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[Tribes: Ascend isn't skiing to consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tribes-ascend-isnt-skiing-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tribes-ascend-isnt-skiing-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tribes-ascend-isnt-skiing-to-consoles/#comments We've more or less known that Tribes: Ascend wouldn't be heading to consoles - as initially pitched - for a year or more now. That whole "free-to-play" thing is kinda the kiss of death for devs hoping to port to consoles (unless you're CCP, that is). Hi-Rez Studios COO Todd Harris explained it further in a recent interview.

"We do not have any plans for Tribes on console at this time," Harris said. That decision sprang from Hi-Rez's business model of choice, rather than technical limitations. "The way it went is that we wanted to do the free-to-play model, and there wasn't a clear path to that on consoles early on." Unlike CCP, the Tribes team is just 15 people, so negotiating with the big boys (Sony, Microsoft) wasn't really an option.

Harris isn't counting out console makers playing nice with free-to-play devs in the future (even the near future), but Tribes: Ascend likely won't bridge that gap. "We're still interested in free-to-play on consoles, but at this point, we have nothing specific to Tribes on console," Harris added.

Tribes: Ascend is currently available on Windows PC.

JoystiqTribes: Ascend isn't skiing to consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-to-playhi-rez-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationportps3todd-harristribes-ascendxboxThu, 03 May 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[WWE WrestleFest on iOS today, coming to XBLA, PSN, PC, Android in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/wwe-wrestlefest-on-ios-today-coming-to-xbla-psn-pc-android-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/wwe-wrestlefest-on-ios-today-coming-to-xbla-psn-pc-android-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/wwe-wrestlefest-on-ios-today-coming-to-xbla-psn-pc-android-i/#comments Well, this is definitely the craziest thing to happen in wrestling games in quite some time -- and wrestling is a sport built entirely on human insanity. WWF WrestleFest, the classic arcade game by Technos, has been updated for release on iOS by THQ. The new "WWE Wrestlefest" has smoother graphics and an updated roster of wrestlers (a rostler, if you will) including John Cena and Randy Orton, alongside old-school wrestlers like the late "Macho Man" Randy Savage. It's also been modernized with "an extensive downloadable content program."

The app is available in a free "Lite" version and a $2.99 "Premium" version for iPhone, and both "Lite" and paid for iPad.

THQ also plans to release this new WrestleFest on XBLA, PSN, Android, and PC, sometime in 2012. So we hope the new version is good.

Continue reading WWE WrestleFest on iOS today, coming to XBLA, PSN, PC, Android in 2012

JoystiqWWE WrestleFest on iOS today, coming to XBLA, PSN, PC, Android in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapp-storeiosipadiphoneitunesitunes-app-storemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationportps3technosthqwrestlingwwewwe-wrestlefestxboxTue, 21 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First details on Mortal Kombat for Vita: 60FPS, touchscreen fatalities and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/first-details-on-mortal-kombat-for-vita-60fps-touchscre/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/first-details-on-mortal-kombat-for-vita-60fps-touchscre/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/first-details-on-mortal-kombat-for-vita-60fps-touchscre/#comments Having a scorpion in your pocket isn't usually the kind of experience people rush out and pay for, but Mortal Kombat progenitor and NetherRealm Studios creative director Ed Boon doesn't seem too worried about that. In fact, the Vita port of Mortal Kombat is starting to sound pretty legit: The title will include all of the characters and modes from the PS3 version, run at 60 frames per second and support both local and online 1-on-1 multiplayer via wifi, according to an interview with PlayStation Blog.

The handheld homage to hemorrhaging also includes a second, brand-new Challenge Tower that takes advantage of the Vita's touchscreen and accelerometer in 150 new challenges. While unable to speak specifically on how the Vita's tech has been implemented in these challenges, Boon teased being able to tilt your Vita in order to change gravity's orientation during a hypothetical mission.

The touchscreen will also be used for activating X-Ray attacks and swiping direction inputs to initiate fatalities, but beyond that no Ultimate MvC3-esque touch controls have been implemented. "We goofed around with ideas like that," said Boon. "It was an interesting novelty at first, but literally everybody who tried it said 'Oh, that's cute,' and then went right back to the normal control scheme." Mortal Kombat for the Vita is set to tear out tiny, adorable spines sometime this spring.

JoystiqFirst details on Mortal Kombat for Vita: 60FPS, touchscreen fatalities and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detailsed-boonfatalitiesmortal-kombat-2011Netherrealm-Studiosplaystationplaystation-vitaporttouch-controlsvitaThu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Harada 'considering' Tekken X Street Fighter on Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/harada-considering-tekken-x-street-fighter-on-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/harada-considering-tekken-x-street-fighter-on-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/harada-considering-tekken-x-street-fighter-on-vita/#comments Namco producer Katsuhiro Harada is leading up production of Tekken X Street Fighter -- he's the Yoshinori Ono of Namco, if you will. And like his Capcom counterpart, Harada has repeatedly taken to Twitter to answer fan questions about his current project, most recently telling one Twitter user that he's currently "considering" a Vita port of the title.

He didn't mention much else, unfortunately, though he did take time to promote an upcoming community vote via the game's Facebook page, that'll allow fans to choose which characters end up in the upcoming fighter. One follower suggested both Final Fight's famed crossdresser, Poison, as well as Street Fighter Alpha 3's Karin. We're gonna go out on a limb and ask Harada for Ryu and Eddy Gordo. Those guys never get any time in the spotlight!

JoystiqHarada 'considering' Tekken X Street Fighter on Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomkatsuhiro-haradanamconamco-bandaiplaystationplaystation-vitaportrosterstreet-fighter-x-tekkentwittervitaMon, 16 Jan 2012 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock 2 brings dystopia to OS X in January 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/bioshock-2-brings-dystopia-to-os-x-in-january-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/bioshock-2-brings-dystopia-to-os-x-in-january-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/bioshock-2-brings-dystopia-to-os-x-in-january-2012/#comments It's been nearly two years since BioShock 2 first came out on consoles and PC -- but, oddly enough, the game's still not finished being released. Next month, the game finally gets ported to Mac OS X and, like the first BioShock, the work is being done by Mac dev Feral Interactive, who will also handle distribution of the game online.

Maybe you're staunchly opposed to buying games from Feral Interactive's website, for fear of the game being untrainable and potentially disease-ridden? Gamersgate will also be offering the game as a bundle with the first, so you can totally chill out. BioShock 2 for OS X will become available at some point next month, but if you really want to give Feral your money early the company is already accepting pre-orders.

JoystiqBioShock 2 brings dystopia to OS X in January 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-marinBioshock-2digital-distributionferalferal-interactivemacportq1-2012release-dateThu, 22 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft to begin (and possibly never end) with a beta on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/minecraft-to-begin-and-possibly-never-end-with-a-beta-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/minecraft-to-begin-and-possibly-never-end-with-a-beta-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/minecraft-to-begin-and-possibly-never-end-with-a-beta-on-xbla/#comments Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson likes to take things slow -- crawl before you walk, beta for two years and gain mainstream popularity and 3 million users before you release the actual game, that sort of slow. It seems Minecraft's release on XBLA won't be any different, as it will begin with a beta, much like its PC papi. Notch said he wants to discern which aspects of the game are fun on console before its release, but he thinks the Kinect features will be an interesting part of Minecraft's port, in an interview with Develop.

Notch didn't say how long the full-game beta will last, but did add that updates will probably be infrequent and mods will not be available on XBLA at launch, for fear of breaking the system.

JoystiqMinecraft to begin (and possibly never end) with a beta on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betakinectmicrosoftMinecraftnotchpcportxboxSat, 06 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Limbo coming to Steam and PSN, Playdead handling the ports]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/limbo-coming-to-steam-and-psn-playdead-handling-the-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/limbo-coming-to-steam-and-psn-playdead-handling-the-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/limbo-coming-to-steam-and-psn-playdead-handling-the-ports/#comments Yesterday we reported that Limbo may be PSN-bound, if a Korean Game Ratings Board listing sought by Sony Computer Entertainment Korea is any indication. We reached out to developer Playdead for comment and CEO and co-founder Dino Patti got back to us today confirming the news.

"This might be the second time around we have been waiting for," Patti said, referencing his quote from last May in which he said, "You won't see a PS3 or PC version this time around." Patti said that "Limbo is in production for Steam and PSN, and is coming very soon." With a release date of "very soon" he predictably said more details would be coming shortly.

The small Playdead team is handling both ports itself, while also working on a new IP. "To be honest, we want as many people to play our games as possible," Patti told us last year at the Indiecade festival. "If we end up going exclusive, we may do it for various reasons, but we just want as many people to play the game as possible." Even after a period of exclusivity, there are a lot more gamers who are going to be able to play Limbo "very soon."

JoystiqLimbo coming to Steam and PSN, Playdead handling the ports originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>limbomicrosoftpcplaydeadplaystationportps3PSNSteamXBLAxboxThu, 30 Jun 2011 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA['PSP Remaster' titles head to PS3 with help from the 'PSP Engine']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/psp-remaster-titles-head-to-ps3-with-help-from-the-psp-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/psp-remaster-titles-head-to-ps3-with-help-from-the-psp-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/psp-remaster-titles-head-to-ps3-with-help-from-the-psp-engine/#comments Sony has revealed the PSP Engine, a middleware technology that bridges games from PlayStation Portable to the PlayStation 3 -- specifically, the titles related to Sony's "PSP Remaster" series. The company announced the technology during a session of the Games Tools & Middleware Forum 2011 this week, reports Famitsu (via Andriasang).

According to the report, PSP Engine offers some major boons in PSP-to-PS3 HD porting, including high-resolution rendering, stereoscopic 3D output, and wireless controller support for the DualShock 3. No other "Remaster" titles were announced at the event, though it seems even more likely now that we'll see other games get the same treatment as Monster Hunter Portable 3rd.

Though the PSP Remaster banner has only been announced for Japan so far, it hasn't stopped other publishers from rolling out remastered versions of other PSP games. Sony itself confirmed the God of War Origins collection during E3 this year.

Joystiq'PSP Remaster' titles head to PS3 with help from the 'PSP Engine' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>games-tools-and-middleware-forum-2011monster-hunter-portable-3rd-hdplaystationportps3psppsp-enginepsp-remastersonysony-computer-entertainmentThu, 30 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft for Kinect is an XBLA title, ported by 4J Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/minecraft-for-kinect-is-an-xbla-title-ported-by-4j-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/minecraft-for-kinect-is-an-xbla-title-ported-by-4j-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/minecraft-for-kinect-is-an-xbla-title-ported-by-4j-studios/#comments More details have begun to trickle out on Swedish developer Mojang Studios' first Xbox 360 title, a Kinect-enabled port of indie hit Minecraft. Beyond the fact that it'll be some form of indirect port and that an unnamed developer other than Mojang was at the helm, few other details were known, but as Minecraft creative lead Markus "Notch" Persson revealed on his Twitter feed last night, Scottish devs 4J Studios are apparently in charge of this holiday's world-builder.

If you, like us, are unfamiliar with 4J, a cursory Wikipedia'ing reveals work on a wealth of ports, not to mention a handful of not-so-well-known original games. Hopefully any worry you have in the studio's confidence is abated by the fact that Notch will remain a game designer on the project, presumably retaining creative oversight.

JoystiqMinecraft for Kinect is an XBLA title, ported by 4J Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j-studioskinectmarkus-notch-perssonmarkus-perssonmicrosoftMinecraftmojangmojang-studiosnotchportscotlandXBLAxboxThu, 16 Jun 2011 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: God of War PSP collection coming to PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/rumor-god-of-war-psp-collection-coming-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/rumor-god-of-war-psp-collection-coming-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/rumor-god-of-war-psp-collection-coming-to-ps3/#comments The so-called "God of War Portable Collection" is headed to PS3 in Asia this July, according to a reported press release sent out by Sony Computer Entertainment Taiwan and posted by international gaming news outlet The Magic Box. While we could not locate the press release on the SCET website, it does appear to have been redistributed on additional news sites, including China Times, a major Taiwan-based media company.

According to The Magic Box, the collection will include graphically enhanced versions of the two God of War PSP games, 2008's Chains of Olympus (pictured) and last November's Ghost of Sparta. The HD ports are said to include both Chinese and English language options and will be packaged together for release in Asia on July 7. It's not been specified whether the collection will be disc-based or digital (or both).

Additionally, no development studio has been attached to the project. The PSP games were created by Ready At Dawn (Ghost of Sparta in collaboration with Santa Monica Studio). Last fall, Ready At Dawn co-founder Ru Weerasuriya said the team had moved on to an action-adventure game based on new IP.

The original God of War Collection, an HD-ification of the first two PS2 games, was released as a single-disc compilation for PS3 in November 2009. A downloadable version followed a year later. We've contacted SCEA for comment on the Portable Collection.

JoystiqRumor: God of War PSP collection coming to PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 May 2011 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-war-chains-of-olympusgod-of-war-ghost-of-spartagod-of-war-portable-collectionhdplaystationportps3pspscetsonyMon, 16 May 2011 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop porting game-streaming Spawn Player to Android devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/gamestop-porting-game-streaming-spawn-player-to-android-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/gamestop-porting-game-streaming-spawn-player-to-android-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/gamestop-porting-game-streaming-spawn-player-to-android-devices/#commentsGameStop is wasting little time expanding the scope of Spawn Labs, its newly minted "cloud gaming division." A recent job listing for the company seeks a senior software engineer to be "responsible for the development and maintenance of our Player software on Android tablets and smartphones." (Additional job postings are for key roles in the division, which is also looking to port the Spawn Player app to Linux-based systems.)

Upon announcing the acquisition of the game-streaming tech outfit late last month, GameStop laid out a clear goal: "Once the Spawn Labs integration and testing on a new consumer interface is complete, users will have immediate access to a wide selection of high-definition video games on demand on any internet-enabled device." Android phones and tablets (and Linux systems) would appear to be next on the checklist, but what about iOS devices?

"Getting the audio and video onto the iPhone or iPad is not too hard," Spawn Labs' David Wilson pointed out in the community forums (some months ago). "Getting game control in a way that works for console games is hard -- but only because Apple controls both the physical and Bluetooth interfaces to the device." In response to a followup question, he added, "Yes, Android is more within our control than the iPhone."

While Spawn Labs has operated as a sort of "Slingbox for gaming," with its Spawn HD-720 box providing the technology to stream your game consoles' content to a computer, GameStop appears to be angling to cast a much wider net -- not just to stream your console games on more devices, but to sell you new games to stream on more devices. The retail giant has also scooped up a digital distribution platform in Impulse, which would seem just the thing to provide that "wide selection of high-definition video games on demand" -- just as soon as Spawns Labs' "new consumer interface is complete," of course. (Muahahahahaha!)

[Thanks, Gregory]

JoystiqGameStop porting game-streaming Spawn Player to Android devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcloud-gaminggame-streaminggamestopjob-listingjobslinuxmobileportsmartphonespawn-labsspawn-playertabletThu, 28 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Splinter Cell Trilogy based on PC ports]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/ps3-splinter-cell-trilogy-based-on-pc-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/ps3-splinter-cell-trilogy-based-on-pc-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/ps3-splinter-cell-trilogy-based-on-pc-ports/#comments The remastered Splinter Cell Trilogy, in development for PS3, is based on the PC versions of the original games, confirms Ubisoft's Alex Monney. "When we started this project, one of our main goals was to provide the players with the best possible content," he writes in a post on PlayStation Blog. "Hence we decided to port the game from the PC version which had more content and detail compared to the PS2 version."

It's not well documented in any one place (come on Wikipedia!), but there are actually a lot of subtle and blatant differences between the various platform releases of the games; most notably in the first Splinter Cell, according to MobyGames, where level design and bonus content differ between versions. While it would have been neat to have been able to toggle between these versions in Splinter Cell Trilogy, the PC ports are probably closer to the original Xbox sources than any other versions, and feature the highest-resolution assets (which are going to be bumped up to full HD in the Trilogy release).

Additionally, Monney notes in a response to a comment that "the online part of the original games won't be included" in Splinter Cell Trilogy -- just the single-player campaigns. While part of the post URL suggests that the collection will be "coming-to-ps3-in-june" (confirming an earlier report), Monney's officially sticking with, "No firm release date yet, but we'll update you guys once we know!"

[Thanks, Merrick]

JoystiqPS3 Splinter Cell Trilogy based on PC ports originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-monneypcplaystationportps3psnsplinter-cell-trilogysplinter-cell-trilogy-hd-collectionubisoftFri, 08 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy 3 now out for iOS, other Square Enix titles on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/final-fantasy-3-now-out-for-ios-other-square-enix-titles-on-sal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/final-fantasy-3-now-out-for-ios-other-square-enix-titles-on-sal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/final-fantasy-3-now-out-for-ios-other-square-enix-titles-on-sal/#comments If you missed Square Enix's 3D remake of Final Fantasy 3 when it made its way to DS back in 2006, you can now catch it on an even tinier device. The RPG is now available on the iOS App Store for the somewhat prodigious price of $15.99 -- fairly high for an iPhone game, sure, but fairly low for a DS game. (That's how we're choosing to look at it, glass-half-full thinkers as we are.)

If your sorrowfully slim bank account is preventing you from grabbing Square's latest, you might be pleased to learn that most of its catalog of iOS titles (and art gallery apps?) has been discounted until March 31. Check out the list of price cuts after the jump, right below the trailer for the new Final Fantasy 3 port! Man, it's getting crowded down there.

Continue reading Final Fantasy 3 now out for iOS, other Square Enix titles on sale

JoystiqFinal Fantasy 3 now out for iOS, other Square Enix titles on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleFF3Final-FantasyFinal-Fantasy-3iosiphonemobileportsquare-enixThu, 24 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Eidos taps Nixxes once again for PC port of Deus Ex: Human Revolution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/eidos-taps-nixxes-once-again-for-pc-port-of-deus-ex-human-revol/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/eidos-taps-nixxes-once-again-for-pc-port-of-deus-ex-human-revol/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/eidos-taps-nixxes-once-again-for-pc-port-of-deus-ex-human-revol/#comments In a recent interview with Shacknews, Deus Ex: Human Revolution director Jean-François Dugas explained that the PC port of the game was being developed in a "partnership" with Netherlands-based developer Nixxes Software BV. Dugas explained that the partnership was born out of a lack of manpower, adding, "It was more of a logistic problem more than anything else and having enough people to make sure it's all on the same level, all the time."

The studio is familiar with helping Eidos achieve its multiplatform goals, having developed ports for Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, Tomb Raider Underworld, and Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days. Of course, the team also brought Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver to the Dreamcast, making our faith in its cross-platform development abilities absolutely iron-clad.

JoystiqEidos taps Nixxes once again for PC port of Deus Ex: Human Revolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-ex-human-revolutioneidoseidos-montrealnixxes-softwarepcportWed, 23 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch suggests Minecraft achievements, console ports in the future]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/notch-suggests-minecraft-achievements-console-ports-in-the-futu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/notch-suggests-minecraft-achievements-console-ports-in-the-futu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/notch-suggests-minecraft-achievements-console-ports-in-the-futu/#comments Minecraft has already cemented its place as one of the best sandbox games of all time, but sometimes you need a little narrative with your creative impulses. Don't worry -- there's a solution for you: achievements. In an interview with Gamasutra, Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson says that achievements are one way he could add a little narrative structure to the title, by rewarding players for doing certain things in the game in a certain order (starting by chopping down a tree, for example, and moving on to "killing a dragon or something").

Notch also says he's still surprised by all the interest in the game, both his own and that of players, who've actually turned up in greater numbers after he recently decided to raise the price. Also, while he does agree that Minecraft could be ported to other platforms at some point and "become a franchise," he warns that, "if we make an Xbox version there should be a point to it being on Xbox."

Sounds reasonable enough. Hopefully if he does go with the achievement model, we'll get a nice big reward for "Burning Down the House."

JoystiqNotch suggests Minecraft achievements, console ports in the future originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsinterviewMinecraftMojang-SpecificationsnarrativenotchpcportxboxFri, 25 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 3 set to overthrow the PC kingdom May 17 [update: now with screens!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/fable-3-pc-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/fable-3-pc-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/fable-3-pc-release-date/#comments PC gamers, it's time for you to renew your passport and update your vaccinations: You're going to be taking a trip to Albion in a few short months. Microsoft has announced that the third installment in its morally dichotomous RPG series, Fable 3, is due out on the PC in North America May 17, and in Europe, Australia and New Zealand May 19.

The Windows version of the game will include full 3D support for folks using the appropriate NVIDIA cards, and will also add a "Hardcore" mode, giving the game an unprecedented level of difficulty. We wonder if that difficulty will be reflected in the game's major ethical decisions as well -- for instance: Do you want to sacrifice your children, your wife, or your dog ... in the real world? Mwahahaha!

Update: Check out a ton of screens in the gallery below.

Gallery: Fable 3 (PC)

JoystiqFable 3 set to overthrow the PC kingdom May 17 [update: now with screens!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dFable-3LionheadLionhead-StudiosMicrosoft-Game-Studiosnvidiapcportrelease-datewindowsThu, 24 Feb 2011 15:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Runic hopeful Torchlight 2 will come to consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/runic-hopeful-torchlight-2-will-come-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/runic-hopeful-torchlight-2-will-come-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/runic-hopeful-torchlight-2-will-come-to-consoles/#comments Runic Games' long-sought goal to port Torchlight to consoles will come to fruition when the game is released on Xbox Live Arcade as part of Microsoft's "House Party" promotion, beginning in mid-February. Depending on its success on the platform, Runic could look to quickly port the sequel to consoles, too, following its launch on PC this spring.

"That will hopefully get to the consoles, as well," Runic CEO Max Schaefer told MTV Multiplayer. "Depending on how [Torchlight on XBLA] does ... we're excited to get Torchlight 2 onto consoles. Hopefully sooner than how long [Torchlight on XBLA] took. We've gone through the exercise, we know what it takes."

Additionally, Schaefer priced Torchlight on XBLA at 1200 Microsoft Points ($15), though a representative for the studio later said that that price was not official. "It will be set by Microsoft, not Runic Games," said the representative, "and we cannot confirm it."

JoystiqRunic hopeful Torchlight 2 will come to consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>house-partymicrosoftportpricingrunic-gamestorchlighttorchlight-2xblaxboxFri, 07 Jan 2011 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers receiving fan translation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-receiving-fan-translation/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-receiving-fan-translation/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/devil-summoner-soul-hackers-receiving-fan-translation/#comments Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers is a game originally released back in 1997 for the Sega Saturn in Japan. It was a sequel to Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner, itself a game within the same Megami Tensei universe inhabited by the Persona series. Publisher Atlus has tried a few times to bring the title to the states, but Sony hasn't yet allowed it, so a group of fans calling itself "Devil Hackers" is working on a fan-made translation of the title, playable on the PSP.

You can watch a "teaser trailer" of the translation after the break -- but someone needs to translate the word "teaser" for the Devil Hackers, because it's thirteen minutes long. Assuming things work themselves out, fans interested in playing the game in English should get their chance soon.

Continue reading Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers receiving fan translation

JoystiqDevil Summoner: Soul Hackers receiving fan translation originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devil-hackersdevil-summoner-soul-hackerenglishjapaneseplaystationportpspshin-megami-tenseisonytranslationFri, 31 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Dev Story 2 coming to iPhone, eventually]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/game-dev-story-2-coming-to-iphone-eventually/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/game-dev-story-2-coming-to-iphone-eventually/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/game-dev-story-2-coming-to-iphone-eventually/#comments Can you believe this is our first Game Dev Story post? And about the sequel, no less? Believe it.

We'll try to rectify our previous oversight today by bringing you the welcome news that Game Dev Story 2 will be coming to the iOS platform ... at some point. "We will be developing a sequel," Kairosoft, the Game Dev (uh) game dev, told Touch Arcade, "but we are not planning on releasing it soon."

