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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Twisted Pixel Games Bundle spins onto XBLA for 800 MSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/twisted-pixel-games-bundle-spins-onto-xbla-for-800-msp/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/twisted-pixel-games-bundle-spins-onto-xbla-for-800-msp/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/twisted-pixel-games-bundle-spins-onto-xbla-for-800-msp/#comments Twisted Pixel's XBLA bundle is available for purchase as of this morning, and the price is not bad, not bad at all. At 800 MSP, the collection of 'Splosion Man, Ms. Splosion Man, The Maw, and Comic Jumper comes in at two ninths - or around 22 percent for non-fractionists - of the games' total cost when purchased separately.

If you've been waiting to twist on the talented Texas studio's XBLA collection all this time - is The Maw really four years old now? - then we'd say today your luck is in.

JoystiqTwisted Pixel Games Bundle spins onto XBLA for 800 MSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-jumpermicrosoftms-splosion-manrelease-datesplosion-manthe-mawtwisted-pixelXBLAXBLMxboxFri, 12 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man let off Steam today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/ms-splosion-man-lets-off-steam-breaks-windows-phones-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/ms-splosion-man-lets-off-steam-breaks-windows-phones-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/ms-splosion-man-lets-off-steam-breaks-windows-phones-today/#comments Ms. Splosion Man cannot be contained to any one platform. Following the iOS release of Twisted Pixel's combustion platformer, Ms. Splosion Man has also burst onto Windows (via Steam) and Windows Phone, two platforms owned by Twisted Pixel parent company Microsoft.

The Windows Phone version only works on Windows Phone 7.5, so even in the event you have a Windows Phone device, make sure you have the proper equipment to handle splosions.

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man let off Steam today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobilems-splosion-manpcsteamwindows-phoneWed, 03 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man iOS out now, PC next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ms-splosion-man-ios-out-now-pc-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ms-splosion-man-ios-out-now-pc-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ms-splosion-man-ios-out-now-pc-next-week/#comments
Ms. Splosion Man brings her bewitching mixture of science and 'splosions to iPhone and iPad today, with the iOS port available now for $2.99. Developer Twisted Pixel also revealed the PC port of the original XBLA game is due next week.

The iOS version, developed by Iron Galaxy Studios, introduces six new power-ups to the platformer along with a whopping 1,500 challenges to complete, including racing ghost replays from Twisted Pixel's QA team.

Meanwhile, Twisted Pixel says the PC version is a straight port of the original XBLA game, courtesy of Firehose and Panic Button Studios. By the by, we awarded Ms. Splosion Man on XBLA a glittering five stars, deeming it to be "dripping in charm."

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man iOS out now, PC next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphoneiron-galaxy-studiosmobilems-splosion-manpctwisted-pixelThu, 28 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Twisted Pixel bundle includes studio's XBLA library, coming 'soon' to Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/twisted-pixel-bundle-includes-studios-xbla-library-coming-soo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/twisted-pixel-bundle-includes-studios-xbla-library-coming-soo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/twisted-pixel-bundle-includes-studios-xbla-library-coming-soo/#comments Twisted Pixel bundle includes studio's XBLA library, coming 'soon' to LiveTwisted Pixel is packaging all of its XBLA games into one 'Twisted Bundle,' which is making its way onto Xbox Live "soon." We're waiting for the four-in-one compilation, which includes The Maw, 'Splosion Man, Ms. Splosion Man, and Comic Jumper to twist on a price and date.

JoystiqTwisted Pixel bundle includes studio's XBLA library, coming 'soon' to Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-jumpermicrosoftms-splosion-mansplosion-manthe-mawtwisted-pixelXBLAXBLMxboxxbox-liveThu, 28 Mar 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man bringing power-ups to iOS by the end of March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/ms-splosion-man-bringing-power-ups-to-ios-by-the-end-of-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/ms-splosion-man-bringing-power-ups-to-ios-by-the-end-of-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/ms-splosion-man-bringing-power-ups-to-ios-by-the-end-of-march/#comments Ms. 'Splosion Man will launch on iOS by the end of March, Twisted Pixel told Joystiq at PAX East. The game introduces power-ups, which will be specific to the iOS version of the game. Power-ups include "nuclear 'splode," a bullet-time item and a option to cheat on the game, skipping a level entirely.

The "cheat" power-up isn't new to the series, as Ms. 'Splosion Man originally gave players the option to move past a level should they fail a little too much. In this case, the iOS version offers that choice via power-ups in the in-game power-up store. The game is also coming to Steam and Windows Phone.

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man bringing power-ups to iOS by the end of March originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilems-splosion-manpax-eastPAX-East-2013twisted-pixelFri, 22 Mar 2013 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 320GB hard drive to include NFS: Hot Pursuit, Ms. Splosion Man]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/xbox-320gb-hard-drive-to-include-nfs-hot-pursuit-ms-splosion/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/xbox-320gb-hard-drive-to-include-nfs-hot-pursuit-ms-splosion/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/xbox-320gb-hard-drive-to-include-nfs-hot-pursuit-ms-splosion/#comments The Xbox 360 S-compatible 320GB hard drive is getting a new batch of games, forcing out the formerly bundled-in Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars.

As of sometime next month, the additional storage space includes downloadable copies of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, Ms. Splosion Man, and Pinball FX 2 with the Sorcerer's Lair DLC. As for the price, that sticks at $129.99.

JoystiqXbox 320GB hard drive to include NFS: Hot Pursuit, Ms. Splosion Man originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>320gbmicrosoftms-splosion-manneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitxboxxbox-360-slimFri, 22 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man Cinco de Mayo promo teases E3 game announcement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/ms-splosion-man-cinco-de-mayo-promo-teases-e3-game-announcemen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/ms-splosion-man-cinco-de-mayo-promo-teases-e3-game-announcemen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/ms-splosion-man-cinco-de-mayo-promo-teases-e3-game-announcemen/#comments ImageTwisted Pixel's next joint will be revealed at E3 this year in LA - specifically, on June 5. Word comes via a Cinco de Mayo promotion for Ms. Splosion Man, which adds a new challenge level called "Splokour" and will gift five lucky winners a copy of Twisted Pixel's next title.

In addition to winning the new game, the top five on the challenge level leaderboard will also snag a Ms. Splosion Man plushie. The free challenge level will be available from May 5 until 11pm ET on May 20.

Gallery: Ms. Splosion Man (Splokour challenge map)

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man Cinco de Mayo promo teases E3 game announcement

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man Cinco de Mayo promo teases E3 game announcement originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012microsoftms-splosion-mantwisted-pixelxboxFri, 04 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sliding and 'sploding with Ms. 'Splosion Man on iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/sliding-and-sploding-with-ms-splosion-man-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/sliding-and-sploding-with-ms-splosion-man-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/sliding-and-sploding-with-ms-splosion-man-on-ipad/#comments Rather than create an all new experience tailored to touch screens, the iOS version of Twisted Pixel's excellent Ms. 'Splosion Man attempts to replicate the console experience -- and, yes, that means virtual buttons. So, many people have already stopped reading.

If you're still here, stick around to read about Ms. 'Splosion Man's portable outing and the future of Twisted Pixel on Mobile devices.

Continue reading Sliding and 'sploding with Ms. 'Splosion Man on iPad

JoystiqSliding and 'sploding with Ms. 'Splosion Man on iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilems-splosion-manpax-eastpax-east-2012pcwindows-phoneFri, 06 Apr 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man platform 'splosion: coming to PC, iOS, Windows Phone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/ms-splosion-man-platform-splosion-coming-to-pc-ios-windows/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/ms-splosion-man-platform-splosion-coming-to-pc-ios-windows/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/ms-splosion-man-platform-splosion-coming-to-pc-ios-windows/#comments
Like playing Ms. Splosion Man, but have an intractable grudge against your Xbox 360? Twisted Pixel is bringing its concussive platformer to several new platforms, including PC (on both Steam and Games for Windows Live), iPhone, iPad, and Windows Phone 7. The porting process is a multi-studio endeavor, requiring the talents of not only Twisted Pixel, but Iron Galaxy, Fire Hose Games, and Panic Button Games as well.

The PC version appears identical to the XBLA release, but the mobile game is a "unique experience" designed specifically for touchscreens -- using a virtual d-pad. You'll be able to find out how well these new containers withstand explosive force this summer.

Continue reading Ms. Splosion Man platform 'splosion: coming to PC, iOS, Windows Phone

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man platform 'splosion: coming to PC, iOS, Windows Phone originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>games-for-windows-liveiosipadiphonemobilems-splosion-manpax-east-2012pcrelease-datesteamsummer-2012twisted-pixelFri, 06 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man celebrates Valentine's Day with steak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/ms-splosion-man-celebrates-valentines-day-with-steak/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/ms-splosion-man-celebrates-valentines-day-with-steak/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/ms-splosion-man-celebrates-valentines-day-with-steak/#comments A new challenge level for Ms. 'Splosion Man is set to debut this Valentine's Day, with a special reward for its best players. From February 14-27, players will have access to the "Shoot the Glass" challenge level Ms. 'Splosion Man's main menu. As the title implies, the goal is to smash all the glass in the level, with missed panes adding ten seconds to your clear time.

What really makes the challenge special, however, is the prize. At the end of the challenge period, the five US players with the best times will receive a prize pack from Omaha Steaks. A prize pack composed of steak. Just make sure you 'splode it before you eat it.

Gallery: Ms. Splosion Man (Shoot the Glass)

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man celebrates Valentine's Day with steak

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man celebrates Valentine's Day with steak originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftms-splosion-manomaha-steakstwisted-pixelxblaxboxxbox-liveMon, 13 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Splosion Man coming to Retro City Rampage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/splosion-man-coming-to-retro-city-rampage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/splosion-man-coming-to-retro-city-rampage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/splosion-man-coming-to-retro-city-rampage/#comments
Not even the metaphorical constraints of intellectual property are enough to contain Twisted Pixel's 'Splosion Man, apparently, as indie developer VBlank Entertainment has revealed that both Mr. And Ms. 'Splosion Man will join the cast of its upcoming pixel-art chiptune meta-homage Retro City Rampage.

VBlank told MineCon 2011 attendees that 'Splosion Man is "the first of Retro City Rampage's official indie (or previously indie) crossovers," a statement that indicates future crossover announcements while simultaneously poking at Twisted Pixel's recent change in corporate structure. Check out the trailer above for a glimpse at RCR's isometric take on 'splode-based platforming.

Gallery: Retro City Rampage ('Splosion Man)

Joystiq'Splosion Man coming to Retro City Rampage originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossoverindiemicrosoftMs-Splosion-Mannintendoretro-city-rampagesplosion-mantwisted-pixelvblankvblank-entertainmentwiiwiiwarexblaxboxSat, 19 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man half off, '2K Publisher sale' this week on XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/ms-splosion-man-half-off-2k-publisher-sale-this-week-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/ms-splosion-man-half-off-2k-publisher-sale-this-week-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/ms-splosion-man-half-off-2k-publisher-sale-this-week-on-xblm/#comments Cotton candy pandas! Ms. Splosion Man, Twisted Pixel's solid sequel to the imitation-worthy 'Splosion Man, is on sale this week for 400 MSP ($5). Next week will see Sega's Streets of Rage 2 and Crazy Taxi on sale for 200 MSP ($2.50) and 400 MSP, respectively.

This week also has a "2K Publisher sale" with "up to 50 percent off" all items. We obtained a list of the discounted items, which includes BioShock 2's "Minerva's Den" for $5, Borderlands DLC and The Misadventures of PB Winterbottom.

Continue reading Ms. Splosion Man half off, '2K Publisher sale' this week on XBLM

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man half off, '2K Publisher sale' this week on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftms-splosion-manXBLMxboxxbox-live-marketplaceTue, 15 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man challenge round two features Fruit 'Friend']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/ms-splosion-man-challenge-round-two-features-fruit-friend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/ms-splosion-man-challenge-round-two-features-fruit-friend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/ms-splosion-man-challenge-round-two-features-fruit-friend/#comments Gottagobye.
Listen, Penny Arcade's Fruit F**cker certainly isn't a "friend" to fruit, though we can understand the need to tone down the juicing robot's vile moniker for more tender audiences. It turns out he's not a friend to Ms. 'Splosion Man either, as he now appears in a new challenge level for Twisted Pixel's latest 'sploderific opus.

The challenge level is available now -- handily offered without needing a special download -- and is littered with 9 of the little buggers. The challenge level is open until September 11, and the three players who walk away with the highest scores will receive a prize pack filled with Twisted Pixel and Penny Arcade goodies.

We're not sure if said prize packs include a Fruit "Friend," but you might want to hide your produce just in case.

Gallery: Ms. 'Splosion Man Fruit "Friend" challenge level

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man challenge round two features Fruit 'Friend'

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man challenge round two features Fruit 'Friend' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfruit-friendmicrosoftms-splosion-manpenny-arcadetwisted-pixelxblaxboxTue, 06 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man's Pinball FX table out Aug. 31, playable at PAX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/ms-splosion-mans-pinball-fx-table-out-aug-31-playable-at-pax/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/ms-splosion-mans-pinball-fx-table-out-aug-31-playable-at-pax/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/ms-splosion-mans-pinball-fx-table-out-aug-31-playable-at-pax/#comments The Ms. Splosion Man pinball table for Pinball FX2 will blast pinkness across XBLA on August 31 for 240 MSP ($3) -- that's less than a box of doughnuts.

Heading to PAX? You'll be able to flip over the new table at Twisted Pixel or Microsoft, located at booth numbers 3003 and 432, respectively. While you're waiting for the table, why not try out the actual Ms. Splosion Man game? It's fun, we promise.

Gallery: Pinball FX 2 (Ms Splosion Man)

Continue reading Ms. Splosion Man's Pinball FX table out Aug. 31, playable at PAX

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man's Pinball FX table out Aug. 31, playable at PAX originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftms-splosion-manpinball-fx-2release-datetwisted-pixelxblaxboxZen-StudiosWed, 24 Aug 2011 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[See the Ms. 'Splosion Man Pinball FX2 table]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/see-the-ms-splosion-man-pinball-fx2-table/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/see-the-ms-splosion-man-pinball-fx2-table/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/see-the-ms-splosion-man-pinball-fx2-table/#comments Ms. 'Splosion Man pinball table
What with all the sensitive parts in a pinball machine, you'd normally keep one as far away from explosions as possible. Thankfully, digital pinball saves us from such hazards, allowing for the existence of this Ms. 'Splosion Man table in Pinball FX2. The table will launch later this summer.

Continue reading See the Ms. 'Splosion Man Pinball FX2 table

JoystiqSee the Ms. 'Splosion Man Pinball FX2 table originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmicrosoftms-splosion-manpinball-fx-2xblaxboxxbox-livexbox-live-arcadeFri, 12 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man gets first challenge level, free DLC released for 'Splosion Man]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/ms-splosion-man-gets-first-challenge-level-free-dlc-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/ms-splosion-man-gets-first-challenge-level-free-dlc-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/ms-splosion-man-gets-first-challenge-level-free-dlc-released/#comments Twisted Pixel has announced that the first Title Managed Storage (TMS) challenge has been launched for Ms. 'Splosion Man. The challenge, which features Mr. Destructoid as an in-game character, requires no extra download and should be accessible from the main menu of the game. It will be open until July 31.

Those who managed to grab 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in the leaderboard by the end of the challenge will win a prize pack including a Ms. 'Splosion Man statue, Destructoid bobble head and T-shirts and posters. One random contestant will also receive a Twisted Pixel prize pack, so even those without the best 'sploding skills have a shot at winning something.

In addition to the TMS challenge, Twisted Pixel has also released a new level for the original 'Splosion Man. The level serves as a quick prologue to Ms. 'Splosion Man, and details just how the team at Big Science lured him into a trap. The DLC is free and available now on Xbox Live Marketplace.

Gallery: Ms. 'Splosion Man TMS Challenge (6/21/11)

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man gets first challenge level, free DLC released for 'Splosion Man

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man gets first challenge level, free DLC released for 'Splosion Man originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmicrosoftms-splosion-mansplosion-mantwisted-pixelxblmxboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceThu, 21 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man's 'TMS' system isn't what you think]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/ms-splosion-mans-tms-system-isnt-what-you-think/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/ms-splosion-mans-tms-system-isnt-what-you-think/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/ms-splosion-mans-tms-system-isnt-what-you-think/#comments Though Ms. Splosion Man features online co-op and ghost data races against friends, the folks at developer Twisted Pixel are, like, really concerned with keeping you interested in their newest game. One such indication of this is today's launch day announcement that the "TMS" (or "Title Managed Storage" system, as explained here) will add "special rules and new content" to existing levels on a rolling weekly basis. Like previous TMS-assisted titles (Super Meat Boy, Monday Night Combat), no patch or update will be required for the new content to appear in the game.

There will be leaderboards specifically targeted at the TMS challenges, from which the studio will pull winners to award "real prizes and other fun stuff." It heralds a "new way of giving away free stuff to people who buy our games," says marketing director Jay Stuckwisch.

If you aren't already on that MSM tip (following our review), have a look at the launch trailer just above.

Continue reading Ms. Splosion Man's 'TMS' system isn't what you think

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man's 'TMS' system isn't what you think originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jay-stuckwischmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosms-splosion-mantitle-managed-storagetmstwisted-pixelxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeWed, 13 Jul 2011 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man review: Sweet science]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ms-splosion-man-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ms-splosion-man-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ms-splosion-man-review/#comments People like to ask if video games can be art. I think I've come up with a better question: Can video games be science? Using specific and carefully arranged digital stimuli, is it possible to reliably reproduce the same result?

In the case of Ms. 'Splosion Man, I believe it is. The desired result, in this case, is fun.

Gallery: Ms. Splosion Man

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man review: Sweet science

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man review: Sweet science originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftms-splosion-mantwisted-pixelxblaxboxMon, 11 Jul 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man contains a hidden dig at Capcom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ms-splosion-man-contains-a-hidden-dig-at-capcom/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ms-splosion-man-contains-a-hidden-dig-at-capcom/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ms-splosion-man-contains-a-hidden-dig-at-capcom/#comments
You might remember the drama surrounding a Capcom mobile title that sprung up earlier this year. In January, the publisher released MaXplosion, a title that bore more than a passing resemblance to the Twisted Pixel game, 'Splosion Man. Twisted Pixel's own Mike Henry stated at the time that the rip-off made him "sad."

Capcom, which had previously passed on the opportunity to publish 'Splosion Man, stated that it was "saddened" by the situation. Furthermore, the publisher distanced itself from the title, noting that it was created by Capcom Mobile, "a different division of Capcom with separate offices and as such."

Twisted Pixel obviously hasn't forgotten, hiding a playful Capcom burn in the 'Splosion Man sequel, Ms. 'Splosion Man, which releases later this week. The dig is hidden in a secret area of the game, which is itself an homage to another title we won't spoil here. See it for yourself in the video above.

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man contains a hidden dig at Capcom originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcapcom-mobilemaxplosionmicrosoftms-splosion-mantwisted-pixelxblaxboxMon, 11 Jul 2011 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man gets a table in Pinball FX 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/ms-splosion-man-gets-a-table-in-pinball-fx-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/ms-splosion-man-gets-a-table-in-pinball-fx-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/ms-splosion-man-gets-a-table-in-pinball-fx-2/#comments Zen Studios' Pinball FX2 and Twisted Pixel's Ms. Splosion Man have revealed a cross-splode-form promotion. Ms. 'Splosion Man will have her own table in the pinball sim, while an arcade room in Ms. 'Splosion Man, will have a "virtual Pinball FX 2 table where you can dive right into the hot XBLA pinball action directly."

Ms. 'Splosion Man hits Xbox Live Arcade on July 13 for 800 MSP ($10). There is currently no release date or price announcement for Ms. 'Splosion Man's Pinball FX 2 table, but it should arrive shortly after the XBLA game's debut and cost a few dollars.

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man gets a table in Pinball FX 2

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man gets a table in Pinball FX 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmicrosoftms-splosion-manpinball-fx-2twisted-pixelxblaxboxZen-StudiosThu, 07 Jul 2011 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man won't make wallets 'splode, priced at $10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/ms-splosion-man-wont-make-wallets-splode-priced-at-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/ms-splosion-man-wont-make-wallets-splode-priced-at-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/ms-splosion-man-wont-make-wallets-splode-priced-at-10/#comments It looks like Ms. 'Splosion Man will buck the fifteen buck trend on Xbox Live Arcade. Just like her significant other, Ms. 'Splosion Man will be priced at an oh-so-reasonable 800 MS Points ($10). The 'sploderific sequel is set to land on Xbox Live on July 13. A PC version has also been rumored, though not confirmed.

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man won't make wallets 'splode, priced at $10

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man won't make wallets 'splode, priced at $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftms-splosion-manpricetwisted-pixelxblaxboxxbox-liveTue, 05 Jul 2011 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Ms. 'Splosion Man seen briefly on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/rumor-ms-splosion-man-seen-briefly-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/rumor-ms-splosion-man-seen-briefly-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/rumor-ms-splosion-man-seen-briefly-on-steam/#comments Rock Paper Shotgun's Lewie Procter claims to have had a Steam version of Ms. 'Splosion Man spontaneously burst into his library, only to be replaced soon after by a listing called "ValveTestApp105420." A screenshot captured by RPS shows greyed-out Achievement images that depict Ms. 'Splosion Man, further suggesting that it's a future Steam offering that got out a bit early, and not just a completely random error.

Ms. Splosion Man's initial announcement came without a platform listing, leading to speculation then that it wouldn't be an XBLA exclusive. And as far back as 2009, the developer was saying there was nothing holding the series to XBLA but convenience. We've reached out to Twisted Pixel to find out when or if this mistaken reveal will lead to a real one.

JoystiqRumor: Ms. 'Splosion Man seen briefly on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftms-splosion-manpcsteamtwisted-pixelxboxTue, 05 Jul 2011 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man multiplayer preview: It's all about the shoes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/ms-splosion-man-multiplayer-preview-its-all-about-the-shoes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/ms-splosion-man-multiplayer-preview-its-all-about-the-shoes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/ms-splosion-man-multiplayer-preview-its-all-about-the-shoes/#comments With the Ms. 'Splosion Man beta going on right now, we decided it would be the perfect time to check out the game's new mechanics in an online multiplayer session. We caught the resulting chaos on video, which we now present for your viewing pleasure.

Join us as we hunt for Ms. 'Splosion Man's most treasured collectible: Shoes.

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man multiplayer preview: It's all about the shoes

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man multiplayer preview: It's all about the shoes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftms-splosion-mantwisted-pixelxblaxboxxbox-liveThu, 23 Jun 2011 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man arrives on XBLA July 13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/ms-splosion-man-splodes-onto-xbla-july-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/ms-splosion-man-splodes-onto-xbla-july-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/ms-splosion-man-splodes-onto-xbla-july-13/#comments Good news for all the 'splosion starved gamers out there: You're about to get your fix. Twisted Pixel has announced that Ms. 'Splosion Man -- sequel to one of our favorite games of 2009 -- will arrive on Xbox Live Arcade next month.

Specifically, 'Splosion Man's significant other will hit the download service on July 13. Ms. 'Splosion Man will come packing fifty single-player levels, and another fifty co-op levels for up to four players -- online or off. The price has not yet been revealed (the original 'Splosion Man was $10).

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man arrives on XBLA July 13

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man arrives on XBLA July 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftms-splosion-manrelease-datetwisted-pixelxboxWed, 22 Jun 2011 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man trailer is ready for a surprise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/ms-splosion-man-trailer-is-ready-for-a-surprise/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/ms-splosion-man-trailer-is-ready-for-a-surprise/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/ms-splosion-man-trailer-is-ready-for-a-surprise/#comments
It's been a few months since we've seen some fresh Ms. 'Splosion Man gameplay. Now, thanks to the magic of E3, we've got a piping hot serving of it ready for your enjoyment. Perceptive viewers can spot a few new gameplay elements. More importantly, however, is the inclusion of a wonderful Total Recall reference. And let's face it, there just aren't enough of those in video games.

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man trailer is ready for a surprise

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man trailer is ready for a surprise originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011microsoftms-splosion-mantwisted-pixelxboxMon, 06 Jun 2011 23:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man 'Public Access Testing' (aka beta) details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/ms-splosion-man-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/ms-splosion-man-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/ms-splosion-man-beta/#comments That's right, Twisted Pixel is running a multiplayer beta test for Ms. Splosion Man, which will see 10,000 individuals granted early access to the game's online multiplayer throughout the majority of June. Beta sign-ups are currently underway, so interested parties will want to halt reading this post at the end of this sentence and click on this link.

Are you still reading? Well, aren't you a rebel? OK, how about you rebel against the front page of Joystiq and click past the break for the full press release? No? Well, how else will you know you need an Xbox 360 with a hard drive to take part in the beta?

... crap.

Continue reading Ms. Splosion Man 'Public Access Testing' (aka beta) details

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man 'Public Access Testing' (aka beta) details originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 07:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betamicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosms-splosion-manms-splosion-man-betatwisted-pixelxblaxboxWed, 25 May 2011 07:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man's '2 Girls 1 Controller' mode revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/ms-splosion-mans-2-girls-1-controller-mode-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/ms-splosion-mans-2-girls-1-controller-mode-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/ms-splosion-mans-2-girls-1-controller-mode-revealed/#comments After teasing us over the last several days, Twisted Pixel has finally revealed the meaning behind Ms. 'Splosion Man's mysterious "2G1C" feature. As it turns out, it's actually much more innocent than its namesake -- which we will not elaborate upon here -- and simply allows one player to control two Ms. Splosion Men (Mans?) with one controller.

We say "simply," but it's obviously much more difficult than it sounds. One 'splosion lady is controlled with the left analog stick, while the other is controlled with the right. Each character's 'splode function is similarly mapped to either the left or right bumper. See "2 Girls 1 Controller" in action after the break.

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man's '2 Girls 1 Controller' mode revealed

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man's '2 Girls 1 Controller' mode revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2-girls-1-controllermicrosoftms-splosion-mantwisted-pixelxblaxboxFri, 13 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Splosion Man song performed at PAX East]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/12/splosion-man-song-performed-at-pax-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/12/splosion-man-song-performed-at-pax-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/12/splosion-man-song-performed-at-pax-east/#comments Fans of deep-fried musical accompaniment were treated to a live performance of "Donuts, Go Nuts!" at PAX East -- complete with ukulele, lagging sing-along display and donut donations from Major Nelson. Watch the full Splosion Man song, performed by Twisted Pixel audio lead Matt "Chainsaw" Chaney, right after the break.

Aside from enveloping fans in catchy tunes, Twisted Pixel covered two S-model Xbox 360s in custom skins. There's a Gunstringer-themed console up for grabs in a random draw and a system swathed in glossy Ms. Splosion Man art can be won through a time-trial challenge in a playable build of the game that runs until Sunday. If you can't go see the special consoles yourself, have a look through our galleries below. (Impeccable console lifting and posing provided by Twisted Pixel CEO Michael Wilford.)

Continue reading Splosion Man song performed at PAX East

JoystiqSplosion Man song performed at PAX East originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>donuts-go-nutsmatt-chaneymicrosoftms-splosion-manpax-east-2011splosion-mantwisted-pixelxblaxboxSat, 12 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man preview: Blow it, blow it away]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/ms-splosion-man-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/ms-splosion-man-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/ms-splosion-man-preview/#comments Aside from her vibrant pink color and some (confirmed) anatomical differences, Ms. Splosion Man obviously has a lot in common with her male partner in spontaneous combustion. She makes her debut in Twisted Pixel's first sequel, characterized by an exuberant overflow of energy, a destructive resistance to captivity and, of course, a blasé inclination to blast scientists into chunks of meat. So far, so familiar.

The bigger picture -- that is to say, a world map with a top-down view -- reveals environments that lie far outside the clinical laboratories of the first game. Ms. Splosion Man's initial escape represents Twisted Pixel's attempt to provide a clearer tutorial phase, while the red labels on more difficult levels, such as one set on a picturesque tropical island, are meant to eliminate the surprise of a sudden jump in difficulty. The harder levels don't mess with the elegance of the one-button splode jump, though they are likely to rely on some of the new transport gimmicks.

Gallery: Ms. Splosion Man (GDC)

Continue reading Ms. Splosion Man preview: Blow it, blow it away

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man preview: Blow it, blow it away originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftms-splosion-mantwisted-pixelxblaxboxFri, 04 Mar 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man gameplay footage & screens are awfully frantic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/ms-splosion-man-gameplay-footage-and-screens-are-awfully-frantic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/ms-splosion-man-gameplay-footage-and-screens-are-awfully-frantic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/ms-splosion-man-gameplay-footage-and-screens-are-awfully-frantic/#comments We'd be hard pressed to think of platforming more frantic and dynamic than Splosion Man's most difficult segments -- though, to be fair, we hadn't seen these Ms. Splosion Man screenshots and video (after the jump) until, like, two minutes ago. The followup looks even more hectic than the franchise's first, masculine installment, and here's the kicker: The trailer was clipped from the game's first level. We shudder to think what those later levels are going to look like.

We only hope that Ms. Splosion's library of pop culture quips and, um ... other quotes ("Do I look fat in this?"; "Who left the toilet seat up again?") is extremely expansive. Those sound bites, if repeated too frequently, could approach Gex 64-esque levels of abrasiveness.

Gallery: Ms. Splosion Man (GDC)

Continue reading Ms. Splosion Man gameplay footage & screens are awfully frantic

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man gameplay footage & screens are awfully frantic originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2011microsoftms-splosion-mantwisted-pixelxblaxboxTue, 01 Mar 2011 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[First Ms. 'Splosion Man screens just in time for Valentine's Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/first-ms-splosion-man-screens-just-in-time-for-valentines-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/first-ms-splosion-man-screens-just-in-time-for-valentines-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/first-ms-splosion-man-screens-just-in-time-for-valentines-day/#comments We just opened the mailbox to discover a Valentine from none other than Twisted Pixel. Even better, the card included a very special Valentine's Day gift. No, it wasn't chocolate, it was the very first screens of Ms. 'Splosion Man. From the looks of things, Ms. 'Splosion Man won't be spending all of her time in a stuffy old lab. That's right, she's outside, blue sky and all. Check out the screens in the gallery below.

Gallery: Ms. 'Splosion Man (2/11/10)

JoystiqFirst Ms. 'Splosion Man screens just in time for Valentine's Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftms-splosion-mantwisted-pixelxblaxboxFri, 11 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man and unannounced Twisted Pixel title playable at PAX East]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/ms-splosion-man-and-unannounced-twisted-pixel-title-playable-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/ms-splosion-man-and-unannounced-twisted-pixel-title-playable-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/ms-splosion-man-and-unannounced-twisted-pixel-title-playable-a/#comments In a decidedly non-volatile discussion over email, Twisted Pixel told Joystiq this evening that both Ms. Splosion Man and a second, unannounced title will be playable at this March's PAX East. Without going into any detail whatsoever, the rep added that the second game will be revealed "soon" (as in "before PAX East") and, yes, it's the project that ex-Harmonix senior designer Dan Teasdale has been working on -- TP also noted that the unannounced title has "a lot of dudes working hard on it," so don't go getting things twisted.

If that weren't enough, TP promises "Matt "Chainsaw" Chaney wil be there with ukelele in hand to play something special for the fans at different times of day," which is wonderful each and every time. We'll be there as well, cheering in the crowd. You'll know it's us because we won't have shirts on.

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man and unannounced Twisted Pixel title playable at PAX East originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dan-teasdalematt-chainsaw-chaneymatt-chaneymicrosoftms-splosion-manpax-eastpax-east-2011twisted-pixelxboxWed, 12 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Twisted Pixel's Josh Bear on giving Ms. Splosion Man more than just a bow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/twisted-pixels-josh-bear-on-giving-ms-splosion-man-more-than-j/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/twisted-pixels-josh-bear-on-giving-ms-splosion-man-more-than-j/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/twisted-pixels-josh-bear-on-giving-ms-splosion-man-more-than-j/#comments Fresh out of containment and ready to butcher countless more scientists, Ms. Splosion Man was revealed this evening by Twisted Pixel. Alongside the first teaser and news of next fall's splosive sequel, Twisted Pixel CCO Josh Bear spoke with us about all things MSM. We got to the important stuff upfront, pinning Bear to the wall about the real difference between Mr. and Ms. Splosion Man. "Splosion Man has a penis, Ms. Splosion Man has a vagina," he confessed. Solved.

Oh, right, there was also talk of the reasoning behind a full-on sequel in terms of gameplay. Bear explained: "I think with Splosion Man a follow up was something we really wanted to do, and that is why you never saw DLC for that game. We could have churned out new levels, but we wouldn't have had the time to add in new gameplay puzzles or cool new character stuff. But we didn't just want to do Splosion Man 2, it had to be something a ittle more interesting. That is why we decided to do MSM."

And that's not all! Apparently Twisted Pixel is already hard at work on another game -- an entirely new IP, in fact -- with ex-Harmonix designer Dan Teasdale. Head past the break for more.

Continue reading Twisted Pixel's Josh Bear on giving Ms. Splosion Man more than just a bow

JoystiqTwisted Pixel's Josh Bear on giving Ms. Splosion Man more than just a bow originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 01:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-jumperdan-beardan-teasdalemicrosoftms-splosion-mansplosion-mantwisted-pixelway-of-the-cowardxboxFri, 03 Dec 2010 01:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man makes her debut, sploding 'fall of 2011']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/ms-splosion-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/ms-splosion-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/ms-splosion-man/#commentsMs. Splosion Man You know, in retrospect, that was quite a tell. Just last week, Splosion Man 'sploded to the top of the Xbox Live Arcade charts thanks to a hefty 75% Black Friday discount; this week, developer Twisted Pixel introduces us to Ms. Splosion Man, the titular leading lady in its next digitally delivered opus, coming "fall of 2011." Notably absent from the press release: a platform. Splosion Man was, of course, an Xbox Live Arcade-exclusive and part of Microsoft's 2009 Summer of Arcade.

While the press release doesn't share much in the way of information, we had the opportunity to speak with Twisted Pixel CCO Josh Bear, who told us, "We could have churned out new levels [for Splosion Man], but we wouldn't have had the time to add in new gameplay puzzles or cool new character stuff. But we didn't just want to do Splosion Man 2, it had to be something a ittle more interesting. That is why we decided to do MSM."

Check out the teaser trailer and cheeky press release just after the break, and then read our interview to learn about the game's Ms. Pac-Man homage ("everything was just more polished and better all around"), what former Rock Band 3 senior designer Dan Teasdale is up to since leaving Harmonix (turns out he's serving as the studio's janitor) and how Splosion Man and Ms. Splosion Man are different ("Splosion Man has a penis, Ms. Splosion Man" ... we'll leave the rest to Mr. Bear).

Continue reading Ms. Splosion Man makes her debut, sploding 'fall of 2011'

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man makes her debut, sploding 'fall of 2011' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 01:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ms-Splosion-ManTwisted-PixelTwisted-Pixel-GamesXBLAFri, 03 Dec 2010 01:22:00 EST