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[Battle vs. Chess sets up September 28 release gambit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/battle-vs-chess-sets-up-september-28-release-gambit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/battle-vs-chess-sets-up-september-28-release-gambit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/battle-vs-chess-sets-up-september-28-release-gambit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Southpeak has announced that its chess title, Battle vs Chess (which is totally not Battle Chess) is headed to PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on September 28. Much like Interplay's classic game of nearly the same name, Battle vs Chess lets players compete in the ancient strategy game using animated pieces. Battle vs Chess also includes several different gameplay modes, including a campaign mode and puzzle mode which house "over 50 puzzles and scenarios." Another mode allows players to manually place pieces, which can only be seen by the opponent after the game begins.

The PC version will retail for $20, while the Xbox and PlayStation 3 versions will be available for $40. Meanwhile, the Wii, DS and PSP versions are slated to be released in the first quarter of 2011 with prices still under wraps for now.

Continue reading Battle vs. Chess sets up September 28 release gambit

JoystiqBattle vs. Chess sets up September 28 release gambit originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-vs-chesschessmicrosoftpcplaystationps3q3-2010release-dateTopWare-InteractivexboxThu, 02 Sep 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battle vs. Chess coming this Fall to just about every platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/battle-vs-chess-coming-this-fall-to-just-about-every-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/battle-vs-chess-coming-this-fall-to-just-about-every-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/battle-vs-chess-coming-this-fall-to-just-about-every-platform/#comments SouthPeak's infringement-skirting Battle vs. Chess has apparently been pushed back from its initial May launch window, according to a press release. And the fact that May's almost over and the game's not out yet. However, the game is now set to launch this Fall, and will be released for 360, PS3, Wii, DS, PSP and PC. So, like, everything except the iPhone and the Lynx.

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-chessbattle-vs-chessboard-gamechessDSMicrosoftNintendosouthpeakWiiXbox-360Thu, 27 May 2010 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Photo Dojo, Earthworm Jim, Phoenix Wright]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/nintendoware-weekly-photo-dojo-earthworm-jim-phoenix-wright/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/nintendoware-weekly-photo-dojo-earthworm-jim-phoenix-wright/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/nintendoware-weekly-photo-dojo-earthworm-jim-phoenix-wright/#commentsIf you've had the slightest interest in Photo Dojo, Nintendo's weird DSiWare fighting game that uses the camera to make its fighters, you should download it today. If you don't have any interest in that, you should download it today. If you've never heard of Photo Dojo, go ahead and load up the DSi Shop anyway. If you have a DSi, there's basically no reason you shouldn't download Photo Dojo today.

It's free for the next month, is what we're saying.

Gallery: Photo Dojo (DSiWare)

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Photo Dojo, Earthworm Jim, Phoenix Wright

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Photo Dojo, Earthworm Jim, Phoenix Wright originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ace-AttorneyAdventureCapcomchesschess-challengeDSdsiwareearthworm-jimflipsNintendonintendoware-weeklyPhoenix-WrightPhoenix-Wright-Ace-Attorney-Wiiphoto-dojoWiiwiiwareMon, 10 May 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Game Table' turns your iPad into exactly that]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/game-table-turns-your-ipad-into-exactly-that/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/game-table-turns-your-ipad-into-exactly-that/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/game-table-turns-your-ipad-into-exactly-that/#commentsWhen you saw the iPad, did you imagine it as a virtual board game repository, able to summon checkers and such at a moment's notice? Well, if you didn't, you might now because that sounds really neat. And you can buy just such a thing! Game Table is a collection of board and card games including checkers, chess, poker, solitaire, and even a virtual deck of cards for other games. Developer Label Interactive plans to add more games to the app, like backgammon and go, through updates.

We don't mind saying that this game is noteworthy almost entirely because of the iPad interface -- but we imagine that's exactly the kind of thing people with iPads are looking for right now. And no, we're not going to write a post every time someone makes a board game app -- but it's novel right now.

Game Table ($.99): Game Table


Gallery: Game Table (iPad)

Joystiq'Game Table' turns your iPad into exactly that originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleboard-gamescheckerschessgame-tableipadiPodlabel-interactivepokerThu, 08 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Microsoft's Live support coming to free Windows games; Minesweeper, Solitaire and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/rumor-microsoft-live-support-coming-to-free-windows-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/rumor-microsoft-live-support-coming-to-free-windows-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/rumor-microsoft-live-support-coming-to-free-windows-games/#comments Microsoft is allegedly preparing to implement Live functionality into the free suite of games that comes with all Windows-enabled PCs: Solitaire, Chess, Checkers, Spades, Hearts, Backgammon, Minesweeper, Purple Place, Spider Solitaire and Freecell. This tip comes courtesy of our trusted source (who accurately predicted Lucidity, NBA 2K10 Draft Combine and Tecmo Bowl: Throwback). Reportedly, each Windows game will not only get Achievements, but also chat and leaderboard support. While unconfirmed by our source, we'd anticipate this to be a free update.

If true -- and hey, our tipster's batting a thousand (that's sports talk for reliable) -- adding Live functionality to these games would be an ideal gateway for Microsoft to usher new users into Live and the Achievements system. After registering a free Games For Windows Live account, a new user would be able to instantly start building Gamerscore cred with the free games included on Windows PCs. It's Drug Dealing 101 -- give 'em the first fix for free, and they'll be hooked!

JoystiqRumor: Microsoft's Live support coming to free Windows games; Minesweeper, Solitaire and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsbackgammonchatcheckerschessfreecellgames-for-windows-liveheartsleaderboardslivemicrosoftminesweeperpurple-placerumorsolitairespadesspider-solitairewindowsXbox-360xbox-liveTue, 06 Apr 2010 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fools: Bungie introduces Halo: Reach's 'Battle Chess']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/april-fools-bungie-introduces-halo-reachs-battle-chess/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/april-fools-bungie-introduces-halo-reachs-battle-chess/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/april-fools-bungie-introduces-halo-reachs-battle-chess/#comments Bungie set the bar pretty high last year on April 1 and, today, we feel like it has at least met or exceeded it -- we'll leave the final determination up to you. As Bungie would describe Halo: Reach's included minigame, Battle Chess, it's a variation on the "longest-running competitive multiplayer game in the world" and just felt like a natural fit for the franchise. Frankly, even though it's April 1st, we wholeheartedly support this new game mode and if we don't at least get a special playlist, we're probably going to throw a tantrum and buy Halo: Reach anyway.

JoystiqApril Fools: Bungie introduces Halo: Reach's 'Battle Chess' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-fools-2010battle-chesschesshalohalo-reachhalo-reach-battle-chessMicrosoftXbox-360Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft bringing '20 All-Time Favorites' table game compilation to PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/ubisoft-bringing-20-all-time-favorites-table-game-compilation/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/ubisoft-bringing-20-all-time-favorites-table-game-compilation/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/ubisoft-bringing-20-all-time-favorites-table-game-compilation/#comments An ESRB rating has enlightened us about the existence of a Ubisoft title called 20 All-Time Favorites; a "collection of 20 card and board games that include Chinese Checkers, Backgammon, Chess, Go, Solitaire, and Mancala." According to the rating, players will also be able to "wager virtual money on their card hands" while playing Blackjack and Poker. Despite the appearance of gambling, the game retained an E rating -- provided that players do not splash ze pot. (Link NSFW, and totally awesome.)

JoystiqUbisoft bringing '20 All-Time Favorites' table game compilation to PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backgammonblackjackchesschinese-checkersesrbgamblinggomancalapokersolitaireubisoftFri, 22 Jan 2010 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[First 4 Figures to sell Mario-themed Chess]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/first-4-figures-to-sell-mario-themed-chess/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/first-4-figures-to-sell-mario-themed-chess/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/first-4-figures-to-sell-mario-themed-chess/#comments
While not as classy as some of the other First 4 Figures offerings, the Super Mario Collector's Edition Chess Set is still kind of neat and, unlike the company's previous works, actually affordable for most human beings. Manufactured by USAopoly, this chess set will set you back $45 when it releases near the end of this year and is, uh, pretty much just chess with characters from the Mushroom Kingdom.

Kind of odd choice making Luigi the Queen, right? That might explain why he never found himself a nice lady like his brother did.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqFirst 4 Figures to sell Mario-themed Chess originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chessfirst-4-figuresfirst4figuresmarioMon, 10 Aug 2009 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Chess is WiiWare Chess in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/wii-chess-is-wiiware-chess-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/wii-chess-is-wiiware-chess-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/wii-chess-is-wiiware-chess-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,


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

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

[Via Siliconera]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamechesswii-chessworld-chessWed, 24 Sep 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Tuesday: Too Many Games Tuesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/vc-tuesday-too-many-games-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/vc-tuesday-too-many-games-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/vc-tuesday-too-many-games-tuesday/#commentsFiled under: ,

We aren't sure if Nintendo of Japan operates like Nintendo of America, but if their website can actually be trusted to predict the VC and WiiWare releases for a given week, this week's crop of games is embarrassingly huge. Five Virtual Console games, only two of which are shooters (and one of which, Twinbee, is genuinely worth five hundred points, even if it is a not-so-great port of an arcade game), and three WiiWare games. Of course, one of the WiiWare games is the second Go game on the service, but it's Nintendo's version, and is thus pretty nice, with online play and instruction and such.

The less familiar VC games include Gakkou de Atta Kowai Hanashi, a horror visual novel about a school; Eikan no Kimi ni, a baseball management simulation from A-Train developers Artdink; and Dragon Saber, the sequel to Dragon Spirit.

Virtual Console: WiiWare:

JoystiqVC Tuesday: Too Many Games Tuesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chessdragon-sabereikan-no-kimi-nigakkou-de-atta-kowai-hanashigosonic-the-hedgehogtwinbeevctuesdaywild-west-gunsTue, 05 Aug 2008 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Chess Crusade campaigns its cuteness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/chess-crusade-campaigns-its-cuteness/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/chess-crusade-campaigns-its-cuteness/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/chess-crusade-campaigns-its-cuteness/#commentsFiled under:

Since free versions of digital chess are easy to come by, it's hard for gamers to justify purchasing titles that feature the classic board game -- we're sure this is one of the many reasons that Nintendo's Wii Chess bombed. In order to compel buyers, chess needs to bring something different to its virtual table.

The developers behind Chess Crusade seem to have gotten the message, as the game looks positively adorable. The cutesy medieval chess pieces serve to soften our embittered hearts, and add an interesting, colorful take to an often bland-looking game. What's even better is that the chess pieces actually attack each other on the board, à la Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

The title does fall a little short when it comes to multiplayer, though. While you can either play against the computer or against a friend locally, Chess Crusade has no WFC options. In chess, your opponent is such a vital aspect to your enjoyment of the game, so we're not sure if this is a sound decision. Perhaps it would have been better off as a cheaper, WiiWare release.

Yet, if online play isn't an issue for you, Chess Crusade is coming to North America in two weeks for the budget price of $19.99. There will also be a DS version available for $5 less.

JoystiqChess Crusade campaigns its cuteness originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamechesschess-crusadeslam-gameszoo-digitalTue, 10 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ChessNET does what Nintendon't]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/chessnet-does-what-nintendont/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/chessnet-does-what-nintendont/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/22/chessnet-does-what-nintendont/#commentsFiled under: ,

Though homebrew competitions are always a great opportunity to see the latest games and applications coders have been working on, they also provide us a refreshing look at creative ideas and approaches that commercial developers have no interest in.

ChessNET, one of 25 other entries in the NDS/GBA division of Neoflash's Spring Coding Contest, is an online chess game with an interesting feature that we've yet to see in any other online-enabled DS games -- play-by-mail-style matches. Every action is saved onto an online server, so you don't have to stay glued to your handheld all night. After your opponent moves a piece, you can wait hours or even days to deliberate over your response. Likewise, your opponent can play other games or turn their DS off while waiting for your next move.

A play-by-mail option like this would have been perfect for Advance Wars: Days of Ruin and many other turn-based titles with plenty of inactive stretches. Sony Online Entertainment certainly agreed, as the developer implemented it in its Advance Wars knock-off for the PSP, Field Commander. Nintendo even neglected to provide the feature in Wii Chess, a seemingly obvious oversight.

CYBER_Aeon, the programmer behind ChessNET, has plans for more features that should come standard with almost every online-enabled commercial game -- messaging, buddy lists, and account handles.

[Via DCEmu]

JoystiqChessNET does what Nintendon't originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chesschessnetneoflashpbemplay-by-emailplay-by-mailwii-chessSat, 22 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rez HD and Chessmaster Live land on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/rez-hd-and-chessmaster-live-land-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/rez-hd-and-chessmaster-live-land-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/rez-hd-and-chessmaster-live-land-on-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you've been waiting impatiently ever since Rez HD was first announced for Xbox Live Arcade, then today is your lucky day because it's finally here. If, on the other hand, you haven't been waiting for the game with bated breath, then we'd say it's still probably your lucky day because Rez just so happens to be a good game. We suggest you crank up the synesthetic, vibratory goodness as soon as possible. If, however, all that sounds like too much stimulation, perhaps you'd rather play a leisurely game of chess. It's still your lucky day then because Chessmaster Live is also available today. Both games can be yours if the price is right. The right price, incidentally, is 800 MS Points each.


JoystiqRez HD and Chessmaster Live land on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chesschessmasterchessmaster-liveqq-entertainmentrezrez-hdubisoftxblaxbox-live-arcadeWed, 30 Jan 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hudson has Wii Chess in check]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/27/hudson-has-wii-chess-in-check/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/27/hudson-has-wii-chess-in-check/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/27/hudson-has-wii-chess-in-check/#commentsFiled under: ,


Nintendo just got schooled at their own quickly-made-board-game game. Hudson's Wi-Fi Taiou Genzen Table Games (Wi-Fi Correspondence Table Game Selections) contains ten classic board games (to Nintendo's one). Each game in the collection can be played against computer opponents of varying skills, or human opponents, or in a series of short, increasingly difficult, challenges.

Backgammon, contract bridge, go, hana-awase, shogi, daifugo, mah-jongg, renju, reversi, and, yes, chess are available for play on- and offline in this collection. We hope that, despite the preponderance of Japanese games, Hudson sees fit to undertake the minimal localization required for a U.S. release (even if they chose not to do so with the DS version). More games is better than fewer games, after all. And we've learned from experience that table game collections with nice online features can be revelatory experiences.

JoystiqHudson has Wii Chess in check originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameschesshudsontable-gamesThu, 27 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tasuke prepares another round of 1500 DS Spirits games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/tasuke-prepares-another-round-of-1500-ds-spirits-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/tasuke-prepares-another-round-of-1500-ds-spirits-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/tasuke-prepares-another-round-of-1500-ds-spirits-games/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just three months after the last round of 1500 DS Spirits games, Japanese publisher Tasuke is getting ready to launch another barrage of cheapo games at the Japanese public. It's all the kind of stuff you'd expect from a budget game line, too: Vol. 6 Trump, Vol. 7 Chess, Vol. 8 Darts, and Vol. 9 Futari Uchi Mahjongg (Two-player Mahjongg) are the newest offerings in the line. While we supported Tasuke last time in the battle with D3 over cheap games, we find ourselves feeling that D3's weirder offerings, like driving education and, on the PS2, The Daibijin, make their Simple series line much more interesting overall than Tasuke's vanilla lineup. D3's got that kind of stuff too, but they also have the hilarious games. To Tasuke's credit, the character art (which is shared in all four games) is nice, with shading reminiscent of Falcoon's work on recent King of Fighters games.

We'd like to see this kind of thing in the U.S. regardless of our lack of interest in these specific games. We have cheap games, but we don't really have games that self-identify as cheap.

JoystiqTasuke prepares another round of 1500 DS Spirits games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1500budgetchessdartsds-spiritsmahjongtasuketrumpWed, 31 Oct 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Chess player banned 10 years for cheating]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/29/chess-player-banned-10-years-for-cheating/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/29/chess-player-banned-10-years-for-cheating/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/29/chess-player-banned-10-years-for-cheating/#commentsFiled under:

An Indian chess player caught using a bluetooth headset to receive tips in a chess match has been banned for 10 years. The earpieces were sewn into a cloth cap he always wore and pulled over his ears; on the other end were accomplices who used a computer to relay good moves. While the player, Umakant Sharma, can still play chess in a non-professional sense, this will stay with him as a black mark.

Now imagine that scenario in online gaming. In most cases, widespread cheating is caught and IP addresses or game keys are blocked / suspended. However, one is still able to play by altering his or her IP addresses, using a different email, or repurchasing the game. Certainly one's image is not tarnished outside of the realm of gaming, a fate we suspect Sharma might succumb to. You would never have to explain why you were caught with an Aimbot while applying for a job.

Then again, we could be wrong. Has there ever been a time you have experienced (or heard from a friend) where in-game cheating affected your out-of-game life?

JoystiqChess player banned 10 years for cheating originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Dec 2006 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chessFri, 29 Dec 2006 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Chess pr0n]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/11/chess-pr0n/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/11/chess-pr0n/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/11/chess-pr0n/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lovechess: Age of Egypt is your typical chess game, except for the fact that you sexually pound your enemies into submission. Not since the original Battle Chess has there been a game forcefully thrusting the ancient game into a new light. The board is divided into two sides, boys vs. girls, and as the two forces attempt to dominate each other, the player is greeted to some fornication animation. Sadly, you only get the animations by purchasing the full game, the demo turns off the sweet love -- for the sake of internets children.

The concept is cool, but the graphics are a bit blah. Considering the game's main selling point is sex, you'd think they'd have given a large variety of customizable options for different players desires. The men "stand at attention" the entire time, everyone is fully waxed and, although this may not matter to some, what about boy-on-boy or girl-on-girl chess action? It'll certainly be interesting to see what the mod community does with this.

JoystiqChess pr0n originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Nov 2006 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chesslove chessLoveChessPCpornSat, 11 Nov 2006 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami code hidden in upcoming online chess game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/konami-code-hidden-in-upcoming-online-chess-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/konami-code-hidden-in-upcoming-online-chess-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/konami-code-hidden-in-upcoming-online-chess-game/#commentsFiled under: ,


Online Chess Kingdoms is going to be unlike any chess game before it. For example, it's one of the only chess games I can think of that has a story mode. As Konami producer Jason Ray wrote in a recent interview with IGN, "There is no reason to have a story mode, but the game is far more interesting with it." Jason's right: chess doesn't need a story. Heck, it doesn't even need a GOOD story. Almost anything will beat staring at the Chessmaster's menacing face.

Besides a story mode, there are other things that should make this game appear on your radar. Firstly, it'll support Infrastructure multiplayer, so you can lay down the chess smackdown to people around the world (strangely, it doesn't feature Ad-Hoc multiplayer). Secondly, the game allows you to use the infamous Konami code. What will the code unlock? Wer'e not sure yet, but hopefully, it'll be good as the cheat from DDR Ultramix.

JoystiqKonami code hidden in upcoming online chess game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chesschessmasterigninfrastructureinterviewjason rayJasonRaykonamikonami codeKonamiCodemultiplayeronline chess kingdomsOnlineChessKingdomsTue, 10 Oct 2006 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Legendary computer scientist Alan Kotok has died]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/02/legendary-computer-scientist-alan-kotok-has-died/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/02/legendary-computer-scientist-alan-kotok-has-died/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/02/legendary-computer-scientist-alan-kotok-has-died/#commentsFiled under: ,

Alan Kotok, a pioneer that helped create the first video game, SpaceWar! on the PDP-1, and helped the joystick, this site's namesake, become an icon of video gaming passed away peacefully in his sleep over the U.S. Memorial Day weekend.

His help in creating Spacewar! was invaluable, although not necessarily conventional. In one memorable incident, Alan forced Steve Russel (the main author of Spacewar!) to get his act together by calling up the maker of the PDP-1 to get some math routines required to write movement code for the game. Once he'd received the code he slammed down the tape on Steve's desk (who was widely known by the nickname "slug") and said "Here you are Russel. Now what's your excuse?" Steve got the point and went on to finish Spacewar!

Had Alan not taken the initiative like he did, the entire history of video games could have turned out differently. A man called Nolan Bushnell was later inspired by Spacewar! to try and make video games accessible to everyone: he eventually went on to found a little company called Atari. There's nothing to say that games wouldn't be as popular as they are today had Alan not given Steve Russel the kick up the arse he needed, but it certainly makes you think.

Another of Kotok's achievements was working with John McCarthy of Stanford to create the first computer program that could credibly play chess. The program, which could look at 1100 positions per second, took part in an international competition with a USSR chess program in 1966. The match took nine months to complete!

Alan is survived by his three children and one grandchild. His wife, Judie, passed away last year. Rest in peace, Alan.

Update: see comments.

JoystiqLegendary computer scientist Alan Kotok has died originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jun 2006 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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