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[Baking news: GTA IV meth recipe flawed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/22/baking-news-gta-iv-meth-recipe-flawed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/22/baking-news-gta-iv-meth-recipe-flawed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/22/baking-news-gta-iv-meth-recipe-flawed/#comments From the obscure annals of May 2008 comes the testimony of BBFC head David Cooke, who confirmed that the now irrelevant UK ratings board had investigated the authenticity of "instructional information about how to make the drug crystal meth" in Grand Theft Auto IV. The incident was brought to light today in a Times Online article examining PEGI's recent appointment as the sole UK video games classification authority and allegations that the organization might not be as thorough as the BBFC had been in its review process; for example: testing out GTA IV's so-called meth recipe.

We're not certain just how far the BBFC went in its drug trial, but "independent advice" was sought in order to deem that "crucial ingredients and techniques were missing" from the scrutinized game content. What does this mean for the rest of us? Well, one, if you're in the planning stages of a homebrewed meth lab, you should probably look beyond GTA IV's suggestions. And, two, if you've already got your lab up and running, you may want to contact your legal team and tell them that the "GTA made me do it" defense isn't going to work this time. That is, only if the coppers catch you before you blow yourself up.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqBaking news: GTA IV meth recipe flawed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfccrankcrystalglassgta-ivgtaivicemethmethamphetaminerecipeukMon, 22 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Oh, Canada Wii's home and native land]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/oh-canada-wiis-home-and-native-land/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/oh-canada-wiis-home-and-native-land/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/oh-canada-wiis-home-and-native-land/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hey, grab a Molson and pull up a comfortable ice block and listen up. The AP is reporting that the Wii has become the first system to reach a million units sold in Canada. That's like one system for every two people or so you've got up there, eh? We're guessing it's because the pearly white exterior of the system matches the decor of your igloos (not to mention the polar bears roaming around outside).

According to NPD statistics, the Wii has sold 1,060,000 Candian units through July, meaning the upcoming Wii version of NHL 2K9 can count on at least 1.5 million sales up there in the frozen North (some Canadians will buy an extra copy for their pet moose, you see). Microsoft and Sony are rumored to be planning competing lumberjack simulations and marketing tie-ins with popular maple syrup makers to increase their systems' appeal to the Canadian market, but as the Quebecois say, this might be "trop peu, trop tard."

(Apologies to all Canadians, who we're sure are too polite and respectful to get mad about this, right?)

JoystiqOh, Canada Wii's home and native land originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beercanadacanuckcoldehfrenchfrozenhockeyicemaple syrupMapleSyrupnhl2k9saleswiiTue, 26 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Federal modchip raid spans 16 US states]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/federal-modchip-raid-spans-16-us-states/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/federal-modchip-raid-spans-16-us-states/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/federal-modchip-raid-spans-16-us-states/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The video game industry's war against enemy solders continues unabated, with 16 U.S. states recently becoming legal battlegrounds for federal customs agents working under the Immigration and Customs Enforcement group. According to the New York Times, more than 30 businesses and homes were raided in search of illegal modification chips and far more sinister sounding copyright circumvention devices. The groups and individuals targeted are suspected of importing, installing, distributing and smuggling devices which allow pirated games to be played on PlayStation 2, Wii and Xbox consoles.

The pirates asking where all the ROM has gone should cast their functional eyes toward Nintendo -- the company notes in a separate press release that it fully supports the sinking of illegal chips. "Nintendo and its developers and publishers lost an estimated $762 million in sales in 2006 due to piracy of its products," said Jodi Daugherty, senior director of anti-piracy at Nintendo of America. "Nintendo's anti-piracy team works closely with law enforcement officials worldwide to seize mod chips and counterfeit software. Since April, Nintendo has seized more than 91,000 counterfeit Wii discs globally."

Friendlier seas won't be found with Nintendo's competitors either. Last month, Sony promised to "aggressively pursue" PS3 pirates and in May, Microsoft gave modified systems the boot from its Xbox Live service.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in. Commence "eye patches are for night vision" commentary.]

JoystiqFederal modchip raid spans 16 US states originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BloodyPiratesICEModchipsModsPS2WiiXbox-360Thu, 02 Aug 2007 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[ICE seizes modchips in 16 states]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/ice-seizes-modchips-in-16-states/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/ice-seizes-modchips-in-16-states/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/ice-seizes-modchips-in-16-states/#commentsFiled under:

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement mobilized today against a major threat: modchips. In "the largest national enforcement action of its kind targeting this type of illegal activity", they executed 32 search warrants of suspected modchip distributors. Nintendo put out a press release, which can be found after the break, in support of the government's actions in support of their massive business. "Nintendo and its developers and publishers lost an estimated $762 million in sales in 2006 due to piracy of its products," said Jodi Daugherty, Nintendo of America's senior director of anti-piracy, presumably counting every known piece of pirated software as a lost full-price sale.

The government (and Nintendo) may see console modding as a black-and-white piracy issue, but it isn't at all. Modchips are primarily designed to enable the use of games imported from other regions, the locking of which on consoles is also used to lock out illegal copies. Turn off region lock, and you cut the audience for mod chips significantly. But even beyond opening up other regions, modchips enable users to extend the utility of their consoles in interesting ways. For an example of modchips being used for awesome, we point at the Xbox Media Center, which allows audio and video media of pretty much any format to be played on a $150 Xbox.

Continue reading ICE seizes modchips in 16 states

JoystiqICE seizes modchips in 16 states originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customsicejodidaughertymodchippiracyThu, 02 Aug 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tetris ice cubes for the remarkably unashamed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/tetris-ice-cubes-for-the-remarkably-unashamed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/tetris-ice-cubes-for-the-remarkably-unashamed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/tetris-ice-cubes-for-the-remarkably-unashamed/#commentsFiled under:

So cool. LOLpun.
Some of us prefer to hide our geekiness, fearing a loss of social status and reduced favor with the opposite sex. Others know that such things are mere trifles, and display their dorkdom with honor and pride. For those of the latter, we would point you to a step-by-step walkthrough of how to make your very own tetromino ice cubes. Yes, it must be Tetris craft week all around the intertron.

The steps are clearly written and easy to follow, but some woodwork and silicone supplies are required. If you're a handyman (or woman), go make yourself some cubes: they'll go wonderfully with that Russian vodka. Just kidding. We mean pop.

(Punch Out!! reference FTW)

JoystiqTetris ice cubes for the remarkably unashamed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftscubedrunkinskiicemikeoutpopinskipunchRussiasodatetristetrominotysonvodkaThu, 31 May 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Australia getting Ice Blue DS Lite [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/australia-getting-ice-blue-ds-lite/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/australia-getting-ice-blue-ds-lite/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/australia-getting-ice-blue-ds-lite/#commentsFiled under: ,


Formerly exclusive to Japan, the Ice Blue DS Lite is coming to Australia at some unknown time, according to a Nintendo of Australia press announcement. Perhaps realizing that ice is quite rarely blue, the Australian unit will be called "Sky Blue." We can verify that yes, the sky is blue.

There's no word on release date or price, but we'd expect it to be $A199.95 (US $165) like other DS's in Australia. You know, unless Nintendo of Australia is just a bunch of jerks. Oh, and speaking of jerks, there's still no sign of the lovely Ice/Sky Blue DS Lite being released in the U.S.

Update: Go Nintendo is confirming that the handheld will be available come July 19th and retail for $199.95RRP. Also, it would seem this is going to be a one time limited release.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqAustralia getting Ice Blue DS Lite [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabluecolorcoloursdsiceice blueIceBluelitenintendonintendo dsNintendoDsskysky blueSkyBlueTue, 22 May 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA hosts SSX party at Ice Hotel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/ea-hosts-ssx-party-at-ice-hotel/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/ea-hosts-ssx-party-at-ice-hotel/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/ea-hosts-ssx-party-at-ice-hotel/#commentsFiled under:


To celebrate the release of SSX Blur, EA held an event at Quebec's Ice Hotel, which is a hotel made of ice. A hotel, where people sleep, where the walls are made of ice.

Journalists got a chance to play the new game and see new demos of Army of Two and a mysterious new property that is, unfortunately, under embargo. Junkie XL, who is responsible for Blur's soundtrack, provided a performance, presumably using non-ice-based instruments. The crowd was also treated to drinks at the ice bar (a bar made of ice), and, of course, warm chicken soup, which no doubt helped everyone keep warm. Ice, as you may have heard, is cold, and the event took place in a building made entirely of ice.

We don't know whether to be jealous of the people who were invited to this unusual locale, or happy that we spent the day in an environment habitable by humans. Luckily Blur is out in stores and we can enjoy it in our nice, temperate homes.

[Via QJ.net]

JoystiqEA hosts SSX party at Ice Hotel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blureaea sports bigeasportsbighoteliceice hotelIceHotelnintendonintendo wiinintendowiipartyssxssx blurSsxBlurwiiTue, 27 Feb 2007 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Planet San Fran launch event recap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/14/lost-planet-san-fran-launch-event-recap/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/14/lost-planet-san-fran-launch-event-recap/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/14/lost-planet-san-fran-launch-event-recap/#commentsFiled under: ,


Last week those happy folks over at Capcom held a launch party for Lost Planet in San Francisco. Over 1,000 people showed up for the fun to play some multiplayer, get their drink on, eat a little, and just have a blast. Over at Brian Dunn's blog he posted a nice recap of the event including photos and an analysis of the multiplayer tournament. All in all it looked like a blast and we wish we could have attended (ice sculptures are our weakness). We posted some of our favorite photos after the break and you'll find lots more after the jump. Nice launch event Capcom, now don't forget to throw a similar party when Dead Rising 2 comes out.

Continue reading Lost Planet San Fran launch event recap

JoystiqLost Planet San Fran launch event recap originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Jan 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomicelaunch eventLaunchEventlost planetLostPlanetSun, 14 Jan 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Monday: Plus Four!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/11/vc-monday-plus-four/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/11/vc-monday-plus-four/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/11/vc-monday-plus-four/#commentsFiled under:

Nintendo promised something like ten a month, but at this rate, we'll be seeing sixteen. Nintendo dropped yet another four vintage goodies on us at noon EST today, and here are the pickings:
  • Ice Hockey (NES) - a much-loved hockey sim that, unfortunately, is beginning to show its age. Where is the ever-revered NHL '94 for SNES?
  • Gunstar Heroes (Sega Genesis) - If Jack Thompson had been as retarded in 1993 as he is now, he'd certainly have gone after this game. Much-lauded for its frenetic and gleeful gut-ripping gameplay, GH is considered one of Sega's best games. Check this 2-D shooter out.
  • Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (Sega Genesis) - some beans are falling, or something, and you have to match them...whatever. We got Columns last week, didn't we?
  • Alien Crush (TG-16) - a rather odd pinball-sim involving scary aliens with a multitude of eyes. If you're into the pinball scene, go for it, if not, settle for some extraterrestrial orange soda. (Zing!)
We still, of course, anxiously await the previous announced Toe Jam and Earl. We wantsssss it!

JoystiqVC Monday: Plus Four! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Dec 2006 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlienBeanCrushGunstarHeroesHockeyIceMachineMeanMondayRobotnikVCMon, 11 Dec 2006 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Curling for the DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/curling-for-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/curling-for-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/curling-for-the-ds/#commentsFiled under:

Finally, something to play in the middle of the night when insomnia makes everything a little wiggly around the edges! At least, that's when we watch curling at the Olympics -- but maybe that's only because that's the only time it's aired in the U.S.

All jibes aside, curling is a very serious game with a huge worldwide following, and since it is so intense on the strategy side (rather than on the heart-pumping-action side of things), it'll likely fit the DS like a glove.

Curling DS will hit the ice in Japan this November. If the game is in any way a hit, we wouldn't be at all surprised to see it released on the Wii as well.

JoystiqCurling for the DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>curlingDSiceNintendoRocket CompanyRocketCompanysportsstrategystyluswinterThu, 28 Sep 2006 17:06:00 EST