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[Wii Warm Up: Your favorite reveal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/wii-warm-up-your-favorite-reveal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/wii-warm-up-your-favorite-reveal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/wii-warm-up-your-favorite-reveal/#commentsFiled under:


There was a ton of stuff to come from Nintendo's big news day last week. What we're wondering is what your favorite item was? Were you stoked about a certain game more than any others? Are you thrilled to hear about Club Nintendo coming to the States? Was the Nintendo DSi your favorite thing from the show? Nintendo's storage solution? What was your favorite thing to come out of Nintendo's fall media summit?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Your favorite reveal originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cave-storyclub-nintendodsifall-press-conferencenintendo-dsinintendo-fall-media-summitnms08punch-outsin-and-punishmentsin-and-punishment-2Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq goes hands-on with Nintendo's Media Summit line-up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-goes-hands-on-with-nintendos-media-summit-line-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-goes-hands-on-with-nintendos-media-summit-line-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/joystiq-goes-hands-on-with-nintendos-media-summit-line-up/#commentsFiled under:


The embargo on play sessions has lifted and Joystiq has let loose some write-ups for games that were present at Nintendo's big Media Summit last week. They've spent quality time with The Conduit, Animal Crossing: City Folk and even Call of Duty: World at War, to name a few. So we suggest you hit up this link and get to reading!

JoystiqJoystiq goes hands-on with Nintendo's Media Summit line-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanimal-crossinganimal-crossing-city-folkcall-of-dutyfpsnintendo-media-summitnms08the-conduitworld-at-warMon, 06 Oct 2008 20:18:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy's Media Summit screen round-up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/ds-fanboys-media-summit-screen-round-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/ds-fanboys-media-summit-screen-round-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/ds-fanboys-media-summit-screen-round-up/#commentsFiled under:

The worst bit about big industry events for impatient bloggers and readers? The game assets. Oh Lordy, the assets. An absolute landslide of screens, usually scattered about across, ooh, dozens of pages.

But not at DS Fanboy! Not on our watch! Because we wub you, readers, we've collected a big old stack of new screens for your viewing pleasure and placed them all after the break of just one post. This post, in fact. From the well-known to the obscure, we'd be amazed if there's not at least one game that appeals to everyone past that line of blue text. Mario & Luigi 3, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time (right), Professor Layton and the Last Time Travel, Shining Force Feather, and Picross 3D is only scratching the surface, so make the jump!

Continue reading DS Fanboy's Media Summit screen round-up

JoystiqDS Fanboy's Media Summit screen round-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7th-dragonadventurearpgaruite-wakaru-seikatsu-rhythm-dsechoes-of-timeffccfinal-fantasygenso-suikoden-tierkreiskingdom-hearts-3582-daysmario-and-luigi-rpg-3mega-man-star-force-3nintendo-media-summitnmsnms08picrosspicross-3dprofessor-laytonpuzzlerpgshining-force-feathersuikoden-tierkreistaboo-the-sixth-sense-2k9valkyrie-profilewagamamawariowind-of-nostalgiaThu, 02 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo to publish The Conduit [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-to-publish-the-conduit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-to-publish-the-conduit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-to-publish-the-conduit/#commentsFiled under:

Click for more screens.

Update: It turns out our skepticism was warranted. Cammie did mean to say "exclusive first-person shooter." Okay then, back to waiting on who will publish this game.

During the fall media summit, Nintendo's Cammie Dunaway has called The Conduit an "exclusive first-party shooter coming to Wii." Could this mean Nintendo is publishing the game? Sure, and, frankly, we all expected as much. But, it could just be a slip of words. Maybe she meant first-person shooter? We're going to try and stay optimistic about it and just go with Nintendo publishing the thing, because we'd like to see that. If she did just mix up her words, expect an update from us.

JoystiqNintendo to publish The Conduit [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fall-media-summitfall-press-conferencehigh-voltagenintendonms08the-conduitThu, 02 Oct 2008 12:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Brain Age getting retooled for DSi launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/brain-age-getting-retooled-for-dsi-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/brain-age-getting-retooled-for-dsi-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/brain-age-getting-retooled-for-dsi-launch/#commentsFiled under:

Rejigged versions of both Brain Age games will be available for the Nintendo DSi when the upgraded handheld launches. Brain Age 1 and 2 will be the first titles available from the DSi shop, according to Nintendo name-taker Reggie Fils-Aime, who also revealed that each will feature DSi functionality of some kind.

In truth, Nintendo couldn't have settled on a safer two titles to launch the DSi store, with both games having sold a quite obscene number of copies in all regions (particularly Europe). The lack of risk-taking involved on Nintendo's part is disappointing to us, though there's plenty of time for innovative games to follow. Bet they don't fix the voice recognition, though.

JoystiqBrain Age getting retooled for DSi launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brain-agedsinintendo-dsinintendo-media-summitnmsnms08remaketrainingThu, 02 Oct 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New DS games make their Stage Debut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/new-ds-games-make-their-stage-debut/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/new-ds-games-make-their-stage-debut/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/new-ds-games-make-their-stage-debut/#commentsFiled under: ,

The DSi wasn't the only DS news out of Japan. A video showing Nintendo's upcoming lineup just happens to reveal several upcoming games for the handheld, all published by Nintendo themselves. It makes E3 look like a cruel joke. We've culled the totally new games from the video and listed them here, along with the games that we knew about but haven't seen video of yet. We'll have more info about each of these games when ... it exists! In the meantime, oh man new Mario & Luigi!
  • Wagamama Fashion Girls' Mode: a fashion game from Nintendo! Neat.
  • Aruite Wakaru Seikatsu Rhythm DS: The fitness game with the pedometer.
  • Sekai no Gohan Shaberu! DS O-Ryouri Navi: a sequel to Cooking Guide that is based on recipes from around the world -- we're guessing the exact ones featured in other regions' versions of Cooking Guide.
  • Some kind of fortune telling thing involving tarot and palm reading. Taboo: The Sixth Sense 2K9!
  • Tomodachi Collection, some kind of thing that lets you interact with Miis. This looks like none other than a resurrected Stage Debut!
  • Mario & Luigi RPG 3!!!
  • Made in Wario/Wario Ware, although Wario's name doesn't actually appear in the tentative title. It's, like "Made in Series" or something. But it's clearly Wario.
  • A brutally insane 3D Picross.

JoystiqNew DS games make their Stage Debut originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-and-luigi-rpg-3nms08picrosstomodachi-collectionwariowareThu, 02 Oct 2008 03:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo conference video reveals one billion new games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-conference-video-reveals-one-billion-new-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-conference-video-reveals-one-billion-new-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-conference-video-reveals-one-billion-new-games/#commentsFiled under: ,

Well, it's a bit late for accurate estimation. Let's just say a lot of new games. And rather than write a separate post about each new game seen for the first time in this Nintendo media conference video, we'll just list out every new game we see in the order we see them, with a bit of description in case you can't figure out which is which. We'll also point out known games for which we're seeing the first video. Okay?
  • Let's Tap, developed by Prope, published by Sega. The sidescrolling platformer/fireworks ... thing.
  • Karaoke Joysound, developed and published by Hudson. We knew about the game, but this video was the first look. It's the one with the rabbity avatar.
  • Klonoa: Door to Phantomile. We saw scans of this remake this morning, and now there's the first video.
  • Taiko no Tatsujin Wii. It's the one that looks like a Taiko game! Coming December 11!
And many Nintendo-published games for 2009!

Continue reading Nintendo conference video reveals one billion new games

JoystiqNintendo conference video reveals one billion new games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdventureArikaEndless-OceanEndless-Ocean-2Endless-Ocean-2-AdventuEndless-Ocean-Blue-WorldEndless-Ocean-2-Adventures-of-the-DeepEndless-Ocean-Blue-WorldExplorationklonoaNintendonms08Open-Worldsin-and-punishment-2Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sin & Punishment 2 and other third-party gems confirmed [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/sin-and-punishment-2-and-other-third-party-gems-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/sin-and-punishment-2-and-other-third-party-gems-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/sin-and-punishment-2-and-other-third-party-gems-confirmed/#commentsFiled under:


Update: Screen grab from Nintendo's media page, which has video of all these new games! Check it out right here.

Nintendo just unleashed a demo reel of upcoming third-party Wii games, including Taiko no Tatsujin Wii, a new Tsumi to Batsu/Sin & Punishment game from Treasure, a Wii version ofAnother Code (otherwise known as Trace Memory, the DS adventure game), Let's Tap (Yuji Naka's latest project, a.k.a. the game that even penguins can play), Sengoku Musou 3 (Samurai Warriors 3) and a new "mothership" title in the Tales Of series.

Will the internet regard this as the press conference that E3 should have been? We suspect so!

JoystiqSin & Punishment 2 and other third-party gems confirmed [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-codekoeilets-tapnamco-bandainintendo-media-summitnmsnms08samurai-warriors-3sengoku-musou-3sin-and-punishment-2treasuretsumi-to-batsu-2yuji-nakaThu, 02 Oct 2008 02:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Points officially being renamed to 'Nintendo Points']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/wii-points-officially-being-renamed-to-nintendo-points/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/wii-points-officially-being-renamed-to-nintendo-points/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/wii-points-officially-being-renamed-to-nintendo-points/#commentsFiled under:


With the new DSi just being announced, it'll allow people to download titles direct to their handheld, kind of like Apple's little doodad, the iPhone. So, in order to share the Point system between the Wii and the handheld, Nintendo will go ahead and rename "Wii Points" to "Nintendo Points," said Satoru Iwata at the Japanese fall press conference.

Will you be able to transfer Points purchased through your Wii to your DSi? We would assume so. We'll update you all as soon as more information is provided.

JoystiqWii Points officially being renamed to 'Nintendo Points' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japannintendo-media-summitnintendo-pointsnms08satoru-iwatawii-pointsThu, 02 Oct 2008 01:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo announces Nintendo DSi]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-announces-nintendo-dsi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-announces-nintendo-dsi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-announces-nintendo-dsi/#commentsFiled under:


Click image to enter our DSi gallery!

Nintendo's Media Summit has just thrown us its first juicy bone of the night, and it's a big one. As was previously rumored, Satoru Iwata has revealed the Nintendo DSi, the direct successor to the DS Lite which comes absolutely jam-packed with new features and trinkets, including two cameras, music playback functions, expanded screens, an SD card slot, and a whole new, DS-specific download service. Hit the break for the full list of improvements and adjustments, as well as the Japanese launch date and price!

Continue reading Nintendo announces Nintendo DSi

JoystiqNintendo announces Nintendo DSi originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dswarenintendo-dsinintendo-media-summitnmsnms08redesignupgradeThu, 02 Oct 2008 00:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst doubts Wii price cut, recommends more peripherals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/analyst-doubts-wii-price-cut-recommends-more-peripherals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/analyst-doubts-wii-price-cut-recommends-more-peripherals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/analyst-doubts-wii-price-cut-recommends-more-peripherals/#commentsFiled under: ,


Mito Securities analyst Yoichiro Watanabe has weighed in on the buzz surrounding tomorrow's Nintendo Media Summit, suggesting that a Wii price cut is unlikely. Frankly, it's hard to disagree with the man. As Watanabe points out, demand is still through the roof, and the Holiday season is only going to ramp up Wii fever to ridiculous, hair-pulling levels.

More controversially, Watanabe thinks Nintendo should force us all to add to our growing collection of plastic doohickeys and controller shells, on the basis that adding new peripherals to the Wii has worked well for the company. That's not exactly a move we're in favor of (our living rooms are now mostly plastic), and Iwata has already stated that new add-ons are unlikely.

[Via Gamasutra]

JoystiqAnalyst doubts Wii price cut, recommends more peripherals originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystmoneynintendo-media-summitnmsnms08priceprice-cutWed, 01 Oct 2008 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: What has Nintendo got planned?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/ds-daily-what-has-nintendo-got-planned/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/ds-daily-what-has-nintendo-got-planned/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/ds-daily-what-has-nintendo-got-planned/#commentsFiled under:

Folks, it's time to whip out your crystal ball and join us in a bit of pointless (but hopefully fun) speculating about what MEGATONS will be announced tomorrow at Nintendo's Media Summit. We know there's compelling evidence that we'll see a DS redesign, and while that does seem very plausible, it's far from the only possibility.

A quick poll of the DS Fanboy team revealed quite diverse expectations. I'm banking on Professor Layton dates for not-Japan, JC reckons there'll be a bunch of stuff about Cooking Guide, while Dave thinks there could be an iPhone-style apps store for downloading titles directly to the handheld, and/or a new Channel to go along with the new DS (or a revision to the Nintendo Channel to support it).

Oh, and we all predicted a DS redesign. But to heck with what we think: what bombs do you expect to drop in the next 24 hours?

JoystiqDS Daily: What has Nintendo got planned? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdmegatonsnintendo-media-summitnmsnms08Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Get your prediction on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/wii-warm-up-get-your-prediction-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/wii-warm-up-get-your-prediction-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/wii-warm-up-get-your-prediction-on/#commentsFiled under:

This time tomorrow, we'll know whether the much-discussed Nintendo Media Summit was worth all the excitement. In the meantime, we've a simple question: what do you all expect and/or hope to be announced at the event?

The Wii Fanboy staff tend to be divided on the matter. Dave is predicting a Wii Fit add-on pack or new Channel update that uses the leaked pedometer peripheral, Wesley suspects this rumor could mean the unveiling of Kid Icarus or Punch-Out!! (though says his "money would be on Kid Icarus"), JC forecasts dates for Disaster: Day of Crisis and Fatal Frame IV, while Mike and Dave both think we could see a solution to our ongoing storage woes (as do I, actually).

Over to you, reader. What has Nintendo got up its sleeve?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Get your prediction on originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>megatonsnintendo-media-summitnmsnms08wwuWed, 01 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Old Nintendo franchise getting revived on Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/rumor-old-nintendo-franchise-getting-revived-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/rumor-old-nintendo-franchise-getting-revived-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/rumor-old-nintendo-franchise-getting-revived-on-wii/#commentsFiled under:


For most people who aren't high-ranking Nintendo executives, the air is presently thick with speculation over what Nintendo will be revealing at its forthcoming Media Summit. Not if you're Gamekyo.com, though. The French site knows for certain what is coming: a new Wii game based an old Nintendo franchise that "everyone is waiting for."

The Gamekyo story certainly sounds very sure of itself ("We can announce today that Nintendo will reveal a new game for the Wii during this event," reads the closing line), even though the article is entirely unsourced. While we're advising you take this rumor with a barrel -- nay, a truckload -- of salt, the prospect of an old Nintendo series being resurrected was too much for us to ignore. For its part, Nintendo issued a by-now-standard "We do not comment on rumor or speculation" to CVG, but that's not a denial, right?

Source: Nintendo making new game based on old franchise.
Source: Nintendo refuses to play ball.

[Thanks, Chris!]

Know what should be on the Wii? These games.

JoystiqRumor: Old Nintendo franchise getting revived on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendo-media-summitnmsnms08remakeretroTue, 30 Sep 2008 19:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Nintendo Media Summit in early October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/confirmed-nintendo-media-summit-in-early-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/confirmed-nintendo-media-summit-in-early-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/confirmed-nintendo-media-summit-in-early-october/#commentsFiled under:


Didn't we already have a Nintendo Media Summit this year? By golly, we did! But, still, it turns out that rumor is true, as Nintendo will be holding an event on October 2nd and 3rd, showcasing games for both the Wii and DS in San Francisco. We know because we just got our invite.

So what should we expect? Well, something on Disaster: Day of Crisis we imagine, but anything outside of that is anyone's guess. What do you all think?

JoystiqConfirmed: Nintendo Media Summit in early October originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disasterdisaster-day-of-crisismonolithmonolith-softnintendo-media-summitnmsnms08Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo reaches out to alternative retailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/nintendo-reaches-out-to-alternative-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/nintendo-reaches-out-to-alternative-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/nintendo-reaches-out-to-alternative-retailers/#commentsFiled under:

The Game Factory's Damien Sarrazin is spilling the beans on Nintendo. Apparently, Nintendo is looking to reach out to alternative retailers, as the company has pretty much done all it can with the traditional video game retail space, says Sarrazin.

"There is nothing more you can do in the usual places where you would expect to find videogame hardware and software." says Sarrazin. He goes on further to say "So, the only way they can expand their presence is to access alternative retailers - and in order to do that, they need to come up with the right offering." And Sarrazin's company believes they have the right offering in Zenses, a line-up of DS puzzle games targeted at female gamers.

Nintendo met The Game Factory recently at their media summit to see if Zenses was a title they'd be interested in. "We've created a game so that you can take a break from your daily routine and sort of take a mental vacation," he says. No word on if Nintendo was interested in the title, though.

JoystiqNintendo reaches out to alternative retailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscasualnintendonms08retailzensesTue, 06 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NMS08: Sonic Chronicles video interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/nms08-sonic-chronicles-video-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/nms08-sonic-chronicles-video-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/nms08-sonic-chronicles-video-interview/#commentsFiled under:


Back at the Nintendo Media Summit, Kirby Fong, producer on the Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood project, talked about the game and the decision to go with Bioware. The game is entirely stylus-driven and has received a lot of attention due to Bioware's promise to make us love something we can't see ourselves ever loving and not create another crappy Sonic game. What we didn't know is that the game already came out back in 2007. Oh, you don't believe us? Skip to the end of the video where Kirby says it himself!

Mistakes in video interviews aside, it's a good watch. Kirby talks about Power Moves and how you'll be able to do team attacks with other party members. He even lets us know some about the mysterious targeting rings we spotted.


[Thanks, Torin!]

JoystiqNMS08: Sonic Chronicles video interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarenms08rpgsegasonicsonic-chroniclessonic-chronicles-the-dark-brotherhoodthe-dark-brotherhoodThu, 17 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NMS08: Sonic Chronicles likes to talk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/nms08-sonic-chronicles-likes-to-talk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/nms08-sonic-chronicles-likes-to-talk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/nms08-sonic-chronicles-likes-to-talk/#commentsFiled under:

Most seasoned gamers will be familiar with the practice of wearing out their A button as they skip through mountains of dialog in a game. It's a harsh truth that the majority of titles don't do dialog well to start with, and when there's enough wordage to fill a few phone books, playing can feel more and more like a chore.

Hopefully, Sonic Chronicles will prove the exception to the rule. Patrick Klepek of the MTV Multiplayer blog went hands-on with the title at the recent Nintendo Media Summit, and reported that the game -- as well as being "surprisingly dark" -- was packed with words: more than 50,000 of the buggers, in fact.

That's almost double the number of words you'd find in George Orwell's allegorical classic Animal Farm (30,210), and while we'd normally approach such a wordy game with caution (see: first paragraph), it's worth remembering that Sonic Chronicles is being crafted by BioWare, a studio that's fashioned some of the finest scripts in the business. Not only that, but Klepek assures us there'll be plenty of the branching dialog trees that are a BioWare staple. If it's engaging enough, maybe we will love Big the Cat! Now there's a sentence we never expected to write.

JoystiqNMS08: Sonic Chronicles likes to talk originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarenintendo-media-summitnms08rpgsegasonicsonic-chroniclesWed, 16 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NMS08: Joystiq gets their hands dirty with WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-joystiq-gets-their-hands-dirty-with-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-joystiq-gets-their-hands-dirty-with-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-joystiq-gets-their-hands-dirty-with-wiiware/#commentsFiled under:


Besides checking out what retail Wii and DS games Nintendo had available, Joystiq also managed to spend some quality time with WiiWare and a few of its games. The general consensus? It's a mixed bag.
  • Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People seems to capture the Flash toon's look and feel, but is fairly linear (at least in the demo available at NMS08). Stern was also able to pry some more info about the episodic nature of the game from the title's marketing director, who said "Each episode, a different designer [is in charge], which is more like they do on TV. ... It's still the same team. [But] it'll be interesting to see how the episodes feel as a result. With Sam & Max, we've had complaints that they feel too similar. We might find with Strong Bad, that each one feels very different."
  • LostWinds is shaping up nicely, apparently, as Stern commented "Because of game's playful controls, I wish I could have spent the time progressing through the entire game." He says this because LostWinds is actually finished, and the folks behind it hope its in the WiiWare launch lineup.
  • Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King is more for the folks that like everything outside of the combat in RPG games. It's very menu-heavy, and you're very much like the manager of the game, sending out your townfolk to find goodies to bring back to you.
  • Pop seems to have some very interesting multiplayer mechanics and, like LostWinds, is totally finished. The single-player games are "casual and a trance-like way to relax," apparently. They hope that it will be in the WiiWare launch lineup and between 500 and 800 Wii Points.
  • Major League Eating is offering up a buffet of features for users to take from, including Wi-Fi gameplay and the complete package of competitive eating. There's going to be gross out techniques, as well as actual attack and defensive maneuvers. We're not all about who can eat a billion hot dogs the fastest ourselves, but it looks like this one is shaping up to be a full meal of fun on WiiWare.
  • World of Goo is something that we've been interested in, surely you all know. And everytime someone checks it out and bothers to write something up on the internet, we're even more convinced this is a must download. Stern's label that this title has the "clever puzzle mechanic" and "irresistible gameplay" we've been hoping may have just cemented its status as a must own for us.

Read - Major League Eating
Read - World of Goo
Read - LostWinds
Read - Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King
Read - Pop
Read - Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People

JoystiqNMS08: Joystiq gets their hands dirty with WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dboyffccfinal-fantasylostwindsmajor-league-eatingmy-life-as-a-kingnms08nnooopopstrong-badstrong-bads-cool-gam...world-of-gooTue, 15 Apr 2008 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[First Rock Band Wii shots arrive, fail to cheer us up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/first-rock-band-wii-shots-arrive-fail-to-cheer-us-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/first-rock-band-wii-shots-arrive-fail-to-cheer-us-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/first-rock-band-wii-shots-arrive-fail-to-cheer-us-up/#commentsFiled under:


Rock Band's taken its fair share of flak recently -- some would say it's been perfectly justifed -- but perhaps these first screens of the Wii version in action will help slow the barrage of complaints about the game.

To the surprise of nobody, they're pretty much identical to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Harmonix's multi-instrumental extravaganza (minus the super-sharp HD look, obviously), and, y'know, that means it's quite a pretty game, at least. Convinced, yet? No? You're still dwelling on that missing DLC and online play, aren't you? Can't blame you. So are we. Sigh.

JoystiqFirst Rock Band Wii shots arrive, fail to cheer us up originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaharmonixmusicnintendo-media-summitnms08rhythmrock-bandTue, 15 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NMS08: Joystiq impressions roundup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-joystiq-impressions-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-joystiq-impressions-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-joystiq-impressions-roundup/#commentsFiled under:


Nintendo offered press a look at upcoming Nintendo (and third-party) titles at last week's Nintendo Media Summit, and Joystiq's Zack Stern was all up ons. He got a look at two of the most highly anticipated third-party DS games, and one surprise that we didn't realize Nintendo would put their marketing muscle behind.

Zenses: Ocean is a casual puzzle collection from publisher The Game Factory designed to be relaxing. It features an ocean theme (a second game will be rainforest-themed) and a mellow soundtrack (even including headphones in the package). The games described include block-matching and a "connect the dots" game that is basically Puchi Puchi Virus. Zack was perhaps a little too relaxed by Zenses, in that he didn't find it particularly fun.

New information about Guitar Hero: On Tour was revealed in a presentation. For example, as expected (but not previously confirmed) it can be played right- or left-handed. Star Power is activated by humiliating yourself yelling.

Faithful readers will already know plenty about Space Invaders Extreme, but by all means check out the post, because it's stuff about Space Invaders Extreme.

Gallery: Zenses: Ocean

Read: Impressions of Guitar Hero: On Tour
Read: Hands-on with Zenses: Ocean
Read: Hands-on with Space Invaders Extreme

JoystiqNMS08: Joystiq impressions roundup originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heronms08space-invaders-extremesquare-enixvicarious-visionszensesTue, 15 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NMS08: Crosswords DS impressions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-crosswords-ds-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-crosswords-ds-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-crosswords-ds-impressions/#commentsFiled under:

One surprising gem of the Nintendo Media Summit was Crosswords DS, Nintendo's most recent puzzle game. Not letting itself get overshadowed by all the other stuff at the convention, Crosswords DS managed to rack up favorable impressions from many a gaming site.

IGN found the title to be "awesome," and was very impressed by the diversity in the game. Even though it's called Crosswords DS, there's more to it than crossword puzzles. The game also includes word searches and anagrams. According to the site, the controls are very intuitive, and even easier to understand because of the great interface.

Game|Life also enjoyed the software, finding the anagram mode to be even more addictive than the crosswords themselves. From what we can tell by Game|Life's comments, the anagram puzzles look almost identical to those in the online game Text Twist, which this blogger can confirm to be the computer equivalent of crack cocaine.

GoNintendo describes this title as a "must-have" if you like crosswords. RMC reported that the puzzles are challenging (although the ones shown in the gallery must be from the "easy" setting), so don't worry about a dumbed-down experience.

Also, don't be put off by the game's lame box art -- it seems like this title is definitely something to look forward to!



Read: IGN's impressions
Read: Game|Life's impressions
Read: GoNintendo's impressions

JoystiqNMS08: Crosswords DS impressions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anagramscrosswordcrosswords-dsimpressionsnintendo-software-technologynms08nstnuevo-retro-gamespuzzleword-searchTue, 15 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Samba de Amigo missing some much-needed shake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/samba-de-amigo-missing-some-much-needed-shake/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/samba-de-amigo-missing-some-much-needed-shake/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/samba-de-amigo-missing-some-much-needed-shake/#commentsFiled under: ,



Samba de Amigo on the Dreamcast was the most relentlessly cheerful game ever, and the Wii version won't be toning down the exuberance -- just looking at this latest batch of art and screens from Sega's shake-'em-up almost brought light to the recesses of our dark, cynical hearts. But there's something gnawing at us, something that prevents us from getting all giddy over Wii Samba: the controls.

Apparently, we're not alone in this respect. A number of the recent "hands-on" articles that have appeared in the wake of the Nintendo Media Summit mention how Gearbox hasn't yet nailed this aspect of the game.

We've already discussed Joystiq's experiences (choice quote: "[...] the Remote and Nunchuk just don't feel the same as the original maracas."), and Go Nintendo felt similarly ("Unfortunately, there are still some control quirks. There are times when the Wiimote/Nunchuck will lose your positioning. This didn't happen too often, but it happened enough to make note of it.") Meanwhile, GameSpot's Ricardo Torres was perhaps the most forgiving, claiming that "the control is on its way toward being solid." Call us demanding little so-and-sos all you like, but we want solid! Not "on its way toward being solid."

The general feeling seems to be that the title is shaping up well, but that the maracas are sorely missed. If you're reading this, Sega, you know what to do.

Read: Joystiq's hands-on impressions
Read: Go Nintendo's hands-on impressions
Read: GameSpot's hands-on impressions


[Screenshots via press release]

JoystiqSamba de Amigo missing some much-needed shake originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gearboximpressionsmaracasmusicnms08rhythmsamba-de-amigosegaTue, 15 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[My Weight Loss Coach boxart: Lazy or fitting?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/my-weight-loss-coach-boxart-lazy-or-fitting/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/my-weight-loss-coach-boxart-lazy-or-fitting/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/my-weight-loss-coach-boxart-lazy-or-fitting/#comments

We loaded up My Weight Loss Coach's product page on Amazon earlier today and received two surprises:
  1. $39.99. We're used to seeing that sort of markup only on Square-Enix titles and almost never on casual titles, but we suppose that bundled pedometer comes at a price. That price being ten additional dollars.
  2. Its stark, untraditional packaging art.
At first, the cover seemed like an apathetic production, reminiscent of the Konami's Best box design, but perhaps this simple, almost Apple-esque approach will draw in weight-concerned adult casuals, Ubisoft's target audience. If they really want to bring in the big bucks, they'll shoot a commercial of someone pulling the case out of a manila envelope while Yael Naim sings the lyrics to "New Soul."

If you're one of those strange people who like to judge a title by its actual content and not its cover, jump into our gallery below to see new screenshots of the get-in-shape software.


[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqMy Weight Loss Coach boxart: Lazy or fitting? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applehealthmontrealmy-weight-loss-coachnms08pedometertrainingubisoftTue, 15 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NMS08: Square Enix talks Space Invaders Extreme]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-square-enix-talks-space-invaders-extreme/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-square-enix-talks-space-invaders-extreme/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-square-enix-talks-space-invaders-extreme/#commentsFiled under:


Gamespot got a chance to talk with Square Enix PR guy Klee Kuo about Space Invaders Extreme back at the Nintendo Media Summit, taking care to film the whole thing so that we may all watch. Included in the interview (if people talking isn't your sort of thing) is footage from both the DS and PSP versions of the game. We don't have to tell you all which one looks superior, of course.

There's also a few other trailers up of just gameplay, which we've gone ahead and embedded past the break.

Continue reading NMS08: Square Enix talks Space Invaders Extreme

JoystiqNMS08: Square Enix talks Space Invaders Extreme originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nms08paddlespace-invadersspace-invaders-extremesquare-enixtaitoTue, 15 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NMS08: Joystiq hands-on with the future of Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-joystiq-hands-on-with-the-future-of-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-joystiq-hands-on-with-the-future-of-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-joystiq-hands-on-with-the-future-of-wii/#commentsFiled under:


Big-brother blog Joystiq's own Zack Stern got a little face time with some of the biggest games of your fanboy future at last week's Nintendo Media Summit, and mostly, the verdict is good, even in some surprising places. We've linked all of the hands-on impressions below, but will offer a quick recap here:
  • Rock Band for Wii is not quite a complete travesty; improvements made to the original Rock Bands are present here, and apparently, there is at least discussion of how to handle the online play/DLC problem, but whether or not that will be managed as a later add-on or reserved for a sequel was not said. But it's not all sunshine and rainbows ....
  • Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is the opposite of Rock Band, however, in that it sounds even better than we expected. Zack spent some time in the Wii-specific multiplayer duel mode, and it sounds as though the level of depth (and sheer fun!) to be found there will make Wii owners and Star Wars fans very happy. We're looking forward to it!
  • BOOM BLOX may seem like a simple game, but while we're on the subject of depth, this is another title with a lot to explore and discover, and we know a lot of you are excited about it -- so much so that you'll challenge the bloggers to steel cage matches and all. It's cool. We like to know you care.
  • Samba de Amigo both is and ain't the original. It looks and feels like the Dreamcast game, but Wii remotes just aren't maracas. We did get our wish, though you can use two Wiimotes instead of a Wiimote and a nunchuk if you want, to get your samba on.
  • Wii Fit is fun, with a lot of enjoyable mini-games, but Zack felt they might get repetitive after a while. Then again, what exercise routine doesn't? That's why they call it a routine, amirite?
Read: Joystiq hands-on with BOOM BLOX
Read: Joystiq hands-on with Rock Band Wii
Read: Joystiq hands-on with Samba de Amigo
Read: Joystiq hands-on with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Read: Joystiq hands-on with Wii Fit

JoystiqNMS08: Joystiq hands-on with the future of Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloximpressionsnintendo-media-summitnms08rock-bandsamba-de-amigostar-warsthe-force-unleasedwii-fitTue, 15 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NMS08: Rock Band 'bonus' simply PS3/360 dregs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-rock-band-bonus-simply-ps3-360-dregs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-rock-band-bonus-simply-ps3-360-dregs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-rock-band-bonus-simply-ps3-360-dregs/#commentsFiled under:

The mystery of our Rock Band's "bonus" tracks has been solved -- and the songs are nothing you haven't seen before, especially if you've been following the available DLC for the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the title. Here's your extra content, Wii owners. Merry freakin' Christmas.
  • "Dirty Little Secret" - The All American Rejects
  • "Roam" - The B-52's
  • "Don't Look Back in Anger" - Oasis
  • "Roxanne" - The Police
  • "Rockaway Beach" - The Ramones

JoystiqNMS08: Rock Band 'bonus' simply PS3/360 dregs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-american-rejectsb-52sbonuseaharmonixmusicnintendo-media-summitnms08oasispoliceramonesrhythmrock-bandTue, 15 Apr 2008 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NMS08: Strong Bad's Cool Trailers for Attractive People]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/nms08-strong-bads-cool-trailers-for-attractive-people/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/nms08-strong-bads-cool-trailers-for-attractive-people/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/nms08-strong-bads-cool-trailers-for-attractive-people/#commentsFiled under:


Hot on the heels of news yesterday regarding a certain answerer-of-emails and WiiWare, Nintendo's distribution service for downloadable games, comes our first peek at Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, along with some more details on what to expect per your buck and the bang it will entitle you to. IGN has uploaded a pair of trailers, the first of which you can catch above. It provides a sneak peek at the first episode of the game, which is due out this June.

IGN also confirmed that each episode of Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People will include at least one small micro game that the player can enjoy via an in-game computer. Fans of Strong Bad won't have any trouble picturing how this will work. As if that weren't enough, you can also piece together your own Girl Squad comics by collecting cards in-game.

Head past the break for the other trailer, which shows off even more gameplay footage. We just hope that come June we'll be attractive enough to be allowed to play this game.

Continue reading NMS08: Strong Bad's Cool Trailers for Attractive People

JoystiqNMS08: Strong Bad's Cool Trailers for Attractive People originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurenms08strong-badstrong-bads-game-for-attractive-peopletelltaletelltale-gamesFri, 11 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Telltale brings Strong Bad to attractive people]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/telltale-brings-strong-bad-to-attractive-people/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/telltale-brings-strong-bad-to-attractive-people/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/telltale-brings-strong-bad-to-attractive-people/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wow, we never thought we'd be writing about Strong Bad twice in one week on a Wii blog. Yet, Telltale finally announced their oh-so-secret WiiWare game, which will feature everyone's favorite Homestar Runner mascot. Titled Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, this series will consist of five episodes that will come out on a monthly basis. (As it turns out, the "actual gameplay footage" at the end of the Strong Bad Gameways video is actual gameplay footage!)

Like Sam & Max, this game will be in the adventure genre, involving humor, puzzles, and point-and-click goodness. Telltale has also added some neat time-wasting extras, like checking Strong Bad's emails, making prank phone calls, and playing arcade games styled after the ones on Homestar Runner's site.

Between bringing this and Sam & Max to the Wii, we're so in love with Telltale right now. If you're excited, too, make sure to check out the official webpage for SBCG4AP, which just went live (and has a gameplay trailer!).

(Note: Sorry for the delay in putting this news up; we were waiting for Telltale to release assets for the game first, to make this post as thorough as possible.)



[Via press release; also, thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqTelltale brings Strong Bad to attractive people originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurehomestar-runnerhomestarrunnernms08point-and-clicksam-and-maxsbcg4apstrong-badstrong-bads-cool-game-for-attractive-peopletelltaleThu, 10 Apr 2008 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Boom Blox dated May 6th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/boom-blox-dated-may-6th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/boom-blox-dated-may-6th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/boom-blox-dated-may-6th/#commentsFiled under:


EA previously had the entire month of May blocked off for the release of its Steven Spielberg collaboration Boom Blox. They put a finer point on things during a presentation at Nintendo's Media Summit in San Francisco today, knocking 30 blocks off their May calendar, leaving a proud May 6th standing tall. We'll be checking out the game in, what we can only assume is, a near final state and have our impressions up as soon as we can, okay?

Gallery: Boom Blox

JoystiqBoom Blox dated May 6th originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boom-BloxBreakingNewsEAElectronic-ArtsNMS08Steven-SpielbergWiiThu, 10 Apr 2008 15:26:00 EST<![CDATA[NMS 08: Mario Super Sluggers sliding into homes this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/nms-08-super-mario-sluggers-sliding-into-homes-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/nms-08-super-mario-sluggers-sliding-into-homes-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/nms-08-super-mario-sluggers-sliding-into-homes-this-year/#commentsFiled under:


The first news out of this year's Nintendo Media Summit is that the Namco Bandai-developed Mario sports game Super Mario Stadium: Family Baseball will see a U.S. release "sometime this year" under the title Mario Super Sluggers.

Nintendo of America's Bill Trinen demonstrated the game for press in attendance, showing unique fielding mechanics in which shaking the Wiimote signals the fielders to go, and a throwing motion sends the ball to the correct base. Pitching and batting seem to be pretty much what you'd expect!

According to IGN, the cast will include the usual suspects: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, the Wario Bros, Donkey Kong, Baby Mario, Toad, Toadette, Boo, and a Shyguy. More details about Sluggers should come out sometime next week.

[Via Joystiq; press release available here]

JoystiqNMS 08: Mario Super Sluggers sliding into homes this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baseballmariomario-super-sluggersnms08super-mario-sluggerssuper-mario-stadiumThu, 10 Apr 2008 14:15:00 EST