Joystiq

Modder adds Oculus Rift support to Crysis and CryEngine 3

Mike Schramm — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 02:00:00 EST

Modder Nathan Andrews, last seen working on an Oculus Rift mod for Half-Life 2, has set his sights on making the head-tracking 3D rig compatible with another popular shooter: Crysis. Andrews has released a video showing off Crytek's initial suit-powered shooter being controlled with the head-tracking system and a Mag II gun controller, and says that Crysis Wars and CryEngine 3 compatibility aren't far behind.

There's still a bit of work to be done, as Andrews notes the head-tracking isn't quite right yet with the crosshairs on the screen. Still, it look impressive, and considering how far the Rift itself has come, both software and hardware are getting polished up. The Rift headset went out to developers starting last year, with a consumer version supposed to arrive sometime in the future.

Modder adds Oculus Rift support to Crysis and CryEngine 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zynga CEO: company building cross-platform cloud compatibility

Mike Schramm — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 06:00:00 EST

We've already heard from Zynga how the company plans expand its scope a little bit from its very popular Facebook-only titles. Zynga founder Mark Pincus says in an interview with Om Malik that its policy extends to current tech being built to share saves across the cloud. "In other words, you can play a game on a computer and call it up on Xbox," Pincus says as an example, "and you resume from the point you left off, except the game play will now be customized for the Xbox controller." Game information will be shared, but the experience will be different.

That's already the case for Zynga's games on iOS -- they have a very different feel when played on mobile devices, and have even found different audiences. "Words for Friends doesn't do as well on Facebook as it does on the iPhone," for instance, "because they are a mobile first experience. Our poker game does well on the mobile as well."

This doesn't mean that Pincus is saying Zynga's working on Xbox ports of its titles. Instead, the company is building out the tech right now to extend these games out in various forms to even more platforms in the future.

Zynga CEO: company building cross-platform cloud compatibility originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Capcom posts Street Fighter 4 Arcade Edition FAQ

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 16 May 2011 19:52:00 EST

With the release of the Super Street Fighter 4 "Arcade Edition" DLC upgrade less than a month away -- the retail version will follow on June 28 -- there are some burning questions that must be answered. Capcom has heard the call and clarified several details in a new FAQ.

First and foremost, the full Arcade Edition update will comprise several downloads. Beginning on June 7, an an automatic update will be released to prepare your console or PC for the new content. Then, players choose between purchasing the Arcade add-on or installing the free "Update Kit." The Update Kit will allow vanilla SSF4 players to participate in matchmaking with Arcade Edition owners and will also allow them to spectate Arcade Edition matches. However, those using the Update Kit will not be able to play as or against any of the new characters, and all matches played will default to the original SSF4 character balance.

Additionally, Arcade Edition purchasers will have the option to play with the original character balance, though doing so will disable the new fighters. Head over to Capcom-Unity for more answers.

Capcom posts Street Fighter 4 Arcade Edition FAQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 May 2011 19:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kinect PC compatibility will come at 'the right time,' Ballmer says

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST

Curious to see what Minesweeper, FreeCell and some of your other favorite Windows games would be like if they were controlled using only your ghastly human form? Good news -- when asked by the BBC whether Kinect functionality would soon come to Windows-based computers, CEO Steve Ballmer explained that Microsoft "will support that in a formal way in the right time."

Given the peripheral's sales success and the overflowing passion of the modding community (already using Kinect with PCs), we'd say the right time is "now." We're fine if Microsoft wants to take its sweet time, though -- we're not sure we're ready for our Kinect to watch us while we work, anyways. It can be so judgmental!

Kinect PC compatibility will come at 'the right time,' Ballmer says originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DJ Hero 2 DLC packs coming in Nov., plus original DLC compatibility update

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:15:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

After being curiously absent from the on-disc soundtrack, Jay-Z, one-half of the original DJ Hero promotional duo, returns for a guest verse in the first DJ Hero 2 DLC pack. Available November 2, the Hit Makers Mix Pack bundles three mixes for $8, including a Rihanna's "Umbrella" / Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" mashup. Two weeks later, the Electro Hits Mix Pack will be released, packing decidedly more oomph-oomph. Complete details of both packs are posted after the break.

Additionally, a free compatibility update will be released in November to enable support for existing DJ Hero DLC in DJ Hero 2. Activision has not specified if this update will reformat the original DLC to feature new gameplay elements. (The gameplay differential between the first and second games could be a contributing factor in the apparent lack of a soundtrack importing option from DJ Hero 1 to 2 -- that and the race just to complete the DJ Hero 2 content in seven months, not to mention possible music licensing limitations.)

DJ Hero 2 will be released next Tuesday, October 19 for PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii.

Continue reading DJ Hero 2 DLC packs coming in Nov., plus original DLC compatibility update

DJ Hero 2 DLC packs coming in Nov., plus original DLC compatibility update originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'X Scorch' for Xbox 360 gets in on the split controller craze

JC Fletcher — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST

With PlayStation Move (and, let's not forget, the Splitfish lineup), the PS3 is taking part in the dual-controller wizardry that Wii owners have been enjoying for years -- a layout designed to allow free arm movement, but functionally allows us to play games without having to expend the effort to lift our arms from our sides to rest our hands in our laps. Now Xbox 360 owners will be able to get in on the slack-armed fun -- and utilize mouse control in their first-person shooters while they're at it -- with Bannco's "X Scorch" controller, an Xbox-based version of another two-handed PS3 setup, the "FragNStein."

The X Scorch, which is cross-compatible with PC, combines a custom mouse with a wireless Nunchuk-esque controller that features a D-pad, an analog stick and some trigger buttons. According to Bannco, the device is upgradeable via firmware updates and has "digital sniper buttons," which certainly sounds impressive. The X Scorch retails for $79.99. See it in action after the break.

Continue reading 'X Scorch' for Xbox 360 gets in on the split controller craze

'X Scorch' for Xbox 360 gets in on the split controller craze originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Green Day: Rock Band releases June 8 worldwide

David Hinkle — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:45:00 EST

That's right, folks -- Harmonix has just revealed that Green Day: Rock Band will be available for all come June 8 on Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii. Up to 6 players (3 mics; 3 instruments) will progress through the career of the trio, unlocking collectible images (more than 100, apparently) and some 40 minutes of "rare and unreleased" footage from interviews, outtakes and performances along the way.

As alluded to above, GD:RB will also sport the same vocal harmonizing feature that made The Beatles: Rock Band such a delight for mic hogs and comes loaded with 47 Green Day tracks, including "Brain Stew," "Jaded," "Hitchin' a Ride," "American Idiot," "Wake Me Up When September Ends" and "Boulevard of Broken Dreams."

Oh, and if you're looking to export these tunes, worry not: all 47 tracks are fully exportable to a console hard drive and playable in Rock Band, Rock Band 2 and the recently announced Rock Band 3. The export fee is $9.99 via Xbox Live or PSN. The export features is not available for the Wii system. Additionally, if you've picked up the six Green Day tunes already available as DLC, you can play them in the new game with added harmonies, "unique" visuals and more "exclusive archival material."

Green Day: Rock Band will be available as a standalone game for Xbox 360 and PS3 for $59.99, while Wii owners will get a bit of a price break at $49.99. A special edition Green Day: Rock Band Plus will also come to Xbox 360 and PS3 for $69.99 and includes fancy packaging, an "export" feature (we assume, a voucher to export the disc tracks to the hard drive) and the six previously released Green Day DLC tracks.

Update: The GameStop pre-order bonus for the standalone game is an export voucher (for Xbox 360 or PS3). Essentially, pre-order GD:RB from GameStop, and you can export all 47 tracks to your console hard drive for free.

Gallery: Green Day: Rock Band

Green Day: Rock Band releases June 8 worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Natal to use 10-15 percent of Xbox 360's computing resources

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:59:00 EST

A few details about Project Natal's technical capabilities slipped out alongside the holiday 2010 release window at Microsoft's CES press conference. The most revealing of these specifics is that the hardware will only siphon 10 to 15 percent of the 360's computing resources, according to a statement from Natal lead developer Alex Kipman. "Natal has to work on the existing hardware without taking too much hardware processing away from the games developers," Kipman added.

However, according to a report obtained by GamesIndustry, the processing power could have been further reduced. The original build for Natal included a chip that processed the "bone system," assumed responsible for creating a skeleton of the player in front of the device's glossy eye. However, in an attempt to lower costs, the chip was removed from the device's final build, putting that processing onus on the software that will utilize Natal.

In other words, it's extremely unlikely that any software will be able to have Natal support patched into it -- a fact that Digital Foundry's Richard Leadbetter says could help "serve to focus developers on Natal-specific concepts as opposed to revisiting old classics."

Update: Updated language to reflect that of the original source -- Natal will use 10 - 15 percent of the 360's overall computing power, not just its CPU.

Natal to use 10-15 percent of Xbox 360's computing resources originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DSi XL FAQ: Sized up

JC Fletcher — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:22:00 EST

Early yesterday, Nintendo of Japan announced the DSi XL (DSi LL in Japan), a larger, larger-screened version of the DSi. It's a big system, and kind of a big mystery, given that the only advance notice we had of the thing was a Nikkei blurb two days prior. While we can't answer the big questions, like how long this idea has been in the works, and whether a bigger handheld is a good idea as an alternative to the DS's continual miniaturization, we can round up what we know and can reasonably speculate about the DSi XL -- right after the jump.

Gallery: DSi XL

Continue reading DSi XL FAQ: Sized up

DSi XL FAQ: Sized up originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Full Band Hero track list, importable songs revealed

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:34:00 EST

If you've been savoring the slow trickle of track list announcements for Activision's tween-oriented rhythm title, Band Hero, your prolonged pleasure is about to come to a satisfying, yet abrupt end. The publisher has revealed all of the songs that will be available on the generically monikered game, and we've posted them -- along with details about compatible DLC and song importing from other Guitar Hero games -- after the jump in the least confusing manner we could possibly conjure. To help in this endeavor, we've even added a table of contents!

Man, we're seriously too nice for our own good.

Continue reading Full Band Hero track list, importable songs revealed

Full Band Hero track list, importable songs revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Valve undecided about Left 4 Dead DLC working in L4D2

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST

Valve raised quite a stink after announcing a new downloadable campaign for the original Left 4 Dead with only a few months remaining until the release of Left 4 Dead 2. What everyone still wants to know is whether this content will be compatible with the sequel -- and we do mean everyone. In an interview with Edge Online, Valve's Chet Faliszek explained that even the game's creators are unsure whether the new campaign will be playable in the second edition of the zombocalypse sim.

Faliszek remarked that Valve is "struggling" with how the campaign's story elements (that is to say, the in-game chatter between the original four survivors) would work when the new cast is introduced. He says it would be jarring to "put new characters in old places," but recognizes that "there's a whole group of the fans who don't care." What say you, readers? What would you find more disruptive -- re-worked character dialogue, or recently purchased, incompatible DLC?

Valve undecided about Left 4 Dead DLC working in L4D2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guitar Hero: World Tour drums not recognized by PS3 Rock Band 2

Ross Miller — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Rhythm

Despite promises to the contrary, the PlayStation 3 Guitar Hero: World Tour drum set doesn't seem to be working with Rock Band 1 or 2. Many users on the RB forums have noticed that the game is recognizing the wireless set as a microphone, and unfortunately, the mic isn't being recognized as a beat box receptor.

A Harmonix developer has chimed in to say, "We are definitely looking into this. We'll keep you posted on updates as soon as more info is available." Sony had previously said there would be universal instrument-rhythm game compatibility. The Xbox 360 drum sets seem to work with each respective game. We're working to independently confirm compatibility as we fill in the blanks to our Instrument Compatibility Matrix.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Guitar Hero: World Tour drums not recognized by PS3 Rock Band 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Revolution drum compatibility detailed; game 'on track' for '08

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Rhythm

Konami has detailed how its seven-input drum set will be compatible with Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero: World Tour's kits, which have four and five inputs, respectively. We've been informed that the game will "reconfigure" itself depending on the set being used with the game. For example, instead of seven lines of music, it will adjust to four when using the Rock Band 2 drums and five for GH:WT. The company expects its drums to be compatible with the competition's via a patch issued after launch.

The company has also told us that reports of the game's delay to 2009 only applies to Europe. The game is "still on track for a fall 2008" release in North America. We're sure all the rhythm-game fanboys out there are breathing a sigh of relief ... right? Hello?

Rock Revolution drum compatibility detailed; game 'on track' for '08 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq's Instrument Compatibility Matrix, v3.0

Ross Miller — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Features, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Rhythm

With Sony shedding some new light on the sea of plastic instrument compatibility nonsense, we thought it was time to update our compatibility charts for the Guitar Hero and Rock Band series, as well as newcomer Rock Revolution. Introducing the Instrument Compatibility Matrix, version 3.0. We'll keep updating this page as new information percolates out, hoping one day to fill in every square with a green "yes." Until that time, check out our chart skills.

Update: Now with more green care of Microsoft's compatibility commitment.

Joystiq's Instrument Compatibility Matrix, v3.0 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nyko FrontMan guitar compatibility chart

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Peripherals, Business

Click to embiggen

During E3 we spoke with third-party peripheral manufacturer Nyko about its line of FrontMan guitars and which games the different versions were compatible with. We did a quick and dirty post on what we were told during the E3 madness, but Nyko just sent over the chart above, which, admittedly, is much easier to understand.

For first-party guitar compatibility, check out our Guitar Hero / Rock Band guitar compatibility matrix v2. We're sure to have v3 available as soon as we confirm Rock Band 2, Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Revolution guitar compatibility.

Nyko FrontMan guitar compatibility chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Konami wants music peripherals to be universally compatible

Candace Savino — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: News, Peripherals

Rhythm game fans seem to be in a tough spot. It used to be that we could just buy whatever interested us, and that was that. Now, as new peripheral after new peripheral gets manufactured (of the same instruments), there's a problem: we're running out of space. Not all of us live in big, swanky mansions (or even small, cozy houses for that matter). Another problem? Money. Faux guitars and drum sets don't come cheap, so buying multiple game instruments isn't very economical.

Konami feels our pain, which may end up being their pain if people start avoiding Rock Revolution. We think Konami might be in a lot of trouble, since Rock Band and Guitar Hero are already well-established in the gaming world. Rock Revolution is the new kid on the block, and if people already have closets full of peripherals and empty wallets, the game might suffer for it. Since Guitar Hero is currently the most owned of the bunch, Activision has no plans to make things any easier for its competitors. Harmonix, meanwhile, preaches universal instruments, but Rock Band's drum set might be too different from Rock Revolution's to even aim for compatibility.

What do you think, though? Is there room for another multi-instrument rhythm game in today's market?

[Via GamesIndustry.biz]

Konami wants music peripherals to be universally compatible originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harmonix: Blame Activision for PS3 Rock Band guitar issues

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:50:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3

After Harmonix's valid attempt at easing tensions over PS3 guitar compatibility issues for Rock Band, the time for détente between MTV/Harmonix's Rock Band and Activision/Red Octane's Guitar Hero is over. Harmonix has issued a detailed statement saying the company created a patch for Guitar Hero controllers to be compatible with Rock Band on PS3, but that Activision blocked Sony from releasing the patch.

Harmonix reiterates in the statement that it believes in an "open standard philosophy of hardware and game compatibility." The company says that such a policy is in the interest of consumers, game developers and console manufacturers and "will only help to grow the music game genre as well as inspire innovation and creativity." Harmonix says that on Tuesday, December 4 it was ready to release a patch approved by Sony so that Guitar Hero controllers would be compatible with Rock Band, but that Activision objected to the release and now Sony is holding onto the patch due to Activision's "continued objection." The full statement from Harmonix can be found after the break. The ball is now quite publicly in Activision's court.

Continue reading Harmonix: Blame Activision for PS3 Rock Band guitar issues

Harmonix: Blame Activision for PS3 Rock Band guitar issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Warm Up: 'Cube aesthetic

Jason Wishnov — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Features

The Wii is, by far, the most stylish Nintendo-produced console ever made. It's sleek, minimalistic, and shiny shiny white (not pictured!). However, when being used as a Gamecube, there tends to be a loss of aerodynamic flow. Flaps concealing the GC circuitry must be lifted or removed; Wavebird receivers stick out at awkward angles, and those outdated things called wires might even get in the way.

Do you guys leave your GC stuff in the Wii, ready for (slightly) retro gaming? Does the loss of form factor make a big difference, and is it worth it to pull out and put in equipment every time you load up one of those tiny discs?

(uses Jedi mind trick) Tell us.

Wii Warm Up: 'Cube aesthetic originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Staff recommendations: Gamecube

Jason Wishnov — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff

Lately, a couple of lists have been speeding through the tubes of the intertron, reminding new Wii-owners that in fact, your new system has all the functionality of one recently passed away: the Nintendo Gamecube. As such, the library of playable games from launch is actually quite large. But how is one to discern the hidden gems amongst such a vast field? Worry not, fair readers: we're here to help.

Let's be fair: you're here reading Nintendo Wii Fanboy, for goodness' sake, so you probably know about absolute wonders such as Super Smash Bros Melee, Metroid Prime, and The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. These games, of course, must be played under penalty of death. What follows are fifteen fourteen of our personal recommendations, leading you from the AAA-released to barely known wonders of the little purple box. Most of these games can still be found, used, at many outlets nationwide. Take a look, and buy a game! We believe in you.

Continue reading Staff recommendations: Gamecube

Staff recommendations: Gamecube originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Jan 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SCEA: PSP price drop to $199 on March 22nd; EyeToy, GPS, and PSone game-download support coming later

Dan Choi — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP, Retro, Wireless, Online, Sports, Business

As noted in our earlier story on the PS3's worldwide launch in November, the PSP will drop in price to $199 in the U.S. on March 22nd.

According to an official PR announcement from SCEA, this basic package with PSP, AC adaptor, and battery will also retail for $229.99 CND (for our friends up north).

Highlights include classic PSone games for download onto Memory Sticks, web browser compatibility with Flash, a silver USB EyeToy camera for video and voice-over-IP chat in September, and GPS support for games like Hot Shots Golf as well. Europe will get their basic PSPs for 199 Euros on the same date, while Japan will get a new white SKU on April 15th.

See also:

SCEA: PSP price drop to $199 on March 22nd; EyeToy, GPS, and PSone game-download support coming later originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Mar 2006 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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