Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rumor: Novels on their way to European DSes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/03/rumor-novels-on-their-way-to-european-dses/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/03/rumor-novels-on-their-way-to-european-dses/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/03/rumor-novels-on-their-way-to-european-dses/#commentsFiled under:


The techno-literary world is abuzz over Kindle, Amazon's handheld electronic reading device which is quickly gaining popularity in the small circle of people who love books, aren't afraid of computers, and have $400 in disposable income. According to a recent Nintendo investor report, European DS owners might be able to ride the e-book wave this coming winter -- the tentative release date for the tentatively titled DS Novel.

Details about the game are non-existent, though DS Fanboy speculates that it's an English language version of a Japanese title which allows the user to peruse over 100 complete books. We hope to hear more about this later in the year -- the thought of being able to sit down with our favorite editions of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" without all the fuss and muss of ink and pulp fills us with anticipation.

JoystiqRumor: Novels on their way to European DSes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookDShandheldkindleNintendo DSNintendoDsreadingSun, 03 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Galaxy DS video a hoax]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/super-mario-galaxy-ds-video-a-hoax/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/super-mario-galaxy-ds-video-a-hoax/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/super-mario-galaxy-ds-video-a-hoax/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



About ten days ago, we got our first glimpse of a video showing a downloadable, Nintendo DS version of Super Mario Galaxy, supposedly hidden inside the Wii version of the game. We watched with rapt attention as the shaky-cam footage showed Mario and Luigi jumping from the Wii to the DS using a previously unknown, hidden galaxy and the DS' WiFi download capabilities. We were surprised to see low-resolution versions of Mario and Luigi running around low-resolution versions of familiar Mario Galaxy levels. We were shocked and hopeful when the video promised each DS star would be redeemable for 10 Wii shop points.

We weren't ready to definitively declare the video real or fake at the time, but now, after some digging, we're ready to set the record straight on this hoax. Read on for our evidence and thoughts on the matter.

Continue reading Super Mario Galaxy DS video a hoax

JoystiqSuper Mario Galaxy DS video a hoax originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSGalaxyhoaxMario GalaxyMarioGalaxynintendonintendo dsNintendoDsrumorangSMGSuper-Mario-GalaxySuperMarioGalaxySuperMarioGalaxyDsWiiWed, 19 Dec 2007 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paste Donkey Kong on photo, win a DS lite and DK Jungle Climber]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/paste-donkey-kong-on-photo-win-a-ds-lite-and-dk-jungle-climber/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/paste-donkey-kong-on-photo-win-a-ds-lite-and-dk-jungle-climber/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/paste-donkey-kong-on-photo-win-a-ds-lite-and-dk-jungle-climber/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Do people exist somewhere that don't own this system? If the Japanese sales charts are to be believed, then there have been enough Nintendo DS systems sold so that every man, woman, child, and dog on the planet could have one of these. And a spare.

However, if you are DS-less and have a hankering to get onboard with the action, and you have some rudimentary photochopping skills, then try your hand at the Nintendo DS/DK contest at SmugMug. All you have to do is paste the little guy climbing to the top of pretty much anything, and then submit it. Keep in mind though, images must be under 12 mb in size (good gawd).

It's a pretty easy contest to enter, and the swag is well worth the time, so why not whip something up and get in? We made one in just a few seconds (hint, it's the image for this post) so you should trump our skillz easily and submit it to them.

Check out the rules on their site. Also, the comment on the first (and only) entry that's up so far is ... priceless. Ahh, the internets.

JoystiqPaste Donkey Kong on photo, win a DS lite and DK Jungle Climber originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestDKDonkey KongDonkeyKongDSDS LiteDsLiteJungle ClimberJungleClimberNintendo DSNintendoDsThu, 13 Sep 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[My Favorite Martian]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/my-favorite-martian/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/my-favorite-martian/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/my-favorite-martian/#commentsFiled under:

If The Martian DS looks a little rough on the edges, it's because the title was originally created by a team of three for a 72-hour game development competition four years ago. The resulting project is actually quite impressive, considering, and we're happy to see that one of the original developers took the time to create a homebrew port of it for the DS.

Short but sweet, The Martian DS is a side-scrolling shooter in the vein of Alien Hominid. Players roam the city picking up weapons and power-ups while dodging constant gunfire from the local law enforcement. The game really suffers from the lack of a soundtrack, but the original character sprites, especially the donut-heaving boss, makes up for it.


[Via GBATemp]

JoystiqMy Favorite Martian originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien hominidAlien-HominidAlienHominiddshomebrewmarsmartianmartiansmartians dsMartiansDsnintendonintendo dsNintendoDsO3-Entertainmentpoo hillPooHillteam poo hillTeamPooHillthe martianthe martian dsThe-BehemothTheMartianTheMartianDsTue, 17 Jul 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Secret Collect. reveals itself on the DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/secret-collect-reveals-itself-on-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/secret-collect-reveals-itself-on-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/secret-collect-reveals-itself-on-the-ds/#commentsFiled under:

Just when you think we've established what the Nintendo DS is capable of graphics-wise, homebrew developer Phillip Bradbury comes along and smashes those preconceptions with a Videlectrix port for the ages. If you thought Population: Tire shook the scene with its innovative touchscreen controls, prepare to be brought to your knees by Secret Collect. Epic in every sense of the word, this remake is half Indiana Jones, half God of War The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time:

"The greatest secrets man has ever known have been scattered all over the globe and its [sic] your job to find them."

Homestar Runner's Strong Bad stars in the game, represented by a magnificently detailed, red square. You'll navigate the agile hero through fifteen blocky mazes and collect yellow squares to advance to the next spine-tingling level. Picking up the blue power-ups (also squares) will boost your speed, keeping you ahead of the labyrinths' treacherous monsters -- so treacherous, they're invisible to the naked eye!

The original Flash version is also available online for those of you who either lack the tools to play homebrew games or don't have enough room on your hard drive for the 18KB download.

JoystiqSecret Collect. reveals itself on the DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsflashhomebrewmazenintendonintendo dsNintendoDsportportsROMsecret collectsecret collect.SecretCollectSecretCollect.strong badStrongBadvidelectrixviidelectrixMon, 16 Jul 2007 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 07: Hot diggity! The Simpsons DS videos!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/e3-07-hot-diggity-the-simpsons-ds-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/e3-07-hot-diggity-the-simpsons-ds-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/e3-07-hot-diggity-the-simpsons-ds-videos/#commentsFiled under:

Though the Nintendo DS version of The Simpsons Game won't have the 3D frills that its console counterparts will feature, that's perfectly fine with us! We didn't need 3D to enjoy The Simpsons' license when it was an arcade game in the 90s, and we don't need it now!

Judging by these first two video previews, the family's first foray onto our dual-screened system looks fantastic! As expected, the 2D platformer is teeming with references and characters from the show, even including a a level where you get to eat your way through the Land of Chocolate. According to Game|Life, Electronic Arts will be packing the handheld title with 2000 lines of spoken dialogue.

We weren't impressed with most of the minigames we saw unlocked in Noiseland Arcade, but the "Pet Homer" Nintendogs spoof definitely made us smile. We've always wanted a donut-chomping lout of our own to poke, feed, and care for. Do the Bartman and dance past the post break for GameTrailers' developer walkthroughs.

Continue reading E3 07: Hot diggity! The Simpsons DS videos!

JoystiqE3 07: Hot diggity! The Simpsons DS videos! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dseaelectronic artsElectronicArtsnintendonintendo dsNintendoDssimpsonssimpsons dsSimpsonsDsthe simpsonsTheSimpsonsMon, 16 Jul 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Promotional Consideration: Come As You Are]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/15/promotional-consideration-come-as-you-are/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/15/promotional-consideration-come-as-you-are/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/15/promotional-consideration-come-as-you-are/#commentsFiled under:

Promotional Consideration is a weekly feature about the Nintendo DS advertisements you usually flip past, change the channel on, or just tune out.

If you missed our spotlight on Leo Burnett's "Communion Day" ad last Sunday, make sure to give it a glance. Even if you've already skimmed through our words on the award-winning piece, we've updated our summation with some insight from art director Rosemary Collini Bosso.

This weekend's installment of Promotional Consideration takes a critical eye to an unconvincing ad that might actually drive away consumers. Read on for more details.

Continue reading Promotional Consideration: Come As You Are

JoystiqPromotional Consideration: Come As You Are originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jul 2007 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisementadvertisementsconsiderationdsguitarguitarsjam sessionsJamSessionsmagazinenintendonintendo dsnintendo powerNintendoDsNintendoPowernokiapenny arcadePennyArcadeplatopromotionalpromotional considerationPromotionalConsiderationubisoftSun, 15 Jul 2007 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[NOT E307: Fake Golden Sun DS announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/not-e307-fake-golden-sun-ds-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/not-e307-fake-golden-sun-ds-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/not-e307-fake-golden-sun-ds-announced/#commentsFiled under: ,

Only a couple of hours before Nintendo's E3 media briefing yesterday, rumors of a new Golden Sun game for the DS began to spread like a fast-moving cancer, traveling through the internet's lymphatic system, taking over gaming blogs and forums. Even Joystiq, the wind beneath our wings, fell victim to the malignant screenshots that were supposedly leaked from a "secret press gathering" by person-in-the-know gobo_4227.

To your right, you'll see one of those supposed screenshots of Golden Sun: The Sooth Sayer compared with promotional artwork that was released for Golden Sun: The Lost Age back in 2002. Unless you count the bloom filter and "Touch to Start" text, the images are exact twins. The fact that we've heard no official mention of the new RPG -- or any other Camelot-developed title for either Nintendo console -- whilst E3 continues makes this rumor seem even more unconvincing.

JoystiqNOT E307: Fake Golden Sun DS announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotchicanerydsfakefakesgolden sungolden sun dsGoldenSunGoldenSunDsnintendonintendo dsNintendoDsThu, 12 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E307: Front Mission DS interview and media galore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/front-mission-ds-interview-and-media-galore/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/front-mission-ds-interview-and-media-galore/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/front-mission-ds-interview-and-media-galore/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've got a flood of Front Mission DS media for you today. In addition to the new screenshots viewable in the gallery below, there's also a minute-and-a-half-long trailer for the Square Enix SRPG past the post break. If you need more than just combat clips and menu hopping to get you going, scroll down a bit further for the original Japanese trailer.

Front Mission DS finally bring the series' first entry to the states, adding touchscreen controls, multiplayer battles (local only), and several new Wanzers to the mech-based title. While this release already includes the alternative UCS storyline from the PlayStation remake, five new missions specific to the DS version have also been added.

RPGamer had a chance to sit down with producer Koichiro Sakamoto to discuss the handheld port and his thoughts on bringing more Front Mission games to the DS. According to the interview, were it not for the campaigning of a particular team member, North America might not have received the game: "There was one [who] was very passionate about the game, and wanted to give players in the United States the chance to experience. He felt that Front Mission 3 and 4 proved that there is a userbase, and since the DS is currently very popular, the thinking went, 'Why not give it a try?'"

Continue reading E307: Front Mission DS interview and media galore

JoystiqE307: Front Mission DS interview and media galore originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dse3e307enixfront missionFrontMissionmechmechsnintendonintendo dsNintendoDsrobotrobotssquaresquare enixSquareEnixsrpgThu, 12 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E307: Zelda screens and delightful artwork]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/e307-zelda-screens-and-delightful-artwork/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/e307-zelda-screens-and-delightful-artwork/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/e307-zelda-screens-and-delightful-artwork/#commentsFiled under:


It's true, we didn't hear much about The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass at Nintendo's E3 keynote. But Nintendo discreetly dropped some images into a press release and stuffed them into our briefcase, giving us the notion that if they happened to be shown to you guys, it wouldn't be terrible.

A few new screenshots have been added to the gallery, as well as some character art. One of the pieces is the same artwork used in the supposed US boxart, which, to us, confirms the validity of that boxart. Man, the Wind Waker art style still out-styles pretty much everything else out there, especially in mainstream AAA games. Sorry, every other game.

JoystiqE307: Zelda screens and delightful artwork originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artworke307hourglasslegend of zeldaLegendOfZeldalinknintendo dsNintendoDszeldaWed, 11 Jul 2007 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[E307: Advance Wars 2, Professor Layton, and other games Nintendo forgot to mention]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/e307-advance-wars-2-professor-layton-and-other-games-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/e307-advance-wars-2-professor-layton-and-other-games-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/e307-advance-wars-2-professor-layton-and-other-games-nintendo/#commentsFiled under:

With so much emphasis put on The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass and casual games during this afternoon's media briefing, Reggie neglected to mention a few titles that I'm sure gamers would've loved to have heard about. News of Advance Wars DS 2, for instance, was hidden in a European press release, dated for the fourth quarter. Freshly Picked - Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland, starring everyone's favorite cosplaying fairy, was also quietly announced for this September 14th in the same report.

On the North American side, Nintendo revealed that it will be publishing Professor Layton and the Curious Village on December 3rd, the same day Super Smash Bros. Brawl is expected to hit store shelves. Two previously unannounced titles, Nintendo Crossword and Nintendo Magic, were also listed. Follow the link below to see what other first and third-party games are due for the remainder of 2007.

JoystiqE307: Advance Wars 2, Professor Layton, and other games Nintendo forgot to mention originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advance warsadvance wars 2AdvanceWarsAdvanceWars2dse3e307mario partyMarioPartynintendonintendo dsNintendoDsprofessor laytonProfessorLaytonWed, 11 Jul 2007 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo flashes us with Vision Training]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/nintendo-flashes-us-with-vision-training/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/nintendo-flashes-us-with-vision-training/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/nintendo-flashes-us-with-vision-training/#comments Halfway through its E3 2007 media briefing today, Nintendo announced that it will expanding its line of casual titles in the US with Strengthen Your Visual Power through Practice: Vision Training (Miru Chikara wo Jissen de Kitearu: DS Ganriki Training), retitling the game as Flash Focus: Vision Training in Minutes a Day.

If neither of the titles suitably sum up the game for you, it is a collection of exercises and minigames that test you on field of vision and eye-hand coordination, using the results to determine the age of your eyes. Shift your eyes past the post break for some video impressions of the Japanese demo from CAG's CheapyD!

Continue reading Nintendo flashes us with Vision Training

JoystiqNintendo flashes us with Vision Training originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dse3e307e32007eyeeyesflash focusFlashFocusnintendonintendo dsNintendoDsvisionvision trainingVisionTrainingWed, 11 Jul 2007 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Enamel Navy no more?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/rumor-enamel-navy-no-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/rumor-enamel-navy-no-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/rumor-enamel-navy-no-more/#commentsFiled under: ,

The morning's whisperings, hushed under raucous E3 speculation, indicate that the Enamel Navy DS Lite's days could be numbered. Supposedly, Nintendo will be halting all production of the Japan-and-China-only version of the handheld by the end of the month.

We don't favor its termination, but considering Nintendo's recent introduction of two new tints to the DS Lite line, Metallic Rose and Gloss Silver, trimming the number of available colors might be in the company's best interest. Expect to see import and auction prices for this endangered edition shoot up to the heavens.

Farewell, Enamel Navy! We hardly knew ye.

JoystiqRumor: Enamel Navy no more? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsds liteDsLiteenamelenamel navyEnamelNavynavynintendonintendo dsNintendoDsrumorrumorsWed, 11 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Your guide to Nintendo's E3 press conference]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/your-guide-to-nintendos-e3-press-conference/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/your-guide-to-nintendos-e3-press-conference/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/your-guide-to-nintendos-e3-press-conference/#commentsFiled under:



It's the final countdown! Need the quick skinny on catching all of Nintendo's megatons, minitons, and Reggietons at this afternoon's E3 press conference? We've collected it all -- starting times, links to FREE and LIVE video streams, and even Morrissey -- right here!

Event location:
  • Santa Monica Civic Center (Santa Monica, CA)

Press conference starting times (today):
  • United States - 9:00 AM PDT, 10:00 AM MDT, 11:00 AM CDT, 12:00 PM EDT
  • Europe - 5:00 PM WEST, 6:00 PM CET, 7:00 PM EET
  • Australia - 12:00 AM AWST, 1:30 AM ACST, 2:00 AM AEST
  • Japan - 1:00 AM JST
  • Countdown clock

Live video streams (free):

Songs that will get you pumped up:
If you're stuck at work, unable to watch any of the video streams, don't forget that our big brother, Joystiq, will be liveblogging the presentation. We'll also have our usual quips and tips afterward, as well.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqYour guide to Nintendo's E3 press conference originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dse3e307e32007megatonmegatonsnintendonintendo dsNintendoDspress conferencePressConferencereggieWed, 11 Jul 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Luminous Arc site localized along with game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/luminous-arc-site-localized-along-with-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/luminous-arc-site-localized-along-with-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/luminous-arc-site-localized-along-with-game/#commentsFiled under:

Atlus played it smart, sending its press releases out before E3 officially kicks off with announcements from bigger publishers. This time tomorrow, we'll be too busy with megatons like Brain Age: With a Vengeance to even register news about Draglade's localization, a Trauma Center sequel, or, in this case, the launch of Luminous Arc's official English site.

If you're curious at all about the details that separate this Marvelous-Interactive-developed title from other SRPGs -- synergy attacks, flash drives, and online battles -- definitely hit the page up. As for "extras," there isn't much there yet except for the standard wallpapers, but we're hoping for some Etrian-Odyssey-esque hilarity by the time Luminous Arc's August 14th release comes into view.

JoystiqLuminous Arc site localized along with game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusdse3e307luminous arcLuminousArcmarvelous interactiveMarvelousInteractivenintendonintendo dsNintendoDssrpgsrpgsTue, 10 Jul 2007 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/mario-and-sonic-at-the-olympic-games-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/mario-and-sonic-at-the-olympic-games-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/mario-and-sonic-at-the-olympic-games-screens/#commentsFiled under:

Everyone's eager to see what Sonic and Mario's first collaboration will look like, right? Well, here it is! The DS version, anyway. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games looks pretty okay! We don't really know what else to say about it. It's in 3D, and includes, at the very least, long jump, archery, hammer throw, and some kind of track event.

Sonic and Tails are participating in the manner of the ancient Olympians-- nude. We don't know if they've covered themselves in olive oil as the Greeks did, and we hope we never find out. We hope nobody ever finds out.

JoystiqMario & Sonic at the Olympic Games screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsds liteDsLitegameslitemariomario and sonicMarioAndSonicnintendonintendo dsNintendoDsolympicolympic gamesOlympicGamesolympicssegasonicTue, 10 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Insect Wars is the bee's knees]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/insect-wars-is-the-bees-knees/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/insect-wars-is-the-bees-knees/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/insect-wars-is-the-bees-knees/#commentsFiled under: ,

We shooed Insect Wars (Konchuu Wars) away when the game's beetle-filled screenshots first flew into our periphery, believing the bug to be an uninspired pest. "Go away," we said, "and bother us no more." In our defense, language barriers kept us from understanding what the Success Corp. title was trying to communicate with its antennae and movement patterns.

Having studied its habits, we found that the game isn't a Mushiking clone as we'd originally assumed, but a tactical RPG where you command an army of customizable, mechanized insects. Our mouths were agape, monocles falling from our faces when the truth was revealed. Below is a sampling of Insect Wars' creepy crawlers:
  • a rifle-mounted praying mantis with buzzsaws -- my god, buzzsaws! -- for arms
  • a lightning bug that terrorizes foes with its beam cannon tail
  • a heavily-armored, treaded snail (pictured above) which acts as a transport for other units while healing them
Not since Puzzle Quest have our loins ached for such a game. Insect Wars swarms into Japanese stores this August 2nd. Head past the post break for a minute-long trailer.

Continue reading Insect Wars is the bee's knees

JoystiqInsect Wars is the bee's knees originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsdsimportimportsinsectinsect warsinsectsInsectWarskonchuukonchuu warsKonchuuWarsnintendonintendo dsNintendoDssuccesssuccess corpSuccessCorpvideovideosMon, 09 Jul 2007 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Museum screens are as new as Namco Museum screens can be]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/namco-museum-screens-are-as-new-as-namco-museum-screens-can-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/namco-museum-screens-are-as-new-as-namco-museum-screens-can-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/namco-museum-screens-are-as-new-as-namco-museum-screens-can-be/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've seen countless releases of the Namco Museum collections over the years. We remember feeling quite special about the Playstation versions-- they were the real versions of real arcade games! At home! But now the Namco Museum series is, itself, old. How old?

Valkyrie no Densetsu (1989) was eight years old when it was released on Namco Museum Vol. 5. The original Namco Museum Playstation game is eleven years old. In other words, Namco Museum is now older, in relative terms, than a game that was old enough for Namco Museum.

Speaking of the Playstation editions, the new Namco Museum DS has something not seen since those days: an actual museum mode, in the form of a trophy collection and music player, as well as scanned instructions and flyers.

Relatively newer features include bottom-screen maps and hints for Galaga (?), Xevious, and The Tower of Druaga. Of course, the most exciting relatively-new thing is Pac-Man Vs., which, now that it won't require so much of a financial outlay, we may actually try with another person.

JoystiqNamco Museum screens are as new as Namco Museum screens can be originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadedruagadsds liteDsLitegalagamuseumnamconamco museumNamcoMuseumnintendonintendo dsNintendoDspac manpac man vsPacManPacManVsxeviousMon, 09 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Find painting zen on the DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/find-painting-zen-on-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/find-painting-zen-on-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/find-painting-zen-on-the-ds/#commentsFiled under:


Mercury Games is planning to release a series of Ertain's non-competitive DS games in the West as "Zen Games." The first game scheduled is something that recently popped up at the Renchi sale, in its Japanese incarnation as Kokoro wo Yasumeru Otona no Nurie DS. It'll be called Paint by DS here, and its user interface appears to have undergone a cosmetic makeover. Since it obviously has the same pictures, we assume that the minigames and puzzles are still there as well.

We were pretty interested in the Japanese version (as some of you seemed to be), so we're pleased to have the chance to check this out whenever it comes out in the US. It'll be out in Europe on the 24th of August.

[Via Game|Life]

JoystiqFind painting zen on the DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adultsdrawingdsds liteDsLiteertainmercurymercury gamesMercuryGamesnintendonintendo dsNintendoDsnon-gamespaint by dsPaintByDspaintingzenMon, 09 Jul 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[What a horrible summer not to be going to Comic-Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/what-a-horrible-summer-not-to-be-going-to-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/what-a-horrible-summer-not-to-be-going-to-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/08/what-a-horrible-summer-not-to-be-going-to-comic-con/#commentsFiled under:



NECA, the company responsible for the awesome Castlevania figure prototypes, has a new Simon Belmont figure on the way. It's a somewhat more faithful sculpture of Simon as he appeared in the first Castlevania on the NES. Unfortunately, only 1,000 units will be produced, and it will only be available at the San Diego Comic-Con.

We totally want this, and we are all about pixel art, but we must say that this figure, with its rounded edges and inexact paint job, looks a little more like a cookie to us than an action figure. Which actually gives us an idea!

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqWhat a horrible summer not to be going to Comic-Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jul 2007 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belmontcastlevaniacomic-concomicconcookiedsds liteDsLitefigurefigureslitenecanesnintendonintendo dsNintendoDssimonsimon belmontSimonBelmonttoysSun, 08 Jul 2007 11:16:00 EST<![CDATA[A DS Lite dock and a photo of a depressed dog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/07/a-ds-lite-dock-and-a-photo-of-a-depressed-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/07/a-ds-lite-dock-and-a-photo-of-a-depressed-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/07/a-ds-lite-dock-and-a-photo-of-a-depressed-dog/#commentsFiled under: ,

Japanese manufacturer Sakurado combined into one device two useful features: a cradle to charge your DS Lite with and a photograph of a disconsolate golden retriever. If his doleful eyes and floppy ears become too much for your frail heart to take in, you could always drop another snapshot into the picture frame instead, but you'd first have to endure the pitiful whines of a puppy who's been punished unjustly.

The fused dock and photo stand is available at select Japanese retailers for about 1,420 yen (approximately $11.50), offered in white, navy blue, light blue, pink, and black variations. Interestingly, the charging stand uses the DS Lite's adapter for power, rather than its own proprietary plug. Check past the post break, empty leash in hand, for a comparison image of the cradle's various colors.

Continue reading A DS Lite dock and a photo of a depressed dog

JoystiqA DS Lite dock and a photo of a depressed dog originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jul 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargercradledockdsds liteDsLitelitenintendonintendo dsNintendoDsrechargesakuradostandSat, 07 Jul 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Machismo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/07/ds-daily-machismo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/07/ds-daily-machismo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/07/ds-daily-machismo/#commentsFiled under:


Ever lie about what you're playing? Say, for instance, you're playing Pokemon, which is widely regarded among the non-gaming population (and certain contingents of the gaming population) as for babies, and you, as a non-baby, are asked what's in your DS by a friend.

Do you say something distinctly un-baby-like, like Brain Age or the tough-sounding Tank Beat? Or do you stay true to yourself and happily announce that you're training your new Wurmple? Are there other situations in which you consider lying? If, for example, you are playing Brain Age and you're accosted by a gamer friend who hasn't joined the non-game revolution? Or if some bloggers survey their audience and you're playing something that you don't think is appropriately cool?

JoystiqDS Daily: Machismo originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jul 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brain ageBrainAgedsds litedsdDsLitelieslitelyingmaddednnintendonintendo dsNintendoDspokemontank beatTankBeattingleSat, 07 Jul 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fit for a princess: DS plays dress-up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/fit-for-a-princess-ds-plays-dress-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/fit-for-a-princess-ds-plays-dress-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/fit-for-a-princess-ds-plays-dress-up/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bored with the dull gray, clunky design of her old Nintendo DS, Marie decorated the dated handheld with lace trim and a ribbon bow, gluing her himegyaru-styled artwork onto its lid. The brick's interior was also gussied up, but with what, we're not sure. Daffodils and closed-eye kisses from Prince Charming maybe?

On its completion, her project sent out a rainbow-tailed shockwave that was felt for miles, magically transforming tough-guy motorcycles into purple unicorns, perfuming musky-scented men, and X-ing out every Y chromosome in its path. Squeal and swoon past the post break for a better view of this girly mod and its Princess Cupcake hood.

Continue reading Fit for a princess: DS plays dress-up

JoystiqFit for a princess: DS plays dress-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dslacelacinglolitanabokovnintendonintendo dsNintendoDspinkFri, 06 Jul 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bleach: The Blade of Fate coming stateside]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/bleach-the-blade-of-fate-coming-stateside/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/bleach-the-blade-of-fate-coming-stateside/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/bleach-the-blade-of-fate-coming-stateside/#commentsFiled under:

Having read your suggestions on Japanese games that need to be localized earlier this morning, we spotted a couple of requests for Bleach DS, a 2D fighter based on the popular anime/manga series of the same name.

We made a note of your interest and called in a few favors to see what we could get going*, and by the time lunch rolled around, wouldn't you know it, Sega announced that it would be bringing Bleach: The Blade of Fate to North America this fall. Europe can also expect to see the game early 2008. If there's one thing that can be said about us, it's that we get results.**

Though we're still far behind Japan when it comes to awesome fighting games on the DS -- Jump Super Stars, Jump Ultimate Stars, Custom Beat Battle: Draglade, and Bleach DS 2nd for example -- we're not going to look a gift horse in the mouth, especially when that equine present has a 28-strong character roster, allowing for four-player online battles. And it was developed by Treasure, no less! Throw your white clothes in the washer and check past the post break for some shakycam video of the game.

*This did not actually happen.
**Actually, even this can't be said about us.

Continue reading Bleach: The Blade of Fate coming stateside

JoystiqBleach: The Blade of Fate coming stateside originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bleachbleach dsBleachDsdsfightingichigonintendonintendo dsNintendoDssegatreasureFri, 06 Jul 2007 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[New Archaic Sealed Heat scan proves that we didn't just dream up the game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/new-ash-scan-proves-that-we-didnt-just-dream-up-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/new-ash-scan-proves-that-we-didnt-just-dream-up-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/new-ash-scan-proves-that-we-didnt-just-dream-up-the-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

We knew that it would be a while after Mistwalker's late 2005 announcement before we'd see Archaic Sealed Heat's release, but with little-to-no new media on the SRPG since its unveiling and half of 2007 gone by without word on its status, it was hard to convince ourselves that the game still existed.

Shonen Jump's latest issue confirms that, yes, ASH is still being worked on for a holiday 2007 release, and that the graphics look just as impressive as ever. Check past the post break for the scanned magazine page to see a sampling of the ASH's artwork, CG cutscenes, and screenshots!

Continue reading New Archaic Sealed Heat scan proves that we didn't just dream up the game

JoystiqNew Archaic Sealed Heat scan proves that we didn't just dream up the game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archaic sealed heatArchaicSealedHeatashdshironobuhironobu SakaguchiHironobuSakaguchimistwalkernintendonintendo dsNintendoDsSakaguchiscanscansshonenshonen jumpShonenJumpsrpgFri, 06 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Doki Doki Majo Shinpan artwork rips]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/doki-doki-majo-shinpan-artwork-rips/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/doki-doki-majo-shinpan-artwork-rips/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/doki-doki-majo-shinpan-artwork-rips/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For those who place little value in the chase, that exhilarating, flirtatious period when nothing is guaranteed, actually playing through Doki Doki Majo Shinpan is secondary to groping its adolescent witches. Rather than have you labor through the text-heavy release's dialogue and plot setup, Stage Clear has posted artwork wrested from the Japanese game, enabling you to skip the journey and get right to your depraved destination.

While none of the shots are scandalous enough to land you a ten-year stay in a federal prison, we wouldn't say that they're safe for work viewing either. The wiccan nymphets are depicted in poses that would leave Humbert Humbert dizzy with delight ("the king crying for joy, the trumpets blaring, the nurse drunk"), their faces reacting to the taps and strokes of an unseen stylus. Scurry shamefully past the post break for a couple of those images.

Continue reading Doki Doki Majo Shinpan artwork rips

JoystiqDoki Doki Majo Shinpan artwork rips originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artworkddmsdokidoki doki majo saibandoki doki majo shinpandokidoki majo shinpanDokiDokiMajoSaibanDokiDokiMajoShinpandshumbertlolitanabokovnintendonintendo dsNintendoDsplaymoreripsaibanshinpansnksnk playmoreSnkPlaymorevladimir nabokovVladimirNabokovwitchwitchesThu, 05 Jul 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Go ahead, Jump! Ultimate Stars sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/go-ahead-jump-ultimate-stars-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/go-ahead-jump-ultimate-stars-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/go-ahead-jump-ultimate-stars-sale/#commentsFiled under: ,

As if language barriers aren't enough to dissuade would-be importers from ordering Japan-only games, the pricing on these titles often border on lunacy when compared to what new releases usually cost in the states. So while Play Asia's Jump! Ultimate Stars sale for $29.90 might not seem like much of a bargain, keep in mind that the online fighter usually sells for a staggering $48.90.

It's a great game though; many have even compared it to the Super Smash Bros. series, except in 2D and with twenty hojillion playable manga characters. Since Play-Asia will be honoring the reduced price until next Monday, that gives you plenty of time to consider whether or not this discount is deep enough to warrant a purchase. We think that it is!

JoystiqGo ahead, Jump! Ultimate Stars sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dbargainbargainsdealdealsdiscountdiscountsdsfighterjumpjump ultimate starsJumpUltimateStarsmanganarutonintendonintendo dsNintendoDsplay asiaPlayAsiasalesalesshonen jumpShonenJumpTue, 03 Jul 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Conjecture Countdown: 8 days to go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/conjecture-countdown-8-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/conjecture-countdown-8-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/conjecture-countdown-8-days-to-go/#commentsFiled under:



Even with a diminished E3, there's no controlling the wave of rumors that hit the Internet every year before the show. Why fight it? From now until E3 hits, we'll be posting one piece of wild speculation every day. Some may be patently ridiculous, and others just might turn out to be true. Even some of the ridiculous ones might turn out to be true! Rest assured, everything will be totally made-up and unfounded. Except, of course, when we speak about all the ass Reggie is going to kick. That part? Totally true.

Rumor: The third Train Your Brain installment, Brain Age: With a Vengeance, will be announced for a late 2007 release. To keep the non-game series fresh, this third episode will come packed with popular gimmicks like customizable outfits, alternate endings, and a new, sinister villain -- Dark Dr. Kawashima!

JoystiqConjecture Countdown: 8 days to go originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brain ageBrainAgedr kawashimaDrKawashimadse3e3cchumorkawashimanintendonintendo dsNintendoDsnon gamenon gamesNonGameNonGamesrumorsTue, 03 Jul 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Com: Screenshots from the Deep]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/x-com-screenshots-from-the-deep/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/x-com-screenshots-from-the-deep/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/x-com-screenshots-from-the-deep/#commentsFiled under: ,

We would trade our souls for a DS version of X-Com: UFO Defense, had we not already sold the bedraggled things to Milhouse at a discount price of five dollars of course, but it looks like Blue_knight's homebrew port of the tactical RPG is coming along well enough. Three cheers for hobbyist programmers!

He has added a lot since we last covered the project -- tile selection, a tweaked UI, and an "entity rendering system." Though we're not sure what exactly that all means, the screenshots we grabbed and added past the post break look promising.

Now if you'll excuse us, we have some souls to track down. Last we heard, Milhouse exchanged them for Alf pogs. Alf pogs! Remember Alf? He's back ... in pog form.

Gallery: X-Com DS

Continue reading X-Com: Screenshots from the Deep

JoystiqX-Com: Screenshots from the Deep originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dshomebrewnintendonintendo dsNintendoDssrpgtacticaltactical rpgTacticalRpgturn basedturn-basedTurnBasedufoufo defenseUfoDefenseufosx comx-comxcomMon, 02 Jul 2007 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Conjecture Countdown: 12 days to go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/conjecture-countdown-12-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/conjecture-countdown-12-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/conjecture-countdown-12-days-to-go/#commentsFiled under:



Even with a diminished E3, there's no controlling the wave of rumors that hit the Internet every year before the show. Why fight it? From now until E3 hits, we'll be posting one piece of wild speculation every day. Some may be patently ridiculous, and others just might turn out to be true. Even some of the ridiculous ones might turn out to be true! Rest assured, everything will be totally made-up and unfounded. Except, of course, when we speak about all the ass Reggie is going to kick. That part? Totally true.

Rumor: Majora's Mask on DS! We've actually got proof to confirm this one. Check past the post break!

Continue reading Conjecture Countdown: 12 days to go

JoystiqConjecture Countdown: 12 days to go originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dse3e3cchumormajoramajora's maskMajora'sMaskn64nintendonintendo dsNintendoDsrumorrumorsthe legend of zeldaTheLegendOfZeldazeldaFri, 29 Jun 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Love Cat Life shows love for dogs, too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/love-cat-life-shows-love-for-dogs-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/love-cat-life-shows-love-for-dogs-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/love-cat-life-shows-love-for-dogs-too/#commentsFiled under:

Specifically, Nintendogs. And more specifically, the cash generated by Nintendogs. Forgive us for being cynical, but Love Cat Life does look exceedingly familiar. But for our (hypothetical) pet simulator money, Love Cat Life wins over Nintendo's masterpiece, for mostly hilarious reasons:
  • Simulated litterboxes
  • Riding a little cat-sized truck over a ramp
  • Meowing music game!
We started off being sarcastic, but we just convinced ourselves. It was the music game that did it.

JoystiqLove Cat Life shows love for dogs, too originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catcatsdsds liteDsLiteimportskittenlifelitelovelove cat lifeLoveCatLifenintendonintendo dsNintendoDsnintendogspetThu, 28 Jun 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Doki Doki Majo Shinpan has sound?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/doki-doki-majo-shinpan-has-sound/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/doki-doki-majo-shinpan-has-sound/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/doki-doki-majo-shinpan-has-sound/#commentsFiled under:


Here's an interesting item for people whose primary interest in Doki Doki Majo Shinpan is the music: an official soundtrack CD will be released on July 25th. We've only heard a few seconds of drowned-out music from the game, so we have no idea as to its quality.

There's also the Doki Doki Majo Shinpan Special Fanbook, which contains artwork from the game and developer interviews, as most fanbooks do. In addition, it comes with a mousepad, two posters, and ... a paper doll. For some reason, we think this is going to be the bigger seller.

JoystiqDoki Doki Majo Shinpan has sound? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddmsdokidoki doki majo shinpanDokiDokiMajoShinpandsds liteDsLitefanbooklitemajonintendonintendo dsNintendoDsshinpansoundtrackWed, 27 Jun 2007 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY DS Lite stylus pen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/diy-ds-lite-stylus-pen/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/diy-ds-lite-stylus-pen/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/diy-ds-lite-stylus-pen/#commentsFiled under: ,



Frustrated with the DS Lite's stubby stylus, but not enough to empty out your pockets for one of those new-fangled, overpriced utensils we're always featuring?

Faced with that very dilemma, Sal Cangeloso decided to save himself a few bucks with a homemade solution, trimming the stock stylus and packing it with a bit of rubber into his pen's emptied casing (Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto). Though it isn't a new idea at all, we were impressed with Sal's handiwork and wanted to share the small project with our readers. It looks better than most of the high-end styli we've seen for sale!

[Thanks, Kris!]

JoystiqDIY DS Lite stylus pen originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diydsds liteDsLitelitenintendo dsnintendo ds liteNintendoDsNintendoDsLitepenpenspilotstylistyliistylusWed, 27 Jun 2007 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Dragon's Lair makes a Daring choice]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/ds-dragons-lair-makes-a-daring-choice/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/ds-dragons-lair-makes-a-daring-choice/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/ds-dragons-lair-makes-a-daring-choice/#commentsFiled under:


The laserdisc classic Dragon's Lair is back again, after appearances on basically every system ever built, either in its original form (PC, Sega CD, DVD, Blu-Ray, Game Boy Color) or in some kind of terrible adaptation (NES, SNES, PS2). This time, Digital Leisure is releasing it in more or less original form on the DS, with some ... interesting options.

Of particular interest is the ability to control the game via touch screen. We imagine this will involve tapping the appropriate side of the screen. There are also optional move indicators, voice control (?), rumble support, and multiple difficulty settings.

And then there's the big feature. You can choose to play the game on one screen, or stretched across both. This allows Dragon's Lair to benefit from the advanced view obstruction technology not available in the arcade version.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqDS Dragon's Lair makes a Daring choice originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadebluthdigital leisureDigitalLeisuredirkdragondragons lairdragons-lairDragonsLairdsds liteDsLitefmvlairlaserdisclitenintendonintendo dsNintendoDsWed, 27 Jun 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[New Cave Story: DS demo released, pants soiled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/new-cave-story-ds-demo-released-pants-soiled/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/new-cave-story-ds-demo-released-pants-soiled/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/new-cave-story-ds-demo-released-pants-soiled/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With the approval and source code of Cave Story's father, Pixel, homebrew developer RavenWorks has spent the past year porting the indie classic to the DS. We've called the PC title to your attention before, praising it as one the most charming and polished titles we've ever had the pleasure of playing.

The project was originally bound for the GBA, but RavenWorks eventually migrated his code and rewrote the graphics engine to take advantage of Nintendo's new hardware. Current plans for the touchscreen include a map display and a "tap-to-switch-weapons interface" (accompanying L/R weapon switching).

Cave Story: DS's newest demo allows you to explore the game's levels and mess with NPCs, its memorable soundtrack playing all the while. Though scripting, weapons, and many other features haven't been included yet, we're just happy to see that progress is still being made on the port. Make sure to download the demo and let RavenWorks know that his efforts are appreciated!

If you don't have the homebrew tools necessary to test this early build, we have a few screenshots for you to preview in our gallery. You can also disguise yourself with a Mimiga mask and sneak past the post break for some shakycam video we dug up.

Continue reading New Cave Story: DS demo released, pants soiled

JoystiqNew Cave Story: DS demo released, pants soiled originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cave StoryCaveStorydemoDoukutsu MonogatariDoukutsuMonogataridshomebrewndsnintendonintendo dsNintendoDspixelravenworksromTue, 26 Jun 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fashionistas fawn over new screenshots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/fashionistas-fawn-over-new-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/fashionistas-fawn-over-new-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/fashionistas-fawn-over-new-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: ,

Considering the popularity of Project Runway -- and yes, we admit to being avid fans of the show and Tim Gunn's flair -- we're surprised that more games like Fashion Designer: Style Icon haven't been announced for the DS.

Scheduled for release this November, the sim takes young designers through fashion school, offering opportunities for graduates to "start a workshop, accept private design contracts, supply small boutiques, and set up mail order companies." That's a lot more depth than we would've expected from a game with such a pink-and-purple-dominated palette!

We doubt there'll be any online functionality, but developer Creative Patterns promises to include multiplayer "design-offs" where you can battle your friends on the catwalk. "Carry on" and "make it work" while you check the gallery for three new Fashion Designer: Style Icon screenshots.

JoystiqFashionistas fawn over new screenshots originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505505 games505Gamescatwalkcreative patternsCreativePatternsdsfashionfashion designerfashion designer style iconFashionDesignerFashionDesignerStyleIconnintendonintendo dsNintendoDsproject runwayProjectRunwaysimstylestyle iconStyleIconubisoftMon, 25 Jun 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nicole Kidman enjoys Nintendo products*]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/nicole-kidman-enjoys-nintendo-products/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/nicole-kidman-enjoys-nintendo-products/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/nicole-kidman-enjoys-nintendo-products/#commentsFiled under:

Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman has joined the ranks of the brain-trained. The star of Practical Magic, Batman Forever, and Days of Thunder has agreed to become the official face of More Brain Training (well, the other official face) in a series of print and television advertisements to be shown across Europe.

"I love the concept that Nintendo is reaching out to new audiences with their self improvement products like Brain Training," Kidman said. "Most importantly, I've quickly found that training my brain is a great way to keep my mind young." Maybe now Nintendo and Brain Age will finally be able to achieve some success.

*For money.

JoystiqNicole Kidman enjoys Nintendo products* originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It could be months before The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass makes it to America, but you can count on us to bring you everything we find pertaining to the Japanese game -- commercials, video of its first six minutes, and now, its soundtrack. It's as close as you can get to playing the game without actually having to import it! Sort of.

The Hylia has ripped over 75 tracks directly from Phantom Hourglass, posting them all for you to listen to. Aren't you glad that you have friends like us to tell you about the awesome going-ons of the internet?

JoystiqStream Phantom Hourglass' music originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jun 2007 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pirated video games in the Philippines is certainly nothing new -- we remember seeing counterfeit Famicom carts being sold there back in the day -- but its ubiquity in the Southeast Asian country is startling. GameOPS' John Phillips Bengero sent us some pictures to illustrate just how dire the DS and GBA bootlegging situation is. Far from being confined to Manila's seedier markets, these shots were taken at a recently opened Toys "R" Us branch in TriNoma mall! Bring a pocket full of pesos past the post break for the photos.

Continue reading Toys "ARRRR" Us: Piracy in the Philippines

JoystiqToys "ARRRR" Us: Piracy in the Philippines originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jun 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The drive to catch all 493 beasts in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl is causing a surge in demand for old Pokémon games. JJGames' used video games price tracker shows the average price for used, classic Pokémon games rising over 20 percent since early Feburary. Used game prices in general went down nearly 20 percent during the same period.

As the above graph shows, the Pokémon prices largely track with the market through the end of February, when they surged ahead of the DS games' April 22 release. The prices take a downward turn for the month after Diamond and Pearl's release, then shoot up again after Memorial Day, the traditional start of summer.

While this meteoric rise might encourage you to invest all your savings into used Pokémon games, we encourage caution. A well-diversified portfolio of used games is the only way to avoid fiascos like this one.

JoystiqDiamond and Pearl release raises classic Pokémon prices originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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