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[House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut 'Carnival' trailer is surprisingly tame]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-carnival-trailer-is-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-carnival-trailer-is-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-carnival-trailer-is-s/#comments
We know, we couldn't believe it either! The trailer for House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut's new Carnival stage doesn't drop a single F-bomb. Not a-one. Unless, of course, you consider "fabulous" to be an F-bomb, because it does slip that one in there.

JoystiqHouse of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut 'Carnival' trailer is surprisingly tame originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headstrong-gamesplaystationps3segaThe-House-of-the-Dead-Overkillthe-house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cutWed, 19 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[HOTD: Overkill Extended Cut's second bonus chapter looks really gross]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/hotd-overkill-extended-cuts-second-bonus-chapter-looks-really/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/hotd-overkill-extended-cuts-second-bonus-chapter-looks-really/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/hotd-overkill-extended-cuts-second-bonus-chapter-looks-really/#comments We kinda get why the game's been banned in Australia now -- the near-nude, skinless zombies are tough to look at. Good thing we'll get to shoot them right off the screen!

Sega's revealed the second location for the Extended Cut bonus chapters in House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut, dubbed "Creeping Flesh" (the first was "Naked Terror"). Side story protags Candy and Varla must shoot their way through a slaughterhouse that has been taken over by "a meaty disease of sorts," Sega's David Bruno revealed in a post on the PlayStation Blog. There's also a boss with a giant meat cleaver named Meat Katie, who's half Katie, half cow. We're having a hard time seeing the cow in the image above.

Gallery: The House of the Dead: Overkill - Extended Cut (8/31/11)

JoystiqHOTD: Overkill Extended Cut's second bonus chapter looks really gross originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creeping-fleshheadstrong-gamesmoveplaystationplaystation-moveps3segaThe-House-of-the-Dead-OverkillThu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[House of the Dead Overkill 'Extended Cut' refused classification in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-refused-classification/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-refused-classification/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-refused-classification/#comments The new content in the "Extended Cut" of The House of the Dead: Overkill has resulted in the game itself being cut from Australian release. The Classification Board has refused classification of the PS3 update of the Wii game. The R18 rating has yet to go into effect, meaning that material considered too "adult" is still refused classification.

The original potty-mouthed zombie shooting game was released in Australia in 2009, though there was some controversy at the time about the rating lacking notification about the vast, prolific use of profane language. Perhaps, then, it's not that this version is much more objectionable -- it could just be that the board wasn't paying close enough attention the last time.

We've contacted both Sega and the Classification Board to learn more about the (expletive) situation.

JoystiqHouse of the Dead Overkill 'Extended Cut' refused classification in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacensorshipclassification-boardheadstrong-gamesplaystationplaystation-moveps3The-House-of-the-Dead-OverkillTue, 23 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[House of the Dead: Overkill 'Naked Terror' screens are fortunately clothed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/house-of-the-dead-overkill-naked-terror-screens-are-fortunate/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/house-of-the-dead-overkill-naked-terror-screens-are-fortunate/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/house-of-the-dead-overkill-naked-terror-screens-are-fortunate/#comments We were a little ... unsettled by the revelation that one of House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut's new levels, "Naked Terror," had a high likelihood of zombie nudity. Fortunately, the first batch of screens for the stage features only tasteful, partial zombie nudity. Which is still kind of rough.

Continue reading House of the Dead: Overkill 'Naked Terror' screens are fortunately clothed

JoystiqHouse of the Dead: Overkill 'Naked Terror' screens are fortunately clothed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headstrong-gamesplaystationplaystation-moveps3segaThe-House-of-the-Dead-OverkillTue, 02 Aug 2011 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut trailer is wall-to-wall impropriety]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-trailer-is-wall-to-wall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-trailer-is-wall-to-wall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-trailer-is-wall-to-wall/#comments
"May contain content inappropriate for children," warns the ESRB at the beginning of this House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut trailer. Well, let us get rid of any suspense you may have about the existence of inappropriate content. It's all inappropriate.

JoystiqHouse of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut trailer is wall-to-wall impropriety originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headstrong-gamesmoveplaystationplaystation-moveps3segaThe-House-of-the-Dead-Overkillthe-house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cutThu, 21 Jul 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What's been extended in House of the Dead Overkill's Extended Cut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/whats-been-extended-in-house-of-the-dead-overkills-extended-cu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/whats-been-extended-in-house-of-the-dead-overkills-extended-cu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/whats-been-extended-in-house-of-the-dead-overkills-extended-cu/#comments Sega posted a bit of an infodump to the PlayStation Blog about the upcoming 3D, HD House of the Dead: Overkill port. The changes go beyond the graphics and the relative glowiness of the controller -- there's actually a list of alterations made to the "extended cut."

Those changes include two new levels not found on Wii, a "new baby mutant type" and a new crossbow weapon. In addition, all of the boss fights have been "improved," and the "Mother" boss fight has been extended. Even the cutscenes have been redone with new motion capture.

There are also a couple of new modes: "Hardcore Mode," which forces you to perform headshots to kill enemies, and "Classic Mode," which gives you only the AMS Magnum. Overkill's Extended Cut will reach into retail in North America on October 25.

JoystiqWhat's been extended in House of the Dead Overkill's Extended Cut originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headstrong-gameshouse-of-the-dead-overkillplaystationplaystation-moveps3segaThe-House-of-the-Dead-Overkillthe-house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cutThu, 14 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut brings 3D cussin' to PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/the-house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-brings-3d-cussin-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/the-house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-brings-3d-cussin-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/the-house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-brings-3d-cussin-t/#comments Finally, Sega has something for those of you who love both the PlayStation Move and the f-word. Today, the publisher announced a new PS3 version of the Wii's utterly vulgar House of the Dead: Overkill, which adds ... you know, the usual PS3 stuff: Move support and 3D.

It also adds "two brand-new scenarios," offering even more opportunities for Agent G, Detective Washington and pretty much everyone else to scream obscenities at you as they shoot at zombies in a B-movie version of Louisiana. Maybe it can reclaim the record!

The Extended Cut will be out in North America on October effing 25, and in Europe three effing days later, just in time for Halloween! Play it nice and loud, and keep those kids away from your house.

Gallery: The House of the Dead: Overkill - Extended Cut (PS3)

JoystiqThe House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut brings 3D cussin' to PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dheadstrong-gamesplaystationplaystation-moveps3q4-2011release-datesegathe-house-of-the-dead-overkillthe-house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cutFri, 27 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Confused Joystiq writer immortalized in Art Academy promotion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/confused-joystiq-writer-immortalized-in-art-academy-promotion/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/confused-joystiq-writer-immortalized-in-art-academy-promotion/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/confused-joystiq-writer-immortalized-in-art-academy-promotion/#commentsThe review copy of Art Academy sent to me by Nintendo included a bit of example art saved in its gallery. Specifically, this portrait.

Continue reading Confused Joystiq writer immortalized in Art Academy promotion

JoystiqConfused Joystiq writer immortalized in Art Academy promotion originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-academydsheadstrong-gamesnintendowhatWed, 20 Oct 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aragorn's Quest launch trailer shows the adorable forces of Sauron]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/aragorns-quest-launch-trailer-shows-the-adorable-forces-of-saur/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/aragorns-quest-launch-trailer-shows-the-adorable-forces-of-saur/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/aragorns-quest-launch-trailer-shows-the-adorable-forces-of-saur/#comments Much of the launch trailer for Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest attempts to instill potential players with fear of Sauron's expansive, evil army. That goal probably would have been easier to achieve if we didn't want to scoop each of them up in our arms, and pinch their adorable wittle cheeks.

Continue reading Aragorn's Quest launch trailer shows the adorable forces of Sauron

JoystiqAragorn's Quest launch trailer shows the adorable forces of Sauron originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsheadstrong-gamesLord-of-the-Rings-Aragorns-QuestnintendoWarner-Bros-InteractivewiiWed, 15 Sep 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[John Rhys-Davies, Sean Astin sign up for Aragorn's Quest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/john-rhys-davies-sean-astin-sign-up-for-aragorns-quest/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/john-rhys-davies-sean-astin-sign-up-for-aragorns-quest/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/john-rhys-davies-sean-astin-sign-up-for-aragorns-quest/#comments There's nothing quite like John Rhys-Davies getting into a voice acting role on camera to cap off a week. Sure, him and fellow voiceover actor for Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest Sean Astin talk about the game a bit, but we're much more entertained by Rhys-Davies' proclamation that "Behind every Aragorn, there's a dwarf!" See for yourself after the break.

Continue reading John Rhys-Davies, Sean Astin sign up for Aragorn's Quest

JoystiqJohn Rhys-Davies, Sean Astin sign up for Aragorn's Quest originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsheadstrong-gamesLord-of-the-Rings-Aragorns-Questmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3tt-fusionwarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewiixboxFri, 10 Sep 2010 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Art Academy in session on DS October 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/art-academy-in-session-on-ds-october-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/art-academy-in-session-on-ds-october-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/art-academy-in-session-on-ds-october-25/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nintendo is bundling its two DSiWare Art Academy apps, developed by Headstrong Games (yes, that Headstrong Games) into a single cartridge, for budding artists who appreciate beautiful objects like DS cartridges. Art Academy features all the lessons from both downloadable releases, new "Mini Lessons" and 80 selectable "motifs" (reference pictures). It'll be in stores October 25 for $20.

Nintendo announced this with the above picture, drawn in-game by Nintendo PR coordinator Krysta Yang. A recent ad for the European release shows more of what the app can do. Or, more accurately, what can be done with the app by someone who can actually draw. Luckily, it's designed to teach people to draw!

Continue reading Art Academy in session on DS October 25

JoystiqArt Academy in session on DS October 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artart-academydsHeadstrong-Gamesnintendorelease-dateWed, 04 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest makes 'Move' to PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/lord-of-the-rings-aragorns-quest-makes-move-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/lord-of-the-rings-aragorns-quest-makes-move-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/lord-of-the-rings-aragorns-quest-makes-move-to-ps3/#comments
[Wii version]
Warner Bros. Interactive has revealed that, in addition to the previously announced PS2, PSP, DS and Wii releases, it's putting Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest on PS3 -- with PlayStation Move support. The kid-friendly LOTR game will now be released this fall (delayed again!) on all five platforms, with the Wii version developed by Headstrong Games (yes, that Headstrong Games) and the others by TT Fusion. Of course, the Wii and PS3 versions will be the only ones with motion control, and they will also be the only versions featuring two-player co-op (with the second player controlling Gandalf).

The PS3 version won't be an exact port of the Wii one, but it's the same idea -- a game for which the Wii was originally the lead platform, now spreading to the PS3 thanks to the existence of a very Wii-like motion controller. It may be the first, but this is definitely not the last time we'll see this!

JoystiqLord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest makes 'Move' to PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aragorns-questdelaysDSfall-2010headstrong-gameslord-of-the-ringsLord-of-the-Rings-Aragorns-Questmotion-controlNintendoplaystation-moverelease-datett-fusionwarner-bros-interactivewbieWiiThu, 11 Mar 2010 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[New trailer reminds us that LOTR: Aragorn's Quest exists]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/new-trailer-reminds-us-that-lotr-aragorns-quest-exists/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/new-trailer-reminds-us-that-lotr-aragorns-quest-exists/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/new-trailer-reminds-us-that-lotr-aragorns-quest-exists/#commentsFor the first time since the announcement of the game's burial in the first quarter of 2010, WBIE has released new media for The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest. In case you've forgotten about the upcoming Wii/DS/PS2/PSP action-RPG, it's a kid-friendly game starring a cuddly incarnation of Viggo Mortensen's Aragorn -- and, in the Wii version, an equally huggable Gandalf (for a second player to handle).

It seems that, even though you're in the middle of a war and hacking up thousands of monsters, the game's been approved for kids because your avatar has big feet.

JoystiqNew trailer reminds us that LOTR: Aragorn's Quest exists originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurearagorns-questDSheadstrong-gameslord-of-the-ringsLord-of-the-Rings-Aragorns-QuestNintendorpgtrailerwarner-bros-interactiveWBIEWiiWed, 16 Dec 2009 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The House of the Dead: Underpriced at Newegg]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/the-house-of-the-dead-underpriced-at-newegg/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/the-house-of-the-dead-underpriced-at-newegg/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/the-house-of-the-dead-underpriced-at-newegg/#commentsIf you like film grain effects, shooting zombies, and getting cursed at, but you haven't picked up The House of the Dead: Overkill yet, this deal from Newegg is exactly what you've been waiting for. The online retailer has marked the game down to $12.99 (with free shipping).

Be warned, there really is a lot of cursing. Even the first 15 minutes of the game sounds like someone stepped on Samuel L. Jackson's foot. That's what that M rating is about. Well, that and all the disgusting dead people exploding and stuff.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqThe House of the Dead: Underpriced at Newegg originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealheadstrong-gameshouse-of-the-dead-overkillneweggrail-shootersegaTue, 10 Nov 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Aragorn's Quest bumped to most popular release quarter of all time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/aragorns-quest-bumped-to-most-popular-release-quarter-of-all-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/aragorns-quest-bumped-to-most-popular-release-quarter-of-all-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/aragorns-quest-bumped-to-most-popular-release-quarter-of-all-ti/#comments A recent Warner Bros. press release has revealed the cuteified Lord of the Rings RPG Aragorn's Quest will follow the example of a number of big-name titles, moving from its inital launch window of fall 2009 into spring 2010. Based on the screenshots we've seen from the game, we're guessing they accidentally used up all the color in the world, and are now scrambling to find new sources of brilliant hues.

We worried that this adorable adventure might get swept away in the burgeoning first quarter of next year, as it's set to face off with some extremely hyped, sometimes jetpack-equipped giants. However, it's filling the somewhat uninhabited niche of "family-friendly co-op RPGs set in a colorful, pint-sized reimagination of a historically bleak and robust fantasy world," so, you know. It might do okay.

JoystiqAragorn's Quest bumped to most popular release quarter of all time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aragornaragorns-questdelaysDSheadstrong-gameslord-of-the-ringsLord-of-the-Rings-Aragorns-QuestNintendorpgtolkientt-fusionwarner-brosWBIEWiiWed, 12 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[House of the Dead: Overkill shambling off Amazon for $20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/house-of-the-dead-overkill-shambling-off-amazon-for-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/house-of-the-dead-overkill-shambling-off-amazon-for-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/house-of-the-dead-overkill-shambling-off-amazon-for-20/#comments
Looking for an excuse to pick up the already cheap (and awesome) House of the Dead: Overkill? Amazon has got you covered, as Sega's ill-fated yet profitable zombie blaster is the latest Deal of the Day. These babies are priced to move at a mere $20. If you've been hankering for some decent, co-op undead action, you'd be hard-pressed to do much better.

Be warned though. While one would certainly think a zombie shooting spree would be fun for the whole family, Overkill is not for the kids. Turns out there are just a few swear words in there.

JoystiqHouse of the Dead: Overkill shambling off Amazon for $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealsheadstrongheadstrong-gameshouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkillsegaThu, 23 Jul 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[House of the Dead: Overkill stirs up trouble down under]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/house-of-the-dead-overkill-stirs-up-trouble-down-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/house-of-the-dead-overkill-stirs-up-trouble-down-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/house-of-the-dead-overkill-stirs-up-trouble-down-under/#comments
We all know how much swearing there is in House of the Dead: Overkill. There's a world record-setting amount. For some reason, though, the game has no warning about said language in its Australian classification of "MA15+ Strong Horror Violence" -- and some people are understandably upset. Do the people responsible for classifying games down under even play them?

Pro Family Perspective director, Angela Conway, is leading the charge against Sega's game, calling for research into the impact of violent video games on players. She says players will be affected by the amount of "sexually aggressive violence and aggressively violent language" found in the game. Wait, what? We think she got her adjectives mixed up. Shouldn't it be sexually aggressive language and aggressively violent violence? That doesn't sound right either ...

Source - House of the Dead: Overkill lacks language warning
Source - Australian watchdog group protests House of the Dead: Overkill rating

JoystiqHouse of the Dead: Overkill stirs up trouble down under originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacursingcussingfoul-languageheadstrong-gameshouse-of-the-dead-overkillNintendoozsegashooterWiiThu, 19 Mar 2009 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[House of the Dead: Overkill has most swearing ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/house-of-the-dead-overkill-has-most-swearing-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/house-of-the-dead-overkill-has-most-swearing-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/house-of-the-dead-overkill-has-most-swearing-ever/#comments
Well, f**k yeah! Though it may not be the sales record we were hoping for, the absolutely G** ***n awesome House of the Dead: Overkill has made it to the top of a list. It's just been honored by Guinness World Records as having the most profanity of any game ever. 189 "f**ks". Count 'em.

Here's hoping some of you mother f*****g sons of b*****s actually get out there and buy the G** ***n game for f**k's sake. So p****ing help us, if that r***er isn't on the j**ing sales chart, we're going to take a giant n***b all over you faces. El S****, if you will.

JoystiqHouse of the Dead: Overkill has most swearing ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guinnessheadstrong-gameshouse-of-the-dead-overkillNintendooverkillsegaWiiMon, 16 Mar 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[House of the Dead: Overkill devs interested in making new Virtua Cop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/house-of-the-dead-overkill-devs-interested-in-making-new-virtua/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/house-of-the-dead-overkill-devs-interested-in-making-new-virtua/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/house-of-the-dead-overkill-devs-interested-in-making-new-virtua/#commentsFiled under: ,


Listen, we're for the advancement of realism and ethical dialogue in video games just as much as the next ludo-snob, but we can't help but miss the good old days when justice -- sweet, unwavering justice -- was dealt from the glassy tip of a Light Gun. Imagine our delight when we heard tell that Headstrong Games, developer of the overcompensating peripheral-packing zombie shooter House of the Dead: Overkill, had expressed interest in revitalizing another of Sega's classic franchises: Virtua Cop.

When pressed in a recent interview with Cubed3, Overkill producer Neil McEwen explained that Headstrong Games would "love to do Virtua Cop or another light gun game for Sega." According to McEwen, the collaboration began when Sega approached the developer with the hopes of working together on one of Sega's franchises. They ultimately settled on House of the Dead, but should the relationship continue, we might just see the return of everyone's favorite destruction-prone pair of virtual flatfeet.

JoystiqHouse of the Dead: Overkill devs interested in making new Virtua Cop originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headstrong-gameshouse-of-the-dead-overkillNintendovirtua-copWiiWed, 18 Feb 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[House of the DIY: Make your own Overkill wallpaper]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/house-of-the-diy-make-your-own-overkill-wallpaper/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/house-of-the-diy-make-your-own-overkill-wallpaper/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/house-of-the-diy-make-your-own-overkill-wallpaper/#commentsFiled under: ,

Even if you're already playing The House of the Dead: Overkill today, we suggest you take a few minutes off from clicking the Wiimote at zombies and click the mouse at them instead.

Overkill Poster Creator, Sega's new promotional site for Headstrong Games' spinoff, is an online tool that lets users arrange official backgrounds, art, and slogans into a wallpaper image, which is then made available for download in three different sizes. All the art assets can be resized, and everything can have separate filters applied, all from a simple Flash interface.

The image above is our humble effort, made in about five minutes. It wouldn't even have taken that long, except we kept trying to make funny ones and they kept coming out cool. We eventually just gave up on trying to subvert the thing and made one we actually like.

[Via GayGamer]

JoystiqHouse of the DIY: Make your own Overkill wallpaper originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headstrong-gameshouse-of-the-dead-overkillsegawallpaperWed, 11 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Looking at what makes House of the Dead: Overkill so unique]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/looking-at-what-makes-house-of-the-dead-overkill-so-unique/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/looking-at-what-makes-house-of-the-dead-overkill-so-unique/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/looking-at-what-makes-house-of-the-dead-overkill-so-unique/#comments
In the third part (see part one and part two, if you're playing catch up) of this behind-the-scenes series, we're getting to the heart of what makes House of the Dead: Overkill such a unique experience. The folks at Headstrong Games talk about the 70's films and musical inspirations of the era that helped give Overkill its style. Jump past the break to watch the video and see for yourself.

Continue reading Looking at what makes House of the Dead: Overkill so unique

JoystiqLooking at what makes House of the Dead: Overkill so unique originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headstrong-gameshouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkillon-railsshootervideosMon, 02 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[House of the Dead devs on Overkill's story, zombie appropriateness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/house-of-the-dead-devs-on-overkills-story-zombie-appropriatene/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/house-of-the-dead-devs-on-overkills-story-zombie-appropriatene/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/house-of-the-dead-devs-on-overkills-story-zombie-appropriatene/#commentsFiled under:


Headstrong Games could have chosen to make The House of the Dead: Overkill pretty much on autopilot. Gun goes here, zombies go here, here's a village, and ... cue monotone Engrish exposition. And it would have been awesome! But Headstrong has actually put some thought into the setting and story, meshing characters and elements of the classic series (like Agent G of "G's bloodstains!" fame) with a totally new story and feel.

Headstrong discusses the development of the game's story and locations in a video after the break. We especially like seeing how much attention was paid to creating different zombie designs appropriate to each game's location, if only because about 90% people's attention in the game will be directed at the zombal component.

Continue reading House of the Dead devs on Overkill's story, zombie appropriateness

JoystiqHouse of the Dead devs on Overkill's story, zombie appropriateness originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headstrong-gameshouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkillrail-shootersegashootingThu, 29 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An Overkill Primer: Pre-order House of the Dead, get prologue comic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/an-overkill-primer-pre-order-house-of-the-dead-get-prologue-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/an-overkill-primer-pre-order-house-of-the-dead-get-prologue-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/an-overkill-primer-pre-order-house-of-the-dead-get-prologue-co/#commentsFiled under:


You wouldn't think the House of the Dead series would need a lengthy explanation, but Sega disagrees. Pre-ordering The House of The Dead: Overkill nets gamers a 32-page comic book, illustrated by Steve Copter of punk-band 'Black Mekon' fame. Available in traditional paper form at GameStop or digitally from Amazon, the comic stars Overkill protagonist Agent Washington and stripper-extraordinaire Varla Gunns, and details events that occur just before the start of the upcoming game. Here we thought the only explanation needed with House of the Dead was: "Shoot everything that isn't you ... and don't accidentally shoot any survivors."

JoystiqAn Overkill Primer: Pre-order House of the Dead, get prologue comic originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headstrong-gameshouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkillnintendo-wiipre-ordersegasteve-copterwiiTue, 27 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How does one make a House of the Dead?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/how-does-one-make-a-house-of-the-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/how-does-one-make-a-house-of-the-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/how-does-one-make-a-house-of-the-dead/#commentsFiled under:


With a lot of bodies.

In all seriousness, Gamekyo has uploaded a nice behind-the-scenes video for Sega's upcoming on-rails shooter, House of the Dead: Overkill. Among the usual things one finds in these types of videos (pillow fights, for example) are gameplay snippets and poignant gaming discussion from the dev behind the game. The folks behind the scenes say a lot of the right things: "You don't want to offend the fans of the series," and "Gamers are gamers, it doesn't matter where you come from, shoot a mutant in the face and it's great." Truth. Head past the break for the video.

[Via press release]

Continue reading How does one make a House of the Dead?

JoystiqHow does one make a House of the Dead? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headstrong-gameshouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkillon-railssegashooterTue, 27 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Overkill tells us a story in latest trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/overkill-tells-us-a-story-in-latest-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/overkill-tells-us-a-story-in-latest-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/overkill-tells-us-a-story-in-latest-trailer/#commentsFiled under:


Sega of Europe has unleashed a new trailer for House of the Dead: Overkill focusing on the story behind the on-rails shooter. It has appropriate levels of zombie carnage, as well as G himself, doing what he does best. Who can turn down anything to do with G? Not us, that's for sure! Check out the video above, then head into our gallery to see those new screens you may have missed from earlier in the week.

JoystiqOverkill tells us a story in latest trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headstrongheadstrong-gameshouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkillon-railon-railson-rails-shootersegashooterstoryFri, 23 Jan 2009 11:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: The Gun of the Dead: Overseas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/wii-warm-up-the-gun-of-the-dead-overseas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/wii-warm-up-the-gun-of-the-dead-overseas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/wii-warm-up-the-gun-of-the-dead-overseas/#commentsFiled under:

So Sega is releasing an unbelievably awesome gun shell for use with The House of the Dead: Overkill ... in Europe and Australia. No word yet on the US. The Aussie version even (optionally) comes packaged with two of the things!

We can't imagine it would make a difference, but if you're on the fence about Overkill, would the availability of an officially licensed, quite cool-looking accessory push you over the edge? Conversely, does the lack of such an item in the US make you feel somewhat cooler on the title? Or do gun shells just not matter all that much?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: The Gun of the Dead: Overseas originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hand-cannonheadstrong-gameshouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkillsegazapperMon, 19 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official House of the Dead: Overkill Hand Cannon: shoot like G does]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/official-house-of-the-dead-hand-cannon-shoot-like-g-does/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/official-house-of-the-dead-hand-cannon-shoot-like-g-does/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/official-house-of-the-dead-hand-cannon-shoot-like-g-does/#commentsFiled under: ,


House of the Dead: Overkill players in the UK and Australia will have the option to play the game in a distinctly more badass, yet vaguely cosplayer-esque style, should they choose. Sega and peripheral company Venom will release a Wii gun shell modeled after the "Hand Cannons" the AMS agents in the game carry. Amazon.co.uk is taking preorders for the item, to be shipped on February 13 (two weeks before the February 28 date they claim for the game) at a price of £12.99 ($19).

Australian zombie-haters have it even better: NeoGAFfer untoldhero (an accurate name if ever there was one) found a convincingly official-looking retail listing for a "Bang Bang Box" bundle containing the full Collector's Edition of the game, with the special sleeve and the comic book, as well as two Hand Cannons, for $89 AUD ($59 USD). That price has got to be a mistake. We've got a picture after the break of the heartbreakingly awesome package.

Sadly, we've seen nothing about the Hand Cannon in the US. We fear that Sega's deal with Venom doesn't extend out of PAL territories.

Continue reading Official House of the Dead: Overkill Hand Cannon: shoot like G does

JoystiqOfficial House of the Dead: Overkill Hand Cannon: shoot like G does originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hand-cannonheadstrong-gameshouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkilllimited-editionrail-shootersegazapperFri, 16 Jan 2009 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[House of the Dead: Overkill full of unique goals and extras]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/house-of-the-dead-overkill-full-of-unique-goals-and-extras/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/house-of-the-dead-overkill-full-of-unique-goals-and-extras/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/house-of-the-dead-overkill-full-of-unique-goals-and-extras/#commentsFiled under:


1UP recently interviewed some folks behind the scenes of Sega's upcoming shooter, House of the Dead: Overkill. For those of you who can't wait for zombie season like us, they were kind enough to drop another little bit of info about the title that is sure to excite. Within House of the Dead: Overkill, there will be unique challenges that, once completed, will unlock extras in the game.

Sega's producer on the game, Omar Woodley, describes one of the challenges as "gangsta style." See, when you kill 50 zombies while pointing the Wiimote sideways, like a "gangsta," then it unlocks a certain feature. Sadly, Omar wasn't willing to give it up on the feature, but the prospect of other unique challenges such as this does sound fun. Plus, there's the whole killing lots of zombies part of it.

Who else can't wait until February?

JoystiqHouse of the Dead: Overkill full of unique goals and extras originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headstrongheadstrong-gameshouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkillsegashooterzombiesWed, 17 Dec 2008 19:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega bringing the big guns to New York Comic Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/sega-bringing-the-big-guns-to-new-york-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/sega-bringing-the-big-guns-to-new-york-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/sega-bringing-the-big-guns-to-new-york-comic-con/#commentsFiled under:

Click for more screens.

Do you live in the New York area? Want to play The Conduit, MadWorld, and The House of the Dead: Overkill before they release? Well, you might want to head to the New York Comic Con, because Sega is bringing them to the show next year.

The New York Comic Con takes place February 6-8 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. Aside from the AAA titles, Sega also promises "zombie surprises," whatever that is. Disgusting, zombified limbs as souvenirs? We can only hope so.


[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqSega bringing the big guns to New York Comic Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headstrongheadstrong-gameshigh-voltagehigh-voltage-softwarehouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkillmadworldnew-york-comic-conoverkillplatinum-gamessegathe-conduitMon, 15 Dec 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[House of the Dead: Overkill dev not worried about censors, piles on the gore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/house-of-the-dead-overkill-dev-not-worried-about-censors-piles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/house-of-the-dead-overkill-dev-not-worried-about-censors-piles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/house-of-the-dead-overkill-dev-not-worried-about-censors-piles/#commentsFiled under: ,



Censors, be damned! That's more or less the attitude of House of the Dead: Overkill developer Headstrong Games, which has said it won't be compromising the amount of gore in Overkill.

"Sometimes we've gone 'ooh, we shouldn't really do that'," producer Neil McEwen tells CVG, "but then we've gone 'no, hell yes we should'." McEwen reasons that, as nobody is getting exploited, then buckets of claret are justifiable: he suggests the gore will be as "extreme as possible." He also plays the tongue-in-cheek card, though that didn't help MadWorld when the Daily Mail came knocking. Even if censors have already ensured the game won't be released in Germany, we salute McEwen and Headstrong for this carefree attitude. If only other developers and publishers were as bold.

JoystiqHouse of the Dead: Overkill dev not worried about censors, piles on the gore originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controversyheadstrongheadstrong-gameshouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkillsegashootingzapperThu, 06 Nov 2008 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[House of the Dead: Overkill has terror, slaughter, possibly cute horses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/house-of-the-dead-overkill-has-terror-slaughter-possibly-cute/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/house-of-the-dead-overkill-has-terror-slaughter-possibly-cute/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/house-of-the-dead-overkill-has-terror-slaughter-possibly-cute/#commentsFiled under:



And the Halloween-related media onslaught continues, this time with a delicious, gravelly-voiced, grindhousey trailer for The House of the Dead: Overkill. Unsurprisingly, we love this, but it still can't beat the trailer that revealed the game to a breathless world, on account that "You will cry blood from YOUR OWN eyes" is hands down one of the coolest lines ever penned.

Still, if the opening few seconds teach us just one lesson, it is this: this game needs zombie horses, damnit.

JoystiqHouse of the Dead: Overkill has terror, slaughter, possibly cute horses originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headstrongheadstrong-gameshouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkillsegashootingFri, 31 Oct 2008 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The House of the Dead: Overview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/the-house-of-the-dead-overview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/the-house-of-the-dead-overview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/the-house-of-the-dead-overview/#commentsFiled under:


Headstrong Games' The House of the Dead: Overkill is meant to contrast sharply with the rest of the series. According to this Official Nintendo Magazine preview, the '70s horror theme used in the game's promotion and boxart also carries into the game in the form of a scratchy film filter over the graphics. The zombies are also less brightly colored than the semi-cartoony monsters in previous games, instead presented as "frighteningly realistic depictions of normal people brought back to life, even more human-like than the zombies in the Resident Evil games.

Perhaps most frightening for the player is what they've done to reloading. Reloading your gun is still done the same way, but it's not instantaneous any longer. Now when you point offscreen, your character begins to change his clip, leaving him exposed. These guys need to learn the "instant reload" technique from the House of the Dead 2 cast!

JoystiqThe House of the Dead: Overview originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headstrong-gameshouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkillsegashootingWed, 24 Sep 2008 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Details for House of the Dead: Overkill escape Leipzig]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/gc-2008-details-for-house-of-the-dead-overkill-escape/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/gc-2008-details-for-house-of-the-dead-overkill-escape/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/gc-2008-details-for-house-of-the-dead-overkill-escape/#commentsFiled under:


Apparently, one Bradley Crooks, developer at Headstrong Games, revealed to Gamekyo a few details about the upcoming Sega game on every Wii gamers' mind (if it isn't on your brain, then you should get your head checked) during an event at Leipzig. The list is fairly long, so head past the break, where it's all been organized with helpful bullet points.

Continue reading GC 2008: Details for House of the Dead: Overkill escape Leipzig

JoystiqGC 2008: Details for House of the Dead: Overkill escape Leipzig originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-08gdc-2008gdc08headstrongheadstrong-gameshouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkillleipzig-08overkillsegashooterzapperMon, 25 Aug 2008 16:35:00 EST