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[Karateka Classic coming to iOS and Android tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/karateka-classic-coming-to-ios-and-android-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/karateka-classic-coming-to-ios-and-android-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/karateka-classic-coming-to-ios-and-android-tomorrow/#commentsKarateka Classic coming to iOS, Android History repeats itself in both video games and colas it seems. Years after releasing the original Karateka, Jordan Mechner revised the formula, giving the world "new" Karateka. Some people liked the new flavor - others, not so much. Hearing the demand of fans everywhere, Mechner has announced that Karateka Classic is coming back, specifically to iOS and Android.

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

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

Gallery: Karateka Classic

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonejordan-mechnerkarateka-classicliquid-entertainmentmobileWed, 15 May 2013 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Karateka on PC today, alongside Karateka development book]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/karateka-on-pc-today-alongside-karateka-development-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/karateka-on-pc-today-alongside-karateka-development-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/karateka-on-pc-today-alongside-karateka-development-book/#comments Karateka on PC today, alongside Karateka development bookJordan Mechner's rhythmic Karateka remake is out on PC today, available through Steam for ten percent off its normal $10 price. The price will flip-kick back up after a week. It's still listed only as "coming soon" to PSN and iOS.

Coinciding with the release of Karateka on a new platform, creator Jordan Mechner has released an ebook about the development process of the original Apple 2 Karateka. The making of Karateka: Journals 1982-1985 collects Mechner's private journal entries about the time spent in college creating the martial arts game. It's on Amazon digitally today, and Mechner plans to release it in print later. Mechner has already released a journal book about Prince of Persia.

Update: Karateka is now available on Steam.

Continue reading Karateka on PC today, alongside Karateka development book

JoystiqKarateka on PC today, alongside Karateka development book originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ebookjordan-mechnerkaratekaliquid-entertainmentpcrelease-datesteamthe-making-of-karatekaMon, 03 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Karateka review: Lacks punch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/karateka-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/karateka-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/karateka-review/#comments Karateka review karate did tooAt first glance, Karateka doesn't look like a remake so much as a new game with the same name. Its cartoon visuals, 3D setting, and rhythm-based combat seem oceans apart from the 2D martial arts cinema of the Apple II beat-em-up. Yet look a little deeper and the classic's spirit reveals itself, albeit glazed with superficial icing. Those who revere the original may find this appetizing; it's the game they love, yet different and new. Judged on its own merits, however, Kareteka being true to its source is exactly why it doesn't satiate.

As before, combat is the core of your journey, and movement is nearly insignificant. The original's side-scrolling converts to a one-way path, with you pushing the control stick upwards to roam the false 3D world. You reach a combatant, defeat him, run up the path, reach another combatant, defeat him, and so on. Apart from occasional cutscenes, this is how the whole game goes from start to end.

Gallery: Karateka

Continue reading Karateka review: Lacks punch

JoystiqKarateka review: Lacks punch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonejordan-mechnerkaratekaliquid-entertainmentmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3xboxMon, 12 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Pid and Pool Nation hit XBLA Oct. 31, Karateka and ToeJam & Earl Nov. 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/psa-pid-and-pool-nation-hit-xbla-oct-31-karateka-and-toejam-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/psa-pid-and-pool-nation-hit-xbla-oct-31-karateka-and-toejam-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/psa-pid-and-pool-nation-hit-xbla-oct-31-karateka-and-toejam-and/#comments PSA Karetaka and ToeJam & Earl punch in on November 7Major Nelson's latest Xbox Live Marketplace update confirms a few dates for us. Pid and Pool Nation drop tomorrow, while the ToeJam & Earl Collection and Karateka are beating towards November 7 releases. Jordan Mechner's beat-em-up was orignally set for a week later, but the Major says otherwise. Each game costs 800 MSP.

There's also some noteworthy DLC on the way. Assassin's Creed 3 and WWE '13 get season passes today for 2400 and 1600 MSP respectively, while Sleeping Dogs can now explore the 'Nightmare in North Point' for 560 MSP. When Halo 4 comes out on November 6 the succinct 'War Games Map Pass Season One' should be ready and willing for 2000 MSP. Finally, the similarly concise Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 gets 'Deck Pack 1' on November 7 for 240 MSP.

JoystiqPSA: Pid and Pool Nation hit XBLA Oct. 31, Karateka and ToeJam & Earl Nov. 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cherry-pop-gamesd3-publishingkaratekaliquid-entertainmentmicrosoftmight-and-delightpidpool-nationrelease-datesegatoejam-and-earltoejam-and-earl-collectiontoejam-and-earl-in-panic-on-funkotronXBLAXBLMxboxTue, 30 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The new Karateka looks different]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/the-new-karateka-looks-different/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/the-new-karateka-looks-different/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/the-new-karateka-looks-different/#comments The new Karateka looks differentXbox.com has posted the first look at Jordan Mechner's reimagined Karateka, and a lot has changed since the Apple 2. The hand-drawn rotoscoping has given way to a fully 3D presentation featuring designs by Jeff Matsuda, character designer for The Batman (and the iOS game Age of Monsters).

According to the Xbox listing, D3 Publisher has taken on publishing duties, and is planning to release it on November 14. We're checking with D3 to verify that information. In the meantime, enjoy the screenshots on Xbox.com

JoystiqThe new Karateka looks different originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d3-publisherkaratekaliquid-entertainmentmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3psnwii-uxblaxboxMon, 01 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons & Dragons games on sale through GOG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/dungeons-and-dragons-games-on-sale-through-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/dungeons-and-dragons-games-on-sale-through-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/dungeons-and-dragons-games-on-sale-through-gog/#comments Dungeons and Dragons games on crazy sale through GOGLook, playing actual Dungeons & Dragons takes a lot of time and effort. First you have to find a group of people you don't hate to play with, and then you have to spend days constructing a campaign for them to adventure through. And then, when you finally get down to playing, that one guy decides to be a maverick a pull some crazy stunt that breaks the encounter.

Thankfully, there are alternatives for people who want the lore without actually having to play Dungeons & Dragons, and said alternatives just happen to be on sale at GOG for the next six days. Baldur's Gate: The Original Saga, Baldur's Gate 2 Complete, Neverwinter Nights Diamond Edition, Icewind Dale Complete, Icewind Dale 2 Complete, Dungeons & Dragons: Dragonshard, The Temple of Elemental Evil, Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone and Planescape: Torment are all available for less than five bucks, or in one big bundle for $30.01.

JoystiqDungeons & Dragons games on sale through GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baldurs-gatebaldurs-gate-2Baldurs-Gate-2-CompleteBaldurs-Gate-The-Original-SagaBioWareblack-isle-studiosdungeons-and-dragonsDungeons-and-Dragons-DragonshardForgotten-Realms-Demon-StonegoghasbroIcewind-Dale-2-CompleteIcewind-Dale-CompleteLiquid-EntertainmentNeverwinter-NightsNeverwinter-Nights-Diamond-EditionpcPlanescape-Tormentstormfront-studiosThe-Temple-of-Elemental-Eviltroika-gamesFri, 14 Sep 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroes of Neverwinter preview: Facebook fantasy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/heroes-of-neverwinter-preview-facebook-fantasy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/heroes-of-neverwinter-preview-facebook-fantasy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/heroes-of-neverwinter-preview-facebook-fantasy/#comments I didn't see a Facebook game on the E3 show floor that I would consider passing along to you, honored readers, whose time I value more than my own -- with one noteworthy exception. Dungeons and Dragons: Heroes of Neverwinter represents a project which fans of its tabletop predecessor have been pulling for for a good, long time: An actual adaptation of the game's 4th Edition, complete with dungeon tiles, character progression and the move/minor/standard turn layout.

It is, of course, a simplified version of the robust RPG -- most of the series' constituent features are represented in some form or another, but in a limited capacity. Still, even with this one conceit, Heroes of Neverwinter looks like one of the beefiest titles on the platform; not to mention a dungeoneer's dream come true.

Gallery: Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes of Neverwinter (E3 2011)

Continue reading Heroes of Neverwinter preview: Facebook fantasy

JoystiqHeroes of Neverwinter preview: Facebook fantasy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridungeons-and-dragons-heroes-of-neverwinterfacebookheroes-of-neverwinterliquid-entertainmentpcsocial-gameswizards-of-the-coastSat, 11 Jun 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[300, The Watchmen composer scoring Rise of the Argonauts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/300-the-watchmen-composer-scoring-rise-of-the-argonauts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/300-the-watchmen-composer-scoring-rise-of-the-argonauts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/300-the-watchmen-composer-scoring-rise-of-the-argonauts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


If you've watched the latest trailer for Codemasters' Rise of the Argonauts and have been wondering about the music you've since been humming along to in the shower, you can thank film and television muse, Tyler Bates.

Bates, whose credits include the testosterone-fueled 300 and the upcoming movie adaptation of The Watchmen, will provide accompaniment for Jason as he flexes his mythical muscles against both gods and monsters this fall when Rise of the Argonauts ships for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. The Liquid Entertainment-developed title represents Bates' first stab at scoring a video game, and while we're not prepared to award him the Golden Fleece just yet, we certainly approve of what we've heard so far.

Joystiq300, The Watchmen composer scoring Rise of the Argonauts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersjasonliquid-entertainmentPCPS3rise-of-the-argonautsriseoftheargonautstylerbatesXbox-360Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise of the Argonauts "Departure" trailer is mythologically delicious]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/10/rise-of-the-argonauts-departure-trailer-is-mythologically-deli/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/10/rise-of-the-argonauts-departure-trailer-is-mythologically-deli/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/10/rise-of-the-argonauts-departure-trailer-is-mythologically-deli/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


You all can keep your King Leonidases and your Kratoses (Krati?). Jason, protagonist of Rise of the Argonauts and mythical leader of the group for which the Codemasters RPG was named, is a tried and true badass. As such, one cannot expect him to take the assassination of his ladyfriend lying down. The trailer above details some of the trials Jason must face to revive his sweetie -- namely, a group of irate Ionians, and the Unreasonably Grumpy Father-in-Law, surely the most terrifying monster in all of Grecian lore. Seriously. Hydra's got nothing on that guy.

JoystiqRise of the Argonauts "Departure" trailer is mythologically delicious originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersjasonjason-and-the-argonautsliquid-entertainmentPCPS3rise-of-the-argonautstrailerXbox-360Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise of the Argonauts to be unlike other action-RPGs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/rise-of-the-argonauts-to-be-unlike-other-action-rpgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/rise-of-the-argonauts-to-be-unlike-other-action-rpgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/rise-of-the-argonauts-to-be-unlike-other-action-rpgs/#commentsFiled under: ,

If there was one thing we should have learned from classic games like Contra or Bushido Blade, it's that bullets and swords hurt. Bad. Rise of the Argonauts is continuing this train of thought, says the game's director, Ed Del Castillo. Gamespot sat down for a Q&A session, so we're going to do what we do and summarize the important points for those interested in this game.

This isn't a true recreation of the classic Greek myth. Jason is off to find the fleece not because he was commanded to, but to resurrect his wife. So expect a lot of internal reflections about love and commitment. The game is an action-RPG, but without hit points or layers of menus. It's ... an action game, but role-playing. As such, there's no HUD to display (although you can turn it on in the options menu if you really need to). To save you from any spoilers, they list a couple of the special moves you can unlock in the game -- they sound pretty vicious. Kratos would be pleased.

The game progresses differently based on what god you choose to follow: different skills appear and certain enemies will be more or less difficult to destroy. The game needs to be executed well, obviously, because the ambition felt by the developers is rather large. We'll keep looking for more info because if done right, this could be a nice addition to the PS3 library.

JoystiqRise of the Argonauts to be unlike other action-RPGs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 May 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersliquid-entertainmentrise-of-the-argonautsTue, 27 May 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Learn about Rise of the Argonauts in this video interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/learn-about-rise-of-the-argonauts-in-this-video-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/learn-about-rise-of-the-argonauts-in-this-video-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/learn-about-rise-of-the-argonauts-in-this-video-interview/#commentsFiled under:

Rise of the Argonauts features the mythical Jason on his mythical adventures, acquiring mythical things and accomplishing mythical feats. It's like God of War, but much, much older. This video interview with the game's director, Ed Del Castillo, showcases some pieces of gameplay and cinematic that actually seem rather cool. The Argonauts are described by Castillo as "the X-Men of the Greek Mythology universe" -- something that should pique the interest of many gamers and comic book fans. And Greek myth fans.

You can choose which characters to take with you on different quests to different places and they will alter the choices and experiences you will have -- they might even banter with one another depending on who you choose. There are a lot of consequences for your actions and branching paths, as well. Every character with a name will have a story arc and a series of events relating to the game's path. The graphics might not be the best we've seen, but there's definitely a lot of hidden potential in this game and we'll keep an eye on it.

JoystiqLearn about Rise of the Argonauts in this video interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 May 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersliquid-entertainmentrise-of-the-argonautsSat, 17 May 2008 03:00:00 EST