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[This is what happened to Star Wars Battlefront 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/this-is-what-happened-to-star-wars-battlefront-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/this-is-what-happened-to-star-wars-battlefront-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/this-is-what-happened-to-star-wars-battlefront-3/#comments Despite our infinite sadness that TimeSplitters 4 is not in development right now, at least we have some closure regarding developer Free Radical Design today. Steve Ellis, one of three individuals who left Rare after the completion of GoldenEye 007 on the N64 and founded Free Radical Design, has shed some light on what happened to the UK-based developer - and why we never got Star Wars Battlefront 3, even though Free Radical basically finished it in 2008.

"It was a big thing, we were very excited and for a long time it was going very well," Ellis told GI.biz in an interview that focuses on the rise of Free Radical and how it eventually became Crytek UK. "That was a big deal for us because it meant putting all our eggs in one basket. It was a critical decision - do we want to bet on LucasArts? And we chose to because things were going as well as they ever had. It was a project that looked like it would probably be the most successful thing we had ever done and they were asking us to make the sequel to it too. It seemed like a no-brainer." But then things got a bit rocky due to a shift in LucasArts management. Key individuals left the company and suddenly things were looking grim for Free Radical's Battlefront 3.

"LucasArts' opinion is that when you launch a game you have to spend big on the marketing and they're right. But at that time they were, for whatever reason, unable to commit to spending big. They effectively canned a game that was finished." As of March 2008, Free Radical had a competent working build. "It was pretty much done, it was in final QA. It had been in final QA for half of 2008, it was just being fixed for release," Ellis concluded.

JoystiqThis is what happened to Star Wars Battlefront 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefront-3crytek-ukfree-radicalfree-radical-designmicrosoftpcplaystationps3star-wars-battlefront-3steve-ellisxboxFri, 27 Apr 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek: TimeSplitters 4 is not in development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/crytek-timesplitters-4-is-not-in-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/crytek-timesplitters-4-is-not-in-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/crytek-timesplitters-4-is-not-in-development/#comments Despite rumors to the contrary, Crytek has shot down the notion that the studio is currently developing TimeSplitters 4. The company joked to CVG it had attempted to employ the infinite monkey theorem to develop the game, but ran over budget after purchasing only seven monkeys. Thus far, said Crytek, the chimps "haven't written any code but just tease the press from time to time." In a more serious response, a Crytek spokesperson said quite plainly, "No, it's not in development."

Rumors of a Crytek-developed TimeSplitters 4 have been swirling for years now, with the most recent story popping up last summer, when PlayStation magazine reported that a new TimeSplitters announcement was imminent.

JoystiqCrytek: TimeSplitters 4 is not in development originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crytekcrytek-ukfree-radicalmicrosoftplaystationps3timesplitters-4xboxFri, 27 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More Star Wars: Battlefront 3 footage from 2008 hits the tubes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/more-star-wars-battlefront-3-footage-from-2008-hits-the-tubes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/more-star-wars-battlefront-3-footage-from-2008-hits-the-tubes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/more-star-wars-battlefront-3-footage-from-2008-hits-the-tubes/#comments
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The above version of Star Wars: Battlefront 3 was canceled and will never truly exist outside of the YouTube time portal, but sometimes it's nice to get a glimpse of what could have been. We can learn from its failings, reanimate its successes and keep talking about how great the old days were, forgetting that one day right now will be the "good old days."

All premature nostalgia aside, the video above is reportedly a pre-alpha version of Free Radical's vision for Battlefront 3, shot in 2008, and it covers the menu, character creation, general gameplay and a few flight scenes.

JoystiqMore Star Wars: Battlefront 3 footage from 2008 hits the tubes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefront-3Free-Radicalmicrosoftpre-alphastar-wars-battlefront-3xboxWed, 04 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek discussing possibility of TimeSplitters 4, needs Crysis 2 shipped first]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/30/crytek-discussing-possibility-of-timesplitters-4-needs-crysis-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/30/crytek-discussing-possibility-of-timesplitters-4-needs-crysis-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/30/crytek-discussing-possibility-of-timesplitters-4-needs-crysis-2/#comments Our anticipation for Crysis 2 just skyrocketed for a terrible, terrible reason. See, in a recent interview with CVG, Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli responded to a query about the possibility of a new entry in the TimeSplitters franchise by saying, "Yeah, we have been discussing it, but nothing has been confirmed yet, so let's see after Crysis 2." The developers of the chronologically unstable series, Free Radical, were purchased by Crytek back in 2009, and now have their hands full with developing Crysis 2's multiplayer component.

Don't get us wrong -- we're definitely looking forward to Crysis 2 based solely on its own merits as an innovative first-person shooter. But we also want a new TimeSplitters, and if that means we have to ship Crysis 2 before it's ready to free up resources, then, well, that's an egg we're willing to break.

JoystiqCrytek discussing possibility of TimeSplitters 4, needs Crysis 2 shipped first originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crysis-2crysis-2-multiplayerCrytekcrytek-ukfree-radicaltimesplittersTimeSplitters-3TimeSplitters-Future-PerfectSun, 30 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek UK still shopping around new TimeSplitters title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/crytek-uk-still-shopping-around-new-timesplitters-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/crytek-uk-still-shopping-around-new-timesplitters-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/crytek-uk-still-shopping-around-new-timesplitters-title/#comments The studio formerly known as Free Radical Design may now be called Crytek UK, but that doesn't mean it has abandoned its popular TimeSplitters franchise. Managing director Karl Hilton said the developer is still shopping around that IP to publishers to see if it's something they're interested in. We've known that Crytek UK has been working on both another TimeSplitters and some sort of original FPS IP for a while now, but Hilton says the coin flip hasn't landed yet. "If [publishers are] keen for a TS game," he says, "then we'd be happy to do one. If they'd like us to develop something new then we'd do that."

Hilton also says that even if it is agreed that Crytek UK will create a new TimeSplitters game, it may not look like the old ones. Publishers are excited about the brand, he says, but they may need it to be updated or tweaked in some way. But Hilton guarantees players that no matter what personality a new TimeSplitters game might eventually bear, it will definitely be a strong one. Doesn't matter to us, either, Mr. Hilton -- just please make sure that we get to play as a monkey at some point.

JoystiqCrytek UK still shopping around new TimeSplitters title originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 23:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crytekcrytek-ukfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-radicalpublisherstimesplittersMon, 01 Nov 2010 23:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Free Radical (Crytek UK) working solely on Crysis 2 multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/ex-free-radical-crytek-uk-working-solely-on-crysis-2-multiplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/ex-free-radical-crytek-uk-working-solely-on-crysis-2-multiplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/ex-free-radical-crytek-uk-working-solely-on-crysis-2-multiplay/#comments Despite earlier claims that Haze developer Free Radical (now Crytek UK) were working on an "original FPS" for its new overlord Crytek Studios, it appears that the UK-based studio is actually hard at work on Crysis 2's multiplayer component. In an interview with VG247, CEO Cevat Yerli revealed "several online functionalities" for the game, as well as the team behind said functionalities. "That is all they [Crytek UK] are doing, with a full team on it, and they are blasting forward at full speed with more focus and dedication than I've ever had before at Crytek." Jeez you two, get a room!

Yerli unfortunately couldn't expand on the various types of multiplayer we'll find in Crysis 2 when it arrives later this year, though he did note that the team at Crytek UK will be "making the gameplay unique to both the console and PC versions." Presumably he means that in a sense greater than "The PC version has way, way prettier graphics."

JoystiqEx-Free Radical (Crytek UK) working solely on Crysis 2 multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cevat-yerlicrysiscrysis-2crysis-2-multiplayercrytekcrytek-ukfree-radicalMicrosoftmultiplayeronline-multiplayerXbox-360Sat, 10 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Mindscape studio pulls EA, Free Radical staff for downloadable games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/new-mindscape-studio-pulls-ea-free-radical-staff-for-downloadab/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/new-mindscape-studio-pulls-ea-free-radical-staff-for-downloadab/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/new-mindscape-studio-pulls-ea-free-radical-staff-for-downloadab/#comments Mindscape has established a new development studio in France called Punchers Impact, Develop reports. The news here isn't so much that the team will be focusing on downloadable games for XBLA, PSN and PC -- rather, that many of the 40-odd staffers come from noteworthy devs EA and Free Radical.

The studio is being led by Guillaume Descamps in the role of studio director and executive producer. Previously of casual game devs ZigZag Island and DK Games, Descamps is in charge of Punchers Impact's yet-unnamed first release, which Mindscape says will be ready for the end of 2010. While the team's makeup may lend itself well to delivering a solid downloadable action title, we have a sneaking suspicion that, given Mindscape's track record of games such as My Pet Hotel, the chances of a TimeSplitters-like release have been neutered.

JoystiqNew Mindscape studio pulls EA, Free Radical staff for downloadable games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfree-radicalMicrosoftmindscapeXbox-360Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek UK making original FPS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/crytek-uk-making-original-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/crytek-uk-making-original-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/crytek-uk-making-original-fps/#comments If you were holding out hope that Crytek UK (formerly Free Radical) would be finishing up TimeSplitters 4 any time soon, you may want to store it way down in your heart. We're talking like way down, back where you keep your secret wish to find an unopened box of Nintendo Cereal System at your local grocer.

Studio manager Karl Hilton recently told Develop that the company is working on an original FPS. While the news is good on one hand (it's not Haze) it's also bad, because it likely means TimeSplitters 4 is either a long ways off or dead altogether.

[Via GoGamingGiant]

JoystiqCrytek UK making original FPS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crytekcrytek-ukfpsfree-radicaltimesplitters-4Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Radical founder forms Facebook studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/free-radical-founder-forms-facebook-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/free-radical-founder-forms-facebook-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/free-radical-founder-forms-facebook-studio/#comments
We promise this isn't one of our bizarre and contrived theme days, we just happen to have two stories about now-defunct Free Radical, the founder of which has gone on to form his own Facebook game design studio. It's called (tragically) Zinkyzonk.

Before he created the House That TimeSplitters Built, David Doak was one of the designers on GoldenEye, so he's definitely got the experience and chops. But if he's looking to unseat Dolphin Olympics 2 as Facebook game king, he'd better get that nose to the grindstone yesterday.

JoystiqFree Radical founder forms Facebook studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-doakfacebookfree-radicalgoldeneyehazetimesplittersWed, 12 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 struggles hurt Haze development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/ps3-struggles-hurt-haze-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/ps3-struggles-hurt-haze-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/ps3-struggles-hurt-haze-development/#comments It's no secret that some developers have a tough time with the PS3. In fact, Gabe Newell hates the thing so much he once forced an elephant to eat a crushed up 20GB model, jammed a cardboard cutout of Jack Tretton into the resulting dung pile and burned the whole thing in effigy. Karl Hilton of Crytek UK (formerly Free Radical) brings a more restrained (though ultimately more hygienic) protest today, telling Develop that the developer's technical learning curve hurt the development of critically maligned PS3 exclusive, Haze.

"We spent more time trying get the game running properly and less time to design the game properly," he said. "The PS3 is a powerful machine but a difficult one to get the best out of."

And no, before you ask, Hilton doesn't expect to have similar PS3 problems with Crytek's CryEngine 3. Shockingly.

JoystiqPS3 struggles hurt Haze development originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cryengine-3crytekcrytek-UKfpsfree-radicalhazeubisoftWed, 12 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek: Free Radical devs doing things 'they always dreamed to do']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/05/crytek-free-radical-devs-doing-things-they-always-dreamed-to-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/05/crytek-free-radical-devs-doing-things-they-always-dreamed-to-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/05/crytek-free-radical-devs-doing-things-they-always-dreamed-to-d/#comments
When Crytek snatched up Free Radical, we imagine some dreams of not being jobless came true, and now that the acquisition is complete, it would seem Crytek is giving free reign to Free Radical. In an interview with Develop, Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli says the new Crytek UK is working "on things that they always dreamed to do."

"We are providing the team a roadmap and the chance to grow, which is why we were picked as a partner, and not anyone else," Yerli added. Could such a "dream project" be TimeSplitters 4, which is what Free Radical was working on before the acquisition? Hopefully we'll hear more at E3.

JoystiqCrytek: Free Radical devs doing things 'they always dreamed to do' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 May 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crytekfree-radicalpctimesplitterstimesplitters-4Tue, 05 May 2009 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek's Free Radical acquisition speeds up console development plans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/cryteks-free-radical-acquisition-speeds-up-console-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/cryteks-free-radical-acquisition-speeds-up-console-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/cryteks-free-radical-acquisition-speeds-up-console-development/#comments
Crytek's past console experience has been nonexistent, and with the company doing away with PC exclusivity, it needs to get its feet wet in the console arena. Now that the company has acquired what is left of Free Radical, it can do just that.

"We always planned to enter the console market and it was part of our strategy even before the acquisition," said Cevat Yerli, president and CEO of Crytek. "This step will certainly bring us forward a bit faster to achieve our goal to develop high quality games on consoles." Before you start getting excited for a console port of Crysis or something, know that Crytek has not revealed any projects yet, though we could be hearing about something sooner rather than later. Employees there are set to begin work on a major project soon, Yerli confirmed.

JoystiqCrytek's Free Radical acquisition speeds up console development plans originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crysiscrytekcrytek-ukfree-radicalWed, 11 Feb 2009 13:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek's Free Radical purchase confirmed, 40+ jobs saved]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/cryteks-free-radical-purchase-confirmed-40-jobs-saved/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/cryteks-free-radical-purchase-confirmed-40-jobs-saved/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/cryteks-free-radical-purchase-confirmed-40-jobs-saved/#comments The administrators responsible for selling off the remnants of Free Radical have confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that Crytek's rumored acquisition of the company has gone ahead. Cameron Gunn of ReSolve Partners stated, "We are pleased to announce that a sale completed to Crytek late last night thus preserving over 40 jobs."

A full announcement is expected at some time later today and will hopefully include more detailed information, as it's not yet clear whether Free Radical's IPs have also been obtained by Crytek. We'll keep you informed.

JoystiqCrytek's Free Radical purchase confirmed, 40+ jobs saved originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscrytekcrytek-ukfree-radicalWed, 04 Feb 2009 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek acquires Free Radical [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/rumor-crytek-acquires-free-radical/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/rumor-crytek-acquires-free-radical/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/rumor-crytek-acquires-free-radical/#comments
Free Radical's future just got a little less Haze-y (we know, sorry). We already knew that an announcement regarding the developers of the TimeSplitters series and Haze would be coming tomorrow, but we may have just skipped ahead to the ending. A single anonymous source had told us that Germany's Crytek - the developer behind the original Far Cry and Crysis - have acquired the UK-based Free Radical. While writing this very post, 1UP reported that Haze scriptwriter Rob Yescombe confirmed the very same thing. We're trying to get a comment from either party (or they can get a hold of us here!).

It's not clear what the ramifications of this are: While Battlefront 3 is rumored to be in development at either Rebellion (in the UK) or Pandemic (in LA), the latest in Free Radical's longest-running series, TimeSplitters 4, could still be on the table. Of course, Crytek would have to make a few changes ... there's got to be some way they can fit the word "cry" into the title somewhere.

[UPDATE] GamesIndustry.biz has confirmed via the administrators that the sale has gone ahead. As a result, 40 jobs have been saved. A formal announcement is expected later today, when we'll hopefully find out more details.

JoystiqCrytek acquires Free Radical [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscrytekfree-radicalrumorTue, 03 Feb 2009 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Radical's fate to be decided this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/free-radicals-fate-decided-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/free-radicals-fate-decided-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/free-radicals-fate-decided-this-week/#comments
If you're like us, then you remember the amazing GoldenEye 007 and those fun TimeSplitters games (and are trying to forget that Haze one). That's why the ongoing story of UK-based Free Radical touches us so deeply. We were hoping to get a new TimeSplitters game some day!

Now, it looks like we'll know on Wednesday if that's to be, as ReSolve Partners, the restructuring administrator handling this dark time for Free Radical, has revealed that the fate of the company will be announced to one and all on February 4th. Hopefully, somebody ends up rescuing the company, because we'd hate to see Free Radical become permanently affixed to our layoffs tag. ReSolve has said that it's prepared to split up technology, IPs, and other assets if it cannot sell the company as a whole, or if the prospect of a more lucrative sale arises.

JoystiqFree Radical's fate to be decided this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-radicalhazelayoffsresolve-partnerstimesplittersukMon, 02 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Leaked footage of Star Wars Battlefront 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/rumor-leaked-footage-of-star-wars-battlefront-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/rumor-leaked-footage-of-star-wars-battlefront-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/rumor-leaked-footage-of-star-wars-battlefront-3/#commentsFiled under: ,


Sporting a Free Radical logo watermark, a video of supposed Star Wars Battlefront 3 alpha footage has made its way onto YouTube and - if legit - gives us nearly six minutes of gameplay to drool over.

The footage was supposedly shot during an "internal show and tell Alpha meeting" that took place in November and not only shows impressive visuals, but nifty gameplay elements including airborne combat that flows seamlessly from planet-level to space. It should be stated that the status of Battlefront 3 is still relatively unknown thanks to the predicament developer Free Radical is in.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqRumor: Leaked footage of Star Wars Battlefront 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefront-3free-radicalrumorstar-warsstar-wars-battlefront-3Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: 'Leaked' footage shows Star Wars Battlefront 3 in action [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/rumor-leaked-footage-shows-star-wars-battlefront-3-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/rumor-leaked-footage-shows-star-wars-battlefront-3-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/rumor-leaked-footage-shows-star-wars-battlefront-3-in-action/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


A video posted on YouTube purportedly shows gameplay from an alpha version of Star Wars Battlefront III. Indeed, the footage -- while low in quality -- appears legitimate, with its poster reporting that it "was taken in an internal show and tell Alpha meeting back in November."

Watermarked with a Free Radical logo -- much like pre-release builds of Haze were -- the game appears very similar in mechanics to Star Wars Battlefront II, albeit with dramatically improved visuals (particularly in the area of screen-rocking special effects). Elements of note include airborne combat that seamlessly transitions from a planet's atmosphere into space, the presence of a playable "old" Ben Kenobi (on what appears to be Tatooine) and even playable Ewoks.

There's still no word on the fate of the game given Free Radical's current predicament, but this footage -- if authentic -- has us hoping Jedi meditating that the dev's work so far doesn't go to waste. See the video for yourself after the break.

[Update: YouTube has removed the video at the request of Lucasfilm. GameVideos' version can be found after the break.]

[Via GameVideos]

Continue reading Rumor: 'Leaked' footage shows Star Wars Battlefront 3 in action [update]

JoystiqRumor: 'Leaked' footage shows Star Wars Battlefront 3 in action [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-radicallucasrtsPCPS3rumorstar-warsstar-wars-battlefront-3videoWiiXbox-360Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Chopped up or whole: Free Radical for sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/chopped-up-or-whole-free-radical-for-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/chopped-up-or-whole-free-radical-for-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/chopped-up-or-whole-free-radical-for-sale/#commentsFiled under:


ReSolve Partners, which is handling the administration of Free Radical's dire situation, continues its mantra that there's "stong interest" in the company from buyers. A ReSolve spokesperson told GI.biz that the chop shop company is trying to sell Free Radical whole, but will cut the piggy up if it'll bring in more cash. ReSolve expects to know in the next ten days what pieces potential suitors are interested in picking off from the studio's still-twitching remains. If ReSolve gets lucky, a company will buy the whole hog.

Free Radical currently holds several IPs, including TimeSplitters, Second Sight and Haze. We're going to go out on a limb and say that corporate bargain bin shoppers are probably interested in only two of those IPs (Hint: It's not Haze).

JoystiqChopped up or whole: Free Radical for sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-radicalfree-radical-designhazeresolve-partnerssecond-sighttime-splittersTue, 06 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Battlefront 3 renders revealed by former Free Radical artist]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/star-wars-battlefront-3-renders-revealed-by-former-free-radical/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/star-wars-battlefront-3-renders-revealed-by-former-free-radical/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/star-wars-battlefront-3-renders-revealed-by-former-free-radical/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


3D artist Richard Smith - one of 140 employees of Time Splitters (and ... Haze) developer, Free Radical, laid off as the company went belly-up-for-sale - posted images from some of his modeling work on Star Wars Battlefront III on his personal blog. Or, shall we say, what could have been Star Wars Battlefront III.

The renders have since been pulled; lucky thing the internet is faster than the Millennium Falcon making the Kessel Run. Apparently, Smith was working on concepts for Han Solo (above) and a bounty hunter named Shara. Two of the images carry a game logo and are dated 2007, indicating that Battlefront III had been in development for some time prior to Free Radical's demise.

Development on the game is now rumored to continue at UK-based Rebellion, which just so happens to have created Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron for PSP.

[Via X3F]

Source - Richard Smith (blog)
Source - Rebellion Battlefront III reports aren't wrong (Videogamer.com)

JoystiqStar Wars Battlefront 3 renders revealed by former Free Radical artist originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-radicalleakPCPS3star-wars-battlefrontstar-wars-battlefront-3Xbox-360Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Free Radical employee leaks original Star Wars: Battlefront III renders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/former-free-radical-employee-leaks-original-star-wars-battlefro/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/former-free-radical-employee-leaks-original-star-wars-battlefro/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/former-free-radical-employee-leaks-original-star-wars-battlefro/#commentsFiled under: ,


Former Free Radical employee Richard Smith has uploaded original renders created for the company in 2007 as part of the production for Star Wars: Battlefront III to his personal blog. The very early renders include images of Han Solo and Sahra The Bounty Hunter. Smith, along with over 75% of his coworkers, was recently laid off from as the developer attempts to sell its studio. Free Radical had previously developed the TimeSplitters series and the poorly received PS3-exclusive Haze.

According to a report on Videogamer.com, an unnamed inside source has told the site production of Star Wars: Battlefront III has been taken from Free Radical Design and placed in the hands of Oxford-based Call of Duty: World at War (PS2) developer Rebellion who also developed the 1999 sensation, Alien vs. Predator.

Gallery: Star Wars: Battlefront 3 - Original Renders

JoystiqFormer Free Radical employee leaks original Star Wars: Battlefront III renders originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-radicalrebellionstar-wars-battlefront-3Mon, 29 Dec 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Free Radical lets over 100 employees go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/confirmed-free-radical-lets-over-100-employees-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/confirmed-free-radical-lets-over-100-employees-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/confirmed-free-radical-lets-over-100-employees-go/#commentsFiled under:

Well, it would appear all of our excitement over a fourth TimeSplitters game is for nothing, as the rumored layoffs at Free Radical are in fact true. The company has let go of 75% of its workforce, which equals 140 employees. The company, with its remaining 40 people, are up for sale, with several companies showing a "strong interest."

We hope that what's left of Free Radical manages to land somewhere decent, because we've been fans of their work for some time now.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqConfirmed: Free Radical lets over 100 employees go originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developerfree-radicallayofflayoffsukFri, 26 Dec 2008 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Free Radical lays off 140, 'For Sale' sign posted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/confirmed-free-radical-lays-off-140-for-sale-sign-posted/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/confirmed-free-radical-lays-off-140-for-sale-sign-posted/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/confirmed-free-radical-lays-off-140-for-sale-sign-posted/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's now official: As of December 31, Free Radical will be 140 employees smaller, which is just over 75% of its workforce. The company and its remaining 40 or so members are now on sale with several companies showing "strong interest," according to the firm brought in to help with downsizing (who in our minds look a lot like the Bobs from Office Space). With the industry death toll rising, our hearts go out to all the developers (and everyone else, for that matter) who faced the tragic, proverbial / literal pink slip this year.

JoystiqConfirmed: Free Radical lays off 140, 'For Sale' sign posted originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsfree-radicalhazelayofflayoffsFri, 26 Dec 2008 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Free Radical fails to find buyer, staff laid off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/report-free-radical-fails-to-find-buyer-staff-laid-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/report-free-radical-fails-to-find-buyer-staff-laid-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/report-free-radical-fails-to-find-buyer-staff-laid-off/#commentsFiled under: ,


Further details surrounding Free Radical's financial woes have arisen, with Edge sources revealing that employees would no longer receive compensation after December, as there would be "nothing left to give." Free Radical's co-founder, Steve Ellis, reportedly delivered the bad news in a nearby hotel after employees found their office doors locked. According to Edge's latest update, said bad news entailed failed attempts by the Haze developer to find a publisher or buyer, both locally and abroad.

The source claims that twenty former employees were offered different positions -- possibly at Ellis' new venture, Pumpkin Beach -- whilst others were laid off and redirected to reps from Codemasters and Monumental Games.

A separate report from GamesIndustry.biz, however, notes that "40 people are still working in the Free Radical offices, mainly on game concepts, and should be there into the New Year." It's still unclear what exactly transpired, but one thing's for certain: We feel kinda bad about this mean post now.

Source -- Source: Free Radical Locked Up
Source -- Administrator Confirms Free Radical Demise

JoystiqReport: Free Radical fails to find buyer, staff laid off originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Free-RadicalHazeLayoffsPumpkin-BeachTimesplittersMon, 22 Dec 2008 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA['Significant interest' shown in purchasing Free Radical]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/21/free-radical-not-quite-ready-to-call-it-quits/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/21/free-radical-not-quite-ready-to-call-it-quits/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/21/free-radical-not-quite-ready-to-call-it-quits/#commentsFiled under:


Though we heard a number of reports on Thursday stating otherwise, it seems that TimeSplitters and Haze developer Free Radical has yet to shuffle off this mortal coil. Things are apparently not as grim as the initial reports suggested -- well, okay, they were recently refused entry into their office, and have officially gone into "administration", which many would consider quite grim indeed. However, if the most recent report on the matter is to be believed, all hope is not lost for the once-Rad developer.

According to an employee at ReSolve, the administrator for Free Radical, there's already been a great deal of interest shown from publishers who want to purchase the developer, acquiring their assets and (remaining) employees. This interest largely stems from two undisclosed projects the developer had under their wing during their collapse, which many believe to be new entries into the Timesplitters and Star Wars Battlefront franchises. The rumored involvement of Battlefront is enough for us to hold out hope for an old-fashioned Christmas miracle.

Joystiq'Significant interest' shown in purchasing Free Radical originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>administrationfree-radicalhazestar-wars-battlefronttimesplittersSun, 21 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Free Radical shut down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/rumor-free-radical-shut-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/rumor-free-radical-shut-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/rumor-free-radical-shut-down/#commentsFiled under:

For those of us who desperately need a TimeSplitters 4 game, this rumor might be a bit hard to swallow. In fact, there's a very real chance you read the headline to this post and went into a murderous rage, destroying your computer monitor and turning your rage on the closest human being. It's okay, it made us feel the same way.

The source of this rumor? Well, apparently the Nottingham, England-based Free Radical studio is in a bit of financial trouble, as GI.biz reports. They say that word has it the doors are locked, phones are shut off, and the team met at a nearby hotel for a "final company meeting." We're hoping this isn't the case, because we're pretty big fans of the studio's work, so we'll update when Free Radical makes a statement.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqRumor: Free Radical shut down originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>englandfree-radicalfree-radical-designlayoffsukThu, 18 Dec 2008 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Free Radical Design closes shop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/rumor-free-radical-design-shuts-up-shop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/rumor-free-radical-design-shuts-up-shop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/rumor-free-radical-design-shuts-up-shop/#commentsFiled under:

It's being reported by various UK based news sites that Free Radical, developer of the TimeSplitters series and Haze, has closed its doors for good. No one has received confirmation from the developer either way, as they don't seem to be answering their phones, but judging from anecdotal evidence, it's not looking good. Forum-goers over at Eurogamer are saying that the locks on the doors have been changed and Develop's sources are saying "something" happened at the developer this morning.

Develop is posturing that the closure, if true, is probably a result of Haze being a commercial and critical flop. Not only that, but the word is that their Lucasarts collaberation (Star Wars BattleFront 3) is reported to have been cancelled and they were having trouble finding a publisher for TimeSplitters 4. Sadly, it seems that game will now never see the light of day. We'll update this story as soon as we get confirmation either way but, as we say, it's not looking good. It's a sad day and we feel for anyone who has lost their job -- especially this close to Christmas.

[UPDATE] We've received confirmation that Free Radical has, indeed, closed its doors. This is no longer a rumor. GameIndustry.biz is reporting that Star Wars Battlefront 3 has been passed on to PSP Battlefront developer Rebellion.

JoystiqRumor: Free Radical Design closes shop originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-radicalHazerumortimesplitters-4Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Radical closes shop [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/rumor-free-radical-closes-shop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/rumor-free-radical-closes-shop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/rumor-free-radical-closes-shop/#commentsFiled under: ,


The haze is lifting and numerous UK gaming outlets are reporting that Free Radical, based in Nottingham, England, has shut down. The studio has yet to confirm, but according to sources: the doors are locked, phones aren't being answered, and the staff met at a nearby hotel today for a "final company meeting."

Free Radical's last project was the critical and commercial failure, Haze. TimeSplitters 4 and an unannounced project (believed to be Star Wars: Battlefront III) were currently in development at the studio. We'll update as soon as the studio makes a statement.

Update: Confirmed. [Via videogaming247]

JoystiqFree Radical closes shop [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsfree-radicalfree-radical-designhazetime-splitters-4Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Radical teases Wii gamers some more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/free-radical-teases-wii-gamers-some-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/free-radical-teases-wii-gamers-some-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/free-radical-teases-wii-gamers-some-more/#commentsFiled under:


Early last month, Free Radical put a poll up on their site asking folks which platform they would want to see TimeSplitters 4 on. Wii actually ended up winning the poll and now Free Radical has put up something new on their site.

Now, they've got a new poll up on their site, focusing on the Wii. While we're all for gathering information (hey, it's what we do), we have on simple request: just get to work on TimeSplitters4 already! Please? We'll, uh, draw you a picture of a unicorn or something.

[Thanks, Sonic_13!]

JoystiqFree Radical teases Wii gamers some more originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsfree-radicalpolltimesplitterstimesplitters4voteMon, 10 Nov 2008 21:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Radical asks us to vote on TimeSplitters 4 platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/free-radical-asks-us-to-vote-on-timesplitters-4-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/free-radical-asks-us-to-vote-on-timesplitters-4-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/free-radical-asks-us-to-vote-on-timesplitters-4-platform/#commentsFiled under:


Free Radical, the folks behind the TimeSplitters games and former Rare employees responsible for GoldenEye 007, have tossed up a poll on their website asking one and all which platform they'd like to see TimeSplitters 4 release on. We all know it's coming, they know we know and now are asking us which system we prefer? At the time of writing this post, it looks like more people would like to see the thing release on PS3, but the system isn't winning by that much.

If you want TimeSplitters 4 on Wii, we'd suggest you head over there and make your voice heard. If you don't know what TimeSplitters 4 is, then we suggest you play all of the previous games or, in the least, the best title in the series. We just hope the new game still has a level editor.

Oh, and they also have some artwork up on their site, featuring a cat on wheels and one hot chainsaw-toting nun.

[Thanks, hvnlysoldr!]

JoystiqFree Radical asks us to vote on TimeSplitters 4 platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsfree-radicalgoldeneyegoldeneye-007pollraretimesplitterstimesplitters-4timesplitters4Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Timesplitters 4 teaser: Revenge of the Simian]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/timesplitters-4-teaser-revenge-of-the-simian/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/timesplitters-4-teaser-revenge-of-the-simian/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/timesplitters-4-teaser-revenge-of-the-simian/#commentsFiled under: ,


"Every game has a sequel." Oh, if only that were true. In the case of Timesplitters: Future Perfect, however, it is. Timesplitters 4 is well and truly in production. We're happy about it, but not as optimistic as we might have been before a certain narcotic-and-war-condemning title was released over Summer. Still, our hopes are high that Free Radical's next project will be a little less pretentious and a little more fun, like other Timesplitters games were.

A new video has appeared on the Free Radical website. It doesn't show a lot but, like the first teaser, it shows of more what we can expect from the game; monkeys and pop-culture parody. While the video is cute (particularly the very end), we desperately want to see some actual game footage. Still, a monkey in a suit is better than nothing. Right?

JoystiqTimesplitters 4 teaser: Revenge of the Simian originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-radicalhazemonkeypast-sinstimesplitterstimesplitters-4videoSun, 05 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Haze down to $40 at GameStop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/haze-down-to-40-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/haze-down-to-40-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/haze-down-to-40-at-gamestop/#commentsFiled under: ,

JoystiqHaze down to $40 at GameStop originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Free-RadicalGameStopHazePS3UbisoftFri, 06 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Fanboy review: Haze]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/ps3-fanboy-review-haze/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/ps3-fanboy-review-haze/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/ps3-fanboy-review-haze/#commentsFiled under:

Developed by Free Radical, the ex-Rare employees responsible for the excellent Timesplitters series, Haze has been a long time coming. The game has suffered from multiple delays as well as exclusivity confusion over the last year. Haze promised to deliver an immersive story, balanced multiplayer and seamless online and offline co-op play. It was also backed up by some excellent live-action trailers.

Unfortunately, it becomes apparent whilst playing the game that, while the team at Free Radical may have reached for excellence, they have either fallen short or made some bad decisions with regards to the execution of many aspects of the title. Haze isn't a bad game and, despite some shortcomings, can be enjoyable and thought provoking. But is it as good as the hype suggested? Frankly, no. Read on to find out why.

Continue reading PS3 Fanboy review: Haze

JoystiqPS3 Fanboy review: Haze originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 May 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-radicalfree-radical-designhazereviewubisoftWed, 28 May 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stick it to the reviews: buy a real Haze outfit, be a Mantel soldier]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/stick-it-to-the-reviews-buy-a-real-haze-outfit-be-a-mantel-sol/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/stick-it-to-the-reviews-buy-a-real-haze-outfit-be-a-mantel-sol/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/stick-it-to-the-reviews-buy-a-real-haze-outfit-be-a-mantel-sol/#commentsFiled under:

Tired of hearing bad things about Haze? Played the game and thought it wasn't all that bad? Or just looking for a new outfit that just screams "you"? Check out Universal Designs' new Haze Costume: now you can be a Mantel soldier overdosing on some mad Nectar (sold separately in your neighborhood grocer; the label says Honey just to trick the masses). Our only issue is a design flaw meant to keep you comfortable: the helmet is insanely huge compared to the cranium-hugging ones in the video game. Otherwise, nice.

JoystiqStick it to the reviews: buy a real Haze outfit, be a Mantel soldier originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 May 2008 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-radicalhazeubisoftThu, 22 May 2008 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview -- Haze (PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/metareview-haze/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/metareview-haze/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/metareview-haze/#commentsFiled under: ,


There was a not unconsiderable amount of debate about Haze yesterday, with IGN giving it a 4.5 and Free Radical Design's feelings being terribly hurt. (We believe "MEGAowch" was the soon-to-be-a-meme that was used.) Now there's a wider spectrum of reviews available and while scores fall on both sides of the 4.5 mark, all the reviewers seem to be wishing there was a clever way of fitting the word "meh" into "Haze." (There isn't yet, but we've got our top people on it.)
  • Giant Bomb (40/100): "Haze attempts to deal with the concept of wartime propaganda and how troop morale is the most important thing an army can have. But it does it in such a blatant way that it's hard to care about the point the game's story is trying to make. Tack on a short campaign, dull weapons, lame enemy artificial intelligence, and lackluster multiplayer options and you're left with a game that occasionally looks nice, but not much else."
  • Game Informer (64/100): "Though the drug Nectar hardly makes Haze a good game, when Free Radical takes it away a quarter of the way through, the game world suddenly feels barren, and you long for one last hit to make the drab experience mildly interesting again. So much for Haze being a killer app for the PS3."
  • Gamer's Hell (65/100): "Free Radical's newest FPS tries to push boundaries, in both the technical and philosophical senses, but what we're left with is a game which doesn't do much to fuel the PS3's cause."

Gallery: Haze

JoystiqMetareview -- Haze (PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-radicalhazemetareviewPS3Wed, 21 May 2008 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[MEGAowch: Haze handed 4.5 review by IGN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/megaowch-haze-handed-4-5-review-by-ign/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/megaowch-haze-handed-4-5-review-by-ign/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/megaowch-haze-handed-4-5-review-by-ign/#commentsFiled under: ,


With its long development time and PS3-exclusive status, Haze has had a lot riding on its shoulders. If a new review by IGN is any indication, the game seems to have been crushed by the weight. The site gave Haze a paltry 4.5 out of 10, calling the effort a "middling, generic first-person shooter with bland visuals, a weak plot and laughable characters."

Developer Free Radical Design leapt to the defense of its game, telling PSU, "Haze has had mixed reviews, but even GoldenEye got a 4/10 when it first came out. With a 9/10 in the Italian PSM, and an extremely positive review in Famitsu [34/40, fyi], we're looking forward to people playing Haze and making a judgment for themselves."

We're currently compiling such judgments from across the netweb for a metareview. We'll let you know when there's something approximating a consensus.

JoystiqMEGAowch: Haze handed 4.5 review by IGN originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-radicalhazeignPS3ubisoftTue, 20 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Haze dating game video makes us uncomfortable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/haze-dating-game-video-makes-us-uncomfortable/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/haze-dating-game-video-makes-us-uncomfortable/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/haze-dating-game-video-makes-us-uncomfortable/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With Free Radical's Haze set to finally step out of the fog this week, we figured there was nothing that could come along and make us feel uneasy about the oft-delayed FPS again. And then this video showed up to remind us all that the universe is not without an unique sense of humor.

The video, a mock dating game between UK Fragdoll Kitt and a pair of devs fresh off Ubisoft's nectar-filled shooter, is a stern reminder that just because you can do something doesn't necessarily mean you should.

JoystiqHaze dating game video makes us uncomfortable originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 May 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>datingfree-radicalfreeradicalhazePS3ubisoftMon, 19 May 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Haze: the dating show (seriously)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/haze-the-dating-show-seriously/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/haze-the-dating-show-seriously/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/haze-the-dating-show-seriously/#commentsFiled under:

This is one of the strange, most unique promos we've seen for any video game -- and we love it. Haze Multiplayer Date is a Hazethemed dating show. Yes, strange, no? We don't know who greenlit this promo, but we have to give props to Ubisoft and Free Radical to do something we haven't seen on the internet. And boy, we've seen a lot of stuff on the internet.

JoystiqHaze: the dating show (seriously) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 May 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>datingfrag-dollsfree-radicalhazeMon, 19 May 2008 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Haze says no to HD, yes to HDD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/haze-says-no-to-hd-yes-to-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/haze-says-no-to-hd-yes-to-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/haze-says-no-to-hd-yes-to-hdd/#commentsFiled under: ,


Free Radical has confirmed that ambiguously exclusive PlayStation 3 shooter, Haze, will not be the source of standard, high-definition visuals. Speaking to Ripten, Creative Lead Derek Littlewood explained that, much like other sub-HD games, the 1024x576 resolution was chosen to ensure "a nice smooth framerate." Says Littlewood: "Well, as you develop an engine you're aiming for a certain thing, but as all the pieces slot into place, you end up realising what sort of resolution you can run it at and that's where we ended up with for Haze."

Though the PlayStation 3 will upscale 576p images to 720p (1280x720), it's unlikely to provide Free Radical's penance in the eagle eyes of pixel-counting pedants. With any luck, people will be too busy complaining about geebees to notice the lack of pees, as Ubisoft also confirmed that Haze will require a 4GB installation. Look forward to discussions involving the game's more obscure features (gameplay, story, blah blah blah) once it's out on May 20.

[Via Eurogamer]

Read -- Not very many Ps
Read -- Too many GBs

JoystiqHaze says no to HD, yes to HDD originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 May 2008 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FPSFree-RadicalHazeHDInstallMolehillMountainPS3ResolutionUbisoftMon, 19 May 2008 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Humorous Haze wallpapers are ready for flushing ... er, download]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/humorous-haze-wallpaper-are-ready-for-flushing-er-download/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/humorous-haze-wallpaper-are-ready-for-flushing-er-download/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/humorous-haze-wallpaper-are-ready-for-flushing-er-download/#commentsFiled under: ,


While Free Radical's game doesn't come out until later this month, fans can avail of some Haze goodies right now ... and tomorrow as well. At the moment, you can download funny Haze wallpapers (like the one pictured above) right here for your own personal amusement. There are four in total and they all come in multiple sizes.

If having a half-naked Mantel soldier taking a dump on your computer screen isn't enough to satiate your love for Haze, then you'll have to wait for tomorrow's PSN update for more. A Haze theme for your PS3 will be included in the regularly scheduled North American update. Hopefully, that one doesn't involve any toilets.

JoystiqHumorous Haze wallpapers are ready for flushing ... er, download originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-radicalhazeubisoftWed, 14 May 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Haze]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/ps3-fanboy-hands-on-haze/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/ps3-fanboy-hands-on-haze/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/ps3-fanboy-hands-on-haze/#commentsFiled under:

PlayStation Day 2008 is over but our coverage continues! We're also enjoying the spoils to be found on the European PlayStation Store. In particular, we're talking about the Haze demo which we fired up and took out for a spin. North Americans without Euro accounts can get their nectar dosage tomorrow. While we've played the demo and have written our thoughts here, reader Chris G. shares his gameplay footage through the Haze trial play. So read our thoughts and check out the vid (or not the vid, if you wish not to spoil the experience before you give it a go).

The demo starts off with a firefight in the middle of the jungle. There's no real explanation as to why you're there but that doesn't matter too much for a demo. The controls are standard as far as shooters go, move with the left analog stick, aim with the right, and fire with a shoulder button. Left-handed players will be glad to see control options for them.

Anyway, the thing that deviates from the typical formula is the inclusion of the nectar drug which heightens one's senses and actually makes killing easier. When you inject yourself will a limited supply of nectar, you can zoom in farther, your melee attack is stronger, and enemies glow a bright orange giving away their position. While this is a strategic enhancement, at times it does tend to feel more like a distraction deviating from the main action. We're sure the story aspect of nectar will be fleshed out through the final game, but it doesn't come through in the demo, which feels a bit like a heavy weight dragging the experience down.

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JoystiqPS3 Fanboy hands-on: Haze originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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