Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Joystiq Interview: A Bizarre interview about Geometry Wars 2http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/joystiq-interview-a-bizarre-interview-about-geometry-wars-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/joystiq-interview-a-bizarre-interview-about-geometry-wars-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/joystiq-interview-a-bizarre-interview-about-geometry-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's no secret: You love Geometry Wars 2, we love Geometry Wars 2, everybody loves it. We recently talked with Bizarre Creation's Stephen Cakebread, Senior Coder, and Craig Howard, Games Manager, to find out how they crafted the game that won our hearts.

It would seem to the layman that, with as popular as Geometry Wars was, a sequel would be pretty easy to crap out. Why wait so long?

Howard: Because the first one was so well received, it would have cheapened the game if we just knocked something out and not given it a lot of thought. We wanted something to make sure it was something we'd be really proud of.

Cakebread: Our inital plan was to get it our a year later and then the plan was to ship it when Gotham 4 shipped and that didn't work out either. It really was a case that we weren't going to ship it until we were ready to ship it. It might seem silly, but it took us quite a while to figure out a graphical style that still looked like the original. One of our big things was when people came to our stations we wanted them to say "Oh, is that a sequel to Geometry Wars?" rather than "Is that Geometry Wars?" It took us quite a while to come up with something that really worked. We tried some mad stuff.

Like what?:

Howard: What didn't we do? [laughs]

Gallery: Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2



Cakebread: We tried all manner of weird fractal stuff in the background, but it was just way too over the top, you couldn't see what the hell was going on. We tried crop circles.

Howard: At the same time it was great, because at the same time were playing the game, playing the game, playing the game and honing it.

How do you balance graphical effects with not distracting from the gameplay?

Howard: If you look, we're not just randomly putting colors up. We're playing with a color wheel, bringing colors out that contrast the colors on the screen. As intense as it will get, if you keep a focus on your ship it'll never get lost. We do that with little subtle things with the color.

What from the Geometry Wars 1 feedback really stuck out to you and guided what you wanted to do with Geo Wars 2?

Cakebread: From my point of view, it was reading the guides people had made that would tell people how to play. People would say just go in circles following the edge of the arena, and that was a bit boring. When you play the game the way you expect people to play, but that isn't necessarily how they're going to play it. For the sequel, I wanted it to be more optimal for people to play it the way I wanted to play it, which is where the geoms and positional bad guys came in, to try to force people to play a bit more aggressively, taking more chances.

Howard: The geoms were also so a wide range of people to be able to pick up and play it, I wanted my brother and dad to enjoy the game and not feel intimidated by the difficulty level. With the geoms you can quite quickly have some decent scores.

What was the process of developing some of the new modes?

Cakebread: We went through several iterations of what we wanted the game to play like. We were trying to come up with game modes that were still Geometry Wars but had something else. We can really only do something to the way you're moving or do something to the way you're firing. Making it so you can't move isn't very fun, so we made restrictions about where you could fire and that's really where modes like Pacifism and King came from.

What about the timed mode, Deadline? Was that in any way inspired by the timed mode in Pac-Man: Championship Edition?

Cakebread: I've played Pac-Man and I do think it's really good, but where the timed mode came from was a request our managing director for a mode his son could play (laughs).

The problem is, say you're passing the controller around. If you're really good at the game, you could play for 10 minutes. If you're really bad at the game, you could play for 10 seconds. We wanted a mode which everyone could have a similar amount of time playing it. It's also a really good thing if you want to compete for a high score it's quite and achieveable mode.

I'd think that balancing would have been the toughest thing to nail. Is that something you can really perfect, or do you just have to reach a point where you decide it's finished?

Howard: We got to a point where we were happy with it, and you just have to get to a point where you say enough's enough. We got to a point where internally we had a lot of people playing it and the feedback we were getting was so positive we knew "Yeah, OK, it's time to stop now." I'm sure there are little niggles that we buggered up that no one but us will ever care about.

How difficult is it to work and balance the game and not get distracted by just playing the game?

Howard: You have to accept it. If you end up on one of those three hour sessions, you have to think "What bothered me over those three hours? How do I feel now?" It's very rare when you've been working on a game for as long as we have, that you still pick up the joypad. But we're happy we've achieved that.

Cakebread: And if you do start doing well, somebody's bound to come over and start watching. I find it quite difficult to play it and not get distracted by analyzing it.

Any super secret protips you can share?

Cakebread: Obviouisly, get as many geoms as you can, especially at the start of the game. It's really important to pick up geoms all the way through, but it becomes less important during the game. Also ensure that you use gates properly and try to get as many enemies.

Also, each level in Sequence has a way you can just get through it and a way you can score a lot more points. I tried to design that into every level so there's a less obvious way of completing the level that will give you a hell of a lot more points.

Howard: Go between the modes. Because things you learn in some modes will help make you a well rounded player.

Any plans for other arcade-style games you'd like to do?

Craig: We're definately thinking of other titles. We like this style of game, there are ideas that we've got, not just Geometry Wars. Yeah, you know, we're big fans of this style, so we definitely talk about things.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>activisionbizarre-creationsgeometry-wars-2joystiqfeaturesxblaJustin McElroy2008-09-05T18:50:00+00:00Can Geometry Wars make you mad enough to sing?http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/can-geometry-wars-make-you-mad-enough-to-sing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/can-geometry-wars-make-you-mad-enough-to-sing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/can-geometry-wars-make-you-mad-enough-to-sing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When we get really frustrated by Geometry Wars 2 (and we do) we deal with our anger the only way we know how: We become physically abusive towards loved ones and pets. But not Matthew McCarthy. No, Matthew McCarthy just picks up a guitar and channels the rage into a song about why he hates all those stupid, cruel shapes.

We tried to ape McCarthy's far healthier anger management, but after picking up our guitar we just used that to be physically abusive to loved ones and pets, which really isn't much better, when you think about it.

[Via ToaRG]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>activisionbizarre-creationsgeometry-wars-2Justin McElroy2008-08-19T08:30:00+00:00Today's timesink: Geometry Wars 2 leaderboard site livehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/todays-timesink-geometry-wars-2-leaderboard-site-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/todays-timesink-geometry-wars-2-leaderboard-site-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/todays-timesink-geometry-wars-2-leaderboard-site-live/#commentsFiled under: ,


Hey gang, terrible, terrible news: You can now check your status on the Geometry Wars 2 leaderboards at any moment of the day, thanks to a Bizarre Creations application that's just gone live. While you can't check your status as it compares to your friends, you can see, in real-time, how you stack up against the rest of the world.

It's not just the time you'll spend plugging gamertags into the site to see how everyone ranks that's so troubling. It's watching your status slipping while you toil at the office, debating if it's worth faking food poisoning to get back in the Pacifism top 10,000 that's really going to mess with you. (Spoiler alert: It's totally worth it.)

[Via CVG]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>activisionbizarre-creationsgeometry-wars-2xbox-liveJustin McElroy2008-08-14T11:45:00+00:00Geometry Wars is 'not going to stop'http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/geometry-wars-is-not-going-to-stop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/geometry-wars-is-not-going-to-stop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/geometry-wars-is-not-going-to-stop/#commentsFiled under: ,


Much like the endless assault of the franchise's squirrely squares, devious diamonds and annoying arrows, Geometry Wars is sure to keep gamers frantically twiddling their thumbsticks for some time to come. Speaking to MTV Multiplayer, geometric warlord Stephen Cakebread has assured fans that the creative team hasn't run out of ideas yet.

"We have enough game ideas to do 'Geometry Wars' for probably about 10 games," said Cakebread. "It depends on what will work." Things that didn't work and ended up being removed from Geometry Wars 2: Gimmicky multiplayer modes, such as a a soccer/football-style game that had players shooting objects into gravity-well goals. Things that might work in the future: Developer Bizarre Creations isn't saying, as it might "use them in the future for god knows what."

Things that work in today's industry: Good franchises! "Geometry Wars is definitely a franchise," noted Bizarre manager Craig Howard. "It's not going to stop." Well, not unless you release a bomb.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>ActivisionBizarreBizarre-CreationsGeometry-WarsGeometry-Wars-2XBLAXbox-LiveLudwig Kietzmann2008-08-11T14:30:00+00:00How to get Geometry Wars 2's 'Smile' achievementhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/how-to-get-geometry-wars-2s-smile-achievement/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/how-to-get-geometry-wars-2s-smile-achievement/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/how-to-get-geometry-wars-2s-smile-achievement/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The "Smile" achievement in Geometry Wars 2 seems to giving people a run for their 800 MS points. Rooster Teeth's new achievement site, Achievement Hunter, has produced a spiffy little walkthrough vid of how to painlessly get attempt to get the 25 gamer point reward. Nobody says it's going to be easy, but then the best rewards in life (that leave you feeling alone and used at the end of the day) never are.

[Via X3F]

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>achievement-hunterachievementsactivision-blizzardbizarre-creationsgeometry-wars-2xblaAlexander Sliwinski2008-08-06T19:27:00+00:00See what you're doing wrong with Geometry Wars' 3D camerahttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/see-what-youre-doing-wrong-with-geometry-wars-3d-camera/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/see-what-youre-doing-wrong-with-geometry-wars-3d-camera/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/see-what-youre-doing-wrong-with-geometry-wars-3d-camera/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're not sure if you've noticed, but there are an awful lot of things trying to kill you in Geometry Wars 2. With so many sinister shapes boxing you in and particles exploding from every angle, it can be difficult to see what the hell's going on, never mind a clear escape route. If you're tired of hearing that final bang and seeing your ranking in the friends leaderboard slip ever lower, might we suggest trying the game's hidden 3D camera?

The fine folks at Giant Bomb (who, in turn, credit former Joystiq writer Jared Rea) have pointed us to this neat little Easter egg which pauses the game's frantic action and allows you to swoop through the battle grid ... and even to the stars beyond. To access it, press the right bumper together with the back button during any of the game's modes. The analog sticks control the movement and direction of the camera, while the left and right triggers enable vertical adjustment. Neat!

If this still doesn't aid you in getting your blaster bearings, you'd best adopt our strategy for remaining atop the leaderboard: Delete your friends.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>ActivisionBizarre-CreationsGeometry-Wars-2Retro-Evolved-2XBLAXbox-LiveLudwig Kietzmann2008-08-04T16:18:00+00:00This Wednesday (today, we mean): Geometry Wars 2http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/this-wednesday-today-we-mean-geometry-wars-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/this-wednesday-today-we-mean-geometry-wars-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/this-wednesday-today-we-mean-geometry-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: ,


Wow, how long have we waited to write that headline? 100 years? 150? Even now as the momentous day has arrived, it still puzzles us that we had to wait so long for the reigning king of dual-stick shooters to return to us. C'mon guys, you just bump all the sliders from 8 to 10, it's not rocket science.

In case you've forgotten, your 800 point purchase is going to net you a "remixed" version of the first game and five new modes: Waves, Pacifism, King, Deadline and Sequence. Also: 4-player multiplayer locally. Now, seriously ... what are you still doing reading this?

Gallery: Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bizarre-creationsgeometry-wars-2xblawednesdayJustin McElroy2008-07-30T10:45:00+00:00Bizarre Creations definitely has PSN in planshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/bizarre-creations-definitely-has-psn-in-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/bizarre-creations-definitely-has-psn-in-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/bizarre-creations-definitely-has-psn-in-plans/#commentsFiled under:


One of our favorite PR moves is the affirmative denial. It's risky, and not to be attempted by newbies. But when they can pull it off well, it's dazzling. It's like watching someone able to rub their head and play the Minute Waltz at the same time.

Check out Bizarre Creations games manager Craig Howard's answer to 1UP's query about Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 coming to PSN: "Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2 is currently an Xbox 360 exclusive title, although PSN is definitely in our company plans going forward." (And he nails it!) No, we don't know what his comment means either. But we think our PS3-owning friends would be completely justified if they had a little extra spring in their step today.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bizarrebizarre-creationsgeometry-warsgeometry-wars-2playstation-networkpsnJustin McElroy2008-07-28T12:30:00+00:00Bizarre Creations's new racing IP due FY 2010http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/bizarre-creationss-new-racing-ip-due-fy09/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/bizarre-creationss-new-racing-ip-due-fy09/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/bizarre-creationss-new-racing-ip-due-fy09/#commentsFiled under:


Note: Image from PGR4, not new Bizarre IP
Activision-owned Bizarre Creations' new racing franchise -- which is not PGR5 -- is due out in the 2010 fiscal year, which begins on April 1, 2009. In a conference call (start at 29:55 mark), Activision Publishing CEO Mike Griffith said, "Bizarre is deep in development on two multi-platform titles and we are looking forward to the release of our first new racing IP in fiscal 2010, which already looks very strong."

Bizarre just recently said goodbye to its Project Gotham Racing series, handing off PGR4 downloadable content duties to IP owner Microsoft.
Check out Activision's Family Album to learn more about the company's internal studios.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>activisionbizarrebizarre-creationspgrproject-gotham-racingRoss Miller2008-05-09T15:00:00+00:00Bizarre Creations finished with PGR4, hands DLC duties to Microsofthttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/bizarre-creations-finished-with-pgr4-hands-dlc-duties-to-micros/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/bizarre-creations-finished-with-pgr4-hands-dlc-duties-to-micros/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/bizarre-creations-finished-with-pgr4-hands-dlc-duties-to-micros/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Downloadable content is a prized nugget we all not-so-secretly hope awaits us after taking any game home, but like the midday sun on a carton of fresh milk, it also has us spoiled. However, with Bizarre Creations now parking its ride in Activision's garage, the developer stated that it's closing the books on last year's Project Gotham Racing 4, adding that it will not be releasing any more new content for the stylish Xbox 360 racer.

According to a recent post on Bizarre Creation's official forums by a dev calling himself "Ben," the studio has washed its hands of the game. "Bizarre Creations won't be adding anything more to PGR4 in the future," he wrote. "We've completed the hand-over to Microsoft, so any further add-ons will come from them and not us I'm afraid." The news probably wouldn't sting so much had the last update not been so incredibly cool, leaving us now waiting to see what else the British studio has up its racing sleeves.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>activisionbizarre-creationsbizarrecreationsdlcdownloadable-contentdownloadablecontentmicrosoftpgr4project-gotham-racin...project-gotham-racingprojectgothamracingprojectgothamracing4Jason Dobson2008-05-09T02:00:00+00:00Family Album: Activisionhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/family-album-activision/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/family-album-activision/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/family-album-activision/#commentsFiled under: ,

Thanks to a pending merger with Blizzard, the Activision family is going to be growing in the near future, but a look at its current development resources reveals that the company already has a pretty diverse galaxy of stars. With such a variety, how will you ever keep track of all the devs under the Activision bumbershoot? Worry not, dear reader.

We've got you covered.

(Also: Check out our other family albums.)

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbizarrebizarre-creationsbizarrecreationsblizzardfamily-albumfeaturesinfinity-wardinfinitywardJustin McElroy2008-04-09T11:00:00+00:00Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 rated by OFLChttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/geometry-wars-retro-evolved-2-rated-by-oflc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/geometry-wars-retro-evolved-2-rated-by-oflc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/geometry-wars-retro-evolved-2-rated-by-oflc/#commentsFiled under: ,


Geometry Wars: Waves and Galaxies have been interesting takes on the GW formula, but we all know in our hearts that they're not the true successors to the original XBLA classic. Now, it seems we may finally be getting just that after a rating was released by the OFLC (the Australian classification board) for Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2.

Sadly, that's pretty much all we know, save for the fact the game will be multi-platform. Not much of a surprise, considering it's coming from the company that's currently trying to figure out how to make Guitar Hero compatible with pacemakers.

[Via Xblah]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>activisionbizarre-creationsgeometry-warsgeometry-wars-2Justin McElroy2008-04-03T10:15:00+00:00PGR4 DLC brings new cars, modes, achievementshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/pgr4-dlc-brings-new-cars-modes-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/pgr4-dlc-brings-new-cars-modes-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/pgr4-dlc-brings-new-cars-modes-achievements/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Not content to let their premiere racer rest with just a release and a quick update, Bizarre Creations is offering up new downloadable content for Project Gotham Racing 4. The content is split into two downloadable packs:

Free Challenge Pack (free download!)
  • A playable, hydrogen-powered Peugeot Flux
  • Tourist Mode - Just drive around the city and admire the scenery with no explicit goal
  • "Free Roam" Cat and Mouse Mode - Implements the delayed updates previously discussed here
  • Seven unlockable achievements
Premium Challenge Pack (400 MS points)
Includes all the content of the Free Challenge Pack, PLUS:
  • Seven new cars - Including the "1987 BMW M3 E30 DTM," whatever that means
  • World Challenge Arcade Mode - With 20 new events in three themed chapters
  • Three more unlockable achievements
The packs will be available for download on Feb. 14, just in time to play Cat and Mouse with your valentine.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bizarrebizarre-creationsDLCdownloadPGR4project-gotham-racingproject-gotham-racing-4Xbox LiveXboxLiveKyle Orland2008-02-08T12:10:00+00:00The Club demo now on Xbox Livehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/the-club-demo-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/the-club-demo-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/the-club-demo-now-on-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under: ,

When a demo for Bizarre Creation's The Club was released only in Europe and Australia, we were understandably testy. But then, we had a revelation: That's what it's like every day in countries that aren't America. We were so moved that we bought a red-white-and-blue T-shirt and six of Miller High Life to celebrate our appreciation for our homeland. Now, our patience has been rewarded, with the demo finally hitting Xbox Live.

If you need more encouragement to check it out, you should know that Tycho from Penny Arcade said nice things about it, which is good enough for us. Typically, the guys use their power to steer you towards the finer things, (unlike our power, used only to win fights in the comments section). But will you be joining The Club? Let us know below.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bizarre-creationsbizarrecreationsthe-clubtheclubJustin McElroy2008-01-22T10:00:00+00:00Rumor: Bizarre working on James Bond gamehttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/rumor-bizarre-working-on-james-bond-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/rumor-bizarre-working-on-james-bond-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/rumor-bizarre-working-on-james-bond-game/#commentsFiled under: ,


You know, up until a few years ago, James Bond games were big business. In fact, they were so hot that publishers actually created 007 plotlines (Everything Or Nothing, Nightfire) when movies weren't coming quickly enough. Sadly, since 2005's From Russia With Love, the series has sat stagnant, with the best Bond film in recent memory not even getting the video game treatment.

Now though, it appears Ian Fleming's secret agent is staging a comeback, not only with a Treyarch-developed action game but with a previously-rumored second Bond project, which EGM may have gotten the scoop on. The mag is reporting the rumor that recently-acquired Bizarre Creations is the dev behind the second project, a driving-heavy 007 outing. (If the idea sounds familiar, it should: EA took at stab at it in 2000 with the PSone's 007 Racing.) We're not sure what we're more excited about: The fact that Bizarre could be working on a Bond game, or the welcome news that there's not going to be another street racing franchise cluttering up shelves.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>activisionbizarre-creationscasino-royalejames-bondjamesbondJustin McElroy2007-12-11T13:15:00+00:00Big surprise: Guitar Hero 4, Call of Duty 5, and Tony Hawk 11 confirmedhttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/guitar-hero-4-call-of-duty-5-and-tony-hawk-11-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/guitar-hero-4-call-of-duty-5-and-tony-hawk-11-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/guitar-hero-4-call-of-duty-5-and-tony-hawk-11-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Activision's biggest pre-merger franchises are all (GASP!) getting sequel treatment. In a fact sheet concerning the Activision Blizzard deal (PDF file), the publisher lists Guitar Hero 4, Call of Duty 5, a new Tony Hawk title (which would be its 11th iteration), a James Bond game and a racing title with the recently-acquired Bizarre Creations, as well as licensed titles with Dreamworks and Marvel.

None of these sequels come as a surprise, as they are all critical and commercial successes, but this is the first official confirmation of their existence. According to Activision Blizzard's earlier conference call, 50% of Activision's revenues are derived from franchises it owns outright, including Guitar Hero and Call of Duty. It should be noted that as well that all three franchises also have competition from rival Electronic Arts in the form of Rock Band, Medal of Honor and Skate. No word on project release dates for any of the sequels.

Read - Fact sheet [Warning: PDF file]

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbizarrebizarre-creationsblizzardcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-5cod5eaelectronic-artsguitar-heroguitar-hero-4guitarherojames-bondmarveltony-hawkRoss Miller2007-12-03T13:55:00+00:00Boom Boom Rocket update adds guitar, dance pad supporthttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/boom-boom-rocket-update-adds-guitar-dance-pad-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/boom-boom-rocket-update-adds-guitar-dance-pad-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/boom-boom-rocket-update-adds-guitar-dance-pad-support/#commentsFiled under: ,


Because clearly, a music game simply isn't complete until it can turn mild-mannered button pushers into gyrating vessels of awkwardness. Not that we mind -- we're quite eager to stomp our way through Bizarre Creations' fun rocket-based rhythmer again. In a recent studio update, Bizarre reveals a new Xbox Live Arcade title update for Boom Boom Rocket has made its way through the certification gauntlet, bringing with it the following changes (the most important ones highlighted):
  • Guitar and dance pad peripheral support.
  • Japanese and Korean language support.
  • Tweaked scoring system focusing only on accuracy.
  • The huge loud "noise" which popped up occasionally on endurance mode is now gone.
  • Occurrences of scores getting overwritten with a lower score when playing with 2 profiles signed in is now fixed.
  • Display updates when viewing the game through a VGA cable.
  • Friends leaderboard now shows extra information such as grade, accuracy, etc.
  • Multiplayer endurance mode fix for player colors swapping sporadically.
  • Slightly bigger and better explosions.
Now if we could just get our arthritic hands on some new downloadable songs (actual music this time, please), we'll really see some fireworks.

[Via 1UP]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Bizarre-CreationsBizarreCreationsBoom-Boom-RocketBoomBoomRocketMusicXBLALudwig Kietzmann2007-11-07T20:45:00+00:00Bizarre likely to work on existing Activision IPhttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/12/bizarre-likely-to-work-on-existing-activision-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/12/bizarre-likely-to-work-on-existing-activision-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/12/bizarre-likely-to-work-on-existing-activision-ip/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While still poised to work on a new racing franchise, recently-acquired developer Bizarre Creations has a second, action-oriented team that will "probably be working on a property that [new parent company] Activision already owns," according to executive vice president of publishing Robin Kaminsky (via Develop).

As noted by Develop, major Activision properties include Call of Duty (staying firmly with Infinity Ward, we'd presume), Tony Hawk, Guitar Hero and a multitude of license titles. Could Bizarre be assigned a James Bond game? The Club, Bizzare's arcade shooter, is scheduled for early 2008.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>activisionbizarrebizarre-creationsRoss Miller2007-10-12T14:00:00+00:00PGR4, F.E.A.R. Files demos touch down on Xbox Livehttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/pgr4-f-e-a-r-files-demos-touch-down-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/pgr4-f-e-a-r-files-demos-touch-down-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/pgr4-f-e-a-r-files-demos-touch-down-on-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Q: After "Demo Monday," was anyone expecting more demos to touch down on Xbox Live today? A: Hell no! But it seems the Live overlords don't mind stuffing more demos down our throats, as Major Nelson has posted the usual copy and paste announcing the arrival of Project Gotham Racing 4 and F.E.A.R. Files: Extraction demos on XBL.

PGR4 is available in all regions, and gives you a taste of Bizarre Creation's latest (and potentially last) installment in the series. F.E.A.R. Files: Extraction combines the paranormal with polish for a spooky first person experience. So what are you waiting for, get downloading! (P.S. Go Pats!)

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Bizarre-CreationsFEARPGR4Project-OriginXbox-LiveXboxLiveDan Dormer2007-10-09T19:25:00+00:00Project Gotham Racing 4 goes goldhttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/project-gotham-racing-4-goes-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/project-gotham-racing-4-goes-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/project-gotham-racing-4-goes-gold/#commentsFiled under: ,


Bizarre Creations has hit Ctrl+S for the last time on Project Gotham Racing 4 and has duly sent the code off to be pressed onto millions of DVDs -- which is an absolutely marvelous format, we're told. If driving through rain or snow at ludicrous speeds is something you find appealing, you'd best start checking stores October 2nd in the US and Oct 12th in Europe. If not, ordering online is by far the safer option.

If you just plain don't want the game (nor Geometry Wars: Waves), then you should have stopped reading three sentences ago. And you especially shouldn't read this sentence, which mentions the game's official website and a full list of its virtual vehicles.

Gallery: PGR4 (Xbox 360)


Gallery: Project Gotham Racing 4 motorcycles

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Bizarre-CreationsPGR4Project-Gotham-RacingProject-Gotham-Racing-4RacingLudwig Kietzmann2007-09-13T18:55:00+00:00