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[Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers summons third DLC pack on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-summons-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-summons-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-summons-third/#comments While the console versions of Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers are stuck waiting on that third DLC pack, PC users can now boost their virtual card collection through a Steam update today. The third content pack will set budding planeswalkers back $4.99, for which they get two new decks, a plethora of new cards to unlock, new challenges to conquer and, of course, a new single-player campaign to tackle. If you've checked out either of the previous two DLC packs, then you know this is pretty much par for the course.

There's still no timetable for when the DLC will be available on consoles, though we've contacted both Wizards of the Coast and Stainless Games for comment. In the meanwhile, feel free to tap our gallery below for some magical screens.

Gallery: Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers (Expansion Three)

JoystiqMagic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers summons third DLC pack on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcexpansionexpansion-packexpansion-pack-3expansion-pack-threemagicmagic-the-gatheringMagic-the-Gathering-Duels-of-the-Planeswalkerspcstainless-gamesstrategyWizards-of-the-CoastThu, 04 Nov 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Elemental: War of Magic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/preview-elemental-war-of-magic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/preview-elemental-war-of-magic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/preview-elemental-war-of-magic/#comments Stardock's Elemental: War of Magic is already extraordinary, smashing genres together that may have been too big on their own in the first place. At its heart, it's a 4X game in the style of Civ or Galactic Civilizations, but it's also a fantasy RPG with a deep and long story, and a tactical battle game. It has a huge singleplayer campaign, a sandbox mode that creates gigantic maps at random, and even a multiplayer mode. It's vast and confusing and intricate, and while there are certain gamers who just won't vibe with all of the numbers and how open the gameplay is, there are others - probably old-school strategy types - who will love it for everything it is.

Stardock's CEO Brad Wardell is one of those for sure -- as he showed me the latest beta of the game earlier this month, his enthusiasm for the game he's built was quite clear. Elemental: War of Magic, like all of Stardock's titles, is as "homespun" as any video game can be, and Wardell's personality and preferences shine through almost all of its (sorry) elements.

Gallery: Elemental: War of Magic

Continue reading Preview: Elemental: War of Magic

JoystiqPreview: Elemental: War of Magic originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4xbrad-wardellcivilizationelementalelemental-war-of-magicfantasygenremagicpcstardockstrategyMon, 23 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live deal of the week taps Magic: The Gathering for $5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-taps-magic-the-gathering-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-taps-magic-the-gathering-for-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-taps-magic-the-gathering-for-5/#comments Magic: The Gathering, with its power to summon high school social ostracism, is now available for a mere $5 (400) on XBLA to gold members. Football quarterbacks and members of the Young Republicans can now participate or learn the monumentally successful card game in relative anonymity and at a great price -- especially if you factor in the cost of the real card game. Veterans may find the well-crafted XBLA version to be for "beginners," due to its lack of fully customizable decks, but there is an incredible amount of value stacked in there for $5.

Another great and relatively overlooked feature is the game's two-player co-op, which allows you to cut a spouse or friend into the deal. Once all the social stigma is stripped away, it's pretty easy to see why the game has had the staying power of a Drudge Skeleton.

Shortcut: Add Magic: The Gathering to your download queue

JoystiqXbox Live deal of the week taps Magic: The Gathering for $5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekmagicmagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersMicrosoftwizards-of-the-coastxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeMon, 11 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic: The Gathering Tactics to have PC/PS3 connectivity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/magic-the-gathering-tactics-to-have-pc-ps3-connectivity/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/magic-the-gathering-tactics-to-have-pc-ps3-connectivity/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/magic-the-gathering-tactics-to-have-pc-ps3-connectivity/#comments Relations between Sony Online Entertainment's John Smedley and the guys from Penny Arcade have clearly improved since the Donut Debacle of 2006. Smedley recently took a moment to talk to Jerry "Tycho" Holkins about Magic: The Gathering Tactics, revealing a few savory tidbits about the title -- the most delightful of which being the fact that the PS3 and PC versions of the game will be interconnected, allowing a player to use his account (and all his meticulously crafted decks) on both platforms.

Basically, if you've got a laptop, a PS3 and an unslakable hunger for thin, rectangular artifacts imbued with immeasurable power, then your social life and work ethic are about to be assaulted on all sides. Good luck with that!

JoystiqMagic: The Gathering Tactics to have PC/PS3 connectivity originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>interconnectmagicmagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-tacticspenny-arcadesony-online-entertainmentwizards-of-the-coastWed, 04 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix countdown reveals Final Fantasy/SaGa/Magic the Gathering crossover card RPG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/square-enix-countdown-reveals-final-fantasy-saga-magic-the-gathe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/square-enix-countdown-reveals-final-fantasy-saga-magic-the-gathe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/square-enix-countdown-reveals-final-fantasy-saga-magic-the-gathe/#commentsThe latest Square Enix teaser countdown displayed a big Roman numeral that counted down each day, causing a lot of excitement when it struck "VII." The countdown has elapsed, revealing that no, it's not the Final Fantasy VII remake, nor is it something remotely as exciting, though Lord of Vermilion II is at least interesting in its own right.

Lord of Vermilion II is the sequel to Square Enix's popular arcade collectible card game, which uses real trading cards to summon monsters, allies, and such in-game. The sequel is particularly noteworthy because, as the new site reveals, it includes characters from Final Fantasy IV, Romancing SaGa II, and even creatures from Magic: The Gathering.

Of course, since we don't really have card RPGs or arcades in North America, the chances of playing this ourselves are slim. Although, as Siliconera noted, Square Enix trademarked Lord of Arcana in the US. So, it's possible.

JoystiqSquare Enix countdown reveals Final Fantasy/SaGa/Magic the Gathering crossover card RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadecollectible-card-gamecountdownfinal-fantasylord-of-vermilionlord-of-vermilion-iimagicmagic-the-gatheringrpgsagasquare-enixFri, 07 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Magic the Gathering -- Duels of the Planeswalkers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/interview-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/interview-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/interview-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/#comments
Duels of the Planeswalkers was released at the beginning of summer on Xbox Live Arcade, and it's a surprisingly competent take on the traditional Magic card game. The XBLA game is immediately familiar and also easy enough for first-timers to jump in and learn the ropes. There's a robust tutorial, all of the cards are real Magic cards, and the multiplayer features multiple modes of play, including four-on-four battles and "Two-Headed Giant," where a team of two faces off against another team of two. In short, it's addictive.

We recently spoke with Worth Wollpert, senior business manager for Magic Online, and Mark Purvis, associate brand manager, both at Wizards of the Coast. The subject at hand was all things Duels of the Planeswalkers: there's some DLC on the way, and possibly other changes to the game -- but no deck customization (boo!). For now, the team is happy to let the game bring lapsed players back into the fold, and to introduce new players to the tapping and shuffling of Magic: The Gathering. Continue reading for the full interview.

Gallery: Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers

Continue reading Interview: Magic the Gathering -- Duels of the Planeswalkers

JoystiqInterview: Magic the Gathering -- Duels of the Planeswalkers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Duels-of-the-PlaneswalkersinterviewMagicMagic-the-GatheringStainless-GamesTCGWizards-of-the-CoastWotCXBLAWed, 29 Jul 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[David Blaine gets his street magic all over iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/david-blaine-gets-his-street-magic-all-over-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/david-blaine-gets-his-street-magic-all-over-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/david-blaine-gets-his-street-magic-all-over-iphone/#comments
If there's one thing that's less mysterious than actual prestidigitation, it's prestidigitation that requires the use of an iPhone. But street magician and extreme thing doer David Blaine is hoping you'll forget that for long enough to drop $1.99 on his new iPhone collaboration with Partners 1993, which let's your replicate his "See A Card" trick.

Perhaps Blaine is thinking that his name and the promise of being like him will be enough to move digital units. See, through years of intense training, Blaine has managed to exceed human limitations in many areas, such as holding one's breath or deluding one's self.

JoystiqDavid Blaine gets his street magic all over iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appledavid-blaineiphoneiPodmagicMon, 29 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon makes most of Master of Illusion's price disappear]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/amazon-makes-most-of-master-of-illusions-price-disappear/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/amazon-makes-most-of-master-of-illusions-price-disappear/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/amazon-makes-most-of-master-of-illusions-price-disappear/#commentsAmazon.com has pulled a Deal of the Day out of its hat, in the form of Nintendo's Master of Illusion. The magic trick sim, er, magic training game -- or whatever you want to call this weird software -- has had its price halved today, and today only, to an impulse-level $9.98. That's very cheap for a first-party Nintendo game -- or very expensive for a deck of cards, if you choose to look at it that way!

Much like Clubhouse Games and WarioWare: Touched, Nintendo of Japan plans to break out individual tricks from Master of Illusion for sale as DSi downloads. We figure that if you're into e-magic, you might as well grab the whole thing now instead of waiting for the DSiWare version that may not even appear in North America!

JoystiqAmazon makes most of Master of Illusion's price disappear originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondeal-of-the-daymagicmaster-of-illusionWed, 18 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami announces Little Magician's Magic Adventure, which is magical]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/konami-announces-little-magicians-magic-adventure-which-is-mag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/konami-announces-little-magicians-magic-adventure-which-is-mag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/konami-announces-little-magicians-magic-adventure-which-is-mag/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Just to be clear, this is magic we're talking about people. Magician's magic! The sorcerers at Konami announced that this February they will wave their styli through the air, casting a spell on the Nintendo DS with Little Magician's Magic Adventure.

The upcoming title is described as a mix of adventure and simulation-style role-playing, where players attend a magic school, learn to cast spells, go on adventures and, yes, build relationships with other students. Little Magician's something or other also promises scads of customizable avatars and some 52 different adventures, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity for cooperative play and chatting using the game's "global magic alphabet." We imagine it's just like the regular alphabet, except it can't wear armor or use two-handed weapons.

JoystiqKonami announces Little Magician's Magic Adventure, which is magical originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSkonamiLittle-Magicians-Magic-AdventureLittleMagiciansMagicAdventuremagicTue, 18 Nov 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2008 hands-on: Magic: Duels of the Planeswalkers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-hands-on-magic-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-hands-on-magic-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-hands-on-magic-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Wizards of the Coast has been very busy talking about the 4th edition of Dungeons and Dragons, which came out this year, as well as its Star Wars and D&D miniatures and the online version of Magic: The Gathering. So, we were really caught off guard when we stopped by the Wizards booth at PAX and happened across this new version of Magic for the Xbox Live Arcade. We did a double take, tapped our mana, and found out more. Find out about the long-titled Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers after the break.

Gallery: Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers


Continue reading PAX 2008 hands-on: Magic: Duels of the Planeswalkers

JoystiqPAX 2008 hands-on: Magic: Duels of the Planeswalkers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CCGDuels-Of-The-PlaneswalkersjoystiqfeaturesMagicMagic-The-GatheringPAXPAX-08PAX-2008PAX08PAX2008PlaneswalkersWizards-Of-The-CoastXbox-360Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A lesson on how to diminish the glory of dragons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/a-lesson-on-how-to-diminish-the-glory-of-dragons/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/a-lesson-on-how-to-diminish-the-glory-of-dragons/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/a-lesson-on-how-to-diminish-the-glory-of-dragons/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you had a dragon, what would you do? The most amazing creature in existence in under your control, so you'll surely embark on epic adventures across the world, right? You wouldn't make it ... fly through rings, would you?

Apparently, that's the extent of Codemasters' creative efforts thus far on the upcoming Dragonology for the Wii. Based on the popular books chronicling and categorizing everything to do with the mystical world of dragons, Dragonology will let you create a character, hit the skies and undertake many ring-flying, egg-collecting and photo-taking adventures.

The above screen requests the player to fly through a set of rings "more challenging than the first," which implies more than one ring-flying course. Which is more than one too many. You can check out more screens from a promising IP here, but the end results is looking a bit flat already. It's just that .. ring games are usually lousy, sometimes average. Never superb.

JoystiqA lesson on how to diminish the glory of dragons originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdragondragonologyflightmagicMon, 21 Jul 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Master of Price Cuts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/master-of-price-cuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/master-of-price-cuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/master-of-price-cuts/#commentsFiled under:

We're losing count of how many times we've brought you news of Master of Illusion being offered at a lower price, and now it's cheap again! Newegg.com has the quirky (and rather decent) magic trainer on sale for $15.99, plus $2.99 postage.

We know that this has been even cheaper in the past, but we also know that magic continues to be serious business. So buy Master of Illusion today, and no longer will your bungled card tricks be greeted by awkward, slightly pitiful silences at dinner parties; indeed, we expect you all to be sawing siblings in half by the end of the week.


[Thanks, Ernest!]

JoystiqMaster of Price Cuts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 May 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magicmagic-made-funmagic-taizenmaster-of-illusiontrainingMon, 05 May 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Doodle Hex casts itself onto the Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/doodle-hex-casts-itself-onto-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/doodle-hex-casts-itself-onto-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/doodle-hex-casts-itself-onto-the-wii/#commentsFiled under:


Tragnarion Studios just got approved by Nintendo as an official licensed Wii developer, so what are their plans? If you answered, "They're going to Disney World," you'd be wrong, but we appreciate the sentiment.

You may or may not have heard of the Spanish developer's DS game that's in the works, Doodle Hex, which will be coming to our favorite touchscreen handheld this May. The game's name is pretty self explanatory -- you cast magic and hexes on people by drawing them with a stylus. But Tragnarion thinks that the drawing gameplay would go well with a Wiimote, too. With the studio's newly acquired license, the Spanish developer therefore hopes to bring the Doodle Hex saga to the Wii. We're assuming they would make a new game in the series rather than remake the DS game, but details weren't specified.

Tragnarion also said they they've been planning some innovative projects that fully utilize the Wii's capabilities, but whether they mean new IPs or more Doodle Hex remains to be seen.

[Via GamesPress press release]

JoystiqDoodle Hex casts itself onto the Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doodle-hexfightingmagicpuzzlespellstragnarionTue, 18 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Doodle Hex casts first screenshots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/doodle-hex-casts-first-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/doodle-hex-casts-first-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/doodle-hex-casts-first-screenshots/#commentsFiled under:

And it's about time, as well. We last heard about Tragnarion's spell-casting title way back in August 2007, if you can recall such a time, before the game seemingly disappeared in its own puff of smoke.

It's back now, however, along with a publisher (Pinnacle Software) and the first half-dozen screenshots. As described previously, the touchscreen is to be used for scribbling out your hexes (and contains all sorts of gauges and meters that we don't fully understand yet), while the top screen is reserved for the game's hand-drawn art. We like that pig, but some of the other examples look kinda janky.

The gallery below has the first six screens, each super-imposed onto a DS. It's almost like the game itself is in your hands! Or not.


[Via press release]

JoystiqDoodle Hex casts first screenshots originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doodle-hexdoodlehexfightingmagicpuzzlespellstragnariontragnarionstudiosThu, 06 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic: The Gathering-based games coming to PC, Mac, Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/magic-the-gathering-based-games-coming-to-pc-mac-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/magic-the-gathering-based-games-coming-to-pc-mac-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/magic-the-gathering-based-games-coming-to-pc-mac-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If a hit computer game can turn into a hit collectible card game, then why can't a hit CCG become a hit computer game? That seems to be the thinking behind today's announcement that Wizards of the Coast has licensed video game use of its Magic: The Gathering IP to Stainless Games (which will make Xbox Live and PC versions) and Mind Control Software (which will make a Mac edition).

Today's bare-bones announcement includes absolutely no information about how the license will be used or what form the games will take, but it's probably safe to say they won't be direct conversions of the popular card game (WotC's Magic: The Gathering Online already fills that role quite well). More likely, the games will probably follow Acclaim and Atari's leads in using characters and locations from the card game for a new type of experience. We can only pray that these newest efforts will improve on those somewhat disastrous past efforts, because the Magic Universe definitely contains a lot of potential for a good video game.

[Thanks Ross]

JoystiqMagic: The Gathering-based games coming to PC, Mac, Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcclaimAtaricard-gamecardsccgMacmagicmagic-the-gatheringMind ControlMindControlPCStainlesswizardswizards-of-the-coastwotcXbox-360Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic Made Fun conjures up screens, possible PAL release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/magic-made-fun-conjures-up-screens-possible-pal-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/magic-made-fun-conjures-up-screens-possible-pal-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/magic-made-fun-conjures-up-screens-possible-pal-release-date/#commentsFiled under: ,

Master of Illusion hit the U.S. back in November, but PAL gamers are still waiting on Tenyo's magic simulation, where it will carry the far more approachable moniker of Magic Made Fun. The mystery surrounding the game's European and Aussie release date may have been solved, however, as Jersey-based retailer Play.com now has the game listed for release in the UK on March 14th.

On a possibly related note, thirteen new screens of the game appeared in a puff of white smoke were distributed today by Nintendo, which makes us think that the official unveiling of a PAL release date is imminent. Rabbits and hats at the ready!


[Via press release]

JoystiqMagic Made Fun conjures up screens, possible PAL release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magicmagic-made-funmaster-of-illusionsimulationtenyoWed, 06 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Finally, magic is fun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/finally-magic-is-fun/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/finally-magic-is-fun/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/finally-magic-is-fun/#commentsFiled under: ,


In the U.S., magic is serious business. The art of illusion is a skillset to be mastered, as evidenced by the North American title for Nintendo's magic trainer, Master of Illusion. But what if magic tricks could be a recreational activity? Something that people could do for entertainment?

That's the idea Nintendo of Europe came up with when they branded the game: much like Brain Age makes brain exercises fun and Flash Focus makes looking at stuff fun, Magic Made Fun takes magic, which is an important life skill, and makes it fun. No longer will you have to force your kids to practice their card tricks!



[Via GamesPress]

JoystiqFinally, magic is fun originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magicmagic-made-funmagic-taizenmaster-of-illusionWed, 30 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS tapped for Magic: The Gathering card viewer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/ds-tapped-for-magic-the-gathering-card-viewer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/ds-tapped-for-magic-the-gathering-card-viewer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/ds-tapped-for-magic-the-gathering-card-viewer/#commentsFiled under:



Before you get carried away with fantasies of playing Magic: The Gathering matches with your Nintendo DS, try to remind yourself that this is only a simple homebrew application for viewing the game's cards. As far as we know, Wizards of the Coast has no plans for turning the king of collectible card games into an online-supported release for the DS, further confirming our suspicion that life isn't really worth living.

Even if you can't actually make a deck and play with the cards in this dressed-up GIF viewer, it's still a useful resource that allows you to look up artwork and information for over 1800 cards. Displaying everything book-style, the program fills the top screen with the selected card while icons on the touchscreen sort everything by color, type, set, and rarity. Developer Sylus101 promises to add more cards and features, but, at the moment, the card library is limited to sets from the Ravnica, Time Spiral, and Lorwyn blocks. Core sets and older sets have yet to be added, so you might not be able to find some of your favorite cards, including the best Magic: The Gathering creature of all time, Phelddagrif.

[Via Dev-fr]

JoystiqDS tapped for Magic: The Gathering card viewer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applicationcardccgmagicmagic-the-gatheringwizards-of-the-coastThu, 13 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A cheap trick? No, a half-priced Illusion!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/09/a-cheap-trick-no-a-half-priced-illusion/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/09/a-cheap-trick-no-a-half-priced-illusion/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/09/a-cheap-trick-no-a-half-priced-illusion/#commentsFiled under:



Joys be thine, amateur magicians! If you thought that twenty-buck bargain from earlier this week was the best deal Amazon could conjure up for Master of Illusion, prepare to be amazed -- the online shop has sawed the magic kit's original price in half, bringing it down to a mere $14.99 only two weeks after its release in the US! This deal won't last long, however, as it's scheduled to end at the stroke of midnight (or whenever Amazon's stock runs out), so grab this one before it disappears in a puff of smoke.

See also: Metareview: Master of Illusion

JoystiqA cheap trick? No, a half-priced Illusion! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonmagicmaster-of-illusionSun, 09 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Master of Illusion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/metareview-master-of-illusion/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/metareview-master-of-illusion/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/metareview-master-of-illusion/#commentsFiled under:


Since it popped up on Amazon's sale yesterday, and since it's an intriguing title (at least, to this blogger), even though it's been out for a while, we thought we would take a critical look at Master of Illusion -- or at least, a look at what the critics are saying.

Game Informer: 80% -- At GI, they dig the freebies and the attention. "You might think the Wii is perfect for parties at your house, but this game and its magic tricks will make you and your DS the center of attention. Master of Illusion not only shows you how to perform tricks of various stripes, but also has practice exercises and performs some of its own magic tricks on you (the game also comes with a specialty deck of cards)."

IGN: 70% -- At IGN, they see Master of Illusion as the new magic kit: "Visit any toy shop and you're faced with a few "magic kits" that will teach kids how to perform feats of illusions using the props that are included in the box. That's exactly what Master of Illusion is: this generation's magic kit. But instead of the trick hankies, cup and balls, and collapsible wands, you use the Nintendo DS as the tricks' "prop." Master of Illusion is easily one of the most unexpected products on the Nintendo DS. Use your Nintendo DS to perform magic tricks? All right! It's certainly unique, and there's entertainment value in Master of Illusion, but keep in mind it's not a game; most of what you get out of this product is what you put into it."

Game Daily: 70% -- At Game Daily, it's all about performance. "The most enjoyable mode is Magic Show. Here, you can take your practice and tricks on the road, so to speak. While a lot of these tricks are pretty nifty, especially the ones where you pretend to be psychic, most verge on a tad obvious. Luckily, Master of Illusion's manual instructs you on how to deal with mistakes you might make or problems you might have with your illusions without spoiling the atmosphere or the show. Your deck of cards will soon become your best friend."

JoystiqMetareview: Master of Illusion originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magicmaster-of-illusiontrainingThu, 06 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Turning on your PSP: it's like magic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/turning-on-your-psp-its-like-magic/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/turning-on-your-psp-its-like-magic/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/turning-on-your-psp-its-like-magic/#commentsFiled under: ,

Turn on your PSP ... with the power of your hands! Okay, so you always need your hands to turn on your system. But can you turn it on without even touching it? l0rdnic0 from Acidmods can, thanks to some modding and the clever use of magnets. With a simple wave of the hand, you'll be able to turn on and off your PSP like magic.

JoystiqTurning on your PSP: it's like magic originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acidmodsmagicWed, 05 Dec 2007 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Final Countdown edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/wrup-final-countdown-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/wrup-final-countdown-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/wrup-final-countdown-edition/#commentsFiled under:


Considering the big release this week is Master of Illusion, we figured there would be no better anthem to herald the beginning of the magic act than Europe's "Final Countdown." Gob taught us many things, but most importantly he taught us the best magic is done to Europe's masterpiece.

So, will you be honing your skills at illusion or do you have some other game you plan on sinking your teeth into? What are you playing?

JoystiqWRUP: Final Countdown edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrested-developmentboogiegeowarsillusionmagicmaster-of-illusionFri, 30 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Master of Illusion info appears from a cloud of smoke]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/master-of-illusion-info-appears-from-a-cloud-of-smoke/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/master-of-illusion-info-appears-from-a-cloud-of-smoke/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/master-of-illusion-info-appears-from-a-cloud-of-smoke/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nintendo has released a ton of screens and info on their magic trainer/simulator, Master of Illusion. Whereas we previously approached the title with bemusement, the screens have captured our hearts. They're so charming! The whole thing looks not like traditional magic tricks, but like a Nintendo game. We must admit that we have a fondness for the Paper Mario font, as well.

The screens show some of the game's trick demonstrations, which are used to teach the player each trick before he or she can pull them off. According to the fact sheet provided with the screens, each of the game's 20+ tricks has a detailed tutorial.

Will your friends be able to solve the mystery of the Hand I Just Drew that Picks Up the Thing They Wanted? Will they thrill to your powers to transform a thing into another thing with only a clap? Will they see you surreptitiously controlling the tricks? We hope not, on that last one, at least. Check after the break for the full fact sheet!



[Via press release]

Continue reading Master of Illusion info appears from a cloud of smoke

JoystiqMaster of Illusion info appears from a cloud of smoke originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magicmaster-of-illusiontenyotrainingThu, 15 Nov 2007 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Master of Illusion finds quarters behind Joystiq's ears]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/master-of-illusion-finds-quarters-behind-joystiqs-ears/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/master-of-illusion-finds-quarters-behind-joystiqs-ears/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/master-of-illusion-finds-quarters-behind-joystiqs-ears/#commentsFiled under:

Apparently unafraid that the game's secrets would be revealed by the open-air policy, Nintendo let a bunch of game bloggers try out their new magic training game, Master of Illusion. In summary: if you've ever wanted to use your DS to perform shockingly obvious magic tricks in non-obvious ways, then this is, like, the only product on the market for you. If you want to play a game or something, look elsewhere.

Joystiq's Zack Stern explained the game as a set of interactive magic tricks which rely on the included deck of marked cards; the idea is that, once you've determined your friend's card by looking at the marks, you feed that information into your DS surreptitiously (by, for example, drawing a face in a certain way or entering button combinations), allowing the DS to miraculously guess the card. The game also contains some basic lessons about misdirection and other skills involved in magic.

Zack, ironically, wanted to see more training in this DS non-game: "I hope that creative magicians will eventually figure out ways to perform without the handheld. I just wish the game offered that outright, analog goal."

JoystiqMaster of Illusion finds quarters behind Joystiq's ears originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magicmaster-of-illusionmasterofillusionTue, 16 Oct 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Master of Illusion (DS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/15/joystiq-hands-on-master-of-illusion-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/15/joystiq-hands-on-master-of-illusion-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/15/joystiq-hands-on-master-of-illusion-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,

I've always liked magic. Growing up, I learned card tricks, sleight-of-hand, and other ways to fool an audience. One of my great childhood memories was being driven downtown by my mom and rummaging though a magic store's disorganized racks. I picked out a small, mirrored box that could cause any object I placed inside to disappear.

If that store had Master of Illusion, I would have likely bought it instead. The DS "game" teaches kids tricks through dozens of on-screen activities. Some even rely on the included deck of cards. The best tricks lead to performances for friends, while some activities -- like fortune telling -- seem better suited to slumber parties. A few other activities let single players amaze themselves, with the DS reading the gamer's mind in a series of logic-based tricks.

While I'll try not to spill too many secrets about how Master of Illusion works, the game looks to be a unique tool for young magicians. However, I was disappointed that the DS is required in all activities; I wanted the game to teach stand-alone tricks that work with just the included cards. But at least the game explains ways to misdirect an audience, recover from a mistake, and other basics that could be applied to other performances.

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Master of Illusion (DS)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Master of Illusion (DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardsdsmagicmagic-trickmagicianmaster-of-illusionnintendotrickMon, 15 Oct 2007 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo puts scarf over Nintendo Magic, reveals Master of Illusion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/nintendo-puts-scarf-over-nintendo-magic-reveals-master-of-illus/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/nintendo-puts-scarf-over-nintendo-magic-reveals-master-of-illus/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/nintendo-puts-scarf-over-nintendo-magic-reveals-master-of-illus/#commentsFiled under: ,


First we saw Nintendo Magic on Nintendo's upcoming releases list during E3, and figured that it was a localized version of the magic-training game Magic Taizen. Then, last week, Nintendo registered the trademark in Japan at the same time as a bunch of Wii stuff, leading us to think that maybe it's a Wii thing.

Now, as discovered by a GoNintendo reader, the title Nintendo Magic is nowhere to be found in the list of games on Nintendo's press site, for DS or Wii. However, a new game called Master of Illusion is set for release on November 26 for DS. Maybe this is the thing that we thought Nintendo Magic was? Or maybe this is the thing that we didn't know Nintendo Magic was going to be?

It all feels like misdirection. Maybe Nintendo's about to reveal which card we were thinking of.

JoystiqNintendo puts scarf over Nintendo Magic, reveals Master of Illusion originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magicmagictaizenmasterofillusionnintendomagicMon, 10 Sep 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[E307: Nintendo making magic for non-Japanese gamers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/e307-nintendo-making-magic-for-non-japanese-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/e307-nintendo-making-magic-for-non-japanese-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/e307-nintendo-making-magic-for-non-japanese-gamers/#commentsFiled under:

In the midst of everything else -- boy, we didn't think we'd be saying that after the keynote, at least in regard to the DS! -- bursting out of E3, we almost didn't notice this line on a release list of upcoming DS games: Nintendo Magic. Once we did, however, a collective gasp shuddered forth from the DSF staff as we realized that this rather vague name (which, for all we knew, could have been the release of the money-printer at last) was most likely Magic Taizen, the magic trainer that we thought might never make it outside Japan. It looks like we're not the only ones who've reached that conclusion. We can only hope we'll be learning some one-handed cuts and all about pulling rabbits from our clothing this November. DS games are a lot cheaper than buying magic books!

JoystiqE307: Nintendo making magic for non-Japanese gamers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e307magicmagic taizenMagicTaizennintendo magicNintendoMagictrainingtricksFri, 13 Jul 2007 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Order of the Phoenix looking good]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/13/order-of-the-phoenix-looking-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/13/order-of-the-phoenix-looking-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/13/order-of-the-phoenix-looking-good/#commentsFiled under:

Three new videos of the forthcoming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix have gone up on IGN. The videos demonstrate a few of Harry's spells and give us a look round Hogwarts. We'll be casting the spells with a flick of the Wiimote, and maybe even incanting them through the mic.

Like Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, the Harry Potter games have been a bit of a mixed bag in the past; Goblet of Fire, for instance, was very much a bogey. This one, however, is looking and sounding very promising. If EA can capture the feel of Hogwarts in the game and get that elusive sandbox gameplay working, then this could be a real treat.

JoystiqOrder of the Phoenix looking good originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2007 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artsElectronicArtsharry potterharry potter and the order of the phoenixHarryPotterHarryPotterAndTmagicorder of the phoenixOrderOfThePhoenspellsvideowandwarner brothersWarnerBrotherswiimotewizardSun, 13 May 2007 11:38:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Favorites: Eric's top five]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/ds-fanboy-favorites-erics-top-five/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/ds-fanboy-favorites-erics-top-five/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/ds-fanboy-favorites-erics-top-five/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



All this week, the DS Fanboy staff is letting you in on a few of their favorite titles. Each day, a different member of the staff will present their personal top five DS games along with a snapshot of their gaming paraphernalia and habits, in an effort to provide our readers with a little more information on the tastes and personalities of our writers.

When my afternoons aren't busied by hours of photoshopping cat heads onto pictures of my friends, I pass the time with puzzlers and plumbers on my DS Lite. But those kitten-free days are few and far between, so I end up being able to only fit either the most polished or the most eccentric games into my packed schedule. Wario: Master of Disguise? Sorry, I've got things to do and feline faces to retouch. Lost in Blue 2? I'll have to pass -- I'm already lost in trying to get these whiskers to look perfect.

My collection is a mishmash of AAA titles and niche releases, their cases piled atop one another like a Jenga stack of mismatched blocks, threatening to topple over at any moment. Just pulling a game from the middle of the shaky structure is an act preceded by hours of anxiety and self-doubt. Having my wife provide commentary during the ordeal, remarking "Oh god, it's going to crash this time for sure, I just know it. Why'd you even try, Eric?! Game over, man! Game over!" as I tug out my copy of Advance Wars DS doesn't make the challenge any easier.

So when I do manage to put aside the pussycat photos and secure a game to play, it better damn well be worth it. Journey forth and read which of those titles have captured a place not only on my top five list, but in my heart.

Continue reading DS Fanboy Favorites: Eric's top five

JoystiqDS Fanboy Favorites: Eric's top five originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcomageatluscardschallengeofthewcontactcrackdrybonesdsfanboyfavegbagrasshopperinfiniteinterackartluckycharmsmagicmagiccardsmagicthegatherimariokartmariokartdsNew-Super-Mario-Bros-DSNintendonintendodsPlatformpqpuzzlepuzzlequestpuzzlerquestraceracingrebelstarrebelstartacticsupermariobrostetristetrisdswarlordsx-comxcomFri, 20 Apr 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meteos Disney Magic outsourced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/meteos-disney-magic-outsourced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/meteos-disney-magic-outsourced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/meteos-disney-magic-outsourced/#commentsFiled under:

If you were concerned about having to love the new Disney version of Meteos because you're a huge Q Entertainment/Tetsuya Mizuguchi fanboy, well, now you can take a second, more critical look at it. As it turns out, Q outsourced their game to two companies: Platinum Egg, who did a Harvest Moon puzzle game, and Aspect Digital Entertainment, who are professional game ghostwriters, like Tose. This fact may be obvious from the title screen, but we hadn't seen any investigation about it until today.

This is news only because it's about Q-- this kind of thing happens all the time, but we thought that Mizuguchi's studio was kind of a "boutique" operation that only worked on games they wanted to. Why, then, would they take on a project that interested them little enough to outsource it? Oh, right.

JoystiqMeteos Disney Magic outsourced originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspectdisneydsds litedslitemagicmeteosmizmizuguchinintendonintendo dsnintendodsoutsourcingqq?qentertainmenttoseMon, 19 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fairy Godmother Tycoon: get your magic wand ready]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/fairy-godmother-tycoon-get-your-magic-wand-ready/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/fairy-godmother-tycoon-get-your-magic-wand-ready/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/fairy-godmother-tycoon-get-your-magic-wand-ready/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ever since Sid Meier's Railroad Tycoon came out in 1990, there's been an onslaught of "Tycoon" games. You've got everything from RollerCoaster Tycoon, to Airport Tycoon, to Prison Tycoon, amongst others. There's even a "Tycoon Collection" that contains Circus Tycoon, Carnival Cruise Lines Tycoon, and Mall of America Tycoon. It's a total invasion of the tycoons.

Adding to that pile is one more tycoon game that at least sounds creative: Electronic Arts' upcoming Fairy Godmother Tycoon. All the past tycooners (we just trademarked that phrase, fyi) simulate a type of business, from running a lemonade stand to operating an amusement park, but this one takes you into fairy tale land, where you have to manage being a Fairy Godmother. Which is essentially a kind of business as well, you think dealing out magic and wishes comes cheap?

Apparently it doesn't come easy either, because in this game "you must make careful decisions -- purchasing supplies when they're cheap, pricing your potions correctly, hiring goons to help you with your marketing, casting spells on peasants and upgrading elements around your shop." Check out the interview on VH1 GameBreak with game producer Todd Kerpelman, and find out more about it.

JoystiqFairy Godmother Tycoon: get your magic wand ready originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic ArtElectronic-ArtsfablefablesFairyFairy GodmotherFairy Godmother Tycoonfairy talefairy talesGamebreakGodmotherinterviewmagicPCsimulationTodd KerpelmanToddKerpelmantycoonVH1 GamebreakVh1GamebreakTue, 06 Mar 2007 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[More info on Chocobo and the Magic Picture Book]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/26/more-info-on-chocobo-and-the-magic-picture-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/26/more-info-on-chocobo-and-the-magic-picture-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/26/more-info-on-chocobo-and-the-magic-picture-book/#commentsFiled under:


In the latest update for Chocobo and the Magic Picture Book, some info relating to the game's battle system and characters is revealed. The game is to feature 3 playable characters in (the obvious) Chocobo, Shiroma (a White Mage) and Chromo (the Black Mage responsible for bestowing the book upon our yellow-feathered protagonist). The game's villain is Bebazu, who is sealed within the magical book in the game's title of the same name.

The battle system for the game is card-based. Using cards causes them to be gone for good, however after you win each battle you are gifted with new cards, so your deck is very much a renewable resource. It is also said that there will be character cards, like the ones present in Final Fantasy VIII, so discretion is certainly advised.

See also:

JoystiqMore info on Chocobo and the Magic Picture Book originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Oct 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookchocobochocoboandthemagicpicturebookdsenixmagicnintendonintendodspicturesquaresqueenixThu, 26 Oct 2006 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bust some magic tricks on your DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/bust-some-magic-tricks-on-your-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/bust-some-magic-tricks-on-your-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/bust-some-magic-tricks-on-your-ds/#commentsFiled under:

Nintendo announced Magic Taizen, yet another unique title in a line-up of incredibly creative games on the DS system. Tenyo, a distributor in Japan for magic tricks, was recruited by Nintendo to create the game. In the game, you'll be learning magic tricks, as well as performing them, through the DS. No longer will you have to carry around that live dove in your pants all day and can, instead, become a master magician like one Gob Bluth without the risk of bodily harm.

JoystiqBust some magic tricks on your DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Oct 2006 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrestedarresteddevelopmentdevelopmentdsmagicnintendonintendodsTue, 24 Oct 2006 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Meteos: Disney Magic gets the preview treatment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/meteos-disney-magic-gets-the-preview-treatment/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/meteos-disney-magic-gets-the-preview-treatment/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/meteos-disney-magic-gets-the-preview-treatment/#commentsFiled under:

It's been well documented here at DS Fanboy how much we absolutely love Meteos, as well as puzzle games in general. When the announcement hit that there would be a Disney-themed edition of the game, we almost literally blew up with excitement. Regardless of the Disney theme, more Meteos was just what the doctor ordered for our bad case of needing to solve puzzles. IGN recently got their hands on an early build of the game and there has been a few changes to the already-beloved experience, causing us to wonder if this updated dose of Meteos is going to cure our ailment.

First of all, the DS now needs to be held like a book as if the player is playing Brain Age. Supposedly, this is to maximize visual space, but we'd be lying if we said the change was something we supported. Another change is that now on Easy and Medium difficulty, you can move blocks horizontally, as long as they're surrounded by at least one block on its left and right. We're anxious to get our hands on the final product, but for now we're choosing to remain skeptical. How about you, anxious or angry?

[Thanks BPMΩ!]

JoystiqMeteos: Disney Magic gets the preview treatment originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Oct 2006 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydsmagicmeteosmeteosdisneymagicnintendonintendodsMon, 23 Oct 2006 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Chocobo and the Magic Picture Book trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/27/chocobo-and-the-magic-picture-book-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/27/chocobo-and-the-magic-picture-book-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/27/chocobo-and-the-magic-picture-book-trailer/#commentsFiled under:

Everyone loves the chocobo. And why not? He's got his own theme music, he's the best ride in all of Final Fantasy, and then there's the whole "Wark!" business. No one can resist the fluffy giant chicken. You think you can? Oh, brother, we have something for you. It's the new Chocobo and the Magic Picture Book trailer, and it is cuteness personified. No matter how crusty or curmudgeonly you think you are, this trailer is guaranteed to make you murmur, "Aww," at least once. And hey, these days, it's hip to be sensitive. Just let it out, man. We won't tell.

The trailer is embedded after the jump, and it really is just as precious as ... well ... things that are extra precious, like babies and gold rings with scribbles. Even malboros, one of the most fearsome enemies in the FF-verse, seem totally cuddly, despite our memories of their bad breath.

Continue reading Chocobo and the Magic Picture Book trailer

JoystiqChocobo and the Magic Picture Book trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Sep 2006 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookchocobochocobo and the magic picture bookChocoboAndTheMagicPictureBookFinal FantasyFinalFantasymagicnintendo dsNintendoDspictureSquare EnixSquareEnixWed, 27 Sep 2006 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Chocobo and the Magic Picture Book gets Japanese date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/chocobo-and-the-magic-picture-book-gets-japanese-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/chocobo-and-the-magic-picture-book-gets-japanese-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/chocobo-and-the-magic-picture-book-gets-japanese-date/#commentsFiled under:

While there is still no word if the US will see the Square-Enix Final Fantasy spin-off, Chocobo and the Magic Picture Book, those who plan on importing it anyway will be pleased to hear that it got a release date.

Chocobo and the Magic Picture Book will reach Japanese shelves December 14, 2006.

With the web site up and screenshots a plenty, we hope to hear more about the title coming to the States. Square certainly is showing the love for gamers this year. This Fall has been a Final Fantasy overload and now they are hitting us with spin-offs. Square, we love you.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqChocobo and the Magic Picture Book gets Japanese date originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookchocobochocobo and the magic picture bookchocobo dsChocoboAndTheMagicPictureBookChocoboDsfinal fantasyFinalFantasymagicnintendo dsNintendoDspicturesquare enixSquareEnixWed, 20 Sep 2006 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer WarCry: Battle for Atluma coming to the PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/14/warhammer-warcry-battle-for-atluma-coming-to-the-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/14/warhammer-warcry-battle-for-atluma-coming-to-the-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/14/warhammer-warcry-battle-for-atluma-coming-to-the-psp/#commentsFiled under:

Warhammer WarCry: Battle for Atluma coming to the PSPWhile Namco appears not have struck gold with its most recent title, it may be able to strike it with its newest upcoming game - Warhammer WarCry: Battle for Atluma, which will be the PSP's first card-based battle game.

The game will be based on the Warhammer card game and will give players the option of leading the Grand Alliance or Hordes of Darkness to victory. Allowing players to collect more than 450 cards, 90 different units and the ability to wirelessly connect with a friend to battle it out for each other's cards has me tickled to death with excitement. Warhammer WarCry also allows for the building of custom decks and features an extensive tutorial system for us noobs out there.

I gotta be honest, I'm not too familiar with the Warhammer series; instead I've been more of a Magic: The Gathering kind of guy. But I'm up for any decent card-based battle game on the go, and we won't have too wait long, either, as Warhammer WarCry is set to ship Oct. 17.

(Via Playstation.com forums)

JoystiqWarhammer WarCry: Battle for Atluma coming to the PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>card battle gamescard gamescardsgrand alliancehordes of darknessMagicMagic: The GatheringnamcoWarcryWarhammerWarhammer WarCry: Battle for AtlumaThu, 14 Sep 2006 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 booth tours: Magic the Gathering]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/12/e3-booth-tours-magic-the-gathering/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/12/e3-booth-tours-magic-the-gathering/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/12/e3-booth-tours-magic-the-gathering/#commentsFiled under: ,


These guys were almost hidden in the West Hall near our blogging setup on the show floor. But as you can see, Magic the Gathering has quite an interesting setup. During the time I checked it out, they were having a tournament for their multiplayer game.

Continue reading E3 booth tours: Magic the Gathering

JoystiqE3 booth tours: Magic the Gathering originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 May 2006 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BOOTHE3E32006MAGICTHE GATHERINGTOURFri, 12 May 2006 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[DS releases for the week of April 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/24/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-april-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/24/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-april-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/24/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-april-24/#commentsFiled under:

This week's titles include the long-awaited Lost Magic, a game that's equal parts role-playing and real-time strategy. Guilty Gear: Dust Strikers has a lot of doubt surrounding it from those wondering if the frenetic action of its console cousins can be accurately transported to the dual-screened brilliance of the DS. As for Top Gun, well...is anyone excited for this game?
  • Guilty Gear: Dust Strikers
  • Lost Magic
  • Top Gun
As always, availability subject to manufacturer delivery.

JoystiqDS releases for the week of April 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Apr 2006 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgearguiltygunlostmagicnintendoreleasestopMon, 24 Apr 2006 21:05:00 EST