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[Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Ultimate Edition now available on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-ultimate-edition-now-available-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-ultimate-edition-now-available-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-ultimate-edition-now-available-on/#commentsMetal Gear Rising Revengeance Ultimate Edition now on PSN Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Ultimate Edition is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. This edition bundles the Platinum and Kojima-developed game with five character skins, additional VR Missions and two DLC side-stories that focus on Raiden rivals Jetstream and Blade Wolf.

For a limited time, the package will cleave $64 from your wallet. The deal has some more chops for PlayStation Plus users, who can get it for just under $45.

Continue reading Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Ultimate Edition now available on PSN

JoystiqMetal Gear Rising: Revengeance Ultimate Edition now available on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 May 2013 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlckonamimetal-gear-risingmetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingplaystationps3psnraidenultimate-editionThu, 23 May 2013 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection priced, dated for July in Americas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/metal-gear-solid-the-legacy-collection-priced-dated-for-july-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/metal-gear-solid-the-legacy-collection-priced-dated-for-july-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/metal-gear-solid-the-legacy-collection-priced-dated-for-july-i/#comments
Kojima MGS Legacy will include graphic novels for those with 'difficulty playing' MGS 1 or 2
Originally scheduled for June, Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection will arrive via cardboard boxes to North and South America on July 9, publisher Konami announced this afternoon. The PlayStation 3 exclusive bundle includes Metal Gear Solids (or Metal Gears Solid?) 1-4, Peace Walker and VR Missions. The package is priced at $49.99.

The bundle also includes two Ashley Wood "digital graphic novels" and the 100-page art book featuring the series' marketing art over the past 25 years. The Legacy Collection was previously dated July 11 for Japan, and it appears to include the same items now announced for the Americas.

Continue reading Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection priced, dated for July in Americas

JoystiqMetal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection priced, dated for July in Americas originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hideo-kojimaKojima-ProductionsKonamimetal-gear-solid-the-legacy-collectionplaystationps3Fri, 17 May 2013 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Skullgirls' fourth new character is Beowolf]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/skullgirls-fourth-new-character-is-beowolf/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/skullgirls-fourth-new-character-is-beowolf/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/skullgirls-fourth-new-character-is-beowolf/#commentsSkullgirls' fourth new character is Beowolf The results are in, and fans have voted to make Beowolf the fourth new character in Lab Zero Games' little fighter that could, Skullgirls. An ex pro wrestler, Beowolf and his trusty folding chair (named The Hurting, naturally) have come out of retirement in order to test the true limits of his strength. Being a wrestler and everything, Beowolf's playstyle has been influence by Street Fighter's Rainbow Mika and El Fuerte, as well as Tekken's King.

Beowolf is the fourth new character to be funded by Lab Zero's wildly successful Indiegogo campaign, which raised over $800,000 for DLC production back in March. Three other characters, Eliza, Squigly and Big Band, are also currently in development. Squigly is expected to be the first released, dropping alongside the PC version of the game sometime this summer.

Continue reading Skullgirls' fourth new character is Beowolf

JoystiqSkullgirls' fourth new character is Beowolf originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autumn-gamesbeowolfcharactersDLCkonamilab-zero-gamesmarvelous-aqlmicrosoftpcplaystationps3reverge-labsskullgirlsxboxFri, 17 May 2013 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance confirmed for PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-confirmed-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-confirmed-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-confirmed-for-pc/#comments Series creator Hideo Kojima announced Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is coming to the PC. Speaking on his HideRadio podcast, Kojima revealed the upcoming port. The news was then confirmed by Platinum Games creative producer Jean Pierre Kellams.

We'll have further details as we learn them.

JoystiqMetal Gear Rising: Revengeance confirmed for PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hideo-kojimaKojima-Productionskonamimetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingpcplatinum-gamesFri, 17 May 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami pre-E3 show gives the scoop on MGS5, Castlevania on June 6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/konami-pre-e3-show-gives-the-scoop-on-mgs5-castlevania-on-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/konami-pre-e3-show-gives-the-scoop-on-mgs5-castlevania-on-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/konami-pre-e3-show-gives-the-scoop-on-mgs5-castlevania-on-june/#commentsKonami preE3 show gives the scoop on MGS5, Castlevania on June 6 Konami's third annual pre-E3 show is penciled in for June 6 at 1 p.m. ET, streaming live online via Konami's events site, on Gamespot and via the Xbox Live Gamespot app. For the second year in a row, Konami will show off a new trailer for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, which was announced during last year's pre-E3 briefing.

Konami also plans to show off some behind-the-scenes footage of the next Pro Evolution Soccer game, and will have "new announcements" from Kojima Productions. Kojima recently made a splash with the Joakim Mogren marketing campaign for Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. Surely nothing will be able to compete with that.

Continue reading Konami pre-E3 show gives the scoop on MGS5, Castlevania on June 6

JoystiqKonami pre-E3 show gives the scoop on MGS5, Castlevania on June 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlevania-lords-of-shadow-2e3-2013Kojima-ProductionsKonamimetal-gear-solid-5metal-gear-solid-ground-zeroesmicrosoftpcplaystationpro-evolution-soccerpro-evolution-soccer-2014ps3the-phantom-painxboxTue, 14 May 2013 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami reports year-over-year losses, strength in social games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/konami-reports-year-over-year-losses-strength-in-social-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/konami-reports-year-over-year-losses-strength-in-social-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/konami-reports-year-over-year-losses-strength-in-social-games/#commentsKonami 2013 financial results report strength in social games, losses in pachinko Konami has released details of its financial performance in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013, reporting sizable year-on-year losses in its digital entertainment and pachinko divisions but growth in its social gaming sector.

Company product sales and service revenue for the year amounted to ¥226 billion ($2.4B), down 15 percent from its earnings of ¥266 billion last year. Net income sank to ¥13.2 billion ($140M), a decrease of 42.8% compared to last year's reported income of ¥23 billion.

Konami saw its largest losses in the pachinko sector, in which revenue fell more than 70 percent compared to last year. The company's Digital Entertainment division reported a loss of 17.1 percent in year-on-year revenue, though solid worldwide performances for titles like Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance boosted earnings.

Konami's finances are buoyed by the success of Metal Gear Solid Social Ops and another popular online game, Dragon Collection, which it operates in partnership with Japanese social networking service GREE. Konami's social games currently boast more than 35 million registered users worldwide.

JoystiqKonami reports year-over-year losses, strength in social games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfinancialsfiscal-2012fiscal-2013konamimicrosoftmobilenintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaxboxThu, 09 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Solid Legacy Collection coming to Japan in July, includes artbook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/metal-gear-solid-legacy-collection-coming-to-japan-in-july-incl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/metal-gear-solid-legacy-collection-coming-to-japan-in-july-incl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/metal-gear-solid-legacy-collection-coming-to-japan-in-july-incl/#commentsMetal Gear Solid Legacy Collection coming to Japan in July, includes art book The official Japanese site for the Metal Gear Solid Legacy Collection includes a few more details than was seen in the bundle's initial announcement. For starters, the pack will include "a 100-page artbook filled with [series artist Yoji] Shinkawa's work," according to a translation by MetalGearSolid.nl. The official Japanese site also lists a July 11 release date for Japan.

The English site for the Metal Gear Solid Legacy Collection also notes that the inclusion of both Metal Gear Solid 1 and Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions are via PSN download vouchers packed in to the bundle. The 100-page artbook isn't listed for the North American version of the collection.

JoystiqMetal Gear Solid Legacy Collection coming to Japan in July, includes artbook originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArtBookKonamimetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-the-legacy-collectionplaystationps3Sun, 05 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zone of the Enders PS3 patch incoming, 'Enders Project' on hold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/zone-of-the-enders-ps3-patch-incoming-enders-project-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/zone-of-the-enders-ps3-patch-incoming-enders-project-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/zone-of-the-enders-ps3-patch-incoming-enders-project-on-hold/#comments Hideo Kojima recently put the brakes on the Zone of Enders sequel and revealed a patch is in process for the Zone of Enders HD Collection.

The Zone of the Enders HD Collection ran into a bit of drama when it was discovered there were some negative technical disparities between the original games on PS2 and their Xbox 360 and PS3 updates. Siliconera did the translation work of a recent podcast, where Kojima stated the team is reworking the game and will release a patch for the PlayStation 3 version. There's no mention of an Xbox 360 patch. No release window for the patch was mentioned.

Kojima also mentioned that "Enders Project," a sequel in the franchise, has had the entire team taken off of it. He is currently re-evaluating what to do with the series.

JoystiqZone of the Enders PS3 patch incoming, 'Enders Project' on hold originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enders-projecthideo-kojimaKojima-Productionskonamiplaystationps3zoe-hd-collectionzone-of-the-enders-hd-collectionFri, 03 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Developer Kung Fu Factory tapped to expand Konami's mobile catalog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/developer-kung-fu-factory-tapped-to-expand-konamis-mobile-catal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/developer-kung-fu-factory-tapped-to-expand-konamis-mobile-catal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/developer-kung-fu-factory-tapped-to-expand-konamis-mobile-catal/#comments Developer Kung Fu Factory tapped to expand Konami's mobile catalogIn a bid to expand its presence in the mobile marketplace, Konami has partnered with Bellator: MMA Onslaught developer Kung Fu Factory as part of a plan to "publish multiple mobile titles throughout 2013."

"As we continue to build upon Konami's social and mobile offerings, we look to partner with more independent developers like Kung Fu Factory to expand the variety of content," said Konami Digital Entertainment's director of digital publishing John Coligan. "Kung Fu Factory does a great job of creating engaging and unique gaming experiences for audiences of all kinds, and we intend to support them through the entire development and release process."

Konami was an early supporter of the App Store, having released iOS-exclusive entries in its Silent Hill and Metal Gear Solid franchises alongside original efforts like Dragon Collection and Alcatraz Breakout. Kung Fu Factory is no stranger to the platform, either; its most recent release is the top-selling Nickelodeon-published platformer Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rooftop Run.

Specific titles under development by Kung Fu Factory will be announced soon.

Continue reading Developer Kung Fu Factory tapped to expand Konami's mobile catalog

JoystiqDeveloper Kung Fu Factory tapped to expand Konami's mobile catalog originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosiphonekonamikung-fu-factorymobileThu, 25 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection' emerges on Korean ratings site]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/metal-gear-solid-the-legacy-collection-emerges-on-korean-rati/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/metal-gear-solid-the-legacy-collection-emerges-on-korean-rati/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/metal-gear-solid-the-legacy-collection-emerges-on-korean-rati/#comments A Korean classification rating for something called Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection lists the PS3 as platform and Konami as the registrant. Meanwhile, a tweet from MGS series creator Hideo Kojima points to some sort of collection that includes the first four numbered MGS games, as well as Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.

That's based on an image Kojima tweeted earlier today (see below the break), featuring the different guises of Snake across the five games, emblazoned across the words 'METAL GEAR SOLID.' Konami has yet to comment on the matter, and the same goes for Mr. Joakim Mogren.

Continue reading 'Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection' emerges on Korean ratings site

Joystiq'Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection' emerges on Korean ratings site originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hideo-kojimakonamimetal-gear-solid-the-legacy-collectionplaystationps3Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Rising 'Jetstream' DLC takes flight tomorrow [update: trailer]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/metal-gear-rising-jetstream-dlc-takes-flight-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/metal-gear-rising-jetstream-dlc-takes-flight-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/metal-gear-rising-jetstream-dlc-takes-flight-tomorrow/#comments Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance will unsheathe the "Jetstream" DLC tomorrow, on both PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Marketplace. This $7 side-mission puts players in the shiny metal boots of Samuel 'Jetstream Sam' Rodrigues, nemesis to Rising protagonist Raiden.

Following the "Jetstream" DLC will be another side-story mission focusing on Blade Wolf, the bestial bot outfitted with a rail gun, chainsaw on its back and, of course, the requisite cache of spring-loaded knives. If you think any of that sounds odd, then clearly you haven't seen the half of it.

JoystiqMetal Gear Rising 'Jetstream' DLC takes flight tomorrow [update: trailer] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamimetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingmicrosoftplatinum-gamesplaystationps3psaxboxMon, 08 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[David Hayter: Hearing someone else as Snake 'makes me a little ill']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/david-hayter-hearing-someone-else-as-snake-makes-me-a-little-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/david-hayter-hearing-someone-else-as-snake-makes-me-a-little-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/david-hayter-hearing-someone-else-as-snake-makes-me-a-little-i/#comments David Hayter on his absence from MGS5David Hayter, the voice of Snake since 1998's Metal Gear Solid, won't reprise his role in Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain - and that sucks, Hayter writes in an elongated Twitter post.

"If it were my choice, I would do this role forever," Hayter says. "To hear anyone else's voice coming from Snake's battered throat, makes me a little ill, to be honest. But the truth is - it's not my choice. Any and all casting decisions are the sole purview of Hideo Kojima, and Konami itself. And that's fair."

Konami never approached Hayter for the role, Hayter writes. He found out the production team "wouldn't be needing" him in December, when the recording sessions for Phantom Pain began in Los Angeles.

"No reason, or explanation was given beyond that. And that was it," Hayter says. He was "bummed" by the news. Konami head Hideo Kojima wants Phantom Pain to represent a "new Metal Gear game" and hasn't revealed who the new voice actor will be.

"To be clear, I love being a part of the world of Metal Gear," Hayter writes. "I admire its technological innovations, the gameplay, the political message of it all. But primarily, I love the fans of these games. Two grown men burst into tears upon meeting me at the Vancouver Fan Expo last year. Now that ... Is a rare and excellent role. You know you're making an impact. And I love doing it."

Read Hayter's full description of events here. Yes, it's elongated by Twitter standards, but it's by no means a long read; it's simply concise and quietly sad.

JoystiqDavid Hayter: Hearing someone else as Snake 'makes me a little ill' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-hayterKonamimetal-gear-solid-5metal-gear-solid-ground-zeroesplaystationps3snakesolid-snakethe-phantom-painMon, 01 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skullgirls drive ends at $830K, five DLC characters funded [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/skullgirls-drive-ends-at-830k-five-dlc-characters-funded/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/skullgirls-drive-ends-at-830k-five-dlc-characters-funded/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/skullgirls-drive-ends-at-830k-five-dlc-characters-funded/#comments The Skullgirls Indiegogo fundraiser concluded this week at the neat figure of $829,829, beating its $150,000 goal by some five and a half times. The whirlwind drive means five new characters will come to the 2D fighter as downloadable content, including two "mystery" ones as chosen by a fan poll.

Developer Lab Zero Game's Indiegogo campaign took just 22 hours to raise the $150K required to fund the first DLC character, Squigly. Surpassed stretch goals unlocked the game's first male combatant, Big Band, along with Robo-Fortune and the two mystery characters. Each new fighter, with the exception of the second mystery one, is getting a new stage and storyline. That exception would've been unlocked at $850K, although it took a mammoth surge across the final day to take the fundraiser to its final figure.

Lab Zero says each piece of content developed thanks to the funds will be, for a limited time, free on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.

Update: Lab Zero has since announced, due to unexpected additional funds, the second mystery character will get a stage and storyline. Lab Zero CEO Peter Bartholow posted an explanation on NeoGAF: "Non-disclosure agreements with the powers that be prevent me from getting too specific, but in the last week one of our character development line items has evaporated. This means we've got an additional $40,000 to play with now. Naturally we'll be using this money to give the 2nd fan-selected Mysterious Character a stage and story mode."

JoystiqSkullgirls drive ends at $830K, five DLC characters funded [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autumn-gamesindiegogokonamilab-zero-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3skullgirlsxboxThu, 28 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Solid 5's Fox Engine in pictures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/metal-gear-solid-5s-fox-engine-in-pictures/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/metal-gear-solid-5s-fox-engine-in-pictures/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/metal-gear-solid-5s-fox-engine-in-pictures/#comments Metal Gear Solid 5's Fox Engine in picturesMetal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain was the big news for Joystiq readers to come out of the Kojima Productions panel at GDC, but the studio also had a lot to say about the engine that powers the game, the Fox Engine. The talk involved a lot of technical terms we won't pretend to understand (linear workflow, something about "light probes"), but the pictures speak for themselves.

Fox Engine allows for some impressive visuals, fueled by some interesting technology. One key component is the ability to scan real-life objects or take pictures of them to easily create in-game models and textures. Kojima Productions created an in-engine mock-up of its own studio conference room, and the result was eerily similar to the real thing. Using an array of cameras, the studio was able to fully scan a little boy into the Fox Engine with surprising fidelity and drop him right inside the virtual conference room alongside Snake and an enemy soldier.

Gallery: Fox Engine panel (GDC 2013)

Continue reading Metal Gear Solid 5's Fox Engine in pictures

JoystiqMetal Gear Solid 5's Fox Engine in pictures originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdcgdc-2013kojima-productionskonamimetal-gear-solid-5metal-gear-solid-ground-zeroesthe-phantom-painThu, 28 Mar 2013 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@GDC: The Phantom Kojima]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/seen-gdc-the-phantom-kojima/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/seen-gdc-the-phantom-kojima/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/seen-gdc-the-phantom-kojima/#comments SeenGDC The Phantom KojimaWhen Hideo Kojima unveiled the trailer for Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, he did so while wearing a head bandage like the one worn in the game by the character known as Ishmael. (He took the bandage off later, so we know it was him.) Joakim Mogren, as far as we could see, was not in attendance.

JoystiqSeen@GDC: The Phantom Kojima originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdcgdc-2013hideo-kojimakojima-productionskonamimetal-gear-solid-5metal-gear-solid-ground-zeroesthe-phantom-painThu, 28 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[David Hayter says he wasn't asked to voice Metal Gear Solid 5 [update 2: separate games]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/david-hayter-says-he-wasnt-asked-to-voice-metal-gear-solid-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/david-hayter-says-he-wasnt-asked-to-voice-metal-gear-solid-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/david-hayter-says-he-wasnt-asked-to-voice-metal-gear-solid-5/#comments One thing you should have noticed in the today's trailer for Metal Gear Solid 5 is the supposed voice work of Kiefer Sutherland. Sutherland is most certainly not David Hayter, previous voice talent for Big Boss and Solid Snake since the series' humble beginnings on PlayStation, who's indicated he won't be reprising a starring role.

"Well look, at least I had a good run," Hayter tweeted today, likely after seeing the news himself. He also replied "nope" to another Twitter user, who inquired if Hayter was asked to reprise his roles as voice actor. Snake losing his voice is quite a phantom pain in itself, except for the whole Kiefer Sutherland part.

Update: To clarify, the supposed voice of Sutherland can be heard from the bandaged man that is guiding Snake in the trailer, not Snake himself. Presumably, another voice actor has replaced Hayter.

Update 2: Contrary to what Kojima said during the GDC panel today, Konami has confirmed with Joystiq that Ground Zeroes and Metal Gear Solid V: Phantom Pain are indeed separate games.

JoystiqDavid Hayter says he wasn't asked to voice Metal Gear Solid 5 [update 2: separate games] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-hayterkiefer-sutherlandKojima-ProductionsKonamimetal-gear-solid-5metal-gear-solid-ground-zeroesthe-phantom-painWed, 27 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Phantom Pain is Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain [update 2: separate games]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/metal-gear-solid-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/metal-gear-solid-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/metal-gear-solid-5/#comments The Phantom Pain is Metal Gear Solid 5 The Phantom PainUpdate: A press release confirms Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is coming to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Update 2: Contrary to what Kojima said during the GDC panel today, Konami has confirmed with Joystiq that Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes and Metal Gear Solid V: Phantom Pain are indeed separate games.

As many suspected, The Phantom Pain is in fact a new Metal Gear game. It is Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, Kojima Productions head Hideo Kojima revealed during a GDC panel today. Kojima told the audience that Metal Gear Solid 5 is made up of both Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain, and the influences of both could clearly be seen in the trailer.

The game stars a Snake who has been in a coma for 9 years. Its opening section will be familiar to anyone who's seen the Phantom Pain trailer, as Snake wakes up in a hospital and must escape an unknown enemy. He's accompanied by a man with a bandaged face and a voice that sounds very much like Kiefer Sutherland. Naturally, it's pretty hard for Snake to stand up after 9 years of lying down, so most of his escape (and the GDC demonstration) is spent crawling on the floor.

Hallucinations seem to play a role in the game, as Snake spies a woman with a resemblance to Psycho Mantis mystically floating up an empty elevator shaft. The hallway is then engulfed in flame, and Snake and his new friend are accosted by a huge, intimidating man ... who soon spontaneously combusts and disappears. Whether these scenes are real or merely hallucination isn't quite clear.

The hospital section serves as a tutorial, after which the game proper begins. Today's demonstration was running on PC.

The Phantom Pain was revealed during the 2012 Spike Video Game Awards, with many immediately speculating that it was related to Metal Gear.

Continue reading The Phantom Pain is Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain [update 2: separate games]

JoystiqThe Phantom Pain is Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain [update 2: separate games] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2013hideo-kojimakojima-productionskonamimetal-gearmetal-gear-solid-5the-phantom-painWed, 27 Mar 2013 14:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Castlevania: Lords of Shadow materializes in Steam registry]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-materializes-in-steam-registry/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-materializes-in-steam-registry/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-materializes-in-steam-registry/#comments
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow may swing onto PCs, given its appearance in Steam's registry. As spotted by NeoGAF, the entry's full name is "Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Early Access Comp," with no '2' in sight - the upcoming sequel was announced last August as coming to PC as well as PS3 and Xbox 360.

When a series comes to new platforms we tend to see previous entries follow suit, so it would make sense to whip up a PC version of MercurySteam's reboot. Our only ask is publisher Konami somehow infuses the PC port with even more Patrick Stewart, because you can never, ever have enough Patrick Stewart.

JoystiqCastlevania: Lords of Shadow materializes in Steam registry originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Castlevania-Lords-of-ShadowkonamiLords-of-ShadowmercurysteampcsteamMon, 18 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Freddie Wong mashes up Metal Gear Rising and American Psycho]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/freddie-wong-mashes-up-metal-gear-rising-and-american-psycho/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/freddie-wong-mashes-up-metal-gear-rising-and-american-psycho/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/freddie-wong-mashes-up-metal-gear-rising-and-american-psycho/#comments
There's an idea of parody, a kind of abstraction at play here, but we can't see it. Maybe there is no real parody, only a joke, something illusory? Maybe you can even sense our humors are probably comparable? Oh, no? Okay then.

JoystiqFreddie Wong mashes up Metal Gear Rising and American Psycho originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Mar 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freddie-wongkojimakojima-productionskonamimicrosoftplatinum-gamesplaystationps3xboxSat, 16 Mar 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Phantom Pain bizarre interview points to FOX engine, GDC reveal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/the-phantom-pain-bizarre-interview-points-to-fox-engine-gdc-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/the-phantom-pain-bizarre-interview-points-to-fox-engine-gdc-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/the-phantom-pain-bizarre-interview-points-to-fox-engine-gdc-rev/#comments The Phantom Pain bizarre interview points to FOX engine, GDC revealThe Phantom Pain is all but confirmed to use the Konami-built FOX engine. The news comes via screenshots of the game displaying the engine's logo, as shown during what some would call an interview, and others... not so much.

GameTrailers' Geoff Keighley sat down to talk about the abstruse game with its alleged creator, Joakim Mogren of the alleged Moby Dick Studio. As you can see, Mogren was covered in bandages because of "an accident," but he'll apparently be healed in time for GDC (two weeks time) where he'll unveil a revelatory Phantom Pain trailer.

Mogren revealed nothing else beyond that, except for some screenshots that oh so subtly displayed the big fat FOX engine logo in the corner. We'll give the man credit: when the eagle-eyed Keighley pointed out the FOX logo, Mogren's shock (cough splutter) was a thing of beauty (see after the break).

In completely unrelated news, Hideo Kojima is giving a talk at this year's GDC, and it'll feature a demonstration of the FOX engine.

Continue reading The Phantom Pain bizarre interview points to FOX engine, GDC reveal

JoystiqThe Phantom Pain bizarre interview points to FOX engine, GDC reveal originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fox-enginegdc-2013Joakim-Mogrenkonamimoby-dick-studiothe-phantom-painFri, 15 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance gets Jetstream, Blade Wolf DLC in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-gets-jetstream-blade-wolf-dlc-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-gets-jetstream-blade-wolf-dlc-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-gets-jetstream-blade-wolf-dlc-in/#comments More Revengeance DLC coming in AprilMetal Gear Rising: Revengeance is already almost maxed-out with wacky DLC additions, but we're getting two more in April: Jetstream and Blade Wolf. Both will run $7 on PS3 and Xbox 360. Jetstream is a side story featuring Sam as a playable character, while the other puts players in the metallic, bestial body of Blade Wolf for his own tail tale.

The VR Missions DLC pack is available now on PS3, free through April 3. The VR Missions pack is exclusive to the PS3 for now in the US and Canada, though in other regions it's available on Xbox 360 for 240 Microsoft Points.

Continue reading Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance gets Jetstream, Blade Wolf DLC in April

JoystiqMetal Gear Rising: Revengeance gets Jetstream, Blade Wolf DLC in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-wolfDLCJetStreamKonamimetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxWed, 13 Mar 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate review: Symphony of the Fight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fate-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fate-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fate-review/#comments If the multi-tiered title didn't make it clear, "Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate" is a heavy thing. A glut of gothic gravitas manifests in a huge quest that peels out of its handheld frame, even while anchored by burly protagonists and sullen environments. It's a fine action game fueled by fervor, but in need of some finesse.

Mirror of Fate invites a fair comparison to older Castlevania games like Aria of Sorrow, which made light of a somber premise with whip-smart heroes, Michiru Yamane's upbeat score and a crisp, unfurling map of interconnected rooms. Dracula's dire abode was buoyed by brisk exploration, by coloring in each room on the diagram and expanding your navigational knowledge as you went about the business of slaying monsters. The combat found complexity in a large variety of swords, lances, axes, maces and daggers, each of which offered simple, easily decipherable changes.

This trip through the horror catalogue curtails the equipment to the chain-whip "Combat Cross," brandished by Gabriel Belmont in Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, as well as a small but powerful set of exhaustible sub-weapons. There's more interest in ferocious fighting than traversal, and a far greater demand for concentration and finger gymnastics than you might expect.

Continue reading Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate review: Symphony of the Fight

JoystiqCastlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate review: Symphony of the Fight originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscastlevania-lords-of-shadowcastlevania-lords-of-shadow-2castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fatekonamimercurysteamnintendoWed, 13 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Dead Space 3 'Awakened' DLC, MGR: Revengeance 'VR Missions' out today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/psa-dead-space-3-awakened-dlc-mgr-revengeance-vr-missions/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/psa-dead-space-3-awakened-dlc-mgr-revengeance-vr-missions/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/psa-dead-space-3-awakened-dlc-mgr-revengeance-vr-missions/#comments March may be stuffed with new releases, but that won't stop Dead Space 3 or Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance from chucking new content at your eyeballs today. The first to impact your irises is the story-continuing 'Awakened' DLC for Dead Space 3, and it's available now on XBLA for 800 MSP. It hits PSN and PC later today, priced $9.99.

Also due on PSN later today are the 30 additional VR missions for Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, and they're completely free until April 3. In an odd twist, the DLC is exclusive to PS3 in the US and Canada for the time being, but outside those regions it's available now on XBLA for 240 MSP - a slice of curious console exclusivity to get the morning started.

JoystiqPSA: Dead Space 3 'Awakened' DLC, MGR: Revengeance 'VR Missions' out today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-space-3DLCEAkonamimetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingmicrosoftpcplatinum-gamesplaystationps3PSNvisceral-gamesXBLMxboxTue, 12 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance VR DLC looks and sounds like this]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-vr-dlc-looks-and-sounds-like-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-vr-dlc-looks-and-sounds-like-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-vr-dlc-looks-and-sounds-like-this/#comments

It may be difficult to tell from the beginning of this video (after the title screen loads, duh), but it's a trailer for Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance DLC. The VR missions are exclusive to PS3 and drop on March 12, free through April 3.

There are 30 VR missions in total, including one with a wooden sword that speaks - yes, speaks - in Solid Snake's voice when in use. Get a taste of the action above.

JoystiqMetal Gear Rising: Revengeance VR DLC looks and sounds like this originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCKonamimetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingplaystationps3solid-snakevrvr-missionsSun, 10 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 skipping Wii U due to resource restraints]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-2-skipping-wii-u-due-to-resource-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-2-skipping-wii-u-due-to-resource-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-2-skipping-wii-u-due-to-resource-re/#comments "The reason why we are developing it on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 is simply because that's the amount of people we got," Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 producer David Cox says of development on the upcoming sequel. "If we want to do a Wii U conversion, that's another 20 people. We just don't have the resources or the budget to do it."

While Cox showed interest in pursuing a Wii U port of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, he reiterates in this Eurogamer interview that developer MercurySteam just can't handle it right now. "It's not to say we wouldn't do it, it's to say at this point we don't want to lose focus on what we're doing. We've got a certain way down the line, and it would be a distraction to have to do a port to another system at this point. You say to yourself, can I take on another 20 people? It's just a nightmare to manage at this point. That's the only reason why we're not doing any other formats."

Cox also painted a pretty rough picture of the MercurySteam offices right now. The studio is "at a breaking point" with 110 employees working in a space that was originally designed to house 60. "People are sitting on each other's laps almost," he says.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 was originally announced for Xbox 360 and PS3 at E3 last year, with a planned launch some time in 2013. Later at Gamescom, Cox revealed the PC port would also arrive this year. MercurySteam has said that after Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 and upcoming go-between Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate on 3DS, the developer would like to take a crack at Contra.

JoystiqCastlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 skipping Wii U due to resource restraints originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlevania-lords-of-shadow-2david-coxkonamimercurysteamnintendowii-uThu, 28 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skullgirls' $150,000 Indiegogo goal met in less than 24 hours]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/skullgirls-150-000-indiegogo-goal-met-in-less-than-24-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/skullgirls-150-000-indiegogo-goal-met-in-less-than-24-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/skullgirls-150-000-indiegogo-goal-met-in-less-than-24-hours/#comments Skullgirls' $150,000 IndieGogo goal met in less than 24 hoursSkullgirls developer Lab Zero Games has not only succeeded in raising the $150,000 required to design, develop and implement the game's first DLC character, but in doing so has also delivered crowd-funding platform Indiegogo's fastest and most-funded gaming project to date.

The fundraiser met its goal after 22 hours, and is sitting just above $184,000 as of press time, with 29 days of funding still left to go. This means that the project's first stretch goal, a new level and story mode campaign for Squigly, the new character, has also been completely funded. If the fundraiser reaches $375,000 before its completion, Skullgirls' first male character, Big Band, will also be created.

Once completed, Squigly will be made available at no cost on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

Continue reading Skullgirls' $150,000 Indiegogo goal met in less than 24 hours

JoystiqSkullgirls' $150,000 Indiegogo goal met in less than 24 hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autumn-gamescrowd-fundingindiegogokonamilab-zero-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3reverge-labsskullgirlsSquiglyxboxTue, 26 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 3 pips Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance to top this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/crysis-3-pips-metal-gear-rising-revengeance-to-top-this-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/crysis-3-pips-metal-gear-rising-revengeance-to-top-this-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/crysis-3-pips-metal-gear-rising-revengeance-to-top-this-weeks/#comments Crysis 3 prevailed over Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance in the battle of the tightly-suited killing machines, taking top spot by a mere 5,500 copies in this week's UK charts. It's the first week of the year to see two major releases go head to head, and while Crysis 3 had PC sales in its corner, digital purchases don't count towards Chart-Track's data.

Unsurprisingly given the series' roots, the PS3 was the lead platform for MGR: Revengeance, coming in at 61 percent. Xbox 360 sales dominated Crysis 3's retail performance with 57 percent of the share.

Dead Space 3 made it three weeks in the top ten, dropping to sixth, while last week's leader, Aliens: Colonial Marines, pipped the space horror to fifth place. Meanwhile, early 2013 chart successes Ni no Kuni and DmC: Devil May Cry left the top 40 altogether.

Continue reading Crysis 3 pips Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance to top this week's UK charts

JoystiqCrysis 3 pips Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance to top this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chart-trackchart-track-weeklycrysis-3crytekEAkonamimetal-gear-rising-revengeancemicrosoftnintendopcplatinum-gamesplaystationps3ukwii-uxboxMon, 25 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skullgirls dev wants $150,000 in crowdfunding for new character]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/24/skullgirls-dev-wants-150-000-in-crowdfunding-for-new-character/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/24/skullgirls-dev-wants-150-000-in-crowdfunding-for-new-character/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/24/skullgirls-dev-wants-150-000-in-crowdfunding-for-new-character/#comments Mike Zaimont and Peter Bartholow of Lab Zero Games recently unveiled plans during a Twitch.tv stream to crowdfund a new character for Skullgirls, Shoryuken reported. Zaimont and Bartholow's goal is to raise $150,000 starting February 25 to develop the "Squigly" character, her story and stage, in addition to stretch goals for two other characters.

"I know that $150k sounds like a ton of money, and it's only that cheap because we're taking huge paycuts to try and make it happen at all," Bartholow told Shoryuken. "A full cost breakdown will be provided so that people can see how their money will be spent."

Once the Squigly character is completed, she will be available free for three months on all platforms, regardless if players have contributed to the developer's crowdfunding efforts.

JoystiqSkullgirls dev wants $150,000 in crowdfunding for new character originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Feb 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autumn-gamesKonamilab-zero-gamesmicrosoftmike-zaimontpcpeter-bartholowplaystationps3reverge-labsskullgirlsxboxSun, 24 Feb 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Metal Gear Rising - Revengeance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/metareview-metal-gear-rising-revengeance/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/metareview-metal-gear-rising-revengeance/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/metareview-metal-gear-rising-revengeance/#comments By now you've probably read Liquid Ludwig's review of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, in which he doled out four stars to the tight gameplay and equally tight suits of Platinum's slice-and-dicer. While we appreciate Luddy's fondness for the game, the very thought of "seriously sexed up Fruit Ninja fan-fiction" is, frankly, more than a bit scary to us. Then again, sometimes love should be... terrifying.

Moving on from fan-fiction concerns, other reviewers also had their say on Rising's unusual brand of Metal Gear. Here's a brief slice of their thoughts:
  • Polygon (90/100): "Platinum Games has done something incredibly rare: honoring a beloved series while successfully broadening its reach into a whole new genre."
  • Eurogamer (90/100): "If Revengeance didn't have camera issues this would be the easiest 10 I've ever given. As things stand it's still brilliant, staking out new territory in the genre and adapting certain Metal Gear characteristics so well that it makes the competition look outrageously bad. This is simply the ultimate one-man show, worth its ticket price many times over, an experience that improves exponentially as it gets faster and as you get better."
  • Giant Bomb (80/100): "A thrilling and engaging experience. The swordplay is fun, and it's really fascinating to see the different spots where either Kojima's or Platinum's signature styles shine through. It also has a wild final confrontation that shows elements of both."
  • Game Informer (78/100): "If you have any hopes for this story building on Metal Gear lore or giving you a chance to reconnect with characters you care about, you will be disappointed. The new characters are uninteresting and poorly developed, and the old characters are practically non-existent."
  • OPM: (70/100): "Sadly, the combat doesn't have enough depth to trouble the genre's best (it certainly can't touch Ninja Theory's DmC reboot), and there's a disappointing disposability about the whole experience. This is a project that has been rightfully and respectably salvaged, but one that can't quite cut it at the top.

JoystiqMetareview: Metal Gear Rising - Revengeance originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamimetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingmetareviewmicrosoftplatinum-gamesplaystationps3xboxTue, 19 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance review: It's just a flesh wound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-review-its-just-a-flesh-wound/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-review-its-just-a-flesh-wound/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-review-its-just-a-flesh-wound/#comments Once you know what you're doing, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance goes from power fantasy to full-on power arrogance. Maniacal is the best way to play this cutting game, dashing into gunfire and shoving your sword through any obstacle, no matter its size or perceived deadliness. The supporting characters occasionally plead for planning, stealth, restraint - hesitation - but their calls come across as denial against the true nature of Revengeance. They're right in the middle of some seriously sexed up Fruit Ninja fan-fiction.

The silly portmanteau is the prelude to a starring role for Raiden, the formerly feeble stand-in for Snake in Metal Gear Solid 2. Following the events of Metal Gear Solid 4, which turned him into a twirling killing machine and redeemed him in the eyes of bros everywhere, the fair-haired cyborg works for a protection outfit called Maverick Security Consulting. Their first presidential client in Revengeance is butchered and thrown off a moving train, so I wouldn't recommend them.

After an ignominious defeat, Raiden's body is rebuilt with augmented strength, a pristine cyber-butt and a critical reliance on electrolytes, which must be absorbed from glowing enemy spines (unnaturally). It sounds gruesome, but extracting power cords in battle is a clinical process in the mind, and a brilliant hook for an action game.

Continue reading Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance review: It's just a flesh wound

JoystiqMetal Gear Rising: Revengeance review: It's just a flesh wound originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 04:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kojima-productionskonamimetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingmicrosoftplatinum-gamesplaystationps3xboxTue, 19 Feb 2013 04:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate demo stakes out Feb. 28 launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fate-demo-stakes-out-fe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fate-demo-stakes-out-fe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/castlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fate-demo-stakes-out-fe/#comments Castlevania Lords of Shadow Mirror of Fate demo stakes out Feb 28 launchCastlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate is set to receive a demo on the 3DS eShop later this month. Those eager to try out the latest chapter in the Belmont saga will be able to whip out their 3DS and download the demo on February 28.

The full game will launch on March 5 in both retail and eShop flavors.

Continue reading Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate demo stakes out Feb. 28 launch

JoystiqCastlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate demo stakes out Feb. 28 launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscastlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fatedemoeshopkonamiMercurySteamnintendoThu, 14 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance commercial has a bad day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-commercial-has-a-bad-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-commercial-has-a-bad-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-commercial-has-a-bad-day/#comments
The amped-up transition into gameplay (bwaaaaaaaaaahh) and cheesy narration of this Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance commercial take us back to the classic in-your-face game ads of the 1990s. Good times.

JoystiqMetal Gear Rising: Revengeance commercial has a bad day originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commercialkonamimetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingmicrosoftplatinum-gamesplaystationps3xboxTue, 12 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kojima attending UK launch of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/kojima-attending-uk-launch-of-metal-gear-rising-revengeance/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/kojima-attending-uk-launch-of-metal-gear-rising-revengeance/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/kojima-attending-uk-launch-of-metal-gear-rising-revengeance/#comments British would-be buyers of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance may want to get their collective butts to the Westfield White City GAME store in London, because Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima is attending the game's official launch there on the night of February 21 - the game officially releases the following day.

Kojima will be joined by Konami lead artist and MGS character designer Yoji Shinkawa, and will be taking part in an interview session on the night. He'll also personally serve the first 200 in the queue their copies of the game, while the 201st person gets to watch on. As long as that person comes in Solid Snake box cosplay, at least he or she will have somewhere to hide their tears.

Continue reading Kojima attending UK launch of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

JoystiqKojima attending UK launch of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GAMEkonamilaunchmetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingmicrosoftplatinum-gamesplaystationps3ukxboxFri, 08 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami revenues, income down year-over-year, still profitable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/konami-revenues-income-down-year-over-year-still-profitable/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/konami-revenues-income-down-year-over-year-still-profitable/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/konami-revenues-income-down-year-over-year-still-profitable/#comments Konami has released its year-to-date financial information for the nine month period ending on December 31, 2012, and while the company has posted significant year-over-year losses, it is still reporting a profit in all areas.

So far, Konami has accrued revenues of ¥160.1 billion ($1.71 billion), down nearly 18 percent from the ¥194.5 billion it had earned by the end of calendar 2011. Likewise, net income (read: post-tax profit) was down 48 percent; ¥8.82 billion ($94.6 million) as compared with the ¥17 billion reported this time last year. Konami's "Digital Entertainment" division, responsible for all video games and Yu-Gi-Oh cards, brought in roughly half of the company's overall revenues with ¥80.5 billion ($861.1 million) reported.

Konami also produces a wide assortment of slot machines and pachinko games for western and Japanese markets: Its "Gaming & Systems" and "Pachinko & Pachinko Slot Machines" segments, respectively. While all of Konami's divisions suffered losses, its Pachinko division experienced the most severe year-over-year disparity, reporting a 77.8 percent decrease in revenue versus last year.

JoystiqKonami revenues, income down year-over-year, still profitable originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfinancialsfiscal-2012fiscal-2013konamimicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Q3vitaxboxThu, 07 Feb 2013 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance trailers tool up, trash tons of tech]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-trailers-tool-up-trash-tons-of-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-trailers-tool-up-trash-tons-of-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-trailers-tool-up-trash-tons-of-t/#comments

A pair of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance trailers attempt to sell us on the unique weapons and impressive technology of unmanned gears in the game. Instead they promise bosses with a flare for the dramatic (yes!) and robots who look like they're a shoplifter running out of The Leg Store.

Continue reading Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance trailers tool up, trash tons of tech

JoystiqMetal Gear Rising: Revengeance trailers tool up, trash tons of tech originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kojima-productionskonamimetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingmicrosoftplatinum-gamesplaystationps3xboxWed, 06 Feb 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Rising PS3 nabs exclusive VR mission DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/metal-gear-rising-ps3-nabs-exclusive-vr-mission-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/metal-gear-rising-ps3-nabs-exclusive-vr-mission-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/metal-gear-rising-ps3-nabs-exclusive-vr-mission-dlc/#comments Metal Gear Rising PS3 nabs exclusive VR mission DLCAs reported last month, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance will be receiving extra VR missions as downloadable content. Specifically, the PlayStation 3 version of Rising is getting 30 exclusive missions that promise "pure, uncut gameplay that pushes Raiden's Cyborg body to its limits." Ironic, as Raiden leaves very little uncut.

There will be both action and stealth missions. Some missions will even allow players to control a Dwarf Gekko (AKA "the little ball robot with arms sticking out of it"). We're guessing those are probably stealth missions.

JoystiqMetal Gear Rising PS3 nabs exclusive VR mission DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcKojima-Productionskonamimetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingPlatinum-Gamesplaystationps3Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skullgirls PC moving forward through new deal with Marvelous AQL]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/skullgirls-pc-moving-forward-through-new-deal-with-marvelous-aql/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/skullgirls-pc-moving-forward-through-new-deal-with-marvelous-aql/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/skullgirls-pc-moving-forward-through-new-deal-with-marvelous-aql/#commentsSkullgirls PC moving forward through new deal with Marvelous AQLDevelopment of the long-awaited PC version of indie fighter Skullgirls is set to begin in "the coming weeks," thanks to a funding/publishing deal between existing publisher Autumn Games and Japanese publisher Marvelous AQL.

The agreement, which is in its "final stages" according to Peter Bartholow, CEO of developer Lab Zero Games, will allow Skullgirls to be ported to the PC with "expanded multiplayer functionality" as compared to the console version. Bartholow expects the porting process to take "around four months" to complete, with more information regarding the port's new features, as well as details on a public beta, to follow as development progresses.

Meanwhile, Skullgirls' quest to raise the most money for breast cancer research (and therefore become the eighth official EVO 2013 selection) continues. Limited edition posters (left) are now available for pre-order, with 50 percent of all sales going directly to the fundraiser.

JoystiqSkullgirls PC moving forward through new deal with Marvelous AQL originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autumn-gamescharityevo-2013konamilab-zero-gamesmarvelous-aqlpcreverge-labsskullgirlsThu, 31 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance VR missions, side character DLC inbound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/report-metal-gear-rising-revengeance-vr-missions-side-charact/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/report-metal-gear-rising-revengeance-vr-missions-side-charact/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/report-metal-gear-rising-revengeance-vr-missions-side-charact/#comments Report Metal Gear Rising Revengeance getting VR missions, side character DLCPlatinum Games will support Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance with downloadable VR missions. Japanese mag Dengeki PlayStation (via Siliconera) published the news, noting additional content that will revolve around some of the game's supporting cast.

VR missions are an apt addition to the Metal Gear series, being included on-disc in the original Metal Gear Solid and receiving top billing in Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions here in North America.

If you'd like to undertake your own VR mission, a demo for Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is available right now, free for Gold subscribers on Xbox Live and for all PlayStation Network users. It's not virtual reality, but if you sit way close to the TV it's kind of similar.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance launches on February 19 in North America, February 21 and February 22 across Europe and the UK, respectively.

JoystiqReport: Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance VR missions, side character DLC inbound originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kojima-productionskonamimetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingmicrosoftpcplatinum-gamesplaystationps3vr-missionvr-missionsxboxWed, 30 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill producer Hulett leaves Konami for WayForward]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/silent-hill-producer-hulett-leaves-konami-for-wayforward/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/silent-hill-producer-hulett-leaves-konami-for-wayforward/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/silent-hill-producer-hulett-leaves-konami-for-wayforward/#comments Tomm Hulett, producer of recent Silent Hill games as well as Rocket Knight, Contra 4 and more, has left Konami to work at Silent Hill: Book of Memories (and Shantae, Mighty Switch Force, Contra 4, et al.) developer WayForward Technologies.

Hulett reported the job change on his LinkedIn profile; we have also obtained confirmation from WayForward representatives. We've reached out to Hulett for more information on his new position, somehow managing not to beg for a lifetime of WayForward Contra sequels in the process. Meanwhile, we'd like to direct you to our Book of Memories development timeline for a look at Hulett's past work.

JoystiqSilent Hill producer Hulett leaves Konami for WayForward originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamisilent-hilltomm-hulettwayforwardFri, 25 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance trailer covers the importance of electrolyte intake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/latest-metal-gear-rising-revengeance-trailer-covers-the-importa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/latest-metal-gear-rising-revengeance-trailer-covers-the-importa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/latest-metal-gear-rising-revengeance-trailer-covers-the-importa/#comments
Staying hydrated is key, and while sports drinks can be a good source of electrolytes, so too can the liberated spines of your enemies.

JoystiqLatest Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance trailer covers the importance of electrolyte intake originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Kojima-ProductionsKonamimetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingmicrosoftpcPlatinum-Gamesplaystationps3xboxWed, 23 Jan 2013 20:15:00 EST