Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[El Shaddai director's new studio acquires IP from Ignition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/el-shaddai-directors-new-studio-acquires-ip-from-ignition/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/el-shaddai-directors-new-studio-acquires-ip-from-ignition/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/el-shaddai-directors-new-studio-acquires-ip-from-ignition/#comments The El Shaddai intellectual property (IP) changed hands today from original publisher UTV Ignition to Crim, a Tokyo-based studio where the game's director, Sawaki Takeyasu, is based now. As 4Gamer reports, Ignition confirmed the transfer of all El Shaddai derivative rights, including any prequels and sequels. Ignition, however, retains the rights to sell the original 2011 game. UTV Ignition was acquired by Disney in 2012, with Atlus picking up Dragon's Crown from Ignition shortly after.

The news paves the way for a follow-up to the eccentric Xbox 360 and PS3 action game - interestingly, Crim is hosting an event in Tokyo on August 12 to celebrate the acquisition. Ignition and Crim did release El Shaddai: Social Battle in April 2012, but the smartphone social game ended its service just a few months later. Its lasting memory is this suitably bizarre teaser trailer.

JoystiqEl Shaddai director's new studio acquires IP from Ignition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimdisneyel-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-entertainmentUTV-IgnitionFri, 31 May 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon's Crown trailers speak English, not that it matters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/dragons-crown-trailers-speak-english-not-that-it-matters/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/dragons-crown-trailers-speak-english-not-that-it-matters/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/dragons-crown-trailers-speak-english-not-that-it-matters/#comments
These new trailers for Dragon's Crown's Fighter and Sorceress classes are in English, which is a change from the predominantly Japanese footage we've seen so far, but honestly trailers for this game could be in Esperanto and you'd still be able to get the gist of what's going down: Skeleton murder.

Continue reading Dragon's Crown trailers speak English, not that it matters

JoystiqDragon's Crown trailers speak English, not that it matters originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlusdragons-crownfighterignition-entertainmentplaystationplaystation-vitaps3sorceressvitaFri, 03 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut trailer questions everything]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/deadly-premonition-the-directors-cut-trailer-questions-everyth/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/deadly-premonition-the-directors-cut-trailer-questions-everyth/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/deadly-premonition-the-directors-cut-trailer-questions-everyth/#comments
Do you even know what's in your coffee? Is that even coffee in your cup?

JoystiqDeadly Premonition: The Director's Cut trailer questions everything originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>access-gamesdeadly-premonitionignition-entertainmentmarvelous-entertainmentplaystationps3rising-star-gamessweryWed, 24 Apr 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magical Drop V magically drops on PC November 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/magical-drop-v-magically-drops-on-pc-november-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/magical-drop-v-magically-drops-on-pc-november-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/magical-drop-v-magically-drops-on-pc-november-15/#comments Magical Drop V magically drops on Steam November 15You've waited forever for a new Magical Drop game, and Ignition Entertainment and developer Golgoth Studio will finally deliver. Magical Drop V will be released on Steam for PC on November 15.

As we discovered to our surprise and delight last E3, Magical Drop V is not just a new game in the Data East color-matching puzzle series, it also contains the characters and gameplay from another unreleased puzzler, Ghostlop. Players can choose to play either game, even facing off in multiplayer across two different games.

JoystiqMagical Drop V magically drops on PC November 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignition-entertainmentmagical-drop-5pcsteamThu, 18 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut arrives on PS3 in Q1 2013 [update: Move confirmed]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/deadly-premonition-the-directors-cut-arrives-on-ps3-in-q1-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/deadly-premonition-the-directors-cut-arrives-on-ps3-in-q1-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/deadly-premonition-the-directors-cut-arrives-on-ps3-in-q1-2013/#comments Deadly Premonition The Director's Cut drives onto PS3 fdfdfdfdDeadly Premonition: The Director's Cut is pulling into PlayStation 3 in the first quarter of 2013 for North America and Europe, Rising Star Games announced. The enhanced re-release includes new content, and will receive new downloadable content. It also features a high definition face-lift and reworked controls.

Deadly Premonition creator SWERY65 announced the remastered PS3 edition of his 2010 cult favorite back in March, telling us it would feature new content and Move controls. The press release from Rising Star makes no mention of Move, so we've reached out to the publisher for confirmation.

Update: Rising Star confirmed to us Move support is still planned.

Continue reading Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut arrives on PS3 in Q1 2013 [update: Move confirmed]

JoystiqDeadly Premonition: The Director's Cut arrives on PS3 in Q1 2013 [update: Move confirmed] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3Daccess-gamesdeadly-premonitioneuropeignition-entertainmentmarvelousmoveplaystationps3rising-star-gamesswery65USATue, 16 Oct 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon's Crown has not been canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/dragons-crown-has-not-been-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/dragons-crown-has-not-been-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/dragons-crown-has-not-been-canceled/#comments Vanillaware's lushly illustrated 2D action game for PS3 and Vita, Dragon's Crown, was originally given a Spring 2012 release date. Rumors have since popped up about the game's cancellation -- mostly due to Amazon cancelling pre-orders. Illustrator Shigatake responded to the rumors on Twitter, letting us know that we can still expect our ogre-destroying action and bodice-straining sorceresses.

"I personally can't say much," Shigatake said (as translated by Andriasang), "but I'll just say, 'Regarding Dragon's Crown, although there are lots of rumors and conjecture, it's still in development. Please wait patiently for an official update.'"

We have our own inquiry in with publisher Ignition, and will update you when we get an "official update."

JoystiqDragon's Crown has not been canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragons-crownignition-entertainmentplaystationplaystation-vitaps3shigatakevanillawarevitaThu, 29 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magical Drop V due this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/magical-drop-v-due-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/magical-drop-v-due-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/magical-drop-v-due-this-summer/#comments It's been a while since we heard about Magical Drop V, the new entry in Data East's venerable puzzle series, which contains another Data East puzzle game, Ghostlop, within it. In fact, it's been since E3 of last year. So we contacted publisher Ignition to make sure it was still happening, and if so, when.

An Ignition representative told us that the puzzle game is now due this summer. There is as yet no update on platforms, so until we hear differently it's still PC first, and unspecified consoles after.

JoystiqMagical Drop V due this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golgoth-studioignition-entertainmentmagical-drop-5pcrelease-datesummer-2012Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ignition teaser site hints at new El Shaddai title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/ignition-teaser-site-hints-at-new-el-shaddai-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/ignition-teaser-site-hints-at-new-el-shaddai-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/ignition-teaser-site-hints-at-new-el-shaddai-title/#comments El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron was one of the prettiest and most uniquely original games we played last year, and we'd be lying if we said we weren't itching to get another glimpse into Ignition's surreal world of pseudo-Judeo-Christian mythology and fashionable jeans.

We weren't expecting that itch to ever get scratched, if we're honest, considering how weird El Shaddai is and everything, but it looks like Ignition has more in the pipeline. A teaser site has launched showcasing concept art for five new characters, two of which bear a striking (albeit distinctly female) resemblance to Lucifel and Enoch from the first game.

The text in front of the concept art roughly translates to "Who is the ultimate angel who God speaks of?" according to Andriasang. The site's URL, www.elshaddai-sb.jp, may also contain clues, specifically that "sb" may be the initials of this thing's subtitle, whatever it is. We'll keep an eye our for more details, but right now our money is on a fighting game: El Shaddai: Super Battle, El Shaddai: Seraphim Battalion, something along those lines.

JoystiqIgnition teaser site hints at new El Shaddai title originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept-artel-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronel-shaddai-sbignitionignition-entertainmentteaserUTV-IgnitionSat, 17 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Quarrel brings fighting words to XBLA Jan. 25 for 400 Microsoft Points]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/quarrel-brings-fighting-words-to-xbla-jan-25-for-400-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/quarrel-brings-fighting-words-to-xbla-jan-25-for-400-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/quarrel-brings-fighting-words-to-xbla-jan-25-for-400-microsoft/#comments Ignition Entertainment and Denki are following up the acclaimed iOS release of the word game Quarrel with the long-awaited XBLA version on January 25, for 400 Microsoft Points ($5), Joystiq can announce exclusively. The XBLA release features the same character art, style, and gameplay as the portable iteration, as you can see in our gallery below.

However, this console version features something very important that the iOS one didn't: online multiplayer for 2-4 players! No longer are you at the mercy of Quarrel's surprisingly punishing AI; instead, you can test your anagrammery against your friends. Those friends will have to be remote, as Quarrel's multiplayer is online-only.

This XBLA release was the original version of Quarrel. Denki was working on it until 2010, when finances forced the developer to cut staff. Ignition stepped in last year and rescued the game by taking on publishing duties.

Gallery: Quarrel (XBLA)

JoystiqQuarrel brings fighting words to XBLA Jan. 25 for 400 Microsoft Points originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denkiignition-entertainmentmicrosoftquarrelrelease-datexblaxboxMon, 16 Jan 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/#comments Rock, Paper, Shotgun collaborated in obtaining responses.
The Entertainment Software Association's support of the "Stop Online Piracy Act" has led us to ask every member of the video game industry's lobbying and political group to publicly declare its stance on the bill. The ESA's continued support means every member, by proxy, is a supporter of the bill.

Some companies have pulled their logos from supporting SOPA documentation to dodge ire, while others are hiding behind rhetoric, as you'll see below. Joystiq contacted every member of the ESA and requested a declarative statement on SOPA. After the break we've listed the responses we've received, along with others we found. We continue to seek clarity on this issue from every member of the ESA.

This will become the page we update as we receive responses and clear declarative statements, so feel free to bookmark.

(Joystiq does not support SOPA, nor does our parent company.)

Continue reading ESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond

JoystiqESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>345-games38-studios505-gamescapcomdeep-silverdisneydisney-interactiveeaeidoseidos-interactiveelectronic-artsEntertainment-software-associationepic-gamesESAfutureher-interactiveignition-entertainmentkonamilevel-5microsoftnamconatsumenexonnintendonivalnvidiao-gamesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpoliticssegaslangsonysony-online-entertainmentSOPAsquare-enixstop-online-piracy-acttake-twotake-two-interactivethqtrionubisoftwarner-bros-interactivewbieFri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Test your flailing skills with Kung-Fu High Impact demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/test-your-flailing-skills-with-kung-fu-high-impact-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/test-your-flailing-skills-with-kung-fu-high-impact-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/test-your-flailing-skills-with-kung-fu-high-impact-demo/#comments Leroy! Fancy yourself an on-screen kung fu master? Now is the chance to prove your high-kicking abilities, thanks to a demo for the Kinect-powered Kung-Fu High Impact. Like its PlayStation 3 cousin Kung-Fu Live - which we rather enjoyed - Kung-Fu High Impact transports your image onto the screen, turning your own body into a video game pugilist.

In other words, it's basically Nick Arcade.

JoystiqTest your flailing skills with Kung-Fu High Impact demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoignition-entertainmentkinectkungfu-high-impactmicrosoftvirtual-air-guitar-companyxboxTue, 27 Dec 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quarrel on sale this weekend for an agreeable 99 cents]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/quarrel-on-sale-this-weekend-for-an-agreeable-99-cents/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/quarrel-on-sale-this-weekend-for-an-agreeable-99-cents/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/quarrel-on-sale-this-weekend-for-an-agreeable-99-cents/#comments If you've been playing the free version of Quarrel, and you're ready for a new collection of virtual wordsmith-generals to be drubbed by, take note: From 12:01am PDT tomorrow (3:01am EDT) through Sunday night at 11:59pm PDT (2:59am EDT), Quarrel Deluxe is on sale, marked down from $5 to the magic iPhone price point of 99 cents.

That takes away some of the sting from the purchase, leaving only the sting of having all your territory captured by an AI who is just better than you are at coming up with big words on the fly.

Continue reading Quarrel on sale this weekend for an agreeable 99 cents

JoystiqQuarrel on sale this weekend for an agreeable 99 cents originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denkiignition-entertainmentiosipadiphonemobilequarrelFri, 14 Oct 2011 00:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Quarrel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/portabliss-quarrel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/portabliss-quarrel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/portabliss-quarrel/#commentsDid you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Quarrel.
"If you're an Independent Developer, and you're not selling games directly to customers yet, start worrying, because this industry is changing beyond all recognition." - Denki founder Colin Anderson

After failing to find a publisher for its Xbox Live Arcade word puzzler Quarrel, developer Denki laid off much of its staff and got to work on abandoning its "old business model" so it could start selling games directly to customers. And while that Xbox Live Arcade version has been done for some time, and has finally found a publisher in Ignition Entertainment, it's the new iOS version that Denki is releasing first ... last Thursday, in fact.

Quarrel is a polished word puzzler that bills itself as equal parts Scrabble and Risk, and it works like this: You face-off against computer-controlled opponents, trying to capture every territory on the map; however, unlike Risk, battles in Quarrel are fought with words. At the beginning of each match, both players will be given the same eight letters, an anagram shuffled up beyond recognition (my last round was PANELLED). The number of letters you're able to deploy in battle depends on how many troops you have on each territory. My six-troop territory played PLEAD, worth 10 points, against the AI's six-troop PEEL, worth a measly seven.

Gallery: Quarrel (iPad / iPhone)

Continue reading Portabliss: Quarrel

JoystiqPortabliss: Quarrel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denkiignitionignition-entertainmentiOSiPadiPhonemobileportablissquarreluniversal-appTue, 30 Aug 2011 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Swery considering new game, more Deadly Premonition projects]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/swery-considering-new-game-more-deadly-premonition-projects/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/swery-considering-new-game-more-deadly-premonition-projects/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/swery-considering-new-game-more-deadly-premonition-projects/#comments Deadly Premonition creator Hidetaka Suehiro, known as "Swery," is full of crazy ideas -- as anyone who played his weird, sprawling, Twin Peaks-inspired game will tell you. Some of the ideas currently occupying Swery's mind involve new games, and extensions of Deadly Premonition.

"What I can say," the Access Games producer told Metro, "is that I'm making a storyline for a completely new game." As for Deadly Premonition, he's got "different types" of projects in mind. "Trying to think of ways to create a sequel, that's definitely on the table, trying to create a prequel is also definitely on the table; and also a project to have more people play Deadly Premonition."

An easy guess as to the identity of that last project: bringing the PS3 version of the game, currently available in Japan, to the West. All of these projects, as Swery has noted before, will require money before he can take them on -- which might not be a problem anymore. Swery said that "A few publishers have contacted our company, after the success of Deadly Premonition, and we are now creating concepts for them - which is why there's so many things on the table right now. "

JoystiqSwery considering new game, more Deadly Premonition projects originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>access-gamesdeadly-premonitionignition-entertainmentmicrosoftswery65xboxThu, 25 Aug 2011 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron review: Just like heaven]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/el-shaddai-ascension-of-the-metatron-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/el-shaddai-ascension-of-the-metatron-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/el-shaddai-ascension-of-the-metatron-review/#comments When I started playing El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron for review, I told myself I wasn't going to be fooled by the visuals. I would evaluate this game based on its mechanics more than anything, and I wouldn't let form distract me from function.

I abandoned that idea quickly.

For one thing, visuals are a part of the experience, and must be considered. For another thing, this game is beautiful, to the point that they justify the game on their own as a form of digital tourism. You must see this game -- and, since those graphics support one of the more mechanically interesting action games in recent memory, you should probably play it too.

Gallery: El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron (8/16)

Continue reading El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron review: Just like heaven

JoystiqEl Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron review: Just like heaven originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>el-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxTue, 16 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[El Shaddai bumped up a day in Europe, to September 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/el-shaddai-bumped-up-a-day-in-europe-to-september-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/el-shaddai-bumped-up-a-day-in-europe-to-september-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/el-shaddai-bumped-up-a-day-in-europe-to-september-8/#comments Konami has signed on to help spread the good word in Europe, assisting Ignition Entertainment's El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron in its holy pilgrimage to PAL territories. Konami will act as Ignition's distribution partner in Europe.

Along with the announcement of the distribution team's bolstering, the release date for the religiously-themed PS3/Xbox 360 game has shifted -- but not back like it was in North America. It'll now be released in Europe one day earlier, on September 8. Thank heaven!

Continue reading El Shaddai bumped up a day in Europe, to September 8

JoystiqEl Shaddai bumped up a day in Europe, to September 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>el-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatroneuropeignition-entertainmentkonamimicrosoftplaystationps3release-datexboxThu, 28 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Disney wants to buy UTV/Ignition for $454M]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/report-disney-wants-to-buy-utv-ignition-for-454m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/report-disney-wants-to-buy-utv-ignition-for-454m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/report-disney-wants-to-buy-utv-ignition-for-454m/#comments The Walt Disney Company is allegedly working to fully acquire UTV, parent company of Ignition Entertainment, for $454 million. Develop reports that Disney, which already owns 50.4 percent of UTV, is seeking to fully acquire the company for its Bollywood films and TV shows -- and not for its games. If the deal does happen, Ignition's fate would be in the hands of Disney.

Ignition has been troubled for quite some time, altering its business strategy last year and ceasing to develop core games internally. Disney's strategy, on the other hand, has seen the shuttering of its core game studios like Black Rock and Propaganda, and a heavy emphasis on the social space. Disney's acquisition of UTV may have nothing to do with games on the surface, but it'll likely impact Ignition in a dramatic way.

JoystiqReport: Disney wants to buy UTV/Ignition for $454M originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionbusinessDisneyDisney-Interactivedisney-interactive-studiosel-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-entertainmentUTVUTV-Ignitionutv-ignition-gamesWed, 27 Jul 2011 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Kung-Fu Live comes to Kinect as 'Kung Fu High Impact']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/kung-fu-live-comes-to-kinect-as-kung-fu-high-impact/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/kung-fu-live-comes-to-kinect-as-kung-fu-high-impact/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/kung-fu-live-comes-to-kinect-as-kung-fu-high-impact/#comments It always seemed kind of weird that Virtual Air Guitar Company's Kung-Fu Live, a game about performing real punches and kicks in front of a camera to control an on-screen representation of yourself, wasn't a Kinect game, going instead to PSN with PlayStation Eye support.

Now, the game is coming to Kinect, with a new name: Kung-Fu High Impact, and two new publishers: Ignition Entertainment in America, and Black Bean Games in PAL territories. Watch for it to be released worldwide in November, at which point it'll begin watching you.

Gallery: Kung Fu High Impact (360)

Continue reading Kung-Fu Live comes to Kinect as 'Kung Fu High Impact'

JoystiqKung-Fu Live comes to Kinect as 'Kung Fu High Impact' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-bean-gamesignition-entertainmentkinectkung-fu-high-impactkungfu-high-impactmicrosoftq4-2011release-datevirtual-air-guitarxblaxboxTue, 26 Jul 2011 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[El Shaddai Comic-Con trailer is biblically epic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/24/el-shaddai-comic-con-trailer-is-biblically-epic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/24/el-shaddai-comic-con-trailer-is-biblically-epic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/24/el-shaddai-comic-con-trailer-is-biblically-epic/#comments
Despite having been delayed until August 16, angelically-oriented and biblically-based action platformer El Shaddai: Ascension Of The Metatron is still very much alive, kickin' around the Heavens in its designer jeans and gleaming white armor.

To prove as much, Ignition Entertainment has released a new cinematic trailer during this year's Comic-Con, which has been stuffed to the rafters with gooey tentacle angels, stained-glass platforming and futuristic motorcycle chases. Still no word on an Amy Grant Collector's Edition, but we'll keep digging.

JoystiqEl Shaddai Comic-Con trailer is biblically epic originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Comic-ConComic-Con-2011el-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxSun, 24 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[More layoffs hit UTV Ignition Entertainment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/more-layoffs-hit-utv-ignition-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/more-layoffs-hit-utv-ignition-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/more-layoffs-hit-utv-ignition-entertainment/#comments Good news is tough to come by for UTV Ignition.

In just the last few weeks, the company has ceased internal development, had to delay one of its biggest titles and (according to rumors) re-canceled WarDevil after recently resurrecting it. Today Gamasutra reports that the company has laid off some portion of its True Games studio, the house behind the Faxion Online MMO.

Exactly what portion of the studio is being laid off is a matter of some debate. While Ignition claims it's "a fraction" of the studio's workforce, Gamasutra's source says it's a majority of the staff. Yes, majority is technically a fraction, but still ... that's quite a stretch. Here's hoping we'll have a clearer picture of the landscape soon and that those affected land on their feet.

JoystiqMore layoffs hit UTV Ignition Entertainment originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignition-entertainmentlayoffsutv-ignitionMon, 18 Jul 2011 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[El Shaddai officially delayed until August 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/el-shaddai-officially-delayed-until-august-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/el-shaddai-officially-delayed-until-august-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/el-shaddai-officially-delayed-until-august-16/#comments Your faith in the official North American release date for El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is about to be shaken. Ignition Entertainment's New Business Development Director Shane Bettenhausen confirmed the shift in date from July 26 to August 16 in a statement to Joystiq, citing "unforeseen logistical issues." The September 1 release in Europe is still on track. Bettenhausen apologized for the "minor delay."

Looking on the bright side (which is bright only for us), we suddenly find ourselves with much more time to complete our review, which is nice. For us.

JoystiqEl Shaddai officially delayed until August 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaysel-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxMon, 18 Jul 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Ignition lays off UK employees, cancels WarDevil again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/rumor-ignition-lays-off-uk-employees-cancels-wardevil-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/rumor-ignition-lays-off-uk-employees-cancels-wardevil-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/rumor-ignition-lays-off-uk-employees-cancels-wardevil-again/#commentsIgnition Games' transition to a pure publishing operation continues, Develop reports, with layoffs at the company's London studio following those last week in Austin. Anonymous sources told the site that the London team was told of the layoffs on Friday. As Develop puts it, "redundancies have been issued across the entire London development outfit."

This once again brings work on WarDevil to a halt. The game was canceled last year following an earlier round of layoffs in Ignition's UK operation. Development started again later that year under the name Project Kane. Develop was unable to confirm this, but heard reports that Ignition was willing to let the project continue if an external developer signed on to complete it.

This accompanies rumors that Ignition's Japan studio will close following completion of its latest project -- which, as far as we can tell, would be any work involved with the localization of El Shaddai.

JoystiqRumor: Ignition lays off UK employees, cancels WarDevil again originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignition-entertainmentignition-gamesignition-londonlayoffsproject-kanewardevilTue, 28 Jun 2011 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy El Shaddai from Amazon, and a $10 credit descends from heaven]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/buy-el-shaddai-from-amazon-and-a-10-credit-descends-from-heave/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/buy-el-shaddai-from-amazon-and-a-10-credit-descends-from-heave/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/buy-el-shaddai-from-amazon-and-a-10-credit-descends-from-heave/#comments Just as El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is very loosely based on the apocryphal Book of Enoch, some lesser-known works from the Book of Amazon.com have been discovered related to the game.

For example, if you read this page in the sacred and infinite website, you'll learn the previously undiscovered commandment "If thou pre-order El Shaddai, thou shalt receive $10 in promotional credit." El Shaddai (and your emailed Holy Relic of $10) will be out July 26. Let us celebrate the happy news of free money in the traditional manner: by studying Amazon intensely to find more things to buy.

JoystiqBuy El Shaddai from Amazon, and a $10 credit descends from heaven originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonel-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxSat, 25 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ignition ceases internal game development; confirms Austin studio layoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/ignition-ceases-internal-game-development-confirms-austin-studi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/ignition-ceases-internal-game-development-confirms-austin-studi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/ignition-ceases-internal-game-development-confirms-austin-studi/#comments Eccentric, unapologetically angelic action game El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron will debut on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 next month, and make for a strange conclusion to Ignition Games' internally developed lineup. The company will move forward with a new studio based in Marina Del Rey, California, and shift its focus to publishing games and seeking out more partnerships with independent developers. From an announcement this morning: "In order to facilitate shifting the publishing focus to more effectively work with innovative independent developers and explore new platform possibilities, Ignition Games has taken the strategic decision not to continue with internal development of games."

New Business Development Director, Shane Bettenhausen, also confirmed a round of layoffs at Ignition's Austin location, which excised an internal console development team working on a unannounced project. According to a Gamasutra report, "around 15" people are believed to have been let go. We're told the status of the studio's first-person shooter, Reich, remains unchanged from when it was last mentioned (and said to be alive).

Ignition's externally sourced range of games -- including an upcoming 3DS version of twin-screen platformer Fractured Soul -- should remain intact while the company slides out of its development jeans.

JoystiqIgnition ceases internal game development; confirms Austin studio layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>el-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-austinignition-entertainmentignition-gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3reichshane-bettenhausenxboxFri, 24 Jun 2011 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Magical Drop V preview: The ghost of Data East]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/magical-drop-v-preview-the-ghost-of-data-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/magical-drop-v-preview-the-ghost-of-data-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/magical-drop-v-preview-the-ghost-of-data-east/#comments Few things in the game industry make me happier than over-the-top dedication to a random classic franchise. Another thing that makes me happy: Magical Drop games. So when I rolled up to Ignition Entertainment and saw a new Magical Drop game, I was pleased. And then I played it, and that "pleased" status was upgraded to "delighted."

Magical Drop, for the uninitiated, is a color-matching puzzle game series by Data East in which players grab gems from the top of the screen, and then shoot them into different locations to match three or more. All the while, more gems come in from the top and drop the whole arrangement toward the bottom of the screen. Of course, there are several selectable characters (named after tarot cards), and different patterns of blocks can be sent to the opponent's side in multiplayer matches.

Gallery: Magical Drop 5 (E3 2011)

Continue reading Magical Drop V preview: The ghost of Data East

JoystiqMagical Drop V preview: The ghost of Data East originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkedodata-easte3-2011g-modegolgoth-studioignition-entertainmentmagical-dropmagical-drop-5pcThu, 09 Jun 2011 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[El Shaddai demo now on North American Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/el-shaddai-demo-now-on-north-american-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/el-shaddai-demo-now-on-north-american-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/el-shaddai-demo-now-on-north-american-xbox-live/#comments After Japanese audiences have enjoyed an El Shaddai demo for quite some time now, North American games can finally get a taste of Namco's upcoming action title. The demo is available now via Xbox Live Marketplace for Gold Members.

Continue reading El Shaddai demo now on North American Xbox Live

JoystiqEl Shaddai demo now on North American Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>el-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-entertainmentmicrosoftxblmxboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceWed, 08 Jun 2011 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[El Shaddai rises July 26 in North America, Sept. 9 in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/el-shaddai-rises-july-26-in-north-america-sept-9-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/el-shaddai-rises-july-26-in-north-america-sept-9-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/el-shaddai-rises-july-26-in-north-america-sept-9-in-europe/#comments We can understand your confusion, dear reader. "But, the Amy Grant platinum record Age to Age which featured the Michael Card-penned classic 'El Shaddai' was released to great acclaim in 1982! How can it be released on July 26 in North America and on Sept. 9 in Europe?" We love Contemporary Christian hits of the early 80s too, friend, but in this case the title refers to El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron, a video game with few narrative ties to the career of Mrs. Vince Gill.

Also this summer, look for Baby, Baby, a babysitting sim from Majesco and Nintendo's first application of the Vitality Sensor in Mario's Every Heartbeat.

Continue reading El Shaddai rises July 26 in North America, Sept. 9 in Europe

JoystiqEl Shaddai rises July 26 in North America, Sept. 9 in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>el-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignitionignition-entertainmentrelease-dateFri, 03 Jun 2011 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA['Collapse' game site registered by Ignition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/collapse-game-site-registered-by-ignition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/collapse-game-site-registered-by-ignition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/collapse-game-site-registered-by-ignition/#comments Domain hound superannuation has dug up pending website domain Collapse-TheGame.com, registered to Ignition Entertainment. The discovery would fit nicely with recent comments made by Ignition's Shane Bettenhausen, who told SideQuesting that there's a "99 percent chance" the company would be announcing a new project at E3. Of course, there's no evidence yet linking the so-called "Collapse" to the potential E3 reveal.

Bettenhausen added that the publisher's next project "might be" for NGP and suggested that Ignition's E3 announcement was dependent on Sony's press conference plan, according to SideQuesting.

Ignition's latest release, El Shaddai, was developed by its Tokyo-based studio and debuted in Japan a month ago. It's expected to be released in North America and Europe later this year.

The company's recently consolidated Austin branch is said to be working on the long-delayed FPS Reich. Additionally, Ignition's website (pictured above) indicates that the publisher has "more coming soon" to reveal.

Joystiq'Collapse' game site registered by Ignition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collapsecollapse-the-gamedomain-registratione3-2011ignition-entertainmentngpplaystationplaystation-vitashane-bettenhausenunannouncedutv-ignition-gamesvitaTue, 24 May 2011 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[El Shaddai was once 'Angelic']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/el-shaddai-was-once-angelic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/el-shaddai-was-once-angelic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/el-shaddai-was-once-angelic/#comments A 2007 video of a prototype version of El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron (after the break) reveals a remarkably clear vision for the project. Even that far back, a lot of elements that remain intact in the new version were in place: Enoch, in his white armor and jeans (and a face like Brad Pitt), fighting enemies with arc-shaped weapons; Lucifel, looking kind of smug and telling a story against a black background, as the words fly by on the screen; and even a battle on the backdrop of a giant hand.

The enemies and areas weren't quite as abstract-looking in this video, made for a presentation within Ignition. The name hadn't been finalized yet, either: it was called "Angelic: Ascension of the Metatron" back then.

Unlocking the video required a password, presumably found within the game -- luckily, someone in Japan just uploaded it to YouTube for us.

Continue reading El Shaddai was once 'Angelic'

JoystiqEl Shaddai was once 'Angelic' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 May 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angelic-ascension-of-the-metatronel-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxMon, 02 May 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[El Shaddai demo ascends to Japanese PSN and XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/el-shaddai-demo-ascends-to-japanese-psn-and-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/el-shaddai-demo-ascends-to-japanese-psn-and-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/el-shaddai-demo-ascends-to-japanese-psn-and-xbla/#comments Would you like to experience Ignition's visually stunning action game, El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron, before its still-undated Western release? It's okay. No problem. Just sign into that Japanese PSN account you made for the Catherine demo, and you'll find a shiny new El Shaddai demo waiting for you in the PlayStation Store. Andriasang reports that it's on Xbox Live as well, for Gold members only through April 20.

In a tweet, Ignition suggested that the demo "won't be up for long." So, unless you have the time-traveling abilities of Lucifel, you should get on it right now. Unfortunately, you can't use your Japanese PSN account to access the "pop-up" El Shaddai cafe in Tokyo.

JoystiqEl Shaddai demo ascends to Japanese PSN and XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoel-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-entertainmentjapanplaystationps3psnThu, 14 Apr 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm trailer proves that one can be more intimidating than 50]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/swarm-trailer-proves-that-one-can-be-more-intimidating-than-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/swarm-trailer-proves-that-one-can-be-more-intimidating-than-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/swarm-trailer-proves-that-one-can-be-more-intimidating-than-50/#comments With Swarm available today, Ignition and Hothead have released one last trailer demonstrating exactly who the target audience is for the downloadable multi-character platformer: sadistic children. Sadistic children aged 12 or older, of course -- thanks, PEGI.

Continue reading Swarm trailer proves that one can be more intimidating than 50

JoystiqSwarm trailer proves that one can be more intimidating than 50 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hothead-gamesignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3psnswarmxblaxboxTue, 22 Mar 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm priced at $15, marches to Euro PSN on March 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/swarm-priced-at-15-marches-to-euro-psn-on-march-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/swarm-priced-at-15-marches-to-euro-psn-on-march-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/swarm-priced-at-15-marches-to-euro-psn-on-march-30/#comments The Swarm has been granted its European visa and will enter the union on March 23 and 30 on XBLA and PSN, respectively (while North American PSN users can get it on March 22). Taking control of the "pudgy, clueless little blue morons" will cost 1200 Microsoft Points on Xbox and $14.99 on PSN. PlayStation Plus members get a slight discount, downloading the little goobers for $12.99.

On the surface, Swarm sounds like a Pikmin- or Lemmings-style type of game, but it actually has more in common with platformers, as we recently found out in our hands-on preview.

Continue reading Swarm priced at $15, marches to Euro PSN on March 30

JoystiqSwarm priced at $15, marches to Euro PSN on March 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europehotheadHothead-Gamesignitionignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrelease-dateswarmxblaxboxWed, 16 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm storms PSN on March 22, XBLA on March 23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/13/swarm-storms-psn-on-march-22-xbla-on-march-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/13/swarm-storms-psn-on-march-22-xbla-on-march-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/13/swarm-storms-psn-on-march-22-xbla-on-march-23/#comments
Hothead's crazy crowd-control platformer, Swarm, is set to arrive en masse by the end of March. According to the game's official Twitter feed, it'll be available on PlayStation Network on Tuesday, March 22, and then on Xbox Live Arcade the following day.

Though it might appear to be a Lemmings-esque puzzle game, the titular Swarm refers to the blob of rotund, blue guys that you guide as a singular entity, while losing errant members of the crowd to horrific death traps in order to maintain a combo. We're confident that years of giving school tours through the local slaughterhouse have imbued us with enough skill to amass a huge score in this game.

[Thanks, DarkKnightRJ]

JoystiqSwarm storms PSN on March 22, XBLA on March 23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hothead-gamesignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrelease-dateswarmxblaxboxSun, 13 Mar 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron preview: No problem]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/el-shaddai-ascension-of-the-metatron-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/el-shaddai-ascension-of-the-metatron-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/el-shaddai-ascension-of-the-metatron-preview/#comments When I played El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron at last year's Tokyo Game Show, I was told I was playing a toned-down demo version, the difficulty mellowed to allow the public to make its way through the demo.

That was not the case in the version shown during GDC this week. In fact, my avatar Enoch got his ass -- well-appointed in limited-edition Edwin jeans -- handed to him. But as he says in the event of his (near) defeat, "It's okay. No problem."

Gallery: El Shaddai (GDC 2011)

Continue reading El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron preview: No problem

JoystiqEl Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron preview: No problem originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>El-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatrongdc-2011ignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxThu, 03 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm preview: Extensive expendability]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/swarm-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/swarm-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/swarm-preview/#comments From the premise of Swarm -- guide a group of identical, stupid creatures through trap-filled worlds -- and from screenshots and video, it's easy to assume it's a Pikmin-style action-strategy game, with one player character wielding a small army of critters to fulfill goals. At least, it was easy for me to assume that. But there's a lot more action and a lot less strategy than you're thinking. In fact, Swarm is pretty much a platformer, albeit a platformer in which you control 50 avatars simultaneously.

Now you might be thinking that it would be pretty much impossible to control 50 avatars simultaneously -- and you would be right. In fact, your little Swarmites are constantly dying off due to traps, environmental hazards, and good old-fashioned failed jumps. Not only is this okay, it's necessary; each death increases your score multiplier, and interesting deaths result in in-game awards.

Gallery: Swarm (GDC 2011)

Continue reading Swarm preview: Extensive expendability

JoystiqSwarm preview: Extensive expendability originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2011hothead-gamesignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3psnswarmxblaxboxTue, 01 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ignition completes El Shaddai development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/ignition-completes-el-shaddai-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/ignition-completes-el-shaddai-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/ignition-completes-el-shaddai-development/#commentsEl Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron, Ignition Entertainment's action game about Enoch and his time-traveling pal the devil, has now been completed. The visually dreamy fighter is on track for an April 28 release in Japan, with releases in North America and Europe to be detailed by the publisher "shortly."

Also short: the supply of Edwin's El Shaddai tie-in jeans. Ignition noted that both the "Enoch" and "Lucifel" styles of jeans were sold out within the first three minutes of sale. That suggests either a lot of excitement about this game in Japan, or that they were really nice pants. Ignition will announce "strategic partnerships" with more companies for promotions worldwide, following this success.

Continue reading Ignition completes El Shaddai development

JoystiqIgnition completes El Shaddai development originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>El-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-entertainmentjapanmicrosoftplaystationps3release-datexboxMon, 31 Jan 2011 11:08:00 EST<![CDATA[UTV Ignition consolidates in Austin, Reich FPS 'remains' in development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/utv-ignition-consolidates-in-austin-reich-fps-remains-in-deve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/utv-ignition-consolidates-in-austin-reich-fps-remains-in-deve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/utv-ignition-consolidates-in-austin-reich-fps-remains-in-deve/#comments UTV Ignition confirmed today the closure of its East and West Coast US operations, with all future development and publishing to be handled from its UTV True Games studio out of its offices in Austin, Texas.

The company also revealed that its (once considered canceled) sci-fi FPS, Reich, "remains in development" in Austin, where "key personnel along with additional new hires will create a new internal development team." Additionally, UTV's Tokyo-developed title, El Shaddai, will be released in Japan on April 28, with a European and North American release announcement coming "shortly."

Continue reading UTV Ignition consolidates in Austin, Reich FPS 'remains' in development

JoystiqUTV Ignition consolidates in Austin, Reich FPS 'remains' in development originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>El-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-entertainmentjapanmicrosoftplaystationps3reichrelease-dateUTV-IgnitionUTV-Ignition-Entertainmentutv-true-gamesxboxWed, 12 Jan 2011 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[More Reich footage surfaces, from TGS '09]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/more-reich-footage-surfaces-from-tgs-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/more-reich-footage-surfaces-from-tgs-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/more-reich-footage-surfaces-from-tgs-09/#comments We've seen footage of Ignition's canceled FPS Reich before -- remember those videos from back in November? -- but what about the 2009 demo reel, set to erratic German metal, shown at Tokyo Game Show? Thanks to YouTube user "JanusTheChosen" (a reference to the game) the lengthy clip is now available for the world to see, showcasing the canned title's destructible environments and Psi-Ops-style telekinesis gameplay.

Additionally, Reich's apparent subtitle, "Downfall," is revealed, positioning the game one step closer to an internet meme. Head past the break to get a look at this most "up-to-date" footage.

Continue reading More Reich footage surfaces, from TGS '09

JoystiqMore Reich footage surfaces, from TGS '09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancelledignitionignition-entertainmentpaul-steedreichtgs-2009utv-ignitionMon, 27 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ignition L.A. studio moving to Austin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/ignition-la-studio-moving-to-austin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/ignition-la-studio-moving-to-austin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/ignition-la-studio-moving-to-austin/#comments Ignition Entertainment's Los Angeles branch is moving to Austin, Texas, reports IGN. "All business will be continuing as usual," a company representative told the site -- which, for Ignition, means typically unusual business.

While no official reason was given for the closure of the Glendale, Calif. publishing offices, a fresh start in Austin is an unsurprising choice given the city's rich history of game development and the state's business incentives. Maybe the move is simply a matter of consolidating Ignition's two U.S. studios, L.A. and Gainesville (Fla.), and having them meet halfway. The move from L.A. is said to have no effect on the company's current staff or projects, according to IGN, while Ignition still won't confirm exactly what is going on in Florida.

A month ago, the Florida branch was reported to be closed and staff rumored to be forced out to Texas (or to find a new job). The studio's sci-fi FPS Reich was assumed to have suffered the same uncertain fate as Ignition's WarDevil game, which was left in limbo following the closure of the Ignition's London-area development studio in late September. Of course, WarDevil has since been resurrected as "Project Kane" and is supposedly in the hands of a "core team" and on track for a Q4 2011 release.

See? We told you: unusual business.

[Image sources: UTV Ignition; 25or6to4 (Wikipedia)]

JoystiqIgnition L.A. studio moving to Austin originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinignitionignition-austinignition-entertainmentignition-los-angeleslos-angelesmovetexasutv-ignitionThu, 02 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WarDevil not canceled after all, will now live on as 'Project Kane']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/wardevil-not-canceled-after-all-will-now-live-on-as-project-ka/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/wardevil-not-canceled-after-all-will-now-live-on-as-project-ka/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/wardevil-not-canceled-after-all-will-now-live-on-as-project-ka/#comments Ignition has decided against canceling WarDevil, a game that has been in development at the publisher's London studio for five years now, despite earlier reports to the contrary. Instead, the game will live on under the title "Project Kane" -- a title to which we've heard references before. WarDevil and Project Kane are now combined into one project at the London studio, with a projected launch date of Q4 2011.

The London studio was to be shuttered back in September, but Ignition changed its mind the next month. The studio lives on and will continue developing the game under its new title. Ignition was also forced to shutter its Florida office this month, which was knee-deep in development of a sci-fi FPS called Reich.

Continue reading WarDevil not canceled after all, will now live on as 'Project Kane'

JoystiqWarDevil not canceled after all, will now live on as 'Project Kane' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionignition-entertainmentignition-londonmicrosoftplaystationproject-kaneps3utv-ignitionwardevilxboxFri, 19 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST