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[Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic arrives on the iPad, and the Force is with it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-review-portabliss/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-review-portabliss/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-review-portabliss/#commentsThis is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go.

Knights of the Old Republic arrives on the iPad, and the Force is with it
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic is the kind of game that's almost too big to be playing on the iPad. It's easily 30 hours long, with extensive attribute, skill, and combat systems, and it has some of the best storytelling BioWare's ever done, all set in the epic pre-film Star Wars universe. This is a monster of a classic game, and like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Baldur's Gate before it, it seems like cheating to play this game on Apple's touchscreen tablet, like you're somehow breaking the laws of mobile gaming physics, if such a school even exists.

And yet, it works. Aspyr Media is the company responsible here. It's been porting games to the Mac for a long time, and with Knights of the Old Republic has decided to start bringing what it calls "catalog Mac experiences" to iOS. Presumably, the rights were snagged from BioWare and LucasArts, and now there's a very well-made $9.99 port of one of the best Star Wars games ever assembled, running on the iPad.

Continue reading Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic arrives on the iPad, and the Force is with it

JoystiqStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic arrives on the iPad, and the Force is with it originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyraspyr-mediabiowareiosipadknights-of-the-old-republicKOTORlucasartsmobileportportablissstar-warsstar-wars-knights-of-the-old-republicFri, 31 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 straps in for a big 'ol Mac update today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/borderlands-2-straps-in-for-a-big-ol-mac-update-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/borderlands-2-straps-in-for-a-big-ol-mac-update-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/borderlands-2-straps-in-for-a-big-ol-mac-update-today/#comments Borderlands 2 gets big ol' Mac update todayBorderlands 2 secured a hefty update on Mac today, adding leaderboards, achievements and multiplayer co-op, Mac-to-Mac style. Let's keep it in the family, guys.

The update brings five DLC packs available via in-app purchases, including Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt, Captain Scarlett and her Pirate's Booty, Mr. Torgue's Campaign of Carnage and the Mechromancer, a fifth playable vault hunter. PC and Xbox 360 players got the Mechromancer in October 2012, with PS3 not far behind.

Borderlands 2 is on sale for half off, at $30, for a limited time on the Mac App Store.

Continue reading Borderlands 2 straps in for a big 'ol Mac update today

JoystiqBorderlands 2 straps in for a big 'ol Mac update today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeaspyrborderlands-2gearboxmacmac-app-storeupdateThu, 04 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite soars onto Mac this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/bioshock-infinite-soars-onto-mac-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/bioshock-infinite-soars-onto-mac-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/bioshock-infinite-soars-onto-mac-this-summer/#comments BioShock Infinite soars onto Mac this summerBioShock Infinite is heading to Mac this summer, courtesy of Mac publisher extraordinaire Aspyr. It's due out for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 on March 26 (Yes, the March 26 that's less than a week away. Deep breaths.).

For those Mac gamers not opposed to cheesy Facebook marketing tactics, you can enter to win a free copy of Infinite here, by signing up for things you may or may not ever have actual use for again.

Continue reading BioShock Infinite soars onto Mac this summer

JoystiqBioShock Infinite soars onto Mac this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrbioshock-infiniteIrrational-GamesmacportWed, 20 Mar 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy enrolls in Mac App Store, cross-platform on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy-enrolls-in-mac-app-store-cr/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy-enrolls-in-mac-app-store-cr/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/star-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academy-enrolls-in-mac-app-store-cr/#comments Star Wars Jedi Knight Jedi Academy enrolls in Mac App Store, now crossplatform on Steam Aspyr has ported Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy to Mac, available today through the Mac App Store or as a cross-platform Steam Play game. Tuition for the Jedi Academy will set Padawans - and whatever the Sith equivalent of a Padawan is - back $9.99.

Of course, if you've already purchased the Windows version on Steam, you get access to the Mac port as part of that initial purchase. Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy requires OS X 10.7.5 or higher - if you're looking to enroll in a real Jedi class, you should probably think about moving to New York.

JoystiqStar Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy enrolls in Mac App Store, cross-platform on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrlucasartsmacstar-warsstar-wars-jedi-knightstar-wars-jedi-knight-jedi-academysteam-playsteamplayFri, 25 Jan 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 on Mac Nov. 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/borderlands-2-on-mac-nov-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/borderlands-2-on-mac-nov-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/borderlands-2-on-mac-nov-20/#comments Stiq Flicks Borderlands 2 and the Good, the Bad, and the WeirdBorderlands 2, which has already shipped 5 million copies on other platforms, will become available for Mac players on November 20. Porting duties will be handled by Aspyr, purveyor of many major Mac ports.

The Mac version will support the same drop-in/drop-out features found elsewhere, so the Apple crowd won't be left out of some of the best co-op action of the year.

Gallery: Borderlands 2 (Enemies)

JoystiqBorderlands 2 on Mac Nov. 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesaspyrborderlands-2gearbox-softwaremacTake-Two-InteractiveThu, 08 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops takes down Mac on September 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/23/black-ops-takes-down-mac-on-september-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/23/black-ops-takes-down-mac-on-september-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/23/black-ops-takes-down-mac-on-september-27/#comments Black Ops takes down Mac on September 27Call of Duty: Black Ops is set to invade Mac on September 27 through Steam and a host of other digital retailers, port wizard Aspyr announced.

Black Ops will run $50, including the First Strike Content Pack. The Rezurrection Content Pack will hit digital shelves at the same time, sold separately for $15, and Escalation and Annihilation will be available later on as a bundle.

The Steam version will not include SteamPlay. Black Ops will be available via the Mac App Store "shortly after" the September 27 launch.

JoystiqBlack Ops takes down Mac on September 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionaspyrAspyr-MediaCall-of-Duty-Black-OpsmacportTreyarchSun, 23 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Black Ops makes a run at Mac this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/call-of-duty-black-ops-makes-a-run-at-mac-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/call-of-duty-black-ops-makes-a-run-at-mac-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/call-of-duty-black-ops-makes-a-run-at-mac-this-fall/#comments Call of Duty Black Ops rises again on Mac this fallWhile Treyarch is hard at work on Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 for this year, its previous game is getting ready to hit the Mac.

A Mac port of the hugely popular FPS is currently underway at Texas-based Aspyr Media. You may recall Aspyr's previous efforts porting Windows games to Apple's platform, including 2007's Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. System specs for Black Ops aren't known right now, but we can't imagine they'll be much different from Modern Warfare's requirements.

JoystiqCall of Duty: Black Ops makes a run at Mac this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionappleaspyraspyr-mediaCall-of-Duty-Black-OpsmactreyarchzombiesThu, 28 Jun 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rage: Campaign Edition available on Mac for your pleasure, anger]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/rage-campaign-edition-available-on-mac-for-your-pleasure-anger/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/rage-campaign-edition-available-on-mac-for-your-pleasure-anger/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/rage-campaign-edition-available-on-mac-for-your-pleasure-anger/#comments Rage has officially launched on Mac with the Campaign Edition, which includes the complete single-player campaign, the Wasteland sewer missions and Anarchy Edition content for $40. Rage: Campaign Edition is available through the Mac App Store, publisher Aspyr's Game Agent, and other Mac retailers (excluding Steam, it seems).

Obviously Rage: Campaign Edition doesn't include multiplayer, but we assume that's why it's not called Rage.

JoystiqRage: Campaign Edition available on Mac for your pleasure, anger originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrbethesdaBethesda-Softworkscampaignidid-SoftwaremacrageRage-Campaign-EditionThu, 02 Feb 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5 for Mac dated Nov. 23, 2010 CE]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/civilization-5-mac-dated-november-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/civilization-5-mac-dated-november-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/civilization-5-mac-dated-november-23/#comments Porting powerhouse Aspyr Media has announced the Mac version of Civ 5 will be available through its GameAgent retail portal -- both digital and boxed copies -- on November 23. Confirmation of its exact availability on Steam is pending. Estimated system specs are posted after the break.

Continue reading Civilization 5 for Mac dated Nov. 23, 2010 CE

JoystiqCivilization 5 for Mac dated Nov. 23, 2010 CE originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyraspyr-mediacivilization-5macportrelease-datesteamWed, 03 Nov 2010 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5 brings diplomacy to Mac this holiday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/civilization-5-brings-diplomacy-to-mac-this-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/civilization-5-brings-diplomacy-to-mac-this-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/civilization-5-brings-diplomacy-to-mac-this-holiday/#comments Guys, can you believe it? Mac is, like, totally a gaming platform now! We never thought we'd say that but with support from Valve, Blizzard and the likes of PopCap, it's gotta be an exciting time for Mac-owning gaming enthusiasts.

And joining the platform is the sensation dominating your nation, Civilization 5. Aspyr has announced that it'll publish the 2K Games/Firaxis sequel on Apple's computer platform "this holiday season." Sorry, no exact launch date for the port beyond that. Oh, and sorry-er, but the press release doesn't mention the first DLC pack, which is set to launch on PC later this month. We've sent a caravan bearing goods and questions to Aspyr and 2K Games and will let you know what we hear back.

JoystiqCivilization 5 brings diplomacy to Mac this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesaspyrAspyr-Mediacivilization-5Firaxis-GamesmacTue, 19 Oct 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Aspyr lays off majority of staff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/report-aspyr-lays-off-majority-of-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/report-aspyr-lays-off-majority-of-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/report-aspyr-lays-off-majority-of-staff/#commentsIn what's apparently the latest game industry victim of a down economy, Big Download reports that, according to its sources, Austin, Texas-based publisher Aspyr has laid off more than 50 percent of its employees. Though you likely recognize the Aspyr name from its PC-to-Mac ports, the company recently published the Call of Duty Classic port on XBLA and PSN, as well as Fighting Fantasy and Treasure World on DS.

We've been in contact with Aspyr in attempt to clarify the situation over there. We'll keep you posted.

JoystiqReport: Aspyr lays off majority of staff originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrcall-of-duty-classiclayoffsmacMicrosoftXbox-360Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain (DS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/hands-on-fighting-fantasy-the-warlock-of-firetop-mountain-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/hands-on-fighting-fantasy-the-warlock-of-firetop-mountain-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/hands-on-fighting-fantasy-the-warlock-of-firetop-mountain-ds/#commentsFighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain is based on a fantasy gamebook of the same name -- essentially Dungeons & Dragons crossed with Choose Your Own Adventure. In my case, the story I managed to weave for myself is the epic tale of an adventurer who wanders into a cave and is swiftly murdered by dwarves.

Gallery: Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain (DS)

Continue reading Hands-on: Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain (DS)

JoystiqHands-on: Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain (DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrbig-blue-bubblefighting-fantasyrpgthe-warlock-of-firetop-mountainThu, 12 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First look in first-person: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/first-look-in-first-person-the-warlock-of-firetop-mountain/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/first-look-in-first-person-the-warlock-of-firetop-mountain/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/first-look-in-first-person-the-warlock-of-firetop-mountain/#comments
click to Firetop Mountain-sizeAspyr kindly sent us some exclusive screens and artwork for Big Blue Bubble's Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, the action-RPG based on the classic roleplaying book. Looking over the screenshots, we get a very mid-'90s PC RPG vibe, which is totally cool with us. Stuff like Etrian Odyssey and The Dark Spire satisfies our nostalgia for even older first-person role-playing, but these high-detail 2D sprites on 3D backgrounds hit a different era of nostalgia.

Also in the gallery, two panoramic pieces of environment concept art like the "Dwarven Room" above. The Warlock of Firetop Mountain is expected to reach the Fortress of Retail this holiday season.

Gallery: Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain (DS)

JoystiqFirst look in first-person: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrbig-blue-bubblefighting-fantasywarlock-of-firetop-mountainThu, 06 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam weekend sale: Velvet Assassin, X3: Terran Conflict, Men of War]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/steam-weekend-sale-velvet-assassin-x3-terran-conflict-men-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/steam-weekend-sale-velvet-assassin-x3-terran-conflict-men-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/steam-weekend-sale-velvet-assassin-x3-terran-conflict-men-of/#comments
If our inability to finish Velvet Assassin hasn't diminished your interest in the game, know that Steam is slashing 50% off its price this weekend. Joining the stealth title in this weekend's sale is Egosoft's X3: Terran Conflict, which has also been discounted by 50%, and Aspyr's Men of War, which has been discounted by a huge 75%. Of course, none of this probably matters to most Steam users, as they're most likely enjoying a romp through Monkey Island right about now.

JoystiqSteam weekend sale: Velvet Assassin, X3: Terran Conflict, Men of War originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyregosoftmen-of-warreplay-studiossalessouthpeaksteamvelvet-assassinx3x3-terran-conflictSat, 25 Jul 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warlock of Firetop Mountain dev: 'big guys' not interested in DS-exclusive games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/warlock-of-firetop-mountain-dev-big-guys-not-interested-in-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/warlock-of-firetop-mountain-dev-big-guys-not-interested-in-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/warlock-of-firetop-mountain-dev-big-guys-not-interested-in-ds/#commentsBig Blue Bubble had difficulty finding a publisher for The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, its newly announced DS adaptation of the Fighting Fantasy book series, before finally discovering Aspyr Media. Damir Slogar, the developer's CEO, told CVG (who also has the first screens of the game) that other publishers expressed a lack of interest in the game based on its platform.

"Everyone we showed the game loved it but the 'big guys' like EA, Ubi or Activision were not interested in DS only titles," Slogar said. That attitude is no surprise from the massively multiplatform EA and Activision, but it's unusual coming from Ubisoft, which has the DS-exclusive COP: The Recruit on the way and has made a pile of money from the infamous, primarily DS-based Petz and Imagine lines.

JoystiqWarlock of Firetop Mountain dev: 'big guys' not interested in DS-exclusive games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrbig-blue-bubbleDSNintendowarlock-of-firetop-mountainThu, 23 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Snap Judgment: Treasure World (DS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/snap-judgment-treasure-world-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/snap-judgment-treasure-world-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/snap-judgment-treasure-world-ds/#commentsTreasure World is such an innovative, potentially important game that I felt like it needed to be highlighted with a review, if only to get the word out about one of the most clever ideas to hit the DS (a system overrun with clever ideas). However, time constraints and Wi-Fi issues prevented me from obtaining what I would consider an exhaustive enough experience for an authoritative review. Hence, Snap Judgment.

Gallery: Treasure World (DS)

Continue reading Snap Judgment: Treasure World (DS)

JoystiqSnap Judgment: Treasure World (DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyraspyr-mediaDSNintendosnap-judgmenttreasure-worldwi-fiWed, 08 Jul 2009 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Dreamkiller: It's like Psychonauts and Painkiller had a baby]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/dreamkiller-its-like-psychonauts-and-painkiller-had-a-baby/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/dreamkiller-its-like-psychonauts-and-painkiller-had-a-baby/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/dreamkiller-its-like-psychonauts-and-painkiller-had-a-baby/#comments
click to PROBE THE INSIDIOUS DEPTHS OF THE SUBCONSCIOUS (ie: peep the gallery)
What is Dreamkiller? It's like Psychonauts and Painkiller had a baby, and that baby has grown into an angry teenager who then scratched the design doc for the game on the outside of his notebook. Mindware Studios - the developers behind Painkiller Overdose - are back to "probe the insidious depths of the subconscious" with Dreamkiller for the Xbox 360 and PC platforms, available this fall.

Ever wanted to go "inside the dark and twisted nightmares of tortured souls possessed by unknown forces"? Yeah, us neither ... but that's just what you'll do in the "role of Alice Drake, a psychologist with the extraordinary ability to enter the minds of her patients and combat the ravenous foes haunting their dreams." So, 12 "mega-bloodbath" single-player levels and "numerous multiplayer modes" are what they're offering.

The bad news: that same design doc was already used for some levels in Psychotoxic, where you also play a female protagonist who can enter people's dreams and do battle with their subconscious. Our own Ludwig Kietzmann, in a previous life, wrote, "Setting yourself on fire and then diving into a pool of broken glass is more fun than playing this absolute disaster of a game." So, the good news: it couldn't possibly be any worse than Psychotoxic.

Gallery: Dreamkiller

JoystiqDreamkiller: It's like Psychonauts and Painkiller had a baby originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AspyrDreamkillerMicrosoftMindware-StudiosXbox-360Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Guitar Hero World Tour finally rockin' to PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-world-tour-finally-rockin-to-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-world-tour-finally-rockin-to-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-world-tour-finally-rockin-to-pc/#comments
As you may have guessed from our headline (and the poorly 'chopped image above), Guitar Hero: World Tour is finally coming to the PC. GameSpot has revealed that developer Aspyr, the team behind the Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock PC port, will bring the best selling band-based game to PC this June.

Guitar Hero: World Tour on the PC will ship bundled with one guitar controller. Aspiring virtual drummers will have to shell out for the PS3 drum kit while singers are free to use any USB based microphone. Guitar Hero's PC tour will include all of the tracks released with the original game, as well as the music creator, but the created music sharing service on the Xbox 360 and PS3 will be stripped. Whether PC players will be able to download new DLC tracks is still unclear (although the previous Guitar Hero on PC omitted that feature).

Aspyr confirmed that World Tour will share similar minimum system requirements to Legends of Rock, which some reviewers blasted for lag problems. If the problems are addressed, we can't wait to get the band back together. But only if we can play our dream show in front of a real audience ... during an 11-hour flight from Tokyo to L.A. We're Laptop Heroes!

[Via BigDownload]

JoystiqGDC09: Guitar Hero World Tour finally rockin' to PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionaspyrgdc-2009guitar-heroguitar-hero-world-tourpcWed, 25 Mar 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Treasure World turns Wi-Fi networks into hidden treasure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/treasure-world-turns-wi-fi-networks-into-hidden-treasure/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/treasure-world-turns-wi-fi-networks-into-hidden-treasure/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/treasure-world-turns-wi-fi-networks-into-hidden-treasure/#commentsFiled under:

In December, Aspyr announced a creative DS game called Treasure Troves, a "real-life treasure hunt" that generates in-game items based on Wi-Fi hotspots. The company released more details about the game yesterday, as well as the first screens.

Treasure World, as it is known now, creates a unique item for each Wi-Fi network it discovers. The items can be used to customize the character, or traded with others. There are other gameplay uses for the items, but we don't know much about the actual gameplay outside of the Wi-Fi hunting and trading.

Aspyr will open an online community that lets players interact away from the DS, allowing them to display their collections and set up trades with other players. Treasure World and its associated community will be available this summer.

[Screenshot via IGN]

JoystiqTreasure World turns Wi-Fi networks into hidden treasure originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrcommunicationtreasure-worldFri, 13 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: FutureU, Kaplan's SAT prep game for DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/impression-futureu-kaplans-sat-prep-game-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/impression-futureu-kaplans-sat-prep-game-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/impression-futureu-kaplans-sat-prep-game-for-ds/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Thanks to Brain Age, millions of kids have been able to trick their parents into thinking that the Nintendo DS is being used as an educational device. With the help of popular college prep company Kaplan, the trickery can continue. They announced their plans to create a SAT prep game for the Nintendo DS with the help of developer Aspyr only a few months ago. Now, they have a fully functional prototype ready, and a name to boot.

FutureU will feature at least four different question types, and over 1200 questions. Now, we asked why it wasn't called something a bit more marketable, like R0x0rz the SATs, or SAT Test Prep DS, and a Aspyr representative informed us that The College Board has strict control over the SAT brand. The title won't have "SAT" in it, but the packaging will make it very clear what the product's purpose is.

A very early version of the game we saw featured some rudimentary character customization, added to give the illusion that FutureU is more of a "game" than a "learning experience." The DS version of the game won't offer any real questions from the SAT, nor will it try to grade you. Instead, players will go through various games that test the concepts found in the SATs. For example, Glyphs will have players attempt to figure out the meaning of a word by deconstructing the word's various roots. Predictions train reading comprehension by removing a word from a passage. Players can then scribble predictions on what should be in the missing blank(s). Then, players will be able to choose from a selection of possible words, and use their predictions to choose the correct missing word.

While its interface is more "game-like" than most edu-tainment titles, it's still clear what FutureU is and what its purpose is. And that's to let you carry your DS around and claim you're "studying." FutureU will be available on DS, PC and Mac this Fall.

Gallery: FutureU

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: FutureU, Kaplan's SAT prep game for DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrDSfuture-ufutureuPCsatWed, 23 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Supreme Surrender Episode 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/supreme-surrender-episode-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/supreme-surrender-episode-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/supreme-surrender-episode-2/#commentsFiled under:

The second episode of Rooster Teeth's Supreme Surrender -- based on Supreme Commander, see what they did there? -- is now online. We think it's safe to say that this mini-series isn't as inspired as, say, Red vs Blue, but it's still worth a chuckle. This episode continues the saga of the first episode, as the incredibly large alien force continues to "surrender" to the much smaller force (much to their delighted surprise). The only problem is that surrendering appears to be worse than all out war. Enjoy.

JoystiqSupreme Surrender Episode 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyraspyr-mediasupreme-commandersupreme-surrenderthqThu, 26 Jun 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New machinima miniseries: Supreme Surrender]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/new-machinima-miniseries-supreme-surrender/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/new-machinima-miniseries-supreme-surrender/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/new-machinima-miniseries-supreme-surrender/#commentsFiled under:

In honor of the impending release of the RTS Supreme Commander for Xbox 360 (it comes out next week, available now on PC), Rooster Teeth -- the folks behind Red vs Blue, among other things -- has created a new miniseries called Supreme Surrender. As you may have guessed, the miniseries is filmed entirely within the Supreme Commander game engine. The first episode begins as two emissaries from warring factions await the arrival of a third emissary who wishes to surrender. Give it a watch and tell us what you think.

JoystiqNew machinima miniseries: Supreme Surrender originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrgas-powred-gamesmachinimarooster-teethsupreme-commandersupreme-surrenderthqThu, 19 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Another RTS hits June 23: Supreme Commander]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/another-rts-hits-june-23-supreme-commander/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/another-rts-hits-june-23-supreme-commander/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/another-rts-hits-june-23-supreme-commander/#commentsFiled under:

While it isn't the best represented genre on the 360 by a long shot, RTS's have still managed to stake their claim on the platform, and between the coming C&C3 expansion and the newly gone gold Supreme Commander this month looks to see them expanding their territory. Having released over a year ago we're not sure exactly how much territory will be gained by Supreme Commander, but the game was well received when it was released and is likely to still be as good when it comes to console. Besides, the real question will be whether or not the game will hold console RTS fans over until they get what they really seem to want: Halo Wars.

JoystiqAnother RTS hits June 23: Supreme Commander originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyraspyr-mediagas-powered-gamesmicrosoftsupreme-commanderWed, 11 Jun 2008 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kaplan to train you for the SATs through your DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/kaplan-to-train-you-for-the-sats-through-your-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/kaplan-to-train-you-for-the-sats-through-your-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/kaplan-to-train-you-for-the-sats-through-your-ds/#commentsFiled under:



For those of you looking to bone up on your college-level analogies, Kaplan, Inc. has teamed with Aspyr Media to bring you a SAT prep title for the DS. The project is still early in development, so there is no name or screens yet. Sadly, that's about all we have to go on right now.

We must say, the decision to bring such an application to the DS shows (to us, at least) the kind of smarts that would score well on the SATs.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqKaplan to train you for the SATs through your DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyraspyr-mediacollegeeducateeducatioedugamingedutainmentkaplansatMon, 14 Apr 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kaplan SAT test prep coming to Nintendo DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/kaplan-sat-test-prep-coming-to-nintendo-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/kaplan-sat-test-prep-coming-to-nintendo-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/kaplan-sat-test-prep-coming-to-nintendo-ds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kaplan, Inc. has teamed with Aspyr Media to create an SAT prep game for the Nintendo DS, according to Newsweek. Versions are also on their way to PC and Mac, where the test prep software is already fairly common.

The project is early in development and does not yet have a name. Newsweek reports that it was Aspyr who pitched the idea to Kaplan. If this is a success, can we get a DS game to help us understand Special Relativity? Perhaps we can get Professor Layton or perhaps even Wario as our virtual teacher.

JoystiqKaplan SAT test prep coming to Nintendo DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyraspyr-mediacollegeDSeducationedutainmentMacPCsaplansatstudenttest-prepMon, 14 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World in Conflict console 'reinvention' subtitled Soviet Assault]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/world-in-conflict-console-reinvention-subtitled-soviet-assault/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/world-in-conflict-console-reinvention-subtitled-soviet-assault/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/world-in-conflict-console-reinvention-subtitled-soviet-assault/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The delayed (and further delayed) console port of World in Conflict is evidently making headway, ready to trade in its "just a PC-port" reputation for a shiny new subtitle. Allow us to introduce ... World in Conflict: Soviet Assault. But this ain't no simple re-titling.

As shown off in the latest issue of Official Xbox Magazine (Czech edition ... what, you're not a subscriber?), developer Massive Entertainment has managed to teach WiC: SA some new tricks. Of course, mapping the PC's mouse and keyboard controls to a gamepad is a given (and being handled by porting developer Swordfish Studios), but what about a new campaign (play as the Russians, tovarish), more multiplayer maps, and some shiny new cut-scenes? That's what the bean counters call a "value add." In case you've already invested in that PC version, you can add some value to it with an expansion pack. That pack, as well as the Xbox 360 and PS3 releases, are scheduled to assault the nation's (world's?) retailers this Fall.

JoystiqWorld in Conflict console 'reinvention' subtitled Soviet Assault originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AspyrMassive-EntertainmentPCPS3Soviet-AssaultWorld-In-ConflictXbox-360Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Win Guitar Hero III on your platform of choice (now with more platforms)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/reminder-win-guitar-hero-iii-on-your-platform-of-choice-now-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/reminder-win-guitar-hero-iii-on-your-platform-of-choice-now-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/reminder-win-guitar-hero-iii-on-your-platform-of-choice-now-wi/#commentsFiled under: , ,


All this week, we're giving away copies of Guitar Hero III on all sorts of platforms, from the now-gen (Wii, Xbox 360, PS3) to the last-gen (PS2). But what if you were looking for a copy for that other platform? You know the one ... the "computer." The well-mannered folks at Aspyr offered us a copy of their PC and Mac hybrid release of Guitar Hero III, complete with USB X-plorer guitar, to round out our platform offerings. So, this is your reminder to enter today and a note that you've got another platform choice to consider. Thanks, Aspyr.

JoystiqReminder: Win Guitar Hero III on your platform of choice (now with more platforms) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AspyrGuitar-Hero-IIIMacPCTue, 12 Feb 2008 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty 4 engages Mac OS X this May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/call-of-duty-4-engages-mac-os-x-this-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/call-of-duty-4-engages-mac-os-x-this-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/call-of-duty-4-engages-mac-os-x-this-may/#commentsFiled under: ,


Continuing its Mac OS X relationship with Activision, Aspyr has announced they'll be publishing Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare for Mac OS, available this May for the regular asking price of $49.95. The press release doesn't mention whether the Mac OS release will be a native port of the PC release or wrapped in Transgaming's Cider technology (similar to EA's just announced Spore release). We'll check in with Aspyr at Macworld and get some more details for y'all.

JoystiqCall of Duty 4 engages Mac OS X this May originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionAspyrBreakingnewsCall-of-Duty-4CoD4MacMacworldPCTue, 15 Jan 2008 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III PC/Mac hybrid done, shipping out Dec. 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/guitar-hero-iii-pc-mac-hybrid-done-shipping-out-dec-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/guitar-hero-iii-pc-mac-hybrid-done-shipping-out-dec-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/guitar-hero-iii-pc-mac-hybrid-done-shipping-out-dec-10/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You Mac gamers out there (we know, we know, "both of you") will be pleased to learn that the briefly delayed Guitar Hero III will be shipping to retailers on December 10, so you should be able to snag a copy in time for [insert gift-giving holiday of choice here].

The $80 PC/Mac hybrid disc (that's called a twofer where we're from) is bundled with the USB-based X-plorer guitar and will even include cross-platform multiplayer between the two at times warring platforms. Now how about a showdown between John Hodgman and Justin Long?

JoystiqGuitar Hero III PC/Mac hybrid done, shipping out Dec. 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AspyrGH3GuitarHeroIIIMacPCWed, 28 Nov 2007 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III PC/Mac hybrid 'later this year']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/guitar-hero-3-pc-mac-hybrid-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/guitar-hero-3-pc-mac-hybrid-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/guitar-hero-3-pc-mac-hybrid-later-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,


While it may seem like everyone and their roadie already picked up a copy of Guitar Hero III earlier this month - what with $115 million in sales in the first week alone - Red Octane and Activision aren't even through with their brutal march towards total platform saturation. Though the peripheral-laden DS version is still undated, the PC version was released on Tuesday; unfortunately, the Mac version - now revealed to be a magical PC/Mac hybrid disc - won't be available until "later this year" according to Aspyr, the developer porting the game.

When asked what will happen to the current PC-only SKU when the hybrid variant is unleashed, Aspyr told Joystiq "the hybrid PC/Mac version will eventually replace the PC-only SKU." Aspyr is aiming to have that version on shelves this year (we assume bundled with the PC version's wired X-plorer guitar and priced at the same $79.99) but we also worry the veteran Mac developers have their hands full with their just announced Xbox 360 port of Supreme Commander.

JoystiqGuitar Hero III PC/Mac hybrid 'later this year' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionAspyrGH3Guitar-Hero-IIIGuitarHeroIIIMacPCWed, 14 Nov 2007 21:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Wireless Guitar Hero 3 controller functions with PC version]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/wireless-guitar-hero-3-controller-functions-with-pc-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/wireless-guitar-hero-3-controller-functions-with-pc-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/wireless-guitar-hero-3-controller-functions-with-pc-version/#commentsFiled under: , ,


First, the good news! The Xbox 360's sleek, wireless Gibson Les Paul controller that made its debut with Guitar Hero III has been confirmed by the wonderful folks at Shacknews to be fully compatible with the upcoming PC version of Activision's rhythmic rocker. It's not "officially" supported by develo-porter Aspyr, mind you, but you'll find it works just fine for setting those frets on fire -- all you need is the Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver.

The bad news (don't be shocked, we alluded to this in the first paragraph!) is that Guitar Hero III's PC variant, which releases November 12th, already comes packaged with a guitar, namely the Gibson X-plorer which accompanied Guitar Hero II on the Xbox 360. It's uglier, it's wired and simply won't let you play the game from ridiculous and impractical distances! It seems the Gibson Les Paul is only a worthwhile option if you desire a second controller or if you can track down a standalone version of the game. Can't you help out with this, Steam?

JoystiqWireless Guitar Hero 3 controller functions with PC version originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionAspyrGH3Guitar-HeroGuitarHeroGuitarHero3PCXbox-360Fri, 09 Nov 2007 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's shredingest video: Guitar Hero III victor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/06/todays-shredingest-video-guitar-hero-iii-victor/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/06/todays-shredingest-video-guitar-hero-iii-victor/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/06/todays-shredingest-video-guitar-hero-iii-victor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Game Revolution's Nick Tan recently played Guitar Hero III song, Through the Fire and Flames by Dragonforce, on expert. That website describes it as the hardest in the game, designed to be "unbeatable." And Nick conquered it.

Yes, weeks before you adoring, fake guitar fans get a chance to play, the hardest song has been bested by a player on his fourth attempt. The video of the event is mediocre, and the moment of triumph is anticlimactic. ("Go balloons, go balloons, we need more balloons. ...") But we were still floored watching this face-melting song --and player -- in action.

Be amazed by the clip after the break.

Continue reading Today's shredingest video: Guitar Hero III victor

JoystiqToday's shredingest video: Guitar Hero III victor originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionaspyraspyr-mediaDSguitar-heroguitar-hero-3guitar-hero-iiiguitarheroguitarhero3guitarheroiiiinstrumentMacmusicPCPS2PS3red-octaneredoctanerhythmshredsoloWiiXbox-360Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aspyr looking for a few good Wii developers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/aspyr-looking-for-a-few-good-wii-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/aspyr-looking-for-a-few-good-wii-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/aspyr-looking-for-a-few-good-wii-developers/#commentsFiled under:


Famous for bringing a slew of games to the Mac gaming public, as well as the incredible Stubbs the Zombie: Rebel Without a Pulse (developed by Wideload Games), Aspyr has placed job listings via Gamasutra for Mid/Sr Level Console Programmers, asking that the Wii be one of the platforms said applicant has experience with. And, personally, we feel this is one of the very few instances where a port to the Wii wouldn't be a bad thing (we'd play Stubbs again with enhanced Wii controls, for sure).

[Via Codename Revolution]

JoystiqAspyr looking for a few good Wii developers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrnintendonintendowiistubbsstubbsthezombiewiizombieWed, 16 May 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Dreamfall bundled with Longest Journey, at retail and Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/dreamfall-bundled-with-longest-journey-at-retail-and-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/dreamfall-bundled-with-longest-journey-at-retail-and-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/dreamfall-bundled-with-longest-journey-at-retail-and-steam/#commentsFiled under: ,

Never had a chance to check out adventure gaming classic The Longest Journey or its sequel, Dreamfall? Want to get in before that episodic Dreamfall content starts? Think Ragnar Tørnquist is awesome? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then Aspyr wants you to know about Dreamfall Game of the Year Edition, available at retail for $29.99 this May. What that gets you: the original The Longest Journey, Dreamfall: The Longest Journey and the MTV award-nominated original soundtrack for Dreamfall: The Longest Journey." Not a bad deal.

Interested in the bundle, but have an unhealthy aversion to leaving the house? Well, this is your week. Valve recently announced the adventure titles are available now as a bundle on their Steam distribution service for $34.95, and the previously unavailable The Longest Journey is available alone for $9.95. Interested? Enjoy 20% off both titles all this week (that's cheaper than the boxed version)!

JoystiqDreamfall bundled with Longest Journey, at retail and Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2007 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AspyrdreamfallLongestJourneyPCWed, 02 May 2007 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Create iPod quizzes with free utility]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/create-ipod-quizzes-with-free-utility/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/create-ipod-quizzes-with-free-utility/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/create-ipod-quizzes-with-free-utility/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Aspyr Media has released iQuiz Maker, a free Mac utility to create quizzes for Apple's iPod game, iQuiz. With a free PC version scheduled for May, maybe educators will begin using iPods as teaching tools in the same way as PSPs.

While the iQuiz tool is suited to trivia games, we hope that Aspyr or others will release simple iPod game tools for other genres. However, our wish is tempered by how closed the iPod is to developers; there would be a lot of great games--and sure, bad ones too--if anyone could program for that MP3 player.

JoystiqCreate iPod quizzes with free utility originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapplephoneaspyriphoneipodMacPCquiztriviaThu, 26 Apr 2007 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Mac publishers expect 2007 rebound, iPhone games uncertain [Macworld Expo]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/15/mac-publishers-expect-2007-rebound-iphone-games-uncertain-macw/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/15/mac-publishers-expect-2007-rebound-iphone-games-uncertain-macw/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/15/mac-publishers-expect-2007-rebound-iphone-games-uncertain-macw/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mac game developers and publishers at this year's Macworld Expo expect 2007 to be a significantly better year for the platform, with more releases and sales. The Mac companies are looking forward to the iPhone and hope to develop for that platform, but none we spoke with over the show week expected to have that opportunity since the iPod has eluded them.

The companies said last year's transition to Intel hardware stalled the Mac gaming industry and closed or slowed several competitors. Ian Lynch Smith, president of Freeverse told us, "Everyone else in the industry ran for the hills. That's why there were very few releases last year versus the year before." His brother and vice president, Colin Lynch Smith, remained positive, saying, "2007 should be a great year for [Mac] games." (Disclosure: This writer has created occasional trailers for Freeverse.)

David Stephen, head of Feral Interactive, said the "outlook is decent" for this year. "We're benefiting from growth in Apple's installed base," he added. Stephen also looks forward to the thinner number of competitors, saying the few remaining game companies "[make] it a little less competitive."

The companies respond to the iPhone after the break.

Continue reading Mac publishers expect 2007 rebound, iPhone games uncertain [Macworld Expo]

JoystiqMac publishers expect 2007 rebound, iPhone games uncertain [Macworld Expo] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 04:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleAspyrColin Lynch SmithColinLynchSmithDavid StephenDavidStephenFreeverseIan Lynch SmithIanLynchSmithiPhoneiPodLeah HeckLeahHeckMacMacworld ExpoMacworldExpoMacworldexpo07Steve JobsSteveJobsMon, 15 Jan 2007 04:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Aspyr Media updates, digital distribution plans (Macworld Expo)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/aspyr-media-updates-digital-distribution-plans-macworld-expo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/aspyr-media-updates-digital-distribution-plans-macworld-expo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/aspyr-media-updates-digital-distribution-plans-macworld-expo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Mac games mainstay, Aspyr Media is showing of its latest and upcoming titles at the Macworld Expo. Easily the company with the most Mac game releases in recent years, Aspyr will ship the Mac version of its Best in Show, Prey to retailers next week, with Star Wars: Empire At War next on the company's Mac list. Aspyr also reminded us its PC and PS2 title, The Shield, will also ship to stores next week.

In addition to upcoming games, we learned more about the company's Game Agent digital distribution service for Mac gamers. Currently a method of testing Mac hardware to see if new games will run, Game Agent will be relaunched this year to offer a back catalog of Aspyr titles that don't fit on retail shelves.

The Mac-only service -- at least initially -- will sell older titles mostly as-is, although some may be updated to work better with the latest version of OS X on a case-by-case basis. OS 9 games, however, will be unlikely to be updated to Mac OS X versions, and Aspyr may not offer those games at all.

Aspyr wants to include as many games as possible, but it needs to clear the rights for its older Mac titles, most of which were PC ports. We asked about the potential for small Mac developers to sell games though the service, and we were told that may happen, but that's not the focus. Instead, marketing director, Leah Heck told us Aspyr first wants to "give people access to the back catalog and make it easy to play."

JoystiqAspyr Media updates, digital distribution plans (Macworld Expo) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyraspyr mediaAspyrMediadigital distributionDigitalDistributiongame agentGameAgentleah heckLeahHeckMacmacworldexpo07PCPS2star wars: empire at warStarWars:EmpireAtWarthe shieldTheShieldFri, 12 Jan 2007 08:25:00 EST<![CDATA[MacBowl charity event raises $24,000 (Macworld Expo)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/macbowl-charity-event-raises-24-000-macworld-expo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/macbowl-charity-event-raises-24-000-macworld-expo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/12/macbowl-charity-event-raises-24-000-macworld-expo/#commentsFiled under: ,

Aspyr Media and Macworld magazine hosted their seventh annual MacBowl contest Thursday night. The Macworld Expo tradition pits Mac companies against each other while raising money through team fees for the San Francisco Unified School District.

This year's competition raised $24,000, while the total -- including previous years -- reached $146,000 donated to local schools. Mac gaming companies have historically been big team sponsors, although this year's limited gaming presence left just Freeverse and Aspyr with event teams, while Microsoft, Elgato, and many others fielded competitors.

JoystiqMacBowl charity event raises $24,000 (Macworld Expo) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 04:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyraspyr mediaAspyrMediafreeverseMacmacworldexpo07san franciscoSanFranciscoFri, 12 Jan 2007 04:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview - Gothic 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/23/metareview-gothic-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/23/metareview-gothic-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/23/metareview-gothic-3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Metareview - Gothic 3
Piranha Bytes is frequently credited as the originator of the vast, living worlds showcased in their RPG series Gothic. Unfortunately, this German developer's roleplaying adventures also carry the stigma of non-intuitive interface design, a flawed combat system, and production values that are inconsistent at best. Having just been released in the States, Gothic 3 once again finds the series lost in translation with poor (and sometimes nonexistent) voice acting, and a host of bugs that make it difficult to recommend. Still, those willing to struggle with the controls and wait for patches will find a well-implemented faction influence system that hints at Gothic's still unrealized potential.
  • EuroGamer (80/100) was willing to overlook many of Gothic 3's shortcomings: "This time, however, by concentrating on evolving in its own niche, number three succeeds on its own terms: an interface that actually works, a modern lick of paint, and an (albeit misfiring) attempt to revise its fighting system; now's as good an opportunity as ever to step onto that carousel of orc-bashing familiarity."

  • Pro-G (60/10) suggests waiting for updates, but was fascinated nonetheless: "So, what have I listed up so far for Gothic 3? Terrible graphics, dialogue and narration, and a needlessly resource-hungry engine that renders a large amount of the game unplayable? Yep, check all those. But, ludicrous as it sounds, Gothic 3 has some strangely addictive and compelling qualities that I really have no explanation for."

  • GameSpy (30/100) drew many comparisons to Oblivion: "The difference is that while the basic design of the Gothic games is equal (and occasionally even superior) to Bethesda's offerings, they've also labored under terrible coding, a god-awful number of bugs and weird design decisions that make the releases (including Gothic 3) fail to even come close to fulfilling their potential."
See also: Metareview - Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

JoystiqMetareview - Gothic 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Nov 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrGothic 3JoWoodopen-endedPCpiranha bytesrpgThu, 23 Nov 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sims 2 Pets will be shedding on the Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/29/sims-2-pets-will-be-shedding-on-the-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/29/sims-2-pets-will-be-shedding-on-the-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/29/sims-2-pets-will-be-shedding-on-the-mac/#commentsFiled under: ,

See Sim Spot run. See Sim Spot chew your Sim's shoes and then chase the Sim neighbor's Sim cat up a tree. Life is about to get a lot hairier for your Sims, but at least Mac gamers will be getting their creature comforts in November, just a few weeks after PC owners. The Sims 2 Pets is the fourth expansion pack in the series, and will feature over 80 breeds of dogs and cats. Better get out the Sim vacuum.

See also: Sims on a plane

JoystiqSims 2 Pets will be shedding on the Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Sep 2006 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrEAea gameselectronic artsElectronic-ArtsMacmac gamingMaxispet simulatorsims 2sims 2 petsThe-SimsThe-Sims-2The-Sims-2-PetsFri, 29 Sep 2006 11:35:00 EST