Joystiq

Nano Assault EX hitting European eShop on March 7

Mike Suszek — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST

Nano Assault EX will be available on the 3DS eShop in Europe and Australia on March 7, Shin'en Games announced on Twitter last week.

According to the game's official site, Nano Assault EX is based on the original retail version of Nano Assault, and includes Circle Pad Pro support, online rankings and a new survivor mode. The game has been approved for the US eShop and is awaiting final approval for Japan; no official release date has been announced for either region.

Nano Assault EX hitting European eShop on March 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Double Dragon Neon review: Rock me, Amadeus

David Hinkle — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EST

Developer WayForward Technologies has been able to carve out a niche for itself in the gaming industry through its careful reboots of select series. A Boy and His Blob, Contra 4, BloodRayne: Betrayal and now Double Dragon Neon show the developer's knack for paying respect to the source material, while simultaneously updating it with interesting new gameplay mechanics and systems.

Double Dragon Neon is yet another jewel in WayForward's crown, unmistakably a Double Dragon game but with just the right amount of new flavor to make it something distinct, all wrapped in a brilliant '80s motif. Neon, for those who don't know, was so bad to the bone in the '80s.

Gallery: Double Dragon: Neon

Continue reading Double Dragon Neon review: Rock me, Amadeus

Double Dragon Neon review: Rock me, Amadeus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get your punching fists ready with the latest Double Dragon Neon gameplay

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST

Double Dragon Neon is coming, y'all. Who's gonna stop the Lee brothers as they punch and kick everyone on their neverending path to destroy Abobo Corp.? No one, that's who! Okay, we just made up like, all of that story stuff. But still!

Get your punching fists ready with the latest Double Dragon Neon gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco remains profitable in second quarter, Zumba Fitness sales surpass 7 million units

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 09:30:00 EST

Majesco Entertainment had revenues of $30.4 million in the second quarter ending April 30, 2012, with $2.7 in profit. These numbers aren't staggering by any stretch of the imagination for a video game publisher, but for a company that was threatened with stock delisting (twice), it's been a relatively stable year.

"While the overall retail environment for interactive entertainment remains challenging in both North America and Europe, we are pleased to announce that in the second quarter, sales of Zumba Fitness remained solid, and Majesco delivered another profitable quarter. Zumba Fitness has now sold over 7 million units worldwide, and is the second best selling fitness game of all time," said Majesco CEO Jesse Sutton. "We are very excited for the upcoming holiday season, during which we will launch both Zumba Fitness Core, as well as the much-anticipated, highly innovative Kinect title, NBA Baller Beats. Lastly, we are about to ramp up our social/mobile efforts with the launches of Mini Putt Park on Facebook, as well as at least four exciting new mobile games coming to iOS over the next few months."

Zumba Fitness' sales have been giving Majesco the drive it needs to maintain its modest condition. Much like Cooking Mama before it, the company needs to find another hit franchise before the Zumba gravy train runs out.

Majesco remains profitable in second quarter, Zumba Fitness sales surpass 7 million units originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Baller Beats: Make Space to Jam in your living room

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:50:00 EST

You're gonna need all of Majesco's Mamas to help clean up after destroying your living room with the publisher's latest Kinect game, NBA Baller Beats. What in the world is NBA Baller Beats, pray tell? Why it's, "a fun, high energy and first-of-its kind participative basketball video game launching this fall exclusively on Kinect for the Xbox 360," of course! Yes, you read that right: it's a Kinect game played with an actual basketball in your living room.

It looks like Majesco is going all out for this one, with a tracklist featuring the likes of "Kanye West, Run DMC, Gorillaz, Them Crooked Vultures, Common, Tiesto and more." No word is given on Majesco partnering with any insurance companies alongside the game's launch this fall, but we expect to hear more on that at E3.

Update: USA Today's exclusive on the game describes it as more of a rhythm/music game than a dribbling coach. "Players bounce the ball to the beat of the music; your visual cue is a line of basketballs that flows on a musical trail," it reads.You'll also need to perform specific moves along the way. "An icon prepares you for an upcoming basketball move you need to perform, also in time with the music. That may be a crossover from one hand to the other, a dribble between the legs, a pass fake or shot fake." Color us intrigued! We're still terrified for our living rooms, of course.

Continue reading NBA Baller Beats: Make Space to Jam in your living room

NBA Baller Beats: Make Space to Jam in your living room originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco revenues stay fit in quarter due to Zumba Fitness

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:00:00 EST

Majesco only smells one thing when it takes a whiff of Zumba Fitness lady's pits: Sweet, sweet cash! The publisher reported net revenues of $66.2 million for the first quarter ending January 31, up 37 percent from the $48.5 million in the same period a year ago. Profit for the quarter was $7.7 million, up from $6.8 million a year ago.

"Zumba Fitness 2 for the Nintendo Wii got off to a great start, and we are equally excited about Zumba Fitness Rush, which was just released in February, exclusive to the Kinect platform," said CEO Jesse Sutton. "We were also pleased with the performance of several other titles from this past holiday season including Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic on the 3DS, and Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked on Kinect, Wii and DS."

Yes, yes, be "pleased" about the rest, but look at all the Zumba money! In January the company announced the Zumba Fitness franchise had sold over 6 million units, with Zumba Fitness 2 surpassing a million in sales. The series continues to be a staple on the UK charts.

Majesco revenues stay fit in quarter due to Zumba Fitness originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nano Assault trailer is not for the germaphobic

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST

Next month's 3DS shooter, Nano Assault, doesn't need Clorox disinfectant wipes to kill germs. It's far more efficient to get miniaturized for innerspace incursion and blast every cell that dares glance crazy-eyes in the joint.

Nano Assault trailer is not for the germaphobic originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Hidden media reminds us that we're not alone

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST

You must be so content in your quiet, oblivious state of ignorant obliviousness. You probably think that you're all alone right now, don't you? You've carved out a tiny bit of solitude from the hurried, bustling activity of the modern world, just long enough to read a website about video-games, when little do you realize that you're sitting on a ghost right this very second.

See, human beings are constantly surrounded by the tormented souls of our loved ones, as these new screens and trailer for The Hidden are so quick to remind us. Now, it's possible that these are actually squishy cartoon ghosts, rather than the eternally damned apparitions of our tortured ancestors, but we can never really be sure.

Gallery: The Hidden (10/20/11)

The Hidden media reminds us that we're not alone originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco earns slight profit in quarter thanks to Zumba Fitness

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST

Majesco sweated its way to a profit of $1.9 million for the third quarter ending July 31, 2011, with company execs thanking their lucky stars for the Zumba Fitness phenomenon. The company had revenues of $19.5 million, up 61% from the same time last year. The real sign of Zumba Fitness' magic is that for the nine months ended July 31, Majesco had revenues of $100.2 million, up 92 percent (nearly double), from the same period the prior year.

"Despite what is normally a seasonally weak time for our business, Majesco experienced another strong quarter. Driven by strength in Europe this past quarter, Zumba Fitness has now sold over 3 million units worldwide," CEO Jesse Sutton said. "The growth of the Zumba phenomenon overall has us very excited about Zumba Fitness 2."

Yeah, we bet it does.

Majesco earns slight profit in quarter thanks to Zumba Fitness originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BloodRayne: Betrayal launching in the last week of August

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST

Time is fluid, as we're reminded again by the announcement of Bloodrayne: Betrayal's late August launch. Originally expected for "early August," the game now has August 30 and 31 launch dates for PSN and XBLA, respectively.

Developer WayForward has reimagined BloodRayne for the better, as we and the company recently detailed on The Joystiq Show. From what we've seen so far, this is a BloodRayne that doesn't suck.

Gallery: BloodRayne: Betrayal (E3 2011)

BloodRayne: Betrayal launching in the last week of August originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Mama' franchise reaches 12 million sales worldwide, 8.5 million in NA

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:00 EST

Majesco had a timeline at its E3 booth showing all of Mama's jobs over the past five years. The poster stated that the franchise had reached 12 million sales globally, with a rep telling us that the sales in North America represented 8.5 million of the total.

Mama is currently planning a return to the kitchen and the series that gave the gal her big break, after she does a little camping in September, in Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic this October.

'Mama' franchise reaches 12 million sales worldwide, 8.5 million in NA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BloodRayne: Betrayal cuts up PSN, XBLA in early August

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 22:30:00 EST

BloodRayne: Betrayal will eviscerate PSN and XBLA during the first weeks of August, representatives for Majesco told us at E3. We had specific dates for both consoles, but neither fit the standard release day schedule for a digitally distributed title and reps changed the date to "early August." It will cost $15 (1200 MSP).

Developer WayForward has completely reinvented the concept of BloodRayne for the better, saying that Majesco pretty much gave them carte blanche to make the license their own. If you've never heard of BloodRayne, this is a great arcade slasher introduction. If you've heard of BloodRayne, forget what you know. If you enjoyed BloodRayne before, sorry.

Gallery: BloodRayne: Betrayal (E3 2011)

BloodRayne: Betrayal cuts up PSN, XBLA in early August originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BloodRayne: Betrayal gameplay trailer turns us into loyal subjects

David Hinkle — Thu, 26 May 2011 23:30:00 EST

There's a lot to love about this Bloodrayne: Betrayal gameplay trailer, including blaring metal music, vampire chicks hanging around blood fountains and zombies getting curb-stomped. Plus, it looks absolutely killer.

Continue reading BloodRayne: Betrayal gameplay trailer turns us into loyal subjects

BloodRayne: Betrayal gameplay trailer turns us into loyal subjects originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 May 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mama Mia! Majesco cooks up $2.1 million fiscal-year loss

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 04:00:00 EST

Majesco Entertainment ended its last fiscal year (on October 31, 2010) with a $2.1 million loss -- which is better than the $6.6 million it flambéed the previous fiscal year. The financially troubled publisher is pinning its hopes in the new fiscal year (which began Nov. 1) on Crafting Mama, Babysitting Mama and Zumba Fitness, which has already sold a half-million units since its mid-November release. Majesco has also planted one of those money-growing trees: a Facebook game, Friends Cafe.

With its focus on mass-market appeal, Majesco could well bake up some profits this fiscal year. We'll keep watch over its shoulder, though, mindful to leave a clear path to the fire extinguisher in case the money continues to burn.

Mama Mia! Majesco cooks up $2.1 million fiscal-year loss originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ghostwire no longer being published by Majesco, fate uncertain

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:50:00 EST

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

DSi augmented reality game Ghostwire will no longer be published by Majesco. A representative for the publisher informed Joystiq that the game, which was supposed to be out this quarter, was removed from the release schedule over the summer; though apparently, Ghostwire wasn't publicly dropped until recently, as GameFly just sent out notices that the title was "canceled by its publisher."

The game's website still notes Majesco as the publisher, and there hasn't been an update to the game's Twitter or Facebook account in quite some time. We're currently following up with developer A Different Game to find out if it's found a new publisher for the title, and if and when Ghostwire is now expected for release.

[Thanks, Sam C.]

Ghostwire no longer being published by Majesco, fate uncertain originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco's CFO gets out of the kitchen

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST

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

Financially troubled publisher Majesco recently announced the resignation of its chief financial officer, John Gross, who will be replaced by an interim executive when he leaves August 20. For what are likely his final official remarks at Majesco, Gross leaves with these words: "We have worked as a management team to put an operating plan in place to continue to improve the performance of the company and grow profitability. I wish the company and the management team all the best in the future."

IndustryGamers notes the company lost another $1.6 million in its second fiscal quarter. Also, with a little under a month to go, the company is coming dangerously close to hitting its Nasdaq stock exchange delisting deadline. Come on, Majesco, have Cooking Mama bake up some compliance again.

Majesco's CFO gets out of the kitchen originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nobilis fires back at SouthPeak over My Baby IP, blames lack of payment for Majesco move

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST

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

Responding to recent legal action between former My Baby franchise publisher SouthPeak Games and new publisher Majesco Entertainment, My Baby developer (and IP owner) Nobilis has placed blame for the move on "uncured breaches from SouthPeak, notably for non-payment." In so many words, it appears that Nobilis -- like other SouthPeak debtors -- is still waiting on unpaid bills from the publisher.

Nobilis managing director Arnaud Blacher spoke with IndustryGamers regarding the lawsuit, saying that his company will also pursue litigation with SouthPeak over the issue. Furthermore, he confirmed that "all the contracts signed with SouthPeak in the US or in the UK have been terminated." As with most things legal, this situation is sure to get a lot more complicated long before we hear any sort of resolution. SouthPeak had yet to respond to a request for comment as of publishing.

Nobilis fires back at SouthPeak over My Baby IP, blames lack of payment for Majesco move originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SouthPeak suing Majesco over My Baby 3

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:35:00 EST

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

Joystiq has confirmed with SouthPeak Games that the company has taken legal action against Mama game publisher Majesco Entertainment, specifically regarding the right to publish My Baby titles in the United States. The litigation was spurred by an announcement last month that Majesco would be publishing the Nobilis-developed My Baby 3 & Friends, an action SouthPeak claims Majesco wasn't legally allowed to take.

For its part, SouthPeak issued this statement on the impending litigation: "We are exceptionally proud of our success in making the My Baby franchise a leader in the North American market; our innovative sales, marketing and PR strategies brought My Baby to a huge audience and built a loyal fan base for future products. SouthPeak continues to hold the rights to subsequent My Baby games and we intend to vigorously protect those rights." Additionally, we've confirmed that, while SouthPeak claims a contractual right to publish "subsequent My Baby games" in the US, Nobilis owns the My Baby IP. So, whose baby is it? That remains to be contested (Majesco and Nobilis reps hadn't responded as of publishing).

And while SouthPeak recently acquired a $10 million loan, as well as another $5.5 million injection announced just this week, the company's still running into financial and legal issues left and right. "It's no secret that CDV is currently in dispute with SouthPeak Games along with many other companies, whilst CDV is itself in administration," SouthPeak exec Jonathan Hales told IndustryGamers recently, responding to the seizing of 40,000 units of SouthPeak stock by bailiffs on behalf of CDV. "We have sent High Court Enforcement Officers in last Friday and they took 40,00 units -- two trucks worth of stock -- out of the warehouse that SouthPeak uses. They had until yesterday to apply to court to stop that being sold at auction and as far as I'm aware they didn't make an application. We've also frozen the money from their distributor Centresoft," reps from CDV said.

It looks like the custodianship of My Baby is just one of many legal battles SouthPeak may be facing in the coming months.

SouthPeak suing Majesco over My Baby 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SouthPeak gets $10 million loan while losing biggest moneymaker

Ben Gilbert — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 19:30:00 EST

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

Outside of looming legal battles and down year-over-year revenues, SouthPeak recently received a $10 million "asset-based line of credit" that extends until February 28, 2012, reports IndustryGamers, effectively replacing an $8 million line of credit previously secured. We're not quite sure what debtors will have to take from SouthPeak should the publisher not be able to repay the $10 million, though, as Majesco Entertainment apparently scooped up SP's biggest franchise in mid June, My Baby.

For what it's worth, SouthPeak chairman Terry Phillips said of the credit, "Securing this additional credit provides us with greater financial flexibility and presents a clear message to our investors that we are confident of our business prospects and growth opportunities over the near- and long-term." Here's hoping that Two Worlds 2 and Battle vs. Chess are enough to help the company get its feet back on the ground in the coming year.

SouthPeak gets $10 million loan while losing biggest moneymaker originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Henry Hatsworth devs crafting Monster Tale on DS

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

Dreamrift, the new studio formed by Henry Hatsworth designer Peter Ong and programmer Ryan Pijai, is working on a new DS game that, once again, involves two distinct genres of running simultaneously across both screens. Instead of Hatsworth's weird mashup of platformer and falling-block puzzle, however, the new Monster Tale combines platforming and ... a pet simulation. The result is something reminiscent of A Boy and his Blob.

In Monster Tale, Ellie fights her way through the Monster World in order to free its denizens from the control of the "Kid Kings." Acquired items can be sent to the bottom screen, home of a monster named Chomp. The items Chomp eats or plays with in the bottom screen boost his abilities, or even transform him into one of around 30 forms when summoned to the top screen to protect Ellie. Will a cup of tea transform him into a dashing British adventurer? Probably not!

Majesco plans to release Monster Tale this December.

Gallery: Monster Tale (DS)

Henry Hatsworth devs crafting Monster Tale on DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 May 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Finding a new dimension for gaming at the 3D Gaming Summit

Mike Schramm — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST

A small crowd of movie and game producers met this week at Universal City in Los Angeles for the first-ever 3D Gaming Summit, to sit down and discuss the trend of 3D imaging in gaming and film. Much of the talk at the summit was speculative -- with almost no actual consumer devices on the market and nearly none within price range of the average consumer anyway, gaming in 3D isn't much more than an idea at this point. Most of the technology companies in attendance are still working to get content producers to use their systems to create games and films rather than selling hardware directly to consumers.

Still, the panels and discussions at the summit offered an interesting look at what many believe to be the eventual future of the industry. From a lunchtime interview with Mortal Kombat and Resident Evil director Paul W.S. Anderson to a Playstation Move demo (and a panel moderated by a Joystiq editor), the 3D Gaming Summit showed off a lot of guesswork, a few interesting demos, and a few big holes that will need to be filled if 3D gaming is going to ever take off.

Continue reading Finding a new dimension for gaming at the 3D Gaming Summit

Finding a new dimension for gaming at the 3D Gaming Summit originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco says Martha Stewart games will bring 'sensibility' to the market

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST

Nasdaq delisting candidate Majesco is betting on games based on domestically-faux corporate goddess Martha Stewart to up its cash flow. The agreement between the publisher and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia will see the creation of "interactive electronic games" based on Stewart's vast empire of lifestyle products.

"Women are increasingly engaged in social gaming," Stewart said in the announcement. "We feel confident that this new offering will delight loyal customers who are active in the space while introducing a new generation to the brand."

And then it hit us: Martha Stewart + Farmville = ROFLCOPTERS of $.

Majesco says Martha Stewart games will bring 'sensibility' to the market originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco reports drop in Q1 profits

JC Fletcher — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:00 EST

This week, Majesco reported its earnings for its fiscal first quarter (which ended January 31). As you may have surmised from the recent news of its potential Nasdaq delisting, things aren't precisely where Majesco would want them to be, financially. Its net profit for the quarter was $3.8 million, showing a year-over-year decline compared to Q1 2009's $4.2 million profit.

However, the slightly smaller Q1 still seems big enough to make Majesco happy. "Majesco had a very solid first quarter driven by strong holiday sales of our Cooking Mama franchise," CEO Jesse Sutton said, "which once again delivered impressive results, and Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel." Yes, that's right, some of you bought something with the word "Squeakquel" on it.

"Our results were in-line with our internal expectations and we remain on track to deliver improved profitability for 2010," he added. "We have made significant progress in fine tuning our strategy to meet the challenges of the current operating environment." The latest announcement from Majesco, of course, is another extension of the Cooking Mama franchise, Crafting Mama.

Majesco reports drop in Q1 profits originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cooking Mama taking on two more side jobs this year

JC Fletcher — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST

In its latest financial results release, Majesco reported satisfying sales for its Cooking Mama franchise. It didn't provide specifics, but CEO Jesse Sutton said that Cooking Mama 3 "performed well," Gardening Mama was "very successful" and Cooking Mama in general was "the most successful third party franchise on the DS" and "an evergreen brand." So, naturally, Majesco is going to retire the series on a high note.

Oh, did we say "retire the series on a high note?" We meant "release two more games this year." Sutton said that following the success of the gardening-based spinoff, Majesco is working on two "additional extensions for 2010," as well as looking to "new media channels" for further extensions of the brand.

Cooking Mama taking on two more side jobs this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joyswag: Cooking Mama 3 and Cake Mania 3 (DS) [update]

David Hinkle — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST

Update: That's it, folks -- the contest has come to a close! Keep an eye on your email's inbox to see if you won!

In our latest Joyswag, we're hooking one lucky reader up with a pair of new Majesco DS titles: Cooking Mama 3 and Cake Mania 3. Keep 'em to yourself or pass 'em along as a gift this holiday season. See how you can enter to win below:

Leave a comment telling us whether you prefer to bake or cook
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
Limit 1 entry per person per day
This entry period ends at 2:59PM ET on Tuesday, November 10
At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Cooking Mama 3 for the Nintendo DS ($30 ARV) and Cake Mania 3 for the Nintendo DS ($20 ARV)
For a list of complete rules, click here

Joyswag: Cooking Mama 3 and Cake Mania 3 (DS) [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cooking Mama 3 trailer, fresh from the oven

JC Fletcher — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:15:00 EST

Majesco's first trailer for Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop features one aspect of the Cooking Mama series we don't expect to see in the actual DS game: the voice acting, which is as endearing as ever.

The trailer features the first look at the game's new shopping mode, which appears as a top-down RPG-style presentation. It also features flashes of the familiar cooking gameplay, including the return of the most ridiculous recipe from Mamas past -- instant ramen. Really?

For the most part, it looks like Cooking Mama, which we've yet to become tired of, so we don't mind. And now with the addition of food with faces, we don't think we will ever get tired of it.

Cooking Mama 3 trailer, fresh from the oven originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop your troubles away

JC Fletcher — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:10:00 EST

Today, Majesco released new screens and the box art for Cooking Mama 3, revealing the subtitle Shop & Chop. Unfortunately for us, that subtitle, meant to reflect the new grocery shopping element in the minigame sequel, sounds kind of like "Slap Chop," and now we've got the "Rap Chop" remix stuck in our heads. We're going to be in a great mood all day, apparently!

The "Let's Shop" game, in which players dodge distractions to pick up ingredients at a grocery store, leads to the other new mode, "Combine and Create," which somehow allows players to invent their own recipes based on ingredients used in existing in-game recipes. It's an iterative upgrade, sure, but here's a secret: Cooking Mama continues to be fun even when it's just new recipes.

Gallery: Cooking Mama 3: Shop and Chop (DS)

Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop your troubles away originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E3 2009 highlights: The Nintendo roundup

James Ransom-Wiley — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST

Nintendo E3 2009 checklist:

Mario? *check*
Zelda? *check*
Metroid? *check*

Are we missing something? Head past the break to find out!

Continue reading E3 2009 highlights: The Nintendo roundup

E3 2009 highlights: The Nintendo roundup originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wonderful! 505 Games announces Cooking Mama 3 for DS

JC Fletcher — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST

We may have known it was coming, but now we have a nice, official press release announcing Cooking Mama 3 for DS. 505 Games said that it will release the latest in Cooking Mama Ltd.'s surprisingly popular culinary minigame series "in time for Christmas."

The new game will feature "over 80 recipes, 200 mini-games, four player multiplayer," and "two totally new game modes." "What Dish Can You Make" mode lets you and Mama create a new recipe from two recipes you choose. "Let's Go Shopping" gives you a shopping list to buy, with confusing signs and irritating store employees trying to hinder you!

Majesco hasn't officially announced a US release date for Cooking Mama 3, but we expect a fall or holiday release here as well. It's basically Majesco's biggest title of the year!

Wonderful! 505 Games announces Cooking Mama 3 for DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco serving Cooking Mama 3 to E3 attendees

JC Fletcher — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:45:00 EST

Majesco just sent out a very cute invitation to a Cooking Mama-themed party to be held during E3. Listed among the activities planned for the party: a chance to play Cooking Mama 3. What a nice way to announce a new game! The last "numbered" Cooking Mama was Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with Friends on DS, so it seems likely that this latest iteration will be on the DS as well.

It is very little surprise that Majesco and developer Cooking Mama Ltd. are planning another game. Cooking Mama is the cornerstone of Majesco's business, and we'd expect at least a couple of the "approximately 31 titles" the company plans to release (according to its financial report) to be Mama games. Probably more than a couple -- in addition to the newly announced 3, trademarks suggest both Babysitting Mama and Crafting Mama are on the way.

Majesco serving Cooking Mama 3 to E3 attendees originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 May 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metareview: Cooking Mama: World Kitchen

David Hinkle — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:21:00 EST

Filed under: Metareview

Click to embiggen

Even though PETA hasn't been too happy with Cooking Mama: World Kitchen, everyone else has to be enjoying the game we had so much fun with back at E3, right? Well, the few reviews that have come in haven't been all that positive. So let's get to the scores.

IGN (70/100): "So what we have here is a good casual game; what last year's Cooking Mama should have been. World Kitchen is easy enough for anyone to pick up and play (despite the lack of tutorial), and Mama's charisma may even keep cynical hardcore gamers playing longer than they expected. A little depth beyond simple waggle controls and more gameplay variety would be nice, but this is a fun, breezy game for the non-discriminating player on your holiday shopping list."
Nintendo Power (65/100): "Cooking Mama World Kitchen isn't bad, but it could have been better." [Holiday 2008, p.80]
1UP (C-): "World Kitchen tries hard to spice up the already tasty Cooking Mama recipe with new characters, slapstick rescue minigames, and cheesy-in-a-bad-way voiceovers, but the results leave behind a funny aftertaste. It'll do in a pinch, but I prefer Cook Off's well-balanced helpings."

Any of you pick up Mama's latest game? Agree with the critics? Disagree?

Metareview: Cooking Mama: World Kitchen originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PETA plans to continue to use games to spread its message

David Hinkle — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:21:00 EST

Filed under: News

Following up their recent Super Mario Bros. and Cooking Mama games, PETA has commented to GI.biz that they'll continue this format as a way of "engaging with the public." We guess it's been successful for them, as they say this approach to spreading their message is as "important as music, movies, and television." We can't say we agree, but different strokes for different folks, we suppose.

"Many people are unaware of the real-life violence that animals endure on factory farms and in slaughterhouses," a PETA spokesperson said. "We use games to highlight the cruelty to animals because they appeal to people who are interested but may be turned off by more direct appeals." Well, we don't understand the effectiveness of this approach, to tell you the truth, but, then again, we enjoy a burger every now and then.

PETA plans to continue to use games to spread its message originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PETA plans on making more games to spread message

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Business

PETA intends on creating more games to raise awareness about practices within the meat industry. The organization states that its recent Cooking Mama game wasn't an attack on publisher Majesco, but a way of getting its "Meet your Meat" video -- an unsettling "undercover video" of a corporate turkey farm -- in front of fresh eyes.

Speaking with GI.biz, a PETA spokesperson said the organization uses games to raise awareness in people who "may be turned off by more direct appeals." It originally turned to games to attract young males, but has since learned the demographics are much wider. The group believes Majesco took the parody in the way it was intended, which seems like a reasonable assumption considering the publisher's lighthearted response. Despite all the joking, PETA does hope that Majesco makes a Cooking Mama: Vegetarian Kitchen "one day."

Source - PETA: We'll keep using games "to spread our message" [GI.biz]
Source - Cooking Mama Responds to PETA Parody [PETA]

PETA plans on making more games to spread message originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majesco responds to PETA's Cooking Mama parody

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Nintendo Wii, Simulations

Majesco kept it classy in its response to PETA's Cooking Mama parody. Taking the whole situation in stride, the publisher quoted the fictional Mama as saying, "I would never put rat in my Ratatouille. Like any accomplished cook, I create my recipes to appeal to a broad range of tastes and preferences. My only goal is to ensure you leave the table well fed."

Majesco went on to note that the company's latest entry in the franchise, Cooking Mama World Kitchen, features over 25 vegetarian-friendly recipes. It also states that Mama is not a vegetarian, but "fully supports" the humane treatment of animals, as her doggie "protégé" Max will make his debut in the latest game -- hopefully, not as an entrée. Kudos to Majesco for incorporating some flair into what would otherwise have been another boring press release about a game launch. And thanks to PETA for making the whole laugh possible.

Majesco responds to PETA's Cooking Mama parody originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mama responds to PETA

David Hinkle — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:13:00 EST

Filed under: News

Mama, lovable cook and Majesco mascot, wants us all to know that her latest game, Cooking Mama: World Kitchen, isn't all about killing animals and preparing them as tasty dishes. No, the Mama has a bunch of vegetarian recipes, as well, evidenced by the press release sent over to GoNintendo. What kind of veggie dishes can be prepared in Cooking Mama: World Kitchen? Well, there's miso soup and rice cakes, just to name a few.

"I would never put rat in my Ratatouille," said Mama, wrist-deep in her latest recipe. "Like any accomplished cook, I create my recipes to appeal to a broad range of tastes and preferences. My only goal is to ensure you leave the table well fed." We imagine PETA's next step is a Flash game where Mama viciously murders piles and piles of octopi for their ink so she can write out a press release.

Mama responds to PETA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cooking Mama vs. Regular Mama

JC Fletcher — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:10:00 EST

Filed under: Video

We're so pleased to present this upbeat, non-disgusting trailer for Cooking Mama: World Kitchen. However, even this innocuous "As Seen on TV" style video is not without controversy: certain statements are made regarding your mama. Specifically, her ability to cook, contrasting with the abilities of the game's fake cartoon mama. The trailer disclaims these statements, but it's possible that by then the damage could already be done. Consider yourselves and your mamas warned.

Hopefully we can look past this shocking material and enjoy the gameplay footage and cute presentation. Because it is really cute, and it would be a shame if some kind of awful publicity marred such cuteness.

Cooking Mama vs. Regular Mama originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PETA Flash game puts us off Cooking Mama, food

JC Fletcher — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: News

Ready to be sick? Coinciding with the release of Cooking Mama: World Kitchen, PETA has wielded the Awesome Power of Copyright Infringement to make a Cooking Mama Flash game about the preparations involved with cooking turkey.

Combining an impressively accurate facsimile of Cooking Mama gameplay with horrifying, bloody visuals, Cooking Mama: Mama Kills Animals is intended as an appeal to Majesco to create a vegetarian-only version of Cooking Mama.

In Mama Kills Animals, a sadistic Cooking Mama guides you through the process of defeathering, preparing, and stuffing a turkey. Between levels, the game presents horrifying facts about the meat industry as well as videos we didn't dare watch. Apparently, at the end, Mama reforms and becomes a vegetarian.

In case you didn't get our subtle hinting, this game can be really upsetting. Keep that in mind should you decide to click.

PETA Flash game puts us off Cooking Mama, food originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PETA parody grills Cooking Mama

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii

PETA's parody on Majesco's Cooking Mama franchise may be the best Flash-based game we've seen from the activist group yet. Following up on its Bloody Burberry and Super Chick Sisters games, Cooking Mama: Mama Kills Animals takes a stab at soon-to-be-released Cooking Mama: World Kitchen, not to mention the main course of most Thanksgiving meals. The game is done in perfect Cooking Mama style - having the player pull out the bird's feathers and then scoop out its innards. Whether you agree with the message or not, it's the medium and style that got our attention.

PETA does give some constructive feedback to Majesco, asking if it could make an all vegetarian-recipe version of Cooking Mama. Considering how important Mama is to Majesco's cash flow, a vegetarian version might be a good marketing ploy. PETA's Cooking Mama: Mama Kills Animals can be played after the break (Warning: Sound auto-plays and is loud).*

*The "Meet your Meat" video, which becomes available after finishing the game, may be difficult to watch. Don't click the link if you're not interested in seeing what a corporate turkey farm looks like.

Continue reading PETA parody grills Cooking Mama

PETA parody grills Cooking Mama originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retail and download releases for the week of November 17th

David Hinkle — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Virtual Console, WiiWare

Just as we all found out last week, today marks the release of the fourth episode of Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People. Oh, and we're also getting a bunch of other games. This week, seriously, has a lot of games. Head on past the break for the full list.

Also, our apologies. There likely won't be a VC Monday Madness video today, but we'll try to get it up as soon as we can. Sorry!

Continue reading Retail and download releases for the week of November 17th

Retail and download releases for the week of November 17th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Delightful deal on bundles at Amazon

JC Fletcher — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

If you're in the market for a new DS Lite for yourself or a lucky giftee, you may want to have a look at this Amazon deal. From now until November 15, if you purchase a DS Lite and one of a selection of games, the game's price will be knocked down to $4.99.

The eligible games include, among others, Millionheir, Flash Focus, Cooking Mama, Clubhouse Games, and both Brain Ages. It's clear that these selections were chosen with the "expanded audience" in mind, and consequently, this deal is a great way to get someone started with the DS.

Oh, and if you want a second $5 game, today's Deal of the Day is The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.

Delightful deal on bundles at Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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