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['Panopticon' is Freedom Wars, a Vita multiplayer action game due in 2014 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/panopticon-is-freedom-wars-a-vita-multiplayer-action-game-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/panopticon-is-freedom-wars-a-vita-multiplayer-action-game-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/panopticon-is-freedom-wars-a-vita-multiplayer-action-game-d/#comments
Sony's Japan Studio followed up last week's mysterious 'Panopticon' trailer with a second offering today, unveiling the project a a Vita multiplayer action game called Freedom Wars. The trailer also revealed it's coming to Japan sometime next year.

The new trailer is an embellishment of the first one, providing more context. Panopticon seems to be the region Freedom Wars takes place in, a totalitarian dystopia in the future. The world is devastated by dwindling resources and zero population growth - maybe because hundreds of millions are dying in war.

The YouTube blurb denotes Freedom Wars as a "multiplayer action" game. A collection of screens on the game's website show what looks like skirmishes taking place across regions in Japan. One screen is a Yahoo Maps snapshot of the Shibuya region in Tokyo, but with icons superimposed on it indicating particular in-game locations.

Freedom Wars remains shrouded in mystery - although at least we now know it's a Vita game. The website indicates more info will be spilled later this month.

Update: Here's a bit more info, courtesy of a press release translated by NeoGAF. According to it, Freedom Wars supports 8-player co-op and competitive modes, supports both Adhoc and Wi-Fi, and use the Vita's GPS and Near tech - which may explain the Yahoo Maps screen (see above).
Freedom Wars is a brand new game which aims to offer a new gaming experience in the popular multiplayer action genre by taking advantage of the PS Vita's unique functions. The player is a criminal in a post-apocalyptic near future, sentenced to a million years of hard labor, fighting for his freedom. By completing missions where you rescue civilians and allies who have been captured by huge enemies known as Abductors, you can reduce your sentence. The game supports a maximum of 8 players at a time in both co-op and competitive modes, and supports Adhoc and Wi-Fi Online functions so players all over the country can play together. The game will also support the GPS and Near capabilities of the PS Vita to enhance the gameplay experience.

Joystiq'Panopticon' is Freedom Wars, a Vita multiplayer action game due in 2014 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freedom-warsjapan-studiopanopticonplaystationplaystation-vitavitaTue, 21 May 2013 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Puppeteer pulls back the curtain on PS3 [update: trailer!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/puppeteer-pulls-back-the-curtain-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/puppeteer-pulls-back-the-curtain-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/puppeteer-pulls-back-the-curtain-on-ps3/#comments
Gavin Moore from Sony Online Entertianment took the stage during Sony's Gamescom 2012 press conference to reveal Puppeteer, a new platformer from Sony's Japan Studio. Puppeteer stars a boy who is unluckily transformed into a puppet, and as a result is imbued with special powers. After showing off the brief gameplay trailer above, Moore promised that we'd hear more on Puppeteer "soon."

JoystiqPuppeteer pulls back the curtain on PS3 [update: trailer!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescom-2012japan-studioplaystationps3puppeteerTue, 14 Aug 2012 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA['Rain' announced for PSN from SCE Japan Studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/rain-announced-for-psn-from-sce-japan-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/rain-announced-for-psn-from-sce-japan-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/rain-announced-for-psn-from-sce-japan-studio/#comments 'Rain' announced for PSN from SCE Japan StudioRain, an atmospheric looking PSN game from Sony Computer Entertainment's Japan Studio, was just announced during Sony's Gamescom presser. The story centers on a little boy who has become invisible, and the player's only distinct impression of the boy's position is through interacting with the world's ever-pouring rain.

It's like that scene from Hollow Man, but way more endearing and way less super freaky. No information was given regarding a release date, and it's worth noting that Rain is the game's working title.

Joystiq'Rain' announced for PSN from SCE Japan Studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gamescom-2012Japan-Studioplaystationps3RainTue, 14 Aug 2012 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's 'wacky' Tokyo Jungle headed to North America and Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/sonys-wacky-tokyo-jungle-headed-to-north-america-and-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/sonys-wacky-tokyo-jungle-headed-to-north-america-and-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/sonys-wacky-tokyo-jungle-headed-to-north-america-and-europe/#comments Sony's 'wacky' Tokyo Jungle headed to North America and EuropeDespite the absence of a pomeranian guest appearance at Sony's E3 2012 press conference, the company's delightfully bizarre-looking Tokyo Jungle is indeed headed to PlayStation Network in North America and Europe. A press release this week confirmed the EU release, and Sony VP of product development and worldwide studios Scott Rohde told us in an interview this week that the "wacky" internally developed PSN game will indeed arrive in North America as well.

"It'll ship here, it'll ship everywhere," Rohde said. To him, Tokyo Jungle's worldwide release is emblematic of Sony's "crazy innovative" approach. "That game is just wacky, but in a good way, because we like to show that there's still an art form, and you can still experiment," he said. "Is everyone gonna love a game like Tokyo Jungle? Absolutely not, but there's a whole bunch of people it's gonna make really happy. Specifically for the fact that it's so different, and so unexpected. That's a key part of the culture of Worldwide Studios and how our games are developed."

Though he couldn't name one specific person internally who championed the previously Japan-only game, Rohde extolled the internal culture that allows games like that to be created. "Someone has a key vision in our [Japan Studios] about Tokyo Jungle, they wanted to build this game. And so we're gonna embrace that. And of course we discuss it, and if it doesn't make sense, we can walk away. We walk away from dozens and dozens of titles every year. But the difference is, we actually build them out to a certain extent. And when they hit a point where we think, 'You know what? This is pretty interesting and it's gonna make some people happy,' we're gonna build it."

Frankly, we're pretty darn happy this one made it through the wringer. Tokyo Jungle doesn't have a release date or price just yet.

Gallery: Tokyo Jungle (E3 2012)

JoystiqSony's 'wacky' Tokyo Jungle headed to North America and Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crispyse3-2012europejapan-studionorth-americaplaystationplaystation-campplaystation-networkps3psnscott-rohdesony-computer-entertainmentsony-computer-entertainment-japantokyo-jungleFri, 08 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Rohde explains The Last Guardian's E3 absence: 'It just wasn't appropriate for us to give an update']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/sonys-rohde-explains-the-last-guardians-e3-absence-it-just-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/sonys-rohde-explains-the-last-guardians-e3-absence-it-just-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/sonys-rohde-explains-the-last-guardians-e3-absence-it-just-w/#comments Sony's Rohde explains The Last Guardian's E3 absence 'It just wasn't appropriate for us to give an update'Sony's E3 2012 press conference was full of surprises. For one, Quantic Dream's new game was unveiled - Beyond - Two Souls. Just like that!

More surprising, however, was a game that didn't make an appearance: The Last Guardian. Since being teased in a January 2008 Sony Japan job listing with a single image, the Team Ico-developed game has only been shown by Sony a handful of times. Moreover, the only news we've heard recently on the long in-development project has been worrisome - the game's creative lead, Fumito Ueda, ended his employment at Sony and began working on the game as a contractor. And then in February, Sony revealed that the company's Santa Monica studio was assisting in the development process.

SCEA senior VP of product development and worldwide studios, Scott Rohde, assured me in an interview this week that the game's absence from Sony's presser isn't something gamers should be concerned with. "It just wasn't appropriate for us to give an update. That's just how it worked out," Rohde said. Rather than seeing it as a potential sign that the four-plus year project is stagnating, Rohde said that it's absence was a question of time limitations during the press conference and Sony's approach to internal development. "Almost more than any game that Worldwide Studios develops, it's all about the emotion and the experience that's crafted in what that team can deliver. And there's a vision that must be upheld. And until it can be upheld, it's not gonna ship," he said.

JoystiqSony's Rohde explains The Last Guardian's E3 absence: 'It just wasn't appropriate for us to give an update' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012fumito-uedajapan-studioplaystationps3sceascott-rohdesony-computer-entertainment-americasony-japan-studiosony-worldwide-studiosteam-icoThe-Last-Guardiantricoworldwide-studiosWed, 06 Jun 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Gravity Rush review: Disorient Express]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gravity-rush-review-disorient-express/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gravity-rush-review-disorient-express/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gravity-rush-review-disorient-express/#comments ImageGravity Rush for PS Vita is a particular kind of superhero simulation I can't recall seeing before: not only is it an excellent approximation of what I imagine it's like to be a superhero, it approximates the life of a new superhero, with all the awkwardness that entails.

Protagonist Kat, who wakes up with no memories and a starfield-patterned cat companion that allows her to alter her personal gravity, is not terribly graceful with her abilities, as befits someone who just gained the power to fall in any direction. She is, however, immediately willing to help save her new friends from mysterious "gravity storms" eating away parts of the town, and the "Nevi" monsters that start creeping in, and her enthusiasm makes up for the growing pains.

Gallery: Gravity Rush (5/24/12)

Continue reading Gravity Rush review: Disorient Express

JoystiqGravity Rush review: Disorient Express originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gravitygravity-dazegravity-rushjapan-studioplaystationplaystation-vitasony-japansony-japan-studiovitaThu, 24 May 2012 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Sneak a peek at Soul Sacrifice before its official debut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/sneak-a-peek-at-soul-sacrifice-before-its-official-debut/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/sneak-a-peek-at-soul-sacrifice-before-its-official-debut/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/sneak-a-peek-at-soul-sacrifice-before-its-official-debut/#comments Image
The official "reveal" of Sony's Vita "true fantasy" Soul Sacrifice is still scheduled for May 10, but you can catch a few snippets of gameplay footage in this teaser vita, if you can sacrifice the seconds to watch it.

The game appears to be a medieval action game in which the player faces off against large, grim-looking monsters - a look superficially similar to Demon's or Dark Souls. However, don't take the look and the name as evidence that this is a sequel: the trailer identifies this as a Japan Studio game, and not a From Software game. Besides, if all we see is a knight-type person hacking away at huge monsters, we can't exactly extrapolate the whole game design style.

JoystiqSneak a peek at Soul Sacrifice before its official debut originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japan-studioplaystationplaystation-vitasoul-sacrificevitaTue, 08 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gravity Rush demo floats to PSN on May 29 in NA, May 30 in EU]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/gravity-rush-demo-floats-to-psn-on-may-29-in-na-may-30-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/gravity-rush-demo-floats-to-psn-on-may-29-in-na-may-30-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/gravity-rush-demo-floats-to-psn-on-may-29-in-na-may-30-in-eu/#comments ImageOnly five months after it landed on Japanese PlayStation Vitas, Sony's Gravity Rush will arrive on PlayStation Network in both North America and Europe. At least in demo form, that is. After a tweet from EU retailer GAME last week alleged a May 30 date for the game's EU demo, Sony confirmed to Joystiq today that the demo is set to arrive on NA and EU Vitas on May 29 and 30, respectively.

That leaves just under two weeks between the demo and the game's mid-June launch, though it's doubtful you'll need much time to decide that it's quite a game.

JoystiqGravity Rush demo floats to PSN on May 29 in NA, May 30 in EU originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demogravitygravity-dazegravity-rushjapan-studioplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitasony-japan-studiovitaMon, 16 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Gravity Rush demo falling to European Vitas on May 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/report-gravity-rush-demo-falling-to-european-vitas-on-may-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/report-gravity-rush-demo-falling-to-european-vitas-on-may-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/report-gravity-rush-demo-falling-to-european-vitas-on-may-30/#comments
You'll forgive us, but every little drip of information about when we can play Gravity Rush is positively thrilling. Knowing that the game doesn't arrive until late June (ugh), we were totally psyched to see UK retailer GAME reporting a demo arriving on PSN on May 30.

Yes, that does mean we'll likely see a demo here in North America as well, it's just a question of when. We've reached out to Sony to find out (as well as to confirm the EU demo date) and will update this post as soon as we hear more.

In the meantime, might we suggest rewatching the mesmerizing trailer for Gravity Rush just above? That's a pretty thrilling journey for a little apple!

JoystiqReport: Gravity Rush demo falling to European Vitas on May 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoeuropegravitygravity-dazegravity-rushjapan-studioplaystationplaystation-vitasony-japan-studiovitaFri, 13 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gravity Rush started life as a PS3 title, inspired by Crackdown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/gravity-rush-started-life-as-a-ps3-title-inspired-by-crackdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/gravity-rush-started-life-as-a-ps3-title-inspired-by-crackdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/gravity-rush-started-life-as-a-ps3-title-inspired-by-crackdown/#comments When Sony's internal Japan Studio set out to work on Gravity Rush (Gravity Daze in Japan), the game was positioned as a PlayStation 3 title. According to an interview with the US PlayStation Blog, the team "came across PS Vita along the way" and realized it was "perfect for the game."

That's not the weird part, though. The game's primary influence is cited as Realtime Worlds' 2007 Xbox 360 game, Crackdown. "I really like the aspect of unlocking skills and becoming more powerful, and achieving a higher level of freedom as you become more powerful," one team member said. "I enjoyed moving in that game." Given that Gravity Rush is an open world game in a third-person view with an upgradable character, the comparison makes sense. Both games feature unrealistic art styles accentuating the fantastical gameplay, making their crossover even clearer.

While Gravity Daze has been out for a bit in Japan, Gravity Rush won't float to US shores for another few months.

[Image credit: PlayStation Blog]

JoystiqGravity Rush started life as a PS3 title, inspired by Crackdown originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crackdowngravitygravity-dazegravity-rushinfluencejapan-studioplaystationplaystation-vitaps3realtime-worldssony-japan-studiovitaThu, 15 Mar 2012 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Art in service of gameplay: Gravity Rush]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/art-in-service-of-gameplay-gravity-rush/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/art-in-service-of-gameplay-gravity-rush/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/art-in-service-of-gameplay-gravity-rush/#comments
Sony's next big internally developed PlayStation Vita game, Gravity Rush, is still a few months from launch in North America. In Japan, however, the game has been out since early February, freeing up art director Yoshiaki Yamaguchi to present his work on the already completed game to a room of GDC 2012 attendees this morning.

Yamaguchi spoke of how cel shading and creating a living world helped to service the project's open world gameplay. "The color of the sky provides information about location or acts as sort of like a symbol for that place. However, just simply applying a layer of color would be too direct or too strong, and may even feel out of place," he said. "So we crafted this atmospheric sort of simulation to give it a more natural feel and appeal."

The result, as shown off during the presentation, is a vibrant, painterly world that can be fully interacted with by the player. Yamaguchi said the team at Sony's Japan Studio pushed for an open world from the beginning of the project, as seen in the first concept video above (revealed for the first time during his GDC panel).

The game's main character saw more of an evolution than the game world, in fact. Seen after the break, Kat saw several iterations before the team settled on a definitive look that would represent a "strong female" as well as a "strong ninja."

Continue reading Art in service of gameplay: Gravity Rush

JoystiqArt in service of gameplay: Gravity Rush originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artart-directiongravitygravity-rushjapan-studioplaystationplaystation-vitasonysony-computer-entertainmentvitayoshiaki-yamaguchiFri, 09 Mar 2012 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Retailers think Gravity Rush is out on May 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/retailers-think-gravity-rush-is-out-on-may-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/retailers-think-gravity-rush-is-out-on-may-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/retailers-think-gravity-rush-is-out-on-may-29/#comments We've been under the impression that Gravity Rush was slated to reorient our Newtonian perspectives sometime during the Vita launch window, but Amazon and Gamestop disagree, listing the title's release date as May 29, which is quite a ways away from the Vita's February 22 launch.

We called a local Gamestop to confirm the listing, and an employee informed us that Gravity Rush has a "ship date" of May 30 in their system, which lines up just about right. It's entirely possible that the end of May is within Sony's definition of the Vita's release window, but we won't know what's the dealio really-o until Sony elaborates on the game's "TBD" release date.

JoystiqRetailers think Gravity Rush is out on May 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazongamestopgravitygravity-rushJapan-Studioplaystationplaystation-vitarelease-dateSony-Computer-EntertainmentvitaSun, 12 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony confirms Ueda's departure; The Last Guardian to be completed on contract]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/sony-confirms-uedas-departure-the-last-guardian-to-be-complete/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/sony-confirms-uedas-departure-the-last-guardian-to-be-complete/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/sony-confirms-uedas-departure-the-last-guardian-to-be-complete/#comments The real news, of course, is that Sony is publicly promising The Last Guardian will be finished ... at some point. The respected creative force behind the project, Fumito Ueda, is "committed to completing" his third major game with Sony on a contract basis. Sony confirmed his departure with Gamasutra, concluding a swirl of rumors from last month.

The Last Guardian has yet to receive a solid release date after being bumped out of holiday 2011. "I sincerely apologize to all the customers who have been waiting for 'The Last Guardian' for so long, but I beg for your patience," Ueda said in April. "I will also announce the new release timing at a later time."

The game's other notable departure, Executive Producer Yoshifusa Hayama, has joined social gaming studio Bossa Studios. Ueda hasn't provided a clear indication of his post-Guardian future yet, giving us enough time to envision dream team-ups with Grasshopper Manufacture's Suda 51, or Shinji Mikami at the Zenimax-owned Tango. Who's going to say no to Mr. Shadow of the Colossus?

JoystiqSony confirms Ueda's departure; The Last Guardian to be completed on contract originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fumito-uedajapanjapan-studioplaystationps3scejsonyteam-icoThe-Last-GuardianTue, 13 Dec 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deja Review: The Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/deja-review-the-ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collection/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/deja-review-the-ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collection/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/deja-review-the-ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collection/#commentsWe're of the firm opinion that your time is too precious, too valuable to be spent reading a full review for a game that was already reviewed many, many years ago. What's the point of applying a score to a game that's old enough to be enrolled in the sixth grade? That's why we invented Deja Review: A quick look at the new features and relative agelessness of remade, revived and re-released games.
It would be difficult to think of two games that have so unanimously been labeled as masterpieces by gaming critics and consumers alike than Ico and Shadow of the Colossus. Each possesses a unique beauty possessed by (regrettably) so few other games: Ico with its sense of childlike wonder and grand adventure, Colossus with its abject desolation and foreboding. They're poignant, and sad, and (fortunately for Sony and Team Ico) inimitably timeless.

The Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection pairs HD-remastered versions of the two titles in one tidy $40 package. Their visual revivification -- the most substantial improvement over the PS2 originals -- isn't quite as thorough as ground-up reconstruction of Halo: Anniversary or the total reskinning of Ocarina of Time 3D. But it's certainly enough to make these once-beautiful games even more staggering.

Gallery: Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Deja Review: The Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection

JoystiqDeja Review: The Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deja-reviewico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collectionjapan-studioplaystationps3Sony-Computer-Entertainmentteam-icoTue, 27 Sep 2011 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a look at the gorgeous openings of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/take-a-look-at-the-gorgeous-openings-of-ico-and-shadow-of-the-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/take-a-look-at-the-gorgeous-openings-of-ico-and-shadow-of-the-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/take-a-look-at-the-gorgeous-openings-of-ico-and-shadow-of-the-co/#comments
Sure, you've already shed dozens of sympathy tears over Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, but have you ever shed tears of joy from the sheer beauty of the games, now updated to high-def? Well, these two videos, showcasing the opening to each game from the upcoming Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection re-release, may cause a bit of eye-born precipitation. At very least, they'll serve to get you extra pumped for the September launch of the remastered duo on PlayStation 3.

Continue reading Take a look at the gorgeous openings of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus HD

JoystiqTake a look at the gorgeous openings of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collectionjapan-studioplaystationps3scescejsony-computer-entertainmentsony-computer-entertainment-japansony-japan-studioteam-icoWed, 10 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bonus content detailed for Ico and Shadow of the Colossus HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/bonus-content-detailed-for-ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/bonus-content-detailed-for-ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/bonus-content-detailed-for-ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-hd/#comments As if owning HD versions of two of the best games of the previous generation wasn't enough reason to pick up the Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection, Sony has revealed bonus content that will be included with the PS3 re-release. In addition to the remastered games, the collection will also include two dynamic PS3 themes, one for each title.

Also included with the collection will be "a ton of exclusive video content from ICO, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian." While bonus content for Ico and Shadow of the Colossus is certainly nice, any content related to the mysterious Last Guardian is very enticing indeed.

JoystiqBonus content detailed for Ico and Shadow of the Colossus HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>icoico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collectionjapan-studioplaystationps3Shadow-of-the-ColossusSony-Computer-EntertainmentWed, 20 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Move Ape Escape launches July 5, demo flees to PSN on June 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/playstation-move-ape-escape-launches-july-5-demo-flees-to-psn-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/playstation-move-ape-escape-launches-july-5-demo-flees-to-psn-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/playstation-move-ape-escape-launches-july-5-demo-flees-to-psn-o/#comments How can apes be so unimprisonable? It's a question for the ages, obviously, and a premise that's fueled countless games in the beloved Ape Escape series. The latest game, PlayStation Move Ape Escape (guess which peripheral it uses?), has been confirmed for PSN with a July 5 release date in the US -- it's already available in Europe -- and a demo will precede the full game on Tuesday, June 28, if you're into that whole try-before-you-buy thing. Us, we're more the impulse purchasing type.

PlayStation Move Ape Escape is a port of the Japanese game, Ape Escape: Fury! Fury!. You can check out our preview from last year's TGS show right here.

Gallery: PlayStation Move Ape Escape

JoystiqPlayStation Move Ape Escape launches July 5, demo flees to PSN on June 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ape-escape-fury-furyJapan-Studioplaystationplaystation-moveplaystation-move-ape-escapeps3psnpsprelease-datesceasonyThu, 23 Jun 2011 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Patapon 3 review: Pata-Pata-Pata-Punishing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/patapon-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/patapon-3-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/patapon-3-review/#comments When all the components of a game development studio share a singular, inspired vision, that spirit of cooperation shines through its products in a very real, very satisfying way. You can certainly think of a game you've played where you can just feel that the the team responsible for the game shared cogent, unique vision. On the other hand, when a studio suffers from an apparently severe split personality disorder, it's equally apparent, and infinitely more disappointing.

Patapon 3 suffers from seemingly being developed by two distinct sects of people subscribing to two different design philosophies: One group wants you to fall wildly love their product, and the other wants to use their product as a means to completely destroy you. Sadly, the charm produced by the first never quite surmounts the infuriation of the latter.

Gallery: Patapon 3

Continue reading Patapon 3 review: Pata-Pata-Pata-Punishing

JoystiqPatapon 3 review: Pata-Pata-Pata-Punishing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japan-studiopatapon-3playstationpsppyramidsonySony-Computer-EntertainmentThu, 21 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ico remastered preview: Not too little, definitely not too late]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collection-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collection-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collection-preview/#comments I'm going to say something now and I don't want you to get mad. Promise that you won't? Promise?! Okay, fine -- I've never played Ico. It just didn't happen. A mixture of procrastination and disc-read errors have conspired to keep me from the lauded PS2 classic.

That changed late last week at a Sony press event, where the publisher showed off the forthcoming, double-game remaster Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection.

Gallery: ICO / Shadow of the Colossus Collection

Continue reading Ico remastered preview: Not too little, definitely not too late

JoystiqIco remastered preview: Not too little, definitely not too late originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dBluepoint-Gamesicoico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collectionjapan-studioplaystationps3remasteredsceshadow-of-the-colossussonysony-computer-entertainmentsony-japan-studioTue, 14 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Famitsu reveals some delicious Malicious details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/famitsu-reveals-some-delicious-malicious-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/famitsu-reveals-some-delicious-malicious-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/famitsu-reveals-some-delicious-malicious-details/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This week's Famitsu has the very first details about Malicious, a downloadable 3D action title for the PS3 from Japanese developer Alvion (part of Sony's Japan Studio group) that looks pretty spectacular.

A teaser site for the game went up a couple of months ago, but we now have some actual info, like the fact that the game will consist entirely of battles against boss characters and their minions. Also, combat will integrate moves using the character's magical cloak, which can turn into a protective shell, a fist, or even shoot "demon bullet" projectiles depending on the situation.

Malicious is scheduled for release later this year in Japan. We'll be watching that teaser site for more media and updates.

JoystiqFamitsu reveals some delicious Malicious details originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alviondownloadablejapan-studioMaliciousplaystationps3psnsonyThu, 19 Aug 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Third 'Badman' game coming to Europe as 'No Heroes Allowed']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/third-badman-game-coming-to-europe-as-no-heroes-allowed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/third-badman-game-coming-to-europe-as-no-heroes-allowed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/third-badman-game-coming-to-europe-as-no-heroes-allowed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Yuusha no Kuse ni Namaikida series has undergone a number of name changes in localization. NIS America originally released the PSP's evil overlord hideout design game under the hilariously unwieldy title "Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! What Did I Do to Deserve This!?" Shortly before the release of the sequel, a trademark complaint forced NIS to change the series title to "What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord!?"

Now, a trailer released during Gamescom has revealed Sony Europe's plans to localize the third game, called Yuusha no Kuse ni Namaikida 3D in Japan, under yet another completely different title, the much pithier "No Heroes Allowed." This third game adds the ability to flood your dungeon with water in order to destroy any invading heroes, and also allows for competitive or cooperative multiplayer. Check out the trailer after the break, My Lord!

Continue reading Third 'Badman' game coming to Europe as 'No Heroes Allowed'

JoystiqThird 'Badman' game coming to Europe as 'No Heroes Allowed' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Acquiregamescom-2010holy-invasion-of-privacy-badmanJapan-StudioNo-Heroes-AllowedplaystationpspSCE-Japan-StudiosonyStrategywhat-did-i-do-to-deserve-this-my-lordTue, 17 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Patapon 3 multiplayer demo moves to the beat next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/patapon-3-multiplayer-demo-moves-to-the-beat-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/patapon-3-multiplayer-demo-moves-to-the-beat-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/patapon-3-multiplayer-demo-moves-to-the-beat-next-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Demo-demo-demo! That's what we imagine you'll be screaming to yourself as you download the Patapon 3 demo from PSN this upcoming Tuesday. To make things even better, the PlayStation Blog informs us that it's a multiplayer demo -- a sampling of the internet-based functionality that will be included in the franchise's third installment.

Now, before you ask, the demo isn't exclusive to PlayStation Plus subscribers, so one and all looking for their taste can get it. Clear up some space on your Memory Stick -- you're going to want to check this out on Tuesday, July 6.

JoystiqPatapon 3 multiplayer demo moves to the beat next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demojapan-studioPataponPatapon-3psnpyramidscescejsony-computer-entertainmentFri, 02 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Echochrome 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/preview-echochrome-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/preview-echochrome-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/preview-echochrome-2/#comments Announced during Sony's press conference, Echochrome 2 is the PlayStation Move-exclusive sequel to Sony Japan Studio's M.C. Escher-inspired puzzle platformer, in which players change the camera perspective to create paths with intersecting shapes. This sequel is an extension of that concept -- except you're using the Move controller as a flashlight, aiming its beam to project shadows against a wall, which are used by your character to reach the exit.

The concept and the controller couldn't make more sense together, based on what I played. Several levels -- there will be 100 in the final product -- were available on the show floor, each one introducing a new concept. For example, the shadow circles created by spheres can be used to bounce the game's indirectly controlled protagonist towards the exit.

Gallery: Echochrome 2

Continue reading Preview: Echochrome 2

JoystiqPreview: Echochrome 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010Echochrome-2Japan-StudiosonySony-Computer-EntertainmentFri, 18 Jun 2010 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Patapon 3 revealed, coming 'between now and December']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/patapon-3-revealed-coming-between-now-and-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/patapon-3-revealed-coming-between-now-and-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/patapon-3-revealed-coming-between-now-and-december/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Do you hear that? It's the pata pata of tiny feet, vibrantly dancing along a 2D plane. It's not just the mice you have running around your apartment (you might wanna clean up, amigo), it's a third Patapon game. Sony announced the game alongside the news that 70 PSP games will be released "between now and December."

All pons aside, we're thrilled to hear about another Patapon title. And hey, we'd love to get our hands on it sooner than later, Sony. You meant December 1, right?

JoystiqPatapon 3 revealed, coming 'between now and December' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2010japan-studiopataponpatapon-3playstationpspsony-computer-entertainmentTue, 15 Jun 2010 16:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: PlayStation Move's Slider]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/hands-on-playstation-moves-slider/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/hands-on-playstation-moves-slider/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/hands-on-playstation-moves-slider/#comments Don't get too excited, folks. This isn't a game adaptation of a popular sci-fi series. Slider is one of the first PlayStation Move-enabled games to come out Sony's Japan Studios. It's also a perfect example of a game that's significantly hampered by uninspired motion control design.

Slider certainly has a lot of charm. You play as a business man (or woman) on the run from the Japanese mafia. In typically zany Japanese games logic, your escape vehicle of choice is random office furniture. The quirky concept is very reminiscent of Incredible Crisis, a PS1 minigame collection that also featured a race with furniture. A Sony producer told us that he was proud of the comparisons.

Unfortunately, thanks to poor implementation of motion controls, Slider just isn't as good. Waggling the controller propels your character forward. To jump or duck, you need to thrust your controller upward or downward. Yes, moving forward, up and down all involve nearly identical motions, making for an imprecise and rather frustrating control experience. Every time our character failed to make a boost, or turn, or jump, or duck, we couldn't help but think, "Is this supposed to be fun?" Perhaps it's my innate lack of gaming skill, but I highly doubt casual gamers would be able to pick this up and play with any ease.

Continue reading Hands-on: PlayStation Move's Slider

JoystiqHands-on: PlayStation Move's Slider originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onincredible-crisisjapan-studiomoveplaystation-movesliderTue, 16 Mar 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LocoRoco wallpapers make for a cute Christmas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/locoroco-wallpapers-make-for-a-cute-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/locoroco-wallpapers-make-for-a-cute-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/locoroco-wallpapers-make-for-a-cute-christmas/#comments Our biggest problem when not playing LocoRoco is that we wished we were playing it. Sometimes, you're stuck in a situation where you just can't game, but that doesn't mean you can't have those cute and cuddly little blobs a mere glance away. That's where the PlayStation Blog comes in, as it's just posted some festive LocoRoco wallpapers for all to enjoy, which differ somewhat from those posted by the American site yesterday.

Feel free to slap 'em on your computer or on your PSP. And if anyone catches you staring and asks why you're crying, ignore them because that just means they don't get it at all.

JoystiqLocoRoco wallpapers make for a cute Christmas originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasjapan-studiolocorocosceatsutomu-kounowallpaperwallpapersWed, 23 Dec 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Japan Studio urged to create more PS3 games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/sonys-japan-studio-urged-to-create-more-ps3-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/sonys-japan-studio-urged-to-create-more-ps3-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/sonys-japan-studio-urged-to-create-more-ps3-games/#comments
Japan Studios has had little impact on the PlayStation software library this generation. The platform's greatest hits so far have, instead, come from America and Europe. Titles like Uncharted, Killzone, LittleBigPlanet, Ratchet & Clank, Resistance, God of War, and WipEout all come from various studios at SCEA and SCEE. But what has Japan Studio created thus far? Siren, Trash Panic, and The Eye of Judgment -- noteworthy games perhaps, but hardly a collection of system-selling blockbusters.

Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida explained to Gamasutra that "their focus was shifted onto the PSP, which reflects the success of the PSP as a platform in Japan ... It's completely opposite of the way how US and European teams moved onto working on the PS3 and we see the fruits of those efforts, while Japan studios shifted their focus onto the PSP." Of course, handheld owners have much to be thankful for: system-defining hits like Patapon and LocoRoco were created out of Japan Studio's dedication to the platform.

However, the next year (and beyond) should be very different for Sony's Japanese developers. With The Last Guardian and Gran Turismo 5 coming from Sony's other Japanese studios, the pressure is on for other developers to follow suit. "We are now re-energizing teams and coming up with new ideas for PS3 development," Yoshida said. "We'll be able to show fruits of this work sometime next year."

JoystiqSony's Japan Studio urged to create more PS3 games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanjapan-studioplaystationscejshuhei-yoshidasonySony-Computer-Entertainment-JapanMon, 02 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Hands-on: Echoshift]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/tgs-2009-hands-on-echoshift/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/tgs-2009-hands-on-echoshift/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/tgs-2009-hands-on-echoshift/#commentsI think that if I hadn't played Yoshio Ishii's Cursor*10, I wouldn't have had any idea what was going on in Echoshift. But because I have played both Cursor*10 and its sequel, I had no problem playing Echoshift, because the Echochrome sequel is that game, but side-scrolling. This is not a complaint. Echoshift was one of the most engrossing games at Tokyo Game Show. There's far more room for exploration in the still-fresh time-loop genre.

Continue reading TGS 2009: Hands-on: Echoshift

JoystiqTGS 2009: Hands-on: Echoshift originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EchochromeEcoshiftGame-YarouzeJapan-StudioPSNPuzzleSCESony-Computer-Entertainmenttgs-2009Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Only 8% of Koei's sales come from outside of Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/only-8-of-koeis-sale-come-from-outside-of-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/only-8-of-koeis-sale-come-from-outside-of-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/only-8-of-koeis-sale-come-from-outside-of-japan/#comments
How does a company like Koei, which seemingly releases a new Dynasty Warriors game every few months, stay afloat? Well, it's not with the help of American audiences, that's for sure. Sony Japan Studios' senior VP, Yasuhide Kobayashi, shared some information with DICE Asia attendees. He revealed that many Japanese companies are struggling to have their games appeal beyond the Japanese market. The worst offender? Koei, with 91.8% of its sales coming from the Japanese market.

Tecmo follows at 89.6 percent, while Square Enix receives a startling 86.6 percent of its sales from the motherland. With Kobayashi saying "the Japanese market is really shrinking," these companies must "develop [a] global title." in order to survive. Expect to hear even more about the dwindling importance of the Japanese market, and publishers' efforts to make more "global" titles, at Tokyo Game Show next week.

JoystiqOnly 8% of Koei's sales come from outside of Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dice-asiajapanjapan-studiokoeisceisquare-enixtecmoSat, 19 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Use your eyes of judgment on this Eye of Judgment PSP trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/use-your-eyes-of-judgment-on-this-psp-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/use-your-eyes-of-judgment-on-this-psp-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/use-your-eyes-of-judgment-on-this-psp-trailer/#comments As previously announced, Eye of Judgment is making its way to the PSP. This trailer - fresh from GamesCom - answers all of our pressing questions from before. How? It looks as though Eye of Judgment won't support the PSP camera, as previously speculated. Instead, the PSP version looks to take advantage of an in-game deck, and will feature a brand new story, complete with comic book-style cutscenes. Gameplay will be rebalanced for the PSP game but we wonder -- without the camera gimmick, will people still be interested?

JoystiqUse your eyes of judgment on this Eye of Judgment PSP trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eye-of-judgmentEye-of-Judgment-PSPgamescom-2009Japan-StudioSonyTue, 18 Aug 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your Pata on with Patapon 2 for $14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/get-your-pata-on-with-patapon-2-for-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/get-your-pata-on-with-patapon-2-for-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/get-your-pata-on-with-patapon-2-for-14/#comments
Amazon is just laying on the PlayStation sales today, with Patapon 2 being slashed to a measly $13.98. Okay, so it's not like Patapon 2 was terribly expensive in the first place, but come on, $14! For the price of two delicious hamburger combos, you could be playing this year's premiere drum-sequence-battle game. With the money you save off the regular $20 price tag, you could still buy one hamburger combo and you'd have something to play after lunch.

Right there? That's a win-win.

JoystiqGet your Pata on with Patapon 2 for $14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealsjapan-studiopataponpatapon-2salesTue, 04 Aug 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[White Knight Chronicles screens are eye-searingly gorgeous]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/white-knight-chronicles-screens-are-eye-searingly-gorgeous/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/white-knight-chronicles-screens-are-eye-searingly-gorgeous/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/white-knight-chronicles-screens-are-eye-searingly-gorgeous/#comments
Level-5's made some aesthetically pleasing games in the past, but none have been quite as jaw-droppingly beautiful as White Knight Chronicles. A recent deluge of screenshots from the game appeared around the end of the San Diego Comic Con -- we've wrangled them, and slapped them in the gallery below.

Oh, sure, we've been seeing content from this massive RPG since the game came out in Japan last Christmas. Still, these shots are from the American version of the game -- that's the most beautiful thing of all, in our humble opinion. Woo! Go America!

Gallery: White Knight Chronicles (Comic-Con)

white-knight-chronicles-001-1248977537white-knight-chronicles-002-1248977538white-knight-chronicles-003-1248977539white-knight-chronicles-008-1248977540white-knight-chronicles-012-1248977543

JoystiqWhite Knight Chronicles screens are eye-searingly gorgeous originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galleryjapan-studiolevel-5screenshotssdcc-2009white-knight-chroniclesFri, 31 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Soon-to-release echochrome patch adds PS Eye support, public level sharing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/soon-to-release-echochrome-patch-adds-ps-eye-support-public-lev/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/soon-to-release-echochrome-patch-adds-ps-eye-support-public-lev/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/soon-to-release-echochrome-patch-adds-ps-eye-support-public-lev/#comments Along with fellow PSN downloadable title The Last Guy, echochrome is receiving a sizable update in Japan. The PS3 version of the Escher-inspired puzzler will receive a new patch this Thursday, May 21, bringing to the game PS Eye support and a brand-new, public space for user-created levels.

Previously, echochrome did not have an open online space for players to share their level creations (or abominations), but instead user-created levels were screened and selected by Sony. Thankfully, this is changing now. The inclusion of PS Eye support is, suffice it to say, odd. In case you've ever played echochrome and wondered, "Gee, I really wish I could use my PS Eye to record how dumb and frustrated I look when trying to solve these mind-bending puzzles. Oh, and hey, I'd really like to put it up on YouTube, too." ... then, this is for you. You can watch yourself as you solve puzzles via a picture-in-picture screen (also pictured above). No word yet about other regions, but we've got a good feeling that this will be heading our way, too.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqSoon-to-release echochrome patch adds PS Eye support, public level sharing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 May 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EchochromeGame-YarouzeJapan-StudioPSNPuzzleSCESony-Computer-EntertainmentMon, 18 May 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Patapon shirts coming Home this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/05/patapon-shirts-coming-home-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/05/patapon-shirts-coming-home-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/05/patapon-shirts-coming-home-this-week/#comments
This Thursday, May 6, is the release date for the digital release of Patapon 2. It's also the day on which you can show off your love for the franchise by donning Patapon clothing within Home. They'll be available from the Threads store in the mall, though there's no word on whether they will be free or not. Acting as walking billboards is one thing, without having to pay for the pleasure.

Having said that, we wouldn't mind seeing those male tees made available in real life. If you agree, you can let the appropriate people know by indicating your favorite tee on the official Home forums or in the comments of the latest PlayStation Blog post. While you're in Home you may notice a video interview with the producer behind Patapon 2, Christian Hinojosa-Miranda, on the big screens. Check it out, he might have answered one of your questions.

JoystiqPatapon shirts coming Home this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 May 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HomeJapan-studioPatapon-2Playstation-blogTue, 05 May 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Review: Patapon 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/joystiq-review-patapon-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/joystiq-review-patapon-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/joystiq-review-patapon-2/#comments At a glance, Patapon 2 looks almost identical to its 2008 predecessor. However, Sony's Japan Studio has, as it did with Loco Roco 2, expanded upon the original game, resulting in a sequel that retains the simple gameplay and charm of the original but offers a much larger list of features and levels.

Once again, a sequence of drum beats is used to issue commands to your Patapon troops, though the sequel adds new layers on top of these mechanics. It's as addictive as its predecessor, with the extra bells and whistles making it just that little bit deeper -- though not at the expense of its immediate simplicity. You'll be humming "Pon Pon Pata Pon" before you know it.

Gallery: Patapon 2

Continue reading Joystiq Review: Patapon 2

JoystiqJoystiq Review: Patapon 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 May 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japan-studiopatapon-2pspMon, 04 May 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pata with a friend: Patapon 2 multiplayer trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/pata-with-a-friend-patapon-2-multiplayer-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/pata-with-a-friend-patapon-2-multiplayer-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/pata-with-a-friend-patapon-2-multiplayer-trailer/#comments
Sony has released a trailer for Patapon 2 featuring its new multiplayer mode. The multiplayer mode allows up to four Hero Patapons to play at once, with the overall goal being to carry a magical egg to the end of the level. As we learned during our hands-on time with the game at TGS last year, all four players will have to execute their commands in unison. If not, everyone has to start again -- ouch. See it all for yourself in the trailer after the break.

Continue reading Pata with a friend: Patapon 2 multiplayer trailer

JoystiqPata with a friend: Patapon 2 multiplayer trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japan-studiopatapon-2playstation-storepsnpyramidWed, 22 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 echochrome gets Trophies, 1,000 custom stages]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/ps3-echochrome-gets-trophies-1-000-custom-stages/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/ps3-echochrome-gets-trophies-1-000-custom-stages/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/ps3-echochrome-gets-trophies-1-000-custom-stages/#commentsFiled under: ,

Soon monochrome puzzlers will have more than just the satisfaction (and ensuing headache) that comes from a job well done, as Sony has added Trophy support to the PS3 version of echochrome. Available today, this downloadable patch will finally give Escher enthusiasts something to talk about with friends other than who got lost this week on the upside down staircase.

Additionally, while up until now user-designed stages have been released at a meager 10 levels at a time, Sony adds that beginning with today's update it will make a mind-numbing 1,000 user-generated puzzles available for Freeform play. Our brains, they hurt.

To see which Trophies you can unlock, visit PS3 Fanboy.

JoystiqPS3 echochrome gets Trophies, 1,000 custom stages originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EchochromeGame-YarouzeJapan-Studiopatchplaystation-storePS3PSNPuzzleSCEsonySony-Computer-EntertainmentThu, 11 Dec 2008 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's echochrome patch brings Trophies and new levels]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/todays-echochrome-patch-brings-trophies-and-new-levels/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/todays-echochrome-patch-brings-trophies-and-new-levels/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/todays-echochrome-patch-brings-trophies-and-new-levels/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's probably been a little while since you played echochrome but today you'll have two new reasons to go back and enjoy the mind-bending puzzler. The Trophy patch will be released today, allowing you to get PSN recognition for your mad Escher skills. Not only that, but a bunch of new user generated levels will be available to try out.

"A bunch" may be a bit of an understatement. There will actually be a thousand new levels for you to play. So even if you have exhausted the developer levels already, there are plenty more hours of gameplay being added to the game, completely free of charge. These levels, and the Trophies, will be made available in a patch later today. The patch also includes an in-game screenshot feature and the PlayStation Blog post hints at more features coming at a later date. Check out the video above for a sneak peek at all 1,000 new stages.

JoystiqToday's echochrome patch brings Trophies and new levels originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EchochromeGame-YarouzeJapan-StudioPSNPuzzleSCESony-Computer-EntertainmentThu, 11 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blast Factor, echochrome to get Trophy patches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/blast-factor-echochrome-to-get-trophy-patches/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/blast-factor-echochrome-to-get-trophy-patches/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/blast-factor-echochrome-to-get-trophy-patches/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Surprisingly, two PSN games will be getting Trophy patches in the immediate future. Blast Factor, one of the earliest PSN games, will be getting a patch which adds DualShock 3 support and Trophy support. The game and its expansions will get 25 Trophies, although there's no word on what the Trophies are (yet!). The patch will be available for free tomorrow. Those that don't have the game will be able to buy it off the PlayStation Store for $10, or $13 with both add-ons.

echochrome will also receive Trophy support, although a date hasn't been revealed. You can check out the Trophy list for this puzzle game here. The recently released Brain Challenge also has Trophy support.

Those that have been following the Trophy Portal may have also noticed we've stealthily added a few other games and guides. Check out our Warhawk and Buzz! Quiz TV guides, if you haven't yet.

JoystiqBlast Factor, echochrome to get Trophy patches originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-factorEchochromeGame-YarouzeJapan-StudioPSNPuzzleSCESony-Computer-EntertainmenttrophiestrophyWed, 03 Dec 2008 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Trophies: echochrome]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/30/trophies-echochrome/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/30/trophies-echochrome/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/30/trophies-echochrome/#commentsFiled under:

0 Platinum
2 Gold
1 Silver
7 Bronze
 Difficulty: Moderate
Online Trophies? Yes
Time to Completion: 10 hours
DLC Trophies? No
View Trophy List Read More About the Game

Continue reading Trophies: echochrome

JoystiqTrophies: echochrome originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EchochromeGame-YarouzeJapan-StudioPSNPuzzleSCESony-Computer-EntertainmentSun, 30 Nov 2008 22:15:00 EST