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[No Doubt vs Activision lawsuit cleared for trial later this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/no-doubt-vs-activision-lawsuit-cleared-for-trial-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/no-doubt-vs-activision-lawsuit-cleared-for-trial-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/no-doubt-vs-activision-lawsuit-cleared-for-trial-later-this-year/#comments ImageNo Doubt is officially allowed to sue Activision over its use of band members' avatars in Band Hero - again. Seriously, we've written this piece, like, three times already. This story is bananas.

Sorry.

No Doubt, the rock band led by singer Gwen Stefani, sued Activision in 2009, claiming it was used to create a "virtual karaoke circus act;" No Doubt says it only signed off on having its likeness portrayed singing its own songs, but the band is unlockable to play through the game's complete catalog.

A Superior Court judge has denied Activision's attempt to dismiss claims from the case, including fraud, violation of publicity rights and breach of contract, and it is expected to (finally) go to trial later this year. Activision says it has a video recording of No Doubt being told about the unlockable features and it is looking forward to presenting its defense.

JoystiqNo Doubt vs Activision lawsuit cleared for trial later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionbandBand-HerocourtdsGwen-StefanilawsuitmicrosoftmusicnintendoNo-Doubtplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 30 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WWE '13 slamming retail October 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/wwe-13-slamming-retail-october-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/wwe-13-slamming-retail-october-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/wwe-13-slamming-retail-october-30/#comments ImageWWE '13 has an official spring off the ropes date of October 30. THQ reiterated the title would launch this year in a recent investor call and accidentally flipped the switch last week on the game's trailer.

The financially troubled publisher has six games launching this fiscal year (ending March 2013). Darksiders 2 is set for August 14, Saints Row's Enter the Dominatrix is in September, WWE '13 slams October and Company of Heroes 2, Metro: Last Light and South Park in 2013.

JoystiqWWE '13 slamming retail October 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendoplaystationps3THQwiiWWEwwe-13xboxWed, 30 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Hunter races to 3DS and PS Vita this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/spy-hunter-races-to-3ds-and-ps-vita-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/spy-hunter-races-to-3ds-and-ps-vita-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/spy-hunter-races-to-3ds-and-ps-vita-this-fall/#comments
Warner Bros. has announced a new Spy Hunter game for the 3DS and PlayStation Vita. It's in development at TT Fusion, which was previously Embryonic Studios, a smattering of key staff from Gizmondo - who made the Gizmondo - and Warthog, a UK studio who has done a lot of licensed titles. TT Games snatched up the studio in 2006 before being bought by Warner Bros. a year later.

This Spy Hunter reboot will be available this fall, and ... well, it's Spy Hunter. You drive a transforming car to take down evil dudes. This latest installment adds an aerial support drone and will let users customize the Interceptor (the official ride of spies everywhere) through tech and weapon upgrades. The car is also red now, which seems like the worst color for a spy car but that's just our two cents.

Gallery: Spy Hunter (Vita/3DS)

Continue reading Spy Hunter races to 3DS and PS Vita this fall

JoystiqSpy Hunter races to 3DS and PS Vita this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaspy-huntertt-fusiontt-gamesvitawarner-brosWed, 30 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K13 slams into the Wii U in 'holiday season']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/nba-2k13-slams-into-the-wii-u-in-holiday-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/nba-2k13-slams-into-the-wii-u-in-holiday-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/nba-2k13-slams-into-the-wii-u-in-holiday-season/#comments ImageNBA 2K13 will launch on the Wii U "within the launch window," sometime in the holiday season, 2K Sports announced today. NBA 2K13 is also coming to PS3, Xbox 360, PSP, Wii and PC on October 2 in North America and October 5 worldwide.

Pre-orders for PS3 and Xbox 360 will receive NBA All-Stars-themed downloadable content, set in Houston, where players can stage their own All-Stars games and compete in three All-Stars events with current and classic players. Presented with all-new intuitive controls by Sprite, the NBA All-Stars' No. 1 athletic supporter!

Continue reading NBA 2K13 slams into the Wii U in 'holiday season'

JoystiqNBA 2K13 slams into the Wii U in 'holiday season' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Sportsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonywiiwii-uxboxWed, 30 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroes of Ruin delayed until July in North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/heroes-of-ruin-delayed-until-july-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/heroes-of-ruin-delayed-until-july-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/heroes-of-ruin-delayed-until-july-in-north-america/#comments Co-op 3DS dungeon crawler Heroes of Ruin got a little lost on the way to North America and will be delayed by a month. Developer n-Space noted on its Facebook page today that the game will launch on July 17 in North America, instead of the previously announced June 26 date.

The release date in Europe for the Square Enix published game remains steady at June 15.

[Thanks, Brendan M.]

Gallery: Heroes of Ruin (Coral Tombs)

JoystiqHeroes of Ruin delayed until July in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsDelayheroes-of-ruinnintendoSquare-EnixWed, 30 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: May 28 - June 3, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/now-playing-may-28-june-3-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/now-playing-may-28-june-3-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/now-playing-may-28-june-3-2012/#comments Image
Fight for the survival of humanity this week with Resistance: Burning Skies...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: May 28 - June 3, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 28 - June 3, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxTue, 29 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Lawsuit alleging copyright infringement in Assassin's Creed dropped, Gametrailers settles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/lawsuit-alleging-copyright-infringement-in-assassins-creed-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/lawsuit-alleging-copyright-infringement-in-assassins-creed-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/lawsuit-alleging-copyright-infringement-in-assassins-creed-drop/#comments ImageNovelist John Beiswenger has dropped the lawsuit against Ubisoft, in which he alleged the Assassin's Creed universe stole ideas from one of his books, Link. Gametrailers, whom Beiswenger sued in the same case, settled with the author on May 18 under undisclosed terms.

