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[Jeremy McGrath's Offroad races to PSN, XBLA on June 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/jeremy-mcgraths-offroad-races-to-psn-xbla-on-june-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/jeremy-mcgraths-offroad-races-to-psn-xbla-on-june-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/jeremy-mcgraths-offroad-races-to-psn-xbla-on-june-27/#comments ImageYeah, so about that whole launch thing - Jeremy McGrath is pulling up to the starting line a lot later than expected. Jeremy McGrath's Offroad will launch on Xbox Live Arcade and PSN on June 27, for 800 MS Points ($10).

Jeremy McGrath's Offroad is developed by 2XL Games and being published by Reverb. 2XL has a lineage rooted in motorcross and offroad racing games, like Baja: Edge of Control.

Continue reading Jeremy McGrath's Offroad races to PSN, XBLA on June 27

JoystiqJeremy McGrath's Offroad races to PSN, XBLA on June 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2xl-gamesjeremy-mcgraths-offroadmicrosoftplaystationps3psnreverb-publishingxblaxboxWed, 30 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault is Insomniac's next PSN game, arriving this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ratchet-and-clank-full-frontal-assault-is-insomniacs-next-psn-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ratchet-and-clank-full-frontal-assault-is-insomniacs-next-psn-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ratchet-and-clank-full-frontal-assault-is-insomniacs-next-psn-ga/#comments ImageRatchet & Clank are heading once more into the space breach, this time waging a "Full Frontal Assault" against space crabs with gatling guns, it seems. Insomniac head (and general nice dude) Ted Price took to the US PlayStation Blog this afternoon to announce "Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault" for PlayStation Network, alongside plans to launch the game "this holiday season."

Aside from the artwork you see above and the logo we've dropped in the gallery below, Price offered few details on the game. He said it'll be a "fun-sized" R&C title (like Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty before it), and that the game will return to "the series' classic feel, camera, controls, and weapons, while innovating and giving you a whole new way to play." What that means is another question altogether. Price also said that the game will feature online co-op, but kept details similarly slim.

Gallery: Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault

JoystiqRatchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault is Insomniac's next PSN game, arriving this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>insomniacinsomniac-gamesplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnq3-2012q4-2012ratchet-and-clank-full-frontal-assaultrelease-dateted-priceWed, 30 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Resistance: Burning Skies, Gravity Rush demo, Rayman Origins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/psn-tuesday-resistance-burning-skies-gravity-rush-demo-rayma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/psn-tuesday-resistance-burning-skies-gravity-rush-demo-rayma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/psn-tuesday-resistance-burning-skies-gravity-rush-demo-rayma/#comments ImageWe hope you've kept your Vitas charged, because this week, there's stuff you can do with it. Resistance: Burning Skies is available on PSN, as is the demo for Gravity Rush. Try it and see what we were talking about!

Speaking of excellent games, Rayman Origins is now available digitally on PS3 for $29.99. It's joined by the PS2 party game Rayman Arena, which is ... maybe not quite the classic Origins is. See everything that's out today on the PlayStation Blog.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Resistance: Burning Skies, Gravity Rush demo, Rayman Origins originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitaps3psnpsn-tuesdayrayman-originsresistance-burning-skiesvitaWed, 30 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototype 2 'Excessive Force' DLC zombifies Alex Mercer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/prototype-2-excessive-force-dlc-zombifies-alex-mercer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/prototype-2-excessive-force-dlc-zombifies-alex-mercer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/prototype-2-excessive-force-dlc-zombifies-alex-mercer/#comments Image
Prototype 2's "Excessive Force" DLC pack is now available on Xbox Live and should hit PSN after today's update. The pack features a new weapon, three new powers and three new player skins (including a zombified Alex Mercer). The Excessive Force pack will set you back five bucks.

Continue reading Prototype 2 'Excessive Force' DLC zombifies Alex Mercer

JoystiqPrototype 2 'Excessive Force' DLC zombifies Alex Mercer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmicrosoftplaystationprototype-2ps3psnRadical-EntertainmentxboxXbox360Tue, 29 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Snapshot training amateur photogs on PS3 and Vita this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/snapshot-training-amateur-photogs-on-ps3-and-vita-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/snapshot-training-amateur-photogs-on-ps3-and-vita-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/snapshot-training-amateur-photogs-on-ps3-and-vita-this-fall/#comments Image
Snapshot isn't a new game, though this may be the first you've heard of it. Nope, Snapshot's been kicking around indie game festivals and such for quite some time (since at least 2009, if not earlier), though we now know that Snapshot's being developed for PSN on both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita.

In Snapshot, you follow a little robot named (appropriately enough), "Pic," as he ventures across a puzzle-filled 2D world. By snapping square photos of the environment, Pic can alter the world around him - "taking photographs of light and using it to interact with physics" and momentum-based puzzles are both given as examples of Snapshot's gameplay twist.

The game's a Sony exclusive (at least for now), with cross-platform save functionality built-in, and it's expected some time this fall. Check out the latest trailer just above - it's quite pretty!

Gallery: Snapshot (PS3/Vita)

JoystiqSnapshot training amateur photogs on PS3 and Vita this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitaps3psnretro-affectsnapshotvitaTue, 29 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN throws down some Ultimate Editions, slaps a sale on them]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/psn-throws-down-some-ultimate-editions-slaps-a-sale-on-them/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/psn-throws-down-some-ultimate-editions-slaps-a-sale-on-them/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/psn-throws-down-some-ultimate-editions-slaps-a-sale-on-them/#comments ImageThe PlayStation Network Ultimate Editions bundle games with all their existing DLC packs, and nine of these titles will be on sale today, May 29, through June 4. The Ultimate Editions are 30 percent off for normal PSN users, and 50 percent off for Plus members.

Titles on sale, bundled and ready to roll, include Red Dead Redemption for $28 ($20 for Plus members), L.A. Noire and BioShock 2 for the same price, Mortal Kombat for $35 ($25 for Plus members) and Black Ops for $66 ($48 for Plus members). Check out the Ultimate sale list on the PlayStation Blog.

JoystiqPSN throws down some Ultimate Editions, slaps a sale on them originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Call-of-Duty-Black-Opsplaystationplaystation-plusps-plusps3PSNsaleUltimate-EditionTue, 29 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Blitz tracks include Elton John, All-American Rejects, Iron Maiden, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/rock-band-blitz-tracks-include-elton-john-all-american-rejects/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/rock-band-blitz-tracks-include-elton-john-all-american-rejects/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/rock-band-blitz-tracks-include-elton-john-all-american-rejects/#comments
Harmonix has revealed some of the new tracks that will be headed to its controller-powered Rock Band Blitz. The list features plenty of variety, including Elton John's "I'm Still Standing," All-American Rejects' "Kids in the Street," Iron Maiden's "Wicker Man" and Fall Out Boy's "A Little Less Sixteen Candles." Living Colour has a track as well - we'll let you guess which one.

Harmonix has also released a short video explaining some of Blitz's power-ups. Check it out above, and find the partial track list after the break.

Continue reading Rock Band Blitz tracks include Elton John, All-American Rejects, Iron Maiden, more

JoystiqRock Band Blitz tracks include Elton John, All-American Rejects, Iron Maiden, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrock-band-blitzxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeMon, 28 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Rock of Ages users experiencing multiplayer connection issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/ps3-rock-of-ages-users-experiencing-multiplayer-connection-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/ps3-rock-of-ages-users-experiencing-multiplayer-connection-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/ps3-rock-of-ages-users-experiencing-multiplayer-connection-issue/#comments The situation is rocky for owners of the newly released PS3 version of Rock of Ages who are trying to play online. Or perhaps not rocky enough. In any case, users are reporting inability to join games created by friends, and freezes within multiplayer lobbies.

Ace Team is aware of the issue, and is currently trying to determine how widespread it is and how to address it. We're also checking in with publisher Atlus. In the meantime, Rock of Ages owners ... the single-player is fun!

[Thanks, DeviousRakun.]

JoystiqPS3 Rock of Ages users experiencing multiplayer connection issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-teamatlusplaystationps3psnrock-of-agesMon, 28 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection makes calculated moves to PSN on June 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection-makes-calculated-moves-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection-makes-calculated-moves-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection-makes-calculated-moves-t/#comments ImageOn June 26, Resident Evil: Chronicles HD launches on the PlayStation 3's PlayStation Network for $26.99, targeting those of us who own a PlayStation Move/PlayStation 3, are way into rail shooters, and didn't play the original versions of the Chronicles' games on Wii. That's a ridiculously specific group of people if you ask us.

Should you have played one of the two games that the collection comprises - The Umbrella Chronicles and The Darkside Chronicles - each game will be individually released for $14.99 a few weeks later on July 17.

Continue reading Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection makes calculated moves to PSN on June 26

JoystiqResident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection makes calculated moves to PSN on June 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnre-releaserelease-dateresident-evil-chronicles-hd-collectionFri, 25 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Cave opens up to adventurers in 2013, care of Ron Gilbert and Double Fine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-cave-opens-up-to-adventurers-in-2013-care-of-ron-gilbert-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-cave-opens-up-to-adventurers-in-2013-care-of-ron-gilbert-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-cave-opens-up-to-adventurers-in-2013-care-of-ron-gilbert-an/#comments
Double Fine and Sega have officially announced The Cave, a side-scrolling, multi-character adventure game coming to Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and PC in 2013. Led by Ron Gilbert, The Cave sees an eclectic cluster of impromptu spelunkers - including a scientist, a monk, a knight and a time traveler - finding their fortunes (and perhaps more) in the titular, mysterious and, err, "sultry" subterranean network. That's right: The Cave can speak.

The rest of the protagonists are silent, but up to three can venture into The Cave at a time. After picking your trio, you guide them all deeper into the seamless network of underground rooms, switching control between each to solve puzzles and exploit their unique abilities. The knight, for instance, can activate a guardian angel that protects him from flames and falls, while the hillbilly can hold his breath underwater forever. (Take that, Guybrush Threepwood!)

The game can be completed with any combination of characters, but certain endings and unique areas are locked to individual characters. Having the knight in your group, for example, will open up the medieval castle and its puzzles for play. And yes, there just happens to be a castle buried deep within in The Cave. With a "New Grog" vending machine (among other inharmonious objects) cropping up in the network's lower bowels, we think it's safe to say that Ron Gilbert's touch is evident throughout the game.

He also programmed the whole thing himself, we think. Probably.

Gallery: The Cave

JoystiqThe Cave opens up to adventurers in 2013, care of Ron Gilbert and Double Fine originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013double-finemicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnrelease-dateron-gilbertsegathe-cavexblaxboxThu, 24 May 2012 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN scheduled maintenance tomorrow, some apps to be down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/psn-scheduled-maintenance-tomorrow-some-apps-to-be-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/psn-scheduled-maintenance-tomorrow-some-apps-to-be-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/psn-scheduled-maintenance-tomorrow-some-apps-to-be-down/#comments ImageThe following is a PSA for all the PSN users out there, calibrated in PSI and utilizing linguistic psychology: The PlayStation Network is undergoing scheduled maintenance on Thursday, May 24, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. PDT.

The PlayStation Store and PlayStation Home may not be accessible during this time, but online play and other apps such as Netflix and Amazon Instant will run as normal, provided you've signed into the network at least five days prior to Thursday. This means do it now if you have big PSN plans tomorrow.

JoystiqPSN scheduled maintenance tomorrow, some apps to be down originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maintenanceplaystationplaystation-homePlayStation-NetworkPlayStation-Storeps3psaPSNscheduled-maintenanceWed, 23 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scourge: Outbreak spreads to PSN, XBLA, Mac this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/scourge-outbreak-spreads-to-psn-xbla-mac-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/scourge-outbreak-spreads-to-psn-xbla-mac-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/scourge-outbreak-spreads-to-psn-xbla-mac-this-summer/#comments ImageTragnarion Studios, who you may (may!) remember from the DS game Doodle Hex, is working on a futuristic third-person shooter for XBLA, PSN (PS3), and Mac. Yes, those are the correct platforms.

Scourge: Outbreak introduces the "Echo Squad," a group of mercenaries hired to take out the Nogari Corporation, conveniently located on Nogari Island. Four players can team up to infiltrate the "alien-infested facilities," locate a double agent, destroy the Nogari, and gain control of the "Ambrosia" power source. Functionally, this means co-op shooting, with story segments coming through as flashbacks from the four separate characters.

Scourge: Outbreak will allow players to stop both the scourge and the outbreak this Q3, "later this summer."

Gallery: Scourge: Outbreak (Screens and Character Art 5/22/12)

Continue reading Scourge: Outbreak spreads to PSN, XBLA, Mac this summer

JoystiqScourge: Outbreak spreads to PSN, XBLA, Mac this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmicrosoftplaystationps3psnscourge-outbreaktragnarion-studiosxblaxboxTue, 22 May 2012 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Sorcery, Doctor Who]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/psn-tuesday-sorcery-doctor-who/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/psn-tuesday-sorcery-doctor-who/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/psn-tuesday-sorcery-doctor-who/#comments ImageSorcery arrives on PSN today, allowing players to turn their PlayStation Moves into magic wands that only work within their televisions. It's joined by Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock, about a man who wields a sonic screwdriver, which is basically a magic wand powered by pseudoscience, and Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition, about people who can toss magic projectiles sans wand.

Both PSOne Classics (Alone in the Dark New Nightmare) and PS2 classics (Need for Speed: Most Wanted, Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain) are available on PS3 today, along with a mess of old Sega games.

Meanwhile, on Vita, Table Top Tanks provides AR tank battles.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Sorcery, Doctor Who originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doctor-who-the-eternity-clockplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psnpsn-tuesdaypspsonysorcerytable-top-tanksvitaTue, 22 May 2012 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 1 and 2 discover PSN on June 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/uncharted-1-and-2-discover-psn-on-june-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/uncharted-1-and-2-discover-psn-on-june-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/uncharted-1-and-2-discover-psn-on-june-26/#comments Nathan Drake's first two Uncharted adventures will be digitally distributed on the PlayStation Network starting next month. On June 26, both Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Game of the Year Edition will be available in boxless form. Oddly, Sony has announced no price for the digital copies as a set nor individually.

On that note, it should be mentioned that the Uncharted Greatest Hits Dual Pack, which includes the first two games in the series, is available at retailers and online for a suggested retail price of $40.

Gallery: Uncharted 2 - Siege Expansion Pack

JoystiqUncharted 1 and 2 discover PSN on June 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3PSNPSN-StoreUnchartedUncharted-2Uncharted-2-Among-ThievesTue, 22 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Twister combines strategy, board games, and swiveling on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/dungeon-twister-combines-strategy-board-games-and-swiveling-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/dungeon-twister-combines-strategy-board-games-and-swiveling-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/dungeon-twister-combines-strategy-board-games-and-swiveling-on/#comments Image
Kind of a turn-based strategy game, kind of a board game, Hydravision's upcoming PS3 download release Dungeon Twister is loaded with instability - as a feature, not a bug. Two players control teams of eight adventurers, each with different abilities, and try to capture areas of a maze-like dungeon. It's based on a board game (but not the Twister we normally associate with board games, which could theoretically be played in a dungeon).

Upon seizing control of a segment, players can then rotate the area, opening new avenues for themselves and confounding their opponents (or leading directly into traps). The goal is either to escape or defeat your opponent.

Dungeon Twister will take turns on PSN this summer.

JoystiqDungeon Twister combines strategy, board games, and swiveling on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-twisterhydravisionplaystationps3psnMon, 21 May 2012 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega Vintage Collections dumping lots of old games on PSN and XBLA next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/sega-vintage-collections-dumping-lots-of-old-games-on-psn-and-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/sega-vintage-collections-dumping-lots-of-old-games-on-psn-and-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/sega-vintage-collections-dumping-lots-of-old-games-on-psn-and-xb/#comments ImageWay, way more Master System and Genesis games are on the way to PS3 and Xbox, including the long-awaited release of Monster World IV. Sega announced the next few "Vintage Collections," which will be sold individually on PSN and in bundles on XBLA.

For XBLA, the Monster World Collection brings together Wonder Boy in Monster Land (arcade) and Wonder Boy in Monster World and MWIV for Genesis on May 23. On May 30, Golden Axe's arcade original joins Golden Axe 2 & 3 on Genesis, concurrent with a three-volume Streets of Rage Collection. The collections sell for 800 MSP each.

