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[Sony to release 'non-game' dev kits in Q2 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/sony-to-release-non-game-dev-kits-in-q2-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/sony-to-release-non-game-dev-kits-in-q2-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/sony-to-release-non-game-dev-kits-in-q2-2010/#comments
Already, various non-game applications can be found on both the PS3 and PSP. From Skype to VidZone, the XMB now plays home to a variety of services. Going forward, it appears Sony will open the PlayStation platform further with the introduction of "non-game" development kits in the middle of next year.

Last night's 6.20 firmware update for PSP lays down the framework for additional non-gaming content. The PSP update adds a new category to the XMB called "Extras," which allows users to launch the web browser to download third-party apps on the PSP. The PlayStation Network Digital Comics Reader is the first official "Extra" to appear on the XMB, with more sure to come in 2010.

A wide release of non-game dev kits may attract the active homebrew community to release official programs on the PSP and PS3. We'll be chatting with SCEA soon to get further details. Until then, we'll be dreaming of a native YouTube application for our PSPs.

[Via VG247]
Congratulations to StevenMichael on being the first to comment. You've been emailed a free Battlefield: Bad Company 2 beta code. Click here, for more information on this giveaway. Official rules apply.

JoystiqSony to release 'non-game' dev kits in Q2 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-kitdevelopmenthomebrewnon-gameplaystation-networkpsnsonyThu, 19 Nov 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaze at the stars in Hoshizora Navi, feel like an insignificant speck]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/gaze-at-the-stars-in-hoshizora-navi-feel-like-an-insignificant/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/gaze-at-the-stars-in-hoshizora-navi-feel-like-an-insignificant/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/gaze-at-the-stars-in-hoshizora-navi-feel-like-an-insignificant/#commentsFiled under: ,

From this March, DS owners in Japan will be able to navigate the night skies, thanks to astronomy magazine publisher Astroarts. Hoshizora Navi (Starry Sky Navigator) was first revealed in March 2008, but now an official site has opened, rich with details.

Apparently, the software comes packed with star charts containing 9,300 stars, the sun, planets, the moon, various constellations, and assorted meteor groups. Also, budding astronomers will be able to view the night sky at any point between 1900 and 2099, and even stargaze from several viewing locations across the globe. To help you differentiate between your Apastron and your Aphelion, there's an onboard astronomical dictionary of more than 400 terms.

But allow us to remind you of the best bit: the Hoshizora Navi cartridge will come with a built-in positional sensor, meaning that as your DS moves, so does the view on your screen, to match your own! It's undoubtedly very clever, even though the tech has clearly pushed the price sky-high -- Hoshizora Navi goes on sale on March 26 for ¥8,190 (around $90)!

JoystiqGaze at the stars in Hoshizora Navi, feel like an insignificant speck originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asciiastro-artsastronomyhoshi-navihoshizora-navinon-gamestar-navistarry-sky-navigatorstarsTue, 20 Jan 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[My Japanese Coach: Konnichiwa and beyond]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/my-japanese-coach-konnichiwa-and-beyond/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/my-japanese-coach-konnichiwa-and-beyond/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/my-japanese-coach-konnichiwa-and-beyond/#commentsFiled under:

Just as we did with My French Coach, we're taking a long, hard look at the recent My Japanese Coach -- but with one key difference. This time, instead of just lowly little me, slaving along with some knowledge of French, this time I'm struggling with a language I know very little of, and I'm working with a "partner" who knows quite a bit of Japanese already.

Before tearing into Ubisoft's latest DS language trainer, if asked, I would have struggled to produce ten words in Japanese, and one of those ten would have been in the title of this post (and another would have been sushi). Perhaps that's exaggerating; after all, I did know a bit more than the fact that I prefer nigiri to sashimi, such as the words for red, blue, and green, and words like "please." My Japanese Coach-partner -- also known as my husband -- has always been very good about teaching me words when I ask. I suppose that makes me 1% more knowledgeable about the Japanese language than the average person pulled off the street.

And that fraction means absolutely nothing, I learned, when you sit down to study a language like Japanese with any tool, even My Japanese Coach.


NEXT >>

JoystiqMy Japanese Coach: Konnichiwa and beyond originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanesejoystiqfeatureslanguagemy-japanese-coachnon-gamesensory-sweep-studiostraining-gameubisoftThu, 30 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: Something fishy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/vc-friday-something-fishy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/vc-friday-something-fishy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/vc-friday-something-fishy/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Arguably more a relaxation tool than a game, Hudson's My Aquarium makes its western debut in the latest PAL update today. Its price, just 500 Wii Points, reflects its status as the Endless Ocean of WiiWare; it's definitely a good deal cheaper than the real thing. The in-jokey Strong Bad Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner completes the line-up, while the Virtual Console is put on the backburner for another week.

My Aquarium -- WiiWare -- 500 Wii Points
Strong Bad Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner -- WiiWare -- 1000 Wii Points

Spread your fins and swim past the break for video of each.

Continue reading VC Friday: Something fishy

JoystiqVC Friday: Something fishy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureaustraliablue-oasiseuropefishfridayhudsonmy-aquariumnon-gamepalpoint-and-clickstrong-badtelltale-gamesFri, 15 Aug 2008 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't tap the glass in Hudson's My Aquarium]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/dont-tap-the-glass-in-hudsons-my-aquarium/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/dont-tap-the-glass-in-hudsons-my-aquarium/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/dont-tap-the-glass-in-hudsons-my-aquarium/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Because you'd probably be scratching your television.

As you can tell by the trailer above (and new screens below), Hudson's localized Blue Oasis (at E3 they announced it for North America under the name My Aquarium) doesn't require a rocket scientist to figure out. Hudson has gone ahead and basically crafted a virtual fish tank, allowing you to enjoy the serene company of aquatic life without having to clean a pump every month.

If you already checked out the tour of the Japanese game, then you know the title is chock full of content. And, if it's priced the same as its Japanese counterpart (500 Wii Points), we won't have to shell out a lot of clams for it. Get it? Hey, where are you going? Hello?


[Via press release]

Are you crazy about WiiWare? We are too! That's why we've been quick to review as many WiiWare games as possible. Check out all of our reviews on our WiiWare review page. Otherwise, just keep an eye on the WiiWare category for the latest on Nintendo's download service.

JoystiqDon't tap the glass in Hudson's My Aquarium originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aquariumblue-oasisfishfish-tankhudsonmy-aquariumnon-gameTue, 12 Aug 2008 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega to make DS owners beautiful]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/sega-to-make-ds-owners-beautiful/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/sega-to-make-ds-owners-beautiful/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/sega-to-make-ds-owners-beautiful/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Click for more screens.

You with the face: listen up. As beings of supreme beauty, we're often asked how we maintain our flawless complexions and glossy, healthy hair. The truth is this: we have no idea. It could be our steady diet of Cheetos, pizza and cereal, combined with the sixteen hours a day we spend in front of our PC monitors, but it's probably all just natural.

For those of you not blessed with such a becoming appearance, all is not lost. Sega has teamed up with Japanese cosmetics maker Shiseido to develop Project Beauty -- full translated name Shiseido Beauty Solution Supervised Exploration Center Project Beauty -- a non-game dedicated to the kind of over-the-counter tips and advice you'd expect to receive in any cosmetics department store.

Project Beauty's most tantalizing hook, however, is that it will ship with the sleek camera add-on that came with Otona no DS Kao Training (Adults' DS Face Training) when it launches in Japan this November 27th. There's also a cheaper version sans camera, for all those people who bought Face Training and have had to wait for months for more software that supports the add-on.


[Via GAME Watch]

JoystiqSega to make DS owners beautiful originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameracosmeticsnon-gameproject-beautysegashiseidotrainingTue, 05 Aug 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Make 10: A Journey to Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/make-10-a-journey-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/make-10-a-journey-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/make-10-a-journey-to-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Tashiten: Tashite 10 Ni Suru Monogatari recently appeared on the OFLC's ratings database in Australia, and has now been officially announced in ... Europe (a.k.a. Land of the Training Game), where it will be released as Make 10: A Journey of Numbers.

That title is something of a misnomer, for the game is really only about one number. In over 30 different minigames, players have to add or subtract numbers to make ten, all while being guided through the "Make 10 Kingdom" by a pixie called "Num Diddly." They'll crowbar a story into anything nowadays, we suppose. Still, it's refreshing to see a Nintendo-published non-game abandon the austere presentation of Brain Training/Math Training, and opt for something more colorful.

Whereas Make 10 launched on the tenth day of the tenth month last year in Japan, the European version has a thoroughly unfunny release date: September 26th. If we can no longer find humor in release schedules, what else is there?

[Via press release]

JoystiqMake 10: A Journey to Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europemake-10mathmuu-muunon-gametashitentrainingThu, 31 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[My Screenshot Coaches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/my-screenshot-coaches/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/my-screenshot-coaches/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/my-screenshot-coaches/#commentsFiled under: ,

We know My Chinese Coach and My Japanese Coach are coming, but we haven't seen much of them ... or anything, really. We didn't need to, though, to get excited about these titles; after all, people have been begging for a Japanese language trainer for a long time, and a Chinese language coach is just neat.

But if you were holding out, just to see what the titles included and whether or not they were set up like Ubisoft's previous language coaches, many of your questions will now be answered. Screenshots have turned up at Amazon, of all places, and while they seem to be pretty early shots -- there are in-game pictures missing -- they do give a good idea of what sort of things are included in the titles.

In other news, they look pretty difficult! As masochistic as we are, we can't wait to try them out.



[Thanks, Feba!]

JoystiqMy Screenshot Coaches originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinesejapaneselanguagemy-chinese-coachmy-japanese-coachnon-gametrainingubisoftMon, 28 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Training on Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/wii-warm-up-training-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/wii-warm-up-training-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/wii-warm-up-training-on-wii/#commentsFiled under:

Training games have been big on the DS, and a few have made it big on the Wii -- most notably, of course, Wii Fit -- but the lion's share of these "games" have remained on the DS. Big Brain Academy and My Word Coach are a few that have been on both systems. Have you tried them on both? We'd love to hear opinions about training games crossing the gulf, as it were. We're of the opinion that they're better when they're designed specifically for one system, and can thus play to that system's strength, but there are always exceptions.

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Training on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsnintendo-dsnon-gametraining-gameMon, 28 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No treats for OFLC as it gives away My Dog Coach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/no-treats-for-oflc-as-it-gives-away-my-dog-coach/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/no-treats-for-oflc-as-it-gives-away-my-dog-coach/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/no-treats-for-oflc-as-it-gives-away-my-dog-coach/#commentsFiled under:

Ubisoft continues to leave no stone unturned in its quest to make us games that help us through the wretched, miserable slog that is life. Having already dealt with French, words, weight loss, and life itself, the latest in Ubi's My Coach series might deal with training dogs.

We say "might" because My Dog Coach has yet to be officially announced, but Siliconera spotted a listing for the title on the OFLC database (which is usually as good as a confirmation), and Ubisoft already has its own Nintendogs-a-like. My Dog Coach: Understand Your Dog with Cesar Millan enlists the help of celebrity "dog psychologist" (yes) and Dog Whisperer host Cesar Millan, whose techniques (well, according to Wikipedia) stray some way from traditional methods of teaching your pet to sit, speak, etc.

Does this mean you'll be able to get your pooch doing the foxtrot? Paws crossed!

JoystiqNo treats for OFLC as it gives away My Dog Coach originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>my-dog-coachnon-gameoflctrainingubisoftWed, 23 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not-So-Iron Fanboy: Cooking Guide Cook-Off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/not-so-iron-fanboy-cooking-guide-cook-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/not-so-iron-fanboy-cooking-guide-cook-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/not-so-iron-fanboy-cooking-guide-cook-off/#commentsFiled under: ,

As soon as the Cooking Guide was released in English, we here at DS Fanboy understood one thing: it was necessary that we put the software to the test in a bloody, violent, no-holds-barred, steel cage cook-off the likes of which would put Iron Chef (both versions) to shame. Sadly, budget constraints (and, uh, laws) prevented the sort of Thunderdome-esque event we hand in mind, though, so instead, we're just having a normal cook-off.

One hobbyist cook. One bachelor. One shot at three recipes, supported by the Cooking Guide. Will they be able to produce the same meal, with the same results? Will the Guide serve as a workable cookbook for the knowledgeable, and an aid for those who aren't? We put it to the test.

Continue reading Not-So-Iron Fanboy: Cooking Guide Cook-Off

JoystiqNot-So-Iron Fanboy: Cooking Guide Cook-Off originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonetcant-decide-what-to-eatchicken-teriyakicookingcooking-guidecooking-navigreen-beansnon-gamerecipetrainingTue, 22 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Atari and irritating celebrity chef combine for cooking game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-atari-and-irritating-celebrity-chef-combine-for-cooking-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-atari-and-irritating-celebrity-chef-combine-for-cooking-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-atari-and-irritating-celebrity-chef-combine-for-cooking-ga/#commentsFiled under: ,


It was, we suppose, inevitable. Nintendo's Cooking Guide released in Japan two years ago (as Cooking Navi), where it shifted a decent number of units. It recently emerged in Europe, and did pretty well there, too (it'll be coming to the U.S. this November). And what happens each time Nintendo releases a successful non-game? Answer: as sure as night follows day, (usually inferior) third-party alternatives appear.

That's what has happened here, with Atari following Nintendo into the cooking-with-your-DS arena. What's Cooking? with Jamie Oliver will feature 100 recipes (Cooking Guide has 245), space for 100 of your own, a shopping list mode, and competitive cooking games. It's very similar to Nintendo's game then (though apparently you can share recipes via WiFi), except you get to look at Jamie Oliver and his smug, squishy, Mockney face a whole lot more.

If, like this blogger, you regard Oliver as an affront to all that is decent about humankind, it might not be your thing. But it might be okay as a game.

Gallery: What's Cooking? with Jamie Oliver


[Via press release]

JoystiqE308: Atari and irritating celebrity chef combine for cooking game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricookinge3-2008e308foodjamie-olivernon-gamenoooooowhats-cooking-jamie-oliverWed, 16 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Oasis footage is relaxing, blue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/blue-oasis-footage-is-relaxing-blue/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/blue-oasis-footage-is-relaxing-blue/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/blue-oasis-footage-is-relaxing-blue/#commentsFiled under:


Blue Oasis looks like just the kind of thing we could use to contain our CONSTANT ATTACKS OF RAGE. A relaxed Josh from WiiFolder has carried out one of his excellent video tours of the game (we've slotted the video after the break, due to sizing issues), covering its impressively customizable aquariums, the decent range of fish (there are around fifty, some of which must be unlocked), and the ability to share your aquarium with friends via WiiConnect24. The one thing it's missing? Leonard Nimoy.

Admittedly, Hudson's virtual aquarium lands squarely in "non-game" territory, but it is cheap -- just 500 Wii Points, or five bucks. As Josh sagely points out: "You can't even buy a fish sandwich for $5 nowadays." Fair point, that.

Continue reading Blue Oasis footage is relaxing, blue

JoystiqBlue Oasis footage is relaxing, blue originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aquariumblue-oasisfishhudsonmy-aquariumnon-gameTue, 15 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Deco Tendances: the game for cutthroat Animal Crossing players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/deco-tendances-the-game-for-cutthroat-animal-crossing-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/deco-tendances-the-game-for-cutthroat-animal-crossing-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/deco-tendances-the-game-for-cutthroat-animal-crossing-players/#commentsFiled under: ,

Do you love Animal Crossing but hate all the communicating, working, running errands, and maintaining the town bits? Also, is it too much of a game for you? Deco Tendances (Deco Trends) is perfect for you: it focuses entirely on home decoration.

The program is designed to help with principles of interior design, featuring 24 tips in six major categories, including painting and wallpapering, window decoration, and complementing colors. Each tip is accompanied by multiple photos, and a color wheel is included as well. In addition, just because, there are four minigames.

The immediate reaction to something like this is to dismiss it as shovelware and get angry about how it's destroying the industry, and maybe that's accurate (the first part). But we also see somebody doing something new on the DS, that may be helpful to someone. And you still don't have to buy it. Besides, as we suggested above, interior decoration is the heart of one of Nintendo's most beloved franchises.

JoystiqDeco Tendances: the game for cutthroat Animal Crossing players originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deco-tendancesdeco-trendsdecoratingneko-entertainmentnon-gameMon, 07 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cooking Guide caters to the hungry and the fussy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/cooking-guide-caters-to-the-hungry-and-the-fussy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/cooking-guide-caters-to-the-hungry-and-the-fussy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/cooking-guide-caters-to-the-hungry-and-the-fussy/#commentsFiled under:

Cooking Guide: Can't Decide What to Eat? continues to look like it will be numerous flavors of awesome. Ahead of the training game's release in Europe this week, Nintendo grabbed its ladle and served up a generous helping of 35 new screens. Handily, these are all in English (as opposed to French, like the last batch), and we've picked up lots of new information as a result.

For a start, it appears that the non-game will cater to the most fastidious of chefs. Everything can be filtered in Cooking Guide, so if you want to find a recipe which can be cooked in under 30 minutes, has meat as its main ingredient, is of average difficulty to prepare, and which comes in at under 300 calories, no problem! You can also choose to exclude certain ingredients that you don't like from your recipes, make your own shopping list, or browse dishes from a particular country.

Best of all, a non-cook (such as this blogger) will find little in these screens that is intimidating, thanks to step-by-step instructions that aren't filled with jargon, and a comprehensive glossary for the overwhelmed. We never thought we'd say this about a training game, but we can't wait for this to find a home in our DSes.

JoystiqCooking Guide caters to the hungry and the fussy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cookbookcookingcooking-guidecooking-navifoodnon-gametrainingMon, 16 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[99 Tears Vs. 96 Tears]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/99-tears-vs-96-tears/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/99-tears-vs-96-tears/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/99-tears-vs-96-tears/#commentsFiled under: ,



Remember that time you spent fifteen minutes on all fours on the kitchen floor, violently bawling your eyes out over the final, bitter departure of a loved one, or the sudden death of your dog in a road accident? Good times, right? Well, 99 no Namida (Tears of 99) will be aiming to replicate those surges of emotion throughout Japan from tomorrow, when the sob-inducing game gets released. It's intended to be for your own health, apparently.

In case you somehow doubted the game's efficacy in making you blubber through one of its 200 short stories, Namco Bandai has attempted to scientifically prove just how much inner turmoil the title can generate. The pie charts above came about after the company conducted a survey of 500 people to highlight the effectiveness of 99 no Namida.

And this is where it gets a bit obscure. We know that the white areas in the pie charts represent people who didn't cry, and the dark blue indicates those who cried heavily. We also know that the right chart depicts the proportion of people who cried while playing 99 no Namida, while the left chart displays how many cried when ... well, we're not actually sure, but the headline does reference 1960s rock and roll band Question Mark & The Mysterians and their song "96 Tears." Man, beats us.

Whatever the first chart represents, the central message remains the same: 99 no Namida will make the majority of players cry big, salty tears. Now weep your sad selves into our gallery for six new shots.

Joystiq99 Tears Vs. 96 Tears originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>99-no-namidabandaicryjapannamconamco-bandainon-gameshort-storytears-of-99Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cooking Navi screens, fresh from the oven]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/cooking-navi-screens-fresh-from-the-oven/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/cooking-navi-screens-fresh-from-the-oven/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/cooking-navi-screens-fresh-from-the-oven/#commentsFiled under:

As medical science suggests that a steady regime of Pringles, pizza, and Coca-Cola is not a suitable diet (pfft!), this blogger is looking forward to learning healthier recipes from Cooking Navi (or, as it's known in PAL regions, Cooking Guide: Can't Decide What to Eat?). After all, I'd quite like to live beyond forty, and my current repertoire in the kitchen (omelettes, toast, cereal) may prove an obstacle to that aim.

These first nine screens of the localized western version are all in French (which feels appropriate, given that country's culinary reputation), but it's not hard to see that this non-game caters to a range of skill levels -- for example, I actually know what Spaghetti Carbonara is! There'll be 200 recipes in total, with each informing users of the calorie count and preparation time. Hit up our gallery for more delicious screens.

JoystiqCooking Navi screens, fresh from the oven originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cookbookcookingcooking-guidecooking-navifoodnon-gametrainingWed, 14 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cry 99 Tears over a glass of wine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/cry-99-tears-over-a-glass-of-wine/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/cry-99-tears-over-a-glass-of-wine/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/cry-99-tears-over-a-glass-of-wine/#commentsFiled under:

In what seems like a very appropriate promotion, Namco Bandai will offer a specially-labeled wine to tie in with 99 no Namida, the game featuring short stories designed to elicit tears. Go ahead and start crying now unless you'll be in Tokyo between June 5 (the game's release date) and June 30, because the 99 no Namida wine will only be available in the Vinoteca wine bar located in the Tokyo Midtown area.

Banamco also announced that soccer star Naohiro Takahara had contributed a story to the game based on his own experiences. Short story writer Yasushi Akimoto also revealed that he had written one of the game's tales. Is this the first original short fiction anthology video game?

JoystiqCry 99 Tears over a glass of wine originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>99-no-namidanamco-bandainon-gameshort-storyvinotecawineWed, 14 May 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: A welcome dose of improvement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/ds-daily-a-welcome-dose-of-improvement/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/ds-daily-a-welcome-dose-of-improvement/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/ds-daily-a-welcome-dose-of-improvement/#commentsFiled under:


One of the best things about the DS is not only does it have an incredibly large library of amazing games, but it also has several cool training titles. Things such as Cooking Navi, Let's Yoga and even Nintendo's Brain Age games, as well as the upcoming English of the Dead all offer users something other than a time sink. They offer real tips for changing or improving one's life.

That got us thinking about how many of you out there have improved your own life through these kind of self-help titles. Have you found your brain power increased through regular Brain Age use? Have you improved your vision with Flash Focus? What training titles have you used to enhance your life and how has it improved?

JoystiqDS Daily: A welcome dose of improvement originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>improvementnon-gameself-helpself-improvementtrainingWed, 14 May 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Yoga: Let's market games!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/lets-yoga-lets-market-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/lets-yoga-lets-market-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/lets-yoga-lets-market-games/#commentsFiled under:


In our final look at Konami's Let's Yoga, we thought we'd spend some time discussing training games like this in general, as well as their reception in the U.S. In many parts of the world, training games are big, but not so much in the U.S. beyond Brain Age and its sequel. If we had to guess, we would say that part of that is due to marketing.

Can you walk into your local Best Buy and pick up Let's Yoga? Can you order it from Amazon? Sure. But how many people know it exists ... and of those few, how many might actually buy a copy? Let's assume that most gamers don't have the benefit of the DS Fanboy yogathon to let them know that this training game (like another we checked out) may actually be worth their while. Without that knowledge, how many gamers might show any interest in such a title? Probably not very many, even among those actually fascinated by yoga.

Continue reading Let's Yoga: Let's market games!

JoystiqLet's Yoga: Let's market games! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exergamingjoystiqfeatureskonamilets-yoganon-gametrainingyogayogathonTue, 13 May 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Yoga vs. Yoga DVD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/lets-yoga-vs-yoga-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/lets-yoga-vs-yoga-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/lets-yoga-vs-yoga-dvd/#commentsFiled under:


Our yogathon is winding down, but there are a few important things yet to cover, such as ... can Let's Yoga compete with a yoga DVD? Exercise DVDs are a huge market -- could a game possibly one-up that industry? We went through a step-by-step comparison of the features of Konami's trainer and a beginner yoga DVD available at a big box retailer.

Yoga for Beginners with Patricia Walden comes with a thick booklet detailing all the included poses, as well as guidelines for creating your own workout. In order to use the DVD with them, you'll have to do a lot of fast-forwarding and rewinding; for all intents and purposes, the DVD only includes one lesson. You've already seen what Let's Yoga can do, if you've been following our yogathon, but we've got a chart comparing some of the features of the two after the break.

Continue reading Let's Yoga vs. Yoga DVD

JoystiqLet's Yoga vs. Yoga DVD originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 May 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvdexergamingjoystiqfeatureskonamilets-yoganon-gamepatricia-waldentrainingyogayogathonMon, 12 May 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Yoga: Tackling Krishna]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/lets-yoga-tackling-krishna/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/lets-yoga-tackling-krishna/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/lets-yoga-tackling-krishna/#commentsFiled under:


The relative ease of the Naga class in Let's Yoga was apparently a cruel joke meant to make yoga seem easy. After three lessons in the next step, the Krishna class, it is clear that yoga is not easy, not at all. The Master's Lesson quickly moved from "This isn't so bad!" to "OMG whaaaat?" in the space of a few sessions. Ever looked at yoga poses and thought some looked hard? You were right.

But after completing over half of the Krishna class, it got a little easier, and I'm willing to concede that maybe the exercises weren't quite as face-rockingly hard as they seemed at first. They were, however, a huge leap forward from the Naga class.

Continue reading Let's Yoga: Tackling Krishna

JoystiqLet's Yoga: Tackling Krishna originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exergamingjoystiqfeatureskonaminon-gametrainingyogayogathonFri, 09 May 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Yoga: DIY workouts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/lets-yoga-diy-workouts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/lets-yoga-diy-workouts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/lets-yoga-diy-workouts/#commentsFiled under:


Four days in and the first course is complete! The Naga class in Let's Yoga wrapped up with a simple review of the poses learned throughout, so instead of focusing on that, today we'll be exploring the extras available in Konami's training title. There are loads of options available beyond the basic lessons, including the ability to design your own workout.

After a look ahead at the beginning of the Krishna class, I must say that playing with the options looks a lot easier than what's in store, lesson-wise ... there are rough times in my future.

Continue reading Let's Yoga: DIY workouts

JoystiqLet's Yoga: DIY workouts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 May 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exergamingjoystiqfeatureskonamilets-yoganon-gametrainingyogayogathonThu, 08 May 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Yoga: Twice the fun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/lets-yoga-twice-the-fun/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/lets-yoga-twice-the-fun/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/lets-yoga-twice-the-fun/#commentsFiled under:


As promised, today we're covering two lessons in our continuing yogathon. Lessons three and four combined for nineteen minutes of yoga (and many glorious minutes spent breathing and relaxing in Shavasana), and at this point, not only is it really starting to feel like a workout (albeit a more relaxed one), but I can get a little further in certain poses than before. Something's working here with Let's Yoga!

Continue reading Let's Yoga: Twice the fun

JoystiqLet's Yoga: Twice the fun originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exergamingjoystiqfeatureskonamilets-yoganon-gametrainingyogathonWed, 07 May 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Yoga: Mat recommended]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/lets-yoga-mat-recommended/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/lets-yoga-mat-recommended/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/lets-yoga-mat-recommended/#commentsFiled under:


My second day with Let's Yoga taught me two things:
  • forget what the game says! Sure, maybe you don't need any sort of a mat, but it really does make things easier, because carpet is rough (suddenly glad I don't have hardwood), and
  • definitely remember the breathing, because it helps tremendously
Overall, day two with the DS yoga trainer was a resounding success. There are still certain poses with which I have some trouble (but hey, it's only day two), but I can already see definite progress, and that's exciting. But let's start with the basics. Lesson two of the Naga class began with an explanation of just what yoga is, and it's useful knowledge that I'll pass on here.

According to Let's Yoga, the term "yoga" itself basically means "to bind." This doens't mean it's binding you up; instead, it's about melding -- or binding, if you will -- the mind and body into one strong unit. The poses are known as Asanas, or "positions of the body." I'll typically refer to them here by their English names, because they're easier to remember and also easier to spell. There is one exception, however, though I'll get to that later.

Continue reading Let's Yoga: Mat recommended

JoystiqLet's Yoga: Mat recommended originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 May 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exergamingjoystiqfeatureskonaminon-gametrainingyogayogathonTue, 06 May 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's Yoga: We did!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/lets-yoga-we-did/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/lets-yoga-we-did/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/lets-yoga-we-did/#commentsFiled under:


I've always wanted to try yoga. I've bought mats and cubes and even a DVD, and once I went so far as to sign up for a class I never attended. There's just never been time, and these days, I have even fewer moments to spare for something that seemed so esoteric. However, when Konami first announced their yoga trainer for the DS, I got excited. Maybe this time I would be able to put some effort into it; after all, DS training is fun and mostly effective, right?

Then I had a baby, and everything changed. I despaired at ever having time to do anything again. Between juggling work and the tiny boy, as well as other hobbies and family obligations (and, hey, gaming), finding ten minutes a day to sleep is a challenge, much less ten minutes to focus on any sort of workout. But with the long-overdue release of Let's Yoga in the U.S., I was determined to try.

Continue reading Let's Yoga: We did!

JoystiqLet's Yoga: We did! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 May 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exerciseexergamingjoystiqfeatureskonamilets-yoganon-gameposetrainingyogayogathonMon, 05 May 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Oz needs better cooks, so Nintendo sends Cooking Navi to the rescue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/oz-needs-better-cooks-so-nintendo-sends-cooking-navi-to-the-rescue/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/oz-needs-better-cooks-so-nintendo-sends-cooking-navi-to-the-rescue/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/oz-needs-better-cooks-so-nintendo-sends-cooking-navi-to-the-rescue/#commentsFiled under:


It looks like we have some good news for Australians who need some help in the kitchen. Shaberu! Cooking Navi, the DS guide to preparing tasty food, is heading down under, according to a recent filing with the Australian Classification Board.

The game will be called Cooking Guide: Can't Decide What to Eat?, and will hopefully be available in the country soon. But, the way Europe is still waiting, we're not sure you should be holding your breath down there.

JoystiqOz needs better cooks, so Nintendo sends Cooking Navi to the rescue originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aussieaustraliacookbookcookingcooking-navinon-gamenongameozWed, 30 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Should non-games receive non-coverage?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/should-non-games-receive-non-coverage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/should-non-games-receive-non-coverage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/should-non-games-receive-non-coverage/#commentsFiled under:


Alex Kierkegaard at Insomnia wrote an interesting, if angry and Nintendo-unfriendly, opinion piece about non-games. Specifically, he states that gaming magazines and sites shouldn't spend their time and space covering non-game material just because it happens to be made for a platform that is primarily game-based.

The basic idea is that applications are going to sell highly as part of their nature (he cites things like Microsoft Office as "non-game" competitors to PC games that would top the sales charts if charted), and that people who read enthusiast media about games want to read about games. Sales charts, especially in Japan, will get filled up with non-game material, pushing game coverage out. It's not that training games and non-games are stupid, necessarily (though that does come up!), but just that they aren't games.

It's an interesting idea to separate console non-game coverage from game coverage, and there's possibly a space out there for a site to do it. But right now, there isn't, and the people who care to read about things like Okashi Navi are gamers. For our own part, we're a DS blog, which means that anything on, about, or relating to the DS is fair game, not just games. And we would never dream of depriving you of Duke Saraie's tights.

[Via GameSetWatch]

JoystiqShould non-games receive non-coverage? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>non-gametrainingWed, 30 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cooking Navi almost ready for consumption in Europe?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/20/cooking-navi-almost-ready-for-consumption-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/20/cooking-navi-almost-ready-for-consumption-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/20/cooking-navi-almost-ready-for-consumption-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: ,


Finally. After forever (or one year, depending on your calendar), there appears to be some progress toward the promised European release of Cooking Navi. The German USK ratings board database now contains an entry for a Nintendo-published game called Kochkurs: was wollen wir heute kochen? The name, which is (appropriately) quite a mouthful, translates to Cooking Course: What do we want to cook today? We find it quite likely that this is the German name for the game that was known as Shaberu! DS O-Ryouri Navi in Japan.

Now all that needs to happen is for Nintendo to make a for-real announcement, then release the thing. Then release the thing outside Germany, sell a lot, and therefore convince Nintendo of America to release it. That's ... actually a lot of steps.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqCooking Navi almost ready for consumption in Europe? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cookingcooking-navieuropenon-gameuskSun, 20 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Taking training to a fashionable new level]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/taking-training-to-a-fashionable-new-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/taking-training-to-a-fashionable-new-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/taking-training-to-a-fashionable-new-level/#commentsFiled under: ,

First, you had to learn to walk. Now Japanese training games are taking things to a new level -- they're teaching you how to dress. That's right, folks. Now you can relive your earliest formative years, all thanks to the DS. We're also looking forward to future titles like Solid Food Training, Don't Throw The Cheerios Training, and We Don't Use That Word Ever, Even Though Mommy Does Training.

Epic chuckles aside, Mitame Kara Yomikaeru ~ Otona No Kikonashi Training isn't really about figuring out how to work the zipper or which shoe goes on which foot, but rather focuses on dressing for success. The title focuses on fashion, coordinating parts of the outfit, and something about rubbing and rivals that we didn't pursue too deeply. Sometimes it's better just to raise an eyebrow at the automatic Japanese translations and move on.


JoystiqTaking training to a fashionable new level originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-dressfashionlulzmitame-kara-yomikaeru-ontona-no-kikonashinon-gametrainingWed, 30 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Maths Training packed with ... math]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/maths-training-packed-with-math/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/maