Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Matt Cavanagh forms a new studio, didn't have anything to do with Blur]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/matt-cavanagh-forms-a-new-studio-didnt-have-anything-to-do-wit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/matt-cavanagh-forms-a-new-studio-didnt-have-anything-to-do-wit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/matt-cavanagh-forms-a-new-studio-didnt-have-anything-to-do-wit/#comments The Internet is reporting that the lead designer on Bizarre Creations' Blur has created an independent game studio called Totem Games, but this is a lie. Parts of this story are true, and others are complete fabrication, most likely sewn together from the threads of space and time itself, as is often the case with online sourcing. Let us break it down for you:

Truth: Matt Cavanagh, a former Bizarre Creations employee, has created Totem Games Ltd., an independent game studio with a mission to help "make the world a happier place."

Truth: Matt Cavanagh was not the lead designer on Blur, nor did he work on any part of the game, as shown by Blur's credits and Cavanagh's tweet saying, "I did not actually work on blur. Cheers, Matt."

Truth: Matt Cavanagh worked on the city art in Project Gotham Racing and Project Gotham Racing 2.

Truth: This is the most publicity Matt Cavanagh has gotten in years.

There are no lies here, because we don't publish those. We leave that to the rest of the Internet and sleep well knowing it is one area that is completely over-covered.

JoystiqMatt Cavanagh forms a new studio, didn't have anything to do with Blur originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 02:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bizzare-creationsBlurLiesmicrosoftpcplaystationproject-gotham-racingproject-gotham-racing-2ps3xboxSat, 09 Jul 2011 02:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Direct2Drive cuts select Activision game prices in half this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/direct2drive-cuts-select-activision-game-prices-in-half-this-wee/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/direct2drive-cuts-select-activision-game-prices-in-half-this-wee/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/direct2drive-cuts-select-activision-game-prices-in-half-this-wee/#comments Whether your interests include futuristic technology, automobiles or futuristic technology that can turn into automobiles, Direct2Drive's got your back this weekend. The site's offering Blur, Singularity and Transformers: War for Cybertron for half-off starting today at 10 a.m. PDT.

Continue reading Direct2Drive cuts select Activision game prices in half this weekend

JoystiqDirect2Drive cuts select Activision game prices in half this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblurdirect2drivepcsingularitytransformers-war-for-cybertronFri, 29 Apr 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bizarre fell into 'making games to fill slots,' says ex-creative director]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/bizarre-fell-into-making-games-to-fill-slots/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/bizarre-fell-into-making-games-to-fill-slots/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/bizarre-fell-into-making-games-to-fill-slots/#comments Members of defunct developer Bizarre Creations recently provided Edge with more insight into what eventually led to the studio's shuttering. The general impression, beyond former design manager Gareth Wilson's reiteration of a "perfect storm of unfortunate circumstances," is that Bizarre's independent culture began to deteriorate following the Activision acquisition.

"We weren't an independent studio making 'our' games anymore," said former creative director Martyn Chudley. "We were making games to fill slots. Although we did all believe in them, they were more the products of committees and analysts. The culture we'd worked on for so long gradually eroded just enough so that it wasn't 'ours' anymore."

Chudley also claimed that the studio was given the opportunity to buy itself back, but as commercial manager Sarah Chudley explained it, the studio had grown considerably since the Activision takeover and "we just didn't have the skills, capability or finances to look after over 200 people." Without a third party coming in to assume control, it seemed wiser for everyone to walk away.

JoystiqBizarre fell into 'making games to fill slots,' says ex-creative director originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBizarreBizarre-CreationsBlurclosuremicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 06 Apr 2011 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Bizarre's Wilson: 'perfect storm' led to studio's death]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/bizarres-wilson-perfect-storm-led-to-studios-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/bizarres-wilson-perfect-storm-led-to-studios-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/bizarres-wilson-perfect-storm-led-to-studios-death/#comments Less than a week after we said "goodbye" to Bizarre Creations, the Blur-ry details of what killed the developer are starting to come into focus. Eurogamer has an interview with Gareth Wilson, former design manager at the studio, who has since gone on to take a position at Sumo Digital. Wilson called Bizarre's death a "perfect storm of unfortunate circumstances."

Wilson explained that getting attention for Blur, a new IP, at this point in the console cycle, was difficult -- especially with high-quality breakouts and juggernaut competition on the field. He believes that the quality of the competition, along with the state of the global economy, meant that gamers weren't ready to "take a risk." He points out several other quality IPs like Enslaved, Alan Wake and Vanquish that also struggled in 2010.

Wilson now feels that the "middle ground," selling two to three million units is "getting hard to find," explaining "Games either 'break out' and sell four million plus, or really struggle to break even."

JoystiqBizarre's Wilson: 'perfect storm' led to studio's death originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBizarreBizarre-CreationsBlurGareth-Wilsonmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxThu, 24 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision finds no Bizarre buyers, recommends closure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/activision-finds-no-bizarre-buyers-recommends-closure/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/activision-finds-no-bizarre-buyers-recommends-closure/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/activision-finds-no-bizarre-buyers-recommends-closure/#comments Activision has recommended Bizarre Creations for closure, saying it has exhausted other options. Speaking with Develop, Activision Worlwide Studios' COO Coddy Johnson said he wanted "to be clear" that the publisher tried to keep the group together by finding a buyer, but after exploring leads with "pretty much anyone you can imagine in the industry," they were left with the option of "last resort."

Activision made it known in early November that the Liverpool-based studio had entered a consultation period, a 90-day phase under UK law that warns of potential closure. On the same day as the announcement, Activision closed Iowa-based Budcat in the US. At the time, Activision said that, despite a substantial investment in creating a new IP, Blur did not find a commercial audience.

If you are an employee of the studio and have anything more to share, please feel free to contact us.

JoystiqActivision finds no Bizarre buyers, recommends closure originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBizarreBizarre-CreationsBlurlayoffsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Ben's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/best-of-the-rest-bens-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/best-of-the-rest-bens-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/best-of-the-rest-bens-picks-of-2010/#comments 1 vs. 100
Remember when Microsoft confirmed that there would be no more 1 vs. 100 and your heart broke in half? I remember that day. It was the first time I'd ever experienced anything akin to an MMO shutting down -- I was an active player in a weekly live game with thousands of other people, and it was closing. Like no other game I've played before, 1 vs. 100 brought together all of my friends -- gaming and non-gaming alike -- for a weekly shared experience. Couple that unique experience with my love for trivia (I totally dominated history and video game-themed nights), and 1 vs. 100 was a clear choice for one of my favorite games in 2010. It's a real shame there's no way to play it anymore.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Ben's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Ben's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-vs-100best-of-the-rest-2010blurhalo-reachjust-cause-2microsoftmobileplaystationps3splinter-cell-convictiontilt-to-livexboxSun, 02 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2010/#comments Vanquish
Shinji Mikami is still playing the game of Telephone he started in 2005. With Resident Evil 4, he revitalized Capcom's stagnant survival-horror franchise by turning it into a strictly paced shooter, where standing your ground (you couldn't move and shoot at the same time, remember?) was the only way to advance. The idea made it all the way across the ocean -- mostly intact -- and eventually found its way into Epic's Gears of War.

The Mikami-led team at Platinum Games, in turn, heard all the bits about military meatheads and enemies that can be demolished without remorse, but the part about lumbering man-tanks got garbled. Instead, we get a protagonist that can slide across the battlefield in the blink of an eye.

At its nuclear-powered core, Vanquish still honors Resident Evil 4's balance of risk and reward. It's an exceptionally hectic shooter where rocketing in and out of critical engagements is key -- but if your suit overheats, you're slow again. And then you're dead.

Even Gears of War's train level comes back a little warped. Now there are two trains, and one of them is upside-down.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bayonettabest-of-the-rest-2010blurcastlevania-lords-of-shadowdonkey-kong-country-returnsfinal-fantasy-xiiihalo-reachiphonelara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftmobilenintendopac-man-championship-edition-dxplaystationps3tilt-to-livevanquishwiixboxSat, 01 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Thrifty Nerd crams yet a few more gaming deals into 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/thrifty-nerd-crams-yet-a-few-more-gaming-deals-into-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/thrifty-nerd-crams-yet-a-few-more-gaming-deals-into-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/thrifty-nerd-crams-yet-a-few-more-gaming-deals-into-2010/#comments The price-conscious folks over at Thrifty Nerd have picked up on a few more solid end-of-the-year gaming deals. If you somehow still haven't bought enough games to last you through 2011 (or at least until Dead Space 2 hits on January 25), here are a few more great titles to get on the cheap: There. Are you happy? Have enough games now? Sheesh!

JoystiqThrifty Nerd crams yet a few more gaming deals into 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonblurbuy.comhalo-reachmetro-2033microsoftnba-jamneweggpcplaystationps3world-of-warcraftxboxFri, 31 Dec 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's Steam Holiday Sale discounts Mass Effects, Dead Rising 2 and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/todays-steam-holiday-sale-discounts-mass-effects-dead-rising-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/todays-steam-holiday-sale-discounts-mass-effects-dead-rising-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/todays-steam-holiday-sale-discounts-mass-effects-dead-rising-2/#comments It's another day and you know what that means: more ludicrous Steam deals. Today's highlights include 50% off both Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2, along with reduced prices on Blur, Alpha Protocol, Dead Rising 2 and many more. Hit the jump for the full list.

Continue reading Today's Steam Holiday Sale discounts Mass Effects, Dead Rising 2 and more

JoystiqToday's Steam Holiday Sale discounts Mass Effects, Dead Rising 2 and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-protocolbiowareblurcapcomdead-rising-2eamass-effectMass-Effect-2pcsteamsteam-holiday-sale-2010Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance Central adding Rihanna, Janet Jackson and Blur DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/dance-central-adding-rihanna-janet-jackson-and-blur-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/dance-central-adding-rihanna-janet-jackson-and-blur-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/dance-central-adding-rihanna-janet-jackson-and-blur-dlc/#comments Harmonix, look -- we gotta talk. Last DLC pack? It was some good stuff. Great songs, great routines -- we loved it. But these three new tracks coming to Dance Central tomorrow, December 21, for 240 Microsoft Points ($3) each? We're at a loss.

What moves, exactly, will we be prompted to pull off? The "Creepy Guy Spinning the Wheel," as seen in Rihanna's "Disturbia" video? Or what about the "Wear a T-Shirt Describing Your State of Mind or Geographical Location," as made famous by Blur's "Girls and Boys" ... in 1994? Dare we dream of doing the "Well-Off Teenager Making Millions and Living at Home with her Parents Shows the Courage to Persevere," just like Janet showed us in "Control?"

JoystiqDance Central adding Rihanna, Janet Jackson and Blur DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blurdance-centraldlcharmonixjanet-jacksonmicrosoftrihannaxblmxboxTue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam offering Machinarium, Torchlight and Indie pack for $5 each]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/steam-offering-machinarium-torchlight-and-indie-pack-for-5-eac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/steam-offering-machinarium-torchlight-and-indie-pack-for-5-eac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/steam-offering-machinarium-torchlight-and-indie-pack-for-5-eac/#comments Steam's "Give and Get" sale continues today, with yesterday's tempting one-day discounts giving way to an even better batch. You'll be able to buy the gorgeous Machinarium or Runic's dungeon jaunt, Torchlight, for $5 each. And if you're smart, you'll consider spending that same amount on the "Indie Clever Pack," which comprises World of Goo, VVVVVV, Eufloria, Doc Clock: The Toasted Sandwich of Time and Iron Grip: Warlord.

At the time of publishing (3PM EST), you have 22 hours left on the following options:
  • Machinarium -- $5
  • Torchlight -- $5
  • Indie Clever Pack -- $4.99
  • Blur -- $14.99
  • Tropico 3: Gold Edition -- $7.50
  • Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box -- $14.99
  • Empire: Total War -- $14.99
  • Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2 Gold Edition -- $13.60
  • ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead -- $19.99
Steam's gift packs for today include a Portal six-pack for $14.99 and ten copies of Irrational's Freedom Force for a patently silly $7.49.

JoystiqSteam offering Machinarium, Torchlight and Indie pack for $5 each originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-friday-2010blurmacMachinariumpcsteamtorchlightvvvvvvworld-of-gooFri, 26 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision closing Bizarre Creations [Update: Activision confirms, options include 'potential sale']]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/activision-reportedly-closing-bizarre-creations/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/activision-reportedly-closing-bizarre-creations/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/activision-reportedly-closing-bizarre-creations/#comments Well, this blows.

Beginning with a NeoGAF thread and followed up by Giant Bomb and VG247, comes rumor that Activision is closing Bizarre Creations, the studio behind the just-released Bond title Bloodstone. It was responsible for Blur, The Club, the Project Gotham Racing series, and downloadable favorite Geometry Wars. The studio, founded in 1994, was acquired by Activision just over three years ago.

Giant Bomb's source says that Bizzarre Creations will undergo a "90-day consultation period, statutory redundancy." That sounds ... bad. According to the VG247 report, the cuts would mean a loss of over 200 staffers. We'll let you know as soon as we hear anything official. Stay tuned.

[Update: Getting some context for the above quote: Apparently Bizarre isn't closed yet; the 90-day period is required in the UK (where Bizarre is located) before shuttering a business. That 90-day period also serves as a 90-day notice to employees that their company is likely to be closed/sold/downsized/etc. - an official statement should be along shortly.]

[Update 2 2:01pm: Activision's statement: "Over the past three years since our purchase of Bizarre Creations, the fundamentals of the racing genre have changed significantly. Although we made a substantial investment in creating a new IP, Blur, it did not find a commercial audience. Bizarre is a very talented team of developers, however, because of the broader economic factors impacting the market, we are exploring our options regarding the future of the studio, including a potential sale of the business."]

[Update 3 5:55pm: Activision additionally confirmed the closure of Budcat Creations, as well as redundancies in its California-based quality assurance team.]

JoystiqActivision closing Bizarre Creations [Update: Activision confirms, options include 'potential sale'] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionBizarre-Creationsblurfiringsjames-bond-007-blood-stonelayoffsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 16 Nov 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[European Blur demo comes with a chance to win a BMW]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/european-blur-demo-comes-with-a-chance-to-win-a-bmw/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/european-blur-demo-comes-with-a-chance-to-win-a-bmw/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/european-blur-demo-comes-with-a-chance-to-win-a-bmw/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's rare that playing a video game will actually bring you closer to performing those in-game activities in the real world. A successful Madden career won't earn you a spot on the Bengals' bench. Skills in Final Fantasy won't make hoisting comically large swords above your head any easier. However, Activision's offering folks who download and play the Blur demo from the European PlayStation Store a chance to drive a fast car for driving fast cars.

The fast car in question is a BMW 125i coupé, which Activision and Sony will reward to one random player who downloads the European demo and reaches the rank of level 5. Three runners-up will receive copies of Blur, which is ... roughly the same, right? Yeah, not much disparity there. For full rules and regulations for the contest, check out PlayStation Blog.

JoystiqEuropean Blur demo comes with a chance to win a BMW originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBizarre-CreationsBlurbmwdemoplaystationplaystation-storeps3psnWed, 04 Aug 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ModNation Racers' top 15 finish sets slow pace for May racing game sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/modnation-racers-top-15-finish-sets-slow-pace-for-may-racing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/modnation-racers-top-15-finish-sets-slow-pace-for-may-racing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/modnation-racers-top-15-finish-sets-slow-pace-for-may-racing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Split/Second
Despite three high-profile launches in May, the racing genre got lapped that month, according to NPD sales data. Sony's PS3-exclusive ModNation Racers, Activision's Bizarre-developed Blur and Disney's excellent Split/Second all fared poorly on the retail circuit with ModNation squeezing its way into the top 15 (on just one platform, mind you), while the other two multiplatform titles didn't crack the top 30.

Analyst Michael Pachter told IGN that he "thought the ModNation number was respectable, since the game came out only on May 25." Blur came out on the same day, so, relatively, its sales were disappointing.

While sales figures weren't provided for any of the above games, Pachter writes in his monthly NPD analysis that Blur "sold well below our estimate of 100,000 units," giving us some insight into how both it and Split/Second performed. However, Split/Second was released a week earlier than ModNation and Blur.

With two much higher-profile racing games coming out this fall, in Gran Turismo 5 and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, it remains to be seen if the racing genre itself is toxic at the checkout counter or if gamers have simply passed over May's hybrid concepts, content to wait for the new models of their favorite makes.

JoystiqModNation Racers' top 15 finish sets slow pace for May racing game sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBizarre-CreationsBlack-Rock-StudiosBlurDisney-InteractivemicrosoftModNation-RacersNPDplaystationps3Split-SecondUnited-Front-GamesxboxFri, 02 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blur marked down $30 for Amazon Deal of the Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/blur-marked-down-30-for-amazon-deal-of-the-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/blur-marked-down-30-for-amazon-deal-of-the-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/blur-marked-down-30-for-amazon-deal-of-the-day/#comments Amazon's current Deal of the Day is on Bizarre Creations' grown-up kart racer, Blur, which is temporarily available for $29.99 on PS3 and 360, and $19.99 on PC. We suggest spending the extra $30 you save on this transaction on a few sessions with a grief counselor -- you'll need it after the tenth time you get Shunted one centimeter from the finish line.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqBlur marked down $30 for Amazon Deal of the Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionAmazonbizarre-creationsBlurdrivingSun, 27 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Blur]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/blur-game-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/blur-game-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/blur-game-review/#comments Blur is a great proof of concept. Bizarre Creations set out to update Mario Kart's tried and true formula with real cars in a "mature" setting -- and for the most part, the developer succeeded. Racing has a great sense of speed, enemy AI isn't nearly as elastic (even in the harder levels) as in Nintendo's kart racer and the power-up mechanics offer a balanced selection of weapons, making gameplay more tactical than dependent on dumb luck.

However, between a poorly paced campaign, a small handful of available race modes and an uninspired sense of style (from the announcer to the menu layouts), I found myself wanting much more from the single-player campaign. The best part of the game is its plain-Jane racing but, unfortunately, Blur forces you to complete its two lesser modes (Destruction and Checkpoint) in order to get to all of it. Combine that with an exponentially increasing difficulty level in the game's later competitions and you've got Blur: a fun, interesting racing game with terrible structure.

Gallery: Blur

Continue reading Review: Blur

JoystiqReview: Blur originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionactivision-blizzardbizarrebizarre-creationsblurMicrosoftracingXbox-360Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Dead Redemption tops UK charts again; Blur loses out to Split/Second]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/red-dead-redemption-tops-uk-charts-again-blur-loses-out-to-spli/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/red-dead-redemption-tops-uk-charts-again-blur-loses-out-to-spli/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/red-dead-redemption-tops-uk-charts-again-blur-loses-out-to-spli/#comments Rockstar's western opus, Red Dead Redemption, has saddled up and rode for first once again in the GFK Chart-Track derby. Even though it's suffered a 40% drop in sales -- likely a byproduct of those shortages -- it was enough to best UFC Undisputed 2010, which debuted at second place.

Also of note is the debut of Blur at the 14th spot -- well below Black Rock Studio's previously released arcade racing rival Split/Second (6th) and United Front Games' ModNation Racers (12th).

Source - Top 40 Entertainment Software, Week Ending May 29 2010
Source - Red Dead Redemption Still Riding High at No. 1

JoystiqRed Dead Redemption tops UK charts again; Blur loses out to Split/Second originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bizarre-creationsblurchart-trackMicrosoftred-dead-redemptionrockstarrockstar-gamesthqufc-2010ufc-undisputed-2010ukXbox-360yukesTue, 01 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Try Blur at Best Buy to Blur your wall at home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/try-blur-at-best-buy-to-blur-your-wall-at-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/try-blur-at-best-buy-to-blur-your-wall-at-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/try-blur-at-best-buy-to-blur-your-wall-at-home/#commentsSure, there's a Blur demo on Xbox Live, but if you'd rather try out the Bizarre racer in a more public place -- or if you don't have an Xbox on which to test drive it -- select Best Buy stores will host in-store demos this Saturday and Sunday. You can check here to see if your local store is among the illustrious 200 to play host to these demos.

For your trouble, you'll get -- not only the chance to play the arcade-style racing game but also -- a Blur poster. You can tell your non-gamer friends that it's a poster for the band, who just happens to really like cars.

Gallery: Blur

JoystiqTry Blur at Best Buy to Blur your wall at home originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 May 2010 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbest-buybizarre-creationsblurdemoMicrosoftracingXbox-360Fri, 28 May 2010 11:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Blur]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/metareview-blur/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/metareview-blur/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/metareview-blur/#comments Reviews have begun to inch out for Bizarre's new arcadey racer Blur and, at the risk of spoiling the metareview in the first sentence, they're pretty darn good! Maybe not "change your life" good, but at least "put this in your game box and fun will come out" good. What? That's not specific enough for you? OK, fine, here:
  • Telegraph (9/10): "Every inch of Blur feels like it's crafted with the player in mind, offering them a huge, slick and exciting racing package. While it can frustrate, with the balance of powerups occasionally off-kilter, it only serves to push you onto the next race, to undo the injustice, to mete out your revenge."
  • GameInformer (8.5/10): "Blur is a game built on versatility. Power-ups aren't simply offensive or defensive; they are tools you can use in different ways depending on the situation. A Barge blast is always handy to disrupt any cars in your immediate vicinity, but it can also be deployed as a momentary shield. Likewise, most power-ups come with an alternate fire option. For instance, your garden-variety Nitro boost can alternately be used to slow you down - useful for those really tight corners."
  • Eurogamer (8/10): "Handling is rich and dramatic. Acceleration and drifting are sympathetic enough to correct the rear if you're showing your inexperience, but the relationship between gas, brake, traction and apex remains complex. And it's fast."

JoystiqMetareview: Blur originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbizarrebizarre-creationsblurmetareviewMicrosoftracingXbox-360Wed, 26 May 2010 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Blur's French TV spots are far from feminist]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/blurs-french-tv-spots-are-far-from-feminist/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/blurs-french-tv-spots-are-far-from-feminist/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/blurs-french-tv-spots-are-far-from-feminist/#comments Look, we're not experts in the way of marketing things to the French, but we're pretty sure the advertising for Blur is all kinds of wrong. Seemingly tapping the region's most beautiful women to represent in-game power-ups, arguing their superiority over their peers, each spot concludes with the ladies throwing down in a faux race -- which is more an excuse for them to show off skin than to show off the game. Have you ever had to hit so many buttons while playing a racing game before? Yeah, we didn't think so.

Head past the break to check out the two commercials. Bonus points if you can spot the exact moment where feminism has been set back 30 years.

[Via VG247 and UK:Resistance]

Continue reading Blur's French TV spots are far from feminist

JoystiqBlur's French TV spots are far from feminist originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbizarrebizarre-creationsblurMicrosoftXbox-360Tue, 25 May 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order Blur on Steam, get Geometry Wars Retro Evolved free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/23/pre-order-blur-on-steam-get-geometry-wars-retro-evolved-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/23/pre-order-blur-on-steam-get-geometry-wars-retro-evolved-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/23/pre-order-blur-on-steam-get-geometry-wars-retro-evolved-free/#comments From what we've heard from folks who got in on the game's multiplayer beta, Bizarre Creations' Blur has some surprisingly potent addictive properties. That's why we find this Steam deal so unashamedly sinister: If you pre-order the PC version of the racing title on the popular digital distribution platform, you'll get an equally (if not more) addictive game for free: Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved.

Blur goes on sale this Tuesday, so if you're hoping to grab Bizarre's twin-stick time sink at no charge, you should probably pre-order the game ASAP.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqPre-order Blur on Steam, get Geometry Wars Retro Evolved free originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 May 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbizarre-creationsblurbonusgeometry-warsgeometry-wars-retro-evolvedpre-ordersteamSun, 23 May 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trio of Blur tutorials explain the value of fans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/trio-of-blur-tutorials-explain-the-value-of-fans/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/trio-of-blur-tutorials-explain-the-value-of-fans/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/trio-of-blur-tutorials-explain-the-value-of-fans/#comments We understand the value of a good fan just as much as the next guy, whether said fan is reading our humble video game news site, or keeping us cool in the humid summer months. In Bizarre Creations' arcadey racer Blur, they're even more valuable, serving as the player's main form of character progression. In addition, fans will offer a few bonuses which will pop up in the middle of each race, including Fan Runs, Fan Demands and Fan Targets.

Bizarre Creations recently released video tutorials for all three of these bonuses, posted above and after the jump. We'd suggest checking them out if you're planning on picking up the game when it gets released next Tuesday.

Continue reading Trio of Blur tutorials explain the value of fans

JoystiqTrio of Blur tutorials explain the value of fans originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 May 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bizarre-creationsblurdrivingfansMicrosoftracingtrailertutorialvideoXbox-360Sat, 22 May 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blur trailer and screens highlight Team Race, Team Motor Mash modes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/blur-trailer-and-screens-highlight-team-race-team-motor-mash-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/blur-trailer-and-screens-highlight-team-race-team-motor-mash-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/blur-trailer-and-screens-highlight-team-race-team-motor-mash-mo/#commentsIn the latest trailer for Blur, lead designer Gareth Wilson takes us for a lap around the upcoming racer's bevy of team events. First, Wilson breaks down some tactics in Team Race, your run-of-the-mill us-vs-them race mode, in which teams duke it out on the track. Here, players can swap mods and lend assistance in a variety of ways -- all in an effort to finish the race in the best position possible, thus earning more points than the enemy team.

The second portion of the trailer focuses on Team Motor Mash, another points-based team mode in which points aren't simply earned through pole position, but rather through the judicious application of power-ups. Players can also earn points by smashing into rival drivers, giving this mode a Destruction Derby-like feel.

Aside from the new trailer, we've also got some new screens for you to check out in the gallery below. Blur races to the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on May 25.

Gallery: Blur - Team Tutorial

JoystiqBlur trailer and screens highlight Team Race, Team Motor Mash modes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbizarrebizarre-creationsblurmediaMicrosoftmotor-mashmultiplayerscreensscreenshotsteam-motor-mashteam-racevideoXbox-360Thu, 20 May 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Blur multiplayer beta slams on the brakes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/blur-multiplayer-beta-slams-on-the-brakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/blur-multiplayer-beta-slams-on-the-brakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/blur-multiplayer-beta-slams-on-the-brakes/#comments Ladies and gentlemen ... turn off your engines. Take the keys out of the ignition, and place them calmly on your living room end table. The Blur multiplayer beta has come to a full stop in anticipation of the game's May 25 release. We know you're worried about your sharpened driving skills dulling within the 14-day interim. Might we suggest driving recklessly while shooting devastating power-ups at other cars ... in real life? Sure, that might be physically impossible (not to mention illegal), but that's the price you pay to stay on top of the leaderboard.

JoystiqBlur multiplayer beta slams on the brakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabizarre-creationsblurdrivingmultiplayermultiplayer-betaonlineracingTue, 11 May 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Blur (single player)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/hands-on-blur-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/hands-on-blur-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/hands-on-blur-single-player/#comments
click to enlarge

Bizarre Creations is known for its racing expertise, honed in the great Project Gotham Racing series, and their latest title, Blur, is no exception. The arcade sensibilities of Bizarre's own Geometry Wars and the underrated (I said it!) The Club add a few new colors to the mix, but the driving is as solid as ever -- as you'll know if you've been playing the multiplayer beta.

The real key to Blur, though, is the much-discussed social features. Bizarre has more or less perfected console racing over all of its past iterations, and so when we were invited to Activision HQ last week to check out Blur's single-player components, the focus wasn't so much on the how of racing, but the why.

Gallery: Blur (single-player)

Continue reading Hands-on: Blur (single player)

JoystiqHands-on: Blur (single player) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbizarre-creationsblurcommunity-eventshands-onMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2multiplayerracingsharesingle-playersocial-networkingtwitterXbox-360xbox-liveMon, 10 May 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blur multiplayer beta updated; new trailer races into view]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/blur-multiplayer-beta-updated-new-trailer-races-into-view/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/blur-multiplayer-beta-updated-new-trailer-races-into-view/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/blur-multiplayer-beta-updated-new-trailer-races-into-view/#commentsActivision must be in a celebratory mood, as it's just announced over a million drivers have downloaded the Blur multiplayer beta. Remember, you've only got until May 10th at 2am PT to take it for a spin yourself. Before the finished game launches on May 25, the beta will play host to some expanded playlist settings and other changes.

Starting now, you'll be able to play with A-Class cars in the standard playlists. The Supercar Racing Playlist also offers two new races, Tokyo and Amboy, and power-up placement has been shuffled to be different in each race. Finally, the amount of fans you can earn for each race has been doubled, placing the illustrious Rank 15 within reach.

If you have yet to sample the Blur beta's brand of multiplayer mayhem, check out the brief trailer above or read our impressions.

JoystiqBlur multiplayer beta updated; new trailer races into view originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbetabeta-updatebizarrebizarre-creationsblurblur-betablur-multiplayer-betaMicrosoftracingupdateXbox-360Thu, 06 May 2010 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Blur trailer takes a lap around the world, pulls into the virtual garage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/blur-trailer-takes-a-lap-around-the-world-pulls-into-the-virtua/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/blur-trailer-takes-a-lap-around-the-world-pulls-into-the-virtua/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/blur-trailer-takes-a-lap-around-the-world-pulls-into-the-virtua/#commentsXbox 360 owners can actually sample Blur's particular brand of chaos right now -- a decision we'd say is "most wise." For the rest of you, the only solace we can offer is via a new trailer, admittedly awesome in its own right due to a high volume of hot whips.

From licensed cars to completely fictional autos, it's all covered in the video above. There's even a rundown of the 14 different locations you'll be able to deposit some burnt rubber, if that's what you're after. Check it all out in the video above.

JoystiqBlur trailer takes a lap around the world, pulls into the virtual garage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 04:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbizarrebizarre-creationsblurkart-racingMicrosoftracingXbox-360Fri, 23 Apr 2010 04:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Blur multiplayer demo now available on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/blur-multiplayer-demo-now-available-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/blur-multiplayer-demo-now-available-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/blur-multiplayer-demo-now-available-on-xbox-live/#comments Are you anxious to take Bizarre's chaotic arcade racer, Blur, out for a spin? The multiplayer demo -- previously exclusive to beta players -- is now accessible to all Xbox Live Gold subscribers. Pull into the demo section of Marketplace to download the one gigabyte sampler.

Blur will launch on May 25 in the U.S. and May 28 in Europe.

[Via Major Nelson]


Xbox.com: Add Blur Multiplayer Beta demo to your Xbox 360 download queue

JoystiqBlur multiplayer demo now available on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbizarrebizarre-creationsblurdemoMicrosoftracingXbox-360Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Blur multiplayer beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/blur-multiplayer-beta-hands-on-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/blur-multiplayer-beta-hands-on-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/blur-multiplayer-beta-hands-on-preview/#comments While Blur's aesthetic is devoid of rainbow bridges and adorable car-icatures, it's undoubtedly a kart racer -- albeit one that feels like it was made for people who don't like kart racers. Or those bloody blue shells.

The power-ups you'll pick up on the track can still knock competitors straight to last place, but opponents' fates aren't immutable once you send pulsating red orbs or bolts of electricity their way. Power-ups can be dodged before they grow too large in the rear-view mirror, or cancelled out by the blast of another weapon. It feels considerably more balanced and less random than the likes of Mario Kart, and being granted some measure of recourse makes it less frustrating when someone sends you hurtling to the back of the racing pack.

Gallery: Blur

Continue reading Hands-on: Blur multiplayer beta

JoystiqHands-on: Blur multiplayer beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbetabizarre-creationsblurMicrosoftracingXbox-360xbox-liveMon, 08 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No launch DLC for Blur, but there will be plenty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/06/no-launch-dlc-for-blur-but-there-will-be-plenty/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/06/no-launch-dlc-for-blur-but-there-will-be-plenty/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/06/no-launch-dlc-for-blur-but-there-will-be-plenty/#comments Blur has been in development at Bizarre Creations for at least a year now, and probably even longer, but in all of that time, no one in the studio has worked on any DLC, according to lead designer Ged Talbot speaking to MTV Multiplayer. While the title does have some in-game pre-order bonuses ready to go, there won't be any launch DLC, so you'll have to be satisfied with the 50 cars and 30 racing locales coming on the disc for a little while.

But Talbot does say that Bizarre will be releasing additional content soon after the game goes on sale, and that "it's always been a massive part of the strategy to support the game with DLC." Your late '92 baby blue Subaru might not be in there right now, but just be patient, baby -- it's coming for you.

JoystiqNo launch DLC for Blur, but there will be plenty originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bizarre-creationsblurbonusescarsdlcged-talbotlaunch-daylaunch-dlclocationsMicrosoftracesreleasetracksXbox-360Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blur issues Twitter challenges between friends, across platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/blur-issues-twitter-challenges-between-friends-across-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/blur-issues-twitter-challenges-between-friends-across-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/blur-issues-twitter-challenges-between-friends-across-platforms/#comments Not only are the cats and dogs living together, but they're using Twitter. According to MTV Multiplayer, upcoming racer Blur will allow some social interaction not only between players, but between different platforms. Whether you're on Xbox Live -- silver or gold -- or PlayStation 3, you'll be able to issue competitive challenges to friends, with Twitter acting as a neutral intermediary. Think of it as that time you had to pass messages between your feuding parents, only you're telling Dad that Mom just utterly destroyed his pathetic lap record.

Speaking at a Blur presentation, lead designer Gareth Wilson offered an interesting anecdote as explanation: "I've got a friend from university who lives in Australia, and I can't play with him, because he's available at night time when I'm sleeping. So the Friends Challenge thing was really, 'How do we get people together to play who might not be able to.'" And while PS3 and Xbox 360 racers might not be able to play together in real time once the game launches on May 25, Bizarre Creations thinks of the Twitter connection as an innovative way to foster some healthy, cross-platform rivalry.

Wilson also notes that the social integration won't be a "horrible, spammy thing." So no Facebook support, then.

JoystiqBlur issues Twitter challenges between friends, across platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbizarrebizarre-creationsblurMicrosoftracingsocialtwitterXbox-360Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blur arrives May 25 in the U.S., May 28 in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/blur-arrives-may-25-in-the-u-s-may-28-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/blur-arrives-may-25-in-the-u-s-may-28-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/blur-arrives-may-25-in-the-u-s-may-28-in-europe/#comments
Click image to slide into our gallery

With the Blur multiplayer beta going live on March 8, we're anxious to get some quality time with Bizarre Creations' upcoming racer. In the interim, the game's official blog details what players can expect from the beta, but perhaps more interesting is what's tucked at the bottom of the update: a release date of May 25. Europeans will have to wait a few extra days, as the game won't be in shops until May 28 over there.

While you wait, might we suggest you check out some new screens in our gallery below? That is, if you want to -- no pressure or anything!

Gallery: Blur (3.2.2010)

JoystiqBlur arrives May 25 in the U.S., May 28 in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbizarrebizarre-creationsblurMicrosoftracingrelease-dateXbox-360Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Blur trailer meant to be watched with friends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/new-blur-trailer-meant-to-be-watched-with-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/new-blur-trailer-meant-to-be-watched-with-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/new-blur-trailer-meant-to-be-watched-with-friends/#commentsIf you and your buddies were wondering what the upcoming real-life kart racer (with realistic cars), Blur, has to offer in terms of multiplayer content, the latest trailer for the game was made specifically with y'all in mind. Like Super Mario Kart -- the game is often said to be a direct inspiration for Bizarre Creations' latest endeavor -- local split-screen seems to be a prominent component of the multiplayer experience, unlike the online-focused games we're so used to at this point.

Oddly, though, the trailer speaks repeatedly of the "social" aspect of the game, while no mention whatsoever of any online components are made (and what of that multiplayer beta, eh?). We're not exactly flummoxed quite yet though, as Blur still only has a "2010" release window and we've hardly seen it since last year's PAX Prime. That could always be, though, that, you know, we missed it. It is a blur, after all.

Gallery: Blur

JoystiqNew Blur trailer meant to be watched with friends originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bizarrebizarre-creationsblurMicrosoftmultiplayerracingsuper-mario-karttrailervideoXbox-360Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision: Blur multiplayer beta focusing in on March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/activision-blur-multiplayer-beta-focusing-in-on-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/activision-blur-multiplayer-beta-focusing-in-on-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/activision-blur-multiplayer-beta-focusing-in-on-march/#comments During its 2009 financial earnings report, Activision CEO Michael Griffith noted that Bizarre Creations' recently-delayed Blur would have a multiplayer beta available next month. No specific platforms were mentioned, though a recent German rating suggests it will at least be on the Xbox 360.

We don't think it'll end up being exclusive to Microsoft's platform -- after all, you might as well test multiplayer on all the systems a game will be released on, if you're running a beta -- but there's currently no indication to suggest otherwise. All Griffith said was that there would be a beta.

JoystiqActivision: Blur multiplayer beta focusing in on March originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbizarre-creationsblurdemoMicrosoftracingXbox-360Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Blur developer diary explains plot, player progression]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/blur-developer-diary-explains-plot-player-progression/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/blur-developer-diary-explains-plot-player-progression/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/blur-developer-diary-explains-plot-player-progression/#comments Yes, Bizarre Creations' fast-paced, Mario Kart-esque combat racer Blur will apparently have a story, according to the trailer above. We're just as surprised as you! Frankly, we expected the game to be completely plotless, unless you consider "you're a guy who doesn't like being blown up or not finishing in first place" a plot, which we don't.

Check out the trailer above to get a brief taste of what the game's story and character progression will entail. We guess we're okay with these two elements being present in the game -- provided they don't provide long pauses between our drivefights.

JoystiqBlur developer diary explains plot, player progression originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bizarre-creationsblurdev-diarydrivingMicrosoftplotracingstorytrailerXbox-360Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[USK: Multiplayer Blur demo for Xbox 360 in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/usk-multiplayer-blur-demo-for-xbox-360-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/usk-multiplayer-blur-demo-for-xbox-360-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/usk-multiplayer-blur-demo-for-xbox-360-in-the-works/#comments Leadfoots looking to put the pedal to the metal in Bizarre Creations' upcoming racer, Blur, may just get their chance, as Germany's USK database has posted (machine translation) that a Xbox 360 multiplayer demo is in the works. The listing makes no mention of a PS3 demo, though we wouldn't suggest our PS3 brethren start taking long walks off short piers just yet. Odds are if a Xbox 360 demo makes its way onto Microsoft's console, a similar demo will also eventually end up on PS3, right?

Blur is currently geared up to race onto consoles sometime in 2010.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqUSK: Multiplayer Blur demo for Xbox 360 in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbizarrebizarre-creationsblurdemogermanyMicrosoftracinguskXbox-360Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blur gets blocky in Lego Rock Band]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/blur-gets-blocky-in-lego-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/blur-gets-blocky-in-lego-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/blur-gets-blocky-in-lego-rock-band/#commentsLego Rock Band is quickly becoming a who's who of famous musicians who don't mind having their hands rendered as cylindrical claws. But until recently, for a game called Rock Band, it's been heavy on the solo artists and suspiciously light on the actual bands.

Queen will be brickified for the game, but the first musical combo to be fully shown in LEGO form is Blur, best known for that one song with all the "Woo-hoos" in it. Rolling Stone has the first footage of the band performing that song in-game. You might as well watch it, since the song's already stuck in your head now.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqBlur gets blocky in Lego Rock Band originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blureaElectronic-Artslegolego-rock-bandMicrosoftNintendorock-bandtt-gamesWiiXbox-360Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blur crossing finish line in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/blur-crossing-finish-line-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/blur-crossing-finish-line-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/blur-crossing-finish-line-in-2010/#comments
Blur won't be making its scheduled November release, as Activision has officially pulled the arcade racer from the track, pushing it toward a 2010 launch. According to Activision CEO Mike Griffith, the move is being made to "fully optimize the vision [Bizarre] set out to create for Blur including a distinctive and groundbreaking multiplayer mode that will appeal to a broad audience." The vision for Blur!

Activision still has plenty on its plate this holiday season with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and DJ Hero. Then again, with the early part of 2010 as packed as it is with pushed releases, who knows what delays are still lurking.

Gallery: Blur

JoystiqBlur crossing finish line in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activistionbizarrebizarre-creationsblurdelaysMicrosoftracingXbox-360Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Blur (split-screen multiplayer)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/05/hands-on-blur-split-screen-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/05/hands-on-blur-split-screen-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/05/hands-on-blur-split-screen-multiplayer/#commentsI'm a pretty tough customer when it comes to the adoption of racing franchises. To me, the driving genre seems much like a foreign language -- because I haven't been a strict stuent of virtual vehicles since my early youth, attempting to add it to my expansive areas of expertise would be a near-impossible task.

Bizarre Creations' upcoming arcadey racing title Blur eschews the genre's unsavory, ultra-realistic bits, replacing them with weapons, power-ups and fast-paced neck-and-neck action. It's not the first time racing games have swapped out real for enjoyable -- but after playing a handful of four-player split-screen matches at Activision's PAX event, I couldn't remember the last time a racer made said switch so sublimely.

Continue reading Hands-on: Blur (split-screen multiplayer)

JoystiqHands-on: Blur (split-screen multiplayer) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbizarre-creationsblurdrivinghands-onmultiplayerpaxpax-2009racingSat, 05 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blur trailer is powered up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/blur-trailer-is-powered-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/blur-trailer-is-powered-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/blur-trailer-is-powered-up/#comments After watching this brand new trailer for Bizarre Creations' Blur, we were left with a few key observations:
  1. Blur looks like an awesome combination of the slick street racing of Fast and Furious with the unpredictability of Mario Kart-style power ups -- all bathed in gratuitous neon light.
  2. While really exciting, it's still only our second-favorite Blur-related video of the day.
  3. The sound of British people talking makes cars look faster. We have no explanation for this.

JoystiqBlur trailer is powered up originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbizarre-creationsblurMicrosoftpax-2009racingtrailervideoXbox-360Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:19:00 EST