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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[New XBL Games on Demand: Stuntman, FaceBreaker, NFL Tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/new-xbl-games-on-demand-stuntman-facebreaker-nfl-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/new-xbl-games-on-demand-stuntman-facebreaker-nfl-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/new-xbl-games-on-demand-stuntman-facebreaker-nfl-tour/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Another Tuesday, another batch of Xbox Live Games on Demand. This week it's NFL Tour, FaceBreaker and Stuntman: Ignition. They're available for $20 each in the US. (As usual, pricing and availability vary by region.) Also, you should probably think long and hard before picking up NFL Tour or FaceBreaker.


Xbox.com: Add NFL Tour to your Xbox 360 download queue ($19.99)
Xbox.com: Add FaceBreaker to your Xbox 360 download queue ($19.99)
Xbox.com: Add Stuntman: Ignition to your Xbox 360 download queue ($19.99)

JoystiqNew XBL Games on Demand: Stuntman, FaceBreaker, NFL Tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FaceBreakerGames-on-DemandmicrosoftNFL-TourStuntman-IgnitionxboxXbox-LiveTue, 20 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA pulling plug on older sports games' servers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/ea-pulling-plug-on-aging-sports-games-servers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/ea-pulling-plug-on-aging-sports-games-servers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/ea-pulling-plug-on-aging-sports-games-servers/#comments It's a new year, and the hammer must fall once more on the EA games that the company has deemed "unfit" to play. But the server shutdowns (which are traditionally closer to the middle of the year) are earlier than ever this time (beginning February 2), so fans of Facebreaker, Fantasy Football 09, Fight Night Round 3 on PS2, and many other soon-to-be retired online sports games have little time to achieve their last feats of glory.

We've got the full list of server shutdowns -- courtesy of MCV -- after the break. Let us know if you're still playing any of the games getting the axe.

Continue reading EA pulling plug on older sports games' servers

JoystiqEA pulling plug on older sports games' servers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-server-shutdownElectronic-ArtsfacebreakerFight-Night-Round-3MicrosoftNintendoonlineps2WiiXbox-360Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy's $10 sale: Ninja Gaiden II, Turok & more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/best-buys-10-sale-ninja-gaiden-ii-turok-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/best-buys-10-sale-ninja-gaiden-ii-turok-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/best-buys-10-sale-ninja-gaiden-ii-turok-and-more/#commentsFiled under:


Holy Hannah! We aren't exactly sure how we missed the money savings event going on at Best Buy stores (we blame the unnatural alignment of the moon and sun), but we have to share even if we're a bit late on reporting. Online at BestBuy.com or in-store you can take advantage of their $10 Xbox 360 game sale. For just one Hamilton ($9.99 to be exact), you can own a new and guaranteed to be shrink wrapped copy of Ninja Gaiden II, Facebreaker, Condemned 2, MLB 2K8 or Turok. How can you say no to those deals?

If you're okay with dropping $20 on a new game, Best Buy has a few 360 titles in that price range including (but not limited to) Bad Company, UT3 and Quake Wars. Happy shopping!

JoystiqBest Buy's $10 sale: Ninja Gaiden II, Turok & more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buycondemned-2dealsdiscountsfacebreakerninja-gaiden-2turokTue, 13 Jan 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports dedicated to casual focus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/ea-sports-dedicated-to-casual-focus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/ea-sports-dedicated-to-casual-focus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/ea-sports-dedicated-to-casual-focus/#commentsFiled under:

EA's Facebreaker didn't fare so well on the Xbox 360 and PS3 when it released. The Wii version, Facebreaker K.O. Party, just released this week and, well, we're not too optimistic for that, either. How about Peter Moore and the folks at EA Sports? They're staying the course, apparently.

"We're going to maintain our core relationships with our male consumer but our growth really is going to come from ... looking after the new consumer on the Nintendo Wii with innovative experiences that they wouldn't expect from EA sports, looking at new brands like Freestyle, looking at the Wii with our All Play collection," Moore said. "We're not blind to the fact that new consumers coming in are not necessarily hardcore sports fans that are looking for the experience we deliver with a Madden or a FIFA or with an NHL."

That's all well and good, Peter. But, we're not sure Facebreaker is the kind of title that would captivate the casual. Just because it's casual doesn't mean that it has to be some quick, slapped-together minigame compilation or shallow gameplay experience. If you want to captivate the casual, you need to take a risk on something new and engaging. Not cartoonish figures boxing in a ridiculous, over-the-top manner or trying to copy Nintendo.

JoystiqEA Sports dedicated to casual focus originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-playeaea-sportselectronic-artsfacebreakerfacebreaker-ko-partypeter-mooreFri, 14 Nov 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bob and weave through some Facebreaker K.O. Party videos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/bob-and-weave-through-some-facebreaker-k-o-party-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/bob-and-weave-through-some-facebreaker-k-o-party-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/bob-and-weave-through-some-facebreaker-k-o-party-videos/#commentsFiled under:


In case you haven't been keeping up with the news, EA's Facebreaker was a bomb on the Xbox 360 and PS3. Their last hope the game could sell at all is the Wii release, Facebreaker K.O. Party, due out this week. Above you'll find a video of the Punch-O-Matic, which is a slot-machine based affair. After the break, you'll find another video showing some one-on-one action. Think the game will fall flat on Wii or are we the perfect audience for this game?

Continue reading Bob and weave through some Facebreaker K.O. Party videos

JoystiqBob and weave through some Facebreaker K.O. Party videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxingeaea-sportsfacebreakerfacebreaker-ko-partyTue, 11 Nov 2008 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's Facebreaker falls in first round, sells 52k units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/eas-facebreaker-falls-in-first-round-sells-52k-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/eas-facebreaker-falls-in-first-round-sells-52k-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/eas-facebreaker-falls-in-first-round-sells-52k-units/#commentsFiled under: , ,


EA Sport's Freestyle brand, meant for a "more casual sports gaming audience," suffered a beating as its first title, Facebreaker, sold 52,000 units in September. The game's over-the-top nature, originally giving the impression of being a modern day Punch-Out!!, apparently didn't click with consumers ... or critics, receiving an average Metacritic score of 54.

A Wii version of Facebreaker, which may (?) perform better than its Xbox 360 and PS3 cousins, is expected in November. Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter says the poor sales aren't really that big of a deal for EA, considering how well it's doing with Mercenaries 2, Spore, Warhammer and Dead Space.

JoystiqEA's Facebreaker falls in first round, sells 52k units originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsea-sports-freestyleElectronic-ArtsfacebreakerfreestylePS3WiiXbox-360Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shipping this week: Oh no you didn't edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/shipping-this-week-oh-no-you-didnt-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/shipping-this-week-oh-no-you-didnt-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/shipping-this-week-oh-no-you-didnt-edition/#commentsFiled under:

Have you been dreaming of an open world game with massive firepower and fully destructible environments without all the pesky legal repercussions in GTAIV? Mercenaries 2 just might be your game. You get to blow things up ... a lot ... with cruise missiles. Let's not forget online co-op either, which means you can blow things up with cruise missiles ... with friends.

As though Mercenaries 2 wasn't enough, we also have all of these:
Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise? Infinite Undiscovery? FaceBreaker? Yeah, so apparently "Holiday 2008" is already upon us.

JoystiqShipping this week: Oh no you didn't edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebreakerinfinite-undiscoverynfl-head-coach-09rapala-fishing-frenzyshipping-this-weekviva-pinata-2warhammerMon, 01 Sep 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Smack Kim Kardashian's giant butt in Facebreaker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/smack-kim-kardashians-giant-butt-in-facebreaker/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/smack-kim-kardashians-giant-butt-in-facebreaker/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/smack-kim-kardashians-giant-butt-in-facebreaker/#commentsFiled under:

We're just gonna go ahead and not call the game Buttbreaker. We know you want to. We want to. But we're all simply better than that. It doesn't mean the latest news about the boxing title is any less hilarious, though.

Facebreaker K.O. Party already looked a little crazy, but it's about to get crazier -- reality-show, leopard-print, sex-tape kind of crazy, that is. In at least one version of the game (and probably all), Kardashian will appear as a playable character. We'd ask why, but it's so funny that we don't care. Maybe someone should add in Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and Nicole Richie for a full set. The battles would be epic.


[Via Game|Life]

JoystiqSmack Kim Kardashian's giant butt in Facebreaker originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxingeafacebreakerfacebreaker-ko-partykim-kardashianko-partyrandomsportsThu, 07 Aug 2008 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Kim Kardashian fight Peter Moore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/watch-kim-kardashian-fight-peter-moore/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/watch-kim-kardashian-fight-peter-moore/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/watch-kim-kardashian-fight-peter-moore/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're so mad at ourselves for in some small way perpetuating the sphere of influence of Kim Kardashian, who, as Joel McHale correctly points out, is famous for having a big ass and a sex tape. But news is slow this morning, OK? It was either this or another cake shaped like the Companion Cube.

That said, here's EA Sports chief Peter Moore beating up on Kim Kardashian in Facebreaker, a fight you can re-enact at home with just a few free minutes and a semi-truck full of self-loathing. Who wins this historic clash of titans? All we can say for sure is not us, dear reader. Not us.

JoystiqWatch Kim Kardashian fight Peter Moore originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsElectronic-Artsfacebreakerpeter-moorePS3Xbox-360Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Peter Moore boxes Kim Kardashian]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/video-peter-moore-boxes-kim-kardashian/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/video-peter-moore-boxes-kim-kardashian/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/video-peter-moore-boxes-kim-kardashian/#commentsFiled under: ,


In the red corner, weighing in at 214 pounds is former Microsoft executive now turned EA Sports head honcho. With a legendary right hook thanks to the Spartan power he receives through his Halo 2 tattoo, witness the FaceBreaker boxing all-star Peter "Big Guns" Moore!

In the blue corner, weighing in at 142 pounds is reality show "star" and beautiful face who has dabbled in celebrity fashion, acting and the apparel business. Sporting a pair of short shorts, a ponytail of abuse and a sour attitude, welcome to the FaceBreaker boxing ring Kim "Big Bottoms" Kardashian!

Let's get it on, FIGHT!

JoystiqVideo: Peter Moore boxes Kim Kardashian originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsfacebreakerpeter-mooreWed, 06 Aug 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 09, Facebreaker demos rush onto Xbox Live, PSN [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/madden-09-facebreaker-demos-rush-onto-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/madden-09-facebreaker-demos-rush-onto-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/madden-09-facebreaker-demos-rush-onto-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Electronic Arts has today released the one-two punch of both Madden 09 and Facebreaker demos on Xbox Live [update: and PlayStation Network] (via Major Nelson). Both downloads are approximately 1 GB apiece, and Facebreaker has the added benefit of a character creation feature that lets you transfer your created fighters to the full game. PlayStation 3 owners can expect the Madden 09 demo today, but face breaking will have to wait until August 7.

[Update: A Sony rep called to let us know that both demos will be coming to PSN today, as well]

JoystiqMadden 09, Facebreaker demos rush onto Xbox Live, PSN [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demodemosfacebreakermaddenmadden-09PS3Xbox-360xbox-liveThu, 31 Jul 2008 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[FaceBreaker demo left jabs the XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/facebreaker-demo-left-jabs-the-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/facebreaker-demo-left-jabs-the-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/facebreaker-demo-left-jabs-the-xblm/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just like clockwork, this morning EA released a freshly new FaceBreaker demo to the Xbox Live Marketplace. A demo that should scratch your over the top boxing mayhem itch.

This 954MB FaceBreaker demo allows gamers to experience over the top boxing action, including three different boxers, two distinct arenas and, for the Vision camera owners among us, the ability to put you or your enemy's face into the game using EA's Photo Game Face technology. Put some Vasoline on those gashes and get back into the ring, because there are faces to break. Ding, ding!

JoystiqFaceBreaker demo left jabs the XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsfacebreakerxblmThu, 31 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FaceBreaker demo breaks faces next Thur.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/facebreaker-demo-breaks-faces-next-wed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/facebreaker-demo-breaks-faces-next-wed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/facebreaker-demo-breaks-faces-next-wed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Preparing for its September release, EA's over the top boxing game FaceBreaker will be making its way to the Xbox Live Marketplace next Thursday, July 31st as an all out face-breaking demo, no less.

Included in the release of the demo will be three "unique" boxers (Ice, Sparrow and Steve) and two arenas (Booty Caves and Trailer Park), playable versus locally or against an AI opponent. So, no Xbox Live demo experience. Most interesting though is the fact that the FaceBreaker demo will include EA's Game Face tech allowing players to Vision camera their face into the game. Fun times, at least for the beautiful people of the gaming world.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqFaceBreaker demo breaks faces next Thur. originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsfacebreakerxblmWed, 23 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebreaker demo coming July 31 with create-a-character sharing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/facebreaker-demo-coming-july-31-with-create-a-character-sharing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/facebreaker-demo-coming-july-31-with-create-a-character-sharing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/facebreaker-demo-coming-july-31-with-create-a-character-sharing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


EA Sports has confirmed an initial report that a demo of its arcade-style boxing game, Facebreaker, will be hitting Microsoft and Sony's download services shortly. More specifically, the Xbox 360 demo will be available on Thursday, July 31 with a PS3 version arriving a week later on August 7.

What sets this demo apart from most others is the approach EA is taking with regards to migrating user-generated content to the final product. Akin to the Spore Creature Creator, players will be able to generate their own custom pugilists and share them with others over the intertubes. The characters will also be accessible in the final version of Facebreaker, which enters the retail ring on September 5.

JoystiqFacebreaker demo coming July 31 with create-a-character sharing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoea-sportsfacebreakerPS3psn-storexblmXbox-360Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebreaker to allow breaking of Peter Moore's face]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/facebreaker-to-allow-breaking-of-peter-moores-face/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/facebreaker-to-allow-breaking-of-peter-moores-face/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/facebreaker-to-allow-breaking-of-peter-moores-face/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We're not exactly sure why anyone would want to punch EA Sports' charismatic figurehead, Peter Moore -- especially in his cherubesque face. Still, we guess it's nice to have that opportunity available, should you someday develop a strong Moore aversion. However, traveling to Pete's home and mercilessly pummeling him would likely be a costly and illegal venture -- luckily, EA's upcoming Facebreaker will reportedly allow you to perform a beatdown upon a digital representation of Moore's visage, free of travel expenses and assault charges.

At their E3 booth, Electronic Arts revealed that Moore's face had been scanned and entered into the game using the title's boxer creation feature. EA mentioned to gaming blog ButtonMasher that Moore's face will make it into the final retail version of Facebreaker, perhaps as an unlockable character. We'll politely abstain from exercising our pugilistic prowess on the exec, though admittedly, we wouldn't mind seeing how the tattooed spokesman held up in the ring.

JoystiqFacebreaker to allow breaking of Peter Moore's face originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxingbuttonmashereaelectronic-artsfacebreakerpeter-moorePS3WiiXbox-360Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: EA: If it's in the game, it's in these galleries]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-ea-if-its-in-the-game-its-in-these-galleries/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-ea-if-its-in-the-game-its-in-these-galleries/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-ea-if-its-in-the-game-its-in-these-galleries/#commentsFiled under:


During their E3 press conference, EA released assets for a bunch of upcoming games. We showed the new SimAnimals earlier today -- these are the assets from the games we already knew about. More Sim stuff of a sort (SimCity Creator), more animal-related stuff (the utterly terrifying Littlest Pet Shop), and ... other stuff.

We've posted the gallery of the nice-looking MySims Kingdom below. Wait, why does the medieval MySims game have rocket rides? After the break, you can find the rest of the galleries, including Pet Shop, Creator, FaceBreaker KO Party, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. It's at least an excuse to break out old EA slogans.

Continue reading E308: EA: If it's in the game, it's in these galleries

JoystiqE308: EA: If it's in the game, it's in these galleries originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308eafacebreakerharry-potterlittlest-pet-shopmysimsmysims-kingdomsimcity-creatorTue, 15 Jul 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[FaceBreaker details make the game sound like a knock-out [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/facebreaker-details-make-the-game-sound-like-a-knock-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/facebreaker-details-make-the-game-sound-like-a-knock-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/facebreaker-details-make-the-game-sound-like-a-knock-out/#commentsFiled under:


When EA changed the title of the Wii's FaceBreaker to FaceBreaker K.O. Party, we couldn't help but moan, groan, grumble, and sneer. Not every Wii game needs to have the word "party" in it, and we do enjoy things that aren't party games from time to time (shock, gasp!).

While the video above does ease our fears a bit, it's clear that the focus of K.O. Party is on the multiplayer. Then again, it's a fighting game, so that's okay. Producer Trey Smith talks up the Wii version a bit, and hints at some of the features exclusive to K.O. Party. The part that caught our ears was the "one-to-one" responsiveness, which would be amazing if true. As much as we enjoy Wii Sports: Boxing, flailing around like idiots does not make a good fighter. Smith also boasts about the visual style, which does look nice (although obviously not as nice as its HD counterparts), as well as the multiplayer, of which there will be two different modes.

As for the exclusive unlockable character, that's a neat bonus but won't make or break the game -- unless, of course, it happens to be Little Mac, which is unlikely but would make us die happy.

[Update: For unknown reasons, GameTrailers no longer has the video up! We summarized most of what happened above, but if the video shows up again, we'll put it in.]

[Update 2: The video is back up! And well worth watching.]

JoystiqFaceBreaker details make the game sound like a knock-out [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxingeaelectronic-artsfacebreakerfacebreaker-ko-partyfighterko-partysportstrey-smithThu, 03 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebreaker enters the ring this September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/facebreaker-enters-the-ring-this-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/facebreaker-enters-the-ring-this-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/facebreaker-enters-the-ring-this-september/#commentsFiled under: ,


Cunning old EA. The company's decision to create a rubbery-faced boxing game in the style of Midway's Ready 2 Rumble titles has proved surprisingly effective at turning the heads of Dreamcast obsessives such as ourselves. Come September 5th, we'll be able to see if EA pulled it off, when Facebreaker hits both North America and Europe.

After the break, there's two more of those character profiles that we featured last month, this time starring too-cool-for-school senior citizen and Oprah fan Ice, and the uniquely irritating Kiriko, whose face we want to break already. Good job, EA.

Continue reading Facebreaker enters the ring this September

JoystiqFacebreaker enters the ring this September originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxingeaelectronic-artsfacebreakersportsportsWed, 18 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[FaceBreaker knocks out September release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/facebreaker-knocks-out-september-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/facebreaker-knocks-out-september-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/facebreaker-knocks-out-september-release/#commentsFiled under:


EA Sports announced yesterday that its latest franchise FaceBreaker will release on September 5 for the Xbox 360 and PS3. While sim-boxing fans look forward to EA's Fight Night series, FaceBreaker is reminiscent of classic arcade boxers pulling nostalgic cues from Nintendo's Punch-Out! and Midway's Ready 2 Rumble. Developed by EA Canada, FaceBreaker marks the first title to sport the new EA Sports Freestyle brand--created to identify titles with a more casual and accessible appeal.

JoystiqFaceBreaker knocks out September release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-freestyleea-sportsea-sports-freestylefacebreakerWed, 18 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[FaceBreaker to pummel retail shelves September 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/facebreaker-to-pummel-retail-shelves-this-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/facebreaker-to-pummel-retail-shelves-this-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/facebreaker-to-pummel-retail-shelves-this-september/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Living room pugilists can finally circle a date on their calender, provided they can hold a pen while wearing gloves, as GameSpot reports that Electronic Arts plans to ship its arcadey boxing title FaceBreaker for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii on September 5.

As the first title to emerge from EA's newly launched Freestyle brand, the game promises over-the-top ringside heroics. FaceBreaker is a game that continues to remain on our radar as one of our more anticipated games at next month's E3, though honestly we're conflicted if this has more to do with the title's tooned-out gameplay or simply the opportunity to uppercut Peter Moore.

JoystiqFaceBreaker to pummel retail shelves September 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxingeaelectronic-artselectronicartsfacebreakerfreestylePS3WiiXbox-360Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTrailers TV to debut new Facebreaker, Resident Evil 5 footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/gametrailers-tv-to-debut-new-facebreaker-resident-evil-5-footag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/gametrailers-tv-to-debut-new-facebreaker-resident-evil-5-footag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/gametrailers-tv-to-debut-new-facebreaker-resident-evil-5-footag/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Whether you're in it for the pugilistic spectacle or gratuitous undead hostility, we think there are a few good reasons to catch this Friday's episode of GameTrailers TV on Spike. Not only will we see the character creation mode in EA's cartoonish boxing game, Facebreaker, we'll actually get to see show host Geoff Keighley and EA's Peter Moore break each other's faces. In the game.

If you prefer your violence to be dispensed with the pull of a finger (and not the swing of a fist), the episode will also feature new gameplay footage of Capcom's controversial Resident Evil 5. Add a trailer for world-warping shooter Fracture and in-game footage of Golden Axe: Beast Rider, and you have yourself a decent bit of entertainment. You'll find a trailer for the episode, which airs on Friday, May 30th, at 1AM ET/PT, after the break.

Continue reading GameTrailers TV to debut new Facebreaker, Resident Evil 5 footage

JoystiqGameTrailers TV to debut new Facebreaker, Resident Evil 5 footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 May 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomEAElectronic-ArtsFacebreakerFractureGolden-Axe-Beast-RiderGTTVLucasArtsPeter-MoorePS3Resident-Evil-5SegaWiiXbox-360Thu, 29 May 2008 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: FaceBreaker introduces us to Kiriko]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/video-facebreaker-introduces-us-to-kiriko/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/video-facebreaker-introduces-us-to-kiriko/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/video-facebreaker-introduces-us-to-kiriko/#commentsFiled under: ,


There's a new FaceBreaker video making the internet rounds today introducing a new female character to the boxing mix. Meet Kiriko, a 22 year old dancer who weighs "just a hair under a hundred" and whose voice is as annoying as a school bus full of screaming ten year olds hopped up on Pixy Stix. Well, actually, maybe it's her use of the word "wicked" that bothers us because, like guys, she totally like can't feel like her face. Like totally like wicked. Ahem, watch in complete awe ...

JoystiqVideo: FaceBreaker introduces us to Kiriko originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsfacebreakerTue, 27 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get to know EA's Facebreakers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/11/get-to-know-eas-facebreakers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/11/get-to-know-eas-facebreakers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/11/get-to-know-eas-facebreakers/#commentsFiled under:


We've been keeping our eyes on Facebreaker, EA's charmingly silly boxing title. The latest slew of videos feature some "getting to know you" segments with two characters in the game, who are, in a word, strange. It's these quirky characters that make Facebreaker stand out from some of the other boxing games on the Wii, though.

The trailer above shows Romeo, who looks even scarier when he's washing a car than when he's boxing. After the break you can also check out Steve, the nerdy black-belt that likes to ride rhinos and play "Wizards and Lizards."

Continue reading Get to know EA's Facebreakers

JoystiqGet to know EA's Facebreakers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxingeafacebreakersportsSun, 11 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebreaker trailers: Meet the pugilists]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/facebreaker-trailers-give-idea-of-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/facebreaker-trailers-give-idea-of-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/facebreaker-trailers-give-idea-of-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Although the Facebreaker character trailers aren't half as amusing as the Team Fortress 2 portraits, we do have hope for the game itself. It would be nice if there was a now-gen "casual" boxing game that rekindled that fun we had while playing Punch-Out back in the '80s.

The latest Facebraker profile (above) is of Steve, your typical fat nerd cliché. We've also placed the video for Romeo after the break. With a September release as part of EA Sports' new Freestyle brand, we're looking forward to getting some hands-on time with Facebreaker at E3. Hopefully the gameplay will enhance the fun and diminish the creepiness we feel in these trailers.

Continue reading Facebreaker trailers: Meet the pugilists

JoystiqFacebreaker trailers: Meet the pugilists originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-sportsea-sports-freestylefacebreakerfreestylePS3WiiXbox-360Sat, 10 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FaceBreaker video: meet Steve, ninja boxer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/facebreaker-video-meet-steve-ninja-boxer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/facebreaker-video-meet-steve-ninja-boxer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/facebreaker-video-meet-steve-ninja-boxer/#commentsFiled under:

A new trailer for FaceBreaker has been released, this time featuring a deadly ninja warrior by the name of ... Steve. It turns out Steve isn't quite a ninja master per se, but rather a quadruple black belt in ninja boxing. He is also apparently the regional quest master of his Wizards & Lizards guild. In other words, he's the nerd who thinks he's a badass (think Napoleon Dynamite's brother, only fat). If FaceBreaker can keep its sense of humor and be fun to play, we'll be mighty happy.

JoystiqFaceBreaker video: meet Steve, ninja boxer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportselectronic-artsfacebreakerFri, 09 May 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA reveals casual sub-brand, Freestyle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/ea-reveals-casual-sub-brand-freestyle/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/ea-reveals-casual-sub-brand-freestyle/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/ea-reveals-casual-sub-brand-freestyle/#commentsFiled under:


Attempting to appeal to a more casual audience, Electronic Arts announced in a press release the introduction of a new sub-brand of EA Sports called Freestyle. Focusing on making sports titles more accessible to a wider range of gamers, the Freestyle brand logo will signify that a game includes simpler control schemes for casual players.

"The launch of EA Sports Freestyle is an exciting milestone in the evolution of the EA Sports brand," said Peter Moore, president of EA Sports. "EA Sports Freestyle will be a perfect complement to our core portfolio of games that our loyal fans are deeply passionate about, and will provide compelling opportunities for new audiences looking for a lighter gaming experience and an easier entry point into EA Sports."

The first title to include the new Freestyle branding will be EA's cartoon-mischief style boxer Facebreaker which releases on the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii later this year.

JoystiqEA reveals casual sub-brand, Freestyle originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 May 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscasualeaea-sportsea-sports-freestylefacebreakerWed, 07 May 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet FaceBreaker's Romeo, get punched]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/meet-facebreakers-romeo-get-punched/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/meet-facebreakers-romeo-get-punched/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/meet-facebreakers-romeo-get-punched/#commentsFiled under:

GameVideos (which has received a huge makeover, by the way) has posted a new trailer for FaceBreaker, the upcoming cartoon boxer from EA. The video serves as an introduction to Romeo, a svelte Spanish boxer with a voice that lands somewhere between Antonio Banderas and Family Guy's Mr. Weed. Perhaps more importantly, the video gives us a peek at how FaceBreaker will actually play. Assuming what's seen in the video is actually taken from gameplay, you can expect to occasionally launch foes completely off the mat. In the video, Romeo repeatedly launches foes high in the air and lands another crushing blow as they plummet back to the canvas. We have to admit, it looks like it could be a lot of fun. Given the pedigree of EA Canada (Fight Night Round 3), we're hopeful that it will be.

JoystiqMeet FaceBreaker's Romeo, get punched originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 May 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the newest Facebreaker trailer, you can take a closer look at even more of the odd characters involved in the game. As silly as it seems, our interest in this title is actually growing. What better reason is there to fight than because you like to punch people in the face, after all?

If the fighting parts of this video are depicting actual gameplay rather than cutscenes, we also have to say that Facebreaker looks fun. We love a game with a sense of humor. Which boxing game are you guys looking forward to more, though? This, or Prizefighter?

JoystiqFacebreaker trailer won't break your face originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxingeafacebreakersportsThu, 17 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's FaceBreaker knocks out 13 new screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/eas-facebreaker-knocks-out-13-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/eas-facebreaker-knocks-out-13-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/eas-facebreaker-knocks-out-13-new-screens/#commentsFiled under:


Earlier in the week EA released 13 new screens of their upcoming Fight Night spin-off, FaceBreaker. Reminiscent of the much-loved Ready 2 Rumble series, FaceBreaker adds an over-the-top cartoon style to boxing in the same vein as Team Fortress 2 or the upcoming PC free-to-play game, Battlefield Heroes. So far the game looks fantastic and but we can't help think that the inspiration for the game were those chin rippling punches hilariously famous in Fight Night, or maybe it was because everyone who worked on Fight Night is waiting in the unemployment line.

JoystiqEA's FaceBreaker knocks out 13 new screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-bigelectronic-artsfacebreakerTue, 11 Mar 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Revolutionary: Precursor Legacy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/revolutionary-precursor-legacy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/revolutionary-precursor-legacy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/revolutionary-precursor-legacy/#commentsFiled under:

Every (other) Tuesday, Mike Sylvester brings you REVOLUTIONARY, a look at the wide world of Wii possibilities.

Fans of Midway's Ready 2 Rumble Boxing series are no doubt anticipating the spiritual successor in EA's Facebreaker. When you're madly swinging Wiimote and Nunchuk in abuse of cartoony pugilists, you probably won't give any thought to how you could have been doing this nearly a decade ago. While our Nintendo allegiance may make it easy to dismiss claims that the Wii concept was outright "stolen," in Iwata's own admission, it was built from technologies already in existence. And some of those technologies had even used for gaming prior to the Wii. Read on as we examine how the Wii carries on a legacy of hardware past and dreams cast.

Continue reading Revolutionary: Precursor Legacy

JoystiqRevolutionary: Precursor Legacy originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DreamcastFacebreakerfishing-rodjoystiqfeaturesmaracasRevolutionarySega-Bass-FishingTue, 26 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Point your face at this trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/09/point-your-face-at-this-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/09/point-your-face-at-this-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/09/point-your-face-at-this-trailer/#commentsFiled under:


EA recently announced a multiplatform (Wii included) boxing game from EA Canada called Facebreaker, which takes a more cartoony approach to boxing than their other boxing franchise, Fight Night. The first trailer from the game shows you that, uh, there are some wacky boxers in it? You don't really learn much about the gameplay in any version, but we can tell you one thing: EA still has yet to do anything in the released Facebreaker materials to discourage Ready 2 Rumble comparisons.

That works out in EA's favor, though, since Ready 2 Rumble Boxing was great.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqPoint your face at this trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxingeaea-canadafacebreakersportsSat, 09 Feb 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FaceBreaker World Premiere Trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/09/facebreaker-world-premiere-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/09/facebreaker-world-premiere-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/09/facebreaker-world-premiere-trailer/#commentsFiled under: ,

Recently revealed as the newest game from EA Canada, FaceBreaker's arcady style is seen in motion for the first time in Game Trailers exclusive premiere teaser for the game, though not as we'd have hoped. The teaser simply shows some CG of a few stereotypical boxers, the thin fast guy, the slow powerful guy, and the egotistical guy. The graphics look good, but then it's a pre-rendered movie of stylized characters, and it's likely we'll end up seeing a Fight Night: Round 3 level of graphics, as that was this team's previous project.

In the end though it won't matter how good the graphics are if there's no gameplay beneath them. We don't know anything about the controls or gameplay so far, but the arcade influence will hopefully prevent them from deviating very far from the excellent Fight Night: Round 3 controls. Here's also to hoping that the game doesn't take itself too seriously, and ends up winning the fight for spiritual successor to Ready 2 Rumble.

JoystiqFaceBreaker World Premiere Trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-canadafacebreakerSat, 09 Feb 2008 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's Facebreaker trailer makes its debut, lacks gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/09/eas-facebreaker-trailer-makes-its-debut-lacks-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/09/eas-facebreaker-trailer-makes-its-debut-lacks-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/09/eas-facebreaker-trailer-makes-its-debut-lacks-gameplay/#commentsFiled under:


We've been entranced with EA's Facebreaker since they announced it a little over a week ago. With its lighthearted attitude and Fight Night Round 3 meets Team Fortress 2 visuals, we can't help but hearken back to long summer nights spent playing Ready 2 Rumble Boxing on the Dreamcast. However, we shouldn't get our hopes up without knowing anything about the gameplay, which, unfortunately, this "world premier" from GameTrailers doesn't really shed much light on. I guess we'll have to wait until the game is fully detailed in the March issue of EGM before we'll know if we can ever relive our Days of Afro Thunder.

JoystiqEA's Facebreaker trailer makes its debut, lacks gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxingEAElectronic-Artsfacebreakerfightnightready2rumbletrailerSat, 09 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA unveils new arcade boxer, FaceBreaker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/ea-unveils-new-arcade-boxer-facebreaker/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/ea-unveils-new-arcade-boxer-facebreaker/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/ea-unveils-new-arcade-boxer-facebreaker/#commentsFiled under:


Electronic Arts has announced a new boxing title from EA Canada, one of the teams behind Fight Night Round 3. Entitled FaceBreaker, the game ditches the hyper-realistic pugilism, opting instead for cartoon graphics in the vein of older arcade boxers like Ready 2 Rumble and Punch-Out. The game derives its name from the ability for players to actually break the faces of their avatars using "real-time facial deformation." And it won't just be the faces of the game's pre-made characters like Molotov, "the oversized Russian demolitions expert with a penchant for fighting dirty" either. Players will also be able to slap their own face onto a boxer using a photograph, the Vision Camera, and EA's Game Face technology. More info regarding the game will be available in the next issue of EGM.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqEA unveils new arcade boxer, FaceBreaker originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxingboxing-gameeaelectronic-artsfacebreakerThu, 31 Jan 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA reveals 'Facebreaker,' a tooned-up Fight Night]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/ea-reveals-facebreaker-a-cartoonish-boxing-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/ea-reveals-facebreaker-a-cartoonish-boxing-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/ea-reveals-facebreaker-a-cartoonish-boxing-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Are you Ready 2 Rumble? "No," says EA's newly announced boxing game, Facebreaker. "But I do feature real-time facial deformation and a lighthearted approach to pugilistic pummeling! So really, I'm more like a Fight Night cel-out." According to the folks at 1UP, Facebreaker is being developed by EA Canada for release on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii. Says EA's Peter Moore: "Arcade boxing takes me back to my roots in this industry, and this game signals our shift to adding more approachable fun to our product lineup."

Those approaching the fun will find an inevitably "colorful" cast of playable caricatures to choose from, including "Latin lover" Romeo and "an oversized Russian demolitions expert" called Molotov. If you'd prefer to have your own face broken, you can either integrate a personal photo via Game Face technology or simply wear your Tingle costume when buying the game from the store.

More Facebreaker details can be found in the March 2008 issue of EGM.

JoystiqEA reveals 'Facebreaker,' a tooned-up Fight Night originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BoxingBreakingNewsEAEA-CanadaElectronic-ArtsFacebreakerFight-NightFightNightPS3WiiXbox-360Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:30:00 EST