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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Blast Works developer working on Guitar Hero for new owner Activision]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/blast-works-developer-working-on-guitar-hero-for-new-owner-activ/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/blast-works-developer-working-on-guitar-hero-for-new-owner-activ/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/blast-works-developer-working-on-guitar-hero-for-new-owner-activ/#commentsFiled under:

Budcat Creations is perhaps best known for developing the excellent DIY shmup Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy for Majesco. But they've also ported Guitar Hero World Tour, Aerosmith, and III to the PlayStation 2 for Activision, and it's that kind of work that they'll be doing now as a newly-acquired company.

Activision announced today that they've purchased Budcat, and that the developer is working on "a new game in the Guitar Hero franchise." Normally, we would suspect that Budcat has been purchased for the explicit purpose of creating PS2 ports, but the PS2 isn't mentioned anywhere in Activision's press release, while the Wii and DS are. In fact, the press release highlights their "expertise" with the Wii and the DS specifically, and Activision CEO Mike Griffith says that the acquisition "strengthen(s) our development capabilities on the Nintendo platforms."

I want to read about Guitar Hero all ni-i-ight, and eat Guitar Hero cake!

JoystiqBlast Works developer working on Guitar Hero for new owner Activision originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblast-worksbudcatguitar-heromusicrhythmMon, 10 Nov 2008 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten for under twenty at Gamefly's sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/ten-for-under-twenty-at-gameflys-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/ten-for-under-twenty-at-gameflys-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/ten-for-under-twenty-at-gameflys-sale/#commentsFiled under:


In these belt-tightening, penny-pinching times, it literally pays to have a nose for the bargains. That's where we, or rather Gamefly, comes in. The game rental outfit has a broad selection of used Wii software for low, world banking crisis-friendly prices, and we chose ten of the best sub-$20 games to tempt you. Thar be bargains ahead!
There's actually a ton more we could have mentioned, including Super Mario Galaxy for $32.99, Super Smash Bros. Brawl for $30.99, and Metroid Prime 3 for $26.99. Sadly, "One hundred and fifty-eight for under forty-two" just doesn't work as a headline. Hit up the "Source" link for the full set.


[Thanks, William!]

JoystiqTen for under twenty at Gamefly's sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baroquebattalion-wars-2blast-worksdewys-adventuregameflygeometry-warsmercury-meltdownmetroid-prime-3nightsno-more-heroespreownedsalesega-superstars-tennissmash-bros-brawlsuper-mario-galaxyWed, 22 Oct 2008 17:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Blast Works arrives in Europe tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/blast-works-arrives-in-europe-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/blast-works-arrives-in-europe-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/blast-works-arrives-in-europe-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under:


According to an entry for Blast Works on the Nintendo of Europe website, the incredibly cheap and really fun shooter from Budcat will arrive on European retail shelves tomorrow, as the listed date of release is October 17th.

We're not sure if the game is going to cost as little across the pond as it does here in North America, but we're hoping it does. Either way, you need to pick up this fine game. It's easily worth more than $20.


[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqBlast Works arrives in Europe tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksbudcateidoseuropemajescoreleasesThu, 16 Oct 2008 15:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Excellent games for cheap Wii owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/excellent-games-for-cheap-wii-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/excellent-games-for-cheap-wii-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/excellent-games-for-cheap-wii-owners/#commentsFiled under: ,

What's more fun than dropping fifty bucks on a new game? Dropping fifty bucks on three new games. Diverging from their usual retro theme, Racketboy has posted a wonderfully long list of Wii, GameCube, and (obviously) WiiWare games that you can buy for less than $20. While people were busy complaining about the lack of quality third-party Wii games, a bunch of third-party Wii games came out and dropped in price immediately.

The list is populated by awesome shooters like Geometry Wars: Galaxies, Blast Works, and Ghost Squad, mascot games like NiGHTS, Sega Superstars Tennis, and Rayman: Raving Rabbids, and Elebits-style games like Elebits. And that's just in the Wii list! Each game also has handy Amazon and eBay search links attached. Go hit the ATM and check out the list!

JoystiqExcellent games for cheap Wii owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksdealselebitsgeometry-wars-galaxiesnightsraving-rabbidsMon, 25 Aug 2008 15:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Blast Works officially $20 now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/blast-works-officially-20-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/blast-works-officially-20-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/blast-works-officially-20-now/#commentsFiled under:

The price has been dropping at retailers for a couple of weeks now (as low as $10, temporarily), and now Majesco has made this great deal official: the publisher sent out a press release announcing that the new MSRP for Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy is $19.99.

It's a sad situation that the sales warrant a price drop, but we're of the opinion that pretty much every game should cost $20 or less. We can just tell you with even more conviction before that if you like shmups even a little, or if you just like building stuff, you should purchase this game and be amazed by the Blast Works Depot.

JoystiqBlast Works officially $20 now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksbudcatmajescoshooterMon, 04 Aug 2008 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Blast Works: Spend Ten Bucks, Trade, Destroy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/blast-works-spend-ten-bucks-trade-destroy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/blast-works-spend-ten-bucks-trade-destroy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/blast-works-spend-ten-bucks-trade-destroy/#commentsFiled under:

Over the weekend, Amazon and Gamestop dropped the price of Majesco's Blast Works to $20, which we thought was going to be the best Wii game deal we'd hear for a while. Then Best Buy stepped in and showed just how little money you can charge for Blast Works. They're selling it online and in-store for $10, but it's currently sold-out online. It should be in stores for a bit longer, since that requires some prospective buyers to go to a place.

This is a very sad development for one of the best games of 2008, but it's really good news for people who have ten bucks to spend right now.

[Image: "Kunio Kun" by gatsu25]

JoystiqBlast Works: Spend Ten Bucks, Trade, Destroy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buyblast-worksbudcatmajescoshooterMon, 28 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy Review: Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/wii-fanboy-review-blast-works-build-trade-destroy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/wii-fanboy-review-blast-works-build-trade-destroy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/wii-fanboy-review-blast-works-build-trade-destroy/#commentsFiled under:

In 2004, Kenta Cho (under the name ABA Games) released TUMIKI Fighters, one of his many freeware polygonal shooters. Then, last year, Majesco baffled us by announcing plans to adapt it to a retail Wii game. Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy is an odd candidate for AAA-ness: it's a game in a dormant, extremely hardcore genre, based on obscure freeware and developed by a company whose previous experience has mostly involved ports and licensed games, without any real input from the original creator. It's also published by a company whose success with Cooking Mama inspired them to go "casual."

These disadvantages would lead anyone to the natural conclusion that Blast Works wouldn't end up a great game -- and they would be correct. It is, in fact, two great games. Or, to take the idea to its ridiculous extreme, infinite great games. We'll stick to two for this discussion, and we'll talk about those two separately.

Continue reading Wii Fanboy Review: Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy

JoystiqWii Fanboy Review: Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksbudcatjoystiqfeaturesmajescoshmupshooterWed, 18 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pick up a $10 gift card by purchasing Blast Works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/pick-up-a-10-gift-card-by-purchasing-blast-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/pick-up-a-10-gift-card-by-purchasing-blast-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/pick-up-a-10-gift-card-by-purchasing-blast-works/#commentsFiled under:

We're still shocked that Blast Works finally came out after all those delays (and according to a few emails that we've been getting from you guys, some retailers are also feeling disbelief). If you can manage to track down this content-packed shooter, though, we recommend trying your luck at Circuit City. This week, the folks at the good ol' city of circuits will hand you a nice $10 gift card with a purchase of Blast Works. Yet, don't fret if you're having trouble finding this game at brick and mortar locations, since you can also head to the retailer's online store.

For a game that's only $40 to begin with, we have to say -- this deal is mighty tempting. Any takers?

Gallery: Blast Works


[Via CAG]

JoystiqPick up a $10 gift card by purchasing Blast Works originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksbudcatcircuit-citydealgift-cardmajescoshmupMon, 16 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/metareview-blast-works-build-trade-destroy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/metareview-blast-works-build-trade-destroy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/metareview-blast-works-build-trade-destroy/#commentsFiled under:


We can hardly believe it, but Majesco's Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy finally got released. It's in stores right now. And now that it has the distinction of being real and not just some constantly-delayed pipe dream, reviewers can play it and register their opinions.

But, really, how good can a Western-developed remake of a freeware PC shooter, with an editor mode attached, be? The answer is apparently "really, really good."

1UP: A -- Ray Barnholt found Blast Works both a worthy shooter and an awesome game construction kit: "The core game is cute and clever -- probably not a tide-changer, but it's definitely unique enough to be worth something within its genre (it's an awesome sequel to Tumiki Fighters, at any rate). And if you've got the desire to design games (and share them with the world via Blast Works' included online tools), the editor will teach you some basic fundamentals."

IGN: 81% -- Daemon Hatfield heaped more than 81 percent worth of praise on Blast Works: "With BlastWorks, what you get for your $40 is a unique, lengthy shooter, a powerful editor for creating your own levels, plus access to unlimited user-generated content from the game's official website, BlastWorksDepot.com. This is a great package, and although it's not going to appeal to everyone it's great to have something so unique in the Wii's library."

Game Informer: 80% -- Even the lowest-scoring review on the list doesn't have many huge complaints: "It's certainly not perfect; the difficulty balancing is rough around the edges, and the co-op multiplayer is ruined by the fact that the camera doesn't pull back, resulting in total chaos as each player's hunk of junk grows in size. However, I'm pretty addicted to Blast Works, and this addiction might never end due to the amazing level editor and online community functions, which gives players the ability to create anything and everything in the game and share them for free online."

JoystiqMetareview: Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksbudcatmajescoshmupFri, 13 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Having a blast edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/wrup-having-a-blast-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/wrup-having-a-blast-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/wrup-having-a-blast-edition/#commentsFiled under:


Hey, did you know that Blast Works released this week? Yeah, it's all up on retail shelves right now, waiting for you to pick it up and buy it. Our copy is out there right now, cold and alone, awaiting our loving embrace. But, what about you?

Nabbing Blast Works yourself? Picking up something else? What will you be playing this weekend?


JoystiqWRUP: Having a blast edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksbudcatmajescoshmupFri, 13 Jun 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii releases this week: Blast Works edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/wii-releases-this-week-blast-works-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/wii-releases-this-week-blast-works-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/wii-releases-this-week-blast-works-edition/#commentsFiled under:


There might be a huge game releasing this week, but that won't deter us from celebrating the release of a title we've been dying to get our hands on: Blast Works. So, you can imagine what we're planning to pick up from the small pile of new releases this week. Well, maybe it's less of a pile and more of a pair.

This week's releases are:
Planning on picking up a new game this week?

JoystiqWii releases this week: Blast Works edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backyard-baseballbackyard-baseball-09blast-worksmajescoreleasesshmupMon, 09 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blast Works duo on what didn't make the cut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/blast-works-duo-on-what-didnt-make-the-cut/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/blast-works-duo-on-what-didnt-make-the-cut/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/blast-works-duo-on-what-didnt-make-the-cut/#commentsFiled under:



Blast Works: Build, Trade, & Destroy will finally launch in North America next Tuesday, so now seems like a fitting time for Budcat Creations pair Marcus Brown and Matt Modaff to update their IGN blog and reflect on numerous aspects of the game's lengthy gestation. Fortunately for this post, that's exactly what they did!

Amongst other things, Brown and Modaff discuss the team's motivation for including the game's wonderful editor, the content sharing features that we adore so much, and how they'd like to see the game cultivate a modding community to rival those seen in many PC titles. They also reserve special praise for the Wiimote, noting how it "affords players a near mouse-like interface."

Most intriguingly of all, there's a list of features that didn't quite make the final cut, mainly due to time constraints. These include the ability to play through the Campaign Mode with four players (there's still a two-player function), a "Marathon Mode" (in which players blast their way through an infinite selection of levels randomly chosen from the campaign and rack up the highest score possible), a "Movement Editor" (for editing, yes, the movement of enemies), and the ability to trade high scores.

Despite all of that "missing" stuff, some of which sounds way cool, we'd still probably trade our closest family members in for a copy of Blast Works next week.

JoystiqBlast Works duo on what didn't make the cut originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksblastworksbudcateditormajescomoddingshmupwiimoteThu, 05 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[A guide to content sharing in Blast Works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/a-guide-to-content-sharing-in-blast-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/a-guide-to-content-sharing-in-blast-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/a-guide-to-content-sharing-in-blast-works/#commentsFiled under: ,


As you can see in the helpful video above, sharing your own stuff in Blast Works is likely going to be a ... well, uh ... a blast. It looks fun, doesn't it? Of course, the main issue is will anyone actually take the time to share? We hope so!

The stuff that folks can share ranges from something as small as a ship to something as big as an entire stage. It really looks like it'll offer Wii owners some solid online content. And, as you all know, the Wii is in need of some online functionality.

JoystiqA guide to content sharing in Blast Works originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 May 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksbudkatcontent-sharingmajescoonlineshmupTue, 20 May 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[How to share user generated content in Blast Works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/how-to-share-user-generated-content-in-blast-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/how-to-share-user-generated-content-in-blast-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/how-to-share-user-generated-content-in-blast-works/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Wii may not be known for having the most advanced online capabilities, but the community developed for the upcoming Blast Works looks rather extensive. The upcoming shooter, based on the works of Kenta Cho, allows players to create their own enemies, ships and levels ... and share them with other Wii users. Players will be able to send data directly to their friends, or make it available for all to play through the Blast Works official website.

This Joystiq-exclusive trailer shows how the website integrates into the game. By registering a Wii Code, you'll be able to send levels directly to your Wii from any internet browser (via WiiConnect 24). You can even send levels to your friends whilst you browse the site. You can also add comments and rate creations, just like in YouTube (and the oft-delayed LittleBigPlanet for PS3).

Certainly, Blast Works has much potential in a "Game 3.0" era, and we think Wii owners should be pretty interested in the game. We'll see how well this community can thrive once it officially hits stores next week.

JoystiqHow to share user generated content in Blast Works originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 May 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-workskenta-choWiiMon, 19 May 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blast! Another Blast Works delay? [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/blast-another-blast-works-delay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/blast-another-blast-works-delay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/blast-another-blast-works-delay/#commentsFiled under: ,

[Update: Majesco sent out a press release with a real release date on it! June 10. This release went out mere hours after our email to Majesco. Coincidence? Most likely.]

We don't know if this is official (but then no Blast Works date has ever been official), but Gamestop's release date for Blast Works: Build, Trade, and Destroy has moved from May 20 to June 3. If we weren't looking forward to playing the game, this carrot-and-stick routine would be comical, but really we're just angry. This was originally supposed to come out in October.

Amazon still says May 27. Best Buy says May 29. Were we regular shoppers and not game bloggers (which requires us to try to keep up with release dates and such), we would definitely have given up on following Blast Works by now. We'd just buy it whenever we happened to see it in a store.

JoystiqBlast! Another Blast Works delay? [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 May 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksbudcatdelaygamestopmajescoshmupThu, 15 May 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blast Works Depot open as part of MiiPlaza.net]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/blast-works-depot-open-as-part-of-miiplaza-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/blast-works-depot-open-as-part-of-miiplaza-net/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/blast-works-depot-open-as-part-of-miiplaza-net/#commentsFiled under:

Blast Works Depot, the official site for uploading and trading user-created Blast Works content, is now online (despite the game's current lack of availability). Rather than creating a fancy new corporate-designed website, Majesco worked with an existing Wii community website, Wii Fanboy Mii Plaza.

It's kind of a brilliant idea -- (some) Wii owners are already used to sharing content on Mii Plaza, and Blast Works content now uses the same interface for trading levels, enemies, ships, bullets, and shapes. Oh, except you can upload and download directly from inside the game. Now all we need is for the game to come out, and for other people to buy it and create interesting things!

JoystiqBlast Works Depot open as part of MiiPlaza.net originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksblast-works-depotbudcatmajescomiiplazashmupWed, 14 May 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Blast Works delayed again, apparently]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/blast-works-delayed-again-apparently/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/blast-works-delayed-again-apparently/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/blast-works-delayed-again-apparently/#commentsFiled under:

It was no mistake that Blast Works: Build, Trade, & Destroy didn't show up on our weekly releases list. We were sure that it was really going to come out this week, but just like every other time we thought Majesco would release the game, Blast Works has been pushed back. The new release date is still within the month, for now, so at least Majesco doesn't have very long to decide to delay it again.

According to Gamestop, Blast Works will be out on the 20th. Amazon says the 27th. We don't know if it'll really be out on either of those dates, but we will still want to buy it whenever.

JoystiqBlast Works delayed again, apparently originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksbudcatdelaymajescoshooterMon, 05 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Majesco: Nintendo 'very enthusiastic' about Wii online functionality, helps Majesco prove it with Blast Works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/majesco-nintendo-very-enthusiastic-about-wii-online-functiona/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/majesco-nintendo-very-enthusiastic-about-wii-online-functiona/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/majesco-nintendo-very-enthusiastic-about-wii-online-functiona/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Well, someone had to step in and tell Nintendo that they're doing a good job with their online platform (even though, and let's face reality here folks, they aren't right now, but we're hoping WiiWare can help change that). Majesco sees Nintendo as doing okay with the online content in titles such as Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Mario Kart Wii, but sees the system as able to do more elaborate and better things. Majesco is planning to make this leap into a bigger world with the release of Blast Works for the Wii.

So what is so envelope-pushing about Blast Works's online functionality? Well, players will be able to create and trade content online. On top of that, players will also be able to head on over to a special website set up by Majesco, where they can browse other content made by users and, through the power of a mouse click, send that content to their own Wii. The best part? No Friend Codes necessary.

Majesco said that Nintendo has helped them make this leap into a world full of more rich and dynamic online content on a console that hasn't had it yet and sees the future as very exciting regarding Wii and the online space. You can read all about how in the MTV Multiplayer interview here.

JoystiqMajesco: Nintendo 'very enthusiastic' about Wii online functionality, helps Majesco prove it with Blast Works originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-workscontentmajescomultiplayeronlineonline-contentonline-featuresMon, 28 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Brawl, WiiWare and Nintendo Channel dated in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/brawl-wiiware-and-nintendo-channel-dated-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/brawl-wiiware-and-nintendo-channel-dated-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/brawl-wiiware-and-nintendo-channel-dated-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The latest Nintendo of Europe release schedule contains fairly awesome news for the neglected continent, as there's finally a concrete release date for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Nintendo's wildly popular fighter is hitting stores in the region on June 27th, and there's more happy tidings, with WiiWare and Nintendo Channel set to launch on May 20th and May 30th respectively.

There's little else in the list that both interests us and has a specific date (de Blob and Blast Works have both had a vague "Q2 2008" slapped next to them, though it appears that Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors will be out on May 9th), but heck, why are we yammering to you about this? Check out the latest European dates for yourself past the break!

[Update -- Corrected date for Nintendo Channel]

Continue reading Brawl, WiiWare and Nintendo Channel dated in Europe

JoystiqBrawl, WiiWare and Nintendo Channel dated in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-workschannelsde-blobdragon-quest-swordseuropefightingpalsmash-bros-brawlssbbukThu, 24 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[May 6th is Shooter Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/may-6th-is-shooter-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/may-6th-is-shooter-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/may-6th-is-shooter-day/#commentsFiled under:

In a bizarre turn of events, two new scrolling shooters will face off for the money of the tiny audience who buys scrolling shooters on May 6th (well, probably May 7th, since the games ship on the 6th). Both Majesco's Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy and Aksys Games' Castle of Shikigami III will be released on that day, according to Gamestop. This makes May 6th either the most awesome day in years or the worst for shooter fans, depending on their financial situation. There usually aren't two original shooters to choose from within six months of each other!

Exacerbating the shooter overload, Jack of All Games' 3D fighter-jet game Rebel Raiders is also coming out on the same day. Too many options! And of course, all three will be competing with whatever shooters Nintendo puts on the VC that week.

Read - Castle of Shikigami III
Read - Blast Works
Read - Rebel Raiders

JoystiqMay 6th is Shooter Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysblast-workscastle-of-shikigamirebel-raidersshmupshooterMon, 14 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Blast Works media reveals more of editor, underwhelming boxart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/blast-works-media-reveals-more-of-editor-underwhelming-boxart/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/blast-works-media-reveals-more-of-editor-underwhelming-boxart/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/blast-works-media-reveals-more-of-editor-underwhelming-boxart/#commentsFiled under:

For a game as inventive and unique as Budcat's Blast Works, that sure is some vanilla boxart. Okay, so it's functional in a Ronseal-kinda way, but it's also far from pretty or imaginative (like the game itself). Then again, sporting the kind of cover you'd expect to see on the blandest of Wii budget shovelware didn't harm Game Party's chances, so perhaps this will do the trick, and millions will get to sample Blast Works' original premise and amazing item editor. We can but hope.

Speaking of the item editor, it's the center of attention in the fifteen new Blast Works shots in the gallery below. It looks as deep and as engrossing as ever, and there's some encouragingly weird ships being created in those screens.

JoystiqBlast Works media reveals more of editor, underwhelming boxart originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksblastworksboxartbudcatmajescoshmupshooterWed, 19 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Blast Works (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/joystiq-impressions-blast-works-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/joystiq-impressions-blast-works-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/joystiq-impressions-blast-works-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,

User-generated gaming is all the rage these days. PS3 has LittleBigPlanet and Unreal Tournament III; Xbox 360 has Xbox Live Community Games; Wii has Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Boom Blox, and now Blast Works.

This upcoming Wii-exclusive shooter from Majesco is based on Kenta Cho's Tumiki Fighters. With your mega-powered spaceship, you can blast away at polygonal enemies, and incorporate them into your ship, Katamari-style. Fifteen levels are promised to ship in the final retail game, and each promises to be a unique experience. One level we saw on display had players taking control of a paper airplane, fighting other paper airplanes and origami enemies. The entire world was rendered in black and white, with the environment seemingly made of paper. Another level we saw featured a barrage of colorful, wacky enemies: ducks, frogs, bees, boats. The eclectic mix of enemies all had one purpose: to destroy us.

While romping through the included stages may be fun, the most appealing aspect of the game had to be its creation content system. All the levels in Blast Works were created using the in-game tools. Players can create their own ships, enemies, bullets, levels -- and if they so choose, can create their own bullet and AI patterns as well.

Gallery: Blast Works (Wii)

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Blast Works (Wii)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Blast Works (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-workskenta-chomajescotumiki-fighterswiiSun, 16 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Blast Works trailer highlights bonus games, creative design]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/new-blast-works-trailer-highlights-bonus-games-creative-design/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/new-blast-works-trailer-highlights-bonus-games-creative-design/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/new-blast-works-trailer-highlights-bonus-games-creative-design/#commentsFiled under: ,


Of all the neat stuff about Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy, the free bonus games get the least attention. Even if they are freeware, it's awesome that Majesco is putting four extra shooters on the disc, all of which are great. This latest trailer confirms that in addition to the original TUMIKI Fighters, Kenta Cho's rRootage, Gunroar, and Torus Trooper will be unlockable.

Other awesome things in this trailer include: a very quick shot of a vertically-scrolling level, which would seem to indicate that it's possible to make vertical shooters in the game, and the black-and-white paper-airplane game. If that were a standalone game, we'd buy it. But it isn't. It's just something somebody put together in Blast Works.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqNew Blast Works trailer highlights bonus games, creative design originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksbudcatmajescoshmupshooterThu, 28 Feb 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Blast Works: it's also a shooter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/blast-works-its-also-a-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/blast-works-its-also-a-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/16/blast-works-its-also-a-shooter/#commentsFiled under:


Gametap's latest preview of Majesco's Blast Works focuses on the part of the game that has previously received the least attention: the game. A lot has been said about the editor, but, of course, building objects isn't all that much fun without anything to do with them. Luckily, Blast Works, like no other shooter, puts objects to great use.

This is because the powerup system from TUMIKI Fighters is still present. When you shoot an enemy, it falls out of the sky. If it lands on you, it sticks to your ship, firing its own projectiles and acting as armor -- though, according to the preview, "because you're trying to quickly catch them any way and with any part of your ship you can, you wind up having little control over the actual direction that captured guns fire." If you take a hit, a piece of this "armor" falls off. It's quite easy to build up a giant Katamari-like clump of junk around your ship, but you then lose maneuverability and even start to have a hard time figuring out what's going on onscreen.

JoystiqBlast Works: it's also a shooter originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksbudcatmajescoshmupshooterSat, 16 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: New pew pew pew]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/wii-warm-up-new-pew-pew-pew/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/wii-warm-up-new-pew-pew-pew/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/wii-warm-up-new-pew-pew-pew/#commentsFiled under:


If there's one thing the Wii has plenty of, it's scrolling shooters, vertical and horizontal. Thanks to the Virtual Console, the Wii has probably the best library of shmups in history. You can go play something like Lords of Thunder or Blazing Lazers right now without even having to go to a store first. That's pretty compelling.

Which means that original disc-based shooters actually face a lot of competition from the VC. If you're just now discovering that you love shooters, you can get some of the best ones ever made for a few bucks. That could mean trouble for Castle of Shikigami III, Monkey King and Blast Works.

If you like shooters, are you content with the vintage offerings? Do you feel that there's enough of a reason to continue checking out the new games, or have you been reveling in undiscovered classics?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: New pew pew pew originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksblazing-lazerslords-of-thundermonkey-kingshikigamishmupshooterFri, 15 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blast Works: I'm Lovin' It]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/blast-works-im-lovin-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/blast-works-im-lovin-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/blast-works-im-lovin-it/#commentsFiled under:


Not convinced that Blast Works has been upgraded enough from the free Tumiki Fighters to be worth money? If so, watch this and learn. This is a totally unique game, unless you've been playing another Wii shooter about Mayor McCheese attaching downed lawn darts to his body to increase his firepower.

Seriously, it would be hard to conceive of a more rigorous test of a game's item-creation utility than Mayor McCheese. Part man, part hamburger, all politician, Mayor McCheese is a big collection of crazy, disparate shapes. And that looks just like him. What you want is what you get in Blast Works. Whoever made that deserves a break today, because it certainly put a smile on. If kids like us were running the world, you could make Mayor McCheese in every game.

Hey, it could happen.

JoystiqBlast Works: I'm Lovin' It originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksbudcatmayor-mccheesemcworldshmupWed, 06 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yes, you can build your own blocky TIE Fighter dragon monster thing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/yes-you-can-build-your-own-blocky-tie-fighter-dragon-monster-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/yes-you-can-build-your-own-blocky-tie-fighter-dragon-monster-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/yes-you-can-build-your-own-blocky-tie-fighter-dragon-monster-th/#commentsFiled under:


If you become skilled enough with Blast Works' item editor, there's no end to what you can do! Like this ... thing with what kind of looks like the sides of a TIE Fighter as ears! It's pink and spiky and shoots triangles at seaplanes! Then, when you've finished creating horrible monsters made out of neat-looking white-outlined blocks, you can take them on with up to three friends -- also flying around in homemade avatars.

This set of four screens found at Wiiz doesn't just tease the multiplayer and the capabilities of the editor, but also shows the creation tool at work. Now we just have to find a way to become creative before the game comes out.

JoystiqYes, you can build your own blocky TIE Fighter dragon monster thing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksbudcateditormajescoshmupTue, 29 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blast Works developers on creating the game's creation engine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/blast-works-developers-on-creating-the-games-creation-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/blast-works-developers-on-creating-the-games-creation-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/blast-works-developers-on-creating-the-games-creation-engine/#commentsFiled under: ,

Blast Works: Build, Fuse, and Destroy developers Budcat Creations have started blogging on IGN about the process of remaking Kenta Cho's TUMIKI Fighters into something much more than the original free game. According to the blog, the remarkable item editing capability grew from a desire to create more complex ships than the original game engine would allow. So they built a more fully-featured Shape Editor.

They then stipulated that the artists had to use the Shape Editor to create all the game's assets. The final Shape editor used to develop the levels and the Shape Editor on the disc differ in that "the limits to the maximum dimensions of an individual block and the total number of blocks were removed in the PC version for prototyping." Feedback from the artists then went into refining the engine.

The results can be seen above, in this amazing video of a ship being constructed. We were excited enough when this was just a port of a free game. Now it's a completely new game, and one that looks like it absolutely should not be missed.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqBlast Works developers on creating the game's creation engine originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksbudcateditormajescoshmupWed, 16 Jan 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Anniversary aftermath: Next year's awesome games that you forgot about]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/anniversary-aftermath-next-years-awesome-games-that-you-forgot/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/anniversary-aftermath-next-years-awesome-games-that-you-forgot/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/anniversary-aftermath-next-years-awesome-games-that-you-forgot/#commentsFiled under:


We spent yesterday going through the big releases that've been announced for next year so far -- Smash Bros. Brawl and/or Wii Fit likely topping your personal "must get" list -- but what about the second-tier games that don't usually receive much press or attention?

Though we haven't forgotten about the low-key releases, we've collected a selection of games and media to ensure that these titles stay on your mind too! Read on for our top ten list of awesome 2008 games that you totally forgot about!

Continue reading Anniversary aftermath: Next year's awesome games that you forgot about

JoystiqAnniversary aftermath: Next year's awesome games that you forgot about originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesArikabackboneblast-worksblastworksbudcat-creationsbullycingcivilizationDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-Rxeaeidoselectronic-artsfiraxisjoystiqfeatureskikikaiworldkingstoryleft-field-productionsmajescomarvelousmonster-labninja-reflexNintendonitrobikeoboro-muramasa-youtoudenprojectoPuzzlerockstarscholarship-editionstarfish-sdtown-factorytumiki-fightersubisoftufo-entertainmentvanillawarewii-wareWiiWareSun, 25 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blast Works lets you build all kinds of stuff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/blast-works-lets-you-build-all-kinds-of-stuff/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/blast-works-lets-you-build-all-kinds-of-stuff/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/blast-works-lets-you-build-all-kinds-of-stuff/#commentsFiled under:


For a while, all we've known about Blast Works's editor mode is that it was feature-rich and awesome. Gametap's Jared Rea (formerly of Joystiq!) got to mess with the editor during a hands-on preview, and found not only an edit mode, but an incredibly versatile shooter creation engine.

Apparently, ships made of "over 100 pieces" are possible, and feature user-defined hitboxes and gun placements. Levels feature custom backgrounds, which can be layered for parallax effects, and populated with enemies designed and placed by the user, which shoot bullets that are also user-drawn. Any drawn element can be used for any other, so enemies can be placed in the background, or used as the protagonist's ship, or anything else.

We really hope to see a community built up around trading custom ships and levels online, through which we could be shooting forever.

JoystiqBlast Works lets you build all kinds of stuff originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksblastworksbudcatmajescoshmupTue, 16 Oct 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Blast Works delayed, for a decent reason]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/blast-works-delayed-for-a-decent-reason/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/blast-works-delayed-for-a-decent-reason/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/blast-works-delayed-for-a-decent-reason/#commentsFiled under:


At one time, we dreamed of filling the period between now and the big holiday releases with lots of shooting, courtesy of Majesco's Blast Works. We most recently found it scheduled for an October 16 release, which was acceptable to us.

But Majesco announced yesterday that Blast Works has been delayed until the first quarter of 2008. Our hopes for playing it this year have been exploded into blocks and caught to add firepower to the junk-composed spaceship of our disappointment.

The good news is that, with the extra time, developer Budcat Creations will be adding the capability to share custom ships and levels, as well as high scores, over WiiConnect24. The bad news is that -- oh, right, the rest of the post was the bad news.

[Via Game|Life]

JoystiqBlast Works delayed, for a decent reason originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-worksblastworksbudcatmajescoshooterWed, 12 Sep 2007 12:00:00 EST