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[Step into 'Welcome Park,' the PS Vita's tutorial minigame collection]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/step-into-welcome-park-the-ps-vitas-tutorial-minigame-collec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/step-into-welcome-park-the-ps-vitas-tutorial-minigame-collec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/step-into-welcome-park-the-ps-vitas-tutorial-minigame-collec/#comments The PlayStation Vita comes pre-loaded with a suite of minigames, under the delightfully Japanese heading of "Welcome Park." Each of the five games is designed to give users practice with one of the Vita's interface methods: the touchscreen (and touch panel), the mic, the camera, and the gyroscope/accelerometer.

I get the feeling they were designed not only to enable practice, but to familiarize users with the fact that these interfaces exist. They're even suggested to you in a particular order. Something about tapping numbers in sequence as my first Vita experience made me feel that just maybe Sony doesn't have the most confidence in its users.

Gallery: Welcome Park (Vita)

Continue reading Step into 'Welcome Park,' the PS Vita's tutorial minigame collection

JoystiqStep into 'Welcome Park,' the PS Vita's tutorial minigame collection originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>minigamesplaystationplaystation-vitavitawelcome-parkThu, 22 Dec 2011 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Sports: Season 2 'Maple Lakes' DLC tees off on December 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/kinect-sports-season-2-maple-lakes-dlc-tees-off-on-december-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/kinect-sports-season-2-maple-lakes-dlc-tees-off-on-december-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/kinect-sports-season-2-maple-lakes-dlc-tees-off-on-december-2/#comments
Usually, it's pretty expensive to get in nine holes at the local country club, let alone the cost of clubs and those mandatory plaid pants. But thanks to video games, no longer must we tempt fate by braving the deadly fauna and flora of the outside world.

If you're fine with miming golf in your domicile, the Maple Lakes DLC for Kinect Sports: Season 2 may interest you. It adds nine new holes on December 20, for 400 MS Points ($5).

Gallery: Kinect Sports: Season Two (Maple Lakes Golf Pack)

Continue reading Kinect Sports: Season 2 'Maple Lakes' DLC tees off on December 20

JoystiqKinect Sports: Season 2 'Maple Lakes' DLC tees off on December 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlckinectkinect-sports-season-2maple-lakesmicrosoftminigamesrarexboxWed, 14 Dec 2011 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs Zombies iPhone update adds nine new mini-games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/plants-vs-zombies-iphone-update-adds-nine-new-mini-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/plants-vs-zombies-iphone-update-adds-nine-new-mini-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/plants-vs-zombies-iphone-update-adds-nine-new-mini-games/#comments If you need to take a breather from the exhausting business of arboreal zombie warfare, you'll be able to participate in nine new mini-games on the iPhone version of Plants vs. Zombies today. An update for the title just launched, which adds three packs of three diversions to Crazy Dave's store, such as ZomBotany 2, Invisi-Ghoul and Beghouled Twist. Really, the puns are worth the price of admission.

Each pack can be bought with in-game coins, or if you prefer, with $0.99 of your real-world cash. We'd suggest spending the former, because the latter can be spent on other real-world goods and services. Like, you could play the mini games, and also eat the three Twix bars you just bought. Or, wait -- six Twix bars! Because there's two of them.

JoystiqPlants vs Zombies iPhone update adds nine new mini-games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 23:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iphonemicrotransactionminigamesmobilePlants-vs-ZombiespopcapupdateFri, 09 Sep 2011 23:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Kirby: Mass Attack minigames feature minis, games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/kirby-mass-attack-minigames-feature-minis-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/kirby-mass-attack-minigames-feature-minis-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/kirby-mass-attack-minigames-feature-minis-games/#comments
Historically, very few small pink blobs have done more to further innovation in the field of minigame design than Kirby, and judging from the above trailer, HAL Laboratory's DS swan-song Kirby Mass Attack will continue that proud tradition. Other continuing traditions include: ruthlessly destroying docile forrest creatures via accurately timed button presses, and ruining Whispy Woods' day in as many ways as possible.

Gallery: Kirby Mass Attack (Minigames)

JoystiqKirby: Mass Attack minigames feature minis, games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsHALHAL-LaboratoryKirbykirby-mass-attackminigamesnintendoSat, 03 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3's Party Mode revealed, features three multiplayer mini-games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/dirt-3s-party-mode-revealed-features-three-multiplayer-mini-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/dirt-3s-party-mode-revealed-features-three-multiplayer-mini-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/dirt-3s-party-mode-revealed-features-three-multiplayer-mini-ga/#comments If you're intrigued by Codemasters' upcoming rally racer Dirt 3, but find yourself turned off by all the ... um, rally racing, the developer recently revealed a multiplayer-oriented "Party Mode" which might just float your boat. The mode will feature three distinctly non-racing mini-games, including:
  • "Invasion," in which players drive around an open lot, crashing into cardboard robots while avoiding cardboard skyscrapers. We anticipate this will be harder than it sounds, as some skyscrapers seem to resemble giant robots nowadays.
  • "Outbreak," which sees one player "infected" with some sort of automotive ailment, symbolized by their car turning bright green. The player can spread the disease to others by colliding with them, and the last healthy player wins the pot.
  • "Transporter," a capture-the-flag title where players must grab randomly-spawning flags and return them to their home base, avoiding their fellow, flag-snatching drivers. Jason Statham appears to be regrettably absent.

JoystiqDirt 3's Party Mode revealed, features three multiplayer mini-games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3microsoftminigamespcplaystationps3racingxboxSat, 09 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms coming to the PlayStation 3 on March 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/free-realms-coming-to-the-playstation-3-on-march-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/free-realms-coming-to-the-playstation-3-on-march-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/free-realms-coming-to-the-playstation-3-on-march-29/#comments Sony Online Entertainment has announced a release date for casual free-to-play MMO Free Realms' arrival on the PlayStation 3, and it's just a few weeks from now, on March 29. The game was originally brought out on PC a few years ago, and is breaking new ground: "We'll be the first free-to-play casual MMO ever offered on the PlayStation Network," lead designer Stephen Bokkes told Joystiq.

SOE already has a major console MMO on the PS3 in the form of DC Universe Online, but Bokkes says that development of Free Realms ran separately from the superhero game. "I can't say that we took any cues specifically from DCUO" in terms of controls or design, he said. Bokkes' team developed console-style controls for each minigame in the title, from pet-raising to kart racing, and even rebalanced them for console-specific gameplay. A lot of technical work was done as well: "We actually had to port the renderer over," says producer Ryan Wells.

The PS3 version won't allow players to team up with their friends on PC, however. "It was certainly considered," says Bokkes, but in the end was too difficult to pull off correctly. "The difficulty comes in with linking the accounts." Another difficulty was setting a schedule for updates -- the team says it would like to do simultaneous updates across platforms, but "it becomes really hard when you're going through multiple approval paths," according to Wells. Free Realms has been relatively popular on the PC, and it'll be interesting to see how a console audience reacts at the end of the month.

Gallery: Free Realms PS3

JoystiqFree Realms coming to the PlayStation 3 on March 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualfree-realmsminigamesmmoplaystationps3sony-online-entertainmentFri, 11 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs. Zombies DS trailer unearths new minigames]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/plants-vs-zombies-ds-trailer-unearths-new-minigames/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/plants-vs-zombies-ds-trailer-unearths-new-minigames/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/plants-vs-zombies-ds-trailer-unearths-new-minigames/#comments We've planted the first footage of Plants vs. Zombies DS (due January 2011) right here, offering a glimpse of the new minigames: Heat Wave, Homerun Derby, Bomb All Together and a shmup called Air Raid. The DS version also touts new achievements and is, like all things PvZ, unbearably charming.

Continue reading Plants vs. Zombies DS trailer unearths new minigames

JoystiqPlants vs. Zombies DS trailer unearths new minigames originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsminigamesnintendoPlants-vs-ZombiespopcapTue, 26 Oct 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Party review: A quiet get-together]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/wii-party-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/wii-party-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/wii-party-review/#commentsWii Sports -- and to a lesser extent Wii Play -- proved that in Nintendo's hands, even the most banal motion-based minigames can have a certain spark that makes them addictive. There's just an unidentifiable ... something that nobody else has been able to crack that makes those minigame collections absolutely delightful even to people who desperately want to hate them.

Wii Party is a glimpse into what Nintendo minigames would be like without that spark. They all work, they all show plenty of polish, and the controls are totally functional in every single case. But, in a word, they're bland. Toothless. With one major exception, that's the best way to describe Wii Party in general. It's totally inoffensive. You'll have some fun playing it, but you won't really come away feeling satisfied. It's just there.

Gallery: Wii Party (E3 2010)

Continue reading Wii Party review: A quiet get-together

JoystiqWii Party review: A quiet get-together originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expire-images:2010-10-30minigamesnd-cubenintendowiiwii-partyFri, 01 Oct 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zac and Ombra: Amusement Park of Illusion preview: B-layton-t imitation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/zac-and-ombra-amusement-park-of-illusion-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/zac-and-ombra-amusement-park-of-illusion-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/zac-and-ombra-amusement-park-of-illusion-preview/#commentsIt's usually hard for me to get upset about imitation. Most beloved games are built on the achievements of others: Guitar Hero is Guitar Freaks from a different angle, and Guitar Freaks was just Beatmania anyway. Galaxian is Space Invaders with more colors. Usually, even the most obviously "inspired" games have their own personality and feel. But not Konami's Zac and Ombra: Amusement Park of Illusion for DS, which I can only describe as the product of some depressingly corporate thinking. Basically, Konami decided to make Professor Layton, but for people who aren't smart enough to solve puzzles.

Continue reading Zac and Ombra: Amusement Park of Illusion preview: B-layton-t imitation

JoystiqZac and Ombra: Amusement Park of Illusion preview: B-layton-t imitation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dskonamiminigamesnintendotgs-2010zac-and-ombra-amusement-park-of-illusionzack-and-ombra-the-phantom-amusement-parkTue, 21 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Party to be bundled with Wii Remote in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/wii-party-to-be-bundled-with-wii-remote-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/wii-party-to-be-bundled-with-wii-remote-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/wii-party-to-be-bundled-with-wii-remote-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Much in the vein of Wii Play, it seems the European version of Wii Party will come with an additional, savory bonus: an extra Wii Remote. According to Siliconera, every copy of the game (which drops in Europe October 8) will come with a new controller -- a slight departure from the game's Japanese release strategy, which offered a controller bundle for 6,800 yen ($81), and a controller-less copy of the game for 4,800 yen ($57).

The game will be out in North America on October 3, but we still haven't heard whether we'll also be able to choose between different Wii Party SKUs. Sometimes you feel like a Wiimote, but sometimes you don't, you know? (Particularly when you already have four.)

JoystiqWii Party to be bundled with Wii Remote in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeminigamesnintendowiiwii-partywii-remoteTue, 31 Aug 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Start the Party and The Shoot with these Move game trailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/start-the-party-and-the-shoot-with-these-move-game-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/start-the-party-and-the-shoot-with-these-move-game-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/start-the-party-and-the-shoot-with-these-move-game-trailers/#commentsWe now know that Sony's PlayStation Move minigame collection, Start the Party, is supposed to be zany, thanks to subtle cues in this trailer like cartoon sound effects and sped-up/reversed footage of people playing it.

Similarly, we know The Shoot is all about shooting, because of subtle cues in its trailer like the game's title and everything that happens in the trailer. See both after the break.

Continue reading Start the Party and The Shoot with these Move game trailers

JoystiqStart the Party and The Shoot with these Move game trailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescom-2010MinigamesplaystationPlayStation-Moveps3The-ShootThu, 19 Aug 2010 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami walks in a top-hatted shadow with 'Zack & Ombra']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/konami-walks-in-a-top-hatted-shadow-with-zack-and-ombra/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/konami-walks-in-a-top-hatted-shadow-with-zack-and-ombra/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/konami-walks-in-a-top-hatted-shadow-with-zack-and-ombra/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Konami's Zack & Ombra: The Phantom Amusement Park reminds us of a certain other DS series starring a smartly-dressed protagonist and his young apprentice in creepy, mysterious villages. We're just puzzled as to which one we're thinking of.

Zack & Ombra, though similar in style, bears one major difference from ... that top-hat guy's games. Instead of strictly puzzles, magician Zack and his pal Polly take part in around 180 minigames to clear away the "pranks" left on Delphino Island by the eggplant-looking Ombra creatures, who threaten to ruin the island's festival.

This game is being directed by Junko Kawano, best known for her work on the Suikoden games, but also as the designer of Time Hollow and Shadow of Destiny. It also features animation by Studio 4°C (which reminds us of some other DS game with anime-style cutscenes ... ) It'll be released in Japan on October 28.

JoystiqKonami walks in a top-hatted shadow with 'Zack & Ombra' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredsjapanKonamiminigamesnintendozack-and-ombra-the-phantom-amusement-parkThu, 05 Aug 2010 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Active Life Explorer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/preview-active-life-explorer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/preview-active-life-explorer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/preview-active-life-explorer/#comments It's pretty much a Wii version of Uncharted 2.

Okay, that's a bit of a stretch. However, one of the levels of Namco Bandai's Active Life Explorer has you running down a train, jumping from car to car, as you try to make your way to the front. Along the way, you'll be dodging overhead lights, in a frantic rush to stop the train from meeting a fiery end. But, unlike Naughty Dog's PS3 game, you're not shooting your way through. Instead, you use a DDR-esque mat to literally run through the game.

The Wii is no stranger to fitness games (the Active Life franchise already has multiple iterations on Nintendo's console). However, what makes Explorer so charming is that it actually feels like a game. The game's Treasure Adventure mode features a world map and story, and has you traveling through the map, talking to NPCs and activating challenges to progress in a quest to find treasures. Although simplistic, the narrative does a good enough job of giving some context to the various mini-games you play.

Gallery: Active Life Explorer

Continue reading Preview: Active Life Explorer

JoystiqPreview: Active Life Explorer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Active-Lifeactive-life-explorerExerciseExergamingFitnessMinigamesnamco-bandainintendowiiFri, 16 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pac-Man Party partying on Wii this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/pac-man-party-partying-on-wii-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/pac-man-party-partying-on-wii-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/pac-man-party-partying-on-wii-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We now know one of the things Namco Bandai is likely to announce at its Pac-Man party ... Pac-Man Party. USA Today revealed the new Wii game starring the yellow sphere and his incorporeal enemies: a minigame collection with over 45 assorted games, including curling, tennis and more Pac-Man-esque ghost-chasing games. Essentially, it's Mario Party with Pac-Man in Mario's place.

Namco will also include -- as just as a little bonus -- the original Pac-Man, along with Galaga and Dig Dug. Pac-Man Party will be out this fall.

[Thanks Zach!]

JoystiqPac-Man Party partying on Wii this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010MinigamesNamco-BandainintendoPac-ManPac-Man-PartyParty-GamewiiTue, 15 Jun 2010 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Guilty Party flees into August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/disney-guilty-party-flees-into-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/disney-guilty-party-flees-into-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/disney-guilty-party-flees-into-august/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A new video for Disney Guilty Party offers some insight from Wideload Games staff about the flow of gameplay in the mystery-solving title. It includes footage of several of the activities, including fingerprint analysis, lockpicking, and ... suspect tickling ... as well as a bit of information about some of the personalities involved, including our first look at the villainous Mr. Valentine.

It also serves as the vehicle for an announcement of a delay. Along with this trailer, Disney revealed that the release date has been bumped from July 27 to August 31, where it "now kicks off the holiday season on August 31st, 2010." We've got our first mystery to solve: finding the person who moved the holiday season to August.

JoystiqDisney Guilty Party flees into August originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DelaysDisneyDisney-Guilty-PartyDisney-InteractiveMinigamesnintendorelease-dateWideload-GameswiiThu, 03 Jun 2010 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Retailer reveals three Wii Party minigames]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/retailer-reveals-three-wii-party-minigames/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/retailer-reveals-three-wii-party-minigames/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/retailer-reveals-three-wii-party-minigames/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Retailer HMV has listed descriptions for three of the minigames in Nintendo's upcoming Wii Party. It turns out that when Iwata said the "Living Party" mode involved "unique game play only available with the Wii Remote," it was referring to the Wiimote's ability to generate sounds. These three minigames all involve sounds coming from the Wiimote.

"Wan Wan Card Game" plays animal sounds, and asks players to identify which on-screen animal makes the sound. Remote Control Hide and Seek has one player hide the Wiimote, and other players find it by listening to the sounds it emits. "Sensitive Bomb" tasks players with passing the Wiimote around. If it is jostled too much, it explodes! Or, at least, probably plays an "explosion" sound effect.

According to Nintendo's release calendar, Wii Party will be out in Japan on July 8. That means it's definitely complete enough for Nintendo of America to show it at E3.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqRetailer reveals three Wii Party minigames originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HMVJapanMinigamesnintendowiiWii-PartyThu, 03 Jun 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokepark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure opening in Europe this July]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/pokepark-wii-pikachus-adventure-opening-in-europe-this-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/pokepark-wii-pikachus-adventure-opening-in-europe-this-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/pokepark-wii-pikachus-adventure-opening-in-europe-this-july/#commentsThe latest Pokemon spinoff game, Poképark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure, is being localized for Europe, according to a press release from Nintendo. As you might have surmised from the title, the game stars Pikachu and takes place in a Pokémon theme park.

As Pikachu attempts to collect the shards of the "Sky Prism" that protects the park, he and new Pokémon friends take part in the park's various attractions. Yes, Pikachu's idea of "helping" is to have fun on all the park's rides. Pikachu is kind of a hedonist. The attractions include Poke-themed activities like Rhyperior's Bumper Burn, Bulbasaur's Daring Dash, Salamence's Air Ace, Venusaur's Vine Swing, and Gyarados' Aqua Dash.

Poképark Wii will be released in Europe on July 9. We don't want to ruin the surprise, but if we had to guess, we'd say this game will be announced in North America at some kind of large industry event being held soon.

JoystiqPokepark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure opening in Europe this July originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeminigamesNintendopikachupokemonpokeparkpokepark-wiiWiiThu, 27 May 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Majesco's Babysitting Mama includes your very own baby]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/majescos-babysitting-mama-includes-your-very-own-baby/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/majescos-babysitting-mama-includes-your-very-own-baby/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/majescos-babysitting-mama-includes-your-very-own-baby/#commentsThe "WiiWaa" doll introduced us to the concept of cramming a Wiimote into a doll's mouth and using that to interact with a game. Majesco is bringing that same idea to a much more mainstream game: the previously trademarked Babysitting Mama.

Using a plush baby into which you have tucked a Wiimote -- and also using the Nunchuk that is somehow hanging out of this plush baby or something -- you play 40 minigames in the usual Cooking Mama style; representing tasks like feeding and changing a baby, or rocking it to sleep. The game will feature six different virtual babies with unique personalities, though you'll be using the same proxy doll to manipulate all the e-babies.

Babysitting Mama is due out this holiday. Unfortunately, Majesco has yet to release an image of the doll, so we can't yet gauge how creeped out we're going to be by this game.

Gallery: Babysitting Mama (Wii)

JoystiqMajesco's Babysitting Mama includes your very own baby originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babysittingbabysitting-mamacooking-mamadollmajescominigamesNintendowhatWiiMon, 24 May 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Wideload Games' Patrick Curry talks Disney Guilty Party, life after 'Stubbs']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/interview-wideload-games-patrick-curry-on-disney-guilty-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/interview-wideload-games-patrick-curry-on-disney-guilty-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/interview-wideload-games-patrick-curry-on-disney-guilty-party/#comments Some of the most fun to be had during multiplayer video games isn't actually in the game itself -- it's outside of the games, where players chat with each other for fun, break down a strategy during co-op, or trash talk in-between deathmatches. You don't usually get XP for taunting over voicechat or telling your team where the enemy is, but there's a reward nevertheless, a social bonus completely independent of the code that developers write.

Wideload Games has done a great job of focusing on that gameplay in Disney Guilty Party. I got to play the same co-op Party Mode as Randy at a pre-E3 event this week, and while it's definitely a family game, it competently serves up custom-made mysteries for families to take on. In hunting down and accusing various colorful suspects, that out-of-game conversation and interaction becomes just as important and fun as the in-game button pressing and Wiimote waggling.

Game Director Patrick Curry was my partner-in-crime-solving, and since we have common roots in Chicago (I used to work in the same building, one floor below Wideload's studios), we had a quick chat about the studio's direction towards family games, and its acquisition by Disney Interactive.

Continue reading Interview: Wideload Games' Patrick Curry talks Disney Guilty Party, life after 'Stubbs'

JoystiqInterview: Wideload Games' Patrick Curry talks Disney Guilty Party, life after 'Stubbs' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 May 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creatordevelopersdisneydisney-guilty-partydisney-interactive-studiosguilty-partyminigamesmysteryNintendoparty-gameparty-modepatrick-currywideload-gamesWiiWed, 19 May 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Wii Party' revealed by Iwata (think: Mario Party with Miis)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/wii-party-revealed-by-nintendo-iwata/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/wii-party-revealed-by-nintendo-iwata/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/wii-party-revealed-by-nintendo-iwata/#comments
Screenshot party in the gallery!During his financial results briefing to investors, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed the next game in the company's flagship "Wii" series: Wii Party. The game, Iwata said, is designed to be a "marquee party game for Wii" -- akin to Mario Party minus some of the frills, like the board-game framing or the Waluigi. You could also think of it like any of the dozens of minigame collections already available for the Wii, but with the potential to be good.

Wii Party joins Wii Sports and sequel Resort, Wii Play, the Wii Fits, and (cough) Wii Music in the Wii-branded game series. The party game stars player-created Miis (instead of Mario characters) and includes a "Living Party" mode that uses just the Wiimote. 1-4-player games shown in screenshots include sugoroku (the Japanese board game that's also the basis for WiiWare's Family Pirate Party), "International Vacation Game," "Mii Jyan," roulette, and bingo; and 1-2-player games, filed in the "Pair Party" category, include Mii compatibility check, "Balance Ship" and Mii Match.

"Nintendo has not launched a marquee party game since Mario Party 8, launched in summer 2007," Iwata told investors (through translation). "However, since Wii is usually being played by several people at once and the global sales of Mario Party have reached 7.6 million units, a party title has great potential. This is one of the titles which, we hope, will play an important role for this fiscal year." In other words, Wii Party will be released, at least in Japan, before the end of March 2011.

The best thing about Wii Party? It'll allow Nyko to bring back the canceled Party Station as a game-specific accessory.

Gallery: Wii Party


[Via Kotaku]

Joystiq'Wii Party' revealed by Iwata (think: Mario Party with Miis) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-partymiisminigamesNintendoparty-gamesrelease-datesatoru-iwataWiiwii-partyFri, 07 May 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Behemoth serves new Castle Crashers PS3 screens and video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/the-behemoth-serves-new-castle-crashers-ps3-screens-and-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/the-behemoth-serves-new-castle-crashers-ps3-screens-and-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/the-behemoth-serves-new-castle-crashers-ps3-screens-and-video/#commentsThe Behemoth has sent out an update about the status of the PS3 version of Castle Crashers. No, there's no release date yet. But at least the game is still in development! That's good news. "We have now sent the title off to a 3rd party vendor for final testing before we begin the submission process with Sony," The Behemoth's Kelly Revak reports.

Two new Trophies have been added to the as-yet theoretical PSN game, in addition to those being ported over from the XBLA game's Achievements. "Social Networker" is earned for an "impressive" number of volleys in the new volleyball game, and "You are insane" is awarded to those who complete the game on Insane difficulty. See how that works?

While you (continue to) to wait for the game, enjoy some footage of a volleyball match after the break, and some volleyball screenshots in the gallery.

Gallery: Castle Crashers - Volleyball (PS3)


Continue reading The Behemoth serves new Castle Crashers PS3 screens and video

JoystiqThe Behemoth serves new Castle Crashers PS3 screens and video originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castle-crashersminigamespsnthe-behemothvolleyballTue, 04 May 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's 'And-Kensaku' turns Google searching into a game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/nintendos-and-kensaku-turns-google-searching-into-a-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/nintendos-and-kensaku-turns-google-searching-into-a-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/nintendos-and-kensaku-turns-google-searching-into-a-game/#commentsBack in October 2008, Nintendo of Japan showed off a ton of Wii games all at once. They're still not all out yet. Some, like Cosmic Walker, remain largely mysterious, while we're only recently hearing renewed discussion about games like Span Smasher (now called FlingSmash). One of the weirdest games from that already-weird lineup was Kensax, a minigame collection in which competition was based on achieving search engine queries with greater results than your opponents.

Nintendo has since renamed the game to And-Kensaku, opened a website (earworm warning!) and announced a new partner for the search engine: none other than Google. Using a set of 10,000 words provided by Google on the disc (with more available by going online with the game), players will compete in activities like guessing which words are more popular, doing "and" searches with given words and your own words and using the number of results to add stairs to a staircase as you climb it, and passing a bomb around that explodes in the hands of the player with the fewest search terms. Yes, it's really, really strange.

And-Kensaku will be released in Japan on April 29. There's no word on an international release, though it's entirely possible that Nintendo of America will bring it to E3 and then never mention it again, like Line Attack Heroes.

[Via Andriasang]

JoystiqNintendo's 'And-Kensaku' turns Google searching into a game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>and-kensakugooglejapanminigamesNintendosearch-engineshiftWiiWed, 31 Mar 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Chuck E. Cheese's Party Games announced for DS and Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/chuck-e-cheeses-party-games-announced-for-ds-and-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/chuck-e-cheeses-party-games-announced-for-ds-and-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/chuck-e-cheeses-party-games-announced-for-ds-and-wii/#comments You know, some people just don't get it. When you're 36 and you like to hang at the Chuck E. Cheese's, people get the wrong idea. They think because you've got a big, bushy beard, trench coat and some fresh Ray-Bans on, you're hanging around with offensive, illegal activities in mind. Since when is it a crime to love the ball pit? Skee-Ball should be something we all can enjoy at any age, right?

Thanks to UFO Interactive, you don't have to worry about dirty looks from parents and possible incarceration any longer, as the publisher is lining up a pair of titles for the DS and Wii. Chuck E. Cheese's Party Games will feature 18 different mini-games -- starring Chuck and his friends, natch -- and various unlockable videos and prizes.

Sadly, UFO Interactive doesn't have any media on either game at this time, but in the meanwhile why not just sit back, close your eyes and imagine playing in a ball pit that isn't a cesspool of germ-carrying kids wrist-deep in their nostrils? Ahh, that's the good stuff!

JoystiqChuck E. Cheese's Party Games announced for DS and Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chuck-e-cheesechuck-e-cheeses-party-gamesminigamesufo-interactiveTue, 23 Mar 2010 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Majesco reports drop in Q1 profits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/majesco-reports-drop-in-q1-profits/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/majesco-reports-drop-in-q1-profits/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/majesco-reports-drop-in-q1-profits/#commentsThis week, Majesco reported its earnings for its fiscal first quarter (which ended January 31). As you may have surmised from the recent news of its potential Nasdaq delisting, things aren't precisely where Majesco would want them to be, financially. Its net profit for the quarter was $3.8 million, showing a year-over-year decline compared to Q1 2009's $4.2 million profit.

However, the slightly smaller Q1 still seems big enough to make Majesco happy. "Majesco had a very solid first quarter driven by strong holiday sales of our Cooking Mama franchise," CEO Jesse Sutton said, "which once again delivered impressive results, and Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel." Yes, that's right, some of you bought something with the word "Squeakquel" on it.

"Our results were in-line with our internal expectations and we remain on track to deliver improved profitability for 2010," he added. "We have made significant progress in fine tuning our strategy to meet the challenges of the current operating environment." The latest announcement from Majesco, of course, is another extension of the Cooking Mama franchise, Crafting Mama.

JoystiqMajesco reports drop in Q1 profits originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alvin-and-the-chipmunks-the-squeakquelCookingCooking-MamaCooking-Mama-Ltdcooking-mama-world-kitchenDSjesse-suttonmajescoMajesco-EntertainmentMinigamesNintendoWiiThu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[See more Move in Sports Champions dev diary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/see-more-move-in-sports-champions-dev-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/see-more-move-in-sports-champions-dev-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/see-more-move-in-sports-champions-dev-diary/#commentsPlayStation Blog posted a developer diary featuring Zindagi Games, developer of the PlayStation Move minigame showcase Sports Champions. The devs demonstrate the abilities of the Move controller, showing lots of game footage and demonstrations of controller motions.

They also describe their excitement about Move and its new opportunities for control -- going so far as to compare it to the feeling of playing a 3D game for the first time. If you were developing one of the flagship games for the thing, you'd be excited too!

JoystiqSee more Move in Sports Champions dev diary originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>minigamesmotion-controlplaystation-movesports-championszindagi-gamesThu, 11 Mar 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Majesco cooks up Crafting Mama for DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/majesco-cooks-up-crafting-mama-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/majesco-cooks-up-crafting-mama-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/majesco-cooks-up-crafting-mama-for-ds/#commentsAlmost a year ago, a trademark for "Crafting Mama" was spotted. It's now being put to use, as Majesco has announced, well, Crafting Mama for DS. In her latest endeavor, Mama will occupy her seemingly endless time with a new task: arts & crafts.

In a series of 40 projects, players will create things like birdhouses, quilts, kaleidoscopes and adorable new aprons for Mama to wear, as well as Mama dolls. Of course, these creations will all be realized through the familiar touch-based minigames, played alone and in multiplayer, which so many of us have grown to love in the utterly populous Cooking Mama game franchise. It's kind of crazy that a company can announce a game about making quilts and birdhouses, and we can already pretty much imagine how to play it!

Majesco plans a fall 2010 release for Crafting Mama, but we suspect the publisher is at least considering bumping that up a bit.

JoystiqMajesco cooks up Crafting Mama for DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooking-mamacooking-mama-limitedcrafting-mamaDSfall-2010majescominigamesNintendorelease-dateThu, 11 Mar 2010 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Beat City screens are nice and confusing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/beat-city-screens-are-nice-and-confusing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/beat-city-screens-are-nice-and-confusing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/beat-city-screens-are-nice-and-confusing/#commentsWe suggested our enthusiasm for THQ's Beat City may be reduced upon seeing actual screenshots of the rhythm-based minigame collection. We're delighted to report that in addition to sounding like a neat idea, we think it looks pretty interesting as well! It's got an unusual geometric art style.

You can inspect the style of Beat City for yourself in our gallery, and even see storyboard-style sequences that are ... intended to explain the gameplay. We see an assembly line of crows being turned into parrots. We see a loving couple wearing outfits that grow spontaneously more ren-faire. We don't feel illuminated.

Gallery: Beat City (3/1/10)

JoystiqBeat City screens are nice and confusing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beat-cityminigamesrhythmthquniversomowhatMon, 01 Mar 2010 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA['All-Star Karate' for Wii will teach you how to hit stuff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/all-star-karate-for-wii-will-teach-you-how-to-hit-stuff/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/all-star-karate-for-wii-will-teach-you-how-to-hit-stuff/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/all-star-karate-for-wii-will-teach-you-how-to-hit-stuff/#commentsNo, you won't learn who the stars of karate are by playing THQ's All-Star Karate. Rather than a licensed game featuring the biggest names in martial arts, All-Star Karate is a fighting game in the same casual Wii series as All-Star Cheer Squad. And though the final product may not turn out to be to everyone's tastes, there's something about a casual-oriented fighting game that sounds fascinating. Or, it would sound fascinating if not for all the minigames.

All-Star Karate uses the Wiimote and optional MotionPlus for motion-based karate moves in training. That training can then be put to the test in the Challenge Mode. Also neat (and likely to be overshadowed by the minigame-ness of the whole thing): a kata editor that lets you put together your own choreographed demonstration.

All-Star Karate will be available this spring. Beware of the stinky socks!

Joystiq'All-Star Karate' for Wii will teach you how to hit stuff originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-star-karatecasualfightingkarateminigamesNintendoplay-thqthqWiiMon, 08 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kung Fu Funk headed to WiiWare with expert timing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/kung-fu-funk-headed-to-wiiware-with-expert-timing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/kung-fu-funk-headed-to-wiiware-with-expert-timing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/kung-fu-funk-headed-to-wiiware-with-expert-timing/#commentsStickmen Studios, creator of WiiWare's Dragon Master Spell Caster, announced its next game today. Kung Fu Funk is a multiplayer party game, also for WiiWare, with a martial arts theme.

In a series of "1970's styled funky Kung Fu mini-games" (like catching flies with chopsticks, most closely associated with 1984's The Karate Kid), players will use the Wiimote to train themselves in "ancient 70's moves" before testing their comedy kung fu abilities in a "disco dojo showdown." It's all your favorite kung fu movie stereotypes translated into Wii minigames -- and set to Carl Douglas's 1974 hit "Kung Fu Fighting." Also, according to the press release, singing yaks figure into the game somehow!

Here's where it gets interesting: Kung Fu Funk somehow integrates research from Industrial Research Limited on upper body mobility, seemingly with the goal of teaching you some kind of actual motions. Or something!

JoystiqKung Fu Funk headed to WiiWare with expert timing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kung-fu-funkminigamesstickmen-studioswiiwareMon, 25 Jan 2010 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[WarioWare DIY screens show how it's done]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/warioware-diy-screens-show-how-its-done/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/warioware-diy-screens-show-how-its-done/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/warioware-diy-screens-show-how-its-done/#commentsWarioWare DIY's simplified game design interface, used to create five-second microgames in the style of previous WarioWares, seems a lot simpler in these screenshots, mostly because it's now in English and we can read it. Quite helpful, that.

And now that we can see it, it looks like an extremely user-friendly, but still complicated, programming language presented as if it's plain English. The game guides you through the creation of animation and sound, and then the development of the in-game actions and conditions. And with those tools, you can create the five-second DS microgame of your dreams!

Gallery: WarioWare DIY

JoystiqWarioWare DIY screens show how it's done originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>minigameswariowarewarioware-diyMon, 25 Jan 2010 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA['Let's Draw,' says Majesco to Nintendo DS owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/lets-draw-says-majesco-to-nintendo-ds-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/lets-draw-says-majesco-to-nintendo-ds-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/lets-draw-says-majesco-to-nintendo-ds-owners/#commentsMajesco's Let's Draw is ridiculously cute. Chances are it won't be as cute in untrained hands, but that's no reason not to try! Let's Draw combines minigames with Drawn to Life-style customization -- it's part drawing book, part game -- and adorability varies (based on the player's skill).

Kids (and yes, this is for kids) draw and color images as prompted by the game, which are then animated in minigames like Whack-a-Mole and Air Hockey. Let's Draw also includes simple drawing lessons, based on a Japanese drawing book series. Drawn to Life was a big success for THQ -- we'll see how this younger take on the idea works out for a somewhat bruised and beaten Majesco when the game releases this March for $19.99.

Gallery: Let's Draw (DS)

Joystiq'Let's Draw,' says Majesco to Nintendo DS owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agatsuma-entertainmentdrawinglets-drawmajescominigamesThu, 21 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cooking Mama taking on two more side jobs this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/cooking-mama-taking-on-two-more-side-jobs-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/cooking-mama-taking-on-two-more-side-jobs-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/cooking-mama-taking-on-two-more-side-jobs-this-year/#commentsIn its latest financial results release, Majesco reported satisfying sales for its Cooking Mama franchise. It didn't provide specifics, but CEO Jesse Sutton said that Cooking Mama 3 "performed well," Gardening Mama was "very successful" and Cooking Mama in general was "the most successful third party franchise on the DS" and "an evergreen brand." So, naturally, Majesco is going to retire the series on a high note.

Oh, did we say "retire the series on a high note?" We meant "release two more games this year." Sutton said that following the success of the gardening-based spinoff, Majesco is working on two "additional extensions for 2010," as well as looking to "new media channels" for further extensions of the brand.

JoystiqCooking Mama taking on two more side jobs this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualCookingcooking-mamacooking-mama-3Cooking-Mama-3-Shop-and-ChopCooking-Mama-LtdDSgardening-mamamajescoMajesco-EntertainmentMinigamesNintendoThu, 14 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tatsunoko vs. Capcom adds 'Ultimate All-Shooters' minigame]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/tatsunoko-vs-capcom-adds-ultimate-all-shooters-minigame/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/tatsunoko-vs-capcom-adds-ultimate-all-shooters-minigame/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/tatsunoko-vs-capcom-adds-ultimate-all-shooters-minigame/#commentsThough they've seldom been mentioned since the fighter was announced for a North American release, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom contains a wide selection of minigames -- one for each character in the original Japanese release. While it's currently undetermined whether all the new characters added for Ultimate All-Stars will have unique extra games, Capcom has revealed at least one new one: "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Shooters," a vertically-scrolling, Commando-esque shooter starring the characters from the fighting game.

The up-to-four-player minigame apparently features not only multiple stages, but branching paths, as well as special moves. It appears to be based on the Lost Planet-themed PTX-40A "AK Extermination Mission" minigame, but expanded. See a clip of Ultimate All-Shooters -- which appears to have been captured from VHS -- after the break.

Continue reading Tatsunoko vs. Capcom adds 'Ultimate All-Shooters' minigame

JoystiqTatsunoko vs. Capcom adds 'Ultimate All-Shooters' minigame originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomfightingminigamestatsunoko-vs-capcomTue, 12 Jan 2010 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ taking DS to Beat City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/thq-taking-ds-to-beat-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/thq-taking-ds-to-beat-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/thq-taking-ds-to-beat-city/#commentsEver wonder what a city built on rock and roll would actually look like? Find out this spring when THQ releases Beat City for the DS. Beat City, developed by THQ Wireless developer Universomo, is a series of 20 rhythm-based minigames in which players "tap, swipe, or hold" to the beat, while the city transforms. Success in minigames will help drive Dame Isolde Minor and her Cacophony Corporation, who presumably dislike music, out of the city.

While Universomo isn't quite as glamorous a developer as the Nintendo R&D1 team that created Rhythm Heaven, we're delighted to see someone else taking on the idea of rhythm-based minigames. That enthusiasm may diminish when we see actual screens or footage, but why not enjoy the moment?

Update: Three screens of some "funky mannequins" are now in our gallery.

Gallery: Beat City (DS)

JoystiqTHQ taking DS to Beat City originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beat-cityDSminigamesNintendorhythmthquniversomoTue, 12 Jan 2010 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[FYI: WarioWare DIY does it on DS in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/fyi-warioware-diy-does-it-on-ds-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/fyi-warioware-diy-does-it-on-ds-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/fyi-warioware-diy-does-it-on-ds-in-march/#commentsOne of Nintendo's most exciting announcements from E3 was the localization of WarioWare DIY, a DS app that lets players create their own WarioWare games, with custom graphics, sound, and gameplay. Nintendo didn't happen to offer a date during the thrilling E3 presentation, and it's said nothing at all about what should be a major part of the publisher's DS lineup -- until today.

In its Q1 schedule, Nintendo provided a date of March 28. You're not buying anything in March, right? The company also offered a Q1 date for WarioWare DIY Showcase, the WiiWare game through which WarioWare DIY games can be uploaded and played on a big screen.

JoystiqFYI: WarioWare DIY does it on DS in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSminigamesNintendoq1q1-2010release-datewariowarewarioware-diywarioware-diy-showcaseWiiMon, 14 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Cooking Mama 3 and Cake Mania 3 (DS) [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/joyswag-cooking-mama-3-and-cake-mania-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/joyswag-cooking-mama-3-and-cake-mania-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/joyswag-cooking-mama-3-and-cake-mania-3/#comments Update: That's it, folks -- the contest has come to a close! Keep an eye on your email's inbox to see if you won!

In our latest Joyswag, we're hooking one lucky reader up with a pair of new Majesco DS titles: Cooking Mama 3 and Cake Mania 3. Keep 'em to yourself or pass 'em along as a gift this holiday season. See how you can enter to win below:
  • Leave a comment telling us whether you prefer to bake or cook
  • 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 2:59PM ET on Tuesday, November 10
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Cooking Mama 3 for the Nintendo DS ($30 ARV) and Cake Mania 3 for the Nintendo DS ($20 ARV)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

JoystiqJoyswag: Cooking Mama 3 and Cake Mania 3 (DS) [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cake-maniacake-mania-3Cookingcooking-mamacooking-mama-3Cooking-Mama-3-Shop-and-ChopCooking-Mama-LtdjoyswagmajescoMajesco-EntertainmentMinigamesWed, 04 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Crystal Bearers also has a ballroom dancing minigame]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/crystal-bearers-also-has-a-ballroom-dancing-minigame/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/crystal-bearers-also-has-a-ballroom-dancing-minigame/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/crystal-bearers-also-has-a-ballroom-dancing-minigame/#commentsFamitsu revealed two "event" minigames in Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers. We knew about the vaguely embarrassing pool float minigame, and we've actually seen hints of the other minigame in the trailer: ballroom dancing. This seems to take place in the scene in which Layle steals some guy's tuxedo to sneak into an event, and involves rotating the Wiimote and Nunchuk to simulate dancing movements.

In the E3 demo, the game was full of diverting events like this. A rail shooter segment opened the game, followed by an airship piloting segment. The main enemy-tossing game will be broken up by events like this one, which finally fulfills the promise of Final Fantasy VIII's most famous scene.

JoystiqCrystal Bearers also has a ballroom dancing minigame originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actioncrystal-bearersffcc-crystal-bearersfinal-fantasy-crystal-chronicles-the-crystal-bearersminigamesrpgsquare-enixMon, 19 Oct 2009 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Hands-on: Minna no Sukkiri]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/tgs-2009-hands-on-minna-no-sukkiri/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/tgs-2009-hands-on-minna-no-sukkiri/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/tgs-2009-hands-on-minna-no-sukkiri/#commentsThe latest Hot Shots title from Clap Hanz isn't about golf or tennis. Minna no Sukkiri is more Hot Shots ... baseball! And karate! And ... vegetable fighting! And book sorting! And other things that I didn't get to play in my short demo session! Sukkiri (something like Hot Shots: Refresh) is a minigame collection featuring twelve wildly different games. If the four I played are any indication, the descriptions for all of them would include the phrase "and that's it."

Continue reading TGS 2009: Hands-on: Minna no Sukkiri

JoystiqTGS 2009: Hands-on: Minna no Sukkiri originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clap-hanzhot-shotsminigamesminna-no-sukkiritgs-2009Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's tap on our iPhones to play Let's Tap on our iPhones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/lets-tap-on-our-iphones-to-play-lets-tap-on-our-iphones/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/lets-tap-on-our-iphones-to-play-lets-tap-on-our-iphones/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/lets-tap-on-our-iphones-to-play-lets-tap-on-our-iphones/#commentsIf you've got an iPhone -- and a really secure case to protect it -- you'll be able to play Prope's quirky Wii debut Let's Tap soon. Prope has started releasing individual games from the Wii collection, with the first, Let's Tap: Tap Runner, available on the App Store today for $4. Gem Game will follow on September 25 for .99, with Silent Blocks, Bubble Voyager, and Rhythm Tap coming after that.

In case you don't want to risk tapping your phone right off the table, the games offer a "touch" mode in which you can control them by tapping on the screen, or a "free" mode in which you can tap any part of the phone. Let's watch a trailer after the post break!

[Via GameSetWatch]

Continue reading Let's tap on our iPhones to play Let's Tap on our iPhones

JoystiqLet's tap on our iPhones to play Let's Tap on our iPhones originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleiPodlets-tapminigamespropesegaFri, 18 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cooking Mama 3 trailer, fresh from the oven]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/cooking-mama-3-trailer-fresh-from-the-oven/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/cooking-mama-3-trailer-fresh-from-the-oven/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/cooking-mama-3-trailer-fresh-from-the-oven/#commentsMajesco's first trailer for Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop features one aspect of the Cooking Mama series we don't expect to see in the actual DS game: the voice acting, which is as endearing as ever.

The trailer features the first look at the game's new shopping mode, which appears as a top-down RPG-style presentation. It also features flashes of the familiar cooking gameplay, including the return of the most ridiculous recipe from Mamas past -- instant ramen. Really?

For the most part, it looks like Cooking Mama, which we've yet to become tired of, so we don't mind. And now with the addition of food with faces, we don't think we will ever get tired of it.

JoystiqCooking Mama 3 trailer, fresh from the oven originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualCookingcooking-mamacooking-mama-3cooking-mama-3-shop-and-chopcooking-mama-ltdDSmajescoMajesco-EntertainmentMinigamesNintendoFri, 11 Sep 2009 01:15:00 EST