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[English Pokemon Heart Gold/Soul Silver gets exclusive mini-game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/english-pokemon-heart-gold-soul-silver-gets-exclusive-mini-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/english-pokemon-heart-gold-soul-silver-gets-exclusive-mini-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/english-pokemon-heart-gold-soul-silver-gets-exclusive-mini-game/#comments We've always thought the regular inclusion of slot machines in the kid-friendly world of Pokémon to be bit strange, and apparently we weren't the only ones. According to Official Nintendo Magazine, the English-language versions of Heart Gold and Soul Silver have had their gambling devices replaced by a new mini-game which, according to the magazine, is surprisingly fun.

In the new game, players must flip over panels in a five-by-five grid. Some panels hide multipliers for the player's coins. Some, however, hide Voltorbs, which end the round and cause the player to lose all coins accumulated to that point. You can guess where each Voltorb is hidden using numerical clues at the end of each row and column -- it other words, its Picross meets Minesweeper. Meets Pokémon. Yes, please.

JoystiqEnglish Pokemon Heart Gold/Soul Silver gets exclusive mini-game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-freakmini-gamesnintendopokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverWed, 03 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MadWorld producer talks mature Wii titles, sequels, minigames]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/madworld-producer-talks-mature-wii-titles-sequels-mini-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/madworld-producer-talks-mature-wii-titles-sequels-mini-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/madworld-producer-talks-mature-wii-titles-sequels-mini-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Despite having few ultra-violent titles in its library (most notably Manhunt 2 and No More Heroes), the Wii can't seem to shake its "kiddie" moniker. MadWorld producer Atsushi Inaba hopes to change that, telling play.tm, "It would be great if MadWorld can really kick off [a trend of mature titles]." He also opined that the console's hardware capacity is not a problem so long as you can "correctly communicate the concept or features of the game." Seeing as we're able to envision waggling the remote and producing lots of virtual blood, we think he might be onto something.

Inaba also said that they're (gasp!) considering a sequel should the game be successful. If that's not enough of a non-surprise for you, he reminds us that there will be minigames -- known here as "Blood Bath Challenges." This is a Wii title, after all.

Gallery: MadWorld

JoystiqMadWorld producer talks mature Wii titles, sequels, minigames originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atsushi-inabainabamad-worldmadworldmaturemini-gamesplatinum-gamessegaWiiWed, 14 Jan 2009 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gardening Mama says put it in the ground]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/gardening-mama-says-put-it-in-the-ground/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/gardening-mama-says-put-it-in-the-ground/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/gardening-mama-says-put-it-in-the-ground/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mama's so talented. No more is she limited to the kitchen, sweetly suggesting you chop vegetables before she tans that behind. Now she's free to rove in the gardens as well, pointing at the shrubbery and essaying commands. Of course, after this screenshot, we fully expect an English-Teaching Mama in the future. The sky's the limit, Mama! So long as you stick to traditionally feminine roles, anyway.

505 Games just announced that they'll have the latest in Mama's franchise on shelves in Europe in the spring, to coincide with the release of that region's Cooking Mama 2: World Kitchen for the Wii. Since World Kitchen is slated for November in the U.S., and no similar announcement has yet been made for Gardening Mama here, it doesn't look like we'll see the same dual release.

JoystiqGardening Mama says put it in the ground originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesgardening-mamamini-gamestaitoMon, 27 Oct 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Chocobo vs. chocobo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/26/ds-daily-chocobo-vs-chocobo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/26/ds-daily-chocobo-vs-chocobo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/26/ds-daily-chocobo-vs-chocobo/#commentsFiled under:


With two chocobo-centric games heading to the DS, cash-poor gamers may have to make a terrible decision: chocobo, or chocobo? Oh, the horror! They're both adorable, but one is packed with mini-games based on familiar stories, and the other is based on familiar (as in, old school) gameplay packed with aspects that will kick your ass. Similar in some ways, they are, but in the end? Very different.

If forced to choose, which would be your one chocobo game to rule them all: Cid and Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon: Maze of Time DS+ or Chocobo and the Magic Storybook: The Witch and the Girl and the Five Heroes.

JoystiqDS Daily: Chocobo vs. chocobo originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocobochocobo-talesmini-gamesmystery-dungeonroguelikesquare-enixSun, 26 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's have fun with Let's Tap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/lets-have-fun-with-lets-tap/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/lets-have-fun-with-lets-tap/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/lets-have-fun-with-lets-tap/#commentsFiled under:


We're just gonna lay it out there: Let's Tap looks more like Let's Be Completely Freakin' Awesome (And Take That, Guitar Hero). The game debuted amidst excitement about Sin & Punishment 2 and Punch-Out!!, and so didn't get quite the attention it deserved. You wouldn't think it could then stand out at TGS, but the armchair-drumming (wait, tapping) game with the wild visuals managed to draw a little spotlight and snag some favorable impressions.

What's really striking about Let's Tap, though, is that it seems to capture the anything-goes, nontraditional spirit of the Wii -- remember that? the promise of new and breathtaking vistas? -- in a way that software like Wii Fit cannot. You put the Wii remote on a box. Then you do the same thing you do anytime you're stuck waiting at a light, or standing by a file cabinet: you drum out rhythms with your fingertips and this translates to the screen. It's simple, wacky, brilliant, and we wish it was being released tomorrow.

Sadly, we may be alone in this.

Gallery: Let's Tap

JoystiqLet's have fun with Let's Tap originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-tapmini-gamesrhythmsegaTue, 14 Oct 2008 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix prepares another book of Chocobo Tales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/square-enix-prepares-another-book-of-chocobo-tales/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/square-enix-prepares-another-book-of-chocobo-tales/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/square-enix-prepares-another-book-of-chocobo-tales/#commentsFiled under: ,

The cute little Chocobo has really warked his way into the spotlight: after Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales on the DS, Square Enix was inspired to revive the Chocobo's Dungeon series on Wii ... and then, this summer, Square Enix announced one of each for the DS, as a follow-up to the success of Chocobo Tales. That's one busy little bird.

New details and screenshots are available at last on Chocobo's foray into the land of Final Fantasy Fables. Chocobo to Mahou no Ehon: Majiyo to Otome to Gojin no Yuusha (Chocobo and the Magic Storybook: The Witch, The Maiden, and the Five Heroes) follows the fat chocobo as he ventures, this time, into a story book drawn by Cid. Both of Square Enix's new Chocobo games focus heavily on Cid, so we're not surprised to see the franchise staple putting pen to page in this game. Players will tackle more than 40 mini-games when the title is released in Japan this December.


[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqSquare Enix prepares another book of Chocobo Tales originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurechocobochocobo-to-majou-no-ehonfinal-fantasy-fablesmini-gamessquare-enixMon, 29 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guinness World Records : The Trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/guiness-world-records-the-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/guiness-world-records-the-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/guiness-world-records-the-trailer/#commentsFiled under:


We've just received a new trailer for upcoming minigame compilation Guiness World Records: The Video Game. It was kind of a sleeper hit for this blogger at E3. Despite it being a minigame compilation, which usually elicits a rolling of the eyes, it managed to impress through some fun scenarios and tight controls.

[Via press release]

JoystiqGuinness World Records : The Trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guinnessguinness-world-recordsmini-gamesminigamesFri, 29 Aug 2008 18:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Carnival Games 2 delayed due to first game's success]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/carnival-games-2-delayed-due-to-first-games-success/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/carnival-games-2-delayed-due-to-first-games-success/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/carnival-games-2-delayed-due-to-first-games-success/#commentsFiled under:

We like to bash the shovelware as much as anyone, but Take Two's Carnival Games must have been a real gem, because it has sold well consistently and "exceeded expectations" since its release. That's why Take Two has been taking their good old time in churning out a sequel to the game, which is now in the works.

"We saw the original title was a big success, and we had the developers [Cat Daddy] thinking down the line for the brand," said 2K Play marketing director Christina Recchio. "So there will be a 'Carnival Games 2,' but when that is, I can't say that right now. We just have to assess the market and see when the right time is to release the title." What does this mean? Well, that they won't need to rush development on the sequel so long as the first title keeps on selling.

Any of you play the original Carnival Games? Think it got a bad rap from the critics? Or was it just a bad game?

JoystiqCarnival Games 2 delayed due to first game's success originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2k-playcarnival-gamescasualmini-gamesminigamestake-twoThu, 21 Aug 2008 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Rabbids TV Party flexes its muscle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-rabbids-tv-party-shows-its-muscle/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-rabbids-tv-party-shows-its-muscle/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-rabbids-tv-party-shows-its-muscle/#commentsFiled under:


While you may be able to play Raving Rabbids TV Party with your butt, you probably can't use your butt to look at the new screenshots that have surfaced. If you can? Well, we don't really want to hear about it, thanks.

Once you start looking for butt, you realize that it's everywhere. Just check out this screenshot -- you've got a rabbid clinging to this poor bovine creature's ass with his ass ... and what's the move called? Backside tail grab. Listen, we're not insinuating anything about Ubisoft here. We're just pointing out the obvious.

JoystiqE308: Rabbids TV Party flexes its muscle originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>butte3-2008e308mini-gamesraving-rabbids-tv-partyrayman-raving-rabbidsubisoftWed, 16 Jul 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Shaun the Sheep screens taste good with mint sauce]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/shaun-the-sheep-screens-taste-good-with-mint-sauce/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/shaun-the-sheep-screens-taste-good-with-mint-sauce/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/shaun-the-sheep-screens-taste-good-with-mint-sauce/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mention anything associated with Nick Park to animation aficionados and you will be met with squeals of delight. On second thought, don't mention anything -- just take solace in the fact that you know all about the mega-popular creator of Wallace & Gromit, Creature Comforts and now Shaun the Sheep.

Our first look at Shaun was a positive one -- despite the possible trappings of the standard mini-game compilation, the light-hearted, mischievious nature of the trailer had people talking. D3 has released a whole batch of new screens today, which show the farm map along with several other characters. Judging by the dual-screen displays, it appears gameplay might mix with stop-motion cutscenes simultaneously -- which would be awesome. The overall polish of Shaun the Sheep is making a strong case for a decent game when it arrives in Q3 2008.

Gallery: Shaun the Sheep


[Via press release]

JoystiqShaun the Sheep screens taste good with mint sauce originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-cod3farmmini-gamesnick-parkshaun-the-sheepMon, 14 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[There's plenty to do in Dragon Quest V]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/theres-plenty-to-do-in-dragon-quest-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/theres-plenty-to-do-in-dragon-quest-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/theres-plenty-to-do-in-dragon-quest-v/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dragon Quest V is going to be one of the most feature-packed games on the DS. Don't try and argue with us, for Famitsu's recent look at the title only cemented that fact in our mind. There is a lot going on here.

Famitsu's article highlights not only a DS-exclusive character, Deborah, but also documents some of the other timesinks available in the game, should you wish to take a break from the main story. You can enjoy some Poker or Slots over at the casino, or partake in one of the other many mini-games available. You can even enjoy some combat in the Fight Field.

If you want to check out some new screens, head on over to Famitsu.

JoystiqThere's plenty to do in Dragon Quest V originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArtePiazzacasinoCattle-CallDQ5dqvDragon-QuestDragon-Quest-5Dragon-Quest-5-Hand-of-the-Heavenly-Bridedragon-quest-vgamblingJRPGmini-gamesminigamespokerrpgslotssquare-enixMon, 30 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A pint of Guinness World Records information]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/a-pint-of-guinness-world-records-information/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/a-pint-of-guinness-world-records-information/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/a-pint-of-guinness-world-records-information/#commentsFiled under:


Underachievers can now take to the Wii in an effort to impress their friends with virtual accomplishments. TT Games has announced Guinness World Records: The Videogame (really? a game?) for the Wii and DS, so there's no reason for you not to be included in the book that features a new holographic cover every year.

It's full of mini-games, of course, and features some of the most popular records -- like growing the longest fingernails, and eating a jumbo jet. Sounds ... gross. World Records enables players to compete in such prestigious events via "accessible game mechanics." No clue what these actually are, but if it involves sitting around for 50 years growing long fingernails, then at least it'll score highly for longevity. It's released in Q3 2008, if you can wait that long to participate in the "most remarkable activities in the world."

[Via press release]

JoystiqA pint of Guinness World Records information originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualguinness-world-recordsmini-gamesrecordstt-gamesFri, 27 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Driving on a DS-only permit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/driving-on-a-ds-only-permit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/driving-on-a-ds-only-permit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/driving-on-a-ds-only-permit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It should be good to drive emergency vehicles without the possibility of running people over, GTA-style. The DS enjoys the odd sunday drive, but the latest from Japan shows a different take on handling big vehicles and getting down to some serious work.

Norimono DS from D3 serves up ten different vehicles, each with jobs to complete. For example, the fire engine needs to be driven to a rescue operation, the backhoe needs to dig some holes and unearth dead bodies (not really, but awesome anyway), while the garbage truck takes out the trash.

Control will be handled by turning a steering wheel on the touch screen. Skills with each vehicle will increase upon the completion of each job; the aim of the game being to build up an impressive portfolio of driving abilities. More screens of this interesting import can be found after the break.

Continue reading Driving on a DS-only permit

JoystiqDriving on a DS-only permit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actiond3drivingemergencymini-gamesnorimono-dsWed, 25 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[DS library plumps up before E3: Kirby and MillionHeir]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/ds-library-plumps-up-before-e3-kirby-and-millionheir/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/ds-library-plumps-up-before-e3-kirby-and-millionheir/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/ds-library-plumps-up-before-e3-kirby-and-millionheir/#commentsFiled under: ,


Nintendo is proudly boasting that it won't be waiting until E3 to reveal some of their biggest upcoming games. The new DS announcements for today are Kirby Super Star Ultra and Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir, both with new screens in the galleries below!

As a remake of the original SNES favorite, KSSU will use the touch screen to breathe new life into the existing mini-game compilation. Yeah, if the DS does anything well, it's mini-games. It'll be a totally revamped experience, with new Revenge of the King and Meta Knight Ultra modes in the works, including local wireless play. Kirby has done everything right so far on the DS, so we should expect greatness from the little pink blob on September 29th.

<insert witty segue here>

Yes, yes -- another mystery adventure game is on the way in the form of MillionHeir. Get over that delightful play on words, and check out some of the previous games in the Mystery Case Files range. The DS entry will be a "painted scene" point-and-click adventure, where a cluey detective needs to find the rightful heir to a fortune. It seems like the standard pixel-hunt for inventory items and evidence -- but a multiplayer mode is also included, which is a pretty nifty addition for an adventure game. MillionHeir hits the stores on September 8th.



[Via press release]

JoystiqDS library plumps up before E3: Kirby and MillionHeir originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebig-fish-gameskirbykirby-super-star-ultramillionheirmini-gamesmystery-case-filesplatformerpuzzleremakeWed, 25 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tiger Woods ponies up some videos for PGA Tour 09]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/tiger-woods-ponies-up-some-videos-for-pga-tour-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/tiger-woods-ponies-up-some-videos-for-pga-tour-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/tiger-woods-ponies-up-some-videos-for-pga-tour-09/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you're sick of Wii Sports golf (which you shouldn't be), then perhaps the greatest golfer of all time can tear you away from those charismatic Miis. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 has dug up some new gameplay videos from the rough, and the on-screen indicators give examples of the Wiimote in action. It looks good so far, and we're gunning for an improvement over the already pretty good gameplay of its predecessors.

The two videos found after the break run Tiger through some basic holes, and show off the rather impressive graphics quite well. The trailer above, however, features some of the zany mini-games found within Golf Party, where the Wiimote is put to unique use in a bunch of different games for up to four players. Golf Party looks pretty gosh darn fun, and it's a welcome addition to the otherwise slow pace of the professional golf circuit.

Continue reading Tiger Woods ponies up some videos for PGA Tour 09

JoystiqTiger Woods ponies up some videos for PGA Tour 09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsgolfgolf-partymini-gamespga-tour-09sportstiger-woodsTue, 24 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft announces Play Zone, we die a little inside]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/ubisoft-announces-play-zone-we-die-a-little-inside/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/ubisoft-announces-play-zone-we-die-a-little-inside/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/ubisoft-announces-play-zone-we-die-a-little-inside/#commentsFiled under:



Ubisoft has continued on its quest to make us sneer at almost everything it attempts by announcing "Play Zone," a new Wii-exclusive division focused on "party games." Hey, we hear it's what's hot nowadays! Ubisoft's first contribution to this festival of mediocrity is Sports Party or, as North American readers will know it, Digital Embryo's Summer Sports: Paradise Island, which Ubisoft has snapped up the European publishing rights to.

Says Ubisoft marketing director John Parkes: "With our new Play Zone party titles, the Wii gamers who like to spend time with friends and family will have fun with the Wii through innovative and involving mini-games." Join us in the gallery and we'll all hold each other and cry.

Gallery: Summer Sports


[Via press release]

JoystiqUbisoft announces Play Zone, we die a little inside originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualdestineerdigital-embryomini-gamesminigamesplay-zonesportssports-partysummer-sportsubisoftThu, 19 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neotera justice, away!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/neotera-justice-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/neotera-justice-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/neotera-justice-away/#commentsFiled under: , ,

An elite group of super-rangers are just sitting around, waiting for some kind of emergency so they can rush to the rescue. No, it has nothing to do with The Mattel and Mars Bar Quick Energy Chocobot Hour. A range of new helmet'd heroes has appeared in these new screens for Tomikahiro Resukyufosu DS (Tomy Hero Rescue or something), so action is on the agenda.

What does the Neotera group do, exactly? Well, they handle super-disasters. A regular disaster is child's play. Judging by the images after the break, a flaming building (with faces in the fire) classifies as a super-disaster.

Gameplay looks to be part driving, part mini-games. Seems to be a fairly linear story, with Neotera looking all badass as they handle the problems of the city. Just another seizure-inducing DS game, but all those Power Rangers and Voltron fans always do a double-take when metal jumpsuits are involved.

Continue reading Neotera justice, away!

JoystiqNeotera justice, away! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actiondrivingmini-gamesneoteratomikahiro-resukyufosuThu, 19 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get back at Carnival folk by scoring free stuff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/get-back-at-carnival-folk-by-scoring-free-stuff/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/get-back-at-carnival-folk-by-scoring-free-stuff/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/get-back-at-carnival-folk-by-scoring-free-stuff/#commentsFiled under:


Step right up, ladies and gentlemen! You there, the big winner with the pretty lady! How about taking a shot at our fantastic Take-Em-Out game -- where everybody wins! The rules are simple -- grab your wallet, skillfully dig deep and take out $40! Hand it over to the smiling gentleman, and you have scored a great prize for your girlfriend! It's true, Take-Em-Out is the easiest way to have fun!

If there wasn't any reason to pick up Carnival Games before, is the promise of a free t-shirt going to tip the scales in Wal-Mart's favor? Well, probably - Carnival Games is one popular piece of software, free T-shirt or not. If you buy (and wear) this, hundreds of Wii owners are sure to point and nod approvingly. Best of all, there's even more opportunities on the horizon to become popular with the Carnies.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqGet back at Carnival folk by scoring free stuff originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carnivalcarnival-gamescatdaddy-gamesglobal-star-softwaremini-gamest-shirttake-twoTue, 17 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chocobo's Dungeon is cute, cuddly, mildly dangerous]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/chocobos-dungeon-is-cute-cuddly-mildly-dangerous/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/chocobos-dungeon-is-cute-cuddly-mildly-dangerous/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/chocobos-dungeon-is-cute-cuddly-mildly-dangerous/#commentsFiled under:

Perhaps the updates on Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon have been few and far between, but Square Enix has made up for it with a sudden blitz of media from the upcoming title. The screenshots are bright and beautiful, though for the most part, they seem embiggened versions of the DS's Final Fantasy Fables title. Of course, the two are similar -- they feature a largely similar cast, mini-game elements, and obviously, supercute Chocobo himself. But while the DS game was simply a blend of adventure, mini-games, and card battles, the Wii title is set to focus on more dungeon-crawling, with a heavy dose of RPG elements.

We're a little wary of the watered-down roguelike-lite gameplay in Chocobo's Dungeon, but when push comes to shove, we're suckers for Square Enix (and anything with a job system). Come July 8, any hesitation will probably disappear in a single squee of ultimate joy.


[Via press release]

JoystiqChocobo's Dungeon is cute, cuddly, mildly dangerous originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chocobos-dungeonfinal-fantasy-fablesmini-gamesroguelikerpgsquare-enixFri, 06 Jun 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Finding space for Wii Fit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/finding-space-for-wii-fit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/finding-space-for-wii-fit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/finding-space-for-wii-fit/#commentsFiled under:

The balance board is certainly smaller than most exercise equipment, which means it obviously requires less space, right? Not necessarily. Anyone who hasn't yet purchased Wii Fit, but is considering it, needs to sit down and consider a few things before bringing home the balance board. Space, room design, and location of the television can all impact your exergaming experience, so we've put together a quick guide to designing your optimal workout space for Wii Fit.

Continue reading Finding space for Wii Fit

JoystiqFinding space for Wii Fit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exergamingjoystiqfeaturesmini-gamestrainingwii-fitworkout-spaceWed, 28 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Raving Rabbids balancing out their wacky life [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/raving-rabbids-balancing-out-their-wacky-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/raving-rabbids-balancing-out-their-wacky-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/raving-rabbids-balancing-out-their-wacky-life/#commentsFiled under:

[Update: Screens available in our gallery!]

After solving a moon mystery, the more astute Fanboy readers noticed the inclusion of a rather understated header on the latest cover of Nintendo Power. The game formerly known as Raving Rabbids 3 will henceforth be known as Raving Rabbids TV Party, as if we needed a reminder to plug our Wii into the TV instead of some shrubbery out the back.

Despite the Rabbids showing us how the Balance Board ought to be used, we couldn't confirm that the next addition to the series would go nuts with the whole leaning and weight-shifting thing. However, the teaser wasn't teasing and among TV Party's 65 mini-games, many (maybe even most) will use the Balance Board.

If using Wii Fit was enough to make your friends laugh stupidly (they are right to do so), then getting down with these crazy critters is enough for them to consider finding new people to hang out with.


[Thanks, RingmasterJ5!]

JoystiqRaving Rabbids balancing out their wacky life [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 May 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-boardcasualmini-gamesraving-rabbidsraving-rabbids-3raving-rabbids-tv-partyrayman-raving-rabbidsubisoftwii-fitWed, 28 May 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Point: The case against Wii Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/point-the-case-against-wii-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/point-the-case-against-wii-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/point-the-case-against-wii-play/#comments
Wii Play.

Anyone who keeps up with sales figures knows that the package has been selling steady ever since it released early last year. Folks see an almost-free game with a Wiimote for only $50 and they immediately think it's a deal. And many can argue that it is, but for this individual, the bundle has no appeal.

The first issue I have with the package is the software. Wii Play as a "game" is like saying a peanut butter sandwich is "a meal." It's lacking. When looking directly at the worth of the software (the games within it), one finds titles that, upon being tried for the first time might come off as mild amusements and "well worth the extra $10," but after several sessions, the truth comes out. These minigames feel like they were never finished.

The mini-games seem half-baked and only offer a diversion for a short amount of time. After giving them a few plays over an hour, I quickly came to my senses that Wii Play is something I didn't want to see happent to the Wii. I didn't want quick slap-togethers of minigames to flood the console. Luckily, that isn't the case, but doesn't save Wii Play from its own flaws.

Also, as a sort of "Wiimote trainer," it's not any kind of introduction to some wider world of Wii wonders that can only be seen through picking up Wii Play and playing it. Wii Play only trains you in how to get bored quickly. Nintendo would have you believe otherwise.

Finally, the comparisons between it and Wii Sports are inevitable. Again, where Wii Play is nothing more than a tech demo with some added polish, Wii Sports stands on its own as a worthwhile experience on the console. The sports games included in that package are, more or less, actually fleshed out and allow you to play for more than 5 minutes. In Wii Sports, you can also enjoy multiplayer gaming, where should you expose a friend to Wii Play you're probably only going to get a smack to the face in response. At least, that's what I'd do.

In the end, it's no doubt going to boil down to what your personal preferences are, but I really don't see the validation of Wii Play. For what this software is (a collection of quick and tedious minigames), I would say the only way I could accept Wii Play was if it were packaged with a Wiimote for free. Until then, my extra $10 will go to more important things. Like lottery tickets.

placeholdertext

Back In favor of Wii Play

JoystiqPoint: The case against Wii Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualdebatemini-gameswii-playThu, 27 Mar 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Counterpoint: In defense of Wii Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/counterpoint-in-defense-of-wii-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/counterpoint-in-defense-of-wii-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/counterpoint-in-defense-of-wii-play/#comments
If you own a Wii, it's a safe bet you own more than one remote ... and you probably picked up that second remote with a copy of Wii Play. Why not? For an extra ten bucks, Nintendo threw in some mini-games, and for some reason, this aroused the ire of selected gamers and reviewers around the globe (including some who didn't even bother to play it).

Want a spare controller for your 360 or PS3? You're going to drop a similar amount of cash and get ... a controller. Want something extra? You're boned, friend; take your controller and like it. Not so for Wii owners, for whom a second controller is pretty much a necessity; after all, so many of the Wii's games depend on an in-house multiplayer experience, rather than the single-flesh-person online experience the other consoles tend to offer. Sure, that's a drawback in a lot of cases, but it's fact: the Wii is great for party games, so you need a spare remote or three. Period. Which is why the Wii Play bundle is not only brilliant, but an excellent bargain for Wii owners. You get nine small games for ten bucks -- and that's a deal any way you slice it.

But this goes beyond the idea of price. Not only is Wii Play a surprisingly good mini-game collection for ten bucks, but it's an effective game in its own right. Sure, it lacks the depth of most full-fledged games, but it beats the pants off a few, namely Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz and Carnival Games. Pound for pound, Wii Play is certainly a better deal than either of those titles. The first features a few completely unplayable mini-games (and has review scores I will never understand), and the second feels half-finished in many respects. Wii Play, however, can be a blast! Grab a friend and sit down for a few rounds in the shooting gallery, or half an hour with Tanks! or Charge!, and then tell us that it was the worst experience of your life. Unless you hate fun, you're probably going to manage to have a little.

Further, the mini-games of Wii Play seem tailor made to teach new gamers how to use the Wii remote in different ways; simply by playing, you learn to point and shoot, to grab and move items, and to "drive" while holding the remote sideways. There's a good reason for this -- Wii Play started its life as a tech demo, but that actually makes it very useful as an in-home title. Like it or not, many Wii owners (or users) are new to gaming, or returning to the hobby, and games like Wii Sports and Wii Play get them accustomed to manipulating the controller ... which means they'll probably want more games. That gives the more robust gamers more people to play with. Everybody wins.

Does that mean the experience is perfect? No, not at all, but despite the perfect review scores that are being tossed around more and more often, few games are. What's important is that Wii Play is exactly what it sets out to be -- an inexpensive bonus training game that offers shallow fun -- and for that, the bundle deserves the crazy sales. It's one of the best bargains out there for any Wii owner.

Anti-Wii Play
 Back You decide!

JoystiqCounterpoint: In defense of Wii Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualdebatemini-gameswii-playThu, 27 Mar 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Review: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/ds-fanboy-review-mario-and-sonic-at-the-olympic-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/ds-fanboy-review-mario-and-sonic-at-the-olympic-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/ds-fanboy-review-mario-and-sonic-at-the-olympic-games/#commentsFiled under:

Over the Christmas period, yours truly spent a genuinely exhausting evening drinking with three friends, a Wii, and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. The drink flowed freely that night, and we were all fairly inebriated by the time we hit the sack, happy but tired.

The next morning, we were feeling less jolly.

It wasn't just the hangovers. Thanks to our exertions in Mario & Sonic, shoulders ached, arms were leaden, and simply putting a shirt on was a painful experience. Despite this, we all agreed we'd do it again. And we did. And yes, it still hurt the following morning. Why am I telling you this? Simple: because it underlines just what a fantastic social experience the Wii version of Mario & Sonic can be. Break the game down in the cold light of day, and it becomes easy to nitpick at its flaws. It's far from perfect. Yet it is immensely fun with friends. It's worth the pain, you could say.

And the DS version? Well ... not so much. In fact, as a social experience, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games on the DS falls a long, long way short of its bigger, stronger Wii brother.

Continue reading DS Fanboy Review: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games

JoystiqDS Fanboy Review: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiqfeaturesmario-and-sonicmini-gamesolympic-gamessegasportsyellingTue, 12 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Catch these Ninja Reflex screens in your chopsticks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/catch-these-ninja-reflex-screens-in-your-chopsticks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/catch-these-ninja-reflex-screens-in-your-chopsticks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/catch-these-ninja-reflex-screens-in-your-chopsticks/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's no Wii, but the DS still has its fair share of mini-game compilations. Nevertheless, the crucial ingredient of ninja means we feel compelled to cover Ninja Reflex, EA's forthcoming selection of ninja-based party games.

More information on the once mysterious title has stealthily found its way to our inboxes, including the news that the game will feature a series of six reflex-honing martial arts challenges. These include such exercises as hunting koi with your bare hands, taking down attackers with either shurikens, nunchucks, or a samurai sword, testing your quickness against the flash of a firefly, and catching flies with chopsticks. Regrettably, there is a crushing lack of painting fences or waxing cars.

Having prepared with EA's game, we appreciate some people will want to go one step further, and become a full-time ninja. If you are one such person, you'll want to head here for full instructions. Thank us later.


[Via press release]

JoystiqCatch these Ninja Reflex screens in your chopsticks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamini-gamesninja-reflexnunchuck-gamespartysanzaru-gamesFri, 08 Feb 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More mini-game hilarity in Wild Earth: African Safari]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/more-mini-game-hilarity-in-wild-earth-african-safari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/more-mini-game-hilarity-in-wild-earth-african-safari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/more-mini-game-hilarity-in-wild-earth-african-safari/#commentsFiled under: ,



Not content with giving us the chance to wash other animals with an elephant, the most recent screens of Wild Earth: African Safari released by Majesco reveal a host of other zany mini-games. Apparently, we'll be able to fly through hoops as a vulture, or dodge yawning hippopotamuses as we negotiate whitewater rapids.

Best of all, there's a variation on fairground favorite Whac-A-Mole, only with what appear to be meerkats. That's right: Wild Earth: African Safari is a game that encourages players to bash nature with a huge mallet. Where the hell is FOX News?!

JoystiqMore mini-game hilarity in Wild Earth: African Safari originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>african-safarimajescomini-gameswhac-a-meerkatwild-earthWed, 06 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2008's Biggest Blips: Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/2008s-biggest-blips-assassins-creed-altairs-chronicles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/2008s-biggest-blips-assassins-creed-altairs-chronicles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/2008s-biggest-blips-assassins-creed-altairs-chronicles/#commentsFiled under:


Developer: Gameloft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release: February 5

When Assassin's Creed was first confirmed for the DS, we spent a lot of time speculating about just what it could be. It didn't seem possible that the epic game could be squeezed down into a handheld-sized title, so we assumed the worst, and we weren't alone. But now that we've finally learned a little about the prequel, we thought it might be a good time to reminisce about those dark days of speculation and recap all the things Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles isn't.

It's not quite the console/PC version:


It's not Apollo Creed:


Or, now that you mention it, Apollo Justice:


Definitely not Assassins of Creed:


Not, as Penny Arcade speculated, Assassin's Crossing:


Also, not as we once theorized, a rollicking pirate adventure. At least, we think. Pirates are insidious.


We really hope it's not like this:


Because that causes this, and lots of this:



And no one likes that.


placeholder text
Civilization Revolution Back placeholder text

Joystiq2008's Biggest Blips: Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>08blipsactionassassins-creedgameloftmini-gamesubisoftMon, 04 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday Video: Bring your own BUUUUHHH]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/friday-video-bring-your-own-buuuuhhh/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/friday-video-bring-your-own-buuuuhhh/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/friday-video-bring-your-own-buuuuhhh/#commentsFiled under:


Yeah, listen. We know we've talked a lot about Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, and now it's out, and maybe we should just leave it alone. But we can't let go yet. We've had too much fun making jokes about rubbing and destruction, and with the yelling and ... and ... it's an emotional time. So we had to have one more video. One last moment in the sun. You'll have to do your own yelling with this video, however. It's stuffed with melodramatic descriptions, but there's a distinct lack of BUUUUUHHHH.

JoystiqFriday Video: Bring your own BUUUUHHH originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-and-sonicmini-gamesolympic-gamessegasportsyellingFri, 25 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Casual favorites]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/wii-warm-up-casual-favorites/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/wii-warm-up-casual-favorites/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/wii-warm-up-casual-favorites/#commentsFiled under:

Would you identify yourself as a casual gamer? Do you have friends who do, or whom you would label as casual? If so, we're interested in some of the casual favorites. We'll guess Wii Sports, because who doesn't love it? Wii Play and Carnival Games are big sellers as well. What else might get hauled out at Wii parties? Or what other games do your casual friends seem to enjoy? For this blogger's part, the mother unit, whom we'd call casual, demanded a copy of WarioWare: Smooth Moves. We were so proud.

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Casual favorites originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualmini-gamesThu, 03 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters to continue Wii's mini-game doldrums with Emergency Mayhem]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/codies-to-continue-wiis-mini-game-doldrums-with-emergency-meyhe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/codies-to-continue-wiis-mini-game-doldrums-with-emergency-meyhe/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/codies-to-continue-wiis-mini-game-doldrums-with-emergency-meyhe/#commentsFiled under: ,


Mini-game collections are the bitter spice of life that Wii owners have been forced to swallow time and again during the console's short, but arguably over-enthusiastic life, and while a very small handful of these games have managed to bridge the gap between tedium and genuine fun, we think the bulk of these compilations are better served at keeping sweat rings off the coffee table. The latest to join the Wii's bite-sized militia is Emergency Mayhem from Codemasters, a mini-game extravaganza that asks players to save the unfortunately-named Crisis City from "decidedly slapstick" disaster.

Set for release in the second quarter of 2008, the Wii-exclusive game will let players control police, fire, and paramedic services as they race to save the accident-prone city over the course of 30 time-sensitive missions, which will include such madcap antics as tranquilizing monkeys and using the Wii-remote as a hose to put out fires, which to us just sounds like work, and another day at the office.

JoystiqCodemasters to continue Wii's mini-game doldrums with Emergency Mayhem originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersEmergency MayhemEmergency-MayhemEmergencyMayhemmini-gamesWiiWed, 19 Dec 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rocky and Bullwinkle bound for Xbox Live Arcade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/rocky-and-bullwinkle-bound-for-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/rocky-and-bullwinkle-bound-for-xbox-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/rocky-and-bullwinkle-bound-for-xbox-live-arcade/#commentsFiled under:

In the spirit of Thanksgiving... okay, so this is in no way relevant to the American holiday, but we're posting it anyway. Who remembers Rocky and Bullwinkle? No one? Well, the classic cartoon characters are getting their very own mini-game compilation, coming soon to Xbox Live Arcade.

At the very least, this will be an opportunity for the franchise to redeem its former sins; the duo starred in atrocious platformers on the Game Boy and NES back in 1992. The new title, The Bullwinkle Show (what, no Rocky?) is being developed by Zen Studios, and will include Live Vision Camera support in its plethora of party games.

So, is this even news? By all means, let us know in the comments.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqRocky and Bullwinkle bound for Xbox Live Arcade originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Nov 2007 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullwinkle-showmini-gamesminigamesxblaXbox-360zen-studioszenstudiosThu, 22 Nov 2007 23:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's most Olympic video: Mario & Sonic at the Olympics review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/todays-most-olympic-video-mario-and-sonic-at-the-olympics-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/todays-most-olympic-video-mario-and-sonic-at-the-olympics-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/22/todays-most-olympic-video-mario-and-sonic-at-the-olympics-review/#commentsFiled under: ,


Maybe most humans have ceased caring about Mario and Sonic at the Olympics, especially since the whole "Sonic and Mario in the same game" draw has been severely overshadowed by Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Regardless, we were still curious to see how Mario and Sonic's first outing together would fare...

...and by the sound of this video review, the answer is not well. Game Trailers' video reviews are great for demonstrating the problems of a game as they're being discussed. In this case, the review might very well save us a rental; there doesn't seem to be any more to see here.

JoystiqToday's most Olympic video: Mario & Sonic at the Olympics review originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Nov 2007 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hottest-videohottestvideomariomario-and-sonic-olympicsmini-gamesnintendosegasonicvideovotdWiiThu, 22 Nov 2007 01:01:00 EST<![CDATA[A-ha! Experience screens released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/a-ha-experience-screens-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/a-ha-experience-screens-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/a-ha-experience-screens-released/#commentsFiled under:

New A-ha! Experience screens released
I'll be honest, I haven't heard much of A-ha! Experience until I've seen these newly-released screens. It seems like the game may be the PSP's answer to the DS' Brain Training games. A-ha Experience is a collection of three types of mini-games: A-ha Change, A-ha Movie and A-ha Cut.

A-ha Change challenges the player to quickly tell the difference between two pictures. A-ha Movie features what at first looks like a picture, but is actually a short video clip, and the player has to find what is moving within the video. Lastly, A-ha Cut challenges the player to watch several similar-looking video files and find what has changed.

The game is supposed to challenge a player's "brain reaction where you figure out something that had eluded you in the past," according to an IGN preview. The chances of this game making to the States probably isn't very good, but because the game focuses on video and pictures, it will probably make for an excellent import title when it's released Nov. 30.

[Via Gamespot/IGN]

JoystiqA-ha! Experience screens released originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-ha! experienceA-ha!Experiencebrain reactionbrain trainingBrainReactionBrainTrainingmini gamesmini-gamesMiniGamesThu, 28 Sep 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rayman Raving Rabbids interview, new info revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/22/rayman-raving-rabbids-interview-new-info-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/22/rayman-raving-rabbids-interview-new-info-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/22/rayman-raving-rabbids-interview-new-info-revealed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Don't touch the fro.
A Nintendo magazine in France recently held an interview with the development team of the upcoming launch title Rayman Raving Rabbids. Thanks to a wily, bilingual forum poster (thanks, Jing_Ke!), we now have some new information.

The story mode of the game is divided into fifteen game days. On each day, you wake up in jail, where you can enter the hub area "Rabbit Arena". This area gives access to five mini-games per day: four regular mini-games, and a boss battle. If you do well, the rabbits will reward you with various costumes or decorations. Another mode exists where you can play the mini-games freely, multiplayer if desired.

The length of the games are discussed (much longer than, say, those found in Wario Ware), and they reveal that around seventy games will be in the final version. Alas, no classic platformer for us...are you disappointed? Hopefully, Sonic and the Secret Rings can fulfill those lingering desires to fall to your death while jumping to a platform inexplicably floating in mid-air.

JoystiqRayman Raving Rabbids interview, new info revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Aug 2006 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FranceMini-gamesParty gamePartyGameRabbidsRaymanTue, 22 Aug 2006 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[KAZooK is yet another mini-game compilation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/18/kazook-is-yet-another-mini-game-compilation/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/18/kazook-is-yet-another-mini-game-compilation/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/18/kazook-is-yet-another-mini-game-compilation/#commentsFiled under: ,


Really? How many games do we need that feature quirky art styles and short mini-games. Sure, you can fight zombies, wrestle sumo-style and pilot a UFO, but with WTF and HOT PXL both coming out for the handheld, isn't this genre already a bit too crowded? The game features 30 mini-games, which seems to pale in comparison to HOT PXL's hundreds. It also features 16 characters and wi-fi multiplayer. It also featured Game Sharing, but don't get too excited: you can only play 5 of the games through this feature.

Don't you agree that maybe KAZooK will be too little, too late? Especially when HOT PXL features downloadable levels to extend its life. Check out shindakun.net for more pics.

[Thanks, steve!]

JoystiqKAZooK is yet another mini-game compilation originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Aug 2006 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game sharingGameSharinghot pxlHotPxlkazookmini-gamesshindakunstevesumoufowtfzombiesFri, 18 Aug 2006 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Baito Hell 2000 reviewed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/18/baito-hell-2000-reviewed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/18/baito-hell-2000-reviewed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/18/baito-hell-2000-reviewed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hell as gone and puked all over the PSP, so suggests this review of the currently Japan-only Baito Hell 2000, which may or may not be a bad thing depending on what your sense of humor is like. The game, which was thought of as conceptually similar to Nintendo's Wario Ware Inc. line of games back when it was first revealed, brandishes a darker streak than its more tongue-in-cheek rival, but it also perhaps sacrifices a bit of enjoyability due to its cynicism. Baito Hell 2000 apparently takes the idea of doing tedious part-time work and tries to make a game out of it, which doesn't always work out. The lack of English translations unfortunately don't make this very import-friendly either.

There's still some room for the possibility that a more localized version for US or Europe may come into being, but as for the game in its current state, Wario can rest assured that his position on top of the manic mini-games heap still remains unchallenged.

[Thanks, Tim]

JoystiqBaito Hell 2000 reviewed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Feb 2006 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Baito Hell 2000mini-gamesSonyWario WareSat, 18 Feb 2006 23:30:00 EST