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[GameSetWatch ends its six-year vigil]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/gamesetwatch-ends-its-six-year-vigil/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/gamesetwatch-ends-its-six-year-vigil/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/gamesetwatch-ends-its-six-year-vigil/#comments One of the best sites to find posts about vintage NES music mixtapes, Virtua Hamster, and Sengoku pedometer games is leaving us. GameSetWatch, UBM TechWeb's "alt.game" blog, is going on "semi-permanent hiatus," after six years of operation.

"So, why are we stopping?" asked EIC Simon Carless in the farewell post. "Well mainly, we're seeing an increasing overlap with sister site IndieGames.com, just in terms of some of the best material out there being indie-related." Carless also noted that "mainstream game blogs are doing a much better job nowadays of including the weirder and alt.links in amongst their gaming news." Of course, so many of our weirder links came via GSW ...

The site will remain online, so as odd as it is for us to go tell you to read someone else's site, you should really take a day to go through GSW's wonderfully eclectic archives.

JoystiqGameSetWatch ends its six-year vigil originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamesetwatchindieubm-techwebWed, 30 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See the prototype Big Daddy prototypes from BioShock 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/see-the-prototype-big-daddy-prototypes-from-bioshock-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/see-the-prototype-big-daddy-prototypes-from-bioshock-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/see-the-prototype-big-daddy-prototypes-from-bioshock-2/#comments
As you're no doubt aware, you'll be playing as the very first Big Daddy in 2K Marin's upcoming BioShock 2. If you're craving a bit more insight into just how said Big Daddy came to be, 2K's just dropped some concept art showing the development of the hulking bruiser.

The final product looks cool, but are we the only ones that would have totally dug this armored Terminator Big Daddy? Just us? Fair enough.

[Via GameSetWatch]

JoystiqSee the prototype Big Daddy prototypes from BioShock 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-marinbig-daddybioshockbioshock-2gamesetwatchMicrosoftXbox-360Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameSetWatch picks top 5 freeware games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/gamesetwatch-picks-top-5-freeware-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/gamesetwatch-picks-top-5-freeware-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/gamesetwatch-picks-top-5-freeware-games/#commentsFiled under: ,


Of all the different video game features, the one that's most desirable is obvious: Being free. Now, GameSetWatch has picked their top five games of the year that have the irresistible feature of being deliciously, decadently without cost. What makes the list so special is how varied and original these game are, with GSW putting a heavy focus on indie-developed titles.

There some on the list you may be familiar with (Chain Factor for instance), while others may be completely foreign to you. Either way, if the last few weak release weeks have left you hungering for something more substantial, you just might find a few filling meals on the list.

JoystiqGameSetWatch picks top 5 freeware games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chain-factorfreewaregamesetwatchknytt-storiesPCWed, 19 Dec 2007 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Informer defends GTA IV 'exclusive' coverage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/game-informer-defends-gta-iv-exclusive-coverage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/game-informer-defends-gta-iv-exclusive-coverage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/game-informer-defends-gta-iv-exclusive-coverage/#commentsFiled under:

Kevin Gifford's Game Mag Weaseling is a column run on GameSetWatch where he discusses coverage by the game magazines. In a recent article about Game Informer's "coverage" of Grand Theft Auto IV, Gifford said the piece was full of "glorified feature lists enhanced with developer quotes and insulated by hundred of words of filler."

Well, Game Informer's Editor in Chief Andy McNamara wasn't going to take that lightly, writing to the site, "I fail to see how getting world exclusive content that you can't get anywhere else isn't offering our readers something unique and worth the price of a magazine?"

Essentially where Gifford and GameSetWatch stood their ground was that the coverage felt managed by Rockstar -- well, of course it was. Rockstar gave GI the pictures, quotes and whatever else they wanted to. It's not like GI infiltrated the Rockstar building and retrieved the information for their readers. There was some deal made and GI got the exclusive -- good for them, it shows the muscle that comes with 2 million hard-sold Gamestop customers subscribers.

If you're happy with that ending and don't want to hear a potential spoiler, enjoy that ending for this post and don't look after the break!

Continue reading Game Informer defends GTA IV 'exclusive' coverage

JoystiqGame Informer defends GTA IV 'exclusive' coverage originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exclusivegameinformergamesetwatchgtaivMon, 23 Apr 2007 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NIS America open to releasing titles on non-Sony systems]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/14/nis-america-open-to-releasing-titles-on-non-sony-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/14/nis-america-open-to-releasing-titles-on-non-sony-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/14/nis-america-open-to-releasing-titles-on-non-sony-systems/#commentsFiled under: ,


Jeffrey Fleming from Game Set Watch had a chance to interview RPG fan favorite publisher NIS America (Disgaea). In the interview, he asks if NIS plans on just keeping Sony platforms as their target for game releases. Here's their response:

"For a long time, NIS America has been releasing titles for the PS2 and PSP, so some people might think we are solely dedicated to Sony, but that is not true. Our goal is to provide quality games and services to all game fans, and looking ahead, there are several platforms that can help us reach out to a broader audience and gamers can expect surprises from us. Of course, we will also continue to work closely with Sony, providing great games for PS2/PS3/PSP users as well."

So while they have no intentions to be a Sony exclusive publisher, they do plan to still support them. Here's hoping our favorite portable continues to get the NIS love.

JoystiqNIS America open to releasing titles on non-Sony systems originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Apr 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disgaeagame set watchGameSetWatchnippon ichiNipponIchinisnis americaNisAmericaSat, 14 Apr 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Slug model to drool over]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/metal-slug-model-to-drool-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/metal-slug-model-to-drool-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/metal-slug-model-to-drool-over/#commentsFiled under: ,

Metal Slug fansite Metal Slug Database has put up this gorgeous looking Metal Slug model that fans of the series should certainly appreciate. It's a resin model kit and assembly and painting is needed, so if you did buy this, it's unlikely it'd look as good as the image above. It's unclear if the model is official or not, but it's officially awesome. If only the model came free with copies of Metal Slug Anthology for PSP, then it would be the ultimate collectors edition. Do any readers love Metal Slug still like myself?

[Via Game Set Watch]

JoystiqMetal Slug model to drool over originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game set watchGameSetWatchmetal slugmetal slug anthologymetal slug databasemetal slug modelMetalSlugMetalSlugAnthologyMetalSlugDatabaseMetalSlugModelTue, 27 Mar 2007 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[A history lesson about punching faces]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/a-history-lesson-about-punching-faces/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/a-history-lesson-about-punching-faces/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/a-history-lesson-about-punching-faces/#commentsFiled under:

Those that have had a PSP since launch may know that Darkstalkers was one of the first games on the system and certainly still one of the best fighters on the handheld. But for those that only know the PSP version or don't know the interesting and varied history of Darkstalkers, you may want to check out Gamespy's Hardcore Gaming 101 write up on the spooky brawler.

Even fans of the series may not know facts like Darkstalkers was the first Capcom fighter to have a Super guage and air-blocking or the number of Darkstalkers characters that appeared in Namco X Capcom (a game I'm still sad never came to the US). Cheer up your next gaming party with Darkstalkers trivia or have unhealthy thoughts over the Lilith art. The choice is yours.

[Via Game Set Watch]

JoystiqA history lesson about punching faces originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdarkstalkersgame set watchgamepsyGameSetWatchhardcore gaming 101HardcoreGaming101history of darkstalkersHistoryOfDarkstalkersFri, 23 Mar 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Famitsu primer for the uninitiated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/21/famitsu-primer-for-the-uninitiated/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/21/famitsu-primer-for-the-uninitiated/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/21/famitsu-primer-for-the-uninitiated/#commentsFiled under:

GameSetWatch's Kevin Gifford published a piece that finally explains what the big deal is with Japanese game magazine Famitsu. Not caring what Famitsu thinks about games is a big faux pas in the industry. Those who dare state publicly they could care less what some random Japanese magazine thinks are shunned in some circles. Most of the time journalists who cite the magazine for being über have never even read it -- but apparently it's respected as the holy grail of game journalism, so in the words of the Beatles, we'll follow their words of wisdom and "let it be."

Gifford explains that the multi-editor score card originated with Famitsu and EGM went on to copy it. According to the article, Famitsu's scores actually matter though because they've been said to directly influence sales. The magazine has also not been immune to the shrinking print publishing industry, losing almost 40 percent of its circulation in the last six years. Gifford's piece gives a great rundown of this supposedly venerable magazine. He should have called the article: Everything you always wanted to know about Famitsu* but were afraid to ask pretentious geeks.

JoystiqFamitsu primer for the uninitiated originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Jan 2007 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>famitsugamesetwatchmagazineswhy do we care?Sun, 21 Jan 2007 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation 4 is forthcoming ... so what?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/playstation-4-is-forthcoming-so-what/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/playstation-4-is-forthcoming-so-what/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/playstation-4-is-forthcoming-so-what/#commentsFiled under: ,

There is a piece circulating the internet on comments made by Paul Holman, VP of Technology for SCEE, where we claimed that we would not see a PlayStation 4 until at least 2010. Unfortunately, 2010 is never actually quoted by Holman, implying that it might have been a fabricated/sensationalized number created by the article's author, David Richards, at SmartHouse.

Here's what we gather from the article: following one analyst predictions that were circulating the internet (notice a trend here?) that predicted Sony's executive shift would result in them leaving the hardware market, Holman states that, "to say that there will be no PS4 because of a management change is a bit far fetched." That is the only thing he says about a PlayStation 4, yet the article uses the topic, with an unsubstantiated number, as its headline. The article has been picked up by many press outlets either as "at least 2010" or just plain "PS4 arriving in 2010."

We're not going to say anything regarding their spelling and punctuation, but the 2010 claim (at least 2010, mind you) is not supported by any quotes from Holman. GameSetWatch also tackles this issue, both specifically and generally.

The rest of the article discusses the new-gen PlayStation 3 firmware (we've blogged this). What you should take from the article is that a PlayStation 4 will arrive, eventually, but a launch year is not yet being discussed. And read the full article, as the headlines can be misleading or worse, as in this case, unsupported by the article itself.

Last month, Ken Kutaragi told BBC that he wanted a PlayStation 4 "within the next decade." Maybe we can say, then, that PS4 will be out by 2020? Nah, let's not be presumptuous.

JoystiqPlayStation 4 is forthcoming ... so what? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game set watchGameSetWatchplaystation 4Playstation4PS3ps4Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro look at extreme exaggeration in game adverts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/06/retro-look-at-extreme-exaggeration-in-game-adverts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/06/retro-look-at-extreme-exaggeration-in-game-adverts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/06/retro-look-at-extreme-exaggeration-in-game-adverts/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Do not have any other arcade machines before Me. Do not represent such arcade machines by any stories or pictures of anything in the heaven above, on the earth below, or in the water below the land. Do not bow down to arcade machines or worship them. I am God your Lord, a God who demands exclusive worship."

Obviously someone from Neo-Geo forgot to read the Bible. We all know that we're supposed to bow down and worship our [fanboys, insert your console of choice here] on a daily basis. Arcade machines are for heathens.

GameSetWatch has posted a brilliant article that highlights several examples of "visual hyperbole" being used in video game advertisements. The article looks at several examples where the marketing department might have gone a little too far, although in retrospect we're glad they did because it gives us the chance to laugh our socks off at their outrageous attempts to get people to buy their games.

[Via Vintage Computing]

See also:
Lara advert portrays her massive butt
Hitman ad with undertones of rape

JoystiqRetro look at extreme exaggeration in game adverts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jun 2006 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdvertCommercialGameSetWatchRetroTue, 06 Jun 2006 19:25:00 EST