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[Finnish composer Pulkkinen working on 'unannounced PS4 game']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/finnish-composer-pulkkinen-working-on-unannounced-ps4-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/finnish-composer-pulkkinen-working-on-unannounced-ps4-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/finnish-composer-pulkkinen-working-on-unannounced-ps4-game/#comments Housemarque freelance composer Ari Pulkkinen working on 'unannounced PS4 game'Composer Ari Pulkkinen, known for his work with Finnish developers Housemarque, Rovio and Frozenbyte, is providing the soundtrack and sound design for an "unannounced PS4 game," according to his LinkedIn profile. Under his 'Experience' tab, Pulkkinen says he's also providing soundtracks for an iPad game and PSN game, both also unannounced.

While Pulkkinen's experience is diverse - he's composed soundtracks for several entries in the Angry Birds and Trine series - the majority of his PlayStation-based work has been for Housemarque. Pulkkinen provided the soundtracks for Super Stardust HD, Outland, Dead Nation, and Super Stardust Delta.

Earlier this month, Housemarque responded to a leak of concept art that included Dead Nation 2, as well as tie-ins to Superman and Walking Dead games. In an official statement, the studio said, "As for the artworks on display, they belong to a discarded batch and are not representative of projects we might or might not be working on."

Continue reading Finnish composer Pulkkinen working on 'unannounced PS4 game'

JoystiqFinnish composer Pulkkinen working on 'unannounced PS4 game' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-nation-2europefinlandfrozenbytehousemarqueps4PSNremedy-entertainmentroviosupermanthe-walking-deadMon, 18 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Housemarque's Furmins now has 'free' version]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/03/housemarques-furmins-now-has-free-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/03/housemarques-furmins-now-has-free-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/03/housemarques-furmins-now-has-free-version/#comments
Housemarque's action puzzler Furmins HD now exists as a separate Furmins Free app for iOS devices. The free version includes 108 levels across eight worlds, with the first world open by default.

So, where's the microtransactions? Unlocking worlds will cost 100 stars. The exchange rate for stars is 100 for $0.99 (0.79€ / £0.79). Purchasing 700 stars in a bundle, which by our calculation would unlock the whole game, is $3.99 (2.99€, £1.99).

This is the part where we point out Furmins HD - the pay version - is $2.99, saving you, at a minimum, one dollar if you wish to pursue the free version to its conclusion. However, the free version supports Chinese, Korean, and Japanese localization, so that may be of importance.

Gallery: Furmins (8/24/11)

Continue reading Housemarque's Furmins now has 'free' version

JoystiqHousemarque's Furmins now has 'free' version originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>furminsfurmins-freeHousemarqueiosipadiphonemobileMon, 03 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ring in 5 years of Super Stardust HD with $7.99 bundle on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/ring-in-5-years-of-super-stardust-hd-with-7-99-bundle-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/ring-in-5-years-of-super-stardust-hd-with-7-99-bundle-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/ring-in-5-years-of-super-stardust-hd-with-7-99-bundle-on-psn/#comments Five years have gone by since Super Stardust HD was first released on PlayStation Network, and Housemarque is offering a special sale to mark the occasion. Right now, interested star-dusters can pick up Super Stardust HD and all three of its DLC packs for $7.99.

Sadly, fans of portable blasting seem to be out of luck, as there don't appear to be any deals for the PSP's Super Stardust Portable or the Vita's Super Stardust Delta. Maybe we'll have to wait for the tenth anniversary for those.

JoystiqRing in 5 years of Super Stardust HD with $7.99 bundle on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>housemarqueplaystationps3psnSuper-Stardust-HDWed, 08 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Nation's expansion gets an expansion today with 'Arcade']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/dead-nations-expansion-gets-an-expansion-today-with-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/dead-nations-expansion-gets-an-expansion-today-with-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/dead-nations-expansion-gets-an-expansion-today-with-arcade/#comments Dead Nation's expansion gets an expansion today with 'Arcade'Dead Nation's expansion pack, "Road of Devastation," is about to get a bit less devastating with the addition of the "Arcade" game mode. As the "Road of Devastation" was about surviving against impossible, zombie-filled odds, "Arcade" is about modifying those odds in your favor. That plays out in-game via checkpoint-based revival and the ability to choose a difficulty level (other than "devastating," of course).

The Arcade modification appears to be a free update to Dead Nation, but we won't be sure until PlayStation Network updates later today and the content goes live. The "Road of Devastation" content, however, costs $3.99.

JoystiqDead Nation's expansion gets an expansion today with 'Arcade' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadedead-nationdlcdownloadable-contenthousemarquehousemarque-gamesplaystation-networkpsnroad-of-devastationupdateTue, 26 Jun 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Play.com lists 'Ubisoft Triple Pack,' containing Beyond Good and Evil HD, Outland, From Dust [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/play-com-lists-ubisoft-triple-pack-containing-beyond-good-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/play-com-lists-ubisoft-triple-pack-containing-beyond-good-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/play-com-lists-ubisoft-triple-pack-containing-beyond-good-and/#comments It looks like more downloadable titles will be getting the packaged retail treatment, this time courtesy of Ubisoft. Similar to the various other retail packs we've seen in the past, the "Ubisoft Triple Pack" will contain three previously download-only titles for PS3 and Xbox 360: Beyond Good and Evil HD, Outland and From Dust, according to a listing on Play.com.

Play.com's pre-order price of £14.99 equates to roughly $23, although no listings currently exist for the Triple Pack on any of the usual US retailers' websites. We've contacted Ubisoft for clarification regarding the collection's availability and pricing, but we feel safe in assuming that it'll cost more than $1 and less than $100 million, and that it'll be available in a country somewhere on this specific planet.

Update: Ubisoft has responded in a wholly surprising and remarkably unpredictable fashion: "We have nothing to announce at this time."

JoystiqPlay.com lists 'Ubisoft Triple Pack,' containing Beyond Good and Evil HD, Outland, From Dust [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-good-and-evil-hderic-chahifrom-dustHousemarquemicrosoftoutlandretailubisoftUbisoft-MontpellierUbisoft-Shanghaiubisoft-triple-packxboxFri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a stroll down Dead Nation's 'Road of Devastation' today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/take-a-stroll-down-dead-nations-road-of-devastation-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/take-a-stroll-down-dead-nations-road-of-devastation-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/take-a-stroll-down-dead-nations-road-of-devastation-today/#comments
Housemarque is capitalizing on the audience boost Dead Nation got as a "Welcome Back" game, offering a new DLC package to the recently teeming millions of people who have picked up the top-down zombie shooter.

The "Road to Devastation" DLC pack will be out sometime this afternoon (for $3.99) as part of the weekly PSN update. It puts the player in the role of a genetically engineered zombie killing machine at a literal crossroads. "Before long," designer Petteri Putkonen says on the PlayStation Blog, "you'll find your choices have great meaning, you just might find yourself at the crossroads again, but, that time the road you took has been closed, so you'll make a new decision based on the new weapons, items, money and armor (or perhaps score) you'll have by then."

With the new environment comes some new environmental hazards you can use against zombies. Industrial saws, pools of water that can be electrified, electric fences, and even automatic turrets can be used to make the undead hordes into un-undead hordes.

JoystiqTake a stroll down Dead Nation's 'Road of Devastation' today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-nationdlchousemarqueplaystationps3psnrelease-dateroad-of-devastationTue, 27 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Nation welcomes you back with 'Road of Devastation' DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/dead-nation-welcomes-you-back-with-road-of-devastation-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/dead-nation-welcomes-you-back-with-road-of-devastation-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/dead-nation-welcomes-you-back-with-road-of-devastation-dlc/#comments Thanks to Sony's post-PSNocalypse "Welcome Back" program, Dead Nation went from being a well-reviewed game (we awarded it a 5/5) to a staple in many PS3 gamer's libraries, with "over 3.8 million" players mowing down "over 11,700,000,000" zombies. So while we're nearly a year past this downloadable shooter's release, there's no better time to announce some DLC.

"Road of Devastation" promises "a variety of new tools and equipment" which you'll need to tackle the "new enemies and obstacles you'll encounter in unique new environments." While that all sounds like the usual DLC fare, developer Housemarque teases that Road of Devastation will continue where the original left off ("or, is it actually the other way around ...") -- you wake up in a lab as a product of genetic modification to create the ultimate soldier. Outside the lab you find "a crossroads leading to three different paths, each with their own unique environments, challenges and enemies waiting for you." Only after all that will you "make a startling revelation ..."

We'll be honest, all these elipses have us unsettled. What does it all mean? Is this a prequel in which we discover that humanity's been the cause of the zombie outbreak this whole time? Actually, yeah ... we're pretty sure that's what it is.

Gallery: Dead Nation (Road of Devastation)

JoystiqDead Nation welcomes you back with 'Road of Devastation' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-nationDLCHousemarqueplaystationps3PSNroad-of-devastationTue, 06 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Furmins coming to iOS in freemium and premium versions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/furmins-coming-to-ios-in-freemium-and-premium-versions/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/furmins-coming-to-ios-in-freemium-and-premium-versions/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/furmins-coming-to-ios-in-freemium-and-premium-versions/#comments If you want to pay the bare minimum when it comes to fur-related acquisitions, you'll be pleased to hear that Housemarque is planning a "freemium" version of Furmins, its upcoming creature-preservation puzzler for iOS.

The Dead Nation developer is making it a universal app -- meaning compatibility with iThings of all sizes -- with 12 levels and support for in-app purchases of DLC. The "freemium" version will sit alongside a premium universal app, which contains 40 levels spread across four worlds, and a cheaper iPhone/iPod version.

Your goal in Furmins is to guide the rotund race to every level's exit by placing items and bumpers in their path. Considering their pathetic, momentum-driven nature, it's not a huge surprise to learn that you're saving them from a dehydration-induced extinction. Their enormous ruler has rolled over and accidentally blocked the flow of water in a vital river, it says here.

Gallery: Furmins (8/24/11)

JoystiqFurmins coming to iOS in freemium and premium versions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>furminshousemarqueiosipadiphoneipod-touchmobileWed, 24 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Housemarque bringing Furmins to iOS this autumn]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/housemarque-bringing-furmins-to-ios-this-autumn/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/housemarque-bringing-furmins-to-ios-this-autumn/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/housemarque-bringing-furmins-to-ios-this-autumn/#comments Having dabbled with space rocks, zombies and tribalistic warriors, Housemarque is now crafting Furmins, a game that features that most popular of portable-game species: the adorable, fuzzy critter that would have gone extinct in about five minutes had it existed on Earth.

The Outland developer has released the above teaser video, which depicts Furmins as a physics-oriented puzzle game of sorts, with the titular fur-balls rolling around elaborate courses and bouncing off objects in the environment.

Hmm, perhaps even five minutes is optimistic.

JoystiqHousemarque bringing Furmins to iOS this autumn originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>furminsgamescom-2011housemarqueiosipadiphoneipodmobilerelease-dateFri, 19 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Stardust Delta preview: Tilt to live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/super-stardust-delta-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/super-stardust-delta-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/super-stardust-delta-preview/#comments The first portable variant of Housemarque's stellar twin-stick shooter, Super Stardust, had to make do with a fifty percent reduction in analog control when it arrived on PSP. Super Stardust Delta is much better off on the superior PlayStation Vita hardware, though the authenticity of the game's asteroid slaughter feels a little muddled by excess. Like most launch titles, it's adamant about using every available feature, even if they don't necessarily augment the experience.

Gallery: Super StarDust Delta (PS Vita)

Continue reading Super Stardust Delta preview: Tilt to live

JoystiqSuper Stardust Delta preview: Tilt to live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2011housemarqueplaystationplaystation-vitasuper-stardust-deltavitaMon, 13 Jun 2011 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Outland will be out on PSN June 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/outland-will-be-out-on-psn-june-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/outland-will-be-out-on-psn-june-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/outland-will-be-out-on-psn-june-14/#comments Hey, PS3 owners! Remember Outland? Remember how great that sounded, and how excited you were to buy it -- right up until the PSN disappeared for over a month? Well, now you can relive all the thrill of the leadup to Housemarque's colorful platformer, followed by an actual opportunity to buy it!

A post on the PlayStation Blog reveals that Outland, originally due for release right when PSN went down, is now scheduled for release on June 14. You should run, slide, and jump ... to the store to buy some PSN credit.

JoystiqOutland will be out on PSN June 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>housemarqueoutlandplaystationps3psnq2-2011release-dateubisoftMon, 06 Jun 2011 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Outland review: Will and grace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/outland-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/outland-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/outland-review/#comments This admission is better read than said: I'm hopelessly addicted to will and grace. A video game provides the ideal arrangement for someone -- like me -- whose extreme athleticism remains dormant in reality, but seeks expression just a few feet away from the couch. It's the basis for the accord I once made with the Prince of Persia. "With my will and your grace, your grace," I said, "we'll get through this elaborate death chicane in under an hour. And if you end up squirming with a spike through your chest, we'll just put that on me. Deal?"

In the low fidelity of Jordan Mechner's classic, the prince's form of movement became a mesmerizing, superhuman display of perfect movement ... and when it didn't you reverted to an older save. Outland, a visually arresting 2D platformer from Finland's Housemarque studio, is just as reverent to grace, personified by a tall, inexhaustible silhouette in search of the meaning behind his dreams. He runs and leaps with such intense confidence, some of it starts filtering through the controller and into you.

Continue reading Outland review: Will and grace

JoystiqOutland review: Will and grace originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>housemarquemicrosoftoutlandplaystationps3psnubisoftxblaxboxWed, 27 Apr 2011 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Outland coming to PSN on April 26, XBLA on April 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/outland-coming-to-psn-on-april-26-xbla-on-april-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/outland-coming-to-psn-on-april-26-xbla-on-april-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/outland-coming-to-psn-on-april-26-xbla-on-april-27/#comments Outland, a vibrant 2D adventure that exudes elements of Ikaruga, N+, Tron, Super Metroid and a bunch of other things that you like, is set to launch on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade later this month. Developed by Finnish outfit Housemarque, the game will be available on Sony's platform for $10 on Tuesday, April 26, followed by the Xbox version on April 27 for 800 Microsoft Points.

Peek past the break to find a new trailer that showcases Outland's arresting imagery, two-player co-operative challenges (online only) and light combat.

Continue reading Outland coming to PSN on April 26, XBLA on April 27

JoystiqOutland coming to PSN on April 26, XBLA on April 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>housemarquemicrosoftoutlandplaystationps3psnrelease-dateubisoftxblaxboxWed, 13 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Stardust HD bracing for 'Impact Mode' DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/super-stardust-hd-bracing-for-impact-mode-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/super-stardust-hd-bracing-for-impact-mode-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/super-stardust-hd-bracing-for-impact-mode-dlc/#comments If Super Stardust HD has steadily sunk in your PS3's XMB Game list, we can understand -- it's nearly four years old! You may be inspired to scroll down to it in the coming weeks, however, once the new "Impact Mode" DLC is released. That's right -- new DLC.

"We want to thank all the fans around the world for your continued support -- it has made Super Stardust HD a top-selling PSN-exclusive and enabled us to keep creating new content for the game even now over three years after its release," wrote Ilari Kuittinen, CEO of developer Housemarque, in the DLC announcement on the EU PlayStation Blog.

Making its debut in Super Stardust Portable for PSP, Impact Mode does away with weapons and outfits your ship with "an experimental new matter-to-energy boost engine technology" -- in other words, "once you activate the boost, you can stay in boost as long as you can hit meteors and enemies with it!"

The mode will be available for Super Stardust HD on March 30 (in the EU PlayStation Store) for €1.99/£1.59. The exact release date ("Spring," for now) and price for the North American release are pending.

Gallery: Super Stardust HD (Impact Mode)

JoystiqSuper Stardust HD bracing for 'Impact Mode' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlchousemarqueilari-kuittinenimpact-modeplaystationps3psnrelease-datesuper-stardust-hdTue, 22 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Outland preview: Grace anatomy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/20/outland-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/20/outland-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/20/outland-preview/#comments Not to besmirch the pleasures of mowing down aliens with the aid of a lumbering, gun-toting calzone of muscle and gruff one-liners, but I usually gravitate toward avatars that exhibit speed and panache. Games like Prince of Persia and N+ make quite a show of even basic movement, conveying an easily perceptible sense of momentum in their acrobatic lead characters. You can generally tell whether these games work within just a few minutes of motion -- and Outland, like those games, is love at first flight.

Housemarque's previous efforts are just as quickly decipherable, with both Super Stardust HD and Dead Nation built on solid twin-stick shooting, but Outland captures attention at mere sight. The graphics are "traditional" in the sense that they elicit a tribal reverence of nature, with gigantic tree silhouettes softly obscuring the vibrant blues, yellows and greens of the background sky. Outland's bold art seems to draw inspiration from Japanese shadow plays (before Nin2-Jump did it) and even Tron, with a dash of Incan history and mystery mixed in.

There's an interesting, cyclical element to the story, which sees your warrior-in-training slipping into slumber to experience the life of a previous hero, who counts defeating a pair of evil gods (and climbing the best ladder since Metal Gear Solid 3) among his accomplishments. You're much less powerful when the dream ends, of course, but you wake up with a taste of the abilities you'll unlock in further Metroid-esque exploration of the world. At its most basic level, Outland is about bounding, sliding and falling through the jungle in the quest for coins, switches and the next power-up.

Gallery: Outland (9/30/10)

Continue reading Outland preview: Grace anatomy

JoystiqOutland preview: Grace anatomy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>housemarquemicrosoftoutlandpax-east-2011playstationps3psnubisoftxblaxboxSun, 20 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Nation patch coming next week, adds voice chat and checkpoint saves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/dead-nation-patch-coming-next-week-adds-voice-chat-and-checkpoi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/dead-nation-patch-coming-next-week-adds-voice-chat-and-checkpoi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/dead-nation-patch-coming-next-week-adds-voice-chat-and-checkpoi/#comments Dead Nation is terrific, but it has one shortcoming that many have considered a deal breaker: It lacks voice chat for online co-op play. That issue will be addressed in a new patch, to be deployed next Tuesday, March 7.

The title update will not only add voice chat, but a few other features, including the abilities to save at checkpoints (which should make those challenging final levels a little easier) and to copy save files to back them up. In its post on PlayStation Blog, Housemarque teases "further surprises" will be included, as well.

JoystiqDead Nation patch coming next week, adds voice chat and checkpoint saves originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-nationhousemarquepatchplaystationps3psntitle-updateupdatevoice-chatFri, 04 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mediatonic investing 300K Euros in new Housemarque game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/mediatonic-investing-300k-euros-in-new-housemarque-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/mediatonic-investing-300k-euros-in-new-housemarque-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/mediatonic-investing-300k-euros-in-new-housemarque-game/#comments Housemarque's still celebrating in the afterglow of its recently released, well-received PSN title Dead Nation -- but the Finnish developer isn't resting on its zombified laurels. The studio has secured a €300 thousand investment from fellow Finnish company Mediatonic. According to Arctic Startup, the investment will bankroll development on a whole new title: A downloadable "family game of skill and wits," due out sometime next year.

That sounds like a far, far cry from Housemarque's current announced project, the Ubis Outland -- though it seems bizarre that the studio's 20-some-strong development team would be working on two projects simultaneously. We've contacted Housemarque to see if they'll comment on where that sweet, sweet cashflow is going.

JoystiqMediatonic investing 300K Euros in new Housemarque game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>housemarqueinvestmentmediatonicpcplaystationps3psnFri, 10 Dec 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Nation voice chat coming 'soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/dead-nation-voice-chat-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/dead-nation-voice-chat-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/dead-nation-voice-chat-coming-soon/#comments Saying that the developer "sincerely apologise that voice chat is not available in Dead Nation's online co-op mode," Housemarque CEO and co-founder Ilari Kuittinen writes on the EU PlayStation Blog that the zombie-filled, twin-stick shooter will be updated with the feature "soon," with the team "currently working intensely to introduce it as quickly as possible."

While Kuittinen admits in his post that the lack of voice chat is "a major issue for some players," he goes on to say, "we think that releasing Dead Nation has been the right decision as the game is still great fun." We'd have to agree with that last part -- about it being great fun -- but have to wonder how much shipping without such a integral element to online co-op was worth compared to missing out on holiday sales.

JoystiqDead Nation voice chat coming 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opdead-nationHousemarqueIlari-Kuittinenonlinepatchplaystationps3sonyvoice-chatThu, 02 Dec 2010 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Nation review: It's dangerous to go alone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/dead-nation-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/dead-nation-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/dead-nation-review/#comments Twelve hours and 15,000 dead zombies later, I finished Dead Nation. Did I feel accomplished? Yeah, sure. But the feeling that I couldn't shake? Relief.

Housemarque's long-awaited follow-up to Super Stardust HD is exhausting, in more ways than one. The body count should be a clue: Dead Nation is suffocatingly dense, truly embodying the term "sensory overload." Zombies will swarm you by the hundreds, and once you've disposed of them -- with bullets, explosives, fire and a giant projectile blade-thing -- their ever-present remains ... remain, serving to remind of the havoc you've wreaked.

There's some spectacular tech powering the experience: atmospheric lighting, uncomfortably realistic audio and a subtle attention to detail that's difficult to encapsulate. But, I doubt you'll stop to soak it all in. In fact, you'll be lucky if you can manage a mumbled "wow," as you try to catch your breath after each level.

Gallery: Dead Nation (PSN)

dead-nation-psn-01dead-nation-psn-02dead-nation-psn-03dead-nation-psn-04dead-nation-psn-05

Continue reading Dead Nation review: It's dangerous to go alone

JoystiqDead Nation review: It's dangerous to go alone originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-nationhousemarqueplaystationps3psnTue, 30 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Stardust HD 'pro' joins Housemarque, gets to work on Dead Nation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/super-stardust-hd-pro-joins-housemarque-gets-to-work-on-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/super-stardust-hd-pro-joins-housemarque-gets-to-work-on-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/super-stardust-hd-pro-joins-housemarque-gets-to-work-on-dead/#comments Described as a Super Stardust "pro," the phenom known as Tlo-Mek has joined Housemarque's team on account of "his gaming prowess." Sony announced the new hire alongside this gameplay footage of Tlo-Mek straight killing Housemarque's impending PSN release, Dead Nation. That's some way to land a job!

Continue reading Super Stardust HD 'pro' joins Housemarque, gets to work on Dead Nation

JoystiqSuper Stardust HD 'pro' joins Housemarque, gets to work on Dead Nation originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-nationhousemarquejobsplaystationps3psnsuper-stardust-hdtlo-mekWed, 24 Nov 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Nation debuts on PSN Nov. 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/dead-nation-debuts-on-psn-nov-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/dead-nation-debuts-on-psn-nov-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/dead-nation-debuts-on-psn-nov-30/#comments Dear PlayStation,

It has come to my attention that you intend to launch a new downloadable PlayStation 3 game, dubbed "Dead Nation," on Tuesday, November 30 in North America (and December 1 in Europe). Based on what I have read on various video game blogs and e-podiums, the Housemarque-developed game offers the opportunity to annihilate necrotic ne'er-do-wells in a collapsed and imbalanced society.

Since this video game has not yet launched, I'm sure there's time yet for you to examine my exciting proposal! Indeed, I hope to correct the imbalance within our own society caused by the cultural overexposure of the living dead, who are now present in television shows, novels, comic books, talk shows and a handful of video games. Isn't it about time you challenged gamers with a worthy foe, and one that doesn't simply covet brains for its nutritional benefits? I'm talking about The B.E.A.N. Replanting Initiative (T.B.R.I.).

Why pander to your players with pale, unintelligible humans -- with whom they are intimately familiar with! -- when you could send in the:

Bugs! Equipped with monstrous mandibles, thrilling thoraxes and loads of legs!
Extraterrestrials! They came to boil our oceans, disintegrate our cities and zap our way of life!
Aliens! I guess we covered this one!
Nazis! History's most hated villains and most reliable, no-strings-attached targets for unrepentant violence!

As you can see, the classic monsters have a lot of life left in them, which is more than you can say for zombies, because they aren't alive at all. With your cooperation, we can put them back in the spotlight. If you'd like, I'd be more than willing to consult on your enemy replacement initiative. Everyone at the B.E.A.N. Replanting Initiative would be more than happy to introduce bugs into your game, or help German-ate your assets.

Kind regards,
Leonard K. Trubb
--
Outreach Manager
The B.E.A.N. Replanting Initiative (T.B.R.I.)

JoystiqDead Nation debuts on PSN Nov. 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BEANdead-nationhousemarqueplaystationps3psnq3-2010release-dateMon, 15 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Use your braiiiins, watch this Dead Nation upgrades trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/30/dead-nation-upgrades-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/30/dead-nation-upgrades-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/30/dead-nation-upgrades-trailer/#comments One of our favorite features of Dead Nation is easily the weapon upgrade system, which helps separate the game from the many zombie shooters on the market these days. See it in action in this latest trailer, which highlights the various ways players can steel themselves before the undead hordes.

Continue reading Use your braiiiins, watch this Dead Nation upgrades trailer

JoystiqUse your braiiiins, watch this Dead Nation upgrades trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-nationHousemarqueplaystationps3psnSat, 30 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Nation preview: Not another generic zombie game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/dead-nation-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/dead-nation-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/dead-nation-preview/#comments After spending countless hours playing the excellent Super Stardust HD, I was totally excited for developer Housemarque's next PSN title -- until I learned what it was. Dead Nation looked and sounded utterly generic. "Ugh -- yet another top-down zombie blasting game?" I lamented. With Burn Zombie Burn and Zombie Apocalypse already available on PSN, and countless other zombie-themed games and add-ons flooding the market, I begrudgingly dismissed Housemarque's new effort.

Having played the first third of the game in two-player co-op, however, I can admit to being wrong.

Gallery: Dead Nation (PSN)

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Continue reading Dead Nation preview: Not another generic zombie game

JoystiqDead Nation preview: Not another generic zombie game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-nationhousemarqueplaystationps3psnTue, 19 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Nation promises online co-op at launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/dead-nation-promises-online-co-op-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/dead-nation-promises-online-co-op-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/dead-nation-promises-online-co-op-at-launch/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tackling an inexhaustible undead force all by yourself just isn't a wise endeavor. Super Stardust developer Housemarque has announced that its PSN top-down scourge shooter, Dead Nation, will let two players meet in the place where barely human husks lunge violently at any signs of intelligence -- you may know it as the internet.

"Originally, online co-op wasn't going to be included as a launch feature, as the schedule and resources didn't allow it," Housemarque CEO Ilari Kuittinen wrote on the PlayStation Blog. "However, after many late night play-testing sessions and long talks with Sony Computer Entertainment, we decided that this was a must-have feature and it would be unfair to you if we launched without it!" You see, Ms. Croft? It's not that hard.

"At this point, our coders went from working 12-hour days to working 16-hour days, as well as weekends!" Oh ... well, uh ... this is awkward. Housemarque has yet to announce Dead Nation's launch date, though we know that it will cost $14.99.

Continue reading Dead Nation promises online co-op at launch

JoystiqDead Nation promises online co-op at launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opdead-nationhousemarqueonlineplaystationps3psnshooterzombiesFri, 08 Oct 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trailer and screens for Ubisoft's Outland look outstanding]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/trailer-and-screens-for-ubisofts-outland-look-outstanding/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/trailer-and-screens-for-ubisofts-outland-look-outstanding/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/trailer-and-screens-for-ubisofts-outland-look-outstanding/#comments Housemarque's (Super Stardust HD) experiment in side-scrolling action game meets light/dark projectile absorption a la Ikaruga is a real looker. You can see just how remarkable Outland's visual style and intriguing play mechanic look in motion by rolling the following video.

Continue reading Trailer and screens for Ubisoft's Outland look outstanding

JoystiqTrailer and screens for Ubisoft's Outland look outstanding originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Housemarquemicrosoftoutlandplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-digital-day-2010xboxThu, 30 Sep 2010 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Nation beta invites being sent; check your e-mail!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/dead-nation-beta-invites-being-sent-check-your-e-mail/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/dead-nation-beta-invites-being-sent-check-your-e-mail/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/dead-nation-beta-invites-being-sent-check-your-e-mail/#commentsFiled under: , ,

And just like that, SCEA has begun sending out invites for a Dead Nation beta. We're not entirely sure what online functionality the beta is testing, especially considering the rather lax requirements for the program -- "All you need to do is make sure you are signed in to the PSN while trying to kill as many dirt-ridden flesh sacks as possible!"

The beta is currently ongoing, and will end on September 3, giving invitees over a week of playtime. The invites appear to have been sent randomly, so check your e-mail (and your spam filters) to see if Sony has invited you into this unexpected preview event.

[Thanks, Cristian R.!]

JoystiqDead Nation beta invites being sent; check your e-mail! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadead-nationhousemarqueplaystationps3psnTue, 24 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Dead Nation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/preview-dead-nation/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/preview-dead-nation/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/preview-dead-nation/#commentsDead NationAdding zombies to your game is like putting a lowercase "i" in front of your product name. Marketing types think people just go for the one called "the iBlanket" or the racing game with zombies. While that might have been true a short time ago, I've become desensitized to these overused hooks -- there's also got to be a catch to wrestle away my dollars. That's what makes Sony's Dead Nation somewhat unappealing. Developer Housemarque (of Super Stardust HD fame) has no problem shoving hordes of undead freaks into this PSN game and giving me weapons to kill them with, but that's already been done to death. Come on, guys. Throw in some really cute demon kittens or something.

This longing came up as I demoed this well designed but ultimately vanilla twin stick shooter at Sony's E3 booth. As one of the world's remaining survivors during the zombie apocalypse, I made my way through a devastated city, pointing boom sticks towards throngs of monsters and ripping them to pieces. The list of weapons included the usual suspects: submachine gun, assault rifle, shotgun, grenades; and I snagged health packs by breaking boxes and vending machines.

Gallery: Dead Nation (E3 2010)

Continue reading Preview: Dead Nation

JoystiqPreview: Dead Nation originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dead-Natione3-2010Housemarqueplaystationps3PSNSCEAFri, 02 Jul 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Live-action Dead Nation trailer is B-movie material]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/live-action-dead-nation-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/live-action-dead-nation-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/live-action-dead-nation-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The live-action trailer for Dead Nation for which Sony put out a casting call last month has finally surfaced, showing off some of the real-life human drama associated with a fictional Zombocalypse. Watch as the trailer explores the deep, interpersonal relationships between the game's cast of multifaceted, intriguing characters, such as "Trucker Guy" and "Cheerleader" and "Mustachioed Police Officer." Then watch as they all get eaten. What a twist!

It's also got a few gameplay clips, which do a good job of displaying the Smash TV-esque carnage you'll be able to reap. Sadly, we still haven't seen the title-appropriate level where you're tasked with mowing down wave after wave of Grateful Dead fans, but we've still got time for a few more trailers before Dead Nation drops later this year.

JoystiqLive-action Dead Nation trailer is B-movie material originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-nationHousemarqueplaystationps3PSNSony-Computer-EntertainmentWed, 09 Jun 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Housemarque explains tech behind 3D Super Stardust HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/housemarque-explains-tech-behind-3d-super-stardust-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/housemarque-explains-tech-behind-3d-super-stardust-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/housemarque-explains-tech-behind-3d-super-stardust-hd/#comments 3D gaming isn't entirely new, but will be a big focal point for Sony this year -- and what better way to show that than by turning one of 2007's bright spots into a full 3D experience. Super Stardust HD is undergoing a HD facelift right now and during an interview with Digital Foundry (via Eurogamer), engine lead Seppo Halonen and creative director Harri Tikkanen talked about adapting the game to 3D and some of the technological leaps and bounds made by Housemarque Games.

What makes SSHD different than other 3D experiences -- specifically, Avatar and other 3D games like Invincible Tiger -- is that it'll be running at a native resolution of 720p at 120 frames per second, 60 frames per each eye, and doesn't use low-res buffers to create the effect. Housemarque accomplished this by having the engine render everything twice, added stereoscopic cameras and moved the vertex processing from the GPU to the SPU. This took up about 50 percent of the SPU's resources, leaving them with enough to pre-process a lot of the game, allowing things to render much faster than before.

As for future Housemarque games on PS3, don't necessarily expect those titles to be in 3D. Tikkanen says that because some titles "lend themselves better to 3D than others," all future 3D compatibility will be decided "on a game by game basis."

JoystiqHousemarque explains tech behind 3D Super Stardust HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dhousemarquehousemarque-gamespsnsceeSony-Computer-Entertainment-Europesuper-stardust-hdMon, 11 Jan 2010 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Nation: new PS3 exclusive from Super Stardust devs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/dead-nation-new-ps3-exclusive-from-super-stardust-devs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/dead-nation-new-ps3-exclusive-from-super-stardust-devs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/dead-nation-new-ps3-exclusive-from-super-stardust-devs/#comments We'd feel sorry for the undead if they weren't constantly trying to eat our brains. Here's yet another game about taking out a horde, nay a nation, of zombies. Dead Nation is the next PlayStation Network-exclusive game from Housemarque, developers of popular twin-sticker, Super Stardust HD. While it reminds us of games like Burn, Zombie, Burn! and Zombie Apocalypse (two other zombie-themed PSN games), we're certain Housemarque will be able to do something unique with this title.

Fairly certain. Ish.

JoystiqDead Nation: new PS3 exclusive from Super Stardust devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-nationgamescom-2009housemarquepsnTue, 18 Aug 2009 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Stardust HD celebrates 2nd anniversary with Euro price drop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/super-stardust-hd-celebrates-2nd-anniversary-with-euro-price-dro/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/super-stardust-hd-celebrates-2nd-anniversary-with-euro-price-dro/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/super-stardust-hd-celebrates-2nd-anniversary-with-euro-price-dro/#comments You've played Super Stardust HD, right? It's two years old now, and still one of the best PSN downloadable titles available. You surely picked it up around this time last year, when it became the first game to support Trophies. No? Well, now's your chance. To celebrate the game's second birthday, the developers have dropped the price from £4.99 to £1.59 (€1.99).

Make sure you head on over to the European PlayStation Blog to see Housemarque's Petteri Putkonen's retrospective on the last two years. He also mentions Housemarque's desire to update the game even further, with an expansion that would "add a new dimension to the game," and requests that you contact him with any of your own ideas. It may be a while before you see them implemented, though, as the company is currently busy trying to outdo itself with its next PSN game. We can't wait.

JoystiqSuper Stardust HD celebrates 2nd anniversary with Euro price drop originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>housemarquesshdsuper-stardust-hdThu, 25 Jun 2009 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Stardust HD dev working on new PSN and multiplatform titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/super-stardust-hd-developer-working-on-new-psn-and-multiplatform/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/super-stardust-hd-developer-working-on-new-psn-and-multiplatform/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/super-stardust-hd-developer-working-on-new-psn-and-multiplatform/#comments
Finnish developer Housemarque is best known for its PSN-exclusive Super Stardust HD. However, the studio has ambitious plans to expand and become a "small boutique publisher" of new IPs. The team is currently working on three different games in an attempt to expand their portfolio and experiment with new gameplay ideas.

First up is a PSN-exclusive game to be announced at Gamescom in Cologne this year. CEO Ilari Kuittinen told Gamasutra that the exclusive went to Sony to continue the team's "good relationship" with the company. The second title is the studio's first multiplatform game for a "leading publisher." "We haven't done this kind of a game genre before," said Kuittinen.

Finally, Housemarque is also working on a third title, called Rope, a physics-based puzzle game that has players using a rope to flock "fuzzy characters" to a goal. (A rather stark change of pace from planet-destroying asteroids.) It's what Housemarque hopes will be one of its first self-published games. Rope is currently approved for PlayStation Network, but the developer is also talking with Microsoft, and is thinking about an iPhone or WiiWare version.

JoystiqSuper Stardust HD dev working on new PSN and multiplatform titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>housemarqueMicrosoftpsnropexblaXbox-360Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yo Asteroid! Super Stardust Portable out Dec. 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/yo-asteroid-super-stardust-portable-out-dec-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/yo-asteroid-super-stardust-portable-out-dec-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/yo-asteroid-super-stardust-portable-out-dec-4/#commentsFiled under: ,


If there's one classic concept that video games have taught us, it's that things from outer space are coming to kill you. In the case of Super Stardust Portable, said things are mainly calamitous asteroids, intent on colliding with your puny spaceship and the planet below. The downloadable PSP title, a handheld rendition of the popular rock-blasting shooter on PlayStation 3, will become available on the PlayStation Store next Thursday, December 4th, for $9.99.

Those used to the chaotic action of Super Stardust have a new "Impact" mode (bombs and boosts only!) to look forward to in this version, as well as a new final boss. Not that we thought you'd be bored without them -- the PSP version promises to hurl over 1,000 objects at the field at any given time. As programming lead Kimmo Lahtinen points out, "That's a lot of things to shoot."

JoystiqYo Asteroid! Super Stardust Portable out Dec. 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HousemarquePlayStation-StorePS-StorePSPSuper-StardustSuper-Stardust-HDSuper-Stardust-PortableWed, 26 Nov 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Super Stardust Portable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/hands-on-super-stardust-portable/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/hands-on-super-stardust-portable/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/hands-on-super-stardust-portable/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What is Super Stardust Portable? Well, it's exactly what it sounds like. It's a PSP version of Super Stardust HD, ready to play anywhere you go. The PSN download-exclusive title is making the big jump from PS3 to PSP, and Housemarque (developers of the original SSHD) have succeeded in creating an authentic Stardust experience for the handheld.

There are obviously going to be two big questions on everyone's mind regarding SSHD. Firstly, the controls. PSP may not have a second analog stick, so how will this work? Well, you simply use the face buttons to shoot in the direction you'd like. It may take a little while to get accostmed to, but SSHD vets will be boosting, bombing and shooting in no time. (ProTip: To do a circular attack with the Gold Melter, press all the face buttons at once.) Secondly, the graphics. While the visuals are obviously toned down from the PS3, the PSP version is able to render a surprising amount of enemies on screen while maintaining a silky smooth framerate. It may not be PSP's best looking game, but for a quick pick-up-and-play title, SSP offers more than enough detail.

Continue reading Hands-on: Super Stardust Portable

JoystiqHands-on: Super Stardust Portable originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e308housemarquejoystiqfeaturessuper-stardustsuper-stardust-portableMon, 21 Jul 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Golf: Tee It Up! and Schizoid]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-golf-tee-it-up-and-schizoid/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-golf-tee-it-up-and-schizoid/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-golf-tee-it-up-and-schizoid/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This is a very special XBLA in Brief ladies and gentlemen. Why? Because this week we take a look at Schizoid, which has a very special achievement in it. The Sploderific achievement, you see, is named after a word coined by our own Dustin Burg! Does that make us biased towards the game? Maybe, but it doesn't hurt that it's actually pretty good. Oh, we also take a look at Golf: Tee It Up!, which is a pretty decent game as well. Watch the latest episode and learn how you too can earn the badge of honor that is the Sploderific achievement.

[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.
[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).
[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[M4V] Download the M4V directly.

JoystiqX3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Golf: Tee It Up! and Schizoid originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionarcadegolf-tee-it-uphousemarquelive-arcadeschizoidtorpextorpex-gamesx3f-tvxblaxbla-in-briefxbox-live-arcadeFri, 11 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA expands with Schizoid and Golf: Tee It Up!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/xbla-expands-with-schizoid-and-golf-tee-it-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/xbla-expands-with-schizoid-and-golf-tee-it-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/xbla-expands-with-schizoid-and-golf-tee-it-up/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Xbox Live Arcade just got two games bigger this morning with the addition of "the most co-op game ever" Schizoid and "the most golfy golf game ever" Golf: Tee It Up! And wouldn't you know that both games are available right this very instant for purchase off the XBLA for a middle-range 800 Microsoft points apiece. How perfect! Also, we don't think we have to remind you that, if you purchase Schizoid and go on the prowl for achievements, you'll inevitably unlock the Sploderific achievement. An achievement whose name was birthed from these sacred X3F blogging grounds. Have fun golfing, have fun being cooperative and (in general) have oodles of fun this XBLA Wednesday.


JoystiqXBLA expands with Schizoid and Golf: Tee It Up! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golf-tee-it-uphousemarqueschizoidtorpextorpex-gamesxblaWed, 09 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Another XBLA twofer: Schizoid and Golf: Tee It Up!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/another-xbla-twofer-schizoid-and-golf-tee-it-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/another-xbla-twofer-schizoid-and-golf-tee-it-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/another-xbla-twofer-schizoid-and-golf-tee-it-up/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hey fanboys, we have some sploderific news to share! This week Microsoft is treating us to an Xbox Live Arcade twofer as Golf: Tee It Up! and the long awaited, highly anticipated and co-op friendly Schizoid make their release to the Arcade this Wednesday, July 9th. Huzzah!

For 800 Microsoft points, you can grab Torpex Games' Schizoid, a cooperative, explosive, color coded adventure featuring 120 levels of craziness, online co-op and an Uberschizoid mode where one player takes command of both ships. Yikes! We don't have to tell you that we're a tad bit excited to play Schizoid, so you can all but guarantee we'll be giving it a test drive this Wednesday and earning the coveted Sploderific achievement. Also releasing for 800 point this week is the cartoonified golfing game Golf: Tee It Up! where eighteen holes of online golfing competition with up to four players awaits. Unfashionable golf shorts not included. Check the screenshots below and drool over the Schizoid greatness.


JoystiqAnother XBLA twofer: Schizoid and Golf: Tee It Up! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golf-tee-it-uphousemarqueschizoidtorpex-gamesxblaMon, 07 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[HouseMarque's XBLA game: Golf Tee it Up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/housemarques-xbla-game-golf-tee-it-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/housemarques-xbla-game-golf-tee-it-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/housemarques-xbla-game-golf-tee-it-up/#commentsFiled under:


That crow's for us. We really thought that HouseMarque had a snowboarding game up their sleeves. Too bad too, a new game in the vein of 1080 Snowboarding could've been great. Still, this does mean that the Live Arcade now has a proper golf game, rather than just a mini-golf one. Team Xbox posted some screens of the game a little early and the first look reveals a light-hearted take on the graphics not unlike Hot Shots Golf. While not for everyone a niche title like this does have its place and should hopefully add to the list of games that appeal to the so-called casual player.


[Via xblah]

JoystiqHouseMarque's XBLA game: Golf Tee it Up originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 May 2008 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golf-tee-it-uphousemarquexblaSat, 17 May 2008 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Super Stardust HD Versus mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/joystiq-hands-on-super-stardust-hd-versus-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/joystiq-hands-on-super-stardust-hd-versus-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/joystiq-hands-on-super-stardust-hd-versus-mode/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click for high-resolution image.
Super Stardust HD received its first expansion pack last month, one that was very well received by players and critics alike. The second, multiplayer add-on promises to do the same, judging by the time we spent with at Sony's recently PlayStation Day 2008.

The "Team Pack" adds a Co-op Split Screen mode as well as the incredible Versus Mode. While the concept of Versus Mode remains very simple, the menus add depth and a huge amount of variety to the experience. At your disposal are several gameplay modes, similar to many other multiplayer games' gameplay arsenal, including deathmatch, king of the hill and grab-and-run. This whole mode has been built specifically with party gaming in mind.

Up to four players can play against each other on the same planet, but the "layout" of the planet can be changed before the game commences. This allows you to overlay a maze of rocks onto the planet's surface in various shapes which players will need to navigate through. These rocks can be destroyed and, depending on the options settings, can either harm players who come too close or simply ignore them. For people who prefer a less restricted battlefield, there's an option for a clear level layout too.

Gallery: Super Stardust HD

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Super Stardust HD Versus mode

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Super Stardust HD Versus mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>housemarquejoystiqfeaturesplaystation-day-2008PS3super-stardust-hdFri, 09 May 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Super Stardust HD Versus mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/ps3-fanboy-hands-on-super-stardust-hd-versus-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/ps3-fanboy-hands-on-super-stardust-hd-versus-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/ps3-fanboy-hands-on-super-stardust-hd-versus-mode/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click for high resolution image.

Super Stardust HD received its first expansion pack last month, to much praise from the Stardust community. The Solo Pack added several different modes, and the upcoming multiplayer add-on promises to do the same. We had an opportunity to try it out during PlayStation Day and we loved what we saw.

The "Team Pack" adds a Co-op split-screen mode, as well as the incredible Versus Mode. Within Versus Mode, you can partake in a number of different challenges, similar to the offering found in many other multiplayer games: there's Deathmatch, King of the Hill, and Grab and Run. This whole mode has been built specifically with party gaming in mind.

Up to four players can play against each other on the same planet, but the "layout" of the planet can be changed before the game commences. This allows you to overlay a maze of rocks onto the planet's surface in various shapes which players will need to navigate through. These rocks can be destroyed and, depending on the options settings, can or cannot harm players who come too close. For people who prefer a less restricted battlefield, there's an option for a clear level layout too.

Continue reading PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Super Stardust HD Versus mode

JoystiqPS3 Fanboy hands-on: Super Stardust HD Versus mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onhousemarqueplaystation-day-2008sonysshdsuper-stardust-hdFri, 09 May 2008 09:00:00 EST