Joystiq

Rumor: The Hobbit movie tie-in games coming from Monolith

Jessica Conditt — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST

This rumor fulfills too many literary and ironic fantasies for us to completely ignore it, but for now it is very much and definitely a rumor: Monolith Productions, under WB Games Seattle, is working on The Hobbit: Part One, the video game tie-in for Peter Jackson's film The Hobbit, rumor hunter Superannuation reports. WB was previously slated to handle the tie-in title with an expected launch this year, making this leap, well, hobbit-sized. We have reached out to WB for comment.

Superannuation pegs WB Seattle as handling the second Hobbit game as well, noting that WB Games Seattle consists of Monolith Productions almost entirely, after WB fired 60 employees from Snowblind Studios, Surreal Software and Monolith itself in November.

We're just in love with the idea of a studio called "Monolith" -- defined as a large thing -- working on The Hobbit.

Rumor: The Hobbit movie tie-in games coming from Monolith originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WB teases iOS Spy vs. Spy revival

JC Fletcher — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST

First Star Software's Spy vs. Spy, originally released in 1984 for Commodore 64, was a two-player game of sabotage and intrigue, as the famous spies from Mad Magazine stalked an embassy, stealing confidential documents and other items while setting ridiculous traps for each other.

WB Games sent Joystiq the above image, playfully presenting it as a mystery. It's a mystery we're happy to solve: the screenshot looks just like a redrawn version of the original game, the First Star logo and copyright info suggests this new thing is based on the same content, and developer Robots & Pencils (whose logo also appears in the teaser image) identifies itself as an iPhone and iPad developer.

Put all that together, and you have a Spy vs. Spy remake for iOS. Which, if we can remotely plant traps for our friends (in the game!) sounds pretty great.

WB teases iOS Spy vs. Spy revival originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WB acknowledges Batman: Arkham City save glitch, asks for user reports

JC Fletcher — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:30:00 EST

Batman: Arkham City players have been experiencing save data loss on Xbox 360 since the launch of the game. Publisher WB hasn't had anything to say regarding the extremely unfortunate bug until last night, when it published a survey on its official forum asking afflicted users for details.

In the survey, WB seeks information about the Xbox 360 model, storage method, and system software used to play Arkham City. If you can overcome the rage from having your save data randomly destroyed, please email support@wbgames with the answers to the questions listed after the break. It might help Rocksteady tune its cryptographic sequencer, which it will then point at a computer to fix the issue.

I was using a "phat" Xbox 360, running the latest release of the system software (not a preview), and had only the Catwoman DLC installed when I lost all my progress, in case anyone there happens to be reading.

Continue reading WB acknowledges Batman: Arkham City save glitch, asks for user reports

WB acknowledges Batman: Arkham City save glitch, asks for user reports originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Warner Bros. joining 'online pass' camp with Mortal Kombat

Randy Nelson — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST

Warner Bros. may be following in the (very large) footsteps of Electronic Arts and THQ when it comes to discouraging -- or at least profiting from -- the sale of used games. Joystiq has learned from a tipster that when Mortal Kombat hits shelves on April 19, its box will include an "online pass" token that must be redeemed before playing online. At present, WBIE evidently intends to do the same for its high-profile releases F.E.A.R. 3 and Batman: Arkham City. Since the latter won't feature multiplayer, though, the token would have to unlock some other (equally attractive) content.

According to an email obtained from our source, which appears intended for retailers, WBIE won't be promoting the pass -- in fact, no reference to it will appear on the game's packaging. Instead, it is apparently providing retailers with details on the pass, including how to purchase a new one if you're buying a used copy of the game. Unsurprisingly, a new pass will run 800 Microsoft Points / $10 for Xbox 360 and PS3, respectively. As with EA's titles, there will be a free two-day "trial period" before players are prompted to either enter the code or purchase a pass. We've contacted WBIE for comment on this information. You can find an excerpt from the retailer email past the break.

Continue reading Rumor: Warner Bros. joining 'online pass' camp with Mortal Kombat

Rumor: Warner Bros. joining 'online pass' camp with Mortal Kombat originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mortal Kombat classification appeal rejected in Australia, import companies rejoice

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST

Despite a contested rating by Warner Bros. Interactive, the forthcoming Mortal Kombat reboot has been permanently refused classification in Australia, effectively banning the title from official retail distribution. WB Games issued a statement regarding the ruling, stating that it's "extremely disappointed" that the game has been refused classification on the continent.

The publisher continued, praising "thousands of Mortal Kombat fans in Australia and around the world who have voiced their support during the appeal process." Mortal Kombat's latest iteration will still arrive next month in other territories, also known as "the month when a handful of hardcore Australia-based MK fans are forced to import copies."

Mortal Kombat classification appeal rejected in Australia, import companies rejoice originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mortal Kombat receives R18 in New Zealand (which means it's coming out)

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 23:20:00 EST

Mortal Kombat may be combatting release issues in Australia, but the game is being officially allowed to pulverize faces (and everything else) across the water in New Zealand. The country's Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) gave Mortal Kombat an R18 rating recently, which is to say the game's content is "objectionable except if the availability of the publication is restricted to persons who have attained the age of 18 years."

We imagine Kiwis responding to the classification by taking fistfulls of marmite and punching straight through box sets of Flight of the Conchords, while screaming "Get over here" in the general direction of WB Games Chicago. Or just quietly shouting "hooray!" One or the other.

Mortal Kombat receives R18 in New Zealand (which means it's coming out) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 23:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mortal Kombat preview: Didactic die tactic

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:10:00 EST

After my release from school in the afternoon, I would march into the mediocre mall arcade with an earnest intent to learn. Rather than claiming the Mortal Kombat 3 machine with a coin, I'd drop a thick, stapled stack of A4 pages in the middle of the counter to signal my impending occupation -- and preliminary preoccupation with memorized violence.

Starting with Shang Tsung in the top-left corner of the character select screen, I'd read and execute every move and combo for each fighter, line by line, glancing at the pages as I made my way through the arcade mode. If I could pull off every attack sequence for the active character, I'd allow myself to graduate to the fatality list and then cap my progress with a gory reward. This formulaic approach wasn't really born from any desire to be competitive -- rather, I envisioned defeating the game by seeing and knowing every attack, combo and piece of content. Victories against human opponents felt almost incidental.

If you're the kind of player who enjoys the solitary, methodical act of executing and learning moves, you should know that April's Mortal Kombat reboot is very happy to show you the ropes, provided you're eager to strangle someone with them afterward.

Continue reading Mortal Kombat preview: Didactic die tactic

Mortal Kombat preview: Didactic die tactic originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swag Sunday: Lego Harry Potter (360) [update]

Ben Gilbert — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST

Update: The comments are now closed and a winner will be contacted shortly via email. Thanks everyone for commenting!

Of the many things that the non-muggles among us are capable of doing with magic, conjuring money unfortunately isn't on the list. The rest of us are in the same boat, and so even if Lego Harry Potter only costs $30 at retail, we felt it best to give away our review copy of the game (same as retail) to either group of folks.

For a chance to win that copy of LHP, all you have to do is tell us your favorite spell from the series. Wingardium Leviosa, perhaps? Crucio, maybe ... you monster? Tell us in the comments below in the next 24 hours and keep an eye on your email inbox!

Leave a comment telling us what your favorite spell from the Harry Potter franchise is.
You must be 13 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
Limit 1 entry per person.
This entry period ends at 7:01PM ET on Monday, July 12.
At that time, we will randomly select one winner to receive a copy of Lego Harry Potter on Xbox 360 (ARV: $29.99) and various Harry Potter trinkets (ARV: $10).
For a list of complete rules, click here.

What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.

Swag Sunday: Lego Harry Potter (360) [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LEGO Harry Potter Collector's Edition magically increases the price by $20

JC Fletcher — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST

A listing on Gamestop.com has revealed a Collector's Edition release for the PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii versions of LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4. The package includes the game disc (yes!) as well as behind-the-scenes featurettes about both the game and the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movie, plus a set of four "House Crest LEGO magnets." In addition, the Xbox 360 version of the game will include an exclusive Avatar item.

The price for this bundle? $70, fully $20 over the cost of the standard edition. For our $20, we'd need substantially more LEGOs. Even if those House Crests are functional, interlocking LEGOs, we can't build anything out of four of them.

LEGO Harry Potter Collector's Edition magically increases the price by $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scribblenauts on Wii up to fans

JC Fletcher — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:15:00 EST

If your major issue with Scribblenauts was that typing was too easy, you may be interested to hear that 5TH Cell isn't ruling out a Wii version. Echoing previous statements about the developer's openness toward additional platforms, creative director Jeremiah Slaczka told the UK's Official Nintendo Magazine that a Wii version of the vocabuladventure is possible. All you need to do is ask for it (and buy the upcoming DS sequel)!
"I think a Wii version could happen," Slaczka said. "It's all about the fans - if the fans speak up and continue to buy and play the second one like they did the first one, I don't see why we couldn't make a case for a Wii version." The DS sequel -- which is still unnamed -- will be released this fall.

Scribblenauts on Wii up to fans originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WB announces multiplatform Legend of the Guardians game

JC Fletcher — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 04:55:00 EST

Finally, your chance to play a heroic owl in an owl-focused game! WBIE announced that it's adapting Zack Snyder's new film, Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole, into a game for Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, and DS, with release planned in September. The PS3, 360, and Wii versions are developed by Krome, with Tantalus Media in charge of the DS release.

Legend of the Guardians puts the player in the role of a Guardian, a member of a group of owls devoted to doing good. Which, judging by the trailer, means fighting with other owls and taking part in that flight game staple, flying through rings. Perhaps you also get to estimate the number of licks required to reach the center of a Tootsie Pop, but that's not reflected in the trailer.

WB announces multiplatform Legend of the Guardians game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 04:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Move supported by 36 companies, 20 games this fiscal year

Kevin Kelly — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:09:00 EST

At Sony's special GDC event, Activision, Capcom, WB Games, Namco Bandai, Square Enix, Ubisoft, EA, Disney, Konami, Sega, Crave and Tecmo Koei all confirmed that they'll be supporting the Move in future versions of their games. Although that confirmation came in the form of a slide full of company logos and word from Sony vice-president of marketing and PSN that, "Virtually every third-party publisher" will support the new motion-control device.

Sony's Jack Tretton went on to say that 36 publishers and third-party developers will support it, and according to a press release, "In fiscal year 2010, SCE Worldwide Studios will also release more than 20 games that are either dedicated to or supported with the PlayStation Move platform. While this same group of publishers will probably support Microsoft's Project Natal as well, it's good to know that everyone is onboard. But onboard how? Are they developing Move departments that will get every possible ounce of gameplay out of these things? Or do they mean support like backrubs and cookies?

We aren't sure what titles will be supported just yet, but our team of Joystiqers are waving the Move about as you read this, and we'll have more news very soon.

Move supported by 36 companies, 20 games this fiscal year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warner Bros. trademark transfer of Midway begins

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST

According to recently filed trademarks, the transfer of Midway's various game licenses to Warner Bros. Interactive has begun. Supererogatory spotted the first group of games that have been approved by the US Patent and Trademark Office -- including Robotron 2084, Defender, Joust and Wheelman, among others -- and asserted that the rest have yet to go through.

With the possible re-branding of the ex-Midway Mortal Kombat team to WB Games Chicago and dissolution of Midway's executive ranks a few weeks ago, it appears as though the dismantling of Midway Games as it once was is nearly complete. We'll always have NBA Jam, right Midway?

Warner Bros. trademark transfer of Midway begins originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: This Project Origin is going to be bloody

Dustin Burg — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Videos

There's a new Project Origin combat trailer making the rounds today, giving old-school F.E.A.R. fanboys a warm fuzzy knowing that the sequel is staying true to its roots. The trailer (embedded above) is comprised of "pre-beta footage" that is gushy, gory, glum and any other "g" adjectives you can think of (except glamorous). It looks graphically nice, the fear factor is there and it seems ... well, fun. We say, go Lith go!

[Thanks, Chris]

Video: This Project Origin is going to be bloody originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 May 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speed Racer and the Wii Wheel

Candace Savino — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Peripherals

When you think of the Wii Wheel, obviously the first thing that comes to mind is Mario Kart. Whether it's a gimmick peripheral or whether it will actually make the experience more fun will be determined in a month from now. Yet, there are other racing games on the market for the Wii, and some of them will surely utilize the Wii Wheel and take it into consideration during development.

Take, for example, Speed Racer. After Nintendo announced the peripheral at last year's E3, WB Games approached the company so that they could test it out with Speed Racer. In an interview with MTV Multiplayer's Tracey John, Jeff Nachbaur of WB Games stated that it took some tweaking to make sure that players wouldn't oversteer with the wheel. After a lot of testing, though, he says that they've managed to get it just right.

Nachbaur also said that the Wii Wheel doesn't add much of a difference in gameplay, but most testers enjoyed playing the game with the wheel rather than with just the Wiimote alone. So, if you like racing games, you can at least rest assured knowing that the Wii Wheel won't be some peripheral that you chuck away and forget about once your done playing Mario Kart -- assuming, of course, that you'll ever be done playing Mario Kart.

Speed Racer and the Wii Wheel originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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