-trailer-examines/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/fire-emblem-awakenings-latest-very-japanese-trailer-examines/#comments
If you speak Japanese, this latest trailer for Fire Emblem: Awakening should make perfect sense. If you don't speak Japanese, a history of experience with JRPGs may allow you to infer the functionality of the gameplay systems demonstrated. For instance! We're pretty sure that one guy has an axe.

JoystiqFire Emblem: Awakening's latest (very Japanese) trailer examines systems originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsIntelligent-SystemsnintendoWed, 28 Mar 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Fire Emblem: Awakening's brand new, way Japanese trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/fire-emblem-awakenings-brand-new-way-japanese-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/fire-emblem-awakenings-brand-new-way-japanese-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/fire-emblem-awakenings-brand-new-way-japanese-trailer/#comments
Debuted during Nintendo president Satoru Iwata's latest Nintendo Direct address, the new trailer for Fire Emblem: Awakening on 3DS is -- dare we say? -- dramatic. Crafty YouTubers have already snatched the video and put it online, as evidenced above.

JoystiqFire Emblem: Awakening's brand new, way Japanese trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfire-emblem-3dsfire-emblem-awakeningintelligent-systemsnintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-2012Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Pushmo (3DS eShop)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/portabliss-pushmo-3ds-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/portabliss-pushmo-3ds-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/portabliss-pushmo-3ds-eshop/#comments Did you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Pushmo.

I'm sorry it's taken me so long to address Pushmo. I feel bad thinking that there's some hypothetical person out there who may not be playing Pushmo yet, simply because Joystiq hasn't put its seal of approval on it. I'm not being conceited, just worrying that such a thing is possible.

Intelligent Systems' Pushmo is definitely one of the best games on the 3DS, and one of the best puzzle games released this year. It's this year's Picross 3D. And it's seven dollars.

Gallery: Pushmo (3DS eShop)

Continue reading Portabliss: Pushmo (3DS eShop)

JoystiqPortabliss: Pushmo (3DS eShop) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsintelligent-systemsnintendoportablisspullbloxpushmoFri, 30 Dec 2011 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rolling Western, more 3DS download games dated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/rolling-western-more-3ds-download-games-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/rolling-western-more-3ds-download-games-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/rolling-western-more-3ds-download-games-dated/#comments If you've been waiting to try out Picture Lives, the build-it-yourself 3DS platform adventure thing I called "E3's weirdest game," you'll be able to do so in November. Nintendo announced the release window for the downloadable game -- now called Freakyforms: Your Creations, Alive! -- today as part of its 3DS info dump. That game will be $6.99 upon release.

The Rolling Western, the action-tower-defense game about an armadillo cowboy, is now Dillon's Rolling Western, and it's coming in Q1 of next year. Pushmo is a new puzzle game that just came out in Japan, developed by Intelligent Systems, about pushing and pulling blocks in and out of the screen to solve puzzles. That's coming to North America in December.

Finally, Swapnote is a messaging service that allows you to draw 3D messages, with pictures and sounds, and send them over the internet or StreetPass. Nintendo's going to regret allowing you to send filth directly to neighboring 3DS systems when this comes out for free in December.

You can see footage of all four of these releases in the new Nintendo Direct video. That's a new thing Nintendo is trying -- a video in which the company just tells people about new announcements.

Continue reading Rolling Western, more 3DS download games dated

JoystiqRolling Western, more 3DS download games dated originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfreakyforms-your-creations-aliveintelligent-systemsnintendopicture-livespushmorolling-westernswapnoteFri, 21 Oct 2011 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo announces another Fire Emblem DS remake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/nintendo-announces-another-fire-emblem-ds-remake/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/nintendo-announces-another-fire-emblem-ds-remake/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/nintendo-announces-another-fire-emblem-ds-remake/#comments Andriasang noticed that Nintendo's official site for all things Fire Emblem was updated earlier today with an announcement for a new ... a kind of new entry in the classic strategy-RPG franchise. The game, which is set to release this year in Japan, is a DS remake of the 1994 SNES iteration of the series, Fire Emblem: Monshou no Nazo Hikari to Kage no Eiyuu (or Mystery of the Emblem: Hero of Light and Shadow). Don't try to reach back in your memory banks and remember the hours you spent playing the original game -- it was only released in Japan, so those hours likely don't exist.

You can check out a cutscene-fueled trailer for the game posted after the jump. It's unclear whether this title will get a US release, though the DS remake of the original Fire Emblem came stateside last February, so there's a decent chance we'll get our hands on this one too.

Continue reading Nintendo announces another Fire Emblem DS remake

JoystiqNintendo announces another Fire Emblem DS remake originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSFire-EmblemIntelligent-SystemsNintendoRPGStrategyTue, 25 May 2010 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Print your own copy of the unofficial Advance Wars board game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/print-your-own-copy-of-the-unofficial-advance-wars-board-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/print-your-own-copy-of-the-unofficial-advance-wars-board-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/print-your-own-copy-of-the-unofficial-advance-wars-board-game/#comments This is one of those cases where we really want to share something magical with you, but fear the tremendous weight the Joystiq Biomass carries will crush the life out of the magical thing in question. Still, though we don't want to bring Nintendo's attention to this, we couldn't not share this incredible, homemade Advance Wars board game with you -- especially since you can print out all the assets and start playing it with your fellow tabletop enthusiasts immediately.

The name of the game is actually Skirmish Wars: Advance Tactics, but considering all of the art assets were straight yoinked from Intelligent Systems' series of turn-based strategy games, we don't actually think they're fooling anybody. Seriously, board game fiends -- grab this one while it's still grabbable.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqPrint your own copy of the unofficial Advance Wars board game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advance-warsAdvance-Wars-Days-of-RuinAdvance-Wars-DoRboard-gameDSintelligent-systemsnintendoNintendo-Warsskirmish-wars-advance-tacticsstrategywargamesWed, 31 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: WarioWare D.I.Y.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/review-warioware-d-i-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/review-warioware-d-i-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/review-warioware-d-i-y/#commentsDo you want a new WarioWare game, with the same kind of rapid-fire microgame play you've come to love since the first game? WarioWare D.I.Y. is that. If you want the world's easiest game design utility, WarioWare D.I.Y. is that. If you want the long-awaited Mario Paint sequel, WarioWare D.I.Y. is, surprisingly, pretty close. If you want a game about shaking up a bottle of root beer and using it as a firehose to extinguish a fire ... you'll have to make that one yourself.

WarioWare D.I.Y. does for making games what the original WarioWare did for playing them. The series has always been about distilling the act of gameplay down to its simplest elements, so that a game can be learned and completed in five seconds or less. In this case, a simple, menu-driven interface, combined with the harsh time restrictions of the games, allows you to go from idea to full (but tiny) game in just minutes.

Gallery: WarioWare DIY

Continue reading Review: WarioWare D.I.Y.

JoystiqReview: WarioWare D.I.Y. originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSintelligent-systemsmicrogamesNintendouser-created-contentwariowarewarioware-diyWed, 24 Mar 2010 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[WarioWare D.I.Y. intermediate tutorials: a micro-class on microgames]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/warioware-d-i-y-intermediate-tutorials/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/warioware-d-i-y-intermediate-tutorials/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/warioware-d-i-y-intermediate-tutorials/#commentsWhile you wait for the release of WarioWare D.I.Y., why not get your learn on? Following the beginner-level tutorials released last week, Nintendo has put together a series of intermediate guides to the microgame creation process. Study these and you should be able to hit the ground running, translating your ridiculous ideas to ridiculous games in no time.

Actually, F.Y.I., D.I.Y. forces you through a tutorial when you first begin the game, so you'll be familiar with this material no matter what. But you might as well learn how it works now and start planning your game designs in advance!

Continue reading WarioWare D.I.Y. intermediate tutorials: a micro-class on microgames

JoystiqWarioWare D.I.Y. intermediate tutorials: a micro-class on microgames originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-designintelligent-systemsmicrogamestutorialvideowariowarewarioware-diyTue, 23 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo: WarioWare D.I.Y. getting two DLC microgames weekly, famous devs contributing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/nintendo-warioware-d-i-y-getting-two-dlc-microgames-weekly-fa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/nintendo-warioware-d-i-y-getting-two-dlc-microgames-weekly-fa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/nintendo-warioware-d-i-y-getting-two-dlc-microgames-weekly-fa/#commentsMeeting with Nintendo reps yesterday to check out the interoperability between WarioWare D.I.Y. for DS and WarioWare D.I.Y. Showcase for WiiWare, we were informed that the publisher itself will be making two original games available for download each week after the titles launch at the end of March. Not only that, but there are plans to distribute D.I.Y. microgames created by "famous" game developers in the future -- which, of course, you'll be able to study the inner-workings of in detail using the DS version of the latest WarioWare.

Think you should be both "famous" and a "game developer?" The trio of tidbits we jotted down is rounded out by word of contests Nintendo is planning to hold, in which specific microgame themes will be presented to the D.I.Y. community, it'll take submissions (for, say, a game based on your favorite food) and the best of the best will then be chosen and distributed by the Big N. Got that notebook full of (tiny) game ideas handy?

Gallery: WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase (WiiWare)

JoystiqNintendo: WarioWare D.I.Y. getting two DLC microgames weekly, famous devs contributing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcDSintelligent-systemsNintendonintendo-media-summit-2010wariowarewarioware-diywarioware-diy-showcaseWiiThu, 25 Feb 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB: Dragon Quest Wars draws near]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/esrb-dragon-quest-wars-draws-near/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/esrb-dragon-quest-wars-draws-near/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/esrb-dragon-quest-wars-draws-near/#commentsRight above Castlevania: The Adventure ReBirth (!!!) on the ESRB ratings page, a listing for Dragon Quest Wars reveals that Square Enix is considering a North American release for the DSiWare game.

Dragon Quest Wars is a simplistic strategy game in which players control teams of four monsters, each trying to destroy the other teams or invade their bases (represented by a goal line). It's developed by Intelligent Systems, which makes it sort of a Nintendo/Square Enix collaboration. And it's got online multiplayer! It seems like a nice diversion while we wait to hear anything at all about Dragon Quest IX.

JoystiqESRB: Dragon Quest Wars draws near originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-questdragon-quest-warsdsiwareesrbintelligent-systemssquare-enixstrategyMon, 14 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fire Emblem: Savings Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/fire-emblem-savings-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/fire-emblem-savings-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/fire-emblem-savings-day/#commentsHave you thought about purchasing Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, but decided to wait until the price dropped to exactly $14.98? If so, today is the day you've been waiting for. Amazon, for its Deal of the Day, has marked down the tactical role-playing remake by 50%. It's a very cheap way to occupy like a million hours.

A warning, though: if you buy it now and one of your friends challenges you to a multiplayer match, that person has probably been playing the game since February or so. You can expect a few seconds of humiliating punishment, is what we're saying. Have fun!

JoystiqFire Emblem: Savings Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-DragonIntelligent-SystemsNintendoRPGStrategyThu, 02 Jul 2009 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Strategic double pack [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/joyswag-strategic-double-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/joyswag-strategic-double-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/joyswag-strategic-double-pack/#comments Update: Our contest has come to an end. Be sure to keep an eye on your email to see if you won!

For our DS fans, we've got two strategy games up for grabs in our latest Joyswag giveaway: Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (ARV $30) and Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift (ARV $30). It's a pretty sweet combo, if we may say so ourselves, and should provide you with hours upon hours of distraction. So, check out the rules below to enter and best of luck to you!
  • Leave a comment telling us what your favorite tactic is (examples: stealth, guns blazing, hang in the back and hope your team doesn't die, etc)
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
  • Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day
  • This entry period ends at 11:59 am ET on Monday, May 25
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon ($30) and Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift ($30)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

JoystiqJoyswag: Strategic double pack [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 May 2009 09:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-tactics-a2Fire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-Dragongrimoire-of-the-riftIntelligent-SystemsjoyswagNintendoRPGsquare-enixstrategytacticsTue, 19 May 2009 09:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix announces Dragon Quest Wars for DSiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/square-enix-announces-dragon-quest-wars-for-dsiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/square-enix-announces-dragon-quest-wars-for-dsiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/square-enix-announces-dragon-quest-wars-for-dsiware/#commentsSquare Enix has revealed the Dragon Quest Wars whose title was trademarked last month. Anyone expecting some kind of MMO tactics game will be disappointed, because while the new game does feature online play, it's nothing quite so grandiose. In fact, it's a 500-point DSiWare download.

Dragon Quest Wars is an online-capable board game for up to four players. Each player creates a team of four classic Dragon Quest monsters and participates in "simple battles" against up to three other AI or player teams. The small game has some decent strategy game cred: it's being developed by Intelligent Systems, the Nintendo second party responsible for both the Fire Emblem and Advance Wars series. Dragon Quest Wars will be out in Japan this June.

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqSquare Enix announces Dragon Quest Wars for DSiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 May 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamedragon-questdragon-quest-warsDSdsidsiwareintelligent-systemsNintendonintendo-dsisquare-enixMon, 18 May 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[WarioWare Snapped! and our inability to play it [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/warioware-snapped-and-our-inability-to-play-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/warioware-snapped-and-our-inability-to-play-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/warioware-snapped-and-our-inability-to-play-it/#comments
Update: Nintendo got back to us and had the following to say: "Facial recognition works best when the camera can properly see your face." We tried to drill them for more, but that's all we could get. So, try to play in an area with a lot of light, we suppose.

Have you tried to play WarioWare Snapped! yet? We have, and we couldn't get past the camera calibration tool. The game says that our skin tone too closely resembles the color of the background. Considering our skin is a light peach and the walls are completely white, we're wondering what the problem is. Also, trying to use the game against, say, a dark blue background has been no help either. Have any of you had trouble playing the game, or has it all been smooth sailing?

We've put word in to Nintendo and will be sure to update you as soon as we receive a response.

Gallery: WarioWare Snapped!


Got DSi on the brain? Check out our in-depth unboxing feature that shows off the handheld's features, and be sure to stay up to date on DSi-related info through our Nintendo DSi tag. And if you want to try and win one, we're giving away 3 systems right here!

JoystiqWarioWare Snapped! and our inability to play it [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSdsiintelligent-systemsNintendonintendo-dsiwariowarewarioware-snappedTue, 07 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fire Emblem staff talk Shadow Dragon in conference call [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/fire-emblem-staff-talk-shadow-dragon-in-conference-call/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/fire-emblem-staff-talk-shadow-dragon-in-conference-call/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/fire-emblem-staff-talk-shadow-dragon-in-conference-call/#commentsFiled under: ,

Update: Nintendo sent out new screenshots to go along with the conference call report. You'll find them in the gallery.

Last night, we had the rare opportunity to take part in a conference call hosted by Nintendo, featuring members of the Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon team including producer Tohru Narihiro and directors Masaki Tawara and Masayuki Horikawa. The developers discussed the changes found in the new version of the ancient Famicom game and the motivations behind them, and answered questions from press about the new game and future plans. We've done our best to summarize the discussion without leaving anything out!

The discussion began with an outline of the new features in Shadow Dragon: an enhanced tutorial system that "gets the player so they're ready to play" and get into the main game more quickly; a battle forecasting system, brought in from the second game, that allows players to predict the outcome of battles given the units involved; six difficulty settings; and mid-map save points. As the developers mention later, these changes are intended to increase the accessibility of the game.

Continue reading Fire Emblem staff talk Shadow Dragon in conference call [update]

JoystiqFire Emblem staff talk Shadow Dragon in conference call [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-DragonIntelligent-SystemsNintendoRPGStrategyFri, 06 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: First Emblem]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/24/ds-daily-first-emblem/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/24/ds-daily-first-emblem/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/24/ds-daily-first-emblem/#commentsFiled under:

Fire Emblem's Western debut on the GBA was actually kind of a big deal, becoming one of the emblematic series of the platform. Since the series had never come out outside Japan, the GBA games were many people's introduction to Intelligent Systems' strategy series.

The DS is an even more popular system with a more diverse install base, so the imminent Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon could end up being the first Fire Emblem for many more gamers. Will Shadow Dragon be your first foray into the non-Smashing life of Marth? Or, if you're in Europe, was it? If you're planning to jump into the series now, what attracted your interest?

JoystiqDS Daily: First Emblem originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-DragonIntelligent-SystemsNintendoRPGStrategySat, 24 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fire Emblem: Stopwatch Deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/fire-emblem-stopwatch-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/fire-emblem-stopwatch-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/fire-emblem-stopwatch-deal/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you can't be bothered to go to a store to pick up Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (and we're not implying that you should have to), GameStop has a pretty attractive deal for you -- for the next day or so. As their Stopwatch Deal, they're offering free two-day shipping on orders of the strategy remake. Just enter the promotional code MARTH when you check out!

In addition, preorders for Fire Emblem will receive a "Limited Edition, matted, 5 x 7, Fire Emblem art cell." Free shipping and free stuff? We love being incentivized to do things we were going to do anyway.

JoystiqFire Emblem: Stopwatch Deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-DragonIntelligent-SystemsNintendoRPGStrategyThu, 22 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: 2009: The year of the DS (again)?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/ds-daily-2009-the-year-of-the-ds-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/ds-daily-2009-the-year-of-the-ds-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/ds-daily-2009-the-year-of-the-ds-again/#commentsFiled under:

While pretty much everyone expected the DS to have another awesome holiday, it was still a surprise when the NPD Group announced that the aging system had broken an all-time one-month sales record in December, beating (everything else, obviously, and) even the Wii.

The DS will have a killer software lineup in 2009, with awesome third-party games and Nintendo releases like Fire Emblem, Rhythm Heaven, and Pokémon Platinum, and will even see the launch of a new hardware configuration, which should boost sales. Do you think the DS's fifth year will turn out to be as successful as its fourth? And will anything outsell Mario Kart this year?

JoystiqDS Daily: 2009: The year of the DS (again)? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-DragonIntelligent-SystemsNintendonintendo-dsinpdpokemon-platinumrhythm-heavenRPGStrategyMon, 19 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Holiday rush, continued]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/ds-daily-holiday-rush-continued/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/ds-daily-holiday-rush-continued/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/ds-daily-holiday-rush-continued/#commentsFiled under:

Elebits. Moon. Big Bang Mini. Retro Game Challenge. Personal Trainer: Math (like it or not, it's a first-party release, and thus high-profile-ish!). The Chase: Felix Meets Felicity. Legacy of Ys. My World, My Way. Magician's Quest. Fire Emblem. Dragon Quest V. Puzzle Quest: Galactrix. Avalon Code. Blue Dragon Plus.

We just went through Gamestop.com and culled genuinely interesting games coming out in January or February in North America. The list above represents a hasty gathering of quality games coming out in just these two months. Isn't the schedule supposed to slow down after the holidays?

We kind of don't have a real direction for today's discussion topic, only general marveling about the next two months on DS. Even if some of this stuff gets delayed, the DS still has a lineup in January or February to rival or beat most fall/holiday lineups. Who plans to buy more in these two months than they did in late 2008? Who else is really, really overwhelmed?

JoystiqDS Daily: Holiday rush, continued originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalon-codebig-bang-miniblue-dragon-plusFire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-DragonIntelligent-SystemsNintendoreleasesretro-game-challengeRPGStrategyMon, 05 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Platinum, Fire Emblem, tons more Q1 releases officially dated!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/pokemon-platinum-fire-emblem-tons-more-q1-releases-officially/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/pokemon-platinum-fire-emblem-tons-more-q1-releases-officially/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/pokemon-platinum-fire-emblem-tons-more-q1-releases-officially/#commentsFiled under:

Nintendo has graced us with their customary infodump of the next quarter's DS and Wii releases, and by far the biggest news in terms of guaranteed sales: Pokémon Platinum has finally been officially confirmed for North America (not that there was ever a speck of doubt), and it's indeed coming March 22. Statistically speaking, you will probably purchase it. Also in first-party news, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon hits February 16, a bit earlier than Circuit City predicted. Personal Trainer: Math will be Nintendo's first DS release of the year on January 12.

In third-party news, we're thrilled to see a January 6 release date for Retro Game Challenge -- except that according to the list, it'll be competing with Big Bang Mini. Atlus's My World, My Way is on its way February 3, with Legacy of Ys following on the 10th, and Trackmania on March 17.

GTA Chinatown Wars has yet to be dated in this release, but we know it's March 17. And Monster Band from DreamCatcher: could it be Music Monstars? Is that just for us?

Check the post break for the full list!

Continue reading Pokemon Platinum, Fire Emblem, tons more Q1 releases officially dated!

JoystiqPokemon Platinum, Fire Emblem, tons more Q1 releases officially dated! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-bang-miniFire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-DragonIntelligent-Systemslegacy-of-ysmy-world-my-wayNintendopersonal-trainer-mathpokemon-platinumq1-2009retro-game-challengeRPGStrategyWed, 17 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Circuit City rumor: Fire Emblem dated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/another-circuit-city-rumor-fire-emblem-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/another-circuit-city-rumor-fire-emblem-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/another-circuit-city-rumor-fire-emblem-dated/#commentsFiled under:

We've no idea why Circuit City has suddenly started posting up previously secret release dates en masse, but hey, here's another Circuit City-related rumor to brighten up your Tuesday: the stricken store says that Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon will launch in North America on February 23.

Previously, Nintendo has suggested a wishy-washy "first half of 2009" for the SRPG, so that makes sense (though 180-odd other dates would be just as believable). If you flatly refuse to wait another two months, you can always import from Europe; it came out here last week.


[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqAnother Circuit City rumor: Fire Emblem dated originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>circuit-cityFire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-DragonIntelligent-SystemsNintendoRPGStrategyTue, 09 Dec 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Europe getting Fire Emblem this December]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/europe-getting-fire-emblem-this-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/europe-getting-fire-emblem-this-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/europe-getting-fire-emblem-this-december/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yes, indeed. Not sure what's going on here, but Nintendo's European site has updated with the surreal news that Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon will be released in Europe this December 5th -- also known as before North America. This is one of those incredibly rare examples of Europe getting thrown a bone first. Our gobs? Smacked!

We're still no closer to a specific release date in North America, with "first half of 2009" about as accurate as it gets. Maybe the rapidly weakening pound will soon make importing from Europe an attractive investment again! Stranger things have happened. This news, for instance.

[Update: Corrected typo. Thanks, Mr Kahn!]

JoystiqEurope getting Fire Emblem this December originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-DragonIntelligent-SystemsNintendoRPGStrategyThu, 09 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-fire-emblem-shadow-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-fire-emblem-shadow-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-impressions-fire-emblem-shadow-dragon/#commentsFiled under: ,

Released in Japan on August 7, the DS remake of the original Famicom strategy title, Fire Emblem, is coming stateside in 2009. A largely localized version was on-hand at Nintendo's Fall Media Summit - and turned out to be one of the most-played games of the event.

What we found was expected: pure and simple strategy-RPG combat. We were most intrigued by things that we couldn't try out, namely the Wi-Fi play - a first for the series - and the online shop. Nevertheless, we ventured through the game's prologue and found an appreciation for the characterization and development of individual units.

Gallery: Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSFire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-DragonIntelligent-Systemsnfms08-hands-onNintendonintendo-fall-media-summit-08RPGStrategyMon, 06 Oct 2008 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Video and screens: Mario and Luigi (and Bowser make) 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/video-and-screens-mario-and-luigi-and-bowser-make-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/video-and-screens-mario-and-luigi-and-bowser-make-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/video-and-screens-mario-and-luigi-and-bowser-make-3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Another of the games shown in video-only form at Nintendo's recent North American media summit, Mario and Luigi 3 (or Mario and Luigi RPG 3, depending on who you ask) is the latest chapter in Intelligent Systems' superb action-RPG series, and the second on DS.

This outing adds Bowser as a playable character, and, from what we saw (and you can see in the above video), Mario's long-time nemesis brings some nasty power-moves to the party. It also looks like players will control him solo, rather than throwing him into a three-character combat system. That's okay with us; as long as IS keeps coming up with cool gameplay mechanics using both Mario bros. and crafting a zany story to compliment them, we're there.

Gallery: Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (DS)

JoystiqVideo and screens: Mario and Luigi (and Bowser make) 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSintelligent-systemsmario-and-luigi-rpg-3nfms08-hands-onnintendo-fall-media-summit-08videoMon, 06 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Rhythmblem]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/04/ds-daily-rhythmblem/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/04/ds-daily-rhythmblem/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/04/ds-daily-rhythmblem/#commentsFiled under:

We have a pretty simple topic today. Two big first-party games are coming out for the DS in early 2009: Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and Rhythm Heaven. Well, there's also Mario & Luigi 3, but we've barely seen anything about that yet.

Of the two that we know stuff about, which excites you more? Which, in your estimation, has better sales potential: a new entry in the beloved series, starring that one guy from Super Smash Bros., or a musical microgame set that's been explosively successful in Japan? Games aren't worth talking about unless they can be forced into unnecessary comparisons.


JoystiqDS Daily: Rhythmblem originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-DragonIntelligent-SystemsmusicNintendorhythm-heavenRPGStrategySat, 04 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon coming to DS in '09]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/fire-emblem-shadow-dragon-coming-to-ds-in-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/fire-emblem-shadow-dragon-coming-to-ds-in-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/fire-emblem-shadow-dragon-coming-to-ds-in-09/#commentsFiled under: , ,

At last, some good news for those gentlemen and noble women who believe battles are best waged in a polite, turn-based fashion. Nintendo has revealed that its cherished Fire Emblem series will see a new installment arrive on the DS, sometime during the first half of 2009. Well, a new-ish installment.

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon is a remake of the original NES / Famicom game, albeit one packed with extra DS content. Nintendo has promised two new scenarios, six difficulty levels, and one-on-one Wi-Fi play, along with full voice chat when playing online (and yes, online play is a series first) or via local wireless. You'll also be able loan out your units to other players via Wi-Fi -- when you get them back, they'll retain all of the EXP, etc. gained while your friends have been using them.

Would you try not to get our dudes killed, okay, hypothetical friend?

JoystiqFire Emblem: Shadow Dragon coming to DS in '09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSFire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-DragonIntelligent-SystemsNintendoRPGStrategyThu, 02 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fire Emblem dated for U.S, fantastic WiFi mode detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/fire-emblem-dated-for-u-s-fantastic-wifi-mode-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/fire-emblem-dated-for-u-s-fantastic-wifi-mode-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/fire-emblem-dated-for-u-s-fantastic-wifi-mode-detailed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nintendo just confirmed that Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, a remake of the original NES / Famicom game, would be winging its way to the U.S. in the first half of next year, and while that happy news alone would have been enough for us, it's also going to receive a bunch of brilliant, extensive features for its WiFi mode.

Like another much-loved Intelligent Systems-developed strategy title, Fire Emblem's online mode will feature full voice chat, as well as the ability to lend units to friends and have them returned after battles with improved stats, news that is +10 win. On top of this, there'll also be a Wi-Fi store with a constantly changing inventory.

JoystiqFire Emblem dated for U.S, fantastic WiFi mode detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-DragonIntelligent-SystemsNintendoRPGStrategyThu, 02 Oct 2008 13:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Outrage! UK media up in arms over DS games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/outrage-uk-media-up-in-arms-over-ds-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/outrage-uk-media-up-in-arms-over-ds-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/outrage-uk-media-up-in-arms-over-ds-games/#commentsFiled under:

It's rare to see DS titles being held responsible by the mainstream media for society's ills. Usually, such treatment is reserved for home console releases, but in the last 24 hours two DS games have triggered a bout of misguided bleatings, both from British papers that amazingly aren't the Daily Mail. That's right, readers: two titles. Welcome to a special, double edition "Outrage!" post. Double the horror! Double the controversy! Double the irrational fear!

We'll start with the obvious one, then. We sensed there'd be a backlash against Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars as soon as we saw these shots, but even we were impressed by the speediness of The Sun's error-strewn report. Next to an incorrectly captioned picture of Grand Theft Auto III, the paper reveals how a game about selling drugs will soon be playable on the "family-friendly" Nintendo DS, and remarks that, "Experts predict the final edition is unlikely to feature explicit criminality." They're in for a surprise, then.

Next up in the stocks is a far more surprising scapegoat: the rather innocent Advance Wars. According to the Daily Telegraph, police investigating the stabbing of a 20-year-old who was also a massive fan of the game (to the extent that he ran an Advance Wars fansite) are now investigating whether the killer was a fellow "internet gamer." Of course, that's just one of several potential links being examined by the authorities, but the newspaper still leads with the Advance Wars angle. Why? OUTRAGE!

Source: Grand Theft your child's INNOCENCE [Via Game Politics]
Source: Advance Wars: Murder Weapon [Via Game Politics]

JoystiqOutrage! UK media up in arms over DS games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionadvance-warscontroversygrand-theft-autogtagta-chinatown-warsintelligent-systemsmurderrockstarstrategyFri, 26 Sep 2008 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Toys R Us does 50% off select Wii games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/toys-r-us-does-50-off-select-wii-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/toys-r-us-does-50-off-select-wii-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/toys-r-us-does-50-off-select-wii-games/#commentsFiled under:

Starting tomorrow and lasting until Saturday, Toys R Us will be offering select Wii games at 50% off. These games are actually some quality titles, too. None of that burning through their stock of Anubis II or anything, we're talking top-notch games. So what's on offer?
Not bad, right? So be sure to check their site first thing tomorrow. Who's planning on picking up a game? And what game would that be?

[Thanks, TheResidentEvil!]

JoystiqToys R Us does 50% off select Wii games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batallion-wars-2bwiicorruptionFire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Radiant-DawnfpsIntelligent-Systemsmetroidmetroid-prime-3mp3Nintendoresident-evilretroretro-studiosRPGStrategytoys-r-ustruumbrella-chroniclesThu, 25 Sep 2008 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming to Go: Planet Puzzle League]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/gaming-to-go-planet-puzzle-league/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/gaming-to-go-planet-puzzle-league/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/gaming-to-go-planet-puzzle-league/#commentsFiled under:


Remember Meteos? The vertical block sliding? The fast, frantic action, and the maddening tick-tock of the clock at the top of your screen? The sweeping, dramatic story of taking your alien ship into the heart of madness and bombarding it with pretty squares and blocks? The others don't understand. They couldn't possibly comprehend the bloody tears you shed for every planet lost along the way -- every warrior that stood 'til the end and mumbled something heroic in whatever freaky alien language they knew.

It's pretty intense, man. But let's talk about this game called Planet Puzzle League, shall we? It's pretty similar to Meteos, minus the ecstatic hyperbole I threw it out above. But don't let the dearth of heart-pounding plot deter you! Planet Puzzle League may forgo the charm of its extraterrestrial brother, but the title more than makes it for its lack of emotional impact with a wealth of gameplay options. It also has the distinction of being pretty much perfect for a gamer on the go, a fact which should make my job a hell of a lot easier and your wallet just a little bit lighter. Grab your penny bank, ladies and gents, and come along with this week's edition of Gaming to Go. The Puzzle League awaits.

Continue reading Gaming to Go: Planet Puzzle League

JoystiqGaming to Go: Planet Puzzle League originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>intelligent-systemsjoystiqfeaturesmeteosplanetpuzzleleaguepuzzleMon, 18 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Doing battle with Fire Emblem]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/17/doing-battle-with-fire-emblem/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/17/doing-battle-with-fire-emblem/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/17/doing-battle-with-fire-emblem/#commentsFiled under:

The latest Fire Emblem is out now for Japan, which means we can get a closer look at the franchise's first outing on the DS. Not only have we tracked down a new set of screens -- mostly featuring battle animations and menus -- but if you want to get a peek at the opening cinematics without blowing everything by watching a full video, you can check out some captures here. If you're only interested in the screenshots, check out the gallery below. Some of them are full screens (both top and bottom) from glimpses we've had before, while others are totally new. All, of course, are in Japanese.

JoystiqDoing battle with Fire Emblem originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-DragonIntelligent-SystemsNintendoRPGStrategySun, 17 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get fired up about Fire Emblem after watching video footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/get-fired-up-about-fire-emblem-after-watching-video-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/get-fired-up-about-fire-emblem-after-watching-video-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/get-fired-up-about-fire-emblem-after-watching-video-footage/#commentsFiled under:



If we lived in Japan right now (or had enough Japanese skills to import it), we'd be able to play Fire Emblem: New Dark Dragons and the Sword of Light in two mere weeks. Since that's not the case, though, we'll just have produce puddles upon puddles of drool while watching video footage (seriously -- we're that excited). We're sure that many of you don't need to be convinced to join the hype train, though, and are anticipating this one as much as we are.

The two videos (one is posted after the break) are in Japanese, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out what's being highlighted. For one, you can see that the game will utilize the stylus to move around the grids. The announcer also talks about a few of the different classes, as well as features in the game (like class changes), but those are all things that Fire Emblem fans will be familiar with. Lastly, you'll get a glimpse into the Wi-Fi battle system, which put to rest our fears about the dreaded countdown timer. As it turns out, the dwindling clock is only a factor when it comes to online play.

After the break, check out the Japanese TV ad which makes us want something else entirely -- Fire Emblem: The Board Game.

Gallery: Fire Emblem DS

Continue reading Get fired up about Fire Emblem after watching video footage

JoystiqGet fired up about Fire Emblem after watching video footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-DragonIntelligent-SystemsNintendoRPGStrategyFri, 25 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Eleven seconds of Fire Emblem beats eleven seconds of anything else]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/eleven-seconds-of-fire-emblem-beats-eleven-seconds-of-anything-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/eleven-seconds-of-fire-emblem-beats-eleven-seconds-of-anything-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/eleven-seconds-of-fire-emblem-beats-eleven-seconds-of-anything-e/#commentsFiled under:


Anyone who's ever played a Fire Emblem game knows that what's shown in the video above is the most basic of scenarios -- a simple battle, with no alarms and no surprises. On the other hand, if you've played a Fire Emblem, there's a good chance you're as in love with the series as we are and found yourself ecstatic after watching this clip, even if it was nothing but a big tease.

The other wonderful thing about this short but sweet video is that we now have an idea of what the game will look like in motion. Not a completely accurate idea, since the resolution is a little out of sorts, but an idea nonetheless. While New Dark Dragons and the Sword of Light doesn't include super-wow graphics, we do think it looks better in motion. Granted, the mage is masking his face and the armored knight is wearing -- well, armor -- so we didn't have to be creeped out by any faceless sprites. Even so, we're warming up to the aesthetics bit by bit as time goes on; especially since the gameplay is going to rock us hard.


[Thanks, Kane!]

JoystiqEleven seconds of Fire Emblem beats eleven seconds of anything else originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fire-EmblemFire-Emblem-Shadow-DragonIntelligent-SystemsNintendoRPGStrategyThu, 10 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST