Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[PSN boss disses Xbox Live's interface, game delisting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/psn-boss-disses-xbox-lives-interface-game-de-listing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/psn-boss-disses-xbox-lives-interface-game-de-listing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/psn-boss-disses-xbox-lives-interface-game-de-listing/#commentsFiled under: ,

No sooner does Sony (briefly) improve the PS3 user interface with the much-talked-about version 2.4 firmware update, than some at the company feel cocky enough to start badmouthing the competition's interface. Speaking to Next-Gen, PlayStation Network Director of Operations Eric Lempel took the bait, comparing Sony's redesigned PlayStation Store to Microsoft's Xbox Live Marketplace. "I think if I look over at the competitors' UI they may have some issues just displaying content," Lempel said, "and scrolling up and down lists isn't the easiest way to find things." Tell that to McSweeny's, why don'tcha?

Lempel also pointed out that the PlayStation Store interface has "a lot of room with virtual shelf space to put a lot of things," a not-so-subtle jab at Microsoft's recently announced plan to de-list some Xbox Live Arcade games. "Depending on what type of UI you have you can accommodate a lot of titles," Lempel continued, "and specifically with our new store redesign which launched back in April we have a great ability to merchandise a wide variety of titles." That's all well and good, assuming your PS3 is currently working.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqPSN boss disses Xbox Live's interface, game delisting originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console warsconsole-warsconsolewarsinterfaceMicrosoftPlayStation-NetworkPS3PSNSonyXBLXBLAXBLMXboxXbox LiveXbox Live ArcadeXboxLiveXboxLiveArcadeThu, 03 Jul 2008 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Castle Crashers jumps through another hoop, gets rated 'Teen']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/castle-crashers-jumps-through-another-hoop-gets-rated-teen/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/castle-crashers-jumps-through-another-hoop-gets-rated-teen/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/castle-crashers-jumps-through-another-hoop-gets-rated-teen/#commentsFiled under: ,


We love the Xbox Live Arcade Service (fanboy placation: we love the PlayStation Network and WiiWare too), but it's a well-known fact that there are a number of hurdles a finished game has to clear before it can find its way onto the imponderable internets. One of said hurdles, labeled "the rating process" is actually three-hundred feet tall, covered in flaming, poison-coated spikes, and surrounded by a moat filled with bull sharks in mating season. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

Thankfully, in an act of incredible vaulting prowess, Behemoth's upcoming racist multiplayer beat-'em-up Castle Crashers recently cleared said hurdle, receiving a decisive "Teen" rating (the German judges, obviously confused and unimpressed, gave the effort a 7.5). There are a number of other hoops the adorable brawler must jump through before attaining that coveted XBLA certification, but we're hopeful that we'll be storming cartoon strongholds relatively soon.

JoystiqCastle Crashers jumps through another hoop, gets rated 'Teen' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behemothcastle-crasherscastlecrasherscertificationmicrosoftxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadexbox360xboxlivearcadeSun, 15 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Download now, or forever hold your points: Potential delisted Xbox Live Arcade titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/download-now-or-forever-hold-your-points-potential-delisted-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/download-now-or-forever-hold-your-points-potential-delisted-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/download-now-or-forever-hold-your-points-potential-delisted-xb/#commentsFiled under: ,


Our Xbox-toting brethren at 360 Fanboy recently came across a list of Xbox Live Arcade titles which may be up for expungement in Microsoft's spring cleaning of their online store. The list (available after the break) includes all titles that fulfill the first and second criteria of Microsoft's new standards -- that is, they've been available for six months, and currently hold a 65 percent or lower average score on Metacritic. A steady conversion rate (the number of people who purchase the complete title after downloading the demo, a figure only Microsoft has access to) is the only thing standing between these games and a date with the delete button -- so if you've been holding out on downloading Shrek-N-Roll, you may want to pick it up in an expedient manner.

Continue reading Download now, or forever hold your points: Potential delisted Xbox Live Arcade titles

JoystiqDownload now, or forever hold your points: Potential delisted Xbox Live Arcade titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 May 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360delistdelistedlivelivearcademetacriticmicrosoftspringcleaningxblaXbox-360xbox360xboxlivearcadeMon, 26 May 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[N+ developers rail against glut of bad XBLA games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/n-developers-rail-against-glut-of-bad-xbla-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/n-developers-rail-against-glut-of-bad-xbla-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/n-developers-rail-against-glut-of-bad-xbla-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Here at Joystiq, we think Metanet's sadistic platformer N+ is one of the best original games we've seen on Xbox Live Arcade for a while. So maybe it's not too surprising that the game's developers feel the same way. What is surprising is their willingness to diss the entire download service in public.

Talking to Gamasutra, N+ creators Raigan Burns and Mare Sheppard railed against Xbox Live Arcade's bloated catalog of copycat games. "The real problem, I think, is that the same people who are deciding what retail games get greenlit are deciding what Live Arcade games get greenlit," Burns said. "Those decisions that are ruining Live Arcade... it's like, who greenlit Word Puzzle? Who greenlit that hoverboard game that's just shit?" It wasn't always like this, according to Burns. "When we started out ... there were 30 games on Live Arcade. If N was one of them, it would stand out. Now there's like a hundred games, and they're all shit. ... If I was a consumer, I could see not even looking at Live Arcade games anymore if I had downloaded 10 or 20 demos, because at a certain point, you're like, 'Whatever. Maybe there's a good game in here.'"

The full interview contains more thoughts on the Xbox Live certification process, the effect of game demos on buzz, and the stupidity of charging for gamerpics and themes. A word of warning: Microsoft fanboys should take their heart medicine before clicking the read link.

JoystiqN+ developers rail against glut of bad XBLA games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crapDLCdownloadNninjaXBLAxbox live arcadeXbox-360XboxLiveArcadeFri, 21 Mar 2008 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[22 unlockable characters confirmed for Castle Crashers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/22-unlockable-characters-confirmed-for-castle-crashers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/22-unlockable-characters-confirmed-for-castle-crashers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/22-unlockable-characters-confirmed-for-castle-crashers/#commentsFiled under: ,


You'll need more than your fingers and toes when counting up the number of playable characters in The Behemoth's upcoming (and long awaited) XBLA opus Castle Crashers, as the devs have confirmed that the game's roster will pack in "about" twenty-two unlockable slots.

How exactly characters will be unlocked remains, much like the game's eventual release date, a mystery, with Behemoth blogger Emil teasing only that characters will be added "by various different means." However, given that since it was first announced some two years ago the heavily-stylized side scroller has remained near the top of a short list of titles we cannot wait to sink our thumbs into, it's just shy of hyperbole to say that we'd do anything Castle Crashers asked of us anyway.

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

Joystiq22 unlockable characters confirmed for Castle Crashers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castle-crasherscastlecrashersside-scrollersidescrollerthe-behemoththebehemothunlockxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadexboxlivexboxlivearcadeWed, 19 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle Quest getting XBLA expansion, fans asked to name it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/puzzle-quest-getting-xbla-expansion-fans-asked-to-name-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/puzzle-quest-getting-xbla-expansion-fans-asked-to-name-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/puzzle-quest-getting-xbla-expansion-fans-asked-to-name-it/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Puzzle Quest was among our favorite titles released last year over Xbox Live Arcade, with the unlikely mix of casual puzzling and role-playing edging its way into several of our staff's top picks for 2007. Now publisher D3 has announced that the game will soon be getting what it calls a "tremendous amount" of new content by way of an upcoming downloadable expansion. There's just one problem -- it needs a name.

The add-on, which promises a new villain in Antharg, the Lord of Plague, as well as new spells, items, and quests on top of four new hero professions (Bard, Rogue, Ranger and Warlock), is currently being dubbed " Puzzle Quest: 1.5," but that name is hardly appropriate. To this end, D3 is calling for players to submit name suggestions on the official Puzzle Quest website starting today at noon through Friday, March 21. Once a name has been decided, the expansion will be made available this spring over Xbox Live. We're already brainstorming our ideas -- might we suggest Puzzle Quest: The Addictioning?

JoystiqPuzzle Quest getting XBLA expansion, fans asked to name it originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anthargbreakingnewsd3d3-publisherd3publisherexpansionpuzzle-questpuzzlequestxblaXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadexboxlivexboxlivearcadeMon, 17 Mar 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Microsoft announces "community arcade"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-microsoft-announces-community-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-microsoft-announces-community-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-microsoft-announces-community-arcade/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Update: The official press release has more details on the program and a few of the first available games. It also mentions that community-created games "will quickly double the size of the Xbox 360 game library."

At Microsoft's GDC 2008 keynote address, the company announced a "community arcade" allowing user-created games to be distributed to Xbox 360 owners worldwide. "Now, 10 million people on Xbox Live get to play your game," said Microsoft Game Developer Group General Manager Chris Satchell. Free trials of these community created games should be available on Xbox Live "immediately" according to Satchell.

"For the first time, community games will be distributed through Xbox Live," Satchell said. "'Xbox Live Community Games will give creators a huge audience to share their creativity with. Game distribution will be democratized, allowing the community to control the content. Create, Submit, Peer Review, Play are the four key steps ... We want creativity to flow through this pipeline.


Users will be able to upload games using a Gamertag-like "creator identity" which will keep track of your game creation history. Creators can use descriptive sliders to describe a game's content, and peer reviewers can also evaluate the content for appropriateness.

At the keynote, Satchell showed off a short demo of user-created game Jellycar (pictured below), featuring an adorable bouncy, 2D car that drives along on a sketchpad, bouncing up and down on a cartoon road.



More as it becomes available.

JoystiqGDC08: Microsoft announces "community arcade" originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadebreakingnewsGDC08XBLAXbox 360xbox live arcadeXbox-360Xbox360XboxLiveArcadeWed, 20 Feb 2008 14:37:00 EST<![CDATA[N+ coming to Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/n-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/n-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/n-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-wednesday/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've known it was coming for about a month now ... now we know exactly when it's coming. Metanet Software announced via their blog this morning that the Xbox Live Arcade version of 2D Ninja platformer N+ will be available for 800 MS points at 9 a.m. GMT (1 a.m. Pacific) on Wednesday, Feb. 20.

The Wednesday release will come with the obligatory Gamerpics and Dashboard themes which, unfortunately, will cost even more of your hard earned Microsoft points. Metanet also announced "one or two level packs coming in the future," although, really, if you manage to beat all 450 levels included in the main game, it's probably time to move on to another title. We're just saying ...

[Thank Robber Tom]

JoystiqN+ coming to Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NNinjaplatformplatformerXBLAXbox LiveXbox Live ArcadeXbox-360XboxLiveXboxLiveArcadeMon, 18 Feb 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[N+ greenlighted for Xbox Live Arcade, includes multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/n-greenlighted-for-xbox-live-arcade-includes-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/n-greenlighted-for-xbox-live-arcade-includes-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/n-greenlighted-for-xbox-live-arcade-includes-multiplayer/#commentsFiled under: ,


News about the Xbox Live Arcade adaptation of N, the popular freeware platformer featuring everyone's favorite pint-sized, treasure hungry ninja, has been slim as of late. Though news of a cancellation or delay of the title would not surprise our bitter, jaded hearts, we were pleased to learn that N+ was recently approved by the XBLA gatekeepers, and should be showing up in the marketplace before too much longer.

Of course, you could always download the full PC version of the game for free, however, you'll be missing out on the upgraded features and visuals of the XBLA title, not to mention the recently announced multiplayer modes. With frantic, four-player ninja-on-ninja-on-ninja-on-ninja action, we're sure the game will be a big hit -- we just hope this will allow developer Slick Entertainment to afford a longer title for their next creation.

JoystiqN+ greenlighted for Xbox Live Arcade, includes multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NPCPlatformerSlickEntertainmentXBLAXbox-360XboxLiveArcadeSat, 19 Jan 2008 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA Goldeneye confirmed, also canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/xbla-goldeneye-confirmed-also-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/xbla-goldeneye-confirmed-also-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/xbla-goldeneye-confirmed-also-canceled/#commentsFiled under: ,


We've got good news and bad news for fans of Rare's groundbreaking first-person shooter, Goldeneye. The good news? Those rumors you've heard about a port of the game for the Xbox Live Arcade are true! The bad news? The release of the title has been delayed indefinitely, due to a licensing disagreement between Microsoft and Nintendo. Sorry to get your hopes up -- we probably should have led with that last part.

To further rub salt in your wounds, 1UP has some sweet details about the game-that-wasn't, which was only two short months from completion. Apparently, the game was a faithful recreation of the N64 classic, including all the maps and weapons from the original, with the addition of multiplayer support over Xbox Live.

Instead of giving up on what would have been one of the greatest XBLA titles to date, we highly encourage everyone to exercise their civil trolling rights in an attempt to convince Nintendo and Microsoft that there's more than enough of our money to go around. Already, thousands of rabid wannabe 00 Agents have signed petitions to bring the game back to the development table -- have you?

JoystiqXBLA Goldeneye confirmed, also canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>007arcadegoldeneyemicrosoftnintendorareXBLAXbox-360xboxlivearcadeSun, 13 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Rez HD is a trip]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/reminder-rez-hd-is-a-trip/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/reminder-rez-hd-is-a-trip/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/reminder-rez-hd-is-a-trip/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you were one of the many shmucks who didn't pick up Rez when it came out on the Dreamcast and PS2, you can redeem yourself in our eyes when a visually souped-up version of the game drops on the Xbox Live Arcade sometime in the (hopefully) near future. Yes, it might be sans one unintentionally stimulating peripheral this time around, but it still feels like playing an absinthe-fueled round of Panzer Dragoon in the middle of a warehouse rave. Hopefully the surfacing of the above gameplay footage from the uncleverly titled Rez HD is a sign that we'll find what we really want under our tree this holiday season -- a good case of synesthesia.

JoystiqReminder: Rez HD is a trip originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionArcadeHexadriveMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosQ-EntertainmentRezRez-HDRezHDXBLAXbox-360XboxLiveArcadeSat, 22 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Interview: Kuju's download-only studio doublesix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/joystiq-interview-kujus-download-only-studio-doublesix/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/joystiq-interview-kujus-download-only-studio-doublesix/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/joystiq-interview-kujus-download-only-studio-doublesix/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


We admit that the opening of a new studio is not the most terribly exciting event under the sun, but that news becomes decidedly more intriguing when said studio dedicates itself to a single market, or in the case of British developer Kuju's newly opened doublesix studio, a single distribution channel.

With a moniker always referred to in lowercase, we expected doublesix to be quietly reserved regarding its plans, which include developing titles exclusively in the downloadable space for Xbox Live Arcade, the PlayStation Network, WiiWare and the PC. What we found, however, was a studio that is enthusiastic about its positioning in this young, but rapidly growing segment of the video game industry. To find out more, we managed to speak with doublesix studio head James Brooksby on a number of topics, including the price of downloadable games today and in the future, the importance of platform exclusives in the digital space, and of course, where the team likes to eat.

Continue reading Joystiq Interview: Kuju's download-only studio doublesix

JoystiqJoystiq Interview: Kuju's download-only studio doublesix originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doublesixGuildfordkujuPCplaystation networkPlaystation-NetworkPlaystationNetworkPS3psnWiiwiiwarexblaxbox livexbox live arcadeXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeXboxLiveXboxLiveArcadeWed, 19 Dec 2007 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Undertow dives into XBLA Nov. 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/undertow-dives-into-xbla-nov-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/undertow-dives-into-xbla-nov-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/undertow-dives-into-xbla-nov-21/#commentsFiled under: ,

Aquatic shooter Undertow goes 20,000 leagues under the sea beginning Nov. 21 on Xbox Live arcade. The fifteen-level campaign with co-op will also have multiplayer modes supporting up to sixteen people. A basic gameplay trailer can be found above and a more elaborate trailer can be found after the break. We already feel bad for some of the smaller games coming out during this jam packed holiday season, but we feel even worse for the XBLA titles screaming for attention in all the fracas.

Continue reading Undertow dives into XBLA Nov. 21

JoystiqUndertow dives into XBLA Nov. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chair-EntertainmentshooterundertowxblaXbox-360xboxlivearcadeFri, 02 Nov 2007 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Power Stone XBLA dreams deferred]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/power-stone-xbla-dreams-deferred/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/power-stone-xbla-dreams-deferred/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/power-stone-xbla-dreams-deferred/#commentsFiled under: ,

Way back in September of 2006, we ran a brief series called "That Should Be on XBLA." In that series, we suggested old games that would make a great addition to Xbox Live Arcade. One such game was Capcom's neglected Dreamcast fighter, Power Stone. Earlier this week, Microsoft announced not one, but two Dreamcast games that would be making their way to XBLA, namely Rez and Ikaruga. This got the folks over at The Xbox Domain thinking. If they can stick those Dreamcast classics on Xbox 360, why not Power Stone (or even better, Power Stone 2)? Just to satisfy their curiosity, The Xbox Domain contacted Capcom about the idea, and received this disheartening response:

"We have not made any announcements about a Power Stone game, but thanks for your interest."

While the comment was followed by a smiley face, we aren't smiling. Still, it's not an outright "no," and that gives fans something to hope for, right?

JoystiqPower Stone XBLA dreams deferred originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcompower-stonepowerstonexblaxbox-live-arcadexboxlivearcadeThu, 13 Sep 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Eternity's Child jumps from XBLA to Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/eternitys-child-jumps-from-xbla-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/eternitys-child-jumps-from-xbla-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/eternitys-child-jumps-from-xbla-to-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,


And the Xbox Live Arcade size limit rears its ugly head once more. Shacknews reports that would-be XBLA title Eternity's Child has been moved from Microsoft's downloadable game service to the Nintendo Wii. The news comes from an Art de Jeu interview with the game's creator Luc Bernard. The reason for moving the title to Wii, according to Bernard, is that the game's high resolution art would break the 150MB size limit for XBLA titles. We should note, however, that Eternity's Child was never officially confirmed for XBLA in the first place. Still, it wasn't that long ago that many complained the original 50MB size limit was too low -- even though such constraints can spark innovation in some cases -- and now we may be seeing the beginnings of similar complaints leveled at the new limit. With the Wii selling like hotcakes to casual gamers, it will be interesting to see if it winds up as the new home for overambitious (or poorly compressed) XBLA titles.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqEternity's Child jumps from XBLA to Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eternityschildxblaxboxlivearcadeMon, 10 Sep 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marathon motion sickness gets cured]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/marathon-motion-sickness-gets-cured/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/marathon-motion-sickness-gets-cured/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/marathon-motion-sickness-gets-cured/#commentsFiled under: ,


Freeverse sends word that a title update for Marathon: Durandal is now available. Among other things, the update gives players the option to choose a wider field of view. This option is supposed to help players that have experienced motion sickness whilst playing the game. We haven't personally experienced the alleged motion sickness, so we can't tell you whether or not a wider field of view fixes the problem. If you've fallen victim to the illness yourself, you may want to fire up Marathon and give the new setting a try. Once you're done, come back here and share the results with the rest of the class (unless the result is vomit; you don't need to share that).

JoystiqMarathon motion sickness gets cured originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungiestudiosfreeversemarathonmarathondurandalxblaxboxlivearcadeThu, 06 Sep 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Castlevania's XBLA future looking grim]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/castlevanias-xbla-future-looking-grim/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/castlevanias-xbla-future-looking-grim/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/castlevanias-xbla-future-looking-grim/#commentsFiled under: ,


At GDC earlier this year, we asked Castlevania creator Koji Igarashi if he would consider making an original Castlevania title for Xbox Live Arcade. He told us that he was interested, but didn't elaborate beyond that. We hope you haven't been keeping your hopes up, because Igarashi has more or less declared that an XBLA iteration isn't in the cards. When asked by 1UP if a new downloadable Castlevania title was in the works, Igarashi responded, "There are two reasons why I am reluctant to create a game for such channels: 1. The price is frankly too low for what we'd want to do, and 2. Most of the next gen players are expecting really high fidelity games, so I'm really not eager to go that route."

While an XBLA iteration seems doomed, Igarashi did note that preliminary planning for a new Castlevania title on consoles has begun. Unfortunately, there are no concrete details yet. We're just shooting from the hip here, but we'd bet good money it will feature vampires.

JoystiqCastlevania's XBLA future looking grim originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlevaniakojiigarashikonamixblaxboxlivearcadeWed, 05 Sep 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fatal Fury and Cyberball now on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/fatal-fury-and-cyberball-now-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/fatal-fury-and-cyberball-now-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/05/fatal-fury-and-cyberball-now-on-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's time for the age old Capcom vs. SNK debate to begin anew, because Fatal Fury Special is now available on Xbox Live Arcade. Alongside the classic fighter is Cyberball 2072 which brings Xbox 360 gamers the palpable mix of robots and football. Ooh, and explosions too, can't forget explosions. Both games are available for the tantalizing price of 400 Microsoft Points.

So, now that you've had a taste of both, which is it going to be fanboys, Street Fighter or Fatal Fury? We can tell you right now that there is one thing Fatal Fury has that Street Fighter doesn't: the lovely Mai Shiranui. Your move, Street Fighter.

JoystiqFatal Fury and Cyberball now on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyberballcyberball2072fatalfuryfatalfuryspecialmidwaysnkplaymorexblaxboxlivearcadeWed, 05 Sep 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Vs. Capcom on XBLA? Marvel hopes so]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/04/marvel-vs-capcom-on-xbla-marvel-hopes-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/04/marvel-vs-capcom-on-xbla-marvel-hopes-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/04/marvel-vs-capcom-on-xbla-marvel-hopes-so/#commentsFiled under:


Speaking to Gamasutra, Marvel vice president of interactive media Justin Lambros intimated that he would like to see classic Marvel fighting games hit game download services like Xbox Live Arcade. Producing games like X-Men: Children of the Atom, Marvel Superheroes and massive fighting mashups like X-Men Vs. Street Fighter and Marvel Vs. Capcom, fighting fans have fond memories of the collaboration between Capcom and Marvel. When asked about the possibility of such games hitting a service like XBLA, Lambros said, "Yeah, those are among my all time favorites. I'm a huge 2D fighting fan... the Marvel Vs. Capcom stuff has a definite close place in my heart, so we definitely wanna see that stuff live on." It seems that there aren't any firm plans to bring back any specific titles, so don't get your hopes up just yet.

Still, if Puzzle Fighter and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix make an impact on XBLA, maybe we'll see the same kind of attention paid to the Marvel classics.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqMarvel Vs. Capcom on XBLA? Marvel hopes so originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marvelxblaxboxlivearcadeTue, 04 Sep 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tron achievements bring back memories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/tron-achievements-bring-back-memories/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/tron-achievements-bring-back-memories/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/tron-achievements-bring-back-memories/#commentsFiled under: ,


Tron is something of a cult classic. Many of us remember the movie as one of the most compelling early instances of computer graphics in a film. Even today, it maintains that retro cool. Whether or not the actual game can stand the test of time remains to be seen. We imagine it will be like most retro XBLA games, which means you already know whether or not you plan on buying it. Still, the achievements revealed by X360A give us a sense of nostalgia. Aside from the Light Cycle acheivement, our favorite is probably the achievement for completing all twelve levels: "User."

Yeah, that takes us back.

JoystiqTron achievements bring back memories originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyinteractivetronxblaxboxlivearcadeWed, 29 Aug 2007 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 07: Penny Arcade adventures to XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/pax-07-penny-arcade-adventures-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/pax-07-penny-arcade-adventures-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/pax-07-penny-arcade-adventures-to-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're a little late in getting to it, but we would be remiss in our fanboy duties if we didn't report that Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness is officially heading to Xbox Live Arcade. As Rain-Slick is an episodic affair, its arrival on XBLA is a fairly momentous occasion. Episodic gaming is a term that has been bandied around for a while now, so we're hopeful that the game will deliver on the promise of cheap, easily digestible gaming. Penny Arcade Adventures is scheduled to debut on XBLA in early 2008 alongside the PC, OS X, and Linux versions. More information about Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness can be found on the official site.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqPAX 07: Penny Arcade adventures to XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotheadpennyarcadepennyarcadeadventuresxblaxboxlivearcadeTue, 28 Aug 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[War World wages worldwide this Wednesday [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/war-world-wages-worldwide-this-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/war-world-wages-worldwide-this-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/27/war-world-wages-worldwide-this-wednesday/#commentsFiled under: ,


Update: According to Microsoft, the only game being released on Xbox Live Arcade this week is Puzzle Fighter. Looks like War World fans will have to wait.

It has been officially announced on the War World forums that the multiplayer mech-tastic shooter will make its debut this Wednesday alongside old-school puzzler Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. In celebration of this fact, Third Wave Games is hosting a special match of the PC version of War World, after which players are encouraged to stay up until 12:01 PT and download the XBLA version. Oh, and don't worry, the developers are "100% sure there will be at least 8-16 players online with the Xbox 360 version within an hour of the game's release on Wedsday," so you should have a few good folks to play with.

[Via Gamestooge]

JoystiqWar World wages worldwide this Wednesday [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>thirdwavegameswarworldxblaxboxlivearcadeMon, 27 Aug 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Slug 3 offically rolling onto XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/24/metal-slug-3-offically-rolling-onto-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/24/metal-slug-3-offically-rolling-onto-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/24/metal-slug-3-offically-rolling-onto-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,

Well, it only took SNK nearly a year to announce it, but we finally know which Metal Slug will be hitting Xbox Live Arcade. Having already read the headline, you may have guessed that it's Metal Slug 3. If so, then you are correct. Go get yourself a cookie. According to a (translated) press release from SNK Playmore, the game will be part of the company's lineup at the Tokyo Game Show next month. In the same press release, it is also revealed that SNK Playmore will be showing off Fatal Fury Special (known as Wolf Legend Special in Japan).

There you have it then. Now that the veil of secrecy has been lifted, are you happy with SNK's Metal Slug choice, or would you have preferred a different entry in the series?

[Via XBLArcade]

JoystiqMetal Slug 3 offically rolling onto XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metalslugmetalslug3snksnkplaymorexblaxboxlivearcadeFri, 24 Aug 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ecco the Dolphin achievements: kill the shark!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/ecco-the-dolphin-achievements-kill-the-shark/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/ecco-the-dolphin-achievements-kill-the-shark/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/ecco-the-dolphin-achievements-kill-the-shark/#commentsFiled under:

Right, so, Ecco the Dolphin came out yesterday for Xbox Live Arcade. It is, according to some, a classic of the 16-bit era. For us (and by us I mean me), there was something truly compelling about swimming freely in the ocean and traveling through time (if you can get that far). Now, despite all this, there was something that turned Ecco into one of the most terrifying experiences of our (i.e. my) youth: the effing sharks. Brought up by movies like JAWS, seeing sharks in Ecco was more frightening than any zombie could ever be. That is why we (I) urge all of you to earn the "Shark Killer" achievement. Sure, it's only worth 10 points, but at least you'll be conquering your (my) childhood fear. Head over to GamingTalkHQ for the full achievement rundown.

JoystiqEcco the Dolphin achievements: kill the shark! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementseccoeccothedolphinnovotradesegaxblaxboxlivearcadeThu, 16 Aug 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA hits PCs by the end of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/xbla-hits-pcs-by-the-end-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/xbla-hits-pcs-by-the-end-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/xbla-hits-pcs-by-the-end-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: ,


Yet more news from Gamefest 2007 today, as Microsoft has made clear its intentions to bring Xbox Live Arcade to PCs by the end of the year. According to 1UP, Microsoft plans to offer a developer update to its Games for Windows Live tools this November. The update is being made in order to accommodate Xbox Live Arcade on PCs. The PC version of the downloadable games service should see its first titles by the end of the year. What titles we will actually see remains a mystery, though we're willing to bet UNO -- long promised as a Live Anywhere title -- will make an appearance.

[Thanks, homer34]

JoystiqXBLA hits PCs by the end of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamefest2007xblaxboxlivearcadeWed, 15 Aug 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamefest 2007: the fabulous numbers of XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/gamefest-2007-the-fabulous-numbers-of-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/gamefest-2007-the-fabulous-numbers-of-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/gamefest-2007-the-fabulous-numbers-of-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,


During a pair of presentations at Microsoft's XNA Gamefest 2007, lots of Xbox Live Arcade stats have come to light. In brief, the service is doing very well. Firstly, Microsoft predicts that by the end of 2007, Xbox Live Arcade will have hosted 45 million downloads and will offer over 100 games. The company also predicts a healthy 156% average financial return for Xbox Live Arcade games over a 12 month period. Not too shabby. There are also many stats regarding which game has been played the longest (UNO), and which game has seen the most players (TMNT 1989). As for sales, Street Fighter II is the current champ, followed by UNO and TMNT 1989. An interesting note, XBLA games actually have a very good shelf life, as only 35% of total game sales occur within the first two months of availability.

All in all, XBLA looks to be doing just fine. Now just imagine what would happen if everyone actually knew about it.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqGamefest 2007: the fabulous numbers of XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamefest2007xblaxboxlivearcadeWed, 15 Aug 2007 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Arcade statistics galore from GameFest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/xbox-live-arcade-statistics-galore-from-gamefest/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/xbox-live-arcade-statistics-galore-from-gamefest/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/xbox-live-arcade-statistics-galore-from-gamefest/#commentsFiled under: ,



Rough estimates are one thing, but hard data on Xbox Live arcade sales has been pretty hard to come by. Until now, that is. A pair of talks at Microsoft's XNA GameFest show just how successful Microsoft's foray into digital delivery has been.

The first talk, by Microsoft casual games manager Marc Whitten, revealed that Microsoft expects 45 million individual game downloads on Xbox Live Arcade by the end of the year. Developers have made $30 million in revenue on XBLA games so far, Whitten said, with an average game returning 156 percent of the initial investment within a year. Try getting that from a mutual fund.

That's fine for the business in general, but how are individual games doing. XBLA Platform Manager Mark Coates stepped in to help answer that question with a series of slides showing the most popular games available on the service. The data varies widely depending on what metric is used -- while the Ninja Turtles arcade game has the most individual users, Street Fighter II HD has made the most revenue and Uno, of all things has the most minutes spent playing. Coates' presentation also showed the longevity of XBLA games -- 65 percent of an average game's sales come after the first two months -- and the continued growth in download rates (see above graph)

Remember, all these numbers come despite the fact that 30 percent of Xbox 360 owners don't even know that Xbox Live Arcade exists. Imagine how high the numbers could go if more users knew they didn't have to go to the store for their 360 games anymore.

[Via GameSetWatch]

Read - Marc Whitten on the XBLA business
Read - Mark Coates on XBLA game rankings

JoystiqXbox Live Arcade statistics galore from GameFest originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GameFestMicrosoftXBLAxbox live arcadeXbox-360XboxLiveArcadeWed, 15 Aug 2007 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Wideload "Shorts" promises new XBLA content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/wideload-shorts-promises-new-xbla-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/wideload-shorts-promises-new-xbla-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/wideload-shorts-promises-new-xbla-content/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wideload, the kooky cats behind Hail to the Chimp, the satirical fighter set in the animal kingdom, has announced the formation of its Shorts division. The Shorts division will focus (surprisingly) on downloadable games for various console services and PC. As you might suspect, Wideload Shorts has plans to create games for Xbox Live Arcade. Wideload is careful not to call such games "casual," as they wish to make it clear that while gameplay will be kept simple, it should still be compelling to longtime gamers as well as newcomers. While no specific titles have been named, the first Wideload Shorts game is expected to arrive in late 2007.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqWideload "Shorts" promises new XBLA content originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>wideloadwideloadshortsxblaxboxlivearcadeTue, 14 Aug 2007 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nearly 1/3 of 360 owners unaware of XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/nearly-1-3-of-360-owners-unaware-of-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/nearly-1-3-of-360-owners-unaware-of-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/nearly-1-3-of-360-owners-unaware-of-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , ,


In the first industry research column, part of a series coming to GameDaily.biz, Frank N. Magid Associates look at the current state of online gaming on the Xbox 360 as well as Xbox Live Arcade usage. In an online survey of 1800 U.S. homes, 149 were found to own an Xbox 360. Among these homes, 64% were found to play games online, which isn't terribly surprising given Microsoft's focus on Xbox Live as a differentiating factor between the Xbox 360 and other consoles. Much more interesting are Magid's statistics concerning Xbox Live Arcade. While the survey discovered that 70% of the surveyed homes have used Xbox Live Arcade, only 28% have actually made a purchase. What is really alarming, however, is that a full 30% of those surveyed were completely unaware of Xbox Live Arcade. In other words, nearly a third of those surveyed didn't know that XBLA even existed. If this percentage translates to all 360 owners, then Microsoft has some serious marketing to do.

Then again, we're not too surprised. After all, 60% of PS3 owners don't know that their console has a Blu-Ray drive.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqNearly 1/3 of 360 owners unaware of XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessxblaxboxlivearcadeTue, 14 Aug 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bomberman: New maps and costumes coming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/bomberman-new-maps-and-costumes-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/bomberman-new-maps-and-costumes-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/bomberman-new-maps-and-costumes-coming/#commentsFiled under: ,


While speaking with a Hudson representative on Xbox.com, regular X3F reader AnOffday confirmed that new costumes and maps are coming to Bomberman Live. This hardly comes as a surprise, as the promotional materials sent out by Hudson include several levels and costumes not currently in the game. You can actually see some of these levels in our Bomberman Live gallery (which we've thoughtfully attached to this post. Still, it's nice to get official confirmation. Now, if only we knew the release date and price, we could have our bomb and explode it too.

JoystiqBomberman: New maps and costumes coming originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbonebackboneentertainmentbombermanbombermanlivehudsonxblaxboxlivearcadeFri, 27 Jul 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Commanders: Attack!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/joystiq-hands-on-commanders-attack/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/joystiq-hands-on-commanders-attack/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/joystiq-hands-on-commanders-attack/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The first thing to came to our minds when we saw Commanders: Attack! is Nintendo's turn-based strategy series Advance Wars. It's not a bad comparison, but it does give you an accurate description of how the game is played: two sides taking turns, moving troops, capturing buildings and entering attack / counter-attack combat with other troops.

Where it differs from the game, most obviously, is the high-definition visuals. Also, while each Commanding Officer has special stat bonuses and abilities, troops cannot enjoy the bonus unless they are within the officer's sphere of influence. The art style of the troops is inspired by what people in the 1930s thought the future might look like.

A fog of war is set for all maps. All in all, there are 15 campaign missions and six maps for the four-player multiplayer modes. Alongside the currently-available Band of Bugs, it's good to see quality strategy titles invade the Xbox Live Arcade. Commanders: Attack! is due out by the end of this year for both the XBLA and the PC.

Gallery: Commanders: Attack!

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Commanders: Attack! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commanderscommandersattacke3e307handsonimpressionsPCsierraxblaXbox-360xboxlivexboxlivearcadeMon, 16 Jul 2007 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Battlestar Galactica]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/joystiq-hands-on-battlestar-galactica/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/joystiq-hands-on-battlestar-galactica/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/joystiq-hands-on-battlestar-galactica/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Don't expect deep gameplay with this title based on the popular science fiction series. Battlestar Galactica, for Xbox Live Arcade and PC, is 3D space shooter played on a 2D plane. The controls are quick to grasp -- turning, shooting, activating shields and locking on for missiles -- although we had a bit of trouble initially with chasing enemies.

We only had a chance to try out a couple of levels. There are four ships to choose from each side, humans and Cylons, each with various offensive, defensive and speed ratings. Death triggers a respawn, and the only penalty is lost time (beating levels is generally dependent upon time).

There are 10 single-player missions based on battles from the show. Multiplayer has its own set of ten maps and two gameplay types: deathmatch and domination, where you capture turrets that destroy the opponent's base ship.

According to producer Connie Brammeier, the game is intended for mass appeal. We get the feeling that hardcore Battlestar Galactica fans are going to be disappointed by the lack of depth in the title. The game is expected out in the third quarter of this year.

Gallery: Battlestar Galactica (XBLA, PC)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Battlestar Galactica originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestargalacticabsge3e307handsonimpressionsPCxblaXbox-360xboxlivexboxlivearcadeMon, 16 Jul 2007 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Yie Ar Kung Fu received a makeover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/yie-ar-kung-fu-received-a-makeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/yie-ar-kung-fu-received-a-makeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/yie-ar-kung-fu-received-a-makeover/#commentsFiled under: ,

One half of tomorrow's Wednesday's Xbox Live Arcade twofer releases will be the classic Yie Ar Kung Fu and it will be featuring a small makeover. Viewable in the gallery below are a few comparison shots of Yie Ar Kung Fu from its classic days and the updated sprites and backgrounds used in the XBLA version. You should be able to tell the noticeable graphical differences (unless you are missing your eyes, but then how would you be reading this? Hmm ...), but it's up to you to decide if you're liking the "new and improved" or the retro look. Though, we think we can all agree that the flying chubby man roxorz. Fly chubby man, fly!

JoystiqYie Ar Kung Fu received a makeover originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadexblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeYie Ar Kung FuYieArKungFuMon, 16 Jul 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Marathon Xbox Live Arcade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/joystiq-hands-on-marathon-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/joystiq-hands-on-marathon-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/joystiq-hands-on-marathon-xbox-live-arcade/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Being the last day of E3, we were bound and determined to finally lay our greedy little hands on Marathon: Durandal for Xbox Live Arcade. Having been turned away from Marathon's suite thrice yesterday, we were eager to finally get a hold of Bungie's seminal shooter (being developed for XBLA by Freeverse). Seeing as we only had a short time with the game, we decided to set off into multiplayer immediately. There were several maps to choose from, but "Giant Flaming Pit of Lava" caught our eye, so off we went.

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Marathon Xbox Live Arcade

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Marathon Xbox Live Arcade originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungiestudiosE3e307freeversemarathonMarathon-DurandalmarathondurandalxblaXbox-360xboxlivearcadeFri, 13 Jul 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ Bomberman Live & Yie Ar Kung Fu XBLA double header]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/bomerban-live-and-yie-ar-kung-fu-xbla-double-header/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/bomerban-live-and-yie-ar-kung-fu-xbla-double-header/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/bomerban-live-and-yie-ar-kung-fu-xbla-double-header/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Coming straight from E3 is confirmation of another Xbox Live Arcade double header next week with both Bomberman Live and Yie Ar Kung Fu releasing Wednesday, July 18th. Bomberman Live will feature (literally) tons of bombing excitement and fully customizable bombers for only 800 Microsoft points, while the mysteriously missing from Xbox.com Yie Ar Kung Fu will be available for a more modest 400 Microsoft points. And please fanboys, please pray to God that Hudson didn't muff up our classic Bomberman as we all can agree that Act Zero was a horrible attempt at entertainment.

Joystiq Bomberman Live & Yie Ar Kung Fu XBLA double header originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bomberman liveBombermanLivehudsonkonamixblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeYie Ar Kung FuYieArKungFuFri, 13 Jul 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Texas Hold 'em gets Vision support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/texas-hold-em-gets-vision-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/texas-hold-em-gets-vision-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/texas-hold-em-gets-vision-support/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're not sure how we missed this, but today XBLA game Texas Hold 'em received an update enabling the long rumored Vision camera support. The update rolled out this morning and not only added Vision support, but also fixed a few bugs, added custom matches, improved matchmaking, enhanced rich presence, and multi-language support. The update goes on to say that the "Vision Camera also allows players to use a series of game faces using the snapshot mode for all-ins, wins, losses, folds and more". Interesting stuff indeed! Whip out the Vision camera, go play some poker, and try and steer clear of those who like to use their camera to be vulgar. Eww.

DeadPlasmaCell also warned us that finding games was nearly impossible after the update was applied. We'll report back in if we hear of any widespread matchmaking problems.

[Thanks, DeadPlasmaCell]

JoystiqTexas Hold 'em gets Vision support originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>texas hold emTexasHoldEmxblaxblmxbox live arcadexbox live marketplaceXboxLiveArcadeXboxLiveMarketplaceThu, 12 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic and Golden Axe speed to Xbox Live Arcade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/sonic-and-golden-axe-speed-to-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/sonic-and-golden-axe-speed-to-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/sonic-and-golden-axe-speed-to-xbox-live-arcade/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This week's Xbox Live Arcade titles are Golden Axe and, finally, Sonic the Hedgehog. Both cost a mere 400 Microsoft Points, with Golden Axe allowing for co-operative play on Live and locally. The Achievements for both titles were made available yesterday, and led us to believe that at the very least, GA was coming today. Fortunately, we were only half right, as Sonic finally made its debut under the Sega Vintage Collection line of titles. With any luck, we'll see Ecco and Sonic 2 follow suit.

JoystiqSonic and Golden Axe speed to Xbox Live Arcade originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArcadeE3E3 07E307Golden AxeGoldenAxeLive ArcadeLiveArcadeSonicSonic The HedgehogSonicTheHedgehogX B L AXBLAXbox Live ArcadeXboxLiveArcadeWed, 11 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marathon: Durandal confirmed for XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/marathon-durandal-confirmed-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/marathon-durandal-confirmed-for-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/marathon-durandal-confirmed-for-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,


The torrent of Xbox 360 news from the E3 press conference continues as, Microsoft confirmed in an Xbox Live Arcade reel that Marathon: Durandal is indeed heading to Xbox Live Arcade. Given that the game was rated by the USK and subsequently pulled from the USK's database, this should come as no surprise to X3F readers. The brief clip showed off at the press conference revealed improved graphics over its aging PC/Mac counterpart. For those unaware, the Marathon series is something of a spiritual precursor to the Halo series, featuring many similar plot and design elements. In essence, Marathon is the primordial ooze out of which Halo born. No price or release date have been announced.

Oh, and, for the record, we totally called it (last year even).

JoystiqMarathon: Durandal confirmed for XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadebungiebungiestudiosE3freeverselivearcademarathonmarathondurandalmgsmicrosoftgamestudiosxblaxboxlivearcadeWed, 11 Jul 2007 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic, Golden Axe achievements, GA this week?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/sonic-golden-axe-achievements-ga-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/sonic-golden-axe-achievements-ga-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/sonic-golden-axe-achievements-ga-this-week/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've got a double whammy of Xbox Live Arcade news today. First of all, the achievements for both Sonic the Hedgehog and Golden Axe have been uncovered. This has in turn spurred the rumor that Microsoft will unveil Golden Axe as tomorrow's XBLA release. Some are comparing this to last year's surprise release of DOOM during X06. Golden Axe is definitely a classic title, but we were hoping for something a little more exciting, like, say, Marathon. At any rate, we at least have confirmation of one more Sega classic on XBLA. Take that for what it's worth.

Read -- Golden Axe coming this week
Read -- Sonic and Golden Axe achievements

[Thanks, Scott]

JoystiqSonic, Golden Axe achievements, GA this week? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadegolden axeGoldenAxelivearcadesegasonicxblaxboxlivearcadeTue, 10 Jul 2007 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Live Free or Die Hard XBLA bound?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/live-free-or-die-hard-xbla-bound/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/live-free-or-die-hard-xbla-bound/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/live-free-or-die-hard-xbla-bound/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Making an appearance on the ESRB ratings website is an entry for Live Free or Die Hard. Nothing overly special here as it'll probably end up being just another sub-par movie based game ... but wait. The ESRB website lists the Live Free or Die Hard developer to be Sensory Sweep Studios who have worked on numerous DS and PSP titles with their only Xbox connection being Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting for the XBLA. So, it'd be logical to expect Live Free or Die Hard to end up being an Arcade title. Interesting. We can't really come up with gameplay ideas to blend a blockbuster action movie with the XBLA other than the obvious game where you see who can scream "Yippee-ki-yay motherfrother" into the headset the loudest. Yeah, that'd be one Arcade game we'd enjoy playing with our family.

[Via Game Stooge]

JoystiqLive Free or Die Hard XBLA bound? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeesrblive free or die hardLiveFreeOrDieHardrumorxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeTue, 10 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST