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[Indie, but not alone: How Vlambeer's advice helped guide Dog Sled Saga]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/indie-not-alone-vlambeers-advice-helped-dog-sled-saga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/indie-not-alone-vlambeers-advice-helped-dog-sled-saga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/indie-not-alone-vlambeers-advice-helped-dog-sled-saga/#comments
Indie, but not alone How Vlambeer's advice helped guide Dog Sled Saga
The idea hit Dan FitzGerald in the shower last December: What about a dog sledding game? The Chicago native had been toying around with various prototypes based around a lobbing mechanic, but nothing stuck quite like this. Ideas started pouring in, and he enlisted his girlfriend of three years, Lisa Bromiel, to work on the art and help shape the exciting nugget of an idea into a fully realized video game - a concept that evolved into Dog Sled Saga.

It was the first time either had embarked on anything quite like it. FitzGerald studied communications in college, and had spent time doing contract video production (including trailers for other video games) and web design in an effort to get deeper into the gaming scene. Bromiel, meanwhile, is a trained artist with a focus on material art, though she hadn't consistently worked in digital illustration. As confident as they were about seeing the concept through to completion, they didn't have much insight as to going from making an original game to actually presenting it as a purchasable product. Well, at least until Rami Ismail came to town.

Ismail, the business and development half of Dutch indie studio Vlambeer (Super Crate Box, Luftrausers), stopped in Chicago in February to give a talk as part of DePaul University's Visiting Artists Series. FitzGerald and Bromiel attended, expecting to hear anecdotes about creating their beloved games, or the painful cloning saga that marked the development of Ridiculous Fishing.

Instead they got a real lesson - Indie Game Business 101, if you will - defined by the lecture's catchy three-word title: "Monetize That Shit."

Continue reading Indie, but not alone: How Vlambeer's advice helped guide Dog Sled Saga

JoystiqIndie, but not alone: How Vlambeer's advice helped guide Dog Sled Saga originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 May 2013 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidChicago-Game-SceneDan-FitzGeraldDog-Sled-SagaDog-SleddingIndieiosipadiphoneKickstarterLisa-BromielmacmobilepcFri, 24 May 2013 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Theory teams up with Chillingo on iOS, Android F2P brawler Fightback]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/ninja-theory-teams-up-with-chillingo-on-ios-android-f2p-brawler/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/ninja-theory-teams-up-with-chillingo-on-ios-android-f2p-brawler/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/ninja-theory-teams-up-with-chillingo-on-ios-android-f2p-brawler/#commentsNinja Theory tagteams with Chillingo on iOS, Android brawler Fightback DmC and Enslaved developer Ninja Theory revealed its latest project this morning, an iOS and Android free-to-play brawler called Fightback. The game is being published by EA subsidiary Chillingo, which says it has a "a striking 80s action movie vibe."

Going by this screenshot, Fightback is a skils-orientated, side-scrolling beat-em-up. The meter at the bottom indicates a three-star score based on points accumulated by skill moves like 'Skull Splitter' - think Bulletstorm, perhaps, but with more punches and kicks, and maybe a Blood Dragon vibe. It looks like you can use guns too, though. Also, is that a Japanese love hotel?

"Mobile and tablet gaming is a phenomenon that we just couldn't ignore as a studio and we're very proud to be working with one of the industry's heavy-weights on bringing Fightback to market," said Ninja Theory Product Manager Dominic Matthews. "Ninja Theory has always strived for the highest production values and that absolutely remains the case in this exciting new space."

Chillingo is showing off Fightback at E3 next month, and expects to launch it this summer.

JoystiqNinja Theory teams up with Chillingo on iOS, Android F2P brawler Fightback originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 May 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidchillingoEAfightbackiosipadiphonemobileninja-theoryrelease-dateFri, 24 May 2013 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Phoenix Wright Trilogy HD enters iOS courtroom May 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/phoenix-wright-trilogy-hd-enters-ios-courtroom-may-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/phoenix-wright-trilogy-hd-enters-ios-courtroom-may-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/phoenix-wright-trilogy-hd-enters-ios-courtroom-may-30/#comments Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy HD has been pegged for a May 30 launch on iOS. The game was initially announced for last fall, pushed back to July and has now been bumped up to the end of this month.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy HD is a bundle of the first three DS games, Ace Attorney, Justice for All and Trials and Tribulations, all "remastered and enhanced for retina displays," Capcom says. The app itself is a free download for iOS 5.0 and greater devices, with the first two chapters of the first game serving as a demo. Each game may be purchased separately - the first is $6 and the other two are $7 each - or in a collection for $17.

JoystiqPhoenix Wright Trilogy HD enters iOS courtroom May 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 May 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomiosipadiphonemobilephoenix-wrightPhoenix-Wright-Ace-Attorneyphoenix-wright-ace-attorney-trilogy-HDrelease-dateThu, 23 May 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Bam fu]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-bam-fu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-bam-fu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-bam-fu/#commentsIt's not that there are too many indie games; it's that there aren't enough hours in a day to play all of them. The Joystiq Indie Pitch curates the best indies to play now and watch out for in the future.

The Joystiq Indie Pitch Bam fu
What's your game called and what's it about?

Bam fu is a two-, three- or four-player game on one device where you tap on pebbles - a fancy word for the buttons in this game - as quickly as you can to make them your color. Other players are trying to do the same and the colors change in a cycle, so the pebbles will definitely not stay on your color for long. The game goes on with you trying to reclaim your pebbles as fast as you can, until all, or almost all, pebbles are your color. That's when you win.

What's the coolest aspect of Bam fu?

We think that the coolest aspect of the game is that you can play it with everyone. Any gender, age or language; literally everyone!

The rules are so simple that it doesn't take more than a second to get them. In fact, we are yet to find a player who doesn't skip the the tutorial. Plenty of thought has gone into small details to keep things simple. For example, we are using the fingers on the hand to count your points, so it's immediately clear that you play to five.

We have also made the game accessible to colorblind players, which was a challenge for a game than distinguishes between players by color. This is why the pebbles were designed to point toward a player's corner.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Bam fu

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Bam fu originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 May 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbam-fuFingleGame-OvenIndieiosipadiphonejoystiq-indie-pitchmobileThu, 23 May 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pixel Press coming to Android, pending Kickstarter success]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/pixel-press-coming-to-android-pending-kickstarter-success/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/pixel-press-coming-to-android-pending-kickstarter-success/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/pixel-press-coming-to-android-pending-kickstarter-success/#comments
In a recent Kickstarter update, developer Roundthird announced that its draw-your-own-game app Pixel Press will launch for both Android and iOS devices, once its funding goal of $100,000 is met.

Originally announced as an iOS exclusive, Pixel Press will now debut for Android in 2014 if funding succeeds. Roundthird will ramp up production for a simultaneous iOS and Android launch in December of this year if funding reaches a newly announced stretch goal of $125,000.

To create platforming challenges within Pixel Press, players start by drawing level layouts on printable graph paper. These layouts can then be imported and made playable by uploading a photo of the finished design. The app is aimed at students wishing to enter game development; a $40 "teacher package" reward tier includes multiple copies of Pixel Press and access to online educational resources.

Currently, Pixel Press backers have pledged over $33,000, as 21 days remain in Roundthird's funding campaign.

JoystiqPixel Press coming to Android, pending Kickstarter success originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 May 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonekickstartermobilepixel-pressThu, 23 May 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Poker Night at the Inventory 2 splits onto iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/poker-night-at-the-inventory-2-splits-onto-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/poker-night-at-the-inventory-2-splits-onto-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/poker-night-at-the-inventory-2-splits-onto-ios/#commentsPoker Night 2 deals in iOS tomorrow As of today, you can join Sam, Ash, Brock, Claptrap, and dealer GLaDOS at the table via iPads and iPhones. Telltale Games launched Poker Night at the Inventory 2 on iOS this morning, where it's priced $4.99. Just don't bring anything less than an iPhone 4 or iPad 2, 'cos it ain't getting through the door.

JoystiqPoker Night at the Inventory 2 splits onto iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 May 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilepoker-night-at-the-inventory-2release-datetelltale-gamesThu, 23 May 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dying: Sinner Escape absconding to Vita, iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/dying-sinner-escape-absconding-to-vita-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/dying-sinner-escape-absconding-to-vita-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/dying-sinner-escape-absconding-to-vita-ios/#comments The Vita and iOS devices are set to receive a new dose of horror courtesy of Dying: Sinner Escape. The game is being made with help from the creator of Saw, according to developer Nekcom Entertainment, though the announcement neglects to name exactly which creator it's referring to. Neither Saw's director, James Wan, nor its screenwriter, Leigh Whannell, are mentioned specifically.

Regardless, Dying clearly has a Saw vibe. It's story revolves around characters being trapped in foreboding environments, forcing them to solve strange puzzles and try to escape. The game will be released episodically with the first episode, "Last Hour," slated to arrive on May 25.

Gallery: Dying: Sinner Escape

JoystiqDying: Sinner Escape absconding to Vita, iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dying-sinner-escapeiosipadiphonemobilenekcom-entertainmentplaystationplaystation-vitasawvitaTue, 21 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Unity mobile tools go free for indies and small studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/unity-mobile-tools-go-free-for-indies-and-small-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/unity-mobile-tools-go-free-for-indies-and-small-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/unity-mobile-tools-go-free-for-indies-and-small-studios/#commentsUnity dropping Flash support Unity Technologies, creators of the multi-platform Unity engine and its tools, is making its mobile tools free to indies and small studios starting today, taking tools that cost around $800 and making them free. Unity currently supports Apple's iOS and Google's Android, with support for BlackBerry and Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 to be added at no additional cost in the future.

"Mobile games development is possibly the most dynamic and exciting industry in the world, and it's an honor to be able to help so many developers be so successful in fulfilling their visions and in building their businesses," said Unity CEO David Helgason. "We were able to make Unity free for the web and for desktop computers a while ago, but have been dreaming of doing the same for mobile for what seems like forever."

To contextualize this, Unity is already a beast in the mobile field in terms of market share and developer relations. The company just opened the flood gates further.

Continue reading Unity mobile tools go free for indies and small studios

JoystiqUnity mobile tools go free for indies and small studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosiphonemobileunityTue, 21 May 2013 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux's Godus goes mobile, Mobage with publisher DeNA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/molyneuxs-godus-goes-mobile-mobage-with-publisher-dena/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/molyneuxs-godus-goes-mobile-mobage-with-publisher-dena/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/molyneuxs-godus-goes-mobile-mobage-with-publisher-dena/#comments22Cans' Godus gets publisher, DeNA Godus, the Kickstarted god game from Peter Molyneux's 22Cans, will be published on mobile devices by DeNA in western territories, Japan and Korea. Godus raised £526,563 ($852,000) with Kickstarter in December, exceeding its goal of $£450,000 ($730,000). It will launch on PC and Mac, alongside mobile devices Android, iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.

Godus will use DeNA's Mobage platform for mobile and social games, joining previous handheld iterations within the No More Heroes, Final Fantasy and Professor Layton franchises, to name a few.

Continue reading Molyneux's Godus goes mobile, Mobage with publisher DeNA

JoystiqMolyneux's Godus goes mobile, Mobage with publisher DeNA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>22CansandroidDenagodusiosipadiphonemobagemobilePeter-MolyneuxTue, 21 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spicy Horse's Oz game is OZombie: 'If I only had some brainsss']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/spicy-horses-oz-game-is-ozombie-if-i-only-had-some-brainsss/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/spicy-horses-oz-game-is-ozombie-if-i-only-had-some-brainsss/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/spicy-horses-oz-game-is-ozombie-if-i-only-had-some-brainsss/#commentsSpicy Horse's Oz game is OZombie 'If I only had some brainsss' Spicy Horse's Oz game combines the undead with "an Oz not of our remembering" - it's called OZombie, and it stars Dorothy, Toto, the Lion and the Tin Woodsman. The Scarecrow, who always wanted brains, is cast as the villain in this iteration, and instead of carrying around a basket, Dorothy gets a repeater.

Spicy Horse is unsure which game it will make next, OZombie or Alice: Otherlands, and it all depends on whether the studio can regain the Alice rights from EA. If Spicy Horse and EA work out a good deal, then Alice it is. If not, OZombie gets the green light and probably a Kickstarter.

"Actually, the more I think about it - and the more I see/hear feedback from you guys - the more I'm personally leaning towards Oz," Spicy Horse founder American McGee writes on the OZombie Facebook page. "There's so much fun stuff to explore, so many interesting characters and locations to discover. Wonderland will also be there, if not today, if not the next project, then perhaps the one after that?"

Keep in mind (and mind your brains) that OZombie is entirely separate from American McGee's Oz, the game Atari canceled in 2004.

JoystiqSpicy Horse's Oz game is OZombie: 'If I only had some brainsss' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alice-otherlandsandroidiosipadiphonemobileozozombiepcspicy-horsethe-wizard-of-ozWizard-of-OzSun, 19 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Gilbert's Scurvy Scallywags gets trailer, screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ron-gilberts-scurvy-scallywags-gets-trailer-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ron-gilberts-scurvy-scallywags-gets-trailer-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ron-gilberts-scurvy-scallywags-gets-trailer-screens/#comments
Scurvy Scallywags, the upcoming game from Ron Gilbert and DeathSpank co-creator Clayton Kauzlaric, is a little different from most match-three puzzlers. As we learned in March, players can influence the direction in which the board collapses after making a match. This, in turn, can move their character around the board and allow them to engage in combat with other characters.

The concept is a bit difficult to put down on paper, so thankfully there's a new trailer! Take note of the end of the video, as we're fairly certain this is the first sea shanty in history to feature a theremin.

Gallery: Scurvy Scallywags

JoystiqRon Gilbert's Scurvy Scallywags gets trailer, screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beep-gamesiosipadiphonemobilescurvy-scallywagsFri, 17 May 2013 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic the Hedgehog speeds to Android today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-speeds-to-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-speeds-to-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-speeds-to-android-today/#comments Update: The game is now available on the Google Play store.

There are quite a few Sonic games available on Android, but today marks the first appearance of the Blue Blur's original adventure, Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic's first adventure has been updated for mobile devices, adding widescreen support, a remastered soundtrack, leaderboards and more. Furthermore, a brand new addition will allow users to play as either Knuckles or Tails. This new feature is also being added to the iOS version of Sonic the Hedgehog via a free update.

The game hasn't appeared on the North American Google Play store as of this writing, but it's slated to arrive today for $2.99.

Continue reading Sonic the Hedgehog speeds to Android today

JoystiqSonic the Hedgehog speeds to Android today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgoogle-playiosipadiphonemobilesegasonic-the-hedgehogThu, 16 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie platform confessional: Steam, Humble Store, Apple, Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/indie-platform-confessional-steam-humble-store-apple-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/indie-platform-confessional-steam-humble-store-apple-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/indie-platform-confessional-steam-humble-store-apple-android/#commentsIndie platform confessional Steam, Humble Store, Apple, Android
The internet is kind of like a classic confessional - except it's not a box, it's a lot brighter and everyone can hear what you have to say. Still, we asked a handful of independent developers for their thoughts on what exactly makes a platform effective, and they spilled it all, dissecting the pros and cons of the most popular, current models of distibution.

Today, we feature answers from Ridiculous Fishing's Rami Ismail, Canabalt's Adam Saltsman, Octodad's Philip Tibitoski, Retro City Rampage's Brian Provinciano and others. This group of developers had specific thoughts about Steam, the Humble Store, Apple's app stores and the Android hub, Google Play.

This follows yesterday's batch of answers from the Steam, Humble Store, iOS and Android camps. Let the confessions begin:

Continue reading Indie platform confessional: Steam, Humble Store, Apple, Android

JoystiqIndie platform confessional: Steam, Humble Store, Apple, Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidIndieindie-confessionaliosipadiphonemobilepcThu, 16 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds flick flies to cinemas July 1, 2016]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/angry-birds-flick-flies-to-cinemas-july-1-2016/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/angry-birds-flick-flies-to-cinemas-july-1-2016/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/angry-birds-flick-flies-to-cinemas-july-1-2016/#comments A release for the upcoming Angry Birds flick has been narrowed to July 1, 2016, with Sony distributing the movie worldwide, Rovio announced on its website today.

Rovio's intent on creating a feature film was made public late last year, when the studio tapped producers John Cohen and David Maisel from Despicable Me and Iron Man to lead the project. The Angry Birds movie is unique in that it's being completely done in-house - Rovio is funding and producing the film entirely on its own.

JoystiqAngry Birds flick flies to cinemas July 1, 2016 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-movieiosipadiphonemacmobilepcrovioWed, 15 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Zoombies is a fiesta of undead carnage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/zoombies-review-portabliss/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/zoombies-review-portabliss/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/zoombies-review-portabliss/#commentsThis is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go.

Zoombies is a fiesta of undead carnage
Say the name High Voltage, and your first thought might be the Conduit series of first-person shooters (or this). While the studio is indeed known most recently for The Conduit, one of its other ideas has been languishing for quite some time, namely Animales de la Muerte. Originally slated for WiiWare, and then for XBLA and PSN, the game has finally found a home on iOS.

Renamed Zoombies: Animales de la Muerte, the game tells the story of two children who must save a Mexican zoo from being overrun by a horde of zombified animals. To do this, the kids utilize every available tool of destruction, ranging from axes to shotguns, roman candles and even the occasional dollop of guacamole.

Zoombies is the most festive zombie game I've ever played, and it's also one of the most immediately entertaining.

Gallery: Zoombies: Animales de la Muerte (5/15/2013)

Continue reading Zoombies is a fiesta of undead carnage

JoystiqZoombies is a fiesta of undead carnage originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>high-voltageHigh-Voltage-Softwareiosipadiphonemobileportablisszoombieszoombies-animales-de-la-muerteWed, 15 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Play launches game services for mobile, social, cloud gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/google-play-launches-game-services-for-mobile-social-cloud-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/google-play-launches-game-services-for-mobile-social-cloud-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/google-play-launches-game-services-for-mobile-social-cloud-gam/#commentsGoogle Play launches game services for mobile, social, cloud gaming Google is kicking off games services on its Play Store that allows developers to add achievements, social and public leaderboards, cloud saving, and real-time multiplayer. The games service goes live today and works completely on Android, and mostly on iOS or other "connected devices" - that second batch won't support multiplayer.

Google Play's games services differs from Apple's Game Center in that it offers backend support, rather than a standalone application.

Anyone making a game with Google Play has access to its developer services. A handful of games already have these services incorporated: World of Goo, Super Stickman Golf 2, Beach Buggy Blitz, Kingdom Rush, Eternity Warriors 2 and Osmos.

"We won't make it a mandatory exercise, or have any certification process around it," Google lead product manager Greg Hartrell told Engadget. "We create fantastic services that allow developers to create these great game experiences, and help promote their discovery, help retain their users and keep them engaged."

Check out the games services on Google's developer site.

Continue reading Google Play launches game services for mobile, social, cloud gaming

JoystiqGoogle Play launches game services for mobile, social, cloud gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgamesgames-servicesgooglegoogle-gamesgoogle-io-2013google-playiosipadiphonemobileWed, 15 May 2013 12:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Karateka Classic coming to iOS and Android tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/karateka-classic-coming-to-ios-and-android-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/karateka-classic-coming-to-ios-and-android-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/karateka-classic-coming-to-ios-and-android-tomorrow/#commentsKarateka Classic coming to iOS, Android History repeats itself in both video games and colas it seems. Years after releasing the original Karateka, Jordan Mechner revised the formula, giving the world "new" Karateka. Some people liked the new flavor - others, not so much. Hearing the demand of fans everywhere, Mechner has announced that Karateka Classic is coming back, specifically to iOS and Android.

Karateka Classic recreates the Apple II experience - right down to the disk drive noises - and offers a range of "monitor" choices, including color CRT, green or amber display. There are a couple of new additions, including gameplay tips and a rewind feature that can be earned, allowing players to reverse their mistakes.

Karateka Classic arrives on iOS and Android tomorrow for $0.99.

Gallery: Karateka Classic

JoystiqKarateka Classic coming to iOS and Android tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonejordan-mechnerkarateka-classicliquid-entertainmentmobileWed, 15 May 2013 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rovio lets loose Stars publishing program for third-party games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/rovio-lets-loose-stars-publishing-program-for-third-party-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/rovio-lets-loose-stars-publishing-program-for-third-party-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/rovio-lets-loose-stars-publishing-program-for-third-party-games/#comments
Rovio is entering the mobile publishing arena through its Rovio Stars initiative, which will cover the whole spectrum of publishing duties such as marketing and PR. Rovio will even consult with developers to help them optimize their games prior to launch.

Budding developers can already submit their mobile works to Rovio Stars through a handy application page, though all applicants must have a playable build to present. Screens, videos and other supplementary materials are also encouraged, as it provides Rovio with a better sense of the overall game.

As of now, Rovio Stars has recruited two games: Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage from Longdon-based Nitrome (based on the Flash version) and Tiny Thief from Barcelona indie outfit 5 Ants. The latter is due sometime this summer, while Icebreaker's mobile release is tentatively scheduled for "soon" on the official site.

Continue reading Rovio lets loose Stars publishing program for third-party games

JoystiqRovio lets loose Stars publishing program for third-party games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5antsandroidicebreaking-a-viking-voyageiosipadiphonemobilenitromeroviorovio-starstiny-thiefWed, 15 May 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA developing Frostbite Go mobile game engine for iOS and Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ea-developing-frostbite-go-mobile-game-engine-for-ios-and-androi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ea-developing-frostbite-go-mobile-game-engine-for-ios-and-androi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ea-developing-frostbite-go-mobile-game-engine-for-ios-and-androi/#commentsEA has a mobile version of Frostbite EA has published a website for its Frostbite graphical engine, and text on the website mentions the existence of a project called Frostbite Go, which EA describes as "a mobile division empowering EA game developers with Frostbite's proven excellent workflows and features to bring true Frostbite experiences to all major mobile platforms." In other words, the company is putting together the technology to run Frostbite on platforms such as iOS and Android.

The blurb doesn't say which version of Frostbite the mobile engine will be based on, but given that Frostbite 3 is the new hotness around EA, it's a fair guess that the company is adapting the latest and greatest for Frostbite Go. We're supposed to see Frostbite 3 games arrive later on this year (with Battlefield 4 being the first of these), so odds are that any Frostbite Go-created products should hit the market at that same time.

JoystiqEA developing Frostbite Go mobile game engine for iOS and Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbattlefield-4developmenteaenginefrostbitefrostbite-3frostbite-gogamegamesiosipadiphonemobileTue, 14 May 2013 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam is king in service wars, Humble Store a sleeping giant, indies say]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/steam-is-king-in-service-wars-humble-store-a-sleeping-giant-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/steam-is-king-in-service-wars-humble-store-a-sleeping-giant-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/steam-is-king-in-service-wars-humble-store-a-sleeping-giant-in/#commentsSteam is king in service wars, Humble Store a sleeping giant, indies say Twenty-one randomly selected indie developers walk into a digital room and ponder the question, "Which online distribution system has been the most effective for your games?"

If this were the set-up to a joke, the punchline would probably be, "Facebook." But for many indie developers, the question of which platform to publish their games on is a very serious one, with potentially dire consequences. Pared down, platform success is all about accessibility, upload and support, and in terms of those factors, there's a clear, unsurprising favorite: Steam.

But maybe not for long.

I asked 21 indie developers this question, and while the majority mentioned Steam in the same casual manner that begets an unchallenged king, there were consistent whispers of other platforms doing things well, perhaps even better than Steam, from a backend perspective. One of these platforms was the Humble Store, which received the second-highest number of solid votes and a handful of positive shout-outs.

"I owe pretty much my entire survival the last few years to iOS, the Humble Store, and to a lesser extent Android and Steam," Adam Saltsman, the creator of Canabalt, said. But iOS ran into some bad censorship issues, Android had discoverability problems and Steam was "obviously" too closed, he said. If Saltsman could choose just one of those platforms to release his next game on, it would be, "Humble Store," hands-down.

Continue reading Steam is king in service wars, Humble Store a sleeping giant, indies say

JoystiqSteam is king in service wars, Humble Store a sleeping giant, indies say originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androideShophumble-storeiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3PSNSTEAMvitawii-uXBLAxbligxboxTue, 14 May 2013 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Mosaique (iOS, Android)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/portabliss-mosaique-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/portabliss-mosaique-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/portabliss-mosaique-ios-android/#commentsThis is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go.


Puzzle games tend to fall into one of two categories. There are the fast and frenetic ones, where you watch pieces smash into one another, pushing your mental and physical reflexes as far as they can go before a wire is crossed and it all comes crashing down, hopefully after you've set a new high score. Then there are the Zen puzzlers. These are slow, asking you to plan the best moves for the highest score. You examine the board, analyzing its patterns and discerning how best to eliminate all those pesky blocks or orbs or gems or what-have-you.

Mosaique falls into the latter category, presenting a deceptively simple game of destroying colored blocks. At no point will it bring you either the stress or exultation of a Tetris or a Puzzle Fighter, but sometimes that's okay. Sometimes you want to sit back, relax, and watch as everything falls into place.

Continue reading Portabliss: Mosaique (iOS, Android)

JoystiqPortabliss: Mosaique (iOS, Android) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemobilemosaiqueportablisswinning-blimpTue, 14 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lucid's Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery unravels on Vita, iOS this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/lucids-jacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mystery-unravels-on-vita-io/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/lucids-jacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mystery-unravels-on-vita-io/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/lucids-jacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mystery-unravels-on-vita-io/#commentsLucid's Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery unravels on Vita, iOS this week Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery sets off for Vita and iOS this week. Lucid's cutesy-looking Unreal Engine 3 puzzler pitches up in North America via PSN on Tuesday, May 14 - it should be Wednesday in Europe. Then iOS welcomes it on Thursday. No prices are announced as yet.

The game features Jacob, a kid who prefers traipsing the outdoors to milling around with his peers. Thankfully, his trip to Camp Eagle Feather includes bumping into Bigfoot, an event that always brightened our summer camp excursions.

Meanwhile, we're still waiting on Lucid's mid-May announcement, which looks to be a racing game, and one possibly tied to Microsoft's own mid-May announcement. The studio, comprised of ex-Bizarre devs, gave a brief shout-out today to fans of Blur and Project Gotham Racing who'd sent the studio messages recently. Which group will be the more pleased later this month, if either, remains to be seen.

JoystiqLucid's Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery unravels on Vita, iOS this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonejacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mysterylucid-gamesmobileplaystationplaystation-vitarelease-datevitaTue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hit mobile RPG Puzzle & Dragons earned $113 million in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/hit-mobile-rpg-puzzle-and-dragons-earned-113-million-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/hit-mobile-rpg-puzzle-and-dragons-earned-113-million-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/hit-mobile-rpg-puzzle-and-dragons-earned-113-million-in-april/#commentsHit mobile RPG Puzzle & Dragons earned $113 million in April In its latest financial report (translated here by Dr. Serkan Toto) Osaka-based publisher GungHo Entertainment announced that its mobile puzzle-RPG Puzzle & Dragons grossed over $113 million in April.

To put that in perspective, GungHo's catalog-wide earnings for April totaled ¥12 billion ($119 million) - a 1,142.8 percent increase over its performance in April 2012. Puzzle & Dragons currently generates $3.76 million in daily revenue, and boasts 13 million players in Japan.

Puzzle & Dragons originally launched for iOS and Android devices last year. A Nintendo 3DS adaptation is slated for release in Japan this winter.

JoystiqHit mobile RPG Puzzle & Dragons earned $113 million in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfinancialsgunghoiosiphonemobilepuzzle-and-dragonsMon, 13 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/#comments
There's a certain stigma attached to strategy games, where deep systems and mechanics can hoist a sky-high barrier for the uninitiated. Sid Meier's Ace Patrol sidesteps these stigmas, presenting a turn-based experience so simple that even the strategically challenged will be able to play and excel.

Designed for iOS devices, Ace Patrol is a dogfighting game set in WWI. With a series of taps, intense air combat is engaged over a battlefield of hexagonal grids. Using these taps, players execute everything from strafing to swooping dives, hard banking, the Immelman turn and other expert maneuvers.

Gallery: Sid Meier's Ace Patrol

Continue reading Sid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified

JoystiqSid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesiosipadiphonemobilesid-meiersid-meiers-ace-patrolMon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[C-Wars Kickstarter ends with over $95K raised, heading to Wii U, iOS and Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/#comments C-Wars, the cyberpunk roguelike RTS by Beijing developer OniPunks Studio, raised a total of $95,574 in its Kickstarter campaign, which ended Saturday. That's $63,574 more than its initial $32,000 goal, just under 300 percent of its funding aspirations thanks to 3,348 backers.

The campaign hit a number of stretch goals along the way, which will result in the PC, Mac, Linux and Android game also coming to 3DS, Vita, Wii U and iOS. C-Wars is estimated to launch in late 2013.

JoystiqC-Wars Kickstarter ends with over $95K raised, heading to Wii U, iOS and Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidc-warsCyberpunkiosipadiphonekickstarterLinuxmacmobilenintendoonipunksonipunks-studiopcplaystationplaystation-vitaroguelikeRTSvitawii-uSun, 12 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Into the Dead, endless zombie shooter for mobile, hits 10 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/into-the-dead-endless-zombie-shooter-for-mobile-hits-10-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/into-the-dead-endless-zombie-shooter-for-mobile-hits-10-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/into-the-dead-endless-zombie-shooter-for-mobile-hits-10-millio/#commentsInto the Dead, endless zombie shooter for mobile, gets 10 million hits Mobile games may not all reach the same level of fame as retail or desktop counterparts, but the market is strong, producing games that sell millions more than some of our favorites and support entire teams of developers. Into the Dead from mobile publisher PikPok, for example, just passed 10 million downloads across iOS and Android devices, after five months on the market.

Into the Dead is an endless runner combined with a shooter, all set in the zombie apocalypse. It's free on iOS and Android, but a no-ad version of the game is available for $2 as an in-app purchase. And now for a thought experiment: If only 10 percent of players purchase the ad-free game, that's $2,000,000. Not bad for a 5-month-old.

If you want to bring Into the Dead to 10,000,001 downloads, head to the App Store or Google Play. Another PikPok game to pass 10 million downloads is Flick Kick Football. The Flick Kick series has clocked in more than 20 million downloads.

Continue reading Into the Dead, endless zombie shooter for mobile, hits 10 million

JoystiqInto the Dead, endless zombie shooter for mobile, hits 10 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-millionandroiddownloadfree-to-playinto-the-deadiosipadiphonemobilepikpokzombiesFri, 10 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Room unlocks 2 million sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-room-unlocks-2-million-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-room-unlocks-2-million-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-room-unlocks-2-million-sales/#comments The Room has cracked 2 million sales since its launch in September 2012. Speaking at the Game Horizon conference in the UK, Fireproof Studios Commercial Director Barry Meade revealed the new milestone. The iOS and Android puzzler hit 1 million sales in January, shortly after earning Apple's iPad Game of the Year award.

Meade put down the ex-Criterion devs' success to The Room being featured on Apple's store, and this generating word of mouth. He also noted originality as significant.

"We did not want to do a better version of someone else's game, or an update of a genre," Meade told the audience at Game Horizon. "We thought we're not doing our jobs properly if we don't add to what's out there. As a game creator that's your responsibility. If you're not doing that, if you're chasing what other people are doing, you don't deserve success because you're not showing respect to the audience."

Interior detectives can look forward to The Room getting a sequel this fall, with a free chapter due beforehand.

JoystiqThe Room unlocks 2 million sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgame-horizon-2013iosipadiphonemobileThu, 09 May 2013 07:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Bad Piggies adds recording, sharing to iOS, more levels for everyone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/bad-piggies-adds-recording-sharing-to-ios-more-levels-for-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/bad-piggies-adds-recording-sharing-to-ios-more-levels-for-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/bad-piggies-adds-recording-sharing-to-ios-more-levels-for-ever/#comments

The Rise and Swine update for Rovio's Bad Piggies adds 15 new levels and two fresh items, suction-cup tires and spring-loaded boxing gloves. The big, bad news in this update is the addition of a recording and sharing feature for iOS devices, allowing users to record moments on a whim and share to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The recording feature will come to Android later, Rovio says.

The Rise and Swine update also adds a new sandbox and the Road Hog Challenge. Rise and Swine is a free update, so get up and grab it now on your download service of choice. You know what they say - the early Bird gets Angry. We don't know what that has to do with Bad Piggies, but it's true regardless.

Continue reading Bad Piggies adds recording, sharing to iOS, more levels for everyone

JoystiqBad Piggies adds recording, sharing to iOS, more levels for everyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbad-piggiesiosipadiphonemobileRovioThu, 09 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rovio introduces Rovio accounts: resume progress across devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/rovio-introduces-rovio-accounts-resume-progress-across-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/rovio-introduces-rovio-accounts-resume-progress-across-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/rovio-introduces-rovio-accounts-resume-progress-across-devices/#comments Angry Birds fans will soon be able to have their progress migrate across multiple devices. Enter: Rovio accounts, only available in The Croods game and the original Angry Birds (Poland and Finland) right now, but Rovio expects to roll out the functionality to all of its games eventually.

Rovio's latest financial report shows the company had a strong 2012, earning $195 million in revenue, with almost half of that coming from toy sales alone. The most recent Angry Birds game from Rovio is Angry Birds Friends, a free app on iOS and Android that integrates with Facebook.

JoystiqRovio introduces Rovio accounts: resume progress across devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birds-friendsiosipadiphonemacmobilepcrovioWed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Pixel Press Kickstarter is live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/psa-pixel-press-kickstarter-is-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/psa-pixel-press-kickstarter-is-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/psa-pixel-press-kickstarter-is-live/#comments
The Kickstarter for Pixel Press is now live. As we wrote last week, the app allows iOS devices to scan level designs drawn on special graph paper, automatically turning them into a playable platformer. Once scanned, users will be able to adjust textures and music using either pre-installed assets or their own custom work. Users will then be able to share their levels with other Pixel Press users.

Developer Roundthird is seeking $100,000 to fund the project.

JoystiqPSA: Pixel Press Kickstarter is live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemacmobilepcpixel-pressWed, 08 May 2013 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No Star Wars games in FY 2014, EA says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/no-star-wars-games-in-fy-2014-ea-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/no-star-wars-games-in-fy-2014-ea-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/no-star-wars-games-in-fy-2014-ea-says/#comments EA won't launch a Star Wars game during its 2014 fiscal year - April 2013 to March 2014 - EA said during an investor call today. Yesterday EA announced it had signed an exclusive, multi-year deal with Disney to develop and publish games in the Star Wars universe.

EA released its FY 2013 results today, complete with expectations for 2014 that put net revenue at $3.50 billion. This is based on the launch of 11 games and 15 mobile titles, EA Labels President Frank Gibeau said. In FY 2013, EA saw a net revenue of $3.797 billion, down from $4.143 billion in 2012.

Gibeau called out the next Battlefield, FIFA, Madden, NBA Live and Need for Speed games as next-gen titles. It's notable that NBA Live is on the schedule at all, considering that series' rocky launch history.

"In fiscal 14, we will release 11 major titles across consoles, and on the PC. This includes our core sports titles," EA Labels President Frank Gibeau said, before listing the following franchises and games:

Continue reading No Star Wars games in FY 2014, EA says

JoystiqNo Star Wars games in FY 2014, EA says originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androideaElectronic-Artsfinancialsfy-2014iosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Star-Warsvitawii-uxboxTue, 07 May 2013 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Rex Rocket zooms past funding goal, dev looks to the future]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/rex-rocket-zooms-past-funding-goal-dev-looks-to-the-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/rex-rocket-zooms-past-funding-goal-dev-looks-to-the-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/rex-rocket-zooms-past-funding-goal-dev-looks-to-the-future/#commentsRex Rocket zooms past funding goal, dev looks to the future The last week as been "pretty amazing," says developer Rob Maher. His team - composed of himself, programmer Tyler Bud and composer Nigel "Saskrotch" Shields - just got Rex Rocket funded on Kickstarter. It was a small goal compared to other Kickstarter projects, just $6,000, but to Maher it's monumental. "I mean it's kind of a dream come true for us to put our game up on Kickstarter and have it supported by all these different people, and it's really been exciting for myself and the team."

Rex Rocket draws from Maher and Bud's Nintendo-fueled childhood, taking cues from Mega Man, Metroid and Mario, telling the story of a has-been hero drawn once more into the line of fire. Now, with the project fully funded, Maher and the team can focus on the game full-time. There are still 20 days left to earn more, however, and the team has big plans, including possibly achieving another dream, seeing Rex Rocket published on a Nintendo platform. And, even now, before the Rex Rocket Kickstarter is closed, Maher is planning the team's next game, Blossom Tales.

But let's take it one thing at a time.

Gallery: Rex Rocket

Continue reading Rex Rocket zooms past funding goal, dev looks to the future

JoystiqRex Rocket zooms past funding goal, dev looks to the future originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidiosipadiphonekickstartermacmobilenintendopcplaystationps3rex-rocketwii-uTue, 07 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The evolution of Morning Star's ugly-cute bad guy, the Renfield]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/the-evolution-of-morning-stars-ugly-cute-bad-guy-the-renfield/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/the-evolution-of-morning-stars-ugly-cute-bad-guy-the-renfield/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/the-evolution-of-morning-stars-ugly-cute-bad-guy-the-renfield/#commentsThe evolution of Morning Star's uglycute bad guy, the Renfield Morning Star, from Halo creator Alex Seropian and Seven Lights founder Tim Harris' studio, Industrial Toys, pits players against a variety of alien enemies in a hardcore FPS for mobile devices. The Renfield are a race of agile, bulldog humanoids subservient to the main conquering race, the Dust, who are vampiric monsters bent on destruction.

The Renfield take their name from Bram Stoker's Dracula and its secondary antagonist, R.M. Renfield, a psych ward patient with a penchant for consuming living organisms. In the novel, Renfield is under the control of Count Dracula, just as the Renfield in Morning Star are slaves to the Dust. Marvel artist Mike Choi designed the Renfield in Morning Star in one sketch, and from there the enemy has evolved into varying classes: sniper, trooper and "some surprises," Harris writes.

Get a good look at the Renfield on the Industrial Toys blog.

JoystiqThe evolution of Morning Star's ugly-cute bad guy, the Renfield originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex-Seropianandroidenemiesindustrial-toysiosipadiphonemobilemorning-starrenfieldtim-harrisSun, 05 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Realm's game design concepts explained in Kickstarter video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/the-realms-game-design-concepts-explained-in-kickstarter-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/the-realms-game-design-concepts-explained-in-kickstarter-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/the-realms-game-design-concepts-explained-in-kickstarter-video/#comments
Atomhawk Design recently updated its Kickstarter page for The Realm with a new video explaining the game's design details. The video shows the game's designers elaborating on their inspirations for The Realm, including aspects of popular point-and-click adventure games the team avoided in creating the game, such as deep inventory management. Members of the Atomhawk team also describe the ways that the game's two main characters, a girl named Sarina and her golem friend Toru, interact to solve puzzles.

The Realm has 16 days left in its Kickstarter campaign to reach its goal of £195,000 ($297,000), of which the developer has currently raised £50,497 ($78,593).

JoystiqThe Realm's game design concepts explained in Kickstarter video originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidatomhawk-designDesign-Philosophyiosipadiphonekickstartermacmobilepcthe-realmSun, 05 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shinobi, Vectorman join mobile House of the Dead: Overkill cast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/shinobi-vectorman-join-mobile-house-of-the-dead-overkill-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/shinobi-vectorman-join-mobile-house-of-the-dead-overkill-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/shinobi-vectorman-join-mobile-house-of-the-dead-overkill-cast/#commentsShinobi, Vectorman battle zombies in mobile House of the Dead addons Sega targets 16-bit superfans with two new character-themed upgrade packs for the iOS and Android versions of its first-person zombie shooter The House of the Dead: Overkill - The Lost Reels.

The Ninja Star pack replaces the game's standard Colt gun with an unlimited supply of shuriken, resulting in gameplay that resembles an extended bonus stage from the 1987 Shinobi arcade game. The Vectorman's Ball Gun upgrade, on the other hand, switches out the minigun for Vectorman's lime-green weaponry, and adds Genesis-like particle effects to your zombie massacre.

While Shinobi's protagonist Joe Musashi has made scattered showings in Sega-published games over the years (including a cameo as an unlockable character in 2011's 3DS title Shinobi), these upgrades mark a rare appearance for Vectorman. Fans of Sega's prerendered robotic hero had their hearts broken in 2003 following the cancellation of a planned Vectorman reboot for the PlayStation 2, and the franchise has remained dormant since.

Both items are available for purchase using in-game "Ka$h," which can be earned during gameplay or via microtransactions.

JoystiqShinobi, Vectorman join mobile House of the Dead: Overkill cast originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 May 2013 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidhouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkilliosipadiphonemobilesegaSat, 04 May 2013 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pixel Press creates games from your drawings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/pixel-press-creates-games-from-your-drawings/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/pixel-press-creates-games-from-your-drawings/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/pixel-press-creates-games-from-your-drawings/#comments
Maybe, when you were a kid - or currently, if you are a kid - you used to draw your favorite video games. Maybe you designed your own levels, sketching them out on notebooks instead of paying attention in science class (sorry Mrs. Brown!). If you did, Pixel Press might be the most magical thing you'll hear about today.

Pixel Press is an application that works across computers and iOS devices to transform drawings into video game levels. All would-be designers have to do is print off a special sheet using a printer, draw detailed levels onto the grid (like graph paper), and scan the sheet using an iPhone or iPad. Once uploaded, the level can be edited using a computer, allowing designers to apply customized graphics and sound and, finally, share the level with other Pixel Press users. The simple platform game that the app creates doesn't appear to be very complex, but it also requires no coding skills, and it's designed to appeal to kids and families.

A Kickstarter for Pixel Press will launch on May 7. Check out a more detailed tutorial video after the break.

Continue reading Pixel Press creates games from your drawings

JoystiqPixel Press creates games from your drawings originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonekickstartermacmobilepcpixel-pressFri, 03 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Joystiq Podcast 048 Live: Grand Theft Auto 5, Soul Sacrifice, Ace Patrol]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/super-joystiq-podcast-048-live-grand-theft-auto-5-soul-sacrifi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/super-joystiq-podcast-048-live-grand-theft-auto-5-soul-sacrifi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/super-joystiq-podcast-048-live-grand-theft-auto-5-soul-sacrifi/#comments As the ever looming presence of E3 draws closer, we gather to discuss a few of this week's recent and upcoming games on the Super Joystiq Podcast live. Join us as we chat about Grand Theft Auto 5, Thomas Was Alone, which recently made the (double) jump to PSN, Keiji Inafune's Soul Sacrifice for the Vita and Sid Meier's new iOS jam, Ace Patrol.

As usual, we'll have some goodies to giveaway, so stay tuned to learn how you can win. Be here for the live broadcast at 3:55 Eastern!

JoystiqSuper Joystiq Podcast 048 Live: Grand Theft Auto 5, Soul Sacrifice, Ace Patrol originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-auto-5gta5iosipadiphonemobilepcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3soul-sacrificesuper-joystiq-podcastvitaThu, 02 May 2013 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Angry Birds Friends app lands on iOS, Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/free-angry-birds-friends-app-lands-on-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/free-angry-birds-friends-app-lands-on-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/free-angry-birds-friends-app-lands-on-ios-android/#comments Angry Birds Friends - essentially Angry Birds with Facebook integration - is now available on Android and iOS. The free mobile download is compatible with the established Facebook app, letting you invite Facebook friends to play, gift power-ups to your besties, take part in weekly challenges and resume progress between platforms.

The first weekly tournament will go live this Monday, May 6. After that, new weekly tournaments will be initiated every Monday, with new levels also being added every week. So until then, consider this practice time for the real thing - because friendship is all about proving you're better than the other person.

Gallery: Angry Birds Friends

JoystiqFree Angry Birds Friends app lands on iOS, Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-friendsiosipadiphonemobilerovioThu, 02 May 2013 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Hiversaires (iOS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/portabliss-hiversaires-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/portabliss-hiversaires-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/portabliss-hiversaires-ios/#commentsThis is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go.

Portabliss Hiversaires iOS
Why am I here? What do these weird symbols mean? What is this place?

Hiversaires poses more questions than it provides answers. It's an adventure game where the player is provided no context for what is happening, thrust into a beautiful monochromatic world and forced to poke and prod through one strange area after the next.

Gallery: Hiversaires (iOS)

Continue reading Portabliss: Hiversaires (iOS)

JoystiqPortabliss: Hiversaires (iOS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-mondou-labbehiversairesiosipadiphonemobileportablissThu, 02 May 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Firaxis' 'Haunted Hollow' available now on iOS (for real this time)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/firaxis-haunted-hollow-available-now-on-ios-for-real-this-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/firaxis-haunted-hollow-available-now-on-ios-for-real-this-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/firaxis-haunted-hollow-available-now-on-ios-for-real-this-ti/#comments

Firaxis Games' (XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Civilization) free-to-play mobile game Haunted Hollow is available now on the iOS App Store. As we noted last week - when the game accidentally launched the first time - Haunted Hollow takes place over a series of one-on-one, tug-of-war style matches in which players scare the local villagers.

Firaxis also has another iOS title ready to fly in with Ace Patrol, a World War I dogfighting tactics game by strategy game guru Sid Meier himself, which will be available May 9 as a free download.

JoystiqFiraxis' 'Haunted Hollow' available now on iOS (for real this time) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxishaunted-hollowiosipadiphonemobileThu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST