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[Magical Drop 5 still happening, internal beta approved by Ignition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/magical-drop-5-still-happening-internal-beta-approved-by-igniti/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/magical-drop-5-still-happening-internal-beta-approved-by-igniti/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/magical-drop-5-still-happening-internal-beta-approved-by-igniti/#comments Magical Drop V internal beta approved by IgnitionIgnition has been silent about Magical Drop 5, other than a recent assurance that it would be ready by summer. That's why we were relieved to see this update from developer Golgoth Studio, stating that "Magical Drop V Beta version was approved by the Publisher UTV Ignition! So we are now on the road to the Master version!"

Once again, we have word that it hasn't been canceled, and that Ignition is still publishing it, despite being oddly quiet for most of this year. Golgoth promises more frequent updates from now on, as well.

JoystiqMagical Drop 5 still happening, internal beta approved by Ignition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golgoth-studioignitionmagical-drop-5microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 13 Jun 2012 15:00:00 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[Disney purchases controlling stake in UTV Ignition for expansion into Indian market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/disney-purchases-controlling-stake-in-utv-ignition-for-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/disney-purchases-controlling-stake-in-utv-ignition-for-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/disney-purchases-controlling-stake-in-utv-ignition-for-expansion/#comments Joining Mickey, Donald and Spider-Man in Disney's universe are such characters as insane detective Francis York Morgan, and a very nicely dressed Lucifel. The BBC reports that Disney has purchased a controlling stake in publisher UTV Ignition, following approval of Disney's previously announced plan by the cabinet of India (where Ignition is based).

In fact, India is what Disney has in mind with this move (rather than, say, building a giant worldwide El Shaddai gaming franchise). "Increasing our brand presence and reach in key international markets is a cornerstone of our growth strategy," Disney International chair Andy Bird said. "This acquisition expands our footprint significantly and allows us to more effectively build, monetise and brand multi-platform franchises, and deliver a rich library of content to the world's second largest population."

Neither Bird nor Disney have said anything specific about Ignition's gaming division, which recently published Quarrel and is known for games such as Deadly Premonition, Swarm and the internally developed El Shaddai.

JoystiqDisney purchases controlling stake in UTV Ignition for expansion into Indian market originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyignitionindiautv-ignitionWed, 01 Feb 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Quarrel iOS on sale this weekend in honor of XBLA version]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/quarrel-ios-on-sale-this-weekend-in-honor-of-xbla-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/quarrel-ios-on-sale-this-weekend-in-honor-of-xbla-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/quarrel-ios-on-sale-this-weekend-in-honor-of-xbla-version/#comments To celebrate the release of Quarrel on XBLA, publisher Ignition has temporarily dropped the price ... of the iOS version. Don't spend too much time thinking about that -- instead, enjoy the excuse to pick up Quarrel Deluxe this weekend for a dollar.

The XBLA version remains at its full price, but, like, full price is five dollars. As we approach a 1200 MS Point ($15) standard for games, five bucks is not bad for a bit of wordplay.

JoystiqQuarrel iOS on sale this weekend in honor of XBLA version originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denkiignitioniosiphonemobilequarrelSat, 28 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deja Review: Quarrel (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/deja-review-quarrel-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/deja-review-quarrel-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/deja-review-quarrel-xbla/#commentsWe're of the firm opinion that your time is too precious, too valuable to be spent reading a full review for a game that was already reviewed many, many years ago. What's the point of applying a score to a game that's old enough to be enrolled in the sixth grade? That's why we invented Deja Review: A quick look at the new features and relative agelessness of remade, revived and re-released games.

Quarrel was originally planned for XBLA, and then all the publishing deals fell through. Then Ignition took it on and began working with developer Denki on an iOS release -- which ended up coming out first. That makes this XBLA version, which was the original version, a re-release. Weird!

What isn't weird is playing this on XBLA. It's still just as difficult to battle over territory by quickly spelling out anagrams, and just as satisfying to capture your opponent's soldiers by doing so. The combination of fairly quick board-game design and online play is an obvious winner, giving it a decisive advantage over its portable counterpart. Even if you're playing alone, new modes offer experiences not found in the iOS release.

Gallery: Quarrel (XBLA 1/25/11)

Continue reading Deja Review: Quarrel (XBLA)

JoystiqDeja Review: Quarrel (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deja-reviewdenkiignitionmicrosoftquarrelxblaxboxWed, 25 Jan 2012 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[El Shaddai coming to Android as side-scroller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/el-shaddai-coming-to-android-as-side-scroller/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/el-shaddai-coming-to-android-as-side-scroller/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/el-shaddai-coming-to-android-as-side-scroller/#comments Ignition's bizarre but beautiful action game, El Shaddai, is visiting Earth once again in an Android incarnation. Famitsu has the first screens of the game currently called ... El Shaddai Ascension of the Metatron Android Version.

While the original game had both 2D platforming and 3D action segments, the mobile version is strictly 2D -- but the screens show that it keeps the distinctive visual style(s) from the console release. The two screens show locations found in the first game.

It'll be released in Japan at a date to be announced, through GMO's market. An Xperia Play version is also planned.

JoystiqEl Shaddai coming to Android as side-scroller originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidel-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-MetatronignitionjapanThu, 15 Sep 2011 13:55:00 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[Quarrel brings verbal warfare to iOS on Aug. 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/quarrel-brings-verbal-warfare-to-ios-on-aug-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/quarrel-brings-verbal-warfare-to-ios-on-aug-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/quarrel-brings-verbal-warfare-to-ios-on-aug-25/#comments We've been looking forward to Denki's word game/war game mashup, Quarrel, for a long time, even long before playing it at E3 this year. Finally, after years of uncertainty about the game's fate, developer Denki announced a release date (for the iOS version at least) and it's this Thursday. Publisher Ignition confirmed to Joystiq that the date applies to North America, and not just the game's native European territory.

Quarrel will be released as a universal (iPhone/iPad) app. Two versions will be available on the App Store, a free game called Quarrel and a paid version called Quarrel Deluxe. "Quarrel caters to those who are new to our lovely word game or otherwise want to try it before buying it," the developer explains. "If the trial pleases you and your budding interest turns into a real love for it, you can upgrade to the full Quarrel extravaganza within the app with one easy In-App Purchase." Quarrel Deluxe is simply the full version paid in advance.

Quarrel challenges two players to build the longest word out of a jumble of letters in order to capture territory on a map. Ignition also plans to release it on console download services later this year.

Gallery: Quarrel (iPad / iPhone)

JoystiqQuarrel brings verbal warfare to iOS on Aug. 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denkiignitioniphonemobileq3-2011quarrelrelease-dateTue, 23 Aug 2011 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Word game Quarrel rescued by Ignition, now headed to iOS and consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/word-game-quarrel-rescued-by-ignition-now-headed-to-ios-and-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/word-game-quarrel-rescued-by-ignition-now-headed-to-ios-and-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/word-game-quarrel-rescued-by-ignition-now-headed-to-ios-and-con/#comments Last year, developer Denki was forced to cut staff when it couldn't find a publisher for Quarrel, an XBLA word game that combines anagram-searching with very light Risk-style territory battles. But over a year later, the developer finally did find the right partner for Quarrel, one who "values good games," as a frustrated Denki blog post put it last year: Ignition.

It was the XBLA version of Quarrel that Ignition showed off in its E3 booth, but Ignition's Shane Bettenhausen explained that the word game will actually launch on iOS first this summer, followed by console versions later in the year.

Quarrel pits two players against one another as they attempt to capture each discrete chunk of territory on a map. To do so, players must challenge the opponent to, essentially, a word jumble. Eight letters appear on screen, and the number of those letters that can be used is determined by the number of soldiers in the particular group you're controlling. So, for example, if a regiment of four soldiers attacks a territory manned by six, the attacking player can only make up to four-letter words, and the defender can make six-letter words. Each letter has a point value, like Scrabble, and the player with the highest score wins.

Proving its implied commitment to value -- "good games" -- Denki added some interesting educational extras. At the end of every match, the best possible word, one that uses all eight letters, is presented on screen, and even defined. When it comes to games that increase our word power, there'll be no contention from us.

Gallery: Quarrel (iOS)

JoystiqWord game Quarrel rescued by Ignition, now headed to iOS and consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denkie3-2011ignitioniphonemobilequarrelshane-bettenhausenutv-ignitionutv-ignition-gamesThu, 09 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vita sizzle reel teases lineup, shows mystery game 'Dragon's Crown']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/vita-sizzle-reel-teases-lineup-shows-mystery-game-dragons-cro/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/vita-sizzle-reel-teases-lineup-shows-mystery-game-dragons-cro/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/vita-sizzle-reel-teases-lineup-shows-mystery-game-dragons-cro/#comments Sony flashed footage of a lot of upcoming PlayStation Vita games during its presentation tonight, including some things that remain unannounced. For example, Shinobido 2, a new ninja stealth game in the style of Tenchu, from original Tenchu developer Acquire.

And soon after that is "Dragon's Crown," an unannounced, 2D side-scroller that can only be from Muramasa developer Vanillaware. Or someone biting Vanillaware's style big time. We would guess it's Vanillaware, because the title shows up in a trademark by Ignition, who published Muramasa.

JoystiqVita sizzle reel teases lineup, shows mystery game 'Dragon's Crown' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragons-crownignitionplaystationplaystation-vitashinobidoshinobido-2vanillawarevitaMon, 06 Jun 2011 23:38:00 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[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[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<![CDATA[Video: Ignition's canceled sci-fi FPS, Reich]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/video-ignitions-canceled-sci-fi-fps-reich/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/video-ignitions-canceled-sci-fi-fps-reich/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/video-ignitions-canceled-sci-fi-fps-reich/#comments It's been a rough quarter for Ignition. Earlier this month, the company was forced to shut down its Flordia branch and had to cancel a game it had in development for five years, WarDevil. Today, that pain is increased five-fold, as some footage of Reich, a first-person shooter in development at the Florida offices and, naturally, a casualty of the recent layoffs, has emerged over at GameVideos. Based on the five different videos we've embedded past the break, we're pretty bummed out. Reich looks like a neat sci-fi shooter with quality physics. What say you all?

Continue reading Video: Ignition's canceled sci-fi FPS, Reich

JoystiqVideo: Ignition's canceled sci-fi FPS, Reich originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionignition-entertainmentlayoffsreichWed, 10 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Ignition Florida shutting its doors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/report-ignition-florida-shutting-its-doors/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/report-ignition-florida-shutting-its-doors/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/report-ignition-florida-shutting-its-doors/#comments More trouble for Ignition Entertainment -- after the recent closure of its London studio and the subsequent cancellation of WarDevil, it looks like Reich is headed for the same fate, as the company's Florida studio is now closed, according to a report from Gamasutra. Unconfirmed reports say that all of the studio's 70 employees were let go by the company and escorted off of the premises by executives and police officers. Calls to the studio went unanswered, although a rep from Ignition says that Reich is still being worked on, but that the company is "refocusing it in the right direction."

If the rumors are true, that just leaves Ignition offices in Tokyo and Los Angeles, with El Shaddai left standing as the main title in development for the company. Even if Reich is still in development, rumors say it's cost the company as much as $23 million so far. Quite the disaster indeed.

JoystiqReport: Ignition Florida shutting its doors originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>El-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronfloridaignitionignition-entertainmentlondonlos-angelesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3tokyoxboxWed, 03 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ignition shutting down London studio, fate of WarDevil under evaluation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/ignition-shutting-down-london-studio-fate-of-wardevil-under-eva/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/ignition-shutting-down-london-studio-fate-of-wardevil-under-eva/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/ignition-shutting-down-london-studio-fate-of-wardevil-under-eva/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ignition Entertainment is in the process of shutting down its west London development studio, reports GamesIndustry.biz. The closure will result in an unspecified number of layoffs, and stalls the progress of WarDevil and another project, uh, Project Kane. The studio is expected to officially close on October 31.

Formerly known as Digi-Guys, the Ignition London studio, located in Ealing, has been toiling over various incarnations of WarDevil for years. A "WarDevil: Unleash the Beast Within" demo was first shown at TGS ... 2005. The last update on the game dates back to roughly a year ago, when Edge magazine toured the studio and saw two tech demos (one on the original Xbox!). According to Ignition group chairman Hassan Sadiq, the mysterious WarDevil and the even more mysterious Project Kane just passed new, six-month proof-of-concept phases, and "the board and studio management are currently evaluating [...] whether the required quality will be achieved by completing internally or with an external partner."

Ignitiion, which was acquired by Indian media conglomerate UTV in 2007, will continue to operate its corporate headquarters out of London, with a focus on publishing; though Sadiq assured that projects underway at Ignition's other studios in Austin, Gainesville (Fla.), Beijing and Tokyo (where the intriguing action game El Shaddai is in development) are "ramping up." The company's most recent release was Zombie Studios' Blacklight: Tango Down, a downloadable mutliplayer FPS.

JoystiqIgnition shutting down London studio, fate of WarDevil under evaluation originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closuredigi-guysealingignitionignition-entertainmentignition-londonlondonmicrosoftplaystationproject-kaneps3ukutvutv-ignitionwardevilxboxWed, 29 Sep 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[El Shaddai's ascension bumped to Spring 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/el-shaddai-ascension-bumped-to-spring-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/el-shaddai-ascension-bumped-to-spring-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/el-shaddai-ascension-bumped-to-spring-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Previously, Ignition Entertainment had tentatively dated its super bizarre action game, El Shaddai, for "2010." Given the impending closure of that release window, the publisher has revised that time frame to "Spring 2011." The new date was revealed in a TGS preview of the game published by Famitsu.

Ignition has also released a grip of new images sure to impress those among us with a proclivity for naughty anime -- we especially covet the totally accidental upshirt shots (like this one). Ignition is said to be focusing its Tokyo Game Show efforts on El Shaddai, so expect to see more on the game in the coming days.

JoystiqEl Shaddai's ascension bumped to Spring 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>El-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignitionignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3q2-2011release-datetgs-2010xboxWed, 15 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm preview: strength in numbers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/swarm-preview-strength-in-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/swarm-preview-strength-in-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/swarm-preview-strength-in-numbers/#comments Hothead revealed Swarm for the first time back at E3. Then, we didn't know much about the game -- it's actually still in pre-Alpha, despite a launch window of "early 2011." We were given a demo of the game at PAX and finally came to understand what we were dealing with.

It's hard to see the game and not compare it to Lemmings. Both games have a seemingly dull-witted cast who have found themselves inexplicably stuck in an incredibly dangerous environment. And both have the same means to persevere: teamwork.

Gallery: Swarm

Continue reading Swarm preview: strength in numbers

JoystiqSwarm preview: strength in numbers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hothead-gamesignitionmicrosoftpax-2010pax-prime-2010playstationps3psnswarmxblaxboxSun, 05 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm gameplay trailer plays follow the leader]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/swarm-gameplay-trailer-plays-follow-the-leader/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/swarm-gameplay-trailer-plays-follow-the-leader/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/swarm-gameplay-trailer-plays-follow-the-leader/#comments While the first trailer for Hothead's Swarm didn't feature any gameplay, it did show off the many, many ways to kill the game's main characters -- those little blue ... things. We're feeling that Lemmings vibe again in this new PAX trailer, which introduces the first gameplay footage.

All those gruesome deaths? Just as comically effective in game. Head past the break to see for yourself.

Gallery: Swarm

Continue reading Swarm gameplay trailer plays follow the leader

JoystiqSwarm gameplay trailer plays follow the leader originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplayignitionignition-entertainmentmicrosoftpaxpax-2010pax-prime-2010playstationps3swarmutv-ignitionxboxFri, 03 Sep 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blacklight: Tango Down goes up July 7 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/blacklight-tango-down-july-7-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/blacklight-tango-down-july-7-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/blacklight-tango-down-july-7-release-date/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If Guybrush's hunt for the Big Whoop leaves you wanting something more visceral, you'll be glad to hear he won't be alone on Wednesday, July 7: The punny pirate will arrive alongside Zombie Studios' Blacklight: Tango Down (1200 MSP / $15) on XBLA, says Microsoft.

We wouldn't be surprised to see Zombie's multiplayer shooter on PC and PSN that week, as well.

Update: Blacklight has been removed from the press release (see source), and Microsoft's previously published release date for the XBLA title is now in question. A spokesperson for Ignition Entertainment, the game's publisher, told Shacknews that Blacklight has "not received a release date." We've reached out to Ignition and Microsoft for further clarification.

Update 2: A representative for Ignition tells us, "There's still no confirmed release date for Blacklight. We saw all the posts saying it's the 7th ... but we really don't know if that will be the date. We should know later this week when the official launch will be. Officially, we are saying 'summer' until further notice."

Update 3 [7/6/10]: Ignition has confirmed Blacklight's July 7 release on XBLA. The PSN and PC versions will follow "in the coming weeks."

Gallery: Blacklight: Tango Down

JoystiqBlacklight: Tango Down goes up July 7 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacklight-tango-downignitionmicrosoftrelease-datexblaxblmxboxzombie-studiosTue, 29 Jun 2010 16:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Ignition reveals Japan's next pseudo-religious action game, El Shaddai]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/ignition-reveals-japans-next-pseudo-religious-action-game-el-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/ignition-reveals-japans-next-pseudo-religious-action-game-el-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/ignition-reveals-japans-next-pseudo-religious-action-game-el-s/#comments Ignition Entertainment's Japanese branch has posted a teaser site for a new PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 game, El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron. A teaser trailer shows a cel-shaded (ish) character looking out over some white dunes -- and then "E3 2010."

In the meantime, we can learn more from a Famitsu article about the title. El Shaddai stars Enoch, a human who works as some kind of secretary in heaven, and is charged with stopping fallen angels from flooding the Earth. He's assisted by a powerful angel named, uh, Lucifer.

Sawaki Takeyasu, who did character art for Devil May Cry and recently worked as an artist on Infinite Space, is directing El Shaddai for his new independent studio. The gameplay has been designed to emphasize simple combos for new players. It seems likely that Ignition will clarify the game's "2010" release date at E3.

JoystiqIgnition reveals Japan's next pseudo-religious action game, El Shaddai originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actione3-2010el-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignitionignition-entertainmentMicrosoftsawaki-takeyasuXbox-360Thu, 13 May 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ignition licenses CryEngine 3 for new action game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/ignition-licenses-cryengine-3-for-new-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/ignition-licenses-cryengine-3-for-new-action-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/ignition-licenses-cryengine-3-for-new-action-game/#comments With games like Deadly Premonition, Muramasa and Nostalgia, Ignition has made a cottage industry out of bringing oddball titles to market in Europe and North America. You can imagine our surprise to read that the company has licensed Crytek's CryEngine 3 for the first game from its London studio, "a uniquely crafted combat action-adventure" for 360 and PS3.

So, wait a minute, the house that brought us Boing! Docomodake DS is cooking up a CryEngine action game on PS3 and 360? Dare we ask? Could this be ... the remix to Ignition?

JoystiqIgnition licenses CryEngine 3 for new action game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cryenginecryengine-3crytekignitionignition-entertainmentMicrosoftXbox-360Tue, 11 May 2010 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon discount sparks chart-topping sales of Deadly Premonition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/amazon-discount-sparks-chart-topping-deadly-premonition-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/amazon-discount-sparks-chart-topping-deadly-premonition-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/amazon-discount-sparks-chart-topping-deadly-premonition-sales/#commentsA combination of word-of-mouth promotion and a one-day discount has propelled Access Games and Ignition Entertainment's Deadly Premonition to the top of Amazon's Xbox 360 sales chart this week, according to Gamasutra. The low-budget survival horror game received an unusual range of reviews -- from a 2/10 from IGN to Destructoid's 10/10, with everything in between. Those that did like the game describe it as a combination of Twin Peaks-like storytelling and awkward writing, which are often the key ingredients for a cult hit.

Of course, the main motivator for Deadly Premonition's uptick in sales was Amazon's discount. On Wednesday, it was the retailer's Deal of the Day, with its price knocked down from $19.99 to $14.98. Apparently, a lot of people were waiting until it dropped under $20. Sadly, the game has returned to its exorbitant original price.

JoystiqAmazon discount sparks chart-topping sales of Deadly Premonition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>access-gamesamazondeadly-premonitionignitionignition-entertainmentMicrosoftrainy-woodsred-seeds-profilesalessurvival-horrorXbox-360Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Swag Sunday: Oh, Nostalgia (DS) [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/swag-sunday-oh-nostalgia-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/swag-sunday-oh-nostalgia-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/17/swag-sunday-oh-nostalgia-ds/#comments Update: Comments have been closed and a winner shall be emailed expediently! Check your inboxes, dearest readers.

Ahhh, nostalgia. It's quite a thing, isn't it? That old familiar feeling. We were just tots 20 years ago when the first Final Fantasy was mere months from its North American release, a game that went on to influence -- be it directly or incidentally -- many of the RPGs we've played since.

Like this week's Swag Sunday, the appropriately titled Nostalgia, for instance (appropriately titled for our theme, that is). Joystiq's own JC Fletcher said in his preview that, "The winsome attitude of Nostalgia makes it a nice counterpoint to the self-importance of, say, Final Fantasy games, and the no-frills combat (and ability to make a temporary save file if you need to quit and aren't near a save point) is perfect for short-session handheld play." You see that? He even names Final Fantasy! How's that for sticking with a theme!

Anyway, if you'll be so kind as to leave a comment below in the next 24 hours (once only, please) telling us about a nostalgic moment you've had while gaming, you'll be entered for a chance to win a copy of the game. Get to it!
  • Leave a comment telling us about a nostalgic moment you've had while gaming.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec, mostly because of the lack of sweet Fez footage as of late).
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day
  • This entry period ends at 7:31PM ET on Monday, January 18.
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one copy of Nostalgia for Nintendo DS ($34.99 ARV).
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

Gallery: Nostalgia (10/16/09)



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.

JoystiqSwag Sunday: Oh, Nostalgia (DS) [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSgiveawayignitionignition-entertainmentjoyswagNintendonostalgiared-entertainmentswag-saturdayswag-sundaytecmoSun, 17 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ignition and Marvelous have a Deadly Premonition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/ignition-and-marvelous-have-a-deadly-premonition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/ignition-and-marvelous-have-a-deadly-premonition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/ignition-and-marvelous-have-a-deadly-premonition/#commentsIgnition Entertainment, partnering with recent publisher BFF Marvelous Entertainment, has announced a new survival horror game for Xbox 360 called Deadly Premonition. The game is the second original work from Access Games, who created the PS2 stealth game Spy Fiction, and also codeveloped The Sky Crawlers and Ace Combat X.

The game stars an FBI agent investigating a murder in Silent Hill a rural town full of unexplained events, mysterious characters, and, apparently, dripping blood. It will feature exploration and driving in addition to fighting creepy Jawas. Ignition predicts an early 2010 release.

If this game looks familiar to you, you have a really good memory! It was announced back in 2007 as Rainy Woods, and was a multiplatform release at the time. It's now been renamed and targeted just at the 360.

Gallery: Deadly Premonition (Xbox 360)

JoystiqIgnition and Marvelous have a Deadly Premonition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>access-gamesdeadly-premonitionignitionignition-entertainmentmarvelousMicrosoftsurvival-horrorXbox-360Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ignition: Muramasa sales 'in line with expectations']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/ignition-muramasa-sales-in-line-with-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/ignition-muramasa-sales-in-line-with-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/ignition-muramasa-sales-in-line-with-expectations/#commentsMuramasa: The Demon Blade publisher Ignition revealed to Gamer Investments a rough estimate of the NPD sales total for its Wii sidescroller, describing the game's September performance as "in the ball park of 35K," with a margin of "15-20%."

It might sound low to us, but marketing director Melody Frieda said that the total was "in line with expectations and we're happy with how it's performing to date." She said that positive reviews should help keep sales up through the holidays. The company sees even better potential for the title in the long term: according to Frieda, Ignition is "quite confident that Muramasa will be a revered cult classic like its sister property Odin Sphere," which went on to be released under the PS2's "Greatest Hits" line.

JoystiqIgnition: Muramasa sales 'in line with expectations' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionignition-entertainmentmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladeNintendonpdvanillawareWiiFri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ignition now publishing Arc Rise Fantasia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/ignition-now-publishing-arc-rise-fantasia/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/ignition-now-publishing-arc-rise-fantasia/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/ignition-now-publishing-arc-rise-fantasia/#commentsIgnition Entertainment has somehow done it again: snagged a Marvelous game out of XSEED's announced lineup. Arc Rise Fantasia, which XSEED announced plans to localize in late 2008, and which was still in XSEED's slate as of E3, has been picked up by Ignition Entertainment for release in summer 2010. The turn-based RPG is developed by Sands of Destruction's imageepoch. New screens (in our gallery) accompany the announcement.

When Ignition picked up another previously-announced XSEED Wii title, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, XSEED told Joystiq that Marvelous was taking proposals from publishers and made the final decision to go with Ignition well after XSEED began promoting the title. At the time, we thought that was an anomaly.

Gallery: Arc Rise Fantasia (10/22/09)

JoystiqIgnition now publishing Arc Rise Fantasia originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arc-rise-fantasiaignitionignition-entertainmentimageepochrpgxseedThu, 22 Oct 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ignition trademarks 'Dragon's Crown,' 'Figland']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/ignition-trademarks-dragons-crown-figland/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/ignition-trademarks-dragons-crown-figland/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/ignition-trademarks-dragons-crown-figland/#comments
Siliconera has been digging around in trademark fillings again, finding Ignition Entertainment's recent application for the rights to Dragon's Crown. The site also found Figland, which appears to have been filed for last year. The trademarks cover the usual stuff around video games, including possible paper publications.

Siliconera notes that Ignition president Ajay Chadha told the site at E3 that the company had several new IPs in development -- apparently, we now know two of their names.

JoystiqIgnition trademarks 'Dragon's Crown,' 'Figland' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragons-crownfiglandignitionignition-entertainmenttrademarksWed, 30 Sep 2009 00:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Muramasa prize pack [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/joyswag-muramasa-prize-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/joyswag-muramasa-prize-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/joyswag-muramasa-prize-pack/#comments
Update: Contest is closed! Keep an eye on your email to see if you won! Thanks for playing!

If you didn't take our word on how awesome this game is, then here's your chance to check it out first-hand. One lucky reader will not only receive a copy of Muramasa: The Demon Blade, but we've also got a small collection of poster art for the game. It's a one-two punch of free gaming goodness. Best of luck!
  • Leave a comment telling us which of the game's main characters you prefer: Kisuke or Momohime
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day
  • This entry period ends at 3:00PM ET on Thursday, October 1
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Muramasa: The Demon Blade ($50 ARV) and a collection of art cells ($15 ARV)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

JoystiqJoyswag: Muramasa prize pack [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionjoyswagmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareFri, 25 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Muramasa: The Demon Bosses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/muramasa-the-demon-bosses/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/muramasa-the-demon-bosses/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/muramasa-the-demon-bosses/#comments
Ignition has released two new trailers for the always lovely Muramasa: The Demon Blade. The first features the game's bosses, a collection of mythical monsters who can withstand thousands of rapid-fire slashes from Kisuke and Momohime. We've seen many of them, but we weren't familiar with that giant centipede thing.

If you enjoy that particular boss as much as we do, be sure to watch the other trailer after the break, originally posted at UGO. Not only does it feature more of that boss, acting both as opponent and surface, it features a one thousand hit combo on that boss.

Continue reading Muramasa: The Demon Bosses

JoystiqMuramasa: The Demon Bosses originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionignitionmarvelousmuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareWed, 26 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New trailer looks at Muramasa's Momohime, release set for Sept. 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/new-trailer-looks-at-muramasas-momohime-release-set-for-sept/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/new-trailer-looks-at-muramasas-momohime-release-set-for-sept/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/new-trailer-looks-at-muramasas-momohime-release-set-for-sept/#comments Some new Muramasa: The Demon Blade media has been released. This time around, it focuses on Momohime, one of the game's main characters. She's "a princess possessed by a dark spirit and on a quest to recover the cursed demon swords," and each blade she collects gives her different abilities.

But none of that matters, really. What does matter is that she can slice and dice baddies with the best of them and, as we've come to expect from Muramasa, she looks great doing it. Watch the new trailer above and then soak up some new screens and artwork below.

One more thing, we can finally pin a date on Muramasa. Expect it to hit North American shelves September 8.

Gallery: Muramasa (8/13/09)

JoystiqNew trailer looks at Muramasa's Momohime, release set for Sept. 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionmarvelousmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareThu, 13 Aug 2009 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanillaware: HD Muramasa wouldn't be 'a great deal of extra work']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/vanillaware-hd-muramasa-wouldnt-be-a-great-deal-of-extra-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/vanillaware-hd-muramasa-wouldnt-be-a-great-deal-of-extra-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/vanillaware-hd-muramasa-wouldnt-be-a-great-deal-of-extra-work/#commentsVanillaware's Muramasa: The Demon Blade is quite beautiful on the Wii, but would such a work be possible in HD? Vanillaware founder and president George Kamitani told Gamasutra that he thinks so. "Well, the original art we draw is all done in double-size -- in the case of Muramasa, the animation frames then get compressed down to the Wii's native resolution," he told Gamasutra. "As a result, producing a fully HD title would not be a great deal of extra work for us; it would just mean our original art is displayed in higher resolution." This is very similar to what WayForward's Voldi Way told us about 2D development in HD.

Despite the relative ease of transitioning to HD, Kamitani said there was no plan to re-release Muramasa as an XBLA game (or to re-release it anywhere else), but that the company is "in the experimental stage" of high-definition development.

JoystiqVanillaware: HD Muramasa wouldn't be 'a great deal of extra work' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dignitionjouji-kamitanimuramasa-the-demon-bladeNintendovanillawareWiiTue, 04 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Relax! WarDevil isn't cancelled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/relax-wardevil-isnt-cancelled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/relax-wardevil-isnt-cancelled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/relax-wardevil-isnt-cancelled/#comments
We know you've been on pins and needles, desperate for any new information on WarDevil, a Digi-Guys game that was supposed to be multiplatform before the 360 version got canned. If we seem a little sketchy on the whole thing, it's with good reason: we haven't heard a peep about the game since May of 2008.

Now, IGN's reporting that it's not as dead as one might assume given the title's history: Ignition's promoting the game on its website again and revealing that the 360 version of the game will appear alongside its PS3 counterpart.

Now, umm ... what kind of game is it, exactly?

JoystiqRelax! WarDevil isn't cancelled originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digi-guysignitionMicrosoftwardevilXbox-360Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Muramasa: The Demon Blade trailer is all about the blading]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/new-muramasa-the-demon-blade-is-all-about-the-blading/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/new-muramasa-the-demon-blade-is-all-about-the-blading/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/new-muramasa-the-demon-blade-is-all-about-the-blading/#commentsThe latest trailer for Muramasa: The Demon Blade is designed to show off the high-flying, combo-ridden swordplay found in Vanillaware's action game. Your sword is in motion at almost all times during this game, as you float around, juggling enemy after enemy. It is a little bit overwhelming at first, in a Marvel vs. Capcom sort of way.

But then, when you get the hang of it, grimacing wheels, single-file lines of monks, gigantic samurai, and even transparent horses won't be able to stop you. At least, we think. We didn't really graduate past the "panicked button-mashing" technique at E3.

JoystiqNew Muramasa: The Demon Blade trailer is all about the blading originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionignitionmarvelousmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladevanillawareThu, 30 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[King of Fighters XII uppercuts retail July 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/king-of-fighters-xii-uppercuts-retail-july-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/king-of-fighters-xii-uppercuts-retail-july-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/king-of-fighters-xii-uppercuts-retail-july-28/#comments
The official Twitter account for King of Fighters XII has revealed the final date for retail release: July 28. KOFXII features 22 characters to choose from and the series' tried-and-true, three-on-three gameplay. The game does bring some new gameplay elements to the table, though, such as air guards and guard attacks; so it's not just the same old King of Fighters in HD. Not that that would totally be a bad thing ...

JoystiqKing of Fighters XII uppercuts retail July 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionignition-entertainmentking-of-fightersking-of-fighters-xiiMicrosoftXbox-360Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[King of Fighters XII punches through with a new video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/king-of-fighters-xii-punches-through-with-a-new-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/king-of-fighters-xii-punches-through-with-a-new-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/king-of-fighters-xii-punches-through-with-a-new-video/#commentsIf you had told us five years ago that 2009 would be a year to remember for 2D fighters, we would've called you a crazy person and erased you from our buddy list. Sure enough, with solid releases Street Fighter IV and BlazBlue already dropping this year, and Marvel vs Capcom 2, Tatsunoko vs Capcom and, as the above video shows, King of Fighters XII awaiting release, we would've been the crazy one. If you're a fan of the occasional bout of two-dimensional fisticuffs, then you've got a lot to choose from this year.

It's as if millions of piggy banks suddenly cried out in terror, and were suddenly silenced ... by giant hammers.

JoystiqKing of Fighters XII punches through with a new video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionignition-entertainmentking-of-fightersking-of-fighters-xiiMicrosoftsnkXbox-360Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[King of Fighters XII trailer shows us combos are king]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/king-of-fighters-xii-trailer-shows-us-combos-are-king/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/king-of-fighters-xii-trailer-shows-us-combos-are-king/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/king-of-fighters-xii-trailer-shows-us-combos-are-king/#commentsAnother brief snippet of gameplay arrived on our digital doorstep today, showing off some super combos and other asskickery in the upcoming King of Fighters XII. In the above trailer, we're presented with some beatdowns courtesy of Joe Higashi, Kim Kaphwan, and fan-favorite Kyo Kusanagi. Sadly, there's no Iori, but we'll have all of the time in the world to watch him mess folks up when the game releases later this month.

JoystiqKing of Fighters XII trailer shows us combos are king originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionignition-entertainmentking-of-fighters-xiiMicrosoftXbox-360Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Muramasa trailer makes with the slicing and dicing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-muramasa-trailer-makes-with-the-slicing-and-dicing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-muramasa-trailer-makes-with-the-slicing-and-dicing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-muramasa-trailer-makes-with-the-slicing-and-dicing/#commentsThere's no better way to fully appreciate the wonderful artistic style and furious action of Muramasa: The Demon Blade than to see it in motion. And, thankfully, that's just what we got for you right now. Above, you'll find a near-minute of fabulous Muramasa gameplay footage for your eyes to drool over, and if you're wondering what all of the fuss is about, you really should be keeping up.

JoystiqNew Muramasa trailer makes with the slicing and dicing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionignition-entertainmentmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladeThu, 02 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST