Joystiq

Killer is Dead and depicted in new screens

David Hinkle — Thu, 23 May 2013 02:30:00 EST

Executioner and Killer is Dead protagonist Mondo Zapper has new stuff to stab in another stylish batch of screens, freshly taken from the upcoming Suda 51 action game.

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Killer is Dead and depicted in new screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 May 2013 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Killer is Dead trailer features Mondo's girls, EU pinned for August

Sinan Kubba — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:15:00 EST

If you hadn't gathered yet, from it being a Suda game and including "gigolo missions," the upcoming Killer is Dead features scantily-clad ladies, as does this possibly NSFW video. While the North American release window is still "Summer 2013," Europe and Japan received upgrades to August.

Killer is Dead trailer features Mondo's girls, EU pinned for August originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Level-5 and Grasshopper's 'Liberation Maiden' becomes an adventure game

JC Fletcher — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:45:00 EST

Grasshopper Manufacture and Japanese game publisher 5pb are adapting Liberation Maiden, the 3DS/iOS game in which the teenage president of Japan shoots down enemy structures from her flying mech, into a visual novel for PS3.

Liberation Maiden SIN stars Kaido Kiyoto, chief of staff to president Shoko Ozora, and also, naturally, a mind reader. He works with the president and her cabinet of young women, because this is a visual novel and what would it even be about if not choosing who to date?

This game involves a large portion of the Japanese game industry in some nominal way. 5pb is publishing a game based on a universe originally published by Level-5; Suda 51 and Grasshopper Manufacture designed the original game, and Suda is writing scenarios for this one; Grasshopper is now part of Gungho Online Entertainment, which is itself now part of telecom company Softbank.

Level-5 and Grasshopper's 'Liberation Maiden' becomes an adventure game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Killer is Dead screens showcase combat, gigolo missions

Sinan Kubba — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 06:00:00 EST

Grasshopper Manufacture games often feature mature content, and Killer is Dead is no exception. These screens feature its 'gigolo missions,' where you travel the world to meet "exotic women" - publisher XSEED's words - as well as some of the crazy-looking combat.

Gallery: Killer is Dead (4/16/13)

Killer is Dead screens showcase combat, gigolo missions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Killer Is Dead's second trailer is no less crazy than the first

Sinan Kubba — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST

The second trailer for Suda51's Killer is Dead includes earth-stealing, giant aliens, and a woman with 16 arms all holding guns, all to the wholly apt backdrop of Wagner's "Flight of the Valkyries."

Killer is Dead is coming to Xbox 360 and PS3 in North America and Europe this summer.

Killer Is Dead's second trailer is no less crazy than the first originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grasshopper already working on another action game

JC Fletcher — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 21:30:00 EST

Grasshopper Manufacture's latest assassin action game, Killer is Dead, is still in progress, but Suda 51 and co. are already thinking about the next stylized sword game.

Suda shared the above concept art by No More Heroes (and Fire Emblem: Awakening) character designer Yusuke Kozaki, for Grasshopper's first game to be conceived and developed as part of Gungho Entertainment (and now part of Softbank!)

"There is a base for our specialty, the slash action games we've made so far," Suda told Famitsu (translated by Gematsu). But with Gungho's power, we want to put in our knowhow in ways we haven't done before. We are also considering developing for not just offline devices, but online devices too."

Grasshopper already working on another action game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Liberation Maiden live on App Store in North America

JC Fletcher — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:15:00 EST

We didn't have to wait long to find out about Level-5's plans for an American iOS release of Suda 51's shooter Liberation Maiden: it's available on iTunes right now for $4.99.

The port of the 3DS game doesn't just remove buttons from the controls and $3 from the price. It also adds Retina Display graphics, Game Center challenges and leaderboards. Those should help add some longevity to a game we found exciting but abrupt.

Gallery: Liberation Maiden (iOS)

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Liberation Maiden live on App Store in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grasshopper and Level-5's Liberation Maiden moves to iOS

JC Fletcher — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:45:00 EST

A surprise release of Liberation Maiden showed up on the iTunes App Store in New Zealand today, which, for other apps, usually leads to a worldwide release throughout the day as their respective clocks strike midnight.

Liberation Maiden was originally released on 3DS in Japan as part of the Guild01 cartridge, and in North America as a standalone 3DS eShop game. It's a collaboration between Suda 51/Grasshopper Manufacture and Level-5, in which you control the teenage president of Japan in her flying mech.

We've checked in with Level-5 about the prospects for the other Guild01 games on iOS.

Grasshopper and Level-5's Liberation Maiden moves to iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Killer is Dead launches worldwide this summer

Sinan Kubba — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST

Suda 51's Killer is Dead is confirmed for a worldwide launch on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in summer 2013. XSEED is releasing the Grasshopper Manufacture game in North America, while Deep Silver is bringing it to Europe and Oceania.

True to the developer's form, Killer is Dead stars an assassin taking out criminals in the near future. The hero, Mondo Zappa, brandishes a sword with his right hand and everything from guns to drills with his other, artificial arm.

Today's announcement comes hot on the trail of Grasshopper Manufacture's acquirement by Japanese MMO makers GungHo Online Entertainment. GungHo does have an American publishing branch, but this Grasshopper game won't be the first to take advantage of it.

Update: Killer is Dead will feature both Japanese and English audio on the disc.

Gallery: Killer is Dead (1/31/13)

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Killer is Dead launches worldwide this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grasshopper Manufacture acquired by GungHo

JC Fletcher — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST

Suda 51's studio Grasshopper Manufacture has been acquired by Gungho Online Entertainment, known for its longstanding MMO Ragnarok Online. Rather than be renamed or realigned within the company, Grasshopper will continue to operate as Grasshopper Manufacture, much like Gungho's other acquired studios Game Arts, Gravity, and (ironically) Acquire, but will now have its games published by Gungho.

"We believe the strength of a publisher lies in its creative talent so with the addition of Grasshopper Manufacture and Suda 51 we are adding some of the most innovative talent in today's gaming world to our stellar family of independently-operated studios," said Kazuki Morishita, Gungho CEO (pictured, above, with Suda. "Suda 51 projects are known to put a unique spin on every game so coupled with our proven ability to support development with AAA resources including a tailored online experience, we believe gamers will benefit from this collaboration."

The good news there: Gungho has an American publishing operation, which recently released Dokuro, Puzzle & Dragons, and a selection of PSOne Imports, meaning Grasshopper games now have a built-in Western publisher.

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Grasshopper Manufacture acquired by GungHo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Killer is Dead's first trailer is live

JC Fletcher — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST

Killer is Dead finds Suda 51 back in his comfort zone, a land of high-contrast assassins (here, Mondo Zappa, reminiscent of Flower, Sun, and Rain's Sumio Mondo), mysterious blondes, and contract kills of monstrous freaks.

There's a lot of blood in this trailer, and some suggestive sound. What we're saying is that you should use your best judgment when loading up this trailer at work.

Killer is Dead's first trailer is live originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Killer is Dead shows off sick moves, characters in first screenshots

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:45:00 EST

Killer is Dead, the next game from Suda 51 and Grasshopper Manufacture, is alive, and this set of screenshots provided by Famitsu proves it. Yesterday we learned the juicy bits of Killer is Dead's story, which stars a mercenary named Mondo Zappa as he travels the world killing bad people.

Combat in Killer is Dead is sword-based and close-range, though Zappa has an arm that can transform into a drill, a gun and other items. As seen in the shot above, Zappa's attacks get pretty bloody, especially when he uses one of his more powerful moves, Adrenaline Burst. Check out Famitsu's screenshots right here.

Killer is Dead shows off sick moves, characters in first screenshots originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Killer is Dead stars an assassin with a drill, gun for a hand

Jessica Conditt — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:45:00 EST

Grasshopper Manufacture's Killer is Dead stars - you guessed it - an assassin in an imperfect future, a spread in Famitsu reveals, as translated by Gematsu. The protagonist, Mondo Zappa, is hired by the Execution Office, led by Chief Brian Roses, to kill murderers around the world, some of which are trying to regain their talents and others that wish for death. And, somehow, the moon is involved.

The combat is close-range, mainly using swords, though Zappa is a bit of a transhumanist and his left arm can transform into a drill, gun and other items. Previous teasers compare the swordplay to No More Heroes, another game from director Goichi Suda. Zappa absorbs enemy blood to use the Adrenaline Burst attack, a powerful move that causes large amounts of blood to gush when foes are decapitated.

Zappa's favorite food is a half-boiled egg, he's 35 years old and he is quite a lady-killer (possibly literally). He's joined by co-workers Vivian Squall and Mika Takekawa, and an enemy by the name of Victor. Killer is Dead is scheduled to launch on Xbox 360 and PS3 this summer.

Killer is Dead stars an assassin with a drill, gun for a hand originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grab Sine Mora PC for $2 on Green Man Gaming

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST

Waiting for the perfect time to try out the awesome, time-bending shooter, Sine Mora? Looks like this is it, as Green Man Gaming is currently offering the Steam version of the game for a paltry two bucks, a full $0.50 off the already ridiculous price of $2.50. All you have to do is enter the promo code GMG20-PJFEW-Y16HK.

If that's not enough to pique your interest, did we mention that it also features super dramatic animal people speaking in Hungarian?

Grab Sine Mora PC for $2 on Green Man Gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Black Knight Sword review: All flash, no flesh

Jordan Mallory — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST

While fairy tales have evolved over centuries into the family friendly Disney/Dreamworks films our nieces are all so fond of, they originally began life as terrifying stories of murder and misfortune designed to keep children in line, lest they find themselves in the oven of an evil witch.

In that sense, Grasshopper Manufacture's Black Knight Sword takes an old school approach to the world of storybook fantasy, leaving warm fuzzies in a locked box beneath the stairs. Its dark tales of captured princesses, feuding sisters and the eternally damned are permeated by a sense of macabre wonderment that would make Guillermo del Toro proud.

Unfortunately, the game is also analogous to fables of olde in a different, more tragic sense: It serves as a perfect cautionary tale for other developers, lest their own games buckle under the weight of their own sense of style.

Gallery: Black Knight Sword (12/13/12)

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Black Knight Sword review: All flash, no flesh originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lollipop Chainsaw 'Premium' and 'Valentine' editions coming to Japan

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:30:00 EST

We're not sure if y'all are aware of this, but Valentine's Day works way, way differently in Japan than it does here. Boys traditionally don't give Valentines to girls, for instance; women are the primary gift-givers, and generally speaking giving anything other than chocolate is atypical.

There's also two new Lollipop Chainsaw special editions coming out exclusively in Japan this Valentine's Day, but that's less of a cultural difference and more of a marketing thing. The game's new "Premium Edition" will cost ¥3,980 (about $48) and will include codes to unlock costumes and additional character voices.

Meanwhile, the ¥4,980 ($60ish) "Valentine Edition" includes a "Happy Valentine Disc," which contains a PC desktop Juliet clock, wallpapers and various gravure pictures of the game's official cosplay models. It also comes with a "Premium Movie Disc" full of trailers and cinematics, as well as a Lollipop Chainsaw manga and the Premium Edition's unlock codes.

No word yet on a potential North American release of either version, but we have learned that the Japanese phrase "義理チョコ" (giri-choko) means "obligatory gift chocolate," which is probably more entertaining in the long run.

Lollipop Chainsaw 'Premium' and 'Valentine' editions coming to Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Black Knight Sword brandished on XBLA Dec. 12

JC Fletcher — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST

Black Knight Sword, the second collaboration between Digital Reality and Grasshopper Manufacture, will be released on XBLA December 12. The puppet-style side-scroller, announced at Gamescom in 2011, features constantly-shifting stage backgrounds, in the story of a Black Knight and his magical sword, on a journey to destroy, rather than save, a princess.

With the long, quiet development time, we wonder how much the game has changed. Specifically, we're worried the chicken guy who throws eggs at you isn't going to be there anymore.

Gallery: Black Knight Sword (12/6/12)

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Black Knight Sword brandished on XBLA Dec. 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Build-em-up: make Sine Mora ships in Lego

Sinan Kubba — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:15:00 EST

While gliding through Sine Mora, surely only a scant few thought to themselves, "The one thing I really want to do is stop playing this distinguished Hungarian shoot-em-up, and spend the next few hours meticulously making its fighter ships in Lego." And yet, now that developer Digital Reality sends us authentic instructions for how to make Lego replicas of the Merenstein VI and BS4-VR Soprano, we find building these ships is exactly how we want to spend the next few hours. Screw games, there's Lego to be building!

Sadly, the above picture isn't of a set you can buy in stores, as awesome as that would be. You'll have to go about getting the pieces yourself, most likely from various sets - the instructions do at least provide you at the end with a list of the pieces needed. Then again, if you're seriously contemplating making these ships then we reckon you're probably the kind of person who already has every piece needed. And we genuinely envy you.

If you've yet to experience Sine Mora on XBLA, the good news is that the game's already flown its way to PC, and is journeying across to PS3 and Vita next week, via PSN.

Build-em-up: make Sine Mora ships in Lego originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sine Mora almost a Digital Reality on Vita and PS3 [update: out Nov. 20!]

JC Fletcher — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 22:00:00 EST

Digital Reality doesn't have a firm launch date for the PS3 and Vita versions of its time-shifting shooter, Sine Mora, but a new trailer shows plenty of gameplay footage. There's also a demonstration of the Vita's touch controls, which look ... interesting.

Digital Reality says Sine Mora is coming to PS3 and Vita "soon."

Update: This week's Official PlayStation Blogcast confirms Sine Mora lands on PSN for PS3 and Vita on November 20 in North America, and the day after in Europe.

Sine Mora almost a Digital Reality on Vita and PS3 [update: out Nov. 20!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Sine Mora brings bullets, steampunk, and Hungarian to PC today

Sinan Kubba — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST

If you like challenging shoot-em-ups, giant steampunk bosses, and Hungarian voice-overs, then you'll be pleased to hear Sine Mora is out today on PC. The game is currently raining bullet hell on Steam and Green Man Gaming at 10 percent off ($8.99).

The unusual collaboration between Grasshopper Manufacture and Digital Reality shot onto Xbox Live earlier this year. It impressed enough to get four and a half stars out of five in Richard's review, which acclaims the game for offering "both a serious challenge to serious shooter fans and a palatable experience to lapsed addicts."

PSA: Sine Mora brings bullets, steampunk, and Hungarian to PC today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sine Mora rains bullets and pianos on PC Nov. 9

Sinan Kubba — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST

Digital Reality's steampunk shoot-em-up, Sine Mora, is coming to PCs next week, starting through Steam and other portals on November 9. Kalypso Media informs us it'll be priced at $14.99/£9.99, and that those other digital portals include Green Man Gaming, GamersGate, Amazon Digital, Metaboli, and Kalypso's own online store.

Co-developed by Suda 51's Grasshopper Manufacture, Sine Mora arrived on XBLA earlier this year. Since then Digital Reality announced Vita and PS3 ports, but neither has yet come good on releasing "soon." In the meantime, we'll stay on the lookout for killer pianos*.

Gallery: Sine Mora (PC)

* Yes, the game really has a killer piano, and no, it doesn't look like that one.

Sine Mora rains bullets and pianos on PC Nov. 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Portabliss: Liberation Maiden (3DS)

Jordan Mallory — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:30:00 EST

This is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go.

The adage "leave them wanting more" immediately came to mind upon completing Liberation Maiden, a feat which took a little under two hours to accomplish. Level 5 and Grasshopper Manufacture's 3DS eShop shooter is engaging enough to whet the palate, but the ideas presented by its design don't feel like they have enough time to mature.

It's almost like the development team started out with the design document for an entire, full-length shooter, and then decided to only made the first five levels. Thankfully, those five levels are exciting, twitchy arcade fun with Level 5's trademark of polish and Suda 51's sense of style.

Gallery: Liberation Maiden

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Portabliss: Liberation Maiden (3DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Liberation Maiden liberates North American 3DSes Oct. 25

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST

Suda 51 and Level 5's 3DS anime shooter Liberation Maiden will make its stateside debut on the North American 3DS eShop on Thursday, October 25, according to the eShop's news ticker. Previously, Liberation Maiden was featured in a Japan-exclusive 3DS multi-cart called Guild01. The other two titles in the set are set to release on the eShop later this year.

Liberation Maiden puts players in the shoes of Shoko Ōzora, a young high-school student who also happens to be the President of Japan, on account of the unfortunate assassination of her father. An invading force is attempting to steal all of Japan's energy resources, so obviously the best solution is to have Shoko pilot the "Kaihoki" mech herself into battle.

Animated cutscenes in the shooter come courtesy of Studio Bones, whose previous work includes the anime Wolf's Rain, Full Metal Alchemist and Soul Eater.

Gallery: Liberation Maiden

Liberation Maiden liberates North American 3DSes Oct. 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No More Heroes: World Ranker arrives on Android in Japan

Sinan Kubba — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 08:30:00 EST

No More Heroes: World Ranker was released on Android in Japan today, and is due on iOS soon. World Ranker, which Grasshopper CEO Suda 51 introduced last year as "the social game with the most blood," features touchscreen controls and multiplayer options.

Aside from that, World Ranker apparently doesn't veer far from the original game's blueprints. You play an assassin, you kill other assassins, you climb the assassin ranks - you know the drill. The promotional artwork above suggests the game sees some of No More Heroes' bosses reappear.

When Suda 51 announced World Ranker, he made clear he wanted it to be successful enough in Japan to warrant a worldwide release. Whether or not we'll see the game on Western smartphones likely depends on its performance during the next few months.

Check after the break for some screenshots.

Continue reading No More Heroes: World Ranker arrives on Android in Japan

No More Heroes: World Ranker arrives on Android in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Silver Lining: Lollipop Chainsaw and the failure of satire

Taylor Cocke — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST

'Silver Lining' is a column from freelancer Taylor Cocke dedicated to highlighting moments of real potential in less than perfect games. This week he examines Grasshopper Manufacture's Lollipop Chainsaw. The following may contain story spoilers.

There's an idea on the Internet called Poe's Law. Basically, it states that if a satirical piece is indistinguishable from the subject it is trying to mock, then it's a failure. It was designed to relate to extremist ideologies like those of the Westboro Baptist Church, but the idea can be extrapolated to just about any attempt at satire. And in the case of Lollipop Chainsaw, it's absolutely applicable.

On its face, Lollipop Chainsaw has all the makings of a solid parody title. First off, it's a Suda51 joint, meaning it has a certain lighthearted over-the-top attitude that lends itself well to parody. It was also penned by James Gunn, who has made his career mocking movie tropes with films like Dawn of the Dead, Super, and the vastly underrated Slither. These are guys experienced in making weird, hilarious stuff.

The game itself obviously doesn't take itself seriously. Just take a look at the cover: a scantily clad young woman carrying around a chainsaw while the head of her boyfriend hangs off her belt. It's an undeniably silly image, and one that seems to be making fun of the roles women traditionally inhabit in games. Here's a clearly over-sexualized young woman, carrying a massive chainsaw, and essentially dehumanizing her male counterpart.

But it never quite makes the turn that satire must make to work. In a gaming landscape that involves a whole lot of problematic images of women, pointing out the absurdity of these portrayals could have been something incredibly valuable. Instead, we get the same old tired jokes about sexuality that we've been hearing for years and years.

Gallery: Lollipop Chainsaw (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Silver Lining: Lollipop Chainsaw and the failure of satire

Silver Lining: Lollipop Chainsaw and the failure of satire originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lollipop Chainsaw review: Missing the sweet center

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST

Reviews of mediocre games are generally the hardest to write. While it's as effortless to dole out shining praise as it is to spew acrid condemnation, elucidating the merits of something that is neither great nor awful is considerably more difficult. Normally, that would be the case for Lollipop Chainsaw, which neither truly excels or completely fails in any particular area.

As I said, that would be the case - if only developer Grasshopper Manufacture hadn't already delivered excellent examples in the character action genre, giving us the perfect lens with which to suss out Lollipop Chainsaw's faults.

Gallery: Lollipop Chainsaw (3/5/12)

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Lollipop Chainsaw review: Missing the sweet center originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lollipop Chainsaw's Akira Yamaoka-laden licks now available

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST

Lollipop Chainsaw is out right now, but it wouldn't be complete without some aural stimulation: The Lollipop Chainsaw soundtrack, featuring tunes from Akira Yamaoka (Silent Hill), is available today as well. The soundtrack includes collaborations between Mindless Self Indulgence's Jimmy Urine and Yamaoka, and a few licensed tracks from Five Finger Death Punch, The Chordettes and others.

Check out the album's full track list, launched in North America by WaterTower Records, right here:

Continue reading Lollipop Chainsaw's Akira Yamaoka-laden licks now available

Lollipop Chainsaw's Akira Yamaoka-laden licks now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sine Mora takes flight on PS Vita 'soon'

David Hinkle — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST

No longer will Digital Reality's purty shmup Sine Mora be confined to Xbox Live Arcade. Sine Mora will debut on PS Vita "soon," along with a new character (Wilhelmine Muller) from cult Japanese studio G.rev - the studio responsible for shmups such as Border Down, Strania and Under Defeat.

There aren't many other details right now regarding the PS Vita port - we've no idea how "soon" the PS Vita version will launch, along with changes beyond the new character, "new special weapon and new chronomes."

Continue reading Sine Mora takes flight on PS Vita 'soon'

Sine Mora takes flight on PS Vita 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet Lollipop Chainsaw's co-Starlings

JC Fletcher — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:59:00 EST

The weirdest thing about Juliet Starling's sisters in Lollipop Chainsaw isn't their gleeful violence or absolute confidence that they won't shoot and/or drive through their cheerleader sis while performing insane gun and bus stunts.

No, the weirdest thing is that they fight zombies - inexplicably animated corpses - constantly, but react with delight at the news that Juliet's boyfriend is just a head.

Gallery: Lollipop Chainsaw (Sisters)

Meet Lollipop Chainsaw's co-Starlings originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diabolical Pitch review: Field of nightmares

Mike Suszek — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:15:00 EST

You are McAllister, a living legend in baseball, hunched over on the mound while gripping your lifeless throwing arm one moment after throwing a record-breaking out. Next thing you know, you're in a car accident, and wake up at a demented, run-down amusement park called Queen Christine's Dream Land. There, a man in a suit with the head of a cow explains that you can get your arm back to form by throwing your way to the castle at the end of the park -- while wearing a bionic arm.

This is Diabolical Pitch, the latest XBLA title from Grasshopper Manufacture. As odd as it sounds, what's important to note is that this game is dependent on Microsoft's Kinect peripheral, and every throw by McAllister is a real-life throw by you.

Continue reading Diabolical Pitch review: Field of nightmares

Diabolical Pitch review: Field of nightmares originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grasshopper working on 'Killer is Dead' for PS3 and Xbox 360

JC Fletcher — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST

Famitsu reveals the next collaboration between Grasshopper Manufacture and publisher Kadokawa games: Killer is Dead, which is not directly related to Killer 7 -- though, of course, 90% of Grasshopper games are about assassins anyway. In Killer is Dead, players take the role of an "Executioner" who hunts down "S Level" criminals and kills them with a sword.

According to Famitsu (according to Andriasang) the sword action will be similar to No More Heroes. Suda is in charge of the scenario and acting as executive producer, so expect leather jackets and wrestling masks like in No More Heroes as well.

Key words and themes for the game include "Moon and Earth," "Brilliant Game," and "Love." We'll find out what all that means as the 2013 release approaches for PS3 and Xbox 360.

Grasshopper working on 'Killer is Dead' for PS3 and Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Behind the musical bosses of Lollipop Chainsaw

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:15:00 EST

For everyone who looks at a punk rock zombie or a heavy metal Viking and thinks, "I wonder what inspired his taste in music?"

Behind the musical bosses of Lollipop Chainsaw originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shadows of the Damned 2 being considered by Grasshopper

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST

Grasshopper Manufacture is considering a sequel to Shadows of the Damned, which is easily going to be this year's "damn the numbers!" moment if it becomes official. Eurogamer reports that Grasshopper chief creative officer Akira Yamaoka is thinking of a sequel, and believes EA -- which left the original IP to die at retail last time -- would "probably" be interested, before saying that "well, yes" it would.

We adored Shadows of the Damned, which actually made the seventh spot on our top games of 2011, but critical acclaim isn't the same as sales. The game debuted at 31 on the UK charts and sold a measly 24,000 units in its first month in the States. We'll keep hope alive that Garcia Hotspur's Johnson will rise again.

[Pixinity via Shutterstock]

Shadows of the Damned 2 being considered by Grasshopper originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sine Mora review: A shmup in time

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST

Growing up in an era where arcades and shooters were king, I have plenty of fond memories of games like Raiden and 1943. As the genre has evolved, difficulty has dramatically increased -- as has the number of bullets -- relegating my interest into the realm of fascination rather than participation. I can certainly appreciate a game like Ikaruga, for example, but I've come to terms with the fact that I lack the dedication to ever finish it (or probably even clear the second level).

That's why Sine Mora is so refreshing. It offers up both a serious challenge for serious shooter fans and a palatable experience for lapsed addicts like myself.

Gallery: Sine Mora (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Sine Mora review: A shmup in time

Sine Mora review: A shmup in time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Taste Sine Mora's fireworks of destruction in the launch trailer

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST

Take a look at all the pretty things in Sine Mora ... and then see them get shot at until they explode in this launch trailer! Huzzah!

Taste Sine Mora's fireworks of destruction in the launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grasshopper/DeNA partnership releasing new Frog Minutes this spring

JC Fletcher — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

A year after the release of the charity app Frog Minutes, Grasshopper Manufacture is preparing an updated version for iOS and Android. As announced last September, this new Frog Minutes game will be published by DeNA on its (newly worldwide) Mobage network. The release is set for the spring. The last game had players catching bugs to lure various species frogs, then capturing the frogs.

This game is being released under the Grasshopper/DeNA joint venture, whose name appears to have been changed from "Grasshopper Social Network Service Inc." to the infinitely snappier "Grasshopper Universe."

Grasshopper/DeNA partnership releasing new Frog Minutes this spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lollipop Chainsaw voice cast is relatively star-studded

JC Fletcher — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST

You may recognize Michael Rosenbaum, voice of the head-on-a-lanyard Nick, as Lex Luthor from Smallville, or as The Flash from the Justice League cartoons. So he went from playing a bald guy to a guy with hair but nothing else. Or, if you prefer, he went from The Flash to a character incapable of ... flashing?

All right, if you want jokes that make some reasonable amount of sense, watch the video and have them delivered to you by a team of professionals including Tara Strong, Michael Rooker and Gregg Henry.

Lollipop Chainsaw voice cast is relatively star-studded originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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James Gunn on learning from Lollipop Chainsaw

JC Fletcher — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST

Hollywood screenwriter/director James Gunn is working on the script for Lollipop Chainsaw, a game about a teenage girl using a magical chainsaw and cheerleading moves to kill zombies, with the help of her boyfriend's still-living, detached head.

He seems to have some lofty ideas about games nonetheless. "In films, it's hard to say 'we're trying to do something new in a movie' -- it's kind of a simple thing," he told Joystiq in a GDC interview. "Games are infinitely more complex than film, and there's still so much stuff that hasn't been done, it's really exciting, because there's just so much untrampled ground. That's cool. There's so many things that haven't been done." Subtract putting an animate, disembodied head on a zombie body from that list -- that's now been done, and it's "the coolest thing in the world."

For Gunn, Lollipop Chainsaw is a crash course in the world of game development. "When I was a kid, I used to make my own games on the computer, and I understood the basic dynamics of, basically, the 'choose your own adventure' style of how games worked," he said. "But being able to see it from the inside and how things worked -- just that balance between the gameplay and the storytelling aspect of it -- it's an interesting process the whole way through." He sees it as the kind of learning opportunity he had in the film industry, in which he came in as a screenwriter and "then I would just go ask everybody every question I possibly could about visual effects and how that works, and get to watch these directors direct."

We can't wait to see what happens when Grasshopper Manufacture is your reference point for the video game industry.

James Gunn on learning from Lollipop Chainsaw originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diabolical Pitch crosses home plate April 4

JC Fletcher — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:38:00 EST

April 4 marks the beginning of the Kinect combat baseball season. Major Nelson revealed that Diabolical Pitch, Grasshopper Manufacture's damned freaky Kinect game, will be out on that day.

There's no more new info, as it was just a blurb in a roundup of news from Microsoft's recent press event, but no amount of explanation would make that game make sense anyway.

Diabolical Pitch crosses home plate April 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lollipop Chainsaw heads to US on June 12

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST

At the Lollipop Chainsaw event this evening it was announced the game will cut into North American retail on June 12. We're sure to have more details from the event as the night goes on.

Gallery: Lollipop Chainsaw (3/5/12)

Lollipop Chainsaw heads to US on June 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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