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[Interview: EGM Now's Steve Harris]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/interview-egm-nows-steve-harris/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/interview-egm-nows-steve-harris/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/interview-egm-nows-steve-harris/#comments
Following the closure of Electronic Gaming Monthly by parent company Ziff Davis Media earlier this year (after nearly 20 years in the game industry), the magazine's original founder Steve Harris repurchased the rights and promised a rebirth for EGM. We ran into Harris at E3 2009 and cajoled him into speaking with us about his purchase. (He was a bit busy with business at E3, as you might imagine, thus we're talking a few months later.)

Though we're still a little ways off from the mag's December 1 "return," he gave us a few hints of what to expect, his explanation of how EGM Now will succeed financially where "old EGM" failed, and a few of his favorite games on the current-gen systems.

Hit the break for the whole thing.

Continue reading Interview: EGM Now's Steve Harris

JoystiqInterview: EGM Now's Steve Harris originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009egmegm-nowelectronic-gaming-monthlyinterviewinterviewsjournalismmagazinesteve-harrisFri, 11 Sep 2009 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix near to announcing another Nier game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/square-enix-near-to-announcing-another-nier-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/square-enix-near-to-announcing-another-nier-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/square-enix-near-to-announcing-another-nier-game/#commentsIt might not be the game we were most excited by at E3 2009, but upcoming action game Nier is apparently already getting the franchise treatment. According to a two-page ad spotted by 1UP in the most recent Famitsu, "Nier Replicant" is set to be detailed in next week's issue of the Japanese magazine.

The spread features a scantily clad white-haired lady with a single line of text that reads, "Beyond revenge lies crazed desperation." Given the absolute dearth of information we have on the Nier franchise, we're sorry to say we can offer little more than our furrowed brow to assuage your confusion over Replicant's tagline. We do know that the name could very well change before it's formally announced on Western shores, as Nier was recently announced in the same edition of Famitsu as "Nier Gestalt" -- known as to us as just Nier. It appears as though at least some of our questions will be answered in next week's issue.

Gallery: Nier


[Image credit]

JoystiqSquare Enix near to announcing another Nier game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upadvertisemente3-2009famitsuniernier-replicantsquaresquare-enixThu, 10 Sep 2009 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DSi firmware v1.4 drops in Japan, Facebook connectivity arrives alongside [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/dsi-firmware-v1-4-drops-in-japan-facebook-connectivity-arrives/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/dsi-firmware-v1-4-drops-in-japan-facebook-connectivity-arrives/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/dsi-firmware-v1-4-drops-in-japan-facebook-connectivity-arrives/#commentsIt seems that Nintendo DSi owners in Japan have already started digitally receiving their copies of the newest firmware, v1.4. The refresh brings little more than the Facebook photo uploading we heard (very little) about back at E3 2009. How little more, you ask? The Nintendo Japan page also lists "faster image display speed in [the] DSi camera." That's it.

Nintendo announced during E3 that the functionality would be hitting American DSis "this fall." We've asked the company for a more firm release date in other territories and will update this post if we hear back. In the meantime, check out a quick walkthrough that our pal Ittousai from Engadget Japan put together for us, just after the break.

Update: Nintendo has responded to us by saying "We have not announced a launch date."

[Via Engadget Japan]

Continue reading DSi firmware v1.4 drops in Japan, Facebook connectivity arrives alongside [update]

JoystiqDSi firmware v1.4 drops in Japan, Facebook connectivity arrives alongside [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSdsie3-2009engadget-japanfacebookjapanNintendonintendo-japanv1-4Thu, 30 Jul 2009 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto: Next Legend of Zelda won't be 'radically different']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/miyamoto-next-legend-of-zelda-wont-be-radically-different/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/miyamoto-next-legend-of-zelda-wont-be-radically-different/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/miyamoto-next-legend-of-zelda-wont-be-radically-different/#comments If you subscribe to Nintendo Power, the latest issue should be arriving at your house very soon -- Aeropause has the scoop on some details on Nintendo's upcoming lineup from the issue. Most important to folks reading this text is likely what Miyamoto had to say regarding the new Legend of Zelda game, announced back at E3: "I don't think it's going to be that radically different." But, what about the theory of the girl being the Master Sword? Surely that is radically different!

In typical Nintendo fashion, that's all Miyamoto had to say. He left us hanging to speculate, and we're sure most will be able to turn this appetizer of a quote into a five-course meal.

[Via Videogamer]

JoystiqMiyamoto: Next Legend of Zelda won't be 'radically different' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009legend-of-zeldaLegend-of-Zelda-2010linkmaster-swordmiyamotoNintendonintendo-powershigeru-miyamotoWiizeldaThu, 02 Jul 2009 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week on the Nintendo Channel: More E3 interviews]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-more-e3-interviews/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-more-e3-interviews/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-more-e3-interviews/#commentsThe Nintendo Channel receives another helping of E3 interviews this week, highlighting big Wii titles such as Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, Rabbids Go Home, and, the feel-good story of the year, Tatsunoko vs Capcom. We're pumped for the we-never-saw-it-coming localization. How about you?

Continue reading This Week on the Nintendo Channel: More E3 interviews

JoystiqThis Week on the Nintendo Channel: More E3 interviews originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009nintendo-channelrabbids-go-homesilent-hill-shattered-memoriestatsunoko-vs-capcomMon, 29 Jun 2009 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories producer Tomm Hulett]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/interview-silent-hill-shattered-memories-producer-tomm-hulett/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/interview-silent-hill-shattered-memories-producer-tomm-hulett/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/24/interview-silent-hill-shattered-memories-producer-tomm-hulett/#comments
When it was first revealed, we gave Silent Hill: Shattered Memories a bit of a cold shoulder. Gone was the established story that had first introduced us to the world's creepiest town, reinterpreted with altered characters and a new otherworld that ditched darkness and rust in favor of jutting glaciers and vaguely menacing snowflakes. Thankfully, our experience with the game at E3 revived our expectations, even if it was at the expense of whole memories.

We later had the opportunity to speak to producer Tomm Hulett, who elaborated on why we should call Shattered Memories a re-imagining -- and not a remake:

You're making Silent Hill: Shattered Memories and you're tying it to the first game. Harry Mason is back, but you're calling it a re-imagining, you're not saying "remake." Is that a bad word?

Right, that's a curse word. [laughs] By re-imagining, like you said, we've got the premise of the first game: you're Harry Mason, you're looking for your daughter Cheryl. Beyond that we've changed and updated it, so it's an entirely new experience. If you've played the PlayStation game to death, you still have no idea what to expect for Shattered Memories.

We did that because, on the Wii, maybe there's a lot of people who haven't played any Silent Hill games, so it wasn't really fair to say, "Here's the sequel to Homecoming, enjoy yourself." But then, returning fans, they've played the first game, they've played Origins, they've seen the movie, and they've played Silent Hill 3 and it all kind of revolves around the events of the first game. So they wouldn't really want to play a remake and so, by re-imagining it, there's new content -- if you've never played it before, of course, it's new to you -- but then, there's also this extra layer of new content if you're returning, because you get to experience all these things that are different from what you're expecting. And that really fits the theme of Silent Hill, which is this place where your reality is subjective and you don't know what to expect. We've built that into the game if you're a returning fan.

Continue reading Interview: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories producer Tomm Hulett

JoystiqInterview: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories producer Tomm Hulett originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Akira-Yamaokae3-2009interviewKonamiNintendoSilent-HillSilent-Hill-Shattered-Memoriessurvival-horrorTomm-HulettWiiWed, 24 Jun 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Last.fm, Twitter the most important features of E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/pachter-last-fm-twitter-the-most-important-features-of-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/pachter-last-fm-twitter-the-most-important-features-of-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/pachter-last-fm-twitter-the-most-important-features-of-e3/#comments
What was the biggest news of E3? Was it the PlayStation Motion Controller? Project Natal? The triumphant return of Samus? According to Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter, it was none of the above. As part of the Gamasutra Analyze This feature, Pacther stated that he believes the biggest announcement was actually Microsoft's injection of Last.fm, Facebook and Twitter into the Xbox 360 dashboard.

Pachter states that Microsoft's announcement was "far and away the most important one of the show," and one that the media failed to latch onto. Pachter says that Microsoft's ultimate goal is to solidify the Xbox 360 as "a functioning computer that happens to be located in the living room and is connected to the television." The Facebook, Last.fm and Twitter applications open the Xbox to the internet -- if only in a limited way -- moving it one step closer to the mythical, do-everything set-top-box we've been hearing about since the days of WebTV.

The analyst makes this point in reference to Apple, which hasn't managed (successfully) to do the same thing with AppleTV. Granted, that doesn't make much difference to gamers, but from a pure business perspective, we can see Pachter's point.

JoystiqPachter: Last.fm, Twitter the most important features of E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analysisbusinessdashboard-updatedashboard-update-fall-2009e3-2009facebooklast-fmlast.fmmichael-pachtermicrosofttwitterXbox-360Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 2 crowned Best of E3 in Game Critics Awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/uncharted-2-crowned-best-of-e3-in-game-critics-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/uncharted-2-crowned-best-of-e3-in-game-critics-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/uncharted-2-crowned-best-of-e3-in-game-critics-awards/#commentsThe winners of the annual Best of E3 Game Critics Awards have been announced, with Uncharted 2 taking home the gold as "Best of Show." Not only that, but the game was also awarded "Best Console Game" and "Best Action/Adventure Game," taking the lead with three wins. Check out the trailer above (yes, again) for a good indication of why Uncharted 2 was handed the grand prize.

Meanwhile, Scribblenauts also got the recognition it deserved, coming in second with two awards for "Best Original Game" and "Best Handheld Game." No other games received multiple awards, though Valve recaptured the "Best Online Multiplayer" award with Left 4 Dead 2 a year after its predecessor did the same in 2008. While EA's Brütal Legend is nowhere to be seen in the list of winners, EA did take home more wins than any other publisher (three, if you're curious). And while the PS3-exclusive Uncharted 2 took top honors, from a console perspective the Xbox 360 edged out the PS3 by a single win, at eight versus seven.

Check out the full list of winners after the break and, for more granular stats, check out the breakdowns at the Game Critics Awards website.

Continue reading Uncharted 2 crowned Best of E3 in Game Critics Awards

JoystiqUncharted 2 crowned Best of E3 in Game Critics Awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSe3-2009game-critics-awardsleft-4-dead-2Microsoftnaughty-dogNintendoscribblenautsTatsunoko-vs-Capcom-ultimate-all-starsuncharted-2Uncharted-2-Among-ThievesWiiXbox-360Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week on the Nintendo Channel: E3 interviews]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/22/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-e3-interviews/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/22/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-e3-interviews/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/22/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-e3-interviews/#commentsThis week, the Nintendo Channel has been flooded with a variety of interviews about big upcoming Wii titles. There are interviews with the folks behind FFCC: The Crystal Bearers, Red Steel 2, Cave Story, and, as you can see above, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles. So, hit up the video above, then if you want more E3 interview goodness, be sure to boot up your Wii and check out what's on the Nintendo Channel.

Gallery: Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles (Wii)

Continue reading This Week on the Nintendo Channel: E3 interviews

JoystiqThis Week on the Nintendo Channel: E3 interviews originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcave-storydead-space-extractione3-2009eaffcc-crystal-bearershigh-voltagelucasartsnicalisnintendo-channelred-steel-2resident-evil-the-darkside-chroniclessegasquare-enixtales-of-monkey-islandtelltale-gamesthe-conduitubisoftMon, 22 Jun 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Thirteen uncut, unedited minutes of God of War III's E3 demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/thirteen-uncut-unedited-minutes-of-god-of-war-iiis-e3-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/thirteen-uncut-unedited-minutes-of-god-of-war-iiis-e3-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/thirteen-uncut-unedited-minutes-of-god-of-war-iiis-e3-demo/#comments
You see this guy up here? His name is Kratos, and when you click past the break, you're going to see him kill lots of things ... for 13 minutes. G4 has managed to get a direct-feed capture of the entire God of War III demo from E3. Perhaps now you'll see why we called the game "God of War, in HD." (And no, that's not considered a bad thing.)

Pay attention to some of our favorite new moves: the ability to grab an enemy and use him as a battering ram, and the ability to burst through crowds of enemies. Being able to take control of a cyclops is pretty cool as well. Those of you that watch the video in HD will be able to truly appreciate the gruesome finishing moves the sick, disturbed people at Santa Monica Studios have added to this game. Due to the gore, AOL Legal requires us to remind you this footage is for our audience aged 17 and up. So set your birthday to January 1, 1901 and enjoy the footage after the break.

Continue reading Thirteen uncut, unedited minutes of God of War III's E3 demo

JoystiqThirteen uncut, unedited minutes of God of War III's E3 demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>decapitatione3-2009god-of-wargod-of-war-iiiFri, 19 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Tecmo's Keisuke Kikuchi and Red Entertainment's Naoki Morita on Nostalgia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/interview-tecmos-keisuke-kikuchi-and-red-entertainments-naoki/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/interview-tecmos-keisuke-kikuchi-and-red-entertainments-naoki/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/interview-tecmos-keisuke-kikuchi-and-red-entertainments-naoki/#comments Tecmo's Nostalgeo no Kaze, being localized as Nostalgia by Ignition Entertainment, is a fantasy RPG set in a fictionalized version of our own world in the late 19th century. In this steampunk-inspired world, a young man named Eddy searches for legendary treasures, traveling around the world ... on his zeppelin.

During E3, we had the opportunity to speak briefly with producer Keisuke Kikuchi (best known for creating Fatal Frame) and director Naoki Morita (known for his work on Sega's Sakura Taisen series, which is finally coming to North America) about the inspiration behind the fanciful Nintendo DS RPG, and about life after the Tecmo-Koei merger.

Continue reading Interview: Tecmo's Keisuke Kikuchi and Red Entertainment's Naoki Morita on Nostalgia

JoystiqInterview: Tecmo's Keisuke Kikuchi and Red Entertainment's Naoki Morita on Nostalgia originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSe3-2009keisuke-kikuchiNintendonostalgiared-entertainmentrpgtecmowinds-of-nostalgioThu, 18 Jun 2009 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Nielsen: Halo 3: ODST, God of War 3, Wii Sports Resort most desired games post-E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/nielsen-halo-3-odst-god-of-war-3-wii-sports-resort-most-desi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/nielsen-halo-3-odst-god-of-war-3-wii-sports-resort-most-desi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/nielsen-halo-3-odst-god-of-war-3-wii-sports-resort-most-desi/#comments
Now that the excitement of E3 has died down, research firm Nielsen has readied the results of a new survey, which gauged consumer purchase intent for titles from the show. Obtained between June 7 to June 14, the results (via Edge) concluded that Bungie's upcoming jaunt through New Mombasa, Halo 3: ODST, had the highest purchase intent, with 53% of respondents taking interest. It was followed by God of War 3, which received 49% in support of its comical, over-the-top violence, and Nintendo's log-splitting sim, Wii Sports Resort, which managed 45%.

While undoubtedly big titles, we'd be lying if we said we weren't surprised by the top three. Some other titles we thought would be huge scored lower in this survey, including Assassin's Creed 2 (32%) and The Beatles: Rock Band (30%). Clearly, the allure of wasting extra-terrestrial lifeforms is still very strong in gamers. What would Spock say?

JoystiqNielsen: Halo 3: ODST, God of War 3, Wii Sports Resort most desired games post-E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009god-of-war-3halo-3-odstMicrosoftnielsenNintendosurveyWiiwii-sports-resortXbox-360Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Surprise! Splatterhouse missing 2009, splattering in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/surprise-splatterhouse-missing-2009-splattering-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/surprise-splatterhouse-missing-2009-splattering-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/surprise-splatterhouse-missing-2009-splattering-in-2010/#comments Did you notice? Namco's now-gen Splatterhouse reboot was nowhere to be seen at this year's E3. Following the game's troubled development history, that wasn't much of a surprise to those of us in the know, but we decided to send off a query to the folks at Namco Bandai, just to make sure.

They told us, "Namco Bandai Games America Inc. is hard at work on Splatterhouse. Development is in full swing and we are committed to bringing it to the Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2010. This will give us time to polish and incorporate all the content to deliver a top notch game worthy of this classic video game franchise."

So, the American development team behind Afro Samurai has taken the reins from previous developer BottleRocket (with help from some now-former BottleRocket staff), and any 2009 release window you may have heard about in the past has been smashed with a gore-soaked two-by-four. So consider this a public service announcement: you won't be splattering any houses until 2010 (or "early 2010" as Siliconera was told).

Gallery: Splatterhouse

JoystiqSurprise! Splatterhouse missing 2009, splattering in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayse3-2009MicrosoftNamco-BandaiSplatterhouseXbox-360Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Survey suggests addition of panel discussions to E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/survey-suggests-addition-of-panel-discussions-to-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/survey-suggests-addition-of-panel-discussions-to-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/survey-suggests-addition-of-panel-discussions-to-e3/#commentsThe E3 Expo management has issued a survey to some attendees that includes some questions about adding a new conference segment to the proceedings. The questions attempt to gauge interest in having "a conference program covering multiple industry topics, including panel discussions with industry leaders, at future E3 Expo events."

Further questions narrow down potential topics, including "Interactive Entertainment Business trends," Game Development," "Game Career Development," and "New Product Demonstrations." Of course, querying attendees about this is by no means a confirmation that E3 will include panel discussions in the future, but it is an indication that the organizers are thinking about it. Adding what amounts to GDC-style content to the generally marketing-focused E3 would be a significant change in focus for the expo -- an event that just can't stop changing.

JoystiqSurvey suggests addition of panel discussions to E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conferencee3e3-2009e3-expopanel-discussionsurveyWed, 17 Jun 2009 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Old Sam Fisher is old in Splinter Cell: Conviction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/old-sam-fisher-is-old-in-splinter-cell-conviction/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/old-sam-fisher-is-old-in-splinter-cell-conviction/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/old-sam-fisher-is-old-in-splinter-cell-conviction/#comments
Despite his comfy Jason Bourne-like turtleneck and new 'tude, Sam Fisher hasn't been able to reinvent himself as far as his aging body goes. Splinter Cell: Conviction will see our stealthy superdude slinking around in his 50s, an age mostly associated with dust and Werther's Originals. "He's pretty old, actually," a game dev told VG247 back at E3, further adding that Fisher would definitely be in his 50's for Conviction. Heck, we could only hope to look that good when we hit our 50s!

So, Sam, what's your secret? Centrum Silver?

Gallery: Splinter Cell Conviction

JoystiqOld Sam Fisher is old in Splinter Cell: Conviction originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009Microsoftsam-fishersplinter-cell-convictionubisoftubisoft-montrealXbox-360Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Games Critics Awards pick Best of E3 nominees]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/games-critics-awards-pick-best-of-e3-nominees/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/games-critics-awards-pick-best-of-e3-nominees/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/games-critics-awards-pick-best-of-e3-nominees/#comments
Behind the jump, you'll find a lengthy list of nominees for the Games Critics Awards organization's Best of E3 accolades. This list is compiled by representatives from 29 different publications and gaming blogs who will ultimately decide the winners on Tuesday, June 23. As you can see, our name is included in the organization's roll call image above, surrounded on all but its starboard side by utter mediocrity. (Kidding!) (Kind of.) (No, seriously, we're just joking.)

Therefore, as you glance through the list below, try to keep in mind that we're not solely responsible for its composition. The lack of Scribblenauts in the "Best of Show" category, for instance, is almost as preposterous as a robotic dinosaur traveling back through time to fight robotic zombies. Almost.

Continue reading Games Critics Awards pick Best of E3 nominees

JoystiqGames Critics Awards pick Best of E3 nominees originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsbest-of-e3DSe3-2009games-critics-awardsMicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2009 postmortem with ESA CEO Mike Gallagher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/e3-2009-postmortem-with-esa-ceo-mike-gallagher/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/e3-2009-postmortem-with-esa-ceo-mike-gallagher/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/e3-2009-postmortem-with-esa-ceo-mike-gallagher/#comments ESA CEO Mike Gallagher's first "real" E3 was a success. We briefly spoke with him on the concourse from the South to West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center on the last day of the show, but with some more time to decompress and receive feedback, it seemed like the right time to circle back around and see if he was still feeling good about how things went. We asked the executive about how the post-show feedback is going, the chance of loosening up the attendance a little more and if there are any plans yet to make the show public -- oh yeah, and is Activision coming back to the ESA?

Joystiq: On the last day of E3 2009 we had a quick chat in the hallway and you stated that the feedback you'd received was extremely positive and the show floor was "full but still navigable." Now that you've had a week to decompress and receive more feedback, what's your current take on the show?

Mike Gallagher: I have a combination of pride and excitement right now. We set out to reflect and amplify to the world our industry's growth, energy, and vitality and I am incredibly proud we achieved that goal. I am also filled with excitement over the high-impact news announced at the E3 Expo by the companies that make up the industry. We have a lot of great titles to look forward to this year, along with some pretty exciting hardware previews and announcements.

This is the golden age of computer and video games. I say that because more than ever before, we are seeing new interfaces, new distribution models to consumers, and new IP that will reenergize our industry's growth as the year continues. And this growth and continued innovation and creativity comes not at the end of a console cycle, but rather when developers are still harnessing the full processing power of the current systems, leading us to believe that games will continue their upward path of compelling storylines, engaging characters, and epic visuals.

The challenge for us at the ESA now is two-fold. One, continue build on the momentum created by the E3 Expo and educate new market segments about our industry's cultural and economic significance, but also to begin planning for the 2010 E3 Expo.

Continue reading E3 2009 postmortem with ESA CEO Mike Gallagher

JoystiqE3 2009 postmortem with ESA CEO Mike Gallagher originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009esagallagherinterviewmichael-gallaghermike-gallagherTue, 16 Jun 2009 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Development on 360 version of FFXIII just two months old]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/development-on-360-version-of-ffxiii-just-two-months-old/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/development-on-360-version-of-ffxiii-just-two-months-old/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/development-on-360-version-of-ffxiii-just-two-months-old/#comments
Considering the impressive demo of Final Fantasy XIII running on Xbox 360 shown off at the Microsoft presser during E3, we were shocked to find out recently that the build being demoed was actually less than six months old. The game's producer Yoshinori Kitase told Giant Bomb during E3 that, "Up to the trial demo version that was released in Japan, [the game] was PS3-only in terms of development."

He explains further, saying, "The Xbox 360 version is definitely following after the PS3 version, but [we] were finally able to come to a point in the PS3 development where some of the staff could take their hands off and start programming the 360 version." Seems as though the claims that the PS3 version would be complete before work on 360 development started were a bit ... overzealous?

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII

JoystiqDevelopment on 360 version of FFXIII just two months old originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiiimicrosoftsquare-enixXbox-360yoshinori-kitaseTue, 16 Jun 2009 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Critter Crunch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/hands-on-critter-crunch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/hands-on-critter-crunch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/hands-on-critter-crunch/#comments You've got an iPhone, right? If so you may have stumbled across this game already on the App Store. Critter Crunch is a puzzle game by Canadian developer Capybara Games which is being ported to the PlayStation Network for release this summer. This is a lot more than a simple port, however, as the game will be completely reworked to take advantage of the PS3's high definition output and online features.

Critter Crunch is a puzzle game in which you play as the adorable Biggs -- as seen winking in the logo above -- who is constantly being attacked by critters from above. His method of keeping the ever-encroaching hoard at bay is simple: feed them to each other. Small critters feed medium critters which feed large critters and, once full, they pop and take with them any similar colored critters that sit adjacent to them. It's kind of gruesome in an adorable sort of way.

This basic mechanic has survived the transition onto the PS3, but it's brought friends. The PSN version will have many more levels, critters, modes and features. As those who have seen the trailer will no doubt be happy to hear, the PSN version will feature nature documentary style animated cutscenes, all completed (as the in-game animations are) by a single animator.

Gallery: Critter Crunch (PSN)

Continue reading Hands-on: Critter Crunch

JoystiqHands-on: Critter Crunch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleCapyCapybara-GamesCritter-Crunche3-2009iPodPSNPuzzleMon, 15 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: RUSE (and its steep learning curve)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/impressions-the-steep-learning-curve-of-ruse/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/impressions-the-steep-learning-curve-of-ruse/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/impressions-the-steep-learning-curve-of-ruse/#comments
RUSE is shaping up to become a nice addition to PC gaming, and also to the vacant market of real-time strategy games on consoles. Halo Wars and Red Alert have pretty much been the only standouts, but where's the real depth and longevity of a title like StarCraft? Ubisoft's RUSE is hoping to fill that gap, and based on the time we spent with it recently, it may be just the thing. That is if it'd stop with the gimmicks like showing it at E3 on a Microsoft Surface table and just give us the console goods. Not all of us have a spare $15,000 sitting around.

Head beyond the break to see a (very, very) long demo from the Tunisia setting in RUSE, and to read our thoughts about it. It's not something you can pick up and learn in a scant few seconds, but it offers you enough to keep coming back to it. Find out why inside.

Gallery: R.U.S.E.

Continue reading Hands-on: RUSE (and its steep learning curve)

JoystiqHands-on: RUSE (and its steep learning curve) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009Microsoftreal-time-strategyRTSRuseUbisoftWWIIXbox-360Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2009 highlights: The Nintendo roundup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/e3-2009-highlights-the-nintendo-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/e3-2009-highlights-the-nintendo-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/e3-2009-highlights-the-nintendo-roundup/#comments Nintendo E3 2009 checklist:
  • Mario? *check*
  • Zelda? *check*
  • Metroid? *check*
Are we missing something? Head past the break to find out!

Continue reading E3 2009 highlights: The Nintendo roundup

JoystiqE3 2009 highlights: The Nintendo roundup originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-boy-and-his-blobastro-boyBoy-And-His-BlobCookingCooking-Mamacooking-mama-3Cooking-Mama-3-Shop-and-ChopCooking-Mama-Ltdcop-the-recruitdancedancerevolutiondead-space-extractiondj-herodrawn-to-life-the-next-chapterDSe3-2009eaElectronic-Artsendless-ocean-2facebookffcc-crystal-bearersflipnote-studiosfragile-farewell-ruins-of-the-moonfriswiigladiator-adgolden-sun-dsju-onkingdom-hearts-3582-dayskonamilegend-of-zeldalegend-of-zelda-spirit-trackslego-rock-bandMajesco-EntertainmentMajesco-Gamesmario-and-luigi-bowsers-inside-storymario-and-sonic-at-the-winter-olympicsmario-vs-donkey-kong-march-of-the-minis-againmetroid-other-mMinigamesmonado-beginning-of-the-worldmuramasa-the-demon-bladenew-super-mario-bros-wiinintendono-more-heroes-2overlord-dark-legendpop-n-musicprofessor-layton-and-the-diabolical-boxred-steel-2resident-evil-archivesroundupscribblenautssilent-hill-shattered-memoriessin-and-punishment-2six-in-one-translatorsuper-mario-galaxy-2tales-of-monkey-islandtatsunoko-vs-capcomthe-beatles-rock-bandthe-grindertmnt-smash-uptony-hawk-ridetwisted-worldubisfotwarioware-diywasabiWayforwardWayforward-TechnologiesWiiwii-fit-pluswii-sports-resortwii-vitality-sensoryour-shapezephyr-rise-of-the-elementalsFri, 12 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA VP: 'Small team' working on more Mirror's Edge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/ea-vp-small-team-working-on-more-mirrors-edge/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/ea-vp-small-team-working-on-more-mirrors-edge/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/ea-vp-small-team-working-on-more-mirrors-edge/#comments
Joy be thine, as EA has confirmed Joystiq GOTY Mirror's Edge won't be the last we see of Faith. In speaking with Videogamer back at E3, EA's senior VP of EA Games Europe, Patrick Soderlund, stated, "You will see another Mirror's Edge for sure. It's just a matter of when that time is and what we do with it. We have a small team on it and I'm excited about what we do."

Of course, one mustn't jump to conclusions and automatically label this as a sequel. Soderlund could've meant anything based on that comment. EA could be working on a full-fledged sequel (something we desperately need), sure, or could be adapting a port for some other system. Or, the company could be making a spiffy new Flash game for all we know. Only time will tell, but the important thing is that no matter what this project turns out to be, we all have more parkour-based gameplay to look forward to down the line. And that's a very good thing.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqEA VP: 'Small team' working on more Mirror's Edge originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dicee3-2009eaElectronic-ArtsfaithMicrosoftmirrors-edgemirrors-edge-2Xbox-360Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: WayForward's Voldi Way talks blobs, Shantae, and street cred]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/interview-wayforwards-voldi-way-talks-blobs-shantae-and-stre/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/interview-wayforwards-voldi-way-talks-blobs-shantae-and-stre/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/interview-wayforwards-voldi-way-talks-blobs-shantae-and-stre/#commentsVoldi Way, president of WayForward -- or "Tyrannical Overlord" of the company, if his business card is to be believed -- gave us one of the company's first interviews as a "publisher," having recently self-published downloadable games on DS (Mighty Flip Champs) and WiiWare (LIT).

During this E3 interview, Way told us that the company has at least three new unannounced projects, two of which are coming this year on Wii, and one also headed for PC. He also addressed the purported Aliens vs. Predator DS game and discussed the company's licensed game strategy, about which we may have accidentally given him a complex.

Continue reading Interview: WayForward's Voldi Way talks blobs, Shantae, and street cred

JoystiqInterview: WayForward's Voldi Way talks blobs, Shantae, and street cred originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-boy-and-his-blobBoy-And-His-BlobDSe3-2009litMajesco-Gamesmighty-flip-champsNintendovoldi-waywayforwardWayforward-TechnologiesWiiFri, 12 Jun 2009 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2009 highlights: The Xbox roundup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/e3-2009-highlights-the-xbox-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/e3-2009-highlights-the-xbox-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/e3-2009-highlights-the-xbox-roundup/#comments E3 was brütal! If you blinked, for a split/second, you missed something. Even if you were trine to keep up, it was a blur -- staying a.wake like that, you only pushed yourself to the brink of your own dark void. That's where Joystiq comes in; to crackdown on the madness; to reach out ... with conviction -- phew! Crysis averted.

We've scoured the dark corners and survived the inferno to piece together this roundup of all things Xbox at E3. Why? Just 'cause we love you. So, draw nier and shift your eyes past the break.

Continue reading E3 2009 highlights: The Xbox roundup

JoystiqE3 2009 highlights: The Xbox roundup originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-wakearmy-of-two-the-40th-dayassassins-creed-2avataravatarsbatman-arkham-asylumbayonettaBethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworksbioshock-2blurbooth-tourbrinkbrutal-legendcastlevania-lords-of-shadowcrackdown-2crysis-2dancedancerevolutiondantes-infernodark-cornersdark-voiddarksidersddrdef-jam-rapstardirt-2dj-herodragon-age-originse3-2009eaEA-CanadaEA-Sportsea-sports-mmaElectronic-Artsfacebookfairytale-fightsfallout-3fight-night-round-4Fightingfinal-fantasy-xiiiforza-3front-missiongames-on-demandgametrak-freedomgears-of-war-2guitar-hero-5halo-3-odsthalo-reachhuxleyjoy-ridejust-cause-2konamilast-fmleft-4-dead-2lego-rock-bandlost-planet-2mafia-2marvel-vs-capcom-2mass-effect-2metal-gear-solid-risingmicrosoftmilommamodern-warfare-2need-for-speed-shiftnetflixniernxeoperation-flashpoint-dragon-risingoverlord-2point-lookoutproject-natalraven-squadroundupRPGrusesamurai-showdown-edge-of-destinysection-8shadow-complexsingularitysplinter-cell-convictionsplosion-manSportssqueeballssummer-of-arcadesupreme-commander-2tekken-6the-beatles-rock-bandthe-saboteurTMNT-Turtles-in-Time-Re-Shelledtony-hawk-ridetrials-hdtrinetwitterubisoftwarriors-legends-of-troywolfensteinxblaXboxXbox-360xbox-avatarsxbox-livexbox-live-partyxbox-video-marketplacezephyr-rise-of-the-elementalszune-videoFri, 12 Jun 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Reggie: Metroid Other M is a 'more traditional' Metroid game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/reggie-metroid-other-m-is-a-more-traditional-metroid-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/reggie-metroid-other-m-is-a-more-traditional-metroid-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/reggie-metroid-other-m-is-a-more-traditional-metroid-game/#commentsWith all the rapid-fire 3D action, Metroid: Other M may not look anything like any Metroid we've seen before, but according to Reggie Fils-Aime, it's a return to a more familiar Metroid style. "A year ago, someone could have asked me, what's going on with Metroid?" Fils-Aime told GameSpot. "When are we going to go back to the more traditional Metroid series versus the path that we went down with Prime? Here's the answer: Other M." The more traditional series -- with a "harder edge," according to Fils-Aime.

Reggie would like Other M to sell a bit more than the traditional Metroid game, however. "Metroid, for us, is a key franchise. And, in our view, really, since the SNES Metroid, we haven't broken through in terms of 1.5, two million units, and that's our bar," he said. He also told GameSpot that he's beginning to hear feedback from other companies, hoping to work with Nintendo in the same way Team Ninja is on Other M.

Gallery: Metroid: Other M (Wii)



[Via The Escapist]

JoystiqReggie: Metroid Other M is a 'more traditional' Metroid game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009metroidmetroid-other-mNintendoreggiereggie-fils-aimeteam-ninjaWiiFri, 12 Jun 2009 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Bayonetta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/hands-on-bayonetta/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/hands-on-bayonetta/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/hands-on-bayonetta/#commentsSo we're Bayonetta in this city and we're kicking monsters and shooting things with our boot guns and all of a sudden this giant statue comes to life we're dodging and our clothes are disappearing and then there's lava everywhere so we run on the skyscrapers and fight angels and we're chased by a tsunami and then we're in a cathedral and there's a dragon coming through the window and we're fighting it and then it lifts off and it's flying and the cathedral is flying and everybody's flying and fighting and shooting and what is going on.

Gallery: Bayonetta

Continue reading Hands-on: Bayonetta

JoystiqHands-on: Bayonetta originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionbayonettae3-2009hideki-kamiyaMicrosoftplatinum-gamessegaXbox-360Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at Epic's latest Unreal Engine 3 additions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/a-look-at-epics-latest-unreal-engine-3-additions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/a-look-at-epics-latest-unreal-engine-3-additions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/a-look-at-epics-latest-unreal-engine-3-additions/#commentsWe first heard about some changes coming to Unreal Engine 3's backend way back at GDC, where the tech was first demonstrated for developers. At last week's E3, Epic was kind enough to give us a demonstration of some of the changes coming to its famous engine, and we have to say they're pretty spiffy. Nothing is jaw-dropping, but with some tweaks under the hood, the development process and post-release analysis can help developers utilizing Unreal Engine 3 in many surprising ways.

Gallery: Unreal Engine 3 tools (Lightmass, MCP, Content Browser)

Continue reading A look at Epic's latest Unreal Engine 3 additions

JoystiqA look at Epic's latest Unreal Engine 3 additions originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009epicepic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-2unreal-engine-3Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Splash Damage's Richard 'Rahdo' Ham]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/interview-splash-damages-richard-rahdo-ham/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/interview-splash-damages-richard-rahdo-ham/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/interview-splash-damages-richard-rahdo-ham/#comments
Immediately following our demo of Brink, we were able to sit down with Splash Damage creative director Richard 'Rahdo' Ham and grill him some about the game. He came to Splash Damage following work on Fable 2 for this project, and has quite the gaming resume. But, following the demo for Brink, we were left with a lot of questions, and luckily Ham didn't mind answering them. He couldn't give us everything, though, as he failed to answer some of our more serious questions (Coke, or Pepsi?). So, head past the break and check out our chat with Splash Damage's Richard 'Rahdo' Ham!

Gallery: Brink

Concept art ? Container City

Continue reading Interview: Splash Damage's Richard 'Rahdo' Ham

JoystiqInterview: Splash Damage's Richard 'Rahdo' Ham originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksbrinke3-2009Microsoftpsnrichard-hamrichard-rahdo-hamsplash-damagesteamXbox-360xbox-liveThu, 11 Jun 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[E3's biggest trailers - page 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/e3s-biggest-trailers-page-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/e3s-biggest-trailers-page-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/e3s-biggest-trailers-page-4/#comments
Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story

Metroid: Other M


Milo (Project Natal)


Modern Warfare 2 (on-stage demo)


New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box

<< BACK COMMENT NEXT >>

JoystiqE3's biggest trailers - page 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009trailerThu, 11 Jun 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[See all of E3's biggest trailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/see-all-of-e3s-biggest-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/see-all-of-e3s-biggest-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/see-all-of-e3s-biggest-trailers/#comments
This year's E3 brought with it some of the most exciting new game announcements we can remember -- not to mention fresh looks at titles we've been itching to see more of. From Assassin's Creed 2 to Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, the trailers released for E3 2009's biggest games are also some of the best we've ever seen. Since we want to make sure you can share in our excitement, we've rounded 'em all up in one handy-dandy "trailer park," if you will. Click on "continue" below for the whole thing, A to Z - or jump straight to your trailer of choice - and prepare to set your lookin' balls to "stunned."


Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5
Alan Wake Final Fantasy XIV Heavy Rain Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story Red Steel 2
Assassin's Creed 2 Forza 3 Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier Metroid: Other M Silent Hill: Shattered Memories
Bayonetta Golden Sun DS The Last Guardian Milo (Project Natal) Splinter Cell: Conviction
The Beatles: Rock Band (intro) Gran Turismo 5 The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks Modern Warfare 2 (on-stage demo) Split/Second
Brütal Legend Gran Turismo Portable LittleBigPlanet PSP New Super Mario Bros. Wii Star Wars: The Old Republic
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Halo 3: ODST Mass Effect 2 Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box Super Mario Galaxy 2
Crackdown 2 Halo: Reach Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Continue reading See all of E3's biggest trailers

JoystiqSee all of E3's biggest trailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSe3-2009MicrosoftNintendotrailerWiiXbox-360Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Project Natal: Burnout]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/hands-on-project-natal-burnout/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/hands-on-project-natal-burnout/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/hands-on-project-natal-burnout/#comments
Though the big boss got to talk to that weird little android kid, my time with Project Natal was limited to using Microsoft's motion sensing technology retrofitted onto Burnout.

My expectations were pretty high, as Grant came back with some pretty glowing reviews. I figured that it would work, but it wouldn't necessarily supplant the controller as my preferred method of game interaction.

Continue reading Hands-on: Project Natal: Burnout

JoystiqHands-on: Project Natal: Burnout originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009microsoftproject-natalXbox-360Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Square Enix's Akitoshi Kawazu on Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/interview-square-enixs-akitoshi-kawazu-on-final-fantasy-crysta/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/interview-square-enixs-akitoshi-kawazu-on-final-fantasy-crysta/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/interview-square-enixs-akitoshi-kawazu-on-final-fantasy-crysta/#commentsSquare Enix's Akitoshi Kawazu was the very first person to diverge from Final Fantasy's formula, while simultaneously inventing it. Following the success of the original game, Kawazu created Final Fantasy II, which set precedent by lacking continuity with the world of the first game, but which also added named characters to the game, and removed the experience point system.

Kawazu went on to create the SaGa series, which is most closely associated with the producer, as well as the Crystal Chronicles series. In a group interview with Joystiq, 1UP, and Gametrailers, Kawazu spoke about the game that is now breaking away from the Crystal Chronicles formula -- the Wii-exclusive single-player action RPG Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers.

Continue reading Interview: Square Enix's Akitoshi Kawazu on Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers

JoystiqInterview: Square Enix's Akitoshi Kawazu on Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-Adventureakitoshi-kawazucrystal-bearerse3-2009ffcc-crystal-bearersfinal-fantasy-crystal-chroniclesNintendosquare-enixWiiThu, 11 Jun 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Rare Alan Wake goodies from E3 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/joyswag-rare-alan-wake-goodies-from-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/joyswag-rare-alan-wake-goodies-from-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/joyswag-rare-alan-wake-goodies-from-e3/#commentsUpdate: Congratulations to Joyswag winner heyo007! Sweet dreams ...

After emptying our pockets post-E3, we came across some nifty Alan Wake swag that was tucked away in the side pockets of our carpenter jeans. And, in Joystiq tradition, we're giving it all away to one lucky reader.

Up for grabs is an exclusive (and quite rare) Alan Wake E3 faceplate that's numbered 477 out of 500 and an attractive Alan Wake t-shirt (sized XL, of course). If you think about it, the swag pairing makes logical sense: the faceplate covers your Xbox 360 and the tee covers your buff, naked self.
  • To enter, leave a comment telling us about your most recent nightmare.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Limit 1 entry per person.
  • This entry period ends at 11:59 pm ET on Thursday, June 11.
  • At that time, we'll randomly select 1 winner to receive a Alan Wake E3 faceplate and t-shirt (ARV: $50). Please check your email!
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

JoystiqJoyswag: Rare Alan Wake goodies from E3 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-wakee3-2009joyswagMicrosoftXbox-360Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 was successful for little guys too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/e3-was-successful-for-little-guys-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/e3-was-successful-for-little-guys-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/e3-was-successful-for-little-guys-too/#commentsOkay, we admit it. Despite E3's recent return to form, we missed Kentia Hall's secluded cave of unspoken delights, if only for its cheap food and even cheaper thrills. Still, the lack of a space to call their own didn't stop some companies from venturing to the surface and setting up shop in the outskirts of E3 proper. It's an adventure that, according to some, was well worth the effort. Glad we all agree.

Operating a booth on the fringe of South Hall, Gamer Grub's Raphael DiBianco was one of a handful of smaller outfits that got something out of the experience. The game snack pusher told IndustryGamers that while it didn't invest much money into its E3 presence, "we got a lot of bang out of what we did." Still, he joked that the big guys at the show "ostracize the little kids and leave us in the corner." Just be glad, DiBianco, this isn't the E3 of old. Oh, the hazing stories we could tell.

JoystiqE3 was successful for little guys too originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009gamer-grubkentiakentiahallWed, 10 Jun 2009 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: Snow White hacks up children in Fairytale Fights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/hands-on-snow-white-hacks-up-children-in-fairytale-fights/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/hands-on-snow-white-hacks-up-children-in-fairytale-fights/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/hands-on-snow-white-hacks-up-children-in-fairytale-fights/#comments There's a decent chance you've never heard of Playlogic's Fairytale Fights. It was shown at Leipzig last year and that's about it. Given its premise though, you'll likely be hearing about it again. In a nutshell, Fairlytale Fights has players controlling one of four fairytale characters -- we saw Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White -- and then set about hacking the fairytale world into messy, bloody bits. It's got your attention now, right?

Gallery: Fairytale Fights

Continue reading Impressions: Snow White hacks up children in Fairytale Fights

JoystiqImpressions: Snow White hacks up children in Fairytale Fights originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009fairytale-fightsMicrosoftplaylogicXbox-360Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Assassin's Creed 2 creative director, Patrice Désilets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/interview-assassins-creed-2-creative-director-patrice-desilet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/interview-assassins-creed-2-creative-director-patrice-desilet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/interview-assassins-creed-2-creative-director-patrice-desilet/#commentsAssassin's Creed 2 is Patrice Désilets' first sequel. If there's any anxiety or fatigue squirming inside of him, it's well hidden by an infectious enthusiasm and candor. Speaking with us during E3 2009 in Ubisoft's den (and thus, din), the creative director frankly discussed several issues with us, including one which you may have heard about, over and over again:

Joystiq: Do you mind if I go back to Assassin's Creed 1 for just a bit?

Patrice Désilets: Yeah, yeah, no problem.

So, that game comes out. You're reading the reviews and people are complaining about repetition.

Yeah.

What do you feel at this point? Do you agree with them?

Repetition for me is a point of view, really. Like, what is repetitive or not? You know, sometimes you go and play the same game over and over again and you are all right with the repetitiveness of it. And in AC1 some people just couldn't bear it. We listened to them while we were making the second one, but, I wasn't nervous or mad. What I was a little disappointed with was some reviewers, how they treated us. They have the right to their opinions and everything, but I felt like they maybe went too fast. But you know what? I also received [opinions that were] the other way around. People being really happy about the game. Doing it two, three, four, five times.

Sure.

And we sold some eight million copies of it, you know.

Eight million people can't be wrong?

Continue reading Interview: Assassin's Creed 2 creative director, Patrice Désilets

JoystiqInterview: Assassin's Creed 2 creative director, Patrice Désilets originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creedassassins-creed-2e3-2009EziointerviewMicrosoftpatrice-desiletsubisoftubisoft-montrealXbox-360Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LGJ: Is the NDA still viable?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/lgj-is-the-nda-still-viable/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/lgj-is-the-nda-still-viable/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/lgj-is-the-nda-still-viable/#commentsEach week Mark Methenitis contributes Law of the Game on Joystiq ("LGJ"), a column on legal issues as they relate to video games:


It was about E3 time last year when I gave an overview of our old friend (or enemy) the non-disclosure agreement. After all, it's those NDAs that are responsible for keeping the surprises as surprises. This year's E3, however, was a solid demonstration of the failure of the surprises mentioned last year, with Sony bearing the brunt of the leaked information. While I don't think this is necessarily an indication of the health of the NDA concept, it is a good opportunity to showcase some of the weaknesses of the NDA.

I'm willing to assume that most people have heard the term "iron-clad contract." In that regard, I have some unfortunate news: there's really no such thing. Even a perfectly drafted contract that addresses every possible contingency still requires that the parties hold up their ends of the bargain. Otherwise, you're going to have to go down an enforcement route like litigation. The idea is to make the penalties for violation of the agreement something people want to avoid to encourage compliance with the agreement, and in the game industry context, as well as much of the tech sector, certain kinds of disclosures are simply difficult to deal with.

Continue reading LGJ: Is the NDA still viable?

JoystiqLGJ: Is the NDA still viable? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columnse3-2009lawlaw-of-the-gameleaklgjndanon-disclosure-agreementWed, 10 Jun 2009 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Split/Second developer Black Rock disses Jerry Bruckheimer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/split-second-developer-black-rock-disses-jerry-bruckheimer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/split-second-developer-black-rock-disses-jerry-bruckheimer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/split-second-developer-black-rock-disses-jerry-bruckheimer/#comments
When we spoke with Split/Second developer Black Rock Studio (a fully-owned subsidiary of Disney Interactive) at E3, we asked if they felt like they'd stolen Jerry Bruckheimer's thunder, because the game looks like something we'd expect out of Jerry Bruckheimer game. Which is ironic, since Jerry Bruckheimer recently confirmed (after only a year and a half wait) that he's forming Jerry Bruckheimer Games at MTV, not Disney.

Paul Glancey at Black Rock told us, "Well, we used to say our inspirations were Michael Bay and Jerry Bruckheimer movies ... now we just say Michael Bay movies. Good luck to him, whatever he does. Hopefully he'll be using us as inspiration." Ba-ZING! Take that, Bruckheimer! We're sure you'll feel that sting as you swim around Scrooge McDuck-style in your giant pool full of gold coins.

JoystiqSplit/Second developer Black Rock disses Jerry Bruckheimer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Black-RockDisneye3-2009jerry-bruckheimerSplit-SecondWed, 10 Jun 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: Afrika]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/impressions-afrika/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/impressions-afrika/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/impressions-afrika/#commentsPokémon Snap fans, beware! Afrika is the Pokémon game you know and love, just all grown up ... and, ya know, without all those Pocket Monsters. Instead, you're chasing around lions and tigers and, erm, zebras with fancy Sony brand cameras, trying your best to capture shots and not get trampled.

Oh, wait, that's right! There is no "trample." In fact, there's no interaction with the animals of any kind. You don't even get the satisfaction of oddly petting them like in Endless Ocean. With Afrika, you get an African safari simulator and little else. Which really makes it hard for us to even classify Afrika as a "game" as opposed to edutainment. Sure, there are assignments and "challenges," should you so choose to engage them, but there is little (if any) real progression through the experience.

Better cameras do unlock as you complete assignments and a whole mess of National Geographic footage/stills/information also serve to reward various complete objectives, but none of this makes the "game" any more game-ey. Those of you looking for an interactive African safari simulation, Afrika is for you. For those of you whose first interest is seeing if you can run down a rhino, look elsewhere -- this "game" ain't for you.

Gallery: Afrika

JoystiqImpressions: Afrika originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afrikae3-2009impressionsnational-geographicnatsumesafarisimulationWed, 10 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: Fragile: Farewell Ruins of the Moon (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/impressions-fragile-farewell-ruins-of-the-moon-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/impressions-fragile-farewell-ruins-of-the-moon-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/impressions-fragile-farewell-ruins-of-the-moon-wii/#commentsAfter over a year of waiting, XSEED has graciously picked up tri-Crescendo's meditative Wii action adventure Fragile: Farewell Ruins of the Moon for North American publication. In a brief walkthrough of an early segment of the game, XSEED introduced us to the protagonist, Seto, who is believed to be the only human left in the world after some unspecified calamity has reduced everything to rubble and left the sky permanently darkened.

Continue reading Impressions: Fragile: Farewell Ruins of the Moon (Wii)

JoystiqImpressions: Fragile: Farewell Ruins of the Moon (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009fragilenamco-bandaiNintendotri-crescendoWiixseedWed, 10 Jun 2009 15:30:00 EST