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[Warren Spector, Blizzard COO to lead University of Texas game program]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/warren-spector-blizzard-coo-to-lead-university-of-texas-game-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/warren-spector-blizzard-coo-to-lead-university-of-texas-game-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/warren-spector-blizzard-coo-to-lead-university-of-texas-game-pr/#commentsWarren Spector, Blizzard COO lead University of Texas game program Developer Warren Spector and Blizzard Entertainment COO Paul Sams will help oversee a new gaming academy being put into place at the University of Texas at Austin. The Denius-Sams Gaming Academy, named after co-founders Wofford Denius, Sams and his wife, will begin in 2014 with only 20 spots for students, and will award a postbaccalaureate certificate rather than a graduate degree, which the school says will help it remain industry-focused.

Spector, the creator of Deus Ex and the Disney Epic Mickey series, will put together the curriculum, which will include a 12-month intensive program where students will make a game themselves. Students selected for admission will also get a tuition waiver and a $10,000 stipend for fees and housing expenses. The program will begin next fall.

Continue reading Warren Spector, Blizzard COO to lead University of Texas game program

JoystiqWarren Spector, Blizzard COO to lead University of Texas game program originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>degreedenius-sams-gaming-academyeducationgraduatemobilepaul-samspcschooltraininguniversity-of-texasuniversity-of-texas-at-austinwarren-spectorMon, 13 May 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[McDonald's Japan trains employees with new DSi game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/mcdonalds-japan-trains-employees-with-new-dsi-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/mcdonalds-japan-trains-employees-with-new-dsi-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/mcdonalds-japan-trains-employees-with-new-dsi-game/#comments Nintendo's partnership with McDonald's in Japan has been extended to help train the restaurant chain's employees in the finer details of fast food assembly. Bloomberg visited McDonald's training center in Japan to get some hands-on time with the training simulation (video embedded after the break), discovering that the golden arches-branded DSis will be distributed to McDonald's all over the country for training purposes.

Aside from unveiling the training software, Japanese McDonald's reps showed off their undeniably stylish work uniforms and surprisingly friendly demeanors. We can't help but attribute at least part of the latter's explanation to the fact that these folks are playing with Nintendo DSis at work. Better than flipping burgers, no?

[Via Kotaku]

Continue reading McDonald's Japan trains employees with new DSi game

JoystiqMcDonald's Japan trains employees with new DSi game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSdsiedutainmentfast-foodjapanmcdonaldsNintendotrainingTue, 20 Apr 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA: Record number of game development classes offered in U.S.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/esa-record-number-of-game-development-classes-offered-in-u-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/esa-record-number-of-game-development-classes-offered-in-u-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/esa-record-number-of-game-development-classes-offered-in-u-s/#comments According to a report recently published by the Entertainment Software Association, colleges in 37 states (and the District of Columbia) currently play host to 254 courses in video game design, art and programming. That may sound like a skimpy sum, but it's up from 200 programs offered last year. We'd tell you what percentage increase that represents, but we didn't take many math courses throughout our collegiate career.

Rich Taylor, ESA's senior vice president of communications and industry affairs, said these figures are indicative of "the importance of the videogames industry, which is well-poised to create additional employment and professional opportunities in the coming years." We just see them as scholastic incubators for the next generation of Schafers, Carmacks and Wrights.

JoystiqESA: Record number of game development classes offered in U.S. originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artcollegecoursedesignesaindustryprogrammingrich-taylorschooltrainingThu, 01 Oct 2009 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XSEED unleashing Drill Sergeant MindStrong on WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/xseed-unleashing-drill-sergeant-mindstrong-on-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/xseed-unleashing-drill-sergeant-mindstrong-on-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/xseed-unleashing-drill-sergeant-mindstrong-on-wiiware/#commentsThe ESRB ratings database has revealed the first WiiWare game from publisher XSEED: Drill Sergeant Mindstrong, which is, uh, a brain-training minigame collection. A weird one.

The description of the game mentions minigames "in which players train and compete in math, rhythm, and reflex/timing drills guided by a trainer named Sergeant Mindstrong." The whole thing has a military theme, including a saluting minigame and one about marching in time. All the minigames will have "Hell" at the beginning of the title, like "Hell Roll Call."

Siliconera speculates, because of the XSEED/Marvelous connection, that this is Discipline, the WiiWare game announced last year. The title fits, as well. However, Discipline is a sort of adventure about escaping from prison, and this is military brain training.

JoystiqXSEED unleashing Drill Sergeant MindStrong on WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drill-sergeant-mindstrongesrbminigamestrainingwiiwarexseedWed, 25 Mar 2009 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop training video light on training, heavy on hilarity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/gamestop-training-video-light-on-training-heavy-on-hilarity/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/gamestop-training-video-light-on-training-heavy-on-hilarity/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/gamestop-training-video-light-on-training-heavy-on-hilarity/#comments
Oh, GameStop. We have plenty of reasons to laugh at you. You call us up during dinner to coax us into trading stuff in, and you ask us about strategy guides and pre-orders every time we try to shop in your store. Now, it would seem you also like to employ what we've dubbed the "poor man's Lara Croft," as this very real training video shows. The video is kind of like watching a clown get the crap kicked out of him. You want to intervene, but every time he gets punched in the nose and you hear that honk sound, you can't help but laugh. Watch Ima and her amazing Zack Morris impressions after the break.

Continue reading GameStop training video light on training, heavy on hilarity

JoystiqGameStop training video light on training, heavy on hilarity originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualexpanded-audiencegamestopgamestop-training-videogamestop-tvretailtrainingwomanWed, 25 Feb 2009 19:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo offers free DS, Personal Trainer: Math to math-loving kids]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/nintendo-offers-free-ds-personal-trainer-math-to-math-loving-k/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/nintendo-offers-free-ds-personal-trainer-math-to-math-loving-k/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/nintendo-offers-free-ds-personal-trainer-math-to-math-loving-k/#commentsWhat's the best way to entice middle-schoolers into their schools' math clubs? How about the promise of a free Nintendo DS -- and a math game? Personally, we think the best way would be to move the meetings to Steak 'n Shake and replace the "math" part with "vanilla malts." But, while delicious, it's not exactly educational, and wouldn't really make for a good PR opportunity for Nintendo.

Instead, the company has partnered with MATHCOUNTS, a "national enrichment, coaching and competition program" for middle school math, to bribe four middle school math clubs across the US with free DS systems -- and, of course, Personal Trainer: Math. They could hand out Fire Emblem or something -- but again, not so much of a PR opportunity.

JoystiqNintendo offers free DS, Personal Trainer: Math to math-loving kids originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>educationmathcountspersonal-trainer-mathtrainingWed, 25 Feb 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First look at Nobilis' music training game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/first-look-at-nobiliss-music-training-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/first-look-at-nobiliss-music-training-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/first-look-at-nobiliss-music-training-game/#commentsFiled under:

Maybe we're just suckers for video games as music teaching tools (as suggested by the dusty NES Miracle Keyboard in our closet), but we're pretty intrigued by Nobilis' MUSIC. The publisher has released the first screens about the training title, revealing the focus of some of the lessons, most of which seem to deal with reading music.

In addition, interactive quizzes ask players to identify notes, arrange notes to match sound samples, and match pitch contours to samples. MUSIC also features virtual keyboard and drums, along with a selection of songs to play. The minigames on the cartridge include activities like a rhythm game in which players pop balloons by clapping.

MUSIC comes out in Europe in April. No US release has been announced.

JoystiqFirst look at Nobilis' music training game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>educationmusicnobilistrainingThu, 12 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor: suggesting Brain Age helps is 'charlatanism']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/professor-suggesting-brain-age-helps-is-charlatanism/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/professor-suggesting-brain-age-helps-is-charlatanism/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/professor-suggesting-brain-age-helps-is-charlatanism/#commentsFiled under:

Brain Age games don't necessarily make you smarter, and it is "charlatanism" to make such a claim. Those are the conclusions drawn by one Alain Lieury, professor of cognitive psychology at the University of Rennes. The professor's findings were picked up by The Times, which loves itself a good story (from 2006).

Lieury surveyed 67 ten-year-old kids in his study, which compared the impact of Brain Age on intelligence with pencil and paper-based puzzles and going to school (in case anybody was seriously entertaining the thought of homeschooling their child with a DS).

The Times covers the precise results of the study in its article, but the long and short of it is: Brain Age won't help you raise an army of miniature geniuses and take over the free world. Boo. "The Nintendo DS is a technological jewel. As a game it's fine," writes Lieury in his new book, Stimulate Your Neurones. "But it is charlatanism to claim that it is a scientific test."

Which is great and all, but is anybody terribly surprised by this?


[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqProfessor: suggesting Brain Age helps is 'charlatanism' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brain-agebrain-age-2brain-trainingkawashimatrainingMon, 26 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nobilis reveals Music, the game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/nobilis-reveals-music-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/nobilis-reveals-music-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/nobilis-reveals-music-the-game/#commentsFiled under:

If your entire musical career consists of playing third triangle in an elementary school production of Joseph (check), this may be of interest to you. This April, French publisher Nobilis will release Music, a title that promises to teach you about real, actual music, as opposed to teaching you how to work your way up to the orange button.

Nobilis is teaming up with "famous Japanese music teacher" Shiro Tsuji to deliver 21 lessons covering the basics of music theory. These will take the form of minigames that test your sense of rhythm, your memory, and your musical ear, amongst other things. There'll also be virtual instruments, such as a piano and drums, to practice your new skills on.

All of which sounds like it could be an intriguing addition to the DS training genre. We just wish we had some media to gawk at -- at the time of writing, even the official website, as included in the press release, isn't up.

[Via press release]

JoystiqNobilis reveals Music, the game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>musicnobilisshiro-tsujitrainingFri, 16 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo: Kids don't like math. We checked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/nintendo-kids-dont-like-math-we-checked/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/nintendo-kids-dont-like-math-we-checked/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/nintendo-kids-dont-like-math-we-checked/#commentsFiled under:


Nintendo recently employed the services of Wakefield Research and had a survey conducted. The results of said survey show that 1 in 5 kids are more inclined to believe they'll be rich and famous than good at math. Who would've thought today's youth lacked so much self-confidence? Some other key items of interest include:
  • More than 1/3 of kids surveyed say math is their most difficult subject
  • Nearly 1/3 of the kids view math in a negative light; 18% called it "boring," while 13% called it "torture"
  • 86% of parents surveyed say math is important to their careers, even though they thought they'd never need math back in school
This, of course, segues brilliantly into Nintendo's newest game for the DS: Personal Trainer: Math. Oh, and will you look at this? Why, look what game released this week. What a coincidence!

JoystiqNintendo: Kids don't like math. We checked originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mathpersonal-trainertrainertrainingMon, 12 Jan 2009 18:54:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Fluent yet?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/ds-daily-fluent-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/ds-daily-fluent-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/ds-daily-fluent-yet/#commentsFiled under:

A few months have passed since the last language trainer, My Japanese Coach, debuted on the DS, so now seems like an apt time to ask: if you bought one of the DS's numerous language titles, are you still returning each day to learn new lessons? Has the DS made you feel confident enough to converse with real people on the streets of Paris/Tokyo/Madrid?

Oh, and as this is sort of related, did anybody ever pick up the hilariously inappropriate Spanish for Everyone?

JoystiqDS Daily: Fluent yet? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coachdsdlanguagemy-japanese-coachtrainertrainingubisoftThu, 08 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Walk with Everyone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/ds-daily-walk-with-everyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/ds-daily-walk-with-everyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/ds-daily-walk-with-everyone/#commentsFiled under:

Nintendo's Personal Trainer: Walking uses its wacky pedometer doodad to tabulate your step count every day and send the data back to the DS. This data goes to Nintendo for use in step count leaderboards. You can compete to top the charts like in many other online games, except the competitive activity here is exercise.

Does the idea appeal to you? Do you think vying for the top spot on a leaderboard will inspire you to walk more? Or are you extra awesome at walking and looking forward to the chance to show that off with numbers?

Gallery: Aruite Wakaru Seikatsu Rhythm DS


[Screens via Wiiz]

JoystiqDS Daily: Walk with Everyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aruite-wakaru-seikatsu-rhythm-dsleaderboardspersonal-trainer-walkingtrainingwalk-with-mewalkingMon, 15 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pedometer-equipped walking game steps into Europe with a terrible new name]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/pedometer-equipped-walking-game-steps-into-europe-with-a-terribl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/pedometer-equipped-walking-game-steps-into-europe-with-a-terribl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/pedometer-equipped-walking-game-steps-into-europe-with-a-terribl/#commentsFiled under: ,


While Nintendo of America has settled on Personal Trainer: (Activity) for DS training games, and Japan takes a more freeform approach (the only constant is really, really long names), Nintendo of Europe's approach for training game titles (with the odd exception of Maths Training) is now (Title): (Question about title activity?) -- as in Cooking Guide: Can't decide what to eat? and Dr Kawashima's Brain Training: How old is your brain?

The latest training game to use this naming convention is Walk with me! Do you know your walking routine?, which we know as Personal Trainer: Walking, the walking trainer that brings Miis to the DS for the first time, and also includes two wireless pedometer accessories. That accessory is known as the Activity Meter for the PAL release. Data collected by the device can be sent to Nintendo via Wi-Fi for use on leaderboards and a total worldwide step count of all users. The press release says that the data is transferred to your DS via infrared signal, but we're a bit skeptical since the DS doesn't have an IR port.

Nintendo of Europe will launch Walk with me! on February 20. You can see English screens in an obtrusive Flash interface at Nintendo's Walk with me page.

Gallery: Aruite Wakaru Seikatsu Rhythm DS


[Thanks, RICANJO!]

JoystiqPedometer-equipped walking game steps into Europe with a terrible new name originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>miipedometerpersonal-trainer-walkingtrainingwalk-with-meFri, 12 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: Resistance is futile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/vc-friday-resistance-is-futile/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/vc-friday-resistance-is-futile/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/vc-friday-resistance-is-futile/#commentsFiled under: ,


EX-TERM-IN-ATE! EX-TERM-IN-ATE! Wait, no, those are the other ones. But whatever. The point is: after hearing nothing about Space Invaders Get Even! for months, the game has randomly appeared on the European and Australian Wii Shops. We are unashamedly jigging with joy as we type this. And the extra-terrestial goodness doesn't stop there, for Alien Crush Returns has also joined the line-up. Needless to say, we wholeheartedly welcome our new rulers (of all our spare time).

The other game is Brain Challenge. Sorry, Brain Challenge.

Continue reading VC Friday: Resistance is futile

JoystiqVC Friday: Resistance is futile originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien-crushalien-crush-returnsaustraliabrain-challengeCrush-PinballeuropefridaygamelofthudsonHudson-Softpalpinballshootingspace-invadersspace-invaders-get-evensquare-enixtaitoTamsofttrainingubisoftFri, 07 Nov 2008 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Buy? Or sell?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/ds-daily-buy-or-sell/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/ds-daily-buy-or-sell/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/ds-daily-buy-or-sell/#commentsFiled under:

Yesterday, in the "lolwut?" moment of November so far, we heard that Nintendo is making a game that will teach John Q. Public the ins and outs of the economy. Because Nintendo knows a thing or two about making games, we trust it will be an engaging experience, and the economy is something we'd like to be better informed about.

Then again, the subject matter also seems random, and something that wouldn't be overly useful to many DS owners. We can understand stuff like Professor Kageyama's Math Training (most of us use math every day, and increased mental sharpness with numbers is handy) and My Japanese Coach (Japan and its language are fascinating, and many gamers have an interest in the culture), but would you regard an economy-based training game as practical to your needs? Would you purchase it?

JoystiqDS Daily: Buy? Or sell? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdeconomytrainingThu, 06 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Eh?: Nintendo developing game about the economy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/eh-nintendo-developing-game-about-the-economy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/eh-nintendo-developing-game-about-the-economy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/eh-nintendo-developing-game-about-the-economy/#commentsFiled under:


Nintendo is teaming up with Tokyo stock market index Nikkei to develop a game that teaches us about the incomprehensible mystery that is the economy. Virtually nothing is known about the new title, except that it will make learning about the economy "fun," contain quizzes to test your newly acquired knowledge, and feature controls that are touchscreen-based. No longer will you have to make up awkward excuses to leave social gatherings early when the words "Dow Jones" pop up.

While obviously topical, the economy seems like an unusually dry subject for Nintendo to base a game on, even moreso than math. Still, if Sega can make a game about business fun, so can Nintendo. Also, is this a sign that Miyamoto's latest obsession is dabbling in shares?

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqEh?: Nintendo developing game about the economy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesseconomyfinancetrainingWed, 05 Nov 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Review: What's Cooking? with Jamie Oliver]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/ds-fanboy-review-whats-cooking-with-jamie-oliver/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/ds-fanboy-review-whats-cooking-with-jamie-oliver/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/ds-fanboy-review-whats-cooking-with-jamie-oliver/#commentsFiled under:

For Atari's slightly weird cooking trainer/cookbook What's Cooking? With Jamie Oliver (technically the box says What's Cooking? Jamie Oliver, but I don't think I want to call it that), I decided a traditional review probably wasn't the best idea. So I decided to take cues from my colleagues, the Cooking Guide experts, and make a gallery of my experience cooking a recipe from the game -- in this case blueberry, banana, and mascarpone pancakes. As the perfect garnish for this food metaphor, a somewhat abbreviated review appears below, followed by a link into my pancakes gallery!

Gallery: What's Cooking? with Jamie Oliver

Continue reading DS Fanboy Review: What's Cooking? with Jamie Oliver

JoystiqDS Fanboy Review: What's Cooking? with Jamie Oliver originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricookingjamie-oliverjoystiqfeaturestrainingwhats-cookingwhats-cooking-with-jamie-oliverMon, 27 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brain Age getting retooled for DSi launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/brain-age-getting-retooled-for-dsi-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/brain-age-getting-retooled-for-dsi-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/brain-age-getting-retooled-for-dsi-launch/#commentsFiled under:

Rejigged versions of both Brain Age games will be available for the Nintendo DSi when the upgraded handheld launches. Brain Age 1 and 2 will be the first titles available from the DSi shop, according to Nintendo name-taker Reggie Fils-Aime, who also revealed that each will feature DSi functionality of some kind.

In truth, Nintendo couldn't have settled on a safer two titles to launch the DSi store, with both games having sold a quite obscene number of copies in all regions (particularly Europe). The lack of risk-taking involved on Nintendo's part is disappointing to us, though there's plenty of time for innovative games to follow. Bet they don't fix the voice recognition, though.

JoystiqBrain Age getting retooled for DSi launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brain-agedsinintendo-dsinintendo-media-summitnmsnms08remaketrainingThu, 02 Oct 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: I think I'm learning Japanese, I really think so]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/ds-daily-i-think-im-learning-japanese-i-really-think-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/ds-daily-i-think-im-learning-japanese-i-really-think-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/ds-daily-i-think-im-learning-japanese-i-really-think-so/#commentsFiled under:

My Japanese Coach is probably one of the most anticipated games hitting the DS. After our week with My French Coach, we can say that piece of software was effective. So, how many of you are looking to pick this up to learn Japanese?

Any of you learn another language through the aid of software before? Did you pick up any of the other language coach games? Or are you not excited by My Japanese Coach at all?

JoystiqDS Daily: I think I'm learning Japanese, I really think so originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coachlanguagemy-japanese-coachtrainertrainingubisoftTue, 23 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[My Japanese Coach needs a release date coach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/my-japanese-coach-needs-a-release-date-coach/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/my-japanese-coach-needs-a-release-date-coach/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/my-japanese-coach-needs-a-release-date-coach/#commentsFiled under:

It's a little odd when Amazon is the main source of information on a game, and when it comes to My Japanese Coach, nearly all the substantive news has come from the online retailer, from screenshots to release dates. According to Amazon, the training title, which was originally scheduled for September 18, has been delayed to October 14. My Japanese Coach was already previously bumped, but only for a week.

There were some concerns over the game when those first, very early (and very rough, in places) screens appeared, and that, combined with the double delay, makes us wonder if there aren't some fixes in the works for the title. But who knows? It could be something as simple as inauspicious scheduling.

We hope to actually see My Japanese Coach in mid-October.

Gallery: My Japanese Coach

JoystiqMy Japanese Coach needs a release date coach originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayjapaneselanguagemy-japanese-coachtrainingubisoftWed, 10 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: A little too much]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/ds-daily-a-little-too-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/ds-daily-a-little-too-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/ds-daily-a-little-too-much/#commentsFiled under:


As DS gamers, we get exposed to a lot of games. Are there any you wish would just stop flooding the handheld? Are you sick of seeing training games? What genre/series are you fed up with hearing about? What do you think the DS could use less of?

JoystiqDS Daily: A little too much originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>imaginetrainingubisoftTue, 02 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Nintendo Channel DS demos feature Arkanoid]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/new-nintendo-channel-ds-demos-feature-arkanoid/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/new-nintendo-channel-ds-demos-feature-arkanoid/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/new-nintendo-channel-ds-demos-feature-arkanoid/#commentsFiled under: ,


While it's likely to be the same demo featured before (meaning there's no paddle support), it doesn't deserve to be ignored. Those of you who didn't check out Taito's revival of the classic on the DS should be heading over to your Wii (or, if you fail to own one, a friend's house) to give the demo a download now. Seriously, we thought it was a pretty decent game.

Head past the break for the details on all of the demos available this week.

Continue reading New Nintendo Channel DS demos feature Arkanoid

JoystiqNew Nintendo Channel DS demos feature Arkanoid originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-traffic-chaosbrain-agedemodemosflash-focusnintendo-channelpictoimagetrainingMon, 25 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Beyond serious games: learning without training]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/beyond-serious-games-learning-without-training/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/beyond-serious-games-learning-without-training/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/beyond-serious-games-learning-without-training/#commentsFiled under:

Edutainment is becoming a larger part of gaming all the time, but at the Edinburgh Interactive Festival, two educators are wondering if we shouldn't do away with the genre altogether. Dr. Graham Brown-Martin and Derek Robertson are using Nintendogs and Guitar Hero, among others, as examples of regular (read: fun) games that have some hidden educational merit. Nintendogs, for example, helps teach kids budgeting and money management almost by accident. Within the game, you have to manage your funds in order to keep your pups supplied with both essentials and extras, but it never feels like you're learning. Instead, you're just playing.

Robertson and Brown-Martin include Brain Age in the games-for-fun category, however, so we're not precisely sure where they're drawing the line. But they're definitely in favor of off-the-shelf games helping out in the classroom, rather than poorly-designed knock-offs that serve as more straightforward teaching tools (rather than actual games). After all the benefits we've seen from teachers who've tried the DS in classrooms around the world lead us to agree.

Remember their arguments for the future. This is a great way to explain to Mom that Grand Theft Auto is actually educational. You have money. You have to buy things. It's budgeting. Remind her that she should try it. We promise, this argument will take you far.
You can learn a lot with the DS! Pick up a new language, master a workout, train your brain ... and hey, just play, too.

JoystiqBeyond serious games: learning without training originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>educationedutainmentschooltrainingThu, 14 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Practice crashing planes in latest downloadable demos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/practice-crashing-planes-in-latest-downloadable-demos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/practice-crashing-planes-in-latest-downloadable-demos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/practice-crashing-planes-in-latest-downloadable-demos/#commentsFiled under: ,

DS demo updates on the Nintendo Channel often get a disappointed reaction from us, but this week's batch does contain at least one interesting addition: Sonic Powered's Air Traffic Chaos, as localized (complete with generic and terrible boxart) by Majesco. At the very least, we're hopeful that the game can replicate the frenzied, panicked pace of a Trauma Center game.

The rest of this week's update is fairly humdrum, consisting of a Crosswords DS wordsearch, a Pictoimage demo, and a chance to try out Carnival Games, which has stuck around like a bad smell. The full list of both old and new demos is past the break!

Gallery: Air Traffic Chaos

Continue reading Practice crashing planes in latest downloadable demos

JoystiqPractice crashing planes in latest downloadable demos originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-traffic-chaosbrain-agebrain-age-2carnival-gamescrosswords-dsdemodemosflash-focusnintendo-channelpictoimagetrainingMon, 11 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega to make DS owners beautiful]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/sega-to-make-ds-owners-beautiful/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/sega-to-make-ds-owners-beautiful/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/sega-to-make-ds-owners-beautiful/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Click for more screens.

You with the face: listen up. As beings of supreme beauty, we're often asked how we maintain our flawless complexions and glossy, healthy hair. The truth is this: we have no idea. It could be our steady diet of Cheetos, pizza and cereal, combined with the sixteen hours a day we spend in front of our PC monitors, but it's probably all just natural.

For those of you not blessed with such a becoming appearance, all is not lost. Sega has teamed up with Japanese cosmetics maker Shiseido to develop Project Beauty -- full translated name Shiseido Beauty Solution Supervised Exploration Center Project Beauty -- a non-game dedicated to the kind of over-the-counter tips and advice you'd expect to receive in any cosmetics department store.

Project Beauty's most tantalizing hook, however, is that it will ship with the sleek camera add-on that came with Otona no DS Kao Training (Adults' DS Face Training) when it launches in Japan this November 27th. There's also a cheaper version sans camera, for all those people who bought Face Training and have had to wait for months for more software that supports the add-on.


[Via GAME Watch]

JoystiqSega to make DS owners beautiful originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameracosmeticsnon-gameproject-beautysegashiseidotrainingTue, 05 Aug 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Not-So-Iron Fanboy, Part II: Evaluation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/not-so-iron-fanboy-part-ii-evaluation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/not-so-iron-fanboy-part-ii-evaluation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/not-so-iron-fanboy-part-ii-evaluation/#commentsFiled under: ,

So we've tracked down ingredients, crafted our meals, and gobbled down the results ... but how effective is the Cooking Guide, really? Will it turn a total newbie into a master chef? Will it at least help you make dinner? The intrepid DS Fanboy "chefs" who undertook the cook-off are back for a deeper look at the title, which is headed soon to the U.S. Once it's out, should you give it a shot? Let us help you decide.



NEXT >>

JoystiqNot-So-Iron Fanboy, Part II: Evaluation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cant-decide-what-to-eatcookingcooking-guideimpressionsnongamerecipestrainingMon, 04 Aug 2008 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Make 10: A Journey to Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/make-10-a-journey-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/make-10-a-journey-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/make-10-a-journey-to-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Tashiten: Tashite 10 Ni Suru Monogatari recently appeared on the OFLC's ratings database in Australia, and has now been officially announced in ... Europe (a.k.a. Land of the Training Game), where it will be released as Make 10: A Journey of Numbers.

That title is something of a misnomer, for the game is really only about one number. In over 30 different minigames, players have to add or subtract numbers to make ten, all while being guided through the "Make 10 Kingdom" by a pixie called "Num Diddly." They'll crowbar a story into anything nowadays, we suppose. Still, it's refreshing to see a Nintendo-published non-game abandon the austere presentation of Brain Training/Math Training, and opt for something more colorful.

Whereas Make 10 launched on the tenth day of the tenth month last year in Japan, the European version has a thoroughly unfunny release date: September 26th. If we can no longer find humor in release schedules, what else is there?

[Via press release]

JoystiqMake 10: A Journey to Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europemake-10mathmuu-muunon-gametashitentrainingThu, 31 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: In desperate need of a coach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/ds-daily-in-desperate-need-of-a-coach/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/ds-daily-in-desperate-need-of-a-coach/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/ds-daily-in-desperate-need-of-a-coach/#commentsFiled under:


For many people, My Japanese Coach is like the best thing ever. It seems like such an awesome idea to help gamers learn the language of the land that has all of the best games (well, maybe that's up for debate, but that discussion is for another time and place). We know many of you can't wait to check it out. Heck, neither can we!

But, brushing the My Japanese Coach aside, what other languages do you wish they'd make helpful software for? My Klingon Coach? How about My Simlish Coach? Do you want something a little more grounded in reality, like My Greek Coach or something?

JoystiqDS Daily: In desperate need of a coach originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>klingons-are-awesomelanguagemy-japanese-coachmy-klingon-coachmy-simolian-coachtrainertrainingubisoftTue, 29 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[My Screenshot Coaches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/my-screenshot-coaches/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/my-screenshot-coaches/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/my-screenshot-coaches/#commentsFiled under: ,

We know My Chinese Coach and My Japanese Coach are coming, but we haven't seen much of them ... or anything, really. We didn't need to, though, to get excited about these titles; after all, people have been begging for a Japanese language trainer for a long time, and a Chinese language coach is just neat.

But if you were holding out, just to see what the titles included and whether or not they were set up like Ubisoft's previous language coaches, many of your questions will now be answered. Screenshots have turned up at Amazon, of all places, and while they seem to be pretty early shots -- there are in-game pictures missing -- they do give a good idea of what sort of things are included in the titles.

In other news, they look pretty difficult! As masochistic as we are, we can't wait to try them out.



[Thanks, Feba!]

JoystiqMy Screenshot Coaches originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinesejapaneselanguagemy-chinese-coachmy-japanese-coachnon-gametrainingubisoftMon, 28 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[No treats for OFLC as it gives away My Dog Coach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/no-treats-for-oflc-as-it-gives-away-my-dog-coach/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/no-treats-for-oflc-as-it-gives-away-my-dog-coach/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/no-treats-for-oflc-as-it-gives-away-my-dog-coach/#commentsFiled under:

Ubisoft continues to leave no stone unturned in its quest to make us games that help us through the wretched, miserable slog that is life. Having already dealt with French, words, weight loss, and life itself, the latest in Ubi's My Coach series might deal with training dogs.

We say "might" because My Dog Coach has yet to be officially announced, but Siliconera spotted a listing for the title on the OFLC database (which is usually as good as a confirmation), and Ubisoft already has its own Nintendogs-a-like. My Dog Coach: Understand Your Dog with Cesar Millan enlists the help of celebrity "dog psychologist" (yes) and Dog Whisperer host Cesar Millan, whose techniques (well, according to Wikipedia) stray some way from traditional methods of teaching your pet to sit, speak, etc.

Does this mean you'll be able to get your pooch doing the foxtrot? Paws crossed!

JoystiqNo treats for OFLC as it gives away My Dog Coach originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>my-dog-coachnon-gameoflctrainingubisoftWed, 23 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not-So-Iron Fanboy: Cooking Guide Cook-Off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/not-so-iron-fanboy-cooking-guide-cook-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/not-so-iron-fanboy-cooking-guide-cook-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/not-so-iron-fanboy-cooking-guide-cook-off/#commentsFiled under: ,

As soon as the Cooking Guide was released in English, we here at DS Fanboy understood one thing: it was necessary that we put the software to the test in a bloody, violent, no-holds-barred, steel cage cook-off the likes of which would put Iron Chef (both versions) to shame. Sadly, budget constraints (and, uh, laws) prevented the sort of Thunderdome-esque event we hand in mind, though, so instead, we're just having a normal cook-off.

One hobbyist cook. One bachelor. One shot at three recipes, supported by the Cooking Guide. Will they be able to produce the same meal, with the same results? Will the Guide serve as a workable cookbook for the knowledgeable, and an aid for those who aren't? We put it to the test.

Continue reading Not-So-Iron Fanboy: Cooking Guide Cook-Off

JoystiqNot-So-Iron Fanboy: Cooking Guide Cook-Off originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonetcant-decide-what-to-eatchicken-teriyakicookingcooking-guidecooking-navigreen-beansnon-gamerecipetrainingTue, 22 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: The Jamie Oliver game is ... really cool?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-the-jamie-oliver-game-is-really-cool/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-the-jamie-oliver-game-is-really-cool/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/e308-the-jamie-oliver-game-is-really-cool/#commentsFiled under:

Yeah, I'm kind of surprised. I passed by a demo of What's Cooking? Jamie Oliver at Atari's booth and I was overcome by curiosity. How abhorrent would a licensed celebrity-chef training game be? The answer, it would seem, is "not very abhorrent." I couldn't really figure out what to do that well, but not because the interface was bad -- What's Cooking is a hardcore cooking training game. Also pictures of Jamie Oliver show up from time to time, just to remind you that it's his game.

Imagine (in a non-dirty way) if Cooking Mama and Cooking Guide had a baby. What's Cooking teaches real-life recipes, and then has players simulate their preparation with touch-controlled actions. Without holding your hand, at all. I actually couldn't get past the initial steps of my first recipe, because the thing is so deep. To make a sugar paste (the first step), you have to first get a bowl out of your inventory of kitchen implements, then pour some sugar into the bowl, then mix it with a wooden spoon. To heat something up, you have to move it (via a 'stove' icon) to the stove area of the kitchen, then turn on the heat, and stir it around. The game doesn't really tell you when you're done, or even when you've failed. You just cook, like in real life. You could really learn how to cook by playing this.

Gallery: What's Cooking? with Jamie Oliver

JoystiqE308: The Jamie Oliver game is ... really cool? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricookinge3-2008e3-hands-one308jamie-oliverjoystiqfeaturestrainingwhats-cooking-with-jamie-oliverThu, 17 Jul 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Hamtaro tries extra hard to scare off older gamers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-hamtaro-tries-extra-hard-to-scare-off-older-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-hamtaro-tries-extra-hard-to-scare-off-older-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-hamtaro-tries-extra-hard-to-scare-off-older-gamers/#commentsFiled under: ,

You shouldn't be ashamed if you're an adult (or even just a non-elementary schooler) who's played a Hamtaro game. People who've tried Ham-Hams Unite for the Game Boy Color or the GBA's Ham-Ham Heartbreak know that the sickeningly cute series can translate into a fun adventure game. Even Ham-Ham Games, which strayed away from the adventure formula and landed itself in minigame territory, wasn't half bad.

Hamtaro's handheld history was enough to make us consider picking up Hi! Hamtaro Ham-Ham Challenge once it released on the DS, but E3 swiftly changed our minds. Throwing up and spitting out everything that made Hamtaro bearable in the first place, the new game is not only a collection of minigames, but it features educational ones designed for young children. Basically, it looks like Brain Age for five-year-olds, with cute little hamsters taking the place of Dr. Kawashima.

Don't fret, though, Hamtaro fans. There is another title based on the license that came out in Japan last year, which seems to return to the adventure-like goodness we know and love. Unfortunately, that's not the game releasing this summer, and that's not the game Natsume decided to show off at E3. Hopefully we'll see it get localized soon enough, so that we can forget Ham-Ham Challenge ever existed.

JoystiqE308: Hamtaro tries extra hard to scare off older gamers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphadreamalphadream-corporationchildrene3-2008e308educationalham-ham-challengehamtarohi-hamtaro-ham-ham-challengekidsminigamenatsumetrainingWed, 16 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch this Active Life trailer from your desk chair]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/watch-this-active-life-trailer-from-your-desk-chair/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/watch-this-active-life-trailer-from-your-desk-chair/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/watch-this-active-life-trailer-from-your-desk-chair/#commentsFiled under:


Commercials that show people having fun while playing the Wii are a dime a dozen, so this Active Life: Outdoor Challenge trailer doesn't score any points with us in terms of creativity. We also think the narrator sounds as excited for the game as she would about an enema (fake enthusiasm is fake), but that's neither here nor there. Yet the game itself -- dare we say it -- looks pretty interesting.

Don't take "interesting" to mean "good," but we can't help but be intrigued by some of the activities and the use of the mat. Granted, the last thing we need is yet another peripheral in our households, which will probably be enough to keep us away from Active Life. If Nintendo doesn't have its Wii Fit stock act together by the fall, though, we wonder if people will turn to Active Life instead. Granted, this game won't have even half of the hype that surrounded Wii Fit, but the situation does present an opportunity for Namco Bandai. Who knows, families might even buy into the whole "working out together" angle.

On the other hand, there's yet another obstacle in the way of Active Life. It looks to us at least that if you're going to go with a game with a mat, DDR would probably offer a better workout. But what do you lovely readers think? Does Active Life: Outdoor Challenge have a place in the current gaming market?

Gallery: Active Life: Outdoor Challenge

JoystiqWatch this Active Life trailer from your desk chair originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active-lifeataricasualexercisefamily-trainerfitnessnamco-bandaioutdoor-challengetrainingTue, 08 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Active Life screens for the whole family except Dad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/active-life-screens-for-the-whole-family-except-dad/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/active-life-screens-for-the-whole-family-except-dad/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/active-life-screens-for-the-whole-family-except-dad/#commentsFiled under:


Hey, don't feel too bad. Just because you haven't heard of Active Life: Outdoor Challenge is no reason to shed those tears. Wii Fit is great and all, but you need something more. Something to do with a big island of fun, apparently. With a bunch of games and a new mat, it's pretty obvious that peripheral-crazy Wii gamers will dig this latest installment into no holds barred gaming fun.

It's your fun-loving responsibility to check out the new official gallery with the latest and greatest in Active Life images. Hit the link below for river-rafting, see-saws, and a traditional mine cart ride. Despite the notable lack of Short Round on this ride, the characters are stumpy enough to be somewhat passable.


[Via press release]

JoystiqActive Life screens for the whole family except Dad originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active-lifeataricasualexercisefamily-trainerfitnessnamconamco-bandaioutdoor-challengetrainingMon, 07 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Siliconera posts answers to Our Video Game Exams]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/siliconera-posts-answers-to-our-video-game-exams/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/siliconera-posts-answers-to-our-video-game-exams/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/siliconera-posts-answers-to-our-video-game-exams/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're no strangers to scrawling information across our arms and concealing it beneath our sleeves before taking an exam -- it's precisely this kind of devilish act that got us through most of school. Yet thanks to its intensive use of Japanese, Bokura no Terebi Game Kentei (Our TV Game Exams) left us stumped -- at least until Spencer of Siliconera sneaked into the headmaster's Namco Bandai's office and grabbed some of the "answers" to the title's numerous tests.

In his time with the microgame compilation, Spencer passed exams by hitting a home run in Family Stadium, collecting 13 balloons in Mappy, getting a ship captured and then recovering it in Galaga, and digging to the bottom of the stage in Dig Dug. Head past the break to read more of Bokura no Terebi Game Kentei's challenges, but don't even think about telling teacher we told you.

Continue reading Siliconera posts answers to Our Video Game Exams

JoystiqSiliconera posts answers to Our Video Game Exams originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bokura-no-tv-game-ke...minigamesnamco-bandaiour-video-game-examsretrotrainingThu, 03 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bob the Builder trains young ones in the art of construction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/bob-the-builder-trains-young-ones-in-the-art-of-construction/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/bob-the-builder-trains-young-ones-in-the-art-of-construction/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/bob-the-builder-trains-young-ones-in-the-art-of-construction/#commentsFiled under: ,

Well, not really. But it is refreshing to see a game teach infants about the weight of things and angles of stuff, to prepare them for future careers in today's modern mills and processing facilities. Training the brain isn't necessary, so long as they can lift cats and cut wood!

It's probably best to elaborate. Bob the Builder (or, Bob and HATARAKU BUBUZU) has been commandeered for use in a Japanese children's learning game. It's not all heavy construction -- three modes of training are available. These include weight and maths training, 2D and 3D shape recognition, and vocabulary building.

Bob the Builder is a universally respected genius in the world of engineering and, well, building. He's also an affable English chap, and it's always handy to have one of those around. Check out the screens in the gallery for more learning fun -- but don't hope for a local release. We're sure Bob will show up when he is needed the most.

JoystiqBob the Builder trains young ones in the art of construction originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob-the-builderbuildingconstructioneducationedutainmentjapantrainingTue, 01 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday Video: Edutainment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/friday-video-edutainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/friday-video-edutainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/friday-video-edutainment/#commentsFiled under:


We feel like we could score in a fairly high percentage on the TV Game Exam, but right now it's only available to Japanese students. This short commercial for the game, which arrived to Japanese retailers this week, plays up the "exam" concept of the game, presenting the mini-challenges within as tests of specific retrogaming aptitudes.

It turns out that it's not only possible, but easy to make learning fun! As long as you're learning about Galaga. A longer trailer featuring micro-clips of the microgames (and a very happily dancing Picotto) can be seen after the break!

Continue reading Friday Video: Edutainment

JoystiqFriday Video: Edutainment originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bokura-no-tv-game-kenteiminigamesnamco-bandaiour-video-game-examsretrotrainingFri, 27 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Golf training tees off in Japan this October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/golf-training-tees-off-in-japan-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/golf-training-tees-off-in-japan-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/golf-training-tees-off-in-japan-this-october/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Golf is big in Japan. Training games are big in Japan. Hence, somebody at GungHo Works finally did the math and worked out that a golf training game would be huge in Japan. This is the result: Golf Cut 100 DS, a training title focused entirely on improving your ability to accurately hit tiny balls with long sticks, and teaching you the difference between plus fours and putters in the process.

Developed in conjunction with monthly golf magazine Golf Digest and out this October, Golf Cut 100 offers quizzes, lessons on course etiquette, and advice on 100 golfing techniques. Given some of the other stuff Japan has already been trained in, a golf trainer seems pretty normal to us at this stage. Drive your golf cart past the break for more shots.

Continue reading Golf training tees off in Japan this October

JoystiqGolf training tees off in Japan this October originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golfgunghogungho-worksjapansportstrainingThu, 26 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[DS is an excellent tool for teaching Japanese students English]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/ds-is-an-excellent-tool-for-teaching-japanese-students-english/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/ds-is-an-excellent-tool-for-teaching-japanese-students-english/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/ds-is-an-excellent-tool-for-teaching-japanese-students-english/#commentsFiled under:

Japanese students at Tokyo's Joshi Gakuen all-girls junior high school are getting DS handhelds for the classroom, but they're not playing New Super Mario Bros. on them. They're using them to learn a new language: English. What makes it such a great tool in aiding their studies? Perhaps it's familiarity ...

The handheld system is incredibly popular in the country and many students have one they enjoy using to play games on a regular basis. It's a system they're comfortable with, has an easy interface, and mixes a bit of fun in with the learning. If we would've had the option when learning another language in our schooltime studies, we'd probably remember how to ask where the bathroom is in German.

JoystiqDS is an excellent tool for teaching Japanese students English originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>englishjapanlanguageschoolstudentstudentstrainingThu, 26 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST