Joystiq

Namco Bandai cuts first half losses in FY11, Despicable Me its biggest seller

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 21:30:00 EST

Namco Bandai recently posted its financial results for the first half of FY2011, a period running April - September. The results don't look too hot on paper -- the company's "Content" division (which encapsulates its console games branch) reported total sales of ¥7,145 billion ($879 million), while the company as a whole ended up with a net loss of ¥1.93 billion ($24 million). However, when compared to the ¥6.04 billion ($74 million) in net losses the company suffered during the first half of FY10, these figures are ... well, significantly less terrible.

The company's biggest seller released in the current fiscal year was the licensed adaptation of the animated film Despicable Me, which moved 390,000 copies during the first half. Trailing close behind was Dead to Rights: Retribution at 350,000 copies sold. Imagine what kind of a sales powerhouse Namco would have on its hands if Universal ever did an animated movie about a young boy and his insatiable, murderous dog.

Namco Bandai cuts first half losses in FY11, Despicable Me its biggest seller originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Nov 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead to Rights: Retribution GAC Pack trailer needs more dog armor

Mike Schramm — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:30:00 EST

Namco Bandai has dropped a new trailer for the"GAC Pack" DLC coming to Dead to Rights: Retribution on June 1st. As you can see above, the pack offers several new Grant City Anti-Crime body armor suits to play with (Copperhead is a sniper, Kodiak brawls, and Tank is, well, a tank) in the Assault on the 87th Precinct mode, and a Riot Control mode, which pits Jack and Shadow up against waves of oncoming forces for points.

So all in all, a pretty significant update for the game our own Justin McElroy called "not half bad." The download also contains the "Jack Pack" and "Shadow Pack" DLC, just in case you haven't gotten those yet, and will be available for 400 on Xbox Live or $4.99 on PSN in just under a week.

Dead to Rights: Retribution GAC Pack trailer needs more dog armor originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Namco Bandai predicts sales for Dead to Rights, Splatterhouse

David Hinkle — Thu, 13 May 2010 00:30:00 EST

During a recent investor's presentation, Namco Bandai relayed some projections for a few of its top titles -- specifically, recent releases Clash of the Titans and Dead to Rights: Retribution and upcoming Splatterhouse and Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom. The presentation is available here, though due to the fact that it's in some foreign language (what are they speaking, Klingon?), we defer to Siliconera's translation.

For Clash and DtR, Namco Bandai isn't expecting either to clear a million units: each is projected to sell around 700,000 copies. That's certainly nothing to scoff at. Namco Bandai has higher hopes for Splatterhouse and Majin, however, predicting sales of one million for each.

Really? A million units? Sure, we've heard that "sex sells," but charmingly bumbling monsters and bloody, deformed hockey mask-garbed behemoths? People can't possibly be into either of those things, right?

[Via Siliconera]

Namco Bandai predicts sales for Dead to Rights, Splatterhouse originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead to Rights: Retribution 'GAC Pack' DLC coming May 26 [update: June 1 in North America]

David Hinkle — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST

Click image to dance into our gallery

Grant City officers looking to extend their Turner and Hooch-like experience in Dead to Rights: Retribution will soon get a new DLC pack. The "GAC Pack" (400 on Xbox Live / $4.99 on PSN) drops on May 26 in PAL territories [update: June 1 for North America] for Xbox 360 and PS3 and adds two new gameplay modes: Assault on the 87th Precinct and Riot Control.

In Assault on the 87th Precinct, players take up the role of the enemy -- Grant City Anti-Crime. Playing as a Sniper, Brawler and Tank, players must perform the titular assault on the Grant City Police Department and secure the building, a twist on one of the game's campaign missions. Then there's Riot Control, which is essentially Dead to Rights' version of Horde mode: Jack and Shadow face off against waves of GAC forces, earning points "based on speed and style." Riot Control will support international leaderboards.

As an added incentive for downloading the "GAC Pack," two previously pre-order exclusive DLC items will be included: the "Jack Pack" and the "Shadow Pack." These add a new set of armor for Jack and some camouflage for Shadow, as well as an "action mode" which turns every bullet into a tiny, exploding grenade. Finally, there's a noir graphic filter included if staring at all of those colors upsets your delicate retinas.

Gallery: Dead to Rights: Retribution - GAC Pack

Dead to Rights: Retribution 'GAC Pack' DLC coming May 26 [update: June 1 in North America] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: Dead to Rights: Retribution

Justin McElroy — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST

I've been dodging the question all week: "Hey, so how is Dead to Rights: Retribution?"

I know what they want to hear, of course. They're expecting me to savage a game that (1) is part of a series that's largely disliked by those who even remember it exists and (2) is made by Volatile Games, which last delivered unto us the truly terrible Reservoir Dogs. (I'd gleefully let Michael Madsen cut off my ear in exchange for never having to play that game again.)

I understood why friends and co-workers would be expecting an evisceration. But I found myself evading the question because if I was being honest, the answer I'd have to give is this: Dead to Rights: Retribution? Not half bad.

Gallery: Dead to Rights: Retribution

Continue reading Review: Dead to Rights: Retribution

Review: Dead to Rights: Retribution originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubisoft holds top UK sales spot with Conviction

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST

Despite sales for Splinter Cell: Conviction and Just Dance slipping 46 and 31 percent, respectively, the two Ubisoft titles maintained their dominant positions on the UK all-formats chart for a second week in a row. The top three didn't shift at all, as the PS3 and PC release of Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City last week helped to keep it in third.

Wii Fit Plus stepped up a spot to work out at fourth, while Monster Hunter Tri was stuffed and mounted in fifth place. According to Chart-Track, Tri is the most successful launch the franchise has seen on the isles. The only other new title on the chart last week was Dead to Rights: Retribution, which broke and entered at No. 22. Check out the complete UK top 10 after the break.

Source - Ubisoft are No1 and No2 for second week [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

Continue reading Ubisoft holds top UK sales spot with Conviction

Ubisoft holds top UK sales spot with Conviction originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead to Rights: Retribution takes us behind the scenes a second time

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 03:00:00 EST

Sure, you saw the first part of the Dead to Rights: Retribution behind the scenes video, but have you seen the second half? Yeah, we didn't think so. But it's here, just above, and Volatile Games project director Imre Jele is back again to lay out how the game was put together over the past few years.

Jele describes the development as akin to a kid in a candy shop, unable to pick just one item and instead choosing everything. While that sounds nice from a quantity perspective, we're hoping things play out as well in the quality department when the game finally arrives at retail in a couple weeks. Either way, at least there's a murderous dog, right?

Gallery: Dead to Rights: Retribution

Dead to Rights: Retribution takes us behind the scenes a second time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on: Dead to Rights Retribution

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:40:00 EST

Our protagonist awakens, covered in debris from a train wreck he managed to narrowly escape from. How did he get there? The game rewinds to earlier in the adventure, as our hero makes his way on a sordid journey towards the disastrous ride. Along the way, he'll have to dispatch enemies, taking cover, mixing gun play and melee combat.

No, this isn't Uncharted 2. It's Namco Bandai's Dead to Rights Retribution. And unfortunately, it too easily welcomes comparison to Joystiq's Game of the Year 2009 ... and comes up short.

Gallery: Dead to Rights: Retribution

Continue reading Hands-on: Dead to Rights Retribution

Hands-on: Dead to Rights Retribution originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead to Rights: Retribution trailer is full of canine plagiarism

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:40:00 EST

We were almost certain that the above Dead to Rights: Retribution trailer Namco Bandai recently sent us was a joke. Not because of its constant depictions of brutal dog-on-man violence (which, admittedly, is kind of hilarious), but because the content of the trailer is obviously ripped off from a recent film you're probably familiar with.

Don't believe us? Check out the trailer above, then check out the film trailer after the jump. The stark similarities should be made abundantly clear.

Continue reading Dead to Rights: Retribution trailer is full of canine plagiarism

Dead to Rights: Retribution trailer is full of canine plagiarism originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Behind the game' on Dead to Rights: Retribution

Mike Schramm — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 06:00:00 EST

When we first heard that this video was going to go "Behind the Game" on Dead to Rights: Retribution, we got all excited to see a five-minute documentary on that little piece of plastic in the game case that protects the back of the game from scratches or dust. But apparently we went a little too literal there -- this video is actually about the making of the game that's due out next month, with Volatile Games' Project Director Imre Jele explaining how the team handled combat, interaction with the A.I. dog, voice work and the stunts in the upcoming sequel.

He mentions near the end that one stuntman actually broke a rib during motion capture, and how the entire team was trying to put that much dedication into the game, and we imagined for a moment that medical bills around its offices must be sky-high with all of the rib-breaking going on during coding. But then we realized we were probably going too literal again -- maybe we should just sit back and watch the video.

'Behind the game' on Dead to Rights: Retribution originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead to Rights: Retribution trailer enforces slow-mo justice

David Hinkle — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST

Namco's marketing department must have really gotten a kick out of that 300 movie, because the latest trailer for its upcoming Turner & Hooch adaptation, Dead to Rights: Retribution, is chock full of the slow-mo. It's not that we're complaining; a lady falling from the top of a skyscraper or beating the crap out of a group of similarly uniformed thugs is made infinitely better through the tactful use of slow-mo.

That part's fine -- what we still have trouble with is protagonist (and police officer) Jack Slate's inability to value human life. Sure, these guys are criminals, but that doesn't mean you have to do some weird wrestling move that breaks their neck and kills them dead, right? Since when did a can of mace and the Miranda rights stop being standard procedure?

Dead to Rights: Retribution trailer enforces slow-mo justice originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead to Rights: Retribution media terrorizes Temple Tower

David Hinkle — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST

We like to keep it light and fun around here, but this latest series of Dead to Rights: Retribution media is serious business -- when there are terrorists involved, the joking stops. That's the gist of the above trailer, which features Temple Tower, the latest target of terrorism in Grant City.

Thankfully, Jack and Shadow are on the scene to deal with these "hostage takers." All it takes is a good cop and his murderous, almost impossibly skillful canine companion, after all!

Gallery: Dead to Rights: Retribution (3.16.2010)

Dead to Rights: Retribution media terrorizes Temple Tower originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Namco Bandai suffers losses, cuts staff

Justin McElroy — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:25:00 EST

It's a tough economic time the world over, but Namco Bandai appears to really be taking it on the Heihachin according to a report from Edge. During the nine months ending on Dec. 31, 2009, the company posted a $129.05 million loss, compared to a $99.5 million profit during the same period in 2008.

Perhaps it should come as no surprise that the company has also announced layoffs, or rather a "group restart plan" that translates to 650 staffers (about 10 percent of the company) losing their jobs. We hope Namco finds a way back to profitability, but when some of its biggest titles for 2010 include a new entry in a forgettable series (thus far), a troubled relaunch of a fan favorite and a promising game that disappeared almost as soon as it was announced, we're not convinced the recovery process will be a quick one.

Namco Bandai suffers losses, cuts staff originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead to Rights Retribution pre-order campaigns detailed

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:00:00 EST

Were you sitting there reading Joystiq, thinking about how much you want to pre-order upcoming reboot Dead to Rights: Retribution? Namco has announced the pre-order campaign for the third game in two years to offer up a fighting dog, but here's the catch: There are separate pre-order bonuses should you choose to go with GameStop versus Amazon. We know, we know, but life is tough.

GameStop customers will get their hands on the "Jack Pack," which includes "Grant City Anti-Crime armor" for the game's main character and a "guns-blazing action mode," which apparently turns your regular ol' bullets into exploding bullets. Madness! The folks who drop their bucks early at Amazon are granted the "Shadow Pack," which turns the aforementioned dog into a stealth ninja dog with camouflage and also adds a "noir mode" to the game, said to flip the black-and-white switch (in addition to making the blood a more intense red). Now do you have enough reasons to go out and pre-order it? Do ya?

Gallery: Dead to Rights: Retribution

Dead to Rights Retribution pre-order campaigns detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Dead to Rights: Retribution dev diary heads to Abbey Road

Ben Gilbert — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST

So what if the latest Dead to Rights: Retribution dev diary is unbelievably light on actual gameplay? It makes up for that in droves with a smattering of pretty images of the Abbey Road recording studio where the game's soundtrack is being recorded. For all the effort being put into the music, we would hope a bit more attention would be focused on the bits of game footage strewn throughout the clip. Unfortunately, we are instead given the less than thrilling exchange between the game's main character and a police officer around the three minute mark.

Last we heard, Dead to Rights: Retribution was scheduled for a "Q4 2009" release by Namco, so considering that time has come and gone, your guess is as good as any as to when the game will see the light of day. For now, well, we've got this dev diary.

Gallery: Dead to Rights: Retribution

New Dead to Rights: Retribution dev diary heads to Abbey Road originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead to Rights: Retribution dev diary is loaded with dog fighting

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST

Don't let the headline throw you -- we don't mean the bad kind of dog fighting. We're talking about the kind of dog fighting where well-treated, justice-loving canines attack gun-toting criminals who pose a threat to their master, whom they love and remain eternally loyal to. When cast in that light, attack dogs aren't menacing or controversial -- they're just heartwarming companions (with enormous, razor-sharp teeth).

Check out the dev diary above to see Dead to Rights: Retribution's man-eating puppy in action. Oh, also, there's a human hero who uses guns and other traditional methods of justice-serving, but that's not really as noteworthy, now is it?

Gallery: Dead to Rights: Retribution (04-29-09)

Dead to Rights: Retribution dev diary is loaded with dog fighting originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As advertised: Dead to Rights targets 17-and-ups

David Hinkle — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST

Namco Bandai has tapped in-game ad agency Double Fusion to inject alluring elements into the game world of its upcoming release Dead to Rights: Retribution. It's apparently Namco Bandai's first in-game advertising deal, so we'd like to take a moment to congratulate the publisher on joining us here in 2006 ...

[Dramatic pause.]

... Nothing's gonna make Grant City come alive more than billboards for $5 footlongs and "Are you gellin'?" We repeat: Nothing.

As advertised: Dead to Rights targets 17-and-ups originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fist meet face: A look at Dead to Rights: Retribution's combat

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 22 May 2009 02:00:00 EST

Earlier this year, we got a chance to see Dead to Rights: Retribution and learn how the game's combat system works. Essentially, Jack, the main character, can attack in any direction at all times. Thus, even if you're dealing with an enemy directly in front of you, you can still backfist the sneaky baddie coming from behind. If you're having trouble actually picturing that, then fret no longer. 1UP has posted a video showcasing the game's combat system so you can take in all the bloody, brutal details for yourself. Check it out after the break.

Based purely on the video, we're hoping that the combat feels more engaging than it looks. We'll find out when the game releases this fall.

Continue reading Fist meet face: A look at Dead to Rights: Retribution's combat

Fist meet face: A look at Dead to Rights: Retribution's combat originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 May 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq impressions: Dead to Rights: Retribution

Randy Nelson — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:30:00 EST

As we reported last month, Namco Bandai is "rebooting" (that's cool-talk for "taking another crack at") Dead to Rights, its tale of a cop, his dog and lots of third-person shooting. Dead to Rights: Retribution, as it's known, was shown in non-playable form last night at Namco's preview event -- well, it was being played, just not by us.

We got a look at two levels from Jack Slate and his pooch Shadow's new adventure, one that's full of shotguns in the mouth, ripped-out throats and a glimmer of hope in its melee combat.

Gallery: Dead to Rights: Retribution (04-29-09)

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Dead to Rights: Retribution

Joystiq impressions: Dead to Rights: Retribution originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Dead to Rights: Retribution' details, screens revealed

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:40:00 EST

It seems 1UP has the first details on Volatile Games' upcoming third-person shooter slash dog-commanding sim, Dead to Rights: Retribution. The game will reportedly be an origin story, setting up the history of longtime Dead to Rights series protagonist Jack Slate and describe how he and Shadow (the game's iconic dog) "first come together as partners against those who would bring the once great city to its knees."

Namco Bandai claims the game will feature a "hybrid combat system," which combines hand-to-hand combat and shooting, but the first screens do little to show off this concept. You also get to push people down stairs!

To keep you in the loop, we've created a handy list of things we know about Dead to Rights: Retribution so far:

The game is named Dead to Rights: Retribution and it's an origin story.
It's coming to Xbox 360 and PS3 in Q4 2009 according to Namco Bandai, the game's publisher.
There's totally a dog in it.

You're welcome!

'Dead to Rights: Retribution' details, screens revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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