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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Renegade Kid takes DS on an ATV Wild Ride]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/renegade-kid-takes-ds-on-an-atv-wild-ride/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/renegade-kid-takes-ds-on-an-atv-wild-ride/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/renegade-kid-takes-ds-on-an-atv-wild-ride/#commentsNow we get to see what Renegade Kid's "Renegade Engine," used for the Dementium games and Moon, can do with a game that isn't a first-person shooter. The developer has announced ATV Wild Ride, its new decidedly non-spooky DS game for publisher Destineer.

ATV Wild Ride is a racing game featuring 24 courses in six countries, a trick system and wireless multi-card multiplayer. It's like an extreme racing game, but shrunk down to manageable DS size. Destineer announced plans to take it on the wild ride to retail in early 2011 -- but the trailer after the break (courtesy of Destructoid) further specifies January.

Gallery: ATV Wild Ride (DS)

Continue reading Renegade Kid takes DS on an ATV Wild Ride

JoystiqRenegade Kid takes DS on an ATV Wild Ride originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atv-wild-ridedestineerdsnintendoq1-2011release-daterenegade-kidTue, 07 Dec 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon's Lair Trilogy for Wii: one step closer to porting Dragon's Lair to everything]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/dragons-lair-trilogy-for-wii-one-step-closer-to-porting-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/dragons-lair-trilogy-for-wii-one-step-closer-to-porting-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/dragons-lair-trilogy-for-wii-one-step-closer-to-porting-dragon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hey, Mad Dog McCree: Gunslinger Pack, there's a new sheriff in town -- the "town" in this case being the set of "Collections of Three Laserdisc Games on Wii." Digital Leisure and publisher Destineer are partnering to release Dragon's Lair Trilogy on Wii this fall.

Despite the name, the "Trilogy" is only two-thirds Dragon's Lair: in addition to Dragon's Lair and Dragon's Lair 2: Time Warp, the disc will include Space Ace. And for those of you who want to watch the remastered animation, but who firmly insist that these aren't video games, you can remove any vestige of interactivity and just enjoy the games in "Watch Mode."

The collection will retail for $30, which is relatively good news for this guy.

JoystiqDragon's Lair Trilogy for Wii: one step closer to porting Dragon's Lair to everything originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadedestineerdigital-leisuredragons-lairdragons-lair-trilogyfmvnintendoq4-2010release-dateretrowiiFri, 30 Jul 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Atomic turns to Wii FPS port, not giving up on Fallujah]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/atomic-turns-to-wii-fps-port-not-giving-up-on-fallujah/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/atomic-turns-to-wii-fps-port-not-giving-up-on-fallujah/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/atomic-turns-to-wii-fps-port-not-giving-up-on-fallujah/#comments You'd be forgiven for taking Atomic Games' announcement of a Wii FPS as the final nail in the coffin for semi-documentary game Six Days in Fallujah. Atomic says that, even though it's releasing a ported and renamed version of 2005's Close Combat: First to Fight for Wii (through publisher Destineer), it's not giving up on its original project, which was axed by Konami in April.

The news that Marines: Modern Urban Combat -- huh, what do you mean that subtitle sounds familiar? -- will arrive November 10 comes after rumors that layoffs had all but shuttered the studio. Though Atomic's on to other projects, Gamasutra reports that the developer's president, Peter Tamte, still insists it "remains committed" to Fallujah.

We're happy to see that Atomic's still plugging along, but if you're expecting to see Six Days in Fallujah anytime soon ... well, just don't.

JoystiqAtomic turns to Wii FPS port, not giving up on Fallujah originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomic-gamesclose-combat-first-to-fightdestineerfpskonamimarines-modern-urban-combatNintendosix-days-in-fallujahWiiThu, 22 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese create new Fullmetal Alchemist game for PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/japanese-create-new-fullmetal-alchemist-game-for-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/japanese-create-new-fullmetal-alchemist-game-for-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/japanese-create-new-fullmetal-alchemist-game-for-psp/#comments
The popular anime series is getting a brand new action game on the PSP. Fullmetal Alchemist: Senaka wo Takuseshi Mono is what Siliconera is calling a "bonds battle game," where players use two-man teams in battle against other teams. For example, Edward and Alphonse may fight against Hawkeye and Mustang. Teammates will need to work together to unleash co-op attacks by building their bond.

The Fullmetal Alchemist games have originally been released by Square Enix in the States, but the franchise has since moved to a smaller publisher, Destineer. We're not sure if this game will see Stateside release -- let's not forget all those Bleach games that have never seen a US release.

JoystiqJapanese create new Fullmetal Alchemist game for PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineerfullmetal-alchemistFri, 10 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WordJong Party: Gettin' Jongy Wit It]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/wordjong-party-gettin-jongy-wit-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/wordjong-party-gettin-jongy-wit-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/wordjong-party-gettin-jongy-wit-it/#commentsFiled under:


There ain't no party like a WordJong Party 'cause a WordJong Party's ... got ... jongs? Hey, Destineer knows how much harmless enjoyment can be derived from making fun of their own game's name -- witness "Jongy" here in this new set of screens on IGN.

For the most part, Party seems to be a multiplayer Wii version of last year's WordJong, which is not a bad thing at all given that game's fond reception. It retains the daily challenges in that game and adds a series of powerups in the multiplayer mode. And while the online play in WordJong was great, it feels very right to have this Scrabble-influenced word game available for parties.

JoystiqWordJong Party: Gettin' Jongy Wit It originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineerpuzzleword-gamewordjongwordjong-partyThu, 18 Sep 2008 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming to Go: WordJong]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/gaming-to-go-wordjong/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/gaming-to-go-wordjong/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/gaming-to-go-wordjong/#commentsFiled under:



I like words. I even go so far to fancy myself as one of those indomitable writer types, wielding a pen for all things mighty and righteous and incredibly nerdy. It is with great reluctance that I write this particular column, however, for one simple fact: I suck at WordJong.

It's a simple game: clean interface, smooth gameplay, and a surprisingly entertaining mixture of classics Mahjong and Scrabble. The unholy union of these two titles brought about a gem of a game largely ignored by the DS-playing populace, though its relative obscurity might prove to be an advantage. It makes WordJong easier for all of you to track down, for one, but it also provides fewer people to compare my pathetic scores with. And that, my friends, is sweet.

Interested? Grab your handy dictionary and come along with this week's edition of Gaming to Go, wherein this columnist's crippling shame manifests itself in an overabundance of big words.

Continue reading Gaming to Go: WordJong

JoystiqGaming to Go: WordJong originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineerjoystiqfeaturespuzzlewordjongMon, 25 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Your daily dose of Alton Brown (oh, and that Iron Chef game)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/24/your-daily-dose-of-alton-brown-oh-and-that-iron-chef-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/24/your-daily-dose-of-alton-brown-oh-and-that-iron-chef-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/24/your-daily-dose-of-alton-brown-oh-and-that-iron-chef-game/#commentsFiled under:


If you wanted a dose of Alton Brown on your Wii -- as some of you unashamedly admitted -- then know that today will be the very best Sunday you'll experience all week long. Why? Observe the superior visage above ... the thoughtful pose and noble brow. Yes, dear reader, it is he: Alton Brown. Destineer released character portraits for some of Iron Chef America's key players as part of the promotion for the upcoming Iron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine, and Alton Brown has his place there, along with three of the chefs.

The excitement doesn't end there, either -- if they've got a portrait in our gallery below, then they'll be fully voiced in the game, so you'll get to hear Brown calling the shots (and hear Mario Batali and others describing their dishes) when the game is released this fall.


[Via press release]

JoystiqYour daily dose of Alton Brown (oh, and that Iron Chef game) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cookingdestineeriron-chefsimulationsupreme-cuisineSun, 24 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag: USA Today Crossword Challenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/fanswag-usa-today-crossword-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/fanswag-usa-today-crossword-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/fanswag-usa-today-crossword-challenge/#commentsFiled under:


You know what gets taken for granted a lot? The morning crossword. Seriously, it seems like nobody opens up the paper anymore and sits down with their breakfast and enjoys a crossword puzzle. It seems everyone is nuts for this Sudoku thing. Well, we're trying to bring back the crossword, baby!

This week, we're unloading USA Today Crossword Challenge onto 5 lucky readers. That's right, we've got 5 copies (each valued at $20) of the game. How can you enter for a chance at one of these? Easy, leave a comment telling us the last time you sat down and did a crossword!

You can leave one comment per day and the contest will be closing on Sunday, August 17th at 11:59PM ET. The giveaway is open to folks 18 years of age or older and all entrants must be current and legal residents of the United States or Canada (excluding Quebec). Before you enter, give the official rules a read by clicking here.

Best of luck to you all and, as always, thank you for reading DS Fanboy!

JoystiqFanswag: USA Today Crossword Challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crosswordcrossword-puzzledestineerfanswagpuzzleusa-today-crosswordTue, 12 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bury the Shovelware: Homie Rollerz]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/bury-the-shovelware-homie-rollerz/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/bury-the-shovelware-homie-rollerz/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/bury-the-shovelware-homie-rollerz/#commentsFiled under:



Bury the Shovelware is a new weekly feature in which DS Fanboy dives deep into the mounds of gaming abominations dumped upon the unsuspecting public by various developers. Like a stool sample collected from a heap of animal dung in order to learn more about its creator, we'll be dissecting, studying and testing our subjects. We will record our findings, and mark how long the title can be endured. Every Wednesday, we'll take a closer look at the proletariat of the DS's vast library.

For this first installment, I sought something that epitomizes shovelware: a game that shows too little inspiration (or too much from one blockbuster title) and/or is virtually unplayable. These attributes are all well represented in Homie Rollerz. In an attempt to feed off the momentum of the "Homies" craze (of many years ago), developer Webfoot Technologies created a racing title that aspired to capture the invigorating frenzy of Mario Kart DS, but instead leaves the user bored, frustrated, and robbed of their time. How long could I stand Homie Rollerz? Roll on to find out.

Continue reading Bury the Shovelware: Homie Rollerz

JoystiqBury the Shovelware: Homie Rollerz originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineerhomie-rollerzjoystiqfeaturesracingshovelwarewebfoot-technologiesWed, 02 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii invited to the WordJong Party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/wii-invited-to-the-wordjong-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/wii-invited-to-the-wordjong-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/wii-invited-to-the-wordjong-party/#commentsFiled under:

WordJong on the DS is unique among the system's puzzle games: a Scrabble-type game in which you build words onto existing stacks of letters in order to clear stages. It's even got an online mode and Achievement-like trophies. There aren't enough language-based puzzle games, and even fewer good ones.

That's why we're thrilled to see a new game listed on GameStop.com called WordJong Party. According to the listing, it'll be out October 21 for $40. If, uh, it's real, a multiplayer, scaled-up WordJong is definitely something to be excited about. Although, of course, it'll have to be particularly feature-rich to avoid the calls of "should be WiiWare" that haunt all 2D, puzzle, or shooting games.

JoystiqWii invited to the WordJong Party originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineerpartypuzzleword-gamewordjongSat, 28 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft announces Play Zone, we die a little inside]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/ubisoft-announces-play-zone-we-die-a-little-inside/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/ubisoft-announces-play-zone-we-die-a-little-inside/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/ubisoft-announces-play-zone-we-die-a-little-inside/#commentsFiled under:



Ubisoft has continued on its quest to make us sneer at almost everything it attempts by announcing "Play Zone," a new Wii-exclusive division focused on "party games." Hey, we hear it's what's hot nowadays! Ubisoft's first contribution to this festival of mediocrity is Sports Party or, as North American readers will know it, Digital Embryo's Summer Sports: Paradise Island, which Ubisoft has snapped up the European publishing rights to.

Says Ubisoft marketing director John Parkes: "With our new Play Zone party titles, the Wii gamers who like to spend time with friends and family will have fun with the Wii through innovative and involving mini-games." Join us in the gallery and we'll all hold each other and cry.

Gallery: Summer Sports


[Via press release]

JoystiqUbisoft announces Play Zone, we die a little inside originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualdestineerdigital-embryomini-gamesminigamesplay-zonesportssports-partysummer-sportsubisoftThu, 19 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Review: USA Today Crossword Challenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/ds-fanboy-review-usa-today-crossword-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/ds-fanboy-review-usa-today-crossword-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/ds-fanboy-review-usa-today-crossword-challenge/#commentsFiled under:


Despite the fact that Nintendo's own Crosswords DS will no doubt outsell USA Today Crossword Challenge, due to the "Nintendo" on the front (and the Gamestop-exclusive release of USA Today), Destineer, developer Mercury Games and original engine developer Sanuk Games should feel very lucky that Nintendo released their own crossword game when they did.

It means that, in the DS crossword genre at least, Destineer can claim superiority over Nintendo. It may not have the extra modes that Crosswords DS does, but it is a much more pleasant crossword experience.

Continue reading DS Fanboy Review: USA Today Crossword Challenge

JoystiqDS Fanboy Review: USA Today Crossword Challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossworddestineerjoystiqfeaturespuzzlesanuk-gamesusa-todayusa-today-crosswordsTue, 10 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy Review: Summer Sports: Paradise Island]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/wii-fanboy-review-summer-sports-paradise-island/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/wii-fanboy-review-summer-sports-paradise-island/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/wii-fanboy-review-summer-sports-paradise-island/#commentsFiled under:

Destineer's Summer Sports: Paradise Island follows the same idea as Wii Sports: an assortment of casual sporting events to be played in multiplayer, with simple, representative motion-based controls. While it's obvious that this is where the money is on the Wii (to the point that even Game Party is a hit), Destineer smartly chose not to imitate Wii Sports outright.

Summer Sports seems to be an attempt not just to cash in on the Wii Sports phenomenon, but to serve as a companion to Nintendo's remarkably popular Wii pack-in. To that end, it features eight games that Wii Sports does not, and a surprisingly effective island theme.

Some of the minigames are total clunkers that make a compelling argument against motion controls, but some manage to deliver on the promise of Wii minigame collections: simple-to-understand controls in unique, fun games.

Continue reading Wii Fanboy Review: Summer Sports: Paradise Island

JoystiqWii Fanboy Review: Summer Sports: Paradise Island originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineerdigital-embryominigamessportssummer-sportsTue, 29 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Summer Sports on the Wii > summer sports in the winter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/summer-sports-on-the-wii-summer-sports-in-the-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/summer-sports-on-the-wii-summer-sports-in-the-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/summer-sports-on-the-wii-summer-sports-in-the-winter/#commentsFiled under:


Destineer's bold new ad campaign says what we're all afraid to: playing croquet in the snow is pretty terrible. The latest trailers for Summer Sports: Paradise Island use a bleak, desolate winter environment (sorry if you live wherever that was filmed!) to draw a contrast between the real world, where it is sometimes cold, and the game world, where it's always a lovely time to play some badminton.

We must admit, we're a lot more enthused about fake croquet after seeing it next to real snow croquet. Two more trailers follow after the break! Let them out into the light (by watching them!)

Continue reading Summer Sports on the Wii > summer sports in the winter

JoystiqSummer Sports on the Wii > summer sports in the winter originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badmintonbasketballcroquetdestineerminigamessportssummer-sportsFri, 11 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Summer Sports reminds us how weird sports are]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/summer-sports-reminds-us-how-weird-sports-are/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/summer-sports-reminds-us-how-weird-sports-are/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/summer-sports-reminds-us-how-weird-sports-are/#commentsFiled under: ,


Badminton: it's like tennis, except the racquet is smaller and the ball doesn't work. What is the deal with badminton? Who decided that a racquetball would be better with a tail?

Horseshoes is an equally bizarre game. At some point in history, someone saw a pile of metal things made to nailed to horses' hooves and thought "Hey, I bet it would be fun to throw those at a pole!" Now, specialized horseshoes are made specifically for being thrown at a pole.

Summer Sports includes both of these freaky pastimes. A video of the horseshoes game in action follows.

Continue reading Summer Sports reminds us how weird sports are

JoystiqSummer Sports reminds us how weird sports are originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badmintondestineerhorseshoessportssummer-sportsSun, 06 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Samurai Deep Discount Kyo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/samurai-deep-discount-kyo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/samurai-deep-discount-kyo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/samurai-deep-discount-kyo/#commentsFiled under: ,

Remember Samurai Deeper Kyo, that anime-based game released with the Samurai Deeper Kyo DVD set earlier this year? It's a rare cart due to its limited availability with the expensive "Complete Series" collection, and it has the added allure of also providing a solid action experience, despite having been originally released in Japan back in 2002.

Well, those of you who saw the DVD set's exorbitant mark up and resigned yourself to never owning this gem might want to reconsider with Best Buy's sale price: $29.99. While that might seem like a lot to pay for a GBA game these days, that's less than half of its usual list price of $79.99! Plus, you'll also get a heap of episodes from an anime which may or may not be worth watching!

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqSamurai Deep Discount Kyo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionanimebest-buydestineerdvdmarvelous-interactivesamurai-deeper-kyoFri, 04 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Summer Sports is irresponsibly violent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/summer-sports-is-irresponsibly-violent/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/summer-sports-is-irresponsibly-violent/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/summer-sports-is-irresponsibly-violent/#commentsFiled under:


We were willing to support Manhunt 2, because Rockstar Games used graphic violence as a storytelling tool. Even if it didn't turn out for the best, Manhunt 2 was artistic expression. But Summer Sports: Paradise Island is just unconscionable. Children are going to play this, and they're going to get the message from this game that it is okay to play lawn darts -- one of the deadliest activities thought up by our demented, amoral culture.

Companies like Destineer need to take some responsibility when this generation's children grow up to be remorseless lawn dart players. Talk to your children about lawn darts -- before it's too late.

JoystiqSummer Sports is irresponsibly violent originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineerlawn-dartsminigamessportssummer-sportsTue, 01 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Plushees gives kids an inaccurate view of the animal kingdom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/plushees-gives-kids-an-inaccurate-view-of-the-animal-kingdom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/plushees-gives-kids-an-inaccurate-view-of-the-animal-kingdom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/plushees-gives-kids-an-inaccurate-view-of-the-animal-kingdom/#commentsFiled under:


Maybe things are different within communities of alive stuffed animals, but every time we've seen groups of exotic wild animals (said experiences limited to zoo environments, of course, and TV specials), we seem to have just missed the balloon-popping events. Our understanding of bears was that most of their days are spent sleeping, eating, or totally mauling stuff, which leaves limited time for presiding over Ka-Plinko games.

Similarly, we know that other animals do often play a hide-and-seek-like game against tigers, but those games rarely end in hugs. Well, except for the hug of the tiger's teeth against its opponent's throat. Plushees may be a cute minigame collection, but it completely fails to teach kids the lesson about the importance of not hugging tigers.

JoystiqPlushees gives kids an inaccurate view of the animal kingdom originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-john-gamesdestineerminigamesplusheesTue, 01 Apr 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Review: Spitfire Heroes: Tales of the Royal Air Force]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/ds-fanboy-review-spitfire-heroes-tales-of-the-royal-air-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/ds-fanboy-review-spitfire-heroes-tales-of-the-royal-air-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/ds-fanboy-review-spitfire-heroes-tales-of-the-royal-air-force/#commentsFiled under:

Big John Games' Spitfire Heroes: Tales of the Royal Air Force is a simple game -- and I mean that in a good way. I'm not saying it's an easy game (far from it) or that there isn't enough to do. Spitfire Heroes is simple in the way that arcade games are: the controls are intuitive and easy to pick up quickly, and the objectives are clear. Despite its appearance as a flight sim (one of the most complex genres of all), Spitfire Heroes is an action game through and through, more After Burner than Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Unfortunately, some fairly major issues prevent Spitfire Heroes from an unqualified recommendation. Right up front: the game is too hard, which may prevent you from seeing the majority of the content. While it's easy to understand how to play, it is remarkably difficult to play.

Continue reading DS Fanboy Review: Spitfire Heroes: Tales of the Royal Air Force

JoystiqDS Fanboy Review: Spitfire Heroes: Tales of the Royal Air Force originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-john-gamesdestineerflightjoystiqfeaturesspitfire-heroeswwiiMon, 17 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharpen your Wiimote for Iron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/sharpen-your-wiimote-for-iron-chef-america-supreme-cuisine/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/sharpen-your-wiimote-for-iron-chef-america-supreme-cuisine/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/sharpen-your-wiimote-for-iron-chef-america-supreme-cuisine/#commentsFiled under:


Destineer has officially announced the Iron Chef game that showed up on Gamestop.com a while back. Iron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine will be released this summer for Wii and DS, and puts players through "a series fast-paced and intense culinary challenges." Host Mark Dacascos has (obviously) signed on to provide his voice and likeness to the show, and the press release indicates that more of the show's talent will also appear. We're hoping we'll get to virtually humiliate Bobby Flay.

We expect the game to be a more pompous version of Cooking Mama with disgusting ingredients -- which sounds like a good time. Destineer CEO Paul Rinde said that "the ultimate 'secret ingredient' to these games will be family fun." "Family fun," huh? Is that some kind of sea creature?

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqSharpen your Wiimote for Iron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-lanterncookingdestineeriron-chefMon, 10 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Iron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine: it's real and Mark Dacastic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/iron-chef-supreme-cuisine-its-real-and-mark-dacastic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/iron-chef-supreme-cuisine-its-real-and-mark-dacastic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/iron-chef-supreme-cuisine-its-real-and-mark-dacastic/#commentsFiled under: ,


Once nothing more than a completely plausible rumor, the Iron Chef video game has been revealed, giving two competitors one hour to devise four to five dishes featuring the game, made in their signature styles. Oh, no, wait, we're thinking of food. This has been revealed, giving you notice that it'll be out in stores this summer for people to buy.

Iron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine, developed by John Deere: Harvest in the Heartland (and Elf Bowling 1&2) developer Black Lantern Studios, will be based on the Food Network's version of the popular Japanese cooking game show, and not the original. It'll feature the voice and likeness of Double Dragon's Mark Dacascos, with other personalities to be announced later. Could an Alton Brown appearance in a game be far off?

Even if it is the new show, we're all about the idea of an Iron Chef game. At the very least, they've made a funny video.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqIron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine: it's real and Mark Dacastic originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-lanterncookingdestineeriron-chefMon, 10 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine officially cooked up for Wii, DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/iron-chef-america-supreme-cuisine-officially-cooked-up-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/iron-chef-america-supreme-cuisine-officially-cooked-up-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/iron-chef-america-supreme-cuisine-officially-cooked-up-for-wii/#commentsFiled under: , ,


After making a brief appearance on Gamestop's website before being summarily pulled down, Iron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine has been officially announced, confirming that Wii and DS owners will soon be able to decide whose cuisine reigns supreme. The game is being developed by Black Lantern Studios, a company whose catalog is rife with shovelware, making it a logical partner for publisher Destineer.

Few details about the game are currently known, other than it will feature "a series of fast-paced and intense culinary challenges," and that players will compete in Kitchen Stadium to become the next Iron Chef.

Iron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine will also include the likeness of show host Mark Dacascos, who replaced the original pepper-eating (not to mention snappily dressing) Takeshi Kaga. As much as we'd like to get behind the idea of waving our arms in the air in order to make squid ink ice creme or rabbit kidney stew, we're disappointed that the game will be based on Iron Chef's North American incarnation instead of the original, albeit more absurd Japanese original. Nevertheless -- Allez Cuisine!

Check out the game's teaser video after the break.

Continue reading Iron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine officially cooked up for Wii, DS

JoystiqIron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine officially cooked up for Wii, DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-lanternblacklanterncookingdestineerDSiron-chefironchefmark-dacascosmarkdacascostakeshi-kagatakeshikagaWiiMon, 10 Mar 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Review: Homie Rollerz]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/ds-fanboy-review-homie-rollerz/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/ds-fanboy-review-homie-rollerz/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/ds-fanboy-review-homie-rollerz/#commentsFiled under:


I was pretty worried about reviewing Homie Rollerz. I didn't really get into game blogging to discuss serious issues, and the Homies franchise seemed to involve one. Is Homie Rollerz a good thing because it is designed for a Mexican-American audience (which, as a goal, is very cool and laudable), or is it an insult to that audience with broad stereotypes? The toys continue to be popular, so I happily suspect the former. However, my own impression of the characters and storyline is that I might find them offensive if I belonged to the supposed target audience. In any case, further investigation of this cultural issue turned out to be unnecessary, because Homie Rollerz is not very good. The biggest issues with the game turn out to be with the game and not with the subject matter.

Continue reading DS Fanboy Review: Homie Rollerz

JoystiqDS Fanboy Review: Homie Rollerz originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineerhomie-rollerzhomiesjoystiqfeaturesracingwebfootTue, 04 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spitfire Heroes aims high, embodies other airplane cliches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/spitfire-heroes-aims-high-embodies-other-airplane-cliches/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/spitfire-heroes-aims-high-embodies-other-airplane-cliches/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/spitfire-heroes-aims-high-embodies-other-airplane-cliches/#commentsFiled under: ,


We haven't covered Destineer's Spitfire Heroes: Tales of the Royal Air Force much, except to note that it came out last week. The game is kind of a surprise to us now, because this trailer actually looks pretty neat. The environments are a bit spare, but that's pretty much what happens when a game takes place almost entirely above the ocean.

In terms of gameplay, Heroes looks like a fast-paced, arcade airplane game like the vaunted After Burner -- with a little throttle control on the touchscreen, which is fun. We can only tolerate flying games when they're arcadey like this -- we don't want to take a class to play a flight simulator.

[Via press release]

JoystiqSpitfire Heroes aims high, embodies other airplane cliches originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3pm-gamesbig-john-gamesdestineerflightspitfire-heroesMon, 03 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[These screens are rolling with the homiez]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/these-screens-are-rolling-with-the-homiez/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/these-screens-are-rolling-with-the-homiez/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/these-screens-are-rolling-with-the-homiez/#commentsFiled under:

If the Homie Rollerz short that we posted yesterday piqued your curiosity about the game, you might want to check out some screens for it -- after all, that video yesterday didn't show us anything about the actual game.

We couldn't help but poke some fun at it (making some alterations to the screenshot on the right), even though Homie Rollerz is clearly aiming to be silly. You can even race as an alien or some guy that looks like a jester ghost, which we suppose is something.

Still, the biggest problem with these screens is that they're not exactly ... nice looking. We know our DS is capable of more, so we'd like to see a little more polish in the game. We hope the final product ends up looking and playing a better than what we saw in these videos.

JoystiqThese screens are rolling with the homiez originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineerhomie-rollerzracingwebfootwebfoot-technologiesFri, 29 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Samurai Deeper Kyo and the last GBA game you played]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/ds-daily-samurai-deeper-kyo-and-the-last-gba-game-you-played/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/ds-daily-samurai-deeper-kyo-and-the-last-gba-game-you-played/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/ds-daily-samurai-deeper-kyo-and-the-last-gba-game-you-played/#commentsFiled under: ,


Just when we thought we had played the last great GBA game, Siliconera pointed us towards Samurai Deeper Kyo, a slick action title recently brought to the US by Destineer. Marvelous Interactive published it in Japan back in 2002, but that doesn't take away from how fun it looks! The game only comes packed as a bonus with the Samurai Deeper Kyo anime series DVD set, so you'll find it difficult to acquire a copy.

Anyway, the idea of having another GBA release to look forward to finding and playing reminded us how long it's been since we tapped that bottom box on the DS's initial menu screen. Months! How long has it been for you? And what was the last GBA game you loaded up?

JoystiqDS Daily: Samurai Deeper Kyo and the last GBA game you played originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionanimedestineermarvelous-interactivesamurai-deeper-kyoFri, 22 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Review: Indianapolis 500 Legends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/ds-fanboy-review-indianapolis-500-legends/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/ds-fanboy-review-indianapolis-500-legends/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/ds-fanboy-review-indianapolis-500-legends/#commentsFiled under:

Indianapolis 500 Legends isn't your average racing game. Instead of presenting the player with a series of circuits, this DS title focuses on one, and only one track. To state the obvious, in the game you race in the Indy 500, an event known as "the Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

Since Legends doesn't try to woo you with a bunch of different courses, it attempts too add variety with the help of history. Through the game, the player is not only able to experience the Indy 500, but also learn about it. One way in which the game achieves this is by letting the player race as (and against) famous drivers (well ... they're famous in relation to other Indy car drivers, at least). But, can combining history with racing really work in the context of a video game?

Continue reading DS Fanboy Review: Indianapolis 500 Legends

JoystiqDS Fanboy Review: Indianapolis 500 Legends originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineerindianapolis-500-legendsjoystiqfeaturesracingtorusWed, 30 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy Review: Indianapolis 500 Legends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/wii-fanboy-review-indianapolis-500-legends/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/wii-fanboy-review-indianapolis-500-legends/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/wii-fanboy-review-indianapolis-500-legends/#commentsFiled under:

Simulation racing games have never been a major interest of mine. They focus on realistically modeling car movement and performance, with the goal of encapsulating the true experience of doing something that most people cannot do: driving expensive, powerful cars very fast. Often efforts are made to model real locations as well to enhance the veracity of the experience. Simulation racing games provide a form of wish fulfillment that serves an interest shared by a lot of people. But I'm a lot more likely to wish for not having to drive than for more advanced forms of car driving.

Arcade racing, I have no problem with -- the high-speed, powersliding gameplay has less to do with accurate models of car physics and more to do with game-specific mechanics. The car is governed by what's fun instead of what's real. I generally prefer activities that are more game-like than simulation-like. That's why I don't mind not having to simulate putting bowling shoes on in Wii Sports.

Destineer's Indianapolis 500 Legends seems to have been intended as a simulation of classic Indy 500 races. But the racing feels more arcade-like. The game ends up straddling the two styles, and fails to succeed in either category. Bottom line (except not really, because there's a lot of review after this): this game is really only suitable for people with an abiding interest in driving in a circle, and an iffy proposition for that crowd.

Continue reading Wii Fanboy Review: Indianapolis 500 Legends

JoystiqWii Fanboy Review: Indianapolis 500 Legends originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineerindianapolis-500-legendsracingtorusMon, 07 Jan 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Iron Chef game listed, then pulled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/iron-chef-game-listed-then-pulled/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/iron-chef-game-listed-then-pulled/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/iron-chef-game-listed-then-pulled/#commentsFiled under: ,

We always enjoyed Cooking Mama, but always felt that it lacked one of the most important qualities for any video game: Seething machismo. So it makes perfect sense to us that someone would stumble on the idea of creating a cooking game based on Iron Chef America, the second-manliest show on TV (you win this round, Deadliest Catch).

The game appears to be on the brink of an announcement, with a listing appearing and disappearing on Gamestop's website for DS and Wii versions of the game, and Siliconera's Spencer Yip indicating that an IC game was being created at Destineer. (Yes, that Destineer). We're already sharpening our knives in anticipation, but we have to ask: To whom do we have to give World's Best Backrub Coupons to get Alton Brown in the game?

JoystiqIron Chef game listed, then pulled originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alton-browncookingcooking-mamadestineerDSiron-chefWiiMon, 07 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homie Rollerz: it's racing, with Homies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/homie-rollerz-its-racing-with-homies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/homie-rollerz-its-racing-with-homies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/homie-rollerz-its-racing-with-homies/#commentsFiled under:


When I played Homie Rollerz at PAX*, two things occurred to me: first, that I am absolutely not the target audience for this game (in that I'm not a fan of the Homies toy franchise) and that it would be amazing and pretty hilarious if the game turned out to be a really good kart racer. The version I played was way too early to make any judgments, but these videos at least show progress being made. There's a second video after the break.

Will Homie Rollerz be a Mario Kart killer? Well, no. Probably not, right? Trying to look at the thing objectively, however, and not as a weird licensed game, I can say that I like the track designs. It's got a lot of tunnels, which is interesting and different from the more open-air track designs of Mario Kart. Also it's online, which really makes any game better. I also feel the need to mention burrito car.

*I'm not trying to brag about having played Homie Rollerz or anything -- just stating my experience with the title.

Continue reading Homie Rollerz: it's racing, with Homies

JoystiqHomie Rollerz: it's racing, with Homies originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineerhomie-rollerzhomierollerzracingFri, 04 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shovelware: A cause and effect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/shovelware-a-cause-and-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/shovelware-a-cause-and-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/shovelware-a-cause-and-effect/#commentsFiled under:

Wii owners certainly can't complain about the number of third-party games available for the console. As MTV's Stephen Totilo puts it, where there was once a game drought for Nintendo systems (specifically in the N64 and GameCube eras), there's now a flood.

What Wii owners can complain about, however, is that a lot of these Wii games are nothing but shovelware. But, how do these games end up on the popular console? And, is it even ultimately a bad thing that they do?

Continue reading Shovelware: A cause and effect

JoystiqShovelware: A cause and effect originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bold-gamesdata-design-interactiveddidestineerpaul-rindeshovelwarestephen-totilothird-partyThu, 03 Jan 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii's cuisine reigns supreme]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/wiis-cuisine-reigns-supreme/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/wiis-cuisine-reigns-supreme/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/wiis-cuisine-reigns-supreme/#commentsFiled under:

A product listing for an Iron Chef game on Wii and DS showed up on GameStop (the listing has since vanished), and Siliconera's Spencer Yip indicated that he is aware of such a game in development at Destineer. Destineer has yet to make any announcements regarding the game, so this remains unconfirmed.

If true, this couldn't be more perfect fit for Nintendo systems, as an overblown, hyperactive counterpart to the mellow Cooking Mama, currently the champion of Nintendo cooking games. Iron Chef is already structured similarly to a fighting game, as well!

Unfortunately, Spencer says that the game will be based on the Iron Chef America show and not the superior original. No matter how many times the show is remade, Chairman Kaga Takeshi (pictured) taking a hearty bite out of a pepper will always be the iconic image of Iron Chef. Maybe we'll be able to unlock the original cast, so that we can lose to the King of Iron Chef, Iron Chef French Hiroyuki Sakai.

It seems likely that the voice of Iron Chef America, Chairman Mark Dacascos, will appear in the game (if the game is real), as he has a history with the medium. In addition to starring in the Double Dragon movie, Dacascos recently voiced a character in John Woo's Stranglehold.

JoystiqWii's cuisine reigns supreme originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cookingdestineergamestopiron-chefThu, 03 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How Destineer dropped 6 Wii games in one week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/how-destineer-dropped-6-wii-games-in-one-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/how-destineer-dropped-6-wii-games-in-one-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/how-destineer-dropped-6-wii-games-in-one-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you browsed the Wii section of your local video game store this week you may have seen a glut of new racing games, a kid's basketball title and whatever Myth Makers: Orbs of Doom is. The shocker isn't that the Wii got a heap of shovelware, it's that this whole lot was coming from one publisher that you've likely never heard of: Destineer. MTV Multiplayer grilled the company's CEO about how a company goes from Nowheresville to releasing six titles in one week.

The answer? Well, basically, the company found them. Boss Paul Rinde told MTV that while in Europe, he ran across group called Data Design Interactive that was looking for an American publisher to work with, and a match in budget heaven was made. So, if you're wondering how many Wii games are waiting in the wings, there's your answer: They are littered across the ground, inviting strolling publishers to pick them at their leisure like ripened blackberries and foist them on to an unsuspecting public.

But is that necessarily a bad thing? And if so, who is it bad for? Rinde makes a fairly convincing case that the market isn't at full saturation, but what do you think?

JoystiqHow Destineer dropped 6 Wii games in one week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DestineerLitterShovelwareWiiThu, 03 Jan 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Review: John Deere: Harvest in the Heartland]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/ds-fanboy-review-john-deere-harvest-in-the-heartland/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/ds-fanboy-review-john-deere-harvest-in-the-heartland/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/ds-fanboy-review-john-deere-harvest-in-the-heartland/#commentsFiled under:

What do tractors, video games, and shoveling up cow poop have in common? If you guessed John Deere: Harvest in the Heartland, you probably read the title of this review. In case you haven't heard of this brand-licensed game, though, it's essentially a farming simulator that was recently released for the Nintendo "Niche Games Haven" DS.

While the brand might not mean much to gussied up city folk, Deere & Company happens to be the world's leading manufacturer of farming equipment (thanks, Wikipedia!). In fact, the John Deere brand became so popular that it incited a horrible fashion trend a few years ago that led to people who weren't truckers wearing trucker hats. But, what does this all mean for Harvest in the Heartland? Is it possible that John Deere would not only find success in agriculture and fashion, but in video games as well? Let's find out, shall we?

Continue reading DS Fanboy Review: John Deere: Harvest in the Heartland

JoystiqDS Fanboy Review: John Deere: Harvest in the Heartland originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-lantern-studiosdestineerfarmingharvest-in-the-heartlandjohn-deerejoystiqfeaturessimsimulationThu, 20 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Trading Card Game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/ds-fanboy-review-fullmetal-alchemist-trading-card-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/ds-fanboy-review-fullmetal-alchemist-trading-card-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/ds-fanboy-review-fullmetal-alchemist-trading-card-game/#commentsFiled under:



Fullmetal Alchemist: Trading Card Game on the DS suffers from its source material on two different levels. First, the original property, Fullmetal Alchemist, doesn't really lend itself to a card game. Fullmetal Alchemist, for the uninitiated, is a show about two brothers who attempt to use alchemy to revive their dead mother, but fail and accidentally maim one brother and trap the other brother's soul in a suit of armor. Then they have adventures!

The card game, then, revolves not around simple competition with adversaries, as would be expected of card games; or rather, it does, but altercations are treated in the card game's "storyline" as ancillary to the goal of locating the powerful alchemical relic, the Philosopher's Stone, and fixing their bodies. Perhaps, then, FMA was not the ideal choice of properties to translate into cards.

Second, the DS game suffers by being such a faithful translation of said card game, which, to be blunt, is far too complicated to be worth attempting. The DS game makes valiant attempts to streamline the process and teach the game, but every person on Earth who has a strong enough interest in Fullmetal Alchemist to learn the card game has done so, and nobody else has any reason to try.

Continue reading DS Fanboy Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Trading Card Game

JoystiqDS Fanboy Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Trading Card Game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animecarddestineerfullmetal-alchemistThu, 08 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destineer taps Unreal Engine 3 for new project [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/red-orchestra-devs-tap-unreal-engine-3-for-new-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/red-orchestra-devs-tap-unreal-engine-3-for-new-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/red-orchestra-devs-tap-unreal-engine-3-for-new-project/#commentsFiled under:

These days, it's often more difficult to find a company who is not using Epic's Unreal Engine for something rather than one that is. Be that as it may, Minneapolis-based Destineer, the distributor behind the Unreal Engine-based Red Orchestra, have continued to look to the popular middleware solution, announcing that the studio has licensed Unreal Engine 3 for an upcoming project.

Nothing yet has been announced about the game, though Destineer's pedigree suggests that we should at least save a spot for the title on our ever-crowded radar. The company was founded in 2001 by former Bungie exec Peter Tamte, and has been involved with realistic combat games, such as First To Fight , which is so realistic that it's used by the U.S. Marine Corps for training purposes. That's all well and good, but we're hoping that Destineer uses the new license for something more creative, like letting us be farmers.

[Update: Corrected Destineer's role in Red Orchestra.]

JoystiqDestineer taps Unreal Engine 3 for new project [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineerepicRed OrchestraRedOrchestraunreal engineUnrealEngineTue, 06 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Review: WordJong]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/ds-fanboy-review-wordjong/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/ds-fanboy-review-wordjong/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/ds-fanboy-review-wordjong/#commentsFiled under:


Destineer's WordJong is not a revolutionary game, and it won't be on any Game of the Year lists. Due to its origin as a PC downloadable and its simple concept, the game is destined to end up as a relatively low-profile release. And, while Destineer may not agree with this, that's probably fine. Not every game needs to be a big deal and the subject of endless discussion in magazines and on websites. WordJong deserves to be as mellow in marketing as it is in play. But WordJong does at least deserve not to be buried under all of the more hyped releases in November. WordJong is the very definition of a solid game: it is easy to understand, easy to play, well-designed, and leaves the player with a pleasant feeling. It also provides a unique option for online DS gaming. In its simplicity, WordJong is the embodiment of the addictive puzzle game.

Continue reading DS Fanboy Review: WordJong

JoystiqDS Fanboy Review: WordJong originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineermagellanpuzzlewordjongFri, 02 Nov 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: WordJong brings good fortune(s)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/preview-wordjong-brings-good-fortune-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/preview-wordjong-brings-good-fortune-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/preview-wordjong-brings-good-fortune-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

WordJong fills a noticeable void in the DS's puzzle game lineup: word games. That makes it interesting by default. Luckily, it's also pretty interesting in and of itself.

WordJong is basically Scrabble and mah-jongg mashed up together into a pile of tiles. Each tile has a letter on it, and you arrange those tiles into words, gaining access to more letter tiles as you clear the top and sides of the pile. Bigger words and less common letters give you more points as in Scrabble. It interestingly provides two separate modes of advancement, one based on the traditional video game level structure, and the other on Brain Age-style daily gaming.

Continue reading Preview: WordJong brings good fortune(s)

JoystiqPreview: WordJong brings good fortune(s) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineerpuzzlewordjongWed, 26 Sep 2007 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[WordJong has an intimidating strategy guide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/21/wordjong-has-an-intimidating-strategy-guide/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/21/wordjong-has-an-intimidating-strategy-guide/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/21/wordjong-has-an-intimidating-strategy-guide/#commentsFiled under:

A preview copy of WordJong just arrived at the expansive DS Fanboy office complex, and the item that Destineer included with the game was fairly daunting. We weren't sure if we even wanted to try the game out, if it came with this 400+ page strategy guide. After all, we haven't spent our lives avoiding PC strategy games just to start having to read giant manuals now. We thought we were getting a nice little puzzle game.

We finally summoned up the courage to crack the tome open. Check after the break for an example page!

Continue reading WordJong has an intimidating strategy guide

JoystiqWordJong has an intimidating strategy guide originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Sep 2007 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineerpuzzlestrategy-guidewordjongFri, 21 Sep 2007 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[WordJong: our new favorite Jong]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/wordjong-our-new-favorite-jong/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/wordjong-our-new-favorite-jong/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/wordjong-our-new-favorite-jong/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Destineer sent over some lovely screens and video of their word-puzzle game WordJong, and they look quite nice. The video in particular, with its soothing chime noises, highlights the kind of mellowness of a puzzle game without time limits. That's not to say it isn't challenging, just that you can take the time to figure stuff out.

That turns out to be an interesting change of pace (literally) versus other puzzle games, and changes the experience completely. There's no piling-up of pieces, no countdown, no frantic rush to get through the puzzle. The challenge comes entirely from scouring your brain for words. Words like "waggle," which was the highest-point-value-word used in the demo video, and which we personally enjoy.

We've put the video on YouTube; we'd ask that you click the aspect-ratio icon on the YouTube video to display in the correct proportion; it makes for a much more pleasant experience for everyone when you can see what the game really looks like, and not some squatty stretched-out version.

JoystiqWordJong: our new favorite Jong originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destineerpuzzlewordjongTue, 11 Sep 2007 14:00:00 EST