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[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[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[Virtue rewarded: Zero Escape demo out for Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/virtue-rewarded-zero-escape-demo-out-for-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/virtue-rewarded-zero-escape-demo-out-for-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/virtue-rewarded-zero-escape-demo-out-for-vita/#comments Virtue rewarded Zero Escape demo out for VitaA demo for Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward is now available for the PlayStation Vita. If you don't recall, Virtue's Last Reward is the sequel to 999: 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors, which was released on the DS in 2010. The game is a visual novel with some point-and-click puzzle elements, all revolving around a sinister game of death (is there any other kind?).

You can grab the demo now on PSN.

JoystiqVirtue rewarded: Zero Escape demo out for Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksyschunsoftdemoplaystationplaystation-vitapsnvitazero-escape-virtues-last-rewardWed, 03 Oct 2012 14:00:00 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[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[Bit.Trip Saga UK launch pushed forward to March 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/bit-trip-saga-uk-launch-pushed-forward-to-march-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/bit-trip-saga-uk-launch-pushed-forward-to-march-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/bit-trip-saga-uk-launch-pushed-forward-to-march-16/#comments Ah, the rare anti-delay, a happenstance so seldom seen in the gaming world that its occurrence should be marked by fireworks and a ticker-tape parade. Those things cost money, though, and our budget is still tapped out from smuggling our Editor in Chief out of South Africa, so this post will have to suffice.

Bit.Trip Saga's UK release date has been changed from March 26 to March 16, according to Pocket Gamer, and while that's still 6 months after the North American release, it is earlier than we were all expecting.

JoystiqBit.Trip Saga UK launch pushed forward to March 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAksysanti-delaybit-tripbit-trip-sagadelayEUeuropegaijin-gamesnintendorelease-dateSat, 18 Feb 2012 15:00:00 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[Record of Agarest War 2 hitting North America, Europe summer 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/record-of-agarest-war-2-hitting-north-america-europe-summer-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/record-of-agarest-war-2-hitting-north-america-europe-summer-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/record-of-agarest-war-2-hitting-north-america-europe-summer-201/#comments

Record of Agarest War 2 is coming to North America and Europe in summer 2012 for PS3, American publisher Aksys Games announced. Record of Agarest War 2 will be in HD and include a revamped grid battle system and a remastered world, as seen in the above video of the Japanese version. The title will also include bathtub, shiatsu and massage minigames compatible with PlayStation Move. We don't have a video for those ones, but we think you can imagine what playing a massage game on Move may look like.

Continue reading Record of Agarest War 2 hitting North America, Europe summer 2012

JoystiqRecord of Agarest War 2 hitting North America, Europe summer 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysplaystationps3Record-of-Agarest-War-2Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend reaches out to North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/blazblue-continuum-shift-extend-reaches-out-to-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/blazblue-continuum-shift-extend-reaches-out-to-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/blazblue-continuum-shift-extend-reaches-out-to-north-america/#comments Back at E3, Aksys mentioned it was open to the possibility of offering BlazBlue as a PlayStation Vita launch title. Today, the company announced BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend is coming to North America and will be available simultaneously on PlayStation Vita, PS3 and Xbox 360.

BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend will feature balance tweaks for the entire roster of characters -- which includes previous DLC-only fighters, a new character, and complete story modes for these guys -- plus some online tweaks. There are also some new single-player modes to indulge in, such as Abyss mode and Unlimited Mars mode. As for the latter, no, we don't think it just plays Total Recall on loop. Sorry.

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


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

Continue reading BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend reaches out to North America

JoystiqBlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend reaches out to North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysblazblue-continuum-shift-extendmicrosoftplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaxboxWed, 12 Oct 2011 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Dragon iPhone update adds compatibility with older iOS versions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/double-dragon-iphone-update-adds-compatibility-with-older-ios-ve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/double-dragon-iphone-update-adds-compatibility-with-older-ios-ve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/double-dragon-iphone-update-adds-compatibility-with-older-ios-ve/#comments We know what you're thinking: "I sure do love Double Dragon on my iPhone, but I wish the lights in Stage 5 were slightly higher, and the hit-box on this whip a bit longer." A beautiful dream, right? Wrong. A beautiful reality.

Brizo Interactive has peered into the minds of Dragons everywhere and released an update for its remake of yesteryear's classic beat-em-up, based on your wants and needs. In addition to moving the lights in Stage 5 "slightly higher," Brizo has also added support for iOS versions older than 4.0, "adjusted CPU and memory consumption," and added a transparency option for the game's touch controls, among other adjustments. Sometimes dreams really do come true.

Continue reading Double Dragon iPhone update adds compatibility with older iOS versions

JoystiqDouble Dragon iPhone update adds compatibility with older iOS versions originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysbrizo-interactiveDouble-Dragondouble-dragon-iphonemobileSat, 30 Jul 2011 21:30:00 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[Double Dragon punches iOS in the gut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/double-dragon-punches-ios-in-the-gut/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/double-dragon-punches-ios-in-the-gut/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/double-dragon-punches-ios-in-the-gut/#comments Beat-'em-ups are woefully under-represented on the App Store, but one of the genre's earliest classics has arrived to help fill the void. Enter the ... Double Dragon. Aksys Games has released Taito's seminal scrapper in updated form, compliments of developer Brizo Interactive, for an "introductory price" of $3.99 -- steep, yes, but set to increase to $7.99 at an unspecified point.

App Store reviews of the game -- which is ported from the Zeebo platform -- are mixed so far, with most complaints focused on the unnecessarily large (and opaque) "control panel." Still, it's said to be faithful to the original's gameplay and features multiple unlockable characters. See Billy and Jimmy get their clobber on after the break.

Continue reading Double Dragon punches iOS in the gut

JoystiqDouble Dragon punches iOS in the gut originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaksysapplebow-mobiledouble-dragondouble-dragon-iphoneiosipod-touchmobileMon, 07 Mar 2011 23:59:00 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[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['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<![CDATA[Review: BlazBlue: Continuum Shift]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/review-blazblue-continuum-shift/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/review-blazblue-continuum-shift/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/review-blazblue-continuum-shift/#comments It's hard to avoid comparing BlazBlue: Continuum Shift with Super Street Fighter IV. Both are budget-priced updates that add new characters and modes to existing fighting games. But where Capcom's offering improves on its predecessor by expanding the character roster and retooling the online experience, BlazBlue: Continuum Shift's biggest selling point is that it makes it surprisingly easy for newcomers to get in on the action.

Gallery: BlazBlue Continuum Shift

Continue reading Review: BlazBlue: Continuum Shift

JoystiqReview: BlazBlue: Continuum Shift originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysaksys-gamesarc-system-worksblazblue-continuum-shiftmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxTue, 27 Jul 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gladiator Begins fighting for North American PSP audience]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/gladiator-begins-fighting-for-north-american-psp-audience/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/gladiator-begins-fighting-for-north-american-psp-audience/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/gladiator-begins-fighting-for-north-american-psp-audience/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Acquire's Kentoushi Gladiator Begins, a PSP game more famous for its advertising than for its gameplay, is headed to North America, courtesy of Aksys Games. In Gladiator Begins, you'll get to master several fighting implements like the sword and shield, polearm, and even your own fists in your quest to defeat other gladiators, entertain bloodthirsty crowds, and attract the attention of one of five patrons.

While Aksys didn't announce a release date for the game, a subsequent announcement lets us know exactly when we'll get to play part of the game. A demo for the arena combat game will be available on PSN July 13.

JoystiqGladiator Begins fighting for North American PSP audience originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcquireaksysAksys-GamesDemoFightingGladiator-BeginsplaystationPSNpspMon, 28 Jun 2010 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Bit.Trip Runner]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/review-bit-trip-runner/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/review-bit-trip-runner/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/review-bit-trip-runner/#commentsBit.Trip Runner is profoundly difficult, as anyone who has played a previous Bit.Trip game would guess. It's probably one of the hardest games I've ever played, and in a way that most developers don't dare to make their games. Basically, if you already have high blood pressure or a short fuse, you should stay far away from Bit.Trip Runner. And if you don't, you should wear the Wii wrist strap while playing. Not because it uses motion controls, but because you'll occasionally get the impulse to throw something.

If that doesn't scare you off -- if you welcome the challenge, or are a patient person in general, perhaps with access to the occasional cup of soothing tea -- then you'd do well to try out Gaijin Games' rhythmic, nostalgic version of the side-scrolling platformer.

Continue reading Review: Bit.Trip Runner

JoystiqReview: Bit.Trip Runner originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysAksys-Gamesbit-tripbit-trip-runnergaijin-gamesNintendoRunnerWiiwiiwareTue, 25 May 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Bit.Trip Runner, Looksley's Line Up, Kirby Super Star]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/nintendoware-weekly-bit-trip-runner-looksleys-line-up-kirby/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/nintendoware-weekly-bit-trip-runner-looksleys-line-up-kirby/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/nintendoware-weekly-bit-trip-runner-looksleys-line-up-kirby/#comments It's quite the week for the DSi and Wii as far as downloadables go -- Bit.Trip Runner arrives on WiiWare today and EA, Tecmo Koei and Konami all offer solid titles for DSiWare. Oh, and you can finally get your hands on Looksley's Line Up, the interesting 3D DSiWare game from Nintendo. There's even a new Virtual Console game starring a certain hungry pink blob to check out!

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Bit.Trip Runner, Looksley's Line Up, Kirby Super Star

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Bit.Trip Runner, Looksley's Line Up, Kirby Super Star originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-topsy-turvy-lifeaksysaksys-gamesbit-trip-runnerblood-beachDSdsiwareeaElectronic-Artsflipsflips-more-bloody-horowitzfroggerfrogger-returnsgaijin-gameskirby-super-starkonamilooksleys-line-upNintendonintendoware-weeklysnesTecmotecmo-koeivirtual-consoleWiiwiiwareMon, 17 May 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit. Trip Runner crosses the finish line in Europe first]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/bit-trip-runner-crosses-the-finish-line-in-europe-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/bit-trip-runner-crosses-the-finish-line-in-europe-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/bit-trip-runner-crosses-the-finish-line-in-europe-first/#commentsBit.Trip Beat hit Europe a month after it arrived in North America, as did Core. Void was almost three months behind. However, European Wii owners won't have to wait in agony while the western hemisphere enjoys Bit.Trip Runner. In a brief announcement, Gaijin Games revealed that the chiptune-filled rhythm platformer will be released in Europe in Australia on May 14, three days before it arrives in North America.

To help you decide whether or not this is welcome news, we've embedded the trailer. You'll find this out when you watch, but spoiler alert: yes, this is probably great news if you're a PAL gamer.

JoystiqBit. Trip Runner crosses the finish line in Europe first originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysaksys-gamesaustraliabit-tripbit-trip-runnereuropegaijin-gamesrelease-dateretrorhythmRunnerwiiwareMon, 03 May 2010 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BlazBlue: Continuum Shift FightStick is blazing, blue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/blazblue-continuum-shift-fightstick-is-blazing-blue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/blazblue-continuum-shift-fightstick-is-blazing-blue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/blazblue-continuum-shift-fightstick-is-blazing-blue/#comments
click to enter our Tournament Edition Gallery
Do you want a Mad Catz Tournament Edition FightStick, but ... bluer? Mad Catz and Aksys have just announced a BlazBlue: Continuum Shift FightStick, featuring imagery from the upcoming BlazBlue sequel. Like the latest revision of the Super Street Fighter IV stick, this controller features genuine Sanwa parts and internal storage for the 13-foot cable.

Only 3,000 sticks will be produced: 1,500 each for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The only place you'll be able to get one is through Aksys's online store. Pre-orders will ship in June for $199.99. With those limited quantities, if you want one, you should probably look into that soon. We're holding out for a BlayzBloo DS arcade stick.

Gallery: BlazBlue Continuum Shift FightSticks

JoystiqBlazBlue: Continuum Shift FightStick is blazing, blue originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysarcade-stickblazblueBlazBlue-Continuum-Shiftfightstickjoystickmad-catzmadcatzMicrosoftXbox-360Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Record of Agarest War on PSN this week, requires 18GB of free space]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/record-of-agarest-war-on-psn-this-week-requires-18gb-of-free-sp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/record-of-agarest-war-on-psn-this-week-requires-18gb-of-free-sp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/record-of-agarest-war-on-psn-this-week-requires-18gb-of-free-sp/#comments Aksys' not-actually-very-erotic-but-being-marketed-that-way SRPG Record of Agarest War is finally coming to the North American PlayStation Store this week. Available this Thursday for $44.99, the only way you'll be able to play this game on PS3 is to download the game via PSN. However, don't expect to play the game right away. As promised, it's a hefty download: 10GB.

However, while the download is 10GB, you'll need 18GB of free space on your hard drive in order to complete the installation. To see how much free space you have, go to System Settings -> System Information on the XMB. If you plan on having the game download and install overnight, go to Users -> Turn Off System once you queue up the download, so that your PS3 can automatically shut down after installing the game.

JoystiqRecord of Agarest War on PSN this week, requires 18GB of free space originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksyspsnrecord-of-agarest-warsrpgTue, 27 Apr 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB: Cute BlazBlue spinoff bound for North American DSiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/esrb-cute-blazblue-spinoff-bound-for-north-american-dsiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/esrb-cute-blazblue-spinoff-bound-for-north-american-dsiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/esrb-cute-blazblue-spinoff-bound-for-north-american-dsiware/#commentsIf you prefer your fighting games adorable, you've probably been keeping an eye on BlazBlue: Battle x Battle, a four-player DSiWare fighter starring chibi versions of the characters from BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger. The ESRB just telegraphed plans by Aksys to localize the downloadable fighter -- under the strange title Blayzbloo: Super Melee Brawlers Battle Royale.

Why "Blayzbloo"? Arc System Works differentiated the DSiWare game from the original title by spelling "BlazBlue" in Japanese hiragana, rather than the English alphabet used for the main series. To preserve the change without using a different writing system, Aksys spelled it differently. It's pretty whimsical.

Speaking of whimsy, the ESRB description of the arena fighting game describes the following modes: " last-man standing, hitting opponents to collect soba noodles, and capture-the-flag." We're contacting Aksys to find out when you'll be able to fight for noodles.

JoystiqESRB: Cute BlazBlue spinoff bound for North American DSiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysaksys-gamesblayzblooblayzbloo-super-melee-brawlers-battle-royaleblazblueblazblue-battle-x-battleDSdsiwareesrbfightingNintendoMon, 26 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Aksys resurrects 'River City' name for DS sports games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/aksys-resurrects-river-city-name-for-ds-sports-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/aksys-resurrects-river-city-name-for-ds-sports-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/aksys-resurrects-river-city-name-for-ds-sports-games/#commentsThe latest announcement from Aksys games includes two surprises. It doesn't come as a shock that the company would choose to localize Kunio-kun no Chou Nekketsu Daiundokai (Kunio's Extreme Hot-Blooded Athletic Meet) for DS -- Aksys is fairly reliable about picking up everything Arc System Works releases in Japan, and it published the last new Kunio game for DS, Super Dodgeball Brawlers, in 2008.

However, in addition to the multi-sporting event game (a sort of sequel to the NES game Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge), it also announced a new Kunio soccer game that hasn't even been announced in Japan. You may be familiar with Nintendo World Cup for the NES -- that was originally a Kunio game too. Much like Super Dodgeball Brawlers, you can expect both of these to be revivals of NES sport classics.

The other big surprise is the naming scheme Aksys has adopted. Building on the popularity of the best-known Kunio game -- River City Ransom -- these games are being localized as River City Super Sports Challenge and River City Soccer Hooligans. That's basically enough for us to pretend they're really odd River City Ransom sequels. Aksys hasn't dated either game yet.

JoystiqAksys resurrects 'River City' name for DS sports games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysDSkunioNintendoriver-city-ransomriver-city-soccer-hooligansriver-city-super-sports-challengeWed, 17 Feb 2010 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[BlazBlue: Continuum Shift gaining a character in console port]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/blazblue-continuum-shift-gaining-a-character-in-console-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/blazblue-continuum-shift-gaining-a-character-in-console-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/blazblue-continuum-shift-gaining-a-character-in-console-port/#commentsAs we heard from Famitsu leaks, Arc System Works' arcade Blazblue followup is coming home to consoles. Blazblue: Continuum Shift will feature the three new characters added to the arcade release -- Tsubaki Yayoi, Hazama, and λ-11, as well as one new console-exclusive character, the cyborg μ-12.

According to Siliconera, the new home release will also include a beginner mode, and the strategic Legion Mode introduced in BlazBlue Portable. So you'll be able to randomly mash buttons as usual, but you'll win territory by doing so. No time frame or consoles are known at the moment, but the original BlazBlue was released on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

JoystiqBlazBlue: Continuum Shift gaining a character in console port originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysarc-system-worksblazblueblazblue-continuum-shiftfightingMicrosoftXbox-360Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BlazBlue: Battle x Battle out this week on Japan's DSiWare store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/blazblue-battle-x-battle-out-this-week-on-japans-dsiware-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/blazblue-battle-x-battle-out-this-week-on-japans-dsiware-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/blazblue-battle-x-battle-out-this-week-on-japans-dsiware-store/#comments Like many fighting game fans, you really enjoyed BlazBlue last year, but you had this irking feeling that the game would be just perfect if the characters were only a little more ... kawaii. Good news! Your wish has come true. Arc System Works says that its DSiWare version of the acclaimed fighter is ready to go. BlazBlue: Battle x Battle, which features big-headed cutesie versions of the full game's fighters battling it out Power Stone-style, will be available on the DSi's downloadable store this Wednesday.

It looks, erm, interesting. Unfortunately, even if you were waiting to see a 2D franchise go 3D with hideously deformed versions of its characters, Battle x Battle is only available in Japan for now, so you'll either have to have a DSi from that region, or you'll have to wait until Aksys decides to release it here. If it keeps that 500 DSi point price, it might be worth a try.

JoystiqBlazBlue: Battle x Battle out this week on Japan's DSiWare store originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3daksysarc-system-worksblazblueblazblue-battle-x-battledownloadabledsi-waredsiwarehideous-deformityjapanjapanesekawaiiMon, 25 Jan 2010 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave's Deathsmiles bringing bullet hell to North America via Aksys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/caves-deathsmiles-bringing-bullet-hell-to-north-america-via-aks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/caves-deathsmiles-bringing-bullet-hell-to-north-america-via-aks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/caves-deathsmiles-bringing-bullet-hell-to-north-america-via-aks/#comments
click to horizontally scroll through our gallery Japanese developer CAVE is famous for its hardcore "bullet hell" shooters -- at least among importers, because the console versions of those shooters have never been localized. Nobody's been crazy enough to put the time and money into one of the super-hard niche shoot-em-ups, until today, when Aksys Games (the company crazy enough to localize Cho Aniki Zero) announced that it will publish Deathsmiles on the Xbox 360.

While this is going to be incredible news to shmup devotees, Deathsmiles may be a hard sell to general audiences, with its "gothic lolita" aesthetic and punishing difficulty. Those who do check out Deathsmiles for whatever reason will find a horizontal shooter with branching paths, online co-op play, and, in the words of Aksys's Cherie Baker, "little girls flying through a gothic otherworld to destroy the horrific, necrotic Imperator Tyrannosatan."

Aksys has yet to announce a release date for Deathsmiles.

Gallery: Deathsmiles (Xbox 360)

JoystiqCave's Deathsmiles bringing bullet hell to North America via Aksys originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksyscavedeathsmilesImperator-TyrannosatanjapanMicrosoftportshmupshooterXbox-360Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[BlazBlue Portable confirmed for US retail, PlayStation Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/blazblue-portable-confirmed-for-us-retail-playstation-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/blazblue-portable-confirmed-for-us-retail-playstation-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/blazblue-portable-confirmed-for-us-retail-playstation-store/#comments Confirming an earlier GameFly listing, Askys Games has announced that BlazBlue Portable will be hitting, juggling and then pulverizing the US in a succession of 673 extra-dimensional laser punches this March. The PSP version of the frenetic fighter will be available via UMD at first, and then the PlayStation Store approximately two weeks later.

Thankfully, fans of the console game's bold, 2D artwork need not worry about a calamity being triggered (hnngggghhh) in the miniaturization process. According to Aksys project lead Michael Manzanares, "Every frame of animation and hit box is painstakingly replicated from the original game, so all of your combos work without a hitch. And new Unlimited versions of your favorite characters don't hurt, either."

BlazBlue Portable will also support multiplayer battles via Ad-Hoc mode, so you can punch all your friends -- right in their foolishly unprotected hit boxes.

JoystiqBlazBlue Portable confirmed for US retail, PlayStation Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysAksys-Gamesarc-system-worksblazblueBlazBlue-Calamity-TriggerBlazBlue-Calamity-Trigger-Portableblazblue-portablefightingplaystation-storepsnFri, 15 Jan 2010 19:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Aksys: Battle Fantasia on PSN 'next week']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/aksys-battle-fantasia-on-psn-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/aksys-battle-fantasia-on-psn-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/aksys-battle-fantasia-on-psn-next-week/#comments Publisher Aksys tells Siliconera that Battle Fantasia will release on PSN "next week." It's yet to be confirmed whether the PSN update will occur on Tuesday or Thursday next week (considering the holiday), but our money's on Tuesday. There's currently no details on pricing for the fighter, however.

JoystiqAksys: Battle Fantasia on PSN 'next week' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysbattle-fantasiapsnrelease-dateTue, 15 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Record of Agarest War is largest PSN game ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/record-of-agarest-war-is-largest-psn-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/record-of-agarest-war-is-largest-psn-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/record-of-agarest-war-is-largest-psn-game-ever/#comments If you managed to get into the MAG beta and thought that was a lot of downloading, Aksys' Record of Agarest War is going to blow your mind. The PSN title will weigh in "somewhere around 8 - 10 gigs," an Aksys employee posted on the game's forums. Obviously, eight to ten gigabytes isn't going to be much space for your PS3's big and burly hard drive and it's definitely understandable considering the game was originally a disc-based release in Europe; however, the time it'll take to download all of those gigglebytes is another story.

We suggest starting the download before you go to bed or -- considering the "100 hour" adventure isn't actually out yet -- taking the Delorean up to 88MPH.

[Via Siliconera]

Gallery: Record of Agarest War

JoystiqRecord of Agarest War is largest PSN game ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysanimejrpgpsnrecord-of-agarest-warsrpgFri, 04 Dec 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Aksys localizing Mimana Iyar Chronicles for UMD, PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/aksys-localizing-mimana-iyar-chronicles-for-umd-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/aksys-localizing-mimana-iyar-chronicles-for-umd-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/aksys-localizing-mimana-iyar-chronicles-for-umd-psn/#comments
It's a surprising that a game with the pedigree of the Lunar series hasn't found its way stateside yet. Aksys is showing even more love for PlayStation fans by announcing plans to localize the JRPG for both a UMD and PSN release.

Mimana Iyar Chronicles is a traditional 2D JRPG from Kogado Studios and Premium Agency, featuring anime cutscenes and a real-time battle system. It's currently scheduled for a Spring 2010 release, meaning we're bound to find out more about the game closer to release.

JoystiqAksys localizing Mimana Iyar Chronicles for UMD, PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysjrpgmimana-iyar-chroniclespsnFri, 23 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cho Aniki Zero making PSP more manly in Spring 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/cho-aniki-zero-making-psp-more-manly-in-spring-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/cho-aniki-zero-making-psp-more-manly-in-spring-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/cho-aniki-zero-making-psp-more-manly-in-spring-2010/#comments Our somewhat boring day took a turn for the legendary when we received an Aksys press release informing us that the beefcake-infused side-scrolling shooter, Cho Aniki Zero, would appear on the PSP as a PSN download (exclusively) next Spring. The legendary-ness arose not as a result of our excitement for the game (which is immeasurable in its own right), but due to the content of the press release itself. The entire release can be found after the jump, but we've culled our favorite phrases, forming the following poignant, beautiful found poem:

Exaltation. Oiled up and ready to thrust. Epic struggle. Muscle-bounded forces. Manliness. Another dimension of sights and sounds. Heightened experiences of rhythmic action. Man-rageous. Brotherly love. Muscle-on-muscle madness. Man-tastic voyage. Man Protein. The greatest bromances of all time. (Snaps.)

Gallery: Cho Aniki Zero (PSP)

Continue reading Cho Aniki Zero making PSP more manly in Spring 2010

JoystiqCho Aniki Zero making PSP more manly in Spring 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksyscho-anikicho-aniki-zeropsnshooterside-scrollerFri, 23 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: You, Last Ninja 2, Family Tennis and the Cubes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/nintendoware-weekly-you-last-ninja-2-family-tennis-and-the-cu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/nintendoware-weekly-you-last-ninja-2-family-tennis-and-the-cu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/nintendoware-weekly-you-last-ninja-2-family-tennis-and-the-cu/#comments
Studies show that American consumers are most receptive to downloadable content at the beginning of the week. It's true! Why do you think Nintendo dumps its releases out on Mondays? It's not rocket science, people. But, we digress. Hop past the break to check out what's new this week for download on Wii and DSi.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: You, Last Ninja 2, Family Tennis and the Cubes

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: You, Last Ninja 2, Family Tennis and the Cubes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysaksys-gamesclubhouse-gamesclubhouse-games-expresscommodore-64DSdsiwareelectronic-artsfamily-tennislast-ninja-2mysims-cameraNintendonintendoware-weeklyvirtual-consoleWiiwiiwareyou-me-and-the-cubesMon, 21 Sep 2009 10:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Austin GDC 2009: Gaijin Games hints at Bit.Trip: Void release date, next game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/gaijin-games-hints-at-bit-trip-void-release-date-next-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/gaijin-games-hints-at-bit-trip-void-release-date-next-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/gaijin-games-hints-at-bit-trip-void-release-date-next-game/#commentsFollowing his panel about Gaijin Games' design process, we approached art director Mike Roush to try to get some more information about Bit.Trip: Void -- specifically, when we'll be able to download and play it. He wasn't entirely sure, because nobody is when it comes to downloadable Nintendo releases, but he told us, "If I were to guess, it would be mid-October. We wanted to push that release date back."

Roush said that Gaijin is shooting for a simultaneous worldwide release for the Ikaruga-ish dot-absorbing game, after receiving some "flak" from impatient European fans. While we were chatting, we tried our wiliest interview techniques to try to extract some hints about the next Bit.Trip title -- which is to say we asked for hints about the next Bit. Trip title. "I will not give you a hint," Roush said. "However, it is the game we all wanted to make when we started Gaijin Games. It's the game we've been waiting for... I will give you a hint: it will be based off of an Atari game."

And no, it isn't Warlords. We asked.

JoystiqAustin GDC 2009: Gaijin Games hints at Bit.Trip: Void release date, next game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysAksys-Gamesbit-tripbit-trip-voidgaijin-gamesVoidwiiwareTue, 15 Sep 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[VC in Brief: Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge (NES)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/vc-in-brief-crash-n-the-boys-street-challenge-nes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/vc-in-brief-crash-n-the-boys-street-challenge-nes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/vc-in-brief-crash-n-the-boys-street-challenge-nes/#commentsCrash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge (NES, 1 - 2 players, 500 Wii Points)
We say: Fun, but tiring
Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge is pretty awesome, don't get me wrong, but it can be a bit much during extended play sessions. For the 400m Hurdles, my left arm would become quite strained because your speed is dictated by how well you can spam the d-pad (admittedly, it also has to do with how well you can navigate the hurdles). Despite this and some of the more tedious activities within, Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge is still a great time. Check it out!

Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.

JoystiqVC in Brief: Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge (NES) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksyscrash-n-the-boys-street-challengenestechnosvc-in-briefMon, 14 Sep 2009 20:35:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Spaceball, Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/nintendoware-weekly-spaceball-crash-n-the-boys-street-challe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/nintendoware-weekly-spaceball-crash-n-the-boys-street-challe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/nintendoware-weekly-spaceball-crash-n-the-boys-street-challe/#comments
It's been a longer-than-usual wait, but Nintendo has finally gone ahead and updated with this week's downloadable content. In addition to new WiiWare games, a new Virtual Console game and some fresh DSiWare content, there's a renovated Nintendo Channel to check out. Head past the break and see what's in store this week.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Spaceball, Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Spaceball, Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysart-academycrash-n-the-boys-street-challengeDSdsiwaremart-racerNintendonintendoware-weeklyoscar-in-toylandspaceball-revolutiontexas-hold-emvirtual-consoleWiiwiiwareMon, 14 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WiiWare fills its Bit.Trip Void]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/wiiware-fills-its-bit-trip-void/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/wiiware-fills-its-bit-trip-void/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/wiiware-fills-its-bit-trip-void/#commentsEver felt like something was missing from the WiiWare lineup? Ever feel like the Bit.Trip series needed to be a trilogy? Good, because Aksys has just announced Bit.Trip Void for WiiWare. Like Bit.Trip Beat and Bit.Trip Core before it, Void takes retro visuals and gameplay and fuses it with a psychadelic chiptune soundtrack to create a synesthetic experience that would make Mizuguchi proud.

Bit.Trip Void will feature four player local co-op when it debuts on WiiWare later this year. However, players will be able to get an early hands-on at PAX this weekend.

JoystiqWiiWare fills its Bit.Trip Void originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysbit-trip-voidNintendoWiiwiiwareWed, 02 Sep 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Explore the Void with Aksys and Gaijin Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/explore-the-void-with-aksys-and-gaijin-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/explore-the-void-with-aksys-and-gaijin-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/explore-the-void-with-aksys-and-gaijin-games/#commentsGaijin Games is up to its old tricks again, offering inscrutable teasers for an upcoming game, though the new "Explore the Void" site is much more quietly lovely than the Commander Video mysteries we're used to. Over the last week or so, the developer has posted images to the site that have now been revealed as extreme closeups of satellite dishes in silhouette.

What does it mean for the next game? Bit. Trip: Dish? Bit. Trip: Transmit?Bit. Trip: Zoomed In Images of Everyday Objects? At least we have pretty pictures to look at while we contemplate this puzzle.

JoystiqExplore the Void with Aksys and Gaijin Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysAksys-Gamesbit-tripBit-Trip-Voidgaijin-gamesteaserVoidTue, 01 Sep 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch a few minutes of Record of Agarest War's '100 hour' adventure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/watch-a-few-minutes-of-record-of-agarest-wars-100-hour-advent/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/watch-a-few-minutes-of-record-of-agarest-wars-100-hour-advent/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/watch-a-few-minutes-of-record-of-agarest-wars-100-hour-advent/#comments Niche RPG Record of Agarest War is coming to the States (in English!) courtesy of Aksys Games this fall. Considering the limited appeal of oldschool 2D sprite-based RPGs, the publisher has opted to distribute the game exclusively through the PlayStation Network. While it may be a "mere" downloadable title, Aksys is promoting the game's supposed "100 hours" of gameplay, making it easily one of the lengthiest PSN titles ever.

Record of Agarest War is known for its use of anime fanservice and this initial clip shows us why. Apparently, girls have trouble covering the entirety of their chests in the world of Agarest. While that may prove to be problematic in battle, the video (after the break) shows that real warriors have no need for appropriate attire.

Gallery: Record of Agarest War

Continue reading Watch a few minutes of Record of Agarest War's '100 hour' adventure

JoystiqWatch a few minutes of Record of Agarest War's '100 hour' adventure originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysanimejrpgpsnrecord-of-agarest-warsrpgFri, 28 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST