Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Frontier Developments goes Coaster Crazy Deluxe on Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/frontier-developments-goes-coaster-crazy-deluxe-on-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/frontier-developments-goes-coaster-crazy-deluxe-on-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/frontier-developments-goes-coaster-crazy-deluxe-on-wii-u/#comments
Coaster Crazy Deluxe, by LostWinds and RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 developer Frontier Developments, is an upcoming Wii U eShop game that lets you design death-ensuring virtual coasters on the GamePad in order to satiate the "crazies" who visit your diabolically unsafe theme park.

Specific "crazies" have specific demands. The "Professor" carries nitro glycerin, and requires a coaster with a low enough G-force to prevent explosions (since he is a professor of Having a Heart Condition). The Speed Freak, meanwhile, likes fast roller coasters. Oh, and there are zombies.

The price and release date of Coaster Crazy Deluxe have yet to be announced.

Continue reading Frontier Developments goes Coaster Crazy Deluxe on Wii U

JoystiqFrontier Developments goes Coaster Crazy Deluxe on Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 02:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coaster-crazy-deluxeeshopFrontier-Developmentsnintendowii-uTue, 16 Apr 2013 02:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Elite: Dangerous developer diary details evolving galaxy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/02/elite-dangerous-developer-diary-details-evolving-galaxy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/02/elite-dangerous-developer-diary-details-evolving-galaxy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/02/elite-dangerous-developer-diary-details-evolving-galaxy/#comments
Elite: Dangerous, the Kickstarter project by Frontier Developments, has a new developer diary video from Founder David Braben discussing the ways in which the game's galaxy evolves over time. In the video, Braben describes the development of planets and the various contracts that players complete in the game, including the transportation dignitaries that may have bounties on their heads.

The Kickstarter project is at the half-way point of its nearly $2 million funding goal with 33 days left before its January 4, 2013 deadline. Providing the goal is met, Elite: Dangerous is set to launch on PC in March 2014.

JoystiqElite: Dangerous developer diary details evolving galaxy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-brabendeveloper-diaryeliteelite-dangerousFrontier-DevelopmentskickstarterpcukSun, 02 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Elite: Dangerous Kickstarter gets video and concept art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/elite-dangerous-kickstarter-gets-video-and-concept-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/elite-dangerous-kickstarter-gets-video-and-concept-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/elite-dangerous-kickstarter-gets-video-and-concept-art/#comments
Frontier Developments updated its Kickstarter page for Elite: Dangerous with a few pieces of concept art and a video. The video shows Elite co-creator and Founder of Frontier Developments David Braben discussing the history of the series and his vision for Dangerous.

The Kickstarter project is about a third of the way to its nearly $2 million goal with over 50 days to go in its funding cycle.

Gallery: Elite: Dangerous (Concept Art)

JoystiqElite: Dangerous Kickstarter gets video and concept art originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Nov 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-brabeneliteelite-dangerousFrontier-DevelopmentskickstarterpcukSun, 11 Nov 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Elite co-creator plans to resurrect series with Dangerous Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/elite-co-creator-resurrects-series-with-dangerous-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/elite-co-creator-resurrects-series-with-dangerous-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/elite-co-creator-resurrects-series-with-dangerous-kickstarter/#comments Elite cocreator resurrects series with Dangerous KickstarterElite co-creator David Braben is the latest grandfather of space sims to turn to Kickstarter, with plans to resurrect the classic series through new game Dangerous. Braben set up a minimum of £1.25 million (roughly $2 million) in funding to launch Elite: Dangerous, but is hoping for more so his team at UK-based Frontier Developments can be "more ambitious with content and platforms." As it stands, Frontier plans to release Elite: Dangerous on PC in March 2014.

If Dangerous does arrive then, it will have been almost three decades since Elite left its indelible mark on gaming back in 1984. Two true sequels were released: Frontier: Elite in 1993 and Frontier: First Encounters in 1995. Braben has headed Frontier Developments since then, a studio more recently known for Kinectimals and LostWinds.

As Braben notes on the Kickstarter page, Frontier diced with trying to make the fourth Elite game, including developing it as a MMO back in 2000. It's been on the backburner at the British studio for a few years now, but going by the six figures raised in a matter of hours it's likely Elite: Dangerous marks the return of one of gaming's most venerable names.

JoystiqElite co-creator plans to resurrect series with Dangerous Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-brabeneliteelite-dangerousfrontier-developmentskickstarterpcukTue, 06 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Creep out other commuters: Kinectimals adds iOS to its mobile roster]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/creep-out-other-commuters-kinectimals-adds-ios-to-its-mobile-ro/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/creep-out-other-commuters-kinectimals-adds-ios-to-its-mobile-ro/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/creep-out-other-commuters-kinectimals-adds-ios-to-its-mobile-ro/#comments With the recent launch of "My Xbox Live" on Apple's iOS platform, not to mention Halo Waypoint, Microsoft seems to have officially embraced the ubiquity of its competition's devices. And with today's release of Kinectimals for iOS (a port of the already released Windows Phone 7 version), that relationship is further solidified, but in a softer, furrier way.

Kinectimals for iOS puts you back on the adorably named island of "Lemuria," on which you raise virtual feline cubs. According to the game's iTunes description, it works on both iPad and iPhone/iPod Touch devices, and costs $2.99. Purchasing the game will also net you "five brand new cubs" for the Xbox 360 game (presumably of the feline variety), if you're in the market for some brand new animal cubs.

And for those asking, no, we're not exactly clear on how you get the "Cub Handler" certificate pictured above. We have some guesses, but they're all way lurid.

Gallery: Kinectimals (iOS)

JoystiqCreep out other commuters: Kinectimals adds iOS to its mobile roster originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storefrontierfrontier-developmentsiosipadiphonemicrosoft-studiosmobileq4-2011release-dateTue, 13 Dec 2011 15:33:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds demonstrated on iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/lostwinds-demonstrated-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/lostwinds-demonstrated-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/lostwinds-demonstrated-on-ios/#comments
Back in July, LostWinds developer Frontier Developments announced its intention to port the WiiWare title to the iOS and Android platforms. Today, get a glimpse at the new tap-based interface and scaled-down graphics. There's also some footage of actors playing on an iPhone and iPad to consider, if looking good whilst playing is an important selling point for you, Vainy McNarcissist.

JoystiqLostWinds demonstrated on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontier-developmentsiosipadiphoneLostWindsmobileMon, 12 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Source: Frontier's canned 'The Outsider' project was actually 'The Bourne Redemption,' and we've got the greenlight video [updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/source-frontiers-canned-the-outsider-project-was-actually-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/source-frontiers-canned-the-outsider-project-was-actually-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/source-frontiers-canned-the-outsider-project-was-actually-t/#comments
It seems that the plot surrounding Frontier Developments' canceled project, "The Outsider," grows thicker. A video sent to Joystiq this morning by an anonymous source reveals that the game was actually a Jason Bourne-based project known as "The Bourne Redemption." But wait, that game footage looks mighty familiar -- is that The Outsider? Sure looks like it, but now it's known as "The Bourne Redemption." Interesting!

And given that the clip is interspersed with footage from the third Bourne film, "The Bourne Ultimatum," we're guessing that Frontier was hard at work on "The Outsider" / "The Bourne Redemption" when the project was canned for a variety of reasons. Moreover, the clip we were sent is specifically noted as the "greenlight" for the project, which either means it's moving forward or, more likely, this video was the original proof of concept that got the ball rolling on development.

We'd love to tell you more, but other than the clip above, we don't know much else. But perhaps you do? You're welcome to tip us with more info! We've reached out to both EA and Frontier for comment.

Update: We've added much more information on the subject, just past the break.

Continue reading Source: Frontier's canned 'The Outsider' project was actually 'The Bourne Redemption,' and we've got the greenlight video [updated]

JoystiqSource: Frontier's canned 'The Outsider' project was actually 'The Bourne Redemption,' and we've got the greenlight video [updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontierfrontier-developmentsjason-bournemicrosoftpcplaystationps3sourcethe-bourne-redemptionthe-outsiderxboxTue, 11 Oct 2011 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Frontier's stalled 'The Outsider' project seen in action [update: now with more footage!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/frontiers-stalled-the-outsider-project-seen-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/frontiers-stalled-the-outsider-project-seen-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/frontiers-stalled-the-outsider-project-seen-in-action/#comments
Frontier Developments may have put the kibosh on continued development of its open-world action title, The Outsider, but that doesn't mean footage of the game isn't out there. Ex-Frontier sound engineer Kyle Nichol wrangled some of that footage and posted it up on his portfolio site, showcasing the first bit of in-game action that we've seen from the stalled project.

The Outsider seems to take a few cues from Ubisoft's Splinter Cell series -- especially the latest entry in that franchise -- though the clip only offers a few brief glimpses of actual gameplay, unfortunately. However, this may not be the last we see on The Outsider, as the developer specifically noted earlier this year that the project was down, but not out.

"There is still publisher interest in the project and we haven't canceled it," studio head David Braben explained at the time. It appears support will have to come from outside Codemasters and EA, with whom discussions fell through some time ago.

Update: We added a second video of the game in action after the break, found on Alistair Lindsay's portfolio page. He was the former "Head of Audio" at Frontier Developments, ending in April of this year.

Update 2: The original video has been removed it seems, but a third video has now been added (via Alistair Lindsay's portfolio page) which shows yet more gameplay. We've replaced the above video (which has been taken down) with the second video from Mr. Lindsay.

[Thanks, Daniel.]

Continue reading Frontier's stalled 'The Outsider' project seen in action [update: now with more footage!]

JoystiqFrontier's stalled 'The Outsider' project seen in action [update: now with more footage!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alistair-lindsaydavid-brabenfrontierfrontier-developmentsgameplaymicrosoftplaystationps3the-outsiderxboxThu, 08 Sep 2011 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Sports: Season 2, Kinectimals Now With Bears dated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/kinect-sports-season-2-kinectimals-now-with-bears-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/kinect-sports-season-2-kinectimals-now-with-bears-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/kinect-sports-season-2-kinectimals-now-with-bears-dated/#comments Halloween gatherings are about to get a lot scarier. Kinect owners will be able to inject their world of furry friends with pure ursine terror when Kinectimals Now With Bears! launches on October 11, both as a standalone disc and DLC. What's that? You don't think bears are terrifying? We can only presume then that you've never seen a shaved bear.*

Things get even hairier on Oct. 25 when Kinect Sports: Season Two: Now With Beards sprints its way to store shelves. And no, it's not really called that, we assume it has, you know, the regular number of beards in it. But we can dream, can't we?

*If you were thinking of doing a Google Image Search for "shaved bears" with SafeSearch turned off ... well, maybe just don't do that, OK? Promise us.

Continue reading Kinect Sports: Season 2, Kinectimals Now With Bears dated

JoystiqKinect Sports: Season 2, Kinectimals Now With Bears dated originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bigparkFrontier-Developmentsgamescom-2011kinectkinect-sports-season-2KinectimalsmicrosoftxboxThu, 18 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect: Disneyland Adventures launching on Nov. 15 (watch out, Halo!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/kinect-disneyland-adventures-launching-on-nov-15-watch-out-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/kinect-disneyland-adventures-launching-on-nov-15-watch-out-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/kinect-disneyland-adventures-launching-on-nov-15-watch-out-h/#comments Kinect: Disneyland Adventures promises to bring Walt's whimsical park right into your living room, a quiet place devoid of souvenir shops, crowds and eternally smiling helmets. Disney says the embellished recreation of the park, constructed by Frontier Developments, will be available on November 15. (That'll be almost seven months after you last visited the real Disneyland -- you remember it because an errant, underarm fat-swing knocked the ice cream cone out of your hand.)

When you're not safely navigating the park with Kinect, you become a participant in several minigames that re-imagine famous Disney attractions. In the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, for example, your boat careens through caves while you deflect bombs with an on-screen oar.

Another secret, unlockable minigame has you jumping and swinging your arms wildly as Walt Disney, moments after he's woken up and shown 10 minutes of Chicken Little.

Gallery: Disneyland Adventures (E3 2011)

Continue reading Kinect: Disneyland Adventures launching on Nov. 15 (watch out, Halo!)

JoystiqKinect: Disneyland Adventures launching on Nov. 15 (watch out, Halo!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontier-developmentskinectkinect-disneyland-adventuresmicrosoftq4-2011release-datexboxTue, 16 Aug 2011 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinectimals go Kinect-less on Windows Phone 7 this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/kinectimals-go-kinect-less-on-windows-phone-7-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/kinectimals-go-kinect-less-on-windows-phone-7-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/kinectimals-go-kinect-less-on-windows-phone-7-this-fall/#comments Microsoft now forces us to ponder a philosophical question: Is a Kinectimal still a Kinectimal if you don't use a Kinect to interact with it? At a GamesCom event, Microsoft announced plans to release a Windows Phone 7 version of Kinectimals.

"Players can care for and bond with their favorite pet cat or bear cub," the fact sheet notes, "using touch screen controls to feed, pet, play and nurture them on-the-go from their Windows Phone while also enjoying Xbox LIVE integration of Achievements and Leaderboards." Yes, this version is with bears as well. And it'll be out this fall.

Gallery: Kinectimals Mobile (Gamescom 2011)

JoystiqKinectimals go Kinect-less on Windows Phone 7 this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontier-developmentsgamescom-2011kinectimalsmicrosoftmobilewindows-phone-7Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds coming to iOS and Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/lostwinds-coming-to-ios-and-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/lostwinds-coming-to-ios-and-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/lostwinds-coming-to-ios-and-android/#comments If you missed the two LostWinds games on WiiWare, you'll soon have two more choices for platform on which to play them: iOS and Android.

During the Develop conference, Frontier Developments head David Braben revealed to Eurogamer that the WiiWare platformers are being ported to iPad, iPhone, and Android, with the D-pad/Wiimote pointer controls replaced by a virtual pad and touch-based wind controls.

The two games are due this year; Braben said they would be ported "to start with," suggesting that more LostWinds games other than the two existing entries could be on the way to mobile platforms.

JoystiqLostWinds coming to iOS and Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontier-developmentsiphonelostwindsmobileWed, 20 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disneyland Adventures preview: Virtual Imagineering]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/disneyland-adventures-preview-virtual-imagineering/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/disneyland-adventures-preview-virtual-imagineering/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/disneyland-adventures-preview-virtual-imagineering/#comments Much like the real theme park, Disneyland Adventures isn't so much a game as it is an attraction. To be sure, the Kinect title has available mini-games, but the real meat of the experience seems to be the recreation of the park itself. Frontier Developments' David Walsh informed me that the park has been painstakingly recreated. Players can navigate the entire park using the Kinect, meeting Disney characters, visiting attractions and even collecting coveted hidden Mickeys (which I admit I'd never heard of before this preview).

The only things missing are the actual rides, which have been replaced with what appears to be a series of nearly identical minigames.

Gallery: Disneyland Adventures (E3 2011)

Continue reading Disneyland Adventures preview: Virtual Imagineering

JoystiqDisneyland Adventures preview: Virtual Imagineering originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2011Frontier-Developmentskinectkinect-disneyland-adventuresmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxTue, 14 Jun 2011 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinectimals demo plays nice with Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/kinectimals-demo-plays-nice-with-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/kinectimals-demo-plays-nice-with-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/kinectimals-demo-plays-nice-with-xbox-live/#comments Sure, Kinectimals may be a blast for your 10-year-old sister-in-law, but what about your 12-year-old nephew? What about your friend's 8-year-old son? What about your very immature sister?

Now there's a 1.52GB demo on Xbox Live Marketplace, available for download to all Gold subscribers, to help you decide. And if you happen to enjoy it as an adult ... well, we won't tell a soul.

JoystiqKinectimals demo plays nice with Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demofrontier-developmentskinectKinectimalsmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosxblmxboxxbox-live-marketplaceFri, 08 Apr 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Frontier's 'The Outsider' on hold, but not canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/frontiers-the-outsider-on-hold-but-not-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/frontiers-the-outsider-on-hold-but-not-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/frontiers-the-outsider-on-hold-but-not-canceled/#comments It seems The Outsider's inability to gel with a publisher has finally forced Frontier Developments to put the game on hold, according to statements made by studio head David Braben to Rock, Paper, Shotgun and Develop. "We have had to change priorities because of requirements on other unannounced projects," Braben told RPS, implying that development on The Outsider had ceased in favor of more promising ventures.

"There is still publisher interest in the project," he later clarified to Develop, "and we haven't canceled it."

The Outsider was first announced by Frontier in 2005 and billed as an action thriller designed to offer "genuine freedom" in gameplay and narrative. Players would assume the role of a rogue CIA agent in "an immersive, dynamic world and storyline" set in Washington, D.C. "This gives the player genuine freedom to change the story outcomes in a way not seen before," promises an ambitious game description on Frontier's site, adding, "each player will get a truly unique, sophisticated experience."

Following a failed courtship with Codemasters, it seemed the title had found its suitor in EA, but the publishing deal fell through, according to RPS's source; who also said that 17 Frontier employees had been laid off this week, in addition to a reported dozen staffers that lost their jobs late last year. "Some people have been moved," Braben confirmed to RPS, "and we are very sad to have made some people redundant."

Frontier's other known project, Elite 4, was put on hold last May. In November, the studio released Kinectimals to generally positive reviews, though there has been no indication as to its sales status.

JoystiqFrontier's 'The Outsider' on hold, but not canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-brabendelayseafrontierfrontier-developmentslayoffsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3the-outsiderwiixboxThu, 20 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinectimals plush toys coming in Spring 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/kinectimals-plush-toys-coming-in-spring-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/kinectimals-plush-toys-coming-in-spring-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/kinectimals-plush-toys-coming-in-spring-2011/#comments We know, we know -- Fur Town is getting kind of lonely these days. All your Kinectimals have been petted and played with so many times and, well, you're getting kinda bored of them. Thankfully, according to an announcement from Jakks Pacific this morning, Microsoft has plans to release "five unique plush animals" in the first wave of Kinectimals stuffed animals coming out in Spring 2011.

Like the King Cheetah and Maltese Tiger included in the game's collector's editions, the plush animals can be scanned into Fur Town and be played with in-game to heart's content. No pricing was given in the announcement -- but can you even put a price on cuteness?

JoystiqKinectimals plush toys coming in Spring 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontier-developmentsjakksjakks-pacificKinectimalsmicrosoftplushieq2-2011release-datexboxMon, 29 Nov 2010 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinectimals review: Meet Dave]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/kinectimals-review-meet-dave/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/kinectimals-review-meet-dave/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/kinectimals-review-meet-dave/#comments As we divided up the Kinect reviews, Kinectimals just sort of laid there, like the black jelly bean no one wants to take out of the dish. Soon though, it occurred to me that I wouldn't necessarily have to live with the shame of being a grown man who played with a pretend tiger. I snatched up Kinectimals, remembering that I have a Rileigh.

Rileigh is my 10-year-old sister-in-law, but that's not important. The important thing is that she loves the crap out of Kinectimals, and I'm betting your Rileigh will too.

Gallery: Kinectimals

Continue reading Kinectimals review: Meet Dave

JoystiqKinectimals review: Meet Dave originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Frontier-DevelopmentskinectKinectimalsmicrosoftxboxThu, 04 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds dev: Don't treat download services as a 'dumping ground']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/lostwinds-dev-dont-treat-download-services-as-a-dumping-groun/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/lostwinds-dev-dont-treat-download-services-as-a-dumping-groun/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/lostwinds-dev-dont-treat-download-services-as-a-dumping-groun/#commentsFrontier Developments has used the WiiWare platform to deliver two small, but high-quality games: the LostWinds series. However, according to David Braben (and a quick look at the offerings on any console download service) not everyone has taken the same approach. "One of the things that really annoys me," Braben told Develop, "is when people see XBLA, PSN and WiiWare as a dumping ground, in terms of 'you don't need to put the same amount of effort in.'"

Instead of a place for shallow games, Braben described the download space as the "short story" of game design. "It's a way to try out a radical idea," he said, "It's a way to try out a radical idea, and quite often a lot of those do become novels later on. What I don't like is the idea that people can scratch one out at the bus stop, which I've overheard at conferences." More CUBELLO, less Frogger 2. Of course, the real takeaway from Braben's article is that you should look around at conferences to see if David Braben is nearby.

JoystiqLostWinds dev: Don't treat download services as a 'dumping ground' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-brabendownloadable-gamesfrontier-developmentslostwindsMicrosoftNintendopsnWiixblaXbox-360Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds sequel to be Europe's 100th WiiWare game this Friday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/lostwinds-sequel-to-be-europes-100th-wiiware-game-this-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/lostwinds-sequel-to-be-europes-100th-wiiware-game-this-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/lostwinds-sequel-to-be-europes-100th-wiiware-game-this-friday/#commentsIn North America, Bit.Trip: CORE was the hundredth WiiWare release. Today, Frontier Developments announced that LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias will receive that honor in Europe -- which also happens to mean the game will be out tomorrow! As the sequel to the standout WiiWare launch title, Winter of the Melodias is a good choice for the spot, although we don't discount the possibility that it just happened to work out that way.

Winter of the Melodias includes a new cyclone ability and a mechanic that allows main character Toku to change the environment from summer to winter and back instantly; in turn manipulating bodies of water or even clouds. We hope Frontier and Nintendo don't wait until it's actually winter to give Americans the chance to play it.

Gallery: LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias

JoystiqLostWinds sequel to be Europe's 100th WiiWare game this Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeFrontierfrontier-developmentslostwindslostwinds-winter-of-melodiasLostWinds-Winter-of-the-MelodiasNintendoPlatformerrelease-dateWiiwiiwareThu, 08 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Found: LostWinds 2 screens and video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/found-lostwinds-2-screens-and-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/found-lostwinds-2-screens-and-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/found-lostwinds-2-screens-and-video/#comments About 20 seconds into this video of the freshly revealed sequel to Frontier's sleeper WiiWare platforming wonder, you'll probably be asking yourself, "Hey, where's the 'winter' in LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias?" Then, before you know it, BAM! It's winter. This seasonal manipulation is clearly a core game mechanic this time around, but the trailer does little to explain exactly why and how. For now, we're content simply knowing a follow-up to LostWinds is coming at all.

Gallery: LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias

JoystiqFound: LostWinds 2 screens and video originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontierFrontier-Developmentslostwindslostwinds-winter-of-melodiaLostWinds-Winter-of-the-MelodiasPlatformerscreenshotsvideowiiwareWed, 02 Sep 2009 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Edge reveals LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/edge-reveals-lostwinds-winter-of-the-melodias/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/edge-reveals-lostwinds-winter-of-the-melodias/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/edge-reveals-lostwinds-winter-of-the-melodias/#comments WiIWare aficionados, brace your hind quarters. UK gaming mag Edge has revealed (via N-Europe) that a sequel to Frontier's LostWinds is in the works, titled LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias. While most of the core gameplay elements in the sequel remain unchanged, Toku returns with one new ability: he can now change the seasons, turning Summer to Winter and vice versa.

There's no word on when the game will hit WiiWare right now, but if you live in the UK, you may want to check out the latest issue of Edge. The preview on LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias is apparently pretty extensive and, if you're wondering what all of the fuss is about, you still have time to check out the first game (which some of us think is quite excellent).

[Via Go Nintendo; thanks, Fernando!]

JoystiqEdge reveals LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edgefrontierFrontier-Developmentslostwindslostwinds-winter-of-melodiasLostWinds-Winter-of-the-Melodiasn-europeNintendoPlatformerWiiwiiwareSat, 29 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Winds dev: Reviewers are a problem with low Wii metacritic scores]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/lost-winds-dev-reviewers-are-a-problem-with-low-wii-metacriti/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/lost-winds-dev-reviewers-are-a-problem-with-low-wii-metacriti/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/lost-winds-dev-reviewers-are-a-problem-with-low-wii-metacriti/#comments
Apparently, for the Nintendo Wii (according to Lost Winds developer David Braben), the folks reviewing Wii games are the wrong people for the job. Responding to comments made by EA Sports' Peter Moore earlier this month regarding low metacritic scores for Wii games and its less than serious effect on sales numbers of said games, Frontier Developments head David Braben told Eurogamer that, "Most reviewers are what are often called 'core gamers' - and these family-focused games tend to appeal less to them."

And he makes a good point. If Joystiq's readership is primarily "core gamers," what's the point in covering casual fare meant for more mainstream crowds? Braben continues, "It throws up a difficult dilemma for those reviewers ... are they reviewing the game for those people likely to play it, or for those people who form the bulk of their readership?" We put it to you, Joystiq loyalists: Continue to cover games intended for a "casual," more mainstream audience (as well as more "hardcore" titles), or focus on "core" games coverage exclusively?

[Image credit]

JoystiqLost Winds dev: Reviewers are a problem with low Wii metacritic scores originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessdavid-brabeneaea-sportsElectronic-Artseurogamerfrontierfrontier-developmentslost-windsNintendopeter-moorereviewsWiiFri, 19 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds found in Japan by Square Enix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/lostwinds-found-in-japan-by-square-enix/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/lostwinds-found-in-japan-by-square-enix/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/lostwinds-found-in-japan-by-square-enix/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Frontier Developments' WiiWare launch title LostWinds remains one of the highlights of the lineup ... in the US, Europe, and Australia. Good news for Japanese Wii owners: the platformer is finally scheduled for release in December, for 1,000 Wii Points. Good news for Frontier Developments (although we suspect they've heard this): Square Enix picked up the publishing rights to the game for Japan -- whatever it means to "publish" a WiiWare game.

LostWinds, which was published in other regions by Frontier themselves, will be the second WiiWare release from Square Enix, following Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King, and the first Square Enix WiiWare release from an external developer. We know we'd be pleased if a big, prestigious publisher like that showed confidence in our game! And if our game existed!


[Via Game Watch]

We're always looking for new games to enjoy. We've got plenty of other WiiWare reviews, if you're into that kind of thing.. If you're so crazy that you want to go to the store and buy something when you could be playing World of Goo or Mega Man 9, we can help with that, too.

JoystiqLostWinds found in Japan by Square Enix originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontier-developmentslostwindsplatformsquare-enixFri, 14 Nov 2008 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds sequel plans already aloft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/lostwinds-sequel-plans-already-aloft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/lostwinds-sequel-plans-already-aloft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/lostwinds-sequel-plans-already-aloft/#commentsFiled under: ,

Frontier Developments' LostWinds seems to be one of the standout WiiWare titles, judging from the discussion around the site (and in the comments for other WiiWare game reviews). We're glad you like it, and, we assume, so is Frontier Developments, because otherwise they stand to lose a bunch of money.

Their website features a link that allows visitors to "REGISTER FOR ADVANCE INFORMATION on Frontier's forthcoming LostWinds sequel containing amazing new gameplay as Toku and Enril's incredible adventure to save Mistralis continues."

That doesn't really leave much room for misunderstanding, does it? The sequel's on the way. No hinting, no teasers, just "Hey, guys, we're making another one." Having a quickly-announced sequel makes it seem like an episodic title, doesn't it? We guess there isn't really that much difference between an episodic game and a game with really quick sequels.

JoystiqLostWinds sequel plans already aloft originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Frontierfrontier-developmentslostwindsLostWinds-Winter-of-the-MelodiasplatformPlatformersequelWiiWareTue, 13 May 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtually Free: Slightly to the left of normal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/virtually-free-slightly-to-the-left-of-normal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/virtually-free-slightly-to-the-left-of-normal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/virtually-free-slightly-to-the-left-of-normal/#commentsFiled under: ,


This week's a little different for the Virtual Console, so it's a little different for Virtually Free as well. What's new? Well, for starters, we're not giving away a Virtual Console game. Instead, we're celebrating the release of WiiWare by giving away LostWinds (1000 Wii points/$10)!

So what do you have to do to win? First of all, you have to leave a comment (with a valid e-mail address) on this post telling us what you're looking forward to most of the announced WiiWare titles. Second, you must be a legal resident of the United States with an American Wii (sorry, Canadians, we have to leave you out of this one; blame the gifting system and not us!) and 18 years of age or older. You may enter once per day between now and Monday, May 19; the contest comes to a close that night at 11:59 PM Eastern time, and we'll select a winner in a random drawing the next day. Questions? Check out the official rules.

JoystiqVirtually Free: Slightly to the left of normal originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontier-developmentslostwindsvirtually-freeTue, 13 May 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds trailer blows this way, makes us sleepy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/lostwinds-trailer-blows-this-way-makes-us-sleepy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/lostwinds-trailer-blows-this-way-makes-us-sleepy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/lostwinds-trailer-blows-this-way-makes-us-sleepy/#commentsFiled under: ,



LostWinds continues to look like the most tranquil Wii game of 2008. Is it just us, or does this WiiWare adventure strike you as the antithesis of most modern games, which too often seem obsessed with packing non-stop action into our already crammed craniums? We quite appreciate an occasional change of pace, and could comfortably drift off to sleep simply while listening to this trailer (were it not for our ferocious superiors, who routinely patrol the Wii Fanboy dungeon, watching for napping bloggers).

Wikipedia has LostWinds down as a WiiWare launch release, though the official site is still displaying TBA. More as we ge -- zzzzzzzzzzz.

JoystiqLostWinds trailer blows this way, makes us sleepy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontier-developmentslostwindsplatformMon, 05 May 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: LostWinds (WiiWare)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-lostwinds-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-lostwinds-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-lostwinds-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Briefly previewed at GDC, LostWinds is a stylish, creative take on platforming. The Nunchuk analog stick moves your small character over obstacles from a side-view. But the the character can't jump or climb very high; he needs the wind to push him up and over pits.

The Wii Remote fills this role naturally. A pointer swipe and button push gusts the wind into the world, lifting the small character to higher plateaus. Even ambient background objects like trees and grasses sway with the breeze. Later puzzles require you to guide the wind into other objects, not just the small fellow.

These techniques feel fresh and the visuals rival other Wii games. LostWinds was one of my favorite experiences from the Nintendo Media Summit.

Gallery: LostWinds

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: LostWinds (WiiWare)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: LostWinds (WiiWare) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontierFrontier-DevelopmentslostwindsNintendonintendo-media-summit-08platformerWiiwiimotewiiwareTue, 15 Apr 2008 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A serene video of LostWinds in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/a-serene-video-of-lostwinds-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/a-serene-video-of-lostwinds-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/a-serene-video-of-lostwinds-in-action/#commentsFiled under: ,


There was a brief video clip of Frontier Developments' LostWinds during Nintendo's GDC presentation, but that video has yet to be released -- until today, maybe. This video from IGN looks very similar to the GDC trailer; in fact, we think it may be the same one. It is at least equivalent in terms of showing the game in motion and illustrating the use of the pointer to control wind. We love how the little gust kicks up some water.

We're pretty sure that LostWinds would look much more exciting without the exceedingly mellow music. Although maybe mellowness is the order of the day for a game in which the main character's fighting style involves a breeze.



JoystiqA serene video of LostWinds in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontier-developmentslostwindsplatformTue, 08 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds creator describes a very complicated-sounding game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/lostwinds-creator-describes-a-very-complicated-sounding-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/lostwinds-creator-describes-a-very-complicated-sounding-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/lostwinds-creator-describes-a-very-complicated-sounding-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We thought we understood LostWinds. There's a guy, controlled with the Nunchuk, and then there's wind, controlled with the pointer. But when we hear Frontier Developments' David Braben explain the game, we aren't so sure anymore. About the basic gameplay: "Toku is relatively small and vulnerable yet he has physical presence in the world, whereas Enril has no physical presence, just a localised sphere of influence of wind power around the shard of Spirit Stone that Toku is carrying."

And it's not just simple platforming made to sound more complex. There's actually a lot going on in LostWinds other than jumping and gusting. You can use the wind to interact with the environment, including blowing water into the ground to grow an assortment of seeds that you can then use.

The interview goes on to discuss the importance of audio and narrative in games, and LostWinds' stylized appearance. Braben also denies (for now) a Virtual Console release of his Commodore 64 classic Elite.

JoystiqLostWinds creator describes a very complicated-sounding game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Frontierfrontier-developmentslostwindsplatformPlatformerWiiWareTue, 18 Mar 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Frontier announces LostWinds for WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/frontier-announces-lostwinds-for-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/frontier-announces-lostwinds-for-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/frontier-announces-lostwinds-for-wiiware/#commentsFiled under:

lostwinds
David Braben's Frontier Developments promises "the power of the wind" at the tip of your Wiimote in LostWinds, the indie studio's first pint-sized, WiiWare adventure. There's a wind spirit (that's you!), a boy with an odd cap, the evil Balasar and the magical land of Mistrails, where puzzles can be a breeze and enemies are blown away without bullets. "WiiWare offers a perfect extra outlet for that creativity, and I hope that LostWinds is the first of many games that will follow this process," said Braben.

Gallery: LostWinds

JoystiqFrontier announces LostWinds for WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontierFrontier-DevelopmentslostwindsNintendoPlatformerWiiwiiwareWed, 20 Feb 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: New WiiWare title unveiled: LostWinds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-new-wiiware-title-unveiled-lostwinds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-new-wiiware-title-unveiled-lostwinds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-new-wiiware-title-unveiled-lostwinds/#commentsFiled under: , ,


UK developer Frontier Developments (Thrillville) announced a new title for Nintendo's WiiWare service today, titling the adventure platformer LostWinds. We have a gallery of screenshots below that you can thumb through for a preview of the game's stylized art direction.

LostWinds stars Toku, a young boy who has discovered a wind spirit in a land threatened by its power-hungry sun/moon spirit. You'll move Toku around using the nunchuck's analog stick while aiding him with Wii remote gestures commanding the wind elemental. A quick controller movement can send a breeze or even a tornado to power Toku's jumps, glide him across distances, blow away enemies, and solve puzzles.

Frontier Developments hasn't yet announced a release date or price, but the studio is hoping to put LostWinds out with WiiWare's US launch this May 12th.


Read - Lostwinds official site
Read - Level Up interview with Frontier Developments' David Braben

JoystiqGDC08: New WiiWare title unveiled: LostWinds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurefrontierFrontier-Developmentsgdc08gdc08fanboylostwindsplatformerWiiWareWed, 20 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Thrillville Off the Rails]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/joystiq-impressions-thrillville-off-the-rails/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/joystiq-impressions-thrillville-off-the-rails/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/joystiq-impressions-thrillville-off-the-rails/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

We all know about Thrillville, the rollercoaster simulator ... but what happens when it goes Off the Rails? Sure, we've got over a dozen new minigames (for a total of over three dozen, according to a LucasArts rep), but we now have the ability to ride your coasters without ever finishing them.

Look, we know you're thinking, "Hey Joystiq, isn't that dangerous? Doesn't the law of gravity apply to physics engines, too?" Well you're right but remember: virtual death is only virtually sad. And there were virtually no complications with what we saw. Instead of death, you jump to a loading scene and you're back off the ride. As if it was all just a dream. Even if you aren't saved by the great "Now Waiting" sign in the sky, all coaster participants are given jet packs and parachutes. From our initial impressions, there was a 100% survival rate, but you never know when poor clipping might cause pixelated peril.

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Thrillville Off the Rails

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Thrillville Off the Rails originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSe3e307Frontier-DevelopmentslucasartsMicrosoftNintendoPCPS2PSPSimThrillvilleThrillville-Off-the-RailsWiiXbox-360Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:50:00 EST