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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[NBA Baller Beats will work on carpet, comes with its own basketball]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/nba-baller-beats-will-work-on-carpet-comes-with-its-own-basketb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/nba-baller-beats-will-work-on-carpet-comes-with-its-own-basketb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/nba-baller-beats-will-work-on-carpet-comes-with-its-own-basketb/#comments ImageYes, Majesco has considered the fate of living rooms when faced with the threat of NBA Baller Beats, the Kinect game that asks players to dribble a real basketball in time to licensed music. "In NBA Baller Beats, dribbling is and should be contained very close to the body," Majesco's Chief Marketing Officer, Christina Glorioso, told Joystiq in an email interview.

"And in real life too, or the defender will steal it from you!" She said that in QA testing, "if a ball got away, it was more likely a ball rolling out of view of the Kinect rather than a flying object."

Continue reading NBA Baller Beats will work on carpet, comes with its own basketball

JoystiqNBA Baller Beats will work on carpet, comes with its own basketball originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hb-studioskinectmajescomicrosoftnba-baller-beatsxboxThu, 26 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA Baller Beats: Make Space to Jam in your living room]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/nba-baller-beats-make-space-to-jam-in-your-living-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/nba-baller-beats-make-space-to-jam-in-your-living-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/nba-baller-beats-make-space-to-jam-in-your-living-room/#comments Image
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

JoystiqNBA 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>basketballhb-studioskinectmajescomajesco-entertainmentmicrosoftnbanba-baller-beatsxboxWed, 25 Apr 2012 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Dragon Neon flickers with signs of life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/double-dragon-neon-flickers-with-signs-of-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/double-dragon-neon-flickers-with-signs-of-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/double-dragon-neon-flickers-with-signs-of-life/#comments The first time I laid my hands on Double Dragon Neon, I was not impressed. The bright '80s colors weren't doing it for me. The character models for protagonists Jimmy and Billy looked hunched and unnatural. Their attacks were stilted and limited. The enemy designs were silly and altogether over the top.

The second time I played it, however, I slipped on a pair of headphones and something happened. The classic Double Dragon music washed over me, reworked with 80s synth and electric guitar, and I saw something I hadn't noticed before: potential.

Gallery: Double Dragon: Neon

Continue reading Double Dragon Neon flickers with signs of life

JoystiqDouble Dragon Neon flickers with signs of life originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-dragon-neonmajescomicrosoftpax-east-2012playstationps3psnwayforwardxblaxboxxbox-liveWed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WayForward adds a dose of Neon to Double Dragon for XBLA and PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/wayforward-adds-a-dose-of-neon-to-double-dragon-for-xbla-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/wayforward-adds-a-dose-of-neon-to-double-dragon-for-xbla-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/wayforward-adds-a-dose-of-neon-to-double-dragon-for-xbla-and-psn/#comments ImageSomehow, when we weren't looking, Majesco got hold of the Double Dragon franchise, and then turned it over to its Bloodrayne Betrayal partner WayForward Technologies. The result is Double Dragon: Neon, a side-scrolling brawler in a totally '80s setting.

This time, twins Billy and Jimmy Lee are fighting to save Marian from "Skullmageddon," who, judging from concept art, has an army of wizards, cyborg police, and Linda. It's scheduled for release on PSN (for PS3) and XBLA this July. Is "downloadable, high-definition 2D franchise revival from WayForward and Majesco" going to become an annual summer tradition? We'd be okay with that.

JoystiqWayForward adds a dose of Neon to Double Dragon for XBLA and PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-dragondouble-dragon-neonmajescomicrosoftplaystationps3psnwayforwardxblaxboxWed, 04 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zumba Fitness Rush gets thousands to dance in LA (Look, it's mom!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/zumba-fitness-rush-gets-thousands-to-dance-in-la-look-its-mom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/zumba-fitness-rush-gets-thousands-to-dance-in-la-look-its-mom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/zumba-fitness-rush-gets-thousands-to-dance-in-la-look-its-mom/#comments
This Zumba clip serves as a reminder about the demographic spread of gaming and the power of Zumba Fitness lady's amazing armpits. With over six million units sold, it's not surprising that a demonstration ended up having a few thousand people joining in -- probably didn't hurt that the IHRSA Fitness Convention was going on at the same time either.

JoystiqZumba Fitness Rush gets thousands to dance in LA (Look, it's mom!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Majescomicrosoftnintendowiixboxzumba-fitnesszumba-fitness-rushThu, 29 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Majesco revenues stay fit in quarter due to Zumba Fitness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/majesco-revenues-stay-fit-in-quarter-due-to-zumba-fitness/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/majesco-revenues-stay-fit-in-quarter-due-to-zumba-fitness/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/majesco-revenues-stay-fit-in-quarter-due-to-zumba-fitness/#comments
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.

JoystiqMajesco 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MajescoMajesco-Entertainmentmicrosoftnintendowiixboxzumba-fitness-2Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Girl Fight' is pretty much what it sounds like]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/girl-fight-is-pretty-much-what-it-sounds-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/girl-fight-is-pretty-much-what-it-sounds-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/girl-fight-is-pretty-much-what-it-sounds-like/#comments We normally don't let video game press releases speak for themselves, but we'd like to present two excerpts from the announcement for Girl Fight, by Microprose(!) and Kung Fu Factory, published by Majesco.

"Get Ready to Lick the Competition with Girl Fight, Coming Soon to Xbox LIVE Arcade and PSN"

"With hair flying, long legs kicking and the ear-piercing shrill of deadly vixens, Girl Fight is a unique all-female, fast-paced spin on arcade-style fighting games."

So, yeah.

Continue reading 'Girl Fight' is pretty much what it sounds like

Joystiq'Girl Fight' is pretty much what it sounds like originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>girl-fightkung-fu-factorymajescomicrosoftplaystationps3psnsmhxblaxboxMon, 13 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Permanent bite taken out of Bloodrayne: Betrayal's price]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/permanent-bite-taken-out-of-bloodrayne-betrayals-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/permanent-bite-taken-out-of-bloodrayne-betrayals-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/permanent-bite-taken-out-of-bloodrayne-betrayals-price/#comments Bloodrayne: Betrayal, a game we liked quite a bit, has received a permanent price drop on both Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. The price has been lowered from $15 to a more palatable $10, allowing players to see more red for less green. Get it? Because, you know, vampires.

Continue reading Permanent bite taken out of Bloodrayne: Betrayal's price

JoystiqPermanent bite taken out of Bloodrayne: Betrayal's price originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodrayne-betrayalMajescomicrosoftplaystationps3xboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zumba Fitness Rush sweats Kinect Feb. 13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/zumba-fitness-rush-sweats-kinect-feb-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/zumba-fitness-rush-sweats-kinect-feb-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/zumba-fitness-rush-sweats-kinect-feb-13/#comments
The hit Zumba Fitness franchise is working out another installment next month with Zumba Fitness Rush. The game is exclusively for Xbox 360's Kinect and features "the most content of any Zumba Fitness game to date."

"This high-quality experience built for Kinect for Xbox 360 offers a wealth of exclusive content to fans, and then delivers even more post launch with multiple game add-on packs," Majesco CEO Jesse Sutton said. "The February 13 launch of Rush is the company's largest integrated marketing program to date, and we are thrilled to have Microsoft's support around the world to bring this exceptional product to market."

Rush already has two DLC packs slated, with a three-song Bollywood pack for May and another triple-pack of hip-hop songs for September. The packs will be 400 MSP ($5) apiece.

The Zumba Fitness franchise has surpassed 6 million units to date and is currently the backbone of Majesco's financial scoliosis.

JoystiqZumba Fitness Rush sweats Kinect Feb. 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>majescomicrosoftxboxzoe-modezumba-fitness-rushWed, 18 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zumba Fitness franchise sells 6M units, Majesco profits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/zumba-fitness-franchise-sells-6m-units-majesco-profits/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/zumba-fitness-franchise-sells-6m-units-majesco-profits/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/zumba-fitness-franchise-sells-6m-units-majesco-profits/#comments
Majesco continues to stave off oblivion, getting lucky with Cooking Mama a couple years back and now living off the sweat equity of Zumba Fitness. The company announced the Zumba Fitness franchise has sold more than 6 million units worldwide, with Zumba Fitness 2 surpassing 1 million sales.

"In 2011, we experienced the successful launch of a brand new franchise for Majesco; Zumba Fitness has quickly become the fastest selling title in the company's history and the world's number one fitness title of 2011," Majesco CEO Jesse Sutton said. "We grew revenues over 65 percent in 2011 ... Zumba Fitness has taken the fitness category by storm, selling over four million units worldwide in its first 12 months, and topping the charts as the number one fitness title of the year in the US and UK."

For the fourth quarter, ending October 31, 2011, Majesco experienced a net loss of $3.9 million, versus a loss of $1.5 million in 2010. For the year, however, Majesco's revenue increased 66 percent to $125.3 million, ending with an operating income of $11.4 million, compared to the $2.1 million loss the prior year.

Majesco could always combine its top franchises for mega profits: Cooking Mama's Zumba Fitness: Work Out & Eat Well.

JoystiqZumba Fitness franchise sells 6M units, Majesco profits originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Majescomicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxzumba-fitnesszumba-fitness-2Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nano Assault trailer is not for the germaphobic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/nano-assault-trailer-is-not-for-the-germaphobic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/nano-assault-trailer-is-not-for-the-germaphobic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/nano-assault-trailer-is-not-for-the-germaphobic/#comments
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.

JoystiqNano 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsMajescoMajesco-Entertainmentnano-assaultnintendoMon, 24 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Hidden media reminds us that we're not alone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/the-hidden-media-reminds-us-that-were-not-alone/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/the-hidden-media-reminds-us-that-were-not-alone/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/the-hidden-media-reminds-us-that-were-not-alone/#comments
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)

JoystiqThe 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1st-playable-productions3dsaugmented-realityghostsMajescoMajesco-Entertainmentnintendothe-hiddenSun, 23 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Majesco earns slight profit in quarter thanks to Zumba Fitness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/majesco-earns-slight-profit-in-quarter-thanks-to-zumba-fitness/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/majesco-earns-slight-profit-in-quarter-thanks-to-zumba-fitness/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/majesco-earns-slight-profit-in-quarter-thanks-to-zumba-fitness/#comments
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.

JoystiqMajesco 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsMajescoMajesco-Entertainmentmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxzumba-fitnessWed, 14 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BloodRayne Betrayal review: Re-animated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/bloodrayne-betrayal-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/bloodrayne-betrayal-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/bloodrayne-betrayal-review/#comments WayForward's BloodRayne: Betrayal doesn't just succeed as a game despite the baggage of the moribund BloodRayne license. WayForward took the franchise fully into "campy" mode, turning the characters and settings into something you're clearly not supposed to take seriously, presented in an incredibly sharp hand-drawn cartoon style. Rayne herself is even kind of uncharacteristically cute.

That presentation is married to a combo-heavy brawler that you must take seriously at all times, at the risk of oft-repeated death. Just surviving the game requires near mastery of Rayne's repertoire; to actually earn a grade higher than "F" in the game's score-based rating system requires ... well, I still have to figure that out.

Continue reading BloodRayne Betrayal review: Re-animated

JoystiqBloodRayne Betrayal review: Re-animated originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodraynebloodrayne-betrayalmajescomicrosoftplaystationps3psnpsn-playWayForwardxblaxboxTue, 06 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Majesco gets Twister license, Kinect-enabled version coming in November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/majesco-gets-twister-license-kinect-enabled-version-coming-in-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/majesco-gets-twister-license-kinect-enabled-version-coming-in-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/majesco-gets-twister-license-kinect-enabled-version-coming-in-n/#comments Even though there's already a Twister game included in Family Game Night 3 -- and even though the only equipment you need for Twister is, essentially, a table cloth -- Majesco has announced plans to release its own take on the classic game of humiliating entanglements this November.

The, yes, twist here is that unlike the previous version (which reimagined Twister as a rhythm game), this Twister game uses the Kinect sensor to allow you to gesticulate and pretzel yourself up for real. It'll include 16 different modes, including one that has players dodging shapes for some reason.

JoystiqMajesco gets Twister license, Kinect-enabled version coming in November originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmajescomicrosofttwisterxboxMon, 29 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BloodRayne Betrayal bumped up to September 7 on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/bloodrayne-betrayal-bumped-up-to-september-7-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/bloodrayne-betrayal-bumped-up-to-september-7-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/bloodrayne-betrayal-bumped-up-to-september-7-on-xbla/#comments A few weeks ago, Majesco told us that the XBLA release of BloodRayne: Betrayal had been pushed back to October 6. However, we've heard a new date from someone who ought to know: Rayne herself. The heroic dhampir (or perhaps a PR person under her name) tweeted that the game will be out on XBLA September 7, just one day after the PSN release.

That's great news for XBLA users looking to blow up some fancy vampires with poisonous bites. It's slightly less great news for the PSN Play promotion, which loses the closest thing it had to a timed exclusive. You still get extra "gifts" with the PSN Play pre-order, though.

[Thanks, sacra.]

JoystiqBloodRayne Betrayal bumped up to September 7 on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodrayne-betrayaldelaysmajescomicrosoftwayforwardxblaxboxThu, 25 Aug 2011 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[New Bloodrayne: Betrayal screens feature improbable weapons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/new-bloodrayne-betrayal-screens-feature-improbable-weapons/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/new-bloodrayne-betrayal-screens-feature-improbable-weapons/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/new-bloodrayne-betrayal-screens-feature-improbable-weapons/#comments We've seen quite a few lovingly illustrated environments in screens and trailers for Bloodrayne: Betrayal, which means we can assume the titular protagonist does a bit of traveling. Tell us, how does she get around while toting a laser cannon that is bigger than she is? Answer that, science.

Continue reading New Bloodrayne: Betrayal screens feature improbable weapons

JoystiqNew Bloodrayne: Betrayal screens feature improbable weapons originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodrayne-betrayalmajescomicrosoftplaystationps3WayForwardWayForward-TechnologiesxboxWed, 03 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cooking Mama 4's plush pre-order bonus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/cooking-mama-4s-plush-pre-order-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/cooking-mama-4s-plush-pre-order-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/cooking-mama-4s-plush-pre-order-bonus/#comments How can one learn to cook properly without Mama watching, judging your every move? Pre-order Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic for 3DS from GameStop and you can take a Mama doll home with you. Just place her atop the refrigerator and feel her disappointment magically turn you into a better cook. It's the ultimate tool in negative reinforcement.

Don't let the soft demeanor fool you, there is darkness in Mama that dwarfs that of domestic diva Martha Stewart. One doesn't reach 12 million global sales without being a "Business Mama" as well. Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic will pull a dinner out of its hat this October.

Continue reading Cooking Mama 4's plush pre-order bonus

JoystiqCooking Mama 4's plush pre-order bonus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cooking-Mamacooking-mama-4cooking-mama-4-kitchen-magicdsgamestopMajesconintendopre-orderMon, 25 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BloodRayne: Betrayal launching in the last week of August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/bloodrayne-betrayal-launching-in-the-last-week-of-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/bloodrayne-betrayal-launching-in-the-last-week-of-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/bloodrayne-betrayal-launching-in-the-last-week-of-august/#comments 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)

JoystiqBloodRayne: 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodrayne-betrayaldelaysMajescoMajesco-Entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3psnq3-2011release-dateWayForwardxblaxboxThu, 14 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Mama' franchise reaches 12 million sales worldwide, 8.5 million in NA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/mama-franchise-reaches-12-million-sales-worldwide-8-5-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/mama-franchise-reaches-12-million-sales-worldwide-8-5-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/mama-franchise-reaches-12-million-sales-worldwide-8-5-million/#comments 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.

Joystiq'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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooking-mamacooking-mama-4cooking-mama-4-kitchen-magicdsMajescoMajesco-EntertainmentnintendowiiThu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BloodRayne: Betrayal cuts up PSN, XBLA in early August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/bloodrayne-betrayal-cuts-up-psn-xbla-in-early-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/bloodrayne-betrayal-cuts-up-psn-xbla-in-early-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/bloodrayne-betrayal-cuts-up-psn-xbla-in-early-august/#comments 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)

JoystiqBloodRayne: 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodrayne-betrayalMajescoMajesco-Entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3WayForwardxboxWed, 08 Jun 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Majesco reveals Take Shape and Mind 'n Motion for Kinect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/majesco-reveals-take-shape-and-mind-n-motion-for-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/majesco-reveals-take-shape-and-mind-n-motion-for-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/majesco-reveals-take-shape-and-mind-n-motion-for-kinect/#comments Majesco has announced two more Kinect games making their E3 debuts, and neither one involves Hulk Hogan.

Take Shape is a sort of Hole in the Wall game (Hole in the Wall has also been rated!) in which players contort their body to match on-screen silhouettes. It includes both a single-player mode and multiplayer "to unite your on-screen silhouettes in fun new ways." Mind 'n Motion "puts your motor skills to the test" with sets of activities -- "from juggling to dodging shapes to jumping hopscotch" chained together rapidly. It sounds kind of like a Kinect WarioWare thing.

Both games will be on display at E3, which is terrible news for all the journalists who once had hope of looking cool during E3.

Continue reading Majesco reveals Take Shape and Mind 'n Motion for Kinect

JoystiqMajesco reveals Take Shape and Mind 'n Motion for Kinect originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011kinectmajescomicrosoftmind-n-motiontake-shapexboxWed, 01 Jun 2011 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Have fun with your family and friends in 'Hulk Hogan's Main Event' for Kinect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/hulk-hogans-main-event-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/hulk-hogans-main-event-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/hulk-hogans-main-event-kinect/#comments Hulk Hogan, the wrestling legend, Mr. Nanny star, and guy who nearly showed us his sack in a Def Jam Rapstar trailer, has his very own Kinect game coming this fall, in which he'll teach you how to be a professional wrestler. Hulk Hogan's Main Event, developed by Panic Button LLC and published by Majesco, allows players to "learn the ropes from the man himself," develop a wrestling persona and learn how to put on a show by "emulating famous Hulk poses and performing more than 30 punishing combos."

Players will create their own wrestler, including options for tattoos, clothing, body type, and entrance music, and will get to use that wrestler in both single-player mode and tag-team (in which two players take turns in front of the camera).

In the absence of an actual trailer, find "I Want to Be a Hulkamaniac" by Hulk Hogan and the Wrestling Boot Band after the break. You're welcome!

Continue reading Have fun with your family and friends in 'Hulk Hogan's Main Event' for Kinect

JoystiqHave fun with your family and friends in 'Hulk Hogan's Main Event' for Kinect originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hulk-hogans-main-eventkinectmajescomicrosoftpanic-buttonwrestlingxboxFri, 27 May 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BloodRayne: Betrayal gameplay trailer turns us into loyal subjects]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/bloodrayne-betrayal-gameplay-trailer-turns-us-into-loyal-subjec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/bloodrayne-betrayal-gameplay-trailer-turns-us-into-loyal-subjec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/bloodrayne-betrayal-gameplay-trailer-turns-us-into-loyal-subjec/#comments 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

JoystiqBloodRayne: 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodrayne-betrayalmajescomajesco-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3psnWayforwardxblaxboxThu, 26 May 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cooking Mama 4 goes to 3DS, Camping Mama goes to DS this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/cooking-mama-4-goes-to-3ds-camping-mama-goes-to-ds-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/cooking-mama-4-goes-to-3ds-camping-mama-goes-to-ds-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/cooking-mama-4-goes-to-3ds-camping-mama-goes-to-ds-this-fall/#comments Mama has a very busy couple of months ahead of her. Majesco's patron matron has 60 more recipes to make with your help in Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic! For the first time, her culinary creations will be three-dimensional, because Cooking Mama 4 is headed to 3DS. The minigames in this new version will use both the touchscreen and the 3DS's gyroscopic tilt controls.

Also this fall, Mama will return to her roots on the regular DS to take a hard-earned vacation in Camping Mama: Outdoor Adventures, where she'll get a break from all those cooking minigames with ... 100 new outdoor minigames, set in "38 different levels that span forests, mountains and seas."

JoystiqCooking Mama 4 goes to 3DS, Camping Mama goes to DS this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscamping-mamacamping-mama-outdoor-adventurescooking-mamacooking-mama-4cooking-mama-4-kitchen-magicdsfall-2011majesconintendoq4-2011release-dateTue, 24 May 2011 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Bloodrayne: Betrayal screen shows blood rain, but not Bloodrayne]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/bloodrayne-betrayal-screen-shows-blood-rain-but-not-bloodrayne/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/bloodrayne-betrayal-screen-shows-blood-rain-but-not-bloodrayne/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/bloodrayne-betrayal-screen-shows-blood-rain-but-not-bloodrayne/#comments The first screenshot of WayForward's XBLA/PSN action game, Bloodrayne: Betrayal, is pretty confusing. Based only on the screenshot, it would appear that an explosion of human blood is okay to show, but Bloodrayne herself has been censored, suggesting that her appearance is even more offensive than that of a guy who has been cut in half.

However, the Facebook page at which this screen was posted offers much-needed context -- Rayne's character design is planned as a separate reveal. We'd keep an air sickness bag next to our computers anyway, just in case it turns out to be worse than a bloodsplosion.

JoystiqBloodrayne: Betrayal screen shows blood rain, but not Bloodrayne originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodrayne-betrayalmajescomicrosoftplaystationps3psnwayforwardxblaxboxThu, 28 Apr 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[BloodRayne: The Shroud for 3DS 'on hold']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/bloodrayne-the-shroud-for-3ds-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/bloodrayne-the-shroud-for-3ds-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/bloodrayne-the-shroud-for-3ds-on-hold/#comments On the official Facebook page for BloodRayne: Betrayal, the upcoming downloadable spinoff of Majesco's dormant last-gen action series, a commenter asked about BloodRayne: The Shroud for 3DS. The mysterious title made its first and only appearance on a list of in-development 3DS games, which was released by Nintendo during E3 last year. Nonetheless, The Shroud's brief unveiling had made enough of a lasting impression on one fan to warrant a question about the game's status some ten months later.

"The 3DS title is currently on hold," responded the administrator of the BloodRayne Facebook page. "We'll be sure to share any news when it's available." A representative for Majesco confirmed with Joystiq that "BloodRayne 3DS is currently on hold for now," but did not provide further information about the game.

Following a pair of BloodRayne titles from developer Terminal Reality for last-gen consoles and a Playboy cover spread, the franchise has stumbled along in a trilogy of Uwe Boll films. A PSP sequel was announced in 2005, but eventually abandoned by Majesco. Betrayal, scheduled to launch on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade this summer, would be the first BloodRayne game released since the 2005 PC port of BloodRayne 2.

[Image source: BloodRayneBetrayal.com]

JoystiqBloodRayne: The Shroud for 3DS 'on hold' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbloodraynebloodrayne-betrayalbloodrayne-the-shrouddelaysdsmajesconintendoMon, 11 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop lists Cooking Mama 4 for 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/gamestop-lists-cooking-mama-4-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/gamestop-lists-cooking-mama-4-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/gamestop-lists-cooking-mama-4-for-3ds/#comments According to a new GameStop listing, Mama is going to start making recipes with more depth of flavor. Or at least more illusion of depth. The retailer has listed Cooking Mama 4 for 3DS, with a release date in October.

It's perfectly plausible for there to be a new Cooking Mama game coming out in the fall, of course, as that's the cornerstone of Majesco's business. The publisher has recently begun moving toward more 3DS games, with announcements of The Hidden, Face Kart: Photo Finish, and Pet Zombies in 3D.

Meanwhile, if you want Cooking Mama on your 3DS ahead of time, you can scan the Cooking Mama Mii prepared by Majesco.

JoystiqGameStop lists Cooking Mama 4 for 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscooking-mamacooking-mama-4dsgamestopmajesconintendoSat, 09 Apr 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Majesco tries creepy AR again with 'The Hidden' for 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/majesco-tries-creepy-ar-again-with-the-hidden-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/majesco-tries-creepy-ar-again-with-the-hidden-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/majesco-tries-creepy-ar-again-with-the-hidden-for-3ds/#comments Now this sounds familiar. Majesco just announced that it's publishing an augmented-reality game for a Nintendo handheld, to be released around Halloween, that allows you to search for ghostly phenomena in your environment using the system's camera.

No, it's not the DSi game Ghostwire, whose developer is still seeking a publisher after splitting with Majesco. The new game is The Hidden, created by 1st Playable Productions, and coming this October to 3DS.

The Hidden puts the player in the role of a member of the Ghostly Entity Investigation and Strike Team (G.E.I.S.T.), hunting around the real world to find spectral creatures, and then "using a full arsenal of high tech tools and upgradeable weapons, including the Plasmatic Disruptor, Ectoplasm Sensor and Spectral Shield" to defeat them.

Continue reading Majesco tries creepy AR again with 'The Hidden' for 3DS

JoystiqMajesco tries creepy AR again with 'The Hidden' for 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1st-playable-productions3dsaugmented-realitydsmajesconintendothe-hiddenWed, 06 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BloodRayne: Betrayal this summer on XBLA and PSN, courtesy of WayForward]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/bloodrayne-betrayal-this-summer-on-xbla-and-psn-courtesy-of-wa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/bloodrayne-betrayal-this-summer-on-xbla-and-psn-courtesy-of-wa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/bloodrayne-betrayal-this-summer-on-xbla-and-psn-courtesy-of-wa/#comments Everyone's favorite (by default) redheaded, Nazi-fighting half-vampire is rising once again, this time with the help of an unlikely ally. Majesco is bringing back its pre-Cooking Mama, pre-casual property Bloodrayne in BloodRayne: Betrayal. The new game is the work of WayForward Technologies, a developer best known for games like A Boy and His Blob, Contra 4, and Shantae, and not really for grimdark games.

It's also the developer's first Xbox 360 and PS3 project, due for XBLA and PSN this summer. Betrayal is a 2D side-scroller with "new characters, gruesome environmental puzzles and a full arsenal of lethal weapons including Rayne's signature arm blades" -- and, of course, a "deadly dose of bloodshed."

Continue reading BloodRayne: Betrayal this summer on XBLA and PSN, courtesy of WayForward

JoystiqBloodRayne: Betrayal this summer on XBLA and PSN, courtesy of WayForward originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodraynebloodrayne-betrayalmajescomicrosoftplaystationps3psnq2-2011release-datesummer-2011wayforward-technologiesxblaxboxThu, 31 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mama Mia! Majesco cooks up $2.1 million fiscal-year loss]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/mama-mia-majesco-cooks-up-2-1-million-fiscal-year-loss/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/mama-mia-majesco-cooks-up-2-1-million-fiscal-year-loss/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/mama-mia-majesco-cooks-up-2-1-million-fiscal-year-loss/#comments 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.

JoystiqMama 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babysitting-mamacrafting-mamadsearningsfinancialsfriends-cafefy-2010MajescoMajesco-Entertainmentmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3q4wiixboxzumba-fitnessThu, 20 Jan 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pet Zombies in 3D is a real game Majesco is releasing for 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/pet-zombies-in-3d-is-a-real-game-majesco-is-releasing-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/pet-zombies-in-3d-is-a-real-game-majesco-is-releasing-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/pet-zombies-in-3d-is-a-real-game-majesco-is-releasing-for-3ds/#comments Majesco has revealed the identity of its first two potential hits on the 3DS platform -- surprisingly, neither belong to the trusted, lucrative [Gerund] Mama franchise. The first is Renegade Kid's Face Kart: Photo Finish, which lets players create a highly customizable racer or race track using the 3DS's cameras. The game will also use the handheld's gyroscopic capabilities to let players steer by tilting the system left and right. Sounds fairly promising! We enjoy Karts, and, moreso, our own faces.

The second game is 1st Playable Productions' Pet Zombies in 3D, which sees players creating and caring for their own shambling, reanimated corpses. Their ghouls will participate in mini-games to earn currency to purchase certain customizations for their undead pets and their environments. We've got our fingers crossed that this title will represent the tipping point of oversaturation for the zombie craze, leading game developers, filmmakers and authors alike to realize that this, this is what their hands have wrought.

Do you hear us, Max Brooks? Pet Zombies in 3D is all on you, man.

JoystiqPet Zombies in 3D is a real game Majesco is releasing for 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsface-kart-photo-finishmajesconintendopet-zombies-in-3drenegade-kidzombiesTue, 18 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cooking Mama franchise stirs up Facebook with 'Friends Cafe']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/cooking-mama-franchise-stirs-up-facebook-with-friends-cafe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/cooking-mama-franchise-stirs-up-facebook-with-friends-cafe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/cooking-mama-franchise-stirs-up-facebook-with-friends-cafe/#comments We've already seen the meteoric rise of a social networking blockbuster in which the player cultivates and harvests rich acres of fresh produce -- it makes sense that we'd also witness the arrival of a social networking game in which that produce is prepared for human consumption. That's a niche which the Cooking Mama franchise will attempt to fill with its new Facebook iteration, Friends Cafe.

The Majesco-published game features the same food preparation gameplay the series is known for, as well as unlockable (or purchasable!) upgrades for your own personal kitchen or restaurant. Of course, such entrepreneurship requires persistence, as players who neglect their cafes will see them shut down. You can learn more about this heartbreaking process in Majesco's next Facebook-enabled title, Bank Foreclosing Mama.

JoystiqCooking Mama franchise stirs up Facebook with 'Friends Cafe' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cooking-Mamacooking-mama-friends-cafefacebookMajescopcsocial-networkingThu, 13 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Tale brings Chomp home in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/monster-tale-brings-chomp-home-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/monster-tale-brings-chomp-home-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/monster-tale-brings-chomp-home-in-march/#commentsMonster Tale, the pet-game-slash-platformer from Henry Hatsworth dev DreamRift, has been pretty much under the radar since E3 -- not that it wasn't quiet before then. Today, however, publisher Majesco sent out a new trailer for the interesting DS adventure, which reveals a March release date.

That release timing suggests that this game is destined to remain under the radar, since March is also home to Okamiden and, more importantly, the 3DS. Majesco would do well to keep releasing these trailers, and keep the game fresh in our minds.

Continue reading Monster Tale brings Chomp home in March

JoystiqMonster Tale brings Chomp home in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamriftdsmajescomonster-talenintendoq1-2011release-dateWed, 05 Jan 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lorne Lanning laments 'The Brutal Ballad of Fangus Klot' that never was]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/the-brutal-ballad-of-fangus-klot/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/the-brutal-ballad-of-fangus-klot/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/the-brutal-ballad-of-fangus-klot/#comments Game Informer has posted its recent print interview with Oddworld Inhabitants founder Lorne Lanning, a (five-years-later) followup to the magazine's April 2005 announcement of The Brutal Ballad of Fangus Klot, OWI's would-be effort to delve further into the "more hardcore" elements of the Oddworld ... world.

After finding the situation with EA (which published OWI's Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath on Xbox in 2005) "unworkable," Lanning recounted, OWI turned to Majesco to fund and publish the Fangus project, another Xbox game built on Stranger's core framework. But only a month after the game's announcement, "the shenanigans started" and OWI shut down its development studio. "Sometimes developers get fired by publishers and sometimes developers fire publishers," Lanning said coyly, "and that's probably all I should say about it."

Publisher "incompetence" aside, Fangus did sound like an odd pitch: A "close to the Earth" dog-man herdsman turned "pit fighting" slave -- to the Russian-like cat mafia -- who escapes his years-long imprisonment a hardened killer dead set on vengeance and the liberation of his people ("the timeless mythical battle between cats and dogs," in other words). Also, Fangus has terminal rabies and "would control a flock of ravenous sheep-like creatures to take down enemies and solve puzzles," according to GI's description. "We wanted it to be really hardcore," Lanning concluded.

Continue reading Lorne Lanning laments 'The Brutal Ballad of Fangus Klot' that never was

JoystiqLorne Lanning laments 'The Brutal Ballad of Fangus Klot' that never was originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutal-ballad-of-fangus-klotbusiness-modelscanceledcancellationcancelledfree-to-playfreemiumlorne-lanningmajescomicrosoftoddworldoddworld-inhabitantssocial-gamesxboxMon, 22 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SouthPeak to stop selling 'My Baby' during legal issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/southpeak-to-stop-selling-my-baby-during-legal-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/southpeak-to-stop-selling-my-baby-during-legal-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/southpeak-to-stop-selling-my-baby-during-legal-issues/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While SouthPeak continues its legal dispute with My Baby developer Nobilis and publisher Majesco over the rights to the franchise and My Baby 3, the publisher will discontinue selling My Baby Girl and My Baby First Steps.

SouthPeak Chairman Terry Phillips stated in an investor call today, "We firmly believe we are the rightful holder of the intellectual property to this franchise." He continued that the company is currently in court proceedings to resolve, what he calls, the wrongful termination of its agreements with Nobilis and is seeking damages for the developer soliciting the My Baby 3 rights to Majesco. He concluded that the company plans to "vigorously" defend its position.

The My Baby franchise has been a "significant" part of the company's revenue, according to Phillips. So, missing My Baby 3 -- along with the other titles -- from the portfolio isn't helping SouthPeak's already glum financials.

JoystiqSouthPeak to stop selling 'My Baby' during legal issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsMajescomy-babymy-baby-3-and-friendsmy-baby-boymy-baby-first-stepsmy-baby-girlnintendoNobilissouthpeaksouthpeak-gamessouthpeak-interactiveWed, 13 Oct 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghostwire no longer being published by Majesco, fate uncertain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/ghostwire-no-longer-being-published-by-majesco-fate-uncertain/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/ghostwire-no-longer-being-published-by-majesco-fate-uncertain/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/ghostwire-no-longer-being-published-by-majesco-fate-uncertain/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.]

JoystiqGhostwire 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-different-gamedsghostwireghostwire-link-to-the-paranormalMajescoMajesco-EntertainmentnintendoTue, 12 Oct 2010 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[No Boy and no Blob for 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/a-boy-and-his-blob-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/a-boy-and-his-blob-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/a-boy-and-his-blob-3ds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Did you see A Boy and His Blob on the list of third-party 3DS games announced at E3 and get a little excited? We suggest going back in time to June and telling yourself to chill out, because it's not happening.

A rep for WayForward, developer of the Wii version of A Boy and His Blob, told Eurogamer that the original listing was in error. "The Blob announcement at E3 was incorrect... we're not developing Blob for any systems currently." That's a bit of a bitter jellybean to swallow, but at least it means WayForward isn't squandering its resources on porting something that's already out. We're contacting the studio to try to get more information.

JoystiqNo Boy and no Blob for 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsA-Boy-And-His-BlobBoy-And-His-BlobdsmajesconintendowayforwardThu, 30 Sep 2010 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Cribs: Babysitting Mama Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/cribs-babysitting-mama-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/cribs-babysitting-mama-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/cribs-babysitting-mama-edition/#commentsMajesco has released images of the final doll design and packaging for Babysitting Mama. Cleverly, the box for the minigame collection is shaped like a crib, featuring a phrase we didn't ever think we'd see on a game box: "Wii Game Disc Included (Look Under Baby!)"

Continue reading Cribs: Babysitting Mama Edition

JoystiqCribs: Babysitting Mama Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babysitting-mamabox-artcooking-mamacooking-mama-ltdmajesconintendowiiTue, 31 Aug 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter shoots up XBLA on Sept. 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/serious-sam-hd-the-second-encounter-shoots-up-xbla-on-sept-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/serious-sam-hd-the-second-encounter-shoots-up-xbla-on-sept-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/serious-sam-hd-the-second-encounter-shoots-up-xbla-on-sept-22/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Finally, fans left hanging at the conclusion of Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter can get a bit of closure on September 22, as Majesco has confirmed the launch date for Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter. If there's anything that these games are known for, it's their rich narrative and character development, so to leave us hanging like that is criminal. All jokes aside, we could all probably use a bit more of "shoot everybody and don't die" in our lives. Keeps you feeling young, you know?

Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter adds three new weapons -- the Sniper Rifle, Flamethrower and Chainsaw -- and co-op support for up to four players across 12 maps, including team-based and competitive modes. No price has been announced for The Second Encounter, though we suspect pricing will be in line with the first game: 1200 MS Points ($15).

Gallery: Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter (XBLA)

Continue reading Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter shoots up XBLA on Sept. 22

JoystiqSerious Sam HD: The Second Encounter shoots up XBLA on Sept. 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>croteamdevolver-digitalmajescomicrosoftq3-2010release-dateserious-samserious-sam-hd-the-second-encounterxblaxblmxboxMon, 23 Aug 2010 21:30:00 EST