Meanwhile, PSN will see all of those Wonder Boys, Super Hang-On (arcade), Revenge of Shinobi, and Alex Kidd in Miracle World on May 22, for $5 each.

JoystiqSega Vintage Collections dumping lots of old games on PSN and XBLA next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3psnsegasega-vintage-collectionsega-vintage-collection-3xblaxboxFri, 18 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Techland's Mad Riders touches down on PSN May 29, XBLA/PC on May 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/techlands-mad-riders-touches-down-on-psn-may-29-xbla-pc-on-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/techlands-mad-riders-touches-down-on-psn-may-29-xbla-pc-on-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/techlands-mad-riders-touches-down-on-psn-may-29-xbla-pc-on-may/#comments Image
If you've somehow managed to get your fill of Trials Evolution's dusty peaks and valleys already, Techland's latest, Mad Riders, may be perfect for you. And hey, the game is set to launch on May 30 according to the latest trailer. That's pretty soon!

Like Trials before it, Mad Riders is a digital-only title, but unlike Trials, it's not limited to a single console (Mad Riders is headed to PSN, XBLA, and PC). It'll be available one day earlier for PSN users on May 29, and May 30 on XBLA and PC, but it'll cost the same on all three: a cool $10. Techland describes that as "an awesome game for the price of a pizza," though we'd warn the studio against devaluing its games as such. What kind of pizza are you gonna get for $10? Terrible pizza, that's what!

JoystiqTechland's Mad Riders touches down on PSN May 29, XBLA/PC on May 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hastemad-ridersmicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnq2-2012release-datetechlandubisoftxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeFri, 18 May 2012 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Sorcery kicks off new pre-purchase functionality on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/sorcery-kicks-off-new-pre-purchase-functionality-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/sorcery-kicks-off-new-pre-purchase-functionality-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/sorcery-kicks-off-new-pre-purchase-functionality-on-psn/#comments Who has time to accumulate cash then wait for a game to launch before actually paying for it? In this work-a-day world, we need to prepare for such things; we need lead time. And if you're of a similar mind, it may please you to know that Sorcery will be the first game to kick off a new pre-purchase feature on PSN.

Right now, you can log onto PSN and pay for Sorcery, triggering a download granted you have auto-download enabled. Once you have the game pre-loaded, you can play as soon as Sorcery launches next week on May 22.

Sorcery is the only game you can pre-purchase through PSN right now. We've inquired with Sony about future games.

JoystiqSorcery kicks off new pre-purchase functionality on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>moveplaystationplaystation-vitapre-loadpre-orderpre-purchaseps3psnpspsonysorceryvitaFri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Snapshot: Datura (PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/snapshot-datura-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/snapshot-datura-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/snapshot-datura-ps3/#comments There are so many games out there we couldn't possibly review them all. Welcome to Snapshot, where we highlight games that might fall outside our usual coverage but are still something we think you should know about. Today: Datura for PS3.
Standing amongst fallen leaves in an unknown forest, a face stares at me from the side of a tree. It's not a real face, of course, only a mask. Expending considerable effort, I pry the mask from the tree, revealing a hollow behind it. Housed within the hollow is a small pickaxe. Upon grasping the handle, I black out.

I wake up in the middle of a frozen wasteland. Crawling along the hard surface, I clear away some snow with my forearm, exposing the ice underneath. It's not a wasteland at all; it's a lake. Beneath the ice is a golden chalice. A noise from behind prompts me to clear away more snow, exposing a horror underneath: A woman is trapped below the ice, and she's still alive.

The pickaxe still rests in my hand, so I immediately go to work, chipping away as the woman squirms against the surface. My heart pounds as the axe falls again and again, slowly cracking the ice. Finally, the ice gives way - directly beneath me - and I tumble into the chilly abyss, sinking down as I watch the light of sky recede into nothingness. Again, I awake in the forest, the mask in my hand, which I quickly discard.

This is a moment pulled directly from Datura. Did I do something wrong? Something right? I haven't got a clue.

Continue reading Snapshot: Datura (PS3)

JoystiqSnapshot: Datura (PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daturamoveplasticplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnsnapshotThu, 17 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock lands on PSN May 23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/doctor-who-the-eternity-clock-lands-on-psn-may-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/doctor-who-the-eternity-clock-lands-on-psn-may-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/doctor-who-the-eternity-clock-lands-on-psn-may-23/#comments ImageLike the TARDIS, the PS3 is "bigger on the inside," capable of holding an entirely new Doctor Who adventure within its slim casing. The BBC announced today that Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock will be released "globally" on PlayStation Network Wednesday, May 23, and in UK retail the following Friday. "We really appreciate your patience as we've been making sure the game is perfect for all you eager fans," said executive producer Simon Harris, referencing the two-month delay of the game, which made the title unfortunately ironic.

The brief announcement on the PlayStation Blog did not offer any release dates for the announced PC or PlayStation Vita versions. It also doesn't tell us if the game will finally reveal the fate of the Doctor's daughter Samantha.

JoystiqDoctor Who: The Eternity Clock lands on PSN May 23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doctor-who-the-eternity-clockplaystationps3psnq2-2012release-dateWed, 16 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[I Am Alive tops April 2012 PSN downloads; Escape Plan still atop PS Vita list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-am-alive-tops-april-2012-psn-downloads-escape-plan-still-atop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-am-alive-tops-april-2012-psn-downloads-escape-plan-still-atop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-am-alive-tops-april-2012-psn-downloads-escape-plan-still-atop/#comments The full PlayStation downloads list for April - as opposed to the sneak peek we got thanks to Pulse earlier this month, where the list is not segregated by platform - has been released and Ubisoft's I Am Alive was indeed the top download. On the PS3 and PSN list, thatgamecompany's Journey followed Ubisoft's long-awaited title. Reverge Labs' debut Skullgirls managed to snag the third spot.

On the PS Vita side, Escape Plan continued to dominate - no surprise since there's not much else for the PS Vita right now, though that changes today. Modern Warfare 3's Content Collection #1 drop on PSN also did well, topping out the PS3 add-on category. Finally, Final Fantasy VII was the top PSOne Classic, but then again you already knew that because it's always Final Fantasy VII.

JoystiqI Am Alive tops April 2012 PSN downloads; Escape Plan still atop PS Vita list originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3escape-plani-am-alivejourneymoveplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psnpsn-downloadspspskullgirlssonyvitaWed, 16 May 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft sale on PSN has some big titles at tiny prices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/ubisoft-sale-on-psn-has-some-big-titles-at-tiny-prices/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/ubisoft-sale-on-psn-has-some-big-titles-at-tiny-prices/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/ubisoft-sale-on-psn-has-some-big-titles-at-tiny-prices/#comments ImageUbisoft is celebrating the gorgeous, inviting weather of May with a sale on PSN titles designed to keep you indoors for days. Today through May 22, a large Ubisoft lineup is 30 percent off for standard PSN users and 50 percent off for PlayStation Plus members.

Titles include Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, Scott Pilgrim, Prince of Persia Classic Trilogy HD and Far Cry 2, among other full games and DLC packs. Check out the full list and prices below, you hermit.

Continue reading Ubisoft sale on PSN has some big titles at tiny prices

JoystiqUbisoft sale on PSN has some big titles at tiny prices originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-plusps3PSNsalescott-pilgrim-vs-the-worldUbisoftTue, 15 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Finally, you can play Cho Aniki Zero on your Vita (finally!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/finally-you-can-play-cho-aniki-zero-on-your-vita-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/finally-you-can-play-cho-aniki-zero-on-your-vita-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/finally-you-can-play-cho-aniki-zero-on-your-vita-finally/#comments ImageGrandma sure did like playing Rainbow Six: Vegas on that old PSP when you'd make your weekly homage for family dinner, didn't she? "Blap! Blap! Blap!" she'd shout. And things really haven't been the same since you traded up to a Vita, what with its lack of support for many PSP titles. We understand.

Thankfully, so does Sony. This morning, the US PlayStation blog announced today's launch of several PSP games on the Vita (including Grandma's fave), as well as a variety of PSP Minis (full list after the break). As usual, if you already own the games digitally for your PSP, all you'll have to do is re-download the files to your PSN-tied Vita. If not, well, you'll have to pony up some virtual cash.

Interestingly, Sony also mentioned "improved playability" for some titles beyond the up-res'd graphics - we're checking to see what exactly that means. The line has since been removed from Sony's blog post.

Continue reading Finally, you can play Cho Aniki Zero on your Vita (finally!)

JoystiqFinally, you can play Cho Aniki Zero on your Vita (finally!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitapsnpspRainbow-Six-VegassonyumdvitaTue, 15 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PixelJunk 4am launch trailer is here to inspire you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/pixeljunk-4am-launch-trailer-is-here-to-inspire-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/pixeljunk-4am-launch-trailer-is-here-to-inspire-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/pixeljunk-4am-launch-trailer-is-here-to-inspire-you/#comments Image
PixelJunk 4am arrives on PlayStation Network this week, allowing any Move owner to turn his or her living room into an audiovisual, experimental performance space and look just ... almost ... okay, nowhere near as cool as Baiyon doing it. There are still some things that require a professional.

JoystiqPixelJunk 4am launch trailer is here to inspire you originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>movepixeljunk-4amplaystationps3psnTue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free DLC brings Arkham Asylum into Gotham City Impostors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/free-dlc-brings-arkham-asylum-into-gotham-city-impostors/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/free-dlc-brings-arkham-asylum-into-gotham-city-impostors/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/free-dlc-brings-arkham-asylum-into-gotham-city-impostors/#comments Image
Prepare to be slightly, mildly confused. Gotham City Impostors, the non-Batman Batman game, is getting a free map based on Arkham Asylum, setting for a different recent Batman game. There's probably a way we could present that information that would be confusing, like "Batman game to be set in Arkham Asylum" or "You've never been to Arkham in this Batman game" but really it's not a big deal. Can you tell we started this post planning to play up the confusion angle and then stopped ourselves?

Speaking of confusion, this free map launched on the North American PSN last week by accident, in place of the Rodeo Pirate Pack. It will launch as planned on Xbox May 16, and PC at an unspecified date soon after.

JoystiqFree DLC brings Arkham Asylum into Gotham City Impostors originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkham-asylumdlcgotham-city-impostorsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnxblaxboxMon, 14 May 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown due June 5 on PSN, June 6 on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/virtua-fighter-5-final-showdown-due-june-5-on-psn-june-6-on-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/virtua-fighter-5-final-showdown-due-june-5-on-psn-june-6-on-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/virtua-fighter-5-final-showdown-due-june-5-on-psn-june-6-on-xbl/#comments Image
We can't see the title of the new XBLA/PSN release of Virtua Fighter 5 and not think of "The Final Countdown." And now, we are in the final countdown before Final Showdown's release. Sega announced today that the 3D fighter will arrive on PSN June 5 and on XBLA June 6.

Should you want to make the delightfully budget-priced fighter less budget-priced, the release will be accompanied by a bunch of character customization DLC. Individual character packs (containing "600-950" items!) will be released for $5/400 MS Points; or you can buy two bundle packs (one with 9 characters' items and one with 10) for $15/1,200 points, also on release day.

Continue reading Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown due June 5 on PSN, June 6 on XBLA

JoystiqVirtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown due June 5 on PSN, June 6 on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3psnq2-2012release-datesegavirtua-fighter-5-final-showdownxblaxboxMon, 14 May 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's 'Arctic Strike' DLC due in July]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ghost-recon-future-soldiers-arctic-strike-dlc-due-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ghost-recon-future-soldiers-arctic-strike-dlc-due-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ghost-recon-future-soldiers-arctic-strike-dlc-due-in-july/#comments ImageGhost Recon: Future Soldier's future soldiers had better bundle up, as Ubisoft's just-announced "Arctic Strike" DLC sounds like it'll require more than just a camouflaged windbreaker when it arrives on July 3. The DLC runs 800 MS Points or $10 on 360 and PS3 (respectively), and the PC version ... well, it seems not to exist. We've asked Ubi what's up with that.

The pack contains an unknown number of multiplayer maps, a new co-op "Guerrilla Mode" map, six new weapons, and an additional multiplayer mode. Ubi unfortunately hasn't shown anything of the content aside from the single image you see above, but presumably we'll hear more after the game's launch.

Continue reading Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's 'Arctic Strike' DLC due in July

JoystiqGhost Recon: Future Soldier's 'Arctic Strike' DLC due in July originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arctic-strikedlcdownloadable-contentGhost-Recon-Future-Soldiermicrosoftplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnubisoftxboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceFri, 11 May 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[You did a great job making Jet Set Radio graffiti]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-did-a-great-job-making-jet-set-radio-graffiti/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-did-a-great-job-making-jet-set-radio-graffiti/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-did-a-great-job-making-jet-set-radio-graffiti/#comments Image
There is, strictly speaking, new content to be found in the HD update of Jet Set Radio. It's limited to user-created graffiti designs, but it's new content nonetheless! In the video above, Sega introduces the winning designs in its graffiti contest, all of which look like legitimate graffiti designs and not just Rage Comics and QR codes linking to petitions about Sonic voice actors.

We're sure those were submitted - they just didn't win.

JoystiqYou did a great job making Jet Set Radio graffiti originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestgraffitijet-grind-radiojet-set-radiomicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnsegaxblaxboxFri, 11 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[I Am Alive tops April PSN downloads, just one Vita game charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/i-am-alive-tops-april-psn-downloads-just-one-vita-game-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/i-am-alive-tops-april-psn-downloads-just-one-vita-game-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/i-am-alive-tops-april-psn-downloads-just-one-vita-game-charts/#comments ImageUbisoft's post-apocalypse third-person-survivor I Am Alive apparently struck a chord with PlayStation 3 owners last month, topping the PlayStation Network's download charts for April 2012, even edging out March's big PSN release, Journey.

The Walking Dead's game adaptation from Telltale managed more than a shambling start as well, taking up two spots on the top 10 with the season pass and first episode in third and fifth place, respectively. Just one Vita title landed on the list, Escape Plan, in the number 10 spot. All of this information - and more! - can be found in the latest PlayStation "Pulse" video, which we've dropped just below the break.

Continue reading I Am Alive tops April PSN downloads, just one Vita game charts

JoystiqI Am Alive tops April PSN downloads, just one Vita game charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escape-plani-am-alivejourneyplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitaps3psnpulsetelltale-gamesthat-game-companythatgamecompanythe-walking-deadtop-10ubisoftvitaWed, 09 May 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/prototype-2-mutates-with-fresh-dlc-ios-and-android-companion-ap/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/prototype-2-mutates-with-fresh-dlc-ios-and-android-companion-ap/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/prototype-2-mutates-with-fresh-dlc-ios-and-android-companion-ap/#comments Causing mass destruction is easily the best part of Prototype 2, and a new batch of DLC should help you do that with a little more panache. The "Colossal Mayhem" pack adds a number of new goodies, including a "Thermobaric Boom-Stick" weapon and a number of new powers and skins for Heller, the game's protagonist. The pack is available now for $5 on PSN and Xbox Live.

The next round of DLC, available May 29, has already been announced as well. The "Excessive Force" pack will include a "Viral Infector" grenade launcher and yet more powers and skins. It will also sell for $5.

In other Prototype 2 news, a companion app has been released for Android and iOS. The app allows users to keep track of achievements and in-game collectible thanks to some handy maps that have all collectibles marked. The app itself is free, though it only includes one map, the Yellow Zone. The remaining two maps can be purchased for $2.

Continue reading Prototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps

JoystiqPrototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionandroiddlciosiphonemicrosoftmobileplaystationprototype-2ps3psnRadical-Entertainmentxboxxbox-liveWed, 09 May 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[All Starhawk map packs free in response to divisive Warhawk content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/all-starhawk-map-packs-free-in-response-to-divisive-warhawk-cont/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/all-starhawk-map-packs-free-in-response-to-divisive-warhawk-cont/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/all-starhawk-map-packs-free-in-response-to-divisive-warhawk-cont/#comments ImageAll of Starhawk's future downloadable map packs will be free, Dylan Jobe, president of Lightbox Interactive, has announced. Writing on PlayStation Blog, Jobe noted that the paid downloadable content divided the Warhawk community with every expansion, and "after we released three expansions, our player community was pretty fractured."

Lightbox hopes to remedy that this time around by making all map packs free. Jobe added that there is still paid DLC in the works, though Lightbox is "still playing around with what that will be." The studio is already working on the first map pack, which will include the planet Cypress, pictured in the early concept art above.

JoystiqAll Starhawk map packs free in response to divisive Warhawk content originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlclightbox-interactiveplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnstarhawkTue, 08 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Datura, PixelJunk sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/psn-tuesday-datura-pixeljunk-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/psn-tuesday-datura-pixeljunk-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/psn-tuesday-datura-pixeljunk-sale/#comments If you like atmospheric adventure games starring a disembodied hand, you'd best swing by the PlayStation Store to see Datura. It leads Sony's weekly content dump today, and is joined by the PixelJunk series sale and full PS3 game trials for Saints Row: The Third and Need for Speed The Run.

And if you're a PS Plus member, don't forget to snag all of your May freebies. The full list of this week's content can be found over on the PlayStation Blog.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Datura, PixelJunk sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daturamovepixeljunk-saleplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psnpsn-storepsn-tuesdaypspsonyvitaTue, 08 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD lands on Xbox Live and PSN in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/tony-hawks-pro-skater-hd-lands-on-xbox-live-and-psn-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/tony-hawks-pro-skater-hd-lands-on-xbox-live-and-psn-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/tony-hawks-pro-skater-hd-lands-on-xbox-live-and-psn-in-june/#comments Robomodo's Unreal Engine-powered remake Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD will drop in on Xbox Live and PSN this June, Tony Hawk himself has revealed. He took to Twitter to announce the launch window, as he is wont to do.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD is a remake featuring select levels from the first two games, which originally debuted on the PSOne. Tony has said that, depending on the HD remake's reception, we could see other past levels added - Hawk even envisions Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD as a platform for completely new content.

JoystiqTony Hawk's Pro Skater HD lands on Xbox Live and PSN in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrelease-daterobomodotony-hawktony-hawk-pro-skater-hdtony-hawks-pro-skater-hdxboxxbox-liveTue, 08 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jam Live Music Arcade launches the week of May 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/jam-live-music-arcade-launches-the-week-of-may-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/jam-live-music-arcade-launches-the-week-of-may-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/jam-live-music-arcade-launches-the-week-of-may-16/#comments
Those dusty, old, cobweb-ridden, spider-infested peripheral instruments collecting mold and animal dander in your living room corner may soon see some use, as Zivix and Reverb Publishing's Jam Live Music Arcade is now set to pump up your 360/PS3's jams and/or volume sometime during the week of May 16.

If you made the space-saving decision to rid your apartment of its plastic instruments long ago, you'll still be able to remix tracks from the likes of Atmosphere and Rise Against with a conventional controller. We suppose wearing a giant homemade Deadmau5 mask is also optional, if you can really consider it proper music production without one.

Continue reading Jam Live Music Arcade launches the week of May 16

JoystiqJam Live Music Arcade launches the week of May 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jam-live-music-arcademicrosoftplaystationps3PSNrelease-datereverb-publishingXBLAxboxzivixSat, 05 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rainbow Moon fleshed out with new trailer, screens, system details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/rainbow-moon-fleshed-out-with-new-trailer-screens-system-detai/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/rainbow-moon-fleshed-out-with-new-trailer-screens-system-detai/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/rainbow-moon-fleshed-out-with-new-trailer-screens-system-detai/#comments
Besides being chock full of explosions, meteors and a charmingly tiny boat, this latest trailer for Rainbow Moon also demonstrates the isometric PSN-exclusive RPG's various systems, which as we all know are the most important parts of any RPG. Well, at least as important as the inclusion of a tiny boat, at any rate.

The game's battle system straddles the line between "new" and "classic" by implementing old-school ideas (like a grid-based combat map) and counter balancing them with more modern concepts (like optional random encounters), according to a PlayStation Blog post by SideQuest Studios' CEO Marcus Pukropski. Players will have access to "over 120" different skills for use in battle against "100 different enemies from 17 classes."

Despite the trailer's high-octane vibe, combat is said to be a "no stress, no chaos" affair in which players have time to properly strategize their next move. Rainbow Moon should be available on the PlayStation Network in "just a few weeks."

Gallery: Rainbow Moon (PSN)

JoystiqRainbow Moon fleshed out with new trailer, screens, system details originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eastasiasoftplaystationps3PSNrainbow-moonsidequest-studiosFri, 04 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Might and Delight 'renting' XBLA spot to sell Pid there]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/might-and-delight-renting-xbla-spot-to-sell-pid-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/might-and-delight-renting-xbla-spot-to-sell-pid-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/might-and-delight-renting-xbla-spot-to-sell-pid-there/#comments ImagePid is a new platformer being put together by Might and Delight, and when it arrives, it'll be available on PSN, Steam, and XBLA. But while Might and Delight will be self-publishing on PSN and Steam (because both platforms have plans in place for devs to do that), it won't be self-publishing on the Xbox Live Arcade. They won't have another publisher, either -- instead, Might and Delight is "renting" an XBLA game slot.

The PA Report explains how it all works: When Microsoft agrees to allow devs to publish on XBLA, those devs get a set number of slots to sell games with. Not all of the publishers who get these slots use them and some of those publishers are now selling their slots, usually for a share of the game's profits, to other developers. That's the case with Pid: Might and Delight is "borrowing" another publisher's game slot and in return sharing part of Pid's profits.

Anyone publishing a game on XBLA needs to give Microsoft a cut of the profits as well, so both Microsoft and the publisher are taking money away from Might and Delight here. But on the plus side, Might and Delight doesn't need to make a traditional publishing deal at all, so there's no issue with exclusivity or long-term rights. If the game does well, they're much more likely to make sure they see the rewards directly.

JoystiqMight and Delight 'renting' XBLA spot to sell Pid there originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmight-and-delightpidpsnpublishingrentself-publishingspotsteamxblaxboxWed, 02 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Understanding The Legend of Dragoon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/understanding-the-legend-of-dragoon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/understanding-the-legend-of-dragoon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/understanding-the-legend-of-dragoon/#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.
Image
The year 2000 was incredible for console RPGs developed in Japan. I'm sitting here looking at the list, and so many pantheon level games jump out at me. Final Fantasy IX, Chrono Cross, Vagrant Story, Front Mission 3, Valkyrie Profile and Super Robot Taisen Alpha (the first of the franchise's "modern" entries) all came out that year. There's also Legend of Dragoon, Sony's erstwhile attempt to piggyback on the success of SquareSoft. And as it happens, it hit the PSN this week.

The impending arrival of The Legend of Dragoon has brought with it a wave of nostalgia from some very vocal fans; and boy, they will not brook any criticism of their favorite game. Just look at what happened when 1UP asked why they should care about Legend of Dragoon: blanket proclamations that it's the PS1's most underrated RPG, and by the way, a true classic.

Was it though? Have we all somehow overlooked a true gem of a JRPG? I don't think so. I would take every one of the RPGs I listed in the introduction over Legend of Dragoon. I do, however, think that Legend of Dragoon has its place in RPG history.

Continue reading Understanding The Legend of Dragoon

JoystiqUnderstanding The Legend of Dragoon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Legend-of-DragoonplaystationPlayStation-Networkps3PSNpsone-classicsSCEISony-Computer-EntertainmentWed, 02 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Unfinished Swan is 'Whitespace' with more color, swans and wonder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/the-unfinished-swan-is-whitespace-with-more-color-swans-and-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/the-unfinished-swan-is-whitespace-with-more-color-swans-and-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/the-unfinished-swan-is-whitespace-with-more-color-swans-and-w/#comments Image
Like thatgamecompany before it, The Unfinished Swan dev team is being pseudo internalized by Sony in order to complete a PSN game exclusively. In so many words, the folks at Giant Sparrow got set up with "office space, equipment, and advice," in exchange for creating a PS3-exclusive title - the title in question being The Unfinished Swan.

But wait, haven't we seen a first-person painting game before? Why yes, yes we have ... way back in 2008 when it was still named "Whitespace." Holy moly! Giant Sparrow apparently signed a deal with Sony some time in the past few years and have been plugging away on The Unfinished Swan ever since. The team's first goal: establishing a story for their neat tech demo.

"The idea of painting a white world is pretty abstract. You could make all kinds of different games about that," creative director Ian Dallas admits on the PlayStation blog. What his team found most interesting, however, was crafting a tale around the "sense of wonder" the world gave them. "After splatting stuff for a few months we realized what we liked most about it was the sense of wonder it created. We liked not knowing what was out there." As such, The Unfinished Swan now follows the tale of "a boy named Monroe who's chasing after a swan ... the swan stepped out of a painting and has wandered off into a surreal, unfinished world."

Beyond the basic story trappings and painting mechanic, Dallas promises, "the painting a white world stuff is actually just the first 15 minutes." But then what? "After that, things get really weird." Well, OK then!

The Unfinished Swan has no release window just yet, but will eventually launch exclusively on the PlayStation 3's digital network.

JoystiqThe Unfinished Swan is 'Whitespace' with more color, swans and wonder originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplaygiant-sparrowian-dallasplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnthe-unfinished-swanwhitespaceWed, 02 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's how to play Awesomenauts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/heres-how-to-play-awesomenauts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/heres-how-to-play-awesomenauts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/heres-how-to-play-awesomenauts/#comments Image
This latest trailer from Ronimo Games and dtp entertainment runs through the basics of a match of Awesomenauts, imparting crucial wisdom by letting the viewer live vicariously through the experiences of a hyper-stereotypical cowboy caricature named Lonestar.

JoystiqHere's how to play Awesomenauts originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomenautsdtp-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3PSNronimo-gamesXBLAxboxSat, 28 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey Without Words]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/journey-without-words/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/journey-without-words/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/journey-without-words/#commentsYou're reading Reaction Time, a new 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.
I'm not sure I've seen anyone describe Journey as a well written game. It's praised as an earnest, emotionally stirring masterpiece, and a subtle success that nearly denigrates other games just by existing alongside them. But the topic of writing in games is often confined to scripts, spectacle and whatever is said in a cutscene, and Journey doesn't have any of that. If you completed it, you'll probably agree: There are no words.

As I wandered through an orange-hued desert, coming dangerously close to outright frolicking, I noticed a figure striding into distant view. Here I met another nameless nomad, and one that shared my appreciation of tasteful, unfettered fabrics. A friend? Another traveler compelled to reach the mysterious obelisk at the center of the world? "Would u like 2 work 2gether," he said in a text bubble. "I know how 2 get 2 the mountain and beat the game."

Continue reading Journey Without Words

JoystiqJourney Without Words originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jenova-chenjourneyplaystationps3psnreaction-timethatgamecompanyFri, 27 Apr 2012 15:07:00 EST