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[Wolfenstein 3D re-rated by ESRB, gets new page on XBLM [update: housekeeping]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/wolfenstein-3d-re-rated-by-esrb-gets-new-page-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/wolfenstein-3d-re-rated-by-esrb-gets-new-page-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/wolfenstein-3d-re-rated-by-esrb-gets-new-page-on-xblm/#commentsWolfenstein 3D rerated by ESRB, gets new page on XBLM There's something odd going on with Wolfenstein 3D on PSN and XBLM. First off, this week the ESRB re-rated the classic game on Xbox 360 and PS3, nearly four years after it arrived on the platforms digitally. Secondly, it's sprouted an additional page on XBLM.

Playing Spot the Difference between the two pages, the new one lists the publisher as Bethesda rather than Activision. Developer id Software was acquired by Bethesda's parent company Zenimax in June 2009, just a few weeks after Wolfenstein 3D came to XBLM and PSN. Also, the release date is now listed as May 31 of this year, which is a bit odd. The box art is slightly different too, and once more notes Bethesda's name instead of Activision's.

Overall, the whole thing's as curious as Adolf Hitler in a mech suit. The timing's certainly interesting given the recent reveal of Wolfenstein: The New Order. When approached on the matter, a company spokesperson told Joystiq, "No comment on that from Bethesda."

Update: Bethesda VP of PR and Marketing Pete Hines told Joystiq there's nothing to see here.

"No changes. Was originally published through Activision, so now that it's reverted back to us we have to jump through ESRB (ratings go to the publisher, they don't "follow" the game to a new publisher) and console hoops (game has to be "re-certed" by the new publisher)," Hines said.

JoystiqWolfenstein 3D re-rated by ESRB, gets new page on XBLM [update: housekeeping] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardBethesda-SoftworksESRBid-Softwaremicrosoftplaystationps3PSNWolfenstein-3DXBLMxboxTue, 14 May 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB rates 'Sly Collection' for Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/esrb-rates-sly-collection-for-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/esrb-rates-sly-collection-for-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/esrb-rates-sly-collection-for-vita/#comments The Entertainment Software Ratings Board has issued an "E" classification to the PlayStation Vita version of The Sly Collection, which is interesting since that game hasn't been announced for that platform - insert dramatic musical sting here.

As is typically the case with these sorts of ESRB leaks, the rating summary gives very little pertinent information beyond the fact that the port exists, and that one of the games briefly shows a barrel marked "ale." We've reached out to Sony for more information and will update with any official word we receive. In the meantime, we're going to follow the ESRB's lead and see if anything in our fridge is also marked "ale."

JoystiqESRB rates 'Sly Collection' for Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ESRBplaystationplaystation-vitasanzaru-gamesSCEASony-Computer-Entertainment-Americathe-sly-collectionvitaSat, 20 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB rates 'Best of PSN' collection, with Sound Shapes, Tokyo Jungle, Fat Princess]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/esrb-rates-best-of-psn-collection-with-sound-shapes-tokyo-ju/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/esrb-rates-best-of-psn-collection-with-sound-shapes-tokyo-ju/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/esrb-rates-best-of-psn-collection-with-sound-shapes-tokyo-ju/#comments A new ESRB rating suggests that Sony's going to bottle some of its PSN magic for sale on retail shelves. The rating is for " Best of Playstation(R)Network Vol. 1," which compiles action strategy game Fat Princess, Tokyo Jungle, Sound Shapes, and When Vikings Attack."

Sony has yet to officially announce the collection. We've asked SCEA for more details on this intriguingly diverse, seemingly appropriately titled collection.

JoystiqESRB rates 'Best of PSN' collection, with Sound Shapes, Tokyo Jungle, Fat Princess originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-playstation-networkbest-of-playstation-network-volume-1esrbfat-princessplaystationps3sound-shapestokyo-junglewhen-vikings-attackTue, 02 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB relaxes rules for trailers and demos of M-rated games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/esrb-relaxes-rules-for-trailers-and-demos-of-m-rated-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/esrb-relaxes-rules-for-trailers-and-demos-of-m-rated-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/esrb-relaxes-rules-for-trailers-and-demos-of-m-rated-games/#comments ESRB changes rules for trailers and demos of Mrated gamesGood news for people who hate age gates. The ESRB has released revised rules for the marketing of games rated M for Mature (or games likely to be), reported by Giant Bomb, allowing trailers and demos of such games to be released on websites without age gates - as long as those trailers are designed for "general" audiences and approved by the ESRB. Such trailers will include green headers noting that they have been approved for a general audience, much like those in front of movie trailers.

The ESRB also allows M-rated games to be promoted via demos included in other games, even if those games have a more permissive rating. This requires ESRB approval, however, and research suggesting that the two games have the same intended audience.

Other new rules include removing the mandatory 4-second ESRB logo in front of demos, as long as the rating is shown on the download page, and a removal of a restriction on placing multiple regional ratings next to each other on websites.

JoystiqESRB relaxes rules for trailers and demos of M-rated games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Entertainment-software-associationentertainment-software-ratings-boardesaesrbm-ratedmatureratingsWed, 13 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Persona 2: Eternal Punishment rated for PS3, PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/persona-2-eternal-punishment-rated-for-ps3-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/persona-2-eternal-punishment-rated-for-ps3-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/persona-2-eternal-punishment-rated-for-ps3-psp/#comments Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, the original PlayStation game and second chapter in the Persona 2 saga, has a new ESRB rating for the PS3 and PSP, suggesting a launch on PSN.

The first Persona 2 installment, Innocent Sin, made the trek to PSP in 2011, with nary a word on Eternal Punishment following suit. An ESRB rating, however, is a fairly solid indication of an impending launch. Eternal Punishment received the same rating on PS3 and PSP as it did on PS1 all those years ago, T for Teen. Eternal Punishment on PS3 and PSP is published by SCEA, rather than Atlus, which published the PS1 version and Innocent Sin's iterations.

JoystiqPersona 2: Eternal Punishment rated for PS3, PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Feb 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ESRBpersona-2-eternal-punishmentPersona-2-Innocent-Sinplaystationps3pspratingsSCEAsonySun, 17 Feb 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[House bill proposes fines on retail games without ESRB ratings, prohibition of some sales to minors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/house-bill-proposes-fines-on-retail-games-without-esrb-ratings/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/house-bill-proposes-fines-on-retail-games-without-esrb-ratings/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/house-bill-proposes-fines-on-retail-games-without-esrb-ratings/#comments House bill proposes fines on retail games without ESRB ratings, prohibiting some sales to minorsBill H.R.287, or the "Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act" as it will likely be more widely known, seeks to accomplish three goals: To make illegal the act of selling or renting video games that have not been evaluated by the ESRB, to legally prohibit the sale of Adults Only/Mature games to anyone under the age of 18/17 respectively, and to institute a fine not in excess of $5,000 in the event of noncompliance.

The bill's second and third provisions aside, mandating that all games be rated doesn't sound too wildly outside the scope of reason, save for the fact that the industry's current architecture supports that already. Granted, indie games that end up on Steam or other PC/Mac distribution platforms may not seek out ESRB evaluation, but any game released for any console must have an ESRB rating, as Nintendo/Sony/Microsoft will refuse licensing otherwise.

If the rest of what VGREA is attempting to accomplish sounds familiar, it's because the Supreme Court of the United States already declared such legislation unconstitutional way back in June of 2011. So, unless time is cyclical and this bill is actually what the court ruled on in 2011, the chances of this new one getting off the ground are pretty slim.

JoystiqHouse bill proposes fines on retail games without ESRB ratings, prohibition of some sales to minors originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billESRBh-r-287house-of-representativesillegallawlegalprohibitionratingssupreme-courtVideo-Games-Ratings-Enforcement-ActThu, 17 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave Story dev's Guxt rated for 3DS, will include vertical display mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/22/cave-story-devs-guxt-rated-for-3ds-will-include-vertical-displ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/22/cave-story-devs-guxt-rated-for-3ds-will-include-vertical-displ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/22/cave-story-devs-guxt-rated-for-3ds-will-include-vertical-displ/#comments Cave Story dev's Guxt rated for 3DS, will include vertical display modeAs Cave Story designer Daisuke "Pixel" Amaya told us in an interview last March, he's been working on a version of his vertical scrolling shmup Guxt for the 3DS, and Nicalis, who's publishing the game, has just tweeted recently that it's been rated by the ESRB and is ready to go. You can download and play the game online for free on the PC right now, though the game will be updated for Nintendo's handheld for sure.

One of the game's producers has tweeted that the title will have a "vertical display mode", so players will be able to tilt the 3DS to hold it vertically, and see the game on a correctly-aligned screen, rather than having a bar running through the middle of the action. Unfortunately, there's no word on exactly when the game will arrive, but considering it's been in development for a while., "soon" is probably the answer you're looking for. Stay tuned.

JoystiqCave Story dev's Guxt rated for 3DS, will include vertical display mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Nov 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscave-storydaisuke-amayaeesrbguxtnicalisnintendonintendo-3dspcpixelratedThu, 22 Nov 2012 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave Story pre-emptively rated for additional platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/cave-story-pre-emptively-rated-for-additional-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/cave-story-pre-emptively-rated-for-additional-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/cave-story-pre-emptively-rated-for-additional-platforms/#comments Cave Story preemptively rated for additional platforms Last week, Cave Story's ESRB rating was updated to include new platforms: PS2, PS3, Vita, and Xbox 360 in addition to the existing 3DS, DSi, Wii, and PSP ratings. We contacted developer and publisher Nicalis to determine whether to expect Cave Story on even more platforms than it's already on.

In short, no. The ESRB ratings are not indication of definite plans. "We submitted all the consoles so that we wouldn't have to resubmit in the future," producer Tyrone Rodriguez told Joystiq, "IF [emphasis his] we ever decided to bring to those consoles."

The good news is that you are very likely to already have a platform to play Cave Story on.

JoystiqCave Story pre-emptively rated for additional platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cave-Storyesrbmicrosoftnicalisplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaxboxSat, 03 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB introduces streamlined, free rating system for downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/esrb-introduces-streamlined-free-rating-system-for-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/esrb-introduces-streamlined-free-rating-system-for-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/esrb-introduces-streamlined-free-rating-system-for-downloads/#comments ESRBThe Entertainment Software Rating Board is attempting to streamline the release of downloadable games, announcing a new rating service specifically targeted at XBLA, PSN, eShop, WiiWare, and Windows 8 downloads. The no-cost (!) service relies on a brief online questionnaire through which developers self-identify the adult content.

Most relevant to the digital market, the new questionnaire also rates games in terms of their information sharing and user-generated content, with the ESRB introducing the new content descriptor images above. "Shares info" means that the game sends some user information to a third party; "Shares Location" means that your physical location is visible to others (or can be), and "Users Interact" means that the player may communicate with other people in the game, or interact with user-created content.

Sony may be ahead of the curve on this initiative. These self-reported ratings closely resemble the system that Sony is already using for PlayStation Mobile games, as detailed in a Fantastic Arcade presentation. Sony has already worked out similar programs with Japan's CERO and Europe's PEGI in addition to the ESRB.

Continue reading ESRB introduces streamlined, free rating system for downloads

JoystiqESRB introduces streamlined, free rating system for downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsesrbmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-mobileplaystation-vitaps3psnpspratingssonyvitawiiwii-uxblaxboxWed, 24 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony streamlining ratings for PlayStation Mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/sony-streamlining-ratings-for-playstation-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/sony-streamlining-ratings-for-playstation-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/sony-streamlining-ratings-for-playstation-mobile/#comments Sony works with ratings boards for simpler system for PlayStation MobilePublishing a game on PlayStation Mobile will be easier than usual, thanks to an initiative by Sony. Developer relations exec Shane Bettenhausen revealed during a Fantastic Arcade panel that Sony has collaborated with ratings boards for a simpler method of ratings. "ESRB lite, PEGI lite, CERO lite," he called it.

Under the new system, developers are able to self-report content by checking spaces on a form. That saves time and overhead required for ratings boards to check the content manually. It also means that games on PS Mobile are subject to the same content restrictions as console games - and not, say, at the mercy of Apple.

JoystiqSony streamlining ratings for PlayStation Mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceroesrbfantastic-arcade-2012mobilepegiplaystationplaystation-mobileplaystation-vitavitaFri, 21 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB: Machinarium also coming to Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/esrb-machinarium-also-coming-to-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/esrb-machinarium-also-coming-to-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/esrb-machinarium-also-coming-to-vita/#comments Machinarium apparently headed to PS3 and VitaAmanita Design's lovely robot-themed adventure game, Machinarium, will occupy another beautiful screen, that of the PlayStation Vita. Machinarium's ESRB rating has been updated recently to add Vita to the list of platforms. However, designer Jakub Dvorsky told Joystiq that though Amanita would "like to bring the game to Vita," it couldn't confirm that version.

Also on the list is PS3, reminding us that the downloadable release for that platform is due sometime this summer as an "ultimate version" (following long delays). Dvorsky confirmed that summer release window to us as well. Perhaps one of the features of this version will be Vita crossplay.

JoystiqESRB: Machinarium also coming to Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanita-designesrbMachinariumplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaMon, 16 Jul 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deus Ex: Human Revolution still coming to Mac, ESRB reassures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/deus-ex-human-revolution-still-coming-to-mac-esrb-reassures/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/deus-ex-human-revolution-still-coming-to-mac-esrb-reassures/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/deus-ex-human-revolution-still-coming-to-mac-esrb-reassures/#comments Square Enix has a little less than a month to meet the planned "winter 2011/2012" release date for Deus Ex: Human Revolution on Mac. There's no cybernetic implant that can foresee the future but, thanks to the ESRB, we do have at least one sign that Deus Ex is still on the way to Apple machines.

The organization has posted a rating for an "Ultimate Edition" of the game for Mac, which is presumably even more ultimate than the Augmented Edition released on other platforms last year. The game has been rated M for egregious pheromone usage. Or killing. Probably killing.

JoystiqDeus Ex: Human Revolution still coming to Mac, ESRB reassures originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-ex-human-revolutiondeus-ex-human-revolution-ultimate-editionEidosesrbmacsquare-enixTue, 28 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB rating for Darkstalkers 3 points to PSN release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/esrb-rating-for-darkstalkers-3-points-to-psn-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/esrb-rating-for-darkstalkers-3-points-to-psn-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/esrb-rating-for-darkstalkers-3-points-to-psn-release/#comments Capcom's classic Darkstalkers 3 will soon save vampires via the PlayStation Network, assuming that we're correctly inferring the ESRB's recently administered Teen rating for PlayStation 3 and Vita versions of the title. We suppose it's not a physical impossibility that Capcom would rerelease boxed versions of a 14 year old fighter, but we're hedging our bets on digital distribution.

Originally released in 1998, Darkstalkers 3 (or Vampire Savior: EX Edition in Japan) is the third title in the Darkstalkers series, after Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors (also available on PSN) and Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge. While it may not be the contemporary series reboot we pray for every night, we suppose a PSN rerelease is better than no brand movement at all. Still, we can't help but sigh wistfully whenever we see Morrigan in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3. So close, and yet, so far.

JoystiqESRB rating for Darkstalkers 3 points to PSN release originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomDarkstalkersDarkstalkers-3ESRBplaystationps3PSNVampire-SaviorVampire-Savior-Ex-EditionSat, 25 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB and Penny Arcade team up on new ratings campaign]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/esrb-and-penny-arcade-team-up-on-new-ratings-campaign/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/esrb-and-penny-arcade-team-up-on-new-ratings-campaign/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/esrb-and-penny-arcade-team-up-on-new-ratings-campaign/#comments Once again, the Entertainment Software Ratings Board is joining forces with Penny Arcade to create a new series of advertisements about the game industry's rating system. The print and online campaign offers up three public service announcements featuring Penny Arcade's familiar artwork. This marks the second partnership between the ESRB and Penny Arcade, which first created a campaign back in 2006.

The new campaign is based on real individuals, who were chosen via a "micro-essay" contest held by the ESRB on Facebook. Each ad highlights a different service provided by the ESRB. The campaign will begin appearing in "parent-focused and game enthusiast media outlets" this spring, but you can check them out right now in the gallery below.

Gallery: Penny Arcade ESRB Campaign

Continue reading ESRB and Penny Arcade team up on new ratings campaign

JoystiqESRB and Penny Arcade team up on new ratings campaign originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbpenny-arcadepsaFri, 17 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB rates Game Gear games for 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/esrb-rates-game-gear-games-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/esrb-rates-game-gear-games-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/esrb-rates-game-gear-games-for-3ds/#comments Despite using more electricity than a Lady Gaga performance and being the size of a small cathedral, the Game Gear was a pioneering handheld system than did many things better than its contemporaries. Twenty-two years later, the heart and soul of Sega's plucky little handheld lives on in the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console.

Shinobi and Sonic Triple Trouble have both been rated by the ESRB for the 3DS, which indicates that the ports are close to, if not entirely ready for release. If you had told us 22 years ago that someday we'd be playing Sega games on a Nintendo handheld, we'd have pushed you off the monkey bars.

JoystiqESRB rates Game Gear games for 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsESRBGame-GearnintendoSEGAShinobiSonic-Triple-TroubleVirtual-ConsoleThu, 02 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB warning might reveal new characters for Street Fighter X Tekken]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/esrb-warning-might-reveal-new-characters-for-street-fighter-x-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/esrb-warning-might-reveal-new-characters-for-street-fighter-x-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/esrb-warning-might-reveal-new-characters-for-street-fighter-x-te/#comments Street Fighter X Tekken has been officially listed by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (T for Teen, if you're wondering), and some details in the listing may have revealed a few more characters for the game. The description of possibly objectionable content in the game mentions both a character that uses "chainsaws," as well as the fact that "one wobbly character uses 'drunken' fighting moves."

Neither of those descriptions matches any of the announced characters thus far, and fans have jumped to the conclusion that Tekken's Alisa Bosconovitch (who wields chainsaw arms) and drunken fighter Lei Wulong may be making an appearance in the crossover. It certainly seems possible, and this wouldn't be the first time ESRB has mentioned information in its warnings that was supposed to be secret. With the game due out next month, we'll know the truth before long.

JoystiqESRB warning might reveal new characters for Street Fighter X Tekken originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alisacharacterscontentesrbfightinginformationlei-wulongmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ratingssecretstreet-fighter-x-tekkenwarningxboxWed, 01 Feb 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[It's getting there: Fez rated by ESRB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/its-getting-there-fez-rated-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/its-getting-there-fez-rated-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/its-getting-there-fez-rated-by-esrb/#comments Phil Fish's Fez contractions continue, with the game finally being rated by the ESRB. It was also rated by Europe's PEGI board in December, but has yet to hit the Australian boards. So, expect labor to last for a little while longer.

The long-in-development (yet award-winning) game now has a release window of "early 2012." If you order cigars from Cuba for the birth, feel free to go with the cheap shipping option.

JoystiqIt's getting there: Fez rated by ESRB originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ESRBFezmicrosoftPolytronxboxMon, 30 Jan 2012 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 rated by ESRB for consoles, PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-rated-by-esrb-for-consoles-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-rated-by-esrb-for-consoles-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-rated-by-esrb-for-consoles-pc/#comments The ESRB has granted Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 an "E for Everyone" rating on the PC, 360, PS3 and Windows Phone platforms, thankfully without dyeing its sideburns in the process. Usually, an ESRB rating is indicative of an impending release date announcement or, in the case of badly promoted games, an impending release.

Android, iOS and Wii classifications are missing from the ESRB's breakdown of the title, which isn't to say that those version don't or won't exist, but it is a good sign that they may not be among the first batch of platforms to receive Sonic 4: Episode 2. Still, it's at least reassuring to know that the game exists, which is more than some people can say.

JoystiqSonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 rated by ESRB for consoles, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ESRBmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3ratedratingsegasonic-teamsonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2xboxThu, 26 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Daxter, more PSP games re-rated for PlayStation Certified devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/daxter-more-psp-games-re-rated-for-playstation-certified-device/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/daxter-more-psp-games-re-rated-for-playstation-certified-device/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/daxter-more-psp-games-re-rated-for-playstation-certified-device/#comments The ESRB has rated Daxter, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror, eight tables worth of Pinball Heroes and flOw for release on PlayStation Certified devices, including the Xperia Play and Sony Tablet series. It's unclear whether flOw is a port of the PSP version or the original PS3 version, but we feel safe in assuming that it's the former, considering the PlayStation Suite's track record with repurposing PSP titles.

We can't imagine that playing a Syphon Filter game on a capacitive touch screen would be a rewarding experience, but flOw and Pinball Heroes sound like they'd translate well to the tactile interface of the Sony Tablet. We'll keep our ears to the ground for pricing and release information as it becomes available.

JoystiqDaxter, more PSP games re-rated for PlayStation Certified devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddaxterESRBflOwmobilepinball-heroesplaystationPlayStation-CertifiedPlayStation-Suiteplaystation-vitapspsonySony-Tabletsyphon-filter-dark-mirrorvitaXperia-PlayMon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto 3 and GTA: Vice City rated by ESRB for PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/grand-theft-auto-3-and-gta-vice-city-rated-by-esrb-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/grand-theft-auto-3-and-gta-vice-city-rated-by-esrb-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/grand-theft-auto-3-and-gta-vice-city-rated-by-esrb-for-ps3/#comments The ESRB has rated crime epics Grand Theft Auto 3 and Vice City for the PlayStation 3. Considering the blockbuster third entry in the series is available on iOS and Android, word of it coming to the PS3 isn't the craziest news we've heard about the classic title in recent memory.

The third entry in the GTA3 series, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, still doesn't have a PS3 listing from the ESRB, so we aren't sure if it's just cruisin' in later for a drive-by or part of what's likely Rockstar adding the two other games to PSN for digital distribution. Of course, if you own a first-gen PS3, your system is backwards-compatible and should have no issue playing the original PlayStation 2 discs (chances are you already own them).

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto 3 and GTA: Vice City rated by ESRB for PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>entertainment-software-ratings-boardESRBgrand-theft-auto-3grand-theft-auto-san-andreasgrand-theft-auto-vice-cityplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnRockstarRockstar-GamesTake-Two-InteractiveMon, 23 Jan 2012 08:53:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB rates Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet for PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/esrb-rates-insanely-twisted-shadow-planet-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/esrb-rates-insanely-twisted-shadow-planet-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/esrb-rates-insanely-twisted-shadow-planet-for-pc/#comments ITSPC PC owners will soon be able to explore the Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet, according to the ESRB. The organization has posted a PC rating for the title, which was then noted in an article on ExtraGuy. Said article was subsequently tweeted by the Shadow Planet account with a "hmmmmmm" and a winky-face.

A winky-face. Yeah, we'd say Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet is definitely headed to PC. We've contacted developer Fuelcell Games just in case.

JoystiqESRB rates Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet for PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbFuelCellfuellcell-gamesinsanely-twisted-shadow-planetpcTue, 17 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB: Darkstalkers stalking PSOne Classics release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/esrb-darkstalkers-stalking-psone-classics-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/esrb-darkstalkers-stalking-psone-classics-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/esrb-darkstalkers-stalking-psone-classics-release/#comments Here's some super spooky pre-Halloween news for you: a (haunted?) ESRB rating reveals plans to re-release the monster-mash fighting game, Darkstalkers: The Night Warrior, on PS3 and PSP, as a PSOne Classic. Unfortunately, there's no way the game will hit in time for our scariest holiday, as there's no announced release date and the next PSN update will occur after Halloween.

Not that there's anything wrong with playing this game for its own merits instead of its seasonality. If you've never played it before, this will be an excellent (cheap) opportunity to check out one of Capcom's lost fighting game series. A $6 emulated version isn't exactly a "revival" of the series that has been mostly absent from Capcom's renewed fighter output, but might lead to one.

Oh, who are we kidding -- Capcom released Cyberbots on PSN too.

JoystiqESRB: Darkstalkers stalking PSOne Classics release originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomDarkstalkersesrbplaystationps3psnpsone-classicspspsonyFri, 28 Oct 2011 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[I Am Alive rated by ESRB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/i-am-alive-rated-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/i-am-alive-rated-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/i-am-alive-rated-by-esrb/#comments Ubisoft's I Am Alive, a game that exists mostly as whispers and shadows, has been rated "Mature" by the ESRB. The last official bit of news on the spectral entity came three months ago when it was classified by the Australians, while the last sighting was an "unreleased" teaser trailer that made a quick appearance in late August.

The ESRB description notes that I Am Alive is a third-person action game where "players traverse through city ruins and use a machete to kill human enemies in melee-style-combat."

The latest launch window we had was Ubisoft's fiscal 2011-12 (April 2011 - March 2012). The good news is the game is being rated by international classification boards; the fact that almost nobody outside of Ubisoft can confirm the game's existence is just weird. We've never seen it in the three years since its announcement, like, ever.

JoystiqI Am Alive rated by ESRB originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ESRBi-am-alivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3UbisoftxboxMon, 26 Sep 2011 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy Origins rated for PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/chrono-cross-final-fantasy-origins-rated-for-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/chrono-cross-final-fantasy-origins-rated-for-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/chrono-cross-final-fantasy-origins-rated-for-psn/#comments Oh, Chrono Cross? And Final Fantasy Origins, which includes the franchise's first two NES installments? You mean those games that have been available in other territories' PlayStation Stores for a few months now, leaving us to stew in a bog of our own jealousy? You're telling us that they were recently rated to be released on the North American PlayStation Network? Well, guess what -- we don't care anymore.

We don't care that we'll be able to play Chrono Cross on our PSP, taking the magical adventures of Serge, Kid (and a third party to be named later) on the bus with us. Maybe if you'd gotten to us a few months ago, our hearts wouldn't be so cold and calloused.

JoystiqChrono Cross, Final Fantasy Origins rated for PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrono-crossesrbfinal-fantasy-originsplaystationps3psnpsone-classicspspsonyThu, 22 Sep 2011 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB rates Devil May Cry 1, 2 and 3 for Xbox, PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/esrb-rates-devil-may-cry-1-2-and-3-for-xbox-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/esrb-rates-devil-may-cry-1-2-and-3-for-xbox-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/esrb-rates-devil-may-cry-1-2-and-3-for-xbox-ps3/#comments Devil May Rate We suspected as much earlier this year, and now the ESRB seems to think the first three Devil May Cry games are headed to Xbox and PS3. All three have been rated by the organization and, incidentally, have received an "M for Mature."

HD collections are all the rage these days, and Capcom is certainly no stranger to rereleasing its older products. And, with the impending Devil May Cry reboot, it only makes sense that the publisher would want to cash in on both series veterans and newcomers alike. We contacted Capcom and were told that the company hasn't "made any announcements." Well we knew that. Sheesh.

JoystiqESRB rates Devil May Cry 1, 2 and 3 for Xbox, PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdevil-may-crydevil-may-cry-2Devil-May-Cry-3Devil-May-Cry-3-Dantes-Awakeningesrbmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxTue, 06 Sep 2011 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Slavery the Game isn't a real game, is a real website, is really uncool]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/slavery-the-game-isnt-a-real-game-is-a-real-website-is-really/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/slavery-the-game-isnt-a-real-game-is-a-real-website-is-really/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/slavery-the-game-isnt-a-real-game-is-a-real-website-is-really/#comments

Slavery the Game isn't a game -- at least, we really hope it's not -- but it is a wonderful example of just how warped the Internet's sense of humor and decency is. Slavery the Game's website is horrifyingly legit at first glance, boasting a trailer, contact information, share buttons, the insignia for Xbox 360, PS3, PC and an ESRB rating of AO (Adults Only).

These are lined up at the bottom of the site, right next to the overwhelming sense of relief we felt when we realized neither 360 nor PS3 release AO titles. Further, the ESRB doesn't list a rating for anything called Slavery the Game and the proposed developer, Javelin Reds Gaming, doesn't exist. One YouTube version of the trailer credits The Creative Assembly with making Slavery the Game, but it isn't mentioned anywhere on The Creative Assembly's site. We've contacted The Creative Assembly for clarification. [Update: The Creative Assembly has clarified it has nothing to do with this project.]

We do wonder, if Slavery the Game isn't a game (and it's not; notice the lack of italics here), does it have a larger goal, or is this it; a mysterious website with a gruesome reminder that society can be a more powerful force than individual morality? We thought we already had one of those.

JoystiqSlavery the Game isn't a real game, is a real website, is really uncool originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AOESRBIndecentJavelin-Reds-Gamingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Slavery-the-gamexboxSat, 03 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega Man X2 receives rating for Wii Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/mega-man-x2-receives-rating-for-wii-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/mega-man-x2-receives-rating-for-wii-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/mega-man-x2-receives-rating-for-wii-virtual-console/#comments The ESRB has rated Mega Man X2 for Wii, meaning it's coming to the Virtual Console in North America at some unknown time. Traditionally, Mega Man releases hit the North American Virtual Console after releasing in Japan, but surprisingly there's been no word yet on a release there. Even more surprising, the ESRB rated Mega Man X2 an "E" for "Everyone" -- how that game got away with anything less than "M" for "Man Shooting Enemies with a Giant Arm Cannon and Shoryuken" is beyond us.

JoystiqMega Man X2 receives rating for Wii Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomESRBmega-man-xmega-man-x2nintendowiiSat, 20 Aug 2011 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB dreams up Klonoa: Door to Phantomile on PS3 and PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/esrb-dreams-up-klonoa-door-to-phantomile-on-ps3-and-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/esrb-dreams-up-klonoa-door-to-phantomile-on-ps3-and-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/esrb-dreams-up-klonoa-door-to-phantomile-on-ps3-and-psp/#comments When we saw this news, our giant wing-like ears flapped in excitement and we exclaimed in a nonsensical language. Klonoa: Door to Phantomile, one of the PlayStation's best (and only) side-scrollers, is going to be released on PSN via PSOne Classics.

That is, of course, assuming that's why the ESRB rated the game for PS3 and PSP. It's a pretty safe assumption. If you don't want to wait for the Wind Bulleting, enemy-grabbing action to hit PS3 and PSP, Door to Phantomile is also available in a more modern form -- it was remade for Wii.

JoystiqESRB dreams up Klonoa: Door to Phantomile on PS3 and PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbklonoaklonoa-door-to-phantomileplaystationps3psone-classicspspsonyMon, 18 Jul 2011 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Infestation is a side-scrolling action game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/aliens-infestation-is-a-side-scrolling-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/aliens-infestation-is-a-side-scrolling-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/aliens-infestation-is-a-side-scrolling-action-game/#comments
Aliens: Infestation, the long-gestating xenomorph game for the Nintendo DS, has been rated by the ESRB. The classification board describes the teen-rated title as an action game, in which "players run and jump through side-scrolling levels, they use rifles, pistols, flamethrowers, and explosives to kill enemy soldiers and aliens (i.e., 'xenomorphs')." There are also the obligatory scenes of chest bursting and some "briefly exposed" male buttocks in a locker room. That one's less obligatory, but still edgy.

Infestation, which has still not been officially announced by Sega, must be close to exploding out of the company's marketing abdomen by now. After a long period of silence, the game was classified by the Australians in May, with WayForward Technologies (Bloodrayne: Betrayal, A Boy and His Blob) indicated as developer.

JoystiqAliens: Infestation is a side-scrolling action game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliensAliens-InfestationdsESRBnintendoSEGAWayForwardWayForward-TechnologiesFri, 15 Jul 2011 09:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Parasite Eve 2 rated for PS3 and PSP by ESRB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/parasite-eve-2-rated-for-ps3-and-psp-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/parasite-eve-2-rated-for-ps3-and-psp-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/parasite-eve-2-rated-for-ps3-and-psp-by-esrb/#comments The first Parasite Eve was released on PSN as a PSOne Classic on March 15, two weeks before The 3rd Birthday continued the series on PSP. Now, long after any hype for The 3rd Birthday has evaporated, Parasite Eve 2 is set to appear on PSN.

The ESRB has rated Parasite Eve 2 for PSP and PS3, indicating an intent to re-release the game on those two platforms at some point in the future. Whoever did the new rating decided to alter the content warnings from "animated blood and gore" and "animated violence" to just "blood and gore" and "violence." Regardless of the wording, the "mature" rating holds.

JoystiqParasite Eve 2 rated for PS3 and PSP by ESRB originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbparasite-eveparasite-eve-2playstationps3psnpsone-classicspspsonysquare-enixWed, 13 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Supreme Court's Brown v. EMA opinions: A digest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/supreme-courts-brown-v-ema-opinions-a-digest/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/supreme-courts-brown-v-ema-opinions-a-digest/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/supreme-courts-brown-v-ema-opinions-a-digest/#comments Between the majority, concurring and dissenting opinions published in today's Supreme Court decision on Brown v. EMA, there's a good 92 pages of legalese for enthusiastic gaming activists to pore over. If you don't feel like flipping through a novella of legal documents in search of relevant, easily digestible bits, feel free to check out some highlights from each opinion, which we've compiled after the jump!

Continue reading Supreme Court's Brown v. EMA opinions: A digest

JoystiqSupreme Court's Brown v. EMA opinions: A digest originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179brown-v-emacaliforniacourtecaemaesaesrblawpoliticsSchwarzeneggerSchwarzenegger-v-EMAscotussupreme-courtMon, 27 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Worms Crazy Golf rating squirms out of ESRB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/worms-crazy-golf-rating-squirms-out-of-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/worms-crazy-golf-rating-squirms-out-of-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/worms-crazy-golf-rating-squirms-out-of-esrb/#comments Worms Crazy Golf was rated by the German USK during the madness of E3, and then by the ESRB for PC and PlayStation 3. Originally made for Java phones several years ago, Worms Crazy Golf is hopefully getting a massive graphics and gameplay overhaul by Team 17 before it winds up on high-definition systems.

It appears Team 17 is hitting the Worms well hard again, having recently submitted Worms: Ultimate Mayhem to the Australian Classification Board as well. Now we play the waiting game to see when these unannounced invertebrate titles become "official."

JoystiqWorms Crazy Golf rating squirms out of ESRB originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ESRBpcplaystationps3team-17Worms-Crazy-GolfMon, 20 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alleyway rated for 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/alleyway-rated-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/alleyway-rated-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/alleyway-rated-for-3ds/#comments Alleyway, a name some may recall as one of the original Game Boy's launch titles, has been rated by the ESRB. Although this may give the impression that it'll involve in-your-face Breakout-style action, the rating could very well be for the 3DS's Virtual Console. In that case, it'll be pretty rudimentary paddle bouncing 2D action.

Our theory as to why this isn't an update, but rather a Virtual Console download: "3D" is missing from the title. If Nintendo was going to make a 3D version of the game, it would simply add the telltale two-letter descriptor to the end of the title, right?

JoystiqAlleyway rated for 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DSAlleywaydsESRBnintendoThu, 02 Jun 2011 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare rated for PS3 by ESRB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/alone-in-the-dark-the-new-nightmare-rated-for-ps3-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/alone-in-the-dark-the-new-nightmare-rated-for-ps3-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/alone-in-the-dark-the-new-nightmare-rated-for-ps3-by-esrb/#comments If a recently published ESRB rating is any indication, Sony is getting ready to re-release Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare on PS3 -- which, considering the original came out in 2001, might need a new subtitle. The rating might indicate that the game is simply being ported over as a PSOne Classic on PSN; however, ESRB ratings for such releases usually include a PSP designation, as well.

Should the generally well-received horror title be remade for PS3, it would make for an interesting cross-platform hat trick -- The New Nightmare's already appeared on PS1 and PS2. We get this bad boy on the PSP, NGP and Xperia Play, and all of a sudden, we might be looking at a new PlayStation brand mascot: Gun-Couple! The couple with guns.

JoystiqAlone in the Dark: The New Nightmare rated for PS3 by ESRB originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkalone-in-the-dark-the-new-nightmaredarkworksesrbinfogramesplaystationps3Sony-Computer-Entertainmentspiral-houseWed, 25 May 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB rates Witcher 2 for Xbox 360 [update 2: CD Projekt responds]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/esrb-rates-witcher-2-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/esrb-rates-witcher-2-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/esrb-rates-witcher-2-for-xbox-360/#comments For some of us, the recommended specs for The Witcher 2 are, let's say, a little daunting. It is thus with a heart full of hope that we look at a recent ESRB rating for an Xbox 360 version. The rating was discovered by Eurogamer, which adds that CD Projekt is planning to announce a game at E3 "that console gamers might be interested in."

CD Projekt has been cautious about a potential console release of The Witcher 2 for some time, though it's aware of the size of the console audience. Given the very warm critical reception The Witcher 2 has received so far, a console port would probably be a safe bet. It's also worth noting that the PC version already plays well with a controller -- the menus even reflect Xbox 360 button mapping when using an Xbox 360 controller.

Update: The ESRB has removed Xbox 360 as a platform in its Witcher 2 listing. We've reached out to CD Projekt for comment.

Update 2: CD Projekt has responded to Joystiq, saying, "We've said for some time that we'd love to bring The Witcher 2 to consoles, but we haven't made any announcements to that effect. Our focus has been and continues to be on the PC version. We're going to be showing off something at E3, and we'll announce what that is shortly before the show."

JoystiqESRB rates Witcher 2 for Xbox 360 [update 2: CD Projekt responds] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CD-Projektesrbmicrosoftthe-witcher-2xboxWed, 25 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB: SNK classic 'Marvin's Maze' coming to PS3 and PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/esrb-snk-classic-marvins-maze-coming-to-ps3-and-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/esrb-snk-classic-marvins-maze-coming-to-ps3-and-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/esrb-snk-classic-marvins-maze-coming-to-ps3-and-psp/#comments With the PlayStation Network functional once again in many territories, and the PlayStation Store coming back soon (possibly tomorrow), Sony will soon be free to return to the very important work it was undertaking earlier this year. We're speaking, of course, about the sale of obscure SNK games.

The ESRB just provided a clue about the next game from the publisher to hit PS3 and PSP, and in a surprise twist, it's not a Neo Geo game. Marvin's Maze is actually a 1983 arcade game about a cute character trying to collect dots in a multi-layered maze, while avoiding or destroying "Robonoids."

In addition to this apparent PS3/PSP release, Marvin's Maze is part of the PSP SNK Arcade Classics 0 collection, which has yet to be officially announced for North American release.

[Image: The Arcade Flyer Archive]

JoystiqESRB: SNK classic 'Marvin's Maze' coming to PS3 and PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 07:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeesrbmarvins-mazeplaystationps3psnpspsnksonyTue, 24 May 2011 07:05:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB: Burnout Crash to feature 'cartoony' mayhem, lobster attacks on PS3, 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/esrb-burnout-crash-to-feature-cartoony-mayhem-lobster-attack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/esrb-burnout-crash-to-feature-cartoony-mayhem-lobster-attack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/esrb-burnout-crash-to-feature-cartoony-mayhem-lobster-attack/#comments As Burnout Crash makes its world tour of ratings boards, we're learning more about EA's racing game -- still in advance of any official announcement. According to the ESRB, Burnout Crash is coming to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and features a distinctly non-realistic style.

"From a top-down perspective," the content description reads, "players initiate crashes by driving 'cartoony' vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, vans, buses) into busy intersections; multiple crashes trigger score multipliers and rack up large 'bills' of property damage." The description also reveals levels that urge players to destroy police cars before they are able to arrest you, and other levels in which you have to avoid UFOs, tornadoes and "lobster monsters."

Between the new viewpoint and the lobster monsters, this is shaping up to be a very different Burnout experience!

JoystiqESRB: Burnout Crash to feature 'cartoony' mayhem, lobster attacks on PS3, 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 May 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Burnout-Crasheaelectronic-artsesrbmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxFri, 06 May 2011 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrono Trigger rated by ESRB for Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/chrono-trigger-rated-by-esrb-for-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/chrono-trigger-rated-by-esrb-for-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/chrono-trigger-rated-by-esrb-for-virtual-console/#comments
Square Enix's beloved Chrono Trigger has popped up on the ESRB site for "Wii," meaning the SNES classic will also make its way to the North American Virtual Console. The title was previously announced for digital distribution on the Nintendo console for Japan and Europe.

No official word on price, but it'll likely be the same 100-point markup as in Japan, making the title a premium 900 Wii Points ($9). The game was also recently rated for PSP and PS3, alluding to a PSN release. Still no word about the mobile version for North America, but at least there's still the DS version.

JoystiqChrono Trigger rated by ESRB for Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chrono-TriggerESRBnintendoSquare-EnixVirtual-ConsolewiiMon, 02 May 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Death Smiles 2X' rated by ESRB, Cave publishing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/death-smiles-2x-rated-by-esrb-cave-publishing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/death-smiles-2x-rated-by-esrb-cave-publishing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/death-smiles-2x-rated-by-esrb-cave-publishing/#comments
Our mothers always said "If death smiles at you once, you should try to wrap up your personal affairs. But if death smiles a second time, he's probably just flirting."

Imagine our disappointment then when we read the ESRB listing for Death Smiles 2X to find it was not, as we'd assumed, a dating sim set at River of Styx High, but rather an Xbox 360 follow-shmup to Cave's bullet hell release Deathsmiles (seen above).

Cave will take over publishing duties from Aksys on the game, which features shooting "various projectiles (bombs, bullets, lasers, arrows, etc.) at elephants, pigs, goblins, bats, and monsters in constant air battle." ... OK, so that's probably a better concept than ours.

Probably.

Joystiq'Death Smiles 2X' rated by ESRB, Cave publishing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cavedeath-smiles-2xdeathsmilesdeathsmiles-2xesrbmicrosoftshmupxboxMon, 25 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrono Trigger rated for PSP and PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/chrono-trigger-rated-for-psp-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/chrono-trigger-rated-for-psp-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/chrono-trigger-rated-for-psp-and-ps3/#comments Square Enix's pretty-much-the-best-game-ever Super Nintendo RPG Chrono Trigger has the distinct disadvantage of being, as aforementioned, pretty much the best game ever and, simultaneously, pretty expensive in its native SNES format. Fortunately, the game's not too pricey on the DS, but that might not be the only platform to grab it on the cheap in the near future -- the ESRB has rated Chrono Trigger for release on PS3 and PSP.

The ESRB listing doesn't provide any additional details about the title, but if we were betting men, we'd say it's the PS1 re-release that was included in the Final Fantasy Chronicles collection (to be distributed through PSN as a "PSOne Classic"). If we were men who were really bad at betting, we'd say it was some kind of magical Direct X11 remake, chock-full of social networking features and support for 3D TVs.

JoystiqChrono Trigger rated for PSP and PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chrono-Triggeresrbplaystationps3psnpsone-classicspspratingssonysquare-enixFri, 22 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST