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[Cyberball, Fatal Fury on XBLA next week, limited price drops this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/30/cyberball-fatal-fury-on-xbla-next-week-limited-price-drops-thi/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/30/cyberball-fatal-fury-on-xbla-next-week-limited-price-drops-thi/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/30/cyberball-fatal-fury-on-xbla-next-week-limited-price-drops-thi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

special
Eager to ditch the office for the last rays of summer sun, Microsoft has let loose word of next week's Xbox Live Arcade update a bit early. Ready for this...? A pair of Silver Age arcade ports:
  • Cyberball 2072 (400 points): X3F calls it "football for nerds" where today's deficiencies are replaced with robots and the pigskin explodes. 2072 is the 1989 update to the original Atari game and is better known as Tournament Cyberball, which still captivates competitive circles of, um, nerds.
  • Fatal Fury Special (400 points): Fatal Fury 2 with bells and whistles, namely some old fighters and playable bosses. As Garou Densetsu Special, the game became a huge hit in Japan for successfully transplanting Ryo Sakazaki (from sister franchise Art of Fighting) as a hidden character, laying the seed for SNK's The King of Fighters series. Nearly 15 years later, perhaps the innovation is lost on us.
And for those in search of an alternative to the weekend's poolside barbecue, Microsoft has also announced a Labor Day XBLA sale, dropping Zuma and Small Arms from to 800 to 400 Microsoft Points, and Dig Dug and Gauntlet from 400 to 200 points. The sale begins at 5:00 PM PT on Saturday, Sept. 1st, and ends at 4:59 PM PT on Monday, Sept. 3rd. Nothing like half-priced underperformers, eh?

JoystiqCyberball, Fatal Fury on XBLA next week, limited price drops this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Aug 2007 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cyberball2072DigDugFatalFurySpecialGauntletSmallArmsxblaXBLA-WednesdayXBLAWednesdayXbox-360ZumaThu, 30 Aug 2007 15:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms getting even smaller on phones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/30/small-arms-getting-even-smaller-on-phones/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/30/small-arms-getting-even-smaller-on-phones/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/30/small-arms-getting-even-smaller-on-phones/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you were into combing Xbox Live Arcade last fall, you probably remember Small Arms. For the uninitiated, the game could probably best be described as Super Smash Bros. crossed with ... well, with no recognizable characters. If you've played the game, but thought it could be improved with the introduction of squinting and phone call interruptions, your prayers are about to be answered.

Reaxion Corp. has announced that they'll be working with Gastronaut Studios to bring the diminutive brawler to phones in October of 2007. Listen, Gastronaut, we'll be happy to download it, just, please, stop making their arms smaller! It's like a Pikachu convention over there.

JoystiqSmall Arms getting even smaller on phones originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Aug 2007 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobilesmallarmsxblaXbox-360Thu, 30 Aug 2007 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[New Small Arms DLC now available on Live Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/new-small-arms-dlc-now-available-on-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/new-small-arms-dlc-now-available-on-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/new-small-arms-dlc-now-available-on-live-marketplace/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Remember when some of us thought Small Arms was destined to be "Smash Bros. with guns?" Oh, we can all alternate between the "L" and "O" keys about that now, but to be fair, it did have guns. And after downloading today's new Xbox Live content, it'll have two additional (and surely wacky) characters and two more combat arenas. The add-on will set you back 250 MS Points, which converts to a very awkward $3 and 12 and a half cents.

Those still playing Gastronaut Studios' frantic XBLA fighter will also receive a free update that sets right some of the game's weapon balancing, framerate hiccups and other issues that really shouldn't have taken six months to repair. And sadly enough, we're still getting better treatment here than we are with Assault Heroes and Sierra's shockingly overdue multiplayer patch.

Continue reading New Small Arms DLC now available on Live Marketplace

JoystiqNew Small Arms DLC now available on Live Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 01:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCSmall ArmsSmallArmsXBLAXbox Live ArcadeXbox-360XboxLiveArcadeThu, 07 Jun 2007 01:58:00 EST<![CDATA[New Small Arms DLC now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/new-small-arms-dlc-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/new-small-arms-dlc-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/new-small-arms-dlc-now-available/#commentsFiled under: ,


Announced last week by Gastronaut Studios, the new downloadable content for Small Arms is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. The new content includes 2 new levels and 2 new characters. We tooled around with the new characters and levels today. The new levels are an especially welcome addition to the game, as the old ones have become somewhat tired over time. You can check out videos of the new levels and characters after the break. Also added to the game are 2 new achievements, which can obtained with very little work at all. Should you desire the new content, it will set you back a reasonable 250 MS Points.

An free update to the game has also been released, which includes game performance tweaks and bug fixes. The update also includes some much needed weapon balancing. In particular, we've noticed that the electricity gun's secondary fire has a much slower rate of fire. If you ever found yourself frustrated by the game's weapons, you might want to give it another go with the new update in place.

How about it fanboys, do you plan on picking up the new DLC?

Continue reading New Small Arms DLC now available

JoystiqNew Small Arms DLC now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadegastronaut studiosGastronautStudioslive arcadeLiveArcadesmall armsSmallArmsxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeWed, 06 Jun 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Small Arms content releases tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/new-small-arms-content-releases-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/new-small-arms-content-releases-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/new-small-arms-content-releases-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: ,


Gastronaut Studios has announced that the new downloadable content for Small Arms will be released tomorrow on Xbox Live Marketplace. As we've detailed before, the new content contains 2 new levels and 2 new characters (though no new weapons, regrettably). The two new characters are Ivar, a saber-toothed tiger, and Gullarp, the elephant. The new maps are Arctic Ice Floe and Pillaged Village, the respective stomping grounds of Ivar and Gullarp. The new content also packs 2 new achievements for finishing Mission Mode with a new character and for hosting an Xbox Live match on a new map. The new content pack will be available for 250 MS Points.

Alongside the new content, Gastronaut Studios will also release a free update that will address certain issues within the game. Chief among these issues are weapon balance and bug fixes. Check out some shots of the new characters in our gallery below.

JoystiqNew Small Arms content releases tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadegastronautgastronaut studiosGastronautStudioslive arcadeLiveArcadesmall armsSmallArmsxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeTue, 05 Jun 2007 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: New Small Arms maps and characters in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/03/video-new-small-arms-maps-and-characters-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/03/video-new-small-arms-maps-and-characters-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/03/video-new-small-arms-maps-and-characters-in-action/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We recently revealed to you that Gastronaut studios has a couple of maps and new characters coming over Xbox Live Marketplace downloadable content for Small Arms. Well, Godfree over at Gamertagradio has a video showcasing Ivar and Gullarp in the new arenas. Since the new characters are barbarian in nature, the new areas follow suit. Unfortunately, we only have the name of one map, Iceberg, as the other is shown through a mission instead. So how do these look, or would you rather have them come with new weapons?

JoystiqVideo: New Small Arms maps and characters in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jun 2007 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArcadeGastronautGastronaut StudiosGastronautStudiosLive ArcadeLiveArcadeSmall ArmsSmallArmsX B L AXBLAXbox Live ArcadeXboxLiveArcadeSun, 03 Jun 2007 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Small Arms characters revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/01/new-small-arms-characters-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/01/new-small-arms-characters-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/01/new-small-arms-characters-revealed/#commentsFiled under: ,


Gamertag Radio breaks the news that new content is on the way for the Xbox Live Arcade.title Small Arms from Gastronaut Studios. X3F readers may recall that we have something of a soft spot for the game, so new content is great news. In addition to the new content, an update will also be released that should address several bugs in the game (and some weapon balancing, we hope). The new content pack will include 2 new characters and 2 new maps. We don't know about the maps yet, but the new characters have been revealed. Above you can see Ivar the tiger. Check out Gullarp the elephant after the break.

Continue reading New Small Arms characters revealed

JoystiqNew Small Arms characters revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadegastronaut studiosgastronautsGastronautStudioslive arcadeLiveArcadesmall armsSmallArmsxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeFri, 01 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms site officially launches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/small-arms-site-officially-launches/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/small-arms-site-officially-launches/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/small-arms-site-officially-launches/#commentsFiled under: ,


Gastronaut has finally launched the official site for Small Arms. Just a place holder before, the site is now fully functional and loaded with content. Those unfamiliar with the game can learn about all the characters, check out the weapons, and get a glimpse at the levels, too. We recommend looking at the weapon models. It's amazing how much detail they packed onto them (especially considering you can never focus on it during play). There are plenty of downloads including wallpapers and IM icons. There are also links to the Small Arms forums and blog. Finally, there is a section for viewing the Small Arms leaderboard, though it's not up and running yet.

Small Arms is still one of our favorite Live Arcade games. Here's hoping we get some new content soon.

[Via The Xbox Domain. Thanks, Tom]

JoystiqSmall Arms site officially launches originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jan 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gastronautgastronaut studiosGastronautStudiossmall armsSmallArmsxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeThu, 11 Jan 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Assault Heroes revive Xbox Live Arcade?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/11/will-assault-heroes-revive-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/11/will-assault-heroes-revive-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/11/will-assault-heroes-revive-xbox-live-arcade/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Assault HeroesThe third original title to hit Xbox Live Arcade in less than a month, Assault Heroes, will arrive on Wednesday (for 800 points). Wanako Studios' top-down shooter (à la Commando, Ikari Warriors, etc.) will follow closely behind two insipid releases, Small Arms and Roboblitz, which have appeared on XBLA during the past three weeks.

Ever since Geometry Wars stole the Xbox 360 launch spotlight, there's been a great deal of anticipation for more original XBLA titles; and Microsoft has certainly put together a fine strategy: holding them off for a holiday blitz. But the early bait has failed to earn our confidence -- our assurance that XBLA can consistently provide distinguishing experiences. And so, it's with much trepidation that we look forward to Assault Heroes' impending arrival.

JoystiqWill Assault Heroes revive Xbox Live Arcade? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Dec 2006 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assault HeroesAssault-HeroesAssaultHeroesDownloadMicrosoftMicrosoft PointsMicrosoftPointsRoboblitzSierra OnlineSierra-OnlineSierraOnlineSmall ArmsSmallArmsWanako StudiosWanako-StudiosWanakoStudiosXBLAXbox Live ArcadeXbox-360XboxLiveArcadeMon, 11 Dec 2006 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms pictures and theme on XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/30/small-arms-pictures-and-theme-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/30/small-arms-pictures-and-theme-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/30/small-arms-pictures-and-theme-on-xblm/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We missed this earlier today (thanks to my recent move, I haven't had internet for three days!) but there is some new Small Arms content available on Xbox Live Marketplace. The theme (150 points) features Fox Claw, Marky Kat (fear the shotgun), Tyrone, and Lord Peet. The gamer pics (100 points) feature the same characters and also ... um ... a ham. Yes, a ham. We may be stepping over the line here, but that just might be the best gamer picture ever. It's also perfect -- and a little diabolical -- that we have just enough points left over for these after purchasing Small Arms. Go grab 'em if you're so inclined (you know you want the ham).

And since we're talking Small Arms, how is everyone liking it (or not)?

JoystiqSmall Arms pictures and theme on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Nov 2006 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marketplacesmall armsSmallArmsxblmxbox livexbox live arcadexbox live marketplaceXboxLiveXboxLiveArcadeXboxLiveMarketplaceThu, 30 Nov 2006 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms debuts in XBL top five]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/small-arms-debuts-in-xbl-top-five/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/small-arms-debuts-in-xbl-top-five/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/27/small-arms-debuts-in-xbl-top-five/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Gears of War may be king of the hill for the second week in a row, but it isn't the only game making statistical waves on Live. Small Arms, you know, the game we've talked about incessantly for months, debuted at number four on the overall 360 Live charts -- and number one in Xbox Live Arcade specifically. It's really no surprise that the latest XBLA title would debut at number one in the Arcade list, but making number 4 overall is very impressive. For our part, we probably played Small Arms for 4 hours straight the night it came out (and that was just me). As long as you're not stuck in a room full of Unit 51 electricity gun spammers*, there's a lot of fun to be had. How many of you spent time with Small Arms this weekend?

*Seriously, that gun could use some tweaking.

JoystiqSmall Arms debuts in XBL top five originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I downloaded Small Arms this morning and played it for a good solid hour. I managed to fight our way through single player and played a few Live matches, too. What was the experience like? Is Small Arms worth 800 points? Read on to find out.

Continue reading Small Arms impressions, it's real splodey [update 1]

JoystiqSmall Arms impressions, it's real splodey [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Nov 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadegastronautgastronaut studiosGastronautStudioslive arcadeLiveArcadesmall armsSmallArmsxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeWed, 22 Nov 2006 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: "More stuffing, please" Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/22/wrup-more-stuffing-please-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/22/wrup-more-stuffing-please-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/22/wrup-more-stuffing-please-edition/#commentsFiled under:


"What are you playing" hits a little early this week, thanks to the holiday of Thanksgiving. For most lucky Americans, Thanksgiving means that today is actually Friday, and we have a long weekend ahead of us. As such, Thanksgiving is about more traditions than turkey. Thanksgiving is also traditionally a time that we all gather around the TV to play videogames. But, we wouldn't want our friends up north, down south, or across the ocean to feel left out, so we have something for the rest of the world to celebrate, too. Celebrate the fact that Small Arms is now resting comfortably in its new home, Xbox Live Arcade. Take comfort knowing that a multiplayer demo of Lost Planet is arriving tomorrow (hopefully worldwide).

So what am I playing this long weekend? Small Arms is a no-brainer, maybe some Gears of War, and still Lego Star Wars II (damn you Minikits!). I hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving. And don't fret, we're not going away. We'll have news for the rest of the day and some posts for Thanksgiving and "Black Friday," too. But enough about that, what are you playing this weekend?

Leaderboards:
Xbox 360 Fanboy Leaderboard
Xbox 360 Fanboy Leaderboard Mk. II

What were you playing (WRUP archive)

JoystiqWRUP: "More stuffing, please" Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Nov 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>small armsSmallArmswrupWed, 22 Nov 2006 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms hits XBLA, shoots it in face]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/22/small-arms-hits-xbla-shoots-it-in-face/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/22/small-arms-hits-xbla-shoots-it-in-face/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/22/small-arms-hits-xbla-shoots-it-in-face/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It has been a long time coming, but Small Arms has made it (after all) to Xbox Live Arcade. Sure, it brings 4-player rapid-fire blasting action to the Arcade, but we all know that its major innovation is the introduction of psychotic Mexican chickens to videogames. It's a milestone that is long overdue. We're getting on in just a few minutes to try this puppy out, so all the working stiffs out there can rest assured we'll have impressions soon. While we're at it, we'll see if we can't find a Gastronaut employee so we can grab the awesome "Six Degrees" achievement. With any luck, the whole readership of 360 Fanboy will be "infected" in no time!

See Also:
X360F Interview with Small Arms' GastronautDon
Small Arms Archive

JoystiqSmall Arms hits XBLA, shoots it in face originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Nov 2006 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadegastronautgastronaut studiosGastronautStudioslive arcadeLiveArcadesmall armsSmallArmsxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeWed, 22 Nov 2006 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms brawls with XBLA this Wednesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/small-arms-brawls-with-xbla-this-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/small-arms-brawls-with-xbla-this-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/small-arms-brawls-with-xbla-this-wednesday/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Xbox 360 owners looking to feed their Smash Bros. urges will now have an outlet on Wednesday, when Gastronaut Studios' Small Arms will be released on Xbox Live Arcade. The four-player beat-and- shoot-em-up features 12 anthropomorphic characters, each with their own weapon, across eight levels.

One of the achievements which stands out as an interesting social experiment is "Six Degrees of Small Arms." You can only earn the achievement by playing with someone who has it, and right now only the game's creators have it. If the six degrees phenomenon has any merit on Xbox Live, earning this achievement should be a matter of time.

Though the press release does say to "expect premium downloadable content" in the future, it also promises that Wednesday's download will include three single-player modes and both online and offline multiplayer. Small Arms will be available for download 1:00 a.m. PST (that's 4:00 a.m. EST) for 800 MS points, or $10 in real money.

Continue reading for a video of Small Arms in action.

See Also:
X06: XBLA mini-impressions

Continue reading Small Arms brawls with XBLA this Wednesday

JoystiqSmall Arms brawls with XBLA this Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Nov 2006 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gastronautsmall armsSmallArmsxbox liveXbox-360XboxLiveMon, 20 Nov 2006 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[It's official: Small Arms this Wednesday!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/its-official-small-arms-this-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/its-official-small-arms-this-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/20/its-official-small-arms-this-wednesday/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Microsoft has officially confirmed what we had all hoped, Gastronaut Studios' Small Arms is finally hitting Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday for 800 points. Small Arms, for those of you who have somehow missed our near continuous coverage, is a 4 player fighting game featuring crazy characters that use any means necessary -- from molotov cocktails to sniper rifles -- to blast each other to smithereens. Described by many as Metal Slug meets Smash Bros, people (especially us) have been salivating for its release. The wait is almost over, folks. This Thursday, eat some turkey and look for some 4 player action on Live. That's what we'll be doing. Full press release after the break.

Continue reading It's official: Small Arms this Wednesday!

JoystiqIt's official: Small Arms this Wednesday! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Nov 2006 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadegastronaut studiosGastronautStudioslive arcadeLiveArcadesmall armsSmallArmsxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadexlaMon, 20 Nov 2006 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms in time for Turkey Day?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/small-arms-in-time-for-turkey-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/small-arms-in-time-for-turkey-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/small-arms-in-time-for-turkey-day/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We know, we know. We just won't shut up about Small Arms, but Mike from the Xbox Domain just sent us an interesting find. Check out this list of the official Live Arcade game forums at Xbox.com. Look closely, and you'll see that Small Arms is the only unreleased Arcade game with a forum. What's more, it looks like both the Defender and Small Arms forums were created last night. Is it possible that Microsoft had Small Arms on deck to release and hit a snafu? Was Defender on standby for just such an occasion? We don't know, but we suspect that MS has a pretty large catalog of old arcade titles that are ready to be published at a moment's notice, just in case a bigger game hasn't made it through certification (and of course there are the UNO decks to fall back on). The upshot of all this is that Small Arms just might be releasing next week -- or maybe even as another surprise Friday release à la UMK3. Will Small Arms see the light of day before Thanksgiving? We hope so, because it sounds like the perfect way to wind down after a turkey dinner.

JoystiqSmall Arms in time for Turkey Day? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gastronautgastronaut studiosGastronautStudioslive arcadeLiveArcadesmall armsSmallArmsxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadexlaWed, 15 Nov 2006 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms' old name, Lost Planet interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/13/small-arms-old-name-lost-planet-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/13/small-arms-old-name-lost-planet-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/13/small-arms-old-name-lost-planet-interview/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Our friends at Gamertag Radio recently sat down with some of the team behind Capcom's Lost Planet and got a surprise interview with Gastronaut Studios (the team behind Small Arms). While he was at Gastronaut HQ, Godfree snapped a picture of the above poster. Apparently Small Arms was originally called Hipshot (good change, guys). Listen for talk of Lost Planet multiplayer (six grenade types?!) and plenty of info about the Small Arms development process. Unfortunately, the real questions were never answered. For example, will Devil May Cry ever see the light of day on 360? No answer. What about a Small Arms release date? "Soon." And so, we're back where we started. Still, if you're looking forward to these games, it's worth a listen.

Maybe we should do one of these "podcast" things ...

JoystiqSmall Arms' old name, Lost Planet interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Nov 2006 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomgamertag radioGamertagRadiogastronautgastronaut studiosGastronautStudioslost planetLostPlanetsmall armsSmallArmsMon, 13 Nov 2006 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms video available in HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/09/small-arms-video-available-in-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/09/small-arms-video-available-in-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/09/small-arms-video-available-in-hd/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


GameTrailers has released a new video of Small Arms, one of the most anticipated games on Xbox Live Arcade. The video shows an entire round of play and gives a great overall impression of what it will be like to play the game. What we love most is how much noise each character makes. We especially like hearing the characters scream when they're on fire. Nice touch, Gastronaut. Now how about actually releasing the game? Let's say, oh, next week? See the video after the break.

Continue reading Small Arms video available in HD

JoystiqSmall Arms video available in HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Nov 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadegastronautgastronaut studiosGastronautStudioslive arcadeLiveArcadesmall armsSmallArmsxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeThu, 09 Nov 2006 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari games on XBLA, holiday titles confirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/atari-games-on-xbla-holiday-titles-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/atari-games-on-xbla-holiday-titles-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/atari-games-on-xbla-holiday-titles-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Alongside the press release for Contra hitting XBLA, Microsoft sent another press release outlining a slew of Atari classics heading to Live Arcade next year. The six Atari games to be released are:
  • Centipede/Millipede
  • Battlezone
  • Asteroids/Asteroids Deluxe
  • Missile Command
  • Tempest
  • Warlords
All of the games will feature both original and "evolved" versions. The evolved versions, similar to Konami's offerings, will feature revamped graphics and sound. All games will have leaderboards and achievements, and multiplayer games will have Live support. Surprisingly, many of these games are receiving some pretty impressive new features, including Live Vision support for Battlezone and Warlords. It looks like many of the games will receive three dimensional upgrades instead of simply using high definition sprites, too. Finally, and this is not a joke, Centipede evolved has motion blur. Motion. Blur. In Centipede. If that's not worth $5, we don't know what is.

Also worth mentioning, the press release confirmed that the following titles should hit the Arcade before the end of 2006:
  • Small Arms
  • Assault Heroes
  • Novadrome (?)
  • Heavy Weapon
  • Defender
It should be noted that this isn't necessarily all the titles we'll be seeing by year's end (we're looking at you RoboBlitz). Full press release after the break.

Continue reading Atari games on XBLA, holiday titles confirmed

JoystiqAtari games on XBLA, holiday titles confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeassault heroesAssaultHeroesbattlezonecentipededefenderheavy weaponHeavyWeaponlive arcadeLiveArcademillipedemissle commandMissleCommandnovadromesmall armsSmallArmstempestwarlordsxblaxblarcadexbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadexlaMon, 06 Nov 2006 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms' big launch coming "real soon"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/31/small-arms-big-launch-coming-real-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/31/small-arms-big-launch-coming-real-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/31/small-arms-big-launch-coming-real-soon/#commentsFiled under: , ,


In a recent forum post, GastronautDon, a developer at Gastronaut Studios, claimed that Small Arms will be coming our very soon. In his own words:

"Soon. Like for real soon, not 'video game industry soon'. If I say more, I'll get in trouble. Cool"

This post was made a week ago, so, "soon" could be any day now, say, tomorrow. After all, it's Wednesday, it's November, what more could you want? Come on, GastronautDon! Throw us a molotov cocktail bone here!

JoystiqSmall Arms' big launch coming "real soon" originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Oct 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadegastronautgastronaut studiosGastronautStudioslive arcadeLiveArcadesmall armsSmallArmsxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeTue, 31 Oct 2006 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms set for November release?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/16/small-arms-set-for-november-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/16/small-arms-set-for-november-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/16/small-arms-set-for-november-release/#commentsFiled under:

Mike from the Xbox Domain" formerly known K1lla's has word from a Microsoft rep that the highly anticipated XBLA beat'em up Small Arms will be released in November. Developer Gastronaut is sending forum readers his way in what would seem to be tacit confirmation. Hopefully we'll be arming up before Turkey Day.

JoystiqSmall Arms set for November release? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Oct 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gastronautsmall armsSmallArmsMon, 16 Oct 2006 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA videos from Digital Life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/13/xbla-videos-from-digital-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/13/xbla-videos-from-digital-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/13/xbla-videos-from-digital-life/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Godfree and the gang at Gamertag Radio have been having a blast at Digital Life in NYC. And just to rub it in our faces, they have posted several shaky cam videos of themselves playing upcoming Xbox Live Arcade games. See video of Small Arms, Assault Heroes and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 after the break. Which one are you most excited for?

Continue reading XBLA videos from Digital Life

JoystiqXBLA videos from Digital Life originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Oct 2006 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault heroesAssaultHeroessmall armsSmallArmsultimate mortal kombat 3UltimateMortalKombat3umk3xblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeFri, 13 Oct 2006 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[X06: XBLA mini-impressions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/x06-xbla-mini-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/x06-xbla-mini-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/x06-xbla-mini-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

While demos for major retail games dominated the show floor at X06, there was a small neglected corner devoted to current and upcoming games for Xbox Live Arcade. Some of the more interesting upcoming releases:
  • Assault Heroes -- Yet another overhead shooter with dual-stick controls for movement and shooting. This one sets itself apart with vehicles and... that's about it. Graphics are impressively detailed for a Live Arcade title.
  • Heavy Weapon -- Also a dual-stick shooter, but this one is from the side view. Co-op play has been added since the E3 demo, and the graphics have been polished up quite a bit. Simple, but surprisingly addictive -- all it needs is a jump button to be truly complete.
  • Small Arms -- Described by the demo attendant on hand as "Super Smash Bros., but with weapons," a pretty accurate assessment. Lots of button-mashing in both long range and melee combat. Controls and balance need some touching up, but has the potential to be a great party game.
  • Street Trace NYC -- Very early version of a hoverboard/shooter deathmatch, complete with rail slides and rocket launchers. Targeting was a mess and managing all the different weapons and functions while boarding was difficult. Needs work.
No specific releases or prices were available for these titles, but Microsoft said they are all expected by the holidays worldwide.

Also see: Lumines Live mini-impressions

JoystiqX06: XBLA mini-impressions originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assault HeroesAssault-HeroesAssaultHeroesHeavy WeaponLiveMicrosoftSierra-OnlineSmall ArmsSmallArmsStreet TraceStreetTraceWanako-StudiosX06Xbox LiveXbox Live ArcadeXbox-360XboxLiveXboxLiveArcadeThu, 28 Sep 2006 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms preview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/small-arms-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/small-arms-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/small-arms-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


1UP has a preview to go alongside the Small Arms video we posted yesterday. There aren't many surprises to be found, though we can at least confirm that there are melee attacks if you run out of ammo. The most interesting bit actually covers the graphical prowess of the game.

"This may be a Live Arcade game, but it takes full advantage of the 360 hardware. Three of the six processing pipelines are devoted to special effects alone, and it shows. Every projectile throws off sparks and particles when it hits. Thanks to some amazing mastery of compression, it all looks fantastic too. Textures and models have been created at mural size, so large that they come to almost 1 Gig, but Gastronaut has managed to squeeze it all down to the Arcade game limit of 50 Meg. And with all that, the team still takes a no-compromise approach to hitting a smooth 60 frames per second. As far as they're concerned there's no room for anything else."

It's nice to see an Arcade developer really latching on to the horsepower that the 360 has to offer. We're pretty confident that Gastronaut has an Arcade hit on their hands with Small Arms. Will it reach Geometry Wars levels, or could it outperform Street Fighter? Only time will tell. Unless something catastrophic happens, we're dropping the MS Points on day one.

[Via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqSmall Arms preview originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadegastronautgastronaut studiosGastronautStudioslive arcadeLiveArcadesmall armsSmallArmsxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeTue, 19 Sep 2006 09:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms in action (not shaky cam!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/small-arms-in-action-not-shaky-cam/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/small-arms-in-action-not-shaky-cam/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/small-arms-in-action-not-shaky-cam/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


A new video of Small Arms has popped up on Gamevideos. The video gives us an long overdue glimpse of Small Arms' gameplay. Even better, we can nail down a few features. First, it looks like the game should (digitally) ship with 12 selectable characters. Second, the ninja character makes it obvious that melee combat is at least possible. Also, we can see that each weapon has a limited amount of ammo, though it's a little unclear what your offensive options are if you run out of ammo and can't find a replacement. Now we can't decide what we want to try more, the sniper rifle or the katana. Watch the video after the jump.

Continue reading Small Arms in action (not shaky cam!)

JoystiqSmall Arms in action (not shaky cam!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Sep 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gastronautgastronaut studiosGastronautStudioslive arcadeLiveArcadesmall armsSmallArmsxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeMon, 18 Sep 2006 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms interview: Don Wurster]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/05/small-arms-interview-don-wurster/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/05/small-arms-interview-don-wurster/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/05/small-arms-interview-don-wurster/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Click to embiggen
A couple months ago, we asked the question, "Small Arms, where's the big press?" It took Don Wurster of Gastronaut Studios -- the team building Small Arms -- to remind 360 Fanboy that we are the press. As such we managed to score a little chat with Gastronaut Don and ask all the burning questions. We cover the team at Gastronaut (4 guys made this?!), Small Arms game modes, Xbox Live Arcade, downloadable content, and we even get to kill one more kitten in the name of 360 Fanboy. As an added bonus, we've even snagged some new character renders. Zoë is sitting comfortably at the top of this post, and you can catch a glimpse of Unit 51 after the break.

Continue reading Small Arms interview: Don Wurster

JoystiqSmall Arms interview: Don Wurster originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Sep 2006 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>don wursterDonWurstergastronaut studiosGastronautStudiossmall armsSmallArmsunit 51Unit51zoeTue, 05 Sep 2006 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms, big appetite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/26/small-arms-big-appetite/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/26/small-arms-big-appetite/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/26/small-arms-big-appetite/#commentsFiled under:

Don from Gastronaut Studios threw up an interesting poll concerning Small Arms ESRB ratings submission:

What should happen when a character in Small Arms eats a meat item prepared from their own species?
1-Canniblism + 500 points

2-Canniblism -500 points

3-Lose health instead of gaining it

4-Die in a pool of their own vomit.

It does sort of highlight the absurd side of the ratings system.

[Via K1lla's Xbox Domain]

[Thanks Joey]

JoystiqSmall Arms, big appetite originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Aug 2006 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbgastronautpollssmall armsSmallArmsSat, 26 Aug 2006 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms, that's one mean lookin' chicken]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/23/small-arms-thats-one-mean-lookin-chicken/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/23/small-arms-thats-one-mean-lookin-chicken/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/23/small-arms-thats-one-mean-lookin-chicken/#commentsFiled under: ,


Granted, you don't want to come across an angry chicken, but you really don't want to come across an angry chicken rocking an arm mounted cannon, a Molotov cocktail and a championship belt. Sweet jebus, this thing is the stuff of nightmares. This badass chicken (Pector El Pollo) is a newly revealed character for Gastronaut's upcoming Arcade title, Small Arms. Check out the other new character, a hitman pig (hitpig?) named Mr. Truffles, at K1lla's Xbox Domain. And if you're as excited about Small Arms as we are, stay tuned to X360F. We should have something special for you very soon.

[Thanks, Joey]

JoystiqSmall Arms, that's one mean lookin' chicken originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Aug 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gastronautgastronaut studiosGastronautStudiospector el polloPectorElPollosmall armsSmallArmsWed, 23 Aug 2006 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guess a Small Arms date, kill a kitten]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/guess-a-small-arms-date-kill-a-kitten/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/guess-a-small-arms-date-kill-a-kitten/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/guess-a-small-arms-date-kill-a-kitten/#commentsFiled under:


After K1lla's Xbox Domain took a wild guess (September 13) at the date for the XBLA beat'em up Small Arms, Don from Gastronaut responded with the following insight into what really goes with these release dates :

Every time someone guesses a date, we push back the release a week... And kill a kitten.

He's joking...I think. For Toonces' sake people -- stop speculating.

[Thanks Joey]

JoystiqGuess a Small Arms date, kill a kitten originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadegastronautsmall armsSmallArmssmash bros.SmashBros.xblaWed, 09 Aug 2006 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Small shots of Small Arms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/small-shots-of-small-arms/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/small-shots-of-small-arms/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/small-shots-of-small-arms/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Gastronaut Studios has seen fit to release a handful of shots for their upcoming Live Arcade multiplayer title, Small Arms. The shots look nice, though something is lost when the game is not in motion. Still, in comparison to other Arcade titles, Small Arms stacks up pretty well (and performed well in our recent poll). Hopefully, Gastronaut will give us a release date soon.

JoystiqSmall shots of Small Arms originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Jul 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gastronautgastronaut studiosGastronautStudiosmarketplacesmall armsSmallArmsxblaxblmxbox livexbox live arcadeXboxLiveXboxLiveArcadexlaTue, 25 Jul 2006 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms, where's the big press?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/12/small-arms-wheres-the-big-press/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/12/small-arms-wheres-the-big-press/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/12/small-arms-wheres-the-big-press/#commentsFiled under: ,


Someone recently pointed out that Microsoft has done a piss poor job of promoting Small Arms, and a few other Live Arcade games as well. As such, I decided to put up this video. Looks pretty fun, right? So, why haven't we heard more about it from the boys in Redmond?

It's an interesting question. Live Arcade is an innovative service, and it has the potential to outshine even the biggest 360 games. The Arcade Wednesdays promotion is a start, but I'd say Live Arcade definitely needs its own PR branch and its own spin doctor specialist like Major Nelson (perhaps Ross Erickson).

What do you think?

JoystiqSmall Arms, where's the big press? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jul 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadearcade wednesdaysArcadeWednesdaysgastronautgastronaut studiosGastronautStudioslive arcadeLiveArcademajor nelsonMajorNelsonross ericksonRossEricksonsmall armsSmallArmsxblaxbox live arcadexbox live arcade wednesdaysXboxLiveArcadeXboxLiveArcadeWednesdaysWed, 12 Jul 2006 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best. Achievement. Ever.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/11/best-achievement-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/11/best-achievement-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/11/best-achievement-ever/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This one ranks right up there with Dead or Alive 4's "Five Straight Losses" achievement (worth zero points, natch). Gastronaut, the studio behind the upcoming XBLA game, Small Arms, have created the first viral achievement. Four of Gastronaut's employees will start being the only ones with the achievement. Anybody who plays against one of these four will get the achievement. In turn, anybody who plays against those people will get the achievement and so on and so forth until the whole world is...er...infected with success. Pretty neat idea if you ask me. Which I'm pretty sure you did.

If you're not familiar with Small Arms, it looks an awful lot like Smash Brothers for the Gamecube, except with guns. Lets hope it's at least half as fun.

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqBest. Achievement. Ever. originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jul 2006 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead or alive 4DeadOrAlive4doadoa4gastronaut studiosGastronautStudiossmall armsSmallArmsxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadexlaTue, 11 Jul 2006 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Small Arms developer interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/13/small-arms-developer-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/13/small-arms-developer-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/13/small-arms-developer-interview/#commentsFiled under: ,

K1lla's Xbox Domain talks to Don Wurster of Gastronaut Studios about  the indie developer's potential XBLA super smash, Small Arms. Sample quote:

A number of review sites are writing the game off  as a 'Super Smash Bros' Clone, but in reality it plays quite differently. The combat focuses on ranged attacks which make for a less claustrophobic , more tactical game. I think 'Small Arms' has just as much in common with games like 'Abuse' and 'Metal Slug' as with 'Smash Bros'.

E3 gameplay video above.

JoystiqSmall Arms developer interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jun 2006 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadegastronautinterviewsmall armsSmallArmsxblaTue, 13 Jun 2006 01:15:00 EST