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[Backbone-developed Streets of Rage, ESWAT pitch art surfaces]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/backbone-developed-streets-of-rage-eswat-pitch-art-surfaces/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/backbone-developed-streets-of-rage-eswat-pitch-art-surfaces/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/backbone-developed-streets-of-rage-eswat-pitch-art-surfaces/#commentsBackbonedeveloped Streets of Rage, ESWAT pitch art surfaces
Developer Backbone Entertainment planned to produce new entries in multiple classic Sega franchises, as evidenced in a gallery of images posted online by former Backbone artist Arvin Bautista.

Bautista's art showcases characters from Sega's Streets of Rage beat-'em-up series, along with a mockup screenshot from a proposed remake of ESWAT, a side-scrolling action game that premiered in arcades in 1989. The games were pitched as downloadable titles for Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network, though neither was officially announced. It's unknown if either game is currently in development.

Despite its Genesis-era popularity, the Streets of Rage series stumbled when it came time to transition to later consoles. A Dreamcast sequel was cancelled early in development, and though Crackdown 2 developer Ruffian Games pitched a downloadable Streets of Rage remake for current-gen consoles, a release never materialized.

Adding to the bodycount, Bionic Commando Rearmed developer GRIN was rumored to be working on its own Streets of Rage game prior to its closure in 2009. Sega itself hasn't forgotten the series, producing last year's Sega Vintage Collection: Streets of Rage compilation for Xbox Live Arcade as a reminder, but at this point, you'd be forgiven for thinking that these streets are cursed.

JoystiqBackbone-developed Streets of Rage, ESWAT pitch art surfaces originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbone-entertainmenteswatmicrosoftplaystationps3streets-of-ragexboxTue, 07 May 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Death Jr. developer Backbone sees layoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/death-jr-developer-backbone-sees-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/death-jr-developer-backbone-sees-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/death-jr-developer-backbone-sees-layoffs/#comments Layoffs at BackboneBackbone Entertainment, the Foundation 9-owned developer of many HD re-releases and retro collections including Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection - as well as the Death Jr. series - has suffered layoffs, Foundation 9 CEO James North-Hearn has told Gamasutra.

"Due to a lower demand for conventional console development, the studio has made some difficult but necessary adjustments in both its capacity and services, with the goal of matching the changing needs of today's market," North-Hearn said. "The dedicated development staff at Backbone has put together some of the studio's best work for our partners in the upcoming fall releases, Dance Central 3 and Midway Arcade Origins."

The scope of the layoffs was not revealed.

JoystiqDeath Jr. developer Backbone sees layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbone-entertainmentkinectlayoffsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxWed, 10 Oct 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Midway Arcade Origins' puts classic coin-ops on Xbox and PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/midway-arcade-origins-puts-classic-coin-ops-on-xbox-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/midway-arcade-origins-puts-classic-coin-ops-on-xbox-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/midway-arcade-origins-puts-classic-coin-ops-on-xbox-and-ps3/#comments
Warner Bros. Interactive is bundling its archive of Midway arcade games once again, for sale on PS3 and Xbox 360. Midway Arcade Origins is a collection of "more than 30 classic, genre-defining Midway titles from the golden age of arcades," including Gauntlet, Joust, Spy Hunter, Marble Madness, Defender, and Rampage. There's no online multiplayer, but there are new Achievements, Trophies, and leaderboards.

The Backbone-developed collection will be available this November for $30. That's less than $1 a game! Or, as far as we're concerned, it's $30 for Marble Madness's music, with a bunch of free games included.

Continue reading 'Midway Arcade Origins' puts classic coin-ops on Xbox and PS3

Joystiq'Midway Arcade Origins' puts classic coin-ops on Xbox and PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Backbone-Entertainmentmicrosoftmidwaymidway-arcade-originsWarner-Bros-InteractivexboxWed, 19 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Simpsons Arcade Game classified in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/the-simpsons-arcade-game-classified-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/the-simpsons-arcade-game-classified-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/the-simpsons-arcade-game-classified-in-australia/#comments Quarter-consuming favorite The Simpsons Arcade Game appears to finally be making its way to current generation systems. XBLAfans took note of the Australian classification board posting, which states the game is being developed by Backbone (who did the X-Men Arcade port) and published by Konami, so this is definitely not EA's cheap iOS imitation.

Konami told us it had "no information at this time" when contacted for a statement. If Backbone does that same job on Simpsons it did on X-Men Arcade, the title should be well done and available on several platforms.

JoystiqThe Simpsons Arcade Game classified in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BackboneBackbone-EntertainmentKonamiThe-Simpsons-Arcade-GameWed, 09 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Deadliest Warrior and Ugly Americans titles coming to XBLA and PSN under 345 Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/new-deadliest-warrior-and-ugly-americans-titles-coming-to-xbla-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/new-deadliest-warrior-and-ugly-americans-titles-coming-to-xbla-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/new-deadliest-warrior-and-ugly-americans-titles-coming-to-xbla-a/#comments Emboldened by the success of last year's anachronistic fighter Deadliest Warrior: The Game (which has sold over 400,000 downloads to date across XBLA and PSN), MTV Networks Entertainment has announced the opening of a new development studio called 345 Games. We spoke with Dan Yang and Prithvi Virasinghe from the newly incorporated studio about its plans to create game adaptations of Spike TV and Comedy Central programming. They revealed that they're starting with one distinct project from each network: Deadliest Warrior: Legends and Ugly Americans: Apocalypsegeddon.

The first, a follow-up to last year's Deadliest title, will feature all new fighters pulled from across the fullness of time, and more than twice as many arenas as the series' first installment. Each warrior type will be represented by titular legends such as William Wallace or Shaka Zulu, who can lead their armies in the new "Generals" campaign mode. Skirmishes between factions in this mode are carried out using the same battle simulator used in the show, and players can affect their troops with certain "X-Factors," such as training exercises, or unique General strategies.

Continue reading New Deadliest Warrior and Ugly Americans titles coming to XBLA and PSN under 345 Games

JoystiqNew Deadliest Warrior and Ugly Americans titles coming to XBLA and PSN under 345 Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>345-gamesBackbone-Entertainmentcomedy-centraldeadliest-warriordeadliest-warrior-legendsmicrosoftpipeworks-softwareplaystationps3psnspike-tvugly-americans-apocalypsegeddonxblaxboxThu, 07 Apr 2011 13:36:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Men Arcade being developed by Backbone, supports widescreen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/x-men-arcade-being-developed-by-backbone-supports-widescreen/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/x-men-arcade-being-developed-by-backbone-supports-widescreen/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/x-men-arcade-being-developed-by-backbone-supports-widescreen/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've got a couple of tiny updates to last weekend's announcement of the classic X-Men Arcade game making its way to Xbox Live Arcade and PSN. The title will be transferred from arcade cabinet to consoles by Backbone Entertainment, which was also responsible for ports like Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix and Marvel vs. Capcom 2.

We also followed up with Konami after noticing some reports of the game's "high-definition graphics." A representative for the publisher explained that the gameplay graphics may be upscaled, and that there would be new HD updates for some of the UI and menus.

Also, before there are riots in the streets, we did ask about the game's "widescreen" support. Refresher for some: the X-Men arcade game came in a couple versions: one that was just a standard 4:3 television, and another that used some visual trickery by sticking two screens together and creating a "wide screen" supporting six players. We were informed that the game will support widescreen when the game is open to six player "drop-in multiplayer." The PS3 supports six players both online and couch, while the XBLA version only supports six online. On either console, if there are four players or less, the game flips to a 4:3 scale; however, it sounds like if you just leave the game open to the possibility of six, it will stay widescreen. We'll have to test that once we get some hands-on time with the game.

JoystiqX-Men Arcade being developed by Backbone, supports widescreen originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backboneBackbone-EntertainmentKonamimicrosoftplaystationps3X-Menx-men-arcadexboxTue, 12 Oct 2010 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Gauntlet DS found on ESRB website with Majesco as publisher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/gauntlet-ds-found-on-esrb-website-with-majesco-as-publisher/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/gauntlet-ds-found-on-esrb-website-with-majesco-as-publisher/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/gauntlet-ds-found-on-esrb-website-with-majesco-as-publisher/#comments
After being potentially canceled as of a few months ago, Gauntlet DS has re-emerged from purgatory with a new publisher in Majesco. At very least, that's our best guess based on an ESRB rating for the game found by a Gauntlet-lovin' GoNintendo reader.

Once announced as being developed by Backbone Entertainment and published by now Square Enix-owned Eidos, the title was delisted from GameStop's website as well as Amazon back in February. Does this mean we'll finally be able to try our very best not to shoot food on the DS in the near future? One can only dream.

JoystiqGauntlet DS found on ESRB website with Majesco as publisher originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbackbone-entertainmentDSeidosesrbgamestopgauntletgauntlet-dsgonintendomajescoNintendoSat, 13 Jun 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Unplugged: Full track list & DLC revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/rock-band-unplugged-full-track-list-and-dlc-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/rock-band-unplugged-full-track-list-and-dlc-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/rock-band-unplugged-full-track-list-and-dlc-revealed/#comments Joystiq is pleased to unravel one of the great mysteries of our time ... Rock Band Unplugged's track list! Don't all faint at once now. *Phew*. We've got the complete set of band names and numbers (of the musical variety) featured on the PSP-exclusive's disc, plus the first ten DLC tracks to be available directly through the in-game music store beginning on release day, June 9, 2009. So, without further ado ...

[Here's the part where you press the big blue button. Yeah, that one.]

Continue reading Rock Band Unplugged: Full track list & DLC revealed

JoystiqRock Band Unplugged: Full track list & DLC revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 May 2009 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbone-entertainmentdlceaElectronic-Artsharmonixmtv-gamesrock-bandrock-band-unpluggedtrack-listFri, 15 May 2009 13:49:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Bomberman Ultra hands-on (PSN)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-bomberman-ultra-hands-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-bomberman-ultra-hands-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-bomberman-ultra-hands-on-psn/#comments
Bomberman isn't Bomberman if it isn't done in that classic 2D, top-down style. It's a simple formula that has transcended generations, making hits when staying true to its roots ... and making facepalms when it doesn't. It's with this thought in mind that we're left unsurprised to see what Hudson has decided to do with Bomberman Ultra -- the latest entry into this 26-year old series. Hudson is sticking to tradition with this PlayStation Network title.

Bomberman Ultra is, in a nutshell, a slightly upgraded port of Bomberman Live! which debuted on Xbox Live back in 2007. The visuals are virtually identical as this PS3 version retains a crisp and clean look along with some very vibrant colors. Other identical features include the very same power-ups and character customization options found in Live!. Ultra also contains all of Live!'s additional levels from the Bomb-Up Pack DLC, as well as three all-original stages for a total of 17 playable levels.

Gallery: Bomberman Ultra

Continue reading NYCC 09: Bomberman Ultra hands-on (PSN)

JoystiqNYCC 09: Bomberman Ultra hands-on (PSN) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbone-entertainmentbombermanbomberman-ultrahudsonnycc-2009psnpsn-gamesSat, 07 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Gauntlet DS has died]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/rumor-gauntlet-ds-has-died/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/rumor-gauntlet-ds-has-died/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/rumor-gauntlet-ds-has-died/#comments
Gauntlet DS has been removed or changed to a nebulous status on several retail sites. GoNintendo took notice that the title was removed from GameStop; allegedly, Amazon told customers that the game had been "canceled." Furthermore, Eidos no longer makes any mention of the title on its site.

A source familiar with the development of the title has confirmed to Joystiq that Gauntlet DS has indeed been scrapped; however, we've contacted both Eidos and developer Backbone Entertainment to learn what has (or hasn't) befallen the DS dungeon crawler. We'll update as soon as we hear something official.

Gallery: Gauntlet DS

JoystiqRumor: Gauntlet DS has died originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbonebackbone-entertainmentDSeidosgauntletgauntlet-dsNintendoWed, 04 Feb 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gauntlet delayed again?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/gauntlet-delayed-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/gauntlet-delayed-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/gauntlet-delayed-again/#commentsFiled under:

What's become of Gauntlet DS? The game was first announced last April, with a then-lightning fast release scheduled for a mere two months later. But June came and went with no multiplayer hack-n-slash game anywhere to be seen, and after a time, we were told October. Later, February. Now? According to GameStop, we might see Gauntlet in April, a year after the game's initial confirmation. And even that's not official.

So what's happened to the game? "Official" hands-on reports and impressions have been positive, even when they criticize certain aspects of the game, like its framerate (from impressions of last year's version), though some of our readers have reported negatively on the game. After so many delays, we have to assume Backbone Entertainment was doing something to the game, but what, we just don't know.

Gallery: Gauntlet


[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqGauntlet delayed again? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebackbone-entertainmenteidosgauntlethack-n-slashmultiplayerMon, 05 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix sells 250k units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/super-street-fighter-ii-turbo-hd-remix-sells-250k-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/super-street-fighter-ii-turbo-hd-remix-sells-250k-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/super-street-fighter-ii-turbo-hd-remix-sells-250k-units/#commentsFiled under:


Why is Ryu showing us his pearly whites and giving us a thumbs up? That's because Capcom has just announced they have sold an impressive 250,000 copies of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix across the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. A breakdown of the sales numbers between the two consoles was not released. The game was released on November 25th, so it hasn't even been a month since its debut. According to Capcom, it also broke both day one and week one sales records, and it will "most likely" go on to break the 30-days sales record as well. It might even become the highest grossing digital title ever.

What did you expect? Capcom took an old-school favorite, improved upon it, and unleashed it onto all the SF fanboys. Street Fighter forever!

JoystiqSuper Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix sells 250k units originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbone-entertainmentcapcomstreet-fighterstreet-fighter-iisuper-street-fighter-ii-turbo-hd-remixThu, 18 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Holiday Deal of the Week: Bomberman LIVE]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/holiday-deal-of-the-week-bomberman-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/holiday-deal-of-the-week-bomberman-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/holiday-deal-of-the-week-bomberman-live/#commentsFiled under: ,


Bomberman LIVE, that Xbox Live Arcade game that you've come to obsessively love thanks to the addition of NXE Avatars, is being cheapened. We've just been informed via a nearly frozen carrier pigeon that this week's Holiday Deal of the Week is Bomberman LIVE, which has been discounted to 600 Microsoft points. A 200 point savings over its retail price and something we can only describe as being "blastacular!" The holiday deal goes live Tuesday morning, so prep those MS points for spending. Ho, ho, ho and merry Holiday Deal of the Week!

JoystiqHoliday Deal of the Week: Bomberman LIVE originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbone-entertainmentbombermanbomberman-livexblaMon, 15 Dec 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Street Fighter II Turbo HDR finished, submitted, targeted for Nov.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/super-street-fighter-ii-turbo-hdr-finished-submitted-targeted/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/super-street-fighter-ii-turbo-hdr-finished-submitted-targeted/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/super-street-fighter-ii-turbo-hdr-finished-submitted-targeted/#commentsFiled under: , ,


"Very soon" could very well mean "this month" for the release of Capcom's HD remix of Super Street Fighter II Turbo on PSN and XBLA, according to an official forum post by Christian Svensson, the company's VP of strategic planning & business development.

Svensson confirmed that the game is finished and has been submitted to both Microsoft and Sony for approval, but that one or both versions could get bumped if the process hits any snags. "November is indeed the target month," he said, while cautioning that, "It is possible for us to bounce the submission on one and not the other which would cause the release to potentially not be simultaneous and still be released in November on one of the two."

JoystiqSuper Street Fighter II Turbo HDR finished, submitted, targeted for Nov. originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbone-entertainmentPS3psnssfiithdrstreet-fighterxblaXbox-360Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fresh Gauntlet shots arrive: 'Welcome, brown screens!']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/fresh-gauntlet-shots-arrive-welcome-brown-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/fresh-gauntlet-shots-arrive-welcome-brown-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/fresh-gauntlet-shots-arrive-welcome-brown-screens/#commentsFiled under: ,

Even by Gauntlet standards, the latest screenshots from Eidos' hack-and-slash revival are chockful of brown and beige. Not that we even care that much about how this will look -- Gauntlet is all about the co-op, after all -- but come on, guys! We know you possess knowledge of other colors.

In between the unrelenting brownness, you'll get a glimpse of a couple of the enemies you will encounter, including the "Soulless Leech" (the red, swirly chap here) and the "Beast of Burden" (here, no, sorry, here). Gauntlet will now be coming out in October, after it slipped from its original June date.

Finally, if somebody could reassure us that they got the reference in the title so we don't feel about 800 years old, that'd be peachy. Cheers.


[Via press release]

JoystiqFresh Gauntlet shots arrive: 'Welcome, brown screens!' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebackbone-entertainmenteidosgauntlethack-and-slashMon, 01 Sep 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Monster Lab blinded me with science]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/e308-monster-lab-blinded-me-with-science/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/e308-monster-lab-blinded-me-with-science/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/26/e308-monster-lab-blinded-me-with-science/#commentsFiled under:


Backbone Entertainment's Monster Lab, published by Eidos, seems better every time I see it. I don't think that this is a function of improvements being made to the game so much as it is a matter of me understanding it a little better and getting more into the gameplay. I hope this game doesn't end up as overlooked as I think it will!

My demo at E3 took me through most of the steps to monster-fighting success: creating parts, building a creature, and fighting. Parts for the monster are made in minigames, and come in three categories of mad science: mechanical, alchemical, and biological. Mechanical parts range from gear-covered steampunk-looking stuff to futuristic robot parts; biological parts are your basic gross monster stuff, and alchemical parts are magic-themed.

Continue reading E308: Monster Lab blinded me with science

JoystiqE308: Monster Lab blinded me with science originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbone-entertainmente3-2008e308eidosmonster-labrpgSat, 26 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom patching SSFIITHDR 'open beta' after all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/capcom-patching-ssfiithdr-open-beta-after-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/capcom-patching-ssfiithdr-open-beta-after-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/capcom-patching-ssfiithdr-open-beta-after-all/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Capcom is performing a very special move for those miffed at the generally broken state of the Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix "open beta." Despite originally dismissing connection issues and other awkwardness as the pitfalls of pre-release software, it is now planning to offer a patch to address them, according to a post on its official blog.

The patch is slated to contain "several fixes for the open beta," and Capcom states that "the overall experience in the beta will be vastly improved." More details - including a release date - are promised to be forthcoming, so don't put away those arcade sticks just yet.

JoystiqCapcom patching SSFIITHDR 'open beta' after all originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbone-entertainmentbetacapcompatchssfiithdrstreet-fighterxblaXbox-360Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: Go! Go! Break Steady and 1942 jointly strike XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/this-wednesday-go-go-break-steady-and-1942-jointly-strike-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/this-wednesday-go-go-break-steady-and-1942-jointly-strike-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/this-wednesday-go-go-break-steady-and-1942-jointly-strike-xbl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Capcom continues its retro revival on XBLA this Wednesday with the release of 1942: Joint Strike. Developed by Backbone Entertainment (Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 and the upcoming Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix), the game is a classic two-player, top-down shooter set against the backdrop of an alternate WWII where laser cannons and building-sized tanks are commonplace. It's landing at 800 MS points ($10).

Go! Go! Break Steady is a rhythm puzzle game set against the backdrop of an alternate WWII- er, actually it's a breakdancing themed puzzler from indie dev Little Boy Games. We first checked out this XNA-to-XBLA success story at GDC '08. You can pop and/or lock to your heart's content for 800 MS points ($10). If you don't care for the trial game, you can always use the $10 to support your local youth center, which was likely saved by breakdancers in the '80s.

Gallery: 1942: Joint Strike (XBLA/PSN)


Gallery: Go! Go! Break Steady

JoystiqThis Wednesday: Go! Go! Break Steady and 1942 jointly strike XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>19421942-joint-strikebackbone-entertainmentcapcomgo-go-break-steadylittle-boy-gamesmicrosoftxblaxblawednesdayXbox-360Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Go! Go! Break Steady and 1942: Joint Strike make their way to the XBLA this Wed.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/go-go-break-steady-and-1942-joint-strike-make-their-way-to-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/go-go-break-steady-and-1942-joint-strike-make-their-way-to-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/go-go-break-steady-and-1942-joint-strike-make-their-way-to-th/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Microsoft folks just announced that this Xbox Live Arcade release Wednesday, both Go! Go! Break Steady and 1942: Joint Strike will be making their way to the XBLA. And for 800 Microsoft points each, no less.

And just in case you wanted to know a bit more about each title, developer Little Boy Games' debut title Go! Go! Break Steady is a mix between the music and puzzle genres utilizing 20 original tracks. As far as 1942: Joint Strike goes, it's a Backbone Entertainment developed remake of the original top down vertical shooter Joint Strike featuring co-op gameplay and plenty of explosive goodness. Screenshots will be added when they become available. Galleries added below.


JoystiqGo! Go! Break Steady and 1942: Joint Strike make their way to the XBLA this Wed. originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1942-joint-strikebackbone-entertainmentcapcomgo-go-break-steadylittle-boy-gamesxblaMon, 21 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag: Death Jr. and a Nyko Kama wireless nunchuk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/fanswag-death-jr-and-a-nyko-kama-wireless-nunchuk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/fanswag-death-jr-and-a-nyko-kama-wireless-nunchuk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/fanswag-death-jr-and-a-nyko-kama-wireless-nunchuk/#commentsFiled under:


If you're looking for a new game to play, as well as a device that will eat up all of your batteries, then you've come to the right place. We're giving away 2 copies of Death Jr. (each retail for $40), along with one Nyko Kama wireless nunchuk (goes for $35). The grand prize winner will get both the nunchuk and a copy of Death Jr. for the Wii. The runner-up will only get a copy of Death Jr.

What do you need to do to enter our giveaway? Easy, just leave a comment telling us who your favorite character from the Death Jr. games is. Need some help? Hit up the official site here, or check out the Wikipedia entries for more. Simply tell us your favorite character, and you're entered.

Entrants must be at least 18 years of age or older and legal, current residents of the United States or Canada (excluding Quebec). You may leave only one comment per calendar day, so leave any more than that and you'll be disqualified. The giveaway starts now and entries must be in by 11:59pm Eastern on Wednesday, June 18th. We'll select the winner the following day, via random drawing.

Best of luck to you all and don't forget to give the official rules a read.

JoystiqFanswag: Death Jr. and a Nyko Kama wireless nunchuk originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionadventurebackbone-entertainmentdeath-jreidosfanswagplatformplatformerThu, 12 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy Review: Death Jr.: Root of Evil]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/wii-fanboy-review-death-jr-root-of-evil/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/wii-fanboy-review-death-jr-root-of-evil/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/wii-fanboy-review-death-jr-root-of-evil/#commentsFiled under:

As a property, Death Jr. is simply hilarious. The characters are delightfully twisted, in a sort of Oblongs-meets-Jhonen Vasquez way, and some of the humor and dialogue can only be categorized as ridiculously funny. In order to build a successful game, however, you need more than that; the gameplay has to be there, to provide the player a reason to move from joke to joke, and some of that impetus is clearly lacking in Death Jr.: Root of Evil.

Have you ever played a platforming game? Sure you have. Then guess what? You've pretty much played Death Jr. Get ready to bounce from here to there, collect items, and navigate a number of levels. There's not much more to it than that, other than the aforementioned humor ... which, unfortunately, is somewhat lacking in quantity.

Continue reading Wii Fanboy Review: Death Jr.: Root of Evil

JoystiqWii Fanboy Review: Death Jr.: Root of Evil originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbone-entertainmentdeath-jreidosplatformroot-of-evilMon, 09 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Commando 3 set to blast the XBLA next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/commando-3-set-to-blast-the-xbla-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/commando-3-set-to-blast-the-xbla-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/commando-3-set-to-blast-the-xbla-next-week/#commentsFiled under: ,

True, buddies over on the Playstation Network already have it, but next week it'll be coming to the better online platform (that's fanboy humor, get it?)

Capcom just announced that Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 will be releasing to the Xbox Live Arcade next Wednesday, June 11th for 800 Microsoft points. And with three player online or local co-op, fresh 3D visuals and enough "kaboom!" to throw a hand grenade stuffed puppy at, it may be worth your points. Remember too that those who purchase Commando 3 will also be granted access into the (deep breath) Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix beta which will launch in the days following. A beta that is exclusive to the XBLA. Like we said, the XBLA is the better online platform ... mwahahahaha!

JoystiqCommando 3 set to blast the XBLA next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbone-entertainmentcapcomcommando-3ssfiithdrwolf-of-the-battlefieldwolf-of-the-battlefield-commando-3xblaFri, 06 Jun 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Space Invaders Extreme (DS/PSP)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-space-invaders-extreme-ds-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-space-invaders-extreme-ds-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-space-invaders-extreme-ds-psp/#comments My surprise of the week: Space Invaders Extreme. I played a few rounds at the Nintendo Media Summit since there was no line for the lonely kiosk. (Its PR handlers had even abandoned it, working double-duty at the Crystal Chronicles station across the room.) But as soon as I began tapping the buttons, I was hooked; this update borrows the basic idea of Space Invaders and remixes it into a wild, fast-paced shooter.

Like the classic, enemy ships make formations above you, raining shots down the screen. Otherwise, nearly everything else has been squeezed, twisted, and stretched into a modern game. The transition deserves comparison to our lauded Pac-Man Championship Edition, but I haven't yet decided if its as elegant an update. Regardless, an update is an update, and Space Invaders Extreme betters nearly every other current shooter.

Gallery: Space Invaders Extreme (DS)

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Space Invaders Extreme (DS/PSP)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Space Invaders Extreme (DS/PSP) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Backbone-EntertainmentDSNintendonintendo-media-summit-08space-invadersspace-invaders-extremeSquare-EnixTaitoTue, 15 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blog embarks on quest, finds fresh Gauntlet screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/blog-embarks-on-quest-finds-fresh-gauntlet-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/blog-embarks-on-quest-finds-fresh-gauntlet-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/blog-embarks-on-quest-finds-fresh-gauntlet-screens/#commentsFiled under:

Our usual Monday morning trek to our friendly local press site unearthed something that should ensure a pleasant start to the week for many of you: plentiful supplies of food, potions, and a dozen screens of Eidos' modern remake of Gauntlet, which was revealed over the weekend and will support a host of multiplayer modes, playable locally or over the intertubes (with voice chat, yaaaay).

A few of these screens already appeared at IGN, but most are new, and contain a reassuring number of ghoulies, treasure, and suspiciously well-prepared food. Have a mooch around our gallery to take them all in.


[Via press release]

JoystiqBlog embarks on quest, finds fresh Gauntlet screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebackbone-entertainmenteidosgauntlethack-and-slashMon, 07 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DS needs hack and slash badly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/ds-needs-hack-and-slash-badly/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/ds-needs-hack-and-slash-badly/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/ds-needs-hack-and-slash-badly/#commentsFiled under:


... and it's going to get it! February's speculation after Gauntlet appeared on the ESRB's website has become fact: Eidos and Backbone Entertainment are bringing the classic to the DS. But let's get the best news out of the way up front -- Gauntlet has always been known for awesome multiplayer action, and the DS will continue that tradition. Not only will you be able to throw down with your friends using local wireless, Gauntlet will also support multiplayer over WiFi. They've even thrown in voice chat to make adventuring easier (and potentially more fun). Of course, there's also a single player mode, for those times when you just can't wait for everyone to get together.

Gauntlet will come into rotation for Game Night be released in late June. Start hoarding funds (and food) now.

JoystiqDS needs hack and slash badly originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebackbone-entertainmentclassiceidosgauntlethack-and-slashSun, 06 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 (XBLA/PSN)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/joystiq-hands-on-wolf-of-the-battlefield-commando-3-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/joystiq-hands-on-wolf-of-the-battlefield-commando-3-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/joystiq-hands-on-wolf-of-the-battlefield-commando-3-xbla-psn/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Call it another old-school remake/update; Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 will be out on XBLA and PSN this Spring. The angled, overhead shooter draws on its MERCS origins, bringing three-player destruction to those systems for $10 or 800 Microsoft Points.

At a recent demo, I played the 360 version of the game. Controls felt good, with walking assigned to the left stick and shooting to the right. I lobbed grenades and launched super attacks with other buttons; the arsenal held my interest. Vehicles should be a big part of the game, too. In my demo, we drove in an armored truck, shooting from our different seats, and floated down a river raft. Hopefully the full game will feature lots of these breaks, since on-foot battles could grow monotonous.

Gallery: Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 (XBLA/PSN)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 (XBLA/PSN) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbone-entertainmentcapcomcommandocommando-3mercsPS3psnremakesmash-tvwolf-of-the-battlefieldwolf-of-the-battlefield-commando-3xblaXbox-360Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Street Fighter II HD (XBLA/PSN)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/joystiq-hands-on-street-fighter-ii-hd-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/joystiq-hands-on-street-fighter-ii-hd-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/joystiq-hands-on-street-fighter-ii-hd-xbla-psn/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


I'm not a Street Fighter fanatic, but I've enjoyed the series over the years. So with this casual approach, I recently tried the XBLA beta of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, available soon to buyers of Commando 3 on XBLA. The full version will be out this Summer for that system and PSN.

Frankly, I don't even remember which character I played. It doesn't help that my only choices were Ken and Ryu, who have nearly the same moves. My helpful opponent reminded me how to do some of the special attacks; I was far out of practice on the Hurricane Kick, but I could throw fireballs right away.

Gallery: Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Street Fighter II HD (XBLA/PSN)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Street Fighter II HD (XBLA/PSN) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pbackbone-entertainmentcapcomclassicfightinghdhyper-fightingonlinePS3psnremakestreet-fighterstreet-fighter-hdstreet-fighter-remixsuper-street-fighter-ii-turbo-hd-remixxblaXbox-360Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: 1942: Joint Strike (XBLA/PSN)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/joystiq-impressions-1942-joint-strike-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/joystiq-impressions-1942-joint-strike-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/joystiq-impressions-1942-joint-strike-xbla-psn/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Capcom and Backbone Entertainment are shipping 1942: Joint Strike for XBLA and PSN this Summer. The HD remake -- hmm, part of a bona fide trend -- takes inspiration from 1942 and the other 194X games. But the top-down WWII shooter strives to be its own title, with unique levels, enemies, and updated weapons.

I recently checked out an alpha version of the game on a 360. The graphics looked sharp, with light sepia effects evoking a news-reel quality at times. Other times, colors popped against high-definition backgrounds. While the 3D world exists in a top-down angle, tall buildings leaned with the perspective, adding another visual hook to the shooter.

Gallery: 1942: Joint Strike (XBLA/PSN)

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: 1942: Joint Strike (XBLA/PSN)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: 1942: Joint Strike (XBLA/PSN) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>19421942-joint-strike1943194xarcadebackbone-entertainmentcapcomcasualdownloadjoint-strikeMicrosoftPS3psnremakeshooterxblaXbox-360Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Death, Jr. 2 takes root on Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/death-jr-2-takes-root-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/death-jr-2-takes-root-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/death-jr-2-takes-root-on-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,



The annoyingly punctuated Death, Jr. 2: Root of Evil will be making the leap from PSP to Wii this spring, complete with a bunch of stuff that should come as standard in the Wii version of a PSP-to-Wii port more polygons, higher-resolution textures, more voice acting, better pacing, splitscreen play for co-op, and an improved user interface. The game's score on Metacritic doesn't exactly leave us bursting with hope, but hey, we wrapped up Super Mario Galaxy a while ago, and could do with another platformer to sink our teeth into.

Speaking of Galaxy, here's Death, Jr. 2 producer James Stanley talking up the game to 1UP: "It's definitely one of the better looking Wii titles. I'd say 'best' but we might get in a battle with some Mario fans." Check out more screens past the break and tell us if you agree with him.

Continue reading Death, Jr. 2 takes root on Wii

JoystiqDeath, Jr. 2 takes root on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebackbone-entertainmentDeath-Jr-2eidosplatformportRoot-of-EvilWed, 13 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Street Fighter II HD Remix developers now remixing monsters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/super-street-fighter-ii-hd-remix-developers-now-remixing-monster/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/super-street-fighter-ii-hd-remix-developers-now-remixing-monster/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/super-street-fighter-ii-hd-remix-developers-now-remixing-monster/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Backbone Entertainment, the developers of the Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo and Super Street Fighter II remakes, as well as the DS Death Jr. game and various other projects, have announced a new original Wii game to be published by Eidos. Monster Lab takes place in the hilariously-named Uncanny Valley, in which the player, as a mad scientist's apprentice, mixes and matches monster parts to create original creations. The gameplay involves finding parts out in the wild, then taking them back to the lab and performing alchemical, mechanical, and biological experiments on them to augment them.

Once you've built a monster, you then take it out into the world and control it in battles! Monster Lab even features online battling and trading. With millions of possible combinations, this game could have some serious long-term replayability. Or you could just make monsters over and over.


[Via press release]

JoystiqSuper Street Fighter II HD Remix developers now remixing monsters originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionbackbone-entertainmenteidosmonstermonster-labThu, 31 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Is Space Invaders extreme enough?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/ds-daily-is-space-invaders-extreme-enough/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/ds-daily-is-space-invaders-extreme-enough/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/ds-daily-is-space-invaders-extreme-enough/#commentsFiled under:

The new version of Space Invaders has new enemy designs, new music, strikingly new graphics, and some kind of bizarre music/gameplay integration. But it appears to still be your basic Space Invaders-- moving left and right, and shooting at enemies as they descend in formation. It's the same game, at heart, as has been around since 1978.

Plenty of people still love Space Invaders today, and we count ourselves among that "number," though we haven't built a career in art out of it or anything. But we also know that we (I) can be a little more retro-oriented than most people. Which is why we're asking you: does Space Invaders Extreme have any chance of holding your interest based on what you've seen (which, at the moment, isn't too much)? Is the basic game too antique for you? What would have to change to suit your tastes?

JoystiqDS Daily: Is Space Invaders extreme enough? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Backbone-Entertainmentspace-invadersspace-invaders-extremeSquare-EnixtaitoWed, 19 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST