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[Australian indie: From ratings systems to a boom of small studios, how AU will survive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/australian-indie-from-ratings-systems-to-a-boom-of-small-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/australian-indie-from-ratings-systems-to-a-boom-of-small-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/australian-indie-from-ratings-systems-to-a-boom-of-small-studio/#comments Australia has one of the most lenient video-game-rating systems in the world.

No, really -- despite its reputation as an ultra-conservative, mature-rating hating government, "the reality is that many more games that are restricted to 17-year-olds in the U.S. or 18-year-olds in Europe are available without edit for 15-year-olds in Australia," said Chris Wright, former marketing head for THQ's two Australian studios, Blue Tongue and Studio Australia. "On balance, Australia is probably the most lenient country in the world for access to mature games."

No, really -- Wright was the man who presented Saints Row to the Australian classification board and he prepared plenty of ratings submissions in the country, both as head of THQ Asia Pacific and its two Australian studios. He knows the system, meaning he knows what it has and what it doesn't, such as an R18+ rating.

"I believe passionately that Australia needs an R18+ rating," Wright said. "But for me the R18+ rating is not about access to games, but parity with other entertainment forms and the acknowledgement of gaming as an adult pursuit. The R18+ rating will have a net effect of greater overall restrictions on access to games -- many games that would have previously been available to 15-year-olds will now only be available for 18-year-olds and above -- but will mean that a few games at the top end of the maturity scale are allowed to be released."

Legislation in Australia recently approved the R18+ rating (though it may take a few years to be enacted) and its Law Reform Commission is attempting to revamp the country's video-game rating system to acknowledge its adult audience. But recently, Australia has had more than ratings to worry about.

Continue reading Australian indie: From ratings systems to a boom of small studios, how AU will survive

JoystiqAustralian indie: From ratings systems to a boom of small studios, how AU will survive originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaChris-WrightclosureDe-BlobDestroy-All-HumansIndieLA-Noirelayoffsmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3ratingsSaints-RowTHQwiixboxSun, 13 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Check out de Wii and DS versions of de Blob 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/check-out-de-wii-and-ds-versions-of-de-blob-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/check-out-de-wii-and-ds-versions-of-de-blob-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/check-out-de-wii-and-ds-versions-of-de-blob-2/#commentsThe latest de Blob 2 screens and video offer a lot of information about various iterations of the sequel. For example, the DS version, developed by Halfbrick, is revealed as a 2.5D platformer, rather than the 3D paintathon of the console versions. And the Wii version looks pretty similar to its predecessor, with evidence of some more open environments.

As for the trailer, it offers an indication of the kind of storytelling we'll see in the games and, most likely, the tone of the SyFy "transmedia" programming as well. And it's as close as you could get to a Raving Rabbids TV show.

Gallery: De Blob 2 (DS)

Gallery: De Blob 2 (Wii)

Continue reading Check out de Wii and DS versions of de Blob 2

JoystiqCheck out de Wii and DS versions of de Blob 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Dec 2010 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-tonguede-blobde-blob-2de-blob-2-the-undergrounddshalfbrick-studiosnintendowiiSat, 11 Dec 2010 07:15:00 EST<![CDATA[de Blob 2: The Underground rolls out on PS3, 360, Wii and DS in Spring 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/de-blob-2-the-underground-rolls-out-on-ps3-360-wii-and-ds-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/de-blob-2-the-underground-rolls-out-on-ps3-360-wii-and-ds-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/de-blob-2-the-underground-rolls-out-on-ps3-360-wii-and-ds-in/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As THQ CEO Brian Farrell indicated in February, de Blob's amorphous antics will be spreading to multiple platforms in de upcoming sequel, de Blob 2: the Underground. THQ has announced that de game will launch in Spring 2011 on de Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii and DS. The move to HD consoles will also enable support for 3D, just in case you felt that Blob's paint-splattering antics should extend beyond your screen and into your living room.

THQ also noted that de Blob would make further appearances through a partnership with the Syfy channel and additional "de Blob-branded consumer products." Like ... squishy de Blob stress balls? You can have that one for free, THQ.

Joystiqde Blob 2: The Underground rolls out on PS3, 360, Wii and DS in Spring 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3Dde-blobde-Blob-2-The-Undergrounddse3-2010microsoftnintendoplatformerplaystationps3puzzleTHQwiixboxMon, 14 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Power reveals de Blob: The Underground for DS, Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/nintendo-power-reveals-de-blob-the-underground-for-ds-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/nintendo-power-reveals-de-blob-the-underground-for-ds-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/nintendo-power-reveals-de-blob-the-underground-for-ds-wii/#comments
[Nintendo Power]
The upcoming July issue of Nintendo Power reveals a new de Blob game coming to the DS and Wii, called de Blob: The Underground. Wii players can expect two-player support in The Underground, as well as "new moves, new foes" and "new 2D platforming segments." Blue Tongue will once again handle development on the Wii version, while Australian studio Halfbrick works on the DS debut.

de Blob: The Underground is currently slated to launch in Spring 2011 -- but before that, you'll see much more at next month's Electronic Entertainment Expo.

JoystiqNintendo Power reveals de Blob: The Underground for DS, Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-tonguede-blobde-Blob-2-The-UndergroundDShalfbrickhalfbrick-studiosNintendonintendo-powerthqWiiThu, 27 May 2010 11:16:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ CEO: Move & Natal games shouldn't be ports]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/thq-ceo-playstation-move-project-natal-games-shouldnt-be-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/thq-ceo-playstation-move-project-natal-games-shouldnt-be-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/thq-ceo-playstation-move-project-natal-games-shouldnt-be-ports/#commentsDuring an earnings conference call today, THQ CEO Brian Farrell told investors and press not to expect the publisher to release ports of its existing games for Project Natal or PlayStation Move. "What you will not see is porting of games to Natal, or I don't think you should see that," he said. "I think they should be specific, standalone game experiences that exploit that very new and significant technology. And the Move is the same way: You've got to do something unique and not just an add-on with respect to that platform."

Later in the call, however, Farrell did not entirely rule out ports of Wii games for PlayStation Move. When asked about the possibility of "Moving" games like De Blob (future iterations of which have been confirmed as multiplatform), Farrell said that THQ would "take advantage where we can in terms of development environments [and] take advantage of technology we already have," though he noted that because of the HD capabilities of the Xbox 360 and PS3, "just porting over those assets doesn't work." We'll see what THQ is developing with the new technologies next month, as Farrell said, "you'll like what we show at E3."

Even without porting, Farrell said that development costs for Natal and Move games were lower than on traditional games, "because, again, it's not about the technology, but it's about the gameplay." The big draw for Natal titles, he said, is the "interaction with digital objects." Farrell even alluded to passing the savings on to the consumer, rather than defaulting to a $60 retail price for future HD motion games published by THQ. He said that the company is "still deliberating internally on that" and "may not even announce those launch prices until much closer to the launch" of the games.

JoystiqTHQ CEO: Move & Natal games shouldn't be ports originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-farrellde-blobMicrosoftmovenatalNintendoplaystation-moveportsproject-natalWiiXbox-360Wed, 05 May 2010 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ CEO: Saints Row and Red Faction at E3, De Blob going multiplatform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/thq-ceo-saints-row-and-red-faction-at-e3-de-blob-going-multipl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/thq-ceo-saints-row-and-red-faction-at-e3-de-blob-going-multipl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/thq-ceo-saints-row-and-red-faction-at-e3-de-blob-going-multipl/#comments In an interview with IGN, THQ CEO (that's a lot of three-letter abbreviations right next to each other) Brian Farrell provided more details about the company's upcoming lineup. For one, we can expect to see the new Saints Row and Red Faction games as soon as E3, as well as other assorted games from THQ's lineup.

"I think we're going to blow people away at E3," Farrell said. "You'll be seeing Saints Row 3. You'll be seeing the next Red Faction. You'll be seeing more of Homefront. We've been talking about it, but we'll actually show some of our Warhammer 40k MMO, and I think people are going to go, 'Oh my God. They've got their stuff together.'" And Saints Row 3 will evidently cause some to remark, "This is not your father's THQ."

Farrell also suggested that THQ has learned its lesson from the last few years of the Wii market, and won't be trying anything like Deadly Creatures again -- a "fun experience" that "didn't find much of an audience." A few "brand extensions" will be shown on Wii this E3, Farrell said. And speaking of extended brands and the Wii, the executive said that the upcoming SyFy-fueled relaunch of De Blob won't just be a Wii game -- it'll be released across multiple platforms, still developed by Blue Tongue. "Actually, I prefer it on a normal controller," Farrell said.

JoystiqTHQ CEO: Saints Row and Red Faction at E3, De Blob going multiplatform originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-farrellde-blobMicrosoftNintendored-factionRed-Faction-4Red-Faction-Armageddonred-faction-guerrillasaints-rowsaints-row-3saints-row-the-thirdthqvolitionWiiXbox-360Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ and SyFy bringing De Blob back for games and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/thq-and-syfy-bringing-de-blob-back-for-games-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/thq-and-syfy-bringing-de-blob-back-for-games-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/thq-and-syfy-bringing-de-blob-back-for-games-and-more/#commentsWhen THQ announced that the De Blob franchise would continue this year, we didn't imagine it had anything this big in store for what we thought of as a semi-obscure Wii franchise. The publisher has partnered with the "Syfy Channel" (ugh) on a new banner called "Syfy Kids," a multimedia initiative including web content, TV, and games -- and De Blob is going to be featured heavily.

"We are pleased that our owned franchise de Blob has been selected as a foundational character and storyline for Syfy's new Syfy Kids brand," said THQ's Doug Clemmer. "We look forward to working closely with Syfy to introduce de Blob's colorful world to a new audience of young adults via webisodes, television and other media, broadening awareness for this loveable hero."

Most importantly, this De Blob resurgence will result in new video games. The announcement claims that THQ will release new de Blob games across "multiple gaming platforms" by the end of March 2011. That's something you can appreciate even if you never watch a second of SyFy.

JoystiqTHQ and SyFy bringing De Blob back for games and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-tonguede-blobmultimediaNintendosyfythqtvWiiMon, 15 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[De Blob to paint the town once again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/de-blob-to-paint-the-town-once-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/de-blob-to-paint-the-town-once-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/de-blob-to-paint-the-town-once-again/#commentsBack in early 2009, THQ hinted at more games in its De Blob franchise. In early 2010 ... it's hinting again. During an investor conference call, CEO Brian Farrell told us to expect more from its amorphous hero in fiscal 2011 (which takes place in real time between April 2010 and March 2011).

The franchise has been similarly amorphous, consisting of one Wii game, one iPhone game, and one cancelled DS game. Given THQ's recent attitude toward Nintendo consoles, if we were to guess a platform for whatever this new game is, we'd go iPhone.

JoystiqDe Blob to paint the town once again originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebrian-farrellde-blobDSiPodNintendothqWiiWed, 03 Feb 2010 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders rides into 1.2 million homes, THQ recovering financially]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/darksiders-rides-into-1-2-million-homes-thq-financially-recover/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/darksiders-rides-into-1-2-million-homes-thq-financially-recover/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/darksiders-rides-into-1-2-million-homes-thq-financially-recover/#comments THQ today announced to investors its financial holdings for the year ending December 31, 2009, reporting a net income of $1.4 million and sales of $701.5 million in the final nine months of the year. To put that in some perspective, the net income for the same period last year was a $334.2 loss. No doubt well-reviewed titles like UFC Undisputed 2009 and (personal favorite) Red Faction: Guerrilla helped that financial 180° turn -- a much needed one after a rocky 2008 and a mess of layoffs in 2009.

The publisher also announced "first four week" sales of Darksiders have already reached 1.2 million in the US (Ahem, Mr. Greenwald? Did you hear that?). Interestingly, THQ called the game part of its "growing portfolio of owned brands," among Red Faction, de Blob, Drawn to Life, and Saint's Row. And with this afternoon's investor call, it would certainly appear we'll be seeing more from that portfolio in the coming year.

JoystiqDarksiders rides into 1.2 million homes, THQ recovering financially originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersde-blobdrawn-to-lifeearningsfinanceincomeinvestorMicrosoftmoneyred-factionred-faction-guerrillasaints-rowthqufc-undisputed-2009Xbox-360Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ hints at de Blob getting de sequel treatment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/thq-hints-at-de-blob-getting-de-sequel-treatment/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/thq-hints-at-de-blob-getting-de-sequel-treatment/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/thq-hints-at-de-blob-getting-de-sequel-treatment/#commentsFiled under: ,

You know, sometime in de future.

In response to solid sales enjoyed by its squishy, Wii roll-playing game, publisher THQ has hinted that de Blob may be changing status from quirky once-off to lovable franchise. "We're pleased with de Blob's performance worldwide," a THQ representative recently told IGN. "It's a great intellectual property and you can tell your readers to expect to see more of de Blob in the future."

According to IGN and data compiled by the NPD group, de Blob had sold 230,000 copies by the end of 2008 in the US alone -- not exactly a colossal smash hit, but certainly a happy end to a humble beginning.

JoystiqTHQ hints at de Blob getting de sequel treatment originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue-Tongue-EntertainmentDe-BlobNintendoPlatformerTHQWiiMon, 26 Jan 2009 17:56:00 EST<![CDATA[de Sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/24/de-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/24/de-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/24/de-sequel/#commentsFiled under:


Last year's de Blob found a squishy, colorful place in all of our hearts and, more importantly, sold enough copies to make THQ keen on a sequel. Speaking to IGN, a representative for the publisher expressed pleasure at de Blob's performance worldwide, promising that we can "expect to see more of de Blob in the future." We'll hold you to that, THQ.

Something else of interest in IGN's article: NPD data shows that de Blob sold 230,000 copies in North America between September 22 and the end of 2008, whereas Wario Land: Shake It! moved only 150,000 copies in the exact same period. de Blob isn't just a third-party "core" success -- it's even outsold a rival title from Nintendo!


[Via NeoGAF]

Joystiqde Sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-tonguede-blobplatformpuzzlesequelthqSat, 24 Jan 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Scheduling change for Swords & Soldiers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/scheduling-change-for-swords-and-soldiers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/scheduling-change-for-swords-and-soldiers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/scheduling-change-for-swords-and-soldiers/#commentsFiled under: ,


Attention, fans of de original PC de Blob project: Ronimo Games' Joost van Dongen can be heard in the (rather meandering) Hear Mii podcast, in a very long interview. Unfortunately, that lengthy discussion contains a bit of bad news: his company's fantastic-looking WiiWare RTS Swords & Soldiers will slip from its original Q4 2008 date (there aren't that many dates left in Q4 2008!) to February of next year.

We don't really expect to know when any WiiWare game is going to come out anyway, so we're taking this delay announcement in stride. Mostly we're just happy to be reminded of Swords & Soldiers and to have an excuse to post this concept art from the official site.


[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqScheduling change for Swords & Soldiers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>de-blobronimo-gamesrtsside-scrollerswords-and-soldiersFri, 05 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Check out the full set of Amazon Wii deals before they vanish]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/check-out-the-full-set-of-amazon-wii-deals-before-they-vanish/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/check-out-the-full-set-of-amazon-wii-deals-before-they-vanish/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/check-out-the-full-set-of-amazon-wii-deals-before-they-vanish/#commentsFiled under: ,

We thought we had missed the opportunity to post the full list of Amazon Black Friday Wii deals, but we've checked this morning and every item isn't sold out! In fact, a lot of stuff is still in stock! Bless Amazon for making it possible for people to grab a huge deal without waking up at 2AM or waiting in line in the dang cold.

We may regret sharing this with you, as we have yet to get in on the $10 Resident Evil 4 or NiGHTS, the $26 de Blob, or the $8 Perfect Shot. But it's the holidays! 'Tis the season to be sharing, Fred.

JoystiqCheck out the full set of Amazon Wii deals before they vanish originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonblack-friday-2008de-blobnightsperfect-shotresident-evil-4Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon's Black Friday deals are worth staying home for]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/amazons-black-friday-deals-are-worth-staying-home-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/amazons-black-friday-deals-are-worth-staying-home-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/amazons-black-friday-deals-are-worth-staying-home-for/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Black Friday game deals that Amazon has revealed so far are among the most compelling anywhere -- and that's not even taking into account the fact that you don't have to face the teeming masses of retail zombies to get your hands on them. All you need is a finger hovering over the F5 key and a credit card nearby.

Amazon sent a partial list to Kotaku, with the promise that there will be lots more cheap games to buy come Black Friday. The standout among the Wii offers is the Animal Crossing/WiiSpeak bundle for $40, but we'd feel like victorious Black Friday navigators if we managed to score a $26 copy of de Blob or a $30 Wario Land: Shake It.

Oh, and they'll have Wii systems and copies of Wii Fit starting midnight (we assume PST, since that's when Amazon usually updates their deals).

JoystiqAmazon's Black Friday deals are worth staying home for originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonanimal-crossingblack-fridayde-blobwario-land-shake-itWed, 26 Nov 2008 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Oz developers love de Blob]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/oz-developers-love-de-blob/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/oz-developers-love-de-blob/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/oz-developers-love-de-blob/#commentsFiled under:


Move over, Paul Hogan. Aussies have a new hero: de Blob.

Even though the game wasn't a commercial success, the game won the hearts of gamers and critics alike. In fact, it might as well be Australia's favorite game, as the title has dominated the Australian development awards. Every year, the GDAA (Game Developers Association of Australia) bestows honors on outstanding games and this year, a majority of those awards were dropped on THQ's title. Among those nods were several big ones, including best console title, best gameplay, best audio, best graphics and the GDAA's game of the year award.

JoystiqOz developers love de Blob originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaawardsblue-tonguede-blobgdaaozthqTue, 25 Nov 2008 18:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: de Blob]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/metareview-de-blob/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/metareview-de-blob/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/metareview-de-blob/#commentsFiled under:


In the shadow of recent releases like Mega Man 9, Samba de Amigo and Wario Land: Shake It! rolls de Blob, a game that might have been easy to forget about despite the compelling visuals. But when people start throwing around high review scores and phrases like "best third party game" (in a while, at least), we stop and take note -- and there's a great deal worth noting.

Eurogamer (80%) thought de Blob was colorfully delightful, though flawed: "The premise is delightfully daft, and some superbly animated sequences help set the tone with a style and tone evocative of LucasArts' legendary Day of the Tentacle. [de Blob is] a game we'd heartily recommend to anyone who thirsts for a 'proper' Wii game, whatever that is. Admittedly, some of the control and camera niggles ultimately detract from the overall enjoyment, but not so much that they should put you off trying this excellent and thoroughly original game."

Gameplayer (100%!) found something for everyone: "This is because de Blob is, in many ways, what you want it to be - there's no single, 'on-rails' way to either play it or complete it. Whilst progression does rely on a deftly implemented learning curve, and increasingly challenging elements of strategy, the route to the end can vary greatly. Want to barrel through as quickly as possible? Go for it! You only need to attain a certain amount of points to advance. A bit of a score whore? Do your best to find all the hidden bonuses! Meanwhile, the obsessive-compulsive out there may wish to colour in everything they encounter and go for the 100% effect - no problem!"

Matt Casamassina of IGN (84%) thought it looked fantastic: "de Blob is a game whose graphic look seems perfectly suited to Wii and it really is an excellent style. I love the contrast between the monochromatic cities and the colorful main character who drenches them in bright primary colors. I think it's worth stating, though, that Blue Tongue has matched all that style with a technical showpiece for Nintendo's little system. The platformer boasts an exceptionally clean, polished look complete with well-rounded architecture, beautifully animated characters and objects, some of the best particle effects I've seen in any Wii game to date, gorgeous graphic effects like depth of field blur, shimmering water transparencies, heat distortion and bloom, and more. All of this at an astonishingly rock-solid fluidity of 60 frames per second."

Gallery: de Blob

JoystiqMetareview: de Blob originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-tonguede-blobplatformpuzzlethqThu, 25 Sep 2008 18:17:00 EST<![CDATA[de Blob dev not down with MotionPlus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/de-blob-dev-not-down-with-motionplus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/de-blob-dev-not-down-with-motionplus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/de-blob-dev-not-down-with-motionplus/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nick Hager, producer on de Blob, isn't too jazzed at the idea of MotionPlus. It's not that he doesn't like the tech, he just has a problem seeing the majority of people that enjoy Wii on a regular basis want to play with the new peripheral.

"While it's definitely intellectually stimulating from a development perspective to play with those ideas - and I think it does appeal to a set of gamers out there - I think the majority of people that play on the Wii want something very simple that they can just immediately get their heads around," Hagger said. Does he mean the casual crowd that bought Wii Fit and played it once? Is he talking about the people that nabbed the system only for Wii Sports?

Is 1:1 movement really that much of a leap for the casual crowd that are looking for a simple experience? We'd think not, because it's basically the same deal: moving the Wiimote to afftect things in-game. That's what got most into the console in the first place, so if the tech works a bit better, how is it deterring the extremely casual crowd away from the system?


[Via Joystiq]

Joystiqde Blob dev not down with MotionPlus originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad-oncasualde-blobmotionplusnick-hagerthqwii-motionplusWed, 24 Sep 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[de Blob comes with de Freebies [Update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/de-blob-comes-with-de-freebies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/de-blob-comes-with-de-freebies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/de-blob-comes-with-de-freebies/#commentsFiled under:

The first reviews are appearing for de Blob, and they're really good. We should all buy it, in other words, but it's worth mentioning that a couple of retailers are willing to bribe you to purchase your copy from them. Best Buy, for example, is offering customers a free and also very yellow de Blob T-shirt (pictured here). It's rather nice, in our opinion. We'd definitely wear it in public, and we're extraordinarily fashionable people. Meanwhile, Circuit City is giving away copies of the de Blob soundtrack, which is happy and catchy and jazzy.

Wherever you purchase it from, we just hope de Blob sells some copies. We're tired of the myth that the Wii lacks quality third-party releases, but also tired of people not buying said games.

[Update: Brits take note: de Blob is a measly £18 at Play -- thanks, Nigeria!]

Joystiqde Blob comes with de Freebies [Update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionbest-buyblue-tonguecircuit-cityde-blobsoundtrackt-shirtthqTue, 23 Sep 2008 17:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Retail and download releases for the week of September 22nd]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/retail-and-download-releases-for-the-week-of-september-22nd/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/retail-and-download-releases-for-the-week-of-september-22nd/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/retail-and-download-releases-for-the-week-of-september-22nd/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click image for more screens

Well folks, just as stated, we've got a new Mega Man game to play this week. What's even better is that along with the sure-to-be-awesome Mega Man 9, we've also got some solid retail releases. And there's a surprise or two with this week's Virtual Console releases, as well. Head on past the break for the info. This week is going to be chock full of gaming goodness.

Continue reading Retail and download releases for the week of September 22nd

JoystiqRetail and download releases for the week of September 22nd originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brothers-in-armscapcomcim-cityde-blobeagenesiskonamilego-batmanlost-in-bluemega-man-9nesreleasessegasega-genesissimcitysuper-dodge-ballthqvectormanwariowario-land-shake-itMon, 22 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[De Blob creators make original RTS for WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/de-blob-creators-make-original-rts-for-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/de-blob-creators-make-original-rts-for-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/de-blob-creators-make-original-rts-for-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: ,

The creators of the original de Blob (i.e. the flash game, not the THQ ports) have revealed they are working on an original real-time strategy game for Nintendo's WiiWare service. Romino Games' Swords & Soldiers is a side-scrolling RTS with three opposing factions and split-screen multiplayer. The term "side-scrolling RTS," together with the screenshots, remind us a bit of Dragon Force (although equally cool, we mean the Sega Saturn title, not the band).

No price has been revealed for the game, currently placed in a Q4 2008 launch window. Consider our interests officially piqued.

Gallery: Swords & Soldiers (WiiWare)


[Via NWF]

JoystiqDe Blob creators make original RTS for WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>de-blobrimon-gamesromino-gamesswords--soldiersswords-and-soldiersswords-soldiersWiiwii-warewiiwareFri, 15 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[le Blob]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/le-blob/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/le-blob/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/le-blob/#commentsFiled under:


For some reason, this French-language trailer for de Blob got a wide release on the web, one which we are helping to propagate, which only serves to make our surprise at its spread more ironic. We can't help it, though -- de Blob is just such a joy to look at that we want to share any video content we see. Check out de Blob doing the Robot! Watch him get down, watch him get down!

Also there's the fact that the French narration makes the game seem so classy! Of course, all we know of French, we learned from that one Muzzy commercial.

Joystiqle Blob originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>de-blobfranceplatformthqThu, 14 Aug 2008 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[de Bad Guys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/de-bad-guys/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/de-bad-guys/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/de-bad-guys/#commentsFiled under:

THQ sent out a series of new screens of their amazingly beautiful platform(ish) game de Blob, as well as character profiles for the maliciously monochrome INKT army who removes color from the world, except for conveniently-located, regenerating paint supplies. Comrade Black here is the commander of the INKT forces, as evidenced by his impressively tall hat. He seems to have yet to be promoted high enough for pants, however.

The INKT troops have a variety of weapons at their disposal, including a spider-like robot, various cannons, and hoverbikes. But not ... pants. Maybe in the sequel the Blob can help return appropriate, covering garments to the world.

Joystiqde Bad Guys originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>de-blobplatformthqWed, 13 Aug 2008 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 5: Upcoming Original IPs from Third Parties]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/top-5-upcoming-original-ips-from-third-parties/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/top-5-upcoming-original-ips-from-third-parties/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/top-5-upcoming-original-ips-from-third-parties/#commentsFiled under:


Man, there are those who really love to complain. After viewing Zero Punctuation's latest video, I've decided that the old phrase distributed liberally by parents and teachers is indeed very true: "you can't please everyone." Nintendo themselves must have felt this pretty hard after their E3 showing was widely perceived as sub-par. On the gamers' side, even those who were most disappointed usually turned to any of the numerous third party efforts for hope. Understanding that Zero Punctuation is mostly intended as farce, it's difficult to call them out. Yet one glaring assertion must be rebutted: E3 2008 was most definitely not the year of the sequel. In fact, on the Nintendo side, the exact opposite was true.

For the first time in a long while, I'm much more excited about upcoming third party releases than Nintendo titles as a whole (save for Wario Land: Shake It!). As those of us who braved the GameCube generation quickly learned, a console cannot survive on first party titles alone -- even those of the highest quality. Here are the top five original third party games that we are excited about.




The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, check out What Are You Playing?, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.

JoystiqTop 5: Upcoming Original IPs from Third Parties originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animales-de-la-muertede-blobeternal-darknesseternal-darkness-2first-person-shooterhigh-voltagejoystiqfeaturesmadworldplatformersegasilicon-knightssmash-tvthe-conduittop-5top-fiveMon, 11 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[de Blob moving as quickly as de Blur]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/de-blob-moving-as-quickly-as-de-blur/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/de-blob-moving-as-quickly-as-de-blur/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/de-blob-moving-as-quickly-as-de-blur/#commentsFiled under:

It took us a long time to figure out exactly how to describe de Blob in terms of existing games, but we think we've finally nailed what seems so familiar about it: it's part Sonic Adventure (the good parts, with Sonic in them) and part Jet Set Radio. Not just in terms of the art direction and the painting motif, but in terms of bouncing quickly around a cityscape seeking out surfaces to cover.

This video of a speed run through a level accentuates that Sonic/Jet Set Radio vibe. Also we still dig that art style as much as we did the first time we saw it.

Joystiqde Blob moving as quickly as de Blur originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>de-blobplatformthqFri, 08 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq E3 hands-on: De Blob and Force Unleashed for iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/joystiq-e3-hands-on-de-blob-and-force-unleashed-for-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/joystiq-e3-hands-on-de-blob-and-force-unleashed-for-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/joystiq-e3-hands-on-de-blob-and-force-unleashed-for-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With the App Store open for business, games are finally headed to Apple's iPhone, and the unit's multitouch interface, accelerometer, and built-in mic and speaker make it perfect for gaming. THQ Wireless is one of the many companies getting ready to try and cash in on the first generation of the App Store -- after making games for a lot of other mobile devices, Director of Global Production Brad Pitser is excited about finally releasing software for the iPhone.

Joystiq got to play two different games in THQ's demo at E3. De Blob is a handheld adaptation of the Wii game, and uses the accelerometer in the iPhone and iPod touch to do a little light platform puzzling. And Force Unleashed attempts to recreate the upcoming Star Wars action title, by using a touchscreen gesture system to try and make you feel like a Jedi. impressions of both are after the break.

Continue reading Joystiq E3 hands-on: De Blob and Force Unleashed for iPhone

JoystiqJoystiq E3 hands-on: De Blob and Force Unleashed for iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleBlue-Tongue-Entertainmentbrad-pitsercolorDe-BlobE3e32008graphicsiphoneiPodjoystiqfeaturesMobilePlatformerstar-warsthe-force-unleashedTHQthq-wirelessThu, 17 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Producer talks about what to expect from de Blob]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/producer-talks-about-what-to-expect-from-de-blob/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/producer-talks-about-what-to-expect-from-de-blob/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/producer-talks-about-what-to-expect-from-de-blob/#commentsFiled under:


With de Blob's release getting closer and closer (September), we're starting to see more and more media on the title. This, to us, is a good thing. And informed public is a good public. Also, we want to see stuff get all painted up.

This latest bit of media is an interview with Nick Hagger, the game's producer. He talks about the sinister corporation that's sucked all of the color out of Chroma City, the way Blob can acquire color and roll about, as well as his gang of cohorts. It's an insightful look at THQ's upcoming game and we suggest you check it out.

JoystiqProducer talks about what to expect from de Blob originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-tonguede-blobdeveloper-diaryproducerthqTue, 01 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New de Blob screens, trailer keep us excited]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/new-de-blob-screens-trailer-keep-us-excited/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/new-de-blob-screens-trailer-keep-us-excited/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/new-de-blob-screens-trailer-keep-us-excited/#commentsFiled under: ,


Even though our cruel overlords didn't paint a pretty picture regarding THQ's upcoming de Blob, we're still interested in the title. Maybe it's the great multiplayer or the wonderful visual style, but something has us fascinated with the title. And, in that spirit, we'll continue presenting you with new media from the game. The latest, which is an exclusive trailer, can be found here.

JoystiqNew de Blob screens, trailer keep us excited originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-tonguede-blobplatformthqFri, 27 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brawl, WiiWare and Nintendo Channel dated in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/brawl-wiiware-and-nintendo-channel-dated-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/brawl-wiiware-and-nintendo-channel-dated-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/brawl-wiiware-and-nintendo-channel-dated-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The latest Nintendo of Europe release schedule contains fairly awesome news for the neglected continent, as there's finally a concrete release date for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Nintendo's wildly popular fighter is hitting stores in the region on June 27th, and there's more happy tidings, with WiiWare and Nintendo Channel set to launch on May 20th and May 30th respectively.

There's little else in the list that both interests us and has a specific date (de Blob and Blast Works have both had a vague "Q2 2008" slapped next to them, though it appears that Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors will be out on May 9th), but heck, why are we yammering to you about this? Check out the latest European dates for yourself past the break!

[Update -- Corrected date for Nintendo Channel]

Continue reading Brawl, WiiWare and Nintendo Channel dated in Europe

JoystiqBrawl, WiiWare and Nintendo Channel dated in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-workschannelsde-blobdragon-quest-swordseuropefightingpalsmash-bros-brawlssbbukThu, 24 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[de Blob gets delightful new images]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/de-blob-gets-delightful-new-images/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/de-blob-gets-delightful-new-images/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/de-blob-gets-delightful-new-images/#commentsFiled under:

Some ripe, juicy screens from THQ's de Blob are available for you to gnaw on, providing us with further reason to need this game. And, hey, even though Joystiq didn't find the game to be all that great, we're still hopeful that it will be the fun experience we've been expecting it to be. If the single-player bombs, there's always the multiplayer, right?

Check out the new images in our gallery below.

Joystiqde Blob gets delightful new images originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue-Tongue-EntertainmentDe-BlobPlatformerTHQMon, 21 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq paints a grim picture of de Blob]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/joystiq-paints-a-grim-picture-of-de-blob/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/joystiq-paints-a-grim-picture-of-de-blob/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/joystiq-paints-a-grim-picture-of-de-blob/#commentsFiled under:

THQ held a preview event for their 2008 games this week, and Joystiq's Zack Stern was on the scene to play all the offerings. Luckily for us, he checked out the demo for de Blob, one of the more interesting, original games on the Wii.

Or, well, that's what we've gathered from reading previews of the game before tonight. Zack wasn't quite as enchanted with the real thing as we have been with videos.

"de Blob looks like a cuddly Wii game, but it didn't hook me like Katamari. I think certain Wii owners will enjoy it, but the novelty didn't last long on me." He does mention that two-player matches "add a little more depth." We're a bit disappointed, but still convinced that there's a high probability of awesomeness within de Blob.



[Boxart via Gamefly]

JoystiqJoystiq paints a grim picture of de Blob originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>de-blobplatformthqSat, 05 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: De Blob]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/joystiq-hands-on-de-blob/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/joystiq-hands-on-de-blob/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/joystiq-hands-on-de-blob/#commentsFiled under: , ,

THQ recently touted its original Wii games, saying that the company is creating titles especially for that platform, and pushing multi-platform, "next-generation" games on the PS3 and 360. de Blob is one of the first of these Wii-only games, although its origins go back to a student, PC project. Still, de Blob's strange style matches the Wii.

In this cute game, players splatter color over a whitewashed world. That's mostly it, all of the buildings, roads, trees, and other objects are blank, and its up to you to colorize the surroundings. The analog stick steers the blob character, while flicks with the Wiimote jump or perform other actions. The D-pad can change the camera angle, but it usually stayed in a clear position when I recently played.

As I rolled and bounced around the world, the blob trailed his current color. If I touched a building while red, the splotch would spread over the entire structure. Eventually I'd run out of paint, or if I fell into water, it washed away. So I'd find another paint bucket, bop it, and add more color. Most of the levels seem like a race to color the fastest, although a two-player match-up adds a little more depth.

de Blob looks like a cuddly Wii game, but it didn't hook me like Katamari. I think certain Wii owners will enjoy it, but the novelty didn't last long on me.

Gallery: De Blob

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: De Blob originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue-Tongue-EntertainmentDe-BlobNintendoPlatformerTHQWiiFri, 04 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest de Blob videos show off multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/latest-de-blob-videos-show-off-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/latest-de-blob-videos-show-off-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/latest-de-blob-videos-show-off-multiplayer/#commentsFiled under:



Having already expressed our admiration for de Blob on more than one occasion, we were beginning to think THQ's game had run out of ways to impress us. Wrong! IGN has a stack of new videos from the game (all located past the break), a couple of which feature something we're yet to see -- four-player de Blob.

It looks like great fun as well, with players sharing the same colorless arena, and then racing around to daub as much of the play area as possible in their own color. Furthermore, players can paint over colors laid down by their opponents, providing a perfect opportunity to quickly avenge previous defeats, or to gang up on more skilled players. It might just be us, but we find multiplayer gaming is at its best when there are simmering grudges and bitter rivalries.

Continue reading Latest de Blob videos show off multiplayer

JoystiqLatest de Blob videos show off multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-tonguede-blobmultiplayerplatformthqTue, 01 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[De Blob looks like de bomb]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/de-blob-looks-like-de-bomb/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/de-blob-looks-like-de-bomb/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/de-blob-looks-like-de-bomb/#commentsFiled under:


Want to see what it looks like when a third-party developer puts time, thought, and effort into an original Wii game? We would like to refer you to the de above video of De Blob, from THQ of all people. This looks great -- and not just "great for a third-party Wii game." Regular great!

Those colors (and lack of)! The jazz/funk soundtrack! The level designs! The bouncing back and forth from building to building! This game looks totally fresh and surprising every time we see it. We hope it doesn't get forgotten when it comes out -- whenever that is. Check after the break for another video!

Continue reading De Blob looks like de bomb

JoystiqDe Blob looks like de bomb originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-tonguede-blobplatformthqWed, 19 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[de Blob looking de Lightful as ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/de-blob-looking-de-lightful-as-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/de-blob-looking-de-lightful-as-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/de-blob-looking-de-lightful-as-ever/#commentsFiled under:



Another batch of de Blob screens has found its way onto the interwebs, all featuring our globular hero rolling through, bouncing around and generally making a colorful nuisance of himself in Chroma, the game's monochromatic metropolis. As usual, we've squished them into the gallery below. Those lil' law enforcement officers are the cutest!

Incidentally, while there's been no more official announcements on a release date, Wikipedia has the game listed for June 27th. That seems too specific to be a simple fabrication, but none of our other sources confirm the date; all we know for sure is that the game is due at some point after April 1st.

Joystiqde Blob looking de Lightful as ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionblue-tonguede-blobthqWed, 05 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[De Blob is shaping up as much as a blob can]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/de-blob-is-shaping-up-as-much-as-a-blob-can/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/de-blob-is-shaping-up-as-much-as-a-blob-can/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/de-blob-is-shaping-up-as-much-as-a-blob-can/#commentsFiled under: ,


While we weren't looking (because THQ had delayed the game's release and hadn't sent out any more video or screens), Blue Tongue's de Blob went from being another kind-of novel Wii game to exactly what they delayed the game to make: an AAA experience. Just watch these videos (another is after the break) of hyper-stylized, hyperkinetic action-platforming and tell us that you don't want to go paint the town as an amorphous hero. (Don't, actually. We're sure some of you are total contrarians, and it would just make us sad).

IGN's preview of the game is full of the same yaaaay feelings we get from watching the videos. We just hope the game isn't really scheduled for a February release. Keep delaying it, THQ, just a little longer. It looks great, but February isn't the best month to release new Wii games that aren't about beating the crap out of Diddy Kong.

Continue reading De Blob is shaping up as much as a blob can

JoystiqDe Blob is shaping up as much as a blob can originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionblue-tonguede-blobthqMon, 14 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[de Layed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/de-layed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/de-layed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/de-layed/#commentsFiled under:

Due to lower-than-expected ratings and sales performance of their racing games Stuntman: Ignition and Juiced: Hot Import Nights, THQ has decided to delay some of their upcoming games into the next fiscal year, which starts on April 1st. This includes de Blob, the former Utrecht School of the Arts student project, which is being delayed in order to put more work in.

According to THQ CEO Brian Ferrell, the company is now treating de Blob as something of a flagship product, describing it as "less of a pick up title, and more of a franchise." Ferrell said that the extra time will be used to make the game "look more like a Nintendo-level Wii product." We are more than impressed with THQ's commitment to this unique title, and we wish more companies would take this kind of time with their ports. Strangely, it seems to be the games based on PC freeware that are getting the most care in their Wiimakes.

Joystiqde Layed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue-Tongue-EntertainmentDe-BlobPlatformerTHQTue, 23 Oct 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fresh screens for de Blob]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/fresh-screens-for-de-blob/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/fresh-screens-for-de-blob/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/fresh-screens-for-de-blob/#commentsFiled under:

We're going to cut to the chase here. If you're looking for screens for de Blob, the IGF student game finalist that THQ picked up to publish, then we've got you covered. If you're not searching for some screens, then this might not be the post for you. But hey, that doesn't mean you can't stick around! We've got video for the game here, and we're sure if you gave the game a chance, you might grow to like it. Heck, the thing even got nominated for an award at E3 for crying out loud!

JoystiqFresh screens for de Blob originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue-Tongue-EntertainmentDe-BlobPlatformerTHQTue, 07 Aug 2007 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii games pepper nomination list for E3 awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/25/wii-games-pepper-nomination-list-for-e3-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/25/wii-games-pepper-nomination-list-for-e3-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/25/wii-games-pepper-nomination-list-for-e3-awards/#commentsFiled under:

The Game Critics Association has released their list of nominations for the best of E3, and Nintendo is all over the place -- particularly with Super Mario Galaxy and Wii Fit. The DS may have been spurned for anything other than the handheld category, but the Wii sure seems to be holding its own against the 360 and PS3. Unfortunately, however, none of the Wii titles made it into the nominations for Best of Show.

We'll skip over multiplatform titles like Guitar Hero III, but Wii games showed up in several categories:
  • Best Social/Casual/Puzzle Game (Wii Fit, Zack & Wiki)
  • Best Fighting Game (WWE SmackDown vs RAW 2008)
  • Best Action/Adventure Game (Super Mario Galaxy)
  • Best Action Game (Metroid Prime 3: Corruption)
  • Best Hardware (Balance Board, Zapper)
  • Best Console Game (Super Mario Galaxy)
  • Best Original Game (Wii Fit, de Blob)
An interesting mix of games -- some expected, some surprises. The winners will be announced next Tuesday. Think a few Wii games will pull out wins?

JoystiqWii games pepper nomination list for E3 awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007gamecriticsawardsbalanceboardBlue-Tongue-EntertainmentcorruptionDe-Blobe3e307gamecriticsassociationmetroidmetroidprime3PlatformersupermariogalaxyTHQwiifitwwesmackdownvsraw2008zapperWed, 25 Jul 2007 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday video: Blob-style]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/friday-video-blob-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/friday-video-blob-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/friday-video-blob-style/#commentsFiled under:


All new game announcements should come complete with video, just so you know what to expect. Since THQ has announced de Blob, we've uncovered this handy video that shows off the bouncing blobs. The best part? The game is apparently filled with praise. We always love it when a game tells us we're brilliant because we can manage to bounce off a wall. We just wish someone would do that in real life, considering that we often manage to bounce off walls there, too.

Continue reading Friday video: Blob-style

JoystiqFriday video: Blob-style originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue-Tongue-EntertainmentDe-BlobffvPlatformerTHQFri, 06 Jul 2007 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[De Blob confirmed for Wii, also coming to DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/de-blob-confirmed-for-wii-also-coming-to-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/de-blob-confirmed-for-wii-also-coming-to-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/de-blob-confirmed-for-wii-also-coming-to-ds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A German gaming magazine recently revealed the student project De Blob would make its way to the Wii courtesy of THQ. Today the official announcement was released pegging a February/March 2008 release date for the title along with the surprising bit of news: De Blob will also be released for the DS. This time around you'll paint the town trying to restore color that an evil corporation drained from the buildings and scenery. The PC demo is available as a free download to give you a taste of the wackiness to come.

JoystiqDe Blob confirmed for Wii, also coming to DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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