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[BioShock Infinite: Siege of Columbia, the strategy board game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/bioshock-infinite-siege-of-columbia-the-strategy-board-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/bioshock-infinite-siege-of-columbia-the-strategy-board-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/bioshock-infinite-siege-of-columbia-the-strategy-board-game/#comments BioShock Infinite Siege of Columbia is a board game, out this summerBioShock Infinite: Siege of Columbia tells the tale of Columbia from a fresh perspective: the tabletop.

Plaidhat Games is working on the board game port version of BioShock Infinite, which features two warring factions from the game, the Vox Populi and Founders. Commanding "mobs of combatants," each team attempts to conquer the districts of Columbia, the city in the sky; the Founders wish to control it, while the Vox Populi intend to bring it crashing down.

The video game's main characters, Booker and Elizabeth, play a role in the board game, forcing players to "reconsider their strategies as the two cut a path through the burning city."

Siege of Columbia is available for pre-order now, at a discounted price of $60 from Plaidhat Games (normally $85). It's currently under construction and will ship in two to five months.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite: Siege of Columbia, the strategy board game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infinitebioshock-infinite-siege-of-columbiaboard-gamemicrosoftpcplaidhat-gamesplaystationps3siege-of-columbiaxboxWed, 03 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video to board games: WoW Trivial Pursuit, Skylanders Monopoly, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/10/video-to-board-games-wow-trivial-pursuit-skylanders-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/10/video-to-board-games-wow-trivial-pursuit-skylanders-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/10/video-to-board-games-wow-trivial-pursuit-skylanders-monopoly/#comments Plants vs Zombies collector's edition board game is a thingUSAopoly has a lineup of new board games for the American International Toy Fair in New York City on February 10, including the following ones based on video game franchsies: Monopoly: Skylanders, Risk: Mass Effect Galaxy at War Edition, Risk: Plants vs. Zombies, Yahtzee: Pac-Man Collector's Edition, Jenga: Space Invaders Collector's Edition, Trivial Pursuit: World of Warcraft and Clue: Dungeons and Dragons.

Risk: Mass Effect tops the price points at $50, with Trivial Pursuit: WoW and Yahtzee: Pac-Man the cheapest at $25 each. Monopoly: Skylanders, Yahtzee: Pac-Man and Jenga: Space Invaders hit this summer; Trivial Pursuit: WoW, Risk: Plants vs. Zombies and Risk: Mass Effect launch in the fall, and Clue: Dungeons and Dragons comes in the spring.

When you get bored of gaming on a screen, maybe give board gaming a try (it's totally different; we promise).

Continue reading Video to board games: WoW Trivial Pursuit, Skylanders Monopoly, more

JoystiqVideo to board games: WoW Trivial Pursuit, Skylanders Monopoly, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameDungeons-and-Dragonsmass-effectpac-manplants-vs-zombiesSkylandersspace-invadersusaopolyWorld-of-WarcraftSun, 10 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zombies!!! board game adaptation still in development, coming soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/zombies-board-game-adaptation-still-in-development-coming-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/zombies-board-game-adaptation-still-in-development-coming-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/zombies-board-game-adaptation-still-in-development-coming-so/#comments Zombies!!! still under development, coming soonIt turns out a full console version of Zombies!!! is still shambling around, according to a new trailer and dev diary released this week. Developer Barbaroga has been working on a bigger and better video game version of the Twilight Creations board game for over two years now, though the project's been dark since late 2010.

A version did get released on Windows Phone last year, but it's finally arriving soon, according to these videos, on Xbox Live, Windows, iOS and Android.

The graphics have been updated, the gameplay and controls have been tweaked, and Babaroga has added asynchronous multiplayer features, so players will be able to trade turns back and forth. Babaroga says the full console version of Zombies!!! should be out as soon as "winter" this year.

Continue reading Zombies!!! board game adaptation still in development, coming soon

JoystiqZombies!!! board game adaptation still in development, coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbabarogaboard-gameiosiphonemicrosoftmobilemultiplayerpcreleasetwilight-creationsupdatewinterxboxzombieszombies-board-gameFri, 19 Oct 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[All a-board Dungeon Twister on PSN this July]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/all-a-board-dungeon-twister-on-psn-this-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/all-a-board-dungeon-twister-on-psn-this-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/all-a-board-dungeon-twister-on-psn-this-july/#comments Dungeon Twister PSN launch date, priceDungeon Twister, Hydravision's board-game-turned-turn-based-strategy title, will come to PSN on July 3 for $10. Dungeon Twister creator Christophe Boelinger says the board game itself has been described as a mix between chess and Dungeons & Dragons. Players control a team of eight characters, each with powers ranging from walking through walls, rotating rooms in any direction, to regenerating when wounded, to escape a massive labyrinth.

Dungeon Twister is an online multiplayer title that allows players to see and talk to each other via the PlayStation Eye.

JoystiqAll a-board Dungeon Twister on PSN this July originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamedungeon-twisterhydravisionplaystationps3release-dateThu, 28 Jun 2012 22:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag & Unboxing: 'Collector's Edition' World of Warcraft Monopoly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/joyswag-collectors-edition-world-of-warcraft-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/joyswag-collectors-edition-world-of-warcraft-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/joyswag-collectors-edition-world-of-warcraft-monopoly/#comments ImageUSAopoly and Blizzard have teamed up to develop a special, World of Warcraft-themed "Collector's Edition" Monopoly set, which lands at retailers tomorrow. Not only did we get a first look at the final product, the team at Joystiq is reluctantly giving it away to one lucky reader.

Get a detailed look at the WoW-themed Monopoly set in the Joystiq gallery below.

Entering the contest is easy! Just tell us where in Azeroth you'd buy the most real estate. Need some inspiration? Check out our latest coverage of WoW's upcoming Mists of Pandaria expansion.

Rules and conditions for this giveaway are listed after the break.

Gallery: Monopoly 'World of Warcraft Collector's Edition' Set

Continue reading Joyswag & Unboxing: 'Collector's Edition' World of Warcraft Monopoly

JoystiqJoyswag & Unboxing: 'Collector's Edition' World of Warcraft Monopoly originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBlizzardboard-gameJoyswagMonopolyusaopolyWorld-of-WarcraftWoWThu, 17 May 2012 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Pass Go, collect 20m credits in Mass Effect Monopoly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/pass-go-collect-20m-credits-in-mass-effect-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/pass-go-collect-20m-credits-in-mass-effect-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/pass-go-collect-20m-credits-in-mass-effect-monopoly/#comments
One is a complicated, galaxy-spanning game of intrigue and backstabbing, and the other is Mass Effect. Why not combine the two?

Deviantart user tommyfilth created this custom-made Mass Effect Monopoly board ("MassNopoly"), complete with Cerberus Tasks and Alliance missions in the place of Chance and Community, and actual Mass Effect relays standing in for the railroads. Eden Prime is the cheapest spot on the board, but beware: Stacked up with a few extra colonies and a corporation, it'll cost you 250 million credits if you land on it.

Unfortunately, this was just a DIY project tommyfilth made for his family this past Christmas (inspired by another custom Fallout-inspired Monopoly set), so none of it is official or available for purchase. If we were Commander Shepard, this would be our favorite board game on the -- well, you know.

JoystiqPass Go, collect 20m credits in Mass Effect Monopoly originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamedeviantartmass-effect-3mass-effect-monopolymicrosoftmonopolypcplaystationps3unofficialxboxThu, 05 Jan 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Risk: Metal Gear Solid sneaking out sometime soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/risk-metal-gear-solid-sneaking-out-sometime-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/risk-metal-gear-solid-sneaking-out-sometime-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/risk-metal-gear-solid-sneaking-out-sometime-soon/#comments Metal Gear Solid and the board game Risk are fusing in some intricate collaboration that we'd fully explain to you, but it would require a 90-minute cut scene. Here's the basic premise of Risk: Metal Gear Solid: players control one of five Private Military Companies vying for global dominance, by using a variation of the Risk 2008 rules update.

The game board consists of the standard six zones and 42 territories, along with an Outer Haven battleship addition. There are also 275 custom plastic pieces representing the five PMCs, neutral armies and cities; 8 Boss Cards, 40 Drebin's Cards, 42 Territory Cards and 8 Rewards that can be earned.

The board game will be available exclusively through USAopoly.com, beginning "presale" on October 3 for $50. No official launch date has been given. In the meantime, you can always play Risk: Halo Wars.

Continue reading Risk: Metal Gear Solid sneaking out sometime soon

JoystiqRisk: Metal Gear Solid sneaking out sometime soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameHasbroKonamiMetal-Gear-Solidmetal-gear-solid-hd-collectionMetal-Gear-Solid-RiskRISKusaopolyThu, 22 Sep 2011 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout Monopoly is something we wish we could buy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/fallout-monopoly-is-something-we-wish-we-could-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/fallout-monopoly-is-something-we-wish-we-could-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/fallout-monopoly-is-something-we-wish-we-could-buy/#comments Guys, if you're wondering if your significant other is The One, there's only one question you need to ask yourself: Would he or she go through the painstaking process to create something as awesome as this Fallout-themed Monopoly board just for little old you? If so, put a ring on it!

This was created by deviantART user PinkAxolotl, who swapped out classic Monopoly stops such as Baltic Ave and Park Place for locations from Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas. The Go space has been changed to G.O.A.T. and the Free Parking space has been changed to the "Please Stand By" screen. The only similarity between this version of Monopoly and the classic? Your cousin Brian is still guaranteed to throw a hissyfit when you eventually trade all your railroads for a ham sandwich.

JoystiqFallout Monopoly is something we wish we could buy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksboard-gamefalloutFallout-3monopolyMon, 29 Aug 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Scratch one grub (card)! Gears of War board game headed to retail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/scratch-one-grub-card-gears-of-war-board-game-headed-to-retai/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/scratch-one-grub-card-gears-of-war-board-game-headed-to-retai/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/scratch-one-grub-card-gears-of-war-board-game-headed-to-retai/#comments
Remember back in April when you were enjoying the Gears of War 3 beta, chainsawing through a locust's face, and your buddy was all, "Wouldn't this be great if it were a board game instead?" We've been meaning to ask -- does your buddy work for Fantasy Flight Games? Oh, he does? That makes a lot more sense, because his company is totally making a board game based on the Gears of War series.

"Gears of War: The Board Game" will arrive in August -- the 31st, claims Amazon -- for $80, but we'd be doing you a sincere injustice to go into any more detail. Instead, we'd like to refer you to the video above, which features a sandpaper-throated gentleman detailing the game in a very serious manner. Enjoy.

[Thanks Josh!]

JoystiqScratch one grub (card)! Gears of War board game headed to retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamecross-promotionepicepic-gamesfantasy-flight-gamesGears-of-War-3gears-of-war-the-board-gameFri, 29 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds board game coming this May from Mattel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/angry-birds-board-game-coming-this-may-from-mattel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/angry-birds-board-game-coming-this-may-from-mattel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/angry-birds-board-game-coming-this-may-from-mattel/#comments Here's one of CES 2011's less technical, but most awesome, revelations: Mattel is working on a board game adaptation of Rovio's mobile hit, Angry Birds. The game looks like a pretty authentic recreation of its source material; players draw "Mission Cards" depicting structures of bricks and pigs, which they then build using plastic models included in the game. Oh, and then they shoot birds at those structures using a tiny slingshot. That part is pretty integral to the whole experience, apparently.

The game will cost $14.99 when it launches worldwide this May. Even if you don't want the board game, $14.99 is a perfectly reasonable price for a tiny catapult. Just think of all the tiny things you can terrorize with a catapult of that size!

JoystiqAngry Birds board game coming this May from Mattel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsboard-gameces-2011chillingomattelrovioFri, 07 Jan 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zombies!!! for XBLA shambling in Spring 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/zombies-for-xbla-shambling-in-spring-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/zombies-for-xbla-shambling-in-spring-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/zombies-for-xbla-shambling-in-spring-2011/#comments The last we'd heard of Zombies!!! for Xbox 360, an Xbox Live Arcade adaptation of the killer board game, it was seeking a new developer after the prior one lost its head. Turns out the Xbox Live Arcade version is still alive and will be handled by Babaroga, the same developer that just brought the game to Windows Phone 7.

According to Twilight Creations, creators of the tile-based strategy board game, the XBLA version should be out sometime in the first quarter of 2011. Three years after it was first announced, it would seem the game is finally headed for a console release. Considering it's a game about classic zombies, we understand that development can shuffle along slowly.

[Thanks, Andrew O.]

JoystiqZombies!!! for XBLA shambling in Spring 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Babarogabig-roosterboard-gameBoard-Gamesmicrosofttwilight-creationsxboxZombieszombies-board-gameFri, 12 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Risk now waging war on the iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/risk-now-waging-war-on-the-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/risk-now-waging-war-on-the-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/risk-now-waging-war-on-the-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There aren't many options out there for the modern-day Napoleon on the go. When your skills revolve around conquering and dominating everything around you, there just aren't many ways to apply your practice while you're commuting to work or standing in line at the coffee shop, waiting for your half-caf double mocha frap. But now that EA has released Risk: The Official Game on the iPhone and iPod Touch, hopefully you can get some relief.

Risk: The Official Game is currently available on the App store for $4.99. The iPhone version features multiplayer -- take on up to six players by sharing one handheld or take on up to four through WiFi or Bluetooth -- and a more simple, streamlined UI and less cartoony presentation than the recent Xbox Live Arcade release, Risk: Factions.

Gallery: Risk (iPhone)

JoystiqRisk now waging war on the iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 02:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameeaea-mobileelectronic-artshasbromobileriskrisk-the-official-gameFri, 23 Jul 2010 02:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Carcassonne now getting medieval on App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/carcassonne-now-getting-medieval-on-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/carcassonne-now-getting-medieval-on-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/carcassonne-now-getting-medieval-on-app-store/#comments The territory-expanding German board game Carcassonne continues to spread its reach to as many digital platforms as humanly possible, landing recently on the iPhone and iPod Touch. The game, which is available for $4.99 on the App Store, includes both single-system and local network multiplayer modes. It also caters to both English and German-speaking players -- just like us! Sehen Sie, wir sprechen Deutsch jetzt! Hallo, Franz! Welcher Weg in die Diskothek?

Carcassonne ($4.99): Boggle

Gallery: Carcassonne (iPhone)

JoystiqCarcassonne now getting medieval on App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeAppleboard-gameCarcassonneiPodManasto-JonesmobileSat, 05 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battle vs. Chess coming this Fall to just about every platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/battle-vs-chess-coming-this-fall-to-just-about-every-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/battle-vs-chess-coming-this-fall-to-just-about-every-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/battle-vs-chess-coming-this-fall-to-just-about-every-platform/#comments SouthPeak's infringement-skirting Battle vs. Chess has apparently been pushed back from its initial May launch window, according to a press release. And the fact that May's almost over and the game's not out yet. However, the game is now set to launch this Fall, and will be released for 360, PS3, Wii, DS, PSP and PC. So, like, everything except the iPhone and the Lynx.

According to the presser, the game will include an "Action Mode," where pieces won't automatically kill one another in scripted animations, but will rather place players in a "beat-'em-up style encounter." Somewhere, Garry Kasparov is openly weeping.

JoystiqBattle vs. Chess coming this Fall to just about every platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-chessbattle-vs-chessboard-gamechessDSMicrosoftNintendosouthpeakWiiXbox-360Thu, 27 May 2010 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Zombies enter the Risk: Factions fray]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/zombies-enter-the-risk-factions-fray/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/zombies-enter-the-risk-factions-fray/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/zombies-enter-the-risk-factions-fray/#comments Well, naturally. This is how we assumed the make-up of the five different armies featured in Risk: Factions would evolve: first, there are humans, and then there were cats, who were bested by robots, and now somehow there are zombies. You wouldn't think them to be brilliant global strategists, but judging by their introduction cinematic which we've posted above, we think they won't have any problem holding their own.

Until, of course, they start infecting the robot faction. The resulting zombie-robots (or, if you will, "zobots") could pretty much run the board in less than three rounds.

JoystiqZombies enter the Risk: Factions fray originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameeaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftriskrisk-factionsstainless-gamesstrategytrailervideoxblaXbox-360zombieThu, 20 May 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See the sites in EA's Monopoly Streets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/see-the-sites-in-ea-monopoly-streets/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/see-the-sites-in-ea-monopoly-streets/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/see-the-sites-in-ea-monopoly-streets/#commentsWhen you're locked in one of those days-long Monopoly games that just won't end (in other words, pretty much every Monopoly game ever), wouldn't it be more thrilling to spend that time in a 3D Monopoly board-world? We'll find out with the release of EA's Monopoly Streets for Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360 this fall.

Monopoly Streets reimagines the classic board game as a dynamic gameworld encountered from street level. As players buy and build up properties, they'll see actual buildings erected, styled in accordance with the neighborhoods' economic status. That's right -- you'll be able to see the Water Works for yourself! Each player will also have a headquarters that grows and crumbles with the player's fortunes. And if none of this sounds at all like the Monoppoly you know and love, "classic game board" modes will also be playable. The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions will also feature online play and DLC.

In addition to Streets, EA will release a more traditional Monopoly game for DS this fall. As if that's not enough unilateral control of the virtual board game market, the company has also revealed the browser-based Monopoly City, currently in development for release on EA's Pogo portal.

JoystiqSee the sites in EA's Monopoly Streets originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamecasualDSeaElectronic-ArtshasbroMicrosoftmonopolymonopoly-citymonopoly-streetsNintendopogourban-planningWiiXbox-360Thu, 06 May 2010 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Get some Carcassonne on your iPhone and iPod Touch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/get-some-carcassonne-on-your-iphone-and-ipod-touch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/get-some-carcassonne-on-your-iphone-and-ipod-touch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/get-some-carcassonne-on-your-iphone-and-ipod-touch/#comments Not right now, but soon: The official site says the popular German tile-based board game Carcassonne (which is also available on Xbox Live right now) is coming to the iPhone and iPod Touch. It'll release sometime this month -- we'd like to imagine it's on a long trek, crossing babbling brooks and fertile fields, as we write this.

Daydreaming aside, the app will cost $4.99 when it launches -- available in both English and German flavors -- and will sport multiplayer either via passing the device around (so many fingerprints!) or local network play. If you're looking for more, hit up the Carcassonne dev blog, which details plans for expansions and even an iPad version, and feel free to check out some screens below.

[Via TouchArcade]

Gallery: Carcassonne (iPhone)

JoystiqGet some Carcassonne on your iPhone and iPod Touch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeapp-store-downloadsAppleboard-gamecarcassonnegermanyiPodmanasto-jonesWed, 05 May 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gameloft bringing downloadable UNO to PSP on April 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/gameloft-bringing-downloadable-uno-to-psp-on-april-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/gameloft-bringing-downloadable-uno-to-psp-on-april-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/gameloft-bringing-downloadable-uno-to-psp-on-april-22/#comments There are only two ways we could think to improve the UNO experience we currently have access to on the PS3 and 360:
  1. Make it available on a handheld console, in order to emulate the joy of holding tiny cards in our hands.
  2. Remove all camera functionality, in order to lessen the frequency with which we're exposed to strangers' bathing suit areas.
Fortunately, Gameloft is coming through for us in both respects with a downloadable PSP version of UNO, which is set to hit the U.S. and European PlayStation Stores on April 22. The game's video announcement (posted after the jump) mentions it will support local and online multiplayer matches, but doesn't say anything about a price. We've contacted Gameloft to discern this ever-important (yet, surprisingly, often excluded!) detail.

Continue reading Gameloft bringing downloadable UNO to PSP on April 22

JoystiqGameloft bringing downloadable UNO to PSP on April 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamegameloftplaystation-storepsnrelease-dateunoThu, 15 Apr 2010 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Risk Factions (Classic Mode)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/risk-factions-classic-mode-xbla-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/risk-factions-classic-mode-xbla-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/risk-factions-classic-mode-xbla-preview/#comments Risk: Factions is coming to Xbox Live Arcade this summer, and a version of the classic Risk board game, dubbed Classic Mode, will be included.

The verdict? It's classic Risk, albeit with a couple of key tweaks. Most game-changing is a bonus star feature, which randomly awards players 1-2 "stars" at the end of a turn. Stars can be used to make additional troop movements. Additionally, Classic Mode abandons the card system of the original game. Getting rid of the cards streamlines the game a bit, and so does the option to skip the dice-rolling attacks (and just view the results), but the random star bonuses can lead to one player steamrolling the opponents rather quickly -- as happens to me and another human player in the video above.

Just like in the original game, once a player builds up a powerful army, there's nothing to stop total domination of the game board. But that's always been a part of the game of Risk, and now, through Xbox Live, diehard tabletoppers can test their riskiest maneuvers on a truly worldwide battlefield, say, against an opponent from the Ukraine.

One thing Risk: Factions is sorely lacking, however? Little wooden cubes. Toss in some DLC wooden cubes, and I'll be happy.

Gallery: Risk: Factions (Classic Mode)

JoystiqHands-on: Risk Factions (Classic Mode) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Board-gameEAElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftRiskRisk-FactionsXBLAXbox-360Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Print your own copy of the unofficial Advance Wars board game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/print-your-own-copy-of-the-unofficial-advance-wars-board-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/print-your-own-copy-of-the-unofficial-advance-wars-board-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/print-your-own-copy-of-the-unofficial-advance-wars-board-game/#comments This is one of those cases where we really want to share something magical with you, but fear the tremendous weight the Joystiq Biomass carries will crush the life out of the magical thing in question. Still, though we don't want to bring Nintendo's attention to this, we couldn't not share this incredible, homemade Advance Wars board game with you -- especially since you can print out all the assets and start playing it with your fellow tabletop enthusiasts immediately.

The name of the game is actually Skirmish Wars: Advance Tactics, but considering all of the art assets were straight yoinked from Intelligent Systems' series of turn-based strategy games, we don't actually think they're fooling anybody. Seriously, board game fiends -- grab this one while it's still grabbable.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqPrint your own copy of the unofficial Advance Wars board game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advance-warsAdvance-Wars-Days-of-RuinAdvance-Wars-DoRboard-gameDSintelligent-systemsnintendoNintendo-Warsskirmish-wars-advance-tacticsstrategywargamesWed, 31 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: The Path of Go (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/hands-on-the-path-of-go-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/hands-on-the-path-of-go-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/hands-on-the-path-of-go-xbla/#comments Ready to frustrate yourself forever? Learn the game of Go. It's an ancient Chinese game that's over four thousand years old, and games can last up to 16 hours in tournaments. Sounds just perfect for an adaptation into the frenetic world of video games, right?! Well, your wish is granted. The Path of Go or How We Came Up With A Proprietary Name For The Public Domain Game of Go is being developed in-house by Microsoft at the likewise excitingly named Microsoft Research Cambridge division.

We played the game briefly at GDC, and it's actually very robust. It includes a tutorial where your avatar has some faux back and forth dialogue with an ancient Go master, in which he really does teach you the game. I tried reading an old instruction manual for a set of Go I found at a thrift shop once, and was so confused by terms like "ko" and proper stone placement that I just re-thrifted the set. Now, I'm ready to take on Russell Crowe in A Beautiful Mind and kick his ass.

Additionally, the game features single player or two player both locally and through Xbox Live, multiple backgrounds, and full 3D environments where you can control the camera. There's also an actual story mode in here, where you learn the nuances of the game in "beat the situation" scenarios while heading down a path. The ... wait for it ... Path of Go.

Gallery: The Path of Go (XBLA)

JoystiqHands-on: The Path of Go (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameGDC-2010Gohands-onMicrosoftmicrosoft-researchmicrosoft-research-cambridgethe-path-of-goXBLAXbox-360Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Risk: Factions screens released, surprisingly cartoony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/first-risk-factions-screens-released-surprisingly-cartoony/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/first-risk-factions-screens-released-surprisingly-cartoony/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/first-risk-factions-screens-released-surprisingly-cartoony/#comments
Click to Kitty-size
Usually, when playing the physical, real-life version of Risk, we like to pretend that we're bloodthirsty conquerers -- ones capable of forging (and betraying) alliances with hated enemies, and eradicating the military forces of neighboring nations with extreme prejudice. We don't think we've ever envisioned ourselves to be person-sized felines during a heated global bout. Not that we have anything against the idea, per se -- it's just never occurred to us to try.

The first batch of screenshots from EA's upcoming XBLA version of the strategic board game, Risk: Factions, depicts the scenario mentioned above in an unexpectedly animated fashion. If said fashion looks familiar, you've probably played the Penny Arcade Adventures series -- Powerhouse Animations, which brought Gabe and Tycho to life in those Hothead-developed adventure titles, also did the cinematics for Risk: Factions. Judging by the extremely Penny Arcade-looking soldiers seen above, we're guessing they had some input on character design, as well.

According to the press release which accompanied the images, humans and cats are just two of the five factions featured in the game. Anyone wanna place bets on the remaining three? Our money's on Spartans, Huns and puppies.

Gallery: Risk: Factions

JoystiqFirst Risk: Factions screens released, surprisingly cartoony originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameeaElectronic-ArtsgalleryhasbroMicrosoftriskrisk-factionsscreenshotsxblaXbox-360Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom employee recreates Fable II's Fortune's Tower pub game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/capcom-employee-recreates-fable-iis-fortunes-tower-pub-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/capcom-employee-recreates-fable-iis-fortunes-tower-pub-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/06/capcom-employee-recreates-fable-iis-fortunes-tower-pub-game/#comments This has to be the most endearing display of cross-developer love we've seen during our games writing careers. Capcom's Shawn Baxter (a.k.a. "Snow,") recently posted on the company's community blog about his latest D.I.Y. project -- a real-life version of Fortune's Tower, one of the pub games featured in Fable II. Oh, and in Fable II Pub Games, though you probably didn't need us to tell you that.

Words can't really describe this two-month, $400 project as well as pictures, so hop on over to Capcom's blog and check out the delectable fruits of Baxter's labor. If you're of a crafty ilk, the post also contains a few blueprints you can follow to make your own Fortune's Tower set. We probably won't post about yours, though. This is a one-time thing.

JoystiqCapcom employee recreates Fable II's Fortune's Tower pub game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionboard-gamecapcomcraftsdiyfablefable-2fable-2-pub-gameslionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosRPGXbox-360Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Panzer General: Allied Assault attacks XBLA this fall (no Dragoon in sight)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/panzer-general-allied-assault-attacks-xbla-this-fall-not-a-dra/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/panzer-general-allied-assault-attacks-xbla-this-fall-not-a-dra/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/panzer-general-allied-assault-attacks-xbla-this-fall-not-a-dra/#comments Ubisoft announced today that World War II-themed card game Panzer General: Allied Assault is ready to draw from a deck of destruction this fall on XBLA. The game is being developed by Petroglyph and is a different take on the strategy game classic, to which Ubisoft apparently gained the rights after the most recent installment back in 2000.

Along with the digital game, Petroglyph will also release a physical board game with 240 action and unit cards. The game is being called a "lite" WWII game and will also be available this fall for $60. We're currently following up with Ubisoft to see if the game will be playable at GamesCom.

Gallery: Panzer General: Allied Assault

panzer_keyartpict-yv-45pict-yv-48pict-yv-79pict-yv-104

JoystiqPanzer General: Allied Assault attacks XBLA this fall (no Dragoon in sight) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameMicrosoftpanzer-generalpanzer-general-allied-assaultpetroglyphubisoftxblaXbox-360Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix announces Dragon Quest Wars for DSiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/square-enix-announces-dragon-quest-wars-for-dsiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/square-enix-announces-dragon-quest-wars-for-dsiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/square-enix-announces-dragon-quest-wars-for-dsiware/#commentsSquare Enix has revealed the Dragon Quest Wars whose title was trademarked last month. Anyone expecting some kind of MMO tactics game will be disappointed, because while the new game does feature online play, it's nothing quite so grandiose. In fact, it's a 500-point DSiWare download.

Dragon Quest Wars is an online-capable board game for up to four players. Each player creates a team of four classic Dragon Quest monsters and participates in "simple battles" against up to three other AI or player teams. The small game has some decent strategy game cred: it's being developed by Intelligent Systems, the Nintendo second party responsible for both the Fire Emblem and Advance Wars series. Dragon Quest Wars will be out in Japan this June.

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqSquare Enix announces Dragon Quest Wars for DSiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 May 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamedragon-questdragon-quest-warsDSdsidsiwareintelligent-systemsNintendonintendo-dsisquare-enixMon, 18 May 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Zombies!!! looking for new developer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/zombies-looking-for-new-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/zombies-looking-for-new-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/zombies-looking-for-new-developer/#comments It appears that Zombies!!! is in search of new brains to develop its video game adaptation. Speaking to Big Download, Zombies!!! license holder Twilight Creations stated it is currently looking for another company to develop the game and "cannot disclose the status of [former developer] Big Rooster."

Wait, what? Who asked about Big Rooster?

Big Rooster is the Madison, Wisconsin, developer that had the video game adaptation of Talisman pulled from it, publisher Capcom later stated there was a "misfire" in its development. We've reached out to Big Rooster to find out if the company had any comment, but apparently Big Download had the same experience contacting the developer as we did, with emails yet to be returned and the phones being "disconnected."
[Image: BoardGameGeek]

JoystiqZombies!!! looking for new developer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-roosterboard-gameboard-gamesboardgamezombieszombies-board-gameMon, 30 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Paper prototype of Aperture Science + Left 4 Dead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-paper-prototype-of-aperture-science-left-4-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-paper-prototype-of-aperture-science-left-4-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-paper-prototype-of-aperture-science-left-4-dead/#comments
Game designer Stone Librande works at EA/Maxis as a game designer, and we mean he designs games quite literally. Whenever developers run into problems, they'll bring Stone in to create paper versions of the project in order to solutioneer a fix. He worked on Spore in the early days of the Cell Stage development, and had so much stuff rattling around in his head that he created a cell level game on the side of his refrigerator. For free.

He said they might not always turn out to be fun, but they do aid as a tool in the development process, especially since it's hard to get everyone to gather around a computer screen to check a problem out... but they'll actually come out of hiding to check out paper gaming pieces. We want to design a board game to fix issues at Joystiq, and then fight over who controls the pewter Justin McElroy gamepiece. Check out his "Aperture Science meets Left 4 Dead" board game above, and a gallery of more of his creations below. Just imagine what his board game collection must look like.

Gallery: EA/Maxis Paper Games

JoystiqGDC09: Paper prototype of Aperture Science + Left 4 Dead originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Board-GameEAElectronic-ArtsGDCGDC-2009Maxispaper-gameSporeStone-LibrandeSat, 28 Mar 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mr. Potato Head presents: Hasbro Game Night Achievements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/mr-potato-head-presents-hasbro-game-night-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/mr-potato-head-presents-hasbro-game-night-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/mr-potato-head-presents-hasbro-game-night-achievements/#commentsA list of Achievements has made its way online for this month's release of Hasbro's Family Game Night collection of Xbox Live Arcade titles.

The list of 70 milestones totals 1400 Gamerscore points, which may seem like a Gamerscwhore's dream, but know that the sum is calculated using all seven separate XBLA games. Mathematically, that's seven classic board games (which we're told will cost 800 each) multiplied by the Arcade's standard 200 Gamerscore, which gives us the 1400 total. That said, Evel Knievel Mr. Potato Head still approves of the digital board games.

JoystiqMr. Potato Head presents: Hasbro Game Night Achievements originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsboard-gameboard-gamesEAElectronic-Artsfamily-game-nighthasbrohasbro-family-game-nightxblaWed, 04 Mar 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trivial Pursuit to allow safer family get-togethers starting March 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/trivial-pursuit-to-allow-safer-family-get-togethers-starting-mar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/trivial-pursuit-to-allow-safer-family-get-togethers-starting-mar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/trivial-pursuit-to-allow-safer-family-get-togethers-starting-mar/#commentsFiled under:


If you've had the extreme misfortune to attend a social gathering in which some unsavory individual busts out the unsinister-looking Trivial Pursuit board game, then you're well aware of the destructive properties that lie within that accursed box. It starts out harmless enough, but as your hollow pies continue their endless revolution around the rainbow-toned board, tempers inevitably flare. Razor-sharp question cards are flung across the table at frightening speeds. Dice are swallowed out of protest. Wedges become irrevocably lodged within eye sockets.

Fortunately, EA Hasbro will bring the game to a less tangible -- and therefore, less perilous -- format on March 10 for all the major home consoles. Wii, PS3 and 360 owners can pick it up for the reasonable price of $39.99, while PS2 owners can grab it for $29.99. It'll include a few interest-piquing gametypes, including Classic mode, a single-player mode titled "Clear the Board," and a casual, speedy "Facts & Friends" mode. Best of all, it seems the "Awkward Trip to the Emergency Room" mode has finally been removed. Huzzah!

JoystiqTrivial Pursuit to allow safer family get-togethers starting March 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameea-hasbroMicrosoftNintendotrivial-pursuitWiiXbox-360Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blood Bowl developer: making PS3 version 'a bit risky and expensive']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/blood-bowl-developer-making-ps3-version-a-bit-risky-and-expens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/blood-bowl-developer-making-ps3-version-a-bit-risky-and-expens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/blood-bowl-developer-making-ps3-version-a-bit-risky-and-expens/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


If you're a PS3-only gamer who happens to be a fan of vintage tabletop gaming, monsters, and football, then you are probably acutely, painfully aware of the lack of Blood Bowl video games in your future. Cyanide is making an Xbox 360 version -- why not use the same assets and codebase for the PS3 like so many others? What's the deal? Does it hate the PS3 or something?

In an interview with Destructoid, the developer explained its apparent snub on the platform. "Cyanide is a small company," a representative said. "We have no previous experience on that platform [and] it would have been a bit risky and expensive for us. But, we are hoping to do a PS3 version if the game is selling well."

So, rather than a lack of faith in the platform, Cyanide has somewhat of a lack of faith in its own ability to develop for it without killing the budget. It still means no PS3 version for now, but it also means no janky, poorly ported PS3 version for now. That's ... something. And if the other versions of the game, coming out in Q2 of this year, are successful, we may see a (good) PS3 version yet.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqBlood Bowl developer: making PS3 version 'a bit risky and expensive' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-bowlboard-gamecyanideDSfootballgames-workshopPCPS3PSPXbox-360Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus announces Dokapon Journey, delays]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/atlus-announces-dokapon-journey-delays/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/atlus-announces-dokapon-journey-delays/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/atlus-announces-dokapon-journey-delays/#commentsFiled under:

Last year, developer Sting announced two new games in their Dokapon board game/RPG series: Dokapon Kingdom for Wii and PS2 and Dokapon Journey! for DS. Atlus picked up Kingdom and released it in October, seemingly leaving the DS game behind.

Apparently, Wii and PS2 owners bought a sufficient number of copies of Dokapon Kingdom, because Atlus has announced that they're localizing Dokapon Journey, for release on April 14 -- just as Amazon.ca "predicted"!

In another press release, Atlus announced delays for some of their upcoming handheld games. The mindblowingly awesome-looking Tokyo Beat Down is now coming out March 31st, The Dark Spire is scheduled for April 14th, and Steal Princess is out April 21st. We don't mind having all the Atlus releases spaced out a bit, really.

JoystiqAtlus announces Dokapon Journey, delays originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusboard-gamedelaydokapondokapon-journeyrpgsteal-princessstingthe-dark-spiretokyo-beat-downTue, 03 Feb 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Blood Bowl trailer pits rats against lizards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/new-blood-bowl-trailer-pits-rats-against-lizards/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/new-blood-bowl-trailer-pits-rats-against-lizards/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/new-blood-bowl-trailer-pits-rats-against-lizards/#comments Like you, we've spent a good deal of time in our backyards, wrangling together neighborhood mice and lizards and forcing them to play miniature games of football. Now, a new trailer for the video game re-imagining of tabletop favorite Blood Bowl looks to bring that fun indoors, as the rat-like Skaven skitter about down field against brutish Lizardmen. That's something you won't see in Sunday's big game.

In development at Cyanide Studio, Blood Bowl is expected to take the field for the PC, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS and PSP in the second quarter of 2009. Finally, we'll be able to settle the age old question of which is better at tossing around the pigskin: reptiles or stupid, stupid rat creatures.

Download Blood Bowl Skaven vs Lizardmen Trailer HD (36 MB)

JoystiqNew Blood Bowl trailer pits rats against lizards originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-bowlboard-gameDSfootballgames-workshoplizardmenMicrosoftNintendoskavensportstabletopXbox-360Fri, 30 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: FunTown Mahjong melds tiles on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/this-wednesday-funtown-mahjong-melds-tiles-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/this-wednesday-funtown-mahjong-melds-tiles-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/this-wednesday-funtown-mahjong-melds-tiles-on-xbla/#commentsFiled under:


After originally being announced last Wednesday, only to be delayed seven days, the ancient Chinese tile game, in the form of FunTown Mahjong, is now available for download on Xbox Live Arcade. This 800 (yowch!) version of mahjong features one-player local or four-player Xbox Live play, a game tutorial, "vivid audio and visuals" as well as the option to "change background images and tiles." Even better: you can expand the tile fun with a Chinese Festival DLC expansion for 160 points.

Why aren't you playing yet?

Download FunTown Mahjong from the XBLM

JoystiqThis Wednesday: FunTown Mahjong melds tiles on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamefuntownfuntown-mahjongmicrosoftx3f-twitterxblaxblawednesdayXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeWed, 28 Jan 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Want to control the Flood? Play Risk: Halo Wars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/want-to-control-the-flood-play-risk-halo-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/want-to-control-the-flood-play-risk-halo-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/want-to-control-the-flood-play-risk-halo-wars/#commentsLast week, the folks at USAopoly revealed that they had nabbed the Halo license and planned to release a special, themed edition of the board game Risk, soon after the retail release of Halo Wars. Set to hit the street in July, Risk: Halo Wars features three playable factions (UNSC, Covenant and that pesky Flood), 42 territories with six sectors and 250 plastic playing pieces that represent each of the three factions. The themed set has a MSRP of $39.99.

It may not be the new Halo announcement many were hoping for, but a Halo-themed Risk set has, "Yes, please," written all over it.

[Update: Image gallery now includes a snap of the game board and pieces.]

JoystiqWant to control the Flood? Play Risk: Halo Wars originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameboard-gameshalohalo-warsriskusaopolyTue, 27 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dokapon Dealdom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/dokapon-dealdom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/dokapon-dealdom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/dokapon-dealdom/#commentsFiled under: ,

Amazon has had a bunch of Atlus games on sale for the last week or so, but they've temporarily dropped the prices of a few of the company's Nintendo system releases (and a few from Majesco as well) as part of the "15 Days, 15 Deals" promotion.

The sole Atlus Wii game on the list happens to be Dokapon Kingdom, which just came out in October, but is now available for just $15. The party board game RPG is all about accruing cash, so it's appropriate that you can buy the game today and still hang on to your pile of money. It's also about being a jerk to your friends, but you should definitely keep that in the game.

The other Wii games included in the sale are Goosebumps: Horrorland and Ultimate I Spy. Dokapon is really the star of the show here, along with some lovely DS deals.


JoystiqDokapon Dealdom originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonatlusboard-gamedokapon-kingdomgoosebumps-horrorlandrpgstingFri, 12 Dec 2008 13:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Beloved toy of our youths coming to WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/beloved-toy-of-our-youths-coming-to-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/beloved-toy-of-our-youths-coming-to-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/beloved-toy-of-our-youths-coming-to-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Warning: you are now entering a Wii Fanboy nostalgia zone; if we get wrapped up in jabbering about our wholesome childhoods over the next 200 words, you've been warned. The cause of this trip down memory lane? The announcement that Tomy would be bringing a Pop-Up Pirate game to WiiWare. Yay!

Pop-Up Pirate Wii will emulate the pop-ular children's board/party game, in which players would hold their breath (that bit is optional, but helps) while inserting plastic swords into a plastic barrel containing a pirate. If you chose the wrong slot, the pirate would spring out, startling everybody. As dull as it sounds now we've written it down, it was all the rage back in the '80s, before those damn computer videogame whatchoomacallits came along and ruined everything.

Like other board games of our childhood that relied on a steady hand (such as Buckaroo and Operation), we're not yet certain that a videogame version will capture the same ridiculous levels of tension, but still, three cheers for Tomy for at least trying! The chunky, colorful visuals are a great start, in our opinion.

Also on Nintendo of Japan's WiiWare page: Simple Series Vol. 2 The Number Puzzle Neo. If ever a series was designed especially for WiiWare, the cheap-but-cheerful Simple series would be it. Both of these will launch next Tuesday in Japan for 500 Wii Points each.


[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqBeloved toy of our youths coming to WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamekurohige-kiki-ippatsunostalgiapiracypop-up-pirate-wiisimplesimple-seriestomyFri, 21 Nov 2008 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii is 'most expensive board game on Earth']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/wii-is-most-expensive-board-game-on-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/wii-is-most-expensive-board-game-on-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/wii-is-most-expensive-board-game-on-earth/#commentsFiled under:

So says Sega A&R man Darren Williams in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, who also described the console as "the kind of thing that families will play at Christmas, and probably won't play again throughout the remainder of the year."

Before we all fetch the pitchforks and start constructing crude Darren Williams effigies, perhaps it would do some good to calmly consider whether the man has a point. In this blogger's personal experience, a small number of families do only use the Wii sporadically, and Williams clearly isn't referring to Wii Fanboy staff or readers.

Whether these occasional players are such a bad thing is another debate entirely. One popular theory seems to be that newer gamers are less likely to invest in new Wii software, but we saw yesterday that the Wii's tie ratio is thoroughly healthy. What sayeth you?

JoystiqWii is 'most expensive board game on Earth' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamecasualchristmasfamilysegaFri, 07 Nov 2008 19:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Halo Interactive Strategy Game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/joystiq-hands-on-halo-interactive-strategy-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/joystiq-hands-on-halo-interactive-strategy-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/joystiq-hands-on-halo-interactive-strategy-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Interactive level design to the max!

The Halo Interactive Strategy Game is a crown of shame, aiming a Christmas-ruining SPNKr at happy children everywhere. Sure, I tempered my expectations of a board game based off a video game -- especially an "interactive" one. But after imposing it on my regular game night friends, the Halo board game's missed potential let me down. Building the map was fun. Playing capture-the-flag, deathmatch, or an objective-based contest wasn't.

The game is full of weak and unclear rules and an optional DVD just distracts from the strategy. This could have been a chess-like adaptation of Halo, but it just ends up feeling sorry.

Gallery: Halo Interactive Strategy Game

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Halo Interactive Strategy Game

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Halo Interactive Strategy Game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boardboard-gameboardgamebungiehalohands-onimpressionsjoystiqfeaturesjs-twittermicrosoftoff-the-gridThu, 06 Nov 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zombies!!! board game to eat video game brains]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/25/zombies-board-game-to-eat-video-game-brains/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/25/zombies-board-game-to-eat-video-game-brains/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/25/zombies-board-game-to-eat-video-game-brains/#comments It's time to get the shotgun out of the cupboard, as Twilight Creations announced plans to bring its popular tile-based board game, Zombies!!!, to Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network as well as Steam in 2009. The company describes these as the 'initial' platforms for the project, and we fully expect Zombies!!! to scuffle onto others should the creeping undead take hold.

Interestingly, the game is being handled by Wisconsin-based Big Rooster, the same Big Rooster that recently had another tabletop-to-video game translation, Talisman, canned by would be publisher Capcom. Here's hoping that Zombies!!! doesn't suffer a similar fate, or at the very least if it does it can drag itself up from the grave.

[Thanks, J]

JoystiqZombies!!! board game to eat video game brains originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Oct 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-roosterboard-gameboardgameboardgamestilesundeadzombieszombies-board-gameSat, 25 Oct 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Chess is WiiWare Chess in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/wii-chess-is-wiiware-chess-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/wii-chess-is-wiiware-chess-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/wii-chess-is-wiiware-chess-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,


Next week, Wii Chess finally arrives somewhere outside of Europe, not that many people were holding their breath. The Japanese release as World Chess, however, is interesting for a couple of reasons: first, it'll cost only 1,000 yen. Second, that price will be payable in Wii Points, because World Chess is a WiiWare game in Japan. That means it's the first disc-to-WiiWare game. Eternity's Child is planned for a similar multiformat release across regions, but it has yet to be dated.

Surprisingly, the Japanese WiiWare version and the retail European game will be compatible online. If you still have your copy of Wii Chess, hang on to it, because next week you'll have dozens of new players eager for a game.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqWii Chess is WiiWare Chess in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamechesswii-chessworld-chessWed, 24 Sep 2008 21:00:00 EST