Beiswenger voluntarily dismissed all action against Ubisoft before any formal adjudication on the validity of his claims could begin - the Internet made up its mind about his claims a while ago. Beiswenger has dropped the case, citing the expense of federal litigation:

"I filed the Complaint and Motion for Preliminary Injunction in federal court because I believe authors should vigorously defend their rights in their creative works; otherwise, the laws protecting them simply have no purpose," Beiswenger's official statement reads. "Regrettably, the resources required to defend those rights are unavailable to many individual creators. As a result, rampant infringement is occurring with impunity."

Beiswenger was seeking $5.25 million in damages and the potential cessation of all Assassin's Creed endeavors, including the third game currently due out in October. Beiswenger filed the dismissal "without prejudice," meaning he can pick up the claims and the case again in the future.

If he ever does, we don't think Ubisoft will sweat it too much; the Internet has already done most of the debunking already, unless Beiswenger can somehow prove that he owns the rights to "spiritual and biblical tones" or "assassinations."

Continue reading Lawsuit alleging copyright infringement in Assassin's Creed dropped, Gametrailers settles

JoystiqLawsuit alleging copyright infringement in Assassin's Creed dropped, Gametrailers settles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3bookscasegametrailersjohn-beiswengerlawsuitmicrosoftnintendonovelistpcplaystationps3suedUbisoftwii-uxboxTue, 29 May 2012 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Invite a yellow Yoshi into Mario Tennis Open, our treat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/invite-a-yellow-yoshi-into-mario-tennis-open-our-treat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/invite-a-yellow-yoshi-into-mario-tennis-open-our-treat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/invite-a-yellow-yoshi-into-mario-tennis-open-our-treat/#comments ImageIf you'd like to play doubles in Mario Tennis Open with someone who looks vaguely like a tennis ball in hue, we can help with that. Nintendo shared the above QR code exclusively with Joystiq, and now we're sharing it with you. From within the 3DS game, you can snap a picture of this code and unlock a yellow Yoshi for your game.

We hope you love it! Get it - because "love" is a tennis term ... but wait, "love" is bad in tennis. We're going to have to think about this joke and get back to you. Anyway, here's that Yoshi.

JoystiqInvite a yellow Yoshi into Mario Tennis Open, our treat originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmario-tennis-3dsmario-tennis-opennintendoTue, 29 May 2012 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light is not a Wii U title for now, THQ confirms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/metro-last-light-is-not-a-wii-u-title-for-now-thq-confirms/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/metro-last-light-is-not-a-wii-u-title-for-now-thq-confirms/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/metro-last-light-is-not-a-wii-u-title-for-now-thq-confirms/#comments ImageMetro: Last Light is not in development for Wii U, THQ global brand manager Mark Madsen told Digital Spy.

Last Light was included in a Nintendo promo reel for the Wii U at E3 last year, a move Madsen said wasn't premature. "No I don't think it was a bit too early [to show the game at E3]," he said. "As we got along in the development process, we just really wanted to focus on what we knew, focus on PS3, 360 and PC."

Last Light may not hit Wii U, but if it does "it won't sim-ship with the other SKUs." At the moment THQ and developer 4A Games are unsure about "what we can do to maximise the code for the Wii U," Madsen said.

JoystiqMetro: Last Light is not a Wii U title for now, THQ confirms originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gamesmetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3THQwii-uxboxTue, 29 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate whips onto 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fate-whips-onto-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fate-whips-onto-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fate-whips-onto-3ds/#commentsImageCastlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate is coming to the 3DS from Spanish developer Mercury Steam. Nintendo was previously rumored to announce a new Castlevania title at E3 next week, but the June 2012 issue of Nintendo Power proved the might of print and outed the title in a cover story.

Details as divulged by GoNintendo read as follows: The story involves Trevor Belmont and he fights mainly with a Combat Cross; secondary weapons include a boomerang-like glaive and an electric bomb; the game has light and shadow magic.

In an ultra-exclusive, super-surprising reveal, Nintendo Power says Mirror of Fate will also include skeletons, it appears.

JoystiqCastlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate whips onto 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscastlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fateerisedmercury-steammirror-of-fatenintendoTue, 29 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Start (farm) fresh in Harvest Moon: A New Beginning for 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/start-farm-fresh-in-harvest-moon-a-new-beginning-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/start-farm-fresh-in-harvest-moon-a-new-beginning-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/start-farm-fresh-in-harvest-moon-a-new-beginning-for-3ds/#comments ImageOn the 15th anniversary year of the North American debut of Harvest Moon, Natsume will introduce a new 3DS edition of the farming game with features never seen before - you know, to keep the vegetation from growing stale.

Harvest Moon: A New Beginning puts an emphasis on customization, allowing you to build your own character, buy and design furniture for your house, decorate the nearby village, and move stuff on your farm around ... which can't be good for the crops.

In A New Beginning, you start a farm up around Echo Village to revitalize the town and bring people and animals back. It'll be out this year, and will be shown off as part of Natsume's Harvest Moon celebration at E3.

Continue reading Start (farm) fresh in Harvest Moon: A New Beginning for 3DS

JoystiqStart (farm) fresh in Harvest Moon: A New Beginning for 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsharvest-moonharvest-moon-a-new-beginningnatsumenintendoTue, 29 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototype 2 $30 at Amazon, Gold Box deals all day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/prototype-2-30-at-amazon-gold-box-deals-all-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/prototype-2-30-at-amazon-gold-box-deals-all-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/prototype-2-30-at-amazon-gold-box-deals-all-day/#comments The very recent Prototype 2 enjoys a deep discount on Amazon today, as the all-day component to the retailer's Gold Box offers. It's on sale for $29.99, and will be joined by a new, temporary deal every couple of hours.

Currently, that deal is the Wii's Cyberbike, which is, yes, an exercise bike that hooks up to the Wii. Thrifty Nerd's Googling of the clues for future sales suggest we'll see discounts on Final Fantasy XIII-2, WoW: Cataclysm, the Disgaea 4 Premium Edition, and even the SoulCalibur V Arcade Fightstick.

JoystiqPrototype 2 $30 at Amazon, Gold Box deals all day originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazongold-boxmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationprototype-2ps3wiixboxTue, 29 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Bullet For My Valentine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/rock-band-weekly-bullet-for-my-valentine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/rock-band-weekly-bullet-for-my-valentine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/rock-band-weekly-bullet-for-my-valentine/#comments ImageA "Bullet For My Valentine" may sound like a really terrible gift for anyone that doesn't collect antique minié balls, but it's actually the name of next week's featured band over in Rock Band DLC world.

The aptly named "Bullet For My Valentine Pack 01" features three songs spanning three albums, including 2008's Scream Aim Fire, which we're not entirely sure is an accurate or trustworthy set of instructions for properly operating a firearm. Remember kids, always consult your physician before taking advice from Welch heavy metal bands.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Bullet For My Valentine

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Bullet For My Valentine originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullet-for-my-valentinemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3rock-bandRock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxSun, 27 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy record for Arkham City, destroy the fabric of reality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/watch-mark-hamill-and-kevin-conroy-record-for-arkham-city-destr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/watch-mark-hamill-and-kevin-conroy-record-for-arkham-city-destr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/watch-mark-hamill-and-kevin-conroy-record-for-arkham-city-destr/#comments Image
This voice acting-oriented episode of Inside Rocksteady Studios is the first time we personally have ever seen either the Joker or Batman's voices come out of real human bodies, and suffice to say that oh man is it weird.

It's almost like Batman and the Joker are providing voiceovers for Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, instead of the other way around. Seeing the Joker's spooky laugh come out of a hunched-over Mark Hamill is an image that'll stick with us for a while, and his cheshire cat grin didn't help much either. The video also features Stana Katic (Talia in Arkham City and Detective Becket on Castle), but seeing her perform isn't so much of a head trip, considering that it's basically just Detective Becket with an undercover accent.

JoystiqWatch Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy record for Arkham City, destroy the fabric of reality originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CityKevin-Conroymark-hamillmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3Rocksteady-Studiosstana-katicvoice-actingvoice-overWarner-Bros-Interactive-Entertainmentwii-uxboxFri, 25 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaked WWE 13 trailer shows off slams, jams and a Nov. 1 2012 release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/leaked-wwe-13-trailer-shows-off-slams-jams-and-a-nov-1-2012-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/leaked-wwe-13-trailer-shows-off-slams-jams-and-a-nov-1-2012-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/leaked-wwe-13-trailer-shows-off-slams-jams-and-a-nov-1-2012-re/#comments Image
The above leaked trailer for WWE 13, assuming it hasn't been ripped from the pages of YouTube by THQ, shows off many of the wrestling acrobatics and tiny shorts one can look forward to performing and wearing this fall, when the game pile drives its way onto retail shelves come November 1.

Eagle-eyed readers will recognize wrestling legends The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Mankind, among newer faces like Sheamus, Mark Henry, CM Punk and Chris Jericho. Hey THQ, how 'bout bringing back some Doink?

JoystiqLeaked WWE 13 trailer shows off slams, jams and a Nov. 1 2012 release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doink-the-clownleakleakedmankindmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3steve-austinStone-Cold-Steve-Austinthe-undertakerTHQtrailerwiiwwewwe-13xboxyukesFri, 25 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Next-Gen Starts When We Say It Does]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/next-gen-starts-when-we-say-it-does/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/next-gen-starts-when-we-say-it-does/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/next-gen-starts-when-we-say-it-does/#commentsYou're reading Reaction Time, a weekly column that claims to examine recent events, games and trends in the industry, but is really just looking for an excuse to use the word "zeitgeist." It debuts on Fridays in Engadget's digital magazine, Distro.
If the world does come to a wailing and irreversible halt in 2012, the most terrible loss (besides billions of lives, the infrastructure of civilization, your dog, etc.) will be the glaring glut of video games already scheduled for 2013. Promising brand builders like BioShock Infinite, Tomb Raider and Devil May Cry are all bailing on 2012, and inevitable behemoth Grand Theft Auto V has yet to pick a landing zone.

Most of these games are massive, costly undertakings that can't afford to stumble out with stuttering marketing campaigns, let alone on a stage crowded with other huge products. If we're to predict the emergence of powerful next-generation platforms, care of Sony and Microsoft, the movements of third-party publishers should give us our first clues. No manufacturer is in a position to escape the catch-22 of a new console launch on its own: You need standout games to get the system out there, but it's tough to obtain and support those games properly with an install base that starts at zero.

Continue reading Next-Gen Starts When We Say It Does

JoystiqNext-Gen Starts When We Say It Does originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anvil-nextfrostbite-2glacier-2microsoftnext-gennintendoplaystationps3reaction-timewii-uxboxFri, 25 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[West and Zampella on Activision lawsuit and 'Project Icebreaker']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/west-and-zampella-on-activision-lawsuit-and-project-icebreaker/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/west-and-zampella-on-activision-lawsuit-and-project-icebreaker/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/west-and-zampella-on-activision-lawsuit-and-project-icebreaker/#comments Jason West and Vince Zampella have lived with their impending lawsuits from (and against) Activision to be bemused about the whole thing. "[Activision] said, 'He orchestrated his own ­firing' - I will never forget that," said West in a Game Informer interview, prompting Zampella to add "We're geniuses, apparently."

According to the pair's attorney Robert Schwartz, Activision's claim against them stems around an "expert's" determination that Modern Warfare 3 would have been a bigger moneymaker had they and the rest of the now-absent Infinity Ward team been present to work on it; instead of having been fired by Activision (a state that the two allegedly 'orchestrated'.)

Schwartz corroborated reports of a "Project Icebreaker" at Activision designed to secretly scour their computers for evidence that would support a firing. "Do you know who George Rose is? He was the head lawyer ­for ­[Activision]," Schwartz said.

"So George Rose goes into the office of this guy named Thomas Fenady. He's some kind of IT whiz at Activision." According to Schwartz, Rose asked Fenady, under the auspices of CEO Bobby Kotick, to "break into [West and Zampella's] computers and dig up dirt to be used to justify firing them." Schwartz added that Fenady "testified to this."

We'll have to wait to see how this insanity plays out in court; the trial was delayed to around June 1.

JoystiqWest and Zampella on Activision lawsuit and 'Project Icebreaker' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3dsinfinity-wardjason-westlawsuitmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3nintendopcplaystationps3respawn-entertainmentvince-zampellaxboxFri, 25 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Industry rallies to get former 38 Studios, Big Huge Games staff new work]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/industry-rallies-to-get-former-38-studios-big-huge-games-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/industry-rallies-to-get-former-38-studios-big-huge-games-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/industry-rallies-to-get-former-38-studios-big-huge-games-staff/#comments ImageThe sudden firing of all 379 employees at 38 Studios and Big Huge Games today was a blow to the industry, even for those of us who expected it. Soon after news broke, many developers, artists, designers, PR people, journalists and fans took to the Internet to express frustration and anger -- and to help.

On Twitter, the hashtag "#38jobs" rose to trending in the US, with people shouting out which studios were hiring and generally sending support to those let go today. A Facebook group titled "38Jobs" popped up around the same time. Freelance games journo Alex Rubens gathered all of these jobs tips into a Google Doc that currently sports 84 studios with openings, including Irrational Games, Bungie, Activision, Klei Entertainment, Rockstar and other major and indie companies.

Access the full list here; it is still in the process of being updated and refined, courtesy of Rubens and The Side Of The Gaming Industry That Proves We're Not All Trolling Douchebags.

JoystiqIndustry rallies to get former 38 Studios, Big Huge Games staff new work originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosBig-Huge-Gamesjobskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglayoffsmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationproject-copernicusps3wiixboxThu, 24 May 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Video Games Live at E3: Journey, Skyrim, Diablo 3, Earthworm Jim and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/video-games-live-at-e3-journey-skyrim-diablo-3-earthworm-jim/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/video-games-live-at-e3-journey-skyrim-diablo-3-earthworm-jim/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/video-games-live-at-e3-journey-skyrim-diablo-3-earthworm-jim/#comments During the week of E3, on June 6, Video Games Live will take over the Nokia Theater L.A. Live arena. Being E3 and all, and L.A. being one of the most frequently played venues for Tommy Tallarico's live video game concert, this year he wanted to add some special scores - like Austin Wintory's Journey score, conducted by Wintory himself.

It's just one of the more recent audio accompaniments added for the June 6 show. There are also select tunes from Skyrim, which will be handled by a secret guest conductor; composer Russell Bower will conduct some Diablo 3 tunes. Donkey Kong Country, Star Fox and even a Street Fighter segment - to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Capcom's fighter - are planned. Akira Yamaoka will also play guitar at some point.

Finally, there's Earthworm Jim to consider, a game that Tallarico himself worked on. Apparently folks have been asking him to add it to Video Games Live for quite some time now, which we're totally in favor of - as long as we get that thrash metal remix of "Use Your Head" we've been waiting our entire lives for.

JoystiqVideo Games Live at E3: Journey, Skyrim, Diablo 3, Earthworm Jim and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustin-wintorydonkey-kong-countrydse3-2012journeykinectmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psprussell-bowerskyrimsonytommy-tallaricovideo-games-livevitawiiwii-uxboxThu, 24 May 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Mighty Switch Force update, Game & Watch Gallery 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/nintendoware-weekly-mighty-switch-force-update-game-and-watch-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/nintendoware-weekly-mighty-switch-force-update-game-and-watch-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/nintendoware-weekly-mighty-switch-force-update-game-and-watch-ga/#comments ImageIf you've got Mighty Switch Force, go download it again from the eShop later today. WayForward is updating it to a "New Edition" featuring the vocal stylings of a young Bobby Brown. Actually, it features five new levels, upgraded 3D effects, and a "retry" button.

If you'd like to buy something else while you're on the eShop, the Game Boy Game & Watch Gallery 2 is on the shop today, as is the DSiWare game Snakenoid Deluxe, which is, of course, Snake plus Arkanoid. And this Friday, you can get a Madagascar 3 trailer on Nintendo Video, to bring Chris Rock's voice with you everywhere.

And on Wii this week: nothing.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Mighty Switch Force update, Game & Watch Gallery 2

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Mighty Switch Force update, Game & Watch Gallery 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsdsiwareeshopgame-and-watch-gallery-2mighty-switch-forcenintendonintendoware-weeklysnakenoidvirtual-consoleThu, 24 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD monthly reports integrate Walmart data starting next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/#comments Every month, the NPD Group releases a report on the previous month's US sales in the game industry, both consoles and software. While that monthly report is already "projected to 100% of the market," according to NPD Group's David Riley, next month, it'll get bolstered by the nation's largest retailer: Walmart. Despite being revealed this past February, the past several months of NPD reports haven't included Walmart's numbers.

"Our enhanced retail coverage, including the addition of several new retailers, begins with May data released on Thursday, June 14," Riley told me in an email yesterday. While he couldn't supply a list of all of the retailers involved, he told me, "Yes, it does include Walmart."

With any luck, the addition of Walmart to NPD's stable of retailers reporting - which already includes America's largest game retailer, GameStop - will help to thwart claims of NPD being a "very poor indicator of the industry's performance." Then again, between the lack of digital sales accounted for in NPD's monthly report and the urge of publishers to spin poor sales numbers, those complaints likely won't stop anytime soon.

JoystiqNPD monthly reports integrate Walmart data starting next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdavid-rileydsmicrosoftnintendonpdnpd-groupplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonythe-npd-groupvitawal-martwalmartwiiwii-uxboxThu, 24 May 2012 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux: 22 Cans conducting '22 Experiments,' first one due in 6 weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/molyneux-22-cans-conducting-22-experiments-first-one-due-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/molyneux-22-cans-conducting-22-experiments-first-one-due-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/molyneux-22-cans-conducting-22-experiments-first-one-due-in/#comments ImagePeter Molyneux's new studio is going to create his greatest game ever, but first it plans to make 22 of the almost greatest games ever. 22 Cans, Molyneux's studio, is rolling out a project called 22 Experiments, a series of digital releases leading up to the "final product," Molyneux told Beefjack.

The first experiment could drop in as few as six weeks for undisclosed platforms. Molyneux said the projects are "very very different, unusual, I think very intriguing things," probably because that's his thing. During a talk at Imperial College London's GaME12 event, Molyneux provided a vague vision for the direction of his studio, saying he wants to use current technology in ways no one else has, and sharing the following idea:

"I love this one thought, and I have experimented with this in previous games, that you find out more about yourself while being engaged with this experience than [you would] with anything else. And we all love finding out about ourselves - whether it's through personality tests, or someone turning around to you and saying X, Y and Z."

We look forward to a seriously introspective game of 22 Questions starting in six weeks.

JoystiqMolyneux: 22 Cans conducting '22 Experiments,' first one due in 6 weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>22-Cans22-ExperimentsmicrosoftmobilenintendopcPeter-Molyneuxplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 23 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Waiting Game: Everything that's been delayed into 2013 (so far)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/waiting-game-everything-thats-been-delayed-into-2013-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/waiting-game-everything-thats-been-delayed-into-2013-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/waiting-game-everything-thats-been-delayed-into-2013-so-far/#comments ImageIn January, 2012 was looking like the year to beat for its sheer volume of high-profile games. But 2012 has quickly become the year many developers have set aside as one for polish and refinement. It has quickly become the year of the delayed game.

With so many projects being moved to 2013, Joystiq decided to put together a list of the major names you'll have to keep track of for at least seven more months. Did anything on your "Most Anticipated" list get pushed to 2013?

Continue reading Waiting Game: Everything that's been delayed into 2013 (so far)

JoystiqWaiting Game: Everything that's been delayed into 2013 (so far) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3wii-uxboxWed, 23 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Inafune working with Level-5 on Guild02 [update: screens]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/inafune-working-with-level-5-on-guild02/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/inafune-working-with-level-5-on-guild02/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/inafune-working-with-level-5-on-guild02/#comments ImageGuild01 is an upcoming 3DS cart by Level-5, collecting four small games by Suda 51, Seaman's Yoot Saito, Yasumi Matsuno, and comedian Yoshiyuki Hirai. Even before the (so far Japan-only) release of this game, early Famitsu info reveals the existence of a second collection called Guild02, this time involving the outspoken and suddenly very busy Keiji Inafune.

Inafune's game translates to "Insect Tank," and puts the player in the role of a miniaturized WWII tank fighting giant insects. His game is joined by "Alone," a "suspense game" by Chunsoft visual novel writers Takemaru Abiko and Kazuya Asano, about someone who wakes up in a dark room with no memories, and "The Friday When Monsters Appear" by Kazu Ayabe, creator of the My Summer Vacation series. True to the title, monsters show up every Friday in a '60s-era town full of children who love the giant Ultraman-style heroes of the day.

Guild02 will also have some kind of connectivity with the previous collection, allowing Guild01 owners to get passwords to unlock material in Guild02. We suppose that's one advantage over releasing these games one by one on the eShop, but seriously, Level-5, release these games one by one on the eShop. That's what it's for.

Update: Famitsu has screens of all three games. Above (obviously), Insect Tank.

JoystiqInafune working with Level-5 on Guild02 [update: screens] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsguild02keiji-inafunelevel-5nintendoWed, 23 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K13 slotted for October 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/nba-2k13-slotted-for-october-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/nba-2k13-slotted-for-october-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/nba-2k13-slotted-for-october-2/#comments ImageNBA 2K13 is set to launch on October 2 for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PSP and PC, Take-Two Interactive announced today. This is in line with the October precedence set by previous NBA 2K titles. Developer 2K Sports has yet to reveal any details about the game, but our best guess is that it will feature an orange ball and some tall dudes.

2K13's direct predecessor, NBA 2K12, shipped 5 million units, Take-Two said.

JoystiqNBA 2K13 slotted for October 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Sportsfinancialsfy-2012microsoftNBA-2K13nintendopcplaystationps3pspsonyTake-TwowiixboxTue, 22 May 2012 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes and a whole new (open) world]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes-and-a-whole-new-open-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes-and-a-whole-new-open-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes-and-a-whole-new-open-world/#comments
We know, we know... another Lego game based on a popular franchise? But Lego Batman 2: DC Super Hereoes is looking to be different, featuring an open world and the borderline blasphemy of talking Lego characters. Also, we'd be lying if we said that the exchange between Batman and Superman in this trailer didn't make us smirk.

Continue reading Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes and a whole new (open) world

JoystiqLego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes and a whole new (open) world originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsLego-Batmanlego-batman-2-dc-super-heroesmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Travellers-TalesvitaWBIEwiixboxTue, 22 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[3DS sells over 6 million units in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/3ds-sells-over-6-million-units-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/3ds-sells-over-6-million-units-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/3ds-sells-over-6-million-units-in-japan/#comments ImageThe 3DS has crossed six million units sold in Japan, according to Enterbrain data reported by Enterbrain-owned magazine Famitsu. The last news about Japanese 3DS sales milestones came when it passed 5 million after less than a year, more quickly than any system to date. The system has sold 17.13 million units worldwide as of March 31.

Regional sales totals are not available for the 3DS's main competitor system, the PlayStation Vita, which was released in Japan about ten months after the 3DS and two months later worldwide. However, the 1.8 million systems sold to date worldwide provide contrast.

The 3DS suffered similarly slow sales in the period before its price drop and holiday releases; as of April of last year, it was at 3.6 million worldwide. That's slow, even if it is twice the Vita's current life-to-date total.

Joystiq3DS sells over 6 million units in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsjapannintendosalesTue, 22 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: New 3DS Castlevania to debut at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/rumor-new-3ds-castlevania-to-debut-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/rumor-new-3ds-castlevania-to-debut-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/rumor-new-3ds-castlevania-to-debut-at-e3/#comments Image
A new Castlevania game will be announced for the 3DS during E3 next month, according to Dutch site n1ntendo, as translated by neoGAF. The project will reportedly be exclusive to Nintendo's handheld and already has Castlevania: Lords of Shadow producer David Cox and director Enric Alvarez attached - according to information that supposedly comes from a leaked E3 schedule for Konami.

Cox did tease that he was spending time "in the land of Dracul" last April, though his Twitter responses to this latest rumor call the idea "misinformed," reiterating that "the truth is ALWAYS better than fiction!"

JoystiqRumor: New 3DS Castlevania to debut at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscastlevaniacastlevania-lords-of-shadowdavid-coxE3-2012Enric-AlvarezkonaminintendoMon, 21 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ThinkGeek selling SNES-style Wii Classic Controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/thinkgeek-selling-snes-style-wii-classic-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/thinkgeek-selling-snes-style-wii-classic-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/thinkgeek-selling-snes-style-wii-classic-controller/#comments ImageThe Super Famicom Classic Controller for Wii remains out of reach for everyone but Japanese Club Nintendo members (and eBay users, of course), but ThinkGeek is stocking a very close facsimile for $20.

In fact, the Classic Super Famicom Controller for Wii is functionally identical to the Club Nintendo version. It plugs into your Wii Remote and lets you play Virtual Console games (or anything else that supports Classic Controller use and doesn't require analog sticks) with a controller designed to replicate the SNES pad. It even has the colorful face buttons of the Japanese controller.

Right now seems like a questionable time to buy a Wii accessory, but you'd already be using it to play old games. The impending obsolescence of the Wii isn't necessarily a deal breaker. Besides, the Wii U uses Wii Remotes; a Classic Controller might come in handy with that as well.

JoystiqThinkGeek selling SNES-style Wii Classic Controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-controllernintendosnessuper-famicomthinkgeekwiiMon, 21 May 2012 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: May 21-27, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/now-playing-may-21-27-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/now-playing-may-21-27-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/now-playing-may-21-27-2012/#comments Image
Become a high-tech warrior in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: May 21-27, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 21-27, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 21 May 2012 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's got more than a few ways to watch its E3 2012 press conference]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/nintendos-got-more-than-a-few-ways-to-watch-its-e3-2012-press-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/nintendos-got-more-than-a-few-ways-to-watch-its-e3-2012-press-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/nintendos-got-more-than-a-few-ways-to-watch-its-e3-2012-press-c/#comments ImageWhat will you be doing on June 5 at noon ET? Nintendo sure hopes your answer to that question revolves around its impending E3 2012 press conference, and it's got a whole bevy of options should that be the case. Beyond partnering with Viacom to broadcast the show live (and commercial-free) on Spike TV and MTV2 (there's still an MTV2?!?!), Nintendo will offer the conference via internet on its usual E3 site.

Nintendo's E3 presentation this year will focus on its next home console, the Wii U, though we'll no doubt hear a few new nuggets about the 3DS. As always, we're hoping for a triumphant return from Ravi Drums. Don't keep breaking our hearts, Nintendo! Let Mr. Drums free!

Sony and Microsoft are also streaming their respective press conferences; more info can be found on each here and here.

Continue reading Nintendo's got more than a few ways to watch its E3 2012 press conference

JoystiqNintendo's got more than a few ways to watch its E3 2012 press conference originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdse3-2012nintendowiiwii-uMon, 21 May 2012 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines delayed to February 2013 on 360/PS3/PC, Wii U date to be revealed later]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/aliens-colonial-marines-delayed-to-february-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/aliens-colonial-marines-delayed-to-february-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/aliens-colonial-marines-delayed-to-february-2013/#comments
Aliens: Colonial Marines launches on February 12, 2013, Sega announced this morning. The Gearbox Software-developed game was previously given a "fall 2012" launch window, and was planned as a Wii U hardware launch title (the game is also planned for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC), though no hard date was ever given before. In fact, despite the February 12 date announcement, the game's Wii U version still doesn't have a date. "A release date for the announced Wii U version will be revealed at a later time," the press release reads.

Upset? That's understandable, but Sega's hoping to deflect some of that rage with a new trailer, which we've dropped just above.

Continue reading Aliens: Colonial Marines delayed to February 2013 on 360/PS3/PC, Wii U date to be revealed later

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines delayed to February 2013 on 360/PS3/PC, Wii U date to be revealed later originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinesdelaydelaysgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3q1-2013release-datesegawii-uxboxMon, 21 May 2012 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Black and White 2 story trailer features Pokemon, people]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/pokemon-black-and-white-2-story-trailer-features-pokemon-people/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/pokemon-black-and-white-2-story-trailer-features-pokemon-people/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/pokemon-black-and-white-2-story-trailer-features-pokemon-people/#comments
Image

An animated trailer showcasing the plot of the upcoming Pokemon Black and White Version 2 games was released on the official Pokemon website, and features the return of the villainous N and Team Plasma. Though the website notes that the video is not intended to be used during the games, the Japanese trailer sheds a little light on the characters involved in the DS sequels.

In addition to the familiar foes, it seems players can expect to see friends-of-the-hero Bianca and Cheren. The games are due out on June 23 in Japan and will launch some time in the fall in North America.

JoystiqPokemon Black and White 2 story trailer features Pokemon, people originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsnintendopokemon-black-2-white-2pokemon-black-version-2pokemon-white-version-2Sun, 20 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Redesigned Wii U tablet shown off by TT Games QA guy [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/redesigned-wii-u-tablet-shown-off-by-tt-games-qa-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/redesigned-wii-u-tablet-shown-off-by-tt-games-qa-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/redesigned-wii-u-tablet-shown-off-by-tt-games-qa-guy/#comments ImageA QA tester at TT Games (Lego Harry Potter, Lego Star Wars, et al.) has tweeted an image of a Wii U tablet that appears to have undergone a redesign since we saw one out in the wild during last year's E3.

Most importantly, the concave 3DS-esque circle pads have been replaced with Wii-style analog sticks. The Wii U logo has been moved to the bottom left-hand side of the unit, while the plus and minus buttons have been moved to the right. Two mysterious button-ish indentations exist below the d-pad and between the power button and battery life indicator; their function, if any, remains unclear. Click here for an omega hyper resolution version.

Update: Well that didn't take long! The tweet in question has been removed, but a screenshot of said tweet has been safely ensconced after the break.

Additionally, eagle-eyed commenter Anthony noticed a couple more disparities between this unit and those seen at E3, namely that the Home button appears to be surrounded by an Xbox 360-style ring light, and that the tablet's edges look more dramatically beveled than previously seen. We've also noticed that the gates surrounding the analog sticks are circular, rather than octagonal, as seen on the Wii Nunchuk and Classic Controller.

Continue reading Redesigned Wii U tablet shown off by TT Games QA guy [update]

JoystiqRedesigned Wii U tablet shown off by TT Games QA guy [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendoredesigntabletwii-uSat, 19 May 2012 17:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Former NCAA athletes' lawsuit against EA is so on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/former-ncaa-athletes-lawsuit-against-ea-is-so-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/former-ncaa-athletes-lawsuit-against-ea-is-so-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/former-ncaa-athletes-lawsuit-against-ea-is-so-on/#comments ImageEA's request to dismiss a class action lawsuit from former NCAA athletes has been denied, meaning the trial will movie forward and EA stands to lose more than $1 billion if found at fault.

The former NCAA athletes claim EA conspired with the NCAA and the CLC to have players sign away their likenesses and names to be used in video games without compensation. The players allege that in order to participate in NCAA sports they were required to sign a form allowing EA their likenesses in games, even after their college sports careers ended.

The federal judge previously dismissed other claims in the lawsuit, but denied EA's attempt to have an antitrust claim thrown out.

EA is facing more than a few lawsuits at the moment, but it did recently settle a two-year-old lawsuit with Activision, with as-yet undisclosed concessions from either side.

JoystiqFormer NCAA athletes' lawsuit against EA is so on originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>athletesclccollegedsEAElectronic-Artslawsuitlegalmadden-nfl-12microsoftncaanintendoplaystationps3pspsonysuewiixboxFri, 18 May 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Iron Maiden]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/rock-band-weekly-iron-maiden/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/rock-band-weekly-iron-maiden/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/rock-band-weekly-iron-maiden/#comments ImageThe "Maiden Epics" pack of Iron Maiden tunes coming to Rock Band next week has things that sound like they wouldn't be metal, but are, in fact, totally metal.

Like "Rime of the Ancient Mariner." Sounds like some old epic poem, right? Well, it is epic in that sense, as well as in the sense of being thirteen minutes long.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Iron Maiden

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Iron Maiden originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iron-maidenmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3rock-bandRock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxFri, 18 May 2012 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U patent shows off Wiimote-to-WiiPad pointing and dragging]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/wii-u-patent-shows-off-wiimote-to-wiipad-pointing-and-dragging/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/wii-u-patent-shows-off-wiimote-to-wiipad-pointing-and-dragging/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/wii-u-patent-shows-off-wiimote-to-wiipad-pointing-and-dragging/#comments ImageA patent filed by Nintendo in October of last year has just surfaced online, suggesting a neat feature for the Wii U. The patent outlines a feature in which the player can use the Wiimote to grab things from the television and transport them over to the Wii U tablet.

In the example provided, the player is under attack from a UFO and uses the Wiimote to move a character from the TV to the safety of the tablet. Sounds like an interesting feature, though we're not looking forward to taking a bath in radioactive liquid so we can grow that extra arm to use all this stuff.

JoystiqWii U patent shows off Wiimote-to-WiiPad pointing and dragging originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendopatentusptowii-uwiipadFri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Tennis Open review: Holding court]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/mario-tennis-open-review-holding-court/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/mario-tennis-open-review-holding-court/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/mario-tennis-open-review-holding-court/#comments ImageMario Tennis Open, like most of the Mushroom Kingdom's forays into the world of athletics, isn't really a sports game. All of the pieces are set in place to look like a tennis game, with a layer of Mario's signature whimsy on top, but the game itself is all rhythm and pattern recognition.

This simplicity makes it easy to pick up and play, with the unfortunate side effect of making it lose its challenge too quickly. It's a satisfying game and packs some exhilarating moments, but it exhausts its mechanics too soon.

Gallery: Mario Tennis Open (4/6/2012)

Continue reading Mario Tennis Open review: Holding court

JoystiqMario Tennis Open review: Holding court originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscamelot-softwaremario-tennis-3dsmario-tennis-opennintendoFri, 18 May 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rayman Origins finally makes it to 3DS on June 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/rayman-origins-finally-makes-it-to-3ds-on-june-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/rayman-origins-finally-makes-it-to-3ds-on-june-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/rayman-origins-finally-makes-it-to-3ds-on-june-5/#comments Image
The release of a 3DS Rayman Origins demo did indeed lead into a (new) release date announcement. According to the information in the eShop and in this trailer, the platformer will finally arrive on 3DS June 5, 2012.

That's a day after Ubisoft's E3 press conference, so Rayman Origins could potentially arrive on 3DS after the official announcement of its own sequel. Awkward!

Gallery: Rayman Origins (3DS)

JoystiqRayman Origins finally makes it to 3DS on June 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendoq2-2012rayman-originsrelease-dateThu, 17 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Rayman Origins demo, Kirby's Block Ball]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/nintendoware-weekly-rayman-origins-demo-kirbys-block-ball/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/nintendoware-weekly-rayman-origins-demo-kirbys-block-ball/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/nintendoware-weekly-rayman-origins-demo-kirbys-block-ball/#comments ImageIf you're looking for stuff to download for your Wii, just move along. There's nothing this week.

But on 3DS, Kirby's Block Ball brings classic mascot-based ... Breakout? And today is finally your opportunity to play Rayman Origins on 3DS. At least, in demo form. There's still no release date for the game itself.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Rayman Origins demo, Kirby's Block Ball

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Rayman Origins demo, Kirby's Block Ball originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsdsiwareeshopkirbys-block-ballnintendonintendoware-weeklyrayman-originsThu, 17 May 2012 14:00:00 EST