Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Former Atari CEO received $4.76 million parachutehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/former-atari-ceo-received-4-76-million-parachute/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/former-atari-ceo-received-4-76-million-parachute/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/former-atari-ceo-received-4-76-million-parachute/#commentsFiled under:


Former Atari CEO Bruno Bonnell received 3 million Euros ($4.76 million) for running the company into the ground to leave the company last year. GameDaily reports Bonnell was apparently given the package by Infogrames -- which was a majority shareholder at the time -- without Atari's management receiving a copy of the agreement until two months after the deal was done.

Of course, this is a ghost from Atari's past, not the new incarnation we're slowly getting to know. We just like this story because, frankly, we're jealous. We want $4.76 million for throwing a company into financial ruin ... heck, we'll settle for a $100 bucks and a free round of drinks at the pub.

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]]>ataribruno-bonnellbrunobonnellAlexander Sliwinski2008-07-03T03:00:00+00:00Big Versus tweaks format while Alone in the Darkhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/big-versus-tweaks-format-while-alone-in-the-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/big-versus-tweaks-format-while-alone-in-the-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/big-versus-tweaks-format-while-alone-in-the-dark/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Our friends at Big Download took both the PC and Xbox 360 versions of Alone in the Dark for a spin in an updated version of Big Versus. In their words, "Shying away from our original concept of which is better than the other, Big Versus has transformed to a comparison piece regarding our overall experiences." So which version left them with a more positive half-smile? Check it out here.

Gallery: Alone in the Dark (2008)


Gallery: A Dark Past: An Alone in the Dark Retrospective

A Dark Past: An Alone in the Dark RetrospectiveAlone in the Dark (PC, Mac, 3DO)Alone in the Dark 2 (PC, Mac, PSone, Sega Saturn, 3DO)Alone in the Dark 3 (PC, Mac)Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare (PC, PS1, PS2, Dreamcast, Game Boy Color)

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]]>alone-in-the-darkatariinfogramesRoss Miller2008-07-01T21:57:00+00:00Metareview -- Alone in the Dark (Euro edition)http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/metareview-alone-in-the-dark-euro-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/metareview-alone-in-the-dark-euro-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/metareview-alone-in-the-dark-euro-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Early reviews of Atari's anticipated frightfest, Alone in The Dark, have generated quite a bit of controversy. A couple of 3/10s will do that, most of all when the publisher's scorn comes from the suspicion that said European articles were based on preview or pirated code. Though several other sites have now chimed in with their thoughts and less dire scores, Eden's efforts seem to have fallen just short of the game's ambition and promise. It seems everybody wanted to love Alone in The Dark, but had their feelings rebuked by clumsy controls and obvious padding to the game's length.
  • Xbox World 360 (73/100): "As much as Alone In The Dark deserves to be criticised for its problems, it equally deserves to be lavished with praise for some outstanding ideas and set-pieces. A gracious failure, AITD should stand as a lesson for other developers to see what they should be striving for."
  • Eurogamer (70/100): "The problem is that every time you get excited about Alone in the Dark, it shuts you down. At times it's akin to Atari's Boiling Point: Road To Hell of three years ago; throw any score on the ten-point scale and it will stick to something, but there's so much friction on the lower end that it's often impossible to pull away and remember when you brushed past genius. You want to love it, but it just keeps letting you down, and in the end that's the impression that sticks to the wall and stays there."
  • Gamer.nl (50/100): "The game can be compared to an aggressive puppy without potty training. You want to keep him so badly, but every time it seems to go right, it bites, scratches and shits on your carpet." (Translation)

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]]>Alone-in-the-DarkAtariEdenSurvival-HorrorLudwig Kietzmann2008-06-20T13:30:00+00:00Atari brings Deer Hunter Tournament to PC, 360 this Fallhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/atari-brings-deer-hunter-tournament-to-pc-360-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/atari-brings-deer-hunter-tournament-to-pc-360-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/atari-brings-deer-hunter-tournament-to-pc-360-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Dear hunter,

I am writing to you, with great difficulty I might add, about a matter very dear to my heart. I understand that not all members of the human race find us endearing, but I would greatly and truly appreciate it if you would be a dear and stop hunting my kind, the deer. Isn't that what your dearly beloved technology is for?

Why not purchase a copy of Atari's "most intense virtual hunting experience ever created," Deer Hunter Tournament? Set for release this Fall on Xbox 360 and PC, it promises "true-to-life animal behaviour," a variety of hunting modes, techniques and tools, and online multiplayer (though I'm sure you would prefer online mullet-player). And for only $19.99, or $39.99 for the Xbox 360 version, you'll get to hunt deer without forcing me to deal with all the painful repercussions.

Plus, you know, it'll help you with your dire aiming and embarrassing tracking abilities. I'm writing this with your stationery and making a complete mess of the study.

Yours truly,
John Deer

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]]>AtariDeer-Hunter-TournamentHuntingLudwig Kietzmann2008-06-17T23:00:00+00:00Alone in the Dark with Wiimote and Nunchukhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/alone-in-the-dark-with-wiimote-and-nunchuk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/alone-in-the-dark-with-wiimote-and-nunchuk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/alone-in-the-dark-with-wiimote-and-nunchuk/#commentsFiled under: ,

A fresh take on Waggletech(R) as Alone in the Dark for Wii developer, Hydravision Entertainment, proves its penchant for virtual charades in this new trailer. Seriously, the "flasher" maneuver? Brilliant! Who knew the Wiimote and Nunchuk could be used to mimic the parting of a trench coat? Still, there's nothing quite as immersifying as the overhand bludgeon. Classic.

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]]>alone-in-the-darkatarihydravision-entertainmentnunchukwiimoteJames Ransom-Wiley2008-06-13T15:00:00+00:00Bushnell is 'thrilled' to be played by DiCapriohttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/bushnell-is-thrilled-to-be-played-by-dicaprio/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/bushnell-is-thrilled-to-be-played-by-dicaprio/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/bushnell-is-thrilled-to-be-played-by-dicaprio/#commentsFiled under:


Direct from our always hefty "Yeah, No Kidding" file, MTV Multiplayer was told last night by Atari founder Nolan Bushnell that he was "very thrilled and honored" to be portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in an upcoming biopic. Yeah Nolan, no kidding.

What we're sure is not quite as thrilling to Bushnell is the fact that it's currently unclear to what extent present-day Atari will let their property (like the three-pronged logo) be used. We're hopeful that the company will play ball if they throw Phil Harrison a bit role. (A Brit as a villainous Ralph Baer? You heard it here first.)

[Update: We've got Fernando's awesome take on Phil as Ralph right after the break!]

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]]>atarinolan-bushnellJustin McElroy2008-06-10T10:10:00+00:00Delayed horrification: Alone in the Dark finishedhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/delayed-horrification-alone-in-the-dark-finished/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/delayed-horrification-alone-in-the-dark-finished/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/delayed-horrification-alone-in-the-dark-finished/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Atari has sent along word that its entry into the next-gen survival-horror action-survival fray is all wrapped up and ready to (*fingers crossed*) scare up retail bucks on June 24. (For every platform but PS3, that is.)

The oft-delayed Alone in the Dark series "restart" explores an even darker side of Silent Hill NYC's Central Park. Based on our recent hands-on with the Xbox 360 version of game, the unique "TV episode" style mission structure and varied gameplay situations (not to mention lots of pretty fire) should help it stand out during a relatively slow spot in the release calendar. PS3 owners will have to wait until "autumn" (we hear, November to be exact) for their share of scares.

Gallery: Alone in the Dark (2008)

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]]>alone-in-the-darkatarisurvival-horrorRandy Nelson2008-06-09T16:30:00+00:00Leonardo DiCaprio to star in Nolan Bushnell biopichttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/leonardo-dicaprio-to-star-in-nolan-bushnell-biopic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/leonardo-dicaprio-to-star-in-nolan-bushnell-biopic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/leonardo-dicaprio-to-star-in-nolan-bushnell-biopic/#commentsFiled under: ,

A biopic about Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell has been picked up by Paramount Pictures, with Leonardo DiCaprio attached to star, reports Variety. Although we feel "attached to star" is indicative of DiCaprio taking on the role of Bushnell himself, we guess it's equally likely he could star as Atari co-founder Ted Dabney or a paddle from Pong!

Bushnell is also known for founding Chuck E. Cheese. The film, currently titled Atari, will be produced by DiCaprio's Appian Way.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

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]]>adaptationataribushnelldicapriofilmleonardo-dicapriomovienolan-bushnellpongted-dabneyRoss Miller2008-06-07T11:30:00+00:00Harrison elaborates on the future of single-player gameshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/harrison-elaborates-on-the-future-of-single-player-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/harrison-elaborates-on-the-future-of-single-player-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/harrison-elaborates-on-the-future-of-single-player-games/#commentsFiled under:


Infogrames president Phil Harrison made some eyebrow-raising comments last week, claiming that following Alone in the Dark, his company would move away from "huge-budget, single-player games." Speaking to videogaming247, Harrison went into more detail on what he described as not just a shift in direction for Infogrames, but for the entire industry as well.

While suggesting once again that Infogrames will be moving away from single-player console titles, Harrison elaborates that those games will still have a place in the market, but will have to begin integrating connectivity and non-linearity to survive. We'll have to see if there's any truth in these sooth-saying words.

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]]>alone-in-the-darkatariinfogramesphil-harrisonScott Jon Siegel2008-05-28T04:00:00+00:00This Wednesday: Warlords and Buku Sudoku on XBLAhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/this-wednesday-warlords-and-buku-sudoku-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/this-wednesday-warlords-and-buku-sudoku-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/this-wednesday-warlords-and-buku-sudoku-on-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , ,

warlords
It doesn't take a crystal ball to see that six months from now Warlords will be plenty eligible for delisting. Let's just say that deathmatches have come along way since 1980. But if you choose to respectfully disagree, you can pledge your feeble support to give this Atari classic a permanent home in the XBLA catalog by plunking down a five-spot (400 Microsoft Points). Just remember, some games are better left to memory -- and paddle controllers!

As for Buku Sudoku? Well, there's a reason this is the "first and only" Sudoku game on XBLA. Leave the number crunching to the pencil and paper, and go shoot some more hookers.

Gallery: Warlords


Gallery: Buku Sudoku

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]]>ataribuku-sudokumerscomstainless-gameswarlordsxblaxblawednesdayJames Ransom-Wiley2008-05-27T16:26:00+00:00Bushnell: New encryption chip to effectively end PC gaming piracyhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/25/bushnell-new-encryption-chip-to-effectively-end-pc-gaming-pirac/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/25/bushnell-new-encryption-chip-to-effectively-end-pc-gaming-pirac/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/25/bushnell-new-encryption-chip-to-effectively-end-pc-gaming-pirac/#commentsFiled under: ,


As much as we enjoy not paying for things, we here at Joystiq HQ are vehemently opposed to piracy. Partly because we think cheating music, film, and gaming companies out of their hard-earned recompense is a despicable act, but mostly because we don't like equating paltry key-cracking to the visceral thrill of high seas swashbuckling. Apparently, Nolan Bushnell shares our disdain for modern-day "pirates" as well -- in a recent speech to a Wedbush Morgan Securities conference, the Atari founder discussed a new encryption chip which will "absolutely stop piracy of gameplay."

The stealth encryption chip known as TPM will appear on the motherboards of many computers currently being produced, according to Bushnell, and will allow game developers to imbue their future titles with completely uncrackable, unsharable activation passwords. We've found that e-pirates are a resourceful lot, so the prolonged effectiveness of this measure is questionable -- still, it could rejuvenate PC gaming in areas of the world where piracy runs rampant. Lord knows the industry could use a booster shot in Tortuga.

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]]>ataribushnellencryptionnolanbushnellpcpcgamingpiracypiratetpmGriffin McElroy2008-05-25T16:30:00+00:00Harrison: Infogrames & Atari done with 'huge-budget, single-player games'http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/harrison-infogrames-and-atari-done-with-huge-budget-single-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/harrison-infogrames-and-atari-done-with-huge-budget-single-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/harrison-infogrames-and-atari-done-with-huge-budget-single-play/#commentsFiled under:

alone in the dark
Stopping short of calling Alone in the Dark his troubled (transitioning?) company's "swan song," Infogrames president and Atari legal guardian Phil Harrison has again proposed that the company (meaning Infogrames the parent and Atari the wholly owned US subsidiary) is focused on carving out its place in the budding online gaming business with a stress on social communication. "I don't see that we're going to be making huge-budget, single-player games in the future," Harrison told Gamasutra, adding, "Now, that doesn't mean that we won't have ambition to do really incredible games ... but they won't be one-player, narrative-driven, start-middle-end games."

Will we be hearing the same message if Alone in the Dark manages to answer CEO David Gardner's prayers (to the tune of 2-3 million units sold)? Sounds like it. Harrison has clearly set his sights on taking a "slightly aggressive, leading-edge role" in the online gaming movement where loneliness is the last motif he wants to cultivate and dark days are in the company's past. "We have plenty of titles in our pipeline, and we think [Alone in the Dark] will be an important part of our year, but it's by no means the only part of our year."

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]]>alone-in-the-darkatariinfogramesphil-harrisonJames Ransom-Wiley2008-05-23T15:58:00+00:00Phil Harrison talks Alone in the Dark, spotlight shines on game footagehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/phil-harrison-talks-alone-in-the-dark-spotlight-shines-on-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/phil-harrison-talks-alone-in-the-dark-spotlight-shines-on-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/phil-harrison-talks-alone-in-the-dark-spotlight-shines-on-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The dialog may sound cheesy, but Alone in the Dark looks like it could be good enough (and given our hands-on, maybe even 3 million units good enough) to try when it releases in late June. In the video above, Atari/Infogrames Directeur Général Délégué Phil Harrison speaks to 1Up about being impressed after seeing AitD for the first time and enjoying the narrative structure of the title.

The real highlight in the video is the impressive amount of gameplay footage shown, which gives us a much better idea of what the title will actually be like. We're not sure yet if Alone in the Dark will be "blow your mind" fantastic, but much like The Darkness last summer, it appears well suited in getting some attention from the consoles it'll launch on during a less-than-crowded release time. Don't fret PS3 owners, you should be way too busy with Solid Snake starting June 12 to care about little ol' Edward Carnby.

Gallery: Alone in the Dark (2008)

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]]>aitdalone-in-the-darkatariinfogramesphil-harrisonAlexander Sliwinski2008-05-23T01:30:00+00:00Joystiq hands-on: Alone in the Dark (360)http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/joystiq-hands-on-alone-in-the-dark-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/joystiq-hands-on-alone-in-the-dark-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/joystiq-hands-on-alone-in-the-dark-360/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


With some trepidation, I walked into Atari's offices today to check out the newest (and quite possibly final) build of Alone in the Dark. With controller in hand, I started a fresh save file ... only to have three hours blur by and be bombarded with a never-ending series of cinematic, adrenaline-pumping sequences. I was totally unprepared for Eden Studios' bold reimagining of the franchise. This is not your father's Alone in the Dark.

A key point that the Atari representative reiterated throughout my play session was the influence of serialized television in the design of the game. The game is broken up into a series of "episodes," each ending on a cliffhanger. Players are able to select levels and sequences via a menu that resembles something you'd find on a DVD. Not only can players jump to any level they want, but they can skip to specific "chapters" within each episode, as well. Each episode ends with credits, and each new episode starts with a very cute "Previously on Alone in the Dark" recap. (Interestingly, all the episodes are unlocked when a player starts the game. This means if you get stuck at a certain point, you can simply skip to the next chapter and use the recap to see what you missed. The reasoning behind this? Eden wants everyone to finish this game, no matter how challenging the puzzles may get.)

These trivial changes to the presentation are amusing, but the TV inspiration runs much deeper. One season of a great television show has a clear beginning, middle and end. However, each episode usually focuses on one specific issue in an overarching story arc. Alone in the Dark fully embraces the serialized narrative, and uses it to create stunning set pieces in every chapter of every episode we've had an opportunity to play. Alone in the Dark isn't survival horror like we've seen in Silent Hill and Resident Evil. No, it's also about platforming. It's about puzzle solving, first person shooting ... and even driving. Alone in the Dark really is a great season of 24, albeit one with a supernatural twist.

Gallery: Alone in the Dark (2008)




The story begins with your character, blurry-eyed, waking up to an angry group of men intent on killing you. Just like the main character, the player knows nothing about what's going on: Who are these people, what do they want ... and most importantly, who are you? There isn't much time for answers, though. They're taking you to the roof to execute you. That is, until the floors start cracking apart, eating people alive. The building (nay, the city) is falling apart and you have to get the hell out.

Escaping the building is no easy task, and it sets the premise for the entirety of the first "episode" of the game. Navigating the collapsing, burning hallways of the building reminded us a lot of Uncharted on PS3. The game's main protagonist, Edward Carnby, is as much an "everyday man" as Nathan Drake: Both will make incredible leaps of faith, but neither come with extraordinary powers to defy gravity. Edward, in the opening levels, will jump over burning pits of debris, rappel down a broken elevator shaft, and even precariously swing around the building exterior. In one incredible sequence, I tried climbing up a rope to the top of the roof, but every time I inched closer, the cable snapped a bit, plummeting me briefly. I nervously progressed forward, hoping not to make the rope snap completely.

"Pyromaniacs rejoice -- the fire in Alone in the Dark is a thing of beauty."
With the exception of the massive supernatural attack on New York City, everything about Alone in the Dark is meant to feel real. Edward feels like a real character in a real world, and he must abide by the physics that rule this virtual environment. The key star of the physics, however, is fire. Pyromaniacs rejoice -- the fire in Alone in the Dark is a thing of beauty. You can set a single piece of wood on fire and watch it slowly deteriorate into a smoldering pile of ash. Fire will stick to all flammable surfaces, trapping Edward in some truly perilous situations. But, fire isn't just a deadly environmental hazard -- it is both a weapon and a tool. When I approached a locked door, I could've simply smashed it open by using a nearby fire extinguisher. Instead, I picked up a wooden chair from the room, ran into an adjacent burning room, set it on fire and threw it at the locked door. It took some time, but the door became engulfed, slowly breaking apart into glowing embers.



The lack of HUD makes for an immersive experience, and the in-coat inventory system offers a sensible restriction to the player. All usable items are stored in Edward's jacket, and anything that can't fit will not be added to the inventory. Players can open their jacket at any time to equip, use and combine items -- but unlike Resident Evil 4, the game doesn't stop when you're perusing through your items. The world continues whilst you look in your coat, so don't expect to do extensive item work when you're surrounded by a horde of enemies.

The various items that can be used are all a lot of fun to use, especially when combined properly. For example, bullets can become explosive rounds when doused in a certain fluid. Players can make sticky bombs by combining tape and a volatile chemical. Players have the freedom to experiment with a number of various item combinations, which makes puzzle solving really engaging.

There are multiple solutions to many obstacles and puzzles in the game. For example, a locked door has an electronic keypad. By looking at the blood stains on the keys, players can input the right code to go. Alternatively, they can simply shoot the keypad and then hotwire the device to bypass security. Who knows? There might have been other ways to get past that sequence, depending on your inventory and imagination. If an item won't clear a path, the solution may present itself through physics. Everything has a sensible cause-and-effect in the game; don't expect any arbitrary Myst-like puzzles.

Simply traversing the stages is entertaining, thanks to the dramatic backdrops and clever environmental puzzles scattered throughout. But considering this is an apocalypse, Edward must face a growing number of zombie-like enemies, reanimated human puppets called "humanz." [Oh noez - Ed.] These horrifically scarred beings will relentlessly attack Edward, and can only be killed through the use of fire. Players can pick up a variety of objects in the environment: swords, frying pans, computer keyboards. But, these tools can only stall the undead enemies. Players can try to drag stunned bodies into fire, or use a weapon that's already covered in flames. Or, players can sacrifice their health aid spray, igniting it into a powerful flamethrower (when combined with the lighter).

Guns are also unsurprisingly helpful, especially when players learn how to create the best kind of ammunition in the game. The entire game can be played through either a first- or third-person perspective. I found myself switching between both modes, depending on the environment and the weapon I had in my possession. A simple press of the Y button changes things up.



Once I managed to escape the building, I learned of my ultimate destination: Central Park. A very accurately modeled New York City falls into a state of pandemonium, with streets being ripped in half, and buildings being torn apart. This segment, entitled "59th Street," is one of the most exhilarating moments I've experienced in this generation of games. In a taxi cab, I had to navigate through a crazed city street that looked like a scene from Cloverfield. Although there are no HUD elements directing me where to go, I never felt lost. When I finally got to Central Park, I thought to myself, "This is what driving through an earthquake is like." It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.

After that, Edward learns that the events of this apocalyptic evening, for some reason, can only be stopped by him. He's given "the stone," a magical device that'll obviously be vital to solving this mystery. A major plot twist later, and we're free to roam Central Park any way we'd like.

"This is what driving in an earthquake is like." It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.
Yes, there are objectives to complete. But, if a player so chooses, he or she can explore the entirety of Central Park. According to an Atari representative, this is an almost-perfect recreation of the park. Looking at the map and playing the game, I'd have to agree: the sense of scale is incredible. This is even truer to real life than Grand Theft Auto IV's "Middle Park." Speaking of GTA, there are vehicles within Central Park that players can hijack. Finding a vehicle can make traversing Central Park much easier: Not only is it much easier than going on foot, but there are a lot of "humanz" looking to become roadkill.

This is where the real Alone in the Dark experience begins, and players will begin unraveling the mystery of the evil that lurks beneath Central Park. From what I've seen so far, I'm excited to play through more episodes of Eden's adventure game. The cinematic presentation outdid all of my expectations, and the gameplay variety was startling. With solid (and sometimes fantastic) graphics, an incredible soundtrack performed by the Grammy Award-winning vocalists "Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices," and a truly intriguing premise, Eden Studios has made a convert of me. After three hours with the game, I can only hope that the momentum found in the game's opening moments continues in the full, final game.

Alone in the Dark will be available on Xbox 360 and PC on June 24th. A PS3 version is planned for November. Stay tuned for impressions of the Wii version of Alone in the Dark, developed by Hydravision Entertainment.

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]]>alone-in-the-darkataricentral-parkeden-studiosjoystiqfeaturesAndrew Yoon2008-05-22T21:30:00+00:00'Family Trainer' is more Power Pad than Balance Boardhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/family-trainer-is-more-power-pad-than-balance-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/family-trainer-is-more-power-pad-than-balance-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/family-trainer-is-more-power-pad-than-balance-board/#commentsFiled under: ,

family trainer
Little known fact: Bandai's NES "Power Pad" was known as "Family Trainer" in Japan. And so old is new again, as Atari has announced the European release of Namco Bandai's thoughtfully named Family Trainer for September (it's called Active Life in the US and hasn't been dated). These days, names like Family Trainer and Active Life certainly conjure a connection to Wii Fit, a "knockoff" if you will, though the new Family Trainer is more a resurrection of that mat from the 80s than another way to get weighed on your Wii.

This "new" Power Pad is bundled with zany feats, forgoing the track and field games that were packaged with the original peripheral for things like log jumping and mine karting in jungles and haunted mansions. Missing the mark? We think so. Price this pad at half the cost of Wii Fit, toss in a Pilates program, and Family Trainer will go platinum, like day one.

[Via Engadget]

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]]>active-lifeatarifamily-trainernamco-bandaipower-padJames Ransom-Wiley2008-05-14T22:15:00+00:00Alone in the Dark shows off driving gameplayhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/alone-in-the-dark-shows-off-driving-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/alone-in-the-dark-shows-off-driving-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/alone-in-the-dark-shows-off-driving-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


If you like cheese, then you're gonna love the new Alone in the Dark gameplay trailer after the break. Try to ignore the giant pop-up on how to turn off the car's headlights and just focus on the voice acting, which even Resident Evil fans might cringe at. Who knows, maybe the game is supposed to be filled with fromagey goodness?

Considering Alone in the Dark is expected to sell 2-3 million copies this year, that confidence might be a little hard to understand after seeing this "GTA in hell" video. Oh well, hopefully we'll still be able to light plenty of stuff on fire.

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]]>alone-in-the-darkaloneinthedarkatarivideoAlexander Sliwinski2008-05-13T16:30:00+00:00Atari gets delisted by Nasdaqhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/atari-gets-delisted-by-nasdaq/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/atari-gets-delisted-by-nasdaq/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/atari-gets-delisted-by-nasdaq/#commentsFiled under:


As of today Atari has been delisted by the Nasdaq stock exchange, but the company states it will appeal. The company was first threatened with delisting last July after it failed to submitits year-end financials, then again in December because its market value was too low, and one final time in March for not fixing its issues from the previous year. The publisher will have its stock quoted on Pink Sheets and OTC Bulletin Board until the decision is reversed.

The delisting of Atari won't stop the $11 million buyout by Infogrames or the master plan of CEO David Gardner, Directeur Général Délégué Phil Harrsion and rest of the new Atari/Infogrames crew. Bargain hunters looking for a good deal might want to see if Gardner would be willing to trade some Atari stock for a casserole or some landscaping work.

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]]>ataridelistinginfogramesnasdaqAlexander Sliwinski2008-05-09T10:00:00+00:00BBFC rating confirms Alone in the Dark's spookinesshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/bbfc-rating-confirms-alone-in-the-darks-spookiness/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/bbfc-rating-confirms-alone-in-the-darks-spookiness/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/bbfc-rating-confirms-alone-in-the-darks-spookiness/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The British Board of Film Classification has posted details on the '15' rating pegged on Atari's upcoming survival-horror shriekfest, Alone in the Dark. The extended classification information on the BBFC website notes the game's "frequent use of strong language," but cuts it some some slack since, unlike Uwe Boll's ill-fated film adaptation, it "does not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury." The text reminds us that while there's "plenty of violence," it's all "mitigated by the fantasy context." Thank goodness!

Aside from the aggressive use of "guns, posts, spades, flamethrowers and other items," the BBFC also warns that we'd best watch out for "moments of horror, with some of the supernatural beasts that attack the protagonist arriving in fairly unexpected - and shocking - fashion." So ... zombies wearing ponchos, then.

Gallery: Alone in the Dark (2008)

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]]>Alone-in-the-DarkAtariBBFCSurvival-HorrorLudwig Kietzmann2008-05-07T17:00:00+00:00New CFO at Infogrames (Atari v2.0)http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/new-cfo-at-infogrames-atari-v2-0/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/new-cfo-at-infogrames-atari-v2-0/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/new-cfo-at-infogrames-atari-v2-0/#commentsFiled under:


Infogrames has added another new executive, with Fabrice Hamaide having just been appointed Chief Financial Officer. GameDaily has Hamaide's full resume, but that's not as important as pointing out that this is just another change in the new Infogrames/Atari that CEO David Gardner and Directeur Général Délégué Phil Harrison are building.

The installation of a new CFO comes only days after Infogrames announced it would be buying Atari outright for $11 million dollars. We now wait to see if Infogrames changes its name to Atari and whatever else Gardner et al. have in store for Atari v2.0.

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]]>atarigardnerharrisoninfogramesAlexander Sliwinski2008-05-06T15:30:00+00:00Infogrames buying Atari outright for $11 millionhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/infogrames-buying-atari-outright-for-11-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/infogrames-buying-atari-outright-for-11-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/infogrames-buying-atari-outright-for-11-million/#commentsFiled under:


Infogrames announced that it will buy the remaining stock of Atari in an $11 million merger and will immediately lend $20 million to the company before the deal closes. Although it's been hard to distinguish the two companies, Infogrames only had a 51.4% controlling interest in Atari, which will now become a wholly owned subsidiary of Infogrames by the third (calendar) quarter.

Former Sony executive Phil Harrison, who is now Directeur Général Délégué at Infogrames, said a little while ago that we should think of Atari/Infogrames as a start-up ... and we're slowly getting there. With this merger opening up the full-on name change, along with the slew of new executives the company is collecting, the Atari/Infogrames we know now doesn't seem to be the Atari we'll know in a year. Whether any of this fixes the grim financial situation of the publisher, however? That's a story for another time.

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]]>atarigardnerharrisoninfogramesAlexander Sliwinski2008-05-01T09:45:00+00:00