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[Ninja Theory: Enslaved performance prevented team expansion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/ninja-theory-enslaved-performance-prevented-team-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/ninja-theory-enslaved-performance-prevented-team-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/ninja-theory-enslaved-performance-prevented-team-expansion/#comments Every year, critics and fans provide the word-of-mouth support to several games that barely subsist on a whisper of marketing. "Enslaved should have done better," says Tameem Antoniades, head of the game's developer, Ninja Theory. "Right now we should have been doing a sequel and perfecting that sequel and doing what franchises do, which is get better over time."

The comments come from a new issue of Edge (via CVG), and go on to show that the studio's longterm plans were altered by Enslaved's so-so sales. Antoniades reveals that Ninja Theory meant to expand to two teams, but have now remained a "smaller shop" to focus entirely on the Devil May Cry reboot for Capcom.

Though team members had "mentally prepared" themselves for this outcome, Antoniades said in October of last year, it's clear that the game's success had been embedded in the studio's plans for growth. (At least Enslaved wasn't a racing game.)

Since Devil May Cry is a firmly established brand, Ninja Theory's expressive characters may yet find themselves in a hit -- and perhaps even a finely tuned action game.

JoystiqNinja Theory: Enslaved performance prevented team expansion originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devil-may-crydmc-devil-may-cryenslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3tameem-antoniadesxboxFri, 23 Sep 2011 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco: Enslaved was launched at the wrong time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/namco-enslaved-was-launched-at-the-wrong-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/namco-enslaved-was-launched-at-the-wrong-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/namco-enslaved-was-launched-at-the-wrong-time/#comments Hindsight being 20/20, Namco Bandai's execs had some choice things to say about Ninja Theory's Enslaved, a game that was hailed by many critics but failed to garner commercial success. President Makoto Iwai told Siliconera that despite the poor sales figures, he's proud of the publisher's ability to get it off the ground. "Results are everything for a business unit, so we have to face it. But, we are proud of ourselves for being able to launch that game," he said.

But the most telling comments came from VP of marketing, Carlson Choi, who pegged it all on poor timing. "It launched in the midst of a busy holiday season." He went on to say that while the game "had the quality needed to address gamers," it ultimately came down to "getting into the market at the right time." When it launched on October 5, Enslaved had some tough competition in Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, Def Jam Rapstar, NBA Jam and NBA 2K11 that week alone -- the following weeks would see the launch of several big hitters, including Medal of Honor, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit and, of course, Call of Duty: Black Ops.

As for the prospect of an Enslaved sequel, Choi isn't ruling it out. "I can assure you, a title like Enslaved, and every title we've worked on in the past, we're going to re-examine them and say what is the potential for the game?" Namco showed interest in a sequel back in October, but that was before the sales figures came in.

JoystiqNamco: Enslaved was launched at the wrong time originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlson-choienslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmakoto-iwaimicrosoftNamco-Bandaininja-theoryplaystationps3xboxFri, 11 Feb 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved underperforms with 460,000 sold worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/enslaved-underperforms-with-460-000-sold-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/enslaved-underperforms-with-460-000-sold-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/enslaved-underperforms-with-460-000-sold-worldwide/#comments Well, it seems as though Namco Bandai's strategy of half-heartedly promoting the excellent Enslaved has worked just as planned, with the game selling 460,000 units across the globe in the three months following its release. It was originally predicted to move a million units, though that was revised to 800K by Namco in November.

We know it's sad, but we can hope for a silver lining (and some corporate foresight) in the dark cloud on which Monkey finds himself. Dead Space sold under a half-million in the month after its release, and now you can't swing a cat without hitting a disembodied necromorph limb. Here's hoping Monkey finds the same sort success later in life -- and if not in a sequel, perhaps in another game like it.

Developer Ninja Theory is now hard at work on DMC, a reboot of Capcom's Devil May Cry series.

JoystiqEnslaved underperforms with 460,000 sold worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftNamco-Bandaininja-theoryplaystationps3salesxboxThu, 03 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: James' picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-james-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-james-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-james-picks-of-2010/#comments Halo: Reach
Was it just me or did Reach seem to have the quietest launch of any $200 million seller in history? Franchise fatigue has definitely set in for Halo, but it didn't stop Bungie from delivering its masterpiece. What this game lacks in variation, it makes up for in refinement of one of the all-time great first-person shooters. Reach may be lagging behind Call of Duty -- both Black Ops and Modern Warfare 2 -- in the Xbox Live numbers game, but its campaign is so much more epic. The Covenant are classic video game bad guys, and no one does enemy AI like Bungie. No one.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: James' picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: James' picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amnesia-the-dark-descentbest-of-the-rest-2010carcassonneenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westhalo-reachinfinity-bladeiosiphonemacmicrosoftmobileneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitpcplaystationps3psnscott-pilgrim-vs-the-worldxblaxboxSat, 01 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Mike's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-mikes-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-mikes-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-mikes-picks-of-2010/#comments Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
Ninja Theory put a heck of a game together here, with some incredible art direction and animation, level design, and the best adventurous duo since Nathan Drake and Elena Fisher. The world traversed by Monkey and Trip is colorfully portrayed and brilliantly built, the gameplay is perfectly formulated to support the characters and the story, and while I admit the game's early levels outdo the somewhat abrupt ending, this was the best original IP I played in 2010.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Mike's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Mike's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-rest-2010darksidersenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westfinal-fantasy-xiiilord-of-ultimamicrosoftmobileneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitpcplaystationpocket-frogsps3puzzle-agentpuzzle-quest-2world-of-warcraft-cataclysmxboxThu, 30 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Justin's Picks for 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-justins-picks-for-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-justins-picks-for-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-justins-picks-for-2010/#comments
Metro 2033
I'm just going to tell myself that my esteemed Joystiq colleagues didn't play this moody, flawed FPS, because I hate the idea that I'm the only one with whom it resonated. With a single trek through a post-apocalyptic Russian underground, Ukrainian developer 4A became one of the developers I'd follow anywhere. It's got problems, specifically with a pretty lackluster combat system, but there's also nothing else like it.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Justin's Picks for 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Justin's Picks for 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-rest-2010enslaved-odyssey-to-the-westlast-night-on-earthmetro-2033microsoftmobilepcplaystationps3tilt-to-liveworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmxboxThu, 30 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Save on Castlevania, Naruto and more in Amazon's year-end sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/26/save-on-castlevania-naruto-and-more-in-amazons-year-end-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/26/save-on-castlevania-naruto-and-more-in-amazons-year-end-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/26/save-on-castlevania-naruto-and-more-in-amazons-year-end-sale/#commentsIf you thought Amazon would stop holding ridiculous sales because the holiday season is winding down, you are a fool. A hypothetical fool. Amazon's year-end sale (which technically started on Dec. 24) is as good as any offer the retailer had for Black Friday or the pre-Christmas shopping season!

The PS3 version of Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 is over half off at $25.99, as is the PS3 limited edition of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow at $39.99. Enslaved is just $19.99 on either system, and Atlus hits Demon's Souls and 3D Dot Game Heroes can be picked up for just $16.99 and $14.99 respectively. FlingSmash on Wii is $39.99, which at that price is essentially a free game with a regular-price Wii Remote Plus.

Amazon is also offering a 75% discount on a large selection of downloadable PC games, and an even larger selection of casual PC games for $2 each.

JoystiqSave on Castlevania, Naruto and more in Amazon's year-end sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazoncastlevania-lords-of-shadowdsenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westflingsmashmicrosoftnaruto-ultimate-ninja-storm-2nintendopcplaystationps3pspsonysplatterhousewiixboxyear-end-saleSun, 26 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco moving development to Japan in light of 'lacking' overseas developer performance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/namco-moving-development-to-japan-in-light-of-lacking-overseas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/namco-moving-development-to-japan-in-light-of-lacking-overseas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/namco-moving-development-to-japan-in-light-of-lacking-overseas/#comments According to a Bloomberg report, Namco Bandai plans to shift the bulk of its game development back to Japan after a rocky year for its titles developed overseas. Company president Shukuo Ishikawa told Bloomberg, "We found the quality and development speed of titles made for us by the overseas studios to be lacking." He added that overseas studios will still be able to "propose and develop games" but that Namco's Japanese operation will "control the process more closely."

After letting the likes of Clash of the Titans, Splatterhouse and Dead to Rights: Retribution out the door, we can appreciate Ishikawa's sentiments. That said, the company's sales projections may have been a little ... optimistic in the first place. Our completely unexperienced advice for Namco: Take the money spent on everything other than Enslaved and spend it on marketing Enslaved 2. Also, please make Enslaved 2.

JoystiqNamco moving development to Japan in light of 'lacking' overseas developer performance originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clash-of-the-titansdsenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westfinancialmicrosoftnamcoNamco-Bandainintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 15 Dec 2010 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[12 Days of Joyswag: Enslaved Collector's Edition resin statue and game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/12-days-of-joyswag-enslaved-collectors-edition-resin-statue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/12-days-of-joyswag-enslaved-collectors-edition-resin-statue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/12-days-of-joyswag-enslaved-collectors-edition-resin-statue/#comments To celebrate the holidays, we're kicking off twelve straight days of giveaways from now through Christmas day. And while we say it's to celebrate, really ... we're simply getting rid of some of the larger packages around the ol' office.

Which gets us to our first prize: A limited edition (look, only 250 made!) resin statue for Ninja Theory's under-appreciated Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. Since you can't put statues into game systems (not easily, at least), we're coupling it with a copy of the game on the winner's platform of choice (PS3 or Xbox 360) and some additional merch.

Gallery: Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (resin diorama)

Continue reading 12 Days of Joyswag: Enslaved Collector's Edition resin statue and game

Joystiq12 Days of Joyswag: Enslaved Collector's Edition resin statue and game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-days-of-joyswag-2010enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westholiday-2010joyswagmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxTue, 14 Dec 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved dev diary explores Pigsy's fascination with 'The Perfect 10']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/20/enslaved-dev-diary-explores-pigsys-fascination-with-the-perfec/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/20/enslaved-dev-diary-explores-pigsys-fascination-with-the-perfec/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/20/enslaved-dev-diary-explores-pigsys-fascination-with-the-perfec/#comments If there's anything this developer diary for the upcoming Enslaved DLC, "Pigsy's Perfect 10," has taught us, it's don't judge a book by its cover. The guy just wants a friend and he'll do what it takes to earn one -- er, build one, in this case.

Continue reading Enslaved dev diary explores Pigsy's fascination with 'The Perfect 10'

JoystiqEnslaved dev diary explores Pigsy's fascination with 'The Perfect 10' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftnamconamco-bandaininja-theorypigsys-perfect-10playstationps3xboxSat, 20 Nov 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pig out on these new screens of Enslaved's Pigsy DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/pig-out-on-these-new-screens-of-enslaveds-pigsy-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/pig-out-on-these-new-screens-of-enslaveds-pigsy-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/pig-out-on-these-new-screens-of-enslaveds-pigsy-dlc/#comments Enslaved's sharp-shooting porktagonist, Pigsy, is looking for love -- in all the wrong places, evidently. Instead, these new shots from Ninja Theory's upcoming DLC, "Pigsy's Perfect 10," suggest that the portly fellow finds a lot of angry mechs bent on roasting his rump.

Continue reading Pig out on these new screens of Enslaved's Pigsy DLC

JoystiqPig out on these new screens of Enslaved's Pigsy DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actiondlcenslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftNamco-Bandaininja-theorypigsys-perfect-10playstationps3xboxFri, 12 Nov 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bad sign, good deal: Enslaved for $25 on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/bad-sign-good-deal-enslaved-for-25-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/bad-sign-good-deal-enslaved-for-25-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/bad-sign-good-deal-enslaved-for-25-on-amazon/#comments For those who haven't bought Enslaved: This morning, you have a great opportunity to get on at the bottom floor of this exciting new IP, thanks to a killer deal on Amazon that'll net you the first game in the series for just $25. Hurry, and make sure you're prepared for the next step in this exciting franchise!

For those who own Enslaved: OK, we're not going to lie to you. This isn't a good sign. We know what we told those other guys, but we have no idea if there's going to be another Enslaved. It certainly doesn't look good, does it? But if we're going to get the sequel we so richly deserve, we'll have to convince others that there's still hope, and that might require us saying some things we're not strictly proud of. If you don't have the stomach for it, we assume you can find the door.

JoystiqBad sign, good deal: Enslaved for $25 on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonenslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftNamco-Bandaininja-theoryplaystationps3xboxTue, 09 Nov 2010 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved underperforms for Namco, Naruto exceeds expectations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/enslaved-underperforms-for-namco-naruto-exceeds-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/enslaved-underperforms-for-namco-naruto-exceeds-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/enslaved-underperforms-for-namco-naruto-exceeds-expectations/#comments Namco Bandai may have suffered less terrible losses in the first half of its fiscal year compared to last, but several of the publisher's major titles aren't expected to hit sales goals. Andriasang has a list of comparing the company's hopes for its software to the harsh reality, with Ben 10 Ultimate Alien Cosmic Destruction and Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja: Storm 2 being the overachievers. Ben 10 is expected to have 800K sales -- 100K over forecast -- and Naruto may move a million copies, 300K more than planned.

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is expected to sell about 800K units, which is still good, but the publisher expected it to sell a million. Other titles expected to underperform, according to the company, will be the as-yet unreleased Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom with 300K units (-700K below) and Splatterhouse at 350K (-650K below).

Enslaved deserves better so, with some luck, hopefully Monkey and crew will have a longer tail than Namco expects.

JoystiqEnslaved underperforms for Namco, Naruto exceeds expectations originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmajin-and-the-forsaken-kingdommicrosoftnaruto-ultimate-ninja-storm-2nintendoplaystationps3splatterhousewiixboxMon, 08 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Namco Bandai laying off 90 in States]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/report-namco-bandai-laying-off-90-in-states/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/report-namco-bandai-laying-off-90-in-states/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/report-namco-bandai-laying-off-90-in-states/#comments VentureBeat reports that Namco Bandai of America is letting 90 employees go. The layoffs are allegedly due to the recent reorganization of the company's mobile and online divisions, in which it squished the two into one. The company is also shifting, according to VentureBeat, a "considerable amount" of game development from San Jose, California, back to Japan.

Namco Bandai's VP of marketing, Carlson Choi, states that the details about the future of game development at the company are being "sorted out now," and that the publisher is "partnering with external development studios." Its goal is to move into "digital games" -- an unintuitive term that means digitally distributed games instead of $60 boxed products.

JoystiqReport: Namco Bandai laying off 90 in States originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessenslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westlayoffsmicrosoftmobileNamco-Bandaipcplaystationps3xboxTue, 02 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved DLC trailer explores Pigsy's motives]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/30/enslaved-dlc-trailer-explores-pigsys-motives/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/30/enslaved-dlc-trailer-explores-pigsys-motives/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/30/enslaved-dlc-trailer-explores-pigsys-motives/#comments If it wasn't clear why everyone says Enslaved: Odyssey to the West has great voice acting, the latest trailer for its upcoming DLC, starring the game's playable sidekick Pigsy, shows it off at its best. Head past the break to see for yourself.

Continue reading Enslaved DLC trailer explores Pigsy's motives

JoystiqEnslaved DLC trailer explores Pigsy's motives originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Oct 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandaidlcenslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftnamconamco-bandaininja-theorypigsypigsys-perfect-10playstationps3xboxSat, 30 Oct 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved DLC adds 3D, has Pigsy looking for love]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/enslaved-dlc-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/enslaved-dlc-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/enslaved-dlc-3d/#comments The critically well-received action adventure Enslaved's first piece of premium DLC will include "Pigsy's Perfect 10," a playable side-story, and add TriOviz 3D support to the game. Namco Bandai announced today that the $10 (800 Microsoft Points) DLC will be available "later this year" on PlayStation Network and Xbox 360.

Pigsy, the zaftig companion of svelte Enslaved characters Monkey and Trip, will encounter an adventure focused on "stealth and sharp-shooting." As long as there are no long stairways or narrow columns, we figure he'll be just fine. The quest will involve Pigsy assembling parts to create the "perfect woman."

The DLC will add 3D to both the new side story and the original game. So, be sure to save up your dirty clothes, because once Monkey's in 3D you'll be able to do your laundry on those washboard abs.

JoystiqEnslaved DLC adds 3D, has Pigsy looking for love originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcenslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftnamco-bandaininja-theorypigsys-perfect-10playstationps3xboxThu, 28 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved PS3 title update adding 5.1 surround sound for optical output]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/enslaved-ps3-title-update-adding-5-1-surround-sound-for-optical/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/enslaved-ps3-title-update-adding-5-1-surround-sound-for-optical/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/enslaved-ps3-title-update-adding-5-1-surround-sound-for-optical/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Shortly after Enslaved's launch we were informed that the game was only outputting stereo for those using optical audio output for surround sound on PS3. We were told by Namco today that it is currently working on a title update to support 5.1 sound output.

A Namco rep tells Joystiq, "[The update] will be ready around the same time as the paid DLC, which will be available within the next couple of months. Details on that DLC will be announced soon."

So, good news: patch incoming. Bad news: gonna take a while to fix. The game does currently support 5.1 surround via HDMI (provided you have the appropriate receiver).

JoystiqEnslaved PS3 title update adding 5.1 surround sound for optical output originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westNamcoNamco-Bandaipatchplaystationps3soundsurround-soundFri, 15 Oct 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon offering a thrifty robopocalypse, selling Enslaved for $50]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/amazon-offering-a-thrifty-robopocalypse-selling-enslaved-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/amazon-offering-a-thrifty-robopocalypse-selling-enslaved-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/amazon-offering-a-thrifty-robopocalypse-selling-enslaved-for-5/#comments If you're part of the growing sect of gamers who don't buy new titles at launch because you know they'll get marked down by $10 on Amazon within a few weeks -- well, your patience has been rewarded. The online retailer's now selling Enslaved: Odyssey to the West for $50 on PS3 and 360.
Update: As some of you have pointed out, this offer won't last long -- it's currently being extended as Amazon's current Deal of the Day. Act fast, if you plan to act at all!

[Thanks, MarkHawk!]

JoystiqAmazon offering a thrifty robopocalypse, selling Enslaved for $50 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonenslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftNamco-Bandaininja-theoryplaystationps3xboxTue, 12 Oct 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved launch trailer Monkeys around]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/09/enslaved-launch-trailer-monkeys-around/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/09/enslaved-launch-trailer-monkeys-around/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/09/enslaved-launch-trailer-monkeys-around/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In case our sterling review of Enslaved: Odyssey to the West wasn't visually stimulating enough for you, please take some time to enjoy the launch trailer. With its beautiful landscapes, interesting characters and cavalcade of menacing robots, we believe you'll be glad you did.

Continue reading Enslaved launch trailer Monkeys around

JoystiqEnslaved launch trailer Monkeys around originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Oct 2010 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftNamco-Bandaininja-theoryplaystationps3xboxSat, 09 Oct 2010 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Theory hasn't planned Enslaved sequel, but 'would like something to happen']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/ninja-theory-hasnt-planned-enslaved-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/ninja-theory-hasnt-planned-enslaved-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/ninja-theory-hasnt-planned-enslaved-sequel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Following the completion of Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (and its release this week), Ninja Theory has turned to the next project on its plate, DmC: Devil May Cry. However, studio head Tameem Antoniades tells Eurogamer that an Enslaved sequel isn't entirely off the table. In fact, Antoniades says the studio has the "capacity to do two games."
"The thinking from the beginning was not to assume there would be a sequel -- just to put everything into this game. It's a new IP, so let's not plan for a sequel because the chances are we'll only disappoint ourselves. So we mentally prepared for that -- we've not planned for a sequel. But if it gains some traction, I'd like to see something happen."
Before there's any sequel talk, people will have to buy the game, of course. And Enslaved is going up against some stiff competition as the fall season ramps up; beginning this week with Castlevania: Lords of Shadow. But, hey, even if a sequel's ruled out, at least there will be DLC.

JoystiqNinja Theory hasn't planned Enslaved sequel, but 'would like something to happen' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-2enslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftNamcoNamco-Bandaininja-theoryplaystationps3sequelxboxMon, 04 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved review: A barrel of Monkey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/enslaved-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/enslaved-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/enslaved-review/#comments It's embarrassing, but true: Every single reviewer tries to think of what they're going to say while they're playing a game. For me, it's like a mental first draft, constantly evolving as I play. "EFF THIS CRAP IT'S TOO HARD" gets struck through when I figure out what I'm doing wrong, and hilarious jokes I come up with about the main character's haircut become more refined as I go along.

As I sat down to write my review for Enslaved though, I realized that my brain had been so captivated, so entranced by the adventures of the brutish loner Monkey, that my mental slate was entirely blank. And that's saying something, because he's got one really stupid haircut.

Continue reading Enslaved review: A barrel of Monkey

JoystiqEnslaved review: A barrel of Monkey originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftnamconamco-bandaininja-theoryplaystationps3xboxFri, 01 Oct 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved DLC will be 'an entirely new experience']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/enslaved-dlc-will-be-an-entirely-new-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/enslaved-dlc-will-be-an-entirely-new-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/enslaved-dlc-will-be-an-entirely-new-experience/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

According to Ninja Theory chief Tameem Antoniades, the downloadable content for the much-anticipated Enslaved isn't just going to be "an extra few levels kind of thing. It's an entirely new experience," he tells Destructoid in a recent interview. He says that the "extra" content was designed as a whole new project -- the game is a cohesive story and experience in itself, and then the DLC was created from "a little extra time and budget for something totally extra, which is totally optional." Strangely, he couldn't confirm that the DLC would follow the Pigsy character (which is what Namco said about a week ago), but he promises a "meaty" experience nevertheless.

Antoniades also talks more about how the game was developed from a very cinematic point of view -- the company hired real screenwriters and filmmakers to come work on the project, and took inspiration from the idea of "buddy movies, where each character is part of a team," Antoniades says, "and that without each other you can't accomplish the mission." We're very much looking forward to seeing how all of this influence and hard work pans out -- the game will be out next week.

JoystiqEnslaved DLC will be 'an entirely new experience' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcenslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftnamco-bandaininja-theorypigsys-perfect-10playstationps3tameem-antoniadesxboxWed, 29 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: The colorful post-apocalypse of Enslaved]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/video-the-colorful-post-apocalypse-of-enslaved/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/video-the-colorful-post-apocalypse-of-enslaved/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/video-the-colorful-post-apocalypse-of-enslaved/#comments Typically, when we think of the words "video games" and "post-apocalypse," the next word that comes to mind is "brown." Thankfully for eyes everywhere, Ninja Theory opted for something much more colorful in Enslaved. Watch the video after the break to learn about the visual design that went into the game.

Continue reading Video: The colorful post-apocalypse of Enslaved

JoystiqVideo: The colorful post-apocalypse of Enslaved originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 28 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Enslaved, Gothic 4 demos released on Xbox Live Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/psa-enslaved-gothic-4-demos-released-on-xbox-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/psa-enslaved-gothic-4-demos-released-on-xbox-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/psa-enslaved-gothic-4-demos-released-on-xbox-live-marketplace/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As foreseen yesterday by the Enslaved: Odyssey to the West Twitter account, Xbox Live Gold members now have access to the game's previously PSN-exclusive demo. Additionally, Major Nelson points out that Arcania: Gothic 4 also got a demo. That means killing robots with a giant baton in the post-post-post apocalypse and exploring the unknown depths of the Southern Islands are just two downloads away! Click through for each below.



Xbox.com: Add the Enslaved: Odyssey to the West demo to your Xbox 360 download queue
Xbox.com: Add the Arcania: Gothic 4 demo to your Xbox 360 download queue

JoystiqPSA: Enslaved, Gothic 4 demos released on Xbox Live Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcania-gothic-4demodreamcatcherdreamcatcher-interactiveenslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westjowoodmicrosoftnamconamco-bandaininja-theorypsaspellbound-entertainmentxbmlxboxxbox-live-marketplaceFri, 24 Sep 2010 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved pitched as real-time Unreal Engine 3 movie, shot down by Hollywood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/enslaved-pitched-as-real-time-unreal-engine-3-movie-shot-down-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/enslaved-pitched-as-real-time-unreal-engine-3-movie-shot-down-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/enslaved-pitched-as-real-time-unreal-engine-3-movie-shot-down-b/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ninja Theory has always had Hollywood ambitions. Its last game, Heavenly Sword, employed extensive use of motion capture, and had Lord of the Rings alum Andy Serkis as a pivotal contributor to the project. Before Enslaved was revealed, Ninja Theory's Nina Kristensen teased the possibility of a CG movie to accompany the game's release -- but what happened to Ninja Theory's envisioned film?

"We were serious about it. We went to all the big studios in Hollywood and pitched the idea," Tameem Antoniades told Destructoid. Unfortunately, Hollywood wasn't interested in Ninja Theory's vision: to create a feature-length film using real-time graphics powered by Unreal Engine 3 (used for the game). "They don't want to do it for cheap. They want Pixar and the other higher end [studios] to do it for 100 million dollars or 60 million dollars. To do it any other way is considered a huge risk, so it just didn't wash."

We can certainly understand the studios' hesitance towards the concept. While Enslaved certainly looks good, an Unreal-rendered movie probably wouldn't be pretty enough to appeal to the mass-market movie watcher used to Pixar. And with Enslaved having yet to prove itself as a valuable IP, it's no surprise that the film adaptation never came to fruition.

JoystiqEnslaved pitched as real-time Unreal Engine 3 movie, shot down by Hollywood originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westhollywoodmicrosoftmovieninja-theoryplaystationps3xboxFri, 24 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved DLC announced, stars side character Pigsy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/enslaved-dlc-announced-stars-side-character-pigsy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/enslaved-dlc-announced-stars-side-character-pigsy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/enslaved-dlc-announced-stars-side-character-pigsy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you thought Trip and Monkey's journey to the west would be a tireless survival mission ... you're probably right. Thankfully, the stars of Enslaved can enjoy Pigsy's comic relief along the way. Namco Bandai describes Pigsy (pictured) as a "comical porcine character" -- the big dude with the rad belt buckle -- and has revealed that he will star in a post-launch DLC episode for the game.

The publisher offers few additional tidbits about the premium add-on, noting simply that it will be a side story requiring the retail game to play. More details are expected in "the coming months."

JoystiqEnslaved DLC announced, stars side character Pigsy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcenslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftnamco-bandaininja-theorypigsypigsys-perfect-10playstationps3xboxWed, 22 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: PSOne Imports debut, Enslaved demo set free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/psn-tuesday-psone-imports-debut-enslaved-demo-set-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/psn-tuesday-psone-imports-debut-enslaved-demo-set-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/psn-tuesday-psone-imports-debut-enslaved-demo-set-free/#comments
Sony's going to be tinkering with the PlayStation Network today, so rather than delay the weekly PlayStation Store update to Wednesday, it decided to move it up by a few hours -- neat, huh? That means you get access to the likes of the Enslaved: Odyssey to the West and NBA Elite 11 demos (and an early chance to download Swords & Soldiers if you're a PS+ subscriber) right now.

It's also the grand opening of the new PSOne Imports section of the PS Store. As expected, two MonkeyPaw Games releases -- Cho Aniki and Gaia Seed -- lead what will hopefully be a strong and steady charge of games from Japan. Use the handy-dandy buttons below to just straight to what's new for the platform of your choice, or hit the break for the full update. It's up to you!

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading PSN Tuesday: PSOne Imports debut, Enslaved demo set free

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: PSOne Imports debut, Enslaved demo set free originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westplaystationps3psnPSN-Storepsn-tuesdaypspsonyTue, 21 Sep 2010 02:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved developer diary features the prettiest apocalypse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/19/enslaved-developer-diary-features-the-prettiest-apocalypse/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/19/enslaved-developer-diary-features-the-prettiest-apocalypse/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/19/enslaved-developer-diary-features-the-prettiest-apocalypse/#comments Rarely do we equate the end of the world with beautiful foliage and grand, sweeping vistas, but as the game's latest dev diary can attest, that's what Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is going for. Check out the aesthetically pleasing downfall of mankind in the video posted after the jump.

Continue reading Enslaved developer diary features the prettiest apocalypse

JoystiqEnslaved developer diary features the prettiest apocalypse originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3team-ninjaxboxSun, 19 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved demo on North American PSN Sept. 21, Xbox Live 'soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/enslaved-demo-on-north-american-psn-sept-21-xbox-live-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/enslaved-demo-on-north-american-psn-sept-21-xbox-live-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/enslaved-demo-on-north-american-psn-sept-21-xbox-live-soon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Our friends, acquaintances and mortal enemies living in Europe garnered our jealousy earlier this week, when a demo for Enslaved: Odyssey to the West dropped on their continental PlayStation Store. Fortunately, we can stop burning all of our Doctor Who memorabilia in symbolic protest -- according to Namco, the trial version of its action-platformer will arrive on the North American PSN on September 21.

Xbox 360 owners unfortunately have to settle for a launch window of "soon" for their version of the demo. But, hey, that could mean anything! It could be out within the next few minutes! It's just ... well, it's incredibly unlikely. We'll let you know when we get firmer release info.

Continue reading Enslaved demo on North American PSN Sept. 21, Xbox Live 'soon'

JoystiqEnslaved demo on North American PSN Sept. 21, Xbox Live 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoenslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrelease-datexboxxbox-liveThu, 16 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved dev diary shows there's no 'I' in Team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/enslaved-dev-diary-shows-theres-no-i-in-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/enslaved-dev-diary-shows-theres-no-i-in-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/enslaved-dev-diary-shows-theres-no-i-in-team/#comments In most action games where one player controls two characters, one-half of the duo always seems to slow the other down. In the latest dev diary for Enslaved, Ninja Theory explains how it avoided this imbalance: by giving unique powers to Monkey and Trip. Powers like the timeless "Fastball Special."

Continue reading Enslaved dev diary shows there's no 'I' in Team

JoystiqEnslaved dev diary shows there's no 'I' in Team originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftNamco-Bandaininja-theoryplaystationps3xboxTue, 14 Sep 2010 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved preview: The apocalypse goes green]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/enslaved-preview-the-apocalypse-goes-green/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/enslaved-preview-the-apocalypse-goes-green/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/enslaved-preview-the-apocalypse-goes-green/#comments To be as forthright as possible, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West was not on my radar when it was announced last year. Apart from a handful of pretty screens, it subsequently managed to slip by me in the madness of the 2010 summer trade show season. Having now spent several hours with the first half of the game, it's impossible to think I could have missed it. Based on what I've played so far, Enslaved deserves a spot on everyone's radar, offering polished gameplay, interesting characters and a gorgeous world to explore.

Gallery: Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (preview)

Continue reading Enslaved preview: The apocalypse goes green

JoystiqEnslaved preview: The apocalypse goes green originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftNinja-Theoryplaystationps3xboxMon, 06 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved pre-orders come with t-shirt and comic today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/enslaved-pre-orders-come-with-t-shirt-and-comic-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/enslaved-pre-orders-come-with-t-shirt-and-comic-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/enslaved-pre-orders-come-with-t-shirt-and-comic-today/#commentsToday, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is featured on YouTube in the US, with a large ad ... thing on the top of the site. The ad displays trailers, links to downloadable wallpapers, and a special offer from GameStop. For today only, pre-orders of Enslaved from the retailer will come with an exclusive comic book and t-shirt, which features Monkey looking even more Goku-like in silhouette.

GameStop is also holding an Enslaved-themed contest, offering a "dream home entertainment system" with a 55" TV, your choice of a PS3 or Xbox 360, and an Enslaved statue. In addition, one runner-up each week will get an Enslaved statue.

[Thanks, DVR Kid]

JoystiqEnslaved pre-orders come with t-shirt and comic today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestenslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westgamestopmicrosoftnamco-bandaininja-theoryplaystationpre-orderps3xboxyoutubeTue, 31 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco wants Enslaved 'to stand out amongst the crowd,' will actually market it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/namco-wants-enslaved-to-stand-out-amongst-the-crowd-will-actu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/namco-wants-enslaved-to-stand-out-amongst-the-crowd-will-actu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/namco-wants-enslaved-to-stand-out-amongst-the-crowd-will-actu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Namco-Bandai is banking quite a bit on Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, the action-adventure game from Ninja Theory -- at least, in Europe. MCV reports that Namco-Bandai has revealed it'll back the game with a massive marketing campaign leading up to its October launch, one that will even eclipse marketing efforts for the studio's previous big AAA release, Tekken 6. Big deal, thy name is Enslaved.

"We really want this title to stand out amongst the crowd as not just a brilliant gaming experience, but also as one of the greatest stories told within an interactive universe -- if it doesn't win awards then I'm going to eat my joypad," said PR and marketing manager Lee Kirton. Frankly, we don't know why he thinks eating joypads is a bad thing. How else are you supposed to get your daily allotment of plastics and dyes?

"Enslaved really is the cream of British talent uniting for an epic video gaming experience. Ninja Theory is a truly brilliant studio that has done a remarkable job creating a totally believable story in this futuristic post-apocalyptic world," he added. Despite Kirton's confidence in the game, it's certainly got its work cut out for it, what with Dead Rising 2 and Halo: Reach launching in September and a little game called Call of Duty: Black Ops following in November. But, hey, if there's anything that can get it done, it's teamwork -- Enslaved's got that in spades.

JoystiqNamco wants Enslaved 'to stand out amongst the crowd,' will actually market it originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftnamconamco-bandaininja-theoryplaystationps3xboxFri, 20 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Enslaved: Odyssey to the West screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/new-enslaved-odyssey-to-the-west-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/new-enslaved-odyssey-to-the-west-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/new-enslaved-odyssey-to-the-west-screens/#comments Though the vivid colors and lush foliage might suggest otherwise, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is an Unreal-powered action game due this October. These latest screenshots once again place the environments somewhere between utopia and dystopia, and highlight the volatile cooperation between lead characters Monkey and Trip. It's no Melissa & Joey, but it'll do.

Gallery: Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (Gamescom 2010)

JoystiqNew Enslaved: Odyssey to the West screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westgamescom-2010microsoftnamco-bandaininja-theoryplaystationps3xboxWed, 18 Aug 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[This new Enslaved trailer is decidedly epic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/12/this-new-enslaved-trailer-is-decidedly-epic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/12/this-new-enslaved-trailer-is-decidedly-epic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/12/this-new-enslaved-trailer-is-decidedly-epic/#comments Ninja Theory's upcoming action-adventure title, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, has freed up a new trailer and boy is it epic. We're talking big, bold words, narration Don LaFontaine would be proud of and plenty of slow-mo badassery. Break your shackles, vault on past the break and absorb every epic second through your eye muscles.

Continue reading This new Enslaved trailer is decidedly epic

JoystiqThis new Enslaved trailer is decidedly epic originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftnamco-bandaininja-theoryplaystationps3xboxThu, 12 Aug 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The plot thickens: More on Enslaved's inspired journey to the West]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/more-on-enslaveds-inspired-journey-to-the-we/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/more-on-enslaveds-inspired-journey-to-the-we/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/more-on-enslaveds-inspired-journey-to-the-we/#comments Enslaved: Odyssey to the West was one of my favorite titles at E3 this year. It's got a terrific story foundation upon which Ninja Theory has built rock-solid combat, jazzed up by great art direction. This past week at Comic-Con, I spoke with Namco Bandai brand manager Laili Bosma, who filled in the background behind the game and fleshed out more of the gameplay mechanics that shape this promising action adventure.

The game's key aspect is the relationship between its two main characters. While their names and basic personalities have been taken from the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West, Bosma stresses that Enslaved is "very, very loosely based" on the famous tale. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic future where Trip, a fragile 19-year-old redhead, embarks on a perilous journey to return home. In order to survive, she recruits the player-controlled Monkey, a brutish slave, bound to Trip by a deadly, magical headband.

Gallery: Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (07/09/10)

Continue reading The plot thickens: More on Enslaved's inspired journey to the West

JoystiqThe plot thickens: More on Enslaved's inspired journey to the West originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2010enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westLaila-Bosmamicrosoftnamco-bandaininja-theoryplaystationps3xboxTue, 27 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Develop: How a movie screenwriter helped save Enslaved's story]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/develop-how-a-movie-screenwriter-helped-save-enslaveds-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/develop-how-a-movie-screenwriter-helped-save-enslaveds-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/develop-how-a-movie-screenwriter-helped-save-enslaveds-story/#comments Enslaved Odyssey to the West Gamers sometimes criticize games for playing too much like movies. But as Ninja Theory Designer Tameem Antonaides explained at a Develop Conference session this week, bringing in screenwriting veteran Alex Garland to consult on their upcoming game Enslaved: Odyssey to the West made their game more movie-like is some very beneficial ways.

As the writer behind movies like Sunshine and 28 Days Later, Garland had a feel for how to get the most drama out of Enslaved's story scenes, Antonaides said. Garland would write scenes with very simple, reductive dialogue that looked thin on the page, Antonaides said, but gained more "meat" with an actor's performance behind them.

Indeed, the short story clips shown at the conference were notable for how much they relied on body language and vocal cues to convey information without words. Antonaides said they ended up cutting the game's cutscenes down from two hours of dialogue to a lean 80 minutes, with less focus on exposition and more on drama. "If you have too much dialogue, it doesn't work," Antonaides said. "Alex changed my view of what writing meant," Antonaides said. "I felt like a schoolboy so many times talking to Alex."

Gallery: Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (07/09/10)

Continue reading Develop: How a movie screenwriter helped save Enslaved's story

JoystiqDevelop: How a movie screenwriter helped save Enslaved's story originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex-Garlanddevelop-2010enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmicrosoftNamco-BandaiNinja-Theoryplaystationps3tameem-antoniadesxboxFri, 16 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved hangs ten in North America October 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/enslaved-hangs-ten-in-north-america-october-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/enslaved-hangs-ten-in-north-america-october-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/enslaved-hangs-ten-in-north-america-october-5/#commentsNamco Bandai clarified the "October" release date for Enslaved: Odyssey to the West in a press release today. Trip and Monkey's technologically tethered pilgrimage will begin October 5 in North America. In the interim, you'll have to settle for looking at these new screenshots.

That's not a partcularly bad bargain, though -- how often do you get to see a picture of a futuristic monkey-man based on Chinese myth, surfing through a ruined cityscape? Like two-three times a week, max?

Gallery: Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (07/09/10)


Continue reading Enslaved hangs ten in North America October 5

JoystiqEnslaved hangs ten in North America October 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westnintendoplaystationps3wiiFri, 09 Jul 2010 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved pre-order bonuses and DLC are bound to retailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/enslaved-pre-order-bonuses-and-dlc-are-bound-to-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/enslaved-pre-order-bonuses-and-dlc-are-bound-to-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/enslaved-pre-order-bonuses-and-dlc-are-bound-to-retailers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

North American gamers face a tough choice regarding Enslaved: Odyssey to the West: when you make your own fateful journey to a store to pre-order the game, your choice of store will determine which alternate character costume, with stat bonuses, you will be able to unlock:
  • GameStop (EB Games in Canada) pre-orders will include "Ninja Monkey," who has unlimited use of the "stun" and "plasma" blast for his staff.
  • Walmart purchases add "Classic Monkey," with a costume inspired by the game's source, the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West, and twice the melee attack power -- and it also makes Monkey look even more like Dragon Ball's Goku (who's inspired by the same source text).
  • Best Buy-ers will receive ... "Sexy Robot Trip," who reveals a specific fetish on the part of someone at Namco Bandai by making Trip simultaneously sexier and more robotic. Using this costume doubles the duration (and sexiness) of stun moves.
Additionally, Namco Bandai has announced retailer-exclusive bundles containing more tangible bonuses. Amazon bundles will include "exclusive access" to the game's soundtrack, while Target (and Future Shop in Canada) will offer a bundle with an Enslaved comic book published by Marvel. The source press release is posted after the break.

Gallery: Enslaved Pre-Order DLC costumes


Continue reading Enslaved pre-order bonuses and DLC are bound to retailers

JoystiqEnslaved pre-order bonuses and DLC are bound to retailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonBest-BuyDLCenslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westGameStopmicrosoftNamco-BandaiNinja-TheoryplaystationPre-order-bonusps3TargetxboxMon, 28 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved: Odyssey to the West set free from its bounds in October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/enslaved-odyssey-to-the-west-set-free-from-its-bounds-in-octobe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/enslaved-odyssey-to-the-west-set-free-from-its-bounds-in-octobe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/enslaved-odyssey-to-the-west-set-free-from-its-bounds-in-octobe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West will bring its post-apocalyptic action to retail in October, according to the E3 trailer released today by publisher Namco Bandai.

But release date news isn't all the trailer has to offer! It's loaded with melodrama, suspense and lots of action, as Goku and Bulma Monkey and Trip try to navigate a perilous future version of New York. There's even a guy with some Borg-style junk on his face! That's how you know it's the future! Well, that and the mechs, which seem to really freak Trip out.

Gallery: Enslaved (4/26/10)

JoystiqEnslaved: Odyssey to the West set free from its bounds in October originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaction-adventureenslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westMicrosoftNinja-Theoryrelease-dateXbox-360Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:10:00 EST