Like the original -- a quirky, standout management sim that's currently just hanging onto a spot in the Top 200 App Store games ranking -- Game Dev Story 2 is expected to be a localized port of an ancient Japanese PC game. The first Game Dev Story actually dates back to 1996, while its sequel debuted on PC roughly a decade ago.

"We are thinking of improving the game by adding elements of networking in the sequel, such as sales score rankings and sending employees to a friend's company," Kairosoft said of the planned iPhone port. "The next iPhone App will be a CMS [construction and management simulation] game like SimCity, where you touch to scroll, zoom in/out, etc." Most importantly, Kairosoft would "like to release English versions" of Game Dev Story 2 and all its numerous, adorable little titles on iOS. Bring on that "Cruise Great Trip" story!

[Pictured: Game Dev Story 2 (PC); source: Kairosoft]

JoystiqGame Dev Story 2 coming to iPhone, eventually originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-dev-storygame-dev-story-2iosiphonejapankairosoftlocalizationmobileportTue, 30 Nov 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5 for Mac dated Nov. 23, 2010 CE]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/civilization-5-mac-dated-november-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/civilization-5-mac-dated-november-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/civilization-5-mac-dated-november-23/#comments Porting powerhouse Aspyr Media has announced the Mac version of Civ 5 will be available through its GameAgent retail portal -- both digital and boxed copies -- on November 23. Confirmation of its exact availability on Steam is pending. Estimated system specs are posted after the break.

Continue reading Civilization 5 for Mac dated Nov. 23, 2010 CE

JoystiqCivilization 5 for Mac dated Nov. 23, 2010 CE originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyraspyr-mediacivilization-5macportrelease-datesteamWed, 03 Nov 2010 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Street Fighter IV skips PC release thanks to piracy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/super-street-fighter-iv-skips-pc-release-thanks-to-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/super-street-fighter-iv-skips-pc-release-thanks-to-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/super-street-fighter-iv-skips-pc-release-thanks-to-piracy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sorry, PC gaming Hadouken enthusiasts -- if you ever want a chance to play Capcom's updated version of the latest Street Fighter, you're going to have to do so on a console or in an arcade. In a recent interview with 4Gamer.net (via Gamasutra), producer Yoshinori Ono confirmed that while the PC version of Street Fighter IV was a big seller worldwide, the publisher has no plans to put the new and improved Super iteration on home computers due to the platform's high rate of piracy.

Ono added that a PC port is still possible, if Capcom can find a reasonable DRM solution for the title. We think there are other ways around the problem -- for instance, you could just donate some of the proceeds of the game to charity, as that might discourage oh no wait.

JoystiqSuper Street Fighter IV skips PC release thanks to piracy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomfightingpcpiracyportSuper-Street-Fighter-IVyoshinori-onoWed, 22 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fast Striker is the new Last Dreamcast Game Ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/fast-striker-is-the-new-last-dreamcast-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/fast-striker-is-the-new-last-dreamcast-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/fast-striker-is-the-new-last-dreamcast-game-ever/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Dreamcast continues to cling to the barest sliver of life, thanks to the work of NGDev Team. The developer and publisher announced that it's porting Fast Striker, a vertical shooter made for (fellow dead system) the Neo Geo, to the Dreamcast, with a scheduled winter 2010 release.

If you want to buy a new Dreamcast game (and doesn't that sound great?) you can pre-order Fast Striker from NGDev directly, in either a regular edition or a limited edition that includes a soundtrack. If you're really enthused about Fast Striker, you can buy a pack containing both editions. The Neo Geo MVS version is also available.

Check out a trailer after the break. A trailer for a Dreamcast game.

Continue reading Fast Striker is the new Last Dreamcast Game Ever

JoystiqFast Striker is the new Last Dreamcast Game Ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamcastfast-strikerneo-geongdev-teamportretrosegashmupWed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Planet 2 can be found on PC October 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/lost-planet-2-can-be-found-on-pc-october-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/lost-planet-2-can-be-found-on-pc-october-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/lost-planet-2-can-be-found-on-pc-october-15/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Capcom has announced that its recent co-op monster hunting simulator -- or, to be more precise, its recent co-op monster hunting simulator titled Lost Planet 2 -- will arrive on the PC October 15. What's new for this version of the coolly received title? Well, it contains native support for NVIDIA 3D Vision and 3D Vision Surround graphics cards, meaning if you've collected the necessary gadgets, you'll be able to topple the towering Akrid and watch as they fall through your monitor, landing squarely in your half-eaten bowl of Cap'n Crunch. That's how 3D works, right?

Check out the rigorous system requirements after the jump, or, if reading's not your thing, download the Lost Planet 2 preview, and then watch to see if your computer bursts into flames.

Continue reading Lost Planet 2 can be found on PC October 15

JoystiqLost Planet 2 can be found on PC October 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dcapcomLost-Planet-2pcportrelease-datewindowsMon, 16 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft swatting Racquet Sports onto PS3 with Move support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/ubisoft-swatting-racquet-sports-onto-ps3-with-move-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/ubisoft-swatting-racquet-sports-onto-ps3-with-move-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/ubisoft-swatting-racquet-sports-onto-ps3-with-move-support/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ubisoft's 5-in-1 paddle-centric title Racquet Sports will make the jump from the Wii to PS3 this fall in North America. The collection, which formerly invoked the power of the Wii MotionPlus dongle for more accurate swinging when playing tennis, ping-pong, badminton, squash, and beach tennis, will now allow players to try their hands at the same five games using the PlayStation Move controller.

Based on the Wii iteration's tepid reviews, we hope Ubisoft can add a bit more depth to the title during its transition. You know what would help a great deal in this respect? Throw some Pickleball up in the mix. Bam.

Continue reading Ubisoft swatting Racquet Sports onto PS3 with Move support

JoystiqUbisoft swatting Racquet Sports onto PS3 with Move support originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-moveportps3racquet-sportsubisoftThu, 08 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Splinter Cell: Conviction now on iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/splinter-cell-conviction-now-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/splinter-cell-conviction-now-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/splinter-cell-conviction-now-on-iphone/#commentsIs it no longer enough for you to be sneaky in Splinter Cell: Conviction? Would you also like the ability to be sneaky about playing it? Gameloft has just released an iPhone version of the stealth action game, so you could be playing Splinter Cell all day, with the people around you thinking you're just texting a lot.

Conviction on iPhone attempts to bring essentially the same visual style and gameplay to the handheld platform, with a similar third-person perspective, cover, and even Sam's mark-and-execute abilities. According to TouchArcade's review, problems with controls and AI keep it from quite achieving that goal -- you can see the guard AI in (in)action in the trailer after the break.

Splinter Cell: Conviction ($9.99): Splinter Cell Conviction?

Continue reading Splinter Cell: Conviction now on iPhone

JoystiqSplinter Cell: Conviction now on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionApplegameloftiPodportsplinter-cellsplinter-cell-convictionstealthubisoftThu, 27 May 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney on iPhone next week for $5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-on-iphone-next-week-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-on-iphone-next-week-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-on-iphone-next-week-for-5/#commentsNext week, you'll have another platform on which to experience Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney's verbal dueling. Capcom has announced that the iPhone version of the first Phoenix Wright game, originally revealed in December, will be released on the App Store at a price of just $4.99. It's even got the fifth case, which was only available in the WiiWare port as DLC. If you've never played Phoenix Wright, passing it up at such a bargain price is a crime, punishable by our disappointment.

This is the rare iPhone port that won't be ruined by the platform's lack of buttons -- gameplay consists entirely of clicking through menus and occasionally pointing a cursor at an area of the screen. Capcom has even streamlined these controls further for iPhone, with a "flick interface" that allows players to swipe through inventory menus. There's something satisfying about the idea of playing Phoenix Wright with your outstretched index finger.

Gallery: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (iPhone)

JoystiqPhoenix Wright: Ace Attorney on iPhone next week for $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-attorneyAdventureapp-storeApplecapcomiPodPhoenix-WrightPhoenix-Wright-Ace-Attorney-iPhoneportrelease-dateFri, 21 May 2010 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow sneaks onto PS2 in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/syphon-filter-logans-shadow-sneaks-onto-ps2-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/syphon-filter-logans-shadow-sneaks-onto-ps2-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/syphon-filter-logans-shadow-sneaks-onto-ps2-in-june/#commentsIf you wanted to play 2007's Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow but don't have a PSP, fear not (and remember that you wanted to play that): as revealed by the ESRB last month, Sony is planning to release the game on the PS2, a system that you probably have two or three of in your home. The PS2 port of Logan's Shadow will be released on June 1. It'll include a few new niceties thanks to the extra buttons on the Dual Shock 2, including a "snap" button for getting into cover, a "swing out and aim" button, and dual analog functionality.

In addition, this summer will see the release of a Syphon Filter digital graphic novel to the PlayStation Store, filling in the story between Dark Mirror and Logan's Shadow. Find out what else is shaded and/or darkened!

JoystiqSyphon Filter: Logan's Shadow sneaks onto PS2 in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-comicdigital-comicsplaystation-storeportpsnsyphon-filtersyphon-filter-logans-shadowMon, 03 May 2010 10:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix undecided about FF5 and FF6 DS remakes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/square-enix-undecided-about-ff5-and-ff6-ds-remakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/square-enix-undecided-about-ff5-and-ff6-ds-remakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/square-enix-undecided-about-ff5-and-ff6-ds-remakes/#comments Square Enix producer Shinji Hashimoto was in the question-answering mood yesterday, responding to a handful of queries thrown his way via the Square Enix Partners Twitter account. After explaining to his curious followers that the company is "undecided" about downloadable ports of Seiken Densetsu 3 and mobile RPG Ever Heart Odyssey, Hashimoto addressed the possibility of DS remakes for Final Fantasy V and VI, stating (according to Andriasang's translation), "for FF5 and 6, there are technical issues as well, so at present these are also undecided."

We're not quite sure what that means. The only technical issue we can see in this situation is that Square Enix could put the original versions of both games on a single DS cart, and we would still pay $40 for it, making us technically insane.

JoystiqSquare Enix undecided about FF5 and FF6 DS remakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-vfinal-fantasy-viNintendoportremakerpgShinji-Hashimotosquare-enixWed, 28 Apr 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[No More Heroes remakes outsold the original by a little]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/no-more-heroes-remakes-outsold-the-original-by-a-little/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/no-more-heroes-remakes-outsold-the-original-by-a-little/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/no-more-heroes-remakes-outsold-the-original-by-a-little/#commentsWe're not going to say that No More Heroes: Heroes' Paradise is a hit, but those of us in constant fear of Marvelous running out of money can breathe a sigh of relief, as the remake has brought a little cash in (more considering that the game is a port and therefore probably less expensive to produce).

In fact, both versions managed to make it into the Media Create top ten, with the PS3 version's 16,000 copies securing a #7 position and the Xbox 360 version's 15,000 copies at #8. Both of these actually outperformed the Wii original, which sold 11,700 copies in its debut week back in 2007.

Now that we think about it, however, the real story might be that 15,000 people in Japan bought an Xbox 360 game in a single week.

Gallery: No More Heroes: Heroes' Paradise (PS3/Xbox 360)

JoystiqNo More Heroes remakes outsold the original by a little originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feelplusgrasshopper-manufacturejapanmarvelousmedia-createMicrosoftNintendono-more-heroesno-more-heroes-heroes-paradiseportremakesalessuda-51Suda51WiiXbox-360Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[No More Heroes: Wii vs. Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/no-more-heroes-wii-vs-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/no-more-heroes-wii-vs-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/no-more-heroes-wii-vs-xbox-360/#commentsNo More Heroes: Heroes' Paradise was released in Japan last week, allowing the site PS360 to set to work comparing the new HD version (in this case the Xbox 360 release), ported by Feelplus, to the Wii original. After the break, you can see the intro to both versions, presented in split-screen. We suggest watching them in full-screen, because you can't really compare resolutions or detail inside a tiny window. You can, however, see noticeable differences in texture detail, and especially shading -- the Xbox version has crazy high-contrast shadows on everything. You can also hear the new Japanese voice acting, which sounds totally silly.

The second video compares load times between the Xbox 360 version installed to the hard drive and the Wii's disc-based version. Surprisingly, in some cases, the Xbox game takes much longer to load! While that's not a huge deal-breaker, Siliconera reports that users are complaining on Amazon about freezing as well. It's hard to determine how widespread the issue is, because it's an Xbox 360 game released in Japan, and thus probably not in that many hands.

Continue reading No More Heroes: Wii vs. Xbox 360

JoystiqNo More Heroes: Wii vs. Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feelplusGrasshopper-ManufacturemarvelousMicrosoftNintendono-more-heroesno-more-heroes-heroes-paradiseportWiiXbox-360Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Noitu Love 2 headed to WiiWare from Golgoth Studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/noitu-love-2-headed-to-wiiware-from-golgoth-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/noitu-love-2-headed-to-wiiware-from-golgoth-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/noitu-love-2-headed-to-wiiware-from-golgoth-studio/#commentsIGF 2008 finalist Noitu Love 2: Devolution is a 2D action game notable for having an extremely odd control system that combines keyboard-based movement with mouse gestures. It's now being ported to WiiWare, no doubt with Wii motion controls adding an extra layer of oddness to the run-and-gun's control scheme.

The port is being developed by Golgoth Studio, the French studio behind the HD remakes of Toki (which was without a publisher last time we heard) and Joe and Mac. It asked the community for retro remake ideas when it received its WiiWare developer credentials. Whoever is responsible for this idea, the result is another interesting indie game on WiiWare. If you'd like to try it now, there's a demo of the PC version on original developer Konjak's site.

[Via Gamerbytes]

JoystiqNoitu Love 2 headed to WiiWare from Golgoth Studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actiongolgoth-studiokonjaknoitu-love-2portrun-and-gunwiiwareMon, 12 Apr 2010 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Burn Zombie Burn to heat up PC as well]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/burn-zombie-burn-to-heat-up-pc-as-well/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/burn-zombie-burn-to-heat-up-pc-as-well/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/burn-zombie-burn-to-heat-up-pc-as-well/#commentsDoublesix's twin-stick shooter Burn Zombie Burn is spreading like a zombie-fueled wildfire. Following the appearance of a PC version of the game on the ESRB database, Doublesix studio head James Brooksby confirmed plans for the release to Big Download. The title was originally developed as a PS3-exclusive, with assistance from Sony's Pub Fund.

There's no definite release date, but the PC port will be distributed on Steam sometime in the next couple of months. As a rather nice bonus, the PC edition should include all of the PS3 version's DLC add-ons.

JoystiqBurn Zombie Burn to heat up PC as well originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burn-zombie-burndlcdoublesixportshootersteamtwin-stick-shooterTue, 30 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA['No plans' for Xbox 360 version of Champions Online, Cryptic says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/no-plans-for-xbox-360-version-of-champions-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/no-plans-for-xbox-360-version-of-champions-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/no-plans-for-xbox-360-version-of-champions-online/#comments
Add another tombstone to the increasingly populated Xbox MMO graveyard. The Xbox 360 port of Champions Online is seemingly kaput. A forum user known as Jackalope -- Cryptic Studios CCO Jack Emmert, according to TeamXbox -- responded in a thread regarding the beleaguered port, saying, "100% of our focus is on making the current PC product the best it can be. There are no current plans for a console version of Champions."

Previously, the Xbox 360 version of the MMO had seen its share of setbacks. In August last year, Emmert laid the blame for the delay squarely on Microsoft. "It just takes time for the big beast known as Microsoft to get moving," he said at the time, adding that "it's as baffling to developers as it is to everyone else."

This marks the latest in a long string of failed-to-launch MMOs for the Xbox platform: Ensemble's Halo MMO, True Fantasy Live Online for the original Xbox, Marvel Universe Online, Age of Conan, Huxley -- all of them either canceled or in development limbo. Thus far, the only traditional MMO to see the light of day on the Xbox 360 has been Final Fantasy XI. We can only speculate as to what the bottleneck is for MMOs on the Xbox 360 but, given the litany of failed projects from multiple developers, Microsoft certainly appears to be the common thread.

[Original photo source: Qole Pejorian]

Joystiq'No plans' for Xbox 360 version of Champions Online, Cryptic says originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancelledchampions-onlinecryptic-studiosfutilityjack-emmertMicrosoftmmoportXbox-360Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Perfect Dark (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/perfect-dark-xbla-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/perfect-dark-xbla-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/perfect-dark-xbla-review/#comments "Remastered" is the appropriate term for 4J Studios' Perfect Dark port, which takes Rare's classic console FPS and remodels it with high-resolution assets and tactful tweaks to better suit its new Xbox Live Arcade format. Perfect Dark is the third N64-generation Rare title that 4J Studios has remastered, following XBLA ports of Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie, and it's likely the most anticipated. Perfect Dark is a historical landmark, after all, and it's one that should be visited from time to time by anyone interested in games.

Originally released in mid-2000, Perfect Dark arrived as I was staggering forth from my freshman year of college. I picked it up because, back in high school, we played GoldenEye until the sun came up. I never grew to worship Perfect Dark as I had Rare's acclaimed Bond shooter, but my memory recalls it as a "slightly superior" game (if not as personally beloved). As one of the more prominent entries on my "I woulda, coulda, shoulda played it more" list, I've been looking forward to this reunion -- a chance to get to know Perfect Dark better.

Gallery: Perfect Dark (XBLA)

Continue reading Review: Perfect Dark (XBLA)

JoystiqReview: Perfect Dark (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j-studiosMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosperfect-darkperfect-dark-xblaportrarexblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeWed, 17 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaijin bringing iPhone's Lilt Line to WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/gaijin-bringing-iphones-lilt-line-to-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/gaijin-bringing-iphones-lilt-line-to-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/gaijin-bringing-iphones-lilt-line-to-wiiware/#commentsLilt Line, winner of a 2010 IGF Mobile award for Audio Achievement is a simple iPhone game, in which you tilt the phone to guide a line through winding tunnels, and tap the screen in response to on-screen cues, all in time to dubstep music by 16bit. Essentially, it's Irritating Stick without the irritation! Developer Different Cloth revealed in a tweet that Wii owners will get to experience Lilt Line as well, thanks to Bit.Trip creator Gaijin Games.

All we know from the (necessarily brief) announcement is that Gaijin is bringing the game to the Wii. We can assume, both from the nature of the game and the fact that we don't think the three-person Gaijin Games team is going to start publishing packaged games, that it's WiiWare. We've asked Gaijin for more information. In the meantime, check out the iPhone version after the break.

Continue reading Gaijin bringing iPhone's Lilt Line to WiiWare

JoystiqGaijin bringing iPhone's Lilt Line to WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>different-clothgaijin-gamesgdc-2010indielilt-lineportMon, 15 Mar 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Runic Games 'putting serious effort' into console Torchlight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/runic-games-putting-serious-effort-into-console-torchlight/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/runic-games-putting-serious-effort-into-console-torchlight/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/runic-games-putting-serious-effort-into-console-torchlight/#comments Speaking to The Rumble Pack, Runic Games CEO Max Schaefer declared that his company is actively pursuing a console port of its PC action RPG, Torchlight. "We're going to put some serious effort into it -- pretty quick -- getting Torchlight onto consoles," said Schaefer. "There's a lot of really cool things about the console world, too, that would work well with our game," he added, "So, we are definitely going to be going in that direction." He offered no specifics on the project, saying only that the company is "talking to a million people" and that it's "something we definitely want to do.

We were quite taken with Torchlight when it released on PC last year -- the game landed more than a few of our staff's best of 2009 lists -- so here's hoping we'll get some more details soon.

JoystiqRunic Games 'putting serious effort' into console Torchlight originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgMicrosoftportpsnrunic-gamestorchlightxblaXbox-360Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capy porting Clash of Heroes to PSN and XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/capy-porting-clash-of-heroes-to-psn-and-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/capy-porting-clash-of-heroes-to-psn-and-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/capy-porting-clash-of-heroes-to-psn-and-xbla/#commentsIf, for some reason, you didn't purchase and love Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes on DS -- or even if you did -- you'll have the opportunity to buy the puzzle RPG on two new systems this year, in glorious hand-drawn HD. Capybara Games has revealed a new PSN/XBLA version of Clash of Heroes, with totally redrawn graphics that eschew the 16-bit look of the DS original for more realistic proportions and a generally sharper look.

In addition, new equippable artifacts are being added, and the existing ones tweaked, to improve balance in multiplayer. Even better, you'll now be able to go back and replay segments of the game after completing them. Capy expects to release Clash of Heroes in late summer.

[Via GameSetWatch]

JoystiqCapy porting Clash of Heroes to PSN and XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capycapybara-gamesMicrosoftmight-and-magic-clash-of-heroesportpsnpuzzlerpgxblaXbox-360Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[King of iPhone Fist: Pocket Gamer says Namco releasing iPhone Tekken game soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/king-of-iphone-fist-pocket-gamer-says-namco-releasing-iphone-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/king-of-iphone-fist-pocket-gamer-says-namco-releasing-iphone-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/king-of-iphone-fist-pocket-gamer-says-namco-releasing-iphone-te/#comments
Tekken 6 for PSP
Street Fighter IV isn't the only fighting game to be shoehorned awkwardly into the iPhone. According to Pocket Gamer, an anonymous Namco staffer has confirmed that a Tekken game is on the way to the platform -- a platform that, we feel we should remind you, lacks not only a high-quality arcade-style joystick, but any mechanical controls at all. Last year, Namco's Jonathan Kromrey mentioned that the company was considering porting its fighting games onto the iPhone, and it would appear that nobody successfully dissuaded the publisher.

No details were given about the game, except that its development is near completion. We'd say Soul Calibur is next on the list, but Gameloft kind of already did that.

JoystiqKing of iPhone Fist: Pocket Gamer says Namco releasing iPhone Tekken game soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplefightingiPodNamco-Bandainamco-networksporttekkenwhyFri, 05 Mar 2010 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Prince of Persia SNES included with The Forgotten Sands on Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/prince-of-persia-snes-included-with-the-forgotten-sands-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/prince-of-persia-snes-included-with-the-forgotten-sands-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/prince-of-persia-snes-included-with-the-forgotten-sands-on-wii/#comments Which Prince of Persia game features "superb graphic detail and incredibly fluid animation" and "more thrills than a saber duel with a thousand sultans"? If you answered, "Ubisoft's Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands," you'd ... well, you'd probably be right. But that text first appeared on the SNES box of 1992's Prince of Persia, an enhanced port of Jordan Mechner's original vizier vanquish-'em-up.

Nintendo announced at its San Francisco media event today that the SNES game will be included in the Wii version of Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands, which is slated for release on May 18. Earlier this month, rumors suggested that Prince of Persia Classic -- a direct remake of the original game, initially released on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network -- would be included in The Forgotten Sands. Instead, Wii owners get classic Prince of Persia exclusively.

Don't fret too much about the platforms, though. You're probably in for more thrills than a saber duel with a thousand sultans no matter what.

Gallery: Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (Wii)

JoystiqPrince of Persia SNES included with The Forgotten Sands on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonusNintendopopportprince-of-persiaprince-of-persia-the-forgotten-sandssnesubisoftWiiWed, 24 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Collect some Mega Man Zero Collection screens and art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/22/collect-some-mega-man-zero-collection-screens-and-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/22/collect-some-mega-man-zero-collection-screens-and-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/22/collect-some-mega-man-zero-collection-screens-and-art/#commentsCapcom passed along some screens and artwork of its upcoming Mega Man Zero Collection for DS, though the screens look suspiciously singular. Essentially, these are screenshots of the Game Boy Advance originals, without the DS's second screen. But since the screens focus on the important bit (the actual games), and because many people interested in this collection probably haven't been exposed to the original games, we're posting them anyway.

As a nice bonus, Capcom also sent out artwork featuring Zero looking pretty freaking cool. Mega Man Zero Collection arrives in stores early this summer.

Gallery: Mega Man Zero Collection (DS)

JoystiqCollect some Mega Man Zero Collection screens and art originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomgame-boy-advancemega-manmega-man-zeromega-man-zero-collectionportremakeMon, 22 Feb 2010 21:45:00 EST