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[Apple patent turns in-game choices into a customized comic book]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/apple-patent-turns-in-game-choices-into-a-customized-comic-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/apple-patent-turns-in-game-choices-into-a-customized-comic-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/apple-patent-turns-in-game-choices-into-a-customized-comic-book/#comments Apple patent turns ingame choices into a customized comic bookIn 2009, Apple filed a patent to transfer players' unique video game story paths, choices and customized characters to book form, available automatically after the game was finished as an e-book, book or graphic novel. The USPTO granted Apple that patent today and made it public, complete with scores of Mass Effect-themed mock-ups demonstrating how the system would work.

Today, we can see this program working well with a narrative-driven game such as Telltale's The Walking Dead: At the end of each episode, Apple's system would spit out a single-issue comic populated with each player's individual choices, dialogue trees and screenshots, shown directly on the console or PC and transferrable to tablets or other mobile devices. It's the circle of undead life, according to The Walking Dead - comic to game and back to comic, with some other lucrative multimedia stops along the way.

Of course there's no telling if Apple is still interested in its patent, or how it would implement the system if it were. It could, however, prove a nice fit for those iPads people seem so fond of.

JoystiqApple patent turns in-game choices into a customized comic book originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebookbookscomic-booke-bookgraphic-noveliosipadiphonemacmobilepatentUSPTOTue, 23 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Art of Borderlands 2 up for preorder on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/the-art-of-borderlands-2-up-for-preorder-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/the-art-of-borderlands-2-up-for-preorder-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/the-art-of-borderlands-2-up-for-preorder-on-amazon/#comments The Art of Borderlands 2 up for preorder on AmazonThe Art of Borderlands 2 is, as you might expect, a hardcover art book that celebrates the look and design of Gearbox's latest gun-grabbing first-person shooter. It's available for preorder right now from Amazon.com, for a discounted price of $25.00, down from the usual cost of $40.00.

If you can't get enough of Pandora and its combat-prone inhabitants, this should help. The book features over 200 pages of concept and production art, along with insight and commentary from the developers on how it all got put together.

The book is set for a publication date of November 5, so there's plenty of time to grab this one and get it wrapped and under the tree for your local gun nut before the holidays.

JoystiqThe Art of Borderlands 2 up for preorder on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artart-of-borderlands-2bookborderlands-2brady-gamesgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 02 Nov 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft dev inks deal with Egmont Publishing for books, magazines]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/minecraft-dev-inks-deal-with-egmont-publishing-for-books-magazi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/minecraft-dev-inks-deal-with-egmont-publishing-for-books-magazi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/minecraft-dev-inks-deal-with-egmont-publishing-for-books-magazi/#comments Minecraft magazine coming to the UKMinecraft developer Mojang has a deal with UK's Egmont Publishing to create children's books and magazines in territories excluding the US, TechCrunch reports. A spokesperson can't confirm which products exactly will be borne of the deal, but they will include "a range" of items and will launch next year.

Egmont inked a deal with Rovio last month to publish a line of Angry Birds books in the UK. Angry Birds may just be the most merchandised modern game, and Minecraft might be looking to grab some of that market: By March 2012, it earned $1 million (of $80 million total) in revenue from merchandising since October 2010.

We have some suggestions for Egmont's Minecraft-inspired children's literature: Stevie Trotter and the Minecart of Secrets; Goodnight Moon, Hello Endermen; Everybody Mines. And for the adult book spin-off, 50 Shades of Coal.

JoystiqMinecraft dev inks deal with Egmont Publishing for books, magazines originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookbooksegmont-publishingmagazinemicrosoftMinecraftmobilemojangpcPublishingukxboxTue, 02 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Master Chief surveys the Art of Halo 4 book cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/master-chief-surveys-the-art-of-halo-4-book-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/master-chief-surveys-the-art-of-halo-4-book-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/master-chief-surveys-the-art-of-halo-4-book-cover/#comments The cover of Awakening The Art of Halo 4 has art and Halo 4
Above, your eyes can gaze upon the cover of the upcoming Awakening: The Art of Halo 4 art book, featuring all sorts of concept art and designs from Microsoft's upcoming Halo 4. It's got everything you want in a Halo book cover, including Master Chief, some crazy epic Forerunner structure, and a trusty assault rifle.

Actually, that's not quite true; we could use at least a little Covenant. Is that a Covvie ship flying through the background? Unclear. You'll have to wait to get a better look when the book arrives on store shelves in November, along with the new game itself.

JoystiqMaster Chief surveys the Art of Halo 4 book cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesartawakening-the-art-of-halo-4bookcoverhalo-4master-chiefmicrosoftxboxSun, 29 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: Forsaken novel out Dec. 3, will tell story of Connor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/assassins-creed-forsaken-novel-out-dec-3-will-tell-story-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/assassins-creed-forsaken-novel-out-dec-3-will-tell-story-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/assassins-creed-forsaken-novel-out-dec-3-will-tell-story-of/#comments Ubisoft has announced a new novel set in the Assassin's Creed universe, coming about a month after Assassin's Creed 3 hits stores on October 30. Assassin's Creed: Forsaken will be written by Oliver Bowden, and will focus on "the story behind who Connor really is and how he has become a deadly killer."

Sales of the Assassin's Creed novels, at around 380,000 copies, haven't come very close to the games' 38 million sales, but there's clearly an audience for the historical fiction. Assassin's Creed: Forsaken will be out for $9.99 on December 4.

Continue reading Assassin's Creed: Forsaken novel out Dec. 3, will tell story of Connor

JoystiqAssassin's Creed: Forsaken novel out Dec. 3, will tell story of Connor originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3assassins-creed-forsakenbookconnormicrosoftnovelplaystationps3publicationubisoftxboxThu, 19 Jul 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Book: Halo film failed because Microsoft doesn't 'get' Hollywood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/book-halo-film-failed-because-microsoft-doesnt-get-hollywood/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/book-halo-film-failed-because-microsoft-doesnt-get-hollywood/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/book-halo-film-failed-because-microsoft-doesnt-get-hollywood/#comments ImageMicrosoft didn't mess up when it hired a fleet of actors in Spartan armor to deliver the Halo script to potential movie studios, and the deal didn't stall when each production house had a fixed amount of time to read and bid on the screenplay. In the end Microsoft wanted too much, and it didn't know how to ask for it - it only knew how to demand. The industry differences between Microsoft and the film's two production studios, Fox and Universal, eventually led to the project's implosion, Jamie Russell explains in his book, Generation Xbox: How Video Games Invaded Hollywood.

Microsoft's terms included $10 million against 15 percent of the box office gross, a budget of at least $75 million and fast-tracked production, as well as creative approval over the director, regular flights from Seattle to L.A. to review post-production footage and 60 first-class plane tickets for Microsoft personnel and guests to attend the premiere, all at the expense of whichever studio picked up the script. Not even Harry Potter was getting this level of concessions, Larry Shapiro of Hollywood talent agency CAA says.

Continue reading Book: Halo film failed because Microsoft doesn't 'get' Hollywood

JoystiqBook: Halo film failed because Microsoft doesn't 'get' Hollywood originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookfilmHaloHalo-3Hollywoodjamie-russelmicrosoftxboxThu, 19 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SUPER iam8bit exhibition and book debut August 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/super-iam8bit-exhibition-and-book-debut-august-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/super-iam8bit-exhibition-and-book-debut-august-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/super-iam8bit-exhibition-and-book-debut-august-11/#comments We told you about SUPER iam8bit in June - it's a years-in-the-making followup to the iam8bit crew's last 2008 art show and 2006 book. It's back this month with not only a new art show, but a new book "documenting this year's event" and it's all being hosted in the group's newly renovated new space in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Beginning August 11 (that's next Thursday!) and running for one month, SUPER iam8bit includes work from over 100 artists, a "special tribute to Galaga's 30th anniversary will feature the world's largest 'arcade cabinet,'" and Double Fine's Drew Skillman "will be displaying an interactive, retro Kinect hack."

We're pretty sure you're going to want to be there. We've got the address, along with a ton of beautiful images, just past the break! Above, "We're Not in Hyrule Anymore" by Colombian artist Luisa Uribe.

Continue reading SUPER iam8bit exhibition and book debut August 11

JoystiqSUPER iam8bit exhibition and book debut August 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artart-gallerybookcultureiam8bitlalos-angelesretrosuper-iam8bitWed, 03 Aug 2011 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[SUPER iam8bit: new art show, new space, new book]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/super-iam8bit-new-art-show-new-space-new-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/super-iam8bit-new-art-show-new-space-new-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/super-iam8bit-new-art-show-new-space-new-book/#comments Though there hasn't been an art show since 2008, or a book since 2006, the iam8bit crew have been keeping busy. Perhaps you attended their Brink event at PAX East this year, or one of their many fight club promotions for Capcom's fighting games? Or maybe you snagged one of these signs in Los Angeles last week, which iam8bit stuck on everything from signs to buildings to parking meters.

The removable posters are promoting not only a new art show, but also a new Los Angeles space to host the art show, and a new book to commemorate it all. In fitting with video game naming conventions, the new project is being called "SUPER iam8bit" and will most likely feature loads of Mode 7 effects. We'll keep you posted on a release date.

Gallery: iam8bit (E3 street campaign)

JoystiqSUPER iam8bit: new art show, new space, new book originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artbookcultureiam8bitjon-gibsonsuper-iam8bitWed, 15 Jun 2011 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA['Dragon Age: Asunder' is latest franchise novel, available late 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/dragon-age-asunder-is-latest-franchise-novel-available-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/dragon-age-asunder-is-latest-franchise-novel-available-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/dragon-age-asunder-is-latest-franchise-novel-available-late/#comments Dragon Age: Asunder, BioWare Lead Writer David Gaider's third novel set in the fantasy realm, will arrive in "late 2011." Gaider had previously chronicled the world of Thedas with Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne and Dragon Age: The Calling -- oh yeah, and both games. Asunder will jump off from Dragon Age 2, with a killer loose in the White Spire, a templar stronghold in the Orlesian Empire.

With any luck, Gaider's Asunder novel won't be perceived as neglecting the "straight male" demographic in the same way Dragon Age 2 was accused of doing. To compensate, expect vivid descriptions of Orlesian breasts and a coupon for Domino's pizza hidden in the novel's pages (not confirmed).

Continue reading 'Dragon Age: Asunder' is latest franchise novel, available late 2011

Joystiq'Dragon Age: Asunder' is latest franchise novel, available late 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebookdavid-gaiderdragon-ageDragon-Age-2dragon-age-asundereaElectronic-ArtsfantasynovelWed, 15 Jun 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ico: Castle in the Mist novel excerpt makes us hungry for more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/ico-castle-in-the-mist-novel-excerpt-makes-us-hungry-for-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/ico-castle-in-the-mist-novel-excerpt-makes-us-hungry-for-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/ico-castle-in-the-mist-novel-excerpt-makes-us-hungry-for-more/#comments Avid North American readers won't get their hands on the English translation of Miyuke Miyabe's Ico: Castle in the Mist, a follow-up novel to Ico, the beloved PS2 classic (and soon to be PS3 remaster), until August 16. However, thanks to the Japanese book printer Haikasoru, you can now get a taste of the story online.

The short excerpt gives an excellent sense of the novel's atmosphere, which is to say, Ico's atmosphere. We expect that you already have an inkling of what the setting is going to feel like, considering you should have already played Ico. Heck, even if you haven't, the book's title tells you everything you need to know: There is a castle. It is adjacent to mist.

JoystiqIco: Castle in the Mist novel excerpt makes us hungry for more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 May 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookhaikasoruicoico-castle-in-the-mistmiyuke-miyabenovelplaystationps3Fri, 20 May 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Read 'Naked Angel' from L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/read-naked-angel-from-l-a-noire-the-collected-stories/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/read-naked-angel-from-l-a-noire-the-collected-stories/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/read-naked-angel-from-l-a-noire-the-collected-stories/#comments Known for his "Hap and Leonard" tales, Joe R. Lansdale is one of the crime novelists lending their skills with prose to the upcoming L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories eBook from Rockstar. Today you can read his contribution, "Naked Angel," in its entirety for the low, low price of free.

Complex has posted Lansdale's short story, which is one of several that will comprise the full collection, due out June 6 as a digital-only release at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and the iTunes Store. That timing's just right for investigating more of the L.A. Noire universe after solving finishing the game.

JoystiqRead 'Naked Angel' from L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 May 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookjoe-r-lansdaleLA-NoireLA-Noire-The-Collected-Storiesmicrosoftplaystationps3rockstarshort-storyTeam-BondixboxThu, 19 May 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fourth Mass Effect novel, 'Deception,' coming this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/fourth-mass-effect-novel-deception-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/fourth-mass-effect-novel-deception-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/fourth-mass-effect-novel-deception-coming-this-fall/#commentsWhen you need a game-related sci-fi novel -- like, stat! -- you call William C. Dietz. The man's something of a legend, churning out at least a book a year since the mid-80s, and in recent years adapting the likes of Halo, Hitman, Resistance and StarCraft into those neat little paper-filled rectangles you see piled into shelves at your folks' place or stacked by the toilet.

This is why William C. Dietz was hired to get a fourth Mass Effect novel in to publisher Del Rey early this year, so it could be released ahead of Mass Effect 3. (That, and Drew Karpyshyn, lead writer of the first game and author of the existing three companion novels, has made a galactic shift to The Old Republic.)

Right on schedule, Del Rey today announced the title of this latest work of fiction, Mass Effect: Deception. Due out this fall, Deception will continue the story of Gillian Grayson, who was introduced in the second book, Ascension -- in case you've been reading along. We're not sure if William C. Dietz has or not, but then he's pretty adept at making stuff up.

JoystiqFourth Mass Effect novel, 'Deception,' coming this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookdel-reydel-rey-booksmass-effectmass-effect-3mass-effect-deceptionmicrosoftnovelpcplaystationps3william-c-dietzxboxTue, 05 Apr 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rage to be prefaced by tie-in novel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/rage-to-be-prefaced-by-tie-in-novel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/rage-to-be-prefaced-by-tie-in-novel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/rage-to-be-prefaced-by-tie-in-novel/#comments It seems that even a prequel comic book isn't enough to flesh out the universe of id Software's upcoming mutant blaster, Rage. Bethesda has announced that Del Rey will publish a novel based on the first-person shooter.

The novel -- conveniently penned by Matt Costello, one of the game's writers -- will retain the game's title and tells the story of Lt. Nick Raine. It seems that poor Nick has emerged from stasis to discover "a new society where might is right, mutants plague the Earth, and 'friend' is a term for the person who hasn't stabbed you in the back."

We're going to hazard a guess that, at some point, the plot will also involve shooting. Rage, the novel, is set to hit book shelves on August 30. The game is due out in mid-September.

Continue reading Rage to be prefaced by tie-in novel

JoystiqRage to be prefaced by tie-in novel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookdel-reydel-rey-booksmatt-costellomicrosoftnovelpcplaystationps3ragexboxWed, 30 Mar 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ICO novel being translated, coming to the US this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/ico-novel-being-translated-coming-to-the-us-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/ico-novel-being-translated-coming-to-the-us-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/ico-novel-being-translated-coming-to-the-us-this-fall/#comments You might classify our position as "ornery," but we're finding it difficult to get excited about the HD ICO and Shadow of the Colossus Collection that's due out on the PS3 this Spring. Sure, we're excited about reliving the magic of ICO, but we'd actually prefer some lower definition graphics. Like, way, way low. Like, non-existent, so that we have to draw up our own visuals using our mind's eye. In fact, if someone would just adapt Miyuki Miyabe's 2004 novelization of the game for English-speaking audiences, that would probably -- wait, they're actually doing that? How serendipitous!

The novel, ICO: Castle in the Mist, appeared on a recently release Simon and Schuster release calendar for the summer and fall of 2011, and is tentatively dated for August 16, 2011 on Amazon. We look forward to getting our hands on it, but we're also willing to bet that a large portion of the text therein is composed of unintelligible beckoning.

JoystiqICO novel being translated, coming to the US this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collectionico-castle-in-the-mistnovelizationplaystationps3release-dateteam-icoMon, 07 Feb 2011 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Jane McGonigal talks about the goodness of games on The Colbert Report]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/jane-mcgonigal-talks-about-the-goodness-of-games-on-the-colbert/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/jane-mcgonigal-talks-about-the-goodness-of-games-on-the-colbert/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/jane-mcgonigal-talks-about-the-goodness-of-games-on-the-colbert/#comments Want to get a sneak peek of some of the subject matter that'll likely be the focal point of Jane McGonigal's PAX East keynote speech? Well, the most thorough way to do so would likely be to read McGonigal's newest book, Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World -- however, the fastest way would be to check out her interview on last night's episode of The Colbert Report.

She's got some pretty stellar ideas about how video games and the people who play them make the world a better place -- though Colbert can't help but take some jabs about both. Get all the "driving over hookers" and "Cheetos dust" jokes you can handle after the jump.

Continue reading Jane McGonigal talks about the goodness of games on The Colbert Report

JoystiqJane McGonigal talks about the goodness of games on The Colbert Report originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookjane-mcgonigalkeynotepax-east-2011reality-is-brokenthe-colbert-reportFri, 04 Feb 2011 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Greg Bear's Halo: Cryptum novel out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/psa-greg-bears-halo-cryptum-novel-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/psa-greg-bears-halo-cryptum-novel-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/psa-greg-bears-halo-cryptum-novel-out-now/#comments Just as promised, Greg Bear's Halo: Cryptum is now available for purchase on your reading device or, dare we say, at your favorite book store -- as if people still buy books! Cryptum is the first of three planned novels focusing on the Forerunners, the race of aliens preceding humans and the Covenant in the Halo universe. The books will finally shed some light on what pushed the Forerunners to extinction and offer greater detail on the Precursors, the other super advanced race which preceded the Forerunners.

Continue reading PSA: Greg Bear's Halo: Cryptum novel out now

JoystiqPSA: Greg Bear's Halo: Cryptum novel out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbookgreg-bearhalohalo-cryptumHalo-ReachmicrosoftxboxTue, 04 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Bros. 25th anniversary book out in Japan next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/super-mario-bros-25th-anniversary-book-out-in-japan-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/super-mario-bros-25th-anniversary-book-out-in-japan-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/super-mario-bros-25th-anniversary-book-out-in-japan-next-week/#commentsFor those Mario lovers who want more commemorative book than is included with the Super Mario All-Stars Limited Edition, Enterbrain is publishing its own brand of "Super Mario 25th Anniversary Commemorative Book" in Japan on December 9.

The 144-page page-turner includes a retrospective interview with Shigeru Miyamoto, a collection of Mario manga, stickers and a poster, and a CD of orchestrated Mario music from the Press Start Symphony of Games concert series. If you don't mind a little (okay, probably a lot) of Japanese text along with your Mario ephemera, you can pre-order a copy from Amazon Japan for ¥840 -- that's about $10.

JoystiqSuper Mario Bros. 25th anniversary book out in Japan next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 23:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookenterbrainjapannintendosuper-mario-25th-anniversarysuper-mario-all-starssuper-mario-all-stars-limited-editionsuper-mario-brossuper-mario-collection-special-packwiiFri, 03 Dec 2010 23:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Original Uncharted novel in the works from Del Rey Books]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/original-uncharted-novel-in-the-works-from-del-rey-books/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/original-uncharted-novel-in-the-works-from-del-rey-books/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/original-uncharted-novel-in-the-works-from-del-rey-books/#comments Would the action-packed plotline of the Uncharted series be quite so thrilling without all that pesky interactivity? We'll get our chance to find out next fall, when Del Rey Books publishes Uncharted: The Fourth Labyrinth, a novel based on a completely original Nathan Drake adventure. We're praying that the book's title is alluding to an eventual meeting between Drake and the Goblin King.

The novel will be penned by Christopher Golden, whose work includes a handful of comic books and novelizations based on Angel and Buffy the Vampire Slayer -- he even wrote the script for the two video games based on the latter of those two franchises. He certainly sounds qualified to write an Uncharted book, though we suppose that depends entirely on how he'd fill out this sentence:

"Nathan Drake drove the [form of motor vehicle] off of the [tall surface], causing a [adjective describing size] explosion."

Continue reading Original Uncharted novel in the works from Del Rey Books

JoystiqOriginal Uncharted novel in the works from Del Rey Books originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 23:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookDel-Rey-Booksnaughty-dognovelplaystationps3uncharteduncharted-the-fourth-labyrinthThu, 28 Oct 2010 23:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Cryptum novel by Greg Bear launching in Jan. 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/halo-cryptum-novel-by-greg-bear-launching-in-jan-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/halo-cryptum-novel-by-greg-bear-launching-in-jan-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/halo-cryptum-novel-by-greg-bear-launching-in-jan-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Halo: Cryptum, the first Halo novel in a planned trilogy exploring the Forerunners, will be published in January 2011. Announced in April of 2009, the novel will be written by acclaimed, hard science fiction author Greg Bear, who is best known for his novels Eon, Darwin's Radio and The Forge of God.

Bear's trilogy will be the first major work to take on the story of the Forerunners, the species responsible for the Halos and controlled galactic genocide. An unabridged audio book will also be available at the same time as the novel, so go ahead and play Reach while your ears read the book. The full cover of Halo: Cryptum can be found after the break.

Continue reading Halo: Cryptum novel by Greg Bear launching in Jan. 2011

JoystiqHalo: Cryptum novel by Greg Bear launching in Jan. 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookCryptumForerunnersGreg-BearHaloHalo-CryptumHalo-ReachmicrosoftnovelTORxboxMon, 11 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Anvil Gate novel dropping August 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/gears-of-war-anvil-gate-novel-dropping-august-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/gears-of-war-anvil-gate-novel-dropping-august-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/gears-of-war-anvil-gate-novel-dropping-august-31/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Are you curious about the events that transpired between Gears of War 2 and the upcoming Gears of War 3? Apparently, there were enough to fill up an entire novel -- the recently announced Gears of War: Anvil Gate. The book, which focuses on a Locust attack on the titular settlement of Anvil Gate following the previous game in the series, was penned by prolific Gears scribe Karen Traviss.

Gears of War: Anvil Gate will arrive in bookstores on August 31, which should give you plenty of time to study up before Gears the Third comes out. Unless you're like, the slowest reader ever. In which case, you should go to bed, dude. It's already tomorrow.

JoystiqGears of War: Anvil Gate novel dropping August 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookGears-of-War-3gears-of-war-anvil-gatekaren-travissmicrosoftxboxTue, 24 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jeff Green penning Blizzard 20th anniversary book]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/jeff-green-penning-blizzard-20th-anniversary-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/jeff-green-penning-blizzard-20th-anniversary-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/jeff-green-penning-blizzard-20th-anniversary-book/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've been filling zerg-shaped balloons all year in preparation for Blizzard Entertainment's 20th anniversary in 2011. Former EA.com editor-in-chief (and former EIC of Games for Windows magazine) Jeff Green, however, has been writing a book for the company. Announced via his personal blog this past weekend, Green says he's been "contracted to write a book for Blizzard on their upcoming 20th Anniversary."

While our faith in Mr. Green is unshakable, we can't help but wonder if the book will see 15 years of rewrites before being released. It is, after all, a Blizzard product. We kid, we kid!

JoystiqJeff Green penning Blizzard 20th anniversary book originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20th-anniversaryblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbookjeff-greenpcMon, 16 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable novel announced, includes in-game weapon for Fable 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/fable-novel-announced-includes-in-game-weapon-for-fable-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/fable-novel-announced-includes-in-game-weapon-for-fable-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/14/fable-novel-announced-includes-in-game-weapon-for-fable-3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Your friendly neighborhood bookstore's shelves will soon be stocked with yet another game-to-prose adaptation -- this time around, it's a completely original story set in the Fable universe, titled The Balverine Order. The book will be penned by Peter David, who has written roughly a billion novels and comic books, one of the most recent of which being the five-part Halo: Helljumper series.

According to Amazon, The Balverine Order is set to ship on October 5. As an added bonus, the book will include a redeemable code which unlocks a heretofore unrevealed in-game weapon in Fable 3. We really hope it's powerful, so when we're playing with our friends, and we're killing stuff with greater efficiency than them, we can say "we guess the pen really is mightier than the sword," and then we'll both share a brief, polite laugh.

JoystiqFable novel announced, includes in-game weapon for Fable 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookFable-3lionheadmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosnovelpcpeter-davidxboxSat, 14 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Mass Effect novel penned by sci-fi writer William C. Dietz]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/new-mass-effect-novel-penned-by-sci-fi-writer-william-c-dietz/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/new-mass-effect-novel-penned-by-sci-fi-writer-william-c-dietz/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/new-mass-effect-novel-penned-by-sci-fi-writer-william-c-dietz/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In a recent interview with our PC-centric sister site Big Download, science fiction novelist and experienced game-to-book adapter William C. Dietz revealed he was recently "hired to write a Mass Effect tie-in." When pressed for details about the project, Dietz, who has also written books for the Resistance, Hitman, Halo and StarCraft franchises, could only reveal that it was due to his publisher in early 2011.

So, we've got Mass Effect: Ascension, Mass Effect: Revelation and, out next week, Mass Effect: Retribution -- and now Dietz is going to throw another piece of literature on the pile? Had we known that falling in love with the Mass Effect franchise would require us to do this much reading, we probably would have skipped the whole darn thing.

JoystiqNew Mass Effect novel penned by sci-fi writer William C. Dietz originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebookeamass-effectMass-Effect-2microsoftnovelpcwilliam-c-dietzxboxThu, 22 Jul 2010 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space: Martyr novel out today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/dead-space-martyr-novel-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/dead-space-martyr-novel-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/dead-space-martyr-novel-out-today/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If your hunger for fiction set in the Dead Space universe hasn't been slaked by two games, an online animated comic and a straight-to-DVD feature film, you might want to sink your teeth into Dead Space: Martyr, which hit bookstore shelves today in paperback for $15.

Continue reading Dead Space: Martyr novel out today

JoystiqDead Space: Martyr novel out today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookdead-spacedead-space-martyreanovelrelease-datevisceral-gamesTue, 20 Jul 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War novel ravages retail May 25, first chapter online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/god-of-war-novel-ravages-retail-may-25-first-chapter-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/god-of-war-novel-ravages-retail-may-25-first-chapter-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/god-of-war-novel-ravages-retail-may-25-first-chapter-online/#comments The official God of War novel, based on the "thrilling video game," will spill its entrails of words all over bookstore shelves May 25, 2010. In the meantime, the prologue and first chapter of the book are available for Medusa's gaze online [PDF link]. Be warned, however, Kratos' transition from video game to literature may be a little tough to swallow. An excerpt:

"His only dream now is of oblivion.
He has been called the Ghost of Sparta. He has been called the Fist of Ares and the Champion of Athena. He has been called a warrior. A murderer. A monster.
He is all of these things. And none of them.
His name is Kratos, and he knows who the real monsters are."

If you're comfortable with that, then the rest won't feel like a grueling Olympic event.

JoystiqGod of War novel ravages retail May 25, first chapter online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookgod-of-wargod-of-war-3god-of-war-novelliteraturenovelTue, 11 May 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space: Martyr novel tells story prior to Dead Space]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/dead-space-martyr-novel-tells-story-prior-to-dead-space/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/dead-space-martyr-novel-tells-story-prior-to-dead-space/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/dead-space-martyr-novel-tells-story-prior-to-dead-space/#comments
Click to necromorph image to full size

Looking to bone up on your knowledge of the Church of Unitology? Tor Books, in collaboration with Visceral Games, will release Dead Space: Martyr this July -- a book that will not only explain the origins of the fanatical church, but also that of the "Black Marker," the powerful alien artifact discovered on Earth in Dead Space's fictional future universe. The book stars Michael Altman, the geophysicist who first discovers the potential for crazed-out hallucinations from alien artifacts.

Steve Papoutsis, Dead Space 2 executive producer, hopes that Martyr is "the first of many books to let fans dive deeply into Dead Space's secrets and immersive lore." Dead Space: Martyr by B.K. Evenson will retail for $14.99 when it releases this July.

JoystiqDead Space: Martyr novel tells story prior to Dead Space originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bk-evensonbookdead-spacedead-space-2dead-space-martyreaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftnovelprequeltor-booksvisceral-gamesXbox-360Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and an iPhone game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/pride-and-prejudice-and-zombies-and-an-iphone-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/pride-and-prejudice-and-zombies-and-an-iphone-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/pride-and-prejudice-and-zombies-and-an-iphone-game/#comments Yes, last year's surprise smash hit novel, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, is getting the video game adaptation treatment. Prolific App developer Freeverse, creators of Top Gun, Flick Bowling, and like, a thousand other games, is turning the mash-up book into an iPhone title. The game, which will be a 2.5D action title featuring 19th century aristocrats and ... zombies, is due out in the next few weeks. (We're assuming Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters won't be far behind.)

Few details about the game have been revealed, but fighting hordes of zombies with makeshift weapons will almost certainly be part of the equation. As will courtship. And manners.

JoystiqPride and Prejudice and Zombies and an iPhone game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appApplebookcomedyfreeverseiPodpride-and-prejudicepride-and-prejudice-and-zombieszombiesTue, 30 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fancy schmancy Tomb Raider art book]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/fancy-schmancy-tomb-raider-art-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/fancy-schmancy-tomb-raider-art-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/fancy-schmancy-tomb-raider-art-book/#comments The Art of Tomb Raider is looking like a must-have hard-edged coffee table book for any fan of the series and its curvy protagonist. Published by Dreams and Visions Press, the 568-page book actually comes in two volumes, with the first covering "every significant piece of Tomb Raider art" through Angel of Darkness, and the second featuring Legend to Underworld.

The set is priced at $110 and only 2,000 copies of the book are being printed. It appears that pre-orders are still being accepted and the books should ship in late February. Guess we can put this right next to our The Splendid Magic of Penny Arcade: The 11&frac12; Anniversary Edition book.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqFancy schmancy Tomb Raider art book originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookcoffee-table-bookthe-art-of-tomb-raidertomb-raiderTue, 09 Feb 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade crew kicking off new book tour February 23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/penny-arcade-crew-kicking-off-new-book-tour-february-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/penny-arcade-crew-kicking-off-new-book-tour-february-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/penny-arcade-crew-kicking-off-new-book-tour-february-23/#comments Between the thrice-weekly comic, the quad-monthly PATV episodes and the bi-yearly conventions, we find ourselves pretty saturated in Penny Arcade's artistic outings. Still, there are a few places in our lives where we could use some more of Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins' irreverent brand of jest -- like, for instance, our coffee table.

That gap will soon be filled by the duo's new book, The Splendid Magic of Penny Arcade: The 11&frac12; Anniversary Edition -- a tome which covers the history of the comic, the Penny Arcade Expo and the annual Child's Play charity. The book is due out February 23 -- at which point its creators will kick off a national book tour. Check past the jump to see if they're making a stop in your town!

Continue reading Penny Arcade crew kicking off new book tour February 23

JoystiqPenny Arcade crew kicking off new book tour February 23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookjerry-holkinsmike-krahulikpax-eastpax-east-2010penny-arcadepenny-arcade-exposigningthe-splendid-magic-of-penny-arcadetourSat, 06 Feb 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dante's Inferno special edition printing provides 'unique insight' into game's creation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/dantes-inferno-special-printing-provides-unique-insight/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/dantes-inferno-special-printing-provides-unique-insight/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/dantes-inferno-special-printing-provides-unique-insight/#comments
These are dire times for ye olde book industry. Dire indeed. A special printing of Dante's Inferno -- like, the book -- hopes to capitalize on "the hottest game around." Due January 19 in book stores, this new edition from Del Rey (of the Random House empire) features an introduction by executive producer Jonathan Knight and 16 pages of colorful artwork from "the action adventure blockbuster that's rocking the video-game world." There's a 14th-century epic poem squeezed in there, too.

Perhaps best used as a bargaining chip for kids desperate to convince their parents that they should be allowed to play a game based on a literary classic, however "mature" it might be, this damned tie-in is unlikely to ascend to the heavenly gates of the bestsellers list. Still, if Visceral Games' clone adaptation inspires even a single player to check out the original poem, then that would be a beautiful thing. Hell, it would be divine!

Gallery: Dante's Inferno (Trade Paperback)

Front CoverBack Cover

JoystiqDante's Inferno special edition printing provides 'unique insight' into game's creation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballantine-booksbookdantes-infernodel-reyeaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftpaperbackpoemrandom-housethe-divine-comedyvisceral-gamesXbox-360Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: Renaissance sneaks onto book shelves Nov. 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/assassins-creed-renaissance-sneaks-onto-book-shelves-nov-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/assassins-creed-renaissance-sneaks-onto-book-shelves-nov-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/assassins-creed-renaissance-sneaks-onto-book-shelves-nov-26/#commentsTied into next week's Assassin's Creed II, Ubisoft is looking to expand Ezio Auditore da Firenze's 15th-Century Italian playground through a new book titled Assassin's Creed: Renaissance. Written by Oliver Bowden and set to be published by Penguin books on November 26, the novel will follow the formative years of Ezio and -- along with the Lineage short films -- build upon the game's universe, the Guardian reports.

If you're looking for a sneak peek before the book clambers, dives and stabs its way to retail, the Guardian has put up a fairly long bit of prose from the upcoming tie-in. It deals with Ezio's mother and some paintings she commissioned from a rather famous painter. There's possible spoilers involved, so click over at your own risk.

Source - Book announcement
Source - A lengthy excerpt from the book

JoystiqAssassin's Creed: Renaissance sneaks onto book shelves Nov. 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creedassassins-creed-2assassins-creed-renaissancebookMicrosoftoliver-bowdenubisoftXbox-360Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Random House teases first few pages of Elder Scrolls novel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/random-house-teases-first-few-pages-of-elder-scrolls-novel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/random-house-teases-first-few-pages-of-elder-scrolls-novel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/random-house-teases-first-few-pages-of-elder-scrolls-novel/#comments Are you in the mood for some reading that's a bit heavier than the video game news post you're currently digesting? We suggest you check out this Random House page to read an excerpt from the first chapter of the Elder Scrolls-based novel, The Infernal City. The few pages of text introduce us to what will likely be the book's plucky protagonists, Annaïg and Mere-Glim.

It's a pretty intriguing kick-off for the novel's plot -- however, the excerpt doesn't exactly sound like our usual experience in the Elder Scrolls world. See, in our version, the heroes would systematically rob everyone on the planet blind, and then, once bored with that, would just start killin'. It may not win any Pulitzers, but at least it's authentic.

JoystiqRandom House teases first few pages of Elder Scrolls novel originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksbookelder-scrollselder-scrolls-5excerptnovelrandom-housereadingskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimthe-infernal-citySat, 31 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Elder Scrolls novel listing mentions next game, set 200 years after Oblivion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/24/elder-scrolls-novel-listing-mentions-next-game-set-200-years-af/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/24/elder-scrolls-novel-listing-mentions-next-game-set-200-years-af/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/24/elder-scrolls-novel-listing-mentions-next-game-set-200-years-af/#comments Though Bethesda's bigwigs have gone back and forth on the existence of another installment in the Elder Scrolls franchise, an excerpt from online book retailer Waterstone's product listing for Elder Scrolls: The Infernal City seems fairly certain of the series' continuance. The listing -- which was recently edited to remove the following savory quote -- mentions that the novel takes place 45 years after Oblivion, adding that "it partly bridges the gap for the next game, which is set 200 years after the Oblivion crisis."

As promising as this sounds, we find a major flaw with this claim -- see, we've already clocked over 200 years of playtime into Oblivion (and still haven't beaten it!), meaning we're technically playing the sequel right now. We've contacted Bethesda to ask them about the book listing, and to see if 200 years of technological progress will bring about unimaginable advances in equestrian fortification.

JoystiqElder Scrolls novel listing mentions next game, set 200 years after Oblivion originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksbookelder-scrollselder-scrolls-5elder-scrolls-the-infernal-citynoveloblivionskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimthe-infernal-citywaterstonesSat, 24 Oct 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Elder Scrolls' 'The Infernal City' book has cover, release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/elder-scrolls-the-infernal-city-book-has-cover-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/elder-scrolls-the-infernal-city-book-has-cover-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/elder-scrolls-the-infernal-city-book-has-cover-release-date/#comments
Bethesda Softworks has revealed the cover for The Infernal City, the first of two Elder Scrolls books the publisher plans to produce. The novel, written by Greg Keyes, will make its way to store shelves November 24 ... the audio book will only have six voice actors (OK, we made that last part up).

Joystiq chat transcript upon seeing the cover:

Alexander S.: Question: Where is the water generated from that just flows out of this flying city?
Dave H.: A wizard did it.
Alexander S.: That's your answer for everything.
Ben G.: Yeah, Dave's wrong anyway. A whole bunch of wizards would be required for something like that.
Alexander S.: They have a wizard on the "Hamster Wheel of Water Generation."
JC F.: How could you even keep the city's inferno going with all that water?
Justin M.: It's a water inferno.

JoystiqElder Scrolls' 'The Infernal City' book has cover, release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbookinfernal-cityMicrosoftthe-infernal-cityXbox-360Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Solid 2 novel available in November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/metal-gear-solid-2-novel-available-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/metal-gear-solid-2-novel-available-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/metal-gear-solid-2-novel-available-in-november/#commentsMetal Gear Solid 4 may be approaching its first birthday, but its big brother -- Metal Gear Solid 2 -- will be the one receiving a little more attention when the upcoming novelization of the story is released this November. Penned by Raymond Benson, the book adaptation of the movie game will be available in the US on November 24 and in the UK on November 26 for $14 and £8, respectively.

Why's it taken so long, you ask? Not only does Benson have to write the novel, but he first has to understand the plot. We can't really imagine enjoying the story as much without David Hayter's dulcet tones, but at least we won't hear Rosemary asking what day it is.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqMetal Gear Solid 2 novel available in November originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookhideo-kojimakojima-productionskonamimetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-2Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Greg Bear writing new Halo Forerunner trilogy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/greg-bear-writing-new-halo-forerunner-trilogy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/greg-bear-writing-new-halo-forerunner-trilogy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/greg-bear-writing-new-halo-forerunner-trilogy/#comments
Winner of multiple Hugo and Nebula awards, author Greg Bear is about to come face to face with his greatest challenge yet: writing a Halo trilogy about the Forerunners, largely to an audience who may not know him enough to respect his previous work. Bear is the prolific science-fiction author of the Eon and Darwin's Radio series, but his "hard science fiction" style will likely receive a workout under the cruel magnifying glass of the Halo fanboys -- those who aren't too busy fragging each other online, anyway.

The first novel is scheduled for early 2010, with an unabridged audio book to release simultaneously. Bear seems like a classy choice for the author in charge of making up and filling in the mythos of the Forerunners.

JoystiqGreg Bear writing new Halo Forerunner trilogy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookforerunnersgreg-bearhalohalo-3novelMon, 06 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Commence chin stroking: New book mixes Zelda and Philosophy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/commence-chin-stroking-new-book-mixes-zelda-and-philosophy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/commence-chin-stroking-new-book-mixes-zelda-and-philosophy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/commence-chin-stroking-new-book-mixes-zelda-and-philosophy/#commentsFiled under:

Zelda fan Luke Cuddy was so inspired by his favorite franchise that he went one step further than scribbling down some fan-fiction: he actually compiled a book on Zelda, tied it in with his knowledge of pop philosophy, and found a publisher for it.

Okay, so it's probably not going to be Sartre or anything, but if you do purchase this when it releases on November 28th, you'll be able to ponder such musings as:
  • How does the gamer experience the game?
  • Does Link have a will, or do gamers project their wills onto him?
  • How does time function?
  • Can Hyrule be seen as an ideal society?
  • Can the game be enjoyable without winning?
Deeeeep, man. And it goes without saying that there's also the perennial gamer/pseud's favorite: is Zelda art?

Gallery: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess


[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqCommence chin stroking: New book mixes Zelda and Philosophy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookcrossoverlegend-of-zeldaphilosophyzeldaThu, 14 Aug 2008 22:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Flowers, Dungeons, and Pain confirmed for Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/flowers-dungeons-and-pain-confirmed-for-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/flowers-dungeons-and-pain-confirmed-for-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/flowers-dungeons-and-pain-confirmed-for-europe/#commentsFiled under:



A new batch of European release dates has suddenly materialized from Nintendo, and is packed with all sorts of exciting confirmations. The most thrilling, for us at least, is the news that Flower, Sun, and Rain will be getting that rumored European release this October, followed by Lux Pain in November. If you want to know where to send your effusive "thank you" letters, Rising Star are the ones in charge of localizing both titles. Other items of interest include a specific launch date for Bakushow, and Euro versions of Pokémon Platinum (big surprise, right?) and Dungeon Maker.

But here's a question: what's with DS Novel? It's been hanging around on these lists for the best part of eight months now, and we're still no nearer to learning a release date or what it even is. Check out the full list for yourselves past the break!


Continue reading Flowers, Dungeons, and Pain confirmed for Europe

JoystiqFlowers, Dungeons, and Pain confirmed for Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebookbooksds-noveldungeon-crawlerdungeon-makereuropeflower-sun-and-rainlux-painmarvelousreadingrising-starsuda-51suda51Wed, 21 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The VC Advantage: How to win at selling lots of books]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/the-vc-advantage-how-to-win-at-selling-lots-of-books/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/the-vc-advantage-how-to-win-at-selling-lots-of-books/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/the-vc-advantage-how-to-win-at-selling-lots-of-books/#commentsFiled under:

The VC Advantage is usually geared toward nostalgia -- specifically, evoking the memories of a time gone by, when we were denied resources such as GameFAQs, we had to look up codes in magazines, and we had to walk two miles uphill to school (both ways!). Help was available in other places besides magazines back then. Needed to know what to play and how to advance? You could turn to a book ... and we're not talking about glitzy Prima strategy guides packed with glossy photos, either.

Growing up, I didn't have much access to gaming magazines, and I'm not even sure why. I'm sure I was aware that Nintendo Power existed, and I know I read a few issues, but I wasn't a subscriber and rarely bought it (blasphemy!). I did, however, read many of Jeff Rovin's How to Win books cover to cover.

Continue reading The VC Advantage: How to win at selling lots of books

JoystiqThe VC Advantage: How to win at selling lots of books originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookguidehow-to-win-at-nintendo-gamesjeff-rovinnostalgiastrategyWed, 30 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Zelda manga releasing to North America later this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/rumor-zelda-manga-releasing-to-north-america-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/rumor-zelda-manga-releasing-to-north-america-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/rumor-zelda-manga-releasing-to-north-america-later-this-year/#commentsFiled under:

For this blogger, the only manga experience accrued has been in the form of reading the greatest thing ever made. Other than that, this blogger has no experience with the medium. So imagine how excited we were when we received Josh's tip about The Legend of Zelda manga possibly releasing to North America.

The rumor stems from a listing for the manga at Canadian retailer RightStuf. It says the 200 page book will be releasing on October 7th of this year and published by VIZ.

Considering the lack of concrete evidence supporting the claim, we're going to keep this one marked as a rumor for now.

[Thanks, Josh!]

JoystiqRumor: Zelda manga releasing to North America later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artbookcomiclegend-of-zeldamangazeldaFri, 04 Apr 2008 14:15:00 EST