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[Deja Review: Radiant Silvergun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/deja-review-radiant-silvergun/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/deja-review-radiant-silvergun/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/deja-review-radiant-silvergun/#commentsWe're of the firm opinion that your time is too precious, too valuable to be spent reading a full review for a game that was already reviewed many, many years ago. What's the point of applying a score to a game that's old enough to be enrolled in the sixth grade? That's why we invented Deja Review: A quick look at the new features and relative agelessness of remade, revived and re-released games.
It may not have garnered the same enthusiastic posthumous cult following as its little brother, but the Sega Saturn was a very good console -- provided you were a very specific type of gamer. Unlike its contemporaries whose processing architectures were designed to excel at 3D graphics (not 3D-glasses 3D, just, you know, polygons), the Saturn's extremely complex and unconventional processor configuration was uniquely suited for 2D, sprite-based games.

While the Crash Bandicoots, Crocs, and Super Mario 64s of the period were pioneering the field of depth perception, the Saturn became a safe haven for 2D skill-based games like Radiant Silvergun. Despite the fact that it was never released stateside, Treasure's manic 1998 shooter is thought of as a definitive Saturn classic, which continues to influence contemporary shmups even to this day. Now, through the magic of XBLA, an entirely new generation of gamers are being exposed to the genesis of bullet-hell, and even after 13 years, Radiant Silvergun is still a relevant, infuriating masterpiece.

Gallery: Radiant Silvergun (XBLA)

Continue reading Deja Review: Radiant Silvergun

JoystiqDeja Review: Radiant Silvergun originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Deja-ReviewmicrosoftRadiant-Silvergunradiant-silvergun-hdremakeSaturnSega-SaturnTreasureXBLAxboxTue, 20 Sep 2011 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Guardian Heroes remastered for XBLA this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/guardian-heroes-remastered-for-xbla-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/guardian-heroes-remastered-for-xbla-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/guardian-heroes-remastered-for-xbla-this-fall/#comments If you've been intensely monitoring eBay, hoping to nab a factory-sealed copy of Treasure's rare Sega Saturn beat-'em-up, Guardian Heroes, it's time to relax. Sega revealed this morning that it intends to release the game for Xbox Live Arcade sometime "this fall," with flashier 2D visuals (HD!) and online play (both co-op and battle modes). And it won't cost upwards of $50 to get it, unlike that eBay auction you've been eying. (Our condolences to the sellers, though!)

"Players have been clamoring for this treasured favorite from the Saturn days, and we cannot wait to show them what we have got for them," Sega VP of digital business Haruki Satomi noted in the announcement, calling the fan response to previous Dreamcast re-releases "overwhelming." So overwhelming, in fact, that Sega had to step back to an older console.

JoystiqGuardian Heroes remastered for XBLA this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 May 2011 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guardian-heroesmicrosoftq3-2011release-datesaturnsegasega-saturntreasurexblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeThu, 05 May 2011 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Race'n'Chase: Original GTA design docs posted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/race-n-chase-original-gta-design-docs-posted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/race-n-chase-original-gta-design-docs-posted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/race-n-chase-original-gta-design-docs-posted/#comments The original concept for Grand Theft Auto would see players committing only a few crimes, according to design documents posted by developer Mike Dailly that date back to sixteen years ago today. At that time, the early concept was for a game called Race'n'Chase. Its aim was "to produce a fun, addictive, and fast multi-player car racing and crashing game which uses a novel graphics method."

The story? "The game will be set in a present-day world." (Period.) While it would take two and a half years -- and narrowly dodging cancellation, by another creator's account -- to flesh out the eventual game, Grand Theft Auto, the designers did have some inkling of the direction they would ultimately take, as detailed in the original pitch.

"There will be 3 cities with a different graphic style for each city (e.g., New York, Venice, Miami)," wrote the heads of then DMA Design (now Rockstar North). "There will be many different missions to be played in each city." The initial mission types consisted of "a straight race across the city," a free-roaming demolition derby and a bank robbery.

Other seeds for the mega-franchise-to-be were also planted in the early documents: "Pedestrians will be wandering about all of the time," notes one section, suggesting bystander types could include "schoolchildren" and a "lollipop lady." "They can be run over by cars."

"It will also be possible for players to get out of their car and steal another one," the designers propose in the opening pitch, adding, "Trying to steal a car may result in an alarm being set off which will, of course, attract the police." Later, it's clarified that "police will be able to get out of their cars and shoot at the robbers."

[Image credit: Mike Dailly; source: mikedailly/Flickr]

JoystiqRace'n'Chase: Original GTA design docs posted originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designdesign-documentdma-designdosgrand-theft-autogtamike-dailyn64pcrace-n-chaseretrosaturnwindows-95Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega thinking about downloadable Saturn games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/sega-thinking-about-downloadable-saturn-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/sega-thinking-about-downloadable-saturn-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/sega-thinking-about-downloadable-saturn-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sega is already selling its Genesis library all over the place (as downloads on XBLA, PSN, WiiWare, and iPhone, and on retail collections). Dreamcast games are due this fall for XBLA and PSN. Now Sega is considering adding selections from the Saturn library to its catalog of digital releases.

Yosuke Okunari, producer of the Dreamcast remakes, told GAME Watch (translated by Andriasang) that Sega might consider Saturn games in the future, though it's a different initiative from the current releases. "What we announced this time is a project where we will have consecutive releases of titles that were debuted on Dreamcast," he said. "Separate from this, we're of course thinking about ports of Saturn games. It's the same as how Sega Ages and Virtual Console were separate existences. It's not that we have no intention of porting Saturn titles, so please share your requests." Sega Ages was a series of disc-based PS2 rereleases of classic Sega titles.

Coincidentally, the NiGHTSintodreams.com fan community sent out an announcement today for its campaign to convince Sega to port NiGHTS Into Dreams to modern consoles, in honor of the game's 15th anniversary. As one of the most prominent first-party games, NiGHTS has a good chance of being one of the first releases, should Sega decide to pursue Saturn ports.

[Update: This post originally referred to the XBLA Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram as a Dreamcast port. It's actually a port of version 5.66, which was released as an arcade game after the Dreamcast version.]

JoystiqSega thinking about downloadable Saturn games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nights-into-dreamssaturnSegasega-saturnYosuke-OkunariWed, 30 Jun 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega lighters set on fire what Nintendon't]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/sega-lighters-set-on-fire-what-nintendont/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/sega-lighters-set-on-fire-what-nintendont/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/sega-lighters-set-on-fire-what-nintendont/#commentsNow that there's a lighter in the shape of a Sega Saturn, we think Segata Sanshiro would insist that people start smoking. Through November 6, retailer Net-You is accepting pre-orders on these beautiful Sega Hard Memorial Zippo Lighters made by Banpresto, which feature the likenesses of the Sega Mega Drive and Sega Saturn, for ¥10,500 (roughly $115) each.

That's quite a bit more than you'd pay for the real systems in Akihabara, but, then, the real systems can't get your "just light the bag" charcoal started. Now is time to the 68000 cigarette on fire!

[Via Andriasang]

JoystiqSega lighters set on fire what Nintendon't originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banprestogenesislighternet-youretrosaturnsegazippoFri, 23 Oct 2009 09:42:00 EST<![CDATA[PlaySega without having to PaySega]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/12/playsega-without-having-to-paysega/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/12/playsega-without-having-to-paysega/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/12/playsega-without-having-to-paysega/#commentsSega's casual games portal PlaySega has just added Genesis classics to its lineup. If, like us, your attention has yet to turn to the browser-based service since its December launch, now would be a good time to check it out.

N-Europe reports that you can access a free 10-day trial of the paid "VIP" service now, which allows you to play, in addition to the collection of free games, those that are normally behind a pay wall -- like all the Genesis games, including Sonic the Hedgehog, which also includes (get ready to freak out) a level editor.

If you like the service and then sign up for a three-month ($14.95) subscription, Sega will send you one of the Saturn-style USB controllers seen here. Just don't sign up for the controller and forget you've subscribed, or you'll end up paying a lot more than you wanted to.

JoystiqPlaySega without having to PaySega originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browsercasualgenesisplaysegasaturnsonic-the-hedgehogMon, 12 Oct 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@GamesCom: Same location, different PS3 ad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/seen-gamescom-same-location-different-ps3-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/seen-gamescom-same-location-different-ps3-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/seen-gamescom-same-location-different-ps3-ad/#comments
Remember that awesome deal we saw yesterday before Sony's press conference at GamesCom? It was the one that had the PS3 and PSP for €399 -- a pretty awesome deal ... yesterday. Well, not only does electronics retailer Saturn hate "teuer" (translation: expensive), they apparently have lighting-quick gnomes changing banners.

This morning we passed the same sign and behold: the new deal was the just-announced PS3 Slim and The DaVinci Code for €299. Not a better deal, but boy, is that ever efficiency at work.

JoystiqSeen@GamesCom: Same location, different PS3 ad originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescomgamescom-2009salesaturnsonyWed, 19 Aug 2009 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@GamesCom: Hating expensive Sony products]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/seen-gamescom-hating-expensive-sony-products/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/seen-gamescom-hating-expensive-sony-products/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/seen-gamescom-hating-expensive-sony-products/#comments In the shadow of Sony's hotel in Cologne, Germany, a street ad displays a rather good deal. Electronics retailer Saturn is urging passersby to pick up a PS3 and a PSP for €399 -- not a bad deal, considering the PS3 costs that much on its own. Now we understand Saturn's tag line! "Wir hassen teuer," as in, "We hate expensive."

Of course, who knows if that deal will remain as hot within the next few hours, when Sony has its press conference on the eve of GamesCom. It's widely speculated that the company will announce a PS3 Slim and a possible price drop.

JoystiqSeen@GamesCom: Hating expensive Sony products originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescomgamescom-09gamescom-2009germanyps3pspsaturnsonyTue, 18 Aug 2009 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 5: Christmastime in Gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/top-5-christmastime-in-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/top-5-christmastime-in-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/top-5-christmastime-in-gaming/#commentsFiled under:


Ahh, Christmastime. Every year, we look forward to cherished traditions such as fighting traffic, stressing out over finding gifts, and even the occasional Black Friday trampling. Yet one would be surprised to learn that December 25th has a history which shares very little with frivolous lawsuits and Bill O'Reilly frothing at the mouth.

Indeed, aside from its litigatious and hostile depiction on the news, Christmas is largely an excuse to shower our loved ones with food, presents, and joy. It's also an easy inspiration for a stressed columnist trying to finish his Christmas shopping to create a Top 5 list. As such examples of religious-based holidays are rare in gaming, this list will not be Nintendo-specific. For those who celebrate the date, I wish you a Merry Christmas. For those who don't, I wish you well just the same.



The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.

JoystiqTop 5: Christmastime in Gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasdonkey-kong-countrydonkey-kong-country-3hit-and-runjoystiqfeaturesnightsnights-into-dreamsnights-journey-of-dreamssantasaturnsecret-of-manasegasega-saturnsimpsonsthe-simpsonstoejam-and-earlMon, 22 Dec 2008 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus goes dungeon crawling for the Wii, PS2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/atlus-goes-dungeon-crawling-for-the-wii-ps2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/atlus-goes-dungeon-crawling-for-the-wii-ps2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/atlus-goes-dungeon-crawling-for-the-wii-ps2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


When the chips are down and creativity's glass feels half empty, we know we can always look to the mavericks at Atlus to come up with something just a hair shy of normal for an experience that is, if anything, unique. With surgery sim Trauma Center: New Blood's release sewn up and a pair of Japanese-style strategy RPGs for the Xbox 360 on the way, Atlus is one of the last remaining 'garage bands' of video game publishing.

Now the company has announced its next project, namely a dungeon crawl-style action RPG called Baroque, describing the game as "hardcore" and "a pure RPG experience" for both the mini-game addled Wii and aging PS2. With an art style that is all its own, Baroque is set for release on both consoles in February, and is a remake of Japanese dev Sting's Saturn/PlayStation original, no doubt throwing yet another log on the fire for those weary of the Wii's growing catalog of last-gen ports. For us, we're just more interested in finding out what a trek through a post-apocalyptic dungeon has to do with excessively intricate art. Color us intrigued.

JoystiqAtlus goes dungeon crawling for the Wii, PS2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusbaroquedungeon crawldungeon-crawlDungeonCrawlnicheportsPS2PSonesaturnstingWiiThu, 13 Dec 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega: No plans to release NiGHTS PS2 outside of Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/nights-coming-to-ps2-outside-of-japan-maybe-maybe-not/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/nights-coming-to-ps2-outside-of-japan-maybe-maybe-not/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/nights-coming-to-ps2-outside-of-japan-maybe-maybe-not/#commentsFiled under: ,

Those hoping that the PS2 port of the Sega Saturn classic NiGHTS would be released outside of Japan may be out of luck. Takashi Iizuka -- producer, director, and lead game designer on the Wii-sclusive NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams -- recently spoke with Sega Nerds about all things NiGHTS.

When asked about the PS2 enhanced port of the original NiGHTS Into Dreams, Iizuka commented that at present, the title is only scheduled for release in Japan, and that there are no plans to bring the title to other regions, or, for that matter, to the Nintendo Wii.

Iizuka also commented that the PS2 port was the direct result of a high demand for the game in Japan. Given that, it's still possible that solid sales of the NiGHTS sequel might inspire releases of the original in more regions. Let's keep the hope alive.

JoystiqSega: No plans to release NiGHTS PS2 outside of Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japannightjourneyofdreamsnightsnights-into-dreamsnights-journey-of-dreamsnightsintodreamsps2saturnsegasega-agessega-saturnsegaagessegasaturnsonic-teamsonicteamTakashi-IizukaTakashiIizukawiiMon, 03 Dec 2007 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Original NiGHTS into Dreams coming to PS2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/original-nights-into-dreams-coming-to-ps2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/original-nights-into-dreams-coming-to-ps2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/original-nights-into-dreams-coming-to-ps2/#commentsFiled under: , ,


While Wii owners will soon be enjoying the first NiGHTS sequel, it looks like PS2 owners will eventually be enjoying the original. Famitsu Magazine reports that an enhanced port of the original Sega Saturn game NiGHTS into Dreams will be coming to the Playstation 2 in Japan in February of next year.

The PS2 version will display in 16:9 widescreen, and feature slightly improved graphics. The game will also include galleries of video, art, and stills from the marketing and production of the game. We're pleased as punch that the original NiGHTS is being revisited, but it is a bit odd that the Wii will be graced with NiGHTS Journey of Dreams and not its predecessor. Perhaps the odds of a Virtual Console release have slightly increased?

Check out the Famitsu page scan after the break.

Continue reading Original NiGHTS into Dreams coming to PS2

JoystiqOriginal NiGHTS into Dreams coming to PS2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking-newsbreakingnewsnightsnights-into-dreamsnightsintodreamsps2remakesaturnsegaTue, 20 Nov 2007 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy NiGHTS, play online, make a garden]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/buy-nights-play-online-make-a-garden/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/buy-nights-play-online-make-a-garden/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/buy-nights-play-online-make-a-garden/#commentsFiled under: ,



1UP recently had a chance to delve a little deeper into NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams, in particular the game's multiplayer and "My Dream" modes.

Reportedly, the former is to consist of two gametypes, one of which -- imaginatively titled "Race Mode" -- will be fully playable online. This will see two players competing in an out-and-out race to the finish line, one as the eponymous NiGHTS, and the other as his her its arch-enemy, Reala.

Passing through yellow or green rings contributes to a meter that can in turn be used for "dash boosts," while spike rings have the opposite effect. Encouragingly, it sounds like a fairly "pure" interpretation of the original Saturn game, if our withered, dried-up memories serve correctly.

"Battle Mode" is the second multiplayer variant, an offline game for two players. Here, each player has to avoid the "Mareballoon," essentially a large orange time bomb that NiGHTS and Reala can chuck between one another. If you're the one holding the Mareballoon by the time its clock has ticked down to zero, then your opponent clinches a point, with the first to three winning.

Swoop effortlessly past the break for more.

Continue reading Buy NiGHTS, play online, make a garden

JoystiqBuy NiGHTS, play online, make a garden originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdventureForecast-ChannelmultiplayerMy-DreamNiGHTSNiGHTS-Journey-of-Dreamsonline-multiplayerRacingRealaSaturnSEGAMon, 05 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[IGN ponders NiGHTS' place in gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/ign-ponders-nights-place-in-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/ign-ponders-nights-place-in-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/ign-ponders-nights-place-in-gaming/#commentsFiled under:

IGN's Levi Buchanan has written a feature questioning the significance of Sega's NiGHTS, both on the Saturn in 1997 and on the Wii now. The feature suggests that NiGHTS may not be as important as Sega fans think it is (but what could be?) because it wasn't really 3D and, more importantly, not that many people played it compared to the hits on the Saturn's contemporaries.

Both of these points are unfortunately true. With the exception of the included analog controller, NiGHTS didn't really influence future games that much (we went full-3D). And if Sega's hoping to sell this game on its nostalgia value alone, they will be disappointed. The kinds of numbers that made for a hit Saturn game probably wouldn't translate into a hit Wii game. Neither of these points necessarily mean that NiGHTS doesn't matter. It does, because it was a really great game. And that's what we expect from the sequel as well. We're content for NiGHTS just to be a really great game while the Marios and such get lauded as watershed gaming events. We'd all be happier, of course, if it was a real hit rather than a niche game.

The problem outlined in the article is that Sonic Team needs to satisfy the people who have been waiting eleven years for a sequel, while also delivering something that will intrigue new players. Where our opinions differ is that Buchanan seems to think that the classic NiGHTS gameplay is insufficient for a game in 2007, while we think it's great and could go far with enough visual sprucing up and advertising help.

JoystiqIGN ponders NiGHTS' place in gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nightssaturnsegaFri, 19 Oct 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's buzz-worthy video: Bug Too! pitch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/todays-buzz-worthy-video-bug-too-pitch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/todays-buzz-worthy-video-bug-too-pitch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/todays-buzz-worthy-video-bug-too-pitch/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ever wonder how a game gets greenlighted? (Green-lit?) Stare into the black hole of this Bug Too! pitch video. GameVideos says it was thrown together in a hurry to try to sell Sega on a follow-up to the Saturn game we can't quite remember.

We're not sure if this video was ever shown, given that Bug Too! was actually made. Or maybe this is just what publishers want to see: footage lifted from a TV gossip show, a sound-alike voice of the host, some game footage, and a series of pop-culture clips taken from movies.

See the video after the break, and fast-forward to the middle for the strangest parts.

Continue reading Today's buzz-worthy video: Bug Too! pitch

JoystiqToday's buzz-worthy video: Bug Too! pitch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugbugtooplatformsaturnsegasegasaturnvideoWed, 05 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Revolutionary: Support our Cyber Troopers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/revolutionary-support-our-cyber-troopers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/revolutionary-support-our-cyber-troopers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/revolutionary-support-our-cyber-troopers/#commentsFiled under:

Every Tuesday, Mike Sylvester brings you REVOLUTIONARY, a look at the wide world of Wii possibilities.

Long ago, there existed a magical place where children and teenagers dumped quarter after quarter into machines which housed the latest and greatest hardware for playing drool-worthy games that just weren't possible at home. This place was called Arcade. One day, a powerful consumer electronics manufacturer decided they wanted those quarters, a few hundred dollars on top of that, and a lifetime of your loyalty. With the mystical weapon called PlayStation, they drew the life force out of arcades and created their own mighty empire - in your home. Most memories of the arcade have evolved into legend, with a few of the old games brought home as ports. But capturing the full magnificent essence of most of those games has rarely been accomplished. Whether it's the scarcity of competitors whose pockets jingle with change as they wait their turn to play, the absence of custom-made control systems designed to fit each individual game, the inability to play ports that look exactly as they did in their arcade incarnations, or any number of other reasons, the arcade is nigh on impossible to rebuild in one's home. But that shouldn't stop you from trying.

Continue reading Revolutionary: Support our Cyber Troopers

JoystiqRevolutionary: Support our Cyber Troopers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeCyber TroopersCyberTroopersGlovePIEjoystiqfeaturesRevolutionarySaturnSegaVirtual OnVirtualOnTue, 07 Aug 2007 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[NiGHTS trailer and gameplay video warm our bitter hearts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/nights-trailer-and-gameplay-video-warm-our-bitter-hearts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/nights-trailer-and-gameplay-video-warm-our-bitter-hearts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/nights-trailer-and-gameplay-video-warm-our-bitter-hearts/#commentsFiled under: ,

We said we wouldn't get hung up on graphics if the gameplay was good. And, well, after watching these two videos of NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams, we are feeling a sensation we haven't felt in a long time: real Sega love. You could put a copy of Sonic Shuffle in front of us and we'd totally play it. Our minds aren't changed about the textures, but we find it very hard to care right now.

What you see in the video is authentic NiGHTS. Sega hasn't changed it into a minigame collection or a training game or even a 3D platformer. They didn't give him a gun and a car. This is a real sequel to the Saturn game in 2.5D, just like God intended. Ignore the Disney-esque narration and flourishes in the trailer. They are irrelevant.

For some reason, these videos aren't embedded at Gamespot's NiGHTS page, despite using the Gamespot player. You can, however, download a high-resolution version of the gameplay video there. They are embedded after the break. Please watch them and improve your day!

[Via NeoGAF; embedded Gamespot videos found at GoNintendo]

Continue reading NiGHTS trailer and gameplay video warm our bitter hearts

JoystiqNiGHTS trailer and gameplay video warm our bitter hearts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamsnightsnights journey of dreamsNightsJourneyOfDreamsnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiisaturnsegavideowiiTue, 10 Jul 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NiGHTS: Magazine Scan of Dreams]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/nights-magazine-scan-of-dreams/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/nights-magazine-scan-of-dreams/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/nights-magazine-scan-of-dreams/#commentsFiled under:

A new scan of NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams has appeared, thanks to NeoGAF's tireless neo2046. It mostly contains too-small images of NiGHTS flying around, which-- thankfully-- look great. There's some kind of ... peacock creature, maybe?

The page highlights NiGHTS' new human counterpart, Helen Cartwright, a young violinist. We assume that, like the previous game's children, she experiences performance anxiety and seeks solace in her dreams. Whatever the motivation, she frees NiGHTS so we can start playing the real game. And for that we must thank the frilly-jacketed, fictional child. The full page is after the break!

Continue reading NiGHTS: Magazine Scan of Dreams

JoystiqNiGHTS: Magazine Scan of Dreams originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamshelen cartwrightHelenCartwrightnightsnights 2nights journey of dreamsNights2NightsJourneyOfDreamsnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiisaturnscanscanssegasonicsonic teamSonicTeamwiiWed, 04 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Every Saturn game you could possibly want, and then some]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/every-saturn-game-you-could-possibly-want-and-then-some/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/every-saturn-game-you-could-possibly-want-and-then-some/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/every-saturn-game-you-could-possibly-want-and-then-some/#commentsFiled under:

Got $5,000 burning a hole in your pocket? That's roughly what it will take to open bidding on the mother of all Sega Saturn collections on eBay right now. Besides 256 games from all three regions, including rarities like Radiant Silvergun and Panzer Dragoon Saga, the auction includes three actual consoles (including a white one that can play burned games and VCDs), six controllers, memory cards, light guns, multitaps, a steering wheel and even a mouse. That's a lot of defunct Sega goodness right there.

If you're still balking at the price, consider that the winning bid includes free shipping to the U.S. from Australia. Because really, if you're gonna spend thousands of dollars on a classic system collection, the shipping is what will put you over the edge of reasonable expenditure.

JoystiqEvery Saturn game you could possibly want, and then some originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 20:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionAustraliabombermanclassiccollectioncontrollersebayhardwarelight gunLightGunmousesaturnsegaThu, 14 Jun 2007 20:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtually Overlooked Week: Eric's picks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/virtually-overlooked-week-erics-picks/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/virtually-overlooked-week-erics-picks/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/virtually-overlooked-week-erics-picks/#commentsFiled under: ,

Virtually Overlooked has taken over Wii Fanboy! All this week, members of the staff will be outlining their personal picks for future Virtual Console releases.

It was 1994 when Ahmad poignantly rapped, "Back in the days, when I was young; I'm not a kid anymore, but some days, I sit and wish I was a kid again." If scientists could only harness the wasted enthusiasm of our nostalgia, our cities would never want for electricity.

Remember the peanut butter and jelly sandwich lunches? Or the summer swims with the sun on your back, tanning your skin golden brown? The days you could set your heart on a girl you hardly knew at any moment, whether it be a winsome classmate or the clear-skinned brunette from Noxzema's hokey commercials? The nights when TGIF meant new episodes of Full House and Family Matters, and not after-work casual dining?

Each weekly batch of Virtual Console releases is a reminder of my idle youth. Some games I recognize only from magazine previews I read with eager eyes over a decade ago, and others are familiar friends -- titles I've been meaning to catch up with to recount years past. The whole gang hasn't quite made it to the reunion yet, but that doesn't mean we can't trade old stories about them in the meantime. "Sometimes, I still sit and reminisce ..."

Continue reading Virtually Overlooked Week: Eric's picks

JoystiqVirtually Overlooked Week: Eric's picks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bombermangame boyGameBoygenesislink's awakeningLink'sAwakeningmutant league footballMutantLeagueFoonespbopcpuzzle bobblepuzzle bobble onlinePuzzleBobblePuzzleBobbleOnlrescuerescue embassy missionrescue the embassy missionRescueEmbassyMiRescueTheEmbassretrosaturnsaturn bombermanSaturnBombermansega genesissega saturnSegaGenesisSegaSaturnskifreevoweekzeldaThu, 14 Jun 2007 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Daytonaaaaaaaaaa]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/02/wii-warm-up-daytonaaaaaaaaaa/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/02/wii-warm-up-daytonaaaaaaaaaa/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/02/wii-warm-up-daytonaaaaaaaaaa/#commentsFiled under:


Doot do doot do doot do doot do DOOOT DOOOOOOOOOOO! Good or bad awesome, the theme to Daytona USA is extremely memorable. So memorable, that it defines not only arcade racing, but also sort of defines the entire Sega Saturn platform (for us anyway, even despite the game being nowhere near arcade perfect).

We haven't found any music in a Wii game that does the same thing. In fact, there doesn't seem to be any standout music in a Wii game so far, except for maybe the pleasant little jingle in the Everybody Votes Channel, which kind of sounds like something from Super Monkey Ball 2. What do you think? Do you know of any Wii games with timeless music? Let's go away to the comments!

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Daytonaaaaaaaaaa originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daytonadaytona usaDaytonaUsalets go awayLetsGoAwaymusicnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiisaturnwiiwwuSat, 02 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NiGHTS to be faithful to the original game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/nights-to-be-faithful-to-the-original-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/nights-to-be-faithful-to-the-original-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/nights-to-be-faithful-to-the-original-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

While we've been vocally (or textually) thrilled about a sequel to the sublime NiGHTS into Dreams coming to the Wii, our enthusiasm has always been kept in check by the possibility of Sega ruining it. They have a couple of different avenues to do so: they could turn it into a minigame collection for non-gamers, which must be quite a temptation for Wii developers, they could go the "edgy" route, or they could just be Sega and churn out a terrible game.

We're happy to report that, according to an NGamer interview with Sega Studio USA's Takashi Iizuka, at least the classic gameplay will be intact. Iizuka said that he decided to keep the game concept the same out of consideration for those of us for whom it's been a long eleven-year wait. Not only is the gameplay basically the same, but the composer for the original game is back.

Of course, all of this is very encouraging, but it doesn't eliminate the possibility of Sega pulling a Sonic 360 and releasing a game that is disappointing in surprising new ways. We hate that we have to add the "don't forget, this is Sega" disclaimer, but we do, especially with Sonic Team.

JoystiqNiGHTS to be faithful to the original game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamsiizukanightsnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiisaturnsegasonicsonicteamwiiMon, 23 Apr 2007 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega Saturn Panzer Dragoon, Zwei coming to GameTap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/panzer-dragoon-zwei-coming-to-gametap/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/panzer-dragoon-zwei-coming-to-gametap/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/panzer-dragoon-zwei-coming-to-gametap/#commentsFiled under: , ,


A glimpse of the Coming Soon tab in the GameTap client reveals that they will soon be bringing Sega Saturn titles Panzer Dragoon and Panzer Dragoon Zwei to the service. Although the first title also appeared on the PC, Gamasutra has learned from sources close to GameTap that both these titles will be running via a Saturn emulator.

These games join the now-unhidden Bug! as the first three Saturn titles that Sega has brought to the subscription-based service. We're still hoping for Panzer Dragoon Saga, which now seems more probable following this revelation. No release date has been given for either Panzer Dragoon or Zwei; GameSetWatch recently published an interesting retrospective on the series.

JoystiqSega Saturn Panzer Dragoon, Zwei coming to GameTap originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GameTapPanzerDragoonPCsaturnsegaFri, 13 Apr 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega planning to cut remaining Dreamcast and Saturn support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/sega-planning-to-cut-remaining-dreamcast-and-saturn-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/sega-planning-to-cut-remaining-dreamcast-and-saturn-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/sega-planning-to-cut-remaining-dreamcast-and-saturn-support/#commentsFiled under:

Where were you on 9/9/99? It's been almost 8 years since the Sega Dreamcast was launched in the United States, ushering in the "next" (and now previous) generation of gaming with the likes of Sonic Adventure, Power Stone and Soul "Is that intro in real-time?" Calibur. Despite a strong lineup, online gameplay (thanks, 56K modem!) and quirky memory unit minigames, the Dreamcast's momentum wasn't strong enough to halt the PS2's avalanche of hype. A few years into the system's lifetime saw Sega running out of steam and, more importantly, out of money.

Those still clinging to their Dreamcasts are advised to take good care of them now, with Sega's Japanese website announcing that malfunctioning systems will no longer be accepted for repair after 28 September 2007. The hilarious machine translation of the page also points out that the Sega Saturn will suffer a similar fate, shortly before spewing forth an incomprehensible "understanding it receives, the fish you say to ask." Fish? Is that like a "fix a man's system and he plays for a day, but teach him how to fix it and he'll play for years" sort of thing?

Though it's tempting to lapse into eulogy at this point, the Dreamcast will be around (and thinking) for as long as people still enjoy it. Sega might be hammering the final nail into the coffin, but the system inside is still alive and kicking... and screaming.

[Via CVG]

JoystiqSega planning to cut remaining Dreamcast and Saturn support originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DreamcastNightsSaturnSegaSega DreamcastSega SaturnSegaDreamcastSegaSaturnSonicMon, 02 Apr 2007 11:09:00 EST<![CDATA[And lo, the angels hath smiled upon thee: NiGHTS 2 confirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/and-lo-the-angels-hath-smiled-upon-thee-nights-2-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/and-lo-the-angels-hath-smiled-upon-thee-nights-2-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/and-lo-the-angels-hath-smiled-upon-thee-nights-2-confirmed/#commentsFiled under:

OMFGyes
This isn't some sick, delayed April Fool's joke. After endless rumors and speculation, Japanese gaming mag Famitsu has finally confirmed ONM's "world exclusive": the official sequel to NiGHTS into Dreams, tentatively titled NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams, is coming to the Wii this winter. The Wiimote will be heavily utilized in the flying mechanics, which include soaring, tumbling, and freewheeling through an endless diamond sky. The producer of the title, Takashi Izuka of Sonic Team USA, has this to say about the title:

"In 1996, we created the NiGHTS character to achieve a concept of 'being refreshed from being able to fly in the sky'. 11 years later, at last, we have broken our silence. NiGHTS will now fly in a new dream world: new stages, new story, and on the new Wii platform. Please look forward to NiGHTS and friends exploring this brand new adventure."

Better news in the world of Wii does not exist, friends. What is it now, like, 264 days till the Winter Solstice?

[via Joystiq]

[Thanks to Dias and Creamsugar!]

JoystiqAnd lo, the angels hath smiled upon thee: NiGHTS 2 confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DreamsFamitsuIntoJesusNagaNiGHTSSaturnSonicTeamUSAYugiMon, 02 Apr 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NiGHTS 2 gets out of our dreams and into our European magazines]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/nights-2-gets-out-of-our-dreams-and-into-our-european-magazines/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/nights-2-gets-out-of-our-dreams-and-into-our-european-magazines/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/nights-2-gets-out-of-our-dreams-and-into-our-european-magazines/#commentsFiled under:


We've been speculating and reading rumors for a while, but now we have what seems like a believable confirmation from Swedish magazine Gamereactor. It's right there on the cover of the April issue! NiGHTS! We are seriously freaking out about the return of one of the coolest Sega games ever.

There are, however, a few problems. First is that the cover doesn't necessarily mention the Wii as the platform for the new game. The rumors have all placed this on the Wii, so we'll just continue believing there. Secondly, there's the possibility that this preview cover is an elaborate April Fool's Day prank. We don't even want to think about that.

Finally, we have to remember that this new NiGHTS game, if it's real, is going to be made by 2007 "Sonic 360/Shadow the Hedgehog" Sega, and not 1996 awesome Sega. Also, former Sonic Team leader Yuji Naka has already disavowed any involvement with a new NiGHTS.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqNiGHTS 2 gets out of our dreams and into our European magazines originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nightsnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiisaturnsegasonicsonicteamwiiwoooooooowTue, 27 Mar 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alex Kidd, Wonder Boy, and 2D Virtua Fighter 2 slated for Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/alex-kidd-wonder-boy-and-2d-virtua-fighter-slated-for-virtual/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/alex-kidd-wonder-boy-and-2d-virtua-fighter-slated-for-virtual/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/alex-kidd-wonder-boy-and-2d-virtua-fighter-slated-for-virtual/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sega continues to throw its support toward Nintendo's Virtual Console by announcing three new titles that will likely be coming in the next few weeks: Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, Wonder Boy in Monster World and a 2-dimensional version of Virtua Fighter 2.

Unfortunately, it is not the Virtua Fighter 2 that one might hope for. While the title was made originally for the arcade and Saturn, Sega is bringing the Genesis version to the Virtual Console. This far inferior version did not have an 3D engine and instead opted to approximate the renderings in 2D. It also excluded new characters Shun Di and Lion. Is this perhaps what spawned that Sega Saturn on Virtual Console rumor?

It was around this time last month that Sega announced its releases for March, so expect to see these titles arrive within the coming weeks.

JoystiqAlex Kidd, Wonder Boy, and 2D Virtua Fighter 2 slated for Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex kiddAlexKiddgenesismaster systemMasterSystemnintendosaturnsegavirtua fighterVirtuaFightervirtual consoleVirtualConsoleWiiwonder boyWonderBoyFri, 23 Mar 2007 20:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: More consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/22/wii-warm-up-more-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/22/wii-warm-up-more-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/22/wii-warm-up-more-consoles/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We love the Virtual Console. In the (completely mythical) drought periods between flagship Wii titles, the Virtual Console gives us a steady diet of excellent, cheap games. More than that, it serves as a history lesson for all the new gamers flooding into the hobby, and those too young to remember the 8-bit era. Also it gives you all a second chance to buy some Turbografx-16 games.

Obviously, we want more. We love the available consoles, but they aren't enough. We salivated over the Saturn rumors, and we'd like to see that. In fact, we have a great deal of affection for all Sega consoles. We'd like to see some Master System games show up on the VC soon.

What consoles would you like to see added to the lineup? Any answer is the right answer, as long as it's not the ActionMax!

JoystiqWii Warm Up: More consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendonintendo wiinintendowiisaturnsegatg16vcvirtualconsolewiiwwuThu, 22 Mar 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Sega Saturn, shiro!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/18/wii-warm-up-sega-saturn-shiro/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/18/wii-warm-up-sega-saturn-shiro/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/18/wii-warm-up-sega-saturn-shiro/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Sega Saturn, shiro!" means "Play Sega Saturn!" and is the catchphrase of the Saturn's Japanese mascot, the very burly and heroic Segata Sanshiro. It's also what we've been daydreaming about since we heard all the Saturn-related rumors. We love that Sega and Nintendo are pals now, but we wish we could get a little bit more of the good Sega, and a little bit less of the Shadow the Hedgehog era Sega.

The Saturn is chock full of classic Sega awesomeness, and we want to know what part of that ... uh, full, uh, chock of awesomeness you'd plop your Wii Points down for first. We're in total speculation land here, so Japanese games are okay to suggest. Our pick? Segata Sanshiro Shinken Yuugi, which we are desperate to play despite hearing that it's not very good. Listen to that theme song!

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Sega Saturn, shiro! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiisanshirosaturnsegasega saturnsegasaturnsegatasegatasanshirowiiwwuSun, 18 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: NiGHTS remake/sequel for Wii? [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/17/rumor-nights-into-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/17/rumor-nights-into-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/17/rumor-nights-into-wii/#commentsFiled under:


[Update: decided to go ahead and actually post the images.]
[Update 2: changed the title, which was by coincidence identical to Game|Life's.]

Another Sega Saturn-related rumor! Maybe Segata Sanshiro is hitting the press circuit, drumming up renewed interest in his favorite console.

The latest rumor comes from the UK's Official Nintendo Magazine, who placed a teaser image in the back page of their March issue, advertising that a revived classic would be revealed in the next issue. The image consisted of a field of stars with an outline of some kind of shape.

NeoGAFfers did some detective work and found the image that had been outlined: a character portrait of Sega's NiGHTS character. NiGHTS more than counts as a classic game! The implication here is that a new game in the series might be headed to the Wii.

We're still skeptical for a few reasons: first, the next edition of ONM will be the April issue, and it's imprudent to trust any news item that comes out in a game magazine in April. Second, the "revival" might be the original game on Virtual Console ... which would actually still be great. Finally, there's always the possibility that the NiGHTS picture was a deliberate misdirection, and the new game could turn out to be Dizzy or something. We hope that isn't the case-- Sega fans have been put through a lot, and many of us could snap at any moment.

We've posted both the original teaser image and the NiGHTS-added version after the break.

Continue reading Rumor: NiGHTS remake/sequel for Wii? [update 2]

JoystiqRumor: NiGHTS remake/sequel for Wii? [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamseuropeintomagazinenightsnightsintodreamsnintendonintendo wiinintendowiirumorssanshirosaturnsegasega saturnSegaSaturnsegatasegata sanshirosegatasanshiroukwiiSat, 17 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Sega Saturn games to appear on Wii Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/rumor-sega-saturn-games-to-appear-on-wii-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/rumor-sega-saturn-games-to-appear-on-wii-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/rumor-sega-saturn-games-to-appear-on-wii-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nintendo recently announced support for Neo-Geo and MSX games on the Japanese Virtual Console. Will the Sega Saturn be next? The gossip comes via Rumor Reporter reader Fei34 who claims to have heard it from a fellow DigiPen employee. The DigiPen and Nintendo of America buildings are connect by a single hallway, so it seems someone has been doing reconnaissance work in-between classes.

Since the VC launched, Sega has been one of its strongest supporters. Bringing on the Saturn is a likely next-step. Now if only the Dreamcast were next on the list.

JoystiqRumor: Sega Saturn games to appear on Wii Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendorumorsaturnsegavirtualconsolewiiFri, 16 Mar 2007 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Remembering Segata Sanshiro, Sega Saturn's dutiful mascot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/remembering-segata-sanshiro-sega-saturns-dutiful-mascot/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/remembering-segata-sanshiro-sega-saturns-dutiful-mascot/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/remembering-segata-sanshiro-sega-saturns-dutiful-mascot/#commentsFiled under: , ,

sanshiroSEGAForce.net remembers Segata Sanshiro, the outspoken hermit who trained with a giant Sega Saturn on his back. "Sega Saturn shiro!" he would shout, exploding grown men with a single toss; mercilessly beating club goers; and strangling little leaguers. But Sanshiro's violence was bound to honor (see the video of his death below) -- and for that he was praised.

Sanshiro's character is significant because it did not evolve from (or into) an actual game franchise. Developed solely for a span of roughly twenty commercials aired in Japan from 1997 through 1998 for Sega Saturn, Sanshiro would never truly transcend his TV roots; and would be limited to a few game cameos and a popular theme song turned music video. Nevertheless, this parody of legendary judo master Sanshiro Sugata continues to live on through YouTube and the like; a marketing device begging to be recycled.

Continue reading Remembering Segata Sanshiro, Sega Saturn's dutiful mascot

JoystiqRemembering Segata Sanshiro, Sega Saturn's dutiful mascot originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 02:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>SanshiroSaturnSegaSega SaturnSegaSaturnSegata SanshiroSegataSanshiroTue, 13 Feb 2007 02:25:00 EST<![CDATA[The Symphony of the Night we won't get]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/the-symphony-of-the-night-we-wont-get/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/the-symphony-of-the-night-we-wont-get/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/the-symphony-of-the-night-we-wont-get/#commentsFiled under: ,

Some gamers may feel jaded about the lack of improvements the PSP version of Symphony of the Night will feature. If Rondo of Blood can get the full 3D makeover, certainly this beloved PS1 classic can also receive some extras? Well, more isn't necessarily better, as seen by the Saturn version of this beloved adventure game.

1UP showcases the horrors of the Saturn version, filled with unnecessary extras that actually detract from the experience more than add to it. This episode of Retronauts shows you the horrors of a great game ruined by an overly ambitious port design. Let's be glad that our version of Symphony of the Night won't be as horrific as this.

JoystiqThe Symphony of the Night we won't get originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upcastlevaniaretronautssaturnsymphony of the nightSymphonyOfTheNightTue, 06 Feb 2007 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony exec admits PSP more about media than games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/sony-exec-admits-psp-more-about-media-than-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/sony-exec-admits-psp-more-about-media-than-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/sony-exec-admits-psp-more-about-media-than-games/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dave Karraker, new PR head for Sony, was recently confronted by Gamasutra in a pretty intense interview. While it focuses mostly on the upcoming PLAYSTATION 3, Karraker had a few interesting things to say about the PSP:
The PSP is doing incredibly well, and I think that you'll see even more interest behind it now that the PS3 is coming out, because the inner-connectivity between the two, I mean you saw the demo in terms of accessing your PS3 harddrive through your PSP. That's just the tip of the iceberg of what can be done with that... I'm not just talking about games, I'm talking about entertainment content as well. Already the TiVo-to-go option for the PSP is turning into a huge hit for us, as people discover that they can take the shows they've already stored on their TiVo and put it on their PSP and while they're riding the bus to work or to school, they can watch television shows on the PSP, I mean that's huge. You can't do that on anything else. So again, I think when you compare the two products, the Nintendo product versus our product, it's kind of apples and oranges. We're providing more of an entertainment system, and they're focused more on gaming.
While the Nintendo fanboys may criticize Sony's approach to creating a media convergence machine, I highly applaud it. I do a lot more things than simply game on my handheld, as I have no desire to carry around a huge laptop to watch movies, listen to music, and use the internet.

Continue reading Sony exec admits PSP more about media than games

JoystiqSony exec admits PSP more about media than games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Nov 2006 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>entertainmentgamasutrainterviewkarrakermediaplaystation 3Playstation3ps3pspsaturnsegasonytivoTue, 07 Nov 2006 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[360 D-pad sucking? Use a Saturn gamepad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/11/360-d-pad-sucking-use-a-saturn-gamepad/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/11/360-d-pad-sucking-use-a-saturn-gamepad/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/11/360-d-pad-sucking-use-a-saturn-gamepad/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The honeymoon's over. We were in love. Our shotgun wedding with the Xbox 360 gamepad and subsequent months of marital bliss have come crashing down. We've had our first fight ... err, 2D fighting game that is.

Anyone who's been playing the recently released Street Fighter II on XBLA has undoubtedly noticed the Xbox 360's D-pad seriously cramps your combos. Fear not DIY-friendly gamers, there is a solution: Don't use the Xbox 360 gamepad. Remember the Sega Saturn, geared for 2D in a world of 3D consoles? The good news is the Saturn's gamepad has a well respected D-pad and, with some soldering skills, you can start rocking it on Xbox Live.

Here's how it works: Saturn controller gets plugged into a breadboard connected to a gutted Xbox 360 controller, so the whole thing is wireless (sort of). Fine, so this isn't the most attractive hack, but it illustrates a demand for an alternative gamepad. How long before some enterprising peripheral company makes a wireless Xbox Live Arcade pad?

[Via b&b&p&s]

Joystiq360 D-pad sucking? Use a Saturn gamepad originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Aug 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d-padGamepadSaturnSega SaturnSegaSaturnStreet Fighter IIStreetFighterIiXbox-360Fri, 11 Aug 2006 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq readers are environmentally friendly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/02/joystiq-readers-are-environmentally-friendly/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/02/joystiq-readers-are-environmentally-friendly/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/02/joystiq-readers-are-environmentally-friendly/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Claims that the majority of Joystiq readers are harmful to the planet's health have been disproved, as the results from our do you leave your console on standby? poll proves. Out of the 8,500+ respondents that took part in the poll, 53% make a conscious effort to turn off their consoles once they're finished with another 10% occasionally forgetting to do so. We can only assume that the remaining 36% who leave their consoles on standby all the time are part of the North American SUV drivers for simultaneous use of air conditioning and heating lobby group. The comments thread provided some excellent commentary on the responsibility we have to conserve our energy so we've highlighted some of the most interesting ones after the jump.

Continue reading Joystiq readers are environmentally friendly

JoystiqJoystiq readers are environmentally friendly originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jun 2006 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CO2CommentsEnergyEnvironmentGame ConsolesGameConsolesGameCubeGlobal warmingGlobalWarmingJoystiqN64PlaystationPS2SaturnStandbyStandby modeStandbyModeWasteXboxXbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Fri, 02 Jun 2006 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[NiGHTS Into Dreams, onto Revolution?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/20/nights-into-dreams-onto-revolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/20/nights-into-dreams-onto-revolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/20/nights-into-dreams-onto-revolution/#commentsFiled under:

Could this beloved Saturn title float its way onto the Revolution? According to the latest Famitsu, there is a possibility Sega could bring NiGHTS Into Dreams to Nintendo's next-generation offering, either via its Virtual Console or as a sequel. The original game's controls would be a perfect fit for the RevMote: a flick of the wrist to point what direction you want your featherweight protagonist to fly in a pseudo-3D world (the game was in 3D but you moved your character very much like a side scroller).

As recent as 2000, NiGHTS creator Yuji Naka went on the record saying he would not make a sequel to the game, since the original is so perfect: "Like the way Spielberg likes E.T. so much he won't remake it, I don't want to make another NiGHTS." However, in 2003, Naka expressed interest in making a sequel to NiGHTS as a way to "reinforce Sega's identity." We would love to see another NiGHTS and, given Sega's close relationship with Nintendo, we are very hopeful this rumor becomes a reality -- if not as a sequel, then at least as a Virtual Console download modified to utilize Nintendo's RevMote.

[Via Infendo]

JoystiqNiGHTS Into Dreams, onto Revolution? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Apr 2006 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>SaturnSegaSega SaturnWiiThu, 20 Apr 2006 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Games that pushed the limits, parts 2 and 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/28/games-that-pushed-the-limits-parts-2-and-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/28/games-that-pushed-the-limits-parts-2-and-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/28/games-that-pushed-the-limits-parts-2-and-3/#commentsFiled under:


Racketboy has returned, as promised, with the second and third installments of his look at games that pushed the limits. We're not talking about games that pushed the limits of decency, like Sega's Night Trap, or the limits of human patience, like any version of last year's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but pushed the technical limits of their respective platforms.

The platforms in part two are (arguably) the redheaded stepchildren of console gaming. Love 'em or hate 'em, they're not considered to be successes. Atari's Jaguar (and the super-popular Jaguar CD add-on), the ill-fated 3DO, Sega's x-citing 32X add-on, and Sega's "sneak-attack" Saturn. Part three includes big boys like Sony's party-crashing PlayStation, the cartridge'd Nintendo 64, and the Dreamcast, the console that history has--and will--remember kindly.

Part four will cover portable gaming and--based on the release schedule of the earlier installments--should be up any day now.

JoystiqGames that pushed the limits, parts 2 and 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Feb 2006 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>32X3DODreamcastJaguarNintendo 64Nintendo64PlaystationSaturnTue, 28 Feb 2006 14:15:00 EST