Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Console war to be settled this week in Street Fighter IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/console-war-to-be-settled-this-week-in-street-fighter-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/console-war-to-be-settled-this-week-in-street-fighter-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/console-war-to-be-settled-this-week-in-street-fighter-iv/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We're as tired as you are of getting missives from the front lines of the console wars, so we're relieved to hear that they'll finally be behind us after this week's Consumer Electronics Show. Capcom will settle the fight once and for all on Saturday in Las Vegas, pitting the best Microsoft rep against Sony's pick in a battle for Street Fighter IV supremacy. The loser has agreed to stop making their console forever and ever, so the stakes are pretty high.

... Yes, we made that last part up, but we're going to keep our fingers crossed.

JoystiqConsole war to be settled this week in Street Fighter IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomces-2008PS3street-fighter-ivXbox-360Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2008: A covert intel briefing on The Agency]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/ces-2008-a-covert-intel-briefing-on-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/ces-2008-a-covert-intel-briefing-on-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/ces-2008-a-covert-intel-briefing-on-the-agency/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Earlier this month, Sony Online Entertainment finally gave the gaming world a full-on look at The Agency. The unique title, a brand-new blend of the shooter and MMO genres, was featured in a hands-on talk over pre-recorded video; a compromise in the face of demoing an online title in the unfamiliar surroundings of Las Vegas. That talk, given by the mile-a-minute lead designer Hal Milton, has been covered endlessly at other sites. You can view the complete discussion in video format, or read a great writeup of the event over at GamersInfo.

Some of the most interesting tidbits the developers were willing to discuss that day weren't on the guided tour. Lead Designer Hal Milton and Design Director Matt Wilson were willing and able to discuss several aspects of the project still in the development stages with us and our friends at Massively; we were able to pick their brains on the game's business model, the fantastic world they're creating, character advancement, future content additions, and the numerous challenges of creating a game that straddles two platforms.

Easily one of the most refreshing things about The Agency is the humor that the developers are aiming to introduce to the world, as Hal Milton explains: One of the things I love about the spy genre is that everyone automatically gets it. I love fantasy, I love sci-fi, I love writing those stories, but whenever I try to describe the game concept I have to go in and back-fill for like ten minutes. "And then Sir Clamdar of Thobordoxy grabbed the Handbag of Doom." Or, "the year was 2753, and the Federation ..." Most people don't care. They just want to jump into the world and know where they stand, as opposed to being dropped into a world completely clueless. That's what's great about the Agency, there's a lot of similarities but our world is so different from the real world that they start to experience the humor and flavor.

Read on for more 'covert intel' you may not have seen discussed elsewhere on this blockbuster in-development title.

Gallery: The Agency

Continue reading CES 2008: A covert intel briefing on The Agency

JoystiqCES 2008: A covert intel briefing on The Agency originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2008hal-miltonmatt-wilsonmmofpsPCPS3SOEsony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyMon, 21 Jan 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2008: SOE wants to pay you for 'Sharing the Wealth']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/soe-wants-to-pay-you-for-sharing-the-wealth/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/soe-wants-to-pay-you-for-sharing-the-wealth/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/soe-wants-to-pay-you-for-sharing-the-wealth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

freerealms
CES provided us with an interesting look at the future of Sony Online Entertainment. We finally found out what The Agency was all about and got a good look at the wacky, kid-oriented MMO FreeRealms. And, in an exclusive interview with Massively, CEO John Smedley unveiled a new program that will launch alongside FreeRealms. Dubbed "Share the Wealth," SOE's unique buy-in program will offer site owners monetary incentives for driving customers to the game:

"Let's say you have your own website. You come out our site, fill out a form pretty much the same as the one for our Station Exchange service with a Social Security number, and give us your PayPal account information. You cut and paste some JavaScript to your site, and now you have a banner ad for FreeRealms on your site. We are tracking every customer you give us, and once a month we'll give you somewhere between 5-10% of all the revenue from every customer you send us. That's as long as they are playing the game."

The full interview gets into specifics behind the program, while the follow-up touches on big plans for the future of the company's Station Access pass.

JoystiqCES 2008: SOE wants to pay you for 'Sharing the Wealth' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESces-2008freerealmsjohn-smedleyPCPS3share-the-wealthsoesony-online-entertainmentMon, 14 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2008: Conflict Denied Ops aims at non-existent 'casual FPS' market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/ces-2008-conflict-denied-ops-aims-at-non-existent-casual-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/ces-2008-conflict-denied-ops-aims-at-non-existent-casual-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/ces-2008-conflict-denied-ops-aims-at-non-existent-casual-fps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

conflict
Just a few months ago we brought you impressions of an early build of Conflict: Denied Ops. As the newest chapter in the perpetually-lackluster Conflict series, our opinion then was that the game was following in the footsteps of its 4.0 kindred. We were frustrated with the flat look, boring linear gameplay and the use of a needless buzzword - "Puncture-Tech" - to describe destructible environmental elements.

In checking in on the game's progress in a near-release state today at CES, we found that many of these same concerns are still applicable. Eidos and Pivotal Games have stopped using that meaningless marketing buzzword and thrown in a few twists on the A-to-B gameplay, but Denied Ops is basically the same flawed game we saw in October.

So what's the solution for a game company that has an overly-linear title on their hands? Apparently, you start calling it a casual game. That's right: Conflict: Denied Ops is now a "casual first-person shooter." You know: for all those grandmas who have been itching to break into the 'killing things' genre.

Continue reading CES 2008: Conflict Denied Ops aims at non-existent 'casual FPS' market

JoystiqCES 2008: Conflict Denied Ops aims at non-existent 'casual FPS' market originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casual-fpsCESces-2008conflict-denied-opseidosgames-for-windowshandsonimpressionsPCpivotal-gamesPS3Xbox-360Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2008: Hands-on with first public showing of Space Siege]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/ces-2008-hands-on-with-first-public-showing-of-space-siege/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/ces-2008-hands-on-with-first-public-showing-of-space-siege/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/ces-2008-hands-on-with-first-public-showing-of-space-siege/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

sapce siege
The last Dungeon Siege update came out almost 18 months ago. Chris Taylor and his Gas Powered Games have had plenty of time to mull the next move, reflecting on half a dozen titles in the fantasy world, and even a major motion picture. The move they've made - a quick hyperspace jump away from the fantasy setting - shouldn't surprise anyone. With the Games for Windows initiative ramping up to full power it's the perfect time for the unveiling of Space Siege.

Even in pre-alpha state, Space Siege is already exactly what you'd expect. Instead of a hard-jawed warrior wading through waste-deep goblin blood with sword clenched, the protagonist is a hard-jawed space marine wading through waste-deep alien blood with a big gun clenched in his hands. There isn't a lot of game to actually play on the CES show floor, but what there is reminds us of how much fun it is to mindlessly click creatures to death. Despite the similar-sounding nature of the game, there were actually a number of changes to the formula on display; enough that we think some folks are going to be surprised.

Continue reading CES 2008: Hands-on with first public showing of Space Siege

JoystiqCES 2008: Hands-on with first public showing of Space Siege originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESces-2008chris-taylordungeon-siegegames-for-windowsgas-powered-gameshandsonimpressionsPCspace-siegeThu, 10 Jan 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Crazy curved Alienware monitor perfect for Crysis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/crazy-curved-alienware-monitor-perfect-for-crysis/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/crazy-curved-alienware-monitor-perfect-for-crysis/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/crazy-curved-alienware-monitor-perfect-for-crysis/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Many uses come to mind when thinking of a curved, 2,880x900 resolution (16:5 aspect ratio) monitor - multitasking aside, we'd have quite a fun time opening every Photoshop panel simultaneously, or created the most complex, intricate World of Warcraft user interface imaginable. Alienware decided to show off its arcing display at CES with Crysis, the apparent benchmark for all technology of the future.

Our friends at Engadget who are attending the show noticed three faint vertical lines, indicating the curved illusion is assisted by four sub-panels. The DLP display with LED illumination is due out the second half of this year for a currently-unknown price. Check out their gallery of the monitor; we also have video of the display embedded after the break.

Continue reading Crazy curved Alienware monitor perfect for Crysis

JoystiqCrazy curved Alienware monitor perfect for Crysis originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarecesces-2008crysisengadgetPCThu, 10 Jan 2008 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2008: NATAS honors Stormfront for original Neverwinter Nights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/natas-honors-stormfront-studios-for-original-neverwinter-nights/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/natas-honors-stormfront-studios-for-original-neverwinter-nights/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/natas-honors-stormfront-studios-for-original-neverwinter-nights/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, or NATAS for those short of breath, has given us reason to pause and wax nostalgic over our gaming past by honoring the first graphical MMO, Stormfront Studios' original Neverwinter Nights, which ran over America Online from 1991 through 1997. The game is positively archaic by today's standards, but nonetheless laid the groundwork for much of what we know as MMORPGS today, and of course went on to inspire BioWare's own Neverwinter Nights franchise as well. Bugbears, they would be proud.

The nod was made during the 59th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards ceremony at the CES in Las Vegas, an event which also tipped its hat to Everquest's Sony Online Entertainment and World of Warcraft's Blizzard for helping to spearhead the MMO genre. Don Daglow, who led Neverwinter Nights' design, accepted the award, and commented that "these games are not just entertainment...they build new kinds of communities and create deep people-to-people relationships." Or, you know, furry-to-people, for those who swing that way.

JoystiqCES 2008: NATAS honors Stormfront for original Neverwinter Nights originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aolCES-2008mmommorpgneverwinter nightsNeverwinterNightsnwnPCStormfrontThu, 10 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2008: Age of Conan converts at least one player]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/ces-2008-age-of-conan-converts-at-least-one-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/ces-2008-age-of-conan-converts-at-least-one-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/ces-2008-age-of-conan-converts-at-least-one-player/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sitting down with Age of Conan: Hyborean Adventures today was something of a wakeup call for me. I've enjoyed my previous exposure to the game, but I've never had that 'I get it' moment. You know that moment, every MMO has it. In World of Warcraft it's the first time you start a quest; in Tabula Rasa it's the first time you fire your gun; and in Lord of the Rings Online that moment comes when you look up and behold the majesty that is the Shire. For me, Conan's moment was when I finally 'got' the combat. The CES build of the game, hopefully just a few months away from release, really hit home with the experience of slicing and dicing in real time.

A raid on Conall's Valley (the birthplace of Conan) was the zone on display in the main exhibit hall. The big news for CES is what developer Funcom is calling 'Cheetah 2,' a brand new graphics engine. That project's goals include new rendering and weather systems, an improved framerate and other technical advances. There should be more to report on that advance before the end of the show. In the meantime, I have a few impressions for you as a newly converted Conan fan.

Gallery: Age of Conan

Continue reading CES 2008: Age of Conan converts at least one player

JoystiqCES 2008: Age of Conan converts at least one player originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanAge-of-Conan-Hyborian-AdventresCESces-2008Eidos-InteractiveFuncomhandsonimpressionsMicrosoftPCXbox-360Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2008: PS3 in-game XMB promised this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/ps3-in-game-xmb-promised-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/ps3-in-game-xmb-promised-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/ps3-in-game-xmb-promised-this-year/#commentsFiled under: ,

ps3
What good's a trade show without vague promises? Paul Purdy, repping Sony at CES, has done his part, "confirming" that an in-game XMB update for PlayStation 3 is due in the new year, reports TGR. When pressed for details, Purdy backpedaled and reaffirmed that Sony's CES presence was focused on hardware - hardware that, for the moment, lacks consistent multitasking features. (Let's not forget, some games already support the bells and whistles we'd hoped Sony would've included the last time a major update was pushed out.)

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqCES 2008: PS3 in-game XMB promised this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESces-2008PS3xmbWed, 09 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget ears-on says Skype has lag]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/engadget-ears-on-says-skype-has-lag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/engadget-ears-on-says-skype-has-lag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/engadget-ears-on-says-skype-has-lag/#commentsFiled under:


At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, our friends at Engadget were able to go ears-on with the upcoming Skype feature for PSP. The UI and sound quality were commended -- "pretty decent" according to the team.

Unfortunately, there is one major flaw holding the feature back. "The only caveat is a bit of lag time in the audio transmission, less than a second but enough to be noticeable." A second of lag isn't too bad, especially for a free feature. However, those that wanted to use SkypeOut to make calls to traditional phone lines may find this unacceptable. We're going to have to find out for ourselves when the firmware update goes live at the end of the month.

[Thanks, Gregger!]

JoystiqEngadget ears-on says Skype has lag originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2008ces2008skypeWed, 09 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band drum prototype adds sturdiness, cymbals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/rock-band-drum-prototype-adds-sturdiness-cymbals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/rock-band-drum-prototype-adds-sturdiness-cymbals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/rock-band-drum-prototype-adds-sturdiness-cymbals/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We love channeling our inner Keith Moon with the Rock Band drum set, but we do have some quibbles. Namely: When we break out with some tasty, tasty hi-hat work it just feels a little inauthentic. Sure, we could try applying some Rock Jam, but it's just not the same. You can understand then why our hunger for Ion Audio's sexy, sure-to-be-pricey new kit is nothing short of ravenous.

Not only does this kit have cymbals, but the sturdiness of the drums has also been improved. Sadly this is still just a prototype, but we're hopeful that the Wyld Stallyns can travel into the future and snag us a set.

JoystiqRock Band drum prototype adds sturdiness, cymbals originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2008PS3rock-bandrockbandXbox-360Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 still open to Blu-ray add-on should HD-DVD fail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/xbox-360-still-open-to-blu-ray-add-on-should-hd-dvd-fail/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/xbox-360-still-open-to-blu-ray-add-on-should-hd-dvd-fail/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/xbox-360-still-open-to-blu-ray-add-on-should-hd-dvd-fail/#commentsFiled under: ,


Following Warner's departure from the HD-DVD ship last week, Microsoft is once again fielding questions regarding the future of its Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive add-on. As is consistent with comments made previously by Scott Henson and Peter Moore, the HD-DVD supporter is still open to a Blu-ray drive should Toshiba's high-definition film format meet its demise. Speaking to Reuters, Xbox's group marketing manager Albert Penello has called it "something we'll have to consider" if "consumer choice" demands it.

Microsoft's initial decision to keep HD-DVD separate from the Xbox 360 hardware has always been trotted out under the "consumer choice" banner, with cost reduction cited as an immediate benefit. Of course, it also makes bailing out a lot easier should white flags start to go up. It may seem strange to envision Microsoft supporting a format so entwined with a competing console, but the company's not likely to shed a tear for discs when there's money to be made in the Xbox Live Video Marketplace.

Update: A further comment from Microsoft emphasizes that despite Penello's comments, HD-DVD hasn't gone away just yet: "Microsoft currently has no plans at this time to consider Blu-ray as an option. We continue to believe that HD DVD is the best optical solution for consumers, since it's the only format today that delivers quality experiences at affordable prices."

JoystiqXbox 360 still open to Blu-ray add-on should HD-DVD fail originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-rayCESCES-2008HD-DVDMoviesToshibaWarnerXBLMXbox-360Xbox-LiveWed, 09 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Keyboard attachment announced at CES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/keyboard-attachment-announced-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/keyboard-attachment-announced-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/keyboard-attachment-announced-at-ces/#commentsFiled under:


NOTE: Image is just a mock-up. This is not the real PSP keyboard. [Image source]

Do you hate the virtual keyboard the PSP has? Well, looks like a solution is coming. An official first-party keyboard attachment is in the works. The problem? It won't be due until next year, according to GameSpot. "We're looking at several designs, but can't tell you anything more specific," a rep said.

[Thanks, Joe!]

JoystiqKeyboard attachment announced at CES originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2008ces2008keyboardpspTue, 08 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray discs to offer portable movies for PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/blu-ray-discs-to-offer-portable-movies-for-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/blu-ray-discs-to-offer-portable-movies-for-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/blu-ray-discs-to-offer-portable-movies-for-psp/#commentsFiled under: , ,


As tempting as it may be to drag your PlayStation 3 and 50" HDTV along on your next road trip, Sony would like you to consider a slightly more convenient and decidedly less dangerous option for watching movies on the go. In a CES demonstration of the BD Live standard (encapsulated in the upcoming Blu-Ray Profile 2.0), supported Blu-ray discs were shown to offer portable versions of the included movies for download to a Memory Stick or PlayStation Portable. Pop the disc into your PlayStation 3, connect a PSP and watch the smaller movie on your smaller screen (sans UMD).

If you're looking to take advantage of this feature in the foreseeable future, it might be wise to start saving up for one of those fancy 16GB Memory Sticks.

[Via PSP Fanboy]

JoystiqBlu-ray discs to offer portable movies for PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-rayCESCES-2008Memory-StickMoviesPS3PSPUMDTue, 08 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Air Guitar Rocker gets Guitar Hero license]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/air-guitar-rocker-gets-guitar-hero-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/air-guitar-rocker-gets-guitar-hero-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/air-guitar-rocker-gets-guitar-hero-license/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Have you ever had this thought while playing Guitar Hero? "I'm really enjoying simulating playing guitar, but I just don't feel like a big enough tool." Luckily, Nitrous Roxxxxxide (extra Xs added for emphasis) and Jada Toys have your back with the officially licensed Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker.

Basically you strum a magical pick across a very demonic-looking belt buckle and one of 10 different songs (only five of which are licensed) comes streaming from a speaker that you'll also have attached to you. What's more, it doesn't require batteries, as it runs on pure human dignity (this feature still not confirmed). This video from CES makes it seem as if it works about 80 percent of the time, which maybe is to be expected, considering it's only going to set you back $30. Look for it (or don't) in March.

[Thanx, Franx]

JoystiqAir Guitar Rocker gets Guitar Hero license originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionair-guitar-rockerces-2008guitar-heroguitarheroTue, 08 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's Guitar Hero-as-a-prop video: Bill Gates Keynote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/todays-guitar-hero-as-a-prop-video-bill-gates-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/todays-guitar-hero-as-a-prop-video-bill-gates-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/todays-guitar-hero-as-a-prop-video-bill-gates-keynote/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

If you saw our coverage -- don't click yet if you didn't -- you know the Guitar Hero-related jokes from the final* Bill Gates CES keynote. But even if you know the premise, these videos are worth watching as a study in tradeshow comedy. Is humor in the timing or the delivery?

See the keynote comedy after the break.


*As Microsoft chairman, that is.

Continue reading Today's Guitar Hero-as-a-prop video: Bill Gates Keynote

JoystiqToday's Guitar Hero-as-a-prop video: Bill Gates Keynote originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-gatesCESces-2008ces-keynote-videoguitar-herohottest-videohottestvideokeynotePS2PS3videoWiiXbox-360Tue, 08 Jan 2008 01:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: how to Skype]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/video-how-to-skype/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/video-how-to-skype/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/video-how-to-skype/#commentsFiled under:

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you know that PSP is getting Skype functionality later this month. But how will it look on your PSP? This new video from GameTrailers will show you how to use this free VoIP feature. It integrates fully into the XMB, making it seem like a natural fit to the PSP experience.

JoystiqVideo: how to Skype originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2008ces2008pspskypeTue, 08 Jan 2008 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray disc offers PSP owners portable movies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/blu-ray-disc-offers-psp-owners-portable-movies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/blu-ray-disc-offers-psp-owners-portable-movies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/blu-ray-disc-offers-psp-owners-portable-movies/#commentsFiled under:


The upcoming BD Live standard (Blu-ray Profile 2.0) brings good things for PSP owners. Movies that follow the updated Blu-ray protocol can optionally offer handheld versions of the movie to be copied off the disc. You can, for example, have a Blu-ray version of Men in Black on your PS3 and copy a handheld version of the movie directly to PSP. "This way, you can have a portable copy you can take with you," explained David Bishop, president of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, to PC World.

Sony's attempt to create a new format with UMD never worked out, but their efforts with Blu-ray have been more than commendable. With the HD format wars looking clearly in their favor, it's great to see that even PSP owners will be able to benefit from Sony's next-gen disc medium. We can't wait to take advantage of BD Live.

[Thanks, Russ M.!]

JoystiqBlu-ray disc offers PSP owners portable movies originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bd-liveblu-raycesces-2008ces2008ps3pspMon, 07 Jan 2008 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's new $300, 16GB Memory Stick]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/sonys-new-300-16gb-memory-stick/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/sonys-new-300-16gb-memory-stick/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/sonys-new-300-16gb-memory-stick/#commentsFiled under: ,



The march of progress continues unabated as Sony has unveiled a new 16GB Memory Stick Pro Duo at CES. The PSP- and PS3-compatible proprietary storage solution will cost a whopping $300 when it comes out in March. That might seem a little steep, especially when similarly sized SD cards are half the price and available now. Still, it could be worse -- back in 1956, you'd have to pay $10,000 $50,000 (Edit: whoops. Typo) for a 5MB hard drive. So, really, this new card is a bargain!

[Via PSPFanboy]

JoystiqSony's new $300, 16GB Memory Stick originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>16gbces-2008GBmemorymemory-stickmemory-stick-duoMemoryStickPS3PSPSonystorageMon, 07 Jan 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch CES footage of The Agency]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/watch-ces-footage-of-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/watch-ces-footage-of-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/watch-ces-footage-of-the-agency/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's been a long time since we last heard from SOE about their upcoming PS3/PC MMO action game, The Agency. There's a lot of potential in this online initiative. Watch the SOE presentation from the CES show in Las Vegas, and tell us what you think. It appears the game isn't delivering on every level, but the concept has us excited.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqWatch CES footage of The Agency originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2008mmosoethe-agencyMon, 07 Jan 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2008: New titles join Games for Windows portfolio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/new-titles-join-games-for-windows-portfolio/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/new-titles-join-games-for-windows-portfolio/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/new-titles-join-games-for-windows-portfolio/#commentsFiled under: ,


In another CES 2008 announcement, Microsoft has highlighted nine new additions to its Games for Windows endeavor, promising to "continue the momentum for Windows-based gaming in 2008" and "revive" the PC gaming space. The titles due to be dressed in Microsoft's colors include:
  • Alone in the Dark (Atari)
  • Bionic Commando (Capcom)
  • Conflict: Denied Ops (Eidos Interactive)
  • Empire: Total War (SEGA)
  • LEGO Indiana Jones (LucasArts)
  • Microsoft Train Simulator 2 (Microsoft Game Studios)
  • Sins of a Solar Empire (Stardock)
  • Space Siege (SEGA)
  • Tomb Raider: Underworld (Eidos Interactive)
The list not only cements the "Underworld" subtitle to Eidos' next Tomb Raider, but provides reassurance as to the longevity of Microsoft's initiative. Games for Windows is sure to be around for quite some time if Alone in the Dark manages to arrive under its banner. Microsoft's polite press release is also keen to remind us that other expected 2008 titles -- Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures, Borderlands, The Club, Fallout 3 and Frontlines: Fuel of War -- will stand beneath the flapping emblem.

JoystiqCES 2008: New titles join Games for Windows portfolio originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alone-in-The-DarkAloneintheDarkBionic-CommandoCESCES-2008Conflict-Denied-OpsEmpireEmpire-Total-WarGames-For-WindowsGamesForWindowsGFWLego-Indiana-JonesMicrosoftMSFTPCSins-of-a-Solar-EmpireSpace-SiegeTomb-Raider-UnderworldTombRaiderTrain-Simulator-2Mon, 07 Jan 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2008: Lode Runner coming to XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ces-2008-lode-runner-coming-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ces-2008-lode-runner-coming-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ces-2008-lode-runner-coming-to-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In an early morning meeting with Microsoft, we got a sneak peek of a title that's been a long-time coming to Xbox Live Arcade. Some of you may remember our nearly year-and-a-half old interview with former Xbox Live Arcade Portfolio Manager Ross Erickson, who professed Lode Runner to be his "favorite game of all time" and, it seemed like a natural conclusion that he would be working on bringing that title to the service. Though Erickson's moved on, the proto-platformer is finally making its way to XBLA.

Totally updated for XBLA by developer Tozai (purportedly the original developer and license holder), the version showed off was apparently "incredibly early." Nevertheless, the 3D graphics were sharp and the original Lode Runner gameplay is so immediately infectious it bleeds through every layer of paint thrown on it. But it's not all original gameplay, as the developer is adding in several multiplayer modes like "Hang-On," which supports four players, and "Journey," which supports two.

One of our favorite touches was the history timeline of the game, which aims to educate gamers on Lode Runner's long history and role in the history of video games. A very classy touch, and one we'd love to see more of in our games, along with the original game variant while they're at it. Understandably, there's no word on price or release, but we were told "2008" was a good estimate.

But that's still not the biggest question we've got. No, what we really want to know is whether or not the XBLA version will share the series' iconic level editor functionality. The answer was that while nothing has been announced, the developer is obviously aware of the game's history. Is it too much to hope that we'd be allowed to share user-created levels, perhaps enjoying a LittleBigPlanet-esque community angle? We hope not.

Gallery: Lode Runner (XBLA)

JoystiqCES 2008: Lode Runner coming to XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsCESCES-2008Lode-RunnerTozaiXBLAXbox-360Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GPS for Sony PSP coming to US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/gps-for-sony-psp-coming-to-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/gps-for-sony-psp-coming-to-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/gps-for-sony-psp-coming-to-us/#commentsFiled under:

The GPS receiver for the Sony PSP is about to find its way out of Japan and into US gamers' hands. According to Sony's CES 2008 page, "Your PSP will provide 2D/3D locations, driving directions, POI's, and even downloadable city guides."

No official release date or price - the peripheral in Japan retailed for approximately US $51. Of course, if you're impatient, you can always hack the PSP now.

[Via PSP Fanboy]

JoystiqGPS for Sony PSP coming to US originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 23:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-08ces-2008consumer-eletronics-showgpsPSPsonySun, 06 Jan 2008 23:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero champ plays Guns n' Roses song with Slash on real guitar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/guitar-hero-champ-plays-guns-n-roses-song-with-slash-on-real-gu/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/guitar-hero-champ-plays-guns-n-roses-song-with-slash-on-real-gu/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/guitar-hero-champ-plays-guns-n-roses-song-with-slash-on-real-gu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Closing out this year's CES keynote, Microsoft's Robbie Bach invited Guitar Hero champion Kelly "TipperQueen" Law-Yone on stage to play Guns n' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle" on Guitar Hero 3. Not willing to be outdone, keynote speaker Bill Gates brings out Slash - of Guns n' Roses fame - to play "Welcome to the Jungle" on a real guitar. We'll leave the real vs. virtual guitar debate to you and South Park. Instead, we'll just spend our time wishing for this performance - and The Office parody from earlier in the keynote - show up as online video soon.

JoystiqGuitar Hero champ plays Guns n' Roses song with Slash on real guitar originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 22:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-gatescesces-08ces-2008consumer-electronics-showgatesguitar-heroguitar-hero-3microsoftxboxxbox-360Sun, 06 Jan 2008 22:54:00 EST<![CDATA[UK telecom company BT Group first to use Xbox 360 as set-top box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/uk-telecom-company-bt-group-to-use-xbox-360-as-set-top-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/uk-telecom-company-bt-group-to-use-xbox-360-as-set-top-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/uk-telecom-company-bt-group-to-use-xbox-360-as-set-top-box/#commentsFiled under: ,

Having previously announced its intentions to have the Xbox 360 as a set-top box (STB) at last year's Consumer Electronics Show, Bill Gates told the audience at this year's keynote that British telecommunications company BT Group will be the first company to use the console as a set-top box, whose interface was most recently seen by accident in a repaired console.

Said Gates, "The final announcement, last year we talked about the 360 being an STB -- this year we're excited to announce that BT will be the first to provide that capability. Buy a 360 and use it as an STB for your TV." No other details are given (what about DVR?), but we're hoping to hear some more soon. Check out our hands-on with the service from last year's show.

JoystiqUK telecom company BT Group first to use Xbox 360 as set-top box originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 22:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-gatesbreakingnewsbritish-telecommunicationsbtbt-groupcesces-08ces-2008consumer-electronics-showdvrgatesiptvmicrosoftXbox-360Sun, 06 Jan 2008 22:34:00 EST