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In Memoriam: Twelve studios we lost in 2011

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:00:00 EST

Beyond the game industry's expected annual layoffs and studio closures, 2011 saw a variety of surprisingly high-profile devs shut their doors ... forever. From Geometry Wars/Project Gotham Racing dev house Bizarre Creations in the UK to LA Noire creator Team Bondi in Australia and even Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom devs Game Republic in Japan, it wasn't a good year to need a stable job in game development.

IGN has a rundown of twelve especially notable losses (including the aforementioned studios, sans Game Republic), which run the gamut of industry publishers. As it turns out, it's not one particular publisher that's especially willing to cut studios in the face of financial loss -- it's all of them.

[Image credit: Flickr user 'age_six_racer']

In Memoriam: Twelve studios we lost in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom for $10 on Amazon

Justin McElroy — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:20:00 EST

There are very few problems that can't be solved by a giant buddy like Majin. Walls? Smashable. Enemies? Smooshable. Devaluation as a result of the inevitable march of time, as well as a severely lacking promotional campaign? ... Yeah, that's trickier.

However, if you click on over to Amazon, you can be the benefeciary of this unfortunate force and pick up Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom on Xbox 360 for a little under $10. Wow, a great deal and an opportunity to medidate on the truth that every living being has its frailties? Don't mind if we do.

Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom for $10 on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Knights Contract review: The executioner's predicament

Mike Schiller — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST

About three-quarters of the way through Knights Contract, I noticed the architecture. For reasons too bizzare to bother spoiling, a long stretch of the game takes on an Inception-style anything-goes approach to the architecture of the player's surroundings, and it's lovely. It's all stone pillars and bridges reaching in all directions under a maize-colored sky, very much worth stopping for a second and looking around.

It's not really all that much better than anything in a hundred other games out there, but by that point, it was a surprise to see something in this game that isn't aggressively awful.

The reason I had noticed the architecture at all, honestly, is because I'd stopped moving. I was tired. Over the course of that chapter, the game's heroine -- a witch named Gretchen -- grows weary of her journey. She says things like "what a bother" and "let's get this over with," sentiments uncomfortably close to ones I wsa feeling at that very moment. For too much of its considerable play time, Knights Contract feels like a chore.

Gallery: Knights Contract screens (12/17)

Continue reading Knights Contract review: The executioner's predicament

Knights Contract review: The executioner's predicament originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Knights Contract signed, sealed, delivered on Feb. 22, 2011

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST

The odd pairing of Heinrich, everlasting executioner, and resurrected witch Gretchen will arrive on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 next year, on February 22. Developed by Game Republic, Knights Contract is set in an upheaved fantasy realm in which witches (those witches) are hunted and executed. That's bad news for Heinrich, who must defend Gretchen and rely on her magic to overcome a world of opposition.

Knights Contract appears to have a heavier focus on action than Namco's other recent partnership game, Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom -- and this time, you play as the big guy. He should have little problem carrying around a duck-weight like Gretchen.

Gallery: Knights Contract screens (12/17)

Knights Contract signed, sealed, delivered on Feb. 22, 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom review: The buddy system

Mitch Krpata — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST

If the phrase "escort mission" tickles your gag reflex, then you'd be forgiven for overlooking Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom. After all, this is a game that promises nothing but hours and hours of adventures with a largely computer-controlled sidekick. You wouldn't even be swayed if somebody told you that your partner obeys your commands. You've been down this road before, and you know it ends in a ditch.

But this Majin fella, he's not so useless, in fact, you wouldn't last an hour in the dangerous ruins of this ancient civilization without his help. He's a bodyguard, a medic, and a handyman. He even carries out your orders as you intended them! You may start to wonder: who is escorting whom, exactly?

Gallery: Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom (7/22/10)

Continue reading Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom review: The buddy system

Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom review: The buddy system originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majin and the music of the Forsaken Kingdom

JC Fletcher — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 04:00:00 EST

In the latest Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom dev diary video, composer Sahashi Toshihiko discusses the process of creating music for Game Republic's buddy game. It turns out that before the Forsaken Kingdom, he had experience in the Magic Kingdom -- he created music for Tokyo Disneyland.

Continue reading Majin and the music of the Forsaken Kingdom

Majin and the music of the Forsaken Kingdom originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom gets $20 price drop at Amazon, Gamestop

Christopher Grant — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 23:20:00 EST

While Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom hasn't been entirely forsaken by publisher Namco, it has seen its release date bumped up by a week at the last minute and now, its seen its price slashed considerably by at least two different online retailers. Siliconera spotted that the new $39.99 price at both Amazon and Gamestop though only the latter shows the lower price across both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 releases. Amazon only shows the lower price on the PS3 release.

With little in the way of pre-release buzz, the price cut may be a shrewd move to help move some units, something Namco could really use. We've asked the publisher if this new, lower price will be available everywhere across both releases. We'll let you know what we find out.

Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom gets $20 price drop at Amazon, Gamestop originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 23:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom devs on just who Majin is

JC Fletcher — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST

Majin, like Denver: The Last Dinosaur before him, isn't just your friend -- he's a whole lot more. According to Game Republic art director Sousuke Miyaura, he's "the personification of all nature," able to devour the creatures of darkness that pollute the world. He's also there for high-fives.

Continue reading Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom devs on just who Majin is

Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom devs on just who Majin is originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majin Forsakes the Kingdom a week early

JC Fletcher — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST

Namco Bandai can't wait to introduce you to Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom. The publisher announced that the North American release date for Game Republic's adventure, starring Tepeu and his awesome monster pal, has been moved forward a week from November 30 to November 23.

If you can't wait to play the game, a demo is available right now for Gold subscribers on Xbox Live Marketplace, and will be available on PSN later today. It features the first level of the game, in which Tepeu encounters the giant monster who would become his friend. Of course, not knowing how that plays out, Tepeu probably sees it as "encountering a giant monster," which is less heartwarming.

Gallery: Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom (box art)

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Majin Forsakes the Kingdom a week early originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Knights Contract preview: To sever and protect

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:20:00 EST

Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom isn't the only "partnership" game in the works at Namco Bandai and Game Republic. Knights Contract shares a similar "buddy road trip" design as Majin, but seems to lack some of the personality and charm of Game Republic's other game. I couldn't help but think, "This reminds me of Quantum Theory," while watching a hands-off demo at a recent preview event. In case you didn't know, that's not really a good thing.

You assume control of Heinrich, an executioner, cursed by the witch Gretchen and rendered immortal. The only way to break the curse is to team up with Gretchen and battle Dr. Faust, who's cursing the land with plague and monsters. It's actually a rather original spin on classic German literature. Unfortunately, none of that creativity seems to carry through in the design.

Gameplay is similar to recent action games a la God of War -- but there's a "twist." The AI-controlled Gretchen follows you into combat, enabling you to access her various witch powers and finishing moves. While you may be immortal, Gretchen is not, so you must balance protecting her and using her as an asset in battle. From what I've observed, immortality doesn't really add to the game. Namco Bandai's own Splatterhouse, for example, takes better advantage of the immortality concept by giving you the ability to swing your limbs at enemies -- even when they're detached from your body!

Gallery: Knights Contract (Xbox 360, PS3)

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Knights Contract preview: To sever and protect originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom preview: a lovable beast

Andrew Yoon — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST

Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom is the kind of game you want to love. It has a winning premise, made all the more charming by the immediately likable Majin -- a towering beast that forges a strange friendship with a thief, Tepeu. The two characters balance each other surprisingly well, with Tepeu's cunning and speed matched by the Majin's adorable dimwittedness and hulking force. Namco Bandai calls it "partnership gaming," and it's seemingly the latest trend in games -- if Enslaved and The Last Guardian are any indication. Coupled with some beautiful art, and some interesting gameplay mechanics, Majin should be a winner.

But perhaps developer Game Republic isn't up to the task. While Majin is unlikely to be the train wreck that was their last project, Clash of the Titans, it's likely to find a similar fate as its (arguably) greatest hit so far -- Folklore. Like Majin, Folklore also had a rather original and intriguing concept. Yet, in spite of great art and some fun gameplay, it didn't have the polish expected of a genuine blockbuster title. Like its predecessor, Majin stumbles around greatness, but doesn't always hit the mark.

I loved the various implementations of "partnership gaming" in my preview demo. You control Tepeu, but never the beast. Tepeu is a rather capable bloke, able to reach places the beast (obviously) can't. He's quite skilled with his staff, but the enemies they face have a power that renders Tepeu powerless: seeming immortality. Outside of a few stealth attacks, only the beast has the force to finish off the inky creatures, meaning Tepeu will have to use his wit to lure enemies into traps, and gain the upper hand on his foes.

Gallery: Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom

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Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom preview: a lovable beast originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Knight's Contract TGS screens give us a heads-up

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 23:30:00 EST

Behold: Pieces of media from Namco Bandai's upcoming over-the-top action game, Knight's Contract, which actually show what the game is going to look like while you're playing it. Check out some (awfully familiar-looking) gameplay screenshots included in the gallery posted below.

Gallery: Knight's Contract (TGS 2010)

Knight's Contract TGS screens give us a heads-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Knights Contract seems really, really dangerous

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 04:00:00 EST

We're all for super tough, magical knights with transforming sword/scythe weapons. Snarling 15-foot beasts, though? Not so much. The latest trailer for Knights Contract features both. This could pose a problem for us, juxtaposing two things that we, respectively, like and despise. When we saw the magical knights brutally murder a handful of the beasts ... we'll be honest: it made us feel a lot better. Hopefully you'll click past the break and it'll have the same effect on you.

Gallery: Knights Contract (Gamescom 2010)

Continue reading Knights Contract seems really, really dangerous

Knights Contract seems really, really dangerous originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: Clash of the Titans

Justin McElroy — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:35:00 EST

I played the video game version of Clash of the Titans for around seven hours and, according to the game, have finished 31 percent of it.

This would usually be unsatisfactory for a review, but in much the same way you'd only need to poll a small percentage of the population before you could confidently say that no one likes seeing immediate family members hit in the face with a ball-peen hammer, I feel like I've pretty much got the lay of the land here.

This is a very bad game.

Gallery: Clash of the Titans

Continue reading Review: Clash of the Titans

Review: Clash of the Titans originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet Majin, visit the Forsaken Kingdom on November 30

JC Fletcher — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

If, like us, you've been waiting patiently for your formal introduction to your giant, super-powered, super-huggable BFF Majin, now you can schedule your playdate for November 30. That's the date that Namco Bandai revealed for the North American release of Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom, Game Republic's new adventure about hanging out with the most wonderful stone giant guy ever (and also fighting or something).

Join us in scouring the gallery below for any evidence of a Boy and His Blob-style hug button, won't you? We mostly see a lot of fighting in here.

Gallery: Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom (7/22/10)

Meet Majin, visit the Forsaken Kingdom on November 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom trailer gives us golem envy

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 26 May 2010 06:00:00 EST

We know our first thought after watching this Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom trailer should be, "Wow, look at all the pretty colors," or "Hey, this looks like it's going to scratch our Ico and Beyond Good & Evil itches pretty definitively." However, our minds are only addled with raw, unchecked jealousy.

How come we don't have a giant, lovable, moss-covered golem companion? We wouldn't make him fight monsters or lift gates for us. We'd only ask that he let us pet his grassy head, and occasionally ride on his back, and go on the most magical adventures together.

Curse you, Namco Bandai! You knew our weakness for giant, adorable companions, and you exploited that weakness without remorse.

Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom trailer gives us golem envy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon Ball Origins 2 demo on Nintendo Channel next week

JC Fletcher — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:45:00 EST

For all the time we spent expressing our admiration of Game Republic's Dragon Ball: Origins (admiration that will probably also apply to the sequel, though we don't really know yet), Namco Bandai's latest effort will be a lot more effective in convincing people to try it out before its June 22 release.

On Monday, May 31, a downloadable demo for the DS action-adventure will be available through the Wii's Nintendo Channel. In this slice of gameplay, you'll get to gather up Goku's lost belongings, after he is knocked off of his Flying Nimbus cloud. Mostly, you'll get to fight a bunch of stuff, including a boss. And if you hate it, you've just lost a few minutes of your time and added an infinitesimal amount of wear to your DS.

Gallery: Dragon Ball Origins 2 (DS)

Dragon Ball Origins 2 demo on Nintendo Channel next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clash of the Titans goes from myth to retail July 27

JC Fletcher — Sat, 01 May 2010 11:30:00 EST

click to enter the titanic gallery

If you're still excited about Clash of the Titans this July, three months after the release of the movie (and twenty-nine years after the release of the other movie), then you can channel that potential excitement into a video game purchase. Namco Bandai have announced that Game Republic's adaptation of the film will be available on PS3 and Xbox 360 on July 27. When you go in to buy it, be sure to bellow "Release the Kraken!" and then awkwardly explain to the clerk that you've temporarily nicknamed your wallet "the Kraken" entirely for the purpose of that joke.

If you pre-order the game at GameStop, you'll receive two bonuses: a "Bird in Hand" quest pack, containing a quest to defeat the Cockatrice (with a "Wing of Icarus" sub-weapon as a reward) and a "Song of Enchantment" quest pack entailing a fight against a succubus and siren, to earn the Orpheus sub-weapon.

Gallery: Clash of the Titans

Clash of the Titans goes from myth to retail July 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 May 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch Majin and the Clever Puzzle

JC Fletcher — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:32:00 EST

Despite starring a lovably clumsy-looking monster, Game Republic's Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom appears to have puzzles that require a bit of human-style finesse. In the clip above, the player commands Majin to open a gate, just the first step in luring a pack of beasts to its explosive death. And that's the big difference between Majin and your ordinary Pet Monster -- Majin will help you round up scary shadow wolf creatures, while My Pet Monster, bound in orange handcuffs, simply smiles dumbly at you.

Check out two additional gameplay videos after the break, which demonstrate "Majin and the Human Catapult" and some stealthy combat.

Gallery: Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom (4/16/10)

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Watch Majin and the Clever Puzzle originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Majin and the Giant Collection of Screens

JC Fletcher — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:31:00 EST

Click to enter the Forsaken GalleryNamco Bandai sent out a Majin-sized update for Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom, bestowing upon us forty new screenshots of the boy and his behemoth.

Game Republic seems to have hit upon the secret formula for emotional resonance: the quiet-looking, overgrown ruins of stone buildings, and the pair of explorers therein, give Majin game a strong Ico vibe. Just replace Ico's reedy, ethereal princess with an enormous, moss-covered Muppet and you've got Majin. Which is fine with us -- more games should take Ico as inspiration. And to be honest, Yorda would have been way more helpful if she were twenty feet tall.

Gallery: Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom (3/29/10)

Majin and the Giant Collection of Screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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See Dragon Ball Origins 2's combat

JC Fletcher — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:45:00 EST

We're sure a lot of you missed Dragon Ball Origins the first time around -- after all, licensed games are a dime a dozen on DS, and it's hard to devote your attention to any one, especially if the license isn't something you care about. However, we thought it was something that deserved attention, as the sequel is likely to be.

These brief clips of Dragon Ball Origins 2 will pretty much get you up to speed: it's top-down, stylus (or button) controlled fighting, much like the DS Zeldas but faster and with more combat. If knocking a bunch of dudes off of snowmobiles with a giant, magical staff sounds like your kind of fun, you're in for a treat.

Gallery: Dragon Ball Origins 2 (DS)

Continue reading See Dragon Ball Origins 2's combat

See Dragon Ball Origins 2's combat originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clash of the Titans screens highlight multi-headed beasts

David Hinkle — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:00:00 EST

Click image to fetch some more screens

If you think our last batch of screens depicted some ugly creatures from Namco Bandai's upcoming Clash of the Titans, then we guess this latest round of shots are par for the course. Featuring several screens of the multi-headed nasty you see above, our gallery below is a veritable playground of potential nightmare inducers. This beast is like a smaller, more nimble version of Cerberus from Devil May Cry 3. Maybe a bit less chilly, too.

Anyway, feel free to hit up the gallery below for the new screens.

Gallery: Clash of the Titans (3/10/2010)

Clash of the Titans screens highlight multi-headed beasts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet your giant new pal: Namco Bandai announces Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom

JC Fletcher — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST

Namco Bandai has announced that it's localizing Majin: The Fallen Realm, Game Republic's action-adventure about a boy and his giant, adorable monster pal. The game, now called Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom, is expected to release in North America on both PS3 and Xbox 360 this summer.

According to the publisher's press release, Majin stars a "cunning young outsider" who explores a kingdom that was mysteriously overwhelmed by a "dark force" one hundred years prior. During his travels, he meets Majin, a super-strong monster, and the two explore the kingdom together. Gameplay-wise, the player works with the AI-controlled Majin, who acquires new abilities throughout the game, as they solve puzzles, fight enemies, and navigate ruins together. Namco Bandai calls it an "emotional journey of courage and respect."

Gallery: Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom

Meet your giant new pal: Namco Bandai announces Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We just fell in love with Majin: The Fallen Realm

JC Fletcher — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST

Namco Bandai has been mum about Game Republic's Majin: The Fallen Realm since introducing the game at August's GamesCom event. In fact, even though the company just released new assets, it's still pretty much mum on the game: the latest release consists only of one piece of character art and five screens. At least they serve as a reminder of the game's existence!

We're absolutely certain of one thing after looking over the selection of screens: we want our own pet Majin. We were not aware from previous media that it was so Muppetish and huggable. More like Awwww-jin!

We just fell in love with Majin: The Fallen Realm originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Catan PS3 headed to US, says ESRB

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:15:00 EST

A PS3 adaptation of "The Settlers of Catan" board game may be coming to America. The ESRB has added a brand new listing for the game, donning the title an E rating. Most likely, this version of Catan is the one released in Japan in 2008, developed by longtime Sony partner Game Republic.

No other details can be garnered from the brief ratings listing. The original Japanese version released exclusively on PlayStation Network for 1200 yen (about $13). It seems safe to assume the US release will be similar.

Catan PS3 headed to US, says ESRB originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Extremely ugly Clash of the Titans screenshots released

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST

Click to Titan-size

Whoa, now. When we say "ugly," we're not talking about the visual fidelity of the aforementioned Clash of the Titans screenshots. Rather, we're talking about the subjects they depict -- horrible, nether-spawned creatures, covered in uninviting tusks, pincers and fangs. Where are all the beautiful, half-clothed goddesses? The scenic Grecian environments? The looming, meticulously built temples? We're not sure -- but we do know they're not in the gallery below.

Gallery: Clash of the Titans

Extremely ugly Clash of the Titans screenshots released originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Namco Bandai announces Majin: The Fallen Realm [update: images!]

JC Fletcher — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:31:00 EST

[Update: No more Dragon Ball Z screencaps: we've got a couple of snapshots from the GamesCom presentation in our gallery!]

At its GamesCom press conference, Namco Bandai revealed a new PS3/360 game from Genji (and Dragon Ball: Origins) developer Game Republic -- it's called Majin: The Fallen Realm. According to our correspondent, the game's introduction had "a very Last Guardian feel."

Majin stars a young thief who works with "Majin the beast," who is some kind of big monster, in order to solve puzzles together. Majin is expected to release in Spring 2010. We should have more screens and details later today!

Gallery: Majin: The Fallen Realm (360/PS3)

Namco Bandai announces Majin: The Fallen Realm [update: images!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Catan coming to PS3, courtesy of Game Republic

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: e-Distribution Games

The classic board game, Catan, is set to arrive on the PlayStation Network soon. This will be an original version of the game (not a port of the XBLA title), and is helmed by Game Republic, developers of Genji and Folklore. The download is scheduled to hit Japan on December 18th for 1200 yen. The game will expand to other territories, although a release date has not been set.

Although only one player will be supported offline, the online multiplayer mode will allow for four players to go against each other. Surprisingly, the board game will feature both 1080p graphics and 5.1 surround sound.

[Thanks, Geb B.!]

Catan coming to PS3, courtesy of Game Republic originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS Fanboy Review: Dragon Ball Origins

JC Fletcher — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Reviews

Game Republic's Dragon Ball Origins adapts the first chapters of Akira Toriyama's classic manga into an action-RPG game. The perspective and the stylus-based controls recall The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass strongly, and it's clear that Game Republic had played Phantom Hourglass when designing Dragon Ball Origins, but Dragon Ball changes enough in terms of level structure and overall flow that it hardly feels like a ripoff. In fact, the transition from an epic adventure to an action-oriented, streamlined action game results in something a lot more enjoyable than would be expected from a licensed game.

Continue reading DS Fanboy Review: Dragon Ball Origins

DS Fanboy Review: Dragon Ball Origins originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Game Republic developing a game based on a 'popular Hollywood film'

Jem Alexander — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

Game Republic, best known for Folklore and their PSN outings Toy Home and Dark Mist, have been signed on to produce a title for Brash Entertainment. The game, based on a "popular Hollywood film," will be released in 2010 for unspecified platforms. Looking at Brash's history, this doesn't really bode well - their software library consists of Alvin and the Chipmunks and Jumper: Griffin's Story. Both of which bombed. Hard.

We're in two minds, then, about what we can expect to see coming in 2010. Game Republic is a great developer who, ignoring Genji II, has a great PS3 legacy. On the other hand, what was the last good movie-based game you played? We cautiously look forward to hearing more.

Game Republic developing a game based on a 'popular Hollywood film' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brash working with Folklore dev on film-based game

Jason Dobson — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Business

Grab your popcorn! Film-focused game studio Brash has inked a deal with the Folklore and Genji devs at Game Republic for a game based on, you guessed it, an upcoming Hollywood movie. The announcement follows Brash's recent critically-panned game adaptation of Jumper, as well as confirmed plans by the company to bring gore-porn series Saw to consoles in '09.

Having Game Republic on board does give us a modicum of hope that things will turn out at least playable, with 20-year industry vet Yoshiki Okamoto of Street Fighter II and Resident Evil fame throwing his weight behind the project. Neither studio has let slip exactly which movie will be the ~~victim~~ recipient of the adaptation, however, stating only that it will be based on a "popular" film based in "an incredible fantasy world," and will be released sometime in 2010.

Brash working with Folklore dev on film-based game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese PSN game Dark Mist gets expansion, still no Euro version

Majed Athab — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: New Releases, PlayStation Network

The downloadable Japanese PSN title Dark Mist is getting an expansion: Dark Mist: The Depths of Darkness. Priced at ¥500 ($4.75), this update adds three new characters and a four-player online mode. The download is 148MB large.

Dark Mist is an action adventure game that was supposed to hit the EU PSN, but has not yet made it's way over there. A North American release had never even been mentioned; however, we're hoping this interest in making new content for the game might somehow spark an interest in bringing it over our way. Optimistically hopeful much? Yes.

Japanese PSN game Dark Mist gets expansion, still no Euro version originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Folklore fan talks about his downloadable creation, Quasarilli

Nick Doerr — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Community

Downloadable content for games released a few months ago is cool. Folklore has taken this idea and sprinted through a marathon -- it's had so much extra stuff available since the game launched! This is something much cooler though. Imagine designing your own monster and having it featured in the game as a free download. Yep, it's like the old Mega Man days where you designed the bosses and the developers mostly ignored you, except the opposite. The PlayStation Blog interviewed the person who created Folklore's newest folk named Quasarilli -- here's what "Uridicy" said about the situation.

"Art and games have always been a hobby of mine and as an aspiring game artist it is very exciting for me to see a professional 3D model of my creature Quasarilli." Uridicy goes on to express gratitude about and how the design was originally thought up. "I tried to incorporate some tribal elements with the mask like face, feathers, and horns." As for the skill set, Uridicy decided that stealing items would prove a useful skill for the game. This is true, since the game does require you to get a ton of items to level your other critters. We're glad stuff like this exists. It really brings gaming to a different level and will welcome with open arms any other similar contests in the future.

Folklore fan talks about his downloadable creation, Quasarilli originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New video featured on Coded Soul website

Nick Doerr — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coded Soul

Game Republic, makers of PS3 title Folklore, have been working on the PSP title Coded Soul for a while now. The game is shrouded in a lot of things, predominantly mystery. What information we can glisten generally come by means of pretty pictures or, as the recently updated Japanese site reveals, video. There are updated character pictures and profiles to check out and the new video may or may not answer some of the questions you've had about the game. We'll keep you up to date if anything else changes.

New video featured on Coded Soul website originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battle the darkness, save the light in Dark Mist

Chris Powell — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Videos and Screenshots

Not much has been shown of Game Republic's Dark Mist, despite it being released on the Japanese PlayStation Network early last month. However, this new gameplay video really shows what we can expect. As Artemis, the warrior of light, you're tasked with traveling through dangerous dungeons to stop the demon king in shrouding the world in darkness.

To do that, you'll use such amazingly named powers as Split Star, Meteor Flare and the awe-inspiring Lightning Comet! The game is supposed to be released in Europe sometime this month, but we still haven't heard of a U.S. release as of yet. Stay tuned!

Battle the darkness, save the light in Dark Mist originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New player-created Folklore revealed

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Community

European fans of Folklore were asked to draw new creatures for Game Republic's PS3 adventure. The Malion emerged victorious, and will appear in a future downloadable expansion for the game. The Malion is certainly far more attractive than the winner of the American contest, the Quasarilli. However, it'll certainly be interesting to see how these two creatures are brought to life by Game Republic and implemented in the game.

New player-created Folklore revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Dark Mist' enshrouds Japanese PSN this week

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Action

A potentially pleasant surprise awaits Japanese PlayStation 3 owners this week, with a new PSN game entitled "Dark Mist" due to arrive November 8th. Developed by Game Republic -- the folks who provided us with Folklore, Genji and multiple memes involving historically accurate crabs -- Dark Mist appears to be a top-down shooter with a colorful and somewhat whimsical flair. According to IGN's translation of the game's Japanese website, players assume the role of "the warrior of light, Altemis" and must "stop the revival of the demon king" who was no doubt sealed away thousands of years before by less competent heroes.

It's the price future generations always have to pay and, in this case, it amounts to 800 Yen (roughly $7). As for the chances of a US release, Sony currently has "no announcements on this title coming to the US."

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

'Dark Mist' enshrouds Japanese PSN this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSN game Dark Mist revealed

Jem Alexander — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: PlayStation Store, News

While most of yesterday's giant PSN list has been eagerly awaited (or is at least recognisable) one item had us scratching our heads. What is Dark Mist? Sony have usually been quite vocal about their PSN downloadable titles but this has had very little said about it - until now. The official Japanese webpage for the game is up and reveals Dark Mist as an action game developed by Game Republic (Folklore, Toy Home and Genji 2).

The game will weigh in at 447mb and will sell for 800 yen when it arrives on the PSN Store in Japan on the 8th of November. Europeans can expect the game to be available on the EU PSN Store sometime in December, though there's no word yet on when it will be released in America. Visit the website to see some (very small) screenshots of the game and some Amano-esque concept art.

PSN game Dark Mist revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Game Republic revealed as Toy Home devs

Nick Doerr — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: PlayStation Store

We didn't know it was supposed to be a mystery, but apparently the developers behind PS3's new racer, Toy Home, weren't announced at TGS. The game was held in some high acclaim, so the lack of knowing who was behind the title was disorienting for some. Sony has finally revealed who's to blame for making another winning game and it's none other than Game Republic -- the group behind Folklore and Genji.

The game, planned as a Japanese-exclusive download for now, has Sixaxis support for steering the cars, but also will include support for rumble. This will be the first downloadable title to support rumble, we think. There's not much else to know about the game. You race, it's cute and fun, and it's probably going to stick around in Japan only. If you've got a Japanese account, though, good for you as you'll get a neat game to play this Winter.

Game Republic revealed as Toy Home devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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