Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[WarioWare DIY was in planning since the DS was called 'Iris']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/warioware-diy-was-in-planning-since-the-ds-was-called-iris/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/warioware-diy-was-in-planning-since-the-ds-was-called-iris/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/warioware-diy-was-in-planning-since-the-ds-was-called-iris/#commentsIn an Iwata Asks interview about the upcoming WarioWare DIY, Nintendo president and expert interviewer Satoru Iwata revealed a previously unknown codename for the system that would become the Nintendo DS: Iris. "Iris was the codename of a next-generation device we were exploring to succeed the Game Boy Advance-in other words, before development of the Nintendo DS," Iwata explained. "Eventually, it became a two-screen device with the codename Nitro, which went out into the world as the Nintendo DS. So, broadly speaking, Iris was the foundation for the Nintendo DS."

And surprisingly, Software Planning Development's Gorou Abe had been thinking about a WarioWare microgame creator since the DS was called Iris. WarioWare DIY has been a long time coming. Elsewhere in the (fascinating) interview, it's revealed that some of the included microgames were made by debuggers during the QA process, who made microgames as part of testing.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqWarioWare DIY was in planning since the DS was called 'Iris' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSirisiwataiwata-asksmicrogamesNintendosatoru-iwatawariowarewarioware-diyMon, 01 Mar 2010 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Iris ARG: Fifth and final server unlocked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/iris-arg-fifth-and-final-server-unlocked/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/iris-arg-fifth-and-final-server-unlocked/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/iris-arg-fifth-and-final-server-unlocked/#commentsFiled under: ,

Late last night another milestone in the Halo 3 Iris ARG was achieved when persistent ARGers unlocked the fifth and (presumably) final server. Since our last ARG update-o-fun, the fourth server went live (August 9th) when ARG members used information from a fake Amazon.com listing, details gained from its fictitious author, and some keen fact analysis. 100 players helped unlock the server (including Richard and I ... sweetness!) when the typical video, text, file loot was spilled for members to dig through. But that was a week ago and what we consider "old hat" around these parts. The new news is that last night the fifth server went live after players used GPS information from theartifactlocation.com (try "boomerang") to find three videos being projected on buildings in Seattle, Los Angeles and New York that revealed a URL to help unlock the server. Even more exciting is the fact that I was lucky enough to be one of the first 100 to help unlock it, so more swag for me. W00t, w00t! Complete up to date outline of all ARG events can be viewed here.

So now Iris ARG players have unlocked all the servers, received all the images, sound files and text files from them and just have to figure out what to do with it all or wait for further instruction. Again, we must wait. Though, we say hurry up Iris, we want all your Halo 3 secrets and we want 'em now!

JoystiqIris ARG: Fifth and final server unlocked originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argbungiehalo3irisFri, 17 Aug 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iris ARG: 3rd server unlocked and swag pics!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/05/iris-arg-3rd-server-unlocked-and-swag-pics/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/05/iris-arg-3rd-server-unlocked-and-swag-pics/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/05/iris-arg-3rd-server-unlocked-and-swag-pics/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've been slacking on our Halo 3 Iris ARG coverage as of late, because things are moving along at a steady and somewhat uneventful pace. But there is some excitement in Iris ARG-land geared towards those mysterious five servers (chapters) that are to be unlocked during the ARG. And since we last talked Iris, the third server was unlocked using status information from the free server monitor application and playing a sound clip through a microphone. Inside the third server was the typical sound wavs, pictures and other mysterious loot that'll hopefully help our fellow Iris followers unlock this mystery. Although, we expect nothing will become black and white until the fifth server goes live in roughly a month. Anyway, that's where things sit right now and as always we advise heading to the Iris Wiki to get learned or hop onto the Unfiction forums to participate in the fun.

And on another exciting side note, I mentioned a few days back that I was lucky enough to help unlock the second server and when that happens the first 100 unlockers (I was number 99!) receive a reward for helping. And lo and behold, the other day I received my reward! In the gallery below, we've posted pictures of the ARG swag we received for aiding in the ARG including a uber limited (and way too big) Halo 3 Iris XL tshirt, a code for a glyph gamer picture and a copy of Halo novel "Ghosts of Onyx" signed by Eric Nylund himself. It's one sweet ARG swag stash.

JoystiqIris ARG: 3rd server unlocked and swag pics! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argbungiehalo3irisSun, 05 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Halo 3 screensavers, ring tones and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/free-halo-3-screensavers-ring-tones-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/free-halo-3-screensavers-ring-tones-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/free-halo-3-screensavers-ring-tones-and-more/#commentsFiled under: ,

Get 'em while they're hot! Available over at Microsoft's MSN Halo 3 page are a few free Halo 3 web downloads for you to enjoy. The downloads are themed after not only our hero Master Chief, but also reference to the Iris ARG glyph symbol too. Anyway, the free Halo 3 downloads include ring tones, screensavers, wallpapers, Windows Live Messenger pictures and Windows Live Space images. It's almost as if Microsoft were offering these free Halo 3 downloads to secretly market the game while fans of the series think it's just a kind gesture. Actually, that's probably why they're available. Who cares though, there are free Halo 3 goodies to download, so get get 'em!

JoystiqFree Halo 3 screensavers, ring tones and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argbungiebungiestudioshalo3irisFri, 20 Jul 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Second server unlocked in Iris ARG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/second-server-unlocked-in-iris-arg/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/second-server-unlocked-in-iris-arg/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/20/second-server-unlocked-in-iris-arg/#commentsFiled under: ,

Indeed, the Halo 3 Iris ARG is still trucking along with new discoveries happening daily and the second server (episode) getting unlocked. So, how did the second server get cracked? Good thing you asked, because we have all the confusing details.

Since our last update, players used the knowledge they gained from the flood containment control job listing recordings to find a website featuring a map of the United States. The map had a bunch of red dots on each state highlighting various electronic retailers and a string of mysterious text attached to each dot. Nobody knew exactly what was supposed to go down until someone noticed that the website page's title read "3463 5467k" which, if typed into a phone, reads "FIND KIOSK". So, players went to Xbox 360 kiosks at the dotted locations and discovered a hidden Halo 3 trailer that flashed text referring to the vigenere cipher. Using the vigenere cipher, player decoded the mysterious text on the map's red dots to lead them to another website where they received a code. And just like the other server, the first 100 players to enter the code helped unlock the second server spilling its transcripts, images and audio recordings. What's most exciting is that I was lucky enough to help unlock the second server by being the 99th player to enter the code (photographic proof above). The first server's lucky 100 unlockers received a thank you package with all kinds of goodies and I can only hope that they'll be doing the same with the second server. What can I say, I love free stuff.

And so that's where everything stands with three more servers still needing to be unlocked. As always, you can head over to the unfiction forums to discuss the latest news and jump on over to the Iris Wiki to get the latest recap of all the events. Until next time ... ARG out.

JoystiqSecond server unlocked in Iris ARG originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arghalo3irisFri, 20 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Time for an update, Iris ARG is still kicking]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/time-for-an-update-iris-arg-is-still-kicking/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/time-for-an-update-iris-arg-is-still-kicking/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/time-for-an-update-iris-arg-is-still-kicking/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's time for another Halo 3 ARG update and we actually have news to discuss since our last downtime report. So, here we go. On July 4th args.bungie.org discovered a mysterious glyph symbol on a cardboard Halo 3 promo item further linking our Halo 3 to the ARG fun. July 5th brought news that the 100 lucky souls who "unlocked" the first server back on June 20th received packages from Microsoft. These packages included a sweet Halo 3 Iris tshirt (yeah, we're jealous), a gamer picture download code, and some Society of the Ancients materials. On July 6th a member on the args.bungie.org forums used the power of Google to find numerous job listings by a company called Flood Containment Control. The job listings referenced to the glyph and listed cell number (888) 778-5672 which is a voice recording of a conversation. And that's where everything sits right now. The conversation on the voice recording is being analyzed (transcribed here) as everyone is trying to put these confusing pieces together.

This ARG has yet to kick into fourth gear and is still moving at a slow (but steady) pace. But we're watchful and hopeful that the goodness will come together soon and the missing pieces will be put into place. Until then, keep an eye on the Halo 3 Iris Wiki for up to date recapped info. And Iris, we love you too.

JoystiqTime for an update, Iris ARG is still kicking originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argbungiebungie studiosBungieStudioshalo 3Halo3irisSun, 08 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3 Iris ARG is experiencing some downtime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/halo-3-iris-arg-is-experiencing-some-downtime/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/halo-3-iris-arg-is-experiencing-some-downtime/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/halo-3-iris-arg-is-experiencing-some-downtime/#commentsFiled under: ,

Our beloved Halo 3 ARG Iris is in a lull right now as no new info has been released, no new puzzles have surfaced, and no new contacts have been made for days. It's what ARG members refer to as an in-game lull. No, it doesn't mean Iris has been mysteriously canceled or that it sucks, because this is quite the normal occurrence in most ARGs. You see, these games go in cycles, sometimes there's a huge amount of info and work to be done while other times there's really nothing happening ... right now we're experiencing the latter. If you remember, Halo 2's ilovebees extravaganza started off rather slow with only an update once every week or so until things really got juicy and payphones started ringing. So, we just wanted to tell you that Iris is not dead, we just have to be patient, and hopefully more fun will be had when new servers are unlocked. But we agree with you, waiting stinks.

JoystiqHalo 3 Iris ARG is experiencing some downtime originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argbungiehalo 3halo 3 argHalo3Halo3ArgirisThu, 28 Jun 2007 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny ARGade digging Iris]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/penny-argade-digging-iris/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/penny-argade-digging-iris/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/penny-argade-digging-iris/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wednesday's Penny Arcade shows Tycho's heavy interest in the current Halo 3 ARG, Iris. His news post goes into detail about how he was an avid follower of I Love Bees back in 2004, and this time 'round appears to be no different. That being said, Gabe's little gem of wisdom does ring true when you look at the grand scheme of things, though we're not complaining. What are you thinking of this ARG so far? Is it up to I Love Bees high standard of depth, interactivity, and attention to detail? Or is it perhaps too early to make that assessment?

JoystiqPenny ARGade digging Iris originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A R GAlternate Reality GameAlternateRealityGameARGHaloHalo 3Halo 3 ARGHalo ARGHalo3Halo3ArgHaloArgIrisFri, 22 Jun 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Open your eyes, Iris ARG continues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/open-your-eyes-iris-arg-continues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/open-your-eyes-iris-arg-continues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/open-your-eyes-iris-arg-continues/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Halo 3 ARG, Iris, is finally starting to get interesting. Yes, we've moved beyond mock websites and the requisite countdown clocks. Now we actually have something concrete ... sort of. The IP address revealed at Halo3.com/comic (206.16.223.65) now displays one of the "servers" pictured on Halo3.com. Incidentally, Halo3.com shows that the server is unlocked as well, though clicking it produces no results. On the IP address, the floating "server" (or whatever it is) rotates. Clicking on it allows you to rotate it manually and click on certain hidden symbols, which prompt you to download certain documents (including the image above). Additionally, a symbol on the front of the object causes it to unfold and display a movie which contains cryptic messages spliced with strange footage (and a few snippets from previous Halo games).

Right now, we're not certain what it all means. Hopefully, Iris will develop into a more concrete experience in the coming weeks. Check out some of the various new documents after the break, including the video.

Continue reading Open your eyes, Iris ARG continues

JoystiqOpen your eyes, Iris ARG continues originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argbungiebungie studiosBungieStudioshalohalo 3halo 3 argHalo3Halo3Argirismgsmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosThu, 21 Jun 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3 ARG "Iris" update and it's getting good]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/halo-3-arg-iris-update-and-its-getting-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/halo-3-arg-iris-update-and-its-getting-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/halo-3-arg-iris-update-and-its-getting-good/#commentsFiled under: ,

Our once nameless Halo 3 ARG has flowered into a beautiful "Iris". Yup, that's the official name attached to our ARG per a Microsoft spokesperson who spoke with Eurogamer.

"'Iris' is a spiral campaign designed to take gamers on an incredible journey through the Halo Universe. Led by an 'unknown' hand, users will discover bits of previously unknown information about the Halos, the Flood, the Forerunners, and the true origins behind the Halo trilogy."

Sounds fun doesn't it? That description alone makes us want to play and learn more. So ... that's about it for ARG news. Wait, you want to know more? You want the dish on what has been happening with AdjuntantReflex and SOTA? Well, we're push-over bloggers and you sound sincere enough. Complete recap of what has happened in the Iris ARG (since our last update) is posted after the break. Enjoy.

Continue reading Halo 3 ARG "Iris" update and it's getting good

JoystiqHalo 3 ARG "Iris" update and it's getting good originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argbungiebungie studiosBungieStudioshalo 3halo 3 argHalo3Halo3ArgirisTue, 19 Jun 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Atelier Iris DS website open]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/atelier-iris-ds-website-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/atelier-iris-ds-website-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/atelier-iris-ds-website-open/#commentsFiled under:

A few days ago, we so kindly let you know that the popular RPG Atelier Iris has decided to make an appearance on Nintendo DS. Now we are here to tell you that the site for Atelier Iris DS is up.

There are plenty of images to gaze at if you are the type of person who should have taken Japanese instead of Latin in high school (like us).

You guys really need to read blogger David Hinkle's personal summary of the game. It's classic and it makes us crave pancakes. You can find it here:

[Via QJ Net]

JoystiqAtelier Iris DS website open originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Sep 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atelieratelier irisAtelierIrisdsirisnintendo dsNintendoDsscansMon, 18 Sep 2006 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atelier Iris scans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/14/atelier-iris-scans/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/14/atelier-iris-scans/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/14/atelier-iris-scans/#commentsFiled under: ,

A little over 24 hours after we reported on an installment in the popular franchise Atelier Iris coming to the DS, we're now happy to report that visuals of the title have surfaced. Scanned in by a poster over at NeoGAF, the Japanese magazine shows not only concept art for the title, but also some in-game sprites and environments. While we lack the means to translate any of the text in each scan, we would never let such a thing stop us from making up the game's scenario ourselves.

Based in the secluded village of Pancakington, the player will take the role of young Flappy Flapjack. Enrolled in the local chapter of Batter Magic Academy, players must guide the hero through the trials and tribulations of becoming the world's finest Buttermilk Mage. Spreading syrup, utilizing ancient flipping arts, and complex alchemy are just a few of the school's skills the player must master before he is ready to tackle the world's greatest foe and oldest evil in Archmage Healthfoodguy.

And before you ask, yes, we would so totally play a game like that. For really reals.

JoystiqAtelier Iris scans originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atelierdsirisnintendopancakesrpgThu, 14 Sep 2006 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Atelier Iris making eyes at the DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/13/atelier-iris-making-eyes-at-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/13/atelier-iris-making-eyes-at-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/13/atelier-iris-making-eyes-at-the-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,

A franchise that has seen several installments on the PS2, Atelier Iris is a RPG with a niche following. Several have declared these games to be amongst the best RPGs offered, while critics have given the game a fair amount of praise. And according to German news site Game Front, the RPG has now set its sights on Nintendo's dual-screened handheld.

Nothing much else has been said on the title at this time, other than Japanese development studio Gust will be in charge of the project.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqAtelier Iris making eyes at the DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atelierdsgustirislitenintendorpgWed, 13 Sep 2006 13:45:00 EST