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[Xbox Live Video Marketplace coming to 10 more countries 'this fall']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-live-video-marketplace-coming-to-10-more-countries-this-fa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-live-video-marketplace-coming-to-10-more-countries-this-fa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-live-video-marketplace-coming-to-10-more-countries-this-fa/#comments As far as we know, the kind of laziness which prevents you from visiting the nearest Blockbuster Video is a worldwide phenomenon. According to a press release (.doc link) dropped just in time for CES, Microsoft is catering to this global lethargy by opening up the Xbox Live Video Marketplace to ten more countries this fall: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Australia and New Zealand.

Basically, if the Xbox Live Video Marketplace was playing Risk, it'd have a kickass lock on the Eastern Hemisphere.

JoystiqXbox Live Video Marketplace coming to 10 more countries 'this fall' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustriabelgiumces-2009denmarkeuropefinlandMicrosoftnetherlandsnew-zealandnorwayswedenswitzerlandvideo-marketplaceXbox-360xbox-liveThu, 07 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Minna no Theater' streaming video service could come to the US this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/minna-no-theater-streaming-video-service-could-come-to-the-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/minna-no-theater-streaming-video-service-could-come-to-the-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/minna-no-theater-streaming-video-service-could-come-to-the-us/#commentsFiled under:


Fujisoft's Minna no Theater Wii was the first Wii-exclusive video content delivery service to be announced -- and it'll be the first to be released, if it makes its January 27 date. The service is set to provide animated content like Astro Boy and Transformers, on a rental basis in which Wii Points buy a certain title for a certain amount of time.

Fujisoft was at CES (!) and told GameCyte that they are planning on bringing the WiiWare video service to the US. "We can't quite tell at the moment," he said, "But if the negotiations are a success, maybe within the year." Of course, they'll have to compete with Nintendo's video service here like they will in Japan -- and, as GameCyte points out, it's Nintendo of America they're negotiating with. They'll have to convince Nintendo that Minna no Theater isn't a threat to their own offerings. However, since Nintendo plans to produce original content, and Fujisoft's is based on licensed anime, it seems like there is plenty of room for both.

GameCyte also got a demo of the service at CES -- read their impressions, and see video of the service in Ultra-action, here.

Joystiq'Minna no Theater' streaming video service could come to the US this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2009consumer-electronics-showfujisoftminna-no-theater-wiivideowii-no-ma-channelFri, 16 Jan 2009 12:41:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN's '17 million' statistic includes PS3, PSN, official forums]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/psns-17-million-statistic-includes-ps3-psn-official-forums/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/psns-17-million-statistic-includes-ps3-psn-official-forums/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/psns-17-million-statistic-includes-ps3-psn-official-forums/#commentsFiled under:

When Sony rattled off at last week's CES that 17 million PlayStation Network accounts had been registered, we were at once both impressed and skeptical. That number happens to match Xbox Live's data that was released days prior, despite its one-year lead and more aggressive push in the field.

The Doubting Thomases over at MTV Multiplayer got in touch with Sony to clarify the figure and gain some more perspective on the issue. As it turns out, that number includes people who have created accounts via PS3, PSP or the official website, which requires a PSN ID to access the forums. While still impressive, we're happier to have some more context on this one.

JoystiqPSN's '17 million' statistic includes PS3, PSN, official forums originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CES-2009PlayStation-NetworkPlayStation-StorePS3PSNSonyWed, 14 Jan 2009 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Strike First. Strike Hard. New Dynasty Warriors trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/strike-first-strike-hard-new-dynasty-warriors-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/strike-first-strike-hard-new-dynasty-warriors-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/strike-first-strike-hard-new-dynasty-warriors-trailer/#commentsFiled under:

Koei's Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce is only two months away. At CES, the company projected its new Strikeforce trailer for the masses to see. Now, you can see it too. This trailer showcases the high-flying action of the button masher. It's predictably Dynasty Warriors, but that's not such a bad thing -- especially when you can take it on the go.

Check out the video and the new screens, uploaded to our gallery:


JoystiqStrike First. Strike Hard. New Dynasty Warriors trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2009dynasty-warriorsdynasty-warriors-strikeforcekoeiWed, 14 Jan 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Mattel's MindFlex gives you Jedi mind powers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/ces-2009-mattels-mindflex-gives-you-jedi-mind-powers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/ces-2009-mattels-mindflex-gives-you-jedi-mind-powers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/ces-2009-mattels-mindflex-gives-you-jedi-mind-powers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The author burnt out several synapses levitating the ball for this photo.
Mattel had a booth at CES pimping out things like U.B. Funkeys, a Barbie nail design automatic applicator contraption, and Mindflex, a game that claims to harness the untapped power of your brain's beta waves. These are waves that the brain generates when you're busy solving problems, concentrating, or trying to decipher what the sales chart trends on Joystiq are pointing toward.

Mattel wants to channel said waves into a franchise of games under the Mindflex banner, the first of which offers a "float the ball with your brain" challenge. To play, you slap on a funky headband, attach little butterfly clips to your earlobes and then concentrate really hard. If you do it well enough ... the ball floats. Relax your brain or close your eyes, and it hovers down.

Gallery: CES 2009: Mattel

Continue reading CES 2009: Mattel's MindFlex gives you Jedi mind powers

JoystiqCES 2009: Mattel's MindFlex gives you Jedi mind powers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Air-Trixbeta-wavebrain-powerCESCES-2009MattelmentalMindFlexTue, 13 Jan 2009 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Zapper crossbow lets you shoot Gorons in style]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/ces-2009-zapper-crossbow-lets-you-shoot-gorons-in-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/ces-2009-zapper-crossbow-lets-you-shoot-gorons-in-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/ces-2009-zapper-crossbow-lets-you-shoot-gorons-in-style/#commentsFiled under:

We were impressed by the "WeeP 5" Zapper mod, but did have one reservation: Link would never use an MP5 to mow down a herd of Stalfoses (Stalfi?). Enter CTA Digital, who were displaying this Zapper crossbow shell at the recently finished CES 2009 (which is strange, because apparently this has been around for a while, but it's the first we've seen of it).

This bad boy comes equipped with a laser sight (we seriously question the historical accuracy of this) and, as you can see, a fetching "woodgrain" finish. It looks way, way nicer than the fugly crossbow peripheral we previously covered, and is roughly the same price: a rather eye-watering $29.99.

Gallery: Link's Crossbow Training

JoystiqCES 2009: Zapper crossbow lets you shoot Gorons in style originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncesces-2009consumer-electronics-showcrossbowgunlinks-crossbow-trainingNintendopew-pewWii-ZapperzapperZeldaTue, 13 Jan 2009 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Best. Controller. Ever.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/ces-2009-best-controller-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/ces-2009-best-controller-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/ces-2009-best-controller-ever/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

"Before the age of man, there was the dragon,fire breathing, fierce and ruthless. Long since dormant, the dragon arose hungry for modern dap knights to re-establish dragon superiority over all mankind.

"More than a control pad,,,a legend!"

<disclaimer> The previous and following (after the break!) text was copied verbatim -- odd spacing and all -- from the back description and product manual of the Dragon Fire Breather game controller, which we and our friends at Engadget found and bought for $1 at the CES international hall. We are not transcribing this to try to offend anyone and, yeah, we know this is probably not the manufacturers' first language -- probably not its language at all -- but we are in fact very fascinated with how the translation process works.

Every chosen word does make sense, just not in the context we are used to. Plus, "mucilanginous" is a very funny word, and if you look carefully, you'll notice World of Warcraft's title screen art.

The official US name is "USB Dragon Dual Shock Scary Gamepad" (with 12-button and 2 analog sticks) and is available from DealExtreme for $27.37. It also comes in ninja and pirate variants. </end disclaimer>

Continue reading CES 2009: Best. Controller. Ever.

JoystiqCES 2009: Best. Controller. Ever. originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomeCESces-2009dragonmosnterPCXboxXbox-360Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Podcast CES 2009 Special]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/joystiq-podcast-ces-2009-special/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/joystiq-podcast-ces-2009-special/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/joystiq-podcast-ces-2009-special/#commentsFiled under:

With Justin back from CES we can present this slightly belated wrap-up of all last week's events, including the Consumer Electronics Show and the 1UPocolypse that's still producing shockwaves.

On that note, thanks to Dan Diemer for his 1UP tribute, which you can find at the end of the show. It's not all sad news, though, as listeners have a chance to win the Joystiq Podcast customized headphones from our friends at iFrogz you can see right after the break. Oh, and HUGE thanks to Louis Senkowsky for our awesome podcast art.

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Joystiq Podcast directly in iTunes
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Hosts: Chris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann and Justin McElroy

Music: "Get Ready for Love" by Nick Cave, "1UP Song" by Dan Diemer

For fans: Joystiq Podcast Facebook group

Continue reading Joystiq Podcast CES 2009 Special

JoystiqJoystiq Podcast CES 2009 Special originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2009joystiqpodcastMon, 12 Jan 2009 17:58:00 ESTJoystiq Podcast CES 2009Chris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann, Griffin McElroy and Justin McElro1:01:43podcasts<![CDATA[Team PlayStation wins the Street Fighter challenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/team-playstation-wins-the-street-fighter-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/team-playstation-wins-the-street-fighter-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/team-playstation-wins-the-street-fighter-challenge/#commentsFiled under:


Who's better at Street Fighter? Well, from a very limited sample of people that could make it to Capcom's brawl at CES in Las Vegas this year, we can conclude that PlayStation fans are the Street Fighting champs. Team PlayStation was represented by Joe C., who uppercutted Major Nelson's representative, Josh, to victory. Professor PlayStation (Jeff Rubenstein) awarded him a Star Wars Battlefront PSP and a chance to get obliterated by Street Fighter legend Justin Wong.

Kudos to all that participated. As PS3 fans, we have to thank Joe for representing PlayStation and showing Xbox gamers all over the world that we're a force to be reckoned with. At least in Street Fighter.

JoystiqTeam PlayStation wins the Street Fighter challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomces-2009street-fighterstreet-fighter-4street-fighter-ivMon, 12 Jan 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Resistance Retribution in your hands March 17th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/resistance-retribution-in-your-hands-march-17th/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/resistance-retribution-in-your-hands-march-17th/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/resistance-retribution-in-your-hands-march-17th/#commentsFiled under:

It feels like it's been a long time coming. Resistance Retribution has a release date at last: March 17th. Other PSP releases in March include Hammerin' Hero, MLB 09 The Show, Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce and Phantasy Star Portable. Resistance may be the best of an already-amazing lineup for March.

See this PlayStation.blog video to find out more about the game. It details things we already revealed at TGS: connectivity with Resistance 2 and the ability to play with DualShock 3. A direct-feed version of the story trailer is also included in this video.

[Thanks, Hashbrown_Hunter!]

JoystiqResistance Retribution in your hands March 17th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2009resistanceresistance-retributionMon, 12 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Dawn of War 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/joystiq-hands-on-dawn-of-war-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/joystiq-hands-on-dawn-of-war-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/joystiq-hands-on-dawn-of-war-2/#commentsFiled under: ,


We learned a valuable lesson at CES last week: Don't demo an RTS game on a trade show floor. Why? Because it's nigh-impossible to hear a developer's instructions over the deafening noise of geek-outs. It turns into something like this dialogue snippet from our hands-on experience with Warhammer 40000: Dawn of War 2:

Relic: "So, you'll quickly want to set a rally point here." *taps screen*
Joystiq: *clicks on random units* [units march off-screen]
Relic: "Okay, so if you look at this icon, you'll see that your character is earning zeal. You might want to build some heavy firepower units for support."
Joystiq: *attacks enemy power generator* [cue: bad move!]

It was just too darn loud at CES to get good instructions, and Relic only had one demo station on hand, which obviously did not feature any PVP gameplay. Naturally, we had StarCraft 2 in mind as we fooled around with Dawn of War 2, measuring Relic's RTS against what we've played of Blizzard's next blockbuster. We can say that Dawn of War 2 is currently winning in the looks department. As we watched an Imperial Tank literally roll through walls and crush them into powder while Space Marines jumped over the action with jetpacks, we were remiss to have left our drool bib back home in the hamper.

We've embedded a pair of videos from our session after the break, including producer Mark Noseworthy blowing stuff up!

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Dawn of War 2

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Dawn of War 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESces-2009dawn-of-wardawn-of-war-2hands-onjoystiqfeaturesPCrelicrtswarhammerwarhammer-40000-dawn-of-war-iiMon, 12 Jan 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Mgestyk hoping you'll chuck your controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/ces-2009-mgestyk-hoping-youll-chuck-your-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/ces-2009-mgestyk-hoping-youll-chuck-your-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/ces-2009-mgestyk-hoping-youll-chuck-your-controller/#commentsFiled under:

We'd like to fault Mgestyk for their painfully edgy misspelling of a well-known actual word, but as a bunch of guys who spell Joystick with a "q", we're cautious about getting into a pot-kettle situation. Instead we'll talk about Mgestyk, a hands-free controller (or, more accurately, a controller-free controller) that we spotted on the CES show floor.

With Mgestyk, a specially-designed camera tracks the player's movements with surprising accuracy, and without the perfect lighting required by an EyeToy or Xbox Vision camera (in fact, we're told the camera can work in complete darkness). Also, unlike the other cam controllers, Mgestyk has the ability to detect depth.

The possibilities are intriguing, but, as you can see in the video above, the technology isn't perfect yet (lag, it would seem, continues to be an issue). We're rooting for our Brothers in Misspelling, but we're not sure we're looking at a Wii-killer just yet.

JoystiqCES 2009: Mgestyk hoping you'll chuck your controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2009mgestykMon, 12 Jan 2009 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[inFamous update: three screenshots, dev walkthrough]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/infamous-update-three-screenshots-dev-walkthrough/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/infamous-update-three-screenshots-dev-walkthrough/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/infamous-update-three-screenshots-dev-walkthrough/#commentsFiled under:


Click for high-resolution image.
SCEA just released three more screenshots of their PS3 exclusive, inFamous. Sony is starting to reveal more about the game, showcasing the various electric powers and moral choices that are present in the game. Sucker Punch did a presentation at CES this year, and GameTrailers has captured it on video for you to watch. Find out what the main character was before the events of inFamous and what he must fight in the upcoming game. Check it out, after the break.

Continue reading inFamous update: three screenshots, dev walkthrough

JoystiqinFamous update: three screenshots, dev walkthrough originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2009infamousSanboxSCESony-Computer-Entertainmentsucker-punchSucker-Punch-ProductionsMon, 12 Jan 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Hands-on with the dreamGEAR WarBeast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/ces-2009-hands-on-with-the-dreamgear-warbeast/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/ces-2009-hands-on-with-the-dreamgear-warbeast/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/ces-2009-hands-on-with-the-dreamgear-warbeast/#commentsFiled under: ,

There were plenty of fake instruments on display at CES, but none that pulsated with the pure, rock and roll energy of dreamGEAR's WarBeast, modeled after the B.C. Rich axe of the same name. We've never been quite sure what shredding is, but this monster of a PS3 controller makes us want to do just that.

As much as we like the form factor, we're not in love with the $130 asking price. But considering how many musicians make unwise decisions with their money, the cost might make the WarBeast even more rock 'n' roll, against all odds. See our impressions of it in the video above.

JoystiqCES 2009: Hands-on with the dreamGEAR WarBeast originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2009PS3warbeastMon, 12 Jan 2009 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Hands (and butt)-on with the SimCraft APEX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/ces-2009-hands-and-butt-on-with-the-simcraft-apex/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/ces-2009-hands-and-butt-on-with-the-simcraft-apex/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/ces-2009-hands-and-butt-on-with-the-simcraft-apex/#commentsFiled under: ,

We love showing you the pieces of technology that will forever change the way you game. Sadly, they don't show those things at CES, so we're relegated to showing you really cool crap that you'll never own. The SimCraft APEX is just such a device, a simulator designed to give you the sensation of hurtling around a track in a race car or (with some slight modifications) flying a plane.

We put the APEX SC830 through its paces at CES and have to admit the effect is pretty impressive, or at least it is on the racing side, the only one available to try at the show. Utilizing roll, pitch and yaw and three wrap-around monitors, it was probably the most fun one could have playing a racing game.

But fun's not necessarily the primarily goal here. SimCraft boss T. Christopher Ciesielka told us that they're promoting it as a training tool for law enforcement, military and race car drivers, though they had discovered at the show that there was a high-end audience that wouldn't mind having it as part of their home entertainment setup.

What's that? You want one? Oh, well just pony up $45,000 and you'll be off to the races. It may seem a little high, but you should know: That also includes the computer. Tempting, no?

JoystiqCES 2009: Hands (and butt)-on with the SimCraft APEX originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apexCESces-2009simcraftMon, 12 Jan 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero III first game to make $1 billion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/guitar-hero-iii-first-game-to-make-1-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/guitar-hero-iii-first-game-to-make-1-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/guitar-hero-iii-first-game-to-make-1-billion/#commentsFiled under:


You may recall a similar headline from the past, where the Guitar Hero franchise earned over $1 billion. Well, another milestone for Activision comes thanks to the previous title to release in the franchise, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. That game alone has generated over $1 billion in sales, making it the first game in history to do so. The news was presented by Activision Publishing CEO Mike Griffith during a keynote speech at CES.

We're not sure how much an impact the Wii version itself has had, but consider it to be significant. The Wii version of the game has been very popular for quite some time now. Well, up until World Tour released, anyway.

JoystiqGuitar Hero III first game to make $1 billion originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbusinesscesces-2009consumer-electronics-showguitar-heroguitar-hero-3guitar-hero-iiiguitarhero3musicrhythmsalessalesfiguresMon, 12 Jan 2009 11:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony products invading new Yankee Stadium]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/sony-products-invading-new-yankee-stadium/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/sony-products-invading-new-yankee-stadium/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/sony-products-invading-new-yankee-stadium/#commentsFiled under:

Whilst on stage at CES, Sony CEO Howard Stringer announced a partnership with the new Yankee Stadium that will see Sony product placement appear all over the place. 550 HDTVs will be scattered liberally about the stadium, in "luxury suites, lounges, concourses, restaurants and administrative offices." PS3 games will be available to play, such as MLB: The Show and its ilk, along with more surprising titles such as SingStar.

Games will be rotated periodically and it's possible that PSP and PS2 games could make an appearance, too. Sony Vaio laptops will also be dotted around for people to try out while theyre visiting. Stringer states that the "new home of the world's most renowned sports franchise -- with its storied history of leadership and excellence -- is the perfect place to showcase all that is Sony. It is thrilling for Sony to be playing a part in this new chapter in Yankee history."

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqSony products invading new Yankee Stadium originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2009Howard-StringerSonyyankee-stadiumMon, 12 Jan 2009 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen @ CES 2009: A man too tough for gadgets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/seen-ces-2009-a-man-too-tough-for-gadgets/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/seen-ces-2009-a-man-too-tough-for-gadgets/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/seen-ces-2009-a-man-too-tough-for-gadgets/#commentsFiled under: , ,


On the way to Microsoft's booth, we encountered a man clearly so tough that he doesn't even need to class up one of the world's largest electronics shows by including shirt sleeves. Just in case that didn't get the point across, the writing on the back of the shirt says it all. This is clearly a man who ain't takin' any lip from some puny HDTV pitchman. Even Scrat in the back can't believe his attire.

JoystiqSeen @ CES 2009: A man too tough for gadgets originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2009clothingjoystiqfeaturesredneckshirtsSun, 11 Jan 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen @ CES 2009: The Lady Fitness Workout Kit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/seen-ces-2009-the-lady-fitness-workout-kit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/seen-ces-2009-the-lady-fitness-workout-kit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/seen-ces-2009-the-lady-fitness-workout-kit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Ladies, how often have you taken a look at your poor little Wii Fit, and thought "If only there were some sort of peripheral to let the world know that I'm both concerned about my fitness aesthetics, and was emblazoned with pink"? Probably so often that you've lost count. As you know, pink is completely 100% the only color women are allowed to love and/or get accessories in. So the Lady Fitness Workout Kit has your name on it. Sorry, boys.

JoystiqSeen @ CES 2009: The Lady Fitness Workout Kit originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2009joystiqfeaturesLady-FitnessperipheralWiiWii-FitSun, 11 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Feet-on with the X-Rocker Vibe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-feet-on-with-the-x-rocker-vibe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-feet-on-with-the-x-rocker-vibe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-feet-on-with-the-x-rocker-vibe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


There's a magical subset of products one finds at CES, if one looks close enough. We call it the "We probably won't buy these, and we're not sure who will, but we're really glad they're in the universe" class of products. Yeah, we know, not the punchiest name. We're workshopping it.

A great example is the X-Rocker Vibe, an odd speaker stage that the company (which also makes a line of gaming-centric chairs) plans to launch sometime this year. X-Rocker said the Vibe was supposed to replicate the sensation of taking the stage at a rock show, but all we got was "playing Guitar Hero during an exceedingly mild earthquake." That said, the loud showfloor of CES isn't a great place for testing audio products, so we're going to give it the benefit of the doubt. Honestly, we're just happy it exists.

JoystiqCES 2009: Feet-on with the X-Rocker Vibe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2009guitar-heroPS2PS3rock-bandrock-band-2WiiXbox-360Sun, 11 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: The Microsoft outer hub of booth games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-the-microsoft-outer-hub-of-booth-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-the-microsoft-outer-hub-of-booth-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-the-microsoft-outer-hub-of-booth-games/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Situated in the exact opposite corner of the CES Central Hall, Microsoft must have been strategically placed so that no wars would break out between the two juggernauts. Although Justin McElroy thinks it's so that an employee from Microsoft won't fall in love with an employee from Sony and cause complete chaos. That's definitely more plausible.

However, just like Sony, Microsoft only had a tiny section devoted to gaming. You could get some hands-on time with Fallout 3, Lips, the new Scene It, Gears of War 2, Dawn of War II and Halo Wars. The rumor we'd heard that Fallout's upcoming Operation: Anchorage DLC would be there turned out to be untrue, so we spent most of our time beating young girls at karaoke with Lips. Okay, we kid. We geeked out on Dawn of War II. More on that soon. Meanwhile, enjoy the gallery below for you booth addicts.

Gallery: CES 2009: Microsoft Booth

JoystiqCES 2009: The Microsoft outer hub of booth games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-SoftworksboothCESCES-2009dawn-of-war-2Fallout-3joystiqfeaturesMicrosoftOperation-AnchoragePCRPGXbox-360Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: The gaming sliver of Sony's ginormous booth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-the-gaming-sliver-of-sonys-ginormous-booth/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-the-gaming-sliver-of-sonys-ginormous-booth/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-the-gaming-sliver-of-sonys-ginormous-booth/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Sony's a pretty big company. Shocker, right? They're busy putting out things like new digital cameras, wafer-thin displays, televisions that show realistic 3D images, and some new piece of tech that replaces your brain with a network of recycled Memory Sticks. Amazing.

Still, with all that going on they do still manage to churn out games. Only a tiny part of their booth at CES was dedicated to gaming, but they managed to fit in Patapon 2, Killzone 2, Resistance: Retribution, Flower and an in-progress EyeToy game. Check them all out in the gallery below.

Gallery: CES 2009: Sony

JoystiqCES 2009: The gaming sliver of Sony's ginormous booth originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BoothCESCES-2009joystiqfeaturesKillzone-2Patapon-2PS3PSPResistanceRetributionSonySun, 11 Jan 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Eyes-on with Sony's Real 3D games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-eyes-on-with-sonys-real-3d-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-eyes-on-with-sonys-real-3d-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-eyes-on-with-sonys-real-3d-games/#commentsFiled under: ,


Have you ever had one of those moments when you looked at the graphics being generated by a brand new console and suddenly knew without doubt that you wouldn't be able to go back to your old games without feeling like you were missing something? As we've gotten older and seen more consoles come and go, the intensity of that feeling has continued to wane. But as we checked out the PlayStation 3 games Sony was presenting in Real3D at CES we were struck by the surprisingly potent sensation that we were staring at the future through geeky tinted glasses.

The effect was shockingly good in the demo loop of MotorStorm: Pacific Rift, WipEout HD and Gran Turismo 5: Prologue. Seeing debris and opposing vehicles actually fly towards us instead of appearing to fly towards us is as much of a graphical leap forward as any console iteration of the past decade.

When we handed back our borrowed glasses (like good citizens) we have to admit it was with a little sadness. To see the future that closely and to know it's still a long ways out makes the waiting that much worse. Tomorrow can't get here soon enough.

JoystiqCES 2009: Eyes-on with Sony's Real 3D games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dCESces-2009PS3real-3dsonySun, 11 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 09: It's Resident Evil 5 on a seven story screen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-09-its-resident-evil-5-on-a-seven-story-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-09-its-resident-evil-5-on-a-seven-story-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-09-its-resident-evil-5-on-a-seven-story-screen/#commentsFiled under: ,


Schmoozing it up at the Capcom hosted Resident Evil 5 partay at Vegas' Planet Hollywood, team Joystiq was kind enough to share with us how insanely amazing the setup was for the RE5 demo. Picture a seven story tall screen, RE5 goodness on the building's exterior and humungo Kijuju text everywhere. It's a seriously chilly-amazing RE5 experience. Video after the break.

Continue reading CES 09: It's Resident Evil 5 on a seven story screen

JoystiqCES 09: It's Resident Evil 5 on a seven story screen originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomces-2009re5resident-evil-5Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Hands on Paleo Entertainment's Merchants of Brooklyn]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-hands-on-paleo-entertainments-merchants-of-brooklyn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-hands-on-paleo-entertainments-merchants-of-brooklyn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-hands-on-paleo-entertainments-merchants-of-brooklyn/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


There was one gaming title at CES that wasn't produced by Sony, Capcom, Microsoft or Activision, that was Paleo Entertainment's Merchants of Brooklyn. Here's an excerpt from their presser: "You take the role of an elite neanderthal fighter with a taste for blood. Having had your arm unwillingly detached from your body courtesy of a chainsaw, your new prototype biomechanical arm transforms into different twisted and brutal weaponry to aid you in the slaughter." So, does this sound like Bionic Commando meets The Flintstones?

There's not much to see right now, but the level we played was pretty fragtastic and it's rendered in a cell-shaded art style that we don't see enough of. It's running on Crytek's CryEngine 2, and should be out for the PC/Xbox 360/PS3 set later this year. There wasn't enough of the game in the demo to get a feeling for what it'll become, but being able to pick up your enemies body parts and charge them up to toss grenade-style was fun. If a caveman merged with tech is your dream come true, you won't have to wait much longer. In fact, you can check out the trailer after the break!

Gallery: Merchants of Brooklyn

Continue reading CES 2009: Hands on Paleo Entertainment's Merchants of Brooklyn

JoystiqCES 2009: Hands on Paleo Entertainment's Merchants of Brooklyn originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2009joystiqfeaturesMerchants-Of-BrooklynPaleoPaleo-EntertainmentPCPS3Xbox-360Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Capcom offers Resident Evil 5 on seven-story-high screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-capcom-offers-resident-evil-5-on-seven-story-high-scre/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-capcom-offers-resident-evil-5-on-seven-story-high-scre/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-capcom-offers-resident-evil-5-on-seven-story-high-scre/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We always prefer you to check out what we put after the break (no sense in all our blog, sweat and tears going to waste) but this time, we're going to have to insist, as you'll be able to witness something you've never seen before and likely never will again: Capcom's Resident Evil 5 being played at the company's CES party on screens seven-stories tall.

OK, so it's not exactly going to change the face of human history. But, dude! It's seven-stories tall!

Continue reading CES 2009: Capcom offers Resident Evil 5 on seven-story-high screens

JoystiqCES 2009: Capcom offers Resident Evil 5 on seven-story-high screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomCESces-2009PS3resident-evil-5Xbox-360Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Joystiq's interview with Xbox's Aaron Greenberg]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-joystiqs-interview-with-xboxs-aaron-greenberg/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-joystiqs-interview-with-xboxs-aaron-greenberg/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-joystiqs-interview-with-xboxs-aaron-greenberg/#commentsFiled under:


Xbox director Aaron Greenberg was nice enough to sit down with us at CES this week, where we talked about everything from NXE to to You Don't Know Jack and Xbox Live clubs. Here are the highlights:

Were you surprised how successful the NXE has been, especially in regards to the 33 percent increase in the average size of friends' lists?

I think the increased friends was a surprise, I think the increase in downloads was a big surprise. A lot of people said "Wow, you guys added all this new content to the service," and we're like "Actually, it's been there the whole time," with the exception of maybe Netflix. We just made what was there easier to find.

Has the success of Avatars prompted you to think about other applications for them more?

So games is absolutely the right place to start. But people have been asking us for more accessories, unlockable content from games, there's lots of stuff that has to be done. But right now it's primarily focused on game integration.

Continue reading CES 2009: Joystiq's interview with Xbox's Aaron Greenberg

JoystiqCES 2009: Joystiq's interview with Xbox's Aaron Greenberg originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-greenbergces-2009Xbox-360Sun, 11 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Gears of War writer and Dom's voice creating new project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-gears-of-war-writer-and-doms-voice-creating-new-proje/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-gears-of-war-writer-and-doms-voice-creating-new-proje/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-gears-of-war-writer-and-doms-voice-creating-new-proje/#commentsFiled under:

We heard an interesting tidbit at Capcom's CES party from out new close personal friend Carlos Ferro, the voice actor behind Gears of War's Dom. He told us that he and Gears of War 2 writer Joshua Ortega were working together on a new, non-Gears project of their own invention.

Though Ferro wouldn't give us many details, he would admit that it revolved around a Latino superhero, the type of idol Ferro said he wishes he had as a kid. The plan now is centered on comics, but Ferro wouldn't rule out a leap to games. We'll let you know if we hear anything else.

JoystiqCES 2009: Gears of War writer and Dom's voice creating new project originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlos-ferroces-2009Sun, 11 Jan 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Novint CEO wants Falcon on consoles by year's end]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-novint-ceo-wants-falcon-on-console-by-years-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-novint-ceo-wants-falcon-on-console-by-years-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/11/ces-2009-novint-ceo-wants-falcon-on-console-by-years-end/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're big fans of Novint's Falcon controller, which replicates the sense of touch in PC games pretty convincingly. We were even more excited after we wrapped our mitts around the new pistol grip and played a little Left 4 Dead. But we couldn't help ourselves from thinking: "Wouldn't it be great if players on PC and 360 could experience the thrill of having their gun hand pinned by a pouncing Hunter?"

Apparently a dabbler in the telepathic arts, Novint CEO Tom Anderson psychically absorbed our pleas and told us he wants the device to be on consoles by the end of 2009. Apparently, console manufacturers were holding out until they could see some support from game publishers, and now that companies are piling on to the Falcon, a console version of the device is more likely. We'd be crossing our fingers, if we could get this Hunter off of us.

JoystiqCES 2009: Novint CEO wants Falcon on consoles by year's end originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESces-2009novintnovint-falconSun, 11 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 09: Is Kodu really that simple? Answer: Yes!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/ces-09-is-kodu-really-that-simple-answer-yes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/ces-09-is-kodu-really-that-simple-answer-yes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/ces-09-is-kodu-really-that-simple-answer-yes/#commentsFiled under: ,


Our homies over at Joystiq got a chance to sit in on a demo of Microsoft's recently announced and supposedly user friendly Community Game Kodu and were able to answer the still lingering question that's on everyone's mind: Is Kodu really that easy to use? Quick answer, yes ... yes it is.

According to Microsoft's Matthew MacLaurin, Kodu was created with kids in mind and describes the game as "programming as a fourth-grade art class." And Joystiq's Justin McElroy agrees that it really is basic and well, simple. Check out the informative (and totally factual) Kodu bullet points listed below:
  • Will ship with 20 different objects/characters.
  • 20 pre-built (and editable) levels will be included.
  • Commands given to objects are called "Pages".
  • Kodu has been tested with kids for over a year.
  • Releasing this Spring for a yet to be disclosed price.

JoystiqCES 09: Is Kodu really that simple? Answer: Yes! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2009community-gameskoduxnaSat, 10 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Joystiq rocks and loses Rock Band 2 tourney]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/ces-2009-joystiq-rocks-and-loses-rock-band-2-tourney/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/ces-2009-joystiq-rocks-and-loses-rock-band-2-tourney/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/ces-2009-joystiq-rocks-and-loses-rock-band-2-tourney/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We don't want to ruin the surprise, but we didn't end up winning SanDisk's Rock Band 2 Battle of the Bloggers. But Team Joystiq, comprised of Joystiqers Kevin Kelly and Justin McElroy, former Joystiqer Kyle Orland and GameDaily's Robin Yang. Our band was named, of course, AOL/Time Warner Inc. Presents Robin and the Stiqers.

Yes, we came in second, but it's actually good news for you, as we'll be giving away our consolation prize full of SanDisk goodies. We're not saying that the applause meter used to hand our victory to PC Magazine was rigged, but at least half of our band have opened for The Who. Make of that what you will as you watch the video right after the break.

Continue reading CES 2009: Joystiq rocks and loses Rock Band 2 tourney

JoystiqCES 2009: Joystiq rocks and loses Rock Band 2 tourney originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2009PS3rock-band-2SanDiskWiiXbox-360Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 09: MS wants to raise Live's 100 friend limit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/ces-09-ms-wants-to-raise-lives-100-friend-limit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/ces-09-ms-wants-to-raise-lives-100-friend-limit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/ces-09-ms-wants-to-raise-lives-100-friend-limit/#commentsFiled under:

While not quite an official confirmation that we'll see an increase to Xbox Live's current 100 friend limit, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg did come close to admitting that a friend limit increase is in the works.

Talking at CES, Greenberg told Joystiq that "I can't commit to when that will happen, but that is something we want to do. It's definitely something we're looking at expanding and, as this social network grows, we've absolutely heard the pleas for that. It's on the list."

We can haz friends list increase soon? Maybe. Until then, we'll have to continue to reject friends requests with a frowny face :(

JoystiqCES 09: MS wants to raise Live's 100 friend limit originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2009friendfriends-listx3f-twitterxbox-liveSat, 10 Jan 2009 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: The Gaming Showcase of Mystery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/ces-2009-the-gaming-showcase-of-mystery/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/ces-2009-the-gaming-showcase-of-mystery/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/ces-2009-the-gaming-showcase-of-mystery/#commentsFiled under: ,


Imagine, if you will, that all of CES (which includes over 130,000 attendees) has been shrunk down to a scale model roughly the size of a football field. Or better yet, the map room in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Off in the far corner, there's an extremely small, tiny, miniscule hut. Way back behind the big temples and buildings and such. See it? Probably not. Well, there's no headpiece to the Staff of Ra to illuminate it, but that's representative of the "Gaming Showcase" at CES.

The real thing is off the beaten path, and none of the people staffing the information booths had heard of it. They kept sending us in endless loops back to the Hilton, where it most definitely is not located. In fact, we saw so much of the Hilton (which is now sadly missing the defunct Star Trek: The Experience) that we memorized the entire layout of the place. Finally, after throwing away all of our maps and tosing caution to the winds, we accidentally stumbled across it in the South Hall.

It was full of wholesalers, the ever present Entropia Universe, Boomchairs, third-party peripheral accesory makers, headphone manufacturers, and a very sad dearth of games. In fact, we only saw one game being shown off. It's called Merchants of Brooklyn from Paleo Entertainment, so check back for a writeup on it shortly. Until then, enjoy the Gaming Showcase gallery below, and pray for us to unearth another secret room contaning the Ark of the Covenant of gaming. Or some energy drinks and granola bars.

Gallery: CES Gaming Showcase 2009

JoystiqCES 2009: The Gaming Showcase of Mystery originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESces-2009gamingjoystiqfeaturesMerchants-Of-BrooklynPaleo-EntertainmentSat, 10 Jan 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Dark Void bolts guns to your jetpack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-dark-void-bolts-guns-to-your-jetpack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-dark-void-bolts-guns-to-your-jetpack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-dark-void-bolts-guns-to-your-jetpack/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We recently played Dark Void again at CES in Capcom's suite at Planet Hollywood. We're not going to bore you with the details, as they'd probably be the same glowing ones we dropped on you during last year's E3. Graphics look even better, jetpacking around is still ridiculously enjoyable, etc.

But we simply had to pass on one of the new bits that Capcom told us as we attempted to wipe the stupidly giddy smile off our faces post-demo: They've added guns to the jetpack. Do you get what we're saying here? They took the most awesome invention since the light bulb, the jetpack, and bolted weapons to it. Besides tearing the space-awesome continuum to shreds, it also means man-on-alien-saucer dogfights are a possibility.

Man. On. Alien. Saucer. Dogfights. Let it sink in.

JoystiqCES 2009: Dark Void bolts guns to your jetpack originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomces-2009dark-voidPS3Xbox-360Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: A closer look at Kodu]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-a-closer-look-at-kodu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-a-closer-look-at-kodu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-a-closer-look-at-kodu/#commentsFiled under:


We don't know about you, but we weren't quite sure what to make of junior game creation platform Kodu when Microsoft showed it off at its CES keynote. Sure, it looked interesting, but scary smart 12-year-old demonstrator Sparrow was so adept at building levels with the software, we couldn't tell if it was as easy as Microsoft was making it out to be.

The answer, judging from the brief demonstration we saw today, is a tentative "Yes."

Gallery: Kodu Game Creator

Continue reading CES 2009: A closer look at Kodu

JoystiqCES 2009: A closer look at Kodu originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2009koduXbox-360xnaFri, 09 Jan 2009 18:56:00 EST<![CDATA[The EA Sports Home space is actually pretty awesome]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/the-ea-sports-home-space-is-actually-pretty-awesome/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/the-ea-sports-home-space-is-actually-pretty-awesome/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/the-ea-sports-home-space-is-actually-pretty-awesome/#commentsFiled under:

We're fairly certain that there's a good number of you who responded to the news of an EA Sports Home space with nothing more than a "meh." Some of us did too, to be honest. Some of us are not particularly big fans of sports games, so we assumed this Home space is for other people. Until, that is, we saw the new walkthrough video that has appeared on the PlayStation Blog, which shows off the entire space, including the three mini-games.

Home users will be able to race go-karts against each other, with four people racing at once. There's also a golfing minigame and poker tables. While these are nothing too exciting on their own, EA are introducing a "light progression system" with their area. That means that you'll be able to spend your winnings on upgrading your go-karts, and progressing to higher level poker tables. There will also be wearable prizes and stuff for your Home apartment, as usual.

So even if you're not a sports fan, you should find something to do within the EA Sports Home space when it launches around March.

JoystiqThe EA Sports Home space is actually pretty awesome originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CES-2009EAEA-SportsHomeplaystation-blogFri, 09 Jan 2009 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: There's yet more from Nyko]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-theres-yet-more-from-nyko/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-theres-yet-more-from-nyko/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-theres-yet-more-from-nyko/#commentsFiled under:


We showed off Nyko's big gun at CES, the Wand, already, but we thought you might like to take a look at their other CES offerings. Above, you can see the first of two new charging peripherals, the Charge Station EX. We know some of you aren't exactly burning through Wii batteries at the moment, but to those proud few, you'll want to consider the EX over the original Charge Station. Besides the same price point ($34.99) and a sleeker design, the EX also includes a progressive indicator to le you keep track of how the charge is going.

In addition to the EX, the company's also showing off the Kama Charger, which, true to its name, charges the company's recently-out-of-legal-limbo wireless nunchuk and one Wiimote. If the concept still manages to elude you, you can check out a picture after the jump. There's still no price, but you'll learn it when both of these devices drop in April of this year.

Continue reading CES 2009: There's yet more from Nyko

JoystiqCES 2009: There's yet more from Nyko originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2009chargeexnykoWiiFri, 09 Jan 2009 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Activision's Keyno-thing of interest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-activisions-keyno-thing-of-interest/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-activisions-keyno-thing-of-interest/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-activisions-keyno-thing-of-interest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Activision's CES keynote should have been titled "Remedial Gaming 101: A History of Gaming." Activision Publishing CEO Mike Griffith took us through a not-so-brief history of gaming, from Pong to Pac-Man to "even games that used to feature trackballs, and yes, even joysticks." Although, that's not the point when the chap in the photo above fell asleep -- that happened much earlier.

Oddly, Activision didn't manage to fit in a single plug for its upcoming game Prototype, which was apparently left out on the show floor for this one. No banners, no teaser, not even a still. Instead the stage was littered with games from 2008: Call of Duty: World at War, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows, Madagascar 2, Quantum of Solace, Guitar Hero: World Tour, and so on. It was deja vu, and we found ourselves literally checking our badges to make sure we weren't at E3 2008. Note to Activision: You've got a captive audience sitting in seats and (mostly) paying attention -- take advantage of 'em!

Continue reading CES 2009: Activision's Keyno-thing of interest

JoystiqCES 2009: Activision's Keyno-thing of interest originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionCESces-2009DSguitar-heroguitar-hero-metallicajoystiqfeaturesmike-griffithPS3PSPWiiXbox-360Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 09: Killzone 2 vids from the show floor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/killzone-2-videos-are-in-your-eyes-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/killzone-2-videos-are-in-your-eyes-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/killzone-2-videos-are-in-your-eyes-now/#commentsFiled under:


Spoiler alert. These videos contain many things from Killzone 2, including story points and gameplay from the later parts of the game. Of course, these are totally awesome story points and gameplay, so if you don't mind the game losing a little mystery, you're in for a treat. Having said that, the first video is both spoiler-free and the best of the bunch. Entitled "Ballet of Death," it shows off the game's detailed and bloody death animations, put to a classical music soundtrack. Nice. Check out all the videos after the break.

Continue reading CES 09: Killzone 2 vids from the show floor

JoystiqCES 09: Killzone 2 vids from the show floor originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CES-2009guerilla-gameskillzone-2Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New off-screen Halo Wars footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/new-off-screen-halo-wars-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/new-off-screen-halo-wars-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/new-off-screen-halo-wars-footage/#commentsFiled under: ,

GameTrailers has posted some new footage of Halo Wars from CES. Unfortunately, it's off-screen footage, and portions of the screen are cut off. Still, There's plenty of interesting things to see if you know where to look. For one, you can see the system that lets you cycle through each individual unit type when you've selected a large group of different units -- the player uses it at around 0:35 to select the Warthog and ram the enemy. Another prominent feature is the circle menu, which is used to queue up new units and research upgrades. And, of course, you get to see delicious carnage. Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading New off-screen Halo Wars footage

JoystiqNew off-screen Halo Wars footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriesces-2009ensembleensemble-studioshalohalo-warsmgsmicrosoft-game-studiosReal-Time-StrategyRTSx3f-twitterFri, 09 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST