Joystiq

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[Engadget goes hands-on with ex-Valve engineer's AR glasses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/engadget-goes-hands-on-with-ex-valve-engineers-ar-glasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/engadget-goes-hands-on-with-ex-valve-engineers-ar-glasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/engadget-goes-hands-on-with-ex-valve-engineers-ar-glasses/#comments
When Valve let up to 25 hardware development staff go in February, Jeri Ellsworth was one of them, and she was working on a pair of 3D augmented-reality glasses at the time called Cast AR. Ellsworth continued work on them with her new company, Technical Illusions, and recently let our friends at Engadget take them out for a spin at the Maker Faire 2013 event in San Mateo, CA.

Cast AR is described as a "projected augmented reality system" on the company's site. Ellsworth said she plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign later in the year to fund the project, with the goal of each kit adding up to less than $200 for buyers. The site notes plans to include a development kit with each pair.

Engadget goes hands-on with ex-Valve engineer's AR glasses originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 May 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augmented-realitycast-arhands-onjeri-ellsworthmakers-faire-2013technical-illusionsvalveSun, 19 May 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Summoning monsters as a plant-based wizard in Soul Sacrifice]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/summoning-monsters-as-a-plant-based-wizard-soul-sacrifice/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/summoning-monsters-as-a-plant-based-wizard-soul-sacrifice/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/summoning-monsters-as-a-plant-based-wizard-soul-sacrifice/#comments

Soul Sacrifice, and the tale of the Plantomancer

I'm still not clear what the actual name of the character I selected during my demo of Kenji Inafune's upcoming Vita game Soul Sacrifice was, nor was I able to grasp the more delicate workings of some of its deeper mechanics because the Tokyo Game Show demo I experienced was (surprise!) completely in Japanese. But I worked around it.

Though the context of the upcoming universe alluded me, the combat in Soul Sacrifice broke down language barriers ... because it spoke the universal language of kick ass.

Gallery: Soul Sacrifice

Continue reading Summoning monsters as a plant-based wizard in Soul Sacrifice

Summoning monsters as a plant-based wizard in Soul Sacrifice originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comcepthands-onKeiji-Inafuneplantomancyplaystationplaystation-vitaSCEASony-Computer-Entertainment-Americasoul-sacrificetgs-2012vitaTue, 02 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands on: Street Fighter X Tekken Vita/PS3 crossplay bear extravaganza]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/hands-on-street-fighter-x-tekken-vita-ps3-crossplay-bear-extrav/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/hands-on-street-fighter-x-tekken-vita-ps3-crossplay-bear-extrav/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/hands-on-street-fighter-x-tekken-vita-ps3-crossplay-bear-extrav/#comments
Earlier today, we had a chance to get our grubby little mitts on the PlayStation Vita version of Street Fighter X Tekken during a Capcom event held concurrently with the Tokyo Game Show. Specifically, we pit the Vita version against the PlayStation 3 version to not only test the port's crossplay functionality, but to also determine which is superior: Bear, or Robot Chainsaw Lady?

Place your bets, then find out in the video above!

Hands on: Street Fighter X Tekken Vita/PS3 crossplay bear extravaganza originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bear-extravaganzacapcomcross-playcrossplayhands-onplaystationplaystation-vitaps3street-fighter-x-tekkentgs-2012vitaThu, 20 Sep 2012 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Black Ops 2, God of War: Ascension, Dead Space 3 and more at GameStop Expo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/play-black-ops-2-god-of-war-ascension-dead-space-3-and-more-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/play-black-ops-2-god-of-war-ascension-dead-space-3-and-more-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/play-black-ops-2-god-of-war-ascension-dead-space-3-and-more-a/#comments

Play BlOps 2, God of War Ascension, Dead Space 3 and more at the GameStop Expo

GameStop has posted some more details about its upcoming GameStop "EXPO." Usually, this event is reserved just for store managers and associates, but this year the US games retailer is opening it up to the public (the public, in this case, meaning PowerUp Rewards members willing to pay $35, or a $100 VIP fee).

The Expo runs from 11am-4pm on August 29 in San Antonio, Texas, and during that time attendees will be able to play games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, God of War: Ascension, and Dead Space 3, among others. Devs will also be on hand for a number of games, Nintendo will show off the Wii U, and there will be giveaways, autograph signings, and lots more.

Sounds like a fun afternoon in San Antonio. Though if it's anything like our local GameStop, look out for the mom trying to get her kid to leave without a game, the salesperson selling magazine subscriptions, and that guy in the corner who really, really wants to talk about how great Jak 2 was.

Play Black Ops 2, God of War: Ascension, Dead Space 3 and more at GameStop Expo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-black-ops-2eventexpogamesgamestopgamestop-expogamestop-expo-2012hands-onmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3publicsan-antoniowiixboxThu, 26 Jul 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with the Nintendo 3DS XL]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/hands-on-with-the-nintendo-3ds-xl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/hands-on-with-the-nintendo-3ds-xl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/hands-on-with-the-nintendo-3ds-xl/#comments

Handson with the 3DS XL

If initial impressions are any indication at all, those who held out for a bigger version of Nintendo's 3DS will find the wait worth it. We just got to play with the Nintendo 3DS XL here at Comic-Con in San Diego, and its big screen really impressed us. The picture is clearer and brighter than the current 3DS (at least in the dark ballroom where we played Super Mario 3D Land), and the 3D is much better. There is still a sweet spot to get your eyes in, but once you're there, the much larger screen makes it easier to focus in, and the 3D just seems more effective as a result.

There aren't any significant differences to the rest of the device. The control stick, buttons, and other controls all feel like the 3DS. The larger unit might be a little unwieldy for small hands, but the stick and buttons are close enough to the edges that pushing them around shouldn't be an issue. On the whole, the device is more rounded off than the previous system. From the top, while closed, it looks more like a clamshell than a rectangle.

The larger size makes it a very sturdy device indeed. Sitting on the table in front of you, it's almost like a small laptop. The Start, Select, Home, and Power buttons have all lost their white touches, so that top screen just dominates the device. Nintendo's making a serious statement here, and it's that bigger should be better.

We're hesitant to get too hyperbolic about the 3DS XL until we're able to really run it through its paces, but yes, on first touch, it's gorgeous. This is not a device designed to fit in your pocket, though it certainly seems like the best way to play Nintendo's growing 3DS library. Below, you can see a gallery of hands-on pictures (including a PSP comparison -- that's the only device we had in the bag at the time).

The 3DS XL arrives on August 19, so if you were planning to buy a 3DS you might want to wait until then.

Gallery: 3DS XL Hands-on at Comic-Con 2012

Hands-on with the Nintendo 3DS XL originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscomic-concomic-con-2012hands-onnintendosdcc-2012super-mario-3dsuper-mario-3d-landsuper-mario-land-3dFri, 13 Jul 2012 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's look really closely at Nintendo's Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/lets-look-really-closely-at-nintendos-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/lets-look-really-closely-at-nintendos-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/lets-look-really-closely-at-nintendos-wii-u/#comments
Nintendo showed dozens of games during E3 2012, and gave attendees a second hands-on with near-final Wii U hardware. We covered the company extensively, but we couldn't resist an invitation to get a quiet, private demonstration of the console during a New York City event this week.

What's more, Nintendo was showing off more than just the WiiPad (what we're calling the Wii U's tablet controller) - a Nintendo rep gave us a thorough look at the console itself. As she points out in the video, neither the Wii U console nor the WiiPad are final hardware, so if you see some funky looking metal sticking out from the back of the system, know that it won't be there when the units arrive at your local brick-and-mortar.

We also got a chance to check out the Wii U Pro Controller (otherwise known as "the Nintendo-born child of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 controllers"), and to see how it works with the gorgeous Rayman Legends. Normally, one player mans the WiiPad while the other navigates with the Pro Controller, but somebody had to hold the microphone, so the rep was forced to do both himself. If it looks awkward, blame us, not the Wii U.

Anyway, if you were looking for an opportunity to marvel at just how long the Wii U console is, here's your chance.

Let's look really closely at Nintendo's Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onnew-york-citynintendopro-controllerwii-uwii-u-pro-controllerwiipadWed, 27 Jun 2012 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands on: Nyko Free Fighter arcade stick (plus bonus Nyko booth gadgets)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/hands-on-nyko-free-fighter-arcade-stick-plus-bonus-nyko-booth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/hands-on-nyko-free-fighter-arcade-stick-plus-bonus-nyko-booth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/hands-on-nyko-free-fighter-arcade-stick-plus-bonus-nyko-booth/#comments
During E3, contributing editor Jess Conditt and I met up with the folks at Nyko to take a look at the Free Fighter, the company's first real foray into the world of high-end arcade sticks. The Free Fighter's main selling point, beyond its Sanwa Denshi parts -- well, mostly Sanwa Denshi, as half the button plungers are in-house -- and programmable macros, is its modular design, which allows the joystick to be placed on either the left or right side of the buttons, or even be detached all together. Ambidextrous arcade sticks have been done before, but Nyko's offering is a bit more elegant than Qanba's solution.

That being said, the Free Fighter isn't necessarily the prettiest arcade stick I've ever seen, but it is certainly striking in an angular, industrial way. The lack of surface area isn't as much of an issue as it originally seemed like it would be, and resting my hands on the stick felt comfortable, be it on a table or in my lap. Nyko says the stick's small footprint was designed with portability in mind, so as to make the stick easier to transport from event to event.

Launching for the PS3 this holiday at a $180 price point, the Free Fighter is $30 more expensive than its strongest competition, the Mad Catz Round 2 Tournament Edition FightStick, which also uses Sanwa Denshi parts. Nyko told us that if successful, the Free Fighter could be adapted into a platform for other peripheral modules, like a flight stick or racing wheel. Xbox 360 and Wii U versions are expected to launch sometime next year.

Check out our awkward hands-on video above, as well as pictures of the Free Fighter and Nyko's other E3 offerings (Power Grip for Vita, Power Grip Pro for 3DS, Powerpad and Powerpad Pro for Android) in the gallery below.

Photo and video credit: Jess Conditt

Gallery: Nyko (E3 2012)

Hands on: Nyko Free Fighter arcade stick (plus bonus Nyko booth gadgets) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcade-stickfree-fighterhands-onmicrosoftnintendonykoplaystationPower-GripPower-Grip-ProPowerpadPowerPad-Props3sanwa-denshiwii-uxboxTue, 12 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Risky Business: The Injustice: Gods Among Us 'Clash' system]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/risky-business-the-injustice-gods-among-us-clash-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/risky-business-the-injustice-gods-among-us-clash-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/risky-business-the-injustice-gods-among-us-clash-system/#comments

When I first watched the debut trailer for Injustice: Gods Among Us', my initial thoughts were something along the lines of "Okay, last year's Mortal Kombat with DC characters, I can get down with this." I've since discovered, however, that Injustice is not only unlike Mortal Kombat, but also unlike the majority of games in the fighting genre's illustrious and storied history.

There are many esoteric and subtle differences between the gameplay mechanics of Injustice and Mortal Kombat (such as the introduction of Street Fighter-style blocking, rather than NetherRealm's traditional block button system), but the main feature that sets the game apart is its fresh take on the combo breaker: The "Clash" system.

Gallery: Injustice: Gods Among Us

Continue reading Risky Business: The Injustice: Gods Among Us 'Clash' system

Risky Business: The Injustice: Gods Among Us 'Clash' system originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012hands-oninjustice-gods-among-usmicrosoftNetherrealm-Studiosnintendoplaystationps3warner-brothers-interactive-entertainmentwii-uxboxWed, 06 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A jaunt through Nintendo Land]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/a-jaunt-through-nintendo-land/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/a-jaunt-through-nintendo-land/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/a-jaunt-through-nintendo-land/#comments

We took a quick stroll through Nintendo Land today, shortly after Nintendo implicitly positioned the game as the Wii U's educational answer to Wii Sports. It's launching alongside the hardware this holiday - though not necessarily inside a bundle - and breaks down all of the Wii U's standout features into friendly, easily digestible mini games.

Unlike the tennis and bowling in Wii Sports, the games here are embellished with Nintendo's vibrant characters and history, set within the context of an elaborate theme park visited by your Miis. When you enter the The Legend of Zelda section, dubbed Battle Quest, you and your friends don Link's iconic tunic in green, red and blue.

Gallery: Nintendo Land (E3 2012)

Continue reading A jaunt through Nintendo Land

A jaunt through Nintendo Land originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>donkey-kongs-crash-coursee3-2012hands-onluigis-ghost-mansion-haunted-hijinksnintendonintendo-landnintendolandtakamarus-ninja-castlethe-legend-of-zelda-battle-questwii-uWed, 06 Jun 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq goes hands-on with Razer's Naga Hex mouse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/03/joystiq-goes-hands-on-with-razers-naga-hex-mouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/03/joystiq-goes-hands-on-with-razers-naga-hex-mouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/03/joystiq-goes-hands-on-with-razers-naga-hex-mouse/#comments Look, if you don't have a mouse designed exclusively to play your favorite types of games, you're doing it wrong. At least, that's what Razer wants you to think. The company recently released it's Naga Hex mouse, which was created especially for MOBAs and action-RPGs, with six side-mounted buttons just for activating in-game skills.

If your mouse just doesn't have enough buttons - or perhaps has too many - the Hex just might help you out, assuming you're willing to shell out 80 bucks, of course. Check out Joystiq's overview of the Naga Hex above.

Joystiq goes hands-on with Razer's Naga Hex mouse originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onmacmousenaganaga-hexpcperipheralsrazerSun, 03 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with LA Noire on a tablet with OnLive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/hands-on-with-la-noire-on-a-tablet-with-onlive/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/hands-on-with-la-noire-on-a-tablet-with-onlive/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/hands-on-with-la-noire-on-a-tablet-with-onlive/#comments

Getting a technically complex game like LA Noire running on a tablet is an impressive feat, and one that OnLive has every right to crow about. That Rockstar took the time to implement touch controls so that LA Noire could be played natively is equally laudable. That said, the touch support isn't nearly as well-implemented as it might have been and is, in fact, downright clunky.

In short, it's LA Noire on a tablet with virtual controls, which plays out exactly how you think it does.

Continue reading Hands-on with LA Noire on a tablet with OnLive

Hands-on with LA Noire on a tablet with OnLive originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidhands-onLA-Noiremobileonliverockstar-gamesteam-bondiFri, 23 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Learning how to 'shootdodge' with Max Payne 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/learning-how-to-shootdodge-with-max-payne-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/learning-how-to-shootdodge-with-max-payne-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/learning-how-to-shootdodge-with-max-payne-3/#comments

Did you know that "bullet time" is a term copyrighted and owned by Warner Bros.? It was news to me when I went looking up the term this morning, searching for a way to contextualize the evolution of Max Payne that I experienced when playing Rockstar's Max Payne 3 recently. According to Wikipedia -- which totally has its own listing for the term, of course -- the "word" was copyrighted alongside the first Matrix film. That film came out in 1999, two years before Remedy would reappropriate the concept for its first Max Payne game.

No similarly bizarre history can be applied to the term "shootdodge," the portmanteau a Rockstar rep used to describe "Max's classic dive move." In Max Payne 3, the maneuver plays as crucial a role as ever. The majority of the time during my demo I spent with Max leaping in slow motion, or shooting in slow motion, or shooting and leaping in slow motion, all the while desperately trying to shoot dudes in their domes. Yes, fans, bullet time is still here, ready for use in tandem with the newly minted "shootdodge."

Max Payne 3 didn't hold my hand during that hour, though I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want it to given the whole "addicted to painkillers/alcoholism" thing. Like Max's life during the setting of Max Payne 3, my playthrough was all sink or swim. But despite some initial skepticism over the difficulty, I walked away excited about the design choices Rockstar has made, such as taking the safety off of shooting and forcing precision from players conditioned to aim-assisted console offerings. (Which describes me, by the way.)

Gallery: Max Payne 3 (3/1/12)

Continue reading Learning how to 'shootdodge' with Max Payne 3

Learning how to 'shootdodge' with Max Payne 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onMax-Payne-3microsoftpcplaystationps3rockstarrockstar-gamestake-twotake-two-interactivexboxThu, 01 Mar 2012 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witness preview: Peering through the Myst]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/the-witness-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/the-witness-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/the-witness-preview/#comments

"Hey man, come in," a weary looking Jonathan Blow said. He was welcoming me into his temporary New York City abode, a swanky hotel in midtown where he'd been put up for a few days to show off a preview build of his next game, The Witness. His bare feet indicated to me that I'd either just woken him up, or that he was very comfortable with strangers. It turned out to be a combination of both, as Blow's PR-less presentation style (and sleepy demeanor) soon revealed.

"We started the game about two years ago, for real. I actually started it as a prototype earlier than that, before I finished Braid. I wasn't convinced I really wanted to do it, because I was still in the mindset of 'I'm the lone indie developer who types everything in himself and this is gonna be a much more ambitious project.' So I didn't wanna do it for a while, then I played with some other game ideas. Kinda liked those, but decided I really wanted to do this," Blow cursorily explained before I jumped in. While the dev process has seen contract workers, Blow's new studio (the ... uniquely named Thekla, Inc.) still only employs three full-time devs, himself included. "We're gonna be going into more of a production-type phase this next year," he added.

The work of just one 3D artist has made the game's mysterious, puzzle-filled island alive with bright, colorful, abstract flora. In fact, outside of a handful of expected bugs I encountered, The Witness is shaping up to be another standout work from a developer already well-respected in his field. Blow left me with one final note before I jumped in: "What you play here is basically the game, it's just gonna be a better version of this that we show."

Gallery: The Witness

Continue reading The Witness preview: Peering through the Myst

The Witness preview: Peering through the Myst originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onjonathan-blownew-york-citynycpcthe-witnesstheklathekla-incMon, 08 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: The Run preview: Getting back behind the wheel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/need-for-speed-the-run-preview-getting-back-behind-the-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/need-for-speed-the-run-preview-getting-back-behind-the-wheel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/need-for-speed-the-run-preview-getting-back-behind-the-wheel/#comments

"You're not trying to get first, you're trying to make up ground," Need for Speed: The Run producer Alex Grimbley explained to me during a demo session in midtown Manhattan last week. Rather than putting priority on being the absolute first during individual races, The Run focuses on an overall place in a cross-country race, amounting to roughly 200 miles of in-game track spread across the US. And yes, it'll allow you to go back to individual areas and work on improving track times.

"Get to 101st by the time you make it here, get to 50th by the time you make it to Chicago, get to the top 10 by the time you make it to New York ... so this is a different take on a sprint race," Grimbley continued.

Gallery: Need for Speed: The Run (Desert Porsche)

Continue reading Need for Speed: The Run preview: Getting back behind the wheel

Need for Speed: The Run preview: Getting back behind the wheel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-grimbleyautologblack-boxeaea-black-boxelectronic-artshands-onmicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-the-runpcplaystationps3racingxboxWed, 27 Jul 2011 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sound Shapes preview: Run, jump, dance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/sound-shapes-preview-run-jump-dance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/sound-shapes-preview-run-jump-dance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/sound-shapes-preview-run-jump-dance/#comments

Do you own any of the following?

A. Very flexible, DJ-quality headphones
B. A messenger bag sized specifically for vinyl records
C. A modded Game Boy/Game Boy Color/etc. for creating music
D. The freshest styles and moves, straight from Planet Funketron

If you answered "Yes" to any of the above, and you also share my love for precision platforming in video games like N+ and Super Meat Boy, then Sound Shapes is gonna be your jam.

Gallery: Sound Shapes (E3 2011)

Continue reading Sound Shapes preview: Run, jump, dance

Sound Shapes preview: Run, jump, dance originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onjonathan-makmusicnew-york-cityplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitapsvpsvitaqueasy-gamesshaw-han-liemsonysony-computer-entertainment-americasound-shapesvitaMon, 25 Jul 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Inversion preview: New perspectives on an old game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/inversion-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/inversion-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/inversion-preview/#comments

The gimmick in Saber Interactive's Inversion -- combat across multiple planes -- isn't quite enough to carry the lackluster shooting. Like Dark Void, Fracture, and Timeshift before it, Inversion relies heavily on its unique twist to set it apart from other shooters, while leaving the central mechanic unpolished.

As the perspective flipped repeatedly throughout the demo, I was distracted how similar the game's set of flimsy guns felt. Sure, baddies stick to walls in completely separate gravity planes (turning firefights into more than just what's directly in front of you), but shouldn't shooting at them be more fun?

Gallery: Inversion (E3 2011)

Continue reading Inversion preview: New perspectives on an old game

Inversion preview: New perspectives on an old game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-oninversionmicrosoftnamconamco-bandaiplaystationps3saber-interactivexboxWed, 13 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Soulcalibur V preview: A tale of buttons mashed, eternally retold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/soulcalibur-v-preview-a-tale-of-buttons-mashed-eternally-retol/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/soulcalibur-v-preview-a-tale-of-buttons-mashed-eternally-retol/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/soulcalibur-v-preview-a-tale-of-buttons-mashed-eternally-retol/#comments

After being ushered into a tiny dark room in the back of Namco's E3 booth with three other journos and several reps from the publisher (several from Project Soul, specifically), I watched the same initial presentation of Soulcalibur V that you watched on Joystiq back in mid-May (seen above). I once again marveled at Namco's insistence on pushing the game's ridiculous story over its gorgeous new game's engine, not to mention the improvements to Soulcalibur's core mechanics that distinguish the upcoming sequel from its predecessors by focusing on a "more elegant" combat system.

In real-world terms, this means that battles in Soulcalibur V are intended to be faster, more fluid, and heavy on offense. And in my experience, it was just that -- a noticeably early build, sure, but already showing an extra layer of smoothness in motion that felt far less stilted than past titles.

Gallery: SoulCalibur V (E3 2011)

Continue reading Soulcalibur V preview: A tale of buttons mashed, eternally retold

Soulcalibur V preview: A tale of buttons mashed, eternally retold originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onmicrosoftnamconamco-bandaiplaystationproject-soulps3soulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vxboxWed, 06 Jul 2011 09:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Kirby Wii preview: King Dedede, you, and me]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/kirby-wii-preview-e3-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/kirby-wii-preview-e3-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/kirby-wii-preview-e3-2011/#comments

It's hard to speak about Kirby Wii without a tinge of regret, and harder still to do so after seeing this video of a very similar, cancelled Kirby title for the GameCube. The game was never quite "cancelled" per se, but it was put on hold for quite some time while its developer, HAL Laboratory, pursued other projects -- Picross 3D and Face Raiders, among others.

Among a mess of other logos flashed at the end of Nintendo's E3 2011 presser, Kirby Wii prominently stood out, reminding us that the game still exists. And when I spotted the game in Nintendo's press area available at a hands-on kiosk, I jumped at the chance to finally play the six year old game. What I found was a New Super Mario Bros. Wii meets single-player Smash Bros. Brawl mashup, with a hefty dollop of pink fluffy Kirby covering everything. Something not quite as "hardcore" looking as the GC game, but not far off.

Gallery: Kirby Wii (E3 2011)

Continue reading Kirby Wii preview: King Dedede, you, and me

Kirby Wii preview: King Dedede, you, and me originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-ope3-2011hal-laboratoryhands-onkirby-wiikirbys-epic-yarnmultiplayernew-super-mario-bros-wiinintendosuper-smash-bros-brawlwiiWed, 15 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 preview: Run and gun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/mass-effect-3-preview-run-and-gun/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/mass-effect-3-preview-run-and-gun/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/mass-effect-3-preview-run-and-gun/#comments

Since the beginning of the Mass Effect series, BioWare has had to walk the line between the role-playing genre the company is known for, and the series' setting-driven third-person shooter combat. The first game in the series was arguably a role-playing game with shooter elements, and the second game, to both cheers and jeers from fans, definitely bent a little further towards the shooter side of things. And with the third title, a BioWare representative told Joystiq at E3 this week, Bioware wants to "bring both of those elements up at the same time" -- increase the depth of the customization and the role-playing game, and make the combat sequences more smooth and exciting than ever.

We got to play through one short segment of the game, and while we didn't see a lot of the RPG elements in that part, it's safe to say that the combat is coming together to be some of the best the series has ever seen.

Gallery: Mass Effect 3 (E3 2011)

Continue reading Mass Effect 3 preview: Run and gun

Mass Effect 3 preview: Run and gun originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaree3e3-2011hands-onmass-effectmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 07 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: SingStar Dance and SingStar Guitar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/preview-singstar-dance-and-singstar-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/preview-singstar-dance-and-singstar-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/preview-singstar-dance-and-singstar-guitar/#comments

A music game that's just about singing? That's so 2003. Or if you're the SingStar franchise, it's so, um, today. Sony's PlayStation karaoke series has proudly focused on grading vocals for years now, but that's about the change with this fall's release of both SingStar Dance and SingStar Guitar. I got a chance to try both of these games at Sony's pre-GamesCom press event, and have written up some quick initial impressions after the break.

Continue reading Preview: SingStar Dance and SingStar Guitar

Preview: SingStar Dance and SingStar Guitar originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescom-2010gdc-europe-2010hands-onplaystationpreviewps3singstarsingstar dancesingstar guitarsingstar-dancesingstar-guitarSingstarDanceSingstarGuitarTue, 17 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Fallout: New Vegas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/preview-fallout-new-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/preview-fallout-new-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/preview-fallout-new-vegas/#comments

The chance to play Fallout: New Vegas has been hard to come by -- we've seen it in action before, but it wasn't until a little while back at a pre-E3 event that I was able to finally grab a controller and explore Obsidian's take on the streets and surroundings of a post-apocalyptic Sin City.

But it turns out, as I wandered into the dingy casinos and off into the desert for a few quests, that I had already played the game anyway, back when it was called Fallout 3.

Gallery: Fallout: New Vegas

Continue reading Preview: Fallout: New Vegas

Preview: Fallout: New Vegas originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-softworkse3-2010fallout-new-vegashands-onmicrosoftnamco-bandaiobsidian-entertainmentpcplaystationpre-e3ps3xboxTue, 15 Jun 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Vanquish]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/preview-vanquish/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/preview-vanquish/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/preview-vanquish/#comments

Vanquish was introduced to us at Sega's pre-E3 event as Shinji Mikami's take on Gears of War, and though I only got to play through one brief battle, that's an apt description. The game combines the frantic over-the-top action that Platinum Games is known for thanks to titles like Bayonetta and MadWorld, and brings it into the setting of a high-tech, cover-based third person shooter. The result, as you can imagine, is pretty satisfying.

The basic scenario is a future with the world's last two superpowers, Russia and the US, fighting on an American space station designed to harness the energy of the sun (after all of the Earth's resources have already been depleted). Sam Gideon is the game's hero, and it's his job to go into the station with US troops and save the day. Fortunately, he's outfitted with a power suit that allows for all sorts of technological and acrobatic wizardry.

Gallery: Vanquish (E3 2010)

Continue reading Preview: Vanquish

Preview: Vanquish originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010hands-onmicrosoftplatinum-gamesplaystationpre-e3-2010ps3segashinji-mikamivanquishxboxTue, 15 Jun 2010 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: PlayStation Eye's Kung-Fu Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/hands-on-playstation-eyes-kung-fu-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/hands-on-playstation-eyes-kung-fu-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/hands-on-playstation-eyes-kung-fu-live/#comments

Kung-Fu Live sounds almost exactly like a Project Natal game. With the aid of a camera, your image is placed directly into the game, and real movements are translated into in-game actions. As the concept trailer above shows, you'll be able to kick and punch wildly into the air to take down virtual baddies. But Kung-Fu Live isn't destined for Project Natal. Instead, it's coming exclusively to the PlayStation Network. You won't need a fancy PlayStation Move controller, either. This is one of the few games designed exclusively for the PlayStation Eye camera.

Powering the gameplay experience is Virtual Air Guitar Company's FreeMotion technology, which promises "real-time tracking of the entire human body as well as background removal using regular webcams." Certainly, the promise of Natal-esque gameplay using a standard camera has us intrigued, but is it better than your typical PS2 EyeToy game?

It's clear that the technology powering Kung-Fu Live is far more powerful than what we've seen in the PS2 generation. The system is able to accurately remove the background in real-time -- and is intelligent enough to know when new players jump in or out. Another aspect that benefits Kung-Fu Live: personality. The game is story-driven, told through comic panels in which you can feature. At the start of each level the game will suggest a pose for you to attempt, after which the camera will take a picture and inject you into a comic book scene. Seeing myself roundhouse kick three goons in a generated comic book strip was definitely amusing. (Being able to share these photos online seems like an ideal way to use the game's built-in Facebook functionality, as well.)

Continue reading Hands-on: PlayStation Eye's Kung-Fu Live

Hands-on: PlayStation Eye's Kung-Fu Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 May 2010 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freemotionhands-onkung-fu-liveplaystation-eyepsnvirtual-air-guitarMon, 17 May 2010 11:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Blur (single player)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/hands-on-blur-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/hands-on-blur-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/hands-on-blur-single-player/#comments

click to enlarge

Bizarre Creations is known for its racing expertise, honed in the great Project Gotham Racing series, and their latest title, Blur, is no exception. The arcade sensibilities of Bizarre's own Geometry Wars and the underrated (I said it!) The Club add a few new colors to the mix, but the driving is as solid as ever -- as you'll know if you've been playing the multiplayer beta.

The real key to Blur, though, is the much-discussed social features. Bizarre has more or less perfected console racing over all of its past iterations, and so when we were invited to Activision HQ last week to check out Blur's single-player components, the focus wasn't so much on the how of racing, but the why.

Gallery: Blur (single-player)

Continue reading Hands-on: Blur (single player)

Hands-on: Blur (single player) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbizarre-creationsblurcommunity-eventshands-onMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2multiplayerracingsharesingle-playersocial-networkingtwitterXbox-360xbox-liveMon, 10 May 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Sin and Punishment: Star Successor (co-op)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/hands-on-sin-and-punishment-star-successor-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/hands-on-sin-and-punishment-star-successor-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/hands-on-sin-and-punishment-star-successor-co-op/#comments

Click and Enlarge: Gallery Experience
For some, Sin & Punishment 2 is of known quality. Released last year in Japan for the Wii, hardcore gamers have already experienced Treasure's latest. Thankfully, for the rest of us, we don't have to rely on imports -- Nintendo of America is finally (and slowly) bringing the franchise Stateside.

Although its N64 predecessor found release on the Virtual Console, it's likely that the Wii audience is completely unfamiliar to the franchise. Certainly, the Wii doesn't feel like it should be home to such a niche game from a "hardcore" developer like Treasure. Featuring an onslaught of endless enemies, and a relentless torrent of bullets filling the screen, Star Successor doesn't even attempt to console casual gamers. In fact, moving to the Wii has allowed Treasure to expand the gameplay to the point where Star Successor feels like the game Sin & Punishment was always meant to be.

Gallery: Sin and Punishment: Star Successor

Continue reading Hands-on: Sin and Punishment: Star Successor (co-op)

Hands-on: Sin and Punishment: Star Successor (co-op) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-ophands-onnintendosin-and-punishmentsin-and-punishment-2sin-and-punishment-star-successortreasureWiiWed, 28 Apr 2010 17:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days (single player)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/hands-on-kane-and-lynch-2-dog-days-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/hands-on-kane-and-lynch-2-dog-days-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/hands-on-kane-and-lynch-2-dog-days-single-player/#comments

There were a number of interesting features -- complex characters, a dark, mature story that explored the seedy lives of criminals -- in IO Interactive's original Kane & Lynch, provided you could look past the broken gameplay and the subsequent review scandal. While the franchise's name may be forever tarnished, that hasn't stopped IO from developing a sequel, one that expands upon the best aspects of the original. But does Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days fix the gameplay inherited from its predecessor? Sort of.

As our previous impressions indicated, there's much to like about the game's presentation. Like Dead Men before it, Kane & Lynch is certainly not short on style. The "digital camera" effect makes this shooter look unlike any other game I've seen, offering the illusion of reality. Upon closer inspection, you can see the graphics tech is far from cutting-edge, but the clever filters and camera techniques make Dog Days feel far more authentic than the photo-realistic approach most other games attempt.

Gallery: Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days - Preview (4/23/10)

Continue reading Hands-on: Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days (single player)

Hands-on: Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days (single player) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onio-interactivekane-and-lynchkane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysMicrosoftSquare-Enixsquare-enix-europeXbox-360Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: New StarCraft 2 single-player missions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/hands-on-new-starcraft-2-single-player-missions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/hands-on-new-starcraft-2-single-player-missions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/hands-on-new-starcraft-2-single-player-missions/#comments
click to enlarge
Blizzard has been handing out Starcraft 2 beta keys like free lunch, but it's not just for the benefit of starved-craft fans. "Oh, we don't think of this as a demo," Blizzard's Dustin Browder told me during a recent studio visit, "It's a beta test." So-called testers are contributing piles of feedback data, which has led to nine game patches so far, with more surely in the works. "The Archon has been on my chopping block for months," Browder muttered, referring to the powerful Protoss ground unit.

The focus of my recent visit to Blizzard HQ was not to talk beta, however. It was to preview three new single-player missions from StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty. In doing so, I learned more about how the developer is incorporating at least one other race into the Terran-centric game and tried out some new game-altering mechanics and the new tech upgrade process.

Gallery: Starcraft 2 (04/19/2010)

Continue reading Hands-on: New StarCraft 2 single-player missions

Hands-on: New StarCraft 2 single-player missions originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blizzardhands-onStarcraftstarcraft-2Starcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertystrategyFri, 23 Apr 2010 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Dead to Rights Retribution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/hands-on-dead-to-rights-retribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/hands-on-dead-to-rights-retribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/hands-on-dead-to-rights-retribution/#comments

Our protagonist awakens, covered in debris from a train wreck he managed to narrowly escape from. How did he get there? The game rewinds to earlier in the adventure, as our hero makes his way on a sordid journey towards the disastrous ride. Along the way, he'll have to dispatch enemies, taking cover, mixing gun play and melee combat.

No, this isn't Uncharted 2. It's Namco Bandai's Dead to Rights Retribution. And unfortunately, it too easily welcomes comparison to Joystiq's Game of the Year 2009 ... and comes up short.

Gallery: Dead to Rights: Retribution

Continue reading Hands-on: Dead to Rights Retribution

Hands-on: Dead to Rights Retribution originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-to-rightsdead-to-rights-retributionhands-onMicrosoftnamconamco-bandaiXbox-360Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Split/Second (multiplayer)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/split-second-game-multiplayer-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/split-second-game-multiplayer-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/split-second-game-multiplayer-preview/#comments

I've been consistently impressed by what I've played of the single-player aspect of Split/Second, Black Rock Studios' explosive action-racer, ever since a hands-on trial at E3 last year. I expected the eight-player online experience to be thrilling, but I think I actually under-anticipated just how over-the-top it would be.

Everything about the game looks and feels like it's really coming together in advance of its May 18 release, with the online component being the final -- and, from this hands-on preview, important -- piece of the experience. During the demo event, I played the multiplayer "Survival" mode and competed in several straight-up races against seven other players via Xbox Live (although they were stationed in the same room). Calling any race "straight-up" in Split/Second, however, just isn't accurate at all.

Gallery: Split/Second

Continue reading Hands-on: Split/Second (multiplayer)

Hands-on: Split/Second (multiplayer) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rock-studiosDisneydisney-interactivehands-onMicrosoftmultiplayerracingsplit-secondXbox-360Wed, 07 Apr 2010 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Shank]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/hands-on-shank/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/hands-on-shank/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/hands-on-shank/#comments

We are, and I don't think I'm being premature about this, in the thrall of a full-on 2D renaissance courtesy of digital distribution platforms like XBLA and PSN. Developers are realizing that modern technology plus a less technically demanding perspective can lead to a really beautiful end product.

That's the case with Shank, a fluid, violent brawler that artfully combines a sort of 2D Devil May Cry blend of sword- and gunplay with a Saturday morning animation style to create the coolest cartoon your mom would have never let you watch.

Gallery: Shank (PAX East)

Continue reading Hands-on: Shank

Hands-on: Shank originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onklei-entertainmentMicrosoftpax-eastpax-east-2010psnshankxbox-360Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: PixelJunk Racers 2nd Lap (PSN)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/hands-on-pixeljunk-racers-2nd-lap/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/hands-on-pixeljunk-racers-2nd-lap/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/hands-on-pixeljunk-racers-2nd-lap/#comments

As the first PixelJunk game from Q-Games, Racers was largely misunderstood by most. Now, after the success of Monsters, Eden and Shooter, Q-Games is ready to go back to its first concept and give it a second chance. PixelJunk Racers 2nd Lap isn't just an add-on to the original PSN game, but a new game (with new features like Trophies) that warrants a second look from fresh PixelJunk fans.

Like the original, 2nd Lap is a unique interpretation of classic top-down racers of yore. However, Q-Games' take on the genre makes it more of a puzzle or rhythm game, rather than a racing game -- an easy mistake for players to make, considering both the game's look and title. While some modes do require "winning" a race, most are about achieving rather specific goals. For example, you may need to complete a number of laps in a constantly-accelerating vehicle, while avoiding all the other cars on the road. "Sunday Drive" will have you trying to get past as many slow-driving cars as possible. It's a frustrating recreation of being stuck in traffic, yet it's oddly compelling.

In its second iteration, PixelJunk Racers remains essentially a collection of car-themed minigames, with the ultimate goal of scoring as high as possible on the leaderboards. Thankfully, 2nd Lap has been made considerably easier and more accessible than the first game, easing players into a much easier single-player experience. The addition of YouTube recording support should appease the show-offs, while the presence of PSN Trophies may make the overall package far more rewarding. (Don't worry Trophy hunters, Q-Games' Dylan Cuthbert told us that they've learned from PixelJunk Eden and Monsters, and will make the Trophies much easier, akin to PixelJunk Shooter.)

Gallery: PixelJunk Racers: 2nd Lap

Continue reading Hands-on: PixelJunk Racers 2nd Lap (PSN)

Hands-on: PixelJunk Racers 2nd Lap (PSN) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dylan-cuthbertgdc-2010hands-onpixeljunkpixeljunk-racerspixeljunk-racers-2nd-lappsnq-gamesThu, 18 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Lead & Gold: Gangs of the Wild West]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/lead-and-gold-gangs-of-the-wild-west-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/lead-and-gold-gangs-of-the-wild-west-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/lead-and-gold-gangs-of-the-wild-west-preview/#comments

Multiplayer first-person shooters are a dime a dozen lately, meaning Lead & Gold: Gangs of the Wild West has a lot to prove for itself. The gameplay is definitely fun, but it's clear that its main selling point is the format. As a downloadable game (confirmed for PC, planned for XBLA and PSN), it's one of the most polished multiplayer shooter experiences available in the space.

Priced at $15, Paradox Interactive's shooter is competing against the likes of Battlefield 1943. Like DICE's shooter, the production values are impressive and highlight by colorful, animated visuals. The style is reminiscent of Team Fortress 2, with the characters donning an almost psuedo-cel shaded look. Combined with the Wild West theme, it can oftentimes look identical to Valve's shooter.

Of course, there are far worse places to look for inspiration. In many ways, the gameplay is also similar to Team Fortress 2. There are four classes for players to choose from, and each features distinct and valuable traits. The primary difference between the four classes is their range: some classes are equipped with shotguns, best for short range fighting, while the requisite sniper is obviously equipped to handle long distances. Beyond their weapons, each class is equipped with a special ability. One can throw dynamite, while another can "mark" an enemy. (Marked enemies take twice the normal rate of damage.)

Gallery: Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West

Continue reading Hands-on: Lead & Gold: Gangs of the Wild West

Hands-on: Lead & Gold: Gangs of the Wild West originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2010hands-onlead-and-goldlead-and-gold-gangs-of-the-wild-westMicrosoftxblaXbox-360Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: ModNation Racers PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/modnation-racers-psp-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/modnation-racers-psp-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/modnation-racers-psp-preview/#comments

The PSP has become home to a growing number of PS3 ports, from Super Stardust to LittleBigPlanet, but rarely has a portable rendition of a PS3 game remained so faithful to the original as ModNation Racers on PSP. (Well, perhaps with the exception of PixelJunk Monsters.) ModNation Racers is launching simultaneously on PSP and PS3, and unlike many previous cross-platform titles, this racer loses almost nothing in its portable conversion.

The career mode is nearly identical on both platforms, even featuring the same CG animated cutscenes in both. The much-touted creation tools also make an appearance on the PSP, allowing you to create and share levels rather easily. And most importantly, unlike LittleBigPlanet, ModNation Racers retains multiplayer options, offering both Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure connections.

Even the control schemes between the two platforms feel nearly identical. The PSP version also uses the R-button for acceleration, just like its big console counterpart. It makes sense, but for some reason, I expected the handheld to use the X-button for gas, and Mario Kart players may need some time to adjust; especially considering ModNation's very different drift mechanic.

Continue reading Hands-on: ModNation Racers PSP

Hands-on: ModNation Racers PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2010hands-onmodnation-racersmodnation-racers-pspWed, 17 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Dante's Inferno: The Trials of St. Lucia (DLC)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/dantes-inferno-the-trials-of-st-lucia-dlc-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/dantes-inferno-the-trials-of-st-lucia-dlc-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/dantes-inferno-the-trials-of-st-lucia-dlc-preview/#comments

If there's one thing Dante's Inferno lacked, it was originality. Lacking the "holy sh-" impact of God of War III, Visceral Games' hack-n-slash felt incredibly pedestrian. That changes with "The Trials of St. Lucia," an upcoming premium DLC pack that introduces the game's first bit of originality.

The DLC add-on is made up of three new features: online co-op, user generated trials, and St. Lucia, a new playable character inspired by Christianity's Saint Lucy. Like Dante, Visceral's reimagining of her character is rather far-off from biblical canon. The playable martyr looks like an angel, and dons a move set that's completely unique from Dante's. (The differences between the two characters are comparable to those between Dante and Nero from Devil May Cry 4.)

The basics of her offensive powers are familiar: light and heavy attacks, and grabs. However, St. Lucia also has the ability to fly. Flight enables a brand new move set for players. I was able to quickly fly to the other side of a comabt arena, sweep multiple enemies, and then slam one of the larger enemies with a quick combo. The new flight dynamic is a lot of fun and, because St. Lucia's controls are so similar to those of Dante, it's easy to pick up and play.

Gallery: Dante's Inferno: The Trials of St. Lucia

Continue reading Hands-on: Dante's Inferno: The Trials of St. Lucia (DLC)

Hands-on: Dante's Inferno: The Trials of St. Lucia (DLC) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dantes-infernodlchands-onMicrosoftmultiplayerpsnrelease-datethe-trials-of-st-luciavisceral-gamesxblmXbox-360xbox-liveTue, 16 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Risk Factions (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/hands-on-risk-factions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/hands-on-risk-factions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/hands-on-risk-factions/#comments

I have an admission to make: I haven't played the original Risk board game. For hardcore fans of the game, that fact alone may discredit my opinion. However, after playing the upcoming XBLA adaptation, I wish I had discovered the board game sooner.

Risk Factions looks and feels like a Penny Arcade game: the art style is similar, and the writing is just as irreverent. As evidenced by the shorts released by EA so far, the world of Factions is animated (in more ways than one). The Colonel, who's fully aware that he's in a game, is one of the funniest characters I've seen in recent memory. Knowing his audience well, he promised that if I kept playing, I'd see tons of nudity in the game. (An EA representative hurriedly reminded me that it was just a joke, though.)

While Factions will allow players to play classic style Risk, newcomers will undoubtedly want to play through the main campaign first. The campaign does a good job of easing players into the basic rules of the game, and offers shorter, focused, objective-based challenges to conquer. The level I played didn't take place all over the globe: instead, it was a rather small map comprised of about a dozen tiles. One tile offered occupation of a missile silo, allowing you to launch a devastating area-wide attack against enemies.

Gallery: Risk: Factions

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Hands-on: Risk Factions (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artshands-onMicrosoftriskrisk-factionsxblaXbox-360Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: PlayStation Move's Slider]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/hands-on-playstation-moves-slider/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/hands-on-playstation-moves-slider/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/hands-on-playstation-moves-slider/#comments

Don't get too excited, folks. This isn't a game adaptation of a popular sci-fi series. Slider is one of the first PlayStation Move-enabled games to come out Sony's Japan Studios. It's also a perfect example of a game that's significantly hampered by uninspired motion control design.

Slider certainly has a lot of charm. You play as a business man (or woman) on the run from the Japanese mafia. In typically zany Japanese games logic, your escape vehicle of choice is random office furniture. The quirky concept is very reminiscent of Incredible Crisis, a PS1 minigame collection that also featured a race with furniture. A Sony producer told us that he was proud of the comparisons.

Unfortunately, thanks to poor implementation of motion controls, Slider just isn't as good. Waggling the controller propels your character forward. To jump or duck, you need to thrust your controller upward or downward. Yes, moving forward, up and down all involve nearly identical motions, making for an imprecise and rather frustrating control experience. Every time our character failed to make a boost, or turn, or jump, or duck, we couldn't help but think, "Is this supposed to be fun?" Perhaps it's my innate lack of gaming skill, but I highly doubt casual gamers would be able to pick this up and play with any ease.

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Hands-on: PlayStation Move's Slider originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onincredible-crisisjapan-studiomoveplaystation-movesliderTue, 16 Mar 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Star Wars: The Old Republic's Trooper class]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/hands-on-star-wars-the-old-republics-trooper-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/hands-on-star-wars-the-old-republics-trooper-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/hands-on-star-wars-the-old-republics-trooper-class/#comments

Click to Jabba-size

LucasArts and BioWare have thus far released information for their upcoming MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic, at a painfully slow pace -- the same goes for the hands-on opportunities they've offered us over the past year. When we finished our demo of the game at GDC, we were still left with a number of the same questions we had when we checked out the game back in December: Will there be space combat? What community features will be available? Can we build our own sentient, wise-cracking droids which secretly possess hearts of gold (and tin)?

Alas, these questions remain unanswered. However, our GDC demo did clarify one hang-up we've been concerned about since the game was announced: Why would anyone play as a non-Force user? The answer is now clear. It's because the Galactic Republic's Trooper class is awesome.

Gallery: Star Wars: The Old Republic (Trooper)

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Hands-on: Star Wars: The Old Republic's Trooper class originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaregdc-2010hands-onlucasartsmmommorpgstar-wars-the-old-republicthe-old-republictrooperMon, 15 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: The Path of Go (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/hands-on-the-path-of-go-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/hands-on-the-path-of-go-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/hands-on-the-path-of-go-xbla/#comments

Ready to frustrate yourself forever? Learn the game of Go. It's an ancient Chinese game that's over four thousand years old, and games can last up to 16 hours in tournaments. Sounds just perfect for an adaptation into the frenetic world of video games, right?! Well, your wish is granted. The Path of Go or How We Came Up With A Proprietary Name For The Public Domain Game of Go is being developed in-house by Microsoft at the likewise excitingly named Microsoft Research Cambridge division.

We played the game briefly at GDC, and it's actually very robust. It includes a tutorial where your avatar has some faux back and forth dialogue with an ancient Go master, in which he really does teach you the game. I tried reading an old instruction manual for a set of Go I found at a thrift shop once, and was so confused by terms like "ko" and proper stone placement that I just re-thrifted the set. Now, I'm ready to take on Russell Crowe in A Beautiful Mind and kick his ass.

Additionally, the game features single player or two player both locally and through Xbox Live, multiple backgrounds, and full 3D environments where you can control the camera. There's also an actual story mode in here, where you learn the nuances of the game in "beat the situation" scenarios while heading down a path. The ... wait for it ... Path of Go.

Gallery: The Path of Go (XBLA)

Hands-on: The Path of Go (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameGDC-2010Gohands-onMicrosoftmicrosoft-researchmicrosoft-research-cambridgethe-path-of-goXBLAXbox-360Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Split/Second]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/hands-on-split-second/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/hands-on-split-second/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/hands-on-split-second/#comments

"Split/Second is like Burnout, except the world around you is the thing that gets smashed into bits." - Joystiq's E3 preview

I had the fortune of spending about an hour with Black Rock's upcoming, destruction-laden Split/Second, and, like Xav before me, I had a total blast (sorry about the pun, folks). The idea of using the environment as a weapon is a novel twist, keeping racers on their toes throughout the entire race. Stay vigilant, or else a helicopter might just drop an explosive on top of you. (That actually happened to me, folks.)

While I was equally impressed by the much-touted dynamic environments of the racer, having so much time with the game let me appreciate some of the finer nuances of the gameplay. I only had three vehicles to choose from, but each controlled differently and highlighted the various strategies players could employ during races. I was most skilled with the lightweight car, thanks to its maneuverability and speedy acceleration. The handling was a bit loose, especially when drifting -- but that proves to be an advantage, as I found myself able to build up my power meter with relative ease.

Gallery: Split/Second (GDC 2010)

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Hands-on: Split/Second originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rock-studioshands-onMicrosoftpreviewsplit-secondsplit-second-velocityXbox-360Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Nintendo DSi XL]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/hands-on-nintendo-dsi-xl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/hands-on-nintendo-dsi-xl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/hands-on-nintendo-dsi-xl/#comments

[Left to right: DSi XL, DSi, DS Phat]

Perhaps it was no coincidence that Nintendo stopped by New York City to show off the Nintendo DSi XL, one day after Apple made its not-so-earth-shattering iPad announcement. Like the iPad, the DSi XL is a larger version of an already successful handheld device, but unlike the iPad, the DSi XL promises no added functionality, nor does it alter the electronics landscape in any way. It is, quite succinctly, a bigger DSi.

One can't help but question why the device exists in the first place. To whom does the DSi XL appeal? Certainly, its gargantuan size makes it stand out as the least portable handheld system we've seen in quite some time, taking a completely opposite approach to that of Sony's PSP Go. Thanks to its larger screen size, it takes up even more space than the original DS Phat -- strange, considering one of the primary complaints held against the Phat was its unwieldy girth.

What the XL excels at (sorry!) are games that require extensive use of the stylus. The massive stylus that's included with the system is easy to handle, making earlier stylus pens feel cheap and flimsy. The larger screen real estate makes it easier to draw on the system, perfect for intense Pictochat sessions or a round with WarioWare DIY.

Gallery: Nintendo DSi XL

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Hands-on: Nintendo DSi XL originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSdsi-xlhands-onnintendonintendo-dsnintendo-dsi-xlThu, 25 Feb 2010 00:01:00 EST