Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Frank O'Connor leaves Bungie for Microsoft to work on Halo franchisehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/frank-oconnor-leaves-bungie/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/frank-oconnor-leaves-bungie/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/frank-oconnor-leaves-bungie/#commentsFiled under:

The long-standing "voice" of Bungie, Content Manager Frank O'Connor, is leaving the Halo studio in order to "work more closely with Microsoft on the Halo franchise." In his final Weekly Update, O'Connor sends a heartwarming thanks to the community for a number of things, among them for "not following through on the death threats" (his emphasis, not ours).

The most interesting part of his goodbye later is the tease on the "coming years." Said O'Connor, "I was busy working on a story for one of our next games, an experience that is destined to surprise, amaze and entertain like nothing we've ever made before. That game has an amazing team invested in it, and one that will be tasked with building the Next Big Thing. You should see what they've already achieved, you truly should." We'll be watching with eager eyes. Take care, Frank, you'll be missed.

(Oh, and be sure to check out all the fun Frank O'Connor Photoshops.)

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>breakingnewsbungiebungie-studiosfrank-o-connorhalohalo-2halo-3microsoftRoss Miller2008-05-16T21:42:00+00:00Breaking: LucasArts leaves the ESA [update]http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/lucasarts-leaves-the-esa/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/lucasarts-leaves-the-esa/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/lucasarts-leaves-the-esa/#commentsFiled under:


Joystiq has just confirmed with the Entertainment Software Association that LucasArts is no longer a member of the organization, but will still feature at E3. "Today, we can confirm that one of our members, LucasArts, has decided not to renew its membership. We value each member of our association, but respect the unique factors that led to LucasArts' decision," ESA Senior VP of Communications Rich Taylor said in a statement (copied in full after the break).

Recently, Activision and Vivendi also left the ESA. We're currently seeking a statement from LucasArts and will update. Update: LucasArts has sent us a statement as well (full text after the break) confirming it is no longer with the ESA, but supports the organization's mission in the industry. LucasArts also confirms it will still attend E3.

ESA statement:

"Since its creation in 1994, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has grown and evolved into the pre-eminent voice of the video and computer game industry. The organization has 25 members, including three companies that were welcomed last year.

"Today, we can confirm that one of our members, LucasArts, has decided not to renew its membership. We value each member of our association, but respect the unique factors that led to LucasArts' decision.

"Last year was a record year for an industry which is becoming an increasingly important part of the nation's social, cultural and economic landscape. We are confident the industry will continue to thrive and ESA will continue to create a beneficial environment for the entire entertainment software industry." -- Rich Taylor, Senior Vice President of Communications and Research, Entertainment Software Association (May 16, 2008)

LucasArts statement:

"We can confirm that LucasArts is no longer a member of the ESA. As a company we are still committed to bringing consumers the best interactive experience possible and support the ESA's mission in the industry. LucasArts will be participating in E3." -- Margaret Grohne, Director, Public Relations

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>breakingnewsesalucasartsAlexander Sliwinski2008-05-16T16:53:00+00:00Sony finds Harrison's replacement in Shuhei Yoshidahttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/sony-finds-harrisons-replacement-in-shuhei-yoshida/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/sony-finds-harrisons-replacement-in-shuhei-yoshida/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/sony-finds-harrisons-replacement-in-shuhei-yoshida/#commentsFiled under:

Sony has finally settled on an executive to fill the shoes of former Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios president (and Infogrames' current Directeur Général Délégué) Phil Harrison, with the company handing the baton over to the US division's senior vice president Shuhei Yoshida. The exec is something of a familiar face around the Sony camp, having first joined the company in 1986 before moving on to SCEI in 1993, where we can thank him for being one of the initial forces behind getting the original PlayStation off the ground.

Yoshida was elevated to his most recent role in February 2007, and will begin calling the shots at SCE WWS starting, well, now. His plans for the company at this point remain anyone's guess, with Sony front man Kaz Hirai boasting only that the company "will reinforce our software business by further enhancing coordination among the studios under a new leader." Let us at least hope that part of that plan includes completing the work Harrison started and getting Home out the door someday sooner rather than later.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>breakingnewssce-wwssceiscewwsShuhei-YoshidaShuheiYoshidasonyJason Dobson2008-05-16T00:30:00+00:00April NPD: GTA IV, Mario Kart Wii race to the tophttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/april-npd-gta-iv-mario-kart-wii-race-to-the-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/april-npd-gta-iv-mario-kart-wii-race-to-the-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/april-npd-gta-iv-mario-kart-wii-race-to-the-top/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Things that won't surprise you

April proved to be yet another lucrative month for the ol' gaming biz, with total industry sales reaching $1.23 billion, reports GameDaily. Software sales in particular grew to $654.7 million, an increase of 68% carried on the fine leather seats of Grand Theft Auto IV's recently stolen convertible. Rockstar's urban riffraff romp sold 2.85 million copies -- that's 1.85 million on Xbox 360 and 1 million on PS3 -- while Nintendo's Wii took the top spot in hardware sales. Mario Kart Wii, however, had to settle for second place.

Things that will surprise you

It was a photo finish for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, but the photographers had likely packed up and left for the day by the time the steeds reached the finish line. Selling 188K and 187.1K units respectively, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 were thoroughly bested by the systems that didn't have GTA IV. We'd feel a bit silly if we were them.

- Wii: 714.2K 6.8K (0.94%)
- DS: 414.8K 283.2K (40.6%)
- PSP: 192.7K 104.3K (35.1%)
- Xbox 360: 188K 74K (28.2%)
- PS3: 187.1K 69.9K (27.2%)
- PS2: 124.4K 91.6K (42.4%)

You'll find the top ten in software sales after the break.

April Software

1. GTA IV - Xbox 360 - 1.85 million*
2. Mario Kart Wii - Wii - 1.12 million
3. GTA IV - PS3 - 1.00 million*
4. Wii Play w/ remote - Wii - 360K
5. Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Wii - 326K
6. Gran Turismo 5: Prologue - PS3 - 224K
7. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness - DS - 202K
8. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time - DS - 202K
9. Guitar Hero III - Wii - 152K
10. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - Xbox 360 - 141K*

* includes bundles, collector's editions, GOTY editions

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>BreakingNewsGTAIVMario-Kart-WiiMicrosoftNintendoNPDRockstarSonyLudwig Kietzmann2008-05-15T19:45:00+00:00First screens: Soul Calibur for XBLA looking sharphttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/first-screens-soul-calibur-for-xbla-looking-sharp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/first-screens-soul-calibur-for-xbla-looking-sharp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/first-screens-soul-calibur-for-xbla-looking-sharp/#commentsFiled under: ,


click to enlarge

Been wondering what Namco's classic Sega Dreamcast fighter (and, as many would say, system seller) is going to look like when it hits Xbox Live Arcade this summer? So have we! Fortunately, before we had to storm down to Namco Bandai HQ, faux plastic swords in hand, they hit us up with these shiny first screens highlighting what to expect. We've laid down our arms, but our anticipation level has certainly picked up.

The screens show a port that looks decidedly crisper than the original, although featuring the same poly-count for the models and backgrounds. And what's with that "Insert Coin" stuff? Shouldn't it be "Insert Microsoft Points?" More on this odds-on, must-download (sure to take up a good chunk of your HDD or memory unit) as it breaks.

Gallery: Soul Calibur (XBLA)

5-15-085-15-085-15-085-15-085-15-08

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>breakingnewsnamco-bandaisoul-caliburxblaxbox-liveRandy Nelson2008-05-15T17:00:00+00:00Silent Hill: Homecoming creeps out of hidinghttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/silent-hill-homecoming-creeps-out-of-hiding/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/silent-hill-homecoming-creeps-out-of-hiding/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/silent-hill-homecoming-creeps-out-of-hiding/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click to enlarge
Wait ... where are the floats, the cheerleaders, the awkward slow-dancing? Oh, its not that kind of homecoming. No, it's a Silent Hill homecoming, which means it's really foggy, those "cheerleaders" are grotesque creatures, and the dance move of choice is called "running for your life."

Konami finally rolled out a playable build of the series' fifth installment at its press event last night, and we were on hand to, well ... get our hands on it. We're writing up our impressions, along with Double Helix design lead Jason Allen's musings on bringing the series to a new generation. For now, get tickled by the first screens (on your console of choice) -- and several new videos embedded after the break!

Gallery: Silent Hill: Homecoming (PS3)


Gallery: Silent Hill: Homecoming (Xbox 360)






>

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>breakingnewsdouble-helixkonamikonami-gamers-night-2008silent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingRandy Nelson2008-05-15T16:30:00+00:00More DS Castlevania: 'Order of Ecclesia,' first screenshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/see-order-of-ecclesia-next-ds-castlevania/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/see-order-of-ecclesia-next-ds-castlevania/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/see-order-of-ecclesia-next-ds-castlevania/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're pretty sure that Castlevania series director Koji "IGA" Igarashi is out to claim an award for "most sequels in a series on Nintendo DS." His latest, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia, was revealed by the long-bearded, whip-wielding IGA at last night's Konami presser (and before that, the ESRB), and is set to stir up renewed Castle-mania this fall.

Order of Ecclesia stars a new female heroine who is a member of the ... wait for it ... Order of Ecclesia, a group out to destroy -- who else -- that vile Count Dracula fellow. The game introduces a new Glyph system that Konami promises will offer "more than 100 different combinations" of weapon and spell attacks. These attack mash-ups enable players to unleash two blows simultaneously. Buying and selling items and weapons via the Nintendo WFC is also pegged for this latest, characteristically beautiful addition to the classic 2D franchise.

Gallery: Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>breakingnewscastlevaniakoji-igarashikonami-gamers-night-2008order-of-ecclesiaRandy Nelson2008-05-15T15:30:00+00:00Konami jumps on the 'band' wagon with Rock Revolutionhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/konami-jumps-on-the-band-wagon-with-rock-revolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/konami-jumps-on-the-band-wagon-with-rock-revolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/konami-jumps-on-the-band-wagon-with-rock-revolution/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click to enlarge

When Guitar Hero first hit PS2, we thought: "Wow, this is like Konami's GuitarFreaks ... and that's been around since the original PlayStation. Why don't they release it here?" Well, our question was answered at yesterday's Konami Gamer's Night 2008 with the unveiling of Rock Revolution. Taking the "Revolution" suffix naming scheme of its other music genre (bemani) cousins, the game, from SingStar developer Zoë Mode, is set for a fall release on PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, and Nintendo DS. We have the first screens of the HD offerings, along with some salient details:

The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions will feature:
  • 40 songs on the disc, with DLC tracks planned
  • Record your own songs in a "Jam Session" (8 separate tracks)
  • Online co-op, versus, and battle of the bands modes
  • Crazy big drum set with six pads, plus pedal
The Wii version adds the ability to play "air guitar" using the Wiimote and nunchuck; and the DS version includes a "Vocalist" mode using the built-in microphone. Check back for our hands-on impressions of Rock Revolution for Xbox 360 -- and be sure to peep the debut trailer after the break!

Gallery: Rock Revolution


Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>breakingnewsguitarfreakskonamikonami-gamers-night-2008rock-revolutionzoe-modeRandy Nelson2008-05-15T15:00:00+00:00Survey hints at Rock Band 2 with online world tour, drum trainerhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/survey-hints-at-rock-band-2-with-online-world-tour-drum-trainer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/survey-hints-at-rock-band-2-with-online-world-tour-drum-trainer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/survey-hints-at-rock-band-2-with-online-world-tour-drum-trainer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We've received a handful of anonymous tips indicating that Electronic Arts is conducting surveys (surprise!) for Rock Band 2. From what we've seen, the survey is being conducted by Listen Research for EA. The survey breaks down as follows:
  • The sequel will be full featured and will represent a jump similar to that from Guitar Hero I to GHII, or GHII to GHIII.
  • Separate questions ask the likelihood of purchasing Rock Band 2 Special Edition (i.e. the full instrument package) for $199, $169 and $149, respectively. All current Rock Band consoles (PS3, PS2, Xbox 360 and Wii) are mentioned.
  • There are questions concerning Rock Band Track Pack: Volume 1 and how many expansion packs you are expecting to purchase in the next six months.
  • The survey asks likelihood of purchasing Rock Band over a multi-instrument version of Guitar Hero.
EA reportedly provided details on the new features for Rock Band 2 in some of the surveys, but we haven't been able to confirm this. New additions to World Tour mode are said to include online play, the recording of music videos and hiring of staff members. Other new features include Battle of the Bands, competing against other bands in daily and weekly battles, setting challenges to progress through your band's discography in increasingly harder setlists, as well as a drum trainer mode.

We've requested comment from MTV, Electronic Arts and Harmonix.

[Thanks to Andre and everyone else who sent this in!]

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>breakingnewsdrum-tranereaelectronic-artsguitar-heroharmonixmtvmtv-gamesrock-bandrock-band-2Ross Miller2008-05-15T14:00:00+00:00Sega announces Platinum Games partnership, first three gameshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/sega-announces-platinum-games-partnership-first-three-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/sega-announces-platinum-games-partnership-first-three-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/sega-announces-platinum-games-partnership-first-three-games/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


At a private event last night, a very excited (and cautious) Sega told us about their new partnership with Platinum Games, the creative team comprised of former members of Capcom's Clover studio. Sega of America pres Simon Jeffrey introduced them like this: "These guys are some of the most talented, some of the most respected guys in the entire gaming business. Their portfolio is incredible, they're revered, they're almost worshiped in some parts of the gaming community and we're very truly honored to be working with them."

The first three games should come as little surprise to anyone reading Joystiq the last couple days: Bayonetta, by Hideki Kamiya, creator of Devil May Cry, Okami, and Viewtiful Joe; Infinite Line, by Hifumi Kouno at Nudemaker, creator of Steel Battalion and, before that, the Clock Tower series; and MadWorld, a mad-cap feast of ultraviolence for -- you guessed it! -- the Wii by first time director Shigenori Nishikawa.

Gallery: Platinum Games / Sega announcement



After wrangling the press into a restaurant overlooking San Francisco Bay, adorned with Sega and Platinum Games ice sculptures and milling with enthusiasm for the partnership, Jeffrey explained Sega's standing in the world of video game publishers (read: they're getting better) before introducing Tatsuya Minami, president and CEO of Platinum Games. "A lot of people have said the development companies in Japan haven't been doing well lately," Minami said. "But we are different. We would like people in the world to once again play high-quality Japanese games. And to realize this dream we've been looking for a good partner." Cue: Sega.

Minami-san praised Sega's "courage" in allowing them to make "these unique and exciting" titles. Of particular interest to Platinum was Sega's "well-known and worldwide brand" -- not dissimilar from Capcom's come to think of it. With offices around the world, Sega provides significant resources to Platinum, making them "the perfect partner" for the superstar studio. They began the presentation of the three games, but not before teasing, "There is a fourth title we can't announce just yet. The director on this title is Shinji Mikami."

Once the presentations were through, and interviews were winding down, and beer had been drunk, Sega PR reps flirted through the crowd, letting them know there was one more surprise. No, not that Shinji Mikami game (that's what we were hoping too!); rather, some fireworks launched from a barge in the Bay, to commemorate one of the company's most promising announcements in years.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>BayonettaBreakingNewsInfinite-LineMadWorldPlatinum-GamesSegaChristopher Grant2008-05-15T11:09:00+00:00CBS to buy GameSpot, rest of CNet for $1.8bhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/cbs-to-buy-gamespot-rest-of-cnet-for-1-8b-in-cash/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/cbs-to-buy-gamespot-rest-of-cnet-for-1-8b-in-cash/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/cbs-to-buy-gamespot-rest-of-cnet-for-1-8b-in-cash/#commentsFiled under:

CBS will pay $1.8 billion in cash to become the proud parent of CNet and its spawn GameSpot in a deal that's expected to close in the third quarter pending shareholder and regulatory approval. The acquisition values the company at $11.50 per share, a 45% premium over CNet's closing stock price on Wednesday, reports the Associated Press. Sheesh! Well, CBS, you've just been robbed "welcome to the internets" ... but as The Washington Post puts it, you've certainly got your work cut out for you not to become known as "CNet Buy Sunk."

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>breakingnewscbscnetgamespotJames Ransom-Wiley2008-05-15T10:44:00+00:00PS3 firmware 2.35 released, improves stability of 'some PS3 titles' but not GTA IV [update]http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/ps3-firmware-2-35-released-improves-stability-of-some-ps3-titl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/ps3-firmware-2-35-released-improves-stability-of-some-ps3-titl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/ps3-firmware-2-35-released-improves-stability-of-some-ps3-titl/#commentsFiled under: , ,

PlayStation 3 firmware update 2.35 is now available. According to the US PlayStation Blog, v2.35 is "a relatively minor update to improve stability of some PS3 titles." We're willing to wager a handful of stolen cars that "some PS3 titles" is a better way of saying Grand Theft Auto IV, whose compatibility with older PS3 models has become a topic of discussion and a sore spot for early adopters of Sony's console. An alleged Take-Two email yesterday hinted at a Sony firmware update.

Download now and let us know if the game's technical hiccups (for those that had them) have been eradicated.

Update: As noted in the comments of the blog by Sony's Al de Leon, this upgrade does not fix GTA IV. Said de Leon, "I just want to clarify that this upcoming firmware update isn't related to GTA IV. For those of you who may still have an issue playing the game on your PS3, we have identified a solution that should resolve the issue. You can contact SCEA Consumer Services for support."

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>2.35breakingnewsfirmwaregtaivsonyRoss Miller2008-05-14T23:32:00+00:00Sony sells 9 million PS3s, sets bar (slightly) higher for '08http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/sony-sells-9-million-ps3s-sets-bar-slightly-higher-for-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/sony-sells-9-million-ps3s-sets-bar-slightly-higher-for-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/sony-sells-9-million-ps3s-sets-bar-slightly-higher-for-08/#commentsFiled under: ,


GameDaily brings news that the house Ken Kutaragi built -- and Kazuo "Kaz" Hirai currently holds the lease to -- has dropped farm factory-fresh PS3 sales data in parent Sony Corp's latest earnings report. The bottom line: 9.24 million PS3s were sold world-wide during FY08, and SCE projects bettering that by 8% for the current period ending March 2009, expecting its FY09 unit sales to number at least 10 million.

PS3 sales for FY08 were up a whopping 156% over FY07, which saw only 3.61 million systems leave the warehouse. Despite the impressive upturn, Sony's current-gen box continues to trail behind PSP and last-gen's champ, PS2, which sold 13.39m and 13.73m units during the same period, respectively. Still, Next-Gen reports that SCE has managed to make a significant dent in its losses over FY07 (￥124.5 billion [US$1.18b], down from ￥232.3b [US$2.21b]) and predicts that it will finally be back in the black by this time next year.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>breakingnewsbusinesshardwareps3salessonyRandy Nelson2008-05-14T18:45:00+00:00Microsoft: 10m Xbox 360s sold in US, the 'first this generation' [update]http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/microsoft-10m-xbox-360s-sold-in-us-the-first-this-generation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/microsoft-10m-xbox-360s-sold-in-us-the-first-this-generation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/microsoft-10m-xbox-360s-sold-in-us-the-first-this-generation/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft has announced that Xbox 360 has become "the first current-generation gaming console" to break the 10 million threshold for units sold in the US. According to NPD Group analyst Anita Frazier (via CNET), the Wii stands at 8.8 million and the PlayStation 3 at 4.1 million units sold.

Much as we did yesterday with Nintendo's announcement of having sold 6 million Wiis in Japan, let's break this number down. Assume the Xbox 360 hit 10 million as of midnight May 14, or 903 days since its November 22, 2005 launch.
  • At a population of 301.4million, that's approximately 3.32% of all people in the US.
  • Using the 903 metric, the Xbox 360 has therefore sold 11,074 per day, 461 per hour and 7.7 units per minute.
Microsoft also announced 12 million global members of Xbox Live and 19 million Xbox 360 units sold worldwide, which they claim is "more than any other current-generation console." Update: GameDaily contacted Microsoft to remind them that the Wii is currently sitting at 25 million worldwide, to which they said, "we apologize for any confusion. Xbox 360 has the largest global install base of any current gen, high definition gaming console" (emphasis added).

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>breakingnewsbusinessmicrosoftsalesusxboxxbox-360Ross Miller2008-05-14T17:45:00+00:00Vivendi: Wrath of the Lich King coming second half of 2008http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/vivendi-wrath-of-the-lich-king-coming-second-half-of-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/vivendi-wrath-of-the-lich-king-coming-second-half-of-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/vivendi-wrath-of-the-lich-king-coming-second-half-of-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In a press release announcing Q1 2008 results (PDF File), Blizzard owner Vivendi Universal asserts that the upcoming World of Warcraft expansion Wrath of the Lich King is "anticipated to be released in the second half of 2008." Mark your calendars, as we suspect the Christmas season is going to be a lot less productive.

While we always expected release this year, Blizzard, who has yet to make a formal announcement, is notorious for delaying games until they've met some in-house standard of quality. Our attention is now focused intently on Blizzard's WWI event in Paris next month.

[Via Big Download]

Read (PDF File)

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>blizzardbreakingnewsvivendiworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingRoss Miller2008-05-14T17:15:00+00:00Penny Arcade Adventures hitting XBLA on May 21http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/penny-arcade-adventures-hitting-xbla-on-may-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/penny-arcade-adventures-hitting-xbla-on-may-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/penny-arcade-adventures-hitting-xbla-on-may-21/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Microsoft has politely informed us that next week's Xbox Live Arcade game is none other than Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One. It should be out by the time you're done saying the title, then. Developed by Hothead Games, in collaboration with mighty adventure game designer, Ron Gilbert, and the folks behind Penny Arcade, the game sees Gabe and Tycho leap out of their webcomic frames and into an episodic RPG adventure.

Even at 1,600 MS Points ($20), we don't think anything short of a clawshrimp attack will keep us away from this one.

Gallery: Penny Arcade Adventures

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>BreakingNewsHothead-GamesPenny-Arcade-AdventuresXBLALudwig Kietzmann2008-05-13T12:00:00+00:00Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise adds camera, co-op, September releasehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-adds-camera-co-op-september-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-adds-camera-co-op-september-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-adds-camera-co-op-september-r/#commentsFiled under:


Microsoft's embargoes are finally up and, well, there's not much we didn't already know. Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise - the sequel to the "sleeper hit" - now has a release date of "September" as well as some new details, including a "Just for Fun" setting that makes it easier to hop right in, a new co-op setting, as well as a unique use of the Xbox Live Vision cam.

VP: TIP incorporates cameras in two unique ways. Looking out: you'll be able to use the Xbox Live Vision camera to take pictures of physical cards (think Eye of Judgment), unlocking new pinatas, building, or abilities (Rare apparently created a moose whose nose gets red only around Christmas time). Looking in: You'll be able to use your own digital camera to take a picture of your creations to share with friends over email, in a forum, wherever. While Microsoft isn't sure if they'll be releasing packs on their own, think of this feature as your own card generator; forget those pricey little packs. Anyone with a Vision Cam can snap a pic of your "card" and unlock it for themselves.

We'll bring you our impressions when we get a look at the game later today.

Gallery: Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise



Read - Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise press release
Read - Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise Preview
Read - NeoGAF VP2 camera info

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>BreakingNewsMGSMicrosoft-Gamers-Day-2008RareViva-PinataViva-Pinata-2Viva-Pinata-Trouble-in-ParadiseChristopher Grant2008-05-13T11:45:00+00:00Too Human dated August 19 for North America, Aug. 29 for Europehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/too-human-to-finally-arrive-in-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/too-human-to-finally-arrive-in-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/too-human-to-finally-arrive-in-august/#commentsFiled under: ,


The end of a decade long journey will finally come on August 19 this year as Too Human finally hits store shelves. Well, we mean, probably. It seems pretty concrete, but we're not ruling anything out with Too Human. We won't believe it's actually been released until we're a good two or three hours into playing the final disc.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>breakingnewsdenis-dyackmicrosoftmicrosoft-gamers-day-2008too-humanJustin McElroy2008-05-13T11:38:00+00:00New MS leak shows Too Human co-ophttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/new-ms-leak-shows-too-human-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/new-ms-leak-shows-too-human-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/new-ms-leak-shows-too-human-co-op/#commentsFiled under: ,


So, just how many leaks have sprung from the S.S. Microsoft Gamer's Day '08? Well, let's put it this way: A string quartet has started solemnly playing their final song and a person with priority issues has started rearranging the deck chairs. Yesterday it was Banjo Kazooie 3 and Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise, now, Shacknews has some new screens from Too Human.

They appear to show some co-op gameplay from Denis Dyack's baby, which we imagine we'll be getting an earful of at the event (alongside a boatload of information about some of the other titles). Our anticipation has slacked a bit, what with all the leakage, but we're still dying to know what "Lips" is. Expect to hear more soon.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>breakingnewsdenis-dyackleaksmicrosoft-gamers-day-2008too-humanJustin McElroy2008-05-13T10:59:00+00:00Fable 2 'content complete,' 3 more Fables planned, Danish site reportshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/fable-2-content-complete-3-more-fables-planned-danish-site-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/fable-2-content-complete-3-more-fables-planned-danish-site-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/fable-2-content-complete-3-more-fables-planned-danish-site-r/#commentsFiled under:

fable 2
Fable 2 is "content complete" with a measly 5,000 bugs to squash before it's completely complete, reports NeoGAF poster "Vinterbird" (aka Mikkel Vinther of Xboxlife.dk). The Danish site published a preview of Lionhead's second try today, based on a visit to the studio's headquarters in Guilford, UK last week. Vinther kindly translated the good parts, highlighting these new details in his post on NeoGAF:
  • Mini-map has been replaced with a "bread crumb trail;" a dynamic golden line on the ground that directs you to a destination (read: medieval GPS)
  • Magic system is divided into focused, single-foe attacks and ranged attacks; attacks can be built up into five levels using various spell combinations
  • Speaking of spells, there'll be just eight (but remember, they can be combined)
  • Every house in the game is up for sale; each house will unlock a sidequest, item or skill
  • Rough estimation: 20-30 times larger than the first Fable [Microsoft says: "a world 10 times the size of the iconic Xbox game"]
  • The gameworld features seasons and dynamic weather
  • Cutscenes are interactive; the d-pad can be used to issue certain gestures that will steer conversations
  • Sex minigame was canned; instead, screen goes dark and moaning ensues (sex can still be unprotected though! Babies, yes; STDs, unconfirmed)
  • Female character was almost canned; almost.
  • And finally: Three more Fable sequels are being planned. (Lionhead is currently wrapping up Fable 2 and focusing on an announced project.)

Gallery: Fable 2 (5/13/2008)


Read - NeoGAF post
Read - Xboxlife.dk preview (translation)

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>breakingnewsfablefable-2lionheadpeter-molyneuxJames Ransom-Wiley2008-05-13T10:58:00+00:00