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[Netflix's 'Just for Kids' section added to Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/netflixs-just-for-kids-section-added-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/netflixs-just-for-kids-section-added-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/netflixs-just-for-kids-section-added-to-wii/#comments If the Netflix application on your Nintendo Wii is used exclusively for the Spongebobbening of adolescent family members (or yourself, we suppose), you'll want to keep an eye on its new content channel: Just for Kids. The section features films, television shows and franchise filters specifically geared for the 12-and-under crowd, a seemingly timed bulletpoint addition for the holiday sales season.

Take heed of the section's name, however -- that "Just for Kids" denotation isn't just a suggestion, it's federal law. You don't want to be thrown in the slammer because you couldn't resist the siren song of Phineas and Ferb, do you?

JoystiqNetflix's 'Just for Kids' section added to Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>familyjust-for-kidskidsneflixnintendowiiTue, 22 Nov 2011 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ's 'Kids, Family and Casual' branch revealing new project next Tuesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/thqs-kids-family-and-casual-branch-revealing-new-project-nex/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/thqs-kids-family-and-casual-branch-revealing-new-project-nex/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/thqs-kids-family-and-casual-branch-revealing-new-project-nex/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're the least bit worried about the massive workload THQ seems to have taken on -- seriously, just look at that chart -- you may want to avert your eyes from this particular story. During the publisher's investors call earlier today, CEO Brian Farrell explained that the company "will be unveiling an innovative new product a week from tomorrow in New York," later adding "we look forward to its launch this holiday season."

A representative from THQ explained that this new project is being developed by the "Kids, Family and Casual" (or K.F.C.) management branch of the studio, likely ruling out the chance that this unannounced project is that Saints Row MMO you've always dreamed of. We've contacted THQ to see if we can get any additional details about the project. Like, for instance, will it be crispy, or original? Can we assume it will be finger lickin' good? Will it come with its own secret blend of herbs and spices?

JoystiqTHQ's 'Kids, Family and Casual' branch revealing new project next Tuesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementbrian-farrellcasualfamilykidsthqMon, 09 Aug 2010 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's Denise Kaigler steps down to spend time with family]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/21/nintendos-denise-kaigler-steps-down-to-spend-time-with-family/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/21/nintendos-denise-kaigler-steps-down-to-spend-time-with-family/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/21/nintendos-denise-kaigler-steps-down-to-spend-time-with-family/#commentsNintendo vice president of corporate affairs Denise Kaigler recently announced via the Nintendo Minute feature on IGN that she would be vacating her position in order to spend more time with her family. In the post, she explained, "it's a fact of life that job and family often pull us in opposite directions. As regular readers of this feature know, this has proved particularly challenging for me," later adding "the time has come where I need to choose one over the other ... and I have to choose my family."

We wish Kaigler the best of luck in this new venture, and hope that wherever she may end up, she retains her unconventionally sassy interviewing technique.

JoystiqNintendo's Denise Kaigler steps down to spend time with family originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessdenise-kaiglerfamilynintendonintendo-of-americavice-presidentSat, 21 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Albionian hero spawns 537 babies, ye olde physicians baffled ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/albionian-hero-spawns-537-babies-ye-olde-physicians-baffled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/albionian-hero-spawns-537-babies-ye-olde-physicians-baffled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/albionian-hero-spawns-537-babies-ye-olde-physicians-baffled/#comments
"We've never seen anything like it," Bowerstone physician Bloodlettin' Sam said. "It defies the small amount of science we've been able to discern."

Everyone, it seems, is at a loss for words over the unprecedentedly fruitful loins of Albionian hero "Evan1357," who, together with beloved wife Sadie the Farmer, has sired 537 children. Child Protection Services officials have been hesitant to investigate the hero ("he's just so handsome, all we want to do is marry him," they said in their defense), while Mrs. the Farmer's spirits were remarkably high, all things considered.

"People ask me how I manage to push so many human beings out of my body. The secret is to simply OOOHHHH NOOOO IIIIT'S HAPPENINIIIING AGAAAAIIN," said Mrs. the Farmer, proud mother of 537 538 children.

JoystiqAlbionian hero spawns 537 babies, ye olde physicians baffled originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 May 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albionbabychildrenfablefable-2familylionheadrpgFri, 22 May 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony targets kids with Japanese focus groups]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/sony-targets-kids-with-japanese-focus-groups/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/sony-targets-kids-with-japanese-focus-groups/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/sony-targets-kids-with-japanese-focus-groups/#comments
PS3 is a sexy piece of tech. Its library of games, from Killzone 2 to Metal Gear Solid 4, appeal to the hardcore gamer ... but what about kids? PS3 is still in its infancy, so it's unsurprising that it's failed to catch the attention of children and family gamers. That might change soon though, as Sony is finally conducting focus groups in Japan catered to the younger audience.

Siliconera reports that Sony is looking for participants as young as elementary school students to take part in a testing session at Sony's Tokyo offices. These individuals will give their opinions on upcoming PSP and PS3 games. Half-day participants will get 2500 yen compensation (about $25), while full day participants get 5000 yen and a free lunch. Imagine that! A job that pays you for playing PlayStation games.

JoystiqSony targets kids with Japanese focus groups originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>familyfocus-groupkidssceisonyFri, 24 Apr 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Weathering the economic storm: Start-ups speak out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/weathering-the-economic-storm-start-ups-speak-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/weathering-the-economic-storm-start-ups-speak-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/weathering-the-economic-storm-start-ups-speak-out/#comments
It takes a special kind of crazy to open up a new game studio in an uncertain financial climate. Yet already in 2009 we've seen a handful of people do just that, many on the heels of having lost their previous jobs to downsizing or a studio closure. Recently we spoke with three individuals behind a trio of 2009's start-up efforts to ask them how they plan to weather the economic storm and, more importantly, if seeing the rest of the industry buckle around them makes them feel just a little bit demented for doing what they're doing.

"We are crazy!" proclaimed Game Mechanic Studios president and former Electronic Arts senior designer Jason Alejandre, who noted that he saw layoffs four out of the five years he spent working at EA. "The one year that we didn't have layoffs at our studio there were still layoffs at the other EA studios," he recalled. "The leadership changed at the studio level three times and the executive management changed twice."

Still, Alejandre doesn't necessarily believe that all of the closures and cutbacks are directly tied to the current downturn. "It's a combination of this is just how the business is, and the other part is due to the current economic crisis. This is our industry. I think [why] the media is currently focused in on this more so in games now than any of the previous years is because the topic is now under the 'Eye of Sauron.'"

Continue reading Weathering the economic storm: Start-ups speak out

JoystiqWeathering the economic storm: Start-ups speak out originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonfirebonfire-studiosdoubletapdoubletap-gameseconomyfamilygame-mechanic-studiosindependentindieinterviewTue, 17 Mar 2009 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[For 250 points: What is Buzz! developer Relentless working on next?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/for-250-points-what-is-buzz-developer-relentless-working-on-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/for-250-points-what-is-buzz-developer-relentless-working-on-ne/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/for-250-points-what-is-buzz-developer-relentless-working-on-ne/#comments
Actual, obscured screenshots
Look, if the above question ever comes up, the answer's almost always going to be more Buzz! games. If you want to impress the audience with your esoteric trivia prowess, however, you might elect to answer, "Why, a new, unannounced project, of course!" You'll point out that quiz game developer Relentless Software recently updated its website, noting an ongoing hiring process not only for future Buzz! titles, but a secret, self-published project.

"Sony keep us very busy with our Buzz projects but there's something bubbling under at Relentless Towers," reads the site, referencing its agreement with Sony to pump out family-friendly knowledge-em-ups and shockingly omitting the exclamation mark in the game's title. "We've taken everything we've learned about making social games and the result is what, for the time being, is known as Secret Project #1."

For the time being? Don't be silly, Relentless. Who wouldn't buy a game called Secret Project #1?

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqFor 250 points: What is Buzz! developer Relentless working on next? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BuzzCasualFamilyRelentless-SoftwareSecretTue, 03 Mar 2009 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft: Wii is, like, totally driven by girls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/ubisoft-wii-is-like-totally-driven-by-girls/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/ubisoft-wii-is-like-totally-driven-by-girls/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/ubisoft-wii-is-like-totally-driven-by-girls/#commentsFiled under: ,


Nintendo's crusade to wrap casual and non-gamers alike into the gaming fold has drawn the attention of the Sooner State, with the Tulsa World reporting that the Wii's unstoppable sales have much to do with the gaming habits of the fairer sex. Specifically, Ubisoft's senior brand manager Ann Hamilton tells the newspaper that "what's driving the Wii sales is the use of Wii by women, girls and families."

It's a sentiment that's shared among other organizations, including Tulsa-based developer Tornado Studios (Medal of Honor: Allied Assault), which notes that since the debut of the Wii and DS the company has seen "a much higher influx of female gamers." Even so, while we applaud efforts to put controllers -- any controllers -- in the hands of the women, we just wish the industry wouldn't continue to vomit shovelware into the market under the guise of good intentions.

[Via Endsights]

JoystiqUbisoft: Wii is, like, totally driven by girls originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>familygirlsnintendotornado-studiosubisoftwomenThu, 15 Jan 2009 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report finds British families game together, Wii very popular]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/report-finds-british-families-game-together-wii-very-popular/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/report-finds-british-families-game-together-wii-very-popular/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/report-finds-british-families-game-together-wii-very-popular/#commentsFiled under:


A recent report conducted in Britain by research firm Deloitte says that the average Brit spends about 6.6 hours a week playing video games. As part of that report, Deloitte also found that a quarter of the individuals who were polled owned a Wii, with another quarter stating that they intend to own one in 2009. It's no surprise, if you've been keeping up with sales figures.

Another aspect of the report that is quite interesting is the perception of gaming overall. Apparently, video games are considered part of "family time" over there for those between the ages of 26 and 42. It warms our heart to think of all the families getting along splendidly, enjoying gaming together.

How many of you enjoy gaming with your family? What games do you all play together? Is gaming your main hobby?

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqReport finds British families game together, Wii very popular originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaindeloittefamiliesfamilyreportukThu, 08 Jan 2009 18:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Holiday fun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/wii-warm-up-holiday-fun/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/wii-warm-up-holiday-fun/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/wii-warm-up-holiday-fun/#commentsFiled under:

Since everyone else seems to like the Wii, too, it stands to reason that at least a few of you out there probably had some Wii-themed multiplayer moments over the holiday season. We want to hear about your all-gamer matches as well as those moments when grandma asked if she could get in on that "video bowling." Bonus points* to anyone who happens to have family video hanging around on YouTube.

*Bonus points are only redeemable in our hearts.

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Holiday fun originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>familyholidaymultiplayerpartyFri, 02 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Couple come to blows over Wii gift]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/couple-come-to-blows-over-wii-gift/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/couple-come-to-blows-over-wii-gift/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/couple-come-to-blows-over-wii-gift/#commentsFiled under:

Man, some people's kids. A couple from Portsmouth, New Hampshire got themselves arrested on Christmas Day for exchanging punches over an unwanted gift -- a Wii, of all things. Heath Blom and Randi Young , aged 8 26 and 6 24 respectively, repeatedly punched one another, pulled hair, and ended up tumbling down two flights of stairs together. Joys be thine!

Things started turning sour when poor Heathy-Weathy didn't get the $1,000 RC airplane he had asked his grandparents for. When his girlfriend produced a Wii, he "got really upset," Young told The Boston Herald. Blom admitted he had "disparaged" the Wii (and somehow we don't think he was offering a sober criticism of third-party support), which understandably peeved Young.

The argument mushroomed from there, with Young packing her bags and some punches being thrown, mainly in the direction of the deserving Blom. It all finished with the pair falling down the stairs together, and the police arresting the loons shortly thereafter.


[Via Shacknews]

JoystiqCouple come to blows over Wii gift originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasfamilyholidazeMon, 29 Dec 2008 15:52:00 EST<![CDATA[The DS Life: Center of attention]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/the-ds-life-center-of-attention/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/the-ds-life-center-of-attention/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/the-ds-life-center-of-attention/#commentsFiled under: ,



Despite the aged look of this week's image, this photograph was actually taken quite recently, as evidenced by the DS Lite. The scene is a familiar one, especially at family get-togethers, when gangs of younger cousins, nephews, and nieces roam the house, desperate in their search for any entertainment. Join us past the post break for the full photo.

[Update: Original image has been removed at the request of copyright owner. To see the image, please visit this link.]

Continue reading The DS Life: Center of attention

JoystiqThe DS Life: Center of attention originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clownfamilygroupholgaholidaysyourwillingskinWed, 19 Nov 2008 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii is 'most expensive board game on Earth']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/wii-is-most-expensive-board-game-on-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/wii-is-most-expensive-board-game-on-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/wii-is-most-expensive-board-game-on-earth/#commentsFiled under:

So says Sega A&R man Darren Williams in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, who also described the console as "the kind of thing that families will play at Christmas, and probably won't play again throughout the remainder of the year."

Before we all fetch the pitchforks and start constructing crude Darren Williams effigies, perhaps it would do some good to calmly consider whether the man has a point. In this blogger's personal experience, a small number of families do only use the Wii sporadically, and Williams clearly isn't referring to Wii Fanboy staff or readers.

Whether these occasional players are such a bad thing is another debate entirely. One popular theory seems to be that newer gamers are less likely to invest in new Wii software, but we saw yesterday that the Wii's tie ratio is thoroughly healthy. What sayeth you?

JoystiqWii is 'most expensive board game on Earth' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamecasualchristmasfamilysegaFri, 07 Nov 2008 19:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Irate father nails Xbox to tree]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/irate-father-nails-xbox-to-tree/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/irate-father-nails-xbox-to-tree/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/irate-father-nails-xbox-to-tree/#commentsFiled under: ,

After having "warned [their] 3 boys about their behavior while playing the Xbox," a rather vengeful father had decided to create folk art with the console, according to the mother's CNN iReport. In the comment section, the mother said the kids do not "totally hate dad ... There was a problem, and the problem was addressed properly."

Not to worry for the kids, however, as a replacement Xbox can be found on eBay for well under $40. In fact, the Xbox shown above can be found on the online auction site as well, with 50% of proceeds reportedly going to the local school system and 50% towards the children's college fund. So, now that we know it can be nailed ... will it blend?

[Via X3F]

JoystiqIrate father nails Xbox to tree originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dailypicfamilymicrosoftpicturesxboxTue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero Punctuation whips it good with Lego Indy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/zero-punctuation-whips-it-real-good-with-lego-indy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/zero-punctuation-whips-it-real-good-with-lego-indy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/zero-punctuation-whips-it-real-good-with-lego-indy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Zero Punctuation's Yahtzee takes on both the Lego Indiana Jones game and the latest movie in his latest review. For his take on the game, the ornery critic comes up with an equation for figuring out how much you'll enjoy playing as Indy in the blockified platformer.

If doing mathematicals isn't your thing, just think about how much fun you'll have killing Short Round -- or Willie -- over and over again. Although it still doesn't beat the cathartic Jar-Jar killing of the Lego Star Wars game.

This week's NSFW ZP review of Lego Indy can be found after the break.

Continue reading Zero Punctuation whips it good with Lego Indy

JoystiqZero Punctuation whips it good with Lego Indy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionDSescapistescapist-magazineFamilyLegolego-indiana-jonesLego-Indiana-Jones-The-Original-AdventuresMicrosoftNintendoPS3Travellers-TalesTT-GamesWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBIEWiiXbox-360yahtzeeyahtzee-croshawzero-punctuationzeropunctuationWed, 09 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview -- Lego Indiana Jones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/metareview-lego-indiana-jones/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/metareview-lego-indiana-jones/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/metareview-lego-indiana-jones/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

He's uncovered the fate of Atlantis, bested an infernal machine and rummaged through an emperor's tomb, but everybody's favorite Nazi-punching archaeologist faces his greatest challenge in a world made entirely out of toy blocks. Lego Indiana Jones has arrived to fairly favorable reviews, with most critics approving of the game's silent, comedic send-up of classic movie moments. If you're not the only kid in the house and enjoy collecting lots and lots and lots of things, you could do worse than tossing the developer your idle cash.
  • IGN (80/100): "Traveller's Tales has once again delivered an experience that boils down to smashing stuff over and over again while searching for secrets, while also managing to make that formula fun and addictive. It's certainly not a huge leap over the LEGO Star Wars titles, and in fact still has some of that series' issues, but it's no less enthralling and certainly a fun adventure worth taking on."
  • 1UP (75/100): "Lego Indy's main quest isn't terribly expansive -- you can finish it in a weekend, and that's if you take your time -- but the game's unquestionably built for completists, with a ton of hidden treasure and extra characters (you can unlock pretty much every character in the films, right down to Last Crusade's castle butler). It's easy to dismiss as kids' fare, but Lego Indiana Jones is a light, enjoyable action game, especially if you've got a willing friend for co-op play."
  • Eurogamer (70/100): "This is all starting to sound a bit grinchy, so at this point I feel I should point out that my five-year-old son, who helped me with the hands on preview, is currently at 99.7 percent completion on our second save game with just one character left to unlock. He's certainly commented on the absence of familiar features, and seems less enthused about collecting billions of LEGO studs now that there's not as much to spend them on, but he's still been happily replaying his favourite levels over and over, just as he did with Star Wars."
[Note: Listed reviews are for the Xbox 360 version. The game is also available on PS3, PS2, Wii, PSP, PC and DS.]

JoystiqMetareview -- Lego Indiana Jones originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionDSFamilyLegoLego-Indiana-JonesLego-Indiana-Jones-The-Original-AdventuresmetareviewMicrosoftNintendoPCPS2PS3PSPTravellers-TalesTT-GamesWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBIEWiiXbox-360Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Indiana Jones demo now available for PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/lego-indiana-jones-demo-now-available-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/lego-indiana-jones-demo-now-available-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/lego-indiana-jones-demo-now-available-for-pc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With early buzz for the new Indiana Jones movie being wishy-washy, fans may need to find solace in playing the Lego Indiana Jones game on June 3rd. The PC demo is now available for download and should also be packaged with the Indiana Jones DVDs coming out today.

No word yet on console demos for Xbox 360 or PS3, but we've got some calls out for info. We can't imagine there'd only be a demo for PC. Clearly, somebody from marketing would've "chosen poorly" if that were the case.

JoystiqLego Indiana Jones demo now available for PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActiondemoDSFamilyLegolego-indiana-jonesLego-Indiana-Jones-The-Original-AdventuresMicrosoftNintendoPCTravellers-TalesTT-GamesWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBIEWiiXbox-360Tue, 13 May 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Grab some real-life Boom Blox with the game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/grab-some-real-life-boom-blox-with-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/grab-some-real-life-boom-blox-with-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/grab-some-real-life-boom-blox-with-the-game/#commentsFiled under: ,


... if you're in France. Despite much frantic hunting on the internets, we've only been able to locate this neat little piece of Boom Blox merchandise at a French outlet, where it's being given away to those who purchase the game early (Boom Blox launches across Europe tomorrow).

Although it lacks a ball to knock your blocks down with once you've finished building, assembling this puzzle is probably the perfect way to pass the time while your family plays on Boom Blox and you stubbornly refuse to admit that you might have been wrong. Bah. Oh, one word of advice, though: handle with care.

JoystiqGrab some real-life Boom Blox with the game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxcasualeafamilyfrancepartypre-orderpreorderpuzzlespielbergsteven-spielbergThu, 08 May 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The DS Life: The coolest guy on the train]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/the-ds-life-the-coolest-guy-on-the-train/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/the-ds-life-the-coolest-guy-on-the-train/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/the-ds-life-the-coolest-guy-on-the-train/#commentsFiled under:



As a somewhat respectable grown-up who makes a somewhat living on the Nintendo DS subculture, I have to stop myself from trying to see what someone's playing whenever I spot a handheld gamer in the wild. I restrain myself for two reasons:
  1. I like to keep up this illusion of me being a somewhat respectable grown-up
  2. I don't want anyone mistaking me for a pedophile just because I was stealing glances at some kid's Piplup
Children, though, have no such reservations with running up to a stranger to see what he's playing ...

Continue reading The DS Life: The coolest guy on the train

JoystiqThe DS Life: The coolest guy on the train originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 May 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>familykoreasubwaysuperlocalWed, 07 May 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Playing is believing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/wii-warm-up-playing-is-believing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/wii-warm-up-playing-is-believing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/wii-warm-up-playing-is-believing/#commentsFiled under:

The biggest selling point of the Wii has to be the fact that it's incredibly fun to play. Thinking about that, we then pondered the people in our own life we've turned on to the console thanks to a play session of Wii Sports or WarioWare: Smooth Moves.

Who have you turned on to the Wii in your life? And, what game was it that converted them from a casual onlooker into rabid Wii fan, combing over weekly sales in the newspaper and calling up various retail outlets to track down a console of their own? Who have you showed the wonder of the Wii off to and how quick did they want one of their own?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Playing is believing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 May 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>convertfamilyplaying-is-belivingwariowarewiisportsWed, 07 May 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Indiana Jones gameplay video swings into our hearts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/lego-indiana-jones-gameplay-video-swings-into-our-hearts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/lego-indiana-jones-gameplay-video-swings-into-our-hearts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/lego-indiana-jones-gameplay-video-swings-into-our-hearts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Though we were already excited about Lego Indiana Jones, our desire for the game is something more akin to fever pitch now that we've seen the above gameplay video. It features almost all our favorite Indy moments just as we remember them from our childhood only, you know, stubbier.

One of the more pleasant surprises is that although the characters all look (as you would expect) as if they were created from molded plastic, the environments are really nicely rendered. We say that so we have a grown up reason for being so excited, but the truth is that there's a part where he whips Willie and kisses her and it's adorable.

JoystiqLego Indiana Jones gameplay video swings into our hearts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionDSFamilyIndiana-JonesLegolego-indiana-jonesLego-Indiana-Jones-The-Original-AdventuresMicrosoftNintendoPS3Travellers-TalesTT-GamesWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBIEWiiXbox-360Fri, 02 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Whip it real good, Lego Indiana Jones site now live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/whip-it-real-good-lego-indiana-jones-site-now-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/whip-it-real-good-lego-indiana-jones-site-now-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/whip-it-real-good-lego-indiana-jones-site-now-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Lego Indiana Jones website is now live and features a little "treasure hunt" game where users search for riches and can then "purchase" wallpapers, avatars and coloring sheets. There's also the standard stuff like a community forum and screenshots, along with the trailer for the game.

A downloadable demo should be available for PC on May 13 (also available on the movie DVDs) and we're not finding any information on a console demo, but that doesn't mean there won't be one. Lego Indy begins beating up Nazis random cult members at retail June 3.

JoystiqWhip it real good, Lego Indiana Jones site now live originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 May 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionDSFamilyLegoLego-Indiana-JonesLego-Indiana-Jones-The-Original-AdventuresMicrosoftNintendoPCPS2PS3PSPTravellers-TalesTT-GamesWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBIEWiiXbox-360Thu, 01 May 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Indy to have more than 60 playable characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/lego-indy-to-have-more-than-60-playable-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/lego-indy-to-have-more-than-60-playable-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/lego-indy-to-have-more-than-60-playable-characters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Pop quiz time, hot shot: Name 60 characters from the Indiana Jones movies. Having trouble? We got to about a dozen before we had to start stretching the definition of "character" with things like "Nazi guard No. 2" and "Train Car Full of Snakes." Despite this, Activision is somehow promising to squeeze 60 playable characters into the upcoming Lego Indiana Jones, according to a fact sheet reprinted by VideoGaming247.com.

Of course it's easy to have a boatload of characters when creating a new one is just a matter of putting a new jacket and hat on a Lego Minifigure, but the info. sheet also promises "character specific abilities" such as "excavation by Satipo, an umbrella slide by Marcus Brody, and monkey access by Marion Ravenwood." That's all well and good, but we're really looking forward to "Nazi Guard No. 2's" special ability, which we hear involves melting and exploding. Fun for the whole family.

JoystiqLego Indy to have more than 60 playable characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionDSFamilyIndiana-Joneslegolego-indiana-jonesLego-Indiana-Jones-The-Original-Adventureslego-indyMicrosoftNintendoPS2PS3PSPtravellers-talesTT-GamesWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBIEWiiXbox-360Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Eurogamer: Lego Indiana Jones dated for Europe June 6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/eurogamer-lego-indiana-jones-dated-for-europe-june-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/eurogamer-lego-indiana-jones-dated-for-europe-june-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/eurogamer-lego-indiana-jones-dated-for-europe-june-6/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

A press release for Play.com's Live event revealed that Lego Indiana Jones, slated to be playable at the event, is coming to retail channels on June 6. Eurogamer has confirmed the date with the ever-reliable "Top Secret Games Industry Source" and, frankly, we're happy for our European readers who don't have to wait for the usual long delay between North American release (coming June 3).

The June 6 date reportedly applies to all platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, PS2, PSP, Xbox 360, Wii and DS. Eurogamer's source also noted that Lego Batman is coming later this year.

JoystiqEurogamer: Lego Indiana Jones dated for Europe June 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionDSeuropeFamilyindiana-joneslegolego-indiana-jonesLego-Indiana-Jones-The-Original-AdventuresMicrosoftNintendoPCPS2PS3PSPTravellers-TalesTT-GamesWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBIEWiiXbox-360Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Indy movie DVDs to include Lego Indiana Jones demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/new-indy-movie-dvds-to-include-lego-indiana-jones-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/new-indy-movie-dvds-to-include-lego-indiana-jones-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/new-indy-movie-dvds-to-include-lego-indiana-jones-demo/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's a safe bet that every video game nerd worth their fedora has June 3 already circled on their calendar, and plans to brave venomous asps and rolling boulders in order to pick up and play Traveller's Tales upcoming Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures the day it swings to retail. Still, those few who remain unconvinced of the marriage of twelve o'clock shadow and Lego bricks can look forward to trying the game out early, as Paramount and Lucasfilm plan to include both a trailer and playable demo on a set of special edition DVD versions of the Indy movies shipping out in mid-May.

The discs will be available both individually, as well as bundled together as a box set, and will be available on May 13, just prior to that new Crystal Skull adventure. It's unclear which version of the game will be represented by the included demo, with Lego Indiana Jones currently expected to fight Nazis anonymous cultists on every platform under the sun -- though let's be honest, we hope the demo will make the rounds online on or around the same time.

JoystiqNew Indy movie DVDs to include Lego Indiana Jones demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionDSFamilyLegoLego-Indiana-JonesLego-Indiana-Jones-The-Original-AdventuresMicrosoftNintendoTravellers-TalesTT-GamesWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBIEWiiXbox-360Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Indiana Jones to feature two-player co-op, not four]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/lego-indiana-jones-to-feature-two-player-co-op-not-four/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/lego-indiana-jones-to-feature-two-player-co-op-not-four/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/lego-indiana-jones-to-feature-two-player-co-op-not-four/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

An earlier report that LEGO Indiana Jones will feature four-player cooperative play has proven to be false. The game will instead feature the same two-player drop-in, drop-out gameplay as seen in the LEGO Star Wars titles, as well as the upcoming LEGO Batman.

The confusion stems from MTV's recent sit-down with developer Traveller's Tales, who discussed the game's features, including the ability to have up to four characters on-screen at any time. Understandibly, MTV misconstrued this to mean that four players could play simultaneously, when in fact Traveller's Tales was merely highlighting that players could switch between multiple on-screen characters -- a feature that should be familiar to fans of TT's other LEGO games. Apologies to our readers for the erroneous information. We cool?

JoystiqLego Indiana Jones to feature two-player co-op, not four originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionDSFamilyIndiana-Joneslegolego-indiana-jonesLego-Indiana-Jones-The-Original-AdventureslucasartsMicrosoftNintendoPS3travellers-talesTT-GamesWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBIEWiiXbox-360Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Six-year-olds and their (slightly twisted) view of Mario]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/six-year-olds-and-their-slightly-twisted-view-of-mario/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/six-year-olds-and-their-slightly-twisted-view-of-mario/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/six-year-olds-and-their-slightly-twisted-view-of-mario/#commentsFiled under:

When Japan-based 4cr staffer and elementary school teacher Vinnk tried using the Mario universe to teach his young students the English words for family members, he can't have been expecting a lesson of his own on the Mario family tree from a classroom of six-year-olds.

That's exactly what he did get however, with his pupils patiently pointing out that Wario, Mario, Luigi, and Peach were all siblings, that Bowser is either their father or uncle, and that Luigi must be older than Mario because he's taller. We're still no clearer on what Yoshi's role is in this incestuous mess, and it's not something we wish to dwell on for longer than is necessary.

Anyway, for the full hilarious/adorable transcript of this exchange, hit the "Read" link below. It made our morning.

JoystiqSix-year-olds and their (slightly twisted) view of Mario originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowserchildrenfamilyincestjapanluigimariopeachwaluigiwarioTue, 19 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Indiana Jones whips up 4-player co-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/lego-indiana-jones-whips-up-4-player-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/lego-indiana-jones-whips-up-4-player-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/lego-indiana-jones-whips-up-4-player-co-op/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MTV's Multiplayer spent some time with Traveller's Tales' upcoming Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures and survived a giant boulder to reveal various details about the game chronicling Indy's first three adventures. If you've played any of the Lego Star Wars games then you're already familiar with the set-up of this title. Barnett College serves as the hub (like Mos Eisley cantina in Star Wars) allowing players to access the 18 levels of the game. There are other Star Wars standards like the "Free Play" mode, but the producers say that Lego Indy will be more "adventure style" than Star Wars' fighting emphasis.

As for game mechanics, the whip on Wii will function similar to the lightsaber waggle and not have "1:1 remote-to-whip synchronized control." Though the Nazis have been removed from the game, the producers say the movie plots will stay intact. They also say despite puzzles being designed for two players, the console versions will support up to four players simultaneous. Lego Indiana Jones should be ready for discovery June 3.

JoystiqLego Indiana Jones whips up 4-player co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionDSFamilyLegoLego-Indiana-JonesLego-Indiana-Jones-The-Original-AdventuresMicrosoftNintendoPS3Travellers-TalesTT-GamesWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBIEWiiXbox-360Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Lego Indiana Jones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/joystiq-impressions-lego-indiana-jones/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/joystiq-impressions-lego-indiana-jones/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/joystiq-impressions-lego-indiana-jones/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Update: LucasArts contacted us with the game's final title. "The Original Adventures" makes sure leaves sequel potential. There is that fourth movie coming out. Plus Young Indy.

Da-da-da-dum... da-da-duuuuum... I'm coming off a screening of the Raiders shot-for-shot remake, so I'm ready to sing the Indy theme at the drop of a fedora. If you haven't heard of it, a few kids were so inspired by Raiders of the Lost Ark that they decided to stage an elaborate remake. It's a scrappy do-it-yourself homage with a persevering group of nerds at its heart; the movie took between 1982 and 1989 to complete.

I also recently saw a demo of Lego Indiana Jones: The Videogame Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures on a 360, and it captures a little bit of this uberfan spirit. The cut-scenes and ways that developer Traveler's Tales re-imagines the Indy stories through non-speaking plastic toys amused me and shared some similarities with the kids standing in for adult actors. (The moment where Indy does the old sandbag-for-idol trick in the movie? Just as pensive in the game, he swaps the idol for a Lego cup.)

Of course the corporate powers behind these two franchises weigh on the game, too. You'll be able to get it for seven different platforms. That's PS3, Wii, 360, PS2, DS, PSP, and PC. (Collect them all!) But the spirited combination of Indy remade in Legos looks fun.

Gallery: Lego Indiana Jones: The Videogame

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Lego Indiana Jones

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Lego Indiana Jones originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 04:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionDSFamilyLegoLego-Indiana-JonesLego-Indiana-Jones-The-Original-AdventuresMicrosoftNintendoPCPS2PS3PSPTravellers-TalesTT-GamesWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBIEWiiXbox-360Thu, 14 Feb 2008 04:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: A question of family]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/wii-warm-up-a-question-of-family/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/wii-warm-up-a-question-of-family/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/wii-warm-up-a-question-of-family/#commentsFiled under:


In discussing yesterday's topic, we noticed a lot of readers talking about family obligations when weighing gaming time. For those of you with spouses, live-in significant others, children, or other family members around (the folks, extended families, the aunt who drops in all the time), how does this figure into your time with the Wii? If you have children, do you let them play? If so, what's acceptable? If significant other/spouse ... do they play? What about other family members?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: A question of family originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>familyplay-timeTue, 05 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Family friendly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/ds-daily-family-friendly/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/ds-daily-family-friendly/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/25/ds-daily-family-friendly/#commentsFiled under:

The Wii is constantly hyped as a gaming system for every member of the family, but let's not forget that the DS appeals to the casual market, too. With that said, does anyone else in your family play the DS? Perhaps your mother, or little cousin, or even your grandfather? Who knows, they may even be more hardcore about it than you are. Or, maybe you're the sad, lone DS player of the family? (Cue the song "One is the Loneliest Number.")

JoystiqDS Daily: Family friendly originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-agesFamilySun, 25 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Family first]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/ds-daily-family-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/ds-daily-family-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/ds-daily-family-first/#commentsFiled under:

Since the holidays are about being with family and not our video game collections, it's often hard to get in as much DS time as we'd like on such occasions. Even though we might enjoy spending our time with Phoenix Wright more than we like talking to our crazy aunt, sometimes we just don't get a choice in the matter.

Does your DS see any action on the holidays, or are you so busy that you tend to neglect it? Perhaps you usually have a long drive to a relative's house that is perfect for some portable gaming? Or maybe you try to keep the holidays strictly about family? If you're anything like us, you might even enjoy showing off your little gadget to family members, no matter how many times they ask you what the "DS" stands for.

JoystiqDS Daily: Family first originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FamilyHolidayThu, 22 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Xbox 360 Family Timer is go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/confirmed-xbox-360-family-timer-is-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/confirmed-xbox-360-family-timer-is-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/confirmed-xbox-360-family-timer-is-go/#commentsFiled under:

Microsoft, the Parent Teacher Association and Jerry Rice (yes, that Jerry Rice) have teamed up in an effort to confirm the rumored Xbox 360 Family Timer! Okay, that's not exactly why they've banded together, but the feature is still confirmed.

Continuing their pro-family interests, Microsoft, the PTA and Mr. Rice all reinforced their commitment to family entertainment and revealed a new 360 Family Timer will be released this December (Fall update anyone?) allowing parents to take control of their kids' game time. The timer is a new tool for parents to use both as part of Microsoft's "Is Your Family Set?" and the PTA's PACT campaigns. You can read all the details in one lengthy press release that is viewable after the break. So ... Jerry Rice huh?

Continue reading Confirmed: Xbox 360 Family Timer is go

JoystiqConfirmed: Xbox 360 Family Timer is go originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>familyfamily-timerxbox-360Wed, 07 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo of Canada lames up gaming with Get Up and Play site]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/nintendo-of-canada-lames-up-video-games-with-get-up-and-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/nintendo-of-canada-lames-up-video-games-with-get-up-and-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/nintendo-of-canada-lames-up-video-games-with-get-up-and-play/#commentsFiled under:

Aside from the occasional oddity, it's not commonplace for video games to actually involve, well, getting up off the couch. With Wii Fit and Wii Sports in Nintendo's entourage, however, the company seems determined to develop games that involve physical activity.

Nintendo of Canada decided to go a step farther with this approach by creating a website called "Get Up and Play." Not only is the site designed to inspire movement, but also a thing you may have heard of called family togetherness.

The site boasts weekly challenges on the weekends, with printable "Victory Certificates" (um, yay?). Things at stake include taking out the garbage, or setting the table for the week. Oh, and don't forget to "eat healthy snacks like dried fruit and granola bars" while you play.

We're completely in support of healthy lifestyles, but we don't need "Family Challenge Badges" and other crappy things for inspiration. That kind of stuff is just scary. In fact, we're very, very afraid. Please hold us.

JoystiqNintendo of Canada lames up gaming with Get Up and Play site originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CanadaExerciseFamilyGet-up-and-playLameNintendo-of-CanadaWii-FitWii-SportsTue, 06 Nov 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft touts family focus with cartoon downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/microsoft-touts-new-family-focus-with-cartoon-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/microsoft-touts-new-family-focus-with-cartoon-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/microsoft-touts-new-family-focus-with-cartoon-downloads/#commentsFiled under: ,

Think Nintendo has a stranglehold on the family-friendly console maker moniker? Microsoft would like you to think again. A new press release from the Xbox 360 maker touts the availability today of 100 downloadable cartoons from Warner Bros. and Nickelodeon properties on the Video Marketplace, as well as the impending launch of Shrek and Spongebob-licensed games for Xbox Live Arcade. Add in the recent branding of the new Xbox 360 Arcade as "the console for families" and a Microsoft-sponsored "family fun day" event in Times Square's Toys "R" Us today and you have a major push into the Big N's family-oriented turf.

This isn't the first time Microsoft has tried to extend its reach past the hardcore Halo fans, but in the past innovative family titles like Viva Pinata have had trouble making inroads against big-name hardcore games like Gears of War. Will this latest push broaden Microsoft's image or is the 360 destined to be known primarily (and inaccurately) as a first-person shooter system. Leave your thoughts in the comments.

JoystiqMicrosoft touts family focus with cartoon downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>familyfamily-friendlymicrosoftnickelodeonshrekspongebobwarnerbrosXbox-360Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Lightsabers in Wii's Lego Star Wars exactly what you hoped for]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/lightsabers-in-wiis-lego-star-wars-exactly-what-you-hoped-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/lightsabers-in-wiis-lego-star-wars-exactly-what-you-hoped-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/lightsabers-in-wiis-lego-star-wars-exactly-what-you-hoped-for/#commentsFiled under: ,

...that is, if you hoped for shaking the Wiimote to swing your lightsaber and shaking the nunchuk to use the Force. If you were hoping for something a little more ... fun intuitive from Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga on the Wii, you're out of luck. If it sounds like we're disappointed, we're not, we know that the real 1-to-1 Star Wiirs experience isn't due until The Force Unleashed. Still, it was nice to dream.

We wish there was some sort of geekiness conversion chart to help us figure out if the presence of Indiana Jones is enough to make up for mediocre lightsabering. We suspect it is not.

JoystiqLightsabers in Wii's Lego Star Wars exactly what you hoped for originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionFamilyLegoLego-Star-WarsLucasartsMicrosoftTravellers-TalesTT-GamesWiiXboxWed, 03 Oct 2007 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Unexpected hardcore gamer in the family]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/01/unexpected-hardcore-gamer-in-the-family/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/01/unexpected-hardcore-gamer-in-the-family/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/01/unexpected-hardcore-gamer-in-the-family/#commentsFiled under:


It's a long weekend in the States, it's time to take it down a notch. Earlier this week we got an email from reader Herlich Aguiluz, who told us the story of how his wife woke him up Wednesday morning concerned that their seven-year-old son was awake while "it was still dark." When Aguiluz spoke to his son in the morning it turned out the kid woke up at 1AM and was playing Metroid Prime 3: Corruption all night until his mother came down to fix breakfast. Aguiluz says, "I realized that while my wife was mad at what happened, I was proud and envious at the same time. Proud because I see my gamer-self in him, and envious because it used to be me who stayed up for a new game."

This blogger can remember waking up more than one time at 3AM as a kid to find his mother playing Final Fantasy II (Final Fantasy IV) in the living room -- later on the same thing happened with Final Fantasy III. It's very strange to wake up to the sound of Final Fantasy battle music, walk into the living room and be asked, "What are you doing up?" When that question was obviously a two-way street.

So, let's open it up. Anybody else have those unexpected gamer moments with a family member?

JoystiqUnexpected hardcore gamer in the family originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Sep 2007 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturefamilygamershardcoreunexpectedSat, 01 Sep 2007 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Casual games bridge generation gap, report finds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/casual-games-bridge-generation-gap-report-finds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/casual-games-bridge-generation-gap-report-finds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/29/casual-games-bridge-generation-gap-report-finds/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Popcap Games -- makers of casual hits like Bejeweled, Peggle, and Bookworm Adventures -- have published the results of a recent survey on families and casual gaming. According to the press release, a staggering 92% of the adults surveyed believe that casual gaming gives them common ground to relate to their children and grandchildren.

Other stats reinforce the correlation between gaming and education, with 47% of parents noticing that playing casual games increased their child's aptitude in various categories (Hooked on Bookworm worked for me!).

Stat lovers can view the entire press release after the break.

[Via GameSpot]

Continue reading Casual games bridge generation gap, report finds

JoystiqCasual games bridge generation gap, report finds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualgamesfamilygenerationgapPCpopcapsurveysurveysWed, 29 Aug 2007 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Indiana Jones announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/lego-indiana-jones-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/lego-indiana-jones-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/lego-indiana-jones-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Traveler's Tales' Lego Batman may be bricking our consoles this fall, but it looks like Indiana Jones will be whipping us into shape in the summer of 2008 (YOU CALL HIM DR. JONES, DOLL!!). Lego Indiana Jones will chronicle the famous archaeologist across all three movies in the franchise. No platforms are announced yet, but all we can say is if we aren't getting Simon Belmont's whip on the Wii, we'll gladly take Dr. Jones'.

LucasArts also points out that they remain hard at work on their internally developed Indiana Jones video game which takes place a year after The Last Crusade. The story is being overseen by George Lucas, but there is still no word on a release date for that.

[Via Press Release]

JoystiqLego Indiana Jones announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionDSFamilyLegoLego-Indiana-JonesLego-Indiana-Jones-The-Original-AdventuresMicrosoftNintendoPS3Travellers-TalesTT-GamesWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBIEWiiXbox-360Fri, 27 Jul 2007 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA adds dumbed down control options for Wii sports games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/ea-adds-dumbed-down-control-options-for-wii-sports-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/ea-adds-dumbed-down-control-options-for-wii-sports-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/ea-adds-dumbed-down-control-options-for-wii-sports-games/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Electronic Arts sports titles on Nintendo Wii are making every effort to appeal to every Wii owner possible. In addition to throwing on minigames like they were free gifts in an informercial offer, the publisher is also introducing Family Play controls to their upcoming Madden, NBA Live and FIFA Soccer releases.

According to the press release, those who opt for the Family Play controls play without the nunchuk adapter and handle the key actions (e.g., shooting, passing, snapping, and throwing) while the game handles everything else. It sounds a lot like how Wii Sports handled tennis and baseball.

More fleshed-out and advanced controls are still available and can be used alongside a Family-style player. Let's hope the Family Play-assisted AI isn't too helpful and gives them an unfair advantage in multiplayer.

Gallery: Madden 08 Wii Screens


Gallery: FIFA 08 (Wii)

JoystiqEA adds dumbed down control options for Wii sports games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsfamilyFIFAMaddenNBA-LiveNintendoWiiThu, 05 Jul 2007 17:25:00 EST