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[GamePop console offers unlimited mobile games on your TV for $7 a month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/gamepop-console-offers-unlimited-mobile-games-on-your-tv-for-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/gamepop-console-offers-unlimited-mobile-games-on-your-tv-for-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/gamepop-console-offers-unlimited-mobile-games-on-your-tv-for-7/#comments
2013, the year of the mobile game TV console, marches on with a new contender: GamePop. Created by mobile company BlueStacks, the GamePop console allows users to play mobile games on their TV using the included controller, iPhone or Android smartphone. The twist on other similar consoles like Ouya and GameStick is that GamePop uses a subscription model akin to Netflix. For $6.99 a month, users get access to the entire GamePop library, which currently sits at 500 games according to BlueStacks.

Those who pre-order the console this month will get it for free with a paid subscription to the service. BlueStacks tells Joystiq that there is no commitment or contract, with the only caveat being that customers must return the console if they cancel their service within one year. So, essentially, you're getting the console for 12 payments of $6.99, plus $10 shipping. We asked if users will still be able to access their downloaded games after canceling their service, but BlueStacks says that info is "TBD."

BlueStacks is touting big name developer support in the form of Halfbrick Studios (Jetpack Joyride, Fish Out of Water), Glu Mobile and others. BlueStacks will be sharing 50 percent of its subscription revenue with developers, "apportioned by usage," and developers will retain all revenue derived from in-app purchases.

GamePop is slated to launch this winter.

Continue reading GamePop console offers unlimited mobile games on your TV for $7 a month

JoystiqGamePop console offers unlimited mobile games on your TV for $7 a month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluestacksgamepopglu-mobilehalfbrick-studiosmobileThu, 09 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tank Tactics: The prototype that almost ruined Halfbrick]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/tank-tactics-the-prototype-that-almost-ruined-halfbrick/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/tank-tactics-the-prototype-that-almost-ruined-halfbrick/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/tank-tactics-the-prototype-that-almost-ruined-halfbrick/#comments Tank World Tactics The prototype that almost ruined HalfbrickAfter Fruit Ninja was finished, the guys at Halfbrick spent almost two years shipping updates. Finally ready to do something new, Halfbrick started doing prototypes. It would be a simple game that everyone at Halfbrick could play competitively.

This is when Tank Tactics was conceived. Halfbrick chief creative officer Luke Muscat showed off the first version, made of graph paper and little paper squares, at GDC. He quietly set up the game in a corner of the Halfbrick offices, gave everyone an action point and went back to his desk. Three hours later, commotion ensued - the entire game board was a graveyard.

Continue reading Tank Tactics: The prototype that almost ruined Halfbrick

JoystiqTank Tactics: The prototype that almost ruined Halfbrick originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2013halfbrickhalfbrick-studiosluke-muscattank-tacticsMon, 01 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jetpack Joyride sells over a million copies on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/jetpack-joyride-sells-over-a-million-copies-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/jetpack-joyride-sells-over-a-million-copies-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/jetpack-joyride-sells-over-a-million-copies-on-psn/#comments
Fruit Ninja developer Halfbrick announced today that its other baby, Jetpack Joyride, has been downloaded over a million times on PlayStation 3 and PS Vita. The portable PlayStation version of the game has also recently received an update that integrates Twitter support and "performance upgrades."

Jetpack Joyride is currently available on... wait, let's try this another way. Jetpack Joyride is currently not available on Xbox 360, Nintendo systems and most brands of toasters.

Continue reading Jetpack Joyride sells over a million copies on PSN

JoystiqJetpack Joyride sells over a million copies on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halfbrickhalfbrick-studiosjetpack-joyridemachine-gun-jetpackplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaFri, 15 Feb 2013 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja Kinect gets the chop in today's Xbox Live Countdown to 2013 deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/25/fruit-ninja-kinect-gets-the-chop-in-todays-xbox-live-countdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/25/fruit-ninja-kinect-gets-the-chop-in-todays-xbox-live-countdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/25/fruit-ninja-kinect-gets-the-chop-in-todays-xbox-live-countdown/#comments Fruit Ninja Kinect, Mini Ninjas Adventures, and more in today's Xbox Live countdown dealTapping in to that long-held Yuletide tradition of throwing fruit around and trying to slice it mid-air, Fruit Ninja Kinect and its add-ons are splattered all over Xbox Live's Countdown to 2013 Xmas Day sale. Halfbrick's produce-pruner has its price chopped in half today to 400 MSP, while its four DLC packs - namely 8-bit Cartridge, Art Box, Space Capsule, and Storm Season - are down by 50 percent to 80 MSP each.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrick-studioskinectmicrosoftXBLAXBLMxboxxbox-liveTue, 25 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jetpack Joyride free on PSN in NA on Monday, today in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/jetpack-joyride-free-on-psn-in-na-on-monday-today-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/jetpack-joyride-free-on-psn-in-na-on-monday-today-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/jetpack-joyride-free-on-psn-in-na-on-monday-today-in-europe/#comments Halfbrick's Jetpack Joyride will become a free download on the PlayStation Network beginning today, December 21, in Europe and Monday, December 31, in North America. The game was previously available for $3.99 as a Mini for PSP, PlayStation Vita and PS3.

Jetpack Joyride on PSN includes everything found in the game's 1.3 update. Fly, Barry Streakfries, fly as long as you can!

Continue reading Jetpack Joyride free on PSN in NA on Monday, today in Europe

JoystiqJetpack Joyride free on PSN in NA on Monday, today in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halfbrickhalfbrick-studiosjetpack-joyridemachine-gun-jetpackplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaFri, 21 Dec 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Jetpack Joyride now on Android for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/jetpack-joyride-now-on-android-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/jetpack-joyride-now-on-android-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/jetpack-joyride-now-on-android-for-free/#comments
Jetpack Joyride is finally making the rocket-assisted jump to Android. In fact, the game is available for Android devices right now on both Google Play and the Amazon App Store. Even better, the scientist-crushing, coin-grabbing action game is free on either service.

You can watch the Android launch trailer above. You might think that it's exactly the same as the launch trailer that was released last year, and you'd be right, except now there are some extra logos at the end.

Continue reading Jetpack Joyride now on Android for free

JoystiqJetpack Joyride now on Android for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon-app-storeandroidhalfbrick-studiosjetpack-joyridemachine-gun-jetpackmobileFri, 28 Sep 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxembourg software company suing EA, Square Enix, several others over patent infringement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/luxembourg-software-company-suing-ea-square-enix-several-other/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/luxembourg-software-company-suing-ea-square-enix-several-other/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/luxembourg-software-company-suing-ea-square-enix-several-other/#comments What do Notch, John Riccitiello, Yoichi Wada, and Phil Larsen all have in common? A likely lacking fondness for Luxembourg-based software company Uniloc, who filed lawsuits against Notch's Mojang, Riccitiello's EA, Wada's Square Enix, and Larsen's Halfbrick recently (among others), contending that all the companies infringe on a networking patent held by Uniloc.

The patent, US patent number 6,857,067, says that Uniloc has rights to a "system and method for preventing unauthorized access to electronic data," and Uniloc contends that the aforementioned corporations are infringing on that patent via Android-based games. In the case of EA, it's Bejeweled 2, and in the case of Square Enix, it's Final Fantasy III that's cited - if the game at any time communicates with a centrally owned server to legitimize its license, Uniloc contends that it violates the patent.

Uniloc has a history of patent litigation over software. The company sued Microsoft in 2003, eventually winning. It has since filed suit against many, many other software manufacturers for other alleged patent violations.

JoystiqLuxembourg software company suing EA, Square Enix, several others over patent infringement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artshalfbrickhalfbrick-studiosjohn-riccitiellolawsuitlegallitigationpatentpatent-trollphil-larsensquare-enixunilocyoichi-wadaMon, 23 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jetpack Joyride's 1.3 update lands Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/jetpack-joyrides-1-3-update-lands-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/jetpack-joyrides-1-3-update-lands-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/jetpack-joyrides-1-3-update-lands-thursday/#comments Image
The version 1.3 update, which adds weird new items like the gravity belt, coin magnet, and X-Ray Specs to Jetpack Joyride, will be delivered to iOS this Thursday, April 26. Like the game, the update is free.

With version 1.3 finally careening our way, Halfbrick revealed all 15 new items included, along with their functions. That information is listed after the break. And start saving up your in-game currency for a device that freezes you solid. It's helpful ... apparently.

Continue reading Jetpack Joyride's 1.3 update lands Thursday

JoystiqJetpack Joyride's 1.3 update lands Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halfbrick-studiosiosiphonejetpack-joyridemachine-gun-jetpackmobilerelease-dateupdateupdate-1.3version-1.3Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jetpack Joyride adds attractive coin magnet in next patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/jetpack-joyrides-adds-attractive-coin-magnet-in-next-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/jetpack-joyrides-adds-attractive-coin-magnet-in-next-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/jetpack-joyrides-adds-attractive-coin-magnet-in-next-patch/#comments
Halfbrick has been teasing gadgets and gizmos aplenty for Jetpack Joyride's upcoming version 1.3 patch, with its latest animated short featuring the irresistible "Coin Magnet." The free update will be available this month and adds 15 gadgets to keep Barry Streakfries flying for as long as possible.

JoystiqJetpack Joyride adds attractive coin magnet in next patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halfbrickhalfbrick-studiosiosipadiphonejetpack-joyridemachine-gun-jetpackmobileTue, 17 Apr 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jetpack Joyride was almost 'Machine Fun Jetpack']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/jetpack-joyride-was-almost-machine-fun-jetpack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/jetpack-joyride-was-almost-machine-fun-jetpack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/jetpack-joyride-was-almost-machine-fun-jetpack/#comments During his GDC talk Depth in Simplicity: The Making of Jetpack Joyride, Halfbrick Studios' chief creative officer Luke Muscat shared the story of the 11th hour name change for Jetpack Joyride, which was originally supposed to be called Machine Gun Jetpack.

"I'll tell you, we almost changed the app to this name because we thought by making it too drastically different we were going to undermine all of our marketing effort, but we actually had this name for a while: Machine Fun Jetpack," Muscat said. "At the time, we were like 'that sounds alright, maybe I could live with that.' Then I got in the next morning, and I walked up to Phil's desk, and we both said the same thing at the same time: 'What the fuck were we thinking?' I'm so glad we didn't go out with that name."

JoystiqJetpack Joyride was almost 'Machine Fun Jetpack' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2012halfbrickhalfbrick-studiosiosipadiphonejetpack-joyrideluke-muscatmachine-fun-jetpackmachine-gun-jetpackmobileThu, 08 Mar 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Jetpack Joyride straps on Air Barrys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/jetpack-joyride-straps-on-air-barrys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/jetpack-joyride-straps-on-air-barrys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/jetpack-joyride-straps-on-air-barrys/#comments
Alongside finalizing a major content update coming this April, Halfbrick has released a teaser and some screens for the upcoming Jetpack Joyride 1.3. The game, which has seen 16 million downloads since launch, will gain "gadgets" in the upcoming patch.

Continue reading Jetpack Joyride straps on Air Barrys

JoystiqJetpack Joyride straps on Air Barrys originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halfbrickhalfbrick-studiosiosipadiphonejetpack-joyridemachine-gun-jetpackmobileTue, 06 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja Kinect sells a million units; Jetpack Joyride update in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/fruit-ninja-kinect-sells-a-million-units-jetpack-joyride-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/fruit-ninja-kinect-sells-a-million-units-jetpack-joyride-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/fruit-ninja-kinect-sells-a-million-units-jetpack-joyride-update/#comments Halfbrick announced today that Fruit Ninja Kinect has reached a million sales, solidifying it as a very successful "console experiment" for the company. The company announced a month ago at DICE 2012 that sales had surpassed a half million.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DICE-2012fruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrickhalfbrick-studiosiosiphonejetpack-joyridemicrosoftmobilePhil-LarsenxboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a free Jetpack Joyride on iOS today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/take-a-free-jetpack-joyride-on-ios-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/take-a-free-jetpack-joyride-on-ios-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/take-a-free-jetpack-joyride-on-ios-today/#comments Did you miss the offer of a free copy of Jetpack Joyride back in October? You have another chance to avoid the exorbitant 99-cent price, and you don't even have to go through Facebook. Free App a Day is featuring Halfbrick's coin-grabbing test flight, so you can just go into the App Store right now and download it at no cost.

To be absolutely clear about it, you should go get this free game. We were quite fond of it even when we thought of it as a 99-cent game.

JoystiqTake a free Jetpack Joyride on iOS today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-app-a-dayhalfbrick-studiosiosiphonejetpack-joyridemachine-gun-jetpackmobileMon, 19 Dec 2011 09:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja's price slashed to ten cents on Android Market today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/fruit-ninjas-price-slashed-to-ten-cents-on-android-market-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/fruit-ninjas-price-slashed-to-ten-cents-on-android-market-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/fruit-ninjas-price-slashed-to-ten-cents-on-android-market-today/#comments Normally we'd be skeptical of heavily discounted fruit, but we think this offer is safe for consumption. In honor of the Android Market's ten millionth download, that platform's version of Fruit Ninja is on sale for ten cents today!

Halfbrick also informs us that Age of Zombies will be on sale for a dime this Saturday. Good thing, too -- we can't be expected to pay almost a whole dollar for every game.

JoystiqFruit Ninja's price slashed to ten cents on Android Market today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-zombiesandroidfruit-ninjafruit-ninja-hdgooglehalfbrick-studiosmobileWed, 07 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja plushies prove it's possible to milk fruit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/fruit-ninja-plushies-prove-its-possible-to-milk-fruit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/fruit-ninja-plushies-prove-its-possible-to-milk-fruit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/fruit-ninja-plushies-prove-its-possible-to-milk-fruit/#comments Other than coconuts, we mean. Halfbrick Studios is making a claim on more of your money, after some admittedly reasonable financial demands from the Fruit Ninja series. The developer has opened a store offering two themed plush toys, which include the cutest watermelon you've ever forcibly bisected, and a happy Sensei whom you can pretend is performing said cut.

In the US, the Sensei sells for $16 (or 16 times the price of a copy of Fruit Ninja), the Watermelon for $15 (1.5 Fruit Ninja Kinects), and a "Training Pack" of both for $30. The Sensei is available now, but that adorable melon is shipping in mid-January.

We may sound as if we're giving Halfbrick a hard time for cashing in on Fruit Ninja, but we're happy for the developer. The games have been universally worthwhile, and the toys are undeniably huggable. Besides, Halfbrick has to raise money to save the Australian game industry, pretty much single-handed.

JoystiqFruit Ninja plushies prove it's possible to milk fruit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfruit-ninjafruit-ninja-hdhalfbrick-studiosiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilepcplushtoysxboxTue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja dev Halfbrick chopping away at sequel in new Sydney studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/fruit-ninja-dev-halfbrick-chopping-away-at-sequel-in-new-sydney/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/fruit-ninja-dev-halfbrick-chopping-away-at-sequel-in-new-sydney/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/fruit-ninja-dev-halfbrick-chopping-away-at-sequel-in-new-sydney/#comments
Halfbrick Studios is working on a sequel to Fruit Ninja at its new government-supported studio in Sydney, Australia. In mid-October it was revealed that the Brisbane-based company was opening up a second studio in Sydney; a new piece in the Illawarra Mercury tosses up some more details.

According to New South Wales Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner, the studio is the result of a new $3 million "Interactive Media Fund," but there is no clear indication regarding how much of that fund went to Halfbrick.

"The new Sydney team will develop the next evolution of the Fruit Ninja games franchise. The new game will involve players launching a series of fruit to knock ninjas off their towers in a 3D world, with each fruit having special powers," Stoner said. The game is expected in 2012, with an initial launch on iOS.

Stoner explained the $3 million fund is designed to support local developers over the next two years. Given the current state of the Australian development scene for big publishers, it may be time to get a bigger fund for the local indies.

JoystiqFruit Ninja dev Halfbrick chopping away at sequel in new Sydney studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fruit-ninjaFruit-Ninja-2fruit-ninja-hdHalfbrickhalfbrick-studiosiosipadiphonemobileMon, 05 Dec 2011 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Paper, Scissors, Stone registered by LucasArts and BioWare in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/paper-scissors-stone-registered-by-lucasarts-and-bioware-in-au/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/paper-scissors-stone-registered-by-lucasarts-and-bioware-in-au/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/paper-scissors-stone-registered-by-lucasarts-and-bioware-in-au/#comments Ryan Langley is a level designer at Halfbrick Studios, so he's used to putting secret rewards in hard-to-find places, but in this case he found one. He discovered that both LucasArts and BioWare have filed for a classification in the Australian government for a computer game called Paper, Scissors, Stone. Unfortunately, we have no idea what that is at all.

The classification does mention that it's related to "science fiction themes" and that the game will have "online content." When you combine that with the fact that both LucasArts and BioWare are listed on the mark (along with publisher EA), it's possible that, even despite the M rating for mature audiences, this could have something to do with the upcoming The Old Republic MMO. A standalone minigame of some kind? That's just a guess, but yes please on that.

At any rate, we'll probably hear about this one soon. In the meantime, you might want to start practicing your hand signals.

JoystiqPaper, Scissors, Stone registered by LucasArts and BioWare in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarehalfbrick-studiosioslucasartsminigamestar-warsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublictitletwitterWed, 30 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots heading to Android on Monday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/fruit-ninja-puss-in-boots-heading-to-android-on-monday/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/fruit-ninja-puss-in-boots-heading-to-android-on-monday/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/fruit-ninja-puss-in-boots-heading-to-android-on-monday/#comments Android users, no longer must you watch the iOS crowd with green eyes of jealousy. In a few days, you'll be able to wield his cat claw sword for yourself in Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots.

It's coming to the Amazon Marketplace on Monday, where you'll be able to download the game for free. You'll need to pounce on this one relatively quickly, because it'll only be free for a day; afterwards, it'll only be $.99, so it won't be that big a deal if you forget. Unless it is a big deal, obviously, but if a buck is going to break the bank for you we're sure you've got more important things on your mind.

Continue reading Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots heading to Android on Monday

JoystiqFruit Ninja: Puss in Boots heading to Android on Monday originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonandroidfruit-ninja-puss-in-bootshalfbrick-studiosmobileFri, 25 Nov 2011 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Zombies Anniversary brings HD Steakfries to iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/age-of-zombies-anniversary-brings-hd-steakfries-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/age-of-zombies-anniversary-brings-hd-steakfries-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/age-of-zombies-anniversary-brings-hd-steakfries-to-ios/#comments What's the best way to celebrate a year (plus) since Age of Zombies' release on iOS? By buying another version of Age of Zombies on iOS! Halfbrick has just released Age of Zombies Anniversary, a remastered edition of Barry Steakfries' inaugural adventure.

The new version features redone HD graphics (for iPads and iPhone 4 or 4S, of course), iCloud support, and new "Wild West content" -- a new western-themed level, in which even the dinosaurs don cowboy hats. If you want to experience this new, youthful Age of Zombies, it's on the App Store right now for a limited-time price of 99 cents.

Gallery: Age of Zombies Anniversary (iOS)

Continue reading Age of Zombies Anniversary brings HD Steakfries to iOS

JoystiqAge of Zombies Anniversary brings HD Steakfries to iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-zombiesage-of-zombies-anniversaryhalfbrick-studiosiosipadiphonemobileThu, 17 Nov 2011 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect holiday bundle includes Gunstringer, Fruit Ninja]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/kinect-holiday-bundle-includes-gunstringer-fruit-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/kinect-holiday-bundle-includes-gunstringer-fruit-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/kinect-holiday-bundle-includes-gunstringer-fruit-ninja/#comments Microsoft is currently shipping a Kinect sensor bundle for the holidays, which includes three games for $150. The included games for North America - though they "may vary by region" - are Kinect Adventures, Fruit Ninja Kinect and The Gunstringer, from Microsoft's newly acquired studio Twisted Pixel. Considering the $40 Gunstringer retail box contains a free Fruit Ninja Kinect, it might be easier to think about this bundle providing a $40 savings.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrick-studioskinectmicrosoftthe-gunstringertwisted-pixelxboxTue, 01 Nov 2011 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Get Jetpack Joyride free via App Store Facebook page]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/get-jetpack-joyride-free-via-app-store-facebook-page/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/get-jetpack-joyride-free-via-app-store-facebook-page/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/get-jetpack-joyride-free-via-app-store-facebook-page/#comments Jetpack Joyride is one of the more delightful jetpack-based games to come out this year -- and for a "limited time," you can grab it for free. The official Facebook page for the iOS App Store is offering the game at no cost for reasons unknown; probably as an altruistic gesture, since human lives are inherently enriched by the presence of propulsion-based backpacks.

There's no telling when the deal expires, so we'd suggest getting it ... like, right this instant. Seriously. Go.

JoystiqGet Jetpack Joyride free via App Store Facebook page originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halfbrick-studiosiosipadiphonejetpack-joyridemachine-gun-jetpackmobileThu, 27 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jetpack Joyride update injects new jetpacks, reaffirms our loathing of Game Center friends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/jetpack-joyride-update-injects-new-jetpacks-reaffirms-our-loath/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/jetpack-joyride-update-injects-new-jetpacks-reaffirms-our-loath/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/jetpack-joyride-update-injects-new-jetpacks-reaffirms-our-loath/#comments Our love for Jetpack Joyride is well documented, but we're not above admitting that accessing the game's leaderboard system is a bit on the cumbersome side. That's why today's surprise update with in-level leaderboard implementation is so, so exciting. Now, while flying along in your jetpack of choice, sign posts will point out friends' scores as you soar past them, maniacally laughing in the bathroom, all alone.

The update also adds a pair of new jetpacks and a trio of wearable items for Señor Steakfries, giving players even more stuff with which to dress up the chronically murdered main character. Another bonus: The update is totally free, and the full game still costs $0.99.

JoystiqJetpack Joyride update injects new jetpacks, reaffirms our loathing of Game Center friends originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storebarry-steakfrieshalfbrickhalfbrick-studiosiosipadiphonejetpack-joyridemachine-gun-jetpackmobileupdateMon, 24 Oct 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots (iOS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/portabliss-fruit-ninja-puss-in-boots-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/portabliss-fruit-ninja-puss-in-boots-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/portabliss-fruit-ninja-puss-in-boots-ios/#commentsDid you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots.

You might be tempted to hold a grudge against Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots. It seems like a vaguely disturbing trend to match popular mobile games to upcoming movies, just because they have compatible premises, for purely promotional purposes. Two games is a trend, right?

But we all knew this was going to be good. It turns out that the license is actually a good thing, as the result is a version of Fruit Ninja with the addition of vocal encouragement from Antonio Banderas. Ah yes!

The other, less Boots-specific additions are delightful as well.

Gallery: Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots

Continue reading Portabliss: Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots (iOS)

JoystiqPortabliss: Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots (iOS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fruit-ninjafruit-ninja-puss-in-bootshalfbrick-studiosiosiphonemobileportablissthqThu, 20 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja dev opening new studio in Sydney]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/fruit-ninja-dev-opening-new-studio-in-sydney/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/fruit-ninja-dev-opening-new-studio-in-sydney/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/fruit-ninja-dev-opening-new-studio-in-sydney/#comments Australian developer Halfbrick is opening up a studio in Sydney, which likely comes as welcome news for the nation's troubled development scene. Gamasutra took note of the job listings for the new Sydney office for the Brisbane-based studio.

Halfbrick is best known for Fruit Ninja, which has made the studio so much money, it sponsored an orchard as reparations for all the virtual fruit waste. It is also going to make more coin going the Angry Birds movie tie-in route, with the upcoming Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots. We're particularly fond of Halfbrick's Jetpack Joyride.

Asked if Halfbrick would change its name to "Fullbrick" after opening a second studio, Marketing Director Phil Larsen told us, "No. A logical question nonetheless."

JoystiqFruit Ninja dev opening new studio in Sydney originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidAustraliafruit-ninjafruit-ninja-hdHalfbrickhalfbrick-studiosiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobileSydneyxboxTue, 18 Oct 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots is a thing, really; coming to iOS on Oct. 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/fruit-ninja-puss-in-boots-is-a-thing-really-coming-to-ios-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/fruit-ninja-puss-in-boots-is-a-thing-really-coming-to-ios-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/fruit-ninja-puss-in-boots-is-a-thing-really-coming-to-ios-on/#comments
As if the fruit on your phone, iPod, tablet, Android, and Kinect weren't already sliced thoroughly enough, Halfbrick is burdening yet more fruit with potential murder in the upcoming movie tie-in Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots. As you've likely surmised, the game is a Puss in Boots-themed Fruit Ninja release, which imagines the titular Puss slicing up fruit with his dutiful foil.

In addition to introducing a well-timed theme into the mix, FN: PIB adds the "all-new Bandito mode," which tasks players with surviving progressively more difficult levels with unique challenges, and the "Desperado" mode, which updates the first game's "Classic" mode. "We wanted to create something new and different for our fans while keeping the magic of Fruit Ninja intact, and we think Bandito Mode will keep even the most practiced players on their toes," Jetpack Joyride playable character and Halfbrick chief marketing man Phil Larsen notes in the announcement.

Oh, and tomatoes? Totally in there, definitively proving once and for all that they're fruit. Take that, science! Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots arrives on the iOS App Store on October 20 for $0.99 on iPhone and $1.99 on iPad.

Gallery: Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots

JoystiqFruit Ninja: Puss in Boots is a thing, really; coming to iOS on Oct. 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storedreamworksfruit-ninjafruit-ninja-puss-in-bootshalfbrickhalfbrick-studiosiosipadiphonemobilephil-larsenpuss-in-bootsq4-2011release-datethqFri, 07 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja Kinect DLC boldly goes where no Fruit Ninja's gone before]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/fruit-ninja-kinect-dlc-boldly-goes-where-no-fruit-ninjas-gone-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/fruit-ninja-kinect-dlc-boldly-goes-where-no-fruit-ninjas-gone-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/fruit-ninja-kinect-dlc-boldly-goes-where-no-fruit-ninjas-gone-b/#comments Nothing is more important in Fruit Ninja than freshness, which is why Halfbrick has announced more DLC for the Kinect iteration of the produce bisection game. The "Space Capsule" DLC adds a new "Star Chart" background, a new player silhouette style called the "Stellar Shadow," and an on-screen sword called the "Comet Blade."

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfruit-ninjafruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrick-studiosmicrosoftspace-capsulexblaxboxWed, 07 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Jetpack Joyride (iOS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/portabliss-jetpack-joyride-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/portabliss-jetpack-joyride-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/portabliss-jetpack-joyride-ios/#commentsDid you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Jetpack Joyride.
The free NES games in Nintendo's 3DS Ambassador Program arrived at an awkward time, because the standout of that group for me, Balloon Fight, is now getting overshadowed by the many jetpacks of Barry Steakfries. Like Halfbrick's Monster Dash before it (and Balloon Fight's "Balloon Trip" mode long before that), Jetpack Joyride takes the autorunning genre defined on iOS by Canabalt and adds a few kinks.

Unlike Monster Dash, however, Jetpack Joyride is deep, with a mess of power-ups, vehicles, and mechanical and aesthetic additions. I was repeatedly taken aback by how fleshed out Halfbrick has made its latest iOS game, and repeatedly charmed by the studio's presentation. Nods to past Halfbrick titles abound (beyond the main character's return from previous iOS games), and the inclusion of an entire vehicle poking fun at the iPhone's most popular franchise lends an extra layer of levity to the already cheeky proceedings.

Gallery: Jetpack Joyride

Continue reading Portabliss: Jetpack Joyride (iOS)

JoystiqPortabliss: Jetpack Joyride (iOS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storebarry-steakfriescanabalthalfbrickhalfbrick-studiosiosjetpack-joyridemachine-gun-jetpackmobilemonster-dashportablissThu, 01 Sep 2011 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Jetpack Joyride launch trailer blasts off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/jetpack-joyride-launch-trailer-blasts-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/jetpack-joyride-launch-trailer-blasts-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/jetpack-joyride-launch-trailer-blasts-off/#comments
Jetpack Joyride, the game formerly known as Machine Gun Jetpack, serves up a heap of Barry Steakfries for the universal app's September 1 launch.

That's today!

JoystiqJetpack Joyride launch trailer blasts off originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halfbrickhalfbrick-studiosjetpack-joyridemachine-gun-jetpackmobileThu, 01 Sep 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja Kinect DLC brings the thunder tomorrow [update: Today!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/fruit-ninja-kinect-dlc-brings-the-thunder-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/fruit-ninja-kinect-dlc-brings-the-thunder-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/fruit-ninja-kinect-dlc-brings-the-thunder-tomorrow/#comments Not feeling powerful enough during your sessions of fruit mutilation (or, if you will, fruitilation) on Fruit Ninja Kinect? You're insatiable -- but you're also the target demographic for tomorrow's DLC update. Titled "Storm Season," the content will add a new "Storm Castle" background, "The Rain Man Shadow" silhouette and, following the theme, the "Lightning Bolt Blade."

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfruit-ninjafruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrick-studiosmicrosoftxblaxboxWed, 24 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Machine Gun Jetpack becomes Jetpack Joyride, launches next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/machine-gun-jetpack-becomes-jetpack-joyride-launches-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/machine-gun-jetpack-becomes-jetpack-joyride-launches-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/machine-gun-jetpack-becomes-jetpack-joyride-launches-next-week/#comments Living a lie
We've got good news and some vaguely upsetting news. First, the good news: Machine Gun Jetpack will finally touch down for $0.99 next week, on September 1, as a universal release on iOS (i.e. it works across iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad).

The vaguely upsetting news? Developer Halfbrick has renamed Machine Gun Jetpack, presumably because the title was just too awesome. The game will now officially be known by the much more fanciful title, Jetpack Joyride. Halfbrick released a video explaining that the name was changed to reflect that the game now includes "so much more than just the machine gun jetpack."

Unofficially, of course, it will always be Machine Gun Jetpack in our hearts.

Continue reading Machine Gun Jetpack becomes Jetpack Joyride, launches next week

JoystiqMachine Gun Jetpack becomes Jetpack Joyride, launches next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halfbrick-studiosiosipadiphonejetpack-joyridemachine-gun-jetpackmobilerelease-dateTue, 23 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[You won't believe what Fruit Ninja Frenzy on Facebook looks like]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/you-wont-believe-what-fruit-ninja-frenzy-on-facebook-looks-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/you-wont-believe-what-fruit-ninja-frenzy-on-facebook-looks-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/you-wont-believe-what-fruit-ninja-frenzy-on-facebook-looks-like/#comments Unless, that is, you are able to believe the premise that it looks exactly like Fruit Ninja. In that case, it's actually pretty believable. What a relief that Halfbrick stuck to the formula of cutting fruit with a sword, instead of going into some kind of Facebook-style fruit dojo management sim.

MTV Multiplayer got exclusive video footage and details of Fruit Ninja Frenzy, the Facebook-bound version of Halfbrick's absurdly popular fruit-slicing game, which you can see after the break. Frenzy is essentially Fruit Ninja's 60-second "arcade mode" with the addition of power-up "smoothies." You can choose one at the start of each round, from a list including "Extra Time" which gives you 7 additional seconds, "Spirit Bombs" which neutralizes bombs, and "Mega Freeze" which doubles the number of fruits that appear after a "Freeze" banana.

Optionally, you can increase the number of "smoothie" slots per round with microtransactions, because Facebook.

Continue reading You won't believe what Fruit Ninja Frenzy on Facebook looks like

JoystiqYou won't believe what Fruit Ninja Frenzy on Facebook looks like originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookfruit-ninjafruit-ninja-frenzyhalfbrick-studiosmacpcFri, 12 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Machine Gun Jetpack dev diary reveals the game's vehicles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/machine-gun-jetpack-dev-diary-reveals-the-games-vehicles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/machine-gun-jetpack-dev-diary-reveals-the-games-vehicles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/machine-gun-jetpack-dev-diary-reveals-the-games-vehicles/#comments Machine Gun Jetpack's crazy freakin teleporter is one of five vehicles in the game. In yet another dev diary, Halfbrick walks us through the process behind each of Machine Gun Jetpack's five vehicles, which not only protect Barry Steakfries, but come with crazy abilities of their own. The video's fun, but seriously, guys, all this for an iOS game? Can we just have it already?

JoystiqMachine Gun Jetpack dev diary reveals the game's vehicles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barry-steakfriescrazy-freakin-teleporterhalfbrick-studiosiosipadiphoneipodmachine-gun-jetpackmobileWed, 10 Aug 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja Kinect review: The joy of chopping]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/fruit-ninja-kinect-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/fruit-ninja-kinect-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/fruit-ninja-kinect-review/#comments It is good to chop fruit with your hands.

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

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

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

Continue reading Fruit Ninja Kinect review: The joy of chopping

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrick-studioskinectmicrosoftsummer-of-arcadesummer-of-arcade-2011xboxMon, 08 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Gunstringer will be $40, comes with Fruit Ninja Kinect and free DLC, this September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-gunstringer-will-be-40-comes-with-fruit-ninja-kinect-and-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-gunstringer-will-be-40-comes-with-fruit-ninja-kinect-and-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-gunstringer-will-be-40-comes-with-fruit-ninja-kinect-and-f/#commentsWhen Twisted Pixel announced that its Kinect-based, undead western marionette shooter would gallop past Xbox Live Arcade and ride right into Retailville, we wrote, "Twisted Pixel isn't talking price right now, but considering most Kinect games go for $50, we'd say that's a safe bet." Well ... we were wrong. And we're sorry. And we hope you didn't bet any actual money.

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combofruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrick-studioskinectmicrosoftrelease-dateretailthe-gunstringertwisted-pixelxboxFri, 22 Jul 2011 10:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Ad-supported Fruit Ninja Free now on Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/ad-supported-fruit-ninja-free-now-on-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/ad-supported-fruit-ninja-free-now-on-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/ad-supported-fruit-ninja-free-now-on-android/#comments We know how it is. You want to play Fruit Ninja on your Android device, but that hefty $1.28 stays your hand every time. Worry no more, for a new free version of Halfbrick's fruit-slicer is now available on Android Market. Simply titled Fruit Ninja Free, the game includes all of the features of its comparatively costly sibling, including three different gameplay modes and OpenFeint support.

Being free, it also includes a brand new feature not seen in previous versions: Advertisements. Ads pop up once the game loads and between fruit brutalizing sessions as well. But hey, it's still free Fruit Ninja, right?

Continue reading Ad-supported Fruit Ninja Free now on Android

JoystiqAd-supported Fruit Ninja Free now on Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfruit-ninjafruit-ninja-hdhalfbrick-studiosmobileThu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Age of Zombies (Android)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/portabliss-age-of-zombies-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/portabliss-age-of-zombies-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/portabliss-age-of-zombies-android/#comments Did you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. Three times a week, our new Portabliss column will tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Age of Zombies!
The only way to survive the zombie apocalypse is through constant, preemptive preparation and a cache of military grade weapons - thankfully for all the procrastinators out there, Halfbrick has found a way to make one half of that as easy as making a phone call.

Age of Zombies is a straightforward, zombie-slaughtering top-down shooter featuring our time-traveling hero, Barry Steakfries, because you never know when the next phone booth you step into will be a time machine covered in the t-virus. Barry travels through five eras of undead history, including the age of decomposing dinosaurs, mummies, the American mafia, ninjas and a cyborg future. Professor Brains, evil genius, infests each era with hordes of zombies, which Barry has to mow down with a variety of weapons and his supply of snarky witticisms.

Continue reading Portabliss: Age of Zombies (Android)

JoystiqPortabliss: Age of Zombies (Android) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-zombiesbarry-steakfrieshalfbrick-studiosmobileportablissProfessor-Brainspsp-minisRAWRzombiesFri, 15 Jul 2011 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA['Kinect Me,' 'Crimson Alliance' among new Microsoft games rated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/kinect-me-crimson-alliance-among-new-microsoft-games-rated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/kinect-me-crimson-alliance-among-new-microsoft-games-rated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/kinect-me-crimson-alliance-among-new-microsoft-games-rated/#comments A trio of game ratings appeared on the Australian Classification website today, perhaps spoiling some of the titles Microsoft will announce just around the corner at E3. New entries for "Crimson Alliance," "Fusion: Genesis" and "Kinect Me" all list Microsoft as publisher and run the gamut from Mature-rated to PG to G. Only the Crimson Alliance page notes a developer, Certain Affinity, which is corroborated by the game's Brazilian classification. Likewise a rating for Fusion: Genesis has also shown up in Brazil, where both titles are listed for Xbox Live Arcade.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fruit-ninjafruit-ninja-kinectgrbhalfbrick-studioskinectkoreamicrosoftxboxThu, 28 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Machine Gun Jetpack preview: Run-and-fun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/machine-gun-jetpack-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/machine-gun-jetpack-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/machine-gun-jetpack-preview/#comments Halfbrick's latest iOS project, Machine Gun Jetpack, is probably the most straightforward game I've ever played. Barry Steakfries wants a jetpack, and so he takes one -- one propelled by machine gun fire, what else? -- rocketing from the science lab and dodging obstacles as he escapes.

You tap the screen of your iOS device to hover (holding your finger down to ascend), and you try not to die.

Gallery: Machine Gun Jetpack (iOS)

Continue reading Machine Gun Jetpack preview: Run-and-fun

JoystiqMachine Gun Jetpack preview: Run-and-fun originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barry-steakfriesgdc-2011halfbrickhalfbrick-studiosiosmachine-gun-jetpackmobileFri, 04 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST