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[Xenoblade Chronicles dev Monolith Soft creating Project X Zone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/xenoblade-chronicles-dev-monolith-soft-creating-project-x-zone/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/xenoblade-chronicles-dev-monolith-soft-creating-project-x-zone/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/xenoblade-chronicles-dev-monolith-soft-creating-project-x-zone/#comments ImageAdd a fourth company to the group contributing to Project X Zone - Nintendo. At least, it's a Nintendo-owned developer creating the 3DS Capcom/Namco/Sega crossover SRPG. Monolith Soft, most recently known for Xenoblade Chronicles, is developing the new game, Famitsu has revealed (via Andriasang).

It makes sense given Monolith's history - it developed Namco X Capcom, a similar crossover game for PS2. What doesn't make sense, at least at face value, is a Nintendo-owned company making a game about three other companies' characters.

JoystiqXenoblade Chronicles dev Monolith Soft creating Project X Zone originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsjapanmonolith-softnamco-bandainintendoproject-x-zoneWed, 16 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai has solid fiscal year thanks to Dark Souls, arcade sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/namco-bandai-has-solid-fiscal-year-thanks-to-dark-souls-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/namco-bandai-has-solid-fiscal-year-thanks-to-dark-souls-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/namco-bandai-has-solid-fiscal-year-thanks-to-dark-souls-arcade/#comments ImageNamco Bandai saw a net income of 1.9 billion yen ($24 million) in its fiscal year 2012, with help from strong US sales of Dark Souls and Ace Combat Assault Horizon. Dark Souls sold 1.19 million units across the US and Europe, while Ace Combat Assault Horizon sold 1.07 million units in Japan, the US and Europe.

Across all platforms, Namco sold 23.3 million software units, led by 8.5 million for PS3, 4.2 million for PSP and 3.2 million for Xbox 360. Revenue from Namco's mobile sector increased, although number of paid subscribers dropped from 3.34 million to 2.15 million year-over-year. Sales of Namco's arcade game machines grew from 56 billion yen ($701.3 million) in FY 2011 to 73.4 billion yen ($919.2 million) in FY 2012.

JoystiqNamco Bandai has solid fiscal year thanks to Dark Souls, arcade sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-combat-assault-horizondark-soulsfinancialsfy-2012microsoftmobileNamco-Bandaipcplaystationproject-darkps3pspsonyxboxWed, 09 May 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls sells 1.19 million copies across North America and Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/dark-souls-sells-1-19-million-copies-across-north-america-and-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/dark-souls-sells-1-19-million-copies-across-north-america-and-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/dark-souls-sells-1-19-million-copies-across-north-america-and-eu/#comments One man's pain is another's pleasure. Never has this been more true than in the case of Dark Souls, as the sadistically difficult RPG continues a slow creep toward two million sales. As part of today's Namco Bandai financials, the company revealed sales in the United States and Europe reached 1.19 million copies.

Publishing in Japan was handled by From Software, which revealed last November that the game had shipped 370,000 units in the region.

Having punished console players within an inch of their sanity, Namco Bandai will launch Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition on PC August 24.

JoystiqDark Souls sells 1.19 million copies across North America and Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsFrom-SoftwaremicrosoftNamco-Bandaipcplaystationproject-darkps3xboxTue, 08 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pac-Man Kart Rally out now on Windows Phone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/pac-man-kart-rally-out-now-on-windows-phone/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/pac-man-kart-rally-out-now-on-windows-phone/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/pac-man-kart-rally-out-now-on-windows-phone/#comments ImagePac-Man Kart Rally, a 3D multiplayer racing game for Windows Phone, is available now via the Windows Phone Marketplace for $2.99. Pac-Man Kart Rally features 10 classic characters and 17 tracks from Namco Bandai's repertoire, including the Fighter from Galaga, the Prince from Katamari Damacy and Pac-Man, of course.

This is the first Windows Phone game to support real-time, four-player multiplayer over Wi-Fi, and it includes Xbox Live Achievements and leader boards. A trademark for Pac-Man Kart Rally was first spotted in 2010, along with Pac-Man Rally Kart. We assume the second will be an iOS-only title that looks just like Kart Rally, but is published by a group of shady con artists in Wisconsin and crashes at the start menu every time.

JoystiqPac-Man Kart Rally out now on Windows Phone originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DmobileNamco-Bandaipac-man-kart-rallypac-man-rally-kartwindows-phonewindows-phone-7Tue, 08 May 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Why the future looks expensive for Super Robot Taisen and other Namco Bandai RPGs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/why-the-future-looks-expensive-for-super-robot-taisen-and-other/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/why-the-future-looks-expensive-for-super-robot-taisen-and-other/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/why-the-future-looks-expensive-for-super-robot-taisen-and-other/#commentsThis is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs has to offer.
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It's gone largely unnoticed here in the U.S., but Namco Bandai is in the middle of a grand experiment with its Super Robot Taisen strategy RPG series (which has seen life stateside in the past thanks to Atlus USA). And if you like Japanese RPGs - or anything that's expensive to produce in general - you might want to pay attention, because this could be your future.

Namco Bandai's licensed strategy game series -- which teams mechs like Gundam with the likes of Voltron -- has been around for 20 years now, and in that time it's picked up a loyal audience. I know because I'm one of them. We were all excited because we wanted to see how the story would continue in the franchise's latest arc, which kicked off on the PS2.

But Namco Bandai, of course, had a curveball. Like the last two Harry Potter films, the SRT sequel would be split into two parts. It even released a boxed set that came with the first of the two games, a story digest recapping the event of the storyline so far, and a slot for the second game. The total price for just one of the games at launch was 7300 yen (about $90).

The rising prices go hand-in-hand with the decline of anime and domestic gaming in Japan, and the rise of piracy. Put simply, making a Super Robot Taisen game doesn't come cheap. The series has based its reputation on elaborate 2D animated sequences like this this one, which take time and money to create. And the robots touted in the title are all from well-known mecha series, which means ever higher licensing fees.

Continue reading Why the future looks expensive for Super Robot Taisen and other Namco Bandai RPGs

JoystiqWhy the future looks expensive for Super Robot Taisen and other Namco Bandai RPGs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeatlus-usanamco-bandaiplaystationpspsonysuper-robot-taisensuper-robot-warsWed, 25 Apr 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Easter egg: Pac-Man is on Pac-Man in Street Fighter x Tekken]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/easter-egg-pac-man-is-on-pac-man-in-street-fighter-x-tekken/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/easter-egg-pac-man-is-on-pac-man-in-street-fighter-x-tekken/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/easter-egg-pac-man-is-on-pac-man-in-street-fighter-x-tekken/#comments Image
You may not have noticed during the frenzy of battle, but Pac-Man's got something interesting going on with his battle bot in Street Fighter X Tekken. On the back, there's an animated classic Pac-Man game board where Pac's chasing down his next ghastly snack!

Too bad nobody will be able to notice the intricate Easter egg mid-fight. Instead, you'll probably want to check it out in the customization screen - or, by simply hitting the play button on the video above.

[Thanks, Robert.]

JoystiqEaster egg: Pac-Man is on Pac-Man in Street Fighter x Tekken originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomeaster-eggmicrosoftnamco-bandaipac-manplaystationps3street-fighter-x-tekkenxboxTue, 24 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai fuses NA and EU operations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/namco-bandai-fuses-na-and-eu-operations/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/namco-bandai-fuses-na-and-eu-operations/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/namco-bandai-fuses-na-and-eu-operations/#comments Last week, Namco Bandai issued both North America and Europe-focused announcements, usually simultaneously, from an event in Las Vegas. That event is indicative of future operations, as the company is merging its North American and European operations, with former Bandai America CEO Mark Tsuji taking over as western CEO of all Namco Bandai.

"Over the last year we have been beginning our transformation of the overseas business, making sure that we are not only bringing East to West content but also sub-developing and bringing content from the West that can propagate to the East," Namco Bandai VP of marketing Carlson Choi told MCV. "In Japan for the fiscal year, Namco Bandai achieved 24 per cent market share. That shows impressive leadership. And we are asking: how do we transfer that leadership position across Europe and the States?"

Among the games shown off last week was just such a Western-originated game: Digital Extremes' Star Trek.

JoystiqNamco Bandai fuses NA and EU operations originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlson-choieuropemark-tsujinamco-bandainamco-bandai-gamesMon, 23 Apr 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kamehame-hope nobody sees us playing Dragon Ball Z for Kinect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/kamehame-hope-nobody-sees-us-playing-dragon-ball-z-for-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/kamehame-hope-nobody-sees-us-playing-dragon-ball-z-for-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/kamehame-hope-nobody-sees-us-playing-dragon-ball-z-for-kinect/#comments Image
We knew Dragon Ball Z For Kinect (that's the official name!) was going to be a silly experience, since Dragon Ball Z is inherently silly, but we simply were not prepared for the reality of standing still in your living room punching the air.

Even in this trailer, which does its best to make the game look cool and exciting, we can't help but notice the almost total lack of lower body motion as the player punches and occasionally pops a squat. Except, of course, for the infrequent kick out into the air. Meanwhile, as you stand motionless, a dramatic aerial battle is happening on screen, complete with (extra) dramatic dialogue. Y-You monkey!

JoystiqKamehame-hope nobody sees us playing Dragon Ball Z for Kinect originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-ball-z-for-kinectdragon-ball-z-kinectkinectnamco-bandaixboxTue, 17 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek trailer 'beams' down the old-fashioned way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/star-trek-trailer-beams-down-the-old-fashioned-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/star-trek-trailer-beams-down-the-old-fashioned-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/star-trek-trailer-beams-down-the-old-fashioned-way/#comments Image
Virtual Chris Pine jumps off of all kinds of things in the latest trailer for the Star Trek game. Whether on land or in space, if there's a chasm, James T. Kirk will leap right into it, arms akimbo.

Continue reading Star Trek trailer 'beams' down the old-fashioned way

JoystiqStar Trek trailer 'beams' down the old-fashioned way originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-extremesmicrosoftnamco-bandaistar-trekxboxTue, 17 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Soul Calibur iOS update adds multiplayer, subtracts a few dollars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/soul-calibur-ios-update-adds-multiplayer-subtracts-a-few-dollar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/soul-calibur-ios-update-adds-multiplayer-subtracts-a-few-dollar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/soul-calibur-ios-update-adds-multiplayer-subtracts-a-few-dollar/#comments ImageSoul Calibur on iOS is a strange beast -- when it first launched in January, its full price was $15, which is $5 more than the XBLA version, and it didn't offer multiplayer support. Namco Bandai has resolved one of these issues with update 1.1, which adds Bluetooth multiplayer support for "VS Battle" mode.

Soul Calibur is on sale for the update, dropped the price of three whole standard apps to $12. Namco warns multiplayer won't work with iPod Touch 4, but it should be compatible with newer iPhones and iPads.

JoystiqSoul Calibur iOS update adds multiplayer, subtracts a few dollars originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilemultiplayerNamco-Bandaisoul-calibursoulcaliburMon, 16 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ni no Kuni trailer bums us out, but not because of the English voices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/ni-no-kuni-trailer-bums-us-out-but-not-because-of-the-english-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/ni-no-kuni-trailer-bums-us-out-but-not-because-of-the-english-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/ni-no-kuni-trailer-bums-us-out-but-not-because-of-the-english-v/#comments Image
Not even a really goofy accent can diminish the spectacular beauty of Ni no Kuni. That's good news! The bad news is that this first English-language trailer for Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is all about a little boy being sad because his mother dies.

There's other stuff, like a magical companion and a potentially imaginary fantasy world opening up before his eyes, but you are going to see a little anime boy crying, and it's going to be kind of devastating. Be prepared.

JoystiqNi no Kuni trailer bums us out, but not because of the English voices originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>namco-bandaini-no-kuniplaystationps3Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Project X Zone screens show a mob of Sega, Capcom and Namco stars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/project-x-zone-screens-show-a-mob-of-sega-capcom-and-namco-star/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/project-x-zone-screens-show-a-mob-of-sega-capcom-and-namco-star/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/project-x-zone-screens-show-a-mob-of-sega-capcom-and-namco-star/#comments ImageThe first screens of the combat system in Project X Zone, a collaborative strategy-RPG from Namco, Sega and Capcom, have been released, revealing chibi-like versions of staple characters from each house.

Ever wanted to see Ryu and Ken team up against Tyrant? How about Ulala dancing and fighting? Head over to Famitsu to see that and more.

JoystiqProject X Zone screens show a mob of Sega, Capcom and Namco stars originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcomnamco-bandainintendoproject-x-zonesegaThu, 12 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Piece Pirate Warriors sails to North America this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/one-piece-pirate-warriors-sails-to-north-america-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/one-piece-pirate-warriors-sails-to-north-america-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/one-piece-pirate-warriors-sails-to-north-america-this-year/#comments ImageNamco Bandai is bringing One Piece and Dynasty Warriors together, for a game that we're sure sounded way more exciting when it was announced in Japan. One Piece: Pirate Warriors for PS3 features the world and characters of the One Piece manga/anime, like Monkey D. Luffy, Zoro, and Nami, and the gameplay of Tecmo Koei's Warriors series, like hitting thousands of people.

Pirate Warriors is due this year. There's no more specific release date than that, so we don't know how long we have to expand our knowledge of the series -- beyond knowing there's a stretchy-arms guy.

Continue reading One Piece Pirate Warriors sails to North America this year

JoystiqOne Piece Pirate Warriors sails to North America this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012namco-bandaione-piece-pirate-warriorsplaystationps3release-dateWed, 11 Apr 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tekken Tag Tournament 2 hits North American consoles in September with over 50 characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/tekken-tag-tournament-2-hits-north-american-consoles-in-septembe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/tekken-tag-tournament-2-hits-north-american-consoles-in-septembe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/tekken-tag-tournament-2-hits-north-american-consoles-in-septembe/#comments Namco Bandai's punch-filled, alliteration-heavy Tekken Tag Tournament 2 will be making its way onto consoles this September, much earlier than the "Holiday 2012" release window originally announced during Spike TV's Video Game Awards last December.

The console version will be based on Tekken Unlimited Tag Tournament 2 and will feature some of the additions that game brought to the series, such as one-on-one and one-on-two matches. Additionally, a new "Pair Play" mode will allow four players to participate in the same tag battle, ala Mortal Kombat, while the "Fight Lab" training mode has been designed to teach beginners the basics while providing useful practice tools for series veterans.

Beyond new modes of play, the console version of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 will also launch with over 50 fighters, compared to the 44 available in the arcade version. Here's hoping Gon somehow makes the cut. We miss that little guy.

Continue reading Tekken Tag Tournament 2 hits North American consoles in September with over 50 characters

JoystiqTekken Tag Tournament 2 hits North American consoles in September with over 50 characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3release-windowseptember-2012Tekken-Tag-Tournament-2tekken-unlimited-tag-tournament-2TTT2xboxWed, 11 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ni no Kuni delayed until Q1 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/ni-no-kuni-delayed-until-q1-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/ni-no-kuni-delayed-until-q1-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/ni-no-kuni-delayed-until-q1-2013/#comments Good news: Namco Bandai is still planning to localize Level-5 and Studio Ghibli's beautiful PS3 RPG, Ni no Kuni. The bad news: the release date is already slipping. Originally announced for winter of 2012, Namco announced a new "Q1 2013" release date for both North America and Europe at a press event today.

Namco also reportedly showed off its localization progress, in the form of a trailer with English dialogue. Protagonist Oliver speaks with an American accent, while everyone else is British for some reason.

JoystiqNi no Kuni delayed until Q1 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayslevel-5namco-bandaini-no-kuniplaystationps3Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Ball Z Kinect powering up this October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/dragon-ball-z-kinect-powering-up-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/dragon-ball-z-kinect-powering-up-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/dragon-ball-z-kinect-powering-up-this-october/#comments Months after a Korean rating started us thinking up ridiculous fantasies about Dragon Ball Z Kinect, Namco Bandai has announced the game, due in October, at a press event in Las Vegas. Players will get control of over 50 characters (including Mr. Pointyhair, karate guy, green man, and the little one) and perform real DBZ-style moves gesturally.

QR codes will (somehow) be distributed to unlock extra characters, because trying to focus a lamp on a card so the game will read it is a super important part of Dragon Ball lore.

Update: Namco provided additional details in a press release. Developed by Spike Chunsoft, DBZ Kinect offers a "Story Mode" and a "Score Attack" mode. Story mode features first-person battles and CG event scenes based on the show's storyline, while score attack is a series of one-on-one battles for points.

Continue reading Dragon Ball Z Kinect powering up this October

JoystiqDragon Ball Z Kinect powering up this October originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-ball-z-kinectkinectnamco-bandaioctober-2012release-datexboxWed, 11 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls for PC announced, masochism begins August 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/dark-souls-for-pc-announced-masochism-begins-august-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/dark-souls-for-pc-announced-masochism-begins-august-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/dark-souls-for-pc-announced-masochism-begins-august-24/#comments Image
The long, perilous journey through months of sinister rumors about Dark Souls trekking to PC is finally at an end. Namco Bandai announced today that internet petitions do have some validity, and that Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition will launch on PC August 24.

Prepare to Die Edition will feature new bosses, and beyond that PC players should be prepared to face a relentlessly difficult (but satisfying) experience.

Gallery: Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition (PC)

Continue reading Dark Souls for PC announced, masochism begins August 24

JoystiqDark Souls for PC announced, masochism begins August 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsDark-Souls-Prepare-to-Die-EditionNamco-Bandaipcproject-darkWed, 11 Apr 2012 14:11:00 EST<![CDATA[SRPG 'Project X Zone' is Namco, Sega, and Capcom's 3DS crossover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/srpg-project-x-zone-is-namco-sega-and-capcoms-3ds-crossover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/srpg-project-x-zone-is-namco-sega-and-capcoms-3ds-crossover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/srpg-project-x-zone-is-namco-sega-and-capcoms-3ds-crossover/#comments ImageIf you assumed the Namco, Capcom, and Sega crossover 3DS project would be some kind of strategy RPG, you assumed correctly. Project X Zone is not an official follow-up to 2006's Namco X Capcom for PS2, but the idea of a crossover SRPG is similar - and this time, of course, Namco is bringing Sega characters into the mix. The name "Project X Zone" was chosen because using the company names would have implied a sequel to Namco X Capcom, producer Kensuke Tsukanaka told Famitsu.

Pairs of characters team up to battle using their signature fighting styles, including Ryu and Ken, Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, Jin and Xiaoyu, and ... Space Channel 5's Ulala and Shining Force EXA's Toma? Specific details of the combat system have yet to be revealed, as all we know at this point is from Famitsu leaks. The game is due in Japan this year.

JoystiqSRPG 'Project X Zone' is Namco, Sega, and Capcom's 3DS crossover originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcomjapanNamco-Bandainintendoproject-x-zonesegaWed, 11 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Pac-Man Smash' trademarked in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/pac-man-smash-trademarked-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/pac-man-smash-trademarked-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/pac-man-smash-trademarked-in-europe/#comments ImageNamco Bandai filed a European trademark (number 010786341) for something called "Pac-Man Smash!" suggesting that, finally, Namco is making a spinoff game based on Pac-Man.

All right, maybe there's not enough information in the trademark listing to do much other than joke about the ubiquity of games starring Pac-Man, but the trademark does at least specify that it's for a video game (or card game, toy, or "gymnastic and sporting articles.)

The majority of Pac-Man-themed games end up on mobile or iOS these days (Pac-Man Arcade Golf, Pac-Man Kart Rally, Pac-Chain, etc.) so that's a likely destination for whatever this turns out to be. We're attempting to corner Namco now to ask about it, before the publisher can find a Power Pellet and turn on us.

Joystiq'Pac-Man Smash' trademarked in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europenamco-bandaipac-manpac-man-smashtrademarkMon, 09 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SoulCalibur 5's story mode is one-fourth its originally planned size]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/soulcalibur-5s-story-mode-is-one-fourth-of-planned-size/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/soulcalibur-5s-story-mode-is-one-fourth-of-planned-size/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/soulcalibur-5s-story-mode-is-one-fourth-of-planned-size/#comments SoulCalibur 5's lackluster single-player offerings majorly stuck in my craw when I reviewed it last January, and while the game's combat is primarily excellent, I couldn't overlook the fact that its story mode is, as I said in my review, "a 3-hour hodgepodge of indecipherable, confusing storyboard panels punctuated by random (although admittedly gorgeous) cinematics."

As it turns out, I wasn't the only one who wanted more from the game's story mode: "Our first plan on the storyboard was that we had every characters' story, and actually we do have it in the studio, but time-wise, man power-wise we weren't able to do it and only one fourth of what we planned to do is in the game," said SC5 director Daishi Odashima during an interview with Train2Game.

In its current form, SC5's story mode follows the adventures of Sophitia's children Pyrrha and Patrokolos. Similar story modes would have existed for every character, but developmental restrictions prevented that from happening. Voice overs for some characters' canned stories exist in a finished, usable state, but Namco Bandai currently has no plans for how (or if) they'll ever be used.

JoystiqSoulCalibur 5's story mode is one-fourth its originally planned size originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Daishi-Odashimamicrosoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3SC5soulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vstory-modexboxSat, 31 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco summons the eight best SoulCalibur 5 players for World Championship]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/namco-summons-the-eight-best-soulcalibur-5-players-for-world-cha/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/namco-summons-the-eight-best-soulcalibur-5-players-for-world-cha/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/namco-summons-the-eight-best-soulcalibur-5-players-for-world-cha/#comments Are you one of the eight best SoulCalibur 5 players in the world? Then you already know about Namco Bandai's World Championship event, because you've been invited to it. For everyone else: Namco Bandai has gathered the eight best players from around the world, and will have them compete in Las Vegas on April 10 for a $10,000 prize pool.

If you want to see the absolute highest-level SC5 play, and how it differs from your constant attempts to ring out your friends, you'll be able to watch a stream brought to you by Team Spooky. Check Facebook for more details on how you can go see the event -- it appears some kind of party bus is involved.

JoystiqNamco summons the eight best SoulCalibur 5 players for World Championship originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3soulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vtournamentxboxFri, 30 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ridge Racer Unbounded is undelayed [update: officially released]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/ridge-racer-unbounded-is-undelayed-in-some-stores-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/ridge-racer-unbounded-is-undelayed-in-some-stores-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/ridge-racer-unbounded-is-undelayed-in-some-stores-now/#comments
Earlier this month, Namco announced that Ridge Racer Unbounded would be delayed from March 6 until "later in 2012" to add more features. The final release date was to be given "shortly."

It's something of a surprise, then, that people are already finding the game in stores. NeoGAF users are reporting that they've found copies on store shelves. Even more surprising, it's available right now on GameStop.com. But ... only on Xbox 360. The PS3 version still appears as a pre-order, with a release date of yesterday.

We're checking with Namco now to figure out what the official release date is supposed to be. But while you wait to find that out, you're welcome to buy the game.

Update: A Namco representative told Joystiq that the official release date was yesterday, March 27.

JoystiqRidge Racer Unbounded is undelayed [update: officially released] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3release-dateridge-racer-unboundedxboxWed, 28 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ridge Racer Unbounded trailer creates a few cities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/ridge-racer-unbounded-trailer-creates-a-few-cities/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/ridge-racer-unbounded-trailer-creates-a-few-cities/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/ridge-racer-unbounded-trailer-creates-a-few-cities/#comments
It looks like race fans will have quite a few options when imagining new racing locales in Ridge Racer Unbounded. We call first on the loop-de-loop!

JoystiqRidge Racer Unbounded trailer creates a few cities originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnamco-bandaipcplaystationps3ridge-racer-unboundedtrack-editorxboxTue, 27 Mar 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Dark Souls PC announcement imminent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/rumor-dark-souls-pc-announcement-imminent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/rumor-dark-souls-pc-announcement-imminent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/rumor-dark-souls-pc-announcement-imminent/#comments Head over to the official Dark Souls Facebook page, and you may discover a new "app" that says "an announcement is coming." The app is nothing more than a brick wall, which will seemingly be broken down once it reaches enough likes. While we'd like to think the wall hides a stack of delicious, fluffy pancakes, evidence points to the impending announcement of a PC version.

And, by evidence, we mean the Australian magazine PC PowerPlay, which strongly suggests Dark Souls will be featured in its April issue. An image of the magazine has popped up on NeoGAF, revealing a page styled after Dark Souls' infamous "YOU DIED" screen. The magazine is due on shelves April 18, so we should likely know exactly what's going on by then.

The possibility of a PC version of Dark Souls cropped up earlier this year when a Namco Bandai forum admin suggested users make a petition for the project. A week later, Namco took notice of the petition, with the admin telling users they had the company's attention and that "the future is in your hands."

JoystiqRumor: Dark Souls PC announcement imminent originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-soulsFrom-SoftwaremicrosoftNamco-Bandaipcplaystationproject-darkps3xboxWed, 21 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[SoulCalibur 5 title update trailer plays dress-up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/soulcalibur-5-title-update-trailer-plays-dress-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/soulcalibur-5-title-update-trailer-plays-dress-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/soulcalibur-5-title-update-trailer-plays-dress-up/#comments
Soon Google image search won't be the only place you can see SoulCalibur 5's cast in short-shorts.

JoystiqSoulCalibur 5 title update trailer plays dress-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costumecostume-dlccostumesdlcmicrosoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3soulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vtitle-updatexboxWed, 21 Mar 2012 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SoulCalibur 5's upcoming DLC has maid costumes, more swimsuits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/soulcalibur-5s-upcoming-dlc-has-maid-costumes-more-swimsuits/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/soulcalibur-5s-upcoming-dlc-has-maid-costumes-more-swimsuits/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/soulcalibur-5s-upcoming-dlc-has-maid-costumes-more-swimsuits/#comments
So, remember how SoulCalibur 5 is getting monthly costume DLC starting next month, and how we were absolutely positive it wouldn't be what we were expecting? Well, turns out this first pack is actually exactly what we expected, in that it's mostly random goofiness and fanservice.

The new array of costumes will be available for purchase through the "Cepheus Store," which will presumably be added during the game's March 21 system/balance update. The store is divided into categories, the ones listed in the video being "Classic Headgears," "SCV Character Equipment," "Maid Costumes," "Active Wear," Ancient Armor" and "Modern Costumes."No word yet on pricing, or whether the costumes will be sold as complete outfits or individual pieces.

The above trailer also teases costumes and accessories coming in future updates, which appear to include fishing regalia, flight attendant outfits, the equipment needed to make King from Tekken, and ... a Pac Man head?

JoystiqSoulCalibur 5's upcoming DLC has maid costumes, more swimsuits originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costumesDLCmicrosoftnamco-bandaipac-manpatchplaystationps3soulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vxboxSun, 18 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jun and Vega square off in live action Street Fighter X Tekken video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/jun-and-vega-square-off-in-live-action-street-fighter-x-tekken-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/jun-and-vega-square-off-in-live-action-street-fighter-x-tekken-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/jun-and-vega-square-off-in-live-action-street-fighter-x-tekken-v/#comments It's hard to fathom how something this impressive exists at all, but we're glad it does.

JoystiqJun and Vega square off in live action Street Fighter X Tekken video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcommicrosoftNamco-Bandaiplaystationps3street-fighter-x-tekkenxboxFri, 16 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tales of Graces F review: Comfort food]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/tales-of-graces-f-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/tales-of-graces-f-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/tales-of-graces-f-review/#comments When I was but a wee nerdling, I had an unhealthy obsession with Brian Jacques' Redwall book series. While other children frolicked in parks or used superior numbers to overwhelm prey or whatever normal children do, I dreamed of talking mouse-people and magic swords the size of thumbtacks. Over time, however, even Child-Me realized that I was basically being asked to pony up for slightly different spins on the same swords 'n' sorcery 'n' rodents-for-some-reason story. Same journey progression, same character archetypes, same pervasive message that badgers are the Best Animal, etc. But I read, like, 14 of the things, because they were comfortable -- the literary equivalent of a hug or that Snuggie no one knows you own.

Namco Bandai's Tales series hedges its bets on a taking up a similar role in the lives of its fans. Tales of Graces F doesn't reinvent any wheels or cure Japanese RPG characters of their tragic case of radioactive bedhead, but it's an especially strong showing from a series that knows how to make you instantly feel right at home.

Gallery: Tales of Graces F (3/15/12)

Continue reading Tales of Graces F review: Comfort food

JoystiqTales of Graces F review: Comfort food originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>namco-bandaiplaystationps3talestales-of-graces-fFri, 16 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SoulCalibur 5 getting balance patch March 21, monthly costume DLC starting in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/soulcalibur-5-getting-balance-patch-march-21-monthly-costume-dl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/soulcalibur-5-getting-balance-patch-march-21-monthly-costume-dl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/soulcalibur-5-getting-balance-patch-march-21-monthly-costume-dl/#comments The secret to a successful modern fighting game isn't so much the launch as it is the post-launch support. It's kind of like an MMO, in that patching and re-balancing based on community input adds refinement and longevity to the platform. Namco Bandai seems to get this, as it'll be updating SoulCalibur 5's ranked match matchmaking algorithms and character balance next Wednesday, March 21. Specifics on those balance changes are forthcoming, according to the SC5 Facebook page.

The curators of the Stage of History have also announced that SC5 will receive monthly costume DLC packs, the first of which will arrive on April 3 for the 360 and April 4 for the PS3. No word yet on costume pack pricing or content, but we've got a sneaking suspicion that whatever we're expecting, we're probably way off.

JoystiqSoulCalibur 5 getting balance patch March 21, monthly costume DLC starting in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balanceDLCmatchmakingmicrosoftnamco-bandainetcodepatchplaystationps3soulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vupdatexboxThu, 15 Mar 2012 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Game not stocking Ninja Gaiden 3, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/game-not-stocking-ninja-gaiden-3-resident-evil-operation-racco/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/game-not-stocking-ninja-gaiden-3-resident-evil-operation-racco/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/game-not-stocking-ninja-gaiden-3-resident-evil-operation-racco/#comments Game won't stock Tecmo Koei titles Ninja Gaiden 3 and Warriors Orochi 3, Tecmo announced today, asking players who have pre-ordered through Game to to try again at another, more stable retailer, such as Blockbuster (ouch). Capcom announced that Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City will also not hit Game shelves, following in Asura's Wrath and Street Fighter X Tekken's foot-stomps.

Game is on the brink of collapse, recently taking new titles from EA, Ubisoft, Capcom, Namco Bandai and Tecmo Koei off its shelves, and is looking to sell itself and everything it has -- which, at this point, isn't much.

JoystiqGame not stocking Ninja Gaiden 3, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomEAgamemicrosoftNamco-Bandaininja-gaiden-3pcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3retailerTecmo-KoeiUbisoftukvitaxboxTue, 13 Mar 2012 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[You're going to wub the Ridge Racer Unbounded soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/youre-going-to-wub-the-ridge-racer-unbounded-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/youre-going-to-wub-the-ridge-racer-unbounded-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/youre-going-to-wub-the-ridge-racer-unbounded-soundtrack/#comments The soundtrack for Namco-Bandai's latest entry in its long-running racing series, Ridge Racer Unbounded, has been revealed. It'll feature electronic music prominently, including some of the more well-known artists out there right now like Skrillex and The Crystal Method. The kids tell us these are "hot acts."

Skrillex's "Kill Everybody" and "Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites" will be in the game, joined by other lesser-known contributions from artists Scratch Perverts, Unknown Error, OVERSEER, RuN RiOT, Ever Never and, as stated, The Crystal Method. Also, series fans will be glad to hear that Hiroshi Okubo, who has been rocking the radio dials for the past 18 years, will contribute several new tunes created exclusively for Ridge Racer Unbounded.

Namco-Bandai recently pushed back the launch of Ridge Racer Unbounded, which now has a tentative "late 2012" launch window.

Continue reading You're going to wub the Ridge Racer Unbounded soundtrack

JoystiqYou're going to wub the Ridge Racer Unbounded soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmusicnamco-bandaiplaystationps3ridge-racer-unboundedskrillexsoundtrackthe-crystal-methodxboxWed, 07 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ridge Racer skids onto Vita March 13, free DLC in tow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/ridge-racer-skids-onto-vita-march-13-free-dlc-in-tow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/ridge-racer-skids-onto-vita-march-13-free-dlc-in-tow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/ridge-racer-skids-onto-vita-march-13-free-dlc-in-tow/#comments It wouldn't be the launch of a new PlayStation device without a new Ridge Racer game, and while Ridge Racer for the Vita may have missed launch day, it'll be making making up for its zero-to-retail time with free cars, music and tracks when it launches on March 13.

Initial retail copies of Ridge Racer ($29.99) will include a "Ridge Racer Gold Pass," which nets the buyer five additional cars, three bonus courses, two new songs and an extended remix of an existing song. PSN copies of the game ($24.99) also include the Gold Pass goodies, provided they're purchased before April 30. An additional "Silver Pass" DLC pack will also be available in April, albeit at an undisclosed price.

Aside from free DLC, Ridge Racer's North American launch also includes a system update, which improves the game's frame rate and adds "crisper graphics." It's fitting, since the only other thing more "PlayStation" than Ridge Racer is a system update.

JoystiqRidge Racer skids onto Vita March 13, free DLC in tow originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celliusnamco-bandainorth-americaplaystationplaystation-vitarelease-dateridge-racerridge-racer-vitavitaSat, 03 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pac-Man's 'Adventure Begins' next year in new animated series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/pac-mans-adventure-begins-next-year-in-new-animated-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/pac-mans-adventure-begins-next-year-in-new-animated-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/pac-mans-adventure-begins-next-year-in-new-animated-series/#comments At its E3 2010 party -- a 30th anniversary celebration for Pac-Man -- Namco Bandai showed the pilot for a 3D animated series, produced by former Marvel exec Avi Arad. The show disappeared like a ghost monster's body until today, when Namco Bandai announced a deal for the show to appear on Disney XD in fall 2013.

Called "Pac-Man -- The Adventure Begins," this will finally be your opportunity to learn how Pac-Man started his long career of wandering around a maze trying not to starve.

Gallery: Pac-Man: The Adventure Begins

Continue reading Pac-Man's 'Adventure Begins' next year in new animated series

JoystiqPac-Man's 'Adventure Begins' next year in new animated series originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cartoonnamco-bandaipac-manpac-man-the-adventure-beginsWed, 29 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom/Namco/Sega 3DS game teased with character chromosomes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/capcom-namco-sega-3ds-game-teased-with-character-chromosomes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/capcom-namco-sega-3ds-game-teased-with-character-chromosomes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/capcom-namco-sega-3ds-game-teased-with-character-chromosomes/#comments Namco Bandai updated the teaser site for the mysterious Capcom/Namco/Sega 3DS project with ... well, some more teasing. Each "petri dish" now has three x-shaped chromosome-like objects that appear to be color-coded to recall certain characters from that company's stable. We see what appears to be Kite from .hack on the Namco side (the orange, grey, and blue one) and possibly Klonoa (the blue and yellow one); a possible Zero on the Capcom side, and what might be Bayonetta in the Sega dish.

As for what all this means ... without more information on the game itself, it's difficult to determine anything about the potential presence of these crossover characters.

JoystiqCapcom/Namco/Sega 3DS game teased with character chromosomes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcomnamco-bandainintendosegaWed, 29 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deja Review: Tales of the Abyss (3DS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/deja-review-tales-of-the-abyss-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/deja-review-tales-of-the-abyss-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/deja-review-tales-of-the-abyss-3ds/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're of the firm opinion that your time is too precious, too valuable to be spent reading a full review for a game that was already reviewed many, many years ago. What's the point of applying a score to a game that's old enough to be enrolled in the sixth grade? That's why we invented Deja Review: A quick look at the new features and relative agelessness of remade, revived and re-released games.
When Tales of the Abyss arrived on the PlayStation 2 near the end of 2006, it was the second Tales title to hit North American stores in the same year. The RPG genre was flying high and compelling new JRPGs seemed to arrive on a monthly basis. Even in that environment, the game managed to stand apart from the crowd.

Though it featured a somewhat formulaic story that bowed to genre tropes (even going so far as to include a mostly amnesiac lead protagonist), Tales of the Abyss wowed consumers and critics alike with interesting characters, detailed and beautiful environments, an efficient combat system and an epic adventure. The game's greatest strength was its ability to take so many familiar genre elements and tie them together to create an experience that almost felt too big for the PlayStation 2 hardware. More than five years later, that experience has returned in handheld form with all of the magic still in place.

Gallery: Tales of the Abyss (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Deja Review: Tales of the Abyss (3DS)

JoystiqDeja Review: Tales of the Abyss (3DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdeja-reviewnamco-bandainintendotales-of-the-abyssMon, 27 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SoulCalibur 5's price slashed to $40 on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/soulcalibur-5-price-slashed-to-40-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/soulcalibur-5-price-slashed-to-40-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/soulcalibur-5-price-slashed-to-40-on-amazon/#comments Hey, we'd all like to have our own little place on the stage of history, but do you have any idea how desirable that real estate is? It's only so big a stage, you guys.

Thankfully, this year's stay won't set us back the full price: Amazon currently has SoulCalibur V on sale for $39.99 on both Xbox 360 and PS3.

JoystiqSoulCalibur 5's price slashed to $40 on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonmicrosoftNamco-Bandaiplaystationps3soulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vxboxMon, 27 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Original Hip-hop: Welcome Back (To The Stage of History)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/joystiq-original-hip-hop-welcome-back-to-the-stage-of-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/joystiq-original-hip-hop-welcome-back-to-the-stage-of-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/joystiq-original-hip-hop-welcome-back-to-the-stage-of-history/#comments
Anyone who's listened to my long, incoherent rambles on The Joystiq Show knows that I love fighting games more than most things that exist. What you may not know, however, is that my love for a good combo is rivaled only by my desire to spit sick verses over fly jams. So, when Joystiq's Alexander Sliwinski and Steven Wong suggested that I marry my two passions into one creation, how could I resist?

The end result (embedded above) is a SoulCalibur 5 rap song written and performed by yours truly. The destructively sick beat was lovingly crafted by tanner4105, an incredibly talented producer and electronica artist who donated his services out of the goodness of his own heart. Full lyrics are available after the break!

Continue reading Joystiq Original Hip-hop: Welcome Back (To The Stage of History)

JoystiqJoystiq Original Hip-hop: Welcome Back (To The Stage of History) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hip-hopjoystiq-original-hip-hopJPHONICmicrosoftnamco-bandainerdcoreplaystationproject-soulps3rapsoulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vtanner4105xboxSat, 25 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tekken 3D Prime Edition review: Far from prime edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/tekken-3d-prime-edition-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/tekken-3d-prime-edition-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/tekken-3d-prime-edition-review/#comments We've raised our expectations for portable fighting games in the last decade, especially in the past year.

The last time Namco brought Tekken to a Nintendo handheld, it produced 2002's Tekken Advance, which received praise from reviewers at the time but in hindsight was a poor facsimile of the console and arcade experience -- like the Kid Cuisine version of spaghetti and meatballs, fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, but, c'mon son, that ain't a proper meal.

Another Tekken Advance (that is to say another handheld port that's far from arcade perfect) wouldn't stand today, not when releases like Super Street Fighter IV 3D and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 set the standard for fighting games you can play on the go. Those releases don't stop at just emulating the big screen experience; they raise the bar for what all portable titles can accomplish, online and off.

That is why Namco Bandai and Arika's Tekken 3D Prime Edition will disappoint both new and casual Tekken fans. Because while the core game -- the parts in between "Round One, Fight!" and "K.O. You win!" -- are just as great as the Tekken 6 I've played on consoles and in arcades, everything else is lacking.

Gallery: Tekken 3D Prime Edition (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Tekken 3D Prime Edition review: Far from prime edition

JoystiqTekken 3D Prime Edition review: Far from prime edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsarikanamco-bandainintendotekken-3dtekken-3d-prime-editionWed, 22 Feb 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom, Namco and Sega teaming up for mysterious 3DS collaboration]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/capcom-namco-and-sega-teaming-up-for-mysterious-3ds-collaborati/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/capcom-namco-and-sega-teaming-up-for-mysterious-3ds-collaborati/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/capcom-namco-and-sega-teaming-up-for-mysterious-3ds-collaborati/#comments Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata announced this morning a 3DS collaboration between publishers Capcom, Namco Bandai and Sega. The "impossible to predict" project also has a a teaser site.

Your guess is as good as ours...

Street Fighter x Tekken x Sonic & Friends?

JoystiqCapcom, Namco and Sega teaming up for mysterious 3DS collaboration originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcomjapannamco-bandainintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-2012segaWed, 22 Feb 2012 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Tekken Unlimited Tag Tournament 2 announced for Japanese arcades]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/tekken-unlimited-tag-tournament-2-announced-for-japanese-arcades/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/tekken-unlimited-tag-tournament-2-announced-for-japanese-arcades/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/tekken-unlimited-tag-tournament-2-announced-for-japanese-arcades/#comments It may not be hitting consoles until sometime this fall, but Tekken Tag Tournament 2 has been in Japanese arcades since September of last year, which in fighting game terms is a hundred billion years. The next step in the fighting game chain of evolution is, of course, the upgraded/altered/enhanced version, and thus Tekken Unlimited Tag Tournament 2 is born.

Unveiled during this year's AOU Amusement Expo in Japan, Tekken Unlimited Tag Tournament 2 allows for 2-on-2 battles like the original TTT2, but also 1-on-1 fighting like traditional Tekken games, as well as 1-on-2 fighting. The game's character balance has been adjusted to ensure that 1-on-2 battles are mechanically fair, according to Andriasang. Arcade owners who have already purchased Tekken Tag Tournament 2 will be able to upgrade to Unlimited free of charge. Let's hope these additions and improvements are reflected in this fall's console release.

JoystiqTekken Unlimited Tag Tournament 2 announced for Japanese arcades originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AOUAOU-2012AOU-Amusement-Expoarcadenamco-bandaitekken-tag-tournament-2tekken-unlimited-tag-tournament-2Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST