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[Ninja Theory teams up with Chillingo on iOS, Android F2P brawler Fightback]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/ninja-theory-teams-up-with-chillingo-on-ios-android-f2p-brawler/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/ninja-theory-teams-up-with-chillingo-on-ios-android-f2p-brawler/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/ninja-theory-teams-up-with-chillingo-on-ios-android-f2p-brawler/#commentsNinja Theory tagteams with Chillingo on iOS, Android brawler Fightback DmC and Enslaved developer Ninja Theory revealed its latest project this morning, an iOS and Android free-to-play brawler called Fightback. The game is being published by EA subsidiary Chillingo, which says it has a "a striking 80s action movie vibe."

Going by this screenshot, Fightback is a skils-orientated, side-scrolling beat-em-up. The meter at the bottom indicates a three-star score based on points accumulated by skill moves like 'Skull Splitter' - think Bulletstorm, perhaps, but with more punches and kicks, and maybe a Blood Dragon vibe. It looks like you can use guns too, though. Also, is that a Japanese love hotel?

"Mobile and tablet gaming is a phenomenon that we just couldn't ignore as a studio and we're very proud to be working with one of the industry's heavy-weights on bringing Fightback to market," said Ninja Theory Product Manager Dominic Matthews. "Ninja Theory has always strived for the highest production values and that absolutely remains the case in this exciting new space."

Chillingo is showing off Fightback at E3 next month, and expects to launch it this summer.

JoystiqNinja Theory teams up with Chillingo on iOS, Android F2P brawler Fightback originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidchillingoEAfightbackiosipadiphonemobileninja-theoryrelease-dateFri, 24 May 2013 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The best mobile games of GDC 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/the-best-mobile-games-of-gdc-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/the-best-mobile-games-of-gdc-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/the-best-mobile-games-of-gdc-2012/#comments We've picked out five of the most interesting new mobile titles seen at the Game Developers Conference this year. One of them is available now, and the others are coming soon, all from studios and developers of varying talents and reputations. Read on to see the cream of the crop from the mobile side of this year's GDC.

Continue reading The best mobile games of GDC 2012

JoystiqThe best mobile games of GDC 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-mailchillingocoderunnergdc-2012iosipadiphonemobilenimblebitone-man-leftoutwitterspocket-planessegatotal-war-battlestotal-war-battles-shogunWed, 14 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Superman (iOS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/portabliss-superman-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/portabliss-superman-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/portabliss-superman-ios/#comments
Did you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Superman.
You have to give a little credit to anyone willing to put "Superman" in the title of a game, considering The Man of Steel's history with interactive entertainment is ... suspect at best.

But for Chillingo to have that be the only word in the title of its new mobile release? You could smash a mirror over the head of a black cat that lives in a haunted asylum built on an ancient Native American burial ground, and still not be risking that much peril.

Continue reading Portabliss: Superman (iOS)

JoystiqPortabliss: Superman (iOS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chillingoiosipadiphonemobileportablisssupermanTue, 06 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Man of Steel returns to video games ... on iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/16/the-man-of-steel-returns-to-video-games-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/16/the-man-of-steel-returns-to-video-games-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/16/the-man-of-steel-returns-to-video-games-on-ios/#comments There's a lot going on in the DC Universe these days, what with the radically controversial reboot of all its franchises and the new Superman movie that's currently in production, so of course now is the perfect time to announce an iOS Superman title has nothing to do with any of that stuff.

IGN reports that veteran iOS publisher Chillingo and Denki Blocks! developer Tiger Games (No, not that Tiger) will bring the last son of Krypton to Apple's mobile operating system, heat-vision and arch-nemesis Lex Luthor in tow. Each level will pit Supes against various sets of challenges, with metals awarded at the completion of each level, ala Angry Birds. Little else is known at the moment, but here's hoping it turns out better than Superman 64.

JoystiqThe Man of Steel returns to video games ... on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chillingodcdc-comicsDC-universeiosipadiphoneman-of-steelmobilenew-52supermansuperman-iostiger-gamesSun, 16 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Pro Zombie Soccer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-pro-zombie-soccer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-pro-zombie-soccer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-pro-zombie-soccer/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, Enrique Corts of the Super Awesome Hyper Dimensional Mega Team talks international development dreams and drama in the iOS darling Pro Zombie Soccer.
What's the story here?

In Pro Zombie Soccer you control Jax, a soccer player who destroys his professional career due to hardcore partying. When suddenly he finds himself in the middle of a zombie apocalypse and he is bitten by the best undead soccer player in the world, he gains his powers and decides it's time to take some of those nasty zombies with him before he transforms into one of them, with only the help of his trusty soccer ball and the ability to control a mass-destruction super-powerful military satellite. Phew.

The story is just as surreal as it gets. No intention here whatsoever of winning a Nebula Prize for best script, but players had a lot of fun with it and it's deeply integrated into the gameplay, which is exactly what we wanted.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Pro Zombie Soccer

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Pro Zombie Soccer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chillingoenrique-cortsiosipadiphonejoystiq-indie-pitchmacmobilepro-zombie-soccerPro-zombie-soccer-apocalypse-editionsuper-awesome-hyper-dimensional-mega-teamSat, 08 Oct 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Cut the Rope: Experiments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/portabliss-cut-the-rope-experiments/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/portabliss-cut-the-rope-experiments/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/portabliss-cut-the-rope-experiments/#comments Did you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Cut the Rope: Experiments!
Cut the Rope: Experiments is one of the most aptly-named apps ever released on the iOS platform. Though it largely focuses on the tether-slicing, physics-manipulating puzzles that made the franchise's first, subtitleless iteration so delightful, it includes two bold new mechanics that completely change the face of the game. (And what an adorable face it is!)

It's the success of these two new aspects that alleviated my hesitance about this standalone title: It's functionally the same as the free updates to the original Cut the Rope, only significantly less free.

Continue reading Portabliss: Cut the Rope: Experiments

JoystiqPortabliss: Cut the Rope: Experiments originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chillingocut-the-ropecut-the-rope-experimentsiphonemobileportablisspuzzlezepto-labsFri, 05 Aug 2011 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: New standalone Cut the Rope title coming soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/report-new-standalone-cut-the-rope-title-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/report-new-standalone-cut-the-rope-title-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/report-new-standalone-cut-the-rope-title-coming-soon/#comments We love Om Nom more than most of our friends and immediate family members, and yet we don't think twice about keeping him imprisoned in puzzle-filled boxes. That's a bit of a double standard; and one that might be remedied soon. IGN reports that a new standalone Cut the Rope title is on its way to the App Store soon, and has also acquired a few images which appear to show the game's ever-hungry mascot escaping from his cardboard confines.

The images also show a "Professor's Album," which contains images of an even adorabler, younger Om Nom. Who is this Professor? We're not sure, but considering he's probably responsible for Nom's incarceration, we'd like to have a stern conversation with him. We've contacted Zepto Labs for more information!

JoystiqReport: New standalone Cut the Rope title coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chillingocut-the-ropeiosipadiphonemobileom-nompuzzlezepto-labsTue, 02 Aug 2011 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Anomaly: Warzone Earth preview (iPad)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/anomaly-warzone-earth-preview-tower-offense/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/anomaly-warzone-earth-preview-tower-offense/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/anomaly-warzone-earth-preview-tower-offense/#comments Anomaly: Warzone Earth launched back in April for the PC (feel free to give the demo a download, if you're so inclined). But it's coming to iPad in four to six weeks, and at last week's EA Summer Showcase day I got a chance to see how the transition was going.

It's no surprise that tower defense games really lend themselves to being played on a touch-screen interface. Poking and prodding to move troops around and interact with the game world make those games a cinch to play. As I learned from my time with Anomaly: Warzone Earth, the same is true for tower offense games as well.

Gallery: Anomaly: Warzone Earth (PC/iPhone/iPad)

Continue reading Anomaly: Warzone Earth preview (iPad)

JoystiqAnomaly: Warzone Earth preview (iPad) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anomaly-warzone-earthchillingoeaea-mobileiosipadiphonemobileTue, 12 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[USK rates Hole in the Wall for Kinect, Cut the Rope for DSiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/usk-rates-hole-in-the-wall-for-kinect-cut-the-rope-for-dsiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/usk-rates-hole-in-the-wall-for-kinect-cut-the-rope-for-dsiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/usk-rates-hole-in-the-wall-for-kinect-cut-the-rope-for-dsiware/#comments A few hacks have hinted at it, a few minigames in collections like Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do have touched on it -- now it seems Microsoft is fully cashing in on the very reason for the Kinect's existence: Hole in the Wall. The game, in which players contort their body in an attempt to fit through the titular cavity, was recently rated by the German USK ratings board. No details about the title were included in the rating, other than the fact Microsoft will handle publishing duties.

Another, equally exciting new entry on the USK ratings site is a DSiWare listing for Chillingo's infinitely addicting puzzle game, Cut the Rope. Again, there are few details, but a tease posted on the Facebook page of indie developer Abstraction Games (which brought Angry Birds to PSP earlier this year) seems to indicate they'll be in charge of porting the title. We'll let you know when we hear more about these two projects!

JoystiqUSK rates Hole in the Wall for Kinect, Cut the Rope for DSiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 May 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abstraction-gameschillingocut-the-ropedsdsiwarehole-in-the-wallkinectmicrosoftnintendouskxboxWed, 18 May 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cut the Rope gets new 'Magic Box,' gigantic playable demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/cut-the-rope-gets-new-magic-box-gigantic-playable-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/cut-the-rope-gets-new-magic-box-gigantic-playable-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/cut-the-rope-gets-new-magic-box-gigantic-playable-demo/#comments Good news, fans of the delightful, physics-based iOS puzzler Cut the Rope! (Or, rather, bad news, if you had things you needed to do today.) An update is now available to the ZeptoLab-developed hit which adds 25 new levels as part of the "Magic Box," and also adds three new Game Center achievements. The new gameplay mechanic this time around is top hats, which serve as portals for your tethered confections -- much like the stockings featured in Cut the Rope: Holiday Gift.

To celebrate the new levels, Chillingo has constructed two massive playable demo stations featuring nine touch screens a piece. If you've got business at Los Angeles' Hollywood & Highland Center or Atlanta International Airport, keep an eye out for these big, beautiful displays -- it's likely to be the most satisfying rope-cutting you ever do.

Continue reading Cut the Rope gets new 'Magic Box,' gigantic playable demo

JoystiqCut the Rope gets new 'Magic Box,' gigantic playable demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsatlantachillingocut-the-ropedemoeaioslos-angelesmobileupdatezeptolabFri, 08 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: The Witcher: Versus now brawling on iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/psa-the-witcher-versus-now-brawling-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/psa-the-witcher-versus-now-brawling-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/psa-the-witcher-versus-now-brawling-on-iphone/#comments Not enough fantasy-based combat in your life? Chillingo is hoping you'll want to download The Witcher: Versus to help fill that void. Available today on iPhone at a limited-time price of $.99, the game is a rock-paper-scissors type strategic brawler in which you set up your character, your tactics and then let them loose on your enemy.

Check out the gallery below for some screens and lunge past the break for a trailer, if you're into that whole "moving pictures" thing.

Gallery: The Witcher: Versus (iPhone)

Continue reading PSA: The Witcher: Versus now brawling on iPhone

JoystiqPSA: The Witcher: Versus now brawling on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projektchillingoeamobileone2tribethe-witcher-versusFri, 25 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: 40% of game sales digital, NPD becoming less relevant]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/ea-40-of-game-sales-digital-npd-becoming-less-relevant/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/ea-40-of-game-sales-digital-npd-becoming-less-relevant/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/ea-40-of-game-sales-digital-npd-becoming-less-relevant/#comments Digital sales have been an increasing boon for EA, a source of great profit and growth for the publishing giant, and the company now estimates 40% of games sold are bought through digital channels. Retail is becoming less of an important sector and the publisher feels NPD rankings are decreasing in relevance. Tomorrow, the latest NPD figures for the month of February will be revealed.

"Overall, we think the digital growth aspect of the EA story is likely to get even stronger and to impress investors in the coming years," said Arvind Bhatia, Sterne Agee investment firm analyst, during a recent management meeting (via IndustryGamers). Globally, EA still recognizes the importance of retail product, but locally the company is looking to expand its mobile and downloadable offerings, leaning on its new EA Partners divisions to help expand its digital business.

JoystiqEA: 40% of game sales digital, NPD becoming less relevant originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 03:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arvind-bhatiabusinesschillingodigital-distributioneaea-partnersnpdplayfishsterne-ageeThu, 10 Mar 2011 03:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Cogs gears up on Mac app store, discounted on Apple platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/cogs-gears-up-on-mac-app-store-discounted-on-apple-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/cogs-gears-up-on-mac-app-store-discounted-on-apple-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/cogs-gears-up-on-mac-app-store-discounted-on-apple-platforms/#comments Award-winning, steampunk-inspired indie puzzler Cogs is available now on the Mac App Store. The game, which is sure to grind your gears at higher difficulty levels, has also been discounted across all Apple devices it's available on for a limited time.

The iPhone/iPod Touch version is currently free, while on iPad it's $2.99. On Mac, the 50 percent discount puts it at $4.99. Honestly, the Mac version is probably the best idea -- far less chance of throwing an entire computer across the room in frustration.

Continue reading Cogs gears up on Mac app store, discounted on Apple platforms

JoystiqCogs gears up on Mac app store, discounted on Apple platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chillingoCogsEAElectronic-Artslazy-8-studiosmacTue, 08 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA expanding 'Partners' model to mobile, social businesses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/ea-expanding-partners-model-to-mobile-social-businesses/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/ea-expanding-partners-model-to-mobile-social-businesses/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/ea-expanding-partners-model-to-mobile-social-businesses/#comments EA Partners has been responsible for helping to bring some noteworthy titles to market in the past few years. The co-publishing arm has helped to distribute the likes of the Rock Band and Left 4 Dead series, as well as the recent Bulletstorm, and will aid in the upcoming releases of Crysis 2 and Portal 2.

It's perhaps surprising, then, that David DeMartini, the man who managed these successful co-publshing deals, has stepped down as the division's group general manager to pursue a "new commercial role." EA Partners looks to not miss a beat, however, as former SVP and COO of the EA Games label, Brian Neider, has stepped right in.

Neider has quickly settled into his new role, calling the Partners program an "all around win-win," which allows "EA to partner with some of the world's best console, PC and digital developers while providing those independent developers with a global distribution/publishing partner."

In fact, the shakeup marks a time of expansion for the "Partners" busines model. Through its Chillingo (mobile) and Playfish (social) divisions, EA will expand its co-publishing philosophy to capitalize on the demand for social and mobile games. "Like EA Partners, Chillingo and Playfish work with the best development talent in the mobile and social gaming space," Neider told Develop.

JoystiqEA expanding 'Partners' model to mobile, social businesses originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bryan-neiderchillingodavid-demartinieaea-partnersmobileplayfishWed, 02 Mar 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Buzz! developer lays off 20 in rebuilding phase; ex-staff form Full Moon studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/buzz-developer-lays-off-20-in-rebuilding-phase-ex-staff-form-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/buzz-developer-lays-off-20-in-rebuilding-phase-ex-staff-form-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/buzz-developer-lays-off-20-in-rebuilding-phase-ex-staff-form-f/#comments Within in the past two weeks, approximately 20 employees of Relentless Software -- makers of quiz game franchise Buzz! and charming puzzler The Blue Toad Murder Files -- were let go. The developer announced as much this week, with director and co-founder Andrew Eades telling GamesIndustry.biz, "We have recently restructured the company to work on a variety of different projects and different platforms."

According to Eades, the layoffs are part of the studio's previously revealed plans to reshape itself into a multiplatform developer. In fact, Relentless is actually hiring new staff as part of its rebuilding effort. "Our real strategy going forward is to change the company from a disc-based, console games company only -- which is what we were; we were only PlayStation 3; we were only console; we were only quiz, in fact. We wanted to change the company to have much more breadth and embrace the new digital platforms we saw coming in," Eades reiterated.

Thankfully, just as quickly as the layoffs took place, a new studio was born out of the bad news: Full Moon. Representative Kalvin Lyle told GI.biz that "no animosity" is felt towards Relentless, and that some of the Full Moon staff are even looking forward to working with their old coworkers in the future. "I can't speak for everyone, but I think we're trying to make the best of it," Lyle said. Full Moon will focus on "casual gaming and digital distribution," though no projects are in the works just yet.

Beyond news of the restructuring, Relentless announced its next project, an iPhone quiz title (shock!) named Quiz Climber. The game has players answering questions in order to advance up friends' leaderboards, represented by a tree in the game. EA-owned Chillingo will publish the title and says the game will arrive sometime this spring.

[Image credit: jaygooby]

JoystiqBuzz! developer lays off 20 in rebuilding phase; ex-staff form Full Moon studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-eadesBlue-toad-murder-filesBuzzchillingofull-moonkalvin-lyleLayoffsMobilePcPlaystationPs3quiz-climberRelentless-softwareFri, 18 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cut the Rope ensnares over 6 million people, free V-Day update coming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/cut-the-rope-ensnares-over-6-million-people-free-v-day-update-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/cut-the-rope-ensnares-over-6-million-people-free-v-day-update-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/cut-the-rope-ensnares-over-6-million-people-free-v-day-update-c/#comments Beyond making such prestigious lists as Joystiq's 2010 App Store Buyer's Guide, ZeptoLab's adorable iOS puzzler, Cut the Rope, is now sitting atop another notable app store ranking: Apps that have sold over six million copies. Publisher Chillingo announced the game's sales achievement this morning, alongside news of a free 25-level update coming in time for Valentine's Day.

"This 1.2 update is our gift to you this Valentine's Day for being the greatest fans out there," ZeptoLab CTO Efim Voinov said in the release. The game's $0.99 price tag will remain unchanged by the additional levels going forward. We've dropped a clip from the update just below the break, so don't say we never get you nothin'!

Continue reading Cut the Rope ensnares over 6 million people, free V-Day update coming

JoystiqCut the Rope ensnares over 6 million people, free V-Day update coming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chillingocut-the-ropeeaea-mobileefim-voinovelectronic-artsfreeiosiphonemobilesalesupdatezeptolabTue, 08 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Angry Birds played in real life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/video-angry-birds-played-in-real-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/video-angry-birds-played-in-real-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/video-angry-birds-played-in-real-life/#comments Be honest, what's the one thing you would do if you had a giant slingshot lying around. Of course you would set up a real-life version of Angry Birds. Who wouldn't? Seriously, having a giant slingshot and not playing real-life Angry Birds would be a crime against humanity.

Continue reading Video: Angry Birds played in real life

JoystiqVideo: Angry Birds played in real life originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdschillingoiosiphonemobilereal-liferovioSun, 06 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds board game coming this May from Mattel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/angry-birds-board-game-coming-this-may-from-mattel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/angry-birds-board-game-coming-this-may-from-mattel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/angry-birds-board-game-coming-this-may-from-mattel/#comments Here's one of CES 2011's less technical, but most awesome, revelations: Mattel is working on a board game adaptation of Rovio's mobile hit, Angry Birds. The game looks like a pretty authentic recreation of its source material; players draw "Mission Cards" depicting structures of bricks and pigs, which they then build using plastic models included in the game. Oh, and then they shoot birds at those structures using a tiny slingshot. That part is pretty integral to the whole experience, apparently.

The game will cost $14.99 when it launches worldwide this May. Even if you don't want the board game, $14.99 is a perfectly reasonable price for a tiny catapult. Just think of all the tiny things you can terrorize with a catapult of that size!

JoystiqAngry Birds board game coming this May from Mattel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsboard-gameces-2011chillingomattelrovioFri, 07 Jan 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cut the Rope: Holiday Gift puts some free Christmas cheer in your iOS stocking]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/cut-the-rope-holiday-gift-puts-some-free-christmas-cheer-in-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/cut-the-rope-holiday-gift-puts-some-free-christmas-cheer-in-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/cut-the-rope-holiday-gift-puts-some-free-christmas-cheer-in-you/#comments The issue with cute monsters that possess an insatiable hunger for candy is that they're a perpetual problem, albeit a fun one. Chillingo recognizes this and, for you millions of nurturers out there, will launch Cut the Rope: Holiday Gift, a free standalone iOS game set to arrive on the App Store sometime this month.

Holiday Gift is comprised of 25 Christmas-themed levels and incorporates a new "Christmas Sock" mechanic where players can teleport candy between socks. Then, of course, there are new menus, music tracks and achievements to check out. There isn't an exact date for the launch of Holiday Gift yet, but Chillingo assures us it'll be available before Christmas -- we'll be sure to let you know when we've got a date.

Gallery: Cut the Rope: Holiday Gift

JoystiqCut the Rope: Holiday Gift puts some free Christmas cheer in your iOS stocking originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chillingocut-the-ropecut-the-rope-holiday-gifteamobileThu, 09 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds try for a more diplomatic resolution to their pig problem]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/angry-birds-try-for-a-more-diplomatic-resolution-to-their-pig-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/angry-birds-try-for-a-more-diplomatic-resolution-to-their-pig-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/angry-birds-try-for-a-more-diplomatic-resolution-to-their-pig-pr/#comments Birds have always looked down on pigs due to their inability to fly, while pigs themselves have always been envious of their flight-enabled counterparts -- it's led to much conflict between the species, naturally. But we're happy to report that today the two finally sat down for peace talks.

Continue reading Angry Birds try for a more diplomatic resolution to their pig problem

JoystiqAngry Birds try for a more diplomatic resolution to their pig problem originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdschillingocomedyeamicrosoftmobilenintendoplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnspoofwiiwiiwarexblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeTue, 23 Nov 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cut the Rope sells 3 million, free update 'soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/cut-the-rope-sells-3-million-free-update-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/cut-the-rope-sells-3-million-free-update-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/cut-the-rope-sells-3-million-free-update-soon/#comments Soaring past the one-million mark set just last month, Chillingo's iOS hit Cut the Rope has reached three million in sales. It's a feat undoubtedly bringing great joy to the developer (and even greater joy to EA), but let's not ignore the real story here: How many countless, innocent ropes have had their lives shortened at the expense of slash-happy fingers? Will no one think of the poor ropes in all of this? No? Okay, then -- moving on.

In addition to the sales hurrah, Chillingo detailed Cut the Rope's first free update. Coming "soon," the Version 1.1 patch will introduce the "Cosmic Box," which houses 25 new challenges themed around "a unique anti-gravity feature" that turns the game's physics upside down. The update also includes "enhanced" Retina Display graphics, more accurate scoring, "more expressive" Om Nom animations, new sounds and 11 new achievements.

JoystiqCut the Rope sells 3 million, free update 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chillingocut-the-ropeiosipadiphonemobilesalesupdateWed, 17 Nov 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[EA gets Chillingo, but not Angry Birds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/ea-gets-chillingo-but-not-angry-birds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/ea-gets-chillingo-but-not-angry-birds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/ea-gets-chillingo-but-not-angry-birds/#comments Electronic Arts' purchase of publisher Chillingo doesn't include the IP rights to Angry Birds. Speaking with TechCrunch, developer Rovio Mobile's Peter Vesterbacka said that its relationship with Chillingo never went past the iOS versions of the game. Vesterbacka explained, "We will not use Chillingo again."

It would seem the company's need for a publisher has diminished since striking gold with Angry Birds, which has sold 6.5 million copies on the App Store. Rovio has self-published Android and Nokia versions of Angry Birds, as well as its latest iOS title: Angry Birds Halloween. Chillingo's rights to each of its published games would be on a per contract basis, but what EA definitely got for its ducats was the company's Crystal gaming network platform and all its data gathering potential.

JoystiqEA gets Chillingo, but not Angry Birds originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsbusinesschillingocrystalcrystal-gaming-networkeaElectronic-ArtsmobileRoviorovio-mobileThu, 21 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA purchasing mobile publisher Chillingo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/ea-purchasing-mobile-publisher-chillingo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/ea-purchasing-mobile-publisher-chillingo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/ea-purchasing-mobile-publisher-chillingo/#commentsEA is climbing to the top of the casual and iPhone game spaces -- by buying companies who are already at the top of those spaces. Reuters reports that EA is purchasing Chillingo, publisher of iOS hits like Cut the Rope (pictured), iDracula and (in the UK) Angry Birds.

EA confirmed the purchase to Reuters, but declined to confirm the reported $20 million buying price. Even if EA just grabs a few falling feathers -- solid golden feathers, of course -- from the hugely popular Angry Birds, the deal would be totally worth it, right? Besides, $20 million sounds like a steal compared to the $300 million (with another $100 million contingent on performance) EA splayed out for Playfish.

JoystiqEA purchasing mobile publisher Chillingo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionandroidchillingoea-playelectronic-artsipadiphonemobileWed, 20 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cut the Rope wraps up a million sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/cut-the-rope-wraps-up-a-million-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/cut-the-rope-wraps-up-a-million-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/cut-the-rope-wraps-up-a-million-sales/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Cut the Rope, the addictive puzzler for iPhone and iPad, has sold a million copies in ten days. According to publisher Chillingo, that makes the game the "fastest selling title on the App Store to date." Chillingo is currently working with developer ZeptoLab to create updates, which will be revealed "soon."

The game cost $1 on iPhone and $2 on iPad. There's also a lite version to get a taste of what makes the game and its star, Om Nom, so compelling. Note: if similarly named games confuse you, Cut the Rope has nothing to do with all those "cut the cheese" programs on the App Store.

Continue reading Cut the Rope wraps up a million sales

JoystiqCut the Rope wraps up a million sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chillingoCut-the-RopeiphonemobileZeptoLabFri, 15 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds flying to PS3, PSP and DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/angry-birds-flying-to-ps3-psp-and-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/angry-birds-flying-to-ps3-psp-and-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/angry-birds-flying-to-ps3-psp-and-ds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you've ever played Angry Birds, the headline above has already made your day. If you've played Angry Birds only to have a friend / significant other snatch it away -- a cruel reminder of your iPhone-less existence -- then the above headline has undoubtedly left you positively elated. Yes, Chillingo's Joe Wee has confirmed to The Sun that the addictive, Boom Blox-esque puzzler is headed to "Nintendo DS, Sony PSP and PS3."

The fact the game is slated for PS3 and PSP would suggest that Angry Birds will be released as a Mini, though Chillingo wouldn't provide Joystiq with any concrete details. Hopefully we'll hear more at Gamescom later this month.

JoystiqAngry Birds flying to PS3, PSP and DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Angry-BirdsChillingodsnintendoplaystationps3pspsonyMon, 02 Aug 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/ipad-roundup-heres-the-stuff-that-may-interest-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/ipad-roundup-heres-the-stuff-that-may-interest-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/ipad-roundup-heres-the-stuff-that-may-interest-you/#comments With the iPad set to launch April 3, we know a lot of you out there are wondering what types of games and apps there are to look forward to. Well, we reprogrammed the Joystiq bots to scour the iTunes App store for information on updates and new games, culling the data for you all. There's plenty to look forward to, so don't waste time reading this -- head past the break for the goods!

Continue reading iPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you

JoystiqiPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-ton-games-inc2k-gamesactivisionamazon-hidden-expeditionangry-birdsangry-birds-hdapple-ipadasphaltasphalt-5azkend-hdbig-fish-gamesbreak-hdcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-world-at-warcall-of-duty-world-at-war-zombiescastlecraftcharadiumchillingoCivilizationcivilization-revolutioncogscogs-hdCommand-and-Conquercommand-and-conquer-red-alertdoonsdoons-hddungeon-hunterdungeon-hunter-hdeaElectronic-Artsfieldrunnersfiremintfiremint-incflick-bowlingflick-fishingflight-controlflight-control-hdfreeversefroggerfrogger-padgameloftgeometry-warsgluglyder-2imahjongimahjong-hdipadipad-launcjirbokonamilaminar-researcglets-golfmarvelmarvel-comicsmarvel-comics-appmetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-touchminigoreminigore-hdmirrors-edgemodern-combatmodern-combat-sandstormnamconba-hotshotneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftnflnfl-2010nfl-2010-hdngmoconovapac-manpaper-footballpaper-football-hdplants-vs-zombiesplants-vs-zombies-hdpopcappopcap-gamesreal-racingreal-racing-hdreal-soccerreal-soccer-2010-hdsam-and-maxscrabblesecret-exit-ltdsegasneeziessneezies-hdsnowboardingsnowboarding-hdsparkle-hdsubatomicsubatomic-studiossuper-monkey-ballsuper-monkey-ball-2super-monkey-ball-2-sakura-editionteam-17telltale-gamestetristhe-penal-zoneunouno-hdwarpgatewe-rulex-planezen-boundzen-bound-2Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dracula -- Undead Awakening coming to PSP Minis next week [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/dracula-undead-awakening-coming-to-psp-minis-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/dracula-undead-awakening-coming-to-psp-minis-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/dracula-undead-awakening-coming-to-psp-minis-next-week/#comments iPhone-owning fans of twin stick shooters have probably gotten their hands on Chillingo's vampire-slaying app, iDracula. If you haven't gotten a chance to check out the title, you may want to wait for the developer's next, similarly vamp-based project: Dracula -- Undead Awakening, a PSP Mini that will land on the European PSN next Thursday, November 26.

Much like the company's previous title, Undead Awakening is a top-down shooter with unlockable weapons, abilities and perks, all of which presumably make you better at turning fangfaces into small clumps of Transylvanian ash. We've contacted the folks at Chillingo to find out if the game will also come stateside next week, how much the game will cost, and how exactly we're supposed to pronounce their company's name. (Chill-in-go? Chill-ing-o? Chillin'-jo?)

Update: A Chillingo representative responded to our query, telling us that the game would come to the U.S. PSN "ideally pre-Christmas," though they haven't settled on a price for the title quite yet. Also, he informed us that the company's name is phonetically pronounced "Chih-lingo." Now we know -- and knowing is half the battle!

JoystiqDracula -- Undead Awakening coming to PSP Minis next week [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chillingodracula-undead-awakeningidraculapsp-ministwin-stick-shooterWed, 18 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone It In: iDracula]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/iphone-it-in-idracula/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/iphone-it-in-idracula/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/iphone-it-in-idracula/#comments
I'll be the very first to admit that iDracula is a really, really bad name for a game. It's bad in a fun way that makes me laugh to myself when I turn it on, but still, bad. It would require a Herculean effort of diversion to get me to recommend a game with a name like "iDracula," and that's exactly what you're going to find here.

iDracula is a twin stick shooter, or maybe "twin dial" would be more appropriate. By rotating the left dial with your thumb, you're able to turn and move in that direction -- ditto for the right dial and shooting. I know, I know, it sounds insane, but it works better than it has any right to.

Gallery: iDracula (iPhone)

Continue reading iPhone It In: iDracula

JoystiqiPhone It In: iDracula originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chillingodraculaidraculaiphoneiphone-it-invampiresMon, 16 Mar 2009 14:22:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone It In: Zen Bound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/02/iphone-it-in-zen-bound/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/02/iphone-it-in-zen-bound/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/02/iphone-it-in-zen-bound/#comments
Within moments of starting Zen Bound, I was completely embarrassed we hadn't yet featured it on "iPhone It In." No discussion of the iPhone as a platform that omits this soothing, beautiful puzzle game can really call itself complete. Hell, in terms of making use of the iPhone's specific strengths, Zen Bound is the discussion.

It is, as developer Secret Exit says simply in its iTunes Store description, a game about wrapping wooden sculptures with rope.

Gallery: Zen Bound (iPhone)

Continue reading iPhone It In: Zen Bound

JoystiqiPhone It In: Zen Bound originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chillingoiphoneiphone-it-insecret-exitzen-boundMon, 02 Mar 2009 16:16:00 EST