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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/#comments Sony made wholesale corrections to the list of European/PAL companies confirmed as PS4 developers and publishers, reducing the list of named studios from 53 to 28. Curiouser, not one of the developers and publishers named on the previous list makes an appearance on the new roll call. A spokesperson for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe confirmed to us the first list, sent out last week, was erroneous, and this new one is correct. There are no revisions for any other regions.

The new list removes a number of significant names, including Mojang (Minecraft), Rovio (Angry Birds), Frozenbyte, Criterion Games, and City Interactive. In their stead are some new noteworthy studios, such as CD Projekt, who've confirmed The Witcher 3 as a PS4 game. Also included are Bohemia Interactive, Deep Silver, Ninja Theory, IO Interactive, Codemasters, 2K Games, and Sumo Digital. The full list can be found after the break.

We've reached out to a number of studios for comment. Mojang's Daniel Kaplan reiterated to us the comments he gave to Gamasutra, saying his studio hasn't decided anything yet, and that the error is "confusion from Sony's side." Gamasutra's article also confirms Super Crate Box developer Vlambeer and Skulls of the Shogun creator 17-Bit, both included in the original list, as not currently working on anything for the PS4.

A spokesperson for Monsters (probably) Stole My Princess developer Mediatonic, included in the original list but not in the corrected one, told us he couldn't make any comment on his studio and PS4 development. Meanwhile, Sumo Digital's inclusion adds weight to the rumor the British studio is working on LittleBigPlanet 3, but for the PS4. When approached previously about LBP3, a studio representative told Joystiq, "No comment."

Update 1: A spokesperson for 505 Games tells us the Italian company is "definitely" planning to publish games on the PS4. 505 Games was in the original list of European/PAL PS4 developers and publishers, but not the revised list. The spokesperson noted the company's logo appears in the image showcasing PS4 partners, as shown during last week's event, as do many of the names in the revised list.

Update 2: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe informs us the list of European PS4 studios has been further revised. Two more studios are now present in the form of Criterion Games and Ghost Games (an EA studio) - both were in the original list of 53. That takes the tally of confirmed European studios up to 30.

Continue reading Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates]

JoystiqSony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbohemia-interactivecity-interactivecodemasterscriterion-gamesdeep-silvereuropefrozenbytemediatonicmercurysteammojangninja-theoryPALplaystation-4ps4roviosony-computer-entertainment-europesumo-digitalvlambeerMon, 25 Feb 2013 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: LittleBigPlanet 3 is in development at Sonic All-Stars dev Sumo Digital]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/rumor-littlebigplanet-3-is-in-development-at-sonic-all-stars-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/rumor-littlebigplanet-3-is-in-development-at-sonic-all-stars-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/rumor-littlebigplanet-3-is-in-development-at-sonic-all-stars-de/#comments Rumor LittleBigPlanet 3 is in development at Sumo DigitalLittleBigPlanet 3 is rumored to be in development at British studio and Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed dev Sumo Digital. VG247 is reporting that, according to sources, Sony and former series developer Media Molecule approached Sumo Digital to make LBP 3, and that the game, which has yet to be announced, has already been in development for "well over a year." Upon inquiry, a Sony representative told the site that it "doesn't comment on rumor or speculation."

When approached on the matter, a Sumo Digital representative told Joystiq, "No comment."

LittleBigPlanet 2's Cross-Controller Pack, released in December 2012, was outsourced to Sumo Digital, so the developer has hands-on experience with the property. Also, as spotted by superannuation last April, motion graphics artist Naomi Summerscales' LinkedIn profile noted the developer is working on a PS3 exclusive to be released this year.

Media Molecule is now working on Vita papercraft game Tearaway, having announced it was stepping away from LittleBigPlanet back in July 2011.

JoystiqRumor: LittleBigPlanet 3 is in development at Sonic All-Stars dev Sumo Digital originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>little-big-planetlittle-big-planet-3media-moleculeplaystationps3sonysumo-digitalThu, 07 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nike+Fitness Training 360 bundle now shipping, game downloadable on Dec. 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/nike-fitness-training-360-bundle-now-shipping-game-downloadable/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/nike-fitness-training-360-bundle-now-shipping-game-downloadable/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/nike-fitness-training-360-bundle-now-shipping-game-downloadable/#comments NikeFitness Training 360 bundle now shipping, game downloadable on Dec 25Winter holidays are, statistically speaking, the very best holidays, due to their general abundance of twice-baked potatoes and various pies. But when every serving at every meal contains at least three sticks of butter, those extra pounds can really pile up.

Nike and Microsoft recommend solving your tummy troubles by doing crunches in your living room while a virtual man watches, or as the system is commercially known, Nike+Kinect Training. They've even got an Xbox 360 bundle for it and everything, which includes a 4GB console, Kinect, Nike+Kinect Training, Kinect Adventures and a month of Xbox Live Gold for $250, as seen above. That price tag is only valid through January 5, we should point out. After that, the bundle is kicked up to $300.

Microsoft has also announced that the game itself will be digitally available through Xbox Live on December 25, at a smooth $50/4,000 MS points.

Gallery: Nike+ Kinect Training

JoystiqNike+Fitness Training 360 bundle now shipping, game downloadable on Dec. 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleconsole-bundledigitalDLCkinectmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosnike-kinect-trainingpierelease-dateSumo-Digitaltwice-baked-potatoesxboxWed, 05 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fans request Sonic and All-Stars Racing DLC, Sega plays along]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/fans-request-sonic-and-all-stars-racing-dlc-sega-plays-along/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/fans-request-sonic-and-all-stars-racing-dlc-sega-plays-along/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/fans-request-sonic-and-all-stars-racing-dlc-sega-plays-along/#comments Fans request Sonic and AllStars Racing DLC, Sega plays alongSonic and All-Stars Racing Transformed will have DLC, but the content of some of that post-launch goodness may be in the hands of the fans. As members of the Racing Transformed forum began throwing out ideas for characters to be added as DLC, Sumo Digital executive producer Steve Lycett issued a challenge:

"Without any policing from the Sumo or SEGA crew, if you can all agree on three characters by the 1st of December and prove there is sufficient interest of at least 1,000 unique people per character, I will present the result to SEGA."

And so the fans did. There are now separate pages on Change.org for each of the characters eligible to be included in Racing Transformed, and each signature counts as a vote for that character. The three current leaders are Hatsune Miku, Sega Saturn mascot Segata Sanshiro and Shenmue's Ryo Hazuki, each with more than 2,000 votes.

There is no promise that Lycett will be able to convince Sega that this is a good idea, but there's always a chance this whole thing could work, so feel free to join in. Besides, there's nothing dangerous about randomly attaching your name to things on the internet.

JoystiqFans request Sonic and All-Stars Racing DLC, Sega plays along originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsDLCmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Segasonic-and-allstars-racing-transformedSumo-Digitalvitawii-uxboxTue, 27 Nov 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic & Sega All-Stars Transformed dev impressed by Wii U graphics power]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-transformed-dev-impressed-by-wii-u-graphi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-transformed-dev-impressed-by-wii-u-graphi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-transformed-dev-impressed-by-wii-u-graphi/#comments We didn't have to overhaul graphics for Wii U, says Sumo DigitalSumo Digital didn't need to re-engineer the graphics of its upcoming game for Wii U, the developer disclosed in an interview. Sumo, currently working on Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing Transformed, was worried the game's "effects and shaders" would need an overhaul on Wii U. Instead, the British studio was left impressed by the new console. The game's executive producer, Steve Lycett, described the graphics processing unit's capability as a "surprise."

Lycett also praised the Wii U's memory, arguing that its abundance helps make the console's graphics equal to that of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

"The Wii U looks as good any of the HD platforms," Lycett told Official Nintendo Magazine, "The Wii U has way more memory, so we can take advantage of that with less compression on elements and textures, so it will look all lovely and shiny."

JoystiqSonic & Sega All-Stars Transformed dev impressed by Wii U graphics power originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>graphicsnintendosegasonic-and-allstars-racing-transformedsumo-digitalwii-uMon, 27 Aug 2012 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Bizarre Creations lead Gareth Wilson now Sumo Digital lead designer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/bizarre-creations-lead-gareth-wilson-now-sumo-digital-lead-desig/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/bizarre-creations-lead-gareth-wilson-now-sumo-digital-lead-desig/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/bizarre-creations-lead-gareth-wilson-now-sumo-digital-lead-desig/#commentsBizarre Creations was a UK studio well-known for its street racing games, the first of which was on a Sega console. So if there's anywhere else design manager Gareth Wilson would feel at home, it's at Sumo Digital, the British studio responsible for developing the modern OutRun games and Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing for Sega.

Wilson is the first known Bizarre staffer to announce a new position after the sad closure of that company. He is now the lead designer at the Foundation 9-owned Sumo, and will no doubt be in charge of a great many racing games.

JoystiqBizarre Creations lead Gareth Wilson now Sumo Digital lead designer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bizarre-creationsgareth-wilsonsumo-digitalukMon, 21 Feb 2011 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Split/Second PSP launch trailer and demo hit the gas, break the glass]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/split-second-psp-launch-trailer-and-demo-hit-the-gas-break-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/split-second-psp-launch-trailer-and-demo-hit-the-gas-break-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/split-second-psp-launch-trailer-and-demo-hit-the-gas-break-the/#comments Do you need to be convinced of Split/Second's capacity for stock car annihilation on PSP? Sony's offered you two ways to do so, the most thorough of which is a brief demo that's currently available on the PlayStation Store. What better way could there be to preview the miniaturized, bombastic racer than to actually get your hands dirty?

Well, we're not sure about a better way -- but there's certainly an easier way. See, downloading and playing that demo? That would require hundreds of button presses. Watching the launch trailer posted after the jump? That's like, two button presses. Maybe three, if you have to scroll down. Talk about efficient! Also, lazy.

Continue reading Split/Second PSP launch trailer and demo hit the gas, break the glass

JoystiqSplit/Second PSP launch trailer and demo hit the gas, break the glass originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disney-InteractiveplaystationpspsonySplit-Secondsumo-digitalTue, 16 Nov 2010 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Doctor Who: The Adventure Games receiving second season]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-receiving-second-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-receiving-second-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-receiving-second-season/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Doctor Who: The Adventure Games will return for a second season, which will tie into the next series starring the eleventh Doctor. The BBC's Simon Nelson said the the company would be "daft" not to commission another season after 1.6 million downloads of the initial episodes.

Episode four of Doctor Who:TAG's first season will be available "later in the year," free to UK residents. The series is available in North America through Direct2Drive at $13 for the whole bundle.

JoystiqDoctor Who: The Adventure Games receiving second season originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBCbbc-wales-interactiveDoctor-Whodoctor-who-the-adventure-gamesmacpcSumo-DigitalMon, 20 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fly the TARDIS in third Doctor Who: The Adventure Games episode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/fly-the-tardis-in-third-doctor-who-the-adventure-games-episode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/fly-the-tardis-in-third-doctor-who-the-adventure-games-episode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/fly-the-tardis-in-third-doctor-who-the-adventure-games-episode/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Traveling through time is tough. Unless you were lucky enough to be born as Jean-Claude Van Damme, Doc Brown (or his young companion, Marty McFly) or something, it's pretty much been a crapshoot for most of us human beings. The only other possible option has been to meet The Doctor.

A more realistic alternative than trying to track that dude down is to play Doctor Who: The Adventure Games and BBC has announced that the upcoming third episode -- due to launch on August 27, but only available to UK residents -- will give players an intimate look behind the blue doors of the TARDIS and even let them pilot it. For the unaware, the TARDIS is the it's-a-police-box-but-not-really structure that allows The Doctor and his companion to traipse through time and space. So it would seem that next week Einstein-Rosen Bridge enthusiasts will finally have a viable fix!

Now if only we could fast-forward to next week. Jean-Claude, if you're reading this, would you mind helping us out?

JoystiqFly the TARDIS in third Doctor Who: The Adventure Games episode originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc-wales-interactivedoctor-whodoctor-who-the-adventure-gamesmacpcsumo-digitaltardisSun, 22 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space Ignition is a downloadable Dead Space 2 prequel, for XBLA and PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/dead-space-ignition-is-a-downloadable-dead-space-2-prequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/dead-space-ignition-is-a-downloadable-dead-space-2-prequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/dead-space-ignition-is-a-downloadable-dead-space-2-prequel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dead Space Ignition
We know Dead Space-dev Visceral Games has had its eye on the downloadable space -- along with the rest of EA -- for some time now with the oft-rumored Jack the Ripper title and something else. Well, that something else is Dead Space Ignition, "the first of many exciting game extensions we have planned for the launch of Dead Space 2," says Dead Space franchise exec producer Steve Papoutsis.

From what we can gather from the press release (embedded after the break), Ignition is a "Choose Your Own Adventure," comic-style story with "three unique hacking mini games." Ignition will provide a "unique perspective leading up to Dead Space 2" and fill in new players on all the backstory they need to shoot monsters' limbs off. Depending on which adventure you choose, you'll earn one of four endings (replayability!) and those endings will reward you with in-game trinkets for Dead Space 2, "including an exclusive suit."

Like 2008's Dead Space comic series, Ignition is again tapping comics author Antony Johnson to weave a tale of suspense, horror, mystery and (oh, right) dismemberment! Dead Space Ignition is being co-developed by Visceral Games and Sumo Digital for a Fall 2010 release on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. Considering the promotional nature of the title, we're hoping the asking price is a reasonable one.

[Editor's note: The image above was posted yesterday on the Dead Space Facebook page teasing today's announcement. The alien jargon in the upper right spells out "Ignition."]

Continue reading Dead Space Ignition is a downloadable Dead Space 2 prequel, for XBLA and PSN

JoystiqDead Space Ignition is a downloadable Dead Space 2 prequel, for XBLA and PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dead-Space-2Dead-Space-IgnitionEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftplaystationps3PSNSumo-DigitalVisceral-GamesXBLAxboxWed, 07 Jul 2010 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Doctor Who: The Adventure Games now available (and free) in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-now-available-and-free-in-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-now-available-and-free-in-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-now-available-and-free-in-the/#comments Brilliant! Folks living in the land from whence the time-traveling, sonic-screwdriving adventurer originated can now download the first episode in Sumo Interactive's Doctor Who: The Adventure Games for free. Titled "City of the Daleks," the game sees the Doctor and his companion, Amy Pond, in an alternate version of London in 1963, where the nefarious Daleks have taken over the city and are baking cakes for everybody. (Just kidding! They're murdering everyone. That's what Daleks do.)

Us Americans will have to wait until "early July," when the game will be available for us to purchase. Yes, purchase. Like, with money. Life can be so unfair sometimes.

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqDoctor Who: The Adventure Games now available (and free) in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebbccity-of-the-daleksdoctor-whodoctor-who-the-adventure-gamessumo-digitalThu, 03 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Doctor Who: The Adventure Games dev diary is photogenic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-dev-diary-is-photogenic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-dev-diary-is-photogenic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-dev-diary-is-photogenic/#comments Can't wait for next Saturday to finally bring you the first installment in the Doctor Who: The Adventure Games series? Your two options boil down to either hopping into your discreet, time-traveling police box and moving two weeks into the future, or ... you know, waiting. Fortunately, the latter should be made more bearable by watching the developer diary posted after the jump.

Watch as the ever-charming Matt Smith (the titular Doctor) and Karen Gillan (companion Amy Pond) do some rotoscoping photo shoots, and lend their voices to the game. Then watch as the developer works on facial animations, which results in the horrifying texture seen above. Not so pretty now, is he, ladies?

[Via Big Download]

Continue reading Doctor Who: The Adventure Games dev diary is photogenic

JoystiqDoctor Who: The Adventure Games dev diary is photogenic originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebbcdev-diarydoctor-whodoctor-who-the-adventure-gamessumo-digitalvideoMon, 24 May 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing DLC released early on PSN, removed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-dlc-released-early-on-psn-remov/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-dlc-released-early-on-psn-remov/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-dlc-released-early-on-psn-remov/#commentsOn Thursday, the UK PS3 version of Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing received a new downloadable racer and a new stage: Metal Sonic and the Egg Hangar, respectively. Then, in what seems like an inadvertent April Fools prank, it disappeared, having evidently been released early as a mistake. The Sega blog post announcing the actual DLC release for this week (Shenmue's Ryo Hazuki in his forklift) makes a point of noting that "This is the only DLC item out today."

For a few lucky, Sonic-fast buyers, it was some early DLC. But for the rest of us, it's the source of some footage, captured by reader Hogfather, that we can watch after the break to preview some upcoming DLC.

Continue reading Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing DLC released early on PSN, removed

JoystiqSonic and Sega All-Stars Racing DLC released early on PSN, removed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcleakmetal-sonicMicrosoftracingsegasonicsonic-and-sega-all-stars-racingsumo-digitalXbox-360Sat, 03 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More FIFA World Cup 2010 media than you can shake a red card at]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/new-fifa-world-cup-2010-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/new-fifa-world-cup-2010-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/new-fifa-world-cup-2010-media/#commentsWe know, we know -- we've been desperately waiting for more new media on April's South Africa-themed FIFA release as well, and today we've finally got some more. Arriving care of GDC 2010, EA Sports released the trailer you see above and the smattering of new screens seen below (for Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 as well as the Wii).

The trailer urges players to take their own country's team to the World Cup, though we should issue a word of warning to those of you in the contiguous United States who choose to bring our fine nation to the top: it's just a game. Okay, okay, sorry -- we were just joshin' ya! We suppose it's possible. Maybe after the robots take over. Maybe.

Gallery: 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa (Wii)

Gallery: 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa (PS3/Xbox 360)

JoystiqMore FIFA World Cup 2010 media than you can shake a red card at originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010-FIFA-World-CupAppleDSEAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsExient-EntertainmentFIFAHB-StudiosiPodMicrosoftNintendoPlayStationPS2PS3PSPSportsSumo-DigitalWiiXbox-360Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/metareview-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/metareview-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/metareview-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing/#comments It could just be our lowered expectations for games including kart racing, Sonic or "All-Stars" in the title, but we were pretty surprised by the positive buzz for Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing; the Wii, PS3 and 360 versions are all doing well with a 79 percent average on Metacritic. Here's what's being said:

GameSpot (80/100): "Although the core of Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing is obviously pulled straight out of Mario Kart, this wacky racer can stand on its own four wheels. The tight controls and excellent track design ensure that head-to-head competition is always exciting, but it's so fun just to play around with these karts that it's easy to lose hours climbing the online leaderboards in Time Trial mode."

1UP (B): "Though it has some hiccups, unexciting party modes, and a questionable difficulty curve, All-Stars Racing is a respectable effort that makes a good kart racer at its core (and is at least much more cohesive than Sega Superstars Tennis)."

Nintendo Power (8/10): "It isn't quite the fan paradise it could have been, but it's a very good racer that makes great use of classic Sega franchises. We wouldn't mind a sequel with more franchises and tracks included."

IGN: (8/10): "It's pleasantly surprising to find out that the Nintendo Wii edition - apart from the lower resolution - gets similar treatment with close to the exact same features as the stronger hardware."

JoystiqMetareview: Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kart-racingmetareviewMicrosoftNintendoracingsegasonicsonic-and-sega-all-stars-racingsumo-digitalWiiXbox-360Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Squint at this Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing DS trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/22/squint-at-this-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-ds-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/22/squint-at-this-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-ds-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/22/squint-at-this-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-ds-trailer/#comments We realize that it's probably difficult to cut together a trailer for a DS game. After all, there are two screens to deal with and the system doesn't exactly sport the HD (or even 480p) pizazz of its bigger console cousins. Considering the bottom screen in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing appears to be reserved solely for a map, you'd think you could zoom in on the top screen every once in a while. Still, even in such a tiny space, the DS version of All-Stars Racing looks much the same as the console versions, minus a few polygons here and there, of course.

As Nintendo has already proven with Mario Kart DS, kart racing can be very, very enjoyable on-the-go. If All-Stars Racing plays as well as it looks, maybe gamers will finally have a new reason to chase down some power-ups and clobber their friends. Let's just hope there aren't any damned, hateful blue shell power-ups.

Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing hits stores this week.

JoystiqSquint at this Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing DS trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>segasega-all-stars-racingsonic-and-sega-all-stars-racingsumo-digitalvideoMon, 22 Feb 2010 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing demo might be forthcoming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-demo-might-be-forthcoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-demo-might-be-forthcoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-demo-might-be-forthcoming/#commentsThe prospect of racing against the Bonanza Bros. as a forklift-driving Ryo Hazuki likely has many Sega fans on the precipice of purchasing Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing. However, those of us whose common sense has yet to be short-circuited by fan service would prefer to try out the game in order to determine whether the actual racing is worthwhile. And according to a Digital Spy interview with producer Steve Lycett, we may get to do that.

"We're currently looking at downloadable demos for 360 and PS3, and a DS demo via the Nintendo Channel to boot," Lycett said.

He also responded positively to the idea of Sumo Digital developing a Shenmue sequel -- you know, because having a game with a Ryo Hazuki character model in it is basically halfway there. "I'm sure if Sega asked, we'd love to take it on," Lycett said. "It'd scare me to death to take on something so epic, but well, I'd like to think we could do it justice. I think if you cut us in half at this point, you'd find Sega written through the middle of us!"

JoystiqSonic & Sega All-Stars Racing demo might be forthcoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoDSMicrosoftNintendoracingshenmuesonic-and-sega-all-stars-racingsteve-lycettsumo-digitalXbox-360Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtua Fighter, NiGHTS characters in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/virtua-fighter-nights-characters-in-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-raci/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/virtua-fighter-nights-characters-in-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-raci/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/virtua-fighter-nights-characters-in-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-raci/#commentsApparently, Sega's plan is to represent every Sega franchise ever in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing -- except, of course, for Segata Sanshiro. The publisher announced two more playable characters today (well, four, actually, in pairs): Virtua Fighter's Akira and Jacky, and Bonanza Bros.' Mobo and Robo. The Virtua guys appear to be riding in a red Ferrari, which would add the OutRun franchise to the list as well. All these reveals are in line with the character portraits found hidden on the website.

NiGHTS will appear in the game as well, though not in a capacity that will cause superfans "DiGi" and "Trippy" to lose their bets and burn their NiGHTS memorabilia collections. The androgynous dream-monster will appear as the flagman in the racing game.

JoystiqVirtua Fighter, NiGHTS characters in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonanza-brosDSMicrosoftnightsNintendoracingsegasonic-and-sega-all-stars-racingsumo-digitalvirtua-fighterWiiXbox-360Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Alex and Jen really want you to play Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/alex-and-jen-really-want-you-to-play-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-raci/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/alex-and-jen-really-want-you-to-play-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-raci/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/alex-and-jen-really-want-you-to-play-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-raci/#comments The other day, our friends Alex and Jen invited us up to their loft to play this new racing game for the Wii. We were a little leery about going (Jen kept yelling things like "Waaaah! Super horn!" and "Shortcut cheat!," which was weird), but they promised us it was kart racing "with attitude," so we went anyway. It was okay, we guess. You could ride planes and cars and stuff (Jen was really excited about riding bananas for some reason), but when Alex and Jen kept yelling random competitive cliches in between these weird clinical explanations of powerups, we got kind of freaked out and started checking our watches.

Things got a little uncomfortable when Alex threatened to make Jen cry like a little girl, and when she replied with a confident "Bring. It. On," we knew it was probably time to call it a night and quietly excused ourselves from their apartment. On our way out, we heard Alex creepily mumbling about "the sweet taste of victory" under Jen's nonsense shouting. They've already called us to see if we want to hang out next weekend for a "rematch," but uh, we think we're probably busy then.

JoystiqAlex and Jen really want you to play Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alexattitudejenNintendosegasonicsonic-and-sega-all-stars-racingsumo-digitaltrailerWiiSat, 30 Jan 2010 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: FIFA 10 moves 2.2 million units in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/report-fifa-10-moves-2-2-million-units-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/report-fifa-10-moves-2-2-million-units-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/report-fifa-10-moves-2-2-million-units-in-the-uk/#comments FIFA 10 has already found its way into 2.2 million UK homes, making it competition for the "biggest-selling game in the series so far," according to an MCV UK report. With today's earlier announcement of a free-to-play FIFA and the recent unveiling of FIFA World Cup 2010 South Africa, and now this, we're quite considering naming it "FIFA Week" here on Joystiq.

And we're willing to bet that EA Sports marketing manager Trevor Uzice would be a big fan of that, especially considering he believes that "there's no denying FIFA 10 is the best football game ever." While we're not sure that the (admittedly impressive) sales numbers corroborate his sentiments, it's always nice to see marketing putting its most outlandish spin on any piece of news.

Gallery: FIFA 10 (360/PS3)

JoystiqReport: FIFA 10 moves 2.2 million units in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleDSEAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsExient-EntertainmentFIFAFIFA-10FIFA-2010HB-StudiosiPodMicrosoftNintendoPlayStationPS2PS3PSPsalessoccerSportsSumo-Digitaltrevor-uziceWiiXbox-360Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing screens make a pit stop in your heart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-screens-make-a-pit-stop-in-your-he/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-screens-make-a-pit-stop-in-your-he/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-screens-make-a-pit-stop-in-your-he/#comments
click to enlarge Sega has dropped some new screens from its upcoming Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing kart game, and if you don't find them completely charming, there's something broken near your left ventricle. We don't yet know if the game is any good or not, but if you look at these lush, colorful 3D recreations of classic Sega environments and characters and don't feel the slightest stirring down in your jaded, Mature excuse for a gamer heart, you better get it checked.

Note that these screens come from the Xbox 360 version, which explains why Banjo and the Avatars (coincidentally a great band name) appear within. Enjoy.

Gallery: Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing (Xbox 360, 01-26-10)

JoystiqSonic & Sega All-Stars Racing screens make a pit stop in your heart originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsbanjobanjo-and-kazooiebanjo-kazooieheartMicrosoftNintendoscreenshotssegasonic-and-sega-all-stars-racingsumo-digitalWiiXbox-360Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK gets Sega All-Stars Racing wheel bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/uk-gets-sega-all-stars-racing-wheel-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/uk-gets-sega-all-stars-racing-wheel-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/uk-gets-sega-all-stars-racing-wheel-bundle/#comments
click to Sonic-size Sega has now revealed the promised racing wheel for the Wii version of Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing. The wheel will be available as part of a bundle in the UK. It won't be available outside of European territories at all, which is unfortunate, as the All-Stars Racing wheel seems just a bit sharper than Nintendo's own peripheral. Get a closer look at the wheel and the bundle packaging in the gallery below.

Gallery: Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing wheel bundle (Wii)

JoystiqUK gets Sega All-Stars Racing wheel bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesbundleracingsegasonicsonic-and-sega-all-stars-racingsumo-digitalwii-wheelTue, 19 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[All-Stars Racing, Napoleon: Total War dated in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/all-stars-racing-napoleon-total-war-dated-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/all-stars-racing-napoleon-total-war-dated-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/all-stars-racing-napoleon-total-war-dated-in-europe/#commentsSega has dated two its upcoming games for Europe, including the fanservice-filled racing game Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing. The mascot racer will arrive there on February 26, three days after the North American release date. In addition, as tweeted by the game's official account, Napoleon: Total War will be out in on February 23 -- a date that is accurate for both Europe and NA. No word on Napoleon & Historical All-Stars Racing, however.

Yakuza 3 remains at an unspecified "March" date for both Europe and North America. Similarly nonspecific are Alpha Protocol, Resonance of Fate, and Infinite Space, which Videogamer reports are all still "spring," with Valkyria Chronicles 2 following in the summer.

JoystiqAll-Stars Racing, Napoleon: Total War dated in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creative-assemblyDSeuropeMicrosoftnapoleon-total-warNintendosegasonic-and-sega-all-stars-racingsumo-digitalWiiXbox-360Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Add Mii to Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/add-mii-to-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/add-mii-to-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/add-mii-to-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing/#commentsYou might not be able to play as Banjo and Kazooie in the Wii version of Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing, but you will be able to play as ... The Notorious B.I.G.! No, Sega hasn't added a selection of deceased rappers to the game's playable cast (no matter how many times we ask) -- the publisher has merely announced Mii support.

Much like the racing Avatars in the Xbox 360 version, the Wii version of Sega All-Stars Racing allows your Miis to compete against Sonic, Knuckles, Ryo Hazuki, and the rest of the assembled Sega crew. Hey, this is one way to get Segata Sanshiro back in the game -- where he belongs.

JoystiqAdd Mii to Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>miiNintendoracingsegasonic-and-sega-all-stars-racingsumo-digitalWiiWed, 06 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Shenmue's Nozomi cut from Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/rumor-shenmues-nozomi-cut-from-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/rumor-shenmues-nozomi-cut-from-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/rumor-shenmues-nozomi-cut-from-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing/#commentsNozomi, the erstwhile love interest of Shenmue's Ryo Hazuki, has lived a virtual life of ignominy. All she wanted in life was to form a meaningful connection before leaving the town of Yokosuka to live in Canada, but she had the misfortune to fall for the most oblivious teenage boy in the world, who simply failed to notice her overt advances.

And now news has come out that she was ruled out for inclusion in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing. "She was going to ride on the back of Ryo's bike," executive producer Steve Lycett allegedly said in a Sonic Stadium forum post, "but there was the small issue of where does she go when the Forklift appears."

Because, while having the martial arts student on a quest for vengeance in the mascot racing game is a perfectly sensible move, it would simply have been silly for his friend to disappear when his motorcycle was replaced by a forklift in the middle of a race.

In an earlier post, Lycett mentioned that Saturn mascot Segata Sanshiro was also considered for inclusion, but rejected. We would suggest that if Segata didn't work in this game, Sumo Digital should start over, and keep trying until it arrives at a game design that includes Segata Sanshiro.

Of course, it should be noted that Lycett also coyly downplayed rumors of Banjo and Kazooie's inclusion in the Xbox 360 version of the game, so anything he says should be met with a measure of skepticism.

[Via Kombo]

JoystiqRumor: Shenmue's Nozomi cut from Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSMicrosoftNintendosegashenmuesonic-and-sega-all-stars-racingsumo-digitalWiiXbox-360Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: FIFA 10 is fastest-selling sports game 'ever']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/ea-fifa-10-is-fastest-selling-sports-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/ea-fifa-10-is-fastest-selling-sports-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/ea-fifa-10-is-fastest-selling-sports-game-ever/#comments EA's annual footie franchise must be doing something right this year because FIFA 10 has apparently sold 1.7 million copies in Europe during its first week. According to EA, the title is "the fastest selling sports game ever and EA's biggest European launch in history."

Even with the positive launch, GI.biz spoke with an analyst who believes the sales aren't going to help EA in the long-term. Doug Creutz of Cowan and Company notes that heavy discounts at supermarket chains and other incentives made initial sales strong, but if the situation plays out anything like FIFA 09, the year-on-year sales will only grow marginally. But like a head-butt goal in the first minutes of a match, FIFA 10 is putting on a good show during launch.

Source -- EA announces record-breaking launch FIFA 10 (EA)
Source -- FIFA 10 record sales won't boost profits (GI.biz)

JoystiqEA: FIFA 10 is fastest-selling sports game 'ever' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleDSEAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsExient-EntertainmentFIFAFIFA-10FIFA-2010HB-StudiosiPodMicrosoftNintendoPlayStationPS2PS3PSPSportsSumo-DigitalWiiXbox-360Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Broken Sword creator designed Disney's Christmas Carol game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/broken-sword-creator-designed-disneys-christmas-carol-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/broken-sword-creator-designed-disneys-christmas-carol-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/broken-sword-creator-designed-disneys-christmas-carol-game/#commentsUnlike Dante's Inferno, there's a very good chance that the new game based on (Robert Zemeckis's upcoming movie version of) Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol won't make us want to go back in time and apologize to the original work's author on behalf of the industry we love so much. The main reason: it's designed by Revolution Software's Charles Cecil, best known for his work on Broken Sword. Cecil's experience with smart adventure games means that this new game is unlikely to turn Ebenezer Scrooge into a musclebound avenger who tears apart the ghosts invading his home.

"The approach I took was to place the player as the hand of fate," Cecil told Develop about the Sumo Digital-developed game, "guiding a very willful protagonist down the road to redemption, and he doesn't want to down that road at all. Players have to interact with people and the environment to make that happen, and it tells the story in really different way. I'm very happy with it."

We never thought we'd find a licensed Disney game about Christmas so interesting! Another different way this story is being told: with Cecil's own narration. He did some placeholder voice work, and "the Americans" insisted that it remain in the final game.

Though Cecil didn't specify platforms, a game based on A Christmas Carol is set to come out on DS on November 3, just before the November 3 release of the film.

JoystiqBroken Sword creator designed Disney's Christmas Carol game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-christmas-carolcharles-cecildisneyDSNintendorevolution-softwaresumo-digitalTue, 06 Oct 2009 20:35:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports: 'How big can football get?' Us: 'Pretty big, we guess?']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/ea-sports-how-big-can-football-get-us-pretty-big-we-guess/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/ea-sports-how-big-can-football-get-us-pretty-big-we-guess/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/ea-sports-how-big-can-football-get-us-pretty-big-we-guess/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Showing the far reaching effects of football ("soccer" for us Americans) fandom in a succinct two minute video, EA Sports asks UK residents in its latest ad for FIFA 10, "How big can football get?" From the looks of the insanity in the commercial (found after the break), we're going out on a limb here and saying, "Substantially large." Would you care to up that wager with a "significantly enormous?" Maybe a "demonstrably massive?"

Gallery: FIFA 10 (360/PS3)

Continue reading EA Sports: 'How big can football get?' Us: 'Pretty big, we guess?'

JoystiqEA Sports: 'How big can football get?' Us: 'Pretty big, we guess?' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleDSEAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsExient-EntertainmentFIFAFIFA-10FIFA-2010HB-StudiosiPodMicrosoftNintendoPlayStationPS2PS3PSPSportsSumo-DigitalUKWiiXbox-360Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's a beautiful FIFA 10 trailer from GamesCom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/heres-a-beautiful-fifa-10-trailer-from-gamescom/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/heres-a-beautiful-fifa-10-trailer-from-gamescom/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/heres-a-beautiful-fifa-10-trailer-from-gamescom/#comments We may not know much about the athletes on the various covers of FIFA 10, but we do know that this trailer looks damn impressive. In fairness, the game often looks rather stunning, but the sizzle reel that EA has whipped up for GamesCom (found after the break) is specifically meant to show off the game to its most active market -- which certainly comes through in production quality. Though we don't watch a ton of sports (and we play even less) we're legitimately looking forward to EA's next entry in the FIFA series, set to release this October.

Gallery: FIFA 10 (360/PS3)

Continue reading Here's a beautiful FIFA 10 trailer from GamesCom

JoystiqHere's a beautiful FIFA 10 trailer from GamesCom originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleDSEAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsExient-EntertainmentFIFAFIFA-10FIFA-2010GamesCom-2009HB-StudiosiPodMicrosoftNintendoPlayStationPS2PS3PSPSportsSumo-DigitalWiiXbox-360Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Who? EA reveals FIFA 10 North American cover athletes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/who-ea-reveals-fifa-10-north-american-cover-athletes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/who-ea-reveals-fifa-10-north-american-cover-athletes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/who-ea-reveals-fifa-10-north-american-cover-athletes/#comments After EA announced a trio of British gents gracing the cover of FIFA 10 in Europe last week, the company today revealed the box art for the North American iteration. Cuauhtémoc Blanco of Chicago Fire and Sacha Kljestan of Chivas USA appear on the box, with Jason Bateman Chelsea's Frank Lampard taking center stage.

EA also revealed the game's release date Stateside to be October 20, while a Euro release has been confirmed for October 2. We'll be spending the extra few weeks figuring out what exactly Chivas USA is. Peep the full cover and a new video of FIFA 10 in action after the break.

Gallery: FIFA 10 (360/PS3)

Continue reading Who? EA reveals FIFA 10 North American cover athletes

JoystiqWho? EA reveals FIFA 10 North American cover athletes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applechicago-firechivas-usacoverCuauhtmoc-BlancoDSEAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsExient-EntertainmentFIFAFIFA-10FIFA-2010HB-StudiosiPodmajor-league-soccerMicrosoftmlsNintendoPlayStationPS2PS3PSPSacha-KljestanSportsSumo-DigitalWiiXbox-360Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:29:00 EST<![CDATA[EA reveals UK lovefest with FIFA 10 cover athletes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/ea-reveals-uk-lovefest-with-fifa-10-cover-athletes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/ea-reveals-uk-lovefest-with-fifa-10-cover-athletes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/ea-reveals-uk-lovefest-with-fifa-10-cover-athletes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've been known to dabble in a FIFA game from time to time, though cover athletes aren't really our forte, if you will. Rather than address our ignorance dead-on, we'll simply tell you that Frank Lampard of Chelsea, Theo Walcott of Arsenal and Wayne Rooney of Manchester United are donning the cover of this year's footballer.

Believe it or not, the game will feature more than just players from English teams. (Yes, we're just as shocked as you by that possibility.) The game is set to land in the UK on October 2, and Amazon and GameStop are putting the game's US release on October 20th.

Gallery: FIFA 10 (360/PS3)

JoystiqEA reveals UK lovefest with FIFA 10 cover athletes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleDSEAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsExient-EntertainmentFIFAFIFA-10FIFA-2010frank-lampardHB-StudiosiPodMicrosoftNintendoPlayStationPS2PS3PSPsoccerSportsSumo-Digitaltheo-walcottwayne-rooneyWiiXbox-360Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Dirt 2 trailers feature fancy cars, lots of dirt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/new-dirt-2-trailers-feature-fancy-cars-lots-of-dirt/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/new-dirt-2-trailers-feature-fancy-cars-lots-of-dirt/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/new-dirt-2-trailers-feature-fancy-cars-lots-of-dirt/#commentsWhat do a BMW Z4 Coupe, a Subaru WRX Hatch, and a mess of big trucks have in common? They'll all be at your disposal in upcoming rally-racer Dirt 2, silly! Aside from the game's striking visuals -- the ones that we marveled over when we saw it last February -- gameplay has always been a strong suit for Codemasters' dirt racer. While the video above, titled "Baja Raid," looks vaguely similar to games like Motorstorm and Pure, we expect a different, more simulation than arcade, feel from Dirt 2. Check out the rest of the trailers after the break or head over to our sister site Big Download and snag them for yourself in full HD glory.

Gallery: DiRT 2

Continue reading New Dirt 2 trailers feature fancy cars, lots of dirt

JoystiqNew Dirt 2 trailers feature fancy cars, lots of dirt originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscolin-mcraedirtdirt-2Microsoftpcracingrallysumo-digitalXbox-360Sat, 25 Jul 2009 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 10 hits the pitch October 2 in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/fifa-10-hits-the-pitch-october-2-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/fifa-10-hits-the-pitch-october-2-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/fifa-10-hits-the-pitch-october-2-in-the-uk/#comments MCV confirmed with EA that its latest entry in the long-standing soccer franchise, FIFA 10, will arrive at UK retailers on October 2. There's no mention of a release date for North America, so we've put in word to EA to see just when we Yanks will receive the game. We'll be sure to update you as soon as we hear back.

JoystiqFIFA 10 hits the pitch October 2 in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleDSEAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsExient-EntertainmentFIFAFIFA-10FIFA-2010HB-StudiosiPodMicrosoftNintendoPlayStationPS2PS3PSPSportsSumo-DigitalUKWiiXbox-360Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 10 offers brief glimpse of footy-filled gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/fifa-10-offers-brief-glimpse-of-footy-filled-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/fifa-10-offers-brief-glimpse-of-footy-filled-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/fifa-10-offers-brief-glimpse-of-footy-filled-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , ,

EA Sports is ramping up the hype machine for its very crucial FIFA franchise, as it has issued out a new teaser trailer for the latest installment, FIFA 10. Thankfully, it's not your average teaser trailer, as though it is short, it does contain actual gameplay footage. It looks like the one big improvement for this year's version will be bullet time.

JoystiqFIFA 10 offers brief glimpse of footy-filled gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleDSEAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsExient-EntertainmentFIFAFIFA-10FIFA-2010HB-StudiosiPodMicrosoftNintendoPlayStationPS2PS3PSPSportsSumo-DigitalWiiXbox-360Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[UK chart get: Wii Fit still on top, FIFA 09 takes 2nd spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/uk-chart-get-wii-fit-still-on-top-fifa-09-takes-2nd-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/uk-chart-get-wii-fit-still-on-top-fifa-09-takes-2nd-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/uk-chart-get-wii-fit-still-on-top-fifa-09-takes-2nd-spot/#comments Wii Fit has been selling extremely well, taking the top spot for the seventh week in a row, Chart-Track data shows. In fact, a record of nine weeks in a row was set by Who Wants to be a Millionaire (no platforms mentioned), and Nintendo's Balance Board bundle is on pace to tie that record should it frequent the top spot for the next two weeks.

Unsurprisingly, soccer football game FIFA 09 managed to take the second spot, pushing last week's second place holder, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, down to third. Interesting to note is the inclusion of Battlestations: Pacific on the list. The game only released in the UK last week for Xbox 360 and PC, and managed to win the battle for last place, taking up the tenth spot.

JoystiqUK chart get: Wii Fit still on top, FIFA 09 takes 2nd spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chart-trackDSEAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsFIFAFIFA-09FIFA-2009MicrosoftN-GageNintendoPlayStationPS2PS3PSPSportsSumo-DigitalukWiiwii-fit-body-check-channelXbox-360Mon, 18 May 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trophies: FIFA 09]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/trophies-fifa-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/trophies-fifa-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/trophies-fifa-09/#comments
1 Platinum
2 Gold
17 Silver
27 Bronze
 Difficulty: Moderate
Online Trophies? Yes
Time to Completion: 100 hours
DLC Trophies? Yes*
*Trophies requiring DLC are highlighted in yellow.
View Trophy List Read More About the Game

Continue reading Trophies: FIFA 09

JoystiqTrophies: FIFA 09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsDSEAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsFIFAFIFA-09FIFA-2009N-GageNintendoPlayStationPS2PS3PSPSportsSumo-DigitaltrophyWiiThu, 19 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[OutRun Online Arcade shots show new car models]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/outrun-online-arcade-shots-show-new-car-models/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/outrun-online-arcade-shots-show-new-car-models/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/outrun-online-arcade-shots-show-new-car-models/#comments
click to enlarge
We're going to call this latest batch of screens from Sega's upcoming XBLA release, OutRun Live Arcade, the "See, we really are improving the graphics!" gallery. And it's true -- while the scenery may look like it's simply been up-scaled from the original Xbox release of OutRun 2, it's clear that Sumo Digital isn't using the same car models for this release. They're nice and smooth ... and oh-so-shiny.

Considering the roadside elements go by so fast, we're willing to bet most players won't even notice whether they're HD-ified enough or not. But the cars ... you always focus on the car in OutRun, as it almost supernaturally drifts its way through traffic. Sega: Bring. It. On.

JoystiqOutRun Online Arcade shots show new car models originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>outrun-online-arcadesegasumo-digitalxblaTue, 17 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Europe loves its FIFA 09, 1.25 million games logged daily]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/europe-loves-its-fifa-09-1-25-million-games-logged-daily/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/europe-loves-its-fifa-09-1-25-million-games-logged-daily/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/europe-loves-its-fifa-09-1-25-million-games-logged-daily/#commentsAccording to EA-supplied FIFA 09 statistics, gamers around the globe (see: Europe) have averaged 1.25 million online games per day since its release this past Fall. Selling 7.8 million copies in 2008 probably factors into that number somewhat.

The statistical goods keep coming, with EA revealing that FIFA 09 is EA Sports' most successful online game, boasting a 321% increase over its FIFA predecessor in daily games played, and seeing 141 million games logged on all platforms since launch. That's a lot of gamers taking to the field to bend it like Beckham.

JoystiqEurope loves its FIFA 09, 1.25 million games logged daily originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSEAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsFIFAFIFA-09FIFA-2009MicrosoftN-GageNintendoPlayStationPS2PS3PSPSportsSumo-DigitalWiiXbox-360Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega confirms Outrun XBLA exclusivity in NA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/sega-confirms-outrun-xbla-exclusivity-in-na/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/sega-confirms-outrun-xbla-exclusivity-in-na/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/sega-confirms-outrun-xbla-exclusivity-in-na/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sega just crushed the hopes of North American Playstation fans who are interested in Sumo Digital's upcoming Outrun Online Arcade, announcing that the game will not be releasing to the PSN in NA. Instead, Outrun will release exclusively to the Xbox Live Arcade in NA, but Europe will remain unaffected by the exclusivity deal.

That said, we have a hunch that hardcore U.S. Outrun'ners on the Playstation will find a way to access the goods. That's what profile region settings are for, right?

JoystiqSega confirms Outrun XBLA exclusivity in NA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>outrunoutrun-online-arcadesegasumo-digitalTue, 20 Jan 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega announces Outrun Arcade Online for early 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/sega-announces-outrun-arcade-online-for-early-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/sega-announces-outrun-arcade-online-for-early-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/sega-announces-outrun-arcade-online-for-early-2009/#comments
click to embiggen
Sega has officially announced that it is bringing Outrun Arcade Online to Xbox Live Arcade. The game is being developed by Sumo Digital, the team responsible for the recent Outrun 2006: Coast 2 Coast (on which Outrun Arcade Online appears to be based). It will be enhanced to include high definition graphics and will feature online play for up to six players. Outrun Arcade Online includes 10 different Ferrari cars and 15 different tracks on which to race them. And, of course, it wouldn't be Outrun without the music ... and the hot girl in the passenger seat. The game is expected to drop in early 2009. Check out the first screens in the gallery below and the debut trailer after the break.

Continue reading Sega announces Outrun Arcade Online for early 2009

JoystiqSega announces Outrun Arcade Online for early 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadelive-arcadeoutrunoutrun-arcade-onlinesegasumo-digitalxblaxbox-live-arcadeThu, 18 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST