Joystiq

Xbox Live Arcade February chart toppers

Xav de Matos — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST

Based on info gleaned from Major Nelson's weekly Top Ten lists (sans data from the week ending February 2), GamerBytes has compiled a list of the top selling Xbox Live Arcade titles in February.

Topping the charts is the EA Sports Freestyle-branded arcade game, 3-on-3 NHL Arcade with strong showings from the pricey R-Type Dimensions and Braid (following an end of the month Deal of the Week sale). Most surprisingly was the interest in Minesweeper Flags, which hovered within the top ten for two weeks in a row -- even though every Windows PC ships with a version of the game!

Not faring as well last month were Death Tank (the Sega Saturn Duke Nukem 3D mini-game remake of Death Tank Zwei, priced at 1200) and Exit 2, which both failed to capture much attention upon release. The Maw was a notable entry, firmly holding onto a spot all month following a January release (which GamerBytes notes is a rare feat for XBLA releases). Of course, the most important thing to take away from this is that none of the aforementioned titles were Peggle, which is everyone's new virtual cocaine. We bow to our Unicorn masters.

Xbox Live Arcade February chart toppers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Exit 2

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: X3F TV

This week, XBLA in Brief takes a look at Exit 2. In short, it's a lot like the original Exit. In short, Exit 2 isn't especially EXciting, if you get our drift. It's not bad, per se. In fact, some people will probably love it, but we imagine a lot of gamers will be put off by its slow pacing. Check out our thoughts on the trial version in the video above.

Download the trial version of Exit 2

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X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Exit 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Wednesday: Exit 2 enters XBLA

Dustin Burg — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:47:00 EST

This Wednesday's Xbox Live Arcade release is Taito's action platformer Exit 2, which (according to Xbox.com) was initially expected to release last week. Exit 2 will be available for purchase from the Xbox Live Marketplace for 800 ($10) and comes packed with 240 stages, ten challenges and an extremely '80s-inspired neon pink logo.

Gallery: Exit 2 (XBLA)

This Wednesday: Exit 2 enters XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not This Wednesday: Exit 2 escapes to XBLA [update]

Dustin Burg — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:50:00 EST

Update: Looks like Xbox.com let us down, because Exit 2 did not release to the Xbox Live Arcade this week and the release date now reads "TBD." Global warming must be to blame.

According to Xbox.com, we'll be witnessing Mr. ESC's entrance into the Xbox Live Arcadethis Wednesday, February 18, with the release of Exit 2 for 800 ($10). All of the game's 240 levels, ten challenges and various puzzle adventures are included.

With that, we can put that pesky release date rumor to rest and take comfort in knowing that Death Tank will not have to make this week's XBLA trek alone. It's like the Arcade's version of the buddy system.

[Thanks, Clipse]

Not This Wednesday: Exit 2 escapes to XBLA [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: XBLA Exit sequel dropping Q1 2009, first screenshots surface

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Xbox Live Arcade, Rumors

North America's got something of a puzzling history concerning the sequel to the equally puzzling PSP action-platformer, Exit. While the game hit European and Japanese store shelves over two years ago, we never saw a trace of it -- until the ESRB gave an Xbox Live Aracade-bound U.S. version of the game an E rating, filling us with the hope that we'd be plotting further exoduses from perilous buildings soon enough. Sadly, Taito never confirmed the XBLA'd sequel, and news about the title has been scarce ever since.

However, TeamXbox recently produced a number of screenshots for the XBLA sequel, as well as a launch window of Q1 2009. Neither the images nor release info were given any attribution, so take them with a spoonful of trepidation. If they're legit, we fully expect Taito to crawl out of the woodwork and make the least shocking announcment since the revelation of Guitar Hero: Metallica.

Rumor: XBLA Exit sequel dropping Q1 2009, first screenshots surface originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mr. ESC plans his exit to Europe

David Hinkle — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:50:00 EST

Filed under: News

An official website for Exit DS in Europe just launched, and its first order of business was to announce that the game is on its way to the region. When can fine European individuals such as yourself expect to get your hands on the game? This month!

A release day hasn't been finalized yet, so we're not sure as to when this month the game will release. Seeing as how this month is half over, at least you won't have to wait that long.

Mr. ESC plans his exit to Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exit DS delayed, escapes to November

Jason Dobson — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Adventure, Puzzle

We regret to inform you to that Mr. ESC has again ran, jumped, and slipped through the fingers of modern retail, keeping the escapologist's touchable adventures in Exit DS unrestrained, at least for a little while longer.

Not to fret, however, for while the game will miss its previous release date on October 7, publisher Square Enix seems confident that the escape artist's puzzle-adventure exploits will be on store shelves on November 4. No reason was given for the delay, though we like to think that when it comes to Mr. ESC, sometimes you just can't keep a good escapologist down.

[Via press release]

Exit DS delayed, escapes to November originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Taito producers talk Exit DS, The Legend of Kage 2

JC Fletcher — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

We spent most of this year enthralled by the prospect of Space Invaders Extreme and Arkanoid DS. Now that they've shipped, we've transferred our Taito game anticipation to the two upcoming games The Legend of Kage 2 and Exit DS.

Jeremy Parish interviewed the producers of each game, learning interesting factoids about both. For example, Lancarse, part ofthe Etrian Odyssey development team, is responsible for Kage 2. And for the first time that we've seen, a Taito developer acknowledges the NES Demon Sword as a Kage series game -- before dismissing it. We had been wondering about that! And despite being a Taito side-view game with a lot of elevators (and, yes, some action), Exit was not inspired by Elevator Action.

Source - Kage 2
Source - Exit DS

Taito producers talk Exit DS, The Legend of Kage 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E308: Square Enix's E3 lineup in (a few) pictures

JC Fletcher — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: Screens

Following the announcement of the titles on display at this year's E3, Square Enix released one screenshot of each of the new games. Above, you'll see the single, very blown-up image of Chrono Trigger DS. After the break, new screen of Final Fantasy IV, Exit DS, The Legend of Kage 2, and Dragon Quest IV.

The Final Fantasy IV and Dragon Quest IV screens definitely feature the English versions of the game, but with the other three, it's kind of hard to tell for various reasons! The Chrono Trigger image has no text, so it sort of doesn't matter if the screen has been localized or not. Exit has English text, but it's the same English text found in the Japanese game. And Kage has both Japanese and English elements in its interface. If we hadn't just been told these games were coming out over here, we wouldn't be sure if these games were coming out over here.

Continue reading E308: Square Enix's E3 lineup in (a few) pictures

E308: Square Enix's E3 lineup in (a few) pictures originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix E3 lineup loaded with sequels, remakes

Jason Dobson — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST

With 2008's edition of E3 just days away, the role-playing steam engine that is Square Enix has revealed what titles that it will spring on press types as they shuffle past. Of the eleven titles on display, the company's lineup this year is noticeably remake and sequel heavy, with over half of the games representing a return to the well for another drink. Boasting "simultaneous global releases for several platforms," the company has also re-confirmed dates for much of its lineup as well, with the following games also noted as being playable during the show:

Chrono Trigger (DS; Holiday 2008)
Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen (DS; September 16)
Final Fantasy IV (DS; July 22)
Infinite Undiscovery (Xbox 360; September 2)
Song Summoner: The Unsung Heroes (iPod; Now Available)

In addition, the remainder listed below will be shown in non-playable form:

The Last Remnant (Xbox 360, PS3; Winter for Xbox 360, TBA for PS3)
Star Ocean: First Departure (PSP; October 21)
Star Ocean: Second Evolution (PSP; January 6)
Star Ocean: The Last Hope (Xbox 360; 2009)
Exit DS (DS; October 7)
The Legend of Kage 2 (DS; October 7)

And coming soon to a grocery store near you, Star Ocean: Whole Wheat Clusters.

Square Enix E3 lineup loaded with sequels, remakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E308: Square Enix confirms North American release of Exit, Legend of Kage 2

JC Fletcher — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST

Filed under: News

Square Enix has announced its E3 lineup, and it features two ... not surprises, exactly, but games whose releases have so far been unconfirmed. We're very happy to see two more games from Taito's DS lineup, Exit DS and The Legend of Kage 2, planned for U.S. release. Maybe Arkanoid and Space Invaders Extreme are doing okay at retail!

Like the previous pair, Exit DS and Kage 2 are shipping simultaneously, on October 7. While Arkanoid and Space Invaders were both based on moving left to right and destroying columns of enemies on the top screen, Exit DS and Kage 2 are both side-scrolling platform action games. It's like these pairs were planned from the start! But where does that leave poor Pet Shop Monogatari?

On the non-Taito side, Square Enix will show off Final Fantasy IV, Dragon Quest IV, and Chrono Trigger.

E308: Square Enix confirms North American release of Exit, Legend of Kage 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exit DS escapes Japan, according to ESRB

JC Fletcher — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

We're happy to report that despite their efforts to stop unannounced games from showing up, the ESRB is still a source of news. The latest update reveals that, as seen on Gamefly's "Coming Soon" page, Taito's Exit DS is being planned for release in the U.S. Like Space Invaders Extreme and Arkanoid DS, Exit will be published by Taito's parent company, Square Enix.

Exit DS is a new version of Taito's popular PSP/Xbox puzzle platformer Exit, which involves maneuvering a character named Mr. ESC out of buildings, and rescuing other inhabitants while doing so. The DS version adds optional, potentially weird, stylus controls.

Exit DS escapes Japan, according to ESRB originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gamefly lists Exit, Legend of Kage 2 for U.S. release

JC Fletcher — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Rumors

It looks like Square Enix has deigned to release two more of Taito's DS games! Either that or another publisher noticed how awesome Taito's DS lineup is and decided to take a piece. Gamefly's "Coming Soon" list now lists both Exit DS and The Legend of Kage 2 for release on September 30. What an excellent day that will be for people who like to play games about running from the left to the right.

We couldn't be more thrilled, unless this were a 100% official confirmation that we could be sure wouldn't turn out to be a crushing disappointment. We really want to play Kage 2, and we want to help boost the Taito U.S. guy's self-esteem.

Read: The Legend of Kage 2
Read: Exit

Gamefly lists Exit, Legend of Kage 2 for U.S. release originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/21-1/27

Candace Savino — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Another Week in ...

We apologize for being late with Japan's sales figures from last week, but when we saw the Wii overtake the DS, we needed a minute to recover. Our beloved handheld was pushed out of the top spot in Japan? If you need to see it to believe it:

Wii: 79,000
DS: 74,000
PSP: 61,000
PS3: 29,000
PS2: 11,000
Xbox 360: 4,200

That's right, folks. According to Famitsu's numbers, the DS was dethroned last week by Nintendo's other system, the Wii. We crosschecked the numbers with Media Create's figures just to be sure, which (to our relief) had the DS ahead by a smidge. Since both numbers are equally credible (we use Famitsu numbers because they come out first), we were glad to see that the Wii didn't triumph as a clear winner. Still, we came to realize something -- Super Smash Bros. Brawl just came out in Japan. Once the sales numbers for the game hit the charts (next week), the Wii will probably blow the DS (and every other system) out of the water.

The DS also slacked slightly in software (compared to previous weeks). While games for the handheld still littered the charts, they didn't dominate over other titles as much as usual. Doraemon Baseball (which we haven't heard much of since its debut) did jump up into the number eight spot, though, while Final Fantasy IV fell out of the top twenty completely. Also, Exit DS came out in Japan last week, starting its run with only 5,500 sales.

Check after the break to see the rest of the software sales for the week of 1/21.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/21-1/27

Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/21-1/27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get into Exit DS with this Flash demo

JC Fletcher — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: News, Imports

Taito has finally uploaded the Flash demo for Exit DS, and we aren't sure if it was actually the best thing to do. We can only hope that the real stylus controls work better than the mouse controls in this simulated version. To move Mr. ESC around in this demo, you click on him and then drag in the direction you'd like him to move, or tap him and tap a destination. To interact with an item or the environment, you click on Mr. ESC and then the item. That part took us a while to figure out, causing our hapless Mr. ESC to make multiple attempts to extinguish a fire bodily.

Rather than making the game's operation either fresh or simple, as the best new control schemes do, this wacky scheme obfuscates what would be some simple movement, and makes tedious chores out of just about every motion. Of course, the DS version also has the option to play with a normal control scheme, so you should look not only at the controls, but also at the demo as a whole when deciding whether to grab Exit DS or to run away. We think the puzzle-adventure gameplay manages to shine through the mess.

[Via GoNintendo]

Get into Exit DS with this Flash demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mr. ESC is a lifesaver, knows his way around a building

David Hinkle — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Video

We've made our interest in a certain game involving rescuing certain individualities from certain doom in certain dangerous situations well-known (certainly!). With each new piece of media that comes, whether it be screens or video, like in this latest trailer, our desire grows. It was given great marks on the PSP and folks seemed to dig it on XBLA, so we're excited to see how the game will fare on the DS and how the different control schemes will handle.

Mr. ESC is a lifesaver, knows his way around a building originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Don't escape from these Exit screens

David Hinkle — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Screens

The upcoming Exit DS is something that we, honestly, can't wait to get our hands on. Frankly, we were jealous the PSP got to enjoy the game for quite some time. Finally, our jealousy can be neatly stowed into an overhead compartment on some plane off to nowhere.

These fresh screens come courtesy of Game Watch and number in the lots. Seriously, Game Watch has tons of screens up and they're pretty good. Frankly, we need this game. What about you all?

Don't escape from these Exit screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EXIT gets more (free) situation DLC

Dustin Burg — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: News, Xbox Live Arcade

XBLA platformer EXIT is slowly becoming one of our favorite Arcade games and our reason for the praise is pretty simple ... free downloadable content! Yes sir, in this day and age of nickel and diming, EXIT stands strong, goes against the trend and is all about offering DLC for free. Starting today, EXIT owners can download the free "Additional Stage Pack 2" content which will add new Situations 18 through 22. Like we said, free DLC is always a win-win and puts a smile on our face. And if you haven't done so already, download EXIT's "Additional Stage Pack 1" as well. It's also free.

EXIT gets more (free) situation DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speedball 2 and EXIT get some DLC love

Dustin Burg — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: News, Xbox Live Arcade

Yesterday, new downloadable content became available for two Xbox Live Arcade games with one costing a few points while the other is being offered for free.

For 150 Microsoft points Speedball 2 owners can purchase the "Super Star Players Pack" which will add three super-talented players to your single player game. These characters are said to be extremely talented which leads us to believe that this is a fancy way of selling a cheat code. You know, just saying. The second game to feel the warm glow of downloadable goodness is Arcade game EXIT. The EXIT "Additional Stage Pack 1" can be downloaded for free and it'll unlock five extra stages from 13 through 17. Both Arcade DLC offerings are ripe for the picking, so get your picking baskets prepared and pick away ... pick away!

Speedball 2 and EXIT get some DLC love originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Taito's terrific trailers (Exit DS, Arkanoid DS, Legend of Kage 2, and Cooking Mama 2)

Eric Caoili — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Video

Much like with yesterday's fantastic Space Invaders Extreme clip, Taito put out new promotional videos for four of its upcoming games -- Exit DS, Arkanoid DS, Legend of Kage 2, and Cooking Mama 2. The three-and-a-half-minute Exit DS trailer above, in particular, is pretty slick, reminiscent of Lucky Number Slevin's opening credits. Despite the touchscreen control issues many brought up when previewing Exit DS at the past TGS event, the action-puzzler looks pretty fun!

The rest of the streaming videos are available for you to check out at Dengeki's news page. Make sure to watch the Legend of Kage 2 clip all the way through, as the gameplay bits have been tucked at the end, after all the character art and gusts of cherry blossom petals.

Taito's terrific trailers (Exit DS, Arkanoid DS, Legend of Kage 2, and Cooking Mama 2) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exit from traditional control schemes, if you'd like

JC Fletcher — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: News, Screens, Imports

We've been wondering about the relative wackiness of Exit DS's controls since we first got word of a DS adaptation of the PSP game. Would Taito emulate the PSP's pad-and-buttons approach? Would we be sending Mr. ESC out of disaster situations with deft stylus maneuvers! As it turns out, the answer is yes! To both! Alternately!

Taito has opted for the smartest control scheme possible: either one. There's a PSP-style control scheme that uses the buttons, or a new DS-style scheme that allows you to trace Mr. ESC's route lines with the stylus. Not only does this allow you to play in the style you prefer, it basically turns Exit DS into two fairly divergent games. Check the link for new screens!

Exit from traditional control schemes, if you'd like originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exit and Battlestar Galactica on XBLA

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:35:00 EST

Filed under: News, Xbox Live Arcade

Ah, Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday. When you wake up you can just smell the fresh games. This week we've got two new entries for our favorite downloadable service, Exit and Battlestar Galactica. The latter provides sci-fi fans with a much needed something (or so we're told), while the former gives us a stylish, old school logic puzzler (oddly described as "pazzle action" in its dashboard description). So, you can either blast the Cylons to hell, or you can help various strangers escape there precarious predicaments. The choice is yours. We should probably note that either choice will set you back 800 MS Points.

Exit and Battlestar Galactica on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Wednesday: Cylons and Exit make their entrance on XBLA

Ross Miller — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Arcade, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action, Online

This wednesday, in addition to the previously-announced Battlestar Galactica, escape-prone puzzler Exit will come to Xbox Live Arcade. Both games will be available for 800 MS points (US $10).

Ire-inducing card game Uno is also receiving an update this week. The title now supports the Big Button Pad used with Scene It! as well as some camera and privacy improvements. New content for Bomberman, dubbed Bomb-up Pack 3, and Pinball FX is also due to arrive.

All content will become available this wednesday at 5 a.m. ET.

This Wednesday: Cylons and Exit make their entrance on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battlestar Galactica and Exit set for XBLA release

Dustin Burg — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: News, Xbox Live Arcade

Nothing gives us a much needed second wind during our Monday afternoon than the announcement of the Xbox Live Arcade releases for the week. And good old Microsoft hasn't let us down, announcing that both Battlestar Galactica and Exit will release to the Arcade masses this Wednesday.

Battlestar Galactica will cost you 800 Microsoft points and feature lots of nostalgic Battlestar Galactica fighting moments, single and multiplayer gameplay and pretty much top off your Battlestar Galactica fanboy cup of excitement. The other 800 Microsoft point Arcade release, Exit, comes from TAITO Corporation and is a single player puzzle game with over 200 levels of fun that puts you in control of a hero named "Mr. ESC". And with a name like Mr. ESC you can almost guarantee that the level of corniness will be cranked up to twelve. But that's it for Arcade announcements today, now the only thing left for you to do is prepare for Battlestar Galactica Exit'nicity this Wednesday.

Battlestar Galactica and Exit set for XBLA release originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Play Arkanoid DS right now

JC Fletcher — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 09:50:00 EST

Filed under: News, Imports

The websites for Taito's largely retro-tastic DS lineup have all appeared, just in time for TGS. Unfortunately, the text is not going to be of much use to anyone who can't read Japanese (or, as personal experience can attest to, anyone who can only kind of read Japanese). And even if it were, most of the links in the sites are still greyed out, awaiting updates.

However, the site for Arkanoid DS contains treasure in the form of a generous five-round Flash demo. We are impressed, both with Taito's largesse and with the actual game. New additions to Arkanoid include a robotic voice that announces the name of every powerup you pick up, and thumping, hypnotic techno music courtesy of Zuntata. We didn't even know Arkanoid needed techno music, but it turns out it totally does.

Speaking of thumping techno music, the Space Invaders Extreme site is basically a browser rave-- which works, for us. Here are all the new Taito DS game sites:

A demo for Exit DS will be on the game's site soon, but the link is inactive at the moment. May we suggest playing the Arkanoid demo as a way to pass the time?

[Via GoNintendo]

Play Arkanoid DS right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rez and Ikaruga confirmed for XBLA

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: News

Proving that the Tokyo Game Show is about more than just announcing Ninja Gaiden 2, several new (and notably Japanese) games have been announced for Xbox Live Arcade. First and foremost among these are Lumines creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi's Rez and Treasure's Ikaruga. While Ikaruga's appearance on XBLA shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who's been paying attention, Rez comes as a pretty big surprise. If you're not familiar with Rez, you're probably better off watching the video embedded after the break than having us attempt to explain it.

Microsoft also touted several other games for XBLA including EXIT (previously announced), Every Extend Extra Extreme (ditto), Omega Five (impressions), and Triggerheart Exelica (a shooter apparently). Things are looking up for XBLA, no?

Continue reading Rez and Ikaruga confirmed for XBLA

Rez and Ikaruga confirmed for XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rez, Ikaruga, Exit confirmed for Xbox Live Arcade

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 06:33:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360

If you missed out on our liveblog of Microsoft's pre-TGS conference in Japan (it does, after all, require an excessive and strenuous amount of scrolling to access), you may appreciate and respond with delirious joy to some of the pertinent news to emerge from it. You should also appreciate the amount of effort that went into the preceding and vaguely professional sentence -- we really just wanted to blurt out that REZ ON XBLA YAY.

Ahem.

Microsoft confirmed that Tetsuya Mizuguchi's melodic shooter will soon make you hear everything you see and see everything you hear on Xbox Live Arcade. Other things you'll see are waves of hypnotic bullets (Ikaruga), saviors adorned with fine hats (EXIT), pulsating geometric shapes (Every Extend Extra Extreme), flying robots (Omega Five) and... er, some sort of Japanese car (Triggerheart Exelica)? No release dates have been announced for any of the games, though we suspect none of them are likely to come soon enough.

Rez, Ikaruga, Exit confirmed for Xbox Live Arcade originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Taito goes DS-only at TGS

JC Fletcher — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: News, Imports

Taito knows where the money is in the Japanese video game market: the DS. Thus it seems that they've decided to concentrate their development efforts on games for the money-printing handheld. The company released the list of games they'll be displaying at this year's Tokyo Game Show, and every single one is a DS title.

Most of the games are things that we already know (and have said "yay") about, but two games are new: the first is Space Invaders Extreme, which, we hope, is either more of an update than Space Invaders Revolution or includes Akkanvader. We also hope it works with the Arkanoid paddle controller. The other is Pet Shop Monogatari DS, which is an RPG about a pet shop.

The lineup includes: Cooking Mama 2, Exit DS, Arkanoid DS (and its controller), The Legend of Kage 2, Pet Shop Monogatari DS, and Space Invaders Extreme. All games that we would totally play at TGS ... if we were going. Which we aren't.

Taito goes DS-only at TGS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Escape with these new Exit screens

Alisha Karabinus — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Screens

Alright, we've seen scans and now we have a lush new gallery so we can ogle the slick art style of Exit DS, but what we really need is a little information on the control scheme for the port. After all, the PSP version debuted to mixed reviews; while many praised the art style (we can only agree), it was the pacing and control scheme that racked up frowns and the occasional head-shake. Per Jeux-France, this version is being (re)developed exclusively for the DS, so perhaps we can hope for more than just a rearranging of screens. The Japanese version isn't set until January of next year, but we'll keep an eye out for the news as it develops.

Escape with these new Exit screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fresh hot Exit DS screens

David Hinkle — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:20:00 EST

Filed under: Screens

Famitsu has posted some new screens for Exit DS, showing off some of the game's environments and different obstacles Mr. ESC will have to tackle. What's interesting about these screens is that they reveal the game's main screen for action will be that of the bottom screen. This leads us to believe that the title will feature touch-screen controls.

While many have said that the control method on the PSP suited the game nicely, we're interested in seeing how the game will handle itself with touch controls.

Fresh hot Exit DS screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Puzzle-adventure game Exit coming to DS

Scott Jon Siegel — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Portable, Adventure, Puzzle

Taito's Exit, formerly on the PSP, is currently in development for the Nintendo DS, according to a recent issue of Famitsu Magazine. Players will once again be taking on the role of famed escapeologist Mr. ESC, as he runs, jumps, and climbs through structures to save disaster victims and find the, well, exit.

According to the Famitsu article, the game is slated for a January 2008 release in Japan. No word yet of a North American release, but given the critical success of the PSP version, there's no reason not to expect some localization of the adaptation in the near future.

[Via DS Fanboy]

Puzzle-adventure game Exit coming to DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Famitsu scans for Exit escape onto the net

David Hinkle — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Screens

Yesterday's news was quite welcome, in our eyes, as we'd always wanted to try Ubisoft's game Exit, however we didn't feel like having our hands melt off from touching a Sony product (we kid!). Luckily, we're getting a version of the game for our favorite handheld, so we won't have to bother with the PSP game. Now, courtesy of JeuxFrance, we've got some scans from that very issue of Famitsu to gawk at.

You can catch them past the post break.

Continue reading Famitsu scans for Exit escape onto the net

Famitsu scans for Exit escape onto the net originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Latest issue of Famitsu confirms Exit coming to DS

David Hinkle — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

According to a post over at GameFront, Ubisoft's Exit will be making its way to the DS. GameFront cites Japanese gaming mag Famitsu as the source of this delicious chunk of news. Originally a PSP title, players were charged with escaping structures within the designated time limit. Along the way, obstacles would hinder the player's progress.

No news on the game's features in migrating to the DS. The new game will be developed by Taito Corporation, who also took over duties on the first PSP title. Aside from that, we only know of a release date: January 2008.

Latest issue of Famitsu confirms Exit coming to DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exit exits PSP and enters 360

Steven Bailey — Wed, 23 May 2007 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Exit

IGN is reporting that Exit will be making the leap from small screen to big screen. No, it's not getting a movie made of it, but it is becoming an Xbox Live Arcade title. For those who haven't played Exit, it has you take control of Mr. ESC as he guides civilians from burning buildings, and other deadly situations. The Xbox 360 version will also feature new levels not found in the PSP title. There is no word on whether the XBLA Exit will be a port of the first game, it's sequel, or a mixture of both. For those interested, it will retail for $10, and be out in Japan this summer.

Lumines previously made the jump from PSP to Xbox 360, so this move isn't unprecedented. This just goes to show that the PSP isn't the only system getting another console's ports.

[Via Joystiq]

Exit exits PSP and enters 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2007 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP puzzler Exit coming to XBLA

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 23 May 2007 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: News, Xbox Live Arcade

According to XBLArcade, Taito announced in the latest Famitsu that it plans to bring its PSP puzzle game, Exit, to Xbox Live Arcade. The object of the game, appropriately enough, is to guide yourself and others to the exit of each level. The game employs a heavily stylized cel-shaded look, and is perhaps best described as "quirky." The Xbox Live Arcade version will feature brand new levels not found in the PSP version. For the moment, only a Japanese release has been confirmed at a price of 800 points. Hopefully, the western world will get a taste of Exit as well. Hit the "read" link to see a trailer for the game.

Alright Taito, how about some Bubble Bobble love on XBLA?

PSP puzzler Exit coming to XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exit escapes the PSP to Xbox Live Arcade

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 23 May 2007 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Arcade, Microsoft Xbox 360

Giving Cloning Clyde some competition, PSP's puzzle/platformer Exit is heading over to Xbox Live Arcade. The game won't change much, you'll still be in control of Mr. ESC and trying to help people escape from the evils of a building, but it'll all be high-def. The title is expected to cost 800 MS points ($10) in Japan this summer, with no word on international versions.

So, Lumines and Exit have fled the safety of the PSP for the possibly lucrative fields of Xbox Live Arcade. Maybe Exit will offer more maps and join the microtransactioning master Lumines Live. Wonder if anybody else from the PSP is looking to greener and un-handheld pastures?

Exit escapes the PSP to Xbox Live Arcade originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2007 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exit 2 sneaks into Europe

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Exit

The first Exit was a cult puzzler that gained a small, but rabid fanbase. The sequel, Kangaeru Exit, was released in Japan many months ago. Although we were treated to a demo of the game, the language barrier proved to be too challenging to overcome for most players.

Now, 505 Games is quietly publishing the game in Europe. Once again, Joel has provided a thorough insight into the game, noting how it's changed from the original. It appears the changes in the sequel are minimal at best:

Cosmetic changes.
Two new companions, the "Macho" and the "Dog."
Music player.
Online interface.

Although it appears as though the sequel is simply more of the same, fans of the original will most likely not complain. With tons of downloadable content already available for the game, we can only hope that this English language version will cross the Atlantic and hit the US in the future. For more pictures, see Joel's Flickr stream.

Exit 2 sneaks into Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top 5 on PSP: Puzzle

Steven Bailey — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Lumines, Exit, Metareview, Fan Stuff, Loco Roco

The PSP has plenty of owners, but some claim it doesn't have many great games. With that in mind, every day this week we'll feature a new genre and list the top 5 games (according to metareviews), so no matter what you're into, you'll have some idea of what games you should own. Today the focus is on puzzle games, which the PSP first became known for. But there's more good puzzle games than just Lumines.

Top 5 Puzzle games on PSP

Lumines
LocoRoco
Lumines 2
Mercury Meltdown
Exit

What makes the puzzle games on the PSP so unique is how they are audio/video showcases, which seems odd when you consider how puzzle games used to be. Of course, these 5 games are enjoyable to play as well, which is what really counts. Though I am suprised there weren't even more Q? Entertainment titles in the top 5. But what do you think about these 5 games? What puzzle games aren't on this list that you think every PSP owner should have?

If you missed it, you can check out our previous top 5 game lists:

[Data Via Metacritic]

Top 5 on PSP: Puzzle originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturday PSP Background Explosion

Steven Bailey — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 23:43:00 EST

Filed under: Downloads, Exit, Dragon Ball Z, Fan Stuff

It's Saturday PSP Backgrounds Live! Want to be a background whore like me, but don't want to put in the effort? That's why I'm here every Saturday to give PSP Fanboy readers new backgrounds. This week we have a background about super powered aliens, one that features a savior of men and another that takes the lives of men. And one of them is our first fan made background! You know you want one of these on your PSP!

Backgrounds after the jump ...

Continue reading Saturday PSP Background Explosion

Saturday PSP Background Explosion originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Feb 2007 23:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 2

Andrew Yoon — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Ask PSP Fanboy

Every Saturday, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ pspfanboy.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." The opinions stated in this article are those of the author, and do not represent the views of Weblogs Inc or AOL.

Q: I noticed you are more free to speak of mods/hacks/homebrews lately. Do you have restrictions on what you can and can't say? If not, are you finally being more open now realizing that Sony has recently been putting the customer last?
Andrew says: We do mention homebrew once in a while on the site, because it is newsworthy, and important in the PSP scene. However, we don't focus on it because our target audience doesn't use homebrew. We're one of the few (if not the only) fan sites out there that want to focus on getting the most out of your PSP through Sony-sanctioned firmware. My personal belief is that although Sony may not make the best decisions, that doesn't give us the right to promote software piracy. Yes, many will argue that homebrew isn't about that (I too have one PSP that runs 3.03OE-B). However, piracy is a large and active part of the homebrew scene--and it's something I avoid wholeheartedly. Any PSP "fan" that downloads ISOs and emulators should understand that they're simply hurting our beloved console, and industry as a whole.

See more questions after the break.

Continue reading Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 2

Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Jan 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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