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[PS2 and PSP SOCOM servers shutting down at the end of August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ps2-and-psp-socom-servers-shutting-down-at-the-end-of-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ps2-and-psp-socom-servers-shutting-down-at-the-end-of-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ps2-and-psp-socom-servers-shutting-down-at-the-end-of-august/#comments ImageAmazingly, Zipper Interactive servers for SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs have continued to be active since the game's original debut on the PlayStation 2 in 2002, meaning that crazy people dedicated fans with online adapter-equipped PS2s have been able to keep playing for nearly 10 years. Now though, since Zipper Interactive doesn't exist anymore and everything, the servers for four PS2 SOCOM games and four PSP SOCOM titles will be taken offline at the end of August.

PlayStation 2 SOCOMs I, II, and III (as well as SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault) will be going dark, as will the PSP various SOCOM titles, Fireteam Bravo (I, II and III) and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strke.

If this outage affects your regular gaming routine, we offer our most sincere condolences. Also, we'd like to point out that many thousands of games have been released since 2002, some of which you might enjoy. Perhaps this will be a good opportunity to go check some of 'em out?

JoystiqPS2 and PSP SOCOM servers shutting down at the end of August originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>offlineplaystationplaystation-2PS2pspSCESCEAserverssocom-2-us-navy-sealssocom-3-us-navy-sealssocom-fireteam-bravosocom-fireteam-bravo-2socom-fireteam-bravo-3socom-us-navy-sealssocom-us-navy-seals-combined-assaultsocom-us-navy-seals-tactical-strikesonyZipper-InteractiveWed, 30 May 2012 23:59:00 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[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...

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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[New Gungnir screens show off battle scenes, dialogue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/new-gungnir-screens-show-off-battle-scenes-dialogue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/new-gungnir-screens-show-off-battle-scenes-dialogue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/new-gungnir-screens-show-off-battle-scenes-dialogue/#comments ImageNew screens from the upcoming strategy RPG game Gungnir show in-game battles and dialogue. The Sting-developed title will launch on June 12 for PSP.

Continue reading New Gungnir screens show off battle scenes, dialogue

JoystiqNew Gungnir screens show off battle scenes, dialogue originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlusdept-heavengungnirplaystationpspsonyStingSun, 27 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WizOrb coming to PlayStation Minis this June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/wizorb-coming-to-playstation-minis-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/wizorb-coming-to-playstation-minis-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/wizorb-coming-to-playstation-minis-this-june/#comments Image
Generally, having a magical wizard in your pocket would either be incredibly uncomfortable for one (or both) of you, or prohibitively expensive. Wizard upkeep costs an arm and a leg as it is, and with the money you'd spend on the reagents needed to concoct a shrinking potion, you could buy an entire mage. It's a pain, and usually not worth it.

There's is, however, a more humane, cost effective solution on the horizon. WizOrb, the pixelated, chiptuned indie block-breaking/RPG hybrid from Beatshapers and Tribute Games will smash through geometrically perfect arrangements of blocks and onto your friendly neighborhood PS3, PSP and/or Vita next month, when it launches as a $3.99 PlayStation Mini.

Gallery: WizOrb (PlayStation Minis launch)

JoystiqWizOrb coming to PlayStation Minis this June originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beatshapersplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonytribute-gamesvitaSat, 26 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MonkeyPaw on the educational upside of Class of Heroes 2 Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/monkeypaw-on-the-educational-upside-of-class-of-heroes-2-kicksta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/monkeypaw-on-the-educational-upside-of-class-of-heroes-2-kicksta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/monkeypaw-on-the-educational-upside-of-class-of-heroes-2-kicksta/#comments ImageMonkeyPaw Games recently experimented with Kickstarter for a physical deluxe edition of the PSP game, Class of Heroes 2. The funding drive ended with $96,951 raised of the company's $500,000 goal.

"Our Kickstarter for Class of Heroes 2 didn't reach our funding bar but I think it was a great experience," MonkeyPaw CEO John Greiner told Joystiq, during an interview about the announcement of Tomba! for PSN. "Class of Heroes isn't a well-known brand but we were able to educate people about the game and its features. That will help immensely when we release the digital version."

The drive may not have worked out to get Class of Heroes 2 onto UMD, but it served in an educational capacity about more than just Class of Heroes, Greiner suggested. "This drive was the first time a console game had been pushed on Kickstarter so that also entailed teaching people why we needed $500K. Not a small sum but not really that much when you consider this was a physical, deluxe boxed version of a console game."

JoystiqMonkeyPaw on the educational upside of Class of Heroes 2 Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-of-heroes-2john-greinerkickstartermonkeypaw-gamesplaystationpspsonyFri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 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[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[Tomba! comes to PlayStation Network as a PSOne Classic this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/tomba-comes-to-playstation-network-as-a-psone-classic-this-summ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/tomba-comes-to-playstation-network-as-a-psone-classic-this-summ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/tomba-comes-to-playstation-network-as-a-psone-classic-this-summ/#comments ImageOne of Sony's most beloved first-party PlayStation 1 games is coming to the PS3 and PSP via ... a company other than Sony. Tomba!, the platformer starring the pink-haired caveman, will be released on the PlayStation Network soon by MonkeyPaw Games.

In addition to being just incredibly cute, Tomba! has some serious credentials. After an illustrious career at Capcom during which he designed the Ghosts 'n Goblins games and produced the Mega Man series, Tokuro Fujiwara founded his own studio, Whoopee Camp, where he directed Tomba! and its sequel for publisher Sony Computer Entertainment.

"Sony and MonkeyPaw have a good working relationship," MonkeyPaw CEO John Greiner told Joystiq. "I think they appreciate the titles we've brought to the Store. And they value the support we give the games. Having a plethora of Japanese content is a distinct advantage PlayStation has over Xbox. But the games still need to be brought Stateside. So our model helps Sony spread their Japanese edge and we help Japanese developers get their titles to a wider audience. Hence, Sony is willing to work with us on titles that may not have otherwise been licensed out. Support is key."

MonkeyPaw has been working on acquiring the Tomba! rights for a year. "We often have to chase down multiple right holders," Greiner said. "In this case, Sony and Whoopee Camp had rights that needed to be negotiated." The deal didn't necessarily include the sequel, however. "Tomba! 2 is a possibility but we need to really sell Tomba! 1 well before we can extend our relationship," Greiner explained. "It's the first time to work with Fujiwara-san so we're trying to make a good impression. Good sales have a way opening doors a bit wider."

Gallery: Tomba! (PSN)

JoystiqTomba! comes to PlayStation Network as a PSOne Classic this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>monkeypaw-gamesplaystationps3pspsonytombaWed, 23 May 2012 13:00:00 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[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[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...

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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[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[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[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[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[Now Playing: May 14-20, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/#comments Image
Traverse the depths of Hell once again in Diablo 3...

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Continue reading Now Playing: May 14-20, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 14-20, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 14 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: GameStop discontinuing PSP games at smallest stores]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/report-gamestop-discontinuing-psp-games-at-smallest-stores/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/report-gamestop-discontinuing-psp-games-at-smallest-stores/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/report-gamestop-discontinuing-psp-games-at-smallest-stores/#comments ImageGameStop is going to stop selling PSP titles at the smallest 25 percent of stores, Kotaku reports. A GameStop representative called this move a "consolidation" and used phrases such as "maximize the merchandising space" to justify the dropped titles, Kotaku says.

GameStop will continue to sell PSP titles at its larger stores and online -- where it's also selling the PlayStation Vita. Just saying.

JoystiqReport: GameStop discontinuing PSP games at smallest stores originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopplaystationpspsonySun, 13 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega earnings down in fiscal 2011, Mario & Sonic sell 3 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sega-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2011-mario-and-sonic-sell-3-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sega-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2011-mario-and-sonic-sell-3-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sega-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2011-mario-and-sonic-sell-3-million/#comments Sega's earnings are down in the year ended March 31, 2012, which shouldn't come as a surprise given the company's recent extreme restructuring measures. Sega reported net sales of 395.5 billion yen ($5 billion), down 0.3 percent from 2011; net income dropped 47.4 percent to 21 billion yen.

In the "consumer business" division (the one that deals with home video games), Sega reported a year-over-year drop in unit sales. Its best-performing game was Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, of course, at 3.28 million copies. Sonic Generations followed at 1.85 million; Virtua Tennis 4 sold 1.04 million across five platforms. Sega listed sales for Football Manager 2012 (710,000) and Yakuza: Dead Souls (550,000), but nothing else -- so we don't know how well Binary Domain did, except to guess that it probably didn't do very well.

JoystiqSega earnings down in fiscal 2011, Mario & Sonic sell 3 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsearningsfy-2011microsoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsegasonyvitawiixboxFri, 11 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony shares drop to 31-year low in Japan, 19-year low in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sony-shares-drop-to-31-year-low-in-japan-19-year-low-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sony-shares-drop-to-31-year-low-in-japan-19-year-low-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sony-shares-drop-to-31-year-low-in-japan-19-year-low-in-us/#comments ImageShares of Sony stock have dipped to their lowest number in 31 years in Japan and to a 19-year low in the US, following a dismal earnings report for the previous fiscal year. Sony shares dropped 7 percent in Japan, to 1,135 Yen ($14), and 2 percent in the US, closing at $15.37.

Sony CEO Kaz Hirai plans to lose 10,000 employees in a company-wide reorganization effort. Sony reported a net revenue loss of 9.6 percent for fiscal year 2012, dropping from $89 billion to $79.1 billion year-over-year.

JoystiqSony shares drop to 31-year low in Japan, 19-year low in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downfy-2012Japanplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsharessonystocksusvitaFri, 11 May 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's fiscal 2012 results: $820 million loss due to floods, earthquakes and exchange rates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/sonys-fiscal-2012-results-820-million-loss-due-to-floods-ear/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/sonys-fiscal-2012-results-820-million-loss-due-to-floods-ear/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/sonys-fiscal-2012-results-820-million-loss-due-to-floods-ear/#comments ImageSony's financial results for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2012 are in, with the Japanese giant reporting year-over-year losses in revenue and operating losses that it attributes to "the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the floods in Thailand, and deterioration in market conditions in developed countries."

Sony's fiscal 2012 ran from April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012, with the company reporting net revenue of ¥6.49 trillion ($79.1 billion), down 9.6 percent year-over-year from the ¥7.18 trillion (approx. $89 billion) reported at the end of fiscal 2010. After expenses, Sony reports an operating loss of ¥67.3 billion ($820 million), which is actually a smaller loss than that reported at the end of fiscal 2011 (¥199.8 billion/approx $2 billion).

Year-over-year sales decreases were primarily due to Sony's Consumer Products & Services (CPS) and Professional, Device & Solutions (PDS) divisions, with CPS sales down 18.5 percent at ¥3.13 trillion ($38.2 billion) in 2012 vs. ¥3.84 trillion (approx. $48 billion) in 2011, resulting in an operating loss of ¥229.8 billion ($2.8 billion) - more than a 2,000 percent decrease from 2011's operating income of ¥10.8 billion (approx. $135 million). CPS encompasses Sony's consumer electronics sectors, including LCD TVs, PCs, photography solutions and, of course, gaming.

Sony partially attributes CPS' decline in sales to "lower sales of PlayStation(R)3 hardware due to a strategic price reduction and lower sales of PlayStation(R)2 due to platform migration," among other reasons like deteriorating conditions in North American and European TV markets.

JoystiqSony's fiscal 2012 results: $820 million loss due to floods, earthquakes and exchange rates originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsfiscal-2012moveplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitaThu, 10 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[April NPD: Prototype 2 tops charts, industry-wide sales down 32 percent year-over-year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/april-npd-prototype-2-tops-charts-industry-wide-sales-down-32/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/april-npd-prototype-2-tops-charts-industry-wide-sales-down-32/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/april-npd-prototype-2-tops-charts-industry-wide-sales-down-32/#comments The results for April are in, and things are looking a little rough out there in consumer video-game electronics land. As a whole, the gaming industry (which for our purposes includes all hardware, software and accessories sales between April 1 and April 28, 2012) brought in $630.4 million, a 32 percent decrease over the same period last year, where its various machinations resulted in collective sales of $930.9 million.

Breaking the industry down into its three major components, hardware sales accounted for $189.7 million (down 32 percent year over year), while software sales contributed $292.1 million to the cause - a 42 percent decrease year over year. Accessories, on the other hand, posted a 1 percent increase year-over-year at $148.6 million in 2012, as compared with $147.8 million in 2011.

The average amount of money spent on hardware increased year-over-year, however, due in part to the 360 Star Wars Kinect Bundle, according to NPD analyst Anita Frazier. Generally though, the period's lackluster performance is due to the month's release schedule: "Last April, the top seven titles outsold the top-selling title this year, and, simply stated, there were notably fewer new market introductions. I think it's a simple as that because when we see compelling content come into the market, the games are still selling as well as ever - we just saw a lot less this April as compared to last."

The list of April's top 10 best-selling titles can be found after the break as per usual, with newcomers Prototype 2 and Kinect Star Wars leading the charge ahead of Modern Warfare 3, Mario Party 9 and Mass Effect 3.

Update: According to Microsoft's Major Nelson, the Xbox 360 sold 236K units during April.

Continue reading April NPD: Prototype 2 tops charts, industry-wide sales down 32 percent year-over-year

JoystiqApril NPD: Prototype 2 tops charts, industry-wide sales down 32 percent year-over-year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>April-NPDkinectkinect-star-warsmicrosoftnintendoNPDNPD-Aprilpcplaystationplaystation-vitaprototype-2ps3pspsonyvitawiixboxThu, 10 May 2012 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard Q1 2012 financials: $1.17 billion in net revenue, down year-over-year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/activision-blizzard-q1-2012-financials-1-17-billion-in-net-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/activision-blizzard-q1-2012-financials-1-17-billion-in-net-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/activision-blizzard-q1-2012-financials-1-17-billion-in-net-rev/#comments Activision Blizzard has released its financial results for the first quarter of its fiscal 2012, posting total net revenue (pre-tax income) of $1.17 billion for the period ending on March 31, 2012. This is a 23 percent drop over the same period in 2011, where Activision Blizzard posted a net revenue of $1.44 billion. Net income (post-tax/expenses profit) was also down year over year, with the pub/dev reporting a remainder of $384 million for Q1 2012, as compared with $503 million in Q1 2011.

Breaking that down a little more specifically, Activision itself was responsible for 23 percent ($271 million) of segment net revenues, down 19 percent form the $323 million it was responsible for in 2011. Blizzard accounted for 21 percent ($251 million) of segmented net revenues, down 42 percent year-over-year vs. the $357 million it posted for Q1 2011.

Many of Activision and Blizzard's major releases are still pending, including Diablo 3, World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. Looking forward, Activision Blizzard expects to report a "record" non-GAAP Q2 net revenue of $805 million due to Prototype 2, Amazing Spider Man and Diablo 3. As for the rest of the year, the company expects to end fiscal 2012 to the tune of $4.2 billion in net revenue.

JoystiqActivision Blizzard Q1 2012 financials: $1.17 billion in net revenue, down year-over-year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsActivision-Blizzarddsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspQ1-2012sonyxboxWed, 09 May 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai has solid fiscal year thanks to Dark Souls, arcade sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/namco-bandai-has-solid-fiscal-year-thanks-to-dark-souls-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/namco-bandai-has-solid-fiscal-year-thanks-to-dark-souls-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/namco-bandai-has-solid-fiscal-year-thanks-to-dark-souls-arcade/#comments ImageNamco Bandai saw a net income of 1.9 billion yen ($24 million) in its fiscal year 2012, with help from strong US sales of Dark Souls and Ace Combat Assault Horizon. Dark Souls sold 1.19 million units across the US and Europe, while Ace Combat Assault Horizon sold 1.07 million units in Japan, the US and Europe.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-combat-assault-horizondark-soulsfinancialsfy-2012microsoftmobileNamco-Bandaipcplaystationproject-darkps3pspsonyxboxWed, 09 May 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[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[Now Playing: May 7-13, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/now-playing-may-7-13-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/now-playing-may-7-13-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/now-playing-may-7-13-2012/#comments Image
Build, fight, and conquer this week with Starhawk...

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Continue reading Now Playing: May 7-13, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 7-13, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 07 May 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Knights History won't be published by XSEED, 'development resources' noted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/grand-knights-history-wont-be-published-by-xseed-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/grand-knights-history-wont-be-published-by-xseed-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/grand-knights-history-wont-be-published-by-xseed-development/#comments XSEED Games announced late yesterday that it will not publish turn-based RPG Grand Knights History in North America as previously announced.

"Unfortunately, it was determined that development resources required to localize the game were not available, necessitating its cancellation," the official statement from XSEED sent to Joystiq reads. "We regret not being able to bring the game to our fans, but we are committed to our 2012 lineup and look forward to sharing more on these games in the coming weeks and months."

Vanillaware, the developer of eye candy like Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Odin Sphere and the upcoming Dragon's Crown; will still see Grand Knights History published on PSP later this year in Europe by Rising Star Games.

Gallery: Grand Knights History (PSP)

JoystiqGrand Knights History won't be published by XSEED, 'development resources' noted originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-knights-historyplaystationpspsonyvanillawareXSEEDWed, 02 May 2012 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Awesomenauts, Mortal Kombat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/psn-tuesday-awesomenauts-mortal-kombat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/psn-tuesday-awesomenauts-mortal-kombat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/psn-tuesday-awesomenauts-mortal-kombat/#comments Nothing can prepare you for this week's nostalgic update on the PlayStation Store ... save for a succinct summary such as this one. Awesomenauts brings a faux-retro flair to the MOBA genre today (for free, if you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber), while Mortal Kombat reduces its depraved fighting to more diminutive form on Vita.

PlayStation Plus subscribers receive some other freebies this week, including Trine 2, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Castlevania Chronicles. The PS One Classics lineup is bolstered with The Legend of Dragoon, and moving up a generation to PlayStation 2 gets you the original Max Payne.

Check the PlayStation Blog for a full list of new store items, if you please.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Awesomenauts, Mortal Kombat originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomenautscastlevania-chroniclescastlevania-symphony-of-the-nightmax-paynemortal-kombatplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psn-tuesdaypspsonythe-legend-of-dragoontrine-2vitaTue, 01 May 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: April 30 - May 6, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/now-playing-april-30-may-6-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/now-playing-april-30-may-6-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/now-playing-april-30-may-6-2012/#comments Image
Team up and get blasting this week with Awesomenauts ...

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Continue reading Now Playing: April 30 - May 6, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: April 30 - May 6, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 30 Apr 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time intro is an anime time machine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-intro-is-an-anime-time-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-intro-is-an-anime-time-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/growlanser-wayfarer-of-time-intro-is-an-anime-time-machine/#comments
Atlus stands right alongside MonkeyPaw in its overt devotion to obscure PSP role-playing games. Case in point: Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time, coming to both UMD and PSN in North America this summer. And to remind us of that impending release, Atlus sent out the opening video.

Be warned, it's the most "80s anime" thing ever. Memories of watching random movies on Sci-Fi Channel on Saturday mornings, and of playing every game ever released by Working Designs (including, but not limited to, previous Growlansers) will come flooding back.

JoystiqGrowlanser: Wayfarer of Time intro is an anime time machine originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusgrowlanser-wayfarer-of-timeplaystationpspsonyFri, 27 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Montreal 'reorganizing some teams,' letting a 'small number' go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/ea-montreal-reorganizing-some-teams-letting-a-small-number/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/ea-montreal-reorganizing-some-teams-letting-a-small-number/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/ea-montreal-reorganizing-some-teams-letting-a-small-number/#comments EA Montreal is restructuring its workforce. Some individuals are being moved to digital projects, including mobile and social games, while others will be dismissed.

"These are routine changes which address the cyclical nature of the game industry," an EA spokesperson told GI.biz. "A very small number of employees will be impacted - many will be assigned to new projects at EA, others will leave the company."

Just last week, EA told Joystiq that it's growing and plans to hire hundreds this year. EA expects headcount to be up by the end of 2012.

JoystiqEA Montreal 'reorganizing some teams,' letting a 'small number' go originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroiddsiosipadiphonelayoffsmacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxThu, 26 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why the future looks expensive for Super Robot Taisen and other Namco Bandai RPGs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/why-the-future-looks-expensive-for-super-robot-taisen-and-other/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/why-the-future-looks-expensive-for-super-robot-taisen-and-other/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/why-the-future-looks-expensive-for-super-robot-taisen-and-other/#commentsThis is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs has to offer.
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It's gone largely unnoticed here in the U.S., but Namco Bandai is in the middle of a grand experiment with its Super Robot Taisen strategy RPG series (which has seen life stateside in the past thanks to Atlus USA). And if you like Japanese RPGs - or anything that's expensive to produce in general - you might want to pay attention, because this could be your future.

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeatlus-usanamco-bandaiplaystationpspsonysuper-robot-taisensuper-robot-warsWed, 25 Apr 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Skype, The Walking Dead, Battlefield 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/psn-tuesday-skype-the-walking-dead-battlefield-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/psn-tuesday-skype-the-walking-dead-battlefield-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/psn-tuesday-skype-the-walking-dead-battlefield-3/#comments ImageAs promised, Skype arrives on the Vita today in a free download. Tell your friends ... to download Skype so you can tell your friends. Other new PSN content arriving today includes Bejeweled 3, The Walking Dead, and retail-to-PSN releases Battlefield 3 and The Cursed Crusade, all on PS3. Demos are available for Ninja Gaiden 3, Dragon's Dogma, and The Walking Dead.

Old games available once again include PS2 Classic Red Faction (the first one) and Darkstalkers 3, and Future Cop LAPD on PSOne Classics. Find the full menu of downloadable PlayStation stuff on the PlayStation Blog.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Skype, The Walking Dead, Battlefield 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitaps3psnpsn-tuesdaypspskypesonyvitaTue, 24 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PS Plus offers free Awesomenauts, Rock of Ages, Symphony of the Night, more in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/ps-plus-offers-free-awesomenauts-rock-of-ages-symphony-of-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/ps-plus-offers-free-awesomenauts-rock-of-ages-symphony-of-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/ps-plus-offers-free-awesomenauts-rock-of-ages-symphony-of-the/#comments ImagePlayStation Plus members are going to be busy in May, frantically trying to play all of the free content that is being dumped on them. Awesomenauts, which hits PSN on May 1, will be free to PS+ users right away. It's accompanied by Trine 2 and Rock of Ages.

Two of the best PSOne Classics are being thrown in as well on May 1: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Castlevania Chronicles, a remake of the original 'Vania. Saints Row: The Third ... isn't free, but it is 20% off for Plus users when it comes to PSN May 15.

For more, including free Minis and discounts on more upcoming PSN games, check the PlayStation Blog. For the answer to the tough question of whether relatively cheap access to all these games is worth an ongoing subscription, when you know you'll lose them when your subscription lapses, check your heart.

JoystiqPS Plus offers free Awesomenauts, Rock of Ages, Symphony of the Night, more in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomenautscastlevania-chroniclescastlevania-symphony-of-the-nightplaystationplaystation-plusplaystation-vitaps3psprock-of-agessonytrine-2vitaTue, 24 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Canned Sony projects including The Getaway 3, Heavenly Sword 2 found in artist's reel, CV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/canned-sony-projects-including-the-getaway-3-heavenly-sword-2-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/canned-sony-projects-including-the-getaway-3-heavenly-sword-2-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/canned-sony-projects-including-the-getaway-3-heavenly-sword-2-f/#comments
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Former Sony lead artist Martin Binfield touched a few projects that never saw fruition, including The Getaway 3, and his showreel shows off bits of these before they were shelved. The Getaway 3 footage in Binfield's above reel is pulled from the game's E3 trailer, while canceled PS3 science-fiction and lifestyle projects demonstrate rocket-fueled space travel and the joys of being a single father, respectively.

Heavenly Sword 2 is listed on Binfield's CV as canceled in 2008. He was the character animation team lead on the first Heavenly Sword.

JoystiqCanned Sony projects including The Getaway 3, Heavenly Sword 2 found in artist's reel, CV originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcannedHeavenly-Swordheavenly-sword-2martin-binfieldplaystationps3pspsonythe-getaway-3Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: April 23-29, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/now-playing-april-23-29-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/now-playing-april-23-29-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/now-playing-april-23-29-2012/#comments Image
Revenge is a dish best served ... mutated?

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Continue reading Now Playing: April 23-29, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: April 23-29, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 23 Apr 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[ToeJam & Earl dev hiring for new Sony game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/toejam-and-earl-dev-hiring-for-new-sony-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/toejam-and-earl-dev-hiring-for-new-sony-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/toejam-and-earl-dev-hiring-for-new-sony-game/#comments ImageHumaNature Studios, the creator of ToeJam & Earl, appears to be working on a Sony-exclusive title, posts on Tech-Artists and the Gamasutra jobs board suggest. HumaNature is working on a title "directly for Sony," studio co-founder Greg Johnson writes in a head-hunting post on Tech-Artists.

Johnson describes the title as "cute and filled with quirky personality. It's also super innovative in the area of emotional AI and personality simulation. It's designed for both male and female players, and will be marketed in the US and in Japan." Whew -- finally a video game for male and female players. We were getting tired of all these games marketed to "people."

The Gamasutra job listing doesn't mention Sony specifically, but does provide more context for the game itself: "You should love games that create charming and believable, emotionally compelling simulated worlds; games like ICO, Beyond Good and Evil, Animal Crossing, Scribblenauts, LittleBigPlanet, and others."

HumaNature stresses the importance of creativity and innovation with this title, and we can't help but picture a Vita game coming out of all this creative ... stuff.

[Thanks, Jonah.]

JoystiqToeJam & Earl dev hiring for new Sony game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>humanatureplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonysony-exclusivetoejam-and-earlvitaWed, 18 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video Games Live announces Canadian tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/video-games-live-announces-canadian-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/video-games-live-announces-canadian-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/video-games-live-announces-canadian-tour/#comments If Scott Pilgrim vs. the World taught us anything, it's that Canadians really dig video games - so much so that they are imbued with super powers. Seemingly aware of the Great White North's vengeful, all-powerful gaming fans, Video Games Live has announced several new stops in Canada. This October and November, the orchestral game music tour will visit Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia.

Ticket sales begin on Friday, April 27. The Video Games Live Twitch.tv channel will be streaming a press conference on April 25 at 9pm ET to announce specific pre-sale dates and take setlist requests from fans. Check out the VGL website for more information and the complete list of dates.

Continue reading Video Games Live announces Canadian tour

JoystiqVideo Games Live announces Canadian tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvideo-games-livevitawiixboxMon, 16 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: April 16-22, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/now-playing-april-16-22-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/now-playing-april-16-22-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/now-playing-april-16-22-2012/#comments Image
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Continue reading Now Playing: April 16-22, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: April 16-22, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 16 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Study this Class of Heroes 2 trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/study-this-class-of-heroes-2-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/study-this-class-of-heroes-2-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/study-this-class-of-heroes-2-trailer/#comments
You may want to support the continued localization and promotion of the JRPG genre in America - the overarching goal of the MonkeyPaw Games/Gaijinworks Kickstarter - but at the same time, you may not know a whole lot about the specific game being Kickstarted, Class of Heroes 2 for PSP.

The publishers have sought to provide that missing information, releasing a new trailer for the school-themed dungeon crawler. You'll see plenty of gameplay footage, along with character art for all the different in-game races - all of whom are teenagers in school uniforms.

JoystiqStudy this Class of Heroes 2 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-of-heroes-2gaijinworkskickstartermonkeypaw-gamesplaystationpspsonyFri, 13 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST