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[Rumor: Metroid Prime 1.5 design doc surfaces from Retro Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/rumor-metroid-prime-1-5-design-doc-surfaces-from-retro-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/rumor-metroid-prime-1-5-design-doc-surfaces-from-retro-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/rumor-metroid-prime-1-5-design-doc-surfaces-from-retro-studios/#comments Given the sheer size and detail of the recently surfaced design document said to be for a Retro Studios-developed Metro Prime title, it's hard to outright dismiss as a fake. Then again, a nearly 7,000-word design document for an unannounced Metroid Prime game appearing on the internet out of thin air is hard to believe, to say the least.

But that's just what one Neogaf forum member claims to have found, supposedly on the now-locked Google Sites page of former Retro Studios level designer Tony Giovannini. The document is titled "Metroid 1.5 Design Concept," referencing the project's place in the Prime series' timeline -- between Metroid Prime 1 and 2 -- and has a completion date of November 18, 2002. The first Metroid Prime hit store shelves in North America just one day earlier.

Continue reading Rumor: Metroid Prime 1.5 design doc surfaces from Retro Studios

JoystiqRumor: Metroid Prime 1.5 design doc surfaces from Retro Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metroid-1.5metroid-primemetroid-prime-1.5nintendoretroretro-studiostony-giovanniniwiiMon, 07 Feb 2011 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Metroid Prime model gunship boasts 'unprecedented levels of realism and accuracy']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/metroid-prime-model-gunship-boasts-unprecedented-levels-of-real/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/metroid-prime-model-gunship-boasts-unprecedented-levels-of-real/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/metroid-prime-model-gunship-boasts-unprecedented-levels-of-real/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For $300, you get a spaceship that benefits from the most attentive and accurate craftsmanship. It's not quite what intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran paid when she commissioned her gunship, but then ... this one is quite a bit smaller. And it's only a model (shh!).

As part of only 750 units shipping in Q2 2011, this Metroid Prime ship model from First 4 Figures boasts a height of 12 inches, a swivel joint on its base, an elaborate sequence of LEDs and "unprecedented levels of realism and accuracy," thanks to its slavish recreation from the original game files and canon. Note: The rear-mounted plasma beam cannon is probably less functional in this instance.

If you're in the position to order one of these (and you can opt for a three-month payment plan if need be), don't forget to leave space on the mantelpiece for future entries in the Metroid gunship line. First 4 Figures is probably working on a miniature of the Metroid: Other M gunship already, complete with Confession Time booth and compartments for Samus' cyber-diary and violin.

JoystiqMetroid Prime model gunship boasts 'unprecedented levels of realism and accuracy' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first-4-figuresgunshipmetroidMetroid-Primemodelnintendosamussamus-aranshipspaceshipwiiWed, 29 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon: 'Per Nintendo, we will no longer be offering Metroid Prime Trilogy']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/amazon-per-nintendo-we-will-no-longer-be-offering-metroid-pri/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/amazon-per-nintendo-we-will-no-longer-be-offering-metroid-pri/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/amazon-per-nintendo-we-will-no-longer-be-offering-metroid-pri/#comments
Nintendo continues to drag its feet on an official response about Metroid Prime Trilogy's retail status, though online retailer Amazon tells Joystiq that the game has been discontinued. According to a representative from the online retailer: "Per Nintendo, we will no longer be offering Metroid Prime Trilogy at this time." Requests for comment from other retailers were not returned.

The fate of Metroid Prime Trilogy has been shrouded in confusing statements and PR jujitsu for almost a month now. Nintendo refuses to acknowledge it ever made the statement that the game was "no longer being shipped." Nintendo PR told Joystiq, in part (full statement after the break), "Copies of [Metroid Prime Trilogy] are currently available at major retailers nationwide." When pressured, the company representative stated that it is still "clarifying this matter" -- a process which has taken more than two weeks at the time of writing.

Continue reading Amazon: 'Per Nintendo, we will no longer be offering Metroid Prime Trilogy'

JoystiqAmazon: 'Per Nintendo, we will no longer be offering Metroid Prime Trilogy' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Metroid-Primemetroid-prime-2metroid-prime-3metroid-prime-trilogyNintendoWiiMon, 01 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo not done with Metroid Prime series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/nintendo-not-done-with-metroid-prime-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/nintendo-not-done-with-metroid-prime-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/nintendo-not-done-with-metroid-prime-series/#comments
 You may have completed Metroid Prime Trilogy and begun to enter Full Excitement Mode[TM] for next year's Metroid Other M, but there could be even more Metroid in store under Prime's banner of first-person action. Nintendo's Kensuke Tanabe, who oversaw development on the Prime games for Nintendo at Retro Studios, recently told ONM that Nintendo is "always planning to make new games in the Metroid Prime series."

Tanabe didn't speak of a continuation on Wii, but noted that depending "on the timing and the situation, we cannot deny the possibility of realising it on DS or DSi." Though Retro hasn't isolated itself from the franchise, we know Nintendo isn't shy about sharing Samus with external developers. Just don't call it "Metroid Dread," guys. Bad memories.

JoystiqNintendo not done with Metroid Prime series originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSkensuke-tanabemetroidmetroid-primemetroid-prime-trilogyNintendoretro-studiosTue, 17 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Metroid Prime producer hints at future Prime titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/metroid-prime-producer-hints-at-future-prime-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/metroid-prime-producer-hints-at-future-prime-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/metroid-prime-producer-hints-at-future-prime-titles/#comments
With the recent release of Metroid Prime Trilogy, it was easy to presume that the Prime series of Metroid games had received a final nail hammered into its coffin. According to a recent interview with Kotaku though, it appears the series' producer isn't quite done. In response to a question regarding multiplayer in the series, Kensuke Tanabe said:

"As all I take part in is the Prime series, I am not capable of commenting on the whole Metroid series. But we will keep considering multiplayer for the Prime series. For instance, I think I can come up with some unique ideas using the Morph Ball, which is a specific skill of Samus'."

Though the series got a spinoff for the DS in Metroid Prime Hunters, and it's possible Tanabe is speaking about future Prime titles for Nintendo's handheld system, hearing about more Prime games in any capacity is intriguing news. While Team Ninja is busy working on Metroid: Other M, it's possible that Prime series dev Retro Studios could be working on the future of its brand of Metroid. Don''t just take it from us, take it from Retro Studios prez and CEO Michael Kelbaugh who said so himself!

JoystiqMetroid Prime producer hints at future Prime titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSkensuke-tanabekotakumetroidmetroid-other-mmetroid-primemetroid-prime-huntersmetroid-prime-trilogyNintendoretroretro-studiosWiiWed, 23 Sep 2009 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Swag Sunday: Metroid Prime Trilogy (Wii) [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/swag-sunday-metroid-prime-trilogy-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/swag-sunday-metroid-prime-trilogy-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/swag-sunday-metroid-prime-trilogy-wii/#comments
Update: The comments have been closed and the winner will be contacted shortly. Check your email, folks! And thanks to everyone for entering!

How is it that every time we run a Swag Saturday/Sunday post for a Nintendo Wii game, it's something wonderful? Last time we offered you Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure, and this week we're treating one lucky winner to a copy of Metroid Prime Trilogy! To get your hands on it, leave a comment below telling us your favorite moment in the Metroid series -- yes, you can go all the way back to NES. We'll pick one answer at random tomorrow evening to receive the fancy "Collector's Edition" you see above. One stipulation: Automatic disqualification should your answer include the Zero Suit in any way. You know why, ya scoundrels!
  • Leave a comment telling us your favorite moment in the Metroid series, excluding those that involve the Zero Suit.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec, for obvious reasons)
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day
  • This entry period ends at 8:31PM ET on Monday, September 21
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Metroid Prime Trilogy on Wii ($50 ARV)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

JoystiqSwag Sunday: Metroid Prime Trilogy (Wii) [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joyswagmetroidmetroid-primemetroid-prime-2metroid-prime-3metroid-prime-trilogyNintendoretro-studiosswag-saturdayWiiSun, 20 Sep 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minor graphical effects missing in Wii Metroid Prime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/minor-graphical-effects-missing-in-wii-metroid-prime/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/minor-graphical-effects-missing-in-wii-metroid-prime/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/minor-graphical-effects-missing-in-wii-metroid-prime/#commentsIt turns out the word "damn" isn't the only thing missing from Metroid Prime Trilogy. This YouTube video (after the break) demonstrates a few minor, but nice, graphical effects that seem to have been excised from the Wii release of the first Metroid Prime -- specifically, the ripple effect when Samus moves around in water, and the Ice Beam's freezing condensation, which used to gather around the gun when charging Ice Beam shots.

At first we thought the effects might have been a casualty of the process of cramming three games onto one disc, but this video shows that the Japanese version of Prime on Wii, which had a Wii disc all to itself, also lacks the freezing effect (skip to the last thirty seconds to see). So what happened? It could merely be a glitch, or the result of a hasty port. It's certainly nothing to get too upset or burn your Trilogy disc over. Just kind of ... odd.

Continue reading Minor graphical effects missing in Wii Metroid Prime

JoystiqMinor graphical effects missing in Wii Metroid Prime originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>graphicsmetroid-primemetroid-prime-trilogyremakeretro-studioswiiMon, 07 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Metroid Prime Trilogy [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/joyswag-metroid-prime-trilogy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/joyswag-metroid-prime-trilogy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/joyswag-metroid-prime-trilogy/#comments

Click image to morph into galleryUpdate: The giveaway has come to a close. Keep an eye on your email to see if you won!

On this edition of Joyswag, we're looking to unload one copy of Metroid Prime Trilogy ($50ARV). Wouldn't you like having all three Metroid Prime titles on a single disc? If so, check out the details below this text. Good luck!
  • Leave a comment telling us which Metroid Prime game is your favorite
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day
  • This entry period ends at 1:00PM ET on Monday, September 7
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Metroid Prime Trilogy on Wii($50 ARV)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

Gallery: Metroid Prime Trilogy box

JoystiqJoyswag: Metroid Prime Trilogy [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joyswagmetroid-primemetroid-prime-2metroid-prime-3metroid-prime-trilogyTue, 01 Sep 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro Studios could return to Metroid 'some day']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/retro-studios-could-return-to-metroid-some-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/retro-studios-could-return-to-metroid-some-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/retro-studios-could-return-to-metroid-some-day/#comments
Promoting the recently-released Metroid Prime Trilogy, IGN posted a video tour (embedded after the break) of Retro Studios' Texas offices. In the video, Retro President and CEO Michael Kelbaugh discusses the franchise and the possibility of a Retro return to the Metroid series.

While Kelbaugh notes the team was aware it would only be responsible for a trilogy within the franchise, he could not say the team will never return to Samus' universe. "I think Retro will always be associated with the Metroid Prime franchise and who knows, maybe we'll do another one someday," Kelbaugh said, leaving the door to a possible Metroid return slightly ajar.

For now, Retro Studios has hung up its Galactic Federation club coat and is working on new projects, in hopes to "refresh" its development team. Metroid continues to grow elsewhere with Team Ninja currently developing Metroid: Other M for the Wii. An exciting game on the Wii's horizon -- albeit with a terrible name.

Continue reading Retro Studios could return to Metroid 'some day'

JoystiqRetro Studios could return to Metroid 'some day' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metroidmetroid-primemetroid-prime-trilogynintendoretro-studiosFri, 28 Aug 2009 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy Metroid Prime Trilogy in the UK, get Metroid free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/buy-metroid-prime-trilogy-in-the-uk-get-metroid-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/buy-metroid-prime-trilogy-in-the-uk-get-metroid-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/buy-metroid-prime-trilogy-in-the-uk-get-metroid-free/#commentsIf you're in the UK and your Metroid Prime Trilogy purchase will be the second time you've bought one of the Prime games, Nintendo has an enticing offer for you. Be one of the first 5,000 to purchase the Wii collection and register it on Club Nintendo, and, provided you've registered Metroid Prime 1, 2, or 3 in the past, you'll get a free Virtual Console download of the NES Metroid game.

Sure, if you're a big enough Metroid fan to be buying Trilogy despite already owning the game, it's likely you already have Metroid, either on the NES, the Virtual Console, or as a connection bonus on the GameCube Metroid Prime disc. But it's still wonderful precedent to have Nintendo giving away a Virtual Console game to promote a new release.

But why limit it only to the suckers buying one of the games twice? And why only 5,000? A Virtual Console download costs Nintendo nothing.

[Image]

JoystiqBuy Metroid Prime Trilogy in the UK, get Metroid free originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europemetroidmetroid-primemetroid-prime-trilogyretro-studiosukvirtual-consoleThu, 13 Aug 2009 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order Metroid Prime Trilogy at GameStop, get surprisingly nice t-shirt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/pre-order-metroid-prime-trilogy-at-gamestop-get-surprisingly-ni/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/pre-order-metroid-prime-trilogy-at-gamestop-get-surprisingly-ni/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/pre-order-metroid-prime-trilogy-at-gamestop-get-surprisingly-ni/#commentsThe Wii release of Metroid Prime Trilogy just keeps getting better. Yesterday, we learned that it would include a lovely tin and an artbook, and now GameStop has just revealed that copies pre-ordered from the retailer will also come with a free t-shirt! It also comes with video games!

In our opinion, the shirt looks pretty great (we're assuming it's not all dithered in real life like it is in the picture), even with the logo on the side, and even with the added baggage of identifying you as a GameStop shopper. The offer is valid for both in-store and online pre-orders.

Gallery: Metroid Prime Trilogy box

JoystiqPre-order Metroid Prime Trilogy at GameStop, get surprisingly nice t-shirt originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopmetroid-primemetroid-prime-trilogypreorderretro-studiosshirtThu, 25 Jun 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese Metroid site probably isn't teasing a new Metroid game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/japanese-metroid-site-probably-isnt-teasing-a-new-metroid-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/japanese-metroid-site-probably-isnt-teasing-a-new-metroid-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/japanese-metroid-site-probably-isnt-teasing-a-new-metroid-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

We felt a brief jolt of excitement when we saw this graphic on the new Japanese Metroid series website. Right under the boxarts for the two New Play Control Metroid Prime remakes and Metroid Prime 3, this graphic teases "Another side story -- coming soon"! The Japanese text underneath says "Follow the history of Metroid Prime from the perspective of the Space Pirates", which would potentially be a pretty cool game.

However, we don't think it's going to be a new Metroid Prime spinoff at all. For one thing, Nintendo wouldn't really tease a new game like that, and certainly not in Japan, where nobody cares about Metroid. Given that the site provides quick synopses of each game's storyline, we're guessing this is going to be some story retrospective -- as in just a thing on the site. Most likely, it's some clever way of packaging the whole backstory of the series for new players. But for us, it'll be just more incomprehensible Japanese text.

It could be a new game, but it probably isn't. Whatever it is, we'll find out -soon-!

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqJapanese Metroid site probably isn't teasing a new Metroid game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsjapanmetroidmetroid-primeretro-studiosFri, 06 Feb 2009 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Metroid Prime's new play controls demonstrated in Japanese ads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/metroid-primes-new-play-controls-demonstrated-in-japanese-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/metroid-primes-new-play-controls-demonstrated-in-japanese-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/metroid-primes-new-play-controls-demonstrated-in-japanese-ads/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nintendo's new Japanese commercials for the New Play Control version of Metroid Prime pretty well answer the question of how the new controls work. The commercials show example motions over in-game activities, revealing that the control scheme for the Wii remake of Retro Studios' first-person adventure game are similar to the controls found in Metroid Prime 3. The clip goes by too quickly and doesn't feature enough detail for us to determine if any changes have been made to the Corruption control scheme, but we doubt it.

This is basically what we expected, and we're delighted to see it: aside from a minor issue with the + and - buttons, the Wiimote/Nunchuk controls for Metroid Prime 3 were just right. We're quite excited about getting to use them in the magnificent first Prime.

Continue reading Metroid Prime's new play controls demonstrated in Japanese ads

JoystiqMetroid Prime's new play controls demonstrated in Japanese ads originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsmetroid-primemetroid-prime-3new-play-controlretro-studiosThu, 05 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy Poll: New Play Control!: too pricey, or just right?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/wii-fanboy-poll-new-play-control-too-pricey-or-just-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/wii-fanboy-poll-new-play-control-too-pricey-or-just-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/wii-fanboy-poll-new-play-control-too-pricey-or-just-right/#commentsFiled under:

Next month, Nintendo will debut its New Play Control! (or NEW PLAY CONTROL!) line of games in the west, beginning with Europe. Naturally, we really like the idea of great GameCube games with added 16:9 widescreen support and waggle-based controls, and it could be a licence to print money for Nintendo, if Mario Power Tennis' chart-topping debut in Japan is anything to go by.

Will us westerners gobble up these repackaged games as keenly as Japanese gamers? It's likely to depend heavily on pricing -- the games look set to cost $30 in the U.S., and £30 in the UK. Is that too much, just the right amount, or too little (you maniac)?

Have your say in our poll past the break!

Continue reading Wii Fanboy Poll: New Play Control!: too pricey, or just right?

JoystiqWii Fanboy Poll: New Play Control!: too pricey, or just right? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>donkey-kong-jungle-beatmario-tennismetroid-primenew-play-controlpikminplay-on-wiipricingwii-de-asobuFri, 23 Jan 2009 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Metroid Prime remake in Japan February 12?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/rumor-metroid-prime-remake-in-japan-february-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/rumor-metroid-prime-remake-in-japan-february-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/rumor-metroid-prime-remake-in-japan-february-12/#commentsFiled under:

According to Gamekyo, the Wii de Asobu/New Play Control remake of Retro Studios' Metroid Prime has been scheduled for release in Japan on February 12. We're not sure where they got that date, but it seems reasonable enough, given the biweekly releases so far in the series of Gamecube updates.

While it will be interesting to see how the Japanese Wii audience reacts to Prime, this is most relevant to gamers outside of Japan due to the fact that the Pikmin and Mario Tennis remakes are expected to be out in North America and Europe in February and March, very soon after the releases of those two games in Japan. This means that we could possibly see Metroid Prime sometime in the first half of this year -- although Donkey Kong Jungle Beat came out in Japan before either of those others, and we haven't seen that one yet.

JoystiqRumor: Metroid Prime remake in Japan February 12? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsmetroid-primenew-play-controlremakeretro-studioswii-de-asobuThu, 15 Jan 2009 11:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo dates Pikmin port, names other Play on Wii titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-dates-pikmin-port-names-other-play-on-wii-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-dates-pikmin-port-names-other-play-on-wii-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-dates-pikmin-port-names-other-play-on-wii-titles/#commentsFiled under: ,

IGN has confirmed that the "Play on Wii" Pikmin port is more than just a repackaging -- it and the other Play on Wii GameCube games will have updated Wiimote controls. Pikmin is actually the second of these to be released, and it'll hit Japan on December 25 of this year for 3,800 yen ($36). It'll be preceded on December 11 by the game we officially nominate Least Likely to Benefit from New Controls: Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. If these games are released here, we would expect them to be slightly cheaper than the Japanese price (like all games).

Titles announced for 2009 include Mario Tennis, Metroid Prime 1 and 2, Pikmin 2, and -- best of all -- Chibi-Robo! It'll be interesting to see if Skip makes it a point-and-click like it was originally.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqNintendo dates Pikmin port, names other Play on Wii titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chibi-roboDonkey-KongDonkey-Kong-Jungle-Beatgamecubemario-tennismetroid-primemetroid-prime-2New-Play-Control-Donkey-Kong-Jungle-BeatNintendoNintendo-EAD-TokyopikminPlatformerplay-on-wiiThu, 02 Oct 2008 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Metroid Prime devs found Armature Studio, partner with EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/former-metroid-prime-devs-found-armature-studio-partner-with-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/former-metroid-prime-devs-found-armature-studio-partner-with-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/former-metroid-prime-devs-found-armature-studio-partner-with-ea/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you'll recall, three of Retro Studios' key developers - Mark Pacini, Todd Keller, and Jack Matthews - left the Nintendo-owned studio, famous for the Metroid Prime series, last April. Now the trio has announced the formation of an entirely new entity: Armature Studio. Armature isn't your run-of-the-mill developer though - a "core creative team" will be tasked with creating new intellectual properties and then partner with an external development team to implement the design. It's an outsourcing model (think Wideload) that allows smaller creative teams the ability to develop AAA titles.

But while the model is great, it's not very valuable without a publishing partner to help get those games out there. Cue: "a long term, exclusive publishing deal with EA" - presumably the secretive EA Blueprint, since that imprint's Louis Castle is serving as executive producer for the Armature titles. For the guys at Armature, they're just excited to "rethink how games are developed for this generation of consoles." Yup, "consoles" - no longer limited to Nintendo hardware, Pacini says, "What really gets me going is that now, no platform is off limits." Xbox 360? PS3? Gizmondo?

JoystiqFormer Metroid Prime devs found Armature Studio, partner with EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Armature-StudioBreakingNewsEAEA-BlueprintElectronic-ArtsJack-MathewsMark-PaciniMetroid-PrimePS3Todd-KellerXbox-360Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 5: Where Do They Go Now?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/top-5-where-do-they-go-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/top-5-where-do-they-go-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/top-5-where-do-they-go-now/#commentsFiled under:


As someone who's been following Nintendo for quite awhile, they've almost never failed to surprise me. Though their origins are classic, Nintendo-developed games are continuously refined, retooled, and revitalized. Some may buy into that old standard line used mostly for musical artists that makes you sound cool: "their older stuff is better." Such broad generalizations are silly: to ignore Super Mario Galaxy because of a fetish for Super Mario Bros. would be dogmatic.

But for those of us growing long in the gaming tooth, we're led to wonder where all of these classic IPs are headed. It's hard to imagine a gaming world without Nintendo's current A-listers, but does anyone have a solid idea of what future iterations of our favorite franchises will be like? Now that just about every gangbuster franchise has been successfully embedded in 3D, we're at a loss as to the next big step for gaming.

Some of us have really good ideas, but I'm positively stumped as to where these franchises are going.




The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.

JoystiqTop 5: Where Do They Go Now? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>donkey-kongjoystiqfeaturesmariometroidmetroid-primeretro-studiossuper-mario-brossuper-mario-galaxysuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-brawltop-fivetwilight-princesszeldaMon, 08 Sep 2008 12:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Best. Trailer. Ever.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/wii-warm-up-best-trailer-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/wii-warm-up-best-trailer-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/wii-warm-up-best-trailer-ever/#commentsFiled under:


Because you probably should watch it again

We were pleasantly surprised by the House of the Dead: Overkill trailer. We haven't seen such a quality trailer since ... well, maybe ever. We're genuinely pumped for the game.

But, enough about us. What was your most memorable trailer? The Metroid Prime E3 trailer? The first Wind Waker footage? What was your favorite and most memorable trailer?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Best. Trailer. Ever. originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>house-of-the-deadhouse-of-the-dead-overkilllegend-of-zeldametroid-primeoverkilltrailerwind-wakerzeldaWed, 20 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phazon Suit Samus statue is ridiculously nice]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/phazon-suit-samus-statue-is-ridiculously-nice/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/phazon-suit-samus-statue-is-ridiculously-nice/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/phazon-suit-samus-statue-is-ridiculously-nice/#commentsFiled under:


First 4 Figures has come back around full circle, after completing Sheik and Sonic and his pals, now they've got yet another Samus statue. This one, in our opinion, totally trumps all of their past efforts. Just look at the thing.

Of course, the catch is that this costs a bunch of money. $224.99 in money, to be exact. For those of you with a winning lottery ticket, this goes on sale Q1 of next year.

JoystiqPhazon Suit Samus statue is ridiculously nice originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>figurefigurinefirsst4figuresmetroidmetroid-primephazonsamusstatueThu, 10 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: FPS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/ds-daily-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/ds-daily-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/ds-daily-fps/#commentsFiled under:

The latest footage of Renegade Kid's Moon convinced us (and IGN's Matt Casamassina) that the game could be something special, though a few of you evidently still need some encouragement. In the comments, reader John B. argued that no matter how much impressive technology Renegade Kid throws at Moon, it wouldn't be enough, because first-person shooters just don't work as well on the DS.

We're of the opinion that the handheld currently lacks a great FPS, but do you think the DS will ever see a triple-A game in this genre, given its obvious technical limitations?

JoystiqDS Daily: FPS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdfirst-person-shooterfpshuntersmetroidmetroid-primemoonFri, 04 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamefly sales continue to tempt us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/gamefly-sales-continue-to-tempt-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/gamefly-sales-continue-to-tempt-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/gamefly-sales-continue-to-tempt-us/#commentsFiled under:

Gamefly is having a sale on some of its used-but-in-great-condition games again, also offering free shipping to spice up the deal a bit. As always, we're passings these savings along to you, while picking out a few we think are worth highlighting for their respective prices:
Click on the picture or "source" link to see the full list of Wii games, but keep in mind that you might be able to find some of them cheaper elsewhere.

JoystiqGamefly sales continue to tempt us originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attorney-at-lawbleachcorruptiondewys-adventuredragon-bladegameflyharvey-birdmanmanhunt-2metroidmetroid-primemetroid-prime-3nightsshattered-bladesmgsoul-calibur-legendssuper-mario-galaxyvictorious-boxers-revolutionwrath-of-fireTue, 17 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Metroid Prime Trilogy?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/27/rumor-metroid-prime-trilogy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/27/rumor-metroid-prime-trilogy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/27/rumor-metroid-prime-trilogy/#commentsFiled under:

A mysterious tipster sent a rumor in to GoNintendo that a retailer database now lists a product called Metroid Prime Trilogy for the Wii. GoNintendo's RawMeatCowboy speculates that this would be "Prime 1, (2), and 3 all on the Wii ... but Prime 1 and 2 with all-new Wiimote controls."

We believe that, if this is a real product, it's a lot more likely that it's the three Prime games ... in a new box! Or maybe even in the same boxes, but with those inside a new box! Not that that's a bad thing -- the Prime games are very high-quality (even if you hate first-person!), and quite reminiscent of the real Metroids. The first two are definitely among the best GameCube games, and any opportunity to get them in new Wii owners' hands would be welcome.

JoystiqRumor: Metroid Prime Trilogy? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebundlefpsmetroidmetroid-primeretro-studiosSun, 27 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Three Retro Studios staffers escape, save Etecoons on the way out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/three-retro-studios-staffers-escape-save-etecoons-on-the-way-ou/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/three-retro-studios-staffers-escape-save-etecoons-on-the-way-ou/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/three-retro-studios-staffers-escape-save-etecoons-on-the-way-ou/#commentsFiled under:

Three high-level members of Metroid Prime developer Retro Studios have left the company. Design director Mark Pacini, art director Todd Keller, and technology engineer Jack Mathews' last day at the Austin-based, Nintendo-owned developer was Friday. Shacknews speculates that the three are going to start a new company, which is certainly more likely than the three of them simultaneously tiring of game development.

Retro's last released project was, of course, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, after which Pacini said the company would be working on non-Metroid projects. Apparently, even that wasn't enough change for these three -- or they just feared for the condition of their tea tables.

(Yes, the title is a Super Metroid reference and not a Metroid Prime reference. Close enough.)

JoystiqThree Retro Studios staffers escape, save Etecoons on the way out originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mark-pacinimetroidmetroid-primeretro-studiosThu, 24 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shacknews: Key staff leave Metroid Prime dev Retro Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/shacknews-key-staff-leave-metroid-prime-dev-retro-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/shacknews-key-staff-leave-metroid-prime-dev-retro-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/shacknews-key-staff-leave-metroid-prime-dev-retro-studios/#commentsFiled under: ,


Shacknews reports that several "key" employees of Austin, Texas-based developer, Retro Studios, have left the company. The studio is best known for its work on the critically acclaimed Metroid Prime trilogy, which concluded in August last year on Nintendo's Wii.

Staff members said to have been escorted off the premises last Friday include design director Mark Pacini, art director Todd Keller and principal technology engineer Jack Matthews. There's no word yet on what their futures entail, but Shacknews notes that Retro Studios is in no danger of closing. Which is just as well, really, since we're in no danger of not wanting more games from them. We'll let you know when we hear more on this subject.

Update: There's some unconfirmed gossip from mysterious dealer in rumors, Surfer Girl, who mentioned that "something definitely went down at Retro" in a post dated Sunday, April 20th. An unnamed individual is quoted in the post as saying, "Pretty much no one at retro would agree to relocate at nintendo's behest, as asinine shenanigans are typically met with little fanfare."

JoystiqShacknews: Key staff leave Metroid Prime dev Retro Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsGameCubeMetroidMetroid-PrimeMetroidPrimeRetroRetro-StudiosWiiWed, 23 Apr 2008 18:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Metroid Prime senior engineer passes away]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/metroid-prime-senior-engineer-passes-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/metroid-prime-senior-engineer-passes-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/metroid-prime-senior-engineer-passes-away/#commentsFiled under:

Unless you're the type of person who carefully analyzes a game's credits upon completion (we only know one such man), you probably don't know who Mark Haigh-Hutchinson is. His most recent achievement is the titles in the Metroid Prime series, where he served as senior engineer and created the camera system for the game. His other past projects include Zombies Ate My Neighbors (who doesn't love this one?!), Paperboy and Star Wars: Rebel Assault.

Mark passed away on Tuesday at the age of 43 due to pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

JoystiqMetroid Prime senior engineer passes away originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mark-haigh-hutchinsonmetroidmetroid-primemetroidprimemetroidprime3Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paperboy, Metroid Prime programmer dies at 43]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/paperboy-metroid-prime-programmer-dies-at-43/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/paperboy-metroid-prime-programmer-dies-at-43/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/paperboy-metroid-prime-programmer-dies-at-43/#commentsYou probably don't know the name Mark Haigh-Hutchinson, but you've almost certainly been entertained by one of the games he helped to create. From Paperboy and Zombies Ate My Neighbors to a series of Star Wars titles like Dark Forces and Rebel Assault, his career has spanned several years and several genres. Sadly, the programmer died on Tuesday after a struggle with pancreatic cancer. He was 43 years old.

Perhaps the part of Haigh-Hutchinson's legacy that will be familiar to most of you though is his work with the Metroid Prime series, for which he served as senior engineer and helped to create the game's camera system. Besides his gaming legacy, he leaves behind him a wife and two daughters.

[Thanks, Donald]

JoystiqPaperboy, Metroid Prime programmer dies at 43 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathsMark-Haigh-Hutchinsonmetroid-primepaperboyThu, 17 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Wii)

Though its puzzles may occasionally infuriate, the real source of frustration regarding Zack & Wiki stems from the fact that nobody bought it. Every year has its share of titles that deserve an audience yet never find one, and in this regard, Zack & Wiki is easily one of the most tragic games to put an uncontrollable smile on your face. Relentlessly charming and beautifully presented, the debut of Capcom's choc-chomping pirate and his simian sidekick challenges the mind and warms that cynical, meh-spouting lump in your chest. How refreshing it was to overcome obstacles and bosses by choosing the power of the mind over an impossibly large bazooka.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2007

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best-of-the-rest-2007BlueDragonDirtDSGOTY-2007Metroid-PrimeMetroidPrime3Pac-ManPCPhantom-HourglassPhantomHourglassPhoenix-WrightPhoenixWrightPS3StrangleholdSuperPaperMarioTheDarknessTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryUnchartedWiiXbox-360Zack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureZeldaWed, 02 Jan 2008 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Recommended]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/wii-warm-up-recommended/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/wii-warm-up-recommended/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/wii-warm-up-recommended/#commentsFiled under:

If you're anything like us, people are constantly hitting you up for Wii game recommendations. And we don't necessarily mean other gamers, to whom you can squeal, "Metroid Prime 3 OMG," but often, these people aren't gamers at all. You can pass off Super Mario Galaxy, because nongamers get Mario, but what else do you recommend? How much do those recommendations differ from those you offer other hardened gamers?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Recommended originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metroid-primerecommendationssuper-mario-galaxywario-wareThu, 13 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The road to corruption: Retro Studios and the making of Metroid Prime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/the-road-to-corruption-retro-studios-and-the-making-of-metroid/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/the-road-to-corruption-retro-studios-and-the-making-of-metroid/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/the-road-to-corruption-retro-studios-and-the-making-of-metroid/#commentsFiled under:


As gamers, our focus is often on playing games and not the subtleties that go on behind the scenes. If we only knew about all those details, though, we might be shocked to find out how something like the Metroid Prime series almost never came to be.

Retro Studios president and CEO Michael Kelbaugh recently talked about the Prime arc at the 2007 Montreal Games Summit. In the conference, he explained the pressures of having his (at that time) rookie studio pick up such an important franchise, and how Miyamoto was influential in taking the series from third person to first person.

Continue reading The road to corruption: Retro Studios and the making of Metroid Prime

JoystiqThe road to corruption: Retro Studios and the making of Metroid Prime originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Corruptionmark-paciniMetroid-PrimeMetroid-prime-3-corruptionmetroidprimemichael-kelbaughmp3mp3cprimeretro-studiosThu, 29 Nov 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[A year of Wii: The PAL verdict]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/a-year-of-wii-the-pal-verdict/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/a-year-of-wii-the-pal-verdict/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/a-year-of-wii-the-pal-verdict/#commentsFiled under:



Being a devotee of Nintendo in a PAL region is probably a bit like marriage (I'd urge you to stick with me here, because I've thought this analogy through for at least four minutes). For years, you slog away at the relationship, mildly irritated by the other person's foibles and imperfections, like that weird bumpy mole on their back, or how they noisily slurp soup, or how they insist on playing nothing but Keane during long car journeys.

Then every so often, you have your disputes, arguing about the merits of Magnolia Eggshell and Cream Eggshell in the aisle of Lowe's. And sometimes, these disagreements might build up to something bigger in your mind, begin to fester, and perhaps you occasionally think, "Is this it? Is this the rest of my life?" But then, something strange happens -- every so often, the other person does something really fantastic, something that reminds you exactly why you got hitched in the first place, and why you settled on this individual as your soul mate. And suddenly, everything is well with the world, or at least until it's soup night again.

The point of this long-winded comparison being: as a gamer in the UK, that pretty much sums up my relationship with Nintendo. For years now, PAL region gamers have often been treated fairly shabbily by Nintendo. I'll freely admit it doesn't take much too rile us -- we hardcore types are notoriously tough to please -- though Nintendo doesn't always help itself. Its insistence that we receive games or hardware late, or not at all, or borked ... well it's just plain infuriating is what it is. The prices, as well, leave a lot to be desired. And totally rad free gifts? Yea, forget about those.

Continue reading A year of Wii: The PAL verdict

JoystiqA year of Wii: The PAL verdict originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Animal-Crossinganniversary-weekaustraliadelayeuropeGameCubeimportjoystiqfeatureslaunchluigis-mansionmario-kart-wiiMetroid-Primemiyamotonintendo-dspalPikminrip-offsmgsonysuper-mario-galaxyukFri, 23 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[August NPD: Madden and Wii on top, but not together]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/august-npd-madden-and-wii-on-top-but-not-together/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/august-npd-madden-and-wii-on-top-but-not-together/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/august-npd-madden-and-wii-on-top-but-not-together/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

While August yields some noteworthy NPD data in terms of hardware sales, the games populating the top twenty spots in the software chart provide the most interesting commentary. Before we get to that, however, we should gaze at the gargantuan pile of cash that represents the U.S. game industry. GameDaily BIZ reports that total sales climbed to $993 million dollars, a 46% increase over the same month last year, with hardware sales alone reaching $302 million.

Nintendo's Wii once again sold the most units, followed by the DS and a now cheaper Xbox 360. Microsoft had best hope the jump in sales extends to more of a protracted hover, as it seems the PS3 has already come down to Earth following its July "clearance sale."
  • Nintendo Wii: 403.6K (4 million total)
  • Nintendo DS: 383.3K (12.7 million total)
  • Microsoft Xbox 360: 276.7K (6.3 million)
  • Sony PlayStation 2: 202K (39.1 million total)
  • Sony PSP: 151.2K (8.3 million total)
  • Sony PlayStation 3: 130.6K (1.75 million total)

Continue reading August NPD: Madden and Wii on top, but not together

JoystiqAugust NPD: Madden and Wii on top, but not together originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2007 20:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioShockBreakingNewsDSMaddenMetroid-PrimeMetroidPrime3NPDPS2PS3PSPWiiXbox-360Thu, 13 Sep 2007 20:12:00 EST