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[Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi coming to the 3DS in America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/hakuoki-memories-of-the-shinsengumi-coming-to-the-3ds-in-americ/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/hakuoki-memories-of-the-shinsengumi-coming-to-the-3ds-in-americ/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/hakuoki-memories-of-the-shinsengumi-coming-to-the-3ds-in-americ/#comments Hakuoki Memories of the Shinsengumi coming to US 3DSesAksys Games has announced a North American release of Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi on the Nintendo 3DS. The game is based on Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom, which made it to the PSP last February.

The female-focused "otome" romance game comes to Nintendo's handheld with new story content and some 3DS-specific features, like 3D graphics and the ability to take your potentially creepster picture with the story's main characters.

No release date has been announced yet, but those interested can stay tuned to the official site for more.

Continue reading Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi coming to the 3DS in America

JoystiqHakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi coming to the 3DS in America originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaksys-gameshakuokiHakuoki-Demon-Of-The-Fleeting-Blossomhakuoki-warriors-of-the-shinsengumiidea-factorymobilenintendonintendo-3dsotomereleaseromancestoryWed, 24 Apr 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa Rebirth finds new life on PS Vita 'early summer']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/muramasa-rebirth-finds-new-life-on-ps-vita-early-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/muramasa-rebirth-finds-new-life-on-ps-vita-early-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/muramasa-rebirth-finds-new-life-on-ps-vita-early-summer/#comments During a GDC demo of Muramasa Rebirth, the PS Vita port of Vanillaware's 2D action game Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Aksys PR coordinator Russell Iriye confirmed with Joystiq that the game is currently penciled in for "early summer."

"We have not talked about a release date yet. Right now all we're saying is early summer. Within the next couple weeks we should be announcing that," Iriye said.

Aksys will also offer a pre-order bonus for early Muramasa Rebirth commitment, plus a limited edition. The standard edition will run $39.99, while the limited edition will cost $59.99. Iriye couldn't reveal any of the contents in the limited edition yet.

JoystiqMuramasa Rebirth finds new life on PS Vita 'early summer' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysAksys-Gamesgdc-2013Muramasa-the-Demon-Bladeplaystationplaystation-vitavanillawarevitaThu, 28 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda getting an EX version for X.B.L.A.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/a-r-e-s-extinction-agenda-getting-an-ex-version-for-x-b-l-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/a-r-e-s-extinction-agenda-getting-an-ex-version-for-x-b-l-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/a-r-e-s-extinction-agenda-getting-an-ex-version-for-x-b-l-a/#comments ARES Extinction Agenda EX coming to XBLAThe manic side-scrolling shooter A.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda, originally developed for Windows by a Thai developer named Extend Studio, is making its way to the Xbox Live Arcade in an extended version, courtesy of Origo Games and publisher Aksys Games. The console version of the title (which placed second in Microsoft's 2010 Dream.Build.Play. competition) will feature new controls, a new UI, redesigned maps and enemies, and new high resolution textures and animated cutscenes.

The XBLA version, called A.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda EX, will also include both the original soundtrack, and a new soundtrack for the second campaign by Peruvian heavy metal guitarist Charlie Parra Del Riego. Aksys hasn't announced a date or price for the game yet.

JoystiqA.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda getting an EX version for X.B.L.A. originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesares-extinction-agendaares-extinction-agenda-excharlie-parra-del-riegoextend-gamesmicrosoftorigo-gamespcshooterthailandxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeSat, 09 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Live and love as Keiji Inafune's niece in Sweet Fuse: By Your Side]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/live-and-love-as-keiji-inafunes-niece-in-sweet-fuse-by-your-si/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/live-and-love-as-keiji-inafunes-niece-in-sweet-fuse-by-your-si/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/live-and-love-as-keiji-inafunes-niece-in-sweet-fuse-by-your-si/#comments Live and love as Keiji Inafune's niece in Sweet Fuse By Your Side You are the fictional niece of game designer Keiji Inafune, visiting his new theme park for the first time. However, the terrorist Count Hogstein has invaded the park and kidnapped the staff on that very day. There's nothing for you to do but take part in Hogstein's twisted games, in an attempt to save Inafune and, perhaps, find love among the other participants.

This is possibly one of the best premises for a game ever, and definitely the best premise for an otome game, interesting enough for us to be curious despite the Idea Factory developer credit.

Aksys Games is bringing this unique romantic adventure, Sweet Fuse: At Your Side, to PSP in North America this summer.

Gallery: Sweet Fuse: By Your Side (PSP)

Continue reading Live and love as Keiji Inafune's niece in Sweet Fuse: By Your Side

JoystiqLive and love as Keiji Inafune's niece in Sweet Fuse: By Your Side originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gameskeiji-inafuneotomeplaystationplaystation-vitapspsonysweet-fusesweet-fuse-by-your-sidevitaMon, 18 Feb 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Aksys publishing Muramasa Rebirth for Vita in North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/aksys-publishing-muramasa-the-demon-blade-for-vita-in-north-ame/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/aksys-publishing-muramasa-the-demon-blade-for-vita-in-north-ame/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/aksys-publishing-muramasa-the-demon-blade-for-vita-in-north-ame/#comments Aksys publishing Muramasa The Demon Blade for Vita in North AmericaThe Vita version of Wii action game Muramasa: The Demon Blade will be published in North America by Aksys, Siliconera reports. Based on the 2009 game by Vanillaware, Muramasa Rebirth will have downloadable content adding new storylines and four new characters. The original followed amnesiac ninja Kisuke and possessed princess Momohime, traveling through an Edo-era Japan full of spirits and mythological monsters.

Aksys has not revealed a timeframe for the Vita port.

JoystiqAksys publishing Muramasa Rebirth for Vita in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesMuramasa-the-Demon-Bladeplaystationplaystation-vitavitaTue, 29 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi drops Feb. 19]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/hakuoki-warriors-of-the-shinsengumi-drops-feb-19/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/hakuoki-warriors-of-the-shinsengumi-drops-feb-19/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/hakuoki-warriors-of-the-shinsengumi-drops-feb-19/#comments Hakuoki Warriors of the Shinsengumi drops Feb 19Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi, the hack-and-slash PSP action game based on Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom (itself a PSP otome visual novel about getting hunky samurai to fall in love with you), will be available on February 19 in North America, Aksys has announced. Folks that pre-order the game through Amazon will receive a bandanna featuring the game's eight playable samurai.

Not so concerned with the heart's capacity to love as much as with its ability to be stabbed by swords, Warriors of the Shinsengumi follows young maiden Chizuru and her accompanying Shinsengumi on their quest to find her father. Players will be able to play through two versions of the game, one that follows Demon of the Fleeting Blossom's storyline and a second, alternate version.

Gallery: Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi

Continue reading Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi drops Feb. 19

JoystiqHakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi drops Feb. 19 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysAksys-GamesHakuoki-Demon-of-the-Fleeting-Blossomidea-factorynorth-americaotomeplaystationpsprelease-datesonyWed, 16 Jan 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit.Trip Saga coming to 3DS eShop December 20 for $15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/08/bit-trip-saga-coming-to-3ds-eshop-december-20-for-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/08/bit-trip-saga-coming-to-3ds-eshop-december-20-for-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/08/bit-trip-saga-coming-to-3ds-eshop-december-20-for-15/#comments Aksys Games is bringing Bit.Trip Saga, the Gaijin Games 3DS compilation that hit retail last year, to Nintendo's eShop on December 20. What's more, the collection will cost $14.99, saving players a whole bunch of dollars in addition to the convenience of the compilation being downloadable.

Bit.Trip Saga includes Bit.Trip Beat, Bit.Trip Core, Bit.Trip Void, Bit.Trip Runner, Bit.Trip Fate and Bit.Trip Flux. If our math is correct, that's only a couple dollars per game in the six-game bundle. What a deal!

Gallery: Bit.Trip Saga (3DS)

JoystiqBit.Trip Saga coming to 3DS eShop December 20 for $15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAksys-GamesBeatBit-Trip-Beatbit-trip-corebit-trip-fatebit-trip-fluxBit-Trip-Runnerbit-trip-sagaBit-Trip-Voidgaijin-gamesnintendoSat, 08 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtue's Last Reward merch sales going towards Sandy relief efforts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/virtues-last-reward-merch-sales-going-towards-sandy-relief-effo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/virtues-last-reward-merch-sales-going-towards-sandy-relief-effo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/virtues-last-reward-merch-sales-going-towards-sandy-relief-effo/#comments Virtue's Last Reward merch sales going towards Sandy relief effortsAs the Eastern Seaboard tries to recover from the devastation left in Hurricane Sandy's wake, it's encouraging to see Aksys Games doing its bit to help. The publisher is selling a limited supply of the Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward watches originally bundled with pre-orders, with all proceeds going to American Red Cross' Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

The watches are based on the ones characters wear in the 3DS and Vita sequel to 999. Each watch is going for $20, and there's a one-per-customer limit. You can purchase them through Aksys Games' online store.

JoystiqVirtue's Last Reward merch sales going towards Sandy relief efforts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaksys-gameschunsoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitavitazero-escape-virtues-last-rewardThu, 15 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hakuoki returns as a PSP action game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/hakuoki-returns-as-a-psp-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/hakuoki-returns-as-a-psp-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/hakuoki-returns-as-a-psp-action-game/#comments Hakuoki Warriors of the Shinsengumi Comes to US PSPYour favorite visual novel about romancing a group of samurai is about to get less romantic and more violent. Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi is a spinoff for PSP, in which you control the six characters from the previous game in an alternate history version of ... well, what was already an alternate history.

Set in the late Edo period in Japan, the story follows a young woman, Chizuru, searching for her lost father, accompanied by the Shinsengumi. Players will take control of any of the Hakuoki characters, in two modes, one faithful to the Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom storyline and one "alternate."

Aksys will release this unlikely spinoff on PSP "soon;" no specific date was revealed.

Gallery: Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi

Continue reading Hakuoki returns as a PSP action game

JoystiqHakuoki returns as a PSP action game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gameshakuoki-warriors-of-the-shinsengumiplaystationpspsonyWed, 31 Oct 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[BlazBlue hits 1.7 million copies sold worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/blazblue-hits-1-7-million-copies-sold-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/blazblue-hits-1-7-million-copies-sold-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/blazblue-hits-1-7-million-copies-sold-worldwide/#comments After four years and four iterations of Blazblue, Aksys announced recently that the Blazblue series sold 1.7 million copies worldwide. Of those copies, 800,000 were unloaded on US street fighters. In celebration of the series' third anniversary in the States, Aksys is holding several contests between now and October. Prizes include signed artwork from developer Arc System Works and an "exclusive" Blazblue wall banner. Details for the contests will be revealed "in the near future" at the official Blazblue site.

Arc System Works recently announced Xblaze, which may tie into the Blazblue series. Xblaze is slated for this fall. Meanwhile, Arc System Works' next game, Persona 4 Arena, will be released next week.

JoystiqBlazBlue hits 1.7 million copies sold worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaksysaksys-gamesarc-system-worksatlusblazbluemicrosoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitaxboxFri, 03 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rising Star and Aksys partner for American distribution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/rising-star-and-aksys-partner-for-american-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/rising-star-and-aksys-partner-for-american-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/rising-star-and-aksys-partner-for-american-distribution/#commentsImageRising Star Games will have help in its mission to release Japanese games in North America, coming from another company with a similar focus: Aksys Games.

Aksys announced that it will handle distribution duties for Rising Star's 2012 lineup, which currently consists of the Cave shooter Akai Katana and ... probably some other stuff, none of which has been announced. Given that Aksys has published Cave shooters itself, it would seem the partnership doesn't really take the publisher out of its comfort zone.

And that marks the only time Cave shooters have been referred to as a "comfort zone."

Continue reading Rising Star and Aksys partner for American distribution

JoystiqRising Star and Aksys partner for American distribution originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesdistributionmicrosoftrising-star-gamesxboxThu, 12 Apr 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[My first dance with Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/my-first-dance-with-runner2-future-legend-of-rhythm-alien/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/my-first-dance-with-runner2-future-legend-of-rhythm-alien/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/my-first-dance-with-runner2-future-legend-of-rhythm-alien/#comments Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien is easier than Bit.Trip Runner.

I'm saying this up front because I'm guessing the difficulty in Runner turned some would-be fans away, and I want those people to keep reading. If you liked the simple rhythm-platforming gameplay of Runner but hit a metaphorical wall after hitting so many literal walls, this will be more your speed. I think I got through about 8 stages in a row of fast-moving, autoscrolling, jumping, sliding, kicking gameplay without dying.

In fact, a lot of the game is designed to welcome lapsed or new players. The retro look has been replaced by a polygonal style that co-director Alex Neuse describes as "whimsical," with a rounded, cartoony CommanderVideo and cute creatures bouncing happily to the music. Cutscenes in a Saul Bass art style act as both exemplars of a popular style and, as co-director Mike Roush explained, a "stepping stone between the old style and the new style." bridges between the 2D Bit.Trip look and Runner2's in-game presentation. As an XBLA/PSN title, it's also available to people who couldn't play the WiiWare-based Runner. "So this is like, hey everyone, this is our fun little gameplay thing, rhythm music platformer, and we can all play it," Neuse said.

Even if you're a bad enough dude to enjoy the insane difficulty of Runner 1, there's plenty in the sequel to capture your interest. Like choices.

Continue reading My first dance with Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien

JoystiqMy first dance with Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesgaijin-gamesgdcgdc-2012microsoftplaystationps3psnrunner-2runner-2-future-legend-of-rhythm-alienxblaxboxWed, 14 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[There's 'Zero Escape' for 999 fans on 3DS and Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/theres-zero-escape-for-999-fans-on-3ds-and-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/theres-zero-escape-for-999-fans-on-3ds-and-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/theres-zero-escape-for-999-fans-on-3ds-and-vita/#comments Aksys Games and Chunsoft are springing a deathtrap on us all, with another really cool in-game watch to look at. The game we know as "Extreme Escape Adventure: Good People Die", a semi-sequel to 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors, is officially coming to North America ("by year's end") as Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward.

The adventure game will be sold on both 3DS and Vita (and both digitally and retail on Vita) and will feature extensive voice acting. You'll be able to play in both English and Japanese, so you can practice your Japanese reading while you try to save a group of strangers from a nefarious game of death.

JoystiqThere's 'Zero Escape' for 999 fans on 3DS and Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaksys-gameschunsoftextreme-escape-adventure-good-people-dienintendoplaystationplaystation-vitavitazero-escape-virtues-last-rewardTue, 28 Feb 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend review: Accessible insanity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/blazblue-continuum-shift-extend-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/blazblue-continuum-shift-extend-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/blazblue-continuum-shift-extend-review/#comments My experience with BlazBlue doesn't stretch beyond a few hours with the Xbox 360 version of the original, dramatically subtitled Calamity Trigger. Having pumped a few more hours into BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend, I can at least confirm that it remains a beautiful and eminently playable fighter with lots to offer and plenty to keep players busy.

Gallery: BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend (360/PS3 10/12/11)

Continue reading BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend review: Accessible insanity

JoystiqBlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend review: Accessible insanity originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysAksys-Gamesarc-system-worksblazblue-continuum-shift-extendmicrosoftplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaxboxMon, 27 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blazblue: Continuum Shift Extend limited edition revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/blazblue-continuum-shift-extend-limited-edition-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/blazblue-continuum-shift-extend-limited-edition-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/blazblue-continuum-shift-extend-limited-edition-revealed/#comments Blazblue: A Bunch of Words If you're looking to extend Blazblue: Contiuum Shift Extend just a bit more, you might want to pick up the limited edition. Aksys has revealed the contents of the package, which will only be available on Xbox 360 and PS3 -- i.e. the Vita version will not receive a limited edition. The package will feature a 40-page art book, a soundtrack CD and a calendar (so you can schedule your fights).

The package is available for pre-order now from GameStop or Amazon, with the romantic release date of February 14.

JoystiqBlazblue: Continuum Shift Extend limited edition revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysAksys-Gamesblazblue-continuum-shift-extendmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxWed, 11 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Early screenshot of Runner 2 slides out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/early-screenshot-of-runner-2-slides-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/early-screenshot-of-runner-2-slides-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/early-screenshot-of-runner-2-slides-out/#comments Every once in a while it's good for Gaijin Games to pop in and remind us that it's really making a sequel to Bit.Trip Runner; it wasn't a dream after all. The latest evidence of its existence in the waking world is the screenshot above.

It's early, lacking some elements like textures, but it's much less early than the fully placeholder art we saw in previous footage. And it's a good show of the fluid, cartoon-style look Gaijin Games has adopted for the new game.

JoystiqEarly screenshot of Runner 2 slides out originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesgaijin-gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrunner-2xblaxboxThu, 05 Jan 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA['Shifting World' brings world-flipping puzzle platforming to 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/shifting-world-brings-world-flipping-puzzle-platforming-to-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/shifting-world-brings-world-flipping-puzzle-platforming-to-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/shifting-world-brings-world-flipping-puzzle-platforming-to-3ds/#comments The Shift browser game series is being ... transferred to another platform. Aksys Games has announced a 3DS game based on the puzzle platformers, called Shifting World. Like the browser originals from Armor Games, Shifting World works by letting you switch between "black" and "white" mode at will, flipping gravity and altering which parts of the level are the floor, and which are the background.

Aksys and developer Fishing Cactus add a literal extra dimension of play by also putting "2D" and "3D" switching in the levels. There's also a "level generator of awesomeness" that makes levels from DataMatrix barcodes -- the same barcodes that appear to be the visual inspiration for the game.

Despite its windowed origins, Shifting World is making a move up to retail. Aksys is planning a 2012 release.

Continue reading 'Shifting World' brings world-flipping puzzle platforming to 3DS

Joystiq'Shifting World' brings world-flipping puzzle platforming to 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20123dsaksys-gamesarmor-gamesfishing-cactusnintendorelease-dateshiftshifting-worldTue, 06 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aksys Games on localizing the hot samurai of Hakuoki]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/aksys-games-on-localizing-the-hot-samurai-of-hakuoki/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/aksys-games-on-localizing-the-hot-samurai-of-hakuoki/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/aksys-games-on-localizing-the-hot-samurai-of-hakuoki/#comments During this month's Anime Expo, Aksys Games revealed plans to localize Idea Factory's Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom, a romance-centric visual novel for PSP, and one of the few games in that genre (called "otome" games, for a Japanese term for "maiden") ever to be officially localized for the West.

Following the bizarre announcement, I asked Aksys for more information on this relatively unfamiliar genre and this game in particular. So what exactly is an "otome" game? " In a loose sense," Aksys Games' lead editor Ben Bateman told Joystiq, "'otome' games are games targeted at girls, and are usually something in the vein of a visual novel. They usually focus on meeting, attracting, and developing a relationship with, one of a selection of several hot mans [sic]."

Continue reading Aksys Games on localizing the hot samurai of Hakuoki

JoystiqAksys Games on localizing the hot samurai of Hakuoki originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesben-batemanhakuokiHakuoki-Demon-Of-The-Fleeting-Blossomnoba-nakayamaplaystationpspsonyTue, 12 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aksys bringing 'otome' genre stateside with Hakuoki: Demon Of The Fleeting Blossom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/aksys-bringing-otome-genre-stateside-with-hakuoki-demon-of-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/aksys-bringing-otome-genre-stateside-with-hakuoki-demon-of-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/aksys-bringing-otome-genre-stateside-with-hakuoki-demon-of-th/#comments

Since this is the internet, most of you are probably aware that Japan produces a lot of games for genres that don't necessarily exist in other parts of the world. These games can get a little ridiculous at times, sure, but Aksys believes that the "otome" sub-genre of JRPGs is worth bringing to the western hemisphere.

Idea Factory's historical RPG Hakuoki: Demon Of The Fleeting Blossom will be North America's first widely available "otome." The game follows the story of Chizuru Yukimura, who encounters the Shinsengumi samurai clan while traveling through Edo-period Japan on a quest to find her missing father. As luck would have it, the Shinsengumi are also searching for her father, and together they to travel to the city of Hakuoki, which contains "supernatural secrets." (Read: ghosts or something.)

So, sounds like a JRPG, right? Why does this game land in the otome sub-genre, while others don't? Put simply, the "otome" (or "maiden") game is a romance novel for you PSP. In order to be considered an otome, a game must A) have a female protagonist, and B) also make obtaining the affections of a love interest as important as other main story goals. Unlike male-targeted dating sims, otome games contain little to no sexuality, as they are generally intended for female gamers in the pre-teen/tween/teenage demographic.

Aksys plans on bringing big-haired samurai lovin' to any PSP owner interested in that sort of thing sometime during the first quarter of 2012. Who knows, maybe this will finally pave the way for that When Harry Met Sally game we've always wanted from Telltale.

JoystiqAksys bringing 'otome' genre stateside with Hakuoki: Demon Of The Fleeting Blossom originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysAksys-GamesHakuoki-Demon-Of-The-Fleeting-Blossomidea-factoryJRPGotomeplaystationpspsonySun, 03 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit. Trip collections come to 3DS and Wii September 13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/bit-trip-collections-come-to-3ds-and-wii-september-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/bit-trip-collections-come-to-3ds-and-wii-september-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/bit-trip-collections-come-to-3ds-and-wii-september-13/#comments Bit. Trip Saga, the 3D-ized Bit.Trip compilation for 3DS, will arrive in stores on September 13. But if you'd rather play the games on the big screen -- and especially if you didn't buy all of them on Wii already -- there's another collection for you. Bit.Trip Complete collects all six WiiWare games on a single Wii disc, with a generous pile of extras.

120 new "challenges" have been added to the games in Bit.Trip Complete, along with new difficulty modes and leaderboards. In addition, there's an "audio gallery" of new songs, demo versions, and fan remixes of the series' signature sounds. Other bonuses include image and video galleries and a bundled soundtrack CD.

It'll be up to you how you want to experience these games -- handheld and in 3D, or on your TV with bonuses. You could always buy both in order to have the most options as to how you want to be mesmerized and frustrated.

Continue reading Bit. Trip collections come to 3DS and Wii September 13

JoystiqBit. Trip collections come to 3DS and Wii September 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaksys-gamesBeatBit-Trip-Beatbit-trip-completebit-trip-sagadsgaijin-gamesnintendoq3-2011release-datewiiFri, 24 Jun 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo mass announces Wii, DS game launch dates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/nintendo-mass-announces-wii-ds-game-launch-dates/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/nintendo-mass-announces-wii-ds-game-launch-dates/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/nintendo-mass-announces-wii-ds-game-launch-dates/#comments Clearly, Nintendo wants the back half of your year to have a strong financial plan. In two lengthy lists we spotted on the company's press site, everything from Kirby Wii to Pro Jumper! Chimaki's Hot Spring Tour Guilty Gear Tangent was given a more clear release date, with Kirby arriving some time in fall and the latter mystifying DSiWare shopgoers on June 23.

If one game starring a puffy pink monster just wasn't enough, how about one for your DS on September 19? 'Cause that's exactly when Kirby Mass Attack is launching. A whole mess of other release date/windows/seasons are categorized for your fiduciary planning needs, just beyond the break.

Continue reading Nintendo mass announces Wii, DS game launch dates

JoystiqNintendo mass announces Wii, DS game launch dates originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-playactivisionactivision-publishingaksys-gamesatlusd3-publisherd3publisherdisneydisney-interactivedsdsiwareeaelectronic-artskirby-wiinintendonintendo-eadrelease-daterelease-datessegatelegamesthqubisoftwb-interactivewbiewiiwiiwareSun, 12 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blazblue Continuum Shift 2 being 'considered' for Vita launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/blazblue-continuum-shift-2-being-considered-for-vita-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/blazblue-continuum-shift-2-being-considered-for-vita-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/blazblue-continuum-shift-2-being-considered-for-vita-launch/#comments We managed to endure Sony's deafening gathering in the LA Memorial Sports Arena just long enough to spot a PlayStation Vita version of Blazblue: Continuum Shift 2. An Aksys representative tells us it might end up with the subtitle of Continuum Shift 2 +.

The 2D fighter is likely to be a launch title for Sony's new handheld, though Aksys has yet to finalize a release date. Compared to the recently released 3DS and PSP games, the Vita version of Blazblue boasts sharp HD sprites and beautiful, vivid colors, thanks to the system's OLED screen.

Aside from some slowdown we encountered in a Ragna vs. Noel fight, it looks to be an excellent reproduction of the console versions (and will reflect their latest balancing updates). As an added bonus, the smaller screen obscures some of the jagged edges exhibited by the game's large sprites.

The Vita's flat, segmented d-pad played nicely with Blazblue's fast-paced combat, and an Aksys representative said that the development team is thinking of using the rear touchpad for something. Don't force it, guys!

JoystiqBlazblue Continuum Shift 2 being 'considered' for Vita launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesblazblueblazblue-continuum-shift-2e3e3-2011playstationplaystation-vitavitaTue, 07 Jun 2011 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[While supplies last: BlazBlue shirts for Japan relief]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/while-supplies-last-blazblue-shirts-for-japan-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/while-supplies-last-blazblue-shirts-for-japan-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/while-supplies-last-blazblue-shirts-for-japan-relief/#comments Aksys Games put stuff on sale last month and donated all the proceeds to earthquake relief for Japan. Now it's offering an even more generous charity initiative: it's selling a limited-edition shirt featuring cute BlazBlue characters and the word "hope," for $20. Not only do all the proceeds from sales go to relief efforts, but Aksys will match that contribution.

So, for your $20, $40 ends up going to help Japan, and you get an adorable t-shirt. Not bad! Don't think about it too hard -- according to the announcement, " They are limited in number, so if you want one, I suggest you buy one quickly when they go up."

JoystiqWhile supplies last: BlazBlue shirts for Japan relief originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaksys-gamesblazblueblazblue-continuum-shift-2dsearthquakejapanmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspshirtsonyxboxFri, 29 Apr 2011 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit.Trip Saga brings all six of CommanderVideo's adventures together on 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/bit-trip-saga-brings-all-six-of-commandervideos-adventures-toge/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/bit-trip-saga-brings-all-six-of-commandervideos-adventures-toge/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/bit-trip-saga-brings-all-six-of-commandervideos-adventures-toge/#comments Gaijin Games and publisher Aksys have revealed what those pseudo-cryptic Bit.Trip teasers were about: a retail collection of all six Bit.Trip games on 3DS, called Bit.Trip Saga.

Saga contains Bit.Trip Beat, Core, Void, Runner, Fate and Flux, all of which have been updated with 3D effects. Because staring at Bit.Trip Beat for 15 minutes didn't already effectively pull you into a trance state! The announcement offers no indication of how the motion-based controls in Beat will work, other than that they're "ultra-precise."

Continue reading Bit.Trip Saga brings all six of CommanderVideo's adventures together on 3DS

JoystiqBit.Trip Saga brings all six of CommanderVideo's adventures together on 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaksys-gamesbit-tripbit-trip-sagadsgaijin-gamesnintendoThu, 28 Apr 2011 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[BlazBlue: Continuum Shift patch, new character DLC coming in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/blazblue-continuum-shift-patch-new-character-dlc-coming-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/blazblue-continuum-shift-patch-new-character-dlc-coming-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/blazblue-continuum-shift-patch-new-character-dlc-coming-in-may/#comments Two updates are coming to the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of BlazBlue: Continuum Shift in May -- one free (to you), and one paid. A patch is being prepared, intended to alter the game balance of the console versions to be in line with the arcade release of Continuum Shift 2.

It will also add new tutorials, new Challenge Mode content for every character, and tweaks and updates to the online mode and its interface. The patch also fixes a problem with Valkenhayn's Achievements in the Xbox 360 version. This won't cost you anything to download, but Aksys will still benefit financially -- the update also puts an ad banner on some in-game screens.

The same month, Aksys will release a new DLC character, Platinum the Trinity, who will have new Achievements and Trophies to unlock. This character will cost $7.99 or 560 Microsoft Points.

Gallery: BlazBlue: Continuum Shift (Platinum DLC)

Continue reading BlazBlue: Continuum Shift patch, new character DLC coming in May

JoystiqBlazBlue: Continuum Shift patch, new character DLC coming in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesarc-system-worksblazblueblazblue-continuum-shiftdlcmicrosoftplaystationps3updatexboxSun, 17 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blazblue: Continuum Shift 2 coming to PSP and 3DS May 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/blazblue-continuum-shift-2-coming-to-psp-and-3ds-may-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/blazblue-continuum-shift-2-coming-to-psp-and-3ds-may-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/blazblue-continuum-shift-2-coming-to-psp-and-3ds-may-31/#comments Nintendo said that the 3DS version of Blazblue: Continuum Shift 2 would be out in North America on May 24, but publisher Aksys offered a different timetable today, when it officially announced the PSP and 3DS releases of Arc System Works' fighter.

The bad news is that CS2 will actually arrive a week later, on May 31. The good news is that it won't have to needlessly compete with Dead or Alive Dimensions by being released on the same day! We have galleries of each version, so the PSP and 3DS releases can battle one-on-one for your fighting game budget. There's also a trailer after the break.

Gallery: BlazBlue: Continuum Shift 2 (PSP)

Gallery: BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2 (3DS)

Continue reading Blazblue: Continuum Shift 2 coming to PSP and 3DS May 31

JoystiqBlazblue: Continuum Shift 2 coming to PSP and 3DS May 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaksys-gamesarc-system-worksblazblue-continuum-shift-2dsnintendoplaystationpspq2-2011release-datesonyFri, 15 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Arcana Heart 3 coming to North America as PSN download]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/arcana-heart-3-coming-to-north-america-as-psn-download/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/arcana-heart-3-coming-to-north-america-as-psn-download/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/arcana-heart-3-coming-to-north-america-as-psn-download/#commentsAksys did two things today to maintain its status as a favorite publisher among fighting game nerds: (1) announced that it's localizing Arcana Heart 3, the third game in Examu's bizarre anime-girl 2D fighting series; and (2) in that announcement, said that the game is being released on PSN in North America.

In doing so, however, the publisher also did one thing that might incite a bit of rage among some fighting game nerds: Aksys is only releasing the game on PSN (for PS3) in North America. In Japan, the fighter was released on disc for PS3 and Xbox 360. While it might be a loss for Xbox players, we're going to assume PS3 owners will be able to pick up the digital release for a bit less than it would cost them to import the disc version -- which sells for ¥7,140 ($86!).

If you're unfamiliar with the series, Arcana Heart 3 is a hand-drawn 2D fighter featuring a cast of 23 female combatants, who can be paired with 23 different "Arcana" spirits to augment their abilities. Arcana Heart 3 includes three characters new to the series: Weiss, Eko and Scharlachrot, as well as a new, optional simplified control scheme for new players. It'll be available this spring; and a trailer is available right now, after the break.

Gallery: Arcana Heart 3 (PSN)

Continue reading Arcana Heart 3 coming to North America as PSN download

JoystiqArcana Heart 3 coming to North America as PSN download originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesarcana-heart-3examuplaystationps3psnq2-2011release-datespring-2011Tue, 15 Feb 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit.Trip Flux keeps CommanderVideo alive Feb. 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/bit-trip-flux-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/bit-trip-flux-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/bit-trip-flux-release-date/#commentsCommanderVideo, hero of the Bit.Trip series, will finish his journey through psychedelic techno-scapes of attacking pixels on February 28 in North America, and February 25 in Europe, according to developer Gaijin Games. Those are the dates when Bit. Trip Flux will be released on WiiWare.

In the announcement of the release dates, Gaijin's Alex Neuse revealed that there is no "Game Over" result in Flux -- which is a pretty sharp contrast from the other five Bit.Trip games, in which "game over" is basically the natural state. "To help tell the story of CommanderVideo's transition back to The Source," he said, "we wanted to convey the point that it is an unstoppable pull which draws him home. For this reason, there is no Game Over."

Flux is designed to be completed in a single session, something that "most players" will be able to do. The challenge will be in reaching and sustaining the "Meta Mode" for as long as possible by hitting consecutive beats. "But the primary goal of Flux is to be an exploration of visual beauty, aural splendor, graceful gameplay, and how it feels to be lost in the beauty of life," Neuse added, "while reminiscing about all the events that led CommanderVideo to this, his purest form."

Continue reading Bit.Trip Flux keeps CommanderVideo alive Feb. 28

JoystiqBit.Trip Flux keeps CommanderVideo alive Feb. 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesbit-tripbit-trip-fluxgaijin-gamesnintendoq1-2011release-datewiiwiiwareMon, 14 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Dragon iPhone remake due out in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/double-dragon-iphone-remake/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/double-dragon-iphone-remake/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/double-dragon-iphone-remake/#commentsWe want to be happy about the fact that Aksys Games is publishing a new remake of the classic Double Dragon -- because we like Double Dragon -- but a couple of complications have us a bit worried. First, it's being developed not by Million -- the company built from the original Technos team that made Double Dragon -- but by mobile game developer Brizo Interactive.

Second, and most troubling ... it's an iPhone game. Aksys promises an "easy-to-use on-screen controller and combo system," but we're justifiably wary of any kind of beat-em-up port for iPhone -- especially since the "controller" looks a lot like a regular old virtual pad and buttons in the screenshots. Still, we like the Neo Geo-esque visual makeover.

We'll find out if this remake Double Dragon is good or Abobo-minable when it comes out in March.

Gallery: Double Dragon iPhone

Continue reading Double Dragon iPhone remake due out in March

JoystiqDouble Dragon iPhone remake due out in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesbrizo-interactivedouble-dragondouble-dragon-iphoneiphonemobileq1-2011release-dateFri, 11 Feb 2011 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit. Trip Flux trailer will delight and frighten you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/bit-trip-flux-trailer-will-delight-and-frighten-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/bit-trip-flux-trailer-will-delight-and-frighten-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/bit-trip-flux-trailer-will-delight-and-frighten-you/#commentsAre you ready to be simultaneously soothed and terrified? This emotional paradox is brought to you by Gaijin Games, who released the first trailer for Bit. Trip Flux.

The final Bit. Trip game, which returns to the Pongery of Bit. Trip Beat, is revealed in this trailer to have wonderful, dreamy visuals, catchy music with themes from previous games ... and insane patterns of flying Beat dots that makes the first game seem manageable. This game is going to kill us.

Continue reading Bit. Trip Flux trailer will delight and frighten you

JoystiqBit. Trip Flux trailer will delight and frighten you originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesbit-tripbit-trip-fluxgaijin-gamesnintendowiiTue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlazBlue Continuum Shift DLC discounted now on Xbox Live, Jan. 4 on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/blazblue-continuum-shift-dlc-discounted-now-on-xbox-live-jan-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/blazblue-continuum-shift-dlc-discounted-now-on-xbox-live-jan-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/blazblue-continuum-shift-dlc-discounted-now-on-xbox-live-jan-4/#comments'Tis the season for Valkenhayn R. Hellsing! It seems that way, at least, as Aksys has announced a sale on BlazBlue: Continuum Shift DLC, including Mr. Hellsing and other downloadable characters.

Today through January 7 on Xbox Live, and from January 4 through January 25 on PSN, you'll be able to pick up all the Continuum Shift downloads at a discount. If you were ever going to pay money for a different color scheme for your characters, now would be the time, since those are half-off. As for more substantive downloads, the unlock for the character Mu-12 is just a dollar, with Makoto and Valkenhayn available for $4.50 each. See the full list after the break.

Continue reading BlazBlue Continuum Shift DLC discounted now on Xbox Live, Jan. 4 on PSN

JoystiqBlazBlue Continuum Shift DLC discounted now on Xbox Live, Jan. 4 on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysaksys-gamesblazblueblazblue-continuum-shiftdlcmicrosoftplaystationps3psnxblmxboxxbox-liveTue, 21 Dec 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Debut Bit.Trip Flux screens give us deja vu]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/debut-bit-trip-flux-screens-give-us-deja-vu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/debut-bit-trip-flux-screens-give-us-deja-vu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/debut-bit-trip-flux-screens-give-us-deja-vu/#comments You'll forgive us if we make an obvious observation here, but these first screenshots of Bit.Trip Flux look very ... familiar. Perhaps it's because of our recent proclivity to play Bit.Trip Beat on the iPhone every chance we get, but the images -- unlocked by Extra Lives after completing "Day 17" in the Flash-based indie game Mission in Snowdriftland -- look similar to the very first game in Gaijin Games' Bit.Trip series.

One item of note: The Flux images appear to show a reverse version of Beat's right-to-left gameplay. We're not sure what other difficult twists Gaijin has in store for this sixth and final Bit.Trip, but we could use some reassuring right about now.

Gallery: Bit.Trip Flux (first screens)


[Thanks Anthony!]

JoystiqDebut Bit.Trip Flux screens give us deja vu originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesbit-tripbit-trip-fluxgaijin-gamesmission-in-snowdriftlandnintendowiiwiiwareFri, 17 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Bit.Trip game is called 'Bit.Trip Flux']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/final-bit-trip-game-is-called-bit-trip-flux/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/final-bit-trip-game-is-called-bit-trip-flux/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/final-bit-trip-game-is-called-bit-trip-flux/#commentsGaijin Games has (unintentionally) teamed up with the German USK ratings board to reveal the title for the sixth and final Bit.Trip game: Bit.Trip Flux. Yesterday, the developer put up a blog post titled "Flux," with poetic text that really looks like it's hiding some secret code. "A lesson is learned. Life is. Simply. There is no death. There is no before. There is no after. All is in flux. Simply." In addition, the USK posted a rating for an Aksys-published game called Bit.Trip Flux, which is a lot less cryptic.

Even if we can't surmise any details about the game from this title or the blog post, it's basically enough to know that it's another Bit.Trip game. We're intrigued!

JoystiqFinal Bit.Trip game is called 'Bit.Trip Flux' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesbit-tripbit-trip-fluxgaijin-gamesnintendowiiwiiwareTue, 30 Nov 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Give yourself a few minutes to read about Jikandia: The Timeless Land]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/give-yourself-a-few-minutes-to-read-about-jikandia-the-timeless/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/give-yourself-a-few-minutes-to-read-about-jikandia-the-timeless/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/give-yourself-a-few-minutes-to-read-about-jikandia-the-timeless/#commentsDo you like games from Opus Studio that combine retro-style graphics, RPG gameplay and time-compression gimmicks? Well, good news: now you have more than just Half-Minute Hero through which to experience that unique combination. Aksys Games is localizing Jikan de Fantasia for PSP as Jikandia: The Timeless Land, due Spring 2011.

Jikandia is a unique side-scrolling dungeon RPG in which players set the time limits for each dungeon -- which, in turn, affects the treasure quality and the difficulty of the dungeon. Players control a boy from our world drawn into Jikandia, a once-timeless place that is now experiencing linear time, as a "champion," searching for his missing friends. Of course, given the random-dungeon style of gameplay, you probably won't need to spend much time worrying about the story.

Gallery: Jikandia: The Timeless Land

JoystiqGive yourself a few minutes to read about Jikandia: The Timeless Land originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesjikan-de-fantasiajikandia-the-timeless-landopus-studioplaystationpspq1-2011q2-2011release-datesonyThu, 25 Nov 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit. Trip Fate review: A trip to bullet hell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/bit-trip-fate-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/bit-trip-fate-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/bit-trip-fate-review/#commentsBit. Trip Runner, the last game in Gaijin Games' six-part WiiWare series, appeared to be about freedom, with blue skies and open spaces abounding -- but there was literally only one correct path through any level, and the game dictated with exacting detail the timing of your movements on that path. In contrast, Bit. Trip Fate is all gloomy, subterranean worlds, with Commander Video trapped both inside a glowing sphere and held to an explicit path -- but the player has both more freedom of movement and more freedom to make mistakes.

I don't really have a point to make here; I just wanted to start my review with something other than "Bit. Trip Fate is so hard."

Gallery: Bit.Trip Fate (10/25/10)

Continue reading Bit. Trip Fate review: A trip to bullet hell

JoystiqBit. Trip Fate review: A trip to bullet hell originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesbit-tripbit-trip-fategaijin-gamesnintendowiiwiiwareMon, 01 Nov 2010 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Deathsmiles standard edition available next week from GameStop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/deathsmiles-standard-edition-available-next-week-from-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/deathsmiles-standard-edition-available-next-week-from-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/deathsmiles-standard-edition-available-next-week-from-gamestop/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you want to play Cave's Xbox 360 shmup Deathsmiles, but don't need a big box or a faceplate, you'll be able to pick it up cheaply next week. A listing on GameStop.com revealed a standard version of Deathsmiles, coming out for Xbox 360 on September 28 for $29.99.

A representative of Aksys Games confirmed the release to Joystiq, saying that "the Deathsmiles Standard Edition will be $29.99 at GameStop for now." If you buy this and then something falls on your Xbox 360, cracking your current faceplate ... be sure to tell us. We'll do our best to be sympathetic while marveling at this unlikely, ironic happenstance.

JoystiqDeathsmiles standard edition available next week from GameStop originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamescavedeathsmilesgamestopmicrosoftshmupxboxFri, 24 Sep 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[999 pre-order bonus timely, fitting, disturbing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/999-pre-order-bonus-timely-fitting-disturbing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/999-pre-order-bonus-timely-fitting-disturbing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/999-pre-order-bonus-timely-fitting-disturbing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The pre-order bonus for 999: 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors is appropriately enough a watch version of the device worn by the nine persons in the game. Of course, unlike the gizmo in the sinister scenario, this thing won't blow up if you're a failure. The item will only be available online by pre-ordering from GameStop.com. Check it out over at GoNintendo.

Joystiq999 pre-order bonus timely, fitting, disturbing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>999999-9-hours-9-persons-9-doorsaksysAksys-GamesdsnintendoThu, 16 Sep 2010 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gladiator Begins review: Do I not entertain?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/gladiator-begins-review-do-i-not-entertain/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/gladiator-begins-review-do-i-not-entertain/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/gladiator-begins-review-do-i-not-entertain/#comments Despite its long list of problems, Gladiator Begins gets the most important thing right: beating, bashing and slicing dudes feels good. It's just as well, because that's the only thing this PSP game ever lets you do.

The premise is simple to a fault: You hop in a box with Roman slaves and then stab 'em until they're dead. That's it. For some, non-stop brawling makes for the best kind of action game; the beat-'em-up genre's survived on this kind of repetition. Gladiator even takes advantage of a handful of elements inspired by role-playing, which keeps things from getting stale too quickly.

Gallery: Gladiator Begins

Continue reading Gladiator Begins review: Do I not entertain?

JoystiqGladiator Begins review: Do I not entertain? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquireAksys-Gamesgladiator-beginsplaystationpspsonyWed, 08 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA['999' to ensnare North America this November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/999-set-to-ensnare-north-america-this-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/999-set-to-ensnare-north-america-this-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/999-set-to-ensnare-north-america-this-november/#commentsFiled under: , ,

999999: 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors, a graphical text adventure released in Japan last December, will challenge North American audiences this November. Aksys Games confirmed last month that the unusual DS title would ship across the ocean, but didn't offer a release window at the time.

With a premise akin to Saw (the movie and game), 999 involves nine people who are locked behind nine doors on an old passenger ferry. They have only nine hours to solve various puzzles before they drown, and are unable to contact Professor Layton for help.

Joystiq'999' to ensnare North America this November originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>999999-9-hours-9-persons-9-doorsaksysAksys-Gamesdsnine-hours-nine-persons-nine-doorsnintendoTue, 31 Aug 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[BlazBlue: Continuum Shift 2 throws down in Japanese arcades this winter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/blazblue-continuum-shift-2-throws-down-in-japanese-arcades-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/blazblue-continuum-shift-2-throws-down-in-japanese-arcades-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/blazblue-continuum-shift-2-throws-down-in-japanese-arcades-this/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yo dawg, we made a sequel to your sequel so you could sequel while you sequeled -- ahem, sorry, we couldn't help ourselves. Andriasang reports that Aksys Games has announced the next entry in the BlazBlue series for Japanese arcades, BlazBlue: Continuum Shift 2. The new arcade game will debut at the Amusement Machine Show on September 9.

The game will launch in Japanese arcades this winter and (so far) adds one new character, Valkenhayn R Hellsing. He was recently announced as the second DLC character for the home console versions of BlazBlue: Continuum Shift and has been priced at ¥800 (560 Microsoft Points) in Japan. We suspect his price tag here will be the same, especially since Makoto, the first announced DLC character for CS, is priced accordingly.

JoystiqBlazBlue: Continuum Shift 2 throws down in Japanese arcades this winter originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysaksys-gamesarc-system-worksarcadesblazblue-continuum-shiftblazblue-continuum-shift-2fightingjapanThu, 26 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST