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[Two Worlds publisher obtains $12.9m in funding]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/two-worlds-publisher-obtains-12-9m-in-funding/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/two-worlds-publisher-obtains-12-9m-in-funding/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/two-worlds-publisher-obtains-12-9m-in-funding/#commentsFiled under:


SouthPeak Games, publisher of Two Worlds as well as the uber-cute DS title Ninjatown, has secured an impressive $12.9 million in private funding. As reported by VC blog VentureBeat's Dean Takahashi, the financing is particularly interesting given that most investments of this sort are directed at the online games, virtual worlds or social networks, rather than the more traditional console and PC game space that SouthPeak calls home.

The company will have no shortage of projects on which to blow its newfound cash, with a number of other titles on deck including XBLA puzzler Roogoo, Monster Madness: Grave Danger for the PS3, and The Temptation, which is totally not-an-expansion to Two Worlds. With multiple sequels planned, Takahashi also notes that the pub sees last year's Xbox 360 and PC RPG as its biggest success to date, though it's a sentiment obviously measured in something other than review scores.

JoystiqTwo Worlds publisher obtains $12.9m in funding originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>monster-madnessmonstermadnessninjatownroogoosouthpeaktwo-worldstwoworldsSat, 21 Jun 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SouthPeak tries again with Monster Madness: Grave Danger]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/southpeak-tries-again-with-monster-madness-grave-danger/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/southpeak-tries-again-with-monster-madness-grave-danger/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/southpeak-tries-again-with-monster-madness-grave-danger/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Despite its obvious throwback to office fave Zombies Ate My Neighbors, Artificial Studios' Monster Madness:Battle for Suburbia was among our biggest disappointments of 2007, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory with sordid gameplay mired in controls that were barely serviceable. Whether this was due to having jumped engines mid-stride, or something as simple as falling asleep at the development wheel, the game's release was quickly - and thankfully - forgotten.

It seems, however, that some lessons are hard learned, as publisher SouthPeak today reminded us that the top-down multiplayer shooter is heading to the PlayStation 3 in the second quarter, this time brandishing a new name, Monster Madness: Grave Danger, as well as "a number of new and improved features." There is that thing that mom (or was it Great White?) used tell us about being once bitten twice shy, though the pub's promise that based on player feedback "every Zombie, Werewolf and Vampire has been recalled to square one" is, at least on the surface, encouraging.

Among the changes are "completely reconstructed" camera angles, tighter controls, and updated graphics, as well as new costumes and multiplayer modes. The game will also include online co-op throughout the story mode, something that was sorely missing the first time around. Also noteworthy is that Grave Danger is being handled by a different developer, Psyonix Studios, though we can't help but think that the devs must feel like they arrived late to the party under strict instructions to clean up a mess they didn't even make.

Gallery: Monster Madness: Grave Danger

JoystiqSouthPeak tries again with Monster Madness: Grave Danger originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coopgrave dangerGraveDangermonster madnessMonsterMadnessmultiplayerPS3psyonix studiosPsyonixStudiossouthpeakWed, 06 Feb 2008 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Madness patch aims to fix flaws]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/monster-madness-patch-aims-to-fix-flaws/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/monster-madness-patch-aims-to-fix-flaws/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/monster-madness-patch-aims-to-fix-flaws/#commentsFiled under:


Way back in April, we tried out the Monster Madness demo and walked away less than impressed. What was present in the game wasn't bad, but it definitely had issues. Particularly, the game had serious camera and control issues, which made the demo much more difficult than it had to be. It looks like the developers have taken many of the game's criticisms (we weren't the only ones who made them) and addressed them in a title update available now on Xbox Live. SouthPeak informs us that the update includes several tweaks to the gameplay but the biggest change is definitely a revamped control scheme and camera. You may recall (but probably don't) our major gripe with the demo: "the directional aiming is constant. In other words, if your character is facing left, he keeps facing left until you adjust the right stick. It works fine for ranged weapons, but it's a pain to have to manually aim a melee weapon." The new control scheme makes it so the camera and character point in the same direction as the left stick, which is definitely a step in the right direction. Find a complete list of the other changes after the break.

Those out there with the game, let us know what you think of the changes.

Continue reading Monster Madness patch aims to fix flaws

JoystiqMonster Madness patch aims to fix flaws originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artificial-studiosartificialstudiosmonster-madnessmonstermadnesssouthpeaksouthpeak-gamesFri, 30 Nov 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Circuit City offers up all kinds of deals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/circuit-city-offers-up-all-kinds-of-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/circuit-city-offers-up-all-kinds-of-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/circuit-city-offers-up-all-kinds-of-deals/#commentsFiled under: ,

This week Circuit City is offering all kinds of deals, some we've seen before while others are new. But be sure to note that most (if not all) are in-store only deals, so let's get to it. This week they brought back two deals including the two free HD DVD offer with the purchase of the Xbox 360 HD DVD player and the 4' tall Master Chief wall graphic with a Halo 3 preorder. For new deals we have a free tshirt with the purchase of Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia and an offer for our PC fanboys. This week you can get Halo 2 Vista for $39.99 and with the purchase you'll get Shadowrun Vista for free! Two PC games for $40, not too shabby at all. So, that's it and be sure to remember that most of these deals aren't available online. Happy spending!

JoystiqCircuit City offers up all kinds of deals originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealsdiscountshalo 3Halo3hd dvdhd dvd playerHdDvdHdDvdPlayermonster madnessMonsterMadnessshadowrunMon, 18 Jun 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shipping this week: scary silver ninjas edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/shipping-this-week-scary-silver-ninjas-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/shipping-this-week-scary-silver-ninjas-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/shipping-this-week-scary-silver-ninjas-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,


Oh how far we have come. Only two weeks ago we had high profile games like Shadowrun and Forza Motorsport 2 descending on our Xboxen. Hell, we even had the Halo 3 beta. This week we get, um, Tenchu Z, Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia, and yet another movie tie-in (Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, if you must know). We pretty much had our minds made up about Tenchu Z since our Japanese buddy let us try out its Japanese counterpart, Tenchu Senran, nearly a year ago. It wasn't spectacular then, and it's not made any better with the addition of English subtitles. It's possible that Monster Madness has made significant strides since its demo released (and after a few delays), but we're not holding our breath. And then we have a game based on a sequel to a mediocre movie.

Call us conspiracy theorists, but we think the releases over the last few weeks are part of a maniacal Microsoft plot to sell more copies of Shadowrun and Forza 2.

JoystiqShipping this week: scary silver ninjas edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantastic 4fantastic fourFantastic4FantasticFourmonster madnessMonsterMadnesstenchu zTenchuZMon, 11 Jun 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Maps for Monster Madness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/new-maps-for-monster-madness/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/new-maps-for-monster-madness/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/11/new-maps-for-monster-madness/#commentsFiled under: ,


Xbox Live Marketplace has two new multiplayer maps available for Monster Madness, both costing 200 Microsoft points individually. The first is a 4v4 Capture the Flag level called Zack's House, and is a close quarters indoor map. The second map is called High School and is fit for 16 players, and has opportunities for vehicular combat outside, with close quarters action inside. Does this float anyone's boat, and do you think the 200 MS points is a fair price for each map?

JoystiqNew Maps for Monster Madness originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Downable ContentDownableContentLive MarketplaceLiveMarketplaceMarket PlaceMarketPlaceMonster MadnessMonsterMadnessX B L MXBLMXbox Live MarketplaceXboxLiveMarketplaceMon, 11 Jun 2007 07:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shipping this week: BAMF! edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/shipping-this-week-bamf-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/shipping-this-week-bamf-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/shipping-this-week-bamf-edition/#commentsFiled under:


It's a pretty big week for the Xbox 360. This week we see the release of two of Microsoft's major releases for the summer, Shadowrun and Forza Motorsport 2. Not only that, but also get Monster Madness and Surf's Up. You know, on second thought, maybe we should just stick to the first two. Honestly, the big question for 360 gamers this week is whether the choose Forza or Shadowrun. Given that these are two different games that appeal to two different kinds of gamers, it's not likely to be a tough choice though.

So, do you plan on picking up any of these games?

Continue reading Shipping this week: BAMF! edition

JoystiqShipping this week: BAMF! edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forza 2Forza2monster madnessMonsterMadnessshadowrunshipping this weekShippingThisWeeksurfs upSurfsUpTue, 29 May 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Madness demo gets an update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/monster-madness-demo-gets-an-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/monster-madness-demo-gets-an-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/03/monster-madness-demo-gets-an-update/#commentsFiled under:

For the firstest time ever a demo is receiving an Xbox Live update treatment. Major Nelson sends word that the Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia demo has been updated to fix the matchmaking issues, but sadly, not the control scheme. And since most everyone is a tad underwhelmed by the game, we're not sure how many will even see the update. But no matter, it's updated. Also, developer Jeremy from Artificial Studios will be online tonight and tomorrow playing the Monster Madness demo. Maybe you could play a few games with him and he'll turn you into a full blown Monster Madness fanboy. Maybe ...

JoystiqMonster Madness demo gets an update originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demomonster madnessMonsterMadnessupdatexblmThu, 03 May 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Oh the madness! Monster Madness delayed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/29/oh-the-madness-monster-madness-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/29/oh-the-madness-monster-madness-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/29/oh-the-madness-monster-madness-delayed/#commentsFiled under: ,

This past week, GamingTalkHQ got on the horn with Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia developer SouthPeak Games and learned that the game was being delayed again. According to them, Monster Madness will miss its scheduled May 15th release, getting pushed back to May 29th. GamingTalkHQ also goes on to say that there will be an official announcement coming within' a week or so.

Anyone play the demo, are eagerly awaiting the game, and a little bummed about the rumored delay? Or will you be too busy playing a little thing we call the Halo 3 beta?

JoystiqOh the madness! Monster Madness delayed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Apr 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>monster madnessmonster madness battle for suburbiaMonsterMadnessMonsterMadnessBattleForSuburbiaSun, 29 Apr 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Madness to scare up fun on the Wii?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/monster-madness-to-scare-up-fun-on-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/monster-madness-to-scare-up-fun-on-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/monster-madness-to-scare-up-fun-on-the-wii/#commentsFiled under:

When I was at E3 last year, I got the chance to play Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia for a good 15 minutes with the developers of the game. It was a blast throughout, and while I could fill up this whole post talking about what I liked and didn't like about the game, that wouldn't exactly help any of you out. Just know it's good.

So good that a port to the Wii would be a natural choice for Artificial Studios, the developers behind the title. Jeremy Stieglitz, president, thinks just like us as he confirmed in an interview with Eurogamer that they are currently looking at other systems to bring their title to. Jeremy said they "would love to bring Monster Madness to other platforms. We're definitely looking into possible PS3 and Wii versions, but I can't say anything definite just yet."

Sounds good to us, but we've played it. For those of you who haven't played it, check out the Wiki (you can also visit the official site here) and let us know what you think!

JoystiqMonster Madness to scare up fun on the Wii? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>monstermadnessmonstermadnessbattleforsuburbianintendonintendowiiwiiThu, 19 Apr 2007 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Madness: a little too scary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/monster-madness-a-little-too-scary/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/monster-madness-a-little-too-scary/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/monster-madness-a-little-too-scary/#commentsFiled under: ,


We had planned on posting these impressions yesterday, but we were just swamped in Oblivion paperwork. A Monster Madness demo dropped yesterday, and we were raring to give it a go. Being big fans of dungeon crawlers like Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance and more recent titles like Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, we were excited to give Monster Madness a go. A typical dungeon crawler with a twist of horror movie camp? Sounds great. At least, it did.

Continue reading Monster Madness: a little too scary

JoystiqMonster Madness: a little too scary originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artificial studiosArtificialStudiosimmersion gamesImmersionGamesmonster madnessMonsterMadnesssouthpeak gamessouthpeak interactiveSouthpeakGamesSouthpeakInteractiveFri, 13 Apr 2007 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia demo on XBL]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/monster-madness-battle-for-suburbia-demo-on-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/monster-madness-battle-for-suburbia-demo-on-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/monster-madness-battle-for-suburbia-demo-on-xbl/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You probably didn't go to bed praying for this news, but we're going to tell you anyway -- there's a demo for Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia available to Gold subscribers on Xbox Live Marketplace. No, the demo's invitation to "experience frantic cooperative game play" as "four players can team up on one Xbox 360 to slash, shoot, and drive through a menagerie of monsters" may not blow your skirt up, but hey, if it does, let it never be said that Joystiq doesn't have your best interests at heart.

Also, it's free and 435 MB, so what harm could it do to download it, give it a spin, then comment here with your thoughts? Oh, us? No, no, we won't be doing that. We'd love to, but we're, uhh ... still absorbing the Shrek the Third demo. Yeah, that's the ticket.

JoystiqMonster Madness: Battle for Suburbia demo on XBL originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>goldjoystiqmonstermadnessXbox-360xboxliveFri, 13 Apr 2007 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Madness demo scares XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/monster-madness-demo-scares-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/monster-madness-demo-scares-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/monster-madness-demo-scares-xblm/#commentsFiled under:


Having missed its April 3rd release date, a new demo has arrived for Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia. The game is a top down hack n' slash in the style of Gauntlet and Raven's recent Marvel games. Players take control of one of four different stereotypical horror movie characters (our favorite is Jennifer, the requisite hottie) and proceed to wreak havoc on hordes of monsters. The enemies, like the playable characters, are pulled from the horror movie lexicon as well. Expect vampires, mummies, and werewolves for example. The game also utilizes a parts system that allows different weapons to be created. Finally up to 16 players will be able to play online in co-op and competitive modes.

So, get to downloading already. We'll post our impressions of the demo later today.

JoystiqMonster Madness demo scares XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>monster madnessMonsterMadnesssouthpeaksouthpeak interactiveSouthpeakInteractiveThu, 12 Apr 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Madness gets a date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/monster-madness-gets-a-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/monster-madness-gets-a-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/monster-madness-gets-a-date/#commentsFiled under:


April 3rd has been nailed down as the release date for Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia. Created by Artificial Studios, Monster Madness is a top down brawler in the tradition of Gauntlet and the recent Marvel: Ultimate Alliance. We really like the concept: kill stereotypical monster archetypes as stereotypical horror movie teenagers. However, the video of the game on Marketplace left something to be desired. Still, games like this aren't necessarily communicated well in a video, so we're hoping the game is as interesting as its premise. Monster Madness promises cooperative and versus multiplayer for up to 16 players over Xbox Live, so there is plenty of potential. The ability to create weapons should add to the fun as well. Here's hoping Monster Madness delivers.

JoystiqMonster Madness gets a date originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artificial studiosArtificialStudiosmonster madnessMonsterMadnesssouthpeakWed, 31 Jan 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Monster Madness video and screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/26/new-monster-madness-video-and-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/26/new-monster-madness-video-and-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/26/new-monster-madness-video-and-screens/#commentsFiled under:


It looks like some new screenshots and a video of upcoming Xbox 360 game Monster Madness: Battle for Suburbia were released yesterday. From what we can see in the (overly compressed) YouTube video is that the game is fast paced, cartoonish, and full of death. Thank god for the clearer screenshots, but we must say that they are leaving us wanting a little more from the graphics department. Though, we're thinking the game's gameplay, multiplayer, and "build your own weapon" bullet points will be enough to get people interested. Take a peak at the video, check out the screenshots after the jump, make a judgement, and share your opinion. To love the monsters or not ... the choice is yours.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqNew Monster Madness video and screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Jan 2007 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>monster madnessmonster madness battle for suburbiaMonsterMadnessMonsterMadnessBattleForSuburbiaFri, 26 Jan 2007 22:10:00 EST