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 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Witcher 3 on consoles can simulate world states, can't import Witcher 2 saves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/the-witcher-3-on-consoles-can-simulate-world-states-cant-impor/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/the-witcher-3-on-consoles-can-simulate-world-states-cant-impor/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/the-witcher-3-on-consoles-can-simulate-world-states-cant-impor/#comments On PC, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt can import a Witcher 2 save file to "impact your playthrough" of the third entry, but on consoles CD Projekt is taking a different approach. In a roundtable interview Level Designer Miles Tost told Joystiq that The Witcher 3 will look to simulate world states based on decisions taken in an in-game conversation.

"The way how it works is that the game on the consoles will ask you whether you want to simulate a specific state of the world, coming from previous games," Tost explained. "If you choose 'yes,' then you will get a special conversation at one part of the game - I don't want to spoil where it happens. It's basically a conversation with a character and the conversation is about the adventures of Geralt of Rivia. And you can basically deny or confirm whatever [the character] has heard of whatever tales of [Geralt.] It's actually kind of a cute mechanic. If you don't want to simulate the state then this conversation doesn't take place."

Continue reading The Witcher 3 on consoles can simulate world states, can't import Witcher 2 saves

JoystiqThe Witcher 3 on consoles can simulate world states, can't import Witcher 2 saves originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2015 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcomicrosoftpcplaystationps4the-witcher-3wb-gamesxbox-oneTue, 27 Jan 2015 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[On track with the first three hours of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/on-track-with-the-first-three-hours-of-the-witcher-3-wild-hunt/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/on-track-with-the-first-three-hours-of-the-witcher-3-wild-hunt/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/on-track-with-the-first-three-hours-of-the-witcher-3-wild-hunt/#comments
There's an immediate intimacy to my first three or so hours with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and no, I don't mean the bare buttocks I see in one of the opening cut scenes. The third entry in CD Projekt's fantasy RPG series may offer a new open world that's umpteen times bigger than previous entries. Yet, following a story-driven tutorial, I end up losing myself to the very first landmark, the peasant village of White Orchard.

It's a small riverside muddle of hovels, taverns and fields, its warm hues belying the deeper, darker stories within. There's the impulse to call my horse and gallop towards the horizon, but I find the village's multitude of side quests as welcoming as they are distracting, and certainly meaty enough to steer me away from temptation.

Eventually I drag myself to the main quest and my first wild hunt of The Witcher 3, as I track and take on a huge, bloodthirsty griffin. But before all that, let's return to those buttocks...

Continue reading On track with the first three hours of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

JoystiqOn track with the first three hours of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcocd-projektmicrosoftpcplaystationps4the-witcher-3wb-gamesxbox-oneMon, 26 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Drive through this Project Cars trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/drive-through-this-project-cars-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/drive-through-this-project-cars-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/drive-through-this-project-cars-trailer/#comments
Bandai Namco offered a new trailer for Project Cars today, the upcoming racing game from World of Speed and Need for Speed: Shift developer Slightly Mad Studios. In development for PC, Xbox One, PS4 and Wii U, the game features both competitive and asynchronous online multiplayer as well as a "freeform career mode" in which players sign endorsements and complete historical challenges. It also supports Oculus Rift, the nVidia Shield and Sony's Project Morpheus on PC and PS4, respectively.

Project Cars was delayed in October to March 2015 following a number of changes to the game's destined platform choices. Its Wii U version was revealed in January 2012, then Project Cars' Xbox 360 and PS3 versions were scrapped in November 2013. The PC, PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game are confirmed to launch on March 17 in North America and March 20 in Europe and Australasian regions, with the Wii U game set to arrive sometime this year.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

Continue reading Drive through this Project Cars trailer

JoystiqDrive through this Project Cars trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bandai-Namcomicrosoftnintendopcplaystationproject-carsps4racingSlightly-Mad-Studiostrailerwii-uxbox-oneMon, 19 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls 2 prepares for expansion with free update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/dark-souls-2-prepares-for-expansion-with-free-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/dark-souls-2-prepares-for-expansion-with-free-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/dark-souls-2-prepares-for-expansion-with-free-update/#comments To prepare existing copies of Dark Souls 2 for the additions coming to the dark fantasy game in the Scholar of the First Sin expanded re-release, From Software will issue a free update on February 5.

The list of changes included in the update is immense, but highlights include improved loading times on the PlayStation 3, longer-lived white phantoms, more consistently useful rewards during multiplayer combat, new item flavor text and the addition of the titular Scholar of the First Sin character. For a comprehensive list, see Bandai Namco's Tumblr.

Since there are so many changes included in this update, the Dark Souls 2 servers will be brought down for maintenance on February 4 at 9AM EST. Barring any technical problems, the servers should be back up and running by 12PM EST. Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin is scheduled to launch on April 7.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqDark Souls 2 prepares for expansion with free update originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcodark-souls-2dark-souls-2-scholar-of-the-first-sinmicrosoftpatchplaystationps3updatexboxThu, 15 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Ball Xenoverse delayed to late February in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/dragon-ball-xenoverse-delayed-to-late-february-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/dragon-ball-xenoverse-delayed-to-late-february-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/dragon-ball-xenoverse-delayed-to-late-february-in-europe/#comments
Bandai Namco's self-insert fanfiction brawler Dragon Ball Xenoverse has shifted to a late February release date in Europe in an effort "to ensure the highest possible gameplay experience for our fans," the publisher states.

In Dragon Ball Xenoverse, players guide a custom-created character through the Dragon Ball timeline, righting past wrongs and experiencing alternate takes on landmark series events. By fighting alongside familiar series characters, you'll unlock their moves and outfits for use in Xenoverse's campaign, and the characters themselves are playable in other included gameplay modes.

Xenoverse is still on track to launch for the Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PS3, and PC platforms via Steam in North America on February 17. A European release will follow on February 27.

[Video: Bandai Namco]

Continue reading Dragon Ball Xenoverse delayed to late February in Europe

JoystiqDragon Ball Xenoverse delayed to late February in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcodimpsdragon-ball-xenoversemicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4release-datexboxxbox-oneFri, 09 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tekken 7 may allow two characters to fight from the same side]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/tekken-7-may-allow-two-characters-to-fight-from-the-same-side/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/tekken-7-may-allow-two-characters-to-fight-from-the-same-side/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/tekken-7-may-allow-two-characters-to-fight-from-the-same-side/#comments In a recent tweet, Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada revealed a new feature being tested for Bandai Namco's upcoming 3D fighter Tekken 7. "BETA TESTING NOW> New Rendering Camera System "Both players can play on LEFT SIDE (or RIGHT SIDE) for TEKKEN7," Harada tweeted.

Initially this idea seems confusing, but the image Harada included - which can be seen, in part, above - makes the new feature clear. Harada's team has linked two Tekken 7 arcade cabinets and programmed the game to rendered mirrored images centering on the two fighters for each display. The effect is that both players are fighting from the same side in the same, real-time match with data being shared between the two cabinets, hopefully with very little lag.

However, the utility of this feature is questionable, especially for anyone outside of Japan. Players who prefer to fight from one side or the other may embrace the option (assuming it makes its way successfully through beta testing), but as the system requires an elaborate grafting of two undoubtedly pricey Tekken 7 arcade machines it will only appear in larger, well-funded arcades. Given the collapse of the arcade market in the West, this effectively renders the mirrored system exclusive to Japan and a few locations scattered throughout North America that might buy the system purely for its novelty.
[Image: @Harada_Tekken]

JoystiqTekken 7 may allow two characters to fight from the same side originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2015 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadebandai-namcojapanKatsuhiro-Haradatekkentekken-7Tue, 06 Jan 2015 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tekken 7 director reveals new fighter, tries to clear up Lucky Chloe confusion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/tekken-7-director-reveals-new-fighter-tries-to-clear-up-lucky-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/tekken-7-director-reveals-new-fighter-tries-to-clear-up-lucky-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/tekken-7-director-reveals-new-fighter-tries-to-clear-up-lucky-c/#comments A Saudi Arabian fighter by the name of Shaheen will be joining the Tekken 7 roster, according to a tweet made earlier this week by game director Katsuhiro Harada. There's little other information to go on, but Harada also notes that Shaheen's design and name were "inspired by foreign student[s] from Arabic counties and [the] Saudi embassy."

If you're worried that negative reaction will keep Shaheen out of the West in the same way that the character Lucky Chloe was driven away, don't be; it turns out Harada was joking about that. Er, maybe. In response to Harada saying Lucky Chloe would be exclusive to EU and Asia regions and that he would make a musclebound skinhead for US players, an angry Twitter user turned out some harsh stereotypes of the Japanese. Harada responded with the following: "Many spammers/haters attacking us (That was an extreme prejudice and tons of dirty words. Of course I hate this happen), then I said just counter 'sarcasm/joke.'"

It's hard to tell if Harada means that he was only joking about American stereotypes or if the joke he's referring to is Lucky Chloe's supposed region exclusivity (the language barrier doesn't help). When another Twitter user called him a "silly goose" and thanked him for releasing Lucky Chloe, Harada tweeted a winking smiley face with its tongue sticking out. So ... yes?
[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqTekken 7 director reveals new fighter, tries to clear up Lucky Chloe confusion originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcoKatsuhiro-Haradalucky-chloemicrosoftplaystationps4shaheentekken-7xbox-oneSun, 04 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Lords of the Fallen 2' in early stages of development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/lords-of-the-fallen-2-in-early-stages-of-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/lords-of-the-fallen-2-in-early-stages-of-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/lords-of-the-fallen-2-in-early-stages-of-development/#comments It looks like Bandai Namco's other brutally punishing action RPG, Lords of the Fallen, is getting a sequel. The news comes by way of developer CI Games executive producer Tomasz Gop, who confirmed on Facebook (and also to Eurogamer) that development on the sequel's "vision and concepts" has begun. Gop refers to the game simply as "Lords of the Fallen 2," though we fully expect a grim subtitle to be tacked on at some point. Lords of the Fallen 2: Dim Spirits, perhaps.

Our own review of Lords of the Fallen praised the game's departures from the Dark Souls series, with which it shares a great deal, but ultimately found that "there comes a point at which it has no more tricks up its sleeve."
[Image: Bandai Namco]

Joystiq'Lords of the Fallen 2' in early stages of development originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcoci-gamesdeck-13lords-of-the-fallenmicrosoftpcplaystationps4xbox-oneWed, 17 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Praise the Sun: Dark Souls Steamworks update now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/praise-the-sun-dark-souls-steamworks-update-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/praise-the-sun-dark-souls-steamworks-update-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/praise-the-sun-dark-souls-steamworks-update-now-available/#comments Following a short delay, developer From Software has issued an update for the PC's Dark Souls Prepare to Die Edition that replaces its native Games for Windows Live functionality with a full suite of Steamworks components.

Additionally, from now until February 16, 2015, players will be able to transfer and update their original Dark Souls saves and achievements from Games for Windows Live to the new Steamworks version of the game. A full walkthrough on how to transfer your existing data is available on Steam. After February 16, the Steamworks version of Dark Souls Prepare to Die Edition will become the default version of the game and save transfers will no longer be possible.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqPraise the Sun: Dark Souls Steamworks update now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcodark-soulsgames-for-windows-livegfwlpcproject-darksteamsteamworksvalveMon, 15 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Naruto whips up Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 on PS4, Xbox One, PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/naruto-whips-up-ultimate-ninja-storm-4-on-ps4-xbox-one-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/naruto-whips-up-ultimate-ninja-storm-4-on-ps4-xbox-one-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/naruto-whips-up-ultimate-ninja-storm-4-on-ps4-xbox-one-pc/#comments Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is heading West next year for Xbox One, PS4 and Steam. Bandai Namco Europe described the coming Storm as a "final massive strike" from the cel-shaded brawler series, following last year's two million-selling entry.

"The Storm series continues to be one of our most popular franchises and its leap to the new generation of hardware ensures that it won't stop now," said VP of IP Strategy Herve Hoerdt.

Continue reading Naruto whips up Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 on PS4, Xbox One, PC

JoystiqNaruto whips up Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 on PS4, Xbox One, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcocyberconnect2microsoftnamco-bandainaruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-3naruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-4pcplaystationps4release-datexbox-oneMon, 15 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bandai Namco on board with amiibo, One Piece gets Nintendo-themed costumes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/bandai-namco-on-board-with-amiibo-one-piece-gets-nintendo-theme/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/bandai-namco-on-board-with-amiibo-one-piece-gets-nintendo-theme/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/bandai-namco-on-board-with-amiibo-one-piece-gets-nintendo-theme/#comments Bandai Namco has signed on as the first third-party publisher to offer amiibo support with its recently launched Nintendo 3DS action game One Piece: Super Grand Battle X.

Nintendo Everything (via a Shonen Jump magazine magazine scan captured at Arlong Park Forums) reveals that Nintendo's figurines will unlock exclusive costumes within Bandai Namco's manga-based brawler as part of a forthcoming update. Series protagonist Luffy will wear Mario and Luigi costumes after players scan matching amiibo, while Sanji boasts an optional Fox McCloud outfit and Zoro can dress up as Link.

Amiibo support is enabled in 3DS games via the NFC-compatible New 3DS hardware revision or a standalone peripheral. North American releases for the New 3DS and One Piece: Super Grand Battle X have not been announced.

[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqBandai Namco on board with amiibo, One Piece gets Nintendo-themed costumes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsamiibobandai-namconew-3dsnfcnintendoone-piece-super-grand-battle-xFri, 12 Dec 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blame the Internet: Tekken 7's cat girl won't visit America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/blame-the-internet-tekken-7s-cat-girl-wont-visit-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/blame-the-internet-tekken-7s-cat-girl-wont-visit-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/blame-the-internet-tekken-7s-cat-girl-wont-visit-america/#comments Apparently a human woman dressed in pink cat accessories is too outre for fans of a fighting franchise that stars both a cybernetic Robin Hood and a kangaroo wearing boxing gloves, as the developers behind Tekken 7 have responded to Internet outrage at the game's latest fighter by claiming that she won't appear in American versions of the game.

The character, named "Lucky Chloe," was revealed during a recent livestream celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Tekken franchise. Shortly after, series producer Katsuhiro Harada was alerted to a thread on NeoGAF where a number of commenters slam the character design. "God I hate her already," reads a typical comment.

Frustrated by the backlash, Harada tweeted, "Are you 'Western' only one bulletin board? Hello small world. I'll make muscular & skinhead character for you," in reference to the stereotypical American love for overtly muscular beefcake male characters. He then stated that American fans don't need to be so upset because Chloe is only one of the game's many characters, and she wasn't included to appeal to Western sensibilities anyway. He then noted that Chloe will be "exclusive" to Europe and East Asian territories.

Tweets are not guarantees of future plans, though, especially when made in the heat of the moment.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqBlame the Internet: Tekken 7's cat girl won't visit America originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcokatsuhiro-haradalucky-chloemicrosoftplaystationps4tekkentekken-7xbox-oneTue, 09 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tekken montage honors 20 years of the Iron Fist Tournament]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/08/tekken-montage-honors-20-years-of-the-iron-fist-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/08/tekken-montage-honors-20-years-of-the-iron-fist-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/08/tekken-montage-honors-20-years-of-the-iron-fist-tournament/#comments

You can cite bombastic graphics or Bandai Namco's fluid take on 3D, hand-to-hand combat, but let's be honest: People have been playing Tekken for two decades because you just won't see an alcoholic Mexican priest turned jaguar-faced luchador powerbomb a genetically-engineered velociraptor in other fighting games.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqTekken montage honors 20 years of the Iron Fist Tournament originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcotekkentekken-7Tekken-Tag-Tournament-2Mon, 08 Dec 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Godzilla starts a rumble on PS3 and PS4 in summer 2015]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/06/godzilla-starts-a-rumble-on-ps3-and-ps4-in-summer-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/06/godzilla-starts-a-rumble-on-ps3-and-ps4-in-summer-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/06/godzilla-starts-a-rumble-on-ps3-and-ps4-in-summer-2015/#comments

Ohhh no / They say he's got to go (to PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4) / Go go Godzilla!

Bandai Namco has revealed Godzilla, a game where Toho's King of Monsters will crush buildings, puny human weaponry and other kaiju beneath his sizable heel as he lays waste to the world. A trailer, revealed during last night's Game Awards and viewable above, also reveals that favorites like Mothra, Mechagodzilla and King Ghidorah will join the party. (What, no Rodan? No Gigan? No Anguirus?)

Gameplay will focus on Big G smashing his way through a landscape, fending off human and kaiju attacks as he seeks to destroy the level's Energy Generator. An associated press release touts that the game will also feature a Diorama Mode so you can pose your favorite monsters for snapshots of destruction, as well as a "Movie-Style Camera Angle System" - though what that means in terms of gameplay is yet to be seen.

Godzilla will arrive in summer 2015 on PS3 and PS4.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

Continue reading Godzilla starts a rumble on PS3 and PS4 in summer 2015

JoystiqGodzilla starts a rumble on PS3 and PS4 in summer 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Dec 2014 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcogodzillagodzilla-2015natsume-atariplaystationps3ps4Sat, 06 Dec 2014 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bandai taking motorcycles out for a Ride in spring 2015]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/bandai-taking-motorcycles-out-for-a-ride-in-spring-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/bandai-taking-motorcycles-out-for-a-ride-in-spring-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/bandai-taking-motorcycles-out-for-a-ride-in-spring-2015/#comments Bandai Namco reminded us of a universal truth today: Motorcycles are awesome. Hence the reason the publisher announced that Ride, a "complete motorcycle racing simulator," will launch in spring 2015, a good time of year to break out super-cool motorcycles and take them for a spin. The game is in development for Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Ride will feature more than 100 bikes from real-life manufacturers usable in four different racing categories: Superbikes, Supersports, Naked and Historical bikes. The game will also allow players to customize their bikes and riders (we're hoping for some sweet leather jackets to wear in-game). Ride is being developed by Milestone Srl, an Italian studio credited with work on the MotoGP and MXGP motorcycle racing series.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

Continue reading Bandai taking motorcycles out for a Ride in spring 2015

JoystiqBandai taking motorcycles out for a Ride in spring 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Dec 2014 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementbandaiBandai-Namcomicrosoftmilestonemilestone-srlmotorcyclemotorcyclespcplaystationps3ps4racingrelease-windowridescreenshotsspring-2015steamtrailerxboxxbox-oneThu, 04 Dec 2014 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls' Steam migration delayed, prepare to die next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/dark-souls-steam-migration-delayed-prepare-to-die-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/dark-souls-steam-migration-delayed-prepare-to-die-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/dark-souls-steam-migration-delayed-prepare-to-die-next-month/#comments Dark Souls PC owners can throw another log on the bonfire, because they have to wait until December for the game to transition over to Steam. Namco Bandai says it's finalizing the nuts and bolts of moving the action-RPG from Games for Windows Live to Steam, and more testing means the company's targeting the transition for next month rather than this one.

In its original announcement, Namco said owners will be able to redeem Dark Souls on Steam by using their GFWL tokens at no extra cost. Saves and achievements can survive the journey during a short migration period, but GFWL rankings will be flattened by a figurative cannonball rolling down a metaphorical staircase.

Continue reading Dark Souls' Steam migration delayed, prepare to die next month

JoystiqDark Souls' Steam migration delayed, prepare to die next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2014 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcodark-soulsdelaysfrom-softwaerGFWLnamco-bandaipcproject-darkrelease-datesteamWed, 26 Nov 2014 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch every Final Smash in Smash Bros for Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/watch-every-final-smash-in-smash-bros-for-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/watch-every-final-smash-in-smash-bros-for-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/13/watch-every-final-smash-in-smash-bros-for-wii-u/#comments
Smash Bros fans are familiar with two very different games. The first game is, of course, Smash Bros. The second game is waiting for the new Smash Bros to finally come out. Super Smash Bros for Wii U is still over a week away, so we decided to make the wait a little easier by throwing together a video of every single Final Smash attack featured in the game.

Enjoy.

JoystiqWatch every Final Smash in Smash Bros for Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcoHAL-Laboratorynamconintendosuper-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uThu, 13 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bandai Namco income, sales up in first half of fiscal 2015]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/12/bandai-namco-income-sales-up-in-first-half-of-fiscal-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/12/bandai-namco-income-sales-up-in-first-half-of-fiscal-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/12/bandai-namco-income-sales-up-in-first-half-of-fiscal-2015/#comments Bandai Namco's first half of fiscal year 2015 - April 1, 2014, to September 30, 2014 - is on the up and up: Net income hit 21.3 million yen ($184,000), an increase of 8.5 percent year over year, and net sales hit 259.3 million yen ($2.2 million), an increase of 13.5 percent. Operating income is up 20.8 percent to 31.9 million yen ($276,000), and recurring income increased 16.9 percent to 33.4 million yen ($289,000).

So far in the fiscal year, Bandai Namco has shipped 50 games in Japan with 2.6 million unit sales, and 18 games in the US with 2.8 million unit sales. So far in Bandai Namco's 2015, it's sold 65,000 copies of Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution in Japan, the US and Europe; 50,000 copies of One Piece Unlimited World Red; 40,000 copies of Sword Art Online Hollow Fragment; and 40,000 copies of Super Robot Wars Z 3 (Japan only).

The company switched its name from Namco Bandai to Bandai Namco on April 1, 2014.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqBandai Namco income, sales up in first half of fiscal 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Nov 2014 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bandai-Namcofinancialsq2-2015Wed, 12 Nov 2014 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Lords of the Fallen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/metareview-lords-of-the-fallen/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/metareview-lords-of-the-fallen/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/metareview-lords-of-the-fallen/#comments It appears reviewers do not take the same masochistic pleasure from Lords of the Fallen as they did from similar games like Demon's Souls and Dark Souls. Critical reception to the game veered mostly toward the lower end of the acceptable spectrum, with reviews noting Lords of the Fallen was a little close to its source material and didn't move the self-flagellation genre forward.

Our own review said that "when Lords of the Fallen stops providing the challenge, its other objective flaws are highlighted."

Continue reading Metareview: Lords of the Fallen

JoystiqMetareview: Lords of the Fallen originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Nov 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bandai-Namcolords-of-the-fallenmicrosoftNamco-Bandaiplaystationps4xbox-oneFri, 07 Nov 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lords of the Fallen heads to the library in winter DLC pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/lords-of-the-fallen-heads-to-the-library-in-winter-dlc-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/lords-of-the-fallen-heads-to-the-library-in-winter-dlc-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/07/lords-of-the-fallen-heads-to-the-library-in-winter-dlc-pack/#comments The first expansion to Lords of the Fallen will arrive this winter, developer CI Games announced. Going by the name Ancient Labyrinth, the downloadable content will focus on puzzle-solving in a new location known as The Library, which includes the history of the hero Harkyn's world as well as a magical power-shifting Lord to battle.

Without getting into specifics, CI Games also revealed that Ancient Labyrinth will feature new NPCs to interact with, side-quests to complete and gear to equip. Since its late October launch, Lords of the Fallen sold over 200,000 and shipped 700,000 copies to retailers, executive producer Tomasz Gop told Eurogamer. The developer also noted that it needed to ship half a million copies in order to break even on its 42m Polish zloty ($12.3 million) development costs. Our review of the Dark Souls-like game did find the game tedious after some time, though there was "definitely satisfaction to be had" with the game.
[Image: CI Games]

Continue reading Lords of the Fallen heads to the library in winter DLC pack

JoystiqLords of the Fallen heads to the library in winter DLC pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Nov 2014 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancient-labyrinthBandai-Namcoci-gamesdlcdownloadable-contentlords-of-the-fallenmicrosoftpcplaystationps4xbox-oneFri, 07 Nov 2014 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lords of the Fallen review: Fallin' in and out of love with you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/lords-of-the-fallen-review-fallin-in-and-out-of-love-with-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/lords-of-the-fallen-review-fallin-in-and-out-of-love-with-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/lords-of-the-fallen-review-fallin-in-and-out-of-love-with-you/#commentsPC, Xbox One, PS4
There is a brand of player that sees impossible odds, sees fiery, poisonous, roaring death from all directions, and greets it all with an insane grin - and then turns up the difficulty. For everyone else, there's Lords of the Fallen.

This is not a necessarily an insult. There is no shame whatsoever in Lords of the Fallen being what many will immediately identify as a brazen riff on the special niche From Software has built for themselves with the Dark Souls series, especially when it's in the interest of a much more accessible game. Accessible is a good thing. Inferior, however, is not. There's plenty of both to be found here.

Continue reading Lords of the Fallen review: Fallin' in and out of love with you

JoystiqLords of the Fallen review: Fallin' in and out of love with you originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Nov 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bandai-Namcolords-of-the-fallenmicrosoftnamcoNamco-Bandaipcplaystationps4xbox-oneWed, 05 Nov 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy Plus flies to 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/04/report-ace-combat-assault-horizon-legacy-plus-flies-to-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/04/report-ace-combat-assault-horizon-legacy-plus-flies-to-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/04/report-ace-combat-assault-horizon-legacy-plus-flies-to-3ds/#comments In the latest issue of Famitsu (courtesy Gematsu translation), publisher Bandai Namco reveals that an updated version of its 2012 dogfighting action game Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy is currently in development for the Nintendo 3DS handheld. Dubbed Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy Plus, this enhanced reissue boasts improved controls, support for the improved 3D functionality of the upcoming Nintendo 3DS models and new planes modeled after famous Nintendo icons.

Famitsu claims Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy Plus will reach Japanese retail shelves on January 29, 2015. It will feature a price point of 4,740 yen (about $42). There's currently no word on a Western release for Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy Plus, but series history suggests we'll see the game in North America shortly after its Japanese debut.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqReport: Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy Plus flies to 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Nov 2014 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsace-combatace-combat-assault-horizon-legacyace-combat-assault-horizon-legacy-plusbandai-namconintendoTue, 04 Nov 2014 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Praise the sun: Dark Souls PC moving from GFWL to Steam next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/21/praise-the-sun-dark-souls-pc-moving-from-gfwl-to-steam-next-mon/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/21/praise-the-sun-dark-souls-pc-moving-from-gfwl-to-steam-next-mon/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/21/praise-the-sun-dark-souls-pc-moving-from-gfwl-to-steam-next-mon/#comments The Windows PC version of Dark Souls will transition from the moribund Games for Windows Live platform to Steam next month, publisher Bandai Namco Games announced this week.

Starting in November, players who purchase Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition will be able to redeem their Games for Windows Live Tokens on Steam. Existing save data and achievements will also transfer over to user Steam accounts during a brief migration period next month, though Games for Windows Live Rankings will not survive the trip.

Bandai Namco notes that Dark Souls' transition will kick off "sometime in November 2014 with more specific dates to come."

[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqPraise the sun: Dark Souls PC moving from GFWL to Steam next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Oct 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcodark-soulsdark-souls-prepare-to-die-editionfrom-softwaregames-for-windows-livepcproject-darksteamTue, 21 Oct 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokken Tournament's arcade debut meant to gauge whether it's captivating]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/18/pokken-tournaments-arcade-debut-meant-to-gauge-whether-its-cap/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/18/pokken-tournaments-arcade-debut-meant-to-gauge-whether-its-cap/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/18/pokken-tournaments-arcade-debut-meant-to-gauge-whether-its-cap/#comments
Pokken Tournament is choosing Japanese arcades first to more quickly gauge the reaction from intensive fighting game fans, according to Siliconera's translation of 4Gamer's interview with developer Bandai Namco's Katsuhiro Harada.

Since Pokken Tournament is meant to be a complex, competitive game, Harada said it's important to watch the game's reception in a harsh community, where a round of play is typically 100 yen (~93 cents). Harada added that boring or unengaging games are quickly abandoned in the arcade scene, and that having Pokken Tournament survive in the environment would be something the team could be proud of.

Harada is co-leading Pokken Tournament's development with SoulCalibur series producer Masaaki Hoshino, with the left-field fighter due to try capturing an arcade audience in 2015.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqPokken Tournament's arcade debut meant to gauge whether it's captivating originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Oct 2014 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadebandai-namcopokemonpokken-tournamentSat, 18 Oct 2014 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls 'Crown of the Ivory King' review: Burning bright]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/dark-souls-crown-of-the-ivory-king-review-burning-bright/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/dark-souls-crown-of-the-ivory-king-review-burning-bright/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/dark-souls-crown-of-the-ivory-king-review-burning-bright/#commentsPC, Xbox 360, PS3
It sounds strange, but one of the best environments in the latest downloadable chapter of Dark Souls 2 DLC is hardly an environment at all. It's called the Frigid Outskirts, and it's a vast, nearly empty expanse - a long, curving valley only occasionally dotted with small, dilapidated stone structures. Like much of Dark Souls 2, however, this area of "The Crown of the Ivory King" DLC differentiates itself from the rest of the game with a few outstanding features.

Specifically: a constant, unrelenting blizzard. What should be a simple jaunt from one end to the other becomes considerably more difficult, as near whiteout conditions make it impossible to see more than a few feet in front of you, only clearing once every thirty seconds or so. It's a smart mechanic that not only imparts a sense of fear, but also elevates what would otherwise be a boring, linear quest.

And then there are the lightning-spewing horse bastards that accost you at regular intervals, but we'll get to those later.

Continue reading Dark Souls 'Crown of the Ivory King' review: Burning bright

JoystiqDark Souls 'Crown of the Ivory King' review: Burning bright originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Oct 2014 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcodark-souls-2From-Softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 17 Oct 2014 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First-person platformer Deadcore is a sci-fi speedrun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/first-person-platformer-deadcore-leaps-to-pc-mac-linux/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/first-person-platformer-deadcore-leaps-to-pc-mac-linux/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/first-person-platformer-deadcore-leaps-to-pc-mac-linux/#comments First-person platformer Deadcore is now available on PC, Mac and Linux. Developed by the five-person French studio 5 Bits Games, the game costs $10 on Steam and Desura. Set in a mysterious sci-fi world, Deadcore has players climbing to the top of a labyrinthine tower, shooting at mechanical enemies and triggers in the twisted tower's security system to open new pathways.

Deadcore features a Speedrun mode with online leaderboards, allowing players to challenge their friends' best times in the fast-paced levels. Bandai Namco handled the distribution of the independent platformer, as announced back in April. Head past the break to check out the game's launch trailer, which shows off Deadcore's jumping abilities.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

Continue reading First-person platformer Deadcore is a sci-fi speedrun

JoystiqFirst-person platformer Deadcore is a sci-fi speedrun originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Oct 2014 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5-bits-gamesBandai-Namcodeadcoredesurafirst-person-platformerfpslaunchlaunch-trailerlinuxmacpcplatformerscreenshotsSTEAMtrailerFri, 17 Oct 2014 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Cars delayed to March 2015]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/project-cars-delayed-to-march-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/project-cars-delayed-to-march-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/project-cars-delayed-to-march-2015/#comments The launch of Project Cars has been delayed to March 2015, Bandai Namco announced today. It will now arrive on March 17 in North America and March 20 in Europe and Australasian regions. The delay affects the game's Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC versions, which were previously scheduled for November 18 and November 21 in North America and Europe, respectively. The decision "positions the title away from the competitive holiday scene dominated by household names while affording the team at Slightly Mad Studios additional time to extend and polish" the game, according to the publisher.

Slightly Mad Studios also has a Wii U version of Project Cars on the way, though it was already planned for 2015. It's currently unknown if the Wii U edition will align with the others in March 2015; we've asked Bandai Namco as much and will update as we learn more. The Wii U version was announced in January 2012 prior to Xbox 360 and PS3 versions being cut from the developer's plans in November 2013.

Update: Bandai Namco says "the announced date is still 2015" for Project Cars on Wii U.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

Continue reading Project Cars delayed to March 2015

JoystiqProject Cars delayed to March 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Oct 2014 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bandai-Namcodelaydelayedmicrosoftpcplaystationproject-carsps4racingrelease-dateSlightly-Mad-Studiosxbox-oneFri, 17 Oct 2014 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tales of Hearts R nets day-one edition, pre-order bonuses in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/tales-of-hearts-r-nets-day-one-edition-pre-order-bonuses-in-eur/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/tales-of-hearts-r-nets-day-one-edition-pre-order-bonuses-in-eur/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/tales-of-hearts-r-nets-day-one-edition-pre-order-bonuses-in-eur/#comments PS Vita-ported JRPG Tales of Hearts R will arrive in Europe next month with a collection of in-game bonuses for pre-order customers, publisher Bandai Namco announced this week.

Players who pre-order Tales of Hearts R in Europe will receive three exclusive DLC costumes inspired by previous series entries Tales of the Tempest, Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World, and Tales of Graces F. Pre-order the day-one Soma Link Edition and you'll also get a trio of costumes ripped from 2008's Tales of Vesperia.

Bandai Namco has yet to announce pre-order incentives for the game's North American release. Tales of Hearts R premieres digitally and at retail in North America on November 11, and a European release is set for November 14.

[Image: Bandai Namco]

Continue reading Tales of Hearts R nets day-one edition, pre-order bonuses in Europe

JoystiqTales of Hearts R nets day-one edition, pre-order bonuses in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2014 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcoday-oneeuropeplaystationplaystation-vitapre-ordertales-of-hearts-rukvitaWed, 08 Oct 2014 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Action-RPG Sword Art Online: Lost Song hits PS3, Vita in 2015]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/action-rpg-sword-art-online-lost-song-hits-ps3-vita-in-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/action-rpg-sword-art-online-lost-song-hits-ps3-vita-in-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/action-rpg-sword-art-online-lost-song-hits-ps3-vita-in-2015/#comments Publisher Bandai Namco has revealed that Sword Art Online: Lost Song, the latest adaptation of the popular Sword Art Online manga and anime series, will reach both the PlayStation 3 and Vita at some nebulous point in 2015.

As its name suggests, Sword Art Online centers on a fictional massively multiplayer online roleplaying game dubbed "ALfheim Online." Despite its faux-MMO roots, Lost Song is described as an action-RPG that borrows the series' familiar characters for an offline adventure. Not much is known of Lost Song at the moment, but Siliconera reports that it will feature a wholly new plot created specifically for the game.

There's currently no word on whether Sword Art Online: Lost Song will be released outside of Japan, or if the game will remain exclusive to its native country. Given the anime's burgeoning international popularity, it's quite possible it could be localized for Western audiences, but nothing is certain until Bandai Namco unveils official launch plans.
[Image: ASCII media works]

JoystiqAction-RPG Sword Art Online: Lost Song hits PS3, Vita in 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascii-media-worksbandai-namcoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3sword-art-onlinesword-art-online-lost-songvitaMon, 06 Oct 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Pac-Man family fights breast cancer during October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/the-pac-man-family-fights-breast-cancer-during-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/the-pac-man-family-fights-breast-cancer-during-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/06/the-pac-man-family-fights-breast-cancer-during-october/#comments Bandai Namco is teaming up with the National Breast Cancer Foundation this month by offering special pink mazes for its mobile Pac-Man games. The mazes will cost $1 each, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the NBCF. Bandai Namco is calling the initiative, which will last until the end of the month, the "Ms. Pac-Man Pink Ribbon Campaign."

If you have an iOS device, the list of compatible games is as follows: Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Pac-Man Lite, Ms. Pac-Man Lite, Ms. Pac-Man for iPad and Ms. Pac-Man for iPad Lite. If you're rocking an Android device, your options are limited to Ms. Pac-Man and Pac-Man + Tournaments.

"We are very excited about our new partnership with BANDAI NAMCO and the Ms. PAC-MAN Pink Ribbon Campaign," NBCF founder and CEO Janelle Hail said in a related press release. "By encouraging their gamers to Join the Pac, we can reach more women than ever with our message of hope. The funds they raise will allow us to provide early detection services for women in need in all 50 states."
[Image: Bandai Namco]

Continue reading The Pac-Man family fights breast cancer during October

JoystiqThe Pac-Man family fights breast cancer during October originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2014 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbandai-namcobreast-cancercharityhealthiosipadiphonemobilems-pac-mannational-breast-cancer-foundationpac-manMon, 06 Oct 2014 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Dark Souls 2's 'Lost Crowns' DLC trilogy now complete]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/psa-dark-souls-2s-lost-crowns-dlc-trilogy-now-complete/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/psa-dark-souls-2s-lost-crowns-dlc-trilogy-now-complete/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/psa-dark-souls-2s-lost-crowns-dlc-trilogy-now-complete/#comments Following a recent, unexpected delay, Dark Souls 2 fans can now download the final entry in the dark fantasy game's DLC trilogy, dubbed Crown of the Ivory King.

Like its predecessors, Crown of the Sunken King and Crown of the Old Iron King, Crown of the Ivory King is designed to test those Dark Souls 2 players who have bested the game's core challenges and are now ready for something even more difficult. "[O]nly the most hardcore, determined, and unrelenting fans will survive the onslaught of new enemies, traps, and bosses that have been devised to stop players from completing their quests in Crown of the Ivory King," reads the DLC's official description.

Like the other Dark Souls 2 DLC releases, Crown of the Ivory King can be purchased for $10 from the PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Marketplace or Steam. Those who would prefer to buy all three DLC packs at once and are playing Dark Souls 2 on a PC can grab the game's Season Pass from Steam for $25.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

Continue reading PSA: Dark Souls 2's 'Lost Crowns' DLC trilogy now complete

JoystiqPSA: Dark Souls 2's 'Lost Crowns' DLC trilogy now complete originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcodark-souls-2dlcmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 30 Sep 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Cars targets 1080p on Xbox One, PS4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/29/project-cars-targets-1080p-on-xbox-one-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/29/project-cars-targets-1080p-on-xbox-one-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/29/project-cars-targets-1080p-on-xbox-one-ps4/#comments Visual fidelity has always been important to players, especially when the resolution between two versions of a game doesn't match. A class-action lawsuit was even filed over a multiplayer game that failed to live up to its promised resolution. With that in mind, racing fans will be happy to know that Project Cars is aiming for 1080p and 60 frames per second on PS4 and Xbox One. Slightly Mad Studios' Andy Tudor told Eurogamer that while recent Xbox One demos of the racer were "not quite 1080p at the moment," the developer is "still aiming to get there."

"Towards the end of the game you're always optimizing, and during development it's a rollercoaster. Sometimes you look at the game and think oh god, that's not working, that's not working. But other days you hit 60 fps, and it's awesome," Tudor said. He explained that the "physics underneath runs at 600 times a second," and that the developer calculates "the input you're doing on the controller 250 times per second." The racing sim will launch on the next-gen systems as well as PC on November 18, arriving in 2015 on SteamOS and Wii U.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqProject Cars targets 1080p on Xbox One, PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Sep 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p60fpsBandai-Namcocarshdmicrosoftplaystationproject-carsps4racingresolutionSlightly-Mad-Studiosxbox-oneMon, 29 Sep 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Ball Xenoverse casts you as a super saiyan savior]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/27/dragon-ball-xenoverse-casts-you-as-a-super-saiyan-savior/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/27/dragon-ball-xenoverse-casts-you-as-a-super-saiyan-savior/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/27/dragon-ball-xenoverse-casts-you-as-a-super-saiyan-savior/#comments Anime icon Goku may be the hero of the Dragon Ball universe, but in Dragon Ball Xenoverse, that responsibility falls to you. Developer Dimps and publisher Bandai Namco are crafting a new storyline that allows players to insert themselves into Dragon Ball Z history by creating a custom character that travels through time to help the many spiky-haired warriors.

Goku and crew won't just be cowering in a corner and waiting for you to save them, though. By becoming an apprentice to one of the Z Warriors, you'll be able to learn their moves, as well as unlock their costumes. Of course, if you want the authentic experience, you'll also be able to take control of the original characters in other modes.

Our scouters have revealed a trailer showcasing the title's features, which you can check out after the break:

Continue reading Dragon Ball Xenoverse casts you as a super saiyan savior

JoystiqDragon Ball Xenoverse casts you as a super saiyan savior originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Sep 2014 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcodimpsdragon-ball-xenoversedragon-ball-zmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneSat, 27 Sep 2014 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/metareview-super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/metareview-super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/metareview-super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-3ds/#comments We handed Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS four and half stars, calling it "the most feature-complete, compelling Super Smash Bros. entry to date," and setting it right alongside Fire Emblem: Awakening and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds as a game that every 3DS owner should play.

Critics around the web seem to agree that Super Smash Bros.' first outing on 3DS is worthy of high praise, though experiences with online play seem to vary across the board. Our own experience was fairly positive, depending largely on the geographical proximity of opponents. One critic notes lag issues in local multiplayer, especially in 4-player matches.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS launches in North America on October 3.

Continue reading Metareview: Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

JoystiqMetareview: Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Sep 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbandai-namcoMetareviewnamconamco-bandainintendosorasora-ltdsuper-smash-bros-3dsFri, 26 Sep 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Bros. 3DS review: Only the strong]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/super-smash-bros-3ds-review-only-the-strong/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/super-smash-bros-3ds-review-only-the-strong/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/super-smash-bros-3ds-review-only-the-strong/#comments It may not be the undisputed industry leader these days, and Nintendo currently faces stronger competition than it ever has, but one thing you can't take away from the Japanese gaming giant is its wealth of iconic, beloved characters. From Mario to Link to Donkey Kong (and on through another few dozen familiar names), Nintendo is responsible for the majority of gaming's most famous faces. In hindsight, the idea to combine them all into one massive fighting game nostalgia bomb was sublime genius, and the Super Smash Bros. games have been among Nintendo's most popular releases on each console they've reached. It doesn't hurt that the games have all been solidly constructed from a combination of unique fighting game mechanics and spot-on controls, but let's be frank, people are buying these games because they're the best way to punch Pikachu in his cute, smug little face.

That all might change with the latest entry in the series, however. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS (that's the full title) is as much a trip down Nintendo's memory lane as any of its predecessors, but there's more meat here than in prior games. More to see, more to do, and all of it is built on the most solid fundamentals the series has yet seen. But is all of that enough to survive the franchise's first jump to a portable system? And what of the new online components, which have been a key failing of prior Super Smash Bros. games? Nintendo, along with development partners Namco and Sora, seems pretty confident, and the more time I spend with Super Smash Bros. for 3DS, the more I see why.

Continue reading Super Smash Bros. 3DS review: Only the strong

JoystiqSuper Smash Bros. 3DS review: Only the strong originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Sep 2014 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsBandai-Namcofalcoooonnnn-pawnchnamconamco-bandainintendosorasora-ltdsuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-3dsFri, 26 Sep 2014 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls 2 DLC officially delayed in North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/dark-souls-2-dlc-officially-delayed-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/dark-souls-2-dlc-officially-delayed-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/dark-souls-2-dlc-officially-delayed-in-north-america/#comments Yesterday we brought you word that the Crown of the Ivory King DLC for Dark Souls 2 had been delayed in Europe. At the time there was no word on the status of its North American counterpart, though now we know that it, too, has been pushed back.

"The sheer scope of Crown of the Ivory King facilitated the need for a bit more time to deliver a level of polish that the previous two chapters of The Lost Crown trilogy embodied," stated developer From Software via publisher Bandai Namco. "It is From Software's intent to only release Crown of the Ivory King with the highest level of quality possible." Those who read our earlier article will note that this is the same statement we received from Bandai Namco Europe when we looked into the European delay.

On a positive note, the delay is not a lengthy one. Bandai Namco now plans to launch the Crown of the Ivory King DLC on September 30. While you're waiting, you can pass the time by reading our reviews of the first two DLC packs released for Dark Souls 2, Crown of the Sunken King and Crown of the Old Iron King.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqDark Souls 2 DLC officially delayed in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Sep 2014 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcodark-souls-2delayfrom-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 23 Sep 2014 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls 2's 'Crown of the Ivory King' pushed back [update: NA too]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/22/dark-souls-2s-crown-of-the-ivory-king-pushed-back-a-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/22/dark-souls-2s-crown-of-the-ivory-king-pushed-back-a-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/22/dark-souls-2s-crown-of-the-ivory-king-pushed-back-a-week/#comments
Update 2: Bandai Namco has confirmed that Crown of the Ivory King has been delayed in North America. Like its European and Japanese counterparts it will now debut on September 30.

Update: We've yet to hear back from Bandai Namco America, and the game's US homepage is still advertising the DLC for tomorrow, September 24. Once we confirm if the delay includes North America or not, we'll update this story.

Bandai Namco Europe announced a week's delay for 'Crown of the Ivory King,' the third and final chapter in the coronation trilogy of Dark Souls 2 DLC. The add-on content was due on September 24, but according to Bandai Namco's European branch launch it's due now on September 30 for Xbox 360 and Steam, and October 1 for PS3. Also, Famitsu reported a delay to September 30 in Japan. We've reached out to Bandai Namco America for stateside info.

When approached, Bandai Namco Europe provided Joystiq with From Software's statement on the delay: "The [sheer] scope of Crown of the Ivory King facilitated the need for a bit more time to deliver to level of polish that the previous two chapters of The Lost Crown trilogy embodied. It is From Software's intent to only release Crown of the Ivory King with the highest level of quality possible."

Continue reading Dark Souls 2's 'Crown of the Ivory King' pushed back [update: NA too]

JoystiqDark Souls 2's 'Crown of the Ivory King' pushed back [update: NA too] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Sep 2014 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bandai-Namcocrown-of-the-ivory-kingdark-souls-2DLCfrom-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3release-datexboxMon, 22 Sep 2014 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bandai Namco TGS pics? Yeah, when Dark Souls 2 freezes over]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/bandai-namco-tgs-pics-yeah-when-dark-souls-2-freezes-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/bandai-namco-tgs-pics-yeah-when-dark-souls-2-freezes-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/19/bandai-namco-tgs-pics-yeah-when-dark-souls-2-freezes-over/#comments The third and final round of Dark Souls 2 DLC, Crown of the Ivory King, is a blustery romp through a frozen kingdom, complete with snow and giant ice beasts. Bandai Namco has dumped a lineup of screenshots from Tokyo Game Show on us, including images for Tales of Hearts R, Tales of Zestiria, Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2 and those Dark Souls 2 shots. See them all in the galleries below.

Also check out our reviews of Dark Souls 2 and its first bit of DLC, Crown of the Sunken King.

Continue reading Bandai Namco TGS pics? Yeah, when Dark Souls 2 freezes over

JoystiqBandai Namco TGS pics? Yeah, when Dark Souls 2 freezes over originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Sep 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bandai-Namcodark-souls-2microsoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneFri, 19 Sep 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tales of Zestiria out in North America, Europe by summer 2015]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/18/tales-of-zestiria-out-in-north-america-europe-by-summer-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/18/tales-of-zestiria-out-in-north-america-europe-by-summer-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/18/tales-of-zestiria-out-in-north-america-europe-by-summer-2015/#comments The next PlayStation 3 entry in the long-running "Tales of" JRPG series is due to hit store shelves in North America and Europe by next summer, a Bandai Namco representative told IGN this week.

The representative stated that Tales of Zestiria will debut in North America and Europe "no more than six months after its Japanese launch," pegging it for a spring or summer release. Tales of Zestiria hits Japan on January 22, 2015, and if Bandai Namco's worldwide release schedule pans out, its localization will be the quickest the series has seen to date.

Bandai Namco revealed the sequel late last year, and showed off its protagonist and lush scenery in the weeks afterward. Zestiria follows up on Tales of Xillia 2, which launched digitally and at retail last month for the PlayStation 3.

[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqTales of Zestiria out in North America, Europe by summer 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2014 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcoplaystationps3tales-of-zestiriaThu, 18 Sep 2014 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pac-Man Championship Edition DX going free-to-play on iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/pac-man-championship-edition-dx-going-free-to-play-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/pac-man-championship-edition-dx-going-free-to-play-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/pac-man-championship-edition-dx-going-free-to-play-on-ios/#comments An iOS version of Bandai Namco's high-octane Pac-Man remake Pac-Man Championship Edition DX has soft-launched in New Zealand, suggesting that a worldwide App Store release is imminent.

Released as a downloadable title for consoles in 2010, Championship Edition DX retrofits Pac-Man's classic gameplay with chain-based scoring mechanics and mazes that continually evolve throughout each play session. The iOS edition is free-to-play, and introduces an energy-refilling mechanic that limits the number of available lives and bombs before requiring players to either wait or pay to recharge.

A worldwide release date for the iOS version of Pac-Man Championship Edition DX is not yet known.

[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqPac-Man Championship Edition DX going free-to-play on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Sep 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcofree-to-playiosipadiphonemobilepac-man-championship-edition-dxpacman-championship-edition-dxTue, 16 Sep 2014 17:00:00 EST