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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[PSA: Gamestop now accepting iOS device trade-ins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/psa-gamestop-now-accepting-ios-device-trade-ins/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/psa-gamestop-now-accepting-ios-device-trade-ins/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/psa-gamestop-now-accepting-ios-device-trade-ins/#comments Are you just lousy with iPhone and iPads, but light on Maddens and Deus Exes? There's a handy way to convert your supplies of the former into the latter: One week after first revealing the initiative, Gamestop is now allowing trade-ins of iOS devices for store credit. In a statement released this morning (at the same time as their Android tablet's announcement), the company announced that its brick-and-mortar locations are now turning your iPods, iPhones and iPads into cold, hard store credit.

The amount of credit you'll get for each device varies based on which service provider you're attached to, as well as its hard drive capacity and model. The announcement menions that the credit you'll earn is "significantly higher" than the norm -- an AT&T 3G 32GB iPad 2, for instance, is worth $300 in Gamestop-bucks. Why, that's probably, like, 100 times the going rate for a mint copy of Tak and the Power of Juju!

JoystiqPSA: Gamestop now accepting iOS device trade-ins originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopiosipadiphoneipodmobiletrade-inMon, 12 Sep 2011 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop to start accepting (and reselling) iOS device trade-ins [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/report-gamestop-to-start-accepting-and-reselling-ios-device-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/report-gamestop-to-start-accepting-and-reselling-ios-device-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/report-gamestop-to-start-accepting-and-reselling-ios-device-t/#comments While we're sure you appreciate that iPod Nano your Nana got you for your birthday, it's not such a great gift compared to your current gen iPod Touch. Sure, you could possibly return it to Apple, but since Nana opened it first to "make sure it came with batteries," that might be a tough sell. If you're a frequenter of GameStop, however, you may be able to use that Nano to get yourself some sweet games.

According to "several sources" close to 9to5Mac, GameStop's all too eager to take your old iPod, iPhone or iPad -- and to sell it to somebody else, of course. These sources say that the announcement was made at GameStop's annual Managers Convention last week in Las Vegas.

Currently, GameStop accepts iOS devices for trade-in, but hasn't announced any plans to sell these old devices in-store or online. We've contacted the retailer for comment and will update accordingly.

Update: We called around to a few GameStops and were told by several people that GameStop will be taking trade-ins on iOS devices, though likely not for a week or two. We were also told by store employees that the plan is to re-sell the used iOS devices, but no pricing had been set. GameStop corporate has yet to comment.

JoystiqGameStop to start accepting (and reselling) iOS device trade-ins [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applegamestopipadiphoneipodmacmobiletrade-inTue, 06 Sep 2011 17:00:00 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[Machine Gun Jetpack dev diary reveals the game's vehicles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/machine-gun-jetpack-dev-diary-reveals-the-games-vehicles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/machine-gun-jetpack-dev-diary-reveals-the-games-vehicles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/machine-gun-jetpack-dev-diary-reveals-the-games-vehicles/#comments Machine Gun Jetpack's crazy freakin teleporter is one of five vehicles in the game. In yet another dev diary, Halfbrick walks us through the process behind each of Machine Gun Jetpack's five vehicles, which not only protect Barry Steakfries, but come with crazy abilities of their own. The video's fun, but seriously, guys, all this for an iOS game? Can we just have it already?

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barry-steakfriescrazy-freakin-teleporterhalfbrick-studiosiosipadiphoneipodmachine-gun-jetpackmobileWed, 10 Aug 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gameloft surpasses 200 million downloads on the App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/gameloft-surpasses-200-million-downloads-on-the-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/gameloft-surpasses-200-million-downloads-on-the-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/gameloft-surpasses-200-million-downloads-on-the-app-store/#comments If you're a publisher of games for iOS devices and you've reached 200 million downloads, does Steve Jobs show up at your office and give you a hearty handshake? Gameloft would know.

The publisher and developer of mobile games can openly celebrate that feat, having just sold its 200 millionth game on the App store -- and currently has 20 more iOS games in development for 2011. Titles such as the N.O.V.A. series, Modern Combat and Asphalt are mentioned as having the greatest success in the App store in the release accompanying the news of this lofty achievement.

Continue reading Gameloft surpasses 200 million downloads on the App Store

JoystiqGameloft surpasses 200 million downloads on the App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 05:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeapplegameloftiosipadiphoneipodmobilesalesFri, 17 Jun 2011 05:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo Bowl Throwback dives over the pile onto iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/tecmo-bowl-throwback-dives-over-the-pile-onto-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/tecmo-bowl-throwback-dives-over-the-pile-onto-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/tecmo-bowl-throwback-dives-over-the-pile-onto-ios/#comments Tecmo Bowl Throwback, last year's retro-revival for PSN and XBLA, has been ported to iOS and was released today. iTunes lists the features of the $7.99 port as largely similar to the console game: 30 teams in all, two of which are All-Star squads with customizable rosters, plus Preseason, Season and All-Star game modes. The first two are standard football fare; All-Star mode allows players to pit the game's two All-Star teams against each other.

Early iTunes reviews suggest issues with older hardware, so it's probably something to keep in mind if you're looking to tap your way into the end zone. Also, it seems that the iOS port has no online multiplayer -- that's a fumble.

Continue reading Tecmo Bowl Throwback dives over the pile onto iOS

JoystiqTecmo Bowl Throwback dives over the pile onto iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphoneipodmobilesportstecmoTecmo-Bowl-Throwbacktecmo-koeiFri, 27 May 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Army of Darkness brings Ash, boomstick to iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/army-of-darkness-brings-ash-boomstick-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/army-of-darkness-brings-ash-boomstick-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/army-of-darkness-brings-ash-boomstick-to-ios/#comments The Evil Dead series has spawned a handful of mediocre video games throughout the years. Surprisingly, the third film, Army of Darkness -- which centers on a giant medieval battle between humans and the undead -- has never been tapped for a game adaptation. Backflip Studios looks to change that with Army of Darkness: Defense, a tower defense game for iPhone and iPad.

The game has players taking control of Ash, summoning up troops to defend Lord Arthur's castle as the Deadites attempt to steal the Necronomicon. Army of Darkness: Defense also includes "over 150 direct lines of dialogue from Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams," so we hope you're not sick of hearing this just yet.

Army of Darkness: Defense debuts this Thursday for $0.99 on iPhone/iPod and $2.99 on iPad.

JoystiqArmy of Darkness brings Ash, boomstick to iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 May 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>army-of-darkness-defenseipadiphoneipodmobilepricingrelease-dateTue, 10 May 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The worst version of Virtua Fighter 2 now on iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/the-worst-version-of-virtua-fighter-2-now-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/the-worst-version-of-virtua-fighter-2-now-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/the-worst-version-of-virtua-fighter-2-now-on-iphone/#comments The iPhone is a surprisingly capable gaming device, something that's been proven quite handily lately by titles like Infinity Blade. Try to forget about that as you read the following news: Sega has released the Genesis version of Virtua Fighter 2 for iPhone. That's right, the least impressive version of one of the most technically demanding fighting games is now available for $2 on a device with no buttons. Enjoy!

JoystiqThe worst version of Virtua Fighter 2 now on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genesisiosipadiphoneipodipod-touchmobilesegasega-genesisvirtua-fighter-2Thu, 20 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom Mobile rips off 'Splosion Man for MaXplosion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/capcom-mobile-rips-off-splosion-man-for-maxplosion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/capcom-mobile-rips-off-splosion-man-for-maxplosion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/capcom-mobile-rips-off-splosion-man-for-maxplosion/#comments "Holy crap, 'Splosion Man got released for iPhone? How did I miss that?"

We can forgive your confusion as you check out the above screen and the video below the jump, but no, it's not 'Splosion Man, no matter how much every single one of your senses may attest to that fact. No, this is MaXplosion, an iPhone game dumped on iTunes late last week.

Ready for the craziest bit? This isn't some fly-by-night Korean developer operating out of some dude's basement as you might have assumed. No, this is all Capcom Mobile, which is ... disappointing, to say the least.

Speaking on his personal Twitter account, Twisted Pixel programmer Mike Henry said "MaXplosion gameplay video makes me sad. If you're going to outright steal a game, you should at least understand what makes it fun."

Listen Capcom, we know copycatting is rampant on the App Store, but ... you're Capcom for crying out loud! Shouldn't you be better than that?

Continue reading Capcom Mobile rips off 'Splosion Man for MaXplosion

JoystiqCapcom Mobile rips off 'Splosion Man for MaXplosion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomiosiphoneipodmaxplosionmobilesplosion-mantwisted-pixelTue, 11 Jan 2011 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wesley Snipes bringing 'Julius Styles' to iOS this June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/wesley-snipes-bringing-julius-styles-to-ios-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/wesley-snipes-bringing-julius-styles-to-ios-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/wesley-snipes-bringing-julius-styles-to-ios-this-june/#commentsLet's role play for a second. You're Wesley Snipes, renowned action star, currently serving a sentence for tax evasion. You decide to create a new video game based on your action hero creation, Julius Styles (no relation), an amalgam of your lead characters in Murder at 1600, Passenger 57 and Art of War. This game will be accompanied by a movie following your release in 2013.

The game, entitled Julius Styles: The International, will feature a blend of action and puzzles and will debut on iOS this June, with XBLA, PSN and Android versions to follow. But who will develop this game? Who will tame this wild meerkat of an idea? And then it hits you. Lapland Studio, creators of WiiWare sensation Lead the Meerkats. Yes. It's all falling into place.

JoystiqWesley Snipes bringing 'Julius Styles' to iOS this June originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphoneipodjulius-stylesmacmicrosoftmobileplaystationps3psnwesley-snipesxblaxboxMon, 10 Jan 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Indie Pitch: Scarlett and the Spark of Life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/joystiq-indie-pitch-scarlett-and-the-spark-of-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/joystiq-indie-pitch-scarlett-and-the-spark-of-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/joystiq-indie-pitch-scarlett-and-the-spark-of-life/#commentsBeing a giant, beloved video game site has its downsides. For example, we sometimes neglect to give independent developers our coverage love (or loverage, if you will) as we get caught up in AAA, AAAA or the rare quintuple-A titles. To remedy that, we're giving indies the chance to create their own loverage and sell you, the fans, on their studios and products. This week we talk with Tim Knauf and Tristan Clark of Launching Pad Games about their royal adventure, Scarlett and the Spark of Life.


What's your game called, and what's it about?
Tim Knauf: Scarlett and the Spark of Life is a bona fide, designed-for-iPhone adventure game, in the tradition of classics like Monkey Island but with a modern streamlined interface. It's the first episode in a series of four games: The Scarlett Adventures.

Tristan Clark: Scarlett's a princess - the kind with a crowbar and a penchant for rescuing herself when kidnapped. The first episode sees her stranded in a remote alpine village, with her only chance of escape being a grumpy, egotistical mechanical horse. Hilarious hijinks ensue.

Continue reading Joystiq Indie Pitch: Scarlett and the Spark of Life

JoystiqJoystiq Indie Pitch: Scarlett and the Spark of Life originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphoneipodjoystiq-indie-pitchlaunching-pad-gamesmobilescarlett-and-the-spark-of-lifeTue, 30 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Sword becomes Infinity Blade, coming to iThings this holiday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/infinity-blade-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/infinity-blade-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/infinity-blade-announced/#comments Project Sword, the technologically impressive game you've been using to show off your new iPhone 4 to friends, family and Charlie Chaplin, is set to become a full game this holiday. Dubbed "Infinity Blade," the Chair-developed "action-RPG sword fighting adventure" will be available for iPhone 4, iPad and iPod Touch.

Infinity Blade will feature single-player battles within ye olde castle environments and will gradually grant you experience, improved stats and more powerful items. It will be expanded to support a multiplayer mode (and Game Center) via free updates after launch.

According to Epic Games, the Unreal Engine 3-powered demo landed in the hands of over one million people, lured in by the promise of what the company calls "triple-A mobile gaming." How much are people willing to pay for triple-A mobile gaming? Epic has yet to announce a price, but it'll have to be careful not to build a costly moat around its spot on the App Store.

Gallery: Infinity Blade (11/2/10)

Continue reading Project Sword becomes Infinity Blade, coming to iThings this holiday

JoystiqProject Sword becomes Infinity Blade, coming to iThings this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-Entertainmentepic-gamesgame-centerinfinity-bladeiosipadiphoneipodmobilerelease-dateTue, 02 Nov 2010 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom bringing social Smurf game to iDevices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/capcom-bringing-social-smurf-game-to-idevices/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/capcom-bringing-social-smurf-game-to-idevices/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/capcom-bringing-social-smurf-game-to-idevices/#comments What the smurf? Did you hear that Capcom is set to release a social Smurf game for the iPod, iPhone and iPad this November? We couldn't smurfing believe it either. Promoting the upcoming Smurf movie, the game is called The Smurfs' Village and has players rebuilding (what else?) a Smurf village that's been sacked by Gargamel. Players begin the game with a single mushroom house and a plot of land and are allowed to rebuild the village as they see fit (sounds familiar).

The game will be free to download and play, which sounds hunky smurfy, until you read this smurfing bit of text in the press release: "To expedite growing and construction times, players can opt to purchase Smurfberries as downloadable content." Well that's just smurfing smurf.

Gallery: Smurfs' Village (iOS)

Continue reading Capcom bringing social Smurf game to iDevices

JoystiqCapcom bringing social Smurf game to iDevices originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomCapcom-Mobileiosipadiphoneipodmobilerelease-datethe-smurfs-villageThu, 28 Oct 2010 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero iPhone update: A Spoon of Foo Fighters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/guitar-hero-iphone-update-a-spoon-of-foo-fighters/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/guitar-hero-iphone-update-a-spoon-of-foo-fighters/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/guitar-hero-iphone-update-a-spoon-of-foo-fighters/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Why is Dave Grohl smiling? Well it might be because his band, the Foo Fighters, has just gotten a track pack on Guitar Hero for iPhone alongside Spoon. Realistically though, it's probably because he's very rich. And also a rock star.

Continue reading Guitar Hero iPhone update: A Spoon of Foo Fighters

JoystiqGuitar Hero iPhone update: A Spoon of Foo Fighters originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>foo-fightersguitar-hero-iphoneipadiphoneipodmobilespoonWed, 22 Sep 2010 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds to add microtransactions, instant-win Mighty Eagle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/angry-birds-to-add-microtransactions-instant-win-mighty-eagle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/angry-birds-to-add-microtransactions-instant-win-mighty-eagle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/angry-birds-to-add-microtransactions-instant-win-mighty-eagle/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you own an iOS device (and soon Android devices as well), Angry Birds is a proposition that's tough to refuse. The game is only $0.99 and has been routinely upgraded with free updates, let alone the fact that it's actually really fun. It's a good deal to be sure, but one imagines that it's a hard one for developer Rovio to maintain. Purchases have to slow at some point, and you can't keep offering free updates to a stagnant market, so what's an enterprising developer to do? Capitalize on your frustration, of course!

Anyone who has played Angry Birds knows the situation: You've played the same level for hours and nothing is working. According to Multiplayer, that won't be a problem anymore, because Rovio will soon be adding the Mighty Eagle to the list of available birds. As its name implies, this eagle is very mighty, so mighty that it can clear any level ... instantly. The catch is that players have to buy a can of sardines (with real money) in order to lure the eagle out.

Rovio hasn't divulged specific pricing information -- cost per can, how many sardines per can, etc. -- but we imagine many players will take the plunge. After all, you have to see that eagle at least once, right? The free updates are great and all but ... giant eagle. Check out a teaser trailer for the Mighty Eagle after the break.

Continue reading Angry Birds to add microtransactions, instant-win Mighty Eagle

JoystiqAngry Birds to add microtransactions, instant-win Mighty Eagle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsiosipadiphoneipodmobileTue, 14 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New iPod Touch with iOS 4, Retina Display, and Game Center revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/new-ipod-touch-with-ios-4-retina-display-and-game-center-revea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/new-ipod-touch-with-ios-4-retina-display-and-game-center-revea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/new-ipod-touch-with-ios-4-retina-display-and-game-center-revea/#commentsFiled under: , ,

During today's Apple event, Steve Jobs claimed that the iPod Touch was outselling the PSP and DS combined, and revealed a new version of the popular device modeled after the iPhone 4. The new iPod Touch has all the gaming capabilities of the phone, without the AT&T contract: iOS 4.1 with Game Center is a big deal, and Apple's crammed an A4 chip into the new iPod Touch along wit a 3-axis gyroscope, plus upgraded the screen with Retina Display. The redesign even features a front-facing camera.

The new iPod Touch will be available next week in an 8GB model for $229, a 32 GB model for $299 and a 64GB model for $399. You can pre-order it now.

JoystiqNew iPod Touch with iOS 4, Retina Display, and Game Center revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple-fall-2010-keynotegame-centerIos4.1ipodipod-touchmobileWed, 01 Sep 2010 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[What is a Castlevania Puzzle trailer? A miserable little pile of footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/what-is-a-castlevania-puzzle-trailer-a-miserable-little-pile-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/what-is-a-castlevania-puzzle-trailer-a-miserable-little-pile-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/what-is-a-castlevania-puzzle-trailer-a-miserable-little-pile-of/#commentsWe're conflicted about this Castlevania Puzzle: Encore of the Night trailer and, by extension, about the iPhone puzzler itself. On one hand, we like Castlevania and we like falling block puzzle games, and think that the RPG elements cribbed from Symphony of the Night could make this one enjoyable.

On the other hand, it seems ... profane to crack the brilliant Symphony of the Night open and repurpose it in this manner. Maybe it's just us, but seeing Symphony of the Night's sprites and plot reduced to motivation for matching blocks makes us squirm a bit. We wouldn't be so offended if it weren't such a highly revered game -- even if it were other Castlevania. Castlevania Bloodlines Puzzle would be weird, but not offensive.

We must keep in mind that the existence of this game in no way impugns the real Symphony of the Night. We should also remember that this is hardly the first Castlevania game to reuse sprites from another.

JoystiqWhat is a Castlevania Puzzle trailer? A miserable little pile of footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleCastlevaniacastlevania-puzzlecastlevania-puzzle-encore-of-the-nightiPodKonamiPuzzleThu, 10 Jun 2010 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Zangief piledriving iPhone Street Fighter IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/zangief-piledriving-iphone-street-fighter-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/zangief-piledriving-iphone-street-fighter-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/zangief-piledriving-iphone-street-fighter-iv/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to IGN, Zangief will soon join his street fighting brethren on the iPhone. You can see video proof after the break. The Russian wrestler, like Cammy, will arrive via free DLC at some point in the near future.

In other news, if you can pull off a spinning piledriver without using the special attack button, you're officially done with video games. Congratulations, you win.

Continue reading Zangief piledriving iPhone Street Fighter IV

JoystiqZangief piledriving iPhone Street Fighter IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleCapcomiPodmobileStreet-Fighter-IVThu, 10 Jun 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA Chinatown Wars on iPad this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/gta-chinatown-wars-on-ipad-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/gta-chinatown-wars-on-ipad-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/gta-chinatown-wars-on-ipad-this-month/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Take-Two is set to release its least portable version yet of Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. G4 reports that, during yesterday's investor conference call, CEO Ben Feder outed plans to release an iPad version of the game, which was originally designed for the Nintendo DS and has since been ported to PSP and iPhone.

No specific features were named for the upgraded version, though we can expect improved graphics and virtual controls that occupy less of the screen space. Feder said that the iPad port will be available "later this month."

JoystiqGTA Chinatown Wars on iPad this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleBen-Federgrand-theft-autoGrand-Theft-Auto-Chinatown-WarsiPadiPodmobileRockstar-GamesSandboxTake-TwoWed, 09 Jun 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[FarmVille to rake in iPhone audience's cash this June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/farmville-to-rake-in-iphone-audiences-cash-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/farmville-to-rake-in-iphone-audiences-cash-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/farmville-to-rake-in-iphone-audiences-cash-this-june/#commentsFiled under: , ,

During today's all-things-Apple WWDC 2010 conference, Zynga founder Mark Pincus took the stage to announce a startling (albeit not entirely unexpected) technological development for the virtual agriculture industry: FarmVille is heading to iPhone at the end of June. The app will allow you to sync up with your Facebook account and tend to your pre-existing farm on the go.

Pincus teased "withering crop Push notifications," though we're not sure if that was a joke or not. We pray to any and all powers that be that it was.

JoystiqFarmVille to rake in iPhone audience's cash this June originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplecasualfarmvilleiPodwwdc-2010zyngaMon, 07 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero on iPhone today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/guitar-hero-on-iphone-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/guitar-hero-on-iphone-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/guitar-hero-on-iphone-today/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Guitar Hero iPhone
From the "I could have sworn this was already a thing" file: Activision just revealed during Apple's WWDC 2010 event that its venerable Guitar Hero franchise is headed to the iPhone today for $2.99. The new version, which includes tracks from Queen and The Rolling Stones, has you tapping notes and swiping the screen in place of strumming.

Side note: If you didn't already have this information, it means you're not following the Steve Jobs' WWDC keynote, and we're going to need you to leave your nerd badge with Sheila on the way out.

Gallery: Guitar Hero for the iPhone and iPod Touch

JoystiqGuitar Hero on iPhone today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionAppleguitar-heroGuitar-Hero-iPhoneiPodmobileVicarious-VisionsWWDC-2010Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple iPhone 4 starting at $199 on June 24, gyroscope added]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/apple-iphone-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/apple-iphone-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/apple-iphone-4/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In a shocking announcement that absolutely no one expected -- oh, who are we kidding? Apple CEO Steve Jobs just officially debuted the iPhone 4 at WWDC 2010 in San Francisco. While anyone with internet access has probably already seen the thing, we now know some of the new specs -- plus a date and pricing. June 24 for the iPhone 4 in white or black, 16GB for $199 and 32GB for $299, with a contract, of course. AT&T is extending the special pricing to any subscriber whose contract is up in 2010. Pre-orders for the iPhone 4 will open June 15.

The first major gaming-related feature revealed today: what Apple is calling a "Retina Display." No, it doesn't scan your retina -- it's Apple's jargon for the iPhone 4's screen having four times the pixel density as the iPhone 3GS, or 326 pixels-per-inch. That's also 78 percent of the pixel resolution of the iPad's display. Jobs said that existing apps and games will instantly look better, but can be optimized for the screen.

We'll continue updating this post as more is announced.

Update: The handset is powered by Apple's own A4 processor, the same used by the iPad. In addition to GPS, a compass and accelerometers, the iPhone 4G is adding a gyroscope, providing full pitch/roll/yaw sensing in 3D space. "We've tied the gyro, accelerometer, and GPS for 6-axis motion sensing. It's perfect for gaming - and one of the reasons it's perfect is because it's built into every iPhone 4, so you know it's there," Jobs explained. He demoed the functionality with a Jenga type game.

Gallery: iPhone 4

JoystiqApple iPhone 4 starting at $199 on June 24, gyroscope added originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleiphoneiPodSteve-JobsWWDC-2010Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: World at War Zombies 'sequel' now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/call-of-duty-world-at-war-zombies-sequel-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/call-of-duty-world-at-war-zombies-sequel-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/call-of-duty-world-at-war-zombies-sequel-now-available/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Today, you can answer the Call of Duty once again, on the device you use to answer most other calls. Activision has announced that the popular Call of Duty: World at War Zombies iPhone game now has a sequel available -- sort of.

The "Shi no Numa" content pack for the original Zombies game is being billed as the sequel, although it's also DLC for the original. If you already have Zombies, you can add the new content, including the "Zombie Swamp" location, to your existing game, for $4.99. It's available as a standalone app for $9.99, for some reason, as well.

Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies II ($9.99): Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies II

JoystiqCall of Duty: World at War Zombies 'sequel' now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jun 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionAppleCall-of-DutyCall-of-Duty-World-At-War-ZombiesCall-of-Duty-World-at-War-Zombies-2FPSiPodmobileShi-no-NumaTreyarchSat, 05 Jun 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Carcassonne now getting medieval on App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/carcassonne-now-getting-medieval-on-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/carcassonne-now-getting-medieval-on-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/05/carcassonne-now-getting-medieval-on-app-store/#comments The territory-expanding German board game Carcassonne continues to spread its reach to as many digital platforms as humanly possible, landing recently on the iPhone and iPod Touch. The game, which is available for $4.99 on the App Store, includes both single-system and local network multiplayer modes. It also caters to both English and German-speaking players -- just like us! Sehen Sie, wir sprechen Deutsch jetzt! Hallo, Franz! Welcher Weg in die Diskothek?

Carcassonne ($4.99): Boggle

Gallery: Carcassonne (iPhone)

JoystiqCarcassonne now getting medieval on App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeAppleboard-gameCarcassonneiPodManasto-JonesmobileSat, 05 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Parappa creator and OneBigGame make music game for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/parappa-creator-and-onebiggame-make-music-game-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/parappa-creator-and-onebiggame-make-music-game-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/04/parappa-creator-and-onebiggame-make-music-game-for-charity/#commentsFor its next charity fundraiser game, nonprofit publisher OneBigGame announced that it's working with Parappa the Rapper creator Masaya Matsuura and his studio, NanaOn-Sha, along with Triangle Studios, to create WINtA, an iPhone/iPod Touch rhythm game.

OneBigGame describes it as "combining elements of pattern recognition challenges with the natural tendency of humans to tap along with music and words." It appears to put pulsing dots on the screen, leaving the player to tap them in time with the music -- though not necessarily providing a clear cue when to tap. You can try to figure it out by watching early footage taken from the GameCity conference last year (via Pocket Gamer), after the break. That early footage looks nothing like the new screenshots (above), so there's still an element of mystery.

Proceeds from sales of WINtA will benefit Save the Children, Starlight Children's Foundation and other charities when the game is released later this year.

Continue reading Parappa creator and OneBigGame make music game for charity

JoystiqParappa creator and OneBigGame make music game for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleCharityiPodmasaya-matsuuramobileMusicNana-On-ShaOneBigGameTriangle-StudiosWintaFri, 04 Jun 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA releases Boggle for iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/29/ea-releases-boggle-for-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/29/ea-releases-boggle-for-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/29/ea-releases-boggle-for-ipad/#comments You know how you love to play Boggle but hate having to buy note pads all of the time? Well, if you've got yourself an iPad, you may be interested to know that EA has released Boggle onto the App store. Simply boot up the game, give your iPad a shake and you're good to go on a word hunt.

The game features three different modes of play: Challenge, Advanced and Self-Score. There's even iTunes support, allowing you to control the soundtrack of misery for your family while you display your wordsmith skills during the annual Thanksgiving Boggle Tournament. We suggest something really classy, like Sagat's "Funk Dat."

Boggle ($4.99): Boggle

Gallery: Boggle (iPad)

JoystiqEA releases Boggle for iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 May 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp-storeAppleapple-ipadboggleeaea-playElectronic-ArtsipadiPodSat, 29 May 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Might & Magic Heroes Kingdoms crowns you king of the iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/might-and-magic-heroes-kingdoms-crowns-you-king-of-the-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/might-and-magic-heroes-kingdoms-crowns-you-king-of-the-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/might-and-magic-heroes-kingdoms-crowns-you-king-of-the-ipad/#comments When you buy a fancy new gizmo like an iPad, you're probably looking for something to validate that expensive purchase -- we wouldn't know, we're not rich. Based on the trailer above, it seems that Ubisoft's Might & Magic Heroes Kingdoms could fill that need.

It's a free-to-play, massively multiplayer web-based game focusing on resource management and diplomacy in a persistent virtual world, called Ashan. You can form alliances with other players and wage war as you vie for supremacy. Sadly, the game's only available in the United Kingdom, Germany and France right now. If you live in one of those qualifying regions, you can download it now, free of charge.

We've contacted Ubisoft to see if and when it'll be available in the US. We'll let you know what we hear back.

JoystiqMight & Magic Heroes Kingdoms crowns you king of the iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 May 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleipadiPodmight-and-magicmight-and-magic-heroes-kingdomresource-managementubisoftFri, 28 May 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone having a 'PAC-Match Party']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/iphone-having-a-pac-match-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/iphone-having-a-pac-match-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/iphone-having-a-pac-match-party/#comments Yet another new Pac-Man game has been revealed to coincide with the yellow pellet-popper's 30th birthday, this one for iPhone / iPod Touch. PAC-Match Party is a match-three game (think: Bejeweled) that features a variety of ("exciting!") Pac-themed power-ups, as seen in the teaser video we've packed away after the break.

No release date has been announced, but games typically arrive on the App Store soon after they're announced. While you're waiting, you can give a Flash version of the game a go at the official Pac-Man site.

Continue reading iPhone having a 'PAC-Match Party'

JoystiqiPhone having a 'PAC-Match Party' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleiPodNamco-Bandainamco-networkspac-manpac-match-partyvideoThu, 27 May 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Splinter Cell: Conviction now on iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/splinter-cell-conviction-now-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/splinter-cell-conviction-now-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/splinter-cell-conviction-now-on-iphone/#commentsIs it no longer enough for you to be sneaky in Splinter Cell: Conviction? Would you also like the ability to be sneaky about playing it? Gameloft has just released an iPhone version of the stealth action game, so you could be playing Splinter Cell all day, with the people around you thinking you're just texting a lot.

Conviction on iPhone attempts to bring essentially the same visual style and gameplay to the handheld platform, with a similar third-person perspective, cover, and even Sam's mark-and-execute abilities. According to TouchArcade's review, problems with controls and AI keep it from quite achieving that goal -- you can see the guard AI in (in)action in the trailer after the break.

Splinter Cell: Conviction ($9.99): Splinter Cell Conviction?

Continue reading Splinter Cell: Conviction now on iPhone

JoystiqSplinter Cell: Conviction now on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionApplegameloftiPodportsplinter-cellsplinter-cell-convictionstealthubisoftThu, 27 May 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone's Call of Duty: Zombies gets add-on Shi No Numa pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/iphones-call-of-duty-zombies-gets-add-on-shi-no-numa-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/iphones-call-of-duty-zombies-gets-add-on-shi-no-numa-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/iphones-call-of-duty-zombies-gets-add-on-shi-no-numa-pack/#comments There's only so much zombie slaughter one can engage in before dispatching the undead loses its luster, wouldn't you say? That's why Activision is looking to shake things up for its undead murder sim, Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies on iPhone.

IGN reports Shi No Numa will add the Zombie Swamp map to the game -- one of Call of Duty: World at War's maps. In Zombie Swamp, players will get access to new weapons (the Arisaka, Type 100 machine gun and the Wunderwaffe DG-2) and take on new enemies: Japanese soldiers and Hellhounds.

This is the second expansion released for Call of Duty: Zombies, joining the currently available Verruckt map pack. Current owners will be able to download Shi No Numa at the end of this week for $4.99 from the App Store. If you have yet to download the game at all, you can purchase Call of Duty: Zombies for the usual price of $9.99 with Shi No Numa already loaded.

JoystiqiPhone's Call of Duty: Zombies gets add-on Shi No Numa pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionApplecall-of-dutyCall-of-Duty-World-at-WarCall-of-Duty-World-at-War-Zombiescall-of-duty-zombiesipadiphoneiPodipod-touchzombiesThu, 27 May 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Alpha Protocol-themed 8GB iPod Touches [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/joyswag-alpha-protocol-themed-8gb-ipod-touches/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/joyswag-alpha-protocol-themed-8gb-ipod-touches/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/joyswag-alpha-protocol-themed-8gb-ipod-touches/#comments Update: We've closed the comments and will pick three lucky winners shortly. Keep an eye on your inboxes!

We've got three 8 gigglebyte iPod Touches with fancy Alpha Protocol branding etched on 'em -- and hey, we'd love to give them to three of you. For your chance to win, just come up with at least one idea for how a spy could use an iPod (other than leave it laying around to distract foolish lackeys, of course).

You have eight chances to enter -- once per day -- as this giveaway will be active for a full week. Don't worry -- it won't self-destruct at that time ... So, what could a spy do with an iPod Touch? You tell us! To enter:
  • Leave a comment telling us something a spy might do with an iPod Touch.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day.
  • This entry period ends at 3:00PM ET on Wednesday, June 2.
  • At that time, we will randomly select three winners to each receive one 8GB iPod Touch with limited edition Alpha Protocol branding (ARV $199.99).
  • For a list of complete rules, click here.
What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition.

For more info on our policy, click here.

JoystiqJoyswag: Alpha Protocol-themed 8GB iPod Touches [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-protocolAppleiPodipod-touchjoyswagMicrosoftXbox-360Wed, 26 May 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ogmento secures $3.5 million for augmented reality game development and publishing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/ogmento-secures-3-5-million-for-augmented-reality-game-developm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/ogmento-secures-3-5-million-for-augmented-reality-game-developm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/ogmento-secures-3-5-million-for-augmented-reality-game-developm/#comments Augmented reality game developer and publisher Ogmento this morning announced that it has secured the first $3.5 million of venture capital funding for development. The exciting news? That means the company is hiring. "The key thing is really we're looking to partner, and hire folks, so we'd love to get that word out," Ogmento co-founder Ori Inbar told us in a phone interview earlier today. "What we do is we go after people that we've either known for many years or people that have passion about augmented reality, and have good experience in game design or art. It's a lot about passion."

But that first round of funding won't just go to expanding the still nascent company's New York (R&D) and LA (development) offices with passionate people -- Inbar told us Ogmento plans on using part to release a few titles this year, "leading on mobile." That said, he was also happy to talk about possible console developments in the future. "Sony's EyeToy camera is basically enabling a whole set of augmented reality games ... and Project Natal will enable something similar. Then of course there is the DSi/3DSi and PSP platforms which are already embracing AR. When you see a game like LittleBigPlanet include AR into its development, you know this is a technology with some serious potential."

Ogmento is currently composed of eight employees, including industry veterans Brian Selzer ("he's heading up the creative in the company," former senior director of Marvel properties at Hands-On Mobile) and Brad Foxhoven (former strategic consultant for ... everything). As far as announcements with game developers or publishers attached, Inbar says we'll "hear more soon."

JoystiqOgmento secures $3.5 million for augmented reality game development and publishing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleaugmented-realitybrad-foxhovenbrian-selzerbusinesscapitaleyetoyhiringiPodogmentoori-inbarWed, 26 May 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Scratch: The Ultimate DJ remixed for iPhone, iPad, and PC [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/scratch-the-ultimate-dj-remixed-for-iphone-ipad-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/scratch-the-ultimate-dj-remixed-for-iphone-ipad-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/scratch-the-ultimate-dj-remixed-for-iphone-ipad-and-pc/#comments
Click: The Ultimate GalleryScratch: The Ultimate DJ was all set to compete against Activision's DJ Hero, but major legal issues delayed the game significantly. Now, the game has resurfaced -- in a form that doesn't use the high-end turntable controller. Numark (managing partner in Scratch DJ Game LLC) announced versions of the game for iPhone, iPad, and PC, due "later this year" -- which constitutes another delay, from the game's previous "spring" date.

The previously announced console versions of the game are not mentioned at all in the announcement, save for an oblique reference in the description of the Scratch Deck controller: "Additionally, Numark has developed a new full-function dual-turntable controller that enables players to manipulate both turntables simultaneously, which will be available for use with the game on a variety of platforms." While the PC may be one of those platforms, it's a safe bet that the controller isn't designed for use with the iPhone or iPad.

It's hard to tell from the announcement whether the console game has been scrapped in favor of this "remixed" release. We're contacting Numark to attempt to clear up the question of Scratch's console release plans.

Update: Numark told Joystiq that the console versions are still in development. In addition, the PC version will use a special controller.

JoystiqScratch: The Ultimate DJ remixed for iPhone, iPad, and PC [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppledjiPadiPodmusicnumarkrhythmscratchscratch-dj-llcscratch-the-ultimate-djWed, 26 May 2010 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Chocobo Panic revealed as iPad chocobo-grabbing game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/chocobo-panic-revealed-as-ipad-chocobo-grabbing-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/chocobo-panic-revealed-as-ipad-chocobo-grabbing-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/chocobo-panic-revealed-as-ipad-chocobo-grabbing-game/#commentsSquare Enix's Chocobo Panic isn't an RPG about a chocobo uprising, as we speculated. Instead, it's an iPad game about catching and releasing chocobos in response to prompts.

Players tap to hold up to six chocobos of the correct colors, and then must let go of specific chocobos by taking a finger off the iPad. This simple gameplay is available in both single-player and co-op modes, the latter featuring alternating turns. In simultaneous two-player mode, players compete until one makes a mistake.

Think of it as a prelude to our fantasy chocobo uprising game, in which you attempt to keep the chocobo population literally under your thumb. Chocobo Panic is available now for $3.99.

Chocobo Panic ($3.99): Chocobo Panic

[Via IGN]

JoystiqChocobo Panic revealed as iPad chocobo-grabbing game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applechocobo-panicipadiPodsquare-enixWed, 26 May 2010 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Super Shock Football]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-super-shock-football/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-super-shock-football/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-super-shock-football/#commentsBeing a giant, beloved video game blog has its downsides. For example, we sometimes neglect to give independent developers our coverage love (or loverage, if you will) as we get caught up in AAA, AAAA or the rare quintuple-A titles. To remedy that, we're giving indies the chance to create their own loverage and sell you, the fans, on their studios and products. This week we talk with Adam Meyer of Steamroller Studios to learn how his passion for art lead him to the digital gridiron of Super Shock Football.


How did you and your company get started?

Steamroller Studios came about in February last year when we started working on our first game, Super Shock Football. I'd been wanting to get into game development for a while, having had a taste of it while doing the cover for the BioShock L.E. and the Section 8 logo. But my skills mostly end with art and I don't have the coding knowledge to make a game myself. Then one day my buddy, who's a technical director over at WETA Digital, called me with his idea to make an electric football game for the iPhone, I jumped at the opportunity to work with him on it. So the company really started out with just the two of us but we're starting to bring some really talented people in. We have a great animator named Jalil that also works at WETA and he just came on board for our new game. Plus we have some talented freelancers. [Programmer Keith Lackey]'s cousin helps out with the sound and he worked on Dead Space and BioShock 2. We're very fortunate to have some very gifted people helping us out.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Super Shock Football

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Super Shock Football originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appledead-woodipadiPodjoystiq-indie-pitchsteamrollersuper-shock-footballTue, 25 May 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney on iPhone next week for $5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-on-iphone-next-week-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-on-iphone-next-week-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/phoenix-wright-ace-attorney-on-iphone-next-week-for-5/#commentsNext week, you'll have another platform on which to experience Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney's verbal dueling. Capcom has announced that the iPhone version of the first Phoenix Wright game, originally revealed in December, will be released on the App Store at a price of just $4.99. It's even got the fifth case, which was only available in the WiiWare port as DLC. If you've never played Phoenix Wright, passing it up at such a bargain price is a crime, punishable by our disappointment.

This is the rare iPhone port that won't be ruined by the platform's lack of buttons -- gameplay consists entirely of clicking through menus and occasionally pointing a cursor at an area of the screen. Capcom has even streamlined these controls further for iPhone, with a "flick interface" that allows players to swipe through inventory menus. There's something satisfying about the idea of playing Phoenix Wright with your outstretched index finger.

Gallery: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (iPhone)

JoystiqPhoenix Wright: Ace Attorney on iPhone next week for $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-attorneyAdventureapp-storeApplecapcomiPodPhoenix-WrightPhoenix-Wright-Ace-Attorney-iPhoneportrelease-dateFri, 21 May 2010 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Run, J-Stache Run]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-run-j-stache-run/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-run-j-stache-run/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-run-j-stache-run/#commentsBeing a giant, beloved video game blog has its downsides. For example, we sometimes neglect to give independent developers our coverage love (or loverage, if you will) as we get caught up in AAA, AAAA or the rare quintuple-A titles. To remedy that, we're giving indies the chance to create their own loverage and sell you, the fans, on their studios and products. This week we talk with Tavit Geudelekian of Primary Wave Games about the studio's first release, Run, J-Stache Run for iPhone. Tavit previously served as a producer at Atari (N+, Ghostbusters) and worked in pre-production on Mizuguchi's unreleased QJ for Wii.


How did you or your company get started?

Primary Wave Games can best be described as an interactive/games imprint of independent music publisher Primary Wave. I had been working at Atari for the past four years as a games producer and I had collaborated with my buddy Ryan Barkan over at PW on a music-based game proposal that we pitched up to Atari. Unfortunately, at the time Atari didn't have the resources to bite on that project, but Ryan and I kept in close touch and when I wanted to make a move towards the world of music, Primary Wave was there to catch me.

Primary Wave has a really fresh perspective on music publishing. We really get behind our artists and catalogs through proactive marketing and collaborative licensing, seeking out both traditional and non-traditional avenues to raise the value and profile of our intellectual property. Primary Wave Games is our effort to extend those marketing and creative services into the interactive world by making games and projects that begin to actively bridge the gap between music and games.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Run, J-Stache Run

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Run, J-Stache Run originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleiPodj-stachejoystiq-indie-pitchprimary-waveprimary-wave-gamesrun-j-stache-runtavit-geudelekianFri, 21 May 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pac-Man Reborn explores Pac evolution on mobile and Twitter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/pac-man-reborn-explores-pac-evolution-on-mobile-and-twitter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/pac-man-reborn-explores-pac-evolution-on-mobile-and-twitter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/pac-man-reborn-explores-pac-evolution-on-mobile-and-twitter/#commentsNamco Bandai teased the "next evolution" of Pac-Man earlier this month; now we think we have a pretty good idea of what game the publisher was talking about, if not exactly how the game works. The Japanese side of the company has announced Pac-Man Reborn, a mobile game based on the idea of building and evolving the ultimate Pac creature.

Players create their own Pac-Man thing in different colors, using parts like antlers and kebabs, then pit them against their friends, with the winner spawning a new Pac-Man thing. And somehow, this crazy mobile / iPhone game will interact with Twitter.

We expect to find out more about this game -- like how to play it and what Namco is talking about -- during the E3 Pac-Man party. A beta will be released in Japan tomorrow, marking the 30th anniversary of the original game.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqPac-Man Reborn explores Pac evolution on mobile and Twitter originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleiPodmobilenamconamco-bandaipac-manpac-man-rebornsocial-gamestwitterThu, 20 May 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic 4 delayed until late 2010, will be released on iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/sonic-4-delayed-until-late-2010-will-be-released-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/sonic-4-delayed-until-late-2010-will-be-released-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/sonic-4-delayed-until-late-2010-will-be-released-on-iphone/#commentsSega just dropped two items of information about Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I, one slightly disappointing and one ... interesting? First for the kind of bad news: it's been delayed from its original "summer" release to "late 2010."

"The additional time will allow the Development Team to focus on ensuring overall high-quality throughout the game by continuing to tune, balance, and maintain the kind of polish that an important title like this demands," the press release reads, "and ultimately providing fans with an unrivalled classic Sonic feel."

The other news: as many suspected, the downloadable game will be released not only on PSN, XBLA and WiiWare, but for the iPhone / iPod Touch as well. You'll have the choice of portability or buttons!

Gallery: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1

JoystiqSonic 4 delayed until late 2010, will be released on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppledelaysdimpsiPodMicrosoftNintendopsnsegasonicsonic-4sonic-the-hedgehogsonic-the-hedgehog-4sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1WiiwiiwarexblaXbox-360Thu, 20 May 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot Unicorn Attack to live in harmony, harmony with your iPhone June 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/robot-unicorn-attack-to-live-in-harmony-harmony-with-your-iphon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/robot-unicorn-attack-to-live-in-harmony-harmony-with-your-iphon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/robot-unicorn-attack-to-live-in-harmony-harmony-with-your-iphon/#commentsRobot Unicorn Attack, developer Spiritonin's excessively magical browser-based game about a unicorn running through a dreamscape and smashing stars, is bringing its Erasure-fueled wonder to the iPhone, where it can always be with you. Entertainment Weekly reports that the Adult Swim-published browser game will be available on the App Store on June 1, for $2.99.

Adam Atomic's Canabalt, also a game about running forever and jumping between platforms, similarly started as a pretty amazing browser game before becoming a smash hit on iPhone. We suspect that unicorn magic will help Robot Unicorn Attack achieve Adult Swim's wish for a hit iPhone game.

[Via @superpac]

JoystiqRobot Unicorn Attack to live in harmony, harmony with your iPhone June 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebrowserbrowser-gameiPodrobot-unicorn-attackspiritoninThu, 20 May 2010 17:00:00 EST