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[Fruit Ninja Kinect gets the chop in today's Xbox Live Countdown to 2013 deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/25/fruit-ninja-kinect-gets-the-chop-in-todays-xbox-live-countdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/25/fruit-ninja-kinect-gets-the-chop-in-todays-xbox-live-countdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/25/fruit-ninja-kinect-gets-the-chop-in-todays-xbox-live-countdown/#comments Fruit Ninja Kinect, Mini Ninjas Adventures, and more in today's Xbox Live countdown dealTapping in to that long-held Yuletide tradition of throwing fruit around and trying to slice it mid-air, Fruit Ninja Kinect and its add-ons are splattered all over Xbox Live's Countdown to 2013 Xmas Day sale. Halfbrick's produce-pruner has its price chopped in half today to 400 MSP, while its four DLC packs - namely 8-bit Cartridge, Art Box, Space Capsule, and Storm Season - are down by 50 percent to 80 MSP each.

Four other games also got price cuts in their stockings today. Carrying on the Kinect-ified ninja theme, Mini Ninjas Adventures is 50 percent off at 400 MSP. Also discounted on this merriest of days are Rock of Ages (75 percent off at 200 MSP), Hydro Thunder (67 percent off at 400 MSP), and another Kinect game in Leedmees (75 percent off at 200 MSP).

JoystiqFruit Ninja Kinect gets the chop in today's Xbox Live Countdown to 2013 deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrick-studioskinectmicrosoftXBLAXBLMxboxxbox-liveTue, 25 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja Kinect DLC revisits gaming history]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/fruit-ninja-kinect-dlc-revisits-gaming-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/fruit-ninja-kinect-dlc-revisits-gaming-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/fruit-ninja-kinect-dlc-revisits-gaming-history/#comments
While many people think Fruit Ninja is a recent phenomenon, it actually debuted in arcades way back in the late 1980s. Developer Halfbrick has announced a new batch of DLC for Fruit Ninja Kinect to give users a chance to look back on Fruit Ninja's heyday. The "8-bit Cartridge" DLC effectively restores the original Fruit Ninja visuals and chiptune music that anyone over 25 will remember from the smoke-filled game halls of their youth.

It's worth noting that the DLC appears to be based on the home console version of the original Fruit Ninja. It's unfortunate, though understandable, as any game historian knows that all original Fruit Ninja arcade cabinets have either been destroyed or reside in the hands of private collectors. Presumably, Halfbrick was unable to obtain the original code.

The DLC will be released this Friday on Xbox Live for $2.*

Gallery: Fruit Ninja Kinect (8-bit Cartridge)



*Almost none of the preceding text is true, specifically the parts dealing with the origin of Fruit Ninja. We suggest you pull the same prank on your Fruit-Ninja-obsessed children, nieces or nephews. They'll totally believe you!

Continue reading Fruit Ninja Kinect DLC revisits gaming history

JoystiqFruit Ninja Kinect DLC revisits gaming history originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fruit-ninja-kinectkinectmicrosoftxboxTue, 28 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja Kinect sells a million units; Jetpack Joyride update in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/fruit-ninja-kinect-sells-a-million-units-jetpack-joyride-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/fruit-ninja-kinect-sells-a-million-units-jetpack-joyride-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/fruit-ninja-kinect-sells-a-million-units-jetpack-joyride-update/#comments Halfbrick announced today that Fruit Ninja Kinect has reached a million sales, solidifying it as a very successful "console experiment" for the company. The company announced a month ago at DICE 2012 that sales had surpassed a half million.

Phil Larsen, chief marketing officer at Halfbrick, also told us that the Jetpack Joyride 1.3 update is coming this April. It will add 15 gadgets that are "kinda like perks," which players can choose at the beginning of the round to assist.

Gadgets include Air Barry shoes, allowing Barry to jump instead of glide up. Along with the "Freeze o Matic," which turns Barry into a sliding ice block when he crashes for extra distance. There are also magnets which allow Barry to collect coins. Still no item that allows you to actually stop playing Jetpack Joyride.

JoystiqFruit Ninja Kinect sells a million units; Jetpack Joyride update in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fruit-ninja-kinectgdc-2012halfbrickhalfbrick-studiosiosipadiphonejetpack-joyridemicrosoftmobilexboxMon, 05 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja Kinect sells a half-million copies; Jetpack Joyride reaches 14 million downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/fruit-ninja-kinect-sells-a-half-million-copies-jetpack-joyride/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/fruit-ninja-kinect-sells-a-half-million-copies-jetpack-joyride/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/fruit-ninja-kinect-sells-a-half-million-copies-jetpack-joyride/#comments Australian developer Halfbrick is flying high on the success of its Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride franchises. Chief Marketing Officer Phil Larsen told us at the DICE conference in Las Vegas today that Fruit Ninja Kinect has reached a half-million sales and has been a very successful console experiment for the company. The company also plans to continue supporting Fruit Ninja on iOS with more updates rather than cannibalize its momentum with a sequel.

As for Jetpack Joyride, which went free to play in mid-December, Larsen notes the game has seen significant growth since the change.

"There's an update coming in the next month," Larsen said about Jetpack Joyride. "It's the biggest one we've done so far."

He told us the previously $1 app reached about 1 million paid sales before going free and has since seen 13 million downloads as a free product. He estimates about 5-10 percent of customers will spend at least a dollar on the app through its in-game store, so revenue has been higher since the game went "free."

JoystiqFruit Ninja Kinect sells a half-million copies; Jetpack Joyride reaches 14 million downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DICE-2012fruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrickhalfbrick-studiosiosiphonejetpack-joyridemicrosoftmobilePhil-LarsenxboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Griffin's picks of 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2011/#comments LittleBigPlanet 2
How fitting that for my last contribution to Joystiq's Game of the Year list, I should learn the bitter sting of having my number one choice not breach the Top 10. LittleBigPlanet 2 improved upon the original -- already one of my favorite games of all time -- in every conceivable way, offering one of the most user-friendly, charming UGC systems in gaming history. There is nothing I've thought of that LBP2 wasn't able to create, and that includes a level about interstellar poultry abduction.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Griffin's picks of 2011

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Griffin's picks of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-rest-2011call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3child-of-edendance-central-2fruit-ninja-kinectiosipadiphonekinectlittlebigplanet-2microsoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3star-wars-the-old-republicsuper-stickman-golfThe-Legend-of-Zelda-Skyward-Sworduncharted-3-drakes-deceptionwiixboxWed, 04 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja Kinect spreads holiday cheer with free Christmas DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/fruit-ninja-kinect-spreads-holiday-cheer-with-free-christmas-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/fruit-ninja-kinect-spreads-holiday-cheer-with-free-christmas-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/fruit-ninja-kinect-spreads-holiday-cheer-with-free-christmas-dlc/#comments
'Tis the season to be jolly, and Fruit Ninja Kinect is celebrating with a fruit-slaughtering vengeance, offering up the free Christmas Present downloadable content pack. The pack includes lots of Yuletide goodies, including the candy cane blade, a Santa's Workshop background and, our favorite, the snow globe silhouette, which literally fills your on-screen body with Christmas cheer. Oh, and the pomegranate has been replaced with a pudding, presumably of the figgy variety.

You can grab the DLC now via Xbox Live Marketplace.

Gallery: Fruit Ninja Kinect (Xmas DLC)

Continue reading Fruit Ninja Kinect spreads holiday cheer with free Christmas DLC

JoystiqFruit Ninja Kinect spreads holiday cheer with free Christmas DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmas-presentdlcfruit-ninja-kinectkinectmicrosoftxboxWed, 14 Dec 2011 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Gunstringer, Fruit Ninja, Pinball FX2, Planeswalker 2012 DLC on XBLA this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/gunstringer-fruit-ninja-pinball-fx2-planeswalker-2012-dlc-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/gunstringer-fruit-ninja-pinball-fx2-planeswalker-2012-dlc-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/gunstringer-fruit-ninja-pinball-fx2-planeswalker-2012-dlc-on/#comments The Gunstringer In addition to Joe Danger's Xbox Live Arcade debut, this Wednesday will host a handful of new DLC for several titles, Major Nelson reveals. Alongside the previously revealed "Vengeance and Virtue" DLC for Pinball FX2 ($10) and the "Lost Adventures" DLC for Orcs Must Die! ($4), we also have some heretofore unknown DLC for The Gunstringer, Fruit Ninja Kinect and Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012.

For $3 each, The Gunstringer will receive "Real Big Shootin'" DLC, while Magic will be dealt its second expansion. Meanwhile, Fruit Ninja Kinect players can grab the Holiday Pack for free. We don't have details on any of the DLC, though we're really hoping the Fruit Ninja Holiday DLC includes sliceable fruitcakes.

JoystiqGunstringer, Fruit Ninja, Pinball FX2, Planeswalker 2012 DLC on XBLA this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcduels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012fruit-ninja-kinectmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012microsoftthe-gunstringerxblmxboxMon, 12 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[For a few dollars less: Gunstringer/Fruit Ninja Kinect $20 at Best Buy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/for-a-few-dollars-less-gunstringer-fruit-ninja-kinect-20-at-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/for-a-few-dollars-less-gunstringer-fruit-ninja-kinect-20-at-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/for-a-few-dollars-less-gunstringer-fruit-ninja-kinect-20-at-be/#comments For a few dollars less The Gunstringer had seen many a strange thing in his life, but this took the cake. As he stared through the batwing doors of the local Best Buy general store, he thought he spied his own face glaring back. He took a closer look - turns out some folks in Texas made a vidya game out of his life story. What's more, seems that the store's proprietor had marked it down to two sawbucks. Perhaps most perplexing of all, the box also proclaimed to include something called Fruit Ninja Kinect.

He didn't know what a "fruit ninja" was, but he didn't like the sound of it.

JoystiqFor a few dollars less: Gunstringer/Fruit Ninja Kinect $20 at Best Buy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buyfruit-ninja-kinectkinectmicrosoftthe-gunstringertwisted-pixelXBLAxboxFri, 04 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect holiday bundle includes Gunstringer, Fruit Ninja]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/kinect-holiday-bundle-includes-gunstringer-fruit-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/kinect-holiday-bundle-includes-gunstringer-fruit-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/kinect-holiday-bundle-includes-gunstringer-fruit-ninja/#comments Microsoft is currently shipping a Kinect sensor bundle for the holidays, which includes three games for $150. The included games for North America - though they "may vary by region" - are Kinect Adventures, Fruit Ninja Kinect and The Gunstringer, from Microsoft's newly acquired studio Twisted Pixel. Considering the $40 Gunstringer retail box contains a free Fruit Ninja Kinect, it might be easier to think about this bundle providing a $40 savings.

Microsoft has been playing it close to the chest regarding Kinect sales this year, recently reiterating that the device had sold 10 million units, a statistic it already promoted in March. We'll get another update after this year's bundle-boosted holiday sales have been tallied.

JoystiqKinect holiday bundle includes Gunstringer, Fruit Ninja originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrick-studioskinectmicrosoftthe-gunstringertwisted-pixelxboxTue, 01 Nov 2011 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: August XBLA sales favor Fruit Ninja, Toy Soldiers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/report-august-xbla-sales-favor-fruit-ninja-toy-soldiers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/report-august-xbla-sales-favor-fruit-ninja-toy-soldiers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/report-august-xbla-sales-favor-fruit-ninja-toy-soldiers/#comments Specific Xbox Live Arcade sales data remains elusive, so we turn to Gamasutra's analysis of leaderboard information to gain a rough idea of how August's new games performed. Diminutive soldiers proved to be the most popular icons, followed by the ingenious pearing of Kinect and ninjas.

Tower defense and shooter mash-up Toy Soldiers: Cold War appears to have sold 160,734 units by August's end, earning 115,448 players during its first week at the conclusion of Microsoft's Summer of Arcade promotion. Gamasutra notes that this rate is actually slower than the original game's launch, which was paired with last year's "Block Party" lineup.

Fruit Ninja Kinect had 148,507 players for the month -- impressive in the context of Kinect-only downloadable games. And while it might not be as financially lucrative, the game's sure to expand its total player base in September while it's offered as a free bonus to owners of The Gunstringer.

From Dust and Bastion continued to do well in August, while Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet registered 48,389 players by the end of the month. Microsoft announced a DLC add-on called "Shadow Hunters" earlier this month, but it appears to have missed its (tentative) release date.

JoystiqReport: August XBLA sales favor Fruit Ninja, Toy Soldiers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionfrom-dustfruit-ninja-kinectinsanely-twisted-shadow-planetmicrosofttoy-soldiers-cold-warxblaxboxThu, 15 Sep 2011 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja Kinect DLC boldly goes where no Fruit Ninja's gone before]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/fruit-ninja-kinect-dlc-boldly-goes-where-no-fruit-ninjas-gone-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/fruit-ninja-kinect-dlc-boldly-goes-where-no-fruit-ninjas-gone-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/fruit-ninja-kinect-dlc-boldly-goes-where-no-fruit-ninjas-gone-b/#comments Nothing is more important in Fruit Ninja than freshness, which is why Halfbrick has announced more DLC for the Kinect iteration of the produce bisection game. The "Space Capsule" DLC adds a new "Star Chart" background, a new player silhouette style called the "Stellar Shadow," and an on-screen sword called the "Comet Blade."

What it doesn't add -- and this is a massive missed opportunity -- is bags of those freeze-dried strawberries that are sold as "astronaut food." We could totally be cutting futuristic fruits right now! The space food-free DLC is available now for $2.

Continue reading Fruit Ninja Kinect DLC boldly goes where no Fruit Ninja's gone before

JoystiqFruit Ninja Kinect DLC boldly goes where no Fruit Ninja's gone before originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfruit-ninjafruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrick-studiosmicrosoftspace-capsulexblaxboxWed, 07 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja Kinect DLC brings the thunder tomorrow [update: Today!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/fruit-ninja-kinect-dlc-brings-the-thunder-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/fruit-ninja-kinect-dlc-brings-the-thunder-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/fruit-ninja-kinect-dlc-brings-the-thunder-tomorrow/#comments Not feeling powerful enough during your sessions of fruit mutilation (or, if you will, fruitilation) on Fruit Ninja Kinect? You're insatiable -- but you're also the target demographic for tomorrow's DLC update. Titled "Storm Season," the content will add a new "Storm Castle" background, "The Rain Man Shadow" silhouette and, following the theme, the "Lightning Bolt Blade."

The DLC will run purchasers 160 Microsoft Points ($2), will add three new Achievements to the title for a bonus of 50 'cheevo points, and will finally let you figure out what happens when an apple gets struck by a bolt of lightning. Points. Points happen.

Update: A Halfbrick representative just emailed to inform us that their initial timetable was off by exactly one day. By which we mean: It's available right now!

Continue reading Fruit Ninja Kinect DLC brings the thunder tomorrow [update: Today!]

JoystiqFruit Ninja Kinect DLC brings the thunder tomorrow [update: Today!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfruit-ninjafruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrick-studiosmicrosoftxblaxboxWed, 24 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox's David Dennis on July NPDs, Kinect growth, and the 'new dash']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/xboxs-david-dennis-on-july-npds-kinect-growth-and-the-new-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/xboxs-david-dennis-on-july-npds-kinect-growth-and-the-new-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/xboxs-david-dennis-on-july-npds-kinect-growth-and-the-new-da/#comments In July 2010, on the back of the newly redesigned Xbox 360 and shelf-clearing sales on the old model, Microsoft enjoyed one of its strongest months of non-holiday console sales ever. So while the Xbox 360 managed to best its console counterparts this July, it was also "the first month that the Xbox 360 saw a year-over-year decline since December 2009." That fact doesn't bother Microsoft product manager David Dennis, who told Joystiq, "If you actually jump back two years and look at what the typical run-rate is in the middle of the summer, it's pretty close. We're actually a little above where it was."

Considering the first Xbox console only enjoyed a four-year lifespan before the Xbox 360 arrived on the scene, Microsoft doesn't have a lot of institutional knowledge to rest on when it comes to maintaining a vibrant platform late in a console's lifecycle. But six years in, and the Xbox 360 has managed to reinvent itself thanks to Kinect. "Console transitions are expensive," Dennis said. "They're expensive for platform companies like ourselves and they're expensive for the third parties that have to learn new programming languages and learn new architectures."

Continue reading Xbox's David Dennis on July NPDs, Kinect growth, and the 'new dash'

JoystiqXbox's David Dennis on July NPDs, Kinect growth, and the 'new dash' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>David-Dennisfruit-ninja-kinectKinectmicrosoftnew-dashnew-new-xbox-experiencennxenpdxboxThu, 11 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja Kinect review: The joy of chopping]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/fruit-ninja-kinect-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/fruit-ninja-kinect-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/fruit-ninja-kinect-review/#comments It is good to chop fruit with your hands.

That's likely to be my very dumbest thesis for the remainder of my games-reviewing career, but let's face it: Fruit Ninja Kinect is an astonishingly dumb game. Its unswerving singlemindedness sets a new standard for simplicity: The game oscillates between binary states of chopping fruit and waiting to chop more fruit, with little extraneous cruft to pad the two. There is fruit, and then you chop it, and then the fruit -- in a burst of citrus and points -- is gone!

Such a single-faceted premise would be a mark of death for any game, even a budget-priced downloadable title. Luckily for Halfbrick, it is good to chop fruit with your hands.

Gallery: Fruit Ninja Kinect (6/7/11)

Continue reading Fruit Ninja Kinect review: The joy of chopping

JoystiqFruit Ninja Kinect review: The joy of chopping originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrick-studioskinectmicrosoftsummer-of-arcadesummer-of-arcade-2011xboxMon, 08 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's XBLA plan includes monthly Kinect titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/microsofts-xbla-plan-includes-monthly-kinect-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/microsofts-xbla-plan-includes-monthly-kinect-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/microsofts-xbla-plan-includes-monthly-kinect-titles/#comments Fruit Ninja Kinect Fruit Ninja Kinect is only a week away, but Microsoft is keen to assure motion-lovers that more Kinect-fueled Xbox Live Arcade games are on the way. Speaking to CVG, Microsoft product marketing manager for the EMEA region, Robin Burrowes, stated that the company plans to release more Kinect XBLA titles in the near future. Specifically, we should expect new Kinect XBLA games to the tune of "about one a month." Burrowes also said that future Kinect titles will do a better job of leveraging Xbox Live.

August is covered, thanks to Fruit Ninja. Let's see where that leaves the rest of the year. Hole in the Wall is expected "this summer," which could mean September. Burnout Crash is coming this fall, and nothing says "fall" like October. Kung Fu High Impact? That's a lock for November. That just leaves December and, hey, what better way to while away the hours of the holidays than by building a world or two in Minecraft?

Bam, mystery solved.

JoystiqMicrosoft's XBLA plan includes monthly Kinect titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Burnout-Crashfruit-ninja-kinecthole-in-the-wallkinectkung-fu-high-impactmicrosoftminecraftxblaxboxWed, 03 Aug 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The Gunstringer will be $40, comes with Fruit Ninja Kinect and free DLC, this September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-gunstringer-will-be-40-comes-with-fruit-ninja-kinect-and-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-gunstringer-will-be-40-comes-with-fruit-ninja-kinect-and-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-gunstringer-will-be-40-comes-with-fruit-ninja-kinect-and-f/#commentsWhen Twisted Pixel announced that its Kinect-based, undead western marionette shooter would gallop past Xbox Live Arcade and ride right into Retailville, we wrote, "Twisted Pixel isn't talking price right now, but considering most Kinect games go for $50, we'd say that's a safe bet." Well ... we were wrong. And we're sorry. And we hope you didn't bet any actual money.

Microsoft just announced that The Gunstringer will be hitting shelves on September 13 in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Asia, and September 16 in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Oh, you wanted to know the price? How does $40 sound to you? Oh ... well, how about $40 and a free code for Fruit Ninja Kinect, itself valued at $10?

Still not enough? You drive a hard bargain, friend! How about some free launch DLC titled "The Wavy Tube Man Chronicles" in which you battle "the time-traveling son of Wavy Tube Man." Here, we'll use Microsoft's description:
In this add-on, Wavy Tube Man Jr. steals a time machine to prevent his father's death at the hands of "The Gunstringer," and it's up to players to battle classic western cowboys and futuristic warriors to save the world from destruction.
Wait a second ... you're still not satisfied? Can you not be sated? Is there nothing that can match your appetite for deals? Fine, if you pre-order the game from "select US and European retailers [...] you'll receive two tokens for a free Avatar Prop from the game." There, that's it. That's all you're getting. We're exhausted.

Continue reading The Gunstringer will be $40, comes with Fruit Ninja Kinect and free DLC, this September

JoystiqThe Gunstringer will be $40, comes with Fruit Ninja Kinect and free DLC, this September originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combofruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrick-studioskinectmicrosoftrelease-dateretailthe-gunstringertwisted-pixelxboxFri, 22 Jul 2011 10:07:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA Summer of Arcade releases dated, buy them all for free Crimson Alliance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/xbla-summer-of-arcade-releases-dated-buy-them-all-for-free-crim/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/xbla-summer-of-arcade-releases-dated-buy-them-all-for-free-crim/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/xbla-summer-of-arcade-releases-dated-buy-them-all-for-free-crim/#comments We knew which games were going to be part of this year's XBLA "Summer of Arcade" -- but not when. Today, Microsoft shared that information, allowing you to plan your season around buying video games.

The Summer kicks off with the isometric action-adventure Bastion on July 20, for 1200 Microsoft Points ($15.) Eric Chahi's volcanic god game, From Dust, follows on July 27 for the same price. On August 3, Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet will be available, also for 1200 MSP. August 10 brings a refreshing virtual fruit salad in the form of Fruit Ninja Kinect, for 800 Points. Finally, Toy Soldiers: Cold War arrives on August 17 for 1200 Points.

Like previous years, there's a bonus for buying all five Summer of Arcade titles, and this year it's a free copy of Crimson Alliance when it's released on September 7 (for 1200 Points). Fruit Ninja Kinect's inclusion in the promotion means that you must have a Kinect in order to take advantage of the free bonus. That's a bummer of Arcade for those who haven't picked up Microsoft's camera yet.

JoystiqXBLA Summer of Arcade releases dated, buy them all for free Crimson Alliance originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastioncrimson-alliancefrom-dustfruit-ninja-kinectinsanely-twisted-shadow-planetkinectmicrosoftq3-2011release-datesummer-of-arcadetoy-soldiers-cold-warxblaxboxMon, 27 Jun 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja Kinect preview: Chop 'til you stop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/fruit-ninja-kinect-preview-chop-til-you-stop/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/fruit-ninja-kinect-preview-chop-til-you-stop/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/fruit-ninja-kinect-preview-chop-til-you-stop/#comments
Rather than simply recounting my experience with Fruit Ninja Kinect -- part of the upcoming Summer of Arcade -- why don't we turn this preview into an interactive experience? Please play along at home.

First, flatten your hands into the standard "Karate chop" shape. Curl your arms at the elbows so that your fingers are now pointed forward. For a more visceral experience, set a piece of fruit -- a banana, perhaps -- on a surface in front of you. Use a cutting board if it helps complete the illusion. Alternately, if you're in the position to give a friend or significant other a sensual massage, have them lie down in front of you.

Now, when you (and your partner, if applicable) are ready, start chopping your hands up and down like a maniac.

Gallery: Fruit Ninja Kinect (6/7/11)

Continue reading Fruit Ninja Kinect preview: Chop 'til you stop

JoystiqFruit Ninja Kinect preview: Chop 'til you stop originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011fruit-ninja-kinectmicrosoftxboxTue, 07 Jun 2011 23:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Summer of Arcade 2011 kicks off July 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/xbox-live-summer-of-arcade-2011-kicks-off-july-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/xbox-live-summer-of-arcade-2011-kicks-off-july-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/xbox-live-summer-of-arcade-2011-kicks-off-july-20/#comments Can't have summer without hot new Xbox Live games, right? Microsoft has announced its line-up for the warmer months, kicking off July 20 -- strangely, in an email and not, you know, during its E3 2011 press conference. Regardless, a total of five games will be on offer. No exact time table for the games was announced nor prices but, hey, at least we know what's coming.

The first game listed is Toy Soldiers: Cold War, a sequel to one of 2010's most lucrative Xbox Live Arcade games. The next game listed is Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet, Fuelcell's stylish UFO simulator, followed by Fruit Ninja Kinect, a flail-tastic port of Halfbrick's darling mobile (and soon, Facebook!) title. Next we have Bastion, a game we suggest you all should keep an eye on. Finally, rounding out the list of games is From Dust, Eric Chahi's god game. An impressive list, to say the least.

It's important to know that this is simply how Microsoft listed the games in its press email and not indicative of when each title will launch throughout the promotion.

JoystiqXbox Live Summer of Arcade 2011 kicks off July 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionfrom-dustfruit-ninja-kinectfuelcellhalfbrickinsanely-twisted-shadow-planetmicrosoftproject-dustsignal-studiossummer-of-arcadesupergiant-gamestoy-soldiers-cold-warubisoftUbisoft-Montpellierxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeMon, 06 Jun 2011 15:23:00 EST<![CDATA['Kinect Me,' 'Crimson Alliance' among new Microsoft games rated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/kinect-me-crimson-alliance-among-new-microsoft-games-rated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/kinect-me-crimson-alliance-among-new-microsoft-games-rated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/kinect-me-crimson-alliance-among-new-microsoft-games-rated/#comments A trio of game ratings appeared on the Australian Classification website today, perhaps spoiling some of the titles Microsoft will announce just around the corner at E3. New entries for "Crimson Alliance," "Fusion: Genesis" and "Kinect Me" all list Microsoft as publisher and run the gamut from Mature-rated to PG to G. Only the Crimson Alliance page notes a developer, Certain Affinity, which is corroborated by the game's Brazilian classification. Likewise a rating for Fusion: Genesis has also shown up in Brazil, where both titles are listed for Xbox Live Arcade.

Kinect Me remains the most mysterious of the mystery titles and could perhaps feature some connection to the kinect.me promotional site (pictured above) that's been live since last summer. A source tells Siliconera to expect an E3 announcement of "Kinect Fun Lab," which the site surmises could be a working title for Kinect Me -- both names are at least sufficiently generic-sounding to be one and the same game.

Additionally, Brazil has classified two more Xbox Live Arcade titles, Fruit Ninja Kinect and Hole in the Wall (from Ludia), supporting previous ratings of the pair of pending releases.

Joystiq'Kinect Me,' 'Crimson Alliance' among new Microsoft games rated originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 May 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabrazilcertain-affinityclassificationcrimson-alliancedejusfruit-ninja-kinectfusion-genesishalfbrick-studioshole-in-the-wallkinectkinect-fun-labkinect-meludiamicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosratingsxblaxboxFri, 20 May 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Fruit Ninja Kinect' rated in Korea]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/fruit-ninja-kinect-rated-in-korea/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/fruit-ninja-kinect-rated-in-korea/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/fruit-ninja-kinect-rated-in-korea/#comments According to Korea's Game Rating Board, the iOS, Android and Windows Phone sensation Fruit Ninja is headed to the Xbox 360 with Kinect functionality in tow.

The game will be billed Fruit Ninja Kinect and, presumably, will have us all karate chopping virtual melons in front of the TV like idiots. In other words, it sounds like a grand ol' time. We can only hope it winds up a little something like this.

Joystiq'Fruit Ninja Kinect' rated in Korea originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fruit-ninjafruit-ninja-kinectgrbhalfbrick-studioskinectkoreamicrosoftxboxThu, 28 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST