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[Joystiq interview: Quantum of Solace's Adam Gascoine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/joystiq-interview-quantum-of-solaces-adam-gascoine/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/joystiq-interview-quantum-of-solaces-adam-gascoine/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/joystiq-interview-quantum-of-solaces-adam-gascoine/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's so easy to assume that Quantum of Solace is going to be just another rushed license game (even Daniel Craig did!). But after having sat down with a couple of the game's levels (full hands-on coming later), it's easy to see that this is one of Activision's strongest games of the 2008 lineup. We had a chat with the co-design director, Adam Gascoine, about the game and its development.

Quantum of Solace is the first Bond game to be released alongside its movie counterpart. Has this impacted development? Were you rushed?

We were worried about being rushed when we started the project, but thankfully we have a very solid relationship with the movie team. We were one of the first to see the script for the movie, plus we've been able to visit the sets and watch some filming several times now. All this made it a lot easier. We've been developing really since Casino Royale, about two and a half years in total, so we've had plenty of time to develop the game.

Parts of the game are reminiscent of Uncharted. Was this a particular inspiration during the development of Quantum of Solace?

Any good game is definitely an inspiration. I loved Uncharted. I played it twice. Parts of that game may well have influenced design decisions we made during development, just like any of the great 2007 titles. In particular, though, the quality of animation in Uncharted was definitely an inspiration.

Gallery: Quantum of Solace: The Game

Continue reading Joystiq interview: Quantum of Solace's Adam Gascoine

JoystiqJoystiq interview: Quantum of Solace's Adam Gascoine originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionJames-Bondjoystiqfeaturesleipzig-08lgc08PS3Quantum-of-SolaceXbox-360Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Guitar Hero World Tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/joystiq-hands-on-guitar-hero-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/joystiq-hands-on-guitar-hero-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/joystiq-hands-on-guitar-hero-world-tour/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

"Hang on a minute," I thought as I played Guitar Hero: World Tour at Activision's booth at the Leipzig Games Convention, "Isn't this Rock Band?" The layout on the World Tour screen is almost identical to Harmonix's series, with the guitars on either side, the drums scrolling down the middle (with the same horizontal bars displaying bass notes, except in World Tour they're purple, not orange) and the vocals on top. The star power meter, along with the rock meter, is kept in the top left, which means that if you're playing drums or bass guitar, it's not very easy to see.

It took a little while to get used to the drums. The two-tier structure with the cymbals feels great, but can be slightly confusing at first. The drums are a lot bouncier than the Rock Band ones, making them not only quieter, but more fun to play. With Rock Band, the bounce seems to come more from the way the sticks are held, rather than out of the structural nature of the pads. Not hearing the constant thok, thok is definitely preferable too, as anyone who has bought silencing pads for their Rock Band drums will know. [Editor's note: Rock Band 2 also features quieter, bouncier drums.]

Gallery: Guitar Hero: World Tour

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Guitar Hero World Tour

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Guitar Hero World Tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-world-tourjoystiqfeaturesleipzig-08lgc08neversoftPS2PS3WiiXbox-360Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision thinking of charging subscription fee for Guitar Hero?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/activision-thinking-of-charging-subscription-fee-for-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/activision-thinking-of-charging-subscription-fee-for-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/activision-thinking-of-charging-subscription-fee-for-guitar-hero/#commentsFiled under:


There's an interesting tidbit over at IGN. At the bottom of one of their articles on the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero: World Tour, you'll notice a little blurb with an asterisk. It reads: "*Online gameplay is only available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Wii and may require an additional subscription." Subscription?

Part of us thinks this ties into the whole music-sharing thing that was revealed during GC 2008. Remember, there Activision commented on paying for the ability to upload more of your own custom tracks. So, is this something to do with that? Or, are Wii owners going to need to pay a bit extra? We're thinking it'll have something to do with the music creation, but until we hear definitive word, this one's going to be left open for debate.


[Thanks, Robert!]

JoystiqActivision thinking of charging subscription fee for Guitar Hero? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiongc-2008gc08guitar-heroguitar-hero-world-tourignleipzig-08musicrhythmworld-tourWed, 27 Aug 2008 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview: LittleBigPlanet's Pete Smith and Jim Unwin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/joystiq-interview-littlebigplanets-pete-smith-and-jim-unwin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/joystiq-interview-littlebigplanets-pete-smith-and-jim-unwin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/joystiq-interview-littlebigplanets-pete-smith-and-jim-unwin/#commentsFiled under: ,

The LittleBigPlanet breakdown session was a little different than most. We've been seeing the game at every trade show since it was revealed at GDC 2007. As a result, the session took a more informal Q&A approach, rather than a showcase for the game's features.

Those present - producer Pete Smith and interface designer Jim Unwin - did start off by volunteering some information: Firstly, the game is finished and pretty much ready to go. The European release date has been finalized as October 29th, with other regions to be confirmed later. Barring unforeseen circumstances there's no reason at all why this game shouldn't ship in time.

We were also told that when LittleBigPlanet was first shown at GDC, Media Molecule had only about five members. As much as the presentation at GDC was a glimpse into the PS3's future, it was also a hiring pitch. Media Molecule was looking for new members in order to work on this incredibly ambitious project. The level shown at GDC was the entirety of LittleBigPlanet up until that point. In fact, they hadn't even finalized the name until a few days before.

Gallery: LittleBigPlanet


Continue reading Joystiq interview: LittleBigPlanet's Pete Smith and Jim Unwin

JoystiqJoystiq interview: LittleBigPlanet's Pete Smith and Jim Unwin originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiqfeaturesleipzig-08lgc08little-big-planetlittlebigplanetmedia-moleculePS3Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leipzig Convention without industry support, gloats Gamescom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/leipzig-convention-without-industry-support-gloats-gamescom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/leipzig-convention-without-industry-support-gloats-gamescom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/leipzig-convention-without-industry-support-gloats-gamescom/#commentsFiled under: ,

The organizers for next year's Cologne-based Gamescom event want you to know that their show will be the 'new European games platform for the international games community." Taking place from September 9th to September 13th, 2009, Gamescom has thrown down the gauntlet and cast a demeaning glare towards the recently concluded (and returning) Leipzig Games Convention.

"It was to be expected that the Leipzig trade fair would try to keep the topic in its 2009 programme as well by announcing its date," said Oliver P. Kuhrt, managing director of Gamescom organiser Koelnmesse. "But they will have to do it without the industry for the most part. The lead trade fair will take place in Cologne in 2009 and beyond." Despite posting improved attendance numbers this year, Kuhrt is adamant that it's time to move 'zig down from its biggest-show-in-town status. "Whatever happens in Germany in 2009 outside of Cologne cannot claim to represent this sector."

It figures that the organizers of a trade show would exhibit such a fine "Oh snap," but we think it best to wait and see if the Cologne show offers up something to sniff at.

JoystiqLeipzig Convention without industry support, gloats Gamescom originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GamescomGamescom-09LeipzigLeipzig-08Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Games Convention coming to North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/games-convention-coming-to-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/games-convention-coming-to-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/games-convention-coming-to-north-america/#commentsFiled under:


Following up a very successful year in Leipzig, Germany, it looks like those of us in North America can look forward to the Games Convention in the future. CEO Wolfgang Marzin has announced that they're now planning on bringing the show to North America, likely looking to pick up the slack left in the wake of E3 practically going the way of the dodo.

"The concept is flexible and the network of the global games industry permits us to be active at different locations," said Marzin. "After the Southeast Asian Games Convention, we are now focusing on the North American market." With a record 203,000 attendees this year, it seems like an easy decision to bring the show to one of the largest gaming markets in the world.

JoystiqGames Convention coming to North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e308games-conventiongc-08gc-2008germanyleipzig-08north-americaTue, 26 Aug 2008 17:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Invaders! artist provides context to controversial piece]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/invaders-artist-provides-context-to-controversial-piece/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/invaders-artist-provides-context-to-controversial-piece/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/invaders-artist-provides-context-to-controversial-piece/#commentsFiled under: ,


Sometimes being the World's Most Dedicated Video Game Blog isn't easy. Like when we have to read a long, dense response from Douglas Edric Stanley, the artist who created the controversial Space Invaders/World Trade Center piece that you've been reading about all week. Oh, and it's just barely 9 a.m. Joystiq Time (and did we mention it's long?). You know what that is? Dedication.

What'd we learn from the admittedly well-reasoned response? Well, in (very) short, Stanely's piece (see the video after the break) appears to be a way for him to understand, to contextualize what happened on that September morning, attempting to find some sense in a senseless act. While we appreciate Stanley's urge to add context to the inflammatory piece, it kind of makes us sad that he had to explain it at all. And, perhaps more troubling, it doesn't really answer the big moral question: Where's the promised four-player online co-op?

Continue reading Invaders! artist provides context to controversial piece

JoystiqInvaders! artist provides context to controversial piece originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leipzig-08space-invadersworld-trade-centerTue, 26 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview: Guitar Hero World Tour's Brian Bright]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/joystiq-interview-guitar-hero-world-tours-brian-bright/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/joystiq-interview-guitar-hero-world-tours-brian-bright/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/joystiq-interview-guitar-hero-world-tours-brian-bright/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We spent almost at an entire day at the Activision booth at Leipzig, playing and chatting with developers. They had a decent bunch of games to show to us, though the big attraction was Guitar Hero: World Tour. Before getting a go on the drums and guitar (check back later for our full hands-on) we had a natter with project director Brian Bright to learn more about some of the game's more web 2.0 features.

So I noticed when you were going through the track maker during the press conference that it didn't look like you could record vocals. Is it possible to do that?

You can record vocals while you're playing, so that you can create real songs, voice and all. If you also add a keyboard track to the song, this will act as the vocal melody. Obviously, it won't read what words you're saying, you'll just be able to hum along. But you can do the same with any singing game available now.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: World Tour

Continue reading Joystiq interview: Guitar Hero World Tour's Brian Bright

JoystiqJoystiq interview: Guitar Hero World Tour's Brian Bright originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-world-tourjoystiqfeaturesleipzig-08lgc08neversoftPS2PS3WiiXbox-360Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Home 100% guaranteed for 2008 release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/playstation-home-100-guaranteed-for-2008-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/playstation-home-100-guaranteed-for-2008-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/playstation-home-100-guaranteed-for-2008-release/#commentsFiled under: ,

leatherhead
... by Martijn Van der Meulen. To be fair, Van der Meulen is a producer on the Home project, who apparently assured IGN during Games Convention that the service would launch sometime this year. "Van der Meulen told me (without hesitation) that it is a 100 percent guarantee that Home will be released by the end of this calendar year. He has absolutely no doubt that this will be the case," IGN's Ryan Clements reports. Well, there you have it, just blame Van der Meulen when Sony rushes to get you all moved in later this year and, with the first step you take into your new Home, you fall right through the ... map.

JoystiqPlayStation Home 100% guaranteed for 2008 release originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homeleipzig-08playstation-homePS3Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Details for House of the Dead: Overkill escape Leipzig]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/gc-2008-details-for-house-of-the-dead-overkill-escape/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/gc-2008-details-for-house-of-the-dead-overkill-escape/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/gc-2008-details-for-house-of-the-dead-overkill-escape/#commentsFiled under:


Apparently, one Bradley Crooks, developer at Headstrong Games, revealed to Gamekyo a few details about the upcoming Sega game on every Wii gamers' mind (if it isn't on your brain, then you should get your head checked) during an event at Leipzig. The list is fairly long, so head past the break, where it's all been organized with helpful bullet points.

Continue reading GC 2008: Details for House of the Dead: Overkill escape Leipzig

JoystiqGC 2008: Details for House of the Dead: Overkill escape Leipzig originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-08gdc-2008gdc08headstrongheadstrong-gameshouse-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkillleipzig-08overkillsegashooterzapperMon, 25 Aug 2008 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Auf Wiedersehen, until next year: Leipzig 2009 set for Aug. 19-23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/auf-wiedersehen-kommen-sie-bitte-until-next-year-leipzig-2009-set-for-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/auf-wiedersehen-kommen-sie-bitte-until-next-year-leipzig-2009-set-for-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/auf-wiedersehen-kommen-sie-bitte-until-next-year-leipzig-2009-set-for-a/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Leipzig Games Convention was apparently a success and is already scheduled to return next year from August 19 to 23. The "final report" by the Leipziger-Messe states that 82.1% of attendees asked for the show to stay in its current location, with more than a third of attendees traveling over 300 kilometers (186 miles) to attend.

The show had 203,000 attendees, with 547 companies exhibiting their wares. Showing that Leipzig is actually becoming of interest to the media as well: 3,800 journalists attended, up from 3,395 in 2007. It'll be interesting to see how Leipzig does next year when it will reportedly have some competition from GamesCOM in Cologne.

JoystiqAuf Wiedersehen, until next year: Leipzig 2009 set for Aug. 19-23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leipzigleipzig-08leipzig-09leipzig-games-conventionMon, 25 Aug 2008 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Activision demonstrates music creation in Guitar Hero: World Tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/gc-2008-activision-demonstrates-music-creation-in-guitar-hero-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/gc-2008-activision-demonstrates-music-creation-in-guitar-hero-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/gc-2008-activision-demonstrates-music-creation-in-guitar-hero-world-tour/#commentsFiled under:


To say that Guitar Hero: World Tour has a lot of content is now an understatement. The game is so ridiculously full of goodies, fans are likely going to explogasm when they watch the video above. It goes into incredible detail, showing off the music creation fun you can have in Activision's latest installment in its popular franchise. Whether you're mixing drum loops for your tracks or turning your guitar into a keyboard (could this confirm a keyboard peripheral is inbound?), it looks like you won't be bored with Guitar Hero: World Tour anytime soon after its release.


There's been a lot of Guitar Hero news lately. Like the confirmation that Miis will be included in the Wii game (as well as an explanation of how they'll be incorporated). Also, don't forget to check out which tracks have been confirmed for the game so far!

JoystiqGC 2008: Activision demonstrates music creation in Guitar Hero: World Tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiongdc-08gdc08guitar-heroguitar-hero-world-tourleipzig-08musicred-octaneredoctanerhythmworld-tourMon, 25 Aug 2008 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Origin pushed back to early 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/project-origin-pushed-back-to-early-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/project-origin-pushed-back-to-early-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/project-origin-pushed-back-to-early-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Project Origin, Monolith's everything-but-the-name follow up to F.E.A.R., has slipped on all of that spilled gore, sliding back from the game's previous fall release until sometime in early 2009. The news came from Project Origin art lead, Dave Matthews, who took time during the Leipzig Games Convention to break the news -- and fans' hearts - confirming that players will have to wait until the first quarter of 2009 to find out just what Alma has been up to.

Softening the blow a bit, new details surrounding the upcoming shooter also emerged from last week's event, including news that the sequel will include more interactive and varied environments than those seen in F.E.A.R., while enemy A.I. has also been amped up as well. According to Monolith, the story itself will also be improved over the original, giving us all the more reason to think that maybe Project Origin is worth waiting for after all.

Source - GC 2008: Project Origin Progress Report, IGN

JoystiqProject Origin pushed back to early 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Aug 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayFEARFEAR-2FEAR-2-Project-OriginFPSleipzig-08MicrosoftMonolithMonolith-ProductionsPCPS3Warner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWBIEXbox-360Sat, 23 Aug 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Expand your German vocabulary with the Bionic Commando developer walkthrough]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/expand-your-german-vocabulary-with-the-bionic-commando-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/expand-your-german-vocabulary-with-the-bionic-commando-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/expand-your-german-vocabulary-with-the-bionic-commando-developer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The developer walkthrough provided for Capcom's upcoming swing-action retro remake, Bionic Commando, is one of the most educational videos yet to come out of the Leipzig Games Convention. Not only does the two-part sneak preview explain some of the game's core controls, but it also provides a valuable primer into the German language. For instance, we now know that the German word for "leap" is "sprung", "punch" is the phonetically pleasing "schlag", and "wenn dieser Entwickler hinunter sagt, und beschmutzt noch eine Zeit, werde ich ihn in Brand setzen" means "if this developer says 'down and dirty' one more time, I'm going to set him on fire."

Both halves of the walkthrough are posted after the break. The first part focuses on a rough build of the game's training stage, while the second highlights one of Bionic's multiplayer levels. Auf was warten Sie? Klicken Sie die Verbindung!

Continue reading Expand your German vocabulary with the Bionic Commando developer walkthrough

JoystiqExpand your German vocabulary with the Bionic Commando developer walkthrough originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandocapcomdeveloper-walkthroughgermanleipzig-08PCPS3Xbox-360Sat, 23 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kojima: Metal Gear Acid for PSN 'possible']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/kojima-metal-gear-acid-for-psn-possible/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/kojima-metal-gear-acid-for-psn-possible/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/23/kojima-metal-gear-acid-for-psn-possible/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As our stack of thick, leather bound binders filled from end to end with valuable Pokémon cards will attest, we're suckers for collectible card games. You could probably also tell from our proclivity to creep around the local Wal-Mart with a black bandana crudely wrapped around our greasy mullets that we're also diehard fans of stealth action. As such, it would seem logical to assume we're big supporters of the PSP-exclusive Metal Gear Acid titles -- unfortunately, one look at our barren ludological library will show that we possess a powerful, unnatural fear of video game packaging.

Thankfully, our hopes for a downloadable version of the Acid titles were lifted somewhat by a brief blurb from series creator Hideo Kojima at Leipzig yesterday. Kojima explained that while there's currently no plans concerning the two titles, it's "possible" that the card battlers could be uploaded onto PSN. We certainly would have preferred a more substantial tease from the Metal Gear maven, a "probable" or "likely", perhaps -- but we suppose beggars can't be choosers.

JoystiqKojima: Metal Gear Acid for PSN 'possible' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hideo-kojimakojima-productionskonamileipzig-08Metal-Gear-AcidMetal-Gear-Acid-2playstation-networkpsnPSPSat, 23 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Taito responds to 'unauthorized' Space Invaders 9/11 exhibit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/taito-responds-to-unauthorized-space-invaders-9-11-exhibit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/taito-responds-to-unauthorized-space-invaders-9-11-exhibit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/taito-responds-to-unauthorized-space-invaders-9-11-exhibit/#commentsFiled under: ,

space invaders
Taito has released a very official-sounding statement, charging Mr. Stanley and the exhibitors of the controversial Space Invaders art installation, featuring a simulated attack on the World Trade Center, with unauthorized use of its intellectual property:

"Taito Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd., today stated unequivocally that the 'Invaders!' installation by Douglas Edric Stanley and displayed at the Games Convention held in Leipzig, Germany was produced entirely without Taito's knowledge and that the use of the world-famous Space Invaders content was wholly unauthorized. The 'Space Invaders: Die Jubiläumsshow!' ('Space Invaders: the Anniversary Show') exhibition of the Computer Game Museum Berlin hosting the installation was likewise planned and presented without Taito's knowledge and authorization.

"Taito is seriously considering all available options -- including legal actions against the infringer and, if necessary, the Games Convention exhibitor involved -- in order to end this unauthorized and impermissible misuse of the Space Invaders content and to protect Taito's intellectual properties."

JoystiqTaito responds to 'unauthorized' Space Invaders 9/11 exhibit originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-11artbreakingnewsleipzig-08space-invaderssquare-enixtaioFri, 22 Aug 2008 16:54:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: First footage of Cursed Mountain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-first-footage-of-cursed-mountain/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-first-footage-of-cursed-mountain/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-first-footage-of-cursed-mountain/#commentsFiled under:


You'll have to endure some conference attendee's phone call at the beginning of this off-screen Cursed Mountain footage, but it takes place during the seemingly interminable intro anyway. This video contains the first actual images of Deep Silver's horror title, which, at first, only seems scary because the music and the editing tells you it's supposed to be. It's just a foggy mountain, which isn't really that terrifying unless you're there. But then ghosts arrive, and it's generally accepted that ghosts are scary.

Judging by the brief glimpse of an onscreen prompt, QTE-style gestures figure into the combat. Either that is what they meant by motion-controlled combat, or those arrows were on the screen as a tutorial, to help players learn the gestures. There's also a pointer visible on screen, which may just be used for investigating or may also be part of the ghostbusting.

JoystiqGC 2008: First footage of Cursed Mountain originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cursed-mountaindeep-silverhorrorleipzig-08leipzig-games-conventionFri, 22 Aug 2008 14:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Invaders/Sept. 11 art exhibit stirs controversy [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/space-invaders-sept-11-art-exhibit-stirs-controversy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/space-invaders-sept-11-art-exhibit-stirs-controversy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/space-invaders-sept-11-art-exhibit-stirs-controversy/#commentsFiled under: ,

An art installation that features Space Invaders aliens attacking an image of the World Trade Center is beginning to draw ire from the mainstream media. Kotaku was the first site to call attention to the exhibit, which was part of a larger tribute to the classic game's 30th anniversary at the Leipzig Games Convention. A Games Convention press release calls the installation an "an articulated and critical commentary about the current war strategy" and "a social tale that can be related to historical tales without losing its poetic power." The New York Daily News ran with a decidedly different take, though, calling the exhibit a "disgrace" in one headline and featuring outraged reactions from families of 9/11 attack victims, who called the game "distasteful" and "disgusting."

The story has been slowly leaking into the mainstream from there. News wire UPI basically echoed the Post piece, while Fox News posted a surprisingly balanced take on the controversy. International wire AFP's story, meanwhile, doesn't seem to see anything wrong with the exhibit at all. So is this piece a triumph or a travesty? Watch the video and decide for yourself.

Update: Taito just dropped a very serious statement into our inbox. Read it here.

JoystiqSpace Invaders/Sept. 11 art exhibit stirs controversy [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-11911artcontroversyleipzig-08sept-11space-invadersFri, 22 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Piping hot trailer for The Conduit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-piping-hot-trailer-for-the-conduit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-piping-hot-trailer-for-the-conduit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-piping-hot-trailer-for-the-conduit/#commentsFiled under:

Not every Wii fan is an FPS person, and thus we may not be as fully attuned to the nuances of what makes an FPS badical, but we can recognize good Wii graphics when we see them, and we think that The Conduit is looking pretty great. This trailer, released for the Leipzig Games Convention, is all fancy atmospheric lighting effects and dudes (and alien dudes) getting shot up.

We're a bit troubled to see slowdown in the trailer, but that happens in every FPS running on a system that regular people can afford. It hardly detracts from all the blowings-up.

JoystiqGC 2008: Piping hot trailer for The Conduit originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpshigh-voltageleipzig-08leipzig-games-conventionthe-conduitFri, 22 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Prince of Persia learns new move, is basically Spider-Man]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-prince-of-persia-learns-new-move-is-basically-spider-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-prince-of-persia-learns-new-move-is-basically-spider-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-prince-of-persia-learns-new-move-is-basically-spider-m/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"Prince of Persia, Prince of Persia ... does whatever a Prince of Persia can." Oh wait - that's the Spider-Man song. Well, it's easy to get the two characters confused, what with news out of Leipzig by way of Eurogamer that his royal majesty, the Prince of Persia, can add running along ceilings to his move repertoire.

Using this new "roof run" move, he can scamper along, grabbing hanging objects in order to keep the momentum going. According to level designer Michael MacIntyre, "When you come in contact with the ceiling you jump, you do the run, and then you have to hit the glove button to grab any element on the roof in order to keep going. So there's a rhythm to it," adding, "With this new move, our level designers had all the tools they needed to create acrobatic sequences that can use pretty much every surface in the game." Every surface? We're pretty sure there's some nasty black goo you can't touch without, you know, dying. At least that's what the video walkthrough we posted yesterday seems to show.

JoystiqGC 2008: Prince of Persia learns new move, is basically Spider-Man originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leipzig-08prince-of-persiaPS3spider-manubisoftXbox-360Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: This is new video of This is Vegas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-this-is-new-video-of-this-is-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-this-is-new-video-of-this-is-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-this-is-new-video-of-this-is-vegas/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Much like the real Vegas, you go into this Games Convention 2008 trailer thinking that you're going to come out a winner, but, when all is said and done, you're none the richer for it. It's more or less a sweep through the game's copyright-skirting lineup of faux casinos with a hint of driving and a logo to assure viewers that, yes, This is Vegas.

Though the game / "lifestyle sim" has been delayed until next year, Midway nevertheless had it on display at E3 so we could proclaim: This is our Hands-on with This is Vegas. Two new screens head up the gallery below. Meanwhile, we anxiously await the inevitable sequels: This is Lodi, This is Jasper, and This is Hoboken.

Gallery: This is Vegas

JoystiqGC 2008: This is new video of This is Vegas originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leipzig-08midwayPS3this-is-vegastrailerXbox-360Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: 'Tornado' ads both suck and blow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-tornado-ads-both-suck-and-blow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-tornado-ads-both-suck-and-blow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-tornado-ads-both-suck-and-blow/#commentsFiled under: ,

Behold: Tornado. What's the game about? Does it really matter? From what we can stomach gather, this ludicrous video - complete with a crappy rip-off of Danny Elfman's Pee-Wee's Big Adventure score - shows a game that looks like a Katamari Damacy clone, is played by swirling the stylus on the DS screen, and stars the love child of Shadow the Hedgehog and Aero the Acro-Bat.

Oh, and what is up with that poor raccoon? Or the little girl with the dead eyes and creepy smirk? The whole thing looks like footage David Lynch could have shot after going off his drugs. There's a second spot after the break, but you might want to take a moment to compose yourself before clicking through, since it's just as hysterically awful. You have been warned.

Continue reading GC 2008: 'Tornado' ads both suck and blow

JoystiqGC 2008: 'Tornado' ads both suck and blow originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSignition-entertainmentleipzig-08successtornadotrailerFri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Peter Moore doesn't want to punish pirates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/peter-moore-doesnt-want-to-punish-pirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/peter-moore-doesnt-want-to-punish-pirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/peter-moore-doesnt-want-to-punish-pirates/#commentsFiled under: ,


Despite his fondness for authentic, handmade pirate headwear, Peter Moore was talking about video game pirates at the Leipzig Games Convention, telling Eurogamer that he doesn't think the rapscallions should be made to walk the plank. After all, that didn't work when the record industry tried to sue people for illegally downloading music, Moore reminds us.

Granted, this doesn't mean he wants people to run out and torrent the latest EA title but "there are better solutions than chasing people for money," Moore says. "I'm not sure what they are, other than to build game experiences that make it more difficult for there to be any value in pirating games."

So will Moore change his tune and start keelhauling PC pirates? Probably not, since he's "not a huge fan of trying to punish your consumer." Avast, me buckos! Might we expect a subscription-based Madden on PC then?

JoystiqGC 2008: Peter Moore doesn't want to punish pirates originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaEA-SportsElectronic-Artsleipzig-08peter-moorepiracyFri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: New trailer, screens for The Wheelman (not The Assassin!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-new-trailer-screens-for-the-wheelman-not-the-assassin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-new-trailer-screens-for-the-wheelman-not-the-assassin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-new-trailer-screens-for-the-wheelman-not-the-assassin/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

That's right! As Vin Diesel so eloquently points out, he's a wheelman, not an assassin. Of course, this dramatic scene takes place just after he's mowed down countless bad guys and destroyed half the city in a dramatic and collision-filled car chase. It's all a bit frantic, frankly, but at least we have The Wheelman's lead mission designer, Mark Thompson, to guide us through the broken glass and mangled metal. Don't forget to check out fresh screenshots in the gallery below!

Gallery: Wheelman (Leipzig 2008)

JoystiqGC 2008: New trailer, screens for The Wheelman (not The Assassin!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Leipzig-08MidwayPCPS3The-WheelmanTigonTigon-StudiosVin-DieselWheelmanXbox-360Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: GTA IV adds replay editor, polish on PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-gta-iv-adds-replay-editor-polish-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-gta-iv-adds-replay-editor-polish-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-gta-iv-adds-replay-editor-polish-on-pc/#commentsFiled under: ,


Rockstar has laid out details on some of the additions and improvements in store for the PC version of Grand Theft Auto IV. Eurogamer reports that the version it was shown at Leipzig featured more realistic lighting, animation, and "a much higher level of detail on both characters and environments."

More intriguing is a replay editor. According to Rockstar, the PC version of GTA IV is always recording the previous 30 seconds worth of gameplay, so you can pause at any time and really soak up the calamity that's just transpired. It will also be possible to tweak the footage by means of filters, cuts, and repositioning of the camera. The completed clip can be combined with other 30 second snippets into one long, personal crime epic to share with friends via the Rockstar Social Club website.

The PC version will also expand on the consoles' 16-player online component, although the extent of what's planned is largely unknown beyond there being more filters for finding specific match types.

JoystiqGC 2008: GTA IV adds replay editor, polish on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivgta-iv-pcleipzig-08PCrockstarThu, 21 Aug 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Ubisoft screenshot roundup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-ubisoft-screenshot-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-ubisoft-screenshot-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-ubisoft-screenshot-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ubisoft has released beaucoup d'images as part of the media overflow we call Leipzig Games Convention 2008. Below and after the break, check out new galleries of screenshots for Raving Rabbids TV Party, Prince of Persia, EndWar, HAWX, Far Cry 2 and more. It's just like Ubidays, only with no Beyond Good & Evil in sight. Oh, mon Dieu!

Gallery: Prince of Persia (Leipzig 2008)

Continue reading GC 2008: Ubisoft screenshot roundup

JoystiqGC 2008: Ubisoft screenshot roundup originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anno-1404end-warendwarfar-cryfar-cry-2hawxleipzigleipzig-08PCprince-of-persiaPS3rabbidsraving-rabbidsraving-rabbids-tv-partyshaun-whiteshaun-white-snowboardingtom-clancytv-partyubisoftWiiXbox-360Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:44:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Shaun White and company take a road trip]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-shaun-white-and-company-take-a-road-trip/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-shaun-white-and-company-take-a-road-trip/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-shaun-white-and-company-take-a-road-trip/#commentsFiled under:


Straight out of Leipzig, a crazy mofo named Shaun White.

The latest trailer for Ubisoft's Balance Board-compatible sports title, Shaun White Snowboarding shows off a lot of what you'd expect from a snowboarding game: lots of spinning and big jumps. We're not poking fun, because, to be honest, we think the game looks pretty polished. SSX it may not be, but a fun time it could very well become.

JoystiqGC 2008: Shaun White and company take a road trip originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-boardgc-08gc-2008leipzig-08shaun-whiteshaun-white-snowboardingsnowboardingsportsubisoftThu, 21 Aug 2008 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil 5 co-op video fresh from Leipzig]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/resident-evil-5-co-op-video-fresh-from-leipzig/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/resident-evil-5-co-op-video-fresh-from-leipzig/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/resident-evil-5-co-op-video-fresh-from-leipzig/#commentsFiled under: ,

Some fresh co-op gameplay video from Resident Evil 5 has landed in Leipzig, and now we're bringing it home to you. In the videos we see Chris Redfield working together with his new partner Sheva Alomar (also known as Player 2). The first video, above, shows Chris' point of view, while the second shows Sheva's. The two have to work together to open new pathways and continue forward (check out the awesome vaulting maneuver near the beginning). To be perfectly honest, Resident Evil 5 is looking hawt. Sure, it may only be Resident Evil 4 with a new coat of pixels, but those are some nice pixels. Find the second video after the break.

Continue reading Resident Evil 5 co-op video fresh from Leipzig

JoystiqResident Evil 5 co-op video fresh from Leipzig originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomleipzig-08re5resident-evilresident-evil-5Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Eden bringing Alone in the Dark PS3 fixes to Xbox 360 with patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/eden-bringing-alone-in-the-dark-ps3-fixes-to-360-with-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/eden-bringing-alone-in-the-dark-ps3-fixes-to-360-with-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/eden-bringing-alone-in-the-dark-ps3-fixes-to-360-with-patch/#commentsFiled under: ,


Did you find yourself driven just a wee bit mad by some of the design decisions in Alone in the Dark for Xbox 360? Well, you're not alone, and developer Eden Games isn't in the dark about what it did wrong.

During a Leipzig Games Convention presentation, the studio owned up to the title's shortcomings, promising that a number of them are being addressed in the upcoming PS3 version. Specifically, the camerawork is different (it's pulled back more, and players will have free control using the right analog stick); the player character, Edward Carnby, runs by default; and the atrociously twitchy car handling has been mellowed out.

While this is good news for PS3 owners still eager to experience the game, they won't be the only ones to reap the benefits of Eden's hindsight and extra development time. It's been announced that an upcoming patch will bring these fixes - and potentially more - to the 360 version, although no firm date has been given for its release (it'll presumably hit when the PS3 game does in November).

JoystiqGC 2008: Eden bringing Alone in the Dark PS3 fixes to Xbox 360 with patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkatarieden-gamesleipzig-08patchXbox-360Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Heavy Rain will have demo; DLC teased]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/heavy-rain-will-have-demo-dlc-teased/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/heavy-rain-will-have-demo-dlc-teased/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/heavy-rain-will-have-demo-dlc-teased/#commentsFiled under: , ,


take a look at these screenshots
Sure, we've been gushing about Heavy Rain lately, but Quantic Dreams President David Cage has assured Eurogamer that we will be able to experience it all first-hand with a demo. "Yes, of course, there will be a demo," he said, adding that it will likely not contain any elements of the main storyline. "We've spent a lot of time working on the story this time ... And I think it's a very unusual story for a videogame, so I think people will be quite surprised." Cage also noted that what we've seen so far is a separate episode and not related to the main storyline.

Cage also hinted that Heavy Rain DLC could be trickling out in the near future. "This is something it's really too early to talk about, but it's definitely a possibility," he said, adding, "You can tell any story with this interface, because it's entirely contextual." The clouds will burst with Heavy Rain (seriously, we're going to work on our pun addiction) in 2009.

Gallery: Heavy Rain

JoystiqGC 2008: Heavy Rain will have demo; DLC teased originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demodlcheavy-rainInteractive-Dramaleipzig-08PS3Quantic-Dreamquantic-dreamsSCESCEASonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaThu, 21 Aug 2008 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard debuts 'Wrath of the Lich King' intro]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/blizzard-debuts-wrath-of-the-lich-king-intro/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/blizzard-debuts-wrath-of-the-lich-king-intro/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/blizzard-debuts-wrath-of-the-lich-king-intro/#commentsFiled under: ,

Once you finally, finally install the Wrath of the Lich King onto your personal copy of World of Warcraft, what's the first thing you'll bear witness to (besides empty Mountain Dew cans and an empty, empty apartment)? Why, the above video, of course. For your viewing pleasure we present the opening cinematic from Blizzard's upcoming opus.

So, what's it like? C'mon dude, it's a new Blizzard cinematic, do you really want some tubby blogger spoiling it for you? Of course not. Now, get to clicking.

JoystiqBlizzard debuts 'Wrath of the Lich King' intro originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardleipzig-08PCworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingThu, 21 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: New Killzone 2 footage shows game is 'pre-beta']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-new-killzone-2-footage-shows-game-is-pre-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-new-killzone-2-footage-shows-game-is-pre-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-new-killzone-2-footage-shows-game-is-pre-beta/#commentsFiled under: ,

While not as high quality as the falsified chat multiplayer trailer, the Kizzy Dos (remember, that's our nickname for Killzone 2) footage from Leipzig GC 2008 above does reveal that the game is now in pre-beta. When we last saw the game about a month ago at E3, K2 was rocking a pre-alpha build. We're happy to see the game progressing smoothly, even if we have to wait until February to play the final build. Here's to hoping developer Guerilla Games follows in the footsteps of its peers and opens a public beta for the game.

Gallery: Killzone 2

JoystiqGC 2008: New Killzone 2 footage shows game is 'pre-beta' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphakillzonekillzone-2kizzykizzy-dosleipzig-08pre-betaPS3Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Lode Runner XBLA remake 'coming soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-lode-runner-xbla-remake-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-lode-runner-xbla-remake-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-lode-runner-xbla-remake-coming-soon/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Developer Tozai has been noticeably silent with regards to its upcoming take on Brøderbund's early computer platformer Lode Runner, and while our army of robots have once more returned empty handed, the media sleuths at IGN report that a seemingly "largely done" build of the XBLA remake was on hand at the Leipzig's media extravaganza.

The news leaves us wondering just when we'll be able to revisit our platforming roots, though the game's presence on the show floor was reportedly adorned with rather ambiguous signage that simply read "coming soon." We certainly hope so, because with both this and some sort of R-Type title in the works, Tozai has become adept at tugging at nostalgia's heartstrings.

JoystiqGC 2008: Lode Runner XBLA remake 'coming soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leipzig-08lode-runnermicrosofttozaixblaXbox-360Thu, 21 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Check out Far Cry 2's map editor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/check-out-far-cry-2s-map-editor/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/check-out-far-cry-2s-map-editor/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/check-out-far-cry-2s-map-editor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ubisoft has released video of Far Cry 2's map editor, complete with a soothing narrator who holds your hands through the 5-minute trailer. Quite frankly, we're excited for how intuitive it seems to be, but perhaps that's just wishful thinking that we'll be able to accurately recreate the island from LOST and play out our own scenarios (only with fewer polar bears). Weather and time of day can also be altered. The folks at IGN have detailed impressions of the editor.

It looks impressive, for sure, but remembering Unreal Tournament 3 for Xbox 360, what is unclear right now is how (if at all) console gamers will be able to trade maps. Update: Curse our insomniac ways! Previous entry Far Cry Instincts featured ways to share maps over Xbox Live, so it'd be safe to assume a similar method will also be used for Far Cry 2.

JoystiqCheck out Far Cry 2's map editor originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>far-cry-2leipzig-08PCPS3ubisoftXbox-360Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Buzz!, Destruction Derby going mobile in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-buzz-destruction-derby-going-mobile-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-buzz-destruction-derby-going-mobile-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-buzz-destruction-derby-going-mobile-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Hands on your buzzers. What two companies partnered during this year's Leipzig Games Convention to bring "key" PlayStation franchises to mobile carriers in the European market? Quickly now. 3 ... 2 ...1... buzzcrak! The correct answer, had you answered on time, would have been Sony and UK mobile games publisher Player X, though we can forgive your tardiness given that the duo's idea of a pivotal franchise is likely to differ from what you have in mind.

No, rather than whipping Kratos' Blades of Chaos with the number 4 key on your handset, or tapping a put into the cup with the 9 in a miniaturized version of Hot Shots Golf, the companies have announced plans to bring virtual quiz show Buzz! and Reflection's original PlayStation racer Destruction Derby to mobile phones this fall and in early 2009, respectively. True, neither of these inspire us to reach for our phones just yet. However, Sony adds that the deal, a first for Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios with an outsider, will continue to bring PlayStation luminaries to mobile phones in Europe for the next three years. Thanks for playing.

JoystiqGC 2008: Buzz!, Destruction Derby going mobile in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buzzdestruction-derbydestructionderbyleipzig-08MobilephonereflectionssonyThu, 21 Aug 2008 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Stare into the (new videos of) Dark Void]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-stare-into-the-new-videos-of-dark-void/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-stare-into-the-new-videos-of-dark-void/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/gc-2008-stare-into-the-new-videos-of-dark-void/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Capcom is showing Airtight Games' Gears of War/Crimson Skies/Rocketeer mash-up, Dark Void, at Games Convention - in fact, it's the very same section of the game that was on display at last month's E3. What's changed, though, is quite important: the frame rate. When we played the game less than 30 days ago, we liked it ... but we didn't like the sheer chugginess of it all.

You can see that things have improved markedly in these three new videos (two more can be found after the break). In them, Dark Void designer, Jose Perez III, details the game's story and concept, vertical gameplay, and flight gameplay, respectively. Airtight still has about a year of development time to make sure the game is, well ... airtight when it ships in '09.

Continue reading GC 2008: Stare into the (new videos of) Dark Void

JoystiqGC 2008: Stare into the (new videos of) Dark Void originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airtight-gamescapcomdark-voidleipzig-08PS3videoXbox-360Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Over 2.2m SingStar downloads, Disney version coming to PS2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-over-2-2m-singstar-downloads-disney-version-coming-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-over-2-2m-singstar-downloads-disney-version-coming-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-over-2-2m-singstar-downloads-disney-version-coming-to/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sony announced today at the Leipzig Games Convention 2008 that over 2.2 million SingStar songs have been downloaded via the aptly titled SingStore, which launched less than a year ago. Additionally, the company also unveiled SingStar Singalong with Disney for PlayStation 2, which as you might have guessed is a collection of Disney songs you can sing along to. Singalong with Disney is coming this Fall "exclusively for PAL territories." And hey, don't forget it'll be compatible with SingStar PS3.

Source - SingStar Singalong With Disney on PlayStation 2
Source - Over 2.2m songs downloaded via SingStore

JoystiqGC 2008: Over 2.2m SingStar downloads, Disney version coming to PS2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneykaraokeLeipzig-08PS3SCEESingStarSingStar-Singalong-with-DisneySony-Computer-Entertainment-EuropeWed, 20 Aug 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Sega screenshot roundup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-sega-screenshot-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-sega-screenshot-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-sega-screenshot-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Sega has a mighty lineup on public display (and behind closed doors) at Leipzig Games Convention 2008, comprised of titles from the East and West. MadWorld and Bayonetta, its collaborations with former Clover Studios staff, are there, as are Sonic games, strategy titles, DS wares, and more. But there's nary a sign of PSP support to be found. And it was doing so well with games like Crush. Ah well. You can check out screenshot galleries of everything Sega has on show after the break.

Gallery: Alpha Protocol (Leipzig 2008)


Gallery: Bayonetta (Leipzig 2008)

Continue reading GC 2008: Sega screenshot roundup

JoystiqGC 2008: Sega screenshot roundup originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSleipzig-08PCPS2PS3roundupscreenshotssegaWiiXbox-360Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Killzone 2 multiplayer trailer looks good, sounds too real]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-killzone-2-multiplayer-trailer-looks-good-sounds-too-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-killzone-2-multiplayer-trailer-looks-good-sounds-too-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-killzone-2-multiplayer-trailer-looks-good-sounds-too-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sony, Guerilla - our hats voice headsets are off to you. After all, you tried to deliver the total online play experience with your official Killzone 2 multiplayer trailer at Leipzig. The only problem is ... well, it sounds too much like real mutiplayer. Or maybe someone's polite approximation thereof.

Oh, we like what we see (and say, are those auto-turrets from Aliens?) but the "radio chatter" not only sounds forced - it's totally free of racial slurs and/or comments regarding the sexuality of those playing. Now, how can we expect to take that seriously?

JoystiqGC 2008: Killzone 2 multiplayer trailer looks good, sounds too real originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guerillakillzone-2leipzig-08PS3sonytrailervideoWed, 20 Aug 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GC 2008: Konami news roundup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-konami-news-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-konami-news-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/gc-2008-konami-news-roundup/#commentsFiled under:


Konami sent out three new DS game announcements for Europe at the ongoing Games Convention, so we thought we would provide it all at once in digest format. Along with the announcements, there's a bunch of art and screens to look at as well. You'll find galleries after the break.

Before we get started, however, check out that Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia art. It's easily among the best Castlevania art we've ever seen.

Continue reading GC 2008: Konami news roundup

JoystiqGC 2008: Konami news roundup originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlevaniaelebitskonamileipzig-08leipzig-games-conventionorder-of-ecclesiatime-hollowwinx-clubWed, 20 Aug 2008 21:00:00 EST