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[Watch Dogs box art has its hands full]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/watch-dogs-box-art-has-its-hands-full/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/watch-dogs-box-art-has-its-hands-full/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/watch-dogs-box-art-has-its-hands-full/#comments Watch Dogs box art has its hands fullAiden, the main character of Ubisoft's Watch Dogs, looks a bit preoccupied on the game's cover. Is he contemplating what to order for dinner on his fancy cell phone? Why is he holding a gun? He's not planning on paying for his meal, is he?

The game's box art is leaving us guessing, which is why we have higher-res versions to investigate in the gallery below, found on the official Watch Dogs North American and UK Facebook pages. The game is confirmed for PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, PC and Wii U, and is expected to launch sometime in 2013.

Gallery: Watch Dogs (Box Art)

JoystiqWatch Dogs box art has its hands full originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>box-artcovermicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-4ps3ps4UbisoftUbisoft-Montrealwatch-dogswii-uxboxSat, 23 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vote for BioShock Infinite's b-side cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/vote-for-bioshock-infinites-b-side-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/vote-for-bioshock-infinites-b-side-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/vote-for-bioshock-infinites-b-side-cover/#comments Vote for BioShock Infinite coverIrrational Games is asking the community to vote for BioShock Infinite's reversible cover art. Studio head Ken Levine asks in a post on the Irrational site for fans to vote on one of six covers:

"But what's that you say? You want even more choice in covers? We're also going to be arranging a whole mess of MORE alternate covers which will be available to download and print yourself," Levine writes. "Of course, these are free and we'd love to hear your thoughts in the [Irrational] forums as to what you'd like to see."

The cover art PR campaign comes a week after the brotastically boring cover for the fantastical Infinite was revealed. Levine mentioned shortly after the cover art drama that the box art was made for uninformed players who don't read news on gaming sites. So, you know, if you're reading this, go vote on what you want the actual cover for BioShock Infinite to be on your shelf.

JoystiqVote for BioShock Infinite's b-side cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infinitebox-artcovercover-artIrrational-Gamesken-levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 12 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ken Levine: BioShock Infinite box art is for the uninformed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/09/ken-levine-bioshock-infinite-box-art-is-for-the-uninformed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/09/ken-levine-bioshock-infinite-box-art-is-for-the-uninformed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/09/ken-levine-bioshock-infinite-box-art-is-for-the-uninformed/#comments Irrational Games boss Ken Levine talked with Wired recently about the cover art for BioShock Infinite, which was unveiled just over a week ago to the groans of many. Levine compared games to salad dressing when talking about the intentions of the game's box art, saying, "I don't read Salad Dressing Weekly. I don't care who makes it, I don't know any of the personalities in the salad dressing business."

Levine said that members of the team went to frathouses to ask if gamers have played BioShock, and "not a single one of them had heard of it." He makes the distinction that the box art for BioShock Infinite is for those uninformed players that don't read news on gaming sites. So, it's not for you, dear Joystiq reader, though Levine addressed you as well, noting that the developer will be releasing a "whole set of alternate covers that you can download and print. We're going to be working with the community to see what they're interested in."

Levine added that the BioShock team had to "make that tradeoff in terms of where we were spending our marketing dollars. By the time you get to the store, or see an ad, the BioShock fan knows about the game. The money we're spending on PR, the conversations with games journalists - that's for the fans. For the people who aren't informed, that's who the box art is for."

BioShock Infinite will launch March 26, 2013 for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Levine also recently spoke with Joystiq about the game's themes of faith and evolution of its central character, Elizabeth.

JoystiqKen Levine: BioShock Infinite box art is for the uninformed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infinitebox-artcoverIrrationalIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSun, 09 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Master Chief surveys the Art of Halo 4 book cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/master-chief-surveys-the-art-of-halo-4-book-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/master-chief-surveys-the-art-of-halo-4-book-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/master-chief-surveys-the-art-of-halo-4-book-cover/#comments The cover of Awakening The Art of Halo 4 has art and Halo 4
Above, your eyes can gaze upon the cover of the upcoming Awakening: The Art of Halo 4 art book, featuring all sorts of concept art and designs from Microsoft's upcoming Halo 4. It's got everything you want in a Halo book cover, including Master Chief, some crazy epic Forerunner structure, and a trusty assault rifle.

Actually, that's not quite true; we could use at least a little Covenant. Is that a Covvie ship flying through the background? Unclear. You'll have to wait to get a better look when the book arrives on store shelves in November, along with the new game itself.

JoystiqMaster Chief surveys the Art of Halo 4 book cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesartawakening-the-art-of-halo-4bookcoverhalo-4master-chiefmicrosoftxboxSun, 29 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Introducing Halo 4's Cortana]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/introducing-halo-4s-cortana/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/introducing-halo-4s-cortana/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/introducing-halo-4s-cortana/#comments ImageYou have to wonder why Master Chief - essentially a sexless cyborg - has a voluptuous female counterpart, but it's a bit late in the Halo franchise to be asking such questions. Instead, we simply accept that the Chief's virtual partner-in-heroism will once again return in this fall's Halo 4, and now we know what she looks like (care of the latest Game Informer cover reveal, as seen above).

Given the conclusion of Halo 3, we were kinda expecting the Chief's blue buddy to have a straitjacket wrapped around her projected avatar, but perhaps that and more will be explained when the game arrives later this year.

Oh, and for comparison's sake, we've dropped an image of Halo 3's Cortana just below the break. Her newer likeness is kinda ... less blue? A bit? That's all we got.

Continue reading Introducing Halo 4's Cortana

JoystiqIntroducing Halo 4's Cortana originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriescortanacovergame-informerhalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxThu, 05 Apr 2012 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Judge Xenoblade Chronicles by its (inside) cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/judge-xenoblade-chronicles-by-its-inside-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/judge-xenoblade-chronicles-by-its-inside-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/judge-xenoblade-chronicles-by-its-inside-cover/#comments Xenoblade Chronicles "the game" is definitely coming to the US Wii on April 3, but Xenoblade Chronicles "the box art" is more of a vague idea at this point. Nintendo is allowing fans to choose the inside portion of Xenoblade's reversible box art via a Facebook photo poll -- of the four photos shown below, whichever has the most "Likes" will become the US game's reversible image:

Continue reading Judge Xenoblade Chronicles by its (inside) cover

JoystiqJudge Xenoblade Chronicles by its (inside) cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coverfacebooknintendopollreversiblevotewiixenoblade-chroniclesMon, 06 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Three pros score love on Grand Slam Tennis 2 cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/three-pros-score-love-on-grand-slam-tennis-2-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/three-pros-score-love-on-grand-slam-tennis-2-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/three-pros-score-love-on-grand-slam-tennis-2-cover/#comments
EA has picked three different athletes from three different times and places to grace the just-revealed cover of Grand Slam Tennis 2. '70s American champ John McEnroe is in the middle with the hair, Russia's '00s champ Maria Sharapova is on the left, and current champ Novak Djokovic sits on the right, all with slightly different reactions to what we can only guess are balls hurtling through the air.

The diversity of choices emphasizes the game's Legends of Now and Then feature, which offers up 20 pro tennis stars from history to play in virtual person on the court. This version is also notable for "Full Racquet Control," which allows you to use the controller's right stick like a tennis racquet, and full motion controls with PlayStation Move. The first HD version of EA's tennis series will be on shelves next month, February 10 in Europe and February 14 in North America.

JoystiqThree pros score love on Grand Slam Tennis 2 cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>covereaelectronic-artsgrand-slam-tennisgrand-slam-tennis-2john-mcenroemicrosoftmovepcplaystationps3release-datexboxMon, 26 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MLB 2K12 names Tigers' Justin Verlander as cover Athlete]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/06/mlb-2k12-names-tigers-justin-verlander-as-cover-athlete/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/06/mlb-2k12-names-tigers-justin-verlander-as-cover-athlete/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/06/mlb-2k12-names-tigers-justin-verlander-as-cover-athlete/#comments 2K Games announced this week that the Detroit Tigers hurler Justin Verlander will grace the cover of MLB 2K12, due out when the next baseball season begins in March of next year. Verlander was named Player of the Year and American League Outstanding Pitcher at the recent Players' Choice Awards, and it's likely that he'll pick up the Cy Young Award for 2011 as well, the first time he'll earn that honor.

You can see Verlander's virtual arm (and virtual chewing animation) in the quick trailer above. Sure, it's the arm that strikes out batters, but you can't get Detroit to the AL championship without a groovy chew like that one.

JoystiqMLB 2K12 names Tigers' Justin Verlander as cover Athlete originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescoverjustin-verlandermicrosoftmlb-2k12newspcplaystationps3releasexboxSun, 06 Nov 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anderson Silva chosen by fans as the UFC Undisputed 3 cover athlete]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/anderson-silva-chosen-by-fans-as-the-ufc-undisputed-3-cover-athl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/anderson-silva-chosen-by-fans-as-the-ufc-undisputed-3-cover-athl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/anderson-silva-chosen-by-fans-as-the-ufc-undisputed-3-cover-athl/#comments Reigning middleweight UFC champ (and the guy broadly agreed-upon as the best pound-for-pound fighter currently living in the world right now) Anderson Silva has been voted on by fans to become the cover athlete for UFC Undisputed 3, scheduled for release next January. The decision makes sense for a lot of reasons besides just the vote: Silva is one of the UFC's most popular fighters, and he's been on a streak that's made history and then some, roundly demolishing fighter after fighter in his division with ability that far outweighs most anyone he's ever faced. Silva's last loss was back in 2006, and since then he's gone undefeated in an unheard-of 15 fights, nine of which were title defenses.

In short, Anderson "The Spider" Silva isn't just the best guy you'd want on a game about ultimate fighting -- he's the best there is. The game? Oh, um, yeah. We're sure the game is good too.

JoystiqAnderson Silva chosen by fans as the UFC Undisputed 3 cover athlete originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anderson-silvaanderson-the-spider-silvacoverdana-whitefightermicrosoftplaystationps3ufcufc-undisputed-3xboxMon, 10 Oct 2011 21:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Peyton Hillis wins Madden 12 cover vote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/peyton-hillis-wins-madden-12-cover-vote/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/peyton-hillis-wins-madden-12-cover-vote/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/peyton-hillis-wins-madden-12-cover-vote/#comments Witness! Cleveland has a new -- and most unlikely -- sports icon in Peyton Hillis, who has been voted to the cover of Madden 12. Hillis, the could-be star running back for the Browns, trounced Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick in the final round of EA Sports' five-week, bracket-style cover competition. Hosted in collaboration with ESPN, the vote-driven promotion featured a player representative from 31 one of the NFL's 32 teams and ... the Seahawks fans (who were eliminated in the first round).

Hillis' inspiring run, no doubt propelled by the passionate (desperate?) Cleveland fans that have been aggressively campaigning across social media networks, included defeating Green Bay Packers QB and Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers, the bracket's #1 overall seed. "I didn't think I had a shot," said the humble Hillis during ESPN's "SportsNation" show this afternoon, during which the winner was announced.

Both Hillis and Vick were present on set for segments of the hour-long episode, doing their best to remain composed and engaged in the topics presented by hosts Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd, while a countdown timer ticked away. With the lights dimmed, Cowherd excitedly announced that "almost 13 million people voted" before he declared Hillis as the winner. The beefy back was then awkwardly goaded on by the two hosts, and even Vick, to flex his "guns" as the show cut out for the next program.

[Note: Not official cover art.]

JoystiqPeyton Hillis wins Madden 12 cover vote originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscleveland-brownscoverdsea-sportsmadden-nfl-12microsoftnintendopeyton-hillisplaystationps2ps3pspsonywiixboxWed, 27 Apr 2011 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 12 cover athlete vote expanded to 32-team bracket]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/madden-12-cover-athlete-vote-expanded-to-32-team-bracket/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/madden-12-cover-athlete-vote-expanded-to-32-team-bracket/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/madden-12-cover-athlete-vote-expanded-to-32-team-bracket/#comments Perhaps channeling the spirit of "March Madness," EA Sports and ESPN's SportsNation have partnered to present a five-week, bracket-style voting campaign for the Madden 12 cover athlete -- labor disputes be damned!

The first round, which starts today and runs through next Sunday, divides the field of 32 players (one from each NFL team) into two sides of seeded match-ups, with quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Philip Rivers representing the two #1 seeds. (League MVP Tom Brady is noticeably absent from the field of candidates.)

It's unclear how exactly the rankings and players were determined, but the first round craftily pairs match-ups by division, playing off of heated rivalries. While this setup encourages each team's dedicated fan base to vote (for themselves in the case of the lowly Seahawks), those loyalists might first have to overcome superstition. While electing Panthers' offensive tackle Jordan Gross to the cover would be quite a coup for Carolina fans, can they really risk cursing the standout lineman? Perhaps the best strategy, then, is to vote for the teams and players you hate the most.

JoystiqMadden 12 cover athlete vote expanded to 32-team bracket originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>covereaea-sportsespnmaddenmadden-nfl-12microsoftnintendoplaystationps3pspsonysportsnationvotewiixboxMon, 21 Mar 2011 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Spin 4 is Move compatible, but 'not Kinect']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/top-spin-4-is-move-compatible-but-not-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/top-spin-4-is-move-compatible-but-not-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/top-spin-4-is-move-compatible-but-not-kinect/#comments When Top Spin 4 was announced in September, publisher 2K Games busted out accolades like "uncanny level of realism" and "all-new innovative controls," which certainly sounded like euphemisms for "you're going to play it with swinging motions." At the time, associate producer Michael Kelly told ESPN that support for PlayStation Move and Kinect was "something we are looking into, but I can't confirm or deny that it will be in the final product."

Today, the publisher revealed Top Spin 4's box art, featuring Bald Agassi (his "Vintage" look will be available when you pre-order the game from GameStop) flanked by current stars Rafa and Serena. And the box art revealed that the PS3 version will be "PlayStation Move Compatible," which is corroborated by the Move logo's appearance in the new trailer.

The Xbox 360 cover, however, is curiously devoid of any mention of Kinect, and a 2K Games representative confirmed to us that Top Spin 4 is "not Kinect ... but it is Move compatible." Considering the strong sales of both Kinect hardware and associated software since the device's launch in November, not to mention that there's no licensed tennis sim for Kinect on the market yet, 2K must have good reason for passing up this opportunity (though the company has "no further comment" at this time).

Top Spin 4 is scheduled for release on March 15, 2011 for PS3, Wii and Xbox 360. Check out the full, 25-player roster and a new trailer after the break.

Gallery: Top Spin 4 (box art)

Continue reading Top Spin 4 is Move compatible, but 'not Kinect'

JoystiqTop Spin 4 is Move compatible, but 'not Kinect' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-czech2k-sportsandre-agassibox-artcoverkinectmicrosoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-moveps3release-daterostertake-twotop-spin-4wiixboxTue, 18 Jan 2011 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[YouTube musician covers Zelda's Song of Healing on wine glasses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/youtube-musician-covers-zeldas-song-of-healing-on-wine-glasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/youtube-musician-covers-zeldas-song-of-healing-on-wine-glasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/youtube-musician-covers-zeldas-song-of-healing-on-wine-glasses/#comments Don't ask us why, but this time of year, we love watching YouTube users' creative takes on musical themes from Zelda games -- and they don't get much more creative than Sp0ntanius' wine glass rendition of Majora's Mask's "Song of Healing." It's watchable in the video posted below.

Continue reading YouTube musician covers Zelda's Song of Healing on wine glasses

JoystiqYouTube musician covers Zelda's Song of Healing on wine glasses originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coverdsmajoras-masknintendonintendo-64wiizeldaWed, 08 Dec 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Michael Jordan NBA 2K11 cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/the-michael-jordan-nba-2k11-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/the-michael-jordan-nba-2k11-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/the-michael-jordan-nba-2k11-cover/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2K Sports calls it the "Greatest Cover of All Time" -- but, you know, it's not even the greatest Michael Jordan cover of all time. Five words: Chaos. In. The. Windy. City. (Click the image for a better look at Jordan's latest comeback.)

Continue reading The Michael Jordan NBA 2K11 cover

JoystiqThe Michael Jordan NBA 2K11 cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Sportsbox-artboxartcoverMichael-JordanmicrosoftNBA-2K11nintendopcplaystationps3pspwiixboxWed, 07 Jul 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Drew Brees singled out for Madden 11 cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/drew-brees-singled-out-for-madden-11-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/drew-brees-singled-out-for-madden-11-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/drew-brees-singled-out-for-madden-11-cover/#comments Boy, how quickly it all can change: One moment you're leading America's darling Saints to a Super Bowl victory and the next you're cursed by the very same fans that cheered you on. Such is the fate of New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees, who has almost certainly been afflicted with the "Madden Curse" following his selection as Madden NFL 11 cover guy. Perhaps unwittingly, fans hexed Brees through an online poll -- each click like a pin prick in a voodoo doll -- and now the Saints ownership must be scrambling to land a backup QB in the NFL draft tonight.

The first shot at Brees' knees will be televised nationally -- always a good betting opportunity -- when the NFL kicks off its regular season with the Saints hosting the Vikings on Thursday, September 9 on NBC. (That is, if Brees even manages to survive the preseason.) Something tells us he's gonna need more than a good luck kiss on the cheek.

Madden 11 will be released on August 10 for Xbox 360, PS3 (and PS2), Wii and PSP. Mobile versions, including an iPhone and iPod Touch release, will also be available.

JoystiqDrew Brees singled out for Madden 11 cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applecovercover-athletedrew-breeseaea-sportsea-tiburonElectronic-ArtsiPodmaddenmadden-11madden-nfl-11MicrosoftNintendorelease-dateWiiXbox-360Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Brock Lesnar makes the cover of UFC Undisputed 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/brock-lesnar-makes-the-cover-of-ufc-undisputed-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/brock-lesnar-makes-the-cover-of-ufc-undisputed-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/brock-lesnar-makes-the-cover-of-ufc-undisputed-2010/#comments We knew the Ultimate Fighting Championship was open to all forms of combatants, but we think professional brawler Brock Lesnar's admittance to the league is just a little unfair. Our attention was turned to Lesnar by the recently revealed cover of UFC Undisputed 2010 (the full version of which is posted after the jump), which features his countenance. See, we don't have anything against Lesnar -- we just think it's a little one-sided to pit human fighters up against shaved kodiak bears.

We can't wait to scare the living crap out of all the other game cases on our shelf by placing this one near them when UFC Undisputed 2010 releases May 25.

Continue reading Brock Lesnar makes the cover of UFC Undisputed 2010

JoystiqBrock Lesnar makes the cover of UFC Undisputed 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brock-lesnarcoverfightingMicrosoftsportsthqufcufc-undisputedufc-undisputed-2010ultimate-fighting-championshipXbox-360Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lightning strikes the UK and US cover art of Final Fantasy XIII [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/lightning-strikes-the-uk-cover-art-of-final-fantasy-xiii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/lightning-strikes-the-uk-cover-art-of-final-fantasy-xiii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/lightning-strikes-the-uk-cover-art-of-final-fantasy-xiii/#comments The Final Fantasy series has been known to have some truly epic box art in the past, such as the man vs. machinery motif of the Final Fantasy VII cover, or the lovely, all-inclusive tableau featured on the front of the last entry in the core franchise. Imagine our surprise when we received the images above from Games Press -- it seems the cover for the UK version of Final Fantasy XIII will be considerably more simple than the box art of its predecessors. [Update: The US version of the box art will be identical to the UK version.]

We've posted larger versions of the two boxes in the gallery below. Check them out, but don't let those eyes of yours wander. Yes, we know her skirt is hiked to a precarious degree. We also know that the baby Jesus is watching your every action.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII UK cover art

JoystiqLightning strikes the UK and US cover art of Final Fantasy XIII [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artbox-artcoverfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiiilightningMicrosoftrpgsquare-enixukXbox-360Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock 2 cover is familiar, absolutely filthy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/bioshock-2-cover-is-familiar-absolutely-filthy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/bioshock-2-cover-is-familiar-absolutely-filthy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/bioshock-2-cover-is-familiar-absolutely-filthy/#comments
Not to be overshadowed by BioWare's latest effort to depict Mass Effect 2 in one epic cover, 2K Games has released the box art for BioShock 2 -- and it doesn't win any points for originality or cleanliness. Just like the first game's cover, it features Big Daddy (this time he's you!) and Little Sister (not you). Only now, everything's behind cracked, grimy glass and the logo's covered in barnacles. Eww.

You can lay your eyes on high-res versions of the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC covers for the sequel in the gallery below. You might want to put on some rubber gloves and grab a can of Scrubbing Bubbles before you click on 'em, though.

Gallery: BioShock 2 box art


[Thanks, Geoff]

JoystiqBioShock 2 cover is familiar, absolutely filthy originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-australia2k-games2k-marinarkane-studiosbioshockbioshock-2box-artcoverdigital-extremesMicrosofttake-twoXbox-360Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Capps talks about missing 'perching' cover system from Gears of War 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/tgs-2009-capps-talks-about-missing-perching-cover-system-from/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/tgs-2009-capps-talks-about-missing-perching-cover-system-from/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/tgs-2009-capps-talks-about-missing-perching-cover-system-from/#comments
"Everyone expects sequels to be bigger and better," Dr. Michael Capps said in his Gears of War panel at Tokyo Game Show. While talking about visual prototyping, he showcased a new type of cover that was in development for GoW2 called "perching" that was ultimately removed from the game. This system would allow for the player to take cover behind a wall as usual, but by pushing up, Marcus would be able to grab the top of the wall, and pull up. Hanging from the top of the wall, players would be able to fire their gun, with an improved vertical vantage of the battlefield.

It looked really cool, yes, but Capps talked about how they couldn't implement it in the game because it simply broke the game -- especially in multiplayer. It would be unfair if players could see the entire battlefield, while still being able to stay in cover. Too bad ... because it did look really cool.

JoystiqTGS 2009: Capps talks about missing 'perching' cover system from Gears of War 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coverepic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-2michael-cappsperchingtgs-2009Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Pitchford on Borderlands cover: The game 'will blow your mind']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/pitchford-on-borderlands-cover-the-game-will-blow-your-mind/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/pitchford-on-borderlands-cover-the-game-will-blow-your-mind/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/pitchford-on-borderlands-cover-the-game-will-blow-your-mind/#comments
Gearbox Software prez Randy Pitchford says upcoming post-apocalyptic shooter Borderlands will "blow your mind." After issuing the game's daring cover this past week, the development studio head talked to IGN about it and claimed, "The motive is about the goals of a box cover - you want to evoke something, get attention and have something honest to say about the promise of the game."

Though he admits some were worried at Gearbox as well as at publisher 2K Games, he believes it was the right decision to choose that cover in the end. "Judging from the response so far, it looks like it was the right call." We absolutely agree, Mr. Pitchford. Will gamers pick it up at the store this October next to Brütal Legend and other AAA titles? That remains to be seen -- but all these games that have been pushed back to 2010 couldn't hurt, right?

Gallery: Borderlands cover art

borderlandspcborderlandsps3borderlandsx

JoystiqPitchford on Borderlands cover: The game 'will blow your mind' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandsbox-artbrutal-legendcovergearboxgearbox-softwareignMicrosoftrandy-pitchfordXbox-360Sat, 15 Aug 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Who? EA reveals FIFA 10 North American cover athletes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/who-ea-reveals-fifa-10-north-american-cover-athletes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/who-ea-reveals-fifa-10-north-american-cover-athletes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/who-ea-reveals-fifa-10-north-american-cover-athletes/#comments After EA announced a trio of British gents gracing the cover of FIFA 10 in Europe last week, the company today revealed the box art for the North American iteration. Cuauhtémoc Blanco of Chicago Fire and Sacha Kljestan of Chivas USA appear on the box, with Jason Bateman Chelsea's Frank Lampard taking center stage.

EA also revealed the game's release date Stateside to be October 20, while a Euro release has been confirmed for October 2. We'll be spending the extra few weeks figuring out what exactly Chivas USA is. Peep the full cover and a new video of FIFA 10 in action after the break.

Gallery: FIFA 10 (360/PS3)

Continue reading Who? EA reveals FIFA 10 North American cover athletes

JoystiqWho? EA reveals FIFA 10 North American cover athletes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applechicago-firechivas-usacoverCuauhtmoc-BlancoDSEAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsExient-EntertainmentFIFAFIFA-10FIFA-2010HB-StudiosiPodmajor-league-soccerMicrosoftmlsNintendoPlayStationPS2PS3PSPSacha-KljestanSportsSumo-DigitalWiiXbox-360Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson cover Fight Night Round 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/muhammad-ali-mike-tyson-cover-fight-night-round-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/muhammad-ali-mike-tyson-cover-fight-night-round-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/muhammad-ali-mike-tyson-cover-fight-night-round-4/#comments
There will be plenty of butterfly floating and bee stinging in the ring this summer, as EA announced that Muhammad Ali will be one of two cover athletes for Fight Night Round 4. The boxing legend will share the space with powerhouse and controversy magnet Mike Tyson. We just hope Ali knows to duck out of the way should Tyson's eyes flash red before schooling "Iron Mike" in a lesson of sweet science.

Both will be playable in the upcoming title, which is currently in development at EA Canada. Also, eager players who lay down a pre-order for Fight Night Round 4 at GameStop will net early access to the game's demo, giving them some extra time to live out pugilistic dreams before the rest of the world laces up.

JoystiqMuhammad Ali, Mike Tyson cover Fight Night Round 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxingcovereaea-canadaEA-SportsElectronic-Artsfight-nightfight-night-round-4FightingMicrosoftmike-tysonmuhammad-aliSportsXboxXbox-360Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One-man band covers Wind Waker theme]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/one-man-band-covers-wind-waker-theme/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/one-man-band-covers-wind-waker-theme/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/one-man-band-covers-wind-waker-theme/#commentsFiled under:


If we wrote about every fan-made cover of Nintendo theme songs that slid across our desks inboxes, we'd find ourselves with little time to write about all the hard-hitting news that you crave. However, we think it would be irresponsible to not pass along this incredible rendition of the opening theme to Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, largely due to the fact that its exponentially better than the original.

The acoustic cover, which is posted after the break, was performed by YouTube composer Fredrik Larsson -- and only YouTube composer Fredrik Larsson. Through the magic of non-linear editing, Freddy pools his musical talents to piece together an incredible tribute to one of Nintendo's unsung themes. We suggest having Link's oceanic adventure on-hand should you decide to check the video out -- trust us, you'll feel compelled to revisit it.

[Thanks, Chris.]

Continue reading One-man band covers Wind Waker theme

JoystiqOne-man band covers Wind Waker theme originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coverfredrik-larssonlegend-of-zelda-the-wind-wakertheme-songwind-wakerzeldaSat, 27 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Washable Balance Board covers repel your grubby feet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/washable-balance-board-covers-repel-your-grubby-feet/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/washable-balance-board-covers-repel-your-grubby-feet/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/washable-balance-board-covers-repel-your-grubby-feet/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Fact: feet are disgusting. Also a fact: the Wii Balance Board is very, very white. What price will you pay to keep it that way, and prevent mucky feet from tarnishing its perfect surface?

Linx Products hopes that you'll pay ¥1,554 (around $14). The company recently started marketing these ivory-colored protective covers for Nintendo's peripheral, and they're available now on Amazon Japan for exactly that price. They can be washed up to fifty times, and apparently feature ... some anti-bacterial agent that we couldn't decipher.

These are still Japan-only, so the rest of you will have to settle with sticking other stuff on your Balance Boards. Or you could just wash your damn manky feet.

[Via Balance Board Blog]

Putting your feet on the Balance Board and measuring your own BMI is so last year -- head here to read up on one blogger's quest to measure his apartment. And a cat.

JoystiqWashable Balance Board covers repel your grubby feet originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-boardcoverjapanwii-fitMon, 11 Aug 2008 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Nintendo Power to reveal Wii exclusive Sonic and the Black Knight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/rumor-nintendo-power-to-reveal-wii-exclusive-sonic-and-the-blac/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/rumor-nintendo-power-to-reveal-wii-exclusive-sonic-and-the-blac/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/rumor-nintendo-power-to-reveal-wii-exclusive-sonic-and-the-blac/#commentsFiled under:

At the end of last month's issue of Nintendo Power, the editors promised a huge reveal in the magazine's following issue, teasing those anxiously awaiting Wii-exclusive installments in the Earthbound and Kingdom Hearts franchises. However, if the supposed scans of the cover of the upcoming edition of Nintendo Power that have begun to trickle onto the internet are legit, then the publication's big surprise could be coming from an unexpected source -- a new adventure of a recognizable blue rodent, titled Sonic and the Black Knight.

Assuming the scans are real, the twentieth anniversary edition of Nintendo Power will give readers their first look at the title. No other details are given on the supposed cover, though we're sure the sole image of the cerulean speedster brandishing a broadsword is enough to send you into a tizzy. However, let us not forget the disaster that resulted the last time we bestowed a lethal weapon upon a hedgehog.

JoystiqRumor: Nintendo Power to reveal Wii exclusive Sonic and the Black Knight originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>covernintendonintendo-powernintendowiirumorsegasonicSonic-and-the-Black-Knightsonic-the-hedgehogWiiSat, 19 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[AMR Racing brightens up the Balance Board]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/amr-racing-brightens-up-the-balance-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/amr-racing-brightens-up-the-balance-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/amr-racing-brightens-up-the-balance-board/#commentsFiled under: ,


If the cold, hard, infinitely white surface of the Balance Board has you too scared to jump back on the Wii FIt bandwagon, a solution has been found. AMR Racing has thrown together a few snazzy little cover designs, so if you're gonna be staring at the Balance Board while doing pushups, you may as well stare at a Hoochie Mama.

Each cover will set you back around US$20, which might just be a small price to pay to cover up the current gross state of your Balance Board. Check out the full range over at Amazon -- or, if you are a British chap or chapette, Amazon UK.

JoystiqAMR Racing brightens up the Balance Board originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amr-racingbalance-boardcoverwii-fitFri, 11 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultimate Band is less Disney, more Disnasty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/ultimate-band-is-less-disney-more-disnasty/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/ultimate-band-is-less-disney-more-disnasty/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/ultimate-band-is-less-disney-more-disnasty/#commentsFiled under: ,


Any White Stripes fan -- nay, any music fan at all -- can only look at this trailer for Disney's Ultimate Band and weep, perhaps while pounding a sharp-edged rock into the side of their skull. It's not the idea of yet another music game that will probably do the same things as all the other music games (including using Rock Band's instruments). It's the absolutely abhorrent quality of the included covers that has us writhing on the floor in pain and shame. That's got us wondering if all the music will be covers, since we know of several other songs and artists on tap for the title (and more who are rumored).

Ultimate Band was initially announced as being the peripheral-free answer to Rock Band and Guitar Hero, but now that rumored versions for the Xbox 360 and PS3 have been announced, word is that there will also be a version with instruments that will retail for $170.

Drag yourself past the break to see the list known artists and songs.

Continue reading Ultimate Band is less Disney, more Disnasty

JoystiqUltimate Band is less Disney, more Disnasty originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avril-lavignebowling-for-soupcoverdevodisneyjonas-brothersmiley-cyrusmusicplain-white-tsrhythmthe-raconteursthe-whoultimate-bandwhite-stripesMon, 16 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave helps your DS make its Princess Debut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/cave-helps-your-ds-make-its-princess-debut/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/cave-helps-your-ds-make-its-princess-debut/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/cave-helps-your-ds-make-its-princess-debut/#commentsFiled under: ,


The website for Cave's princess-impersonating dancing game, Princess Debut, features a lovely activity that is probably designed for little girls, but is kind of fun anyway. In keeping with the theme of not actually being a princess, you can design a DS cover out of fake rhinestones and then print it out! If you aren't feeling creative, there's even a template available to color in.

Ideally, you'd affix this to the system by slipping it inside a transparent cover, but you'd probably be okay using just a little tape. Alternately, you could just mess with the editor for fun. But then how would your DS get any more princess-like?

[Via GAME Watch]

JoystiqCave helps your DS make its Princess Debut originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cavecoverdancingdecorationprincess-debutrhinestonesFri, 09 May 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rest your DS in these oldschool pouches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/rest-your-ds-in-these-oldschool-pouches/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/rest-your-ds-in-these-oldschool-pouches/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/rest-your-ds-in-these-oldschool-pouches/#commentsFiled under:

Since we're unabashed game enthusiasts, we appreciate any opportunity to combine our love for modern day gaming with our nostalgia for gaming of the past. That's why we find these DS covers to be absolutely darling. The Game Boy cover makes more sense to have, since the system belongs in the same family tree as Nintendo's dual-screened handheld. Yet, the NES controller is a perfect shape for a DS pouch -- and who doesn't love a NES controller? -- so that works, too.

Should you like these as much as we do, you can check them out at Janis13's Etsy store, along with some other DS cases.

[Via Technabob]

JoystiqRest your DS in these oldschool pouches originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casecovercraftetsygame-boygameboyjanis13nesnes-controllerpouchThu, 10 Apr 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Massage Feet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/wii-massage-feet/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/wii-massage-feet/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/wii-massage-feet/#commentsFiled under: ,


Wii Fit can be hard on your feet. So why not give them a nice massage? And by "give them a nice massage," we mean "make them stand on some plastic nubs." Japan Trust Technology hopes that the nubs on their Silicone Fit Cover Tsubu Tsubu (tsubu tsubu refers to something grainy or pebbly) will be just the thing to put them at the top of the burgeoning Wii Fit board cover market.

In addition to feeling neat, the nubs help players keep their feet positioned properly and prevent slippage. JTT is selling this item online -- in blue only -- for 2480 yen ($23). We make fun of stuff like this, but we can certainly see the appeal of getting a nice cover for something that we have our feet on for hours.

[Via GAME Watch]

JoystiqWii Massage Feet originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-boardcoverjttmassagewii-fitwiifitFri, 08 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scale up your Wiimote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/scale-up-your-wiimote/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/scale-up-your-wiimote/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/scale-up-your-wiimote/#commentsFiled under: ,

Designer Mayumi Hasegawa does a lot of work in "python leather." As in "snakeskin." As in "a surefire way to get us to stop using our Wiimotes immediately, because ewww." This Wiimote cover isn't just a fashionable print. Snake! A snake! Oh, it's a snake!

The Remocon Python Suit comes in two styles: "white" and "black" and sells via Hasegawa's website for 15,750 yen (about $150). With the slightly snake-like shape of the Wiimote, having a snakeskin-augmented controller on your coffee table is basically guaranteed to freak your cats out.

If you happen to think it's great, Hasegawa also has a line of pricey and vaguely unsettling DS Lite covers.

[Via Inside Games]

JoystiqScale up your Wiimote originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casecoverhasegawasnakeskinFri, 08 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a look at the PSP's battery bulge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/take-a-look-at-the-psps-battery-bulge/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/take-a-look-at-the-psps-battery-bulge/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/take-a-look-at-the-psps-battery-bulge/#commentsFiled under:


Sony's official extended life battery cover for PSP-2000 owners doesn't come out for another few weeks. However, 1_blue_pixel from the PlayStation forums has purchased a third-party cover from DealExtreme. He offers some truly insightful pictures of the system with its battery bulge. (For those that aren't in the know: longer life PSP batteries are larger than the current batteries in the PSP-2000, and will protrude out of the system slightly.) From the looks of the picture, it doesn't seem like the bulge will be too noticeable. In fact, we think it's worth it just for the 11 hour battery life (pictured after the cut).

Continue reading Take a look at the PSP's battery bulge

JoystiqTake a look at the PSP's battery bulge originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterycoverWed, 28 Nov 2007 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii on Toys 'R' Us' Big Toy Book cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/wii-on-toys-r-us-big-toy-book-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/wii-on-toys-r-us-big-toy-book-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/wii-on-toys-r-us-big-toy-book-cover/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Wii may have been Toys "R" Us' first video game console to appear on their "hot toy" list last year, but this year it goes straight to the cover of their annual Big Toy Book. Not only did the Wii get the cover, but Nintendo products received a two-page spread inside. Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's video game products had to share a spread with each other.

What does it mean? Well, the cynical part of us wants to say that Toys "R" Us is just pulling a giant bait and switch. Just because the Wii is on the cover -- brilliant marketing given the demographic they're targeting -- doesn't mean the stores will have any in stock. Who knows, parents may walk in for a Wii and walk out with an Xbox 360, or maybe even a PS3? At least Toys "R" Us got them in the door.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqWii on Toys 'R' Us' Big Toy Book cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bigtoybookcovertoysruswiiTue, 30 Oct 2007 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Pirates cut costs on Wii-labeled GC games with compilation discs, crappier covers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/08/pirates-cut-costs-on-wii-labeled-gc-games-with-compilation-discs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/08/pirates-cut-costs-on-wii-labeled-gc-games-with-compilation-discs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/08/pirates-cut-costs-on-wii-labeled-gc-games-with-compilation-discs/#commentsFiled under:



Our undercover brother from another mother, GameOPS, has continued its documentation of video game piracy in the Philippines with more packaging photos taken at a Manila mall. The island nation's counterfeiters aren't content with just purposely mislabeling GameCube titles; they're taking a page from their handheld capers, packing multiple titles into one disc and selling them as unofficial Wii anthologies.

The 4-in-1 Zelda "Collector's Edition" pictured above contains the following GC/Wii releases - Four Swords Adventures, The Wind Waker, Twilight Princess, and Ocarina Time [sic] -- all for only 400 pesos (approximately $8.75). Further insulting the series, the offending shop also sells a Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic Riders 2-in-1 pack for the same price, suggesting equal worth. That is some straight-up malarkey. Jump past the post break for more examples of this duplicitous practice.

Continue reading Pirates cut costs on Wii-labeled GC games with compilation discs, crappier covers

JoystiqPirates cut costs on Wii-labeled GC games with compilation discs, crappier covers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Aug 2007 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>covergamecubephilippinespiracyWed, 08 Aug 2007 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Pirates selling GameCube titles as Wii games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/06/pirates-selling-gamecube-titles-as-wii-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/06/pirates-selling-gamecube-titles-as-wii-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/06/pirates-selling-gamecube-titles-as-wii-games/#commentsFiled under:


The last time we visited the Philippines, we stopped at a video store and picked up a movie labeled Anaconda 4, amazed to find that the horrible horror film had received three sequels which we'd never heard about. Imagine our surprise when we popped in the VHS tape later that evening, only to find that Anaconda 4 was actually Komodo, a completely unrelated B-movie with absolutely no anacondas in it whatsoever. It's a good thing we passed on Breakfast Club 3.

Filipino site GameOPS found that pirates are up to their old tricks again, copying GameCube games onto DVD discs and packaging them as Wii releases. Titles like Luigi's Mansion, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, and The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition are advertised with new covers that've been rebranded with Wii logos and boxart elements. Unlike official GameCube-to-Wii ports, these don't even feature tacked-on waggle controls!

When asked about the "Wii" copy of Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes on display at ShopesVille, a department store in Manila's Greenhills Shopping Center, one of the salesladies explained that it's the same Metal Gear Solid release as the upcoming PS3 game. We bet that all the people who argued about the Wii not being able to handle next-gen graphics feel a bit silly now! Check past the break for a couple more photos of the counterfeit case jackets.

See also: Pirates rule the Philippine seas

Continue reading Pirates selling GameCube titles as Wii games

JoystiqPirates selling GameCube titles as Wii games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>covergamecubephilippinespiracyMon, 06 Aug 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Covermaker dresses up your CD cases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/wii-covermaker-dresses-up-your-cd-cases/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/wii-covermaker-dresses-up-your-cd-cases/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/wii-covermaker-dresses-up-your-cd-cases/#commentsFiled under: ,

While Kenney Vleugels developed Wii Covermaker to help with designing packaging art for "back-ups" -- a practice we don't endorse -- this little application can still be pretty useful for easily creating CD jackets for games that aren't pirated.

Wii Covermaker allows you to import images and attach to them a number of elements common to Wii game covers: ESRB and PEGI ratings, logos for several prominent developers and publishers, and a header strip. There are also options for you to drop in the "CD Type" and a credit for the boxart's author.

We would like to see a few more features, like an option for DVD covers and a header strip that better resembles the official one, but those will probably come with future updates. For now, we'll settle with this ersatz Zombies Ate My Neighbors CD case we've put together, wondering to ourselves when we'll ever be able to fill its empty plastic. Leave us to our sorrows and jump past the post break for a Wii Covermaker demonstration video.

Continue reading Wii Covermaker dresses up your CD cases

JoystiqWii Covermaker dresses up your CD cases originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxartcovercovermakerpackagingpiracyzombiesatemyneighborsWed, 01 Aug 2007 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Possible English-language Phantom Hourglass box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/possible-english-language-phantom-hourglass-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/possible-english-language-phantom-hourglass-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/possible-english-language-phantom-hourglass-box/#commentsFiled under:



It's considerably less blue than than the Japanese box art, but word around the campfire is that this may be the box we're all going to be opening in October for The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. While it seems a little less playful than the Japanese counterpart, the brown background seems very much in keeping with the series. And we just love Link's expression!

[Via Digg]

JoystiqPossible English-language Phantom Hourglass box originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artboxcoverlinknintendophantom hourglassPhantomHourglasthe legend of zeldaTheLegendOfZeldzeldaFri, 06 Jul 2007 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[When you stare at this DS case, the DS case stares back at you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/when-you-stare-at-this-ds-case-the-ds-case-stares-back-at-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/when-you-stare-at-this-ds-case-the-ds-case-stares-back-at-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/when-you-stare-at-this-ds-case-the-ds-case-stares-back-at-you/#commentsFiled under:

Gametech seems to have a taste for the gaudy when it comes to DS Lite covers, but they totally got it right at least once. This DS Lite case features a kunoichi (female ninja) design in simple white on black fabric. It's cute and striking at the same time.

The design looks quite similar to R Stevens' I am Ten Ninjas t-shirt, although much more feminine and much less blocky. We'd love to clothe our DS in such mystery, but at 3,980 yen ($32.26) it's a little pricey for our tastes. But, then, so are most sandwiches.

JoystiqWhen you stare at this DS case, the DS case stares back at you originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We try to tip our hats whenever we spot a magazine cover that catches our fancy, but after having received numerous complaints from the jerks in accounting, upper management recently revised our office dress code to prohibit the wearing of sombreros, bowlers, and Davy Crockett caps. Our heads have been bare ever since the decree was passed down, and we haven't been doing much hat-tipping as a result. Needless to say, we really miss our silly hats.

Edge's cover for its July issue is just what we needed to lift our spirits. The UK magazine has a reputation for attractive layouts, inside and out, and this month's artwork is no exception, heralding Nintendo's victory run on gold. Though the image pasted above captures the basic gist, you can see a shot of the full cover after the post break. Ironically, only one Wii game made Edge's review pages this time around -- Mercury Meltdown Revolution. Ignition's labyrinthine title garnered an 8 out of 10; quite impressive considering the magazine's traditionally tough scoring.

Continue reading Edge's July cover: Wii remote winged and gilded

JoystiqEdge's July cover: Wii remote winged and gilded originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you've got the wrist strap secured tightly and you're still launching your Wiimote skyward, then ... well, you have a problem. Maybe you're eating too much Xtreme Butter popcorn, or maybe the can of WD-40 you always carry around is leaking.

This product from Elecom is for you and no one else, Mr. Comically Slippery Hands. It's a silicone Wiimote sleeve with a big handle on it. There's no link to order one yet, so you have time to wipe your hands off and put some grip tape on your mouse in preparation for placing an order.

[Via Cubed3]

JoystiqWiimote cover has a little something extra originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2007 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coverelecomgriphandlenintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiisiliconesleevewiiwiimoteTue, 29 May 2007 13:05:00 EST