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[PS3/Vita title Warrior's Lair not canceled, says Sony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/ps3-vita-title-warriors-lair-not-canceled-says-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/ps3-vita-title-warriors-lair-not-canceled-says-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/ps3-vita-title-warriors-lair-not-canceled-says-sony/#comments Sony acknowledged in a matter-of-fact response the cross-platform PS3/Vita title Warrior's Lair -- previously known as Ruin -- has not been canceled. We followed up with the publisher last week after forum murmurings (some since deleted) claimed the game had been canned and over half the staff at developer Idol Minds were let go.

To the first point, a Sony representative plainly stated, "Warrior's Lair is still in development; it isn't cancelled."

As to whether the game is still in development at Idol Minds and if there were any layoffs? Idol Minds has not responded to our request for comment.

Warrior's Lair was revealed at last year's E3 as a Diablo-style RPG with interesting social features.

Update: Idol Minds is no longer on the project. Still no word from the company about layoffs.

JoystiqPS3/Vita title Warrior's Lair not canceled, says Sony originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>idol-mindslayoffsplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ruinvitawarriors-lairMon, 02 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 / Vita RPG 'Ruin' now called 'Warrior's Lair']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/ps3-vita-rpg-ruin-now-called-warriors-lair/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/ps3-vita-rpg-ruin-now-called-warriors-lair/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/ps3-vita-rpg-ruin-now-called-warriors-lair/#comments Update your files, adventurers. Developer Idol Minds' hack-and-slash RPG, Ruin, which allows you to share save files and play between PS3 and PS Vita, now has a new name ... and it's about as generic as the previous one. It's called Warrior's Lair now.

We don't know when we'll get to play Warrior's Lair again, and it's not part of the PlayStation Vita launch lineup, but as soon as we hear something we'll leave a message at the tavern. That is how warriors get their information nowadays, right?

JoystiqPS3 / Vita RPG 'Ruin' now called 'Warrior's Lair' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>idol-mindsplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ruinsceavitawarriors-lairSat, 14 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ruin preview: Hack and social]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/ruin-preview-hack-and-social/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/ruin-preview-hack-and-social/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/ruin-preview-hack-and-social/#comments Perhaps the PS Vita game with the highest profile after Sony's E3 press event is the working-titled Ruin, a hack-and-slash Torchlight-style RPG with some interesting social features. Developer Idol Minds (Pain) showed off the title during the event right after the PS Vita's official introduction, and as soon as the event ended, we ran to see just what the game would be like.

What we found was a pretty traditional, if simple, dungeon crawler. At least a prototype of a dungeon crawler -- Ruin's most interesting features, like the social elements that will let you both build and equip a dungeon of your own, as well as attack the dungeons of your rivals, are still all theoretical so far.

But the mechanics are there; as an Infernal Warrior (the only race/class combination on display, though Humans and Elves will also be playable as an Assassin or one of two other classes), I got to take down a small dungeon of enemies and collect the tasty (placeholder) loot that issued forth.

Continue reading Ruin preview: Hack and social

JoystiqRuin preview: Hack and social originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>idol-mindsplaystationps3pspruinsonysony-computer-entertainment-americaTue, 07 Jun 2011 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Pain adds 'Hurt Falls,' a free level sponsored by Axe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/pain-adds-hurt-falls-a-free-level-sponsored-by-axe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/pain-adds-hurt-falls-a-free-level-sponsored-by-axe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/pain-adds-hurt-falls-a-free-level-sponsored-by-axe/#comments
 If you haven't fired up Pain in a grip, you might want to do so post-haste -- the game was discretely patched with a free, Axe-sponsored new level, "Pain Falls," earlier this month. Sony only just announced the new content to fans in an email bulletin, which we've posted after the jump.

Continue reading PSA: Pain adds 'Hurt Falls,' a free level sponsored by Axe

JoystiqPSA: Pain adds 'Hurt Falls,' a free level sponsored by Axe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axeaxe-body-spraydlchurt-fallsidol-mindsPainpatchplaystationps3psnsonyupdateThu, 16 Dec 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: PAIN developer Idol Minds lays off more than half of staff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/rumor-pain-developer-idol-minds-lays-off-more-than-half-of-staf/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/rumor-pain-developer-idol-minds-lays-off-more-than-half-of-staf/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/rumor-pain-developer-idol-minds-lays-off-more-than-half-of-staf/#comments
Idol Minds, known best for the PS3 downloadable game PAIN, has laid off more than half of its staff, according to a report by Kotaku. The original team of 46 has been reduced to a mere 20 through a series of layoffs, the latest of which affected seventeen developers.

Kotaku's sources point to budget cuts from long-time publishing partner Sony Computer Entertainment. However, it's hard to ignore the irony of the team's namesake: other than a few expansion packs to PAIN, no major releases or game announcements have come out of the studio since 2007. What this means for the future of the PAIN franchise is unclear for now. Calls to both Idol Minds and SCEA were not returned.

JoystiqRumor: PAIN developer Idol Minds lays off more than half of staff originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>idol-mindslayoffspainrumorsceasonySony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaWed, 21 Oct 2009 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: PAIN's Sore Spots (now with Daxter!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/joystiq-hands-on-pains-sore-spots-now-with-daxter/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/joystiq-hands-on-pains-sore-spots-now-with-daxter/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/joystiq-hands-on-pains-sore-spots-now-with-daxter/#comments
PAIN has come a long way since launching with just one level, two characters, and no online multiplayer. It's managed to rank at the top of PSN downloads through a consistent stream of content add-ons, which -- you guessed it -- have added new levels, new characters, and online multiplayer. We got our hands on the next update, the "Sore Spots" level pack, and its new characters at Sony's recent Gamers' Day in Los Angeles.

Read on for our full preview and to find out what's coming next from developer Idol Minds. (HInt: A heckuva lot more crotch-related agony.)

Gallery: Pain: Sore Spots and New Characters

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: PAIN's Sore Spots (now with Daxter!)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: PAIN's Sore Spots (now with Daxter!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcidol-mindspainpsnsony-gamers-day-09Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming PAIN expansion features wedgies, aliens and Trophies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/26/upcoming-pain-expansion-features-wedgies-aliens-and-trophies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/26/upcoming-pain-expansion-features-wedgies-aliens-and-trophies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/26/upcoming-pain-expansion-features-wedgies-aliens-and-trophies/#comments Looks like PSN's #1 game of 2008 is getting yet another expansion. The next expansion, "Sore Spots," will add two environments: the Morningwood High School gymnasium and the alien-infested Area 69. The expansions will also introduce a few new modes, such as the "Fun With Explosives" inspired "PAIN Science" mode.

The official PAIN blog features more details on the upcoming expansion, but we've taken a peek at the new Trophies for the upcoming expansion. To see Idol Minds' devilish new achievements, check past the break.

Continue reading Upcoming PAIN expansion features wedgies, aliens and Trophies

JoystiqUpcoming PAIN expansion features wedgies, aliens and Trophies originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>idol-mindspainpsnsore-spotstrophiestrophySun, 26 Apr 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[PAIN goes online today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/pain-goes-online-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/pain-goes-online-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/pain-goes-online-today/#comments PSN's best-selling game of '08 gets an extensive update today, adding voice chat, a lobby system and online play. Idol Minds' Travis Williams explains that the large amount of physics data that is used in the game will demand a hefty internet connection: a minimum of 256k upstream will be required.

Many new online modes will be introduced, including a paid PAIN content pack, dubbed the "Smack Pack." This premium content will include both Fortress and Darts modes of play. See a video of Fortress, after the cut.

[Thanks, Andrew L.!]

Continue reading PAIN goes online today

JoystiqPAIN goes online today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>idol-mindspainsmack-packThu, 19 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: PAIN getting new Darts mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/video-pain-getting-new-darts-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/video-pain-getting-new-darts-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/video-pain-getting-new-darts-mode/#comments Looks like the folks at Idol Minds just won't stop expanding PAIN. (Makes sense, considering it's the biggest download on PlayStation Network in 2008). One of the upcoming expansions to PAIN is a new Darts mode. This new mode looks to mix up the fun of Mime Toss with the competitive nature of Bowling. Also new to this mode: online multiplayer, a first for PAIN.

There's still no word on release date or price. Stay tuned as we'll be sure to update you when we find out.

JoystiqVideo: PAIN getting new Darts mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>idol-mindspainpsnThu, 05 Feb 2009 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[PS Nation Podcast 085 - Thrilla]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/02/ps-nation-podcast-085-thrilla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/02/ps-nation-podcast-085-thrilla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/02/ps-nation-podcast-085-thrilla/#commentsFiled under:


Are you ready for some PAIN? PS Nation talks to yet another PSN developer: the guys at Idol Minds, who are bringing you the Hasselhoff-approved comedy game. Check it out.

[iTunes] Subscribe to the PS Nation Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3)
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

New episodes will be available for subscribers every Saturday. Episodes will be available to stream and download on PS3 Fanboy every Sunday at 12:00AM. Visit the VGEvo.com forums to chat with other podcast fans.

Continue reading PS Nation Podcast 085 - Thrilla

JoystiqPS Nation Podcast 085 - Thrilla originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>idol-mindspainpodcastps-nationSun, 02 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAIN Movie Studio coming November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/pain-movie-studio-coming-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/pain-movie-studio-coming-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/17/pain-movie-studio-coming-november/#commentsFiled under:

Looks like the PAIN train is going strong. Just a few months after the release of the Amusement Park expansion pack, the team at Idol Minds is offering yet another level for the downloadable title. Movie Studio, scheduled for November, will add a brand new area to crash through and will offer a slew of additional modes, characters and Trophies. Some things that are promised in the next update:

  • More than one launcher location (There are three that you can dynamically switch to)
  • Single Player Fun with Explosives
  • New Cratetastic Mode
  • Unlockable FREE Character (Buzz, from the Buzz! games)
  • HORSE Mode
  • Bowling Mode (With all new distractions)
For more details on the next update, check out the PS.blog.

JoystiqPAIN Movie Studio coming November originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>idol-mindspainpain-movie-studioFri, 17 Oct 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Getting sick of Sackboy? Throw him around in PAIN soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/getting-sick-of-sackboy-throw-him-around-in-pain-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/getting-sick-of-sackboy-throw-him-around-in-pain-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/getting-sick-of-sackboy-throw-him-around-in-pain-soon/#commentsFiled under:

Even before PAIN first came out there were mentions of bringing other Sony characters into the game, but we didn't expect the first one to be poor naive Sackboy. If Game Informer (via 1UP) is to believed, however, we'll be flinging him out of a giant slingshot "at some point in the future." That's pretty much all the info that's available on the subject. Could this be the first downloadable character for PAIN that's worth the money? Or would you rather Sackboy was a little more choosey about the games he visits? We've been conditioned to think that he's no bigger than a plush toy, so seeing him all human-sized is going to be a little weird.

JoystiqGetting sick of Sackboy? Throw him around in PAIN soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Idol-mindsLBPlittlebigplanetPAINsackboyThu, 18 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAIN gets Trophy patch today; Amusement Park expansion in Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/pain-patch-adds-trophies-and-more-if-you-pay-for-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/pain-patch-adds-trophies-and-more-if-you-pay-for-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/pain-patch-adds-trophies-and-more-if-you-pay-for-it/#commentsFiled under:

Update: Headline has been changed, and article altered to emphasize which content is free and which is not. The patch is free, but Amusement Park (an expansion pack) is not. Sorry for any confusion.

The long-awaited PAIN Trophy patch is now available to download. Simply load up the game and you will be prompted to download the 325MB patch. Don't forget, PAIN's Trophies have been retooled, to make them a bit easier than originally intended.

There is one free addition to the feature roster, however. Each week a new mini-level will be made available. Each of these "PAINlabs" will be an experimental concept that Idol Minds are playing with and are releasing for you, the players, to test out. An interesting idea -- and best of all? It's free.

The patch coincides with the release of the Amusement Park expansion pack, which adds a bunch of content to the game -- but only if you pay for it. Three new characters are also available to purchase.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqPAIN gets Trophy patch today; Amusement Park expansion in Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>idol-mindspainpatchtrophiesThu, 11 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony feels your pain, prepares more PAIN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/sony-feels-your-pain-prepares-more-pain/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/sony-feels-your-pain-prepares-more-pain/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/sony-feels-your-pain-prepares-more-pain/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The guilty pleasure that was is PAIN for PS3 is finally getting some substantial new content. By "substantial" we mean a new level - which will join the game's only level - called "Uncle Jimmy's Fun Spot Amusement Park." Sony and developer Idol Minds reckon it's more of an abusement park (their pun, not ours) and it's bringing more than just fresh scenery to the game.

Slated to arrive "this summer," the PAIN Amusement Park add-on will introduce new player-requested features, including online multiplayer and PlayStation Trophies. These are in addition to the abundance of added moving set pieces you can see in the above video. Looks like in the case of PAIN and new content, it does hurt to ask.

JoystiqSony feels your pain, prepares more PAIN originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcidol-mindspainPS3psnsceasonySony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaTue, 08 Jul 2008 22:30:00 EST