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[Dungeon Defenders headed to PSN, XBLA, PC this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/dungeon-defenders-headed-to-psn-xbla-pc-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/dungeon-defenders-headed-to-psn-xbla-pc-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/dungeon-defenders-headed-to-psn-xbla-pc-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fans of dungeon crawlers and tower defense, take note: a new game combining the two is on its way to XBLA, PSN and PC this fall. Created by Trendy Entertainment, Dungeon Defenders mixes the hack-and-slash, loot-driven gameplay of dungeon crawlers with the strategic decisions of tower defense. Players are faced with an oncoming horde of monsters and must protect their Eternia Crystals by both building defensive measures and taking the fight directly to the enemy.

Dungeon Defense will feature four-player cooperative action both online and off, 15 different arenas and multiple modes of play. It's also darned cute. Go to Big Download for a demo of the original game, and check out some screens below and a trailer after the break.

Gallery: Dungeon Defenders (XBLA, PSN, PC)

Continue reading Dungeon Defenders headed to PSN, XBLA, PC this fall

JoystiqDungeon Defenders headed to PSN, XBLA, PC this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-crawlerdungeon-defendersmicrosoftpcplaystationps3PSNtrendy-entertainmentXBLAxboxWed, 25 Aug 2010 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Torchlight 2 announced for Spring 2011 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/torchlight-2-for-spring-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/torchlight-2-for-spring-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/torchlight-2-for-spring-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sleeper hit Torchlight is set to receive its first sequel next spring. At this rate, the dungeon-crawling digital distribution darling may release its third entry before Diablo 3 even begins to stir from its long development slumber.

The big change this time out for the dungeon crawler will be online co-op. Runic Games notes that the game will feature a free peer-to-peer matchmaking service to "meet new players of a similar level and interest." And this time around, the world will include "expansive" randomized outdoor environments -- don't worry, the dungeons are still there -- along with "random instanced and persistent dungeons." Expect new monsters, weather effects, a new story and LOOT!

Torchlight 2 will be playable at GamesCom later this month in Germany and at PAX Prime (Seattle) in September. The game will "initially" launch as a downloadable title in Spring 2011.

Update: Torchlight 2's initial launch will be on PC, with the Mac version rolling in at a "TBD" date. As for consoles, a Runic representative tells Joystiq, "We would love to bring both games to console, but we have no plans for it at this time."

JoystiqTorchlight 2 announced for Spring 2011 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-crawlermacpcrunic-gamesTorchlight-2Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninety-Nine Nights 2 assaults Xbox 360 on June 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/ninety-nine-nights-2-assaults-xbox-360-on-june-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/ninety-nine-nights-2-assaults-xbox-360-on-june-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/ninety-nine-nights-2-assaults-xbox-360-on-june-29/#commentsKonami has announced that Ninety-Nine Nights 2, sequel to Q Entertainment's lackluster 2006 title, is set to launch on June 29. And because the first game was met with such lukewarm reception, Konami has prepared a media onslaught documenting the story, improvements and multiplayer of the sequel. Above, you can find a brisk video highlighting the events of the second game.

For the remainder of the videos, you'll have to head past the break. One provides a quick rundown of the sequel's improvements, while the other gives us an overview of the multiplayer functionality. And if all of that hacking and slashing gives you a touch of the Lucille Twos, then maybe you should just check out the motionless stills in our gallery below.

Gallery: Ninety-Nine Nights 2 (6.3.2010)

Continue reading Ninety-Nine Nights 2 assaults Xbox 360 on June 29

JoystiqNinety-Nine Nights 2 assaults Xbox 360 on June 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-crawlerhack-and-slashkonamiMicrosoftmultiplayerNinety-Nine Nightsninety-nine-nightsninety-nine-nights-2Ninety-nineNightsq-entertainmentq3q3-2010release-daterpgXbox-360Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq's Top 10 of 2009: Borderlands]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2009-borderlands/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2009-borderlands/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2009-borderlands/#comments It's not often we see a game that effectively mixes genres to create something entirely new. Borderlands did just that this year, taking the obsessive, loot-driven mechanics of a dungeon crawler and stuffing them within the friendly and familiar confines of a first-person shooter. Borderlands also oozes style and never takes itself too seriously. It's a fun adventure, full of charismatic NPCs and an experience akin to the kind of childhood adventures you'd embark on with friends, battling imaginary monsters and building forts in the back yard.

Continue reading Joystiq's Top 10 of 2009: Borderlands

JoystiqJoystiq's Top 10 of 2009: Borderlands originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandsdungeon-crawlerfirst-person-shooterfpsgearboxgearbox-softwarejoystiq-best-of-2009MicrosoftXbox-360Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Torchlight editor 'TorchED' released, full of modding riches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/torchlight-editor-torched-released-full-of-modding-riches/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/torchlight-editor-torched-released-full-of-modding-riches/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/torchlight-editor-torched-released-full-of-modding-riches/#comments Now may be the perfect time to come up from the deepest bowels of Torchlight's dungeons to take a breather from all of your greedy hoarding, as Shacknews reports the game's mod tools are now available. Runic Games originally announced the tool set would be a separate download following the late-October release of the game and the dev has made good on that promise, gifting us all with TorchED.

TorchED allows one to manage all aspects of the game, from creating custom levels to modifying skills right down to quest construction. For you budding quest composers out there, Runic offers a list of tips to get your mod on that you may wish to check out.

[Via Shacknews]

JoystiqTorchlight editor 'TorchED' released, full of modding riches originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-crawlerhack-and-slashmodmoddingmodsrpgrunic-gamestorchlightWed, 11 Nov 2009 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Torchlight to explore retail shelves in January]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/torchlight-to-explore-retail-shelves-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/torchlight-to-explore-retail-shelves-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/torchlight-to-explore-retail-shelves-in-january/#comments Torchlight, the action-RPG from Runic Games, is available right now via the game's official site or Steam. However, early next year, the game will also be available at brick-and-mortar shops, Joystiq sister site Big Download confirms. The news comes from Runic Games' head of PR, who says that a boxed version will hack and slash its way to retail shelves sometime in early January.

Currently, Torchlight is only compatible with Windows, but the team is hard at work getting it ready for Macs and is also preparing the game's first patch and mod tools. If you fancy yourself a fan of the Diablo series and have Steam, then give the demo a chance -- Torchlight was created in part by Diablo and Diablo II co-designers Max and Erich Schaefer, after all.

Gallery: Torchlight

JoystiqTorchlight to explore retail shelves in January originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgdungeon-crawlerencore-softwarehack-and-slashrelease-dateretailrpgrunic-gamessteamtorchlightThu, 05 Nov 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Compare the two styles of the Dark Spire]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/compare-the-two-styles-of-the-dark-spire/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/compare-the-two-styles-of-the-dark-spire/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/compare-the-two-styles-of-the-dark-spire/#commentsAtlus's first-person dungeon RPG The Dark Spire is playable in two "flavors": a modern mode with colorful, hand-drawn 2D graphics, and a classic mode that provides an authentic early-80s wireframe dungeon experience, complete with simplistic enemy sprites.

The company sent out a set of screens today that allows us to compare the two modes directly:our gallery contains six scenes from the game in Modern Mode, paired with the identical scene as presented in Retrovision. Looking at these Classic Mode shots, we are struck by the unique terror that comes with realizing that we are lost in an RPG dungeon -- even without having played the game.

Gallery: The Dark Spire: Classic vs. Modern Mode

JoystiqCompare the two styles of the Dark Spire originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusdungeon-crawlerretrorpgthe-dark-spireWed, 04 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/fanswag-pokemon-mystery-dungeon-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/fanswag-pokemon-mystery-dungeon-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/fanswag-pokemon-mystery-dungeon-2/#commentsFiled under:


Hey folks, it's time for another giveaway. This round we'll be hooking up two lucky readers with copies of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon. Also, one of those lucky two readers will get a free Pokemon T-shirt that Nintendo sent over with the game. If it isn't your size, we'd suggest you give it to one of your cousins or something.

What's up for grabs:
  • One Grand Prize winner will receive Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time (valued at $35) and one Enter the Dungeon T-shirt
  • One runner-up will receive Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness (valued at $35)
In order to enter, you must leave a comment telling us what your absolute favorite Pokemon is. You can leave a comment once per day, and before entering, make sure you are a legal and current United States or Canadian resident (excluding Quebec) and at least 18 years of age. The giveaway starts now and ends on Sunday, August 10th at 11:59pm ET. Don't forget to give the official rules a read, as well!

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

JoystiqFanswag: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-crawlerfanswagpokemonpokemon-mystery-dungeonroguelikerpgTue, 05 Aug 2008 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Izuna 2 QA causes a lot of pink hair pulling]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/izuna-2-qa-causes-a-lot-of-pink-hair-pulling/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/izuna-2-qa-causes-a-lot-of-pink-hair-pulling/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/izuna-2-qa-causes-a-lot-of-pink-hair-pulling/#commentsFiled under:

Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns is about more than mini-posters and sexy ninjas -- a lot of work goes into getting a game like this localized. Not only does a good localization team have to focus on the translation, but they also need to fix any bugs or problems that gamers found in the Japanese release. Apparently, fixing bugs for a roguelike is especially hard and frustrating, as you might have guessed.

Here's the Quality Assurance stat breakdown, according to Atlus:
  • Number of testers on Izuna 2: 6
  • Number of DS systems almost thrown against the wall: 6
  • Number of system-type bugs our testers reported: 104
  • Number of text bugs our testers reported: 259
  • Number of times the testers nearly gave the project lead a heart attack with a fake system bug: 3
  • Number of bugs our testers reported to which we responded: "That's not a bug, that's the way this game works:" 17
  • Number of monkeys we could have hired to do their job: 0
The production diary is actually a really interesting read that not only Izuna fans, but also people interested in the localization process should give a look. Besides, we always appreciate more insight on how the other side of the gaming industry works.

Gallery: Izuna 2

JoystiqIzuna 2 QA causes a lot of pink hair pulling originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusdungeon-crawlerizunaizuna-2localizationninja-studioqaquality-assuranceroguelikesuccessTue, 01 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[$10 Orcs and Elves on Gamestop shelves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/10-orcs-and-elves-on-gamestop-shelves/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/10-orcs-and-elves-on-gamestop-shelves/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/10-orcs-and-elves-on-gamestop-shelves/#commentsFiled under:

This tempting deal applies to brick and mortar stores only, but some eagle-eyed Cheap Ass Gamers noticed that Orcs and Elves is available at Gamestop for $9.99. The game may be a cell phone port, but $10 for John Carmack's fantastical dungeon-crawler is a more-than-fair price.

Ten bucks appears to be the going rate at all Gamestops, but we'll throw in a "your mileage may vary" warning just in case. Unfortunately, you won't be able to snag the sweet-looking wand stylus with this purchase, but cheap gamers like us just have to cut corners sometimes.

You may not be able to buy the game online, but by clicking on the picture or the "Source" link below, you can see if it's available at a Gamestop near you.

Gallery: Orcs & Elves


[Via CAG]

Joystiq$10 Orcs and Elves on Gamestop shelves originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredealdungeon-crawlereafantasyfountainhead-entertainmentgamestopid-softwareorcs-and-elvesrpgWed, 18 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Review: Summon Night: Twin Age]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/ds-fanboy-review-summon-night-twin-age/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/ds-fanboy-review-summon-night-twin-age/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/ds-fanboy-review-summon-night-twin-age/#commentsFiled under:


RPGs, by definition, are immersive - hence the name "role-playing game." Yet, the existence of the fourth wall in video games is an obstacle when it comes to such follies, so the software must rely on a number of charms to keep the player engrossed. The story is often the driving force behind such immersion, but gameplay is equally important so that the title is actually enjoyable, too. Factor in the visuals, controls, music, and so forth, and you realize that a lot of things must fall into place to make a truly memorable RPG.

While Summon Night: Twin Age doesn't hit all these aspects square on the head, each element is addressed to satisfaction, making Flight-Plan's title both charming and addictive. To see what works, what doesn't work, and what kind of works, check past the break and read our review.


Continue reading DS Fanboy Review: Summon Night: Twin Age

JoystiqDS Fanboy Review: Summon Night: Twin Age originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusdungeon-crawlerhack-and-slashjoystiqfeaturesrpgsummon-nightsummon-night-twin-agetwin-ageWed, 18 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Etrian Odyssey, FFTA2 developers want to speak with you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/etrian-odyssey-ffta2-developers-want-to-speak-with-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/etrian-odyssey-ffta2-developers-want-to-speak-with-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/etrian-odyssey-ffta2-developers-want-to-speak-with-you/#commentsFiled under: ,

Even if it is really all about plugging their products, we love it when game developers choose to communicate directly with us, the dirty, huddled masses, and today has brought news of two studios who are inviting questions from gamers.

First up is Atlus, or more specifically Nich Maragos, Atlus USA Editor and Project Lead for both of the Etrian Odyssey games. Between now and June 17th, he'll be answering as many of your Etrian-related queries as he can here. Maragos is accepting questions about either of the two DS games, perhaps to accommodate for PAL region players, who only just received the first game last Friday. Ask him why Europe had to wait so long, if you like. Go on, do it.

Next in line is the entire development team for Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift, who are clearly pretty confident that they'll be receiving an absolute avalanche of questions, as they're doing this as a group. You'll have to be a signed-up Square Enix member, though, which will mean having to fill in this form.

Ask Atlus!
Ask Square Enix!



[Via Go Nintendo and NeoGAF]

JoystiqEtrian Odyssey, FFTA2 developers want to speak with you originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusdungeondungeon-crawleretrian-odysseyetrian-odyssey-2etrian-odyssey-iiffta2final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-tacticsgrimoire-of-the-riftheroes-of-lagaardrpgsquare-enixsrpgTue, 10 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Flowers, Dungeons, and Pain confirmed for Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/flowers-dungeons-and-pain-confirmed-for-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/flowers-dungeons-and-pain-confirmed-for-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/flowers-dungeons-and-pain-confirmed-for-europe/#commentsFiled under:



A new batch of European release dates has suddenly materialized from Nintendo, and is packed with all sorts of exciting confirmations. The most thrilling, for us at least, is the news that Flower, Sun, and Rain will be getting that rumored European release this October, followed by Lux Pain in November. If you want to know where to send your effusive "thank you" letters, Rising Star are the ones in charge of localizing both titles. Other items of interest include a specific launch date for Bakushow, and Euro versions of Pokémon Platinum (big surprise, right?) and Dungeon Maker.

But here's a question: what's with DS Novel? It's been hanging around on these lists for the best part of eight months now, and we're still no nearer to learning a release date or what it even is. Check out the full list for yourselves past the break!


Continue reading Flowers, Dungeons, and Pain confirmed for Europe

JoystiqFlowers, Dungeons, and Pain confirmed for Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebookbooksds-noveldungeon-crawlerdungeon-makereuropeflower-sun-and-rainlux-painmarvelousreadingrising-starsuda-51suda51Wed, 21 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Dragon, Away: Shuffle Dungeon confirmed for U.S.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/blue-dragon-away-shuffle-dungeon-confirmed-for-u-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/blue-dragon-away-shuffle-dungeon-confirmed-for-u-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/blue-dragon-away-shuffle-dungeon-confirmed-for-u-s/#commentsFiled under:

As if our recent poll regarding Blue Dragon Plus and Away: Shuffle Dungeon hadn't already put you on the spot enough, now you'll have to choose one for really reals. AQ Interactive's latest financial report confirms that both will hit North America in this fiscal year, and also mentioned a localized version of the Korg DS-10 (which we already knew about).

Incidentally, there's a further four third-party portable games being brought over by Xseed, and Siliconera reckons that those could include Flower, Sun and Rain, Lux Pain, and Dungeon Maker DS. As European versions of the first two have both been rumored, we'd tend to agree!

JoystiqBlue Dragon, Away: Shuffle Dungeon confirmed for U.S. originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aq-interactiveawayaway-shuffle-dungeonblue-dragon-plusdungeon-crawlerhironobu-sakaguchikorglux-painmarvelousmistwalkersakaguchisrpgxseedFri, 16 May 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the heroes of Lagaard]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/11/meet-the-heroes-of-lagaard/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/11/meet-the-heroes-of-lagaard/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/11/meet-the-heroes-of-lagaard/#commentsFiled under:


Atlus revealed some of the characters and classes in the upcoming Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard, and while Etrian veterans will recognize the Alchemist and Landsknecht classes, there's also a new Gunner class in the game. As you might imagine, Gunners are marksmen who use guns and ammunition to deal out single-target damage. On the other hand, the Alchemists are magic users and Landsknechts specialize in swords and axes.

Based on those descriptions, you should be able to tell which class each character belongs to by their pictures. If you'd like to give them a look, then, be sure to check out our updated gallery below.

JoystiqMeet the heroes of Lagaard originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusdungeondungeon-crawleretrian-odysseyetrian-odyssey-2etrian-odyssey-iietrianodysseyheroes-of-lagaardrpgSun, 11 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Izuna 2 screens simulate gameplaying experience]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/izuna-2-screens-simulate-gameplaying-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/izuna-2-screens-simulate-gameplaying-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/izuna-2-screens-simulate-gameplaying-experience/#commentsFiled under:

Do you see the tears in this screenshot? This is a message. Don't be fooled by Izuna's pink-haired cuteness -- this girl isn't as easy as she looks. The first title was all about kicking your ass (and having a laugh about it), so we fully expect the same challenge from Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns. The big zero next to the hit points here gives us hope.

If, like us, you enjoy a challenge, make your way into the gallery below for the latest screens from the upcoming title.

JoystiqIzuna 2 screens simulate gameplaying experience originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 May 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusdungeon-crawlerizunaizuna-2roguelikesuccessTue, 06 May 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a trip to the Dungeon of Windaria]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/take-a-trip-to-the-dungeon-of-windaria/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/take-a-trip-to-the-dungeon-of-windaria/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/take-a-trip-to-the-dungeon-of-windaria/#commentsFiled under: ,


After getting wind (yes, we know) of Dungeon of Windaria, we were intrigued. Maybe because we like the visual style we were presented with, or perhaps its our unnatural love for the act of crawling about in dungeons and killing countless enemies. Whatever it is, this new video isn't helping.

Unlock most Japanese teaser trailers, this one is longer than 10 seconds. The rub is that about half the trailer won't be understandable to any of you who cannot read Japanese. Still though, nestled deep within is some tasty gameplay footage. We know how you all like that!

JoystiqTake a trip to the Dungeon of Windaria originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animecompile-heartdungeondungeon-crawlerroguelikerpgwindariaMon, 28 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy Review: Baroque]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/wii-fanboy-review-baroque/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/wii-fanboy-review-baroque/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/wii-fanboy-review-baroque/#commentsFiled under:

I'll be frank -- when I first started Baroque, I hated it. Being thrown into such a strange and ugly world with the barest of backstories was completely disorienting. I had no idea where to go or what to do, and didn't have the luxury of taking my time to explore because my vitality meter was plummeting from the get-go. One character (known as the Coffin Man) kept yelling "goddamnit!" at me, and when I finally got to the place where I was supposed to be, it wasn't long before I died.

If I hadn't been reviewing this game, I probably would have quit right there. But, since it's (clearly) considered bad form to write a review after only twenty minutes of playtime, I trekked on -- and I'm extremely glad that I did. Once I delved deeper into the world of Baroque, I realized that first impressions aren't always the best impressions.

Now that you've kindly read through my personal aside, let's move on to the actual review, shall we?

Continue reading Wii Fanboy Review: Baroque

JoystiqWii Fanboy Review: Baroque originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusbaroquedungeondungeon-crawlerjoystiqfeaturesportroguelikerpgstingFri, 18 Apr 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Europe gets Baroque]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/europe-gets-baroque/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/europe-gets-baroque/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/europe-gets-baroque/#commentsFiled under:

We're impressed with Rising Star, who have been bringing a lot of niche games to Europe. The most recent one on the publisher's list is Baroque, which will be hitting the continent on June 27th. We're sure that Rising Star is hoping that the game will sell decently, but after seeing how it was received in Japan, the company might be a little worried. Of course, it can't do any worse than that ... can it?

In any case, we're sure that at least some of you folks in Europe will be glad to get the chance to play Sting's hardcore roguelike on your Wiis.

Gallery: Baroque



[Via press release]

JoystiqEurope gets Baroque originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusbaroquedungeondungeon-crawlerrising-starroguelikeRPGstingSat, 12 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Baroque announced for the Wii, RPG fans rejoice]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/baroque-announced-for-the-wii-rpg-fans-rejoice/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/baroque-announced-for-the-wii-rpg-fans-rejoice/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/baroque-announced-for-the-wii-rpg-fans-rejoice/#commentsFiled under:

A dungeon-crawling, action RPG for the Wii? Well, we certainly can't complain about having more of those around. Sating our thirst for the genre is Atlus, who announced that their formerly Japan-only title Baroque will be coming to North America on the Wii, as well as the PS2. The game, according to the press release, features "an innovative story progression system in which death is not the end, but rather, the means by which to move the story forward." Although the game will be a PS2 port, we'll be glad to get some more RPG action on our Wiis.

Baroque is scheduled to release in February 2008.

*Note: The video and screens are from the PS2 version of the game.

[Via press release]

JoystiqBaroque announced for the Wii, RPG fans rejoice originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionatlusbaroquedungeon-crawlerrpgstingThu, 13 Dec 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Hudson bringing Dungeon Explorer Warriors of Ancient Arts to North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/hudson-bringing-dungeon-explorer-warriors-of-ancient-arts-to-nor/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/hudson-bringing-dungeon-explorer-warriors-of-ancient-arts-to-nor/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/hudson-bringing-dungeon-explorer-warriors-of-ancient-arts-to-nor/#commentsFiled under: ,


Originally a TurboGrafx16 title, the Dungeon Explorer franchise is receiving a revitalization on the DS and PSP come February. Being developed internally at Hudson, the differences between the PSP and DS versions should be distinct enough, however the DS will only feature 60 different fighting arts to the PSP's 150. On the plus side, the DS game probably won't take 30 minutes to load a dungeon.

Be sure to hit up our gallery below for some shots from the DS version of the game.


[Via press release]

JoystiqHudson bringing Dungeon Explorer Warriors of Ancient Arts to North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-crawlerdungeon-explorerdungeon-explorer-warriors-of-ancient-artshudsonrpgFri, 16 Nov 2007 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview - Dungeon Siege II: Broken World]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/12/metareview-dungeon-siege-ii-broken-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/12/metareview-dungeon-siege-ii-broken-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/12/metareview-dungeon-siege-ii-broken-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Metareview - Dungeon Siege II: Broken World
It would appear the lines are starting to blur between episodic content and bona fide expansion packs, as evidenced by the relatively short and uninspired campaign in Dungeon Siege II: Broken World. 2K Games probably should have hacked and slashed ten bucks off the $30 price tag and labeled this one "DS2: Episode 1". It's all in the marketing.
  • GameSpot (63/100) was disappointed that Gas Powered Games failed to break new ground: "After the lengthy and far-reaching campaign of Dungeon Siege II, this short and narrowly focused 10-hour expansion feels like more of a throwaway side quest than a compelling new chapter in the history of the troubled world of Aranna. Beyond the dungeons, the story brings nothing to the Dungeon Siege universe and could just as well go untold."
  • IGN (63/100) enjoyed putting the beat down on the grunts, but the build up had no payoff: "As inventive as the rank and file enemies are, the bosses aren't as dramatic as they could be given that you face each of them multiple times. Every time you kill a boss, you're going to have to face another one just like him somewhere down the road. In a few cases, you're even going to fight him in a location that looks the same too."
  • 1UP (60/100) thinks it's time for a shiny new engine: "Broken World is using, essentially, a 3-year-old graphics engine. So, like most 3-year olds, it can be unpleasant to deal with (and look at) -- especially when it comes to framerate issues and those pesky camera angles."
See also: Metareview - Titan Quest

JoystiqMetareview - Dungeon Siege II: Broken World originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Aug 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesAction-RPGarannadungeon-crawlerDungeon-SiegeDungeon-Siege-2Gas-Powered-GamesMicrosoft-Game-StudiosPCRPGSat, 12 Aug 2006 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Siege II toolkit released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2005/11/09/dungeon-siege-ii-toolkit-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/11/09/dungeon-siege-ii-toolkit-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/11/09/dungeon-siege-ii-toolkit-released/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dungeon Siege 2 toolkit

If you've been bit by the modding bug while playing Dungeon Siege II, Gas Powered Games has released an official toolkit to help you begin crafting your own adventures. They've also opened the doors to Siege University II where you can learn all about Flick scripting, town portal restrictions, and map building. Nice curriculum!

JoystiqDungeon Siege II toolkit released originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Nov 2005 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-crawlerDungeon-SiegeDungeon-Siege-2Gas-Powered-GamesMicrosoft-Game-StudiosPCRPGWed, 09 Nov 2005 12:58:00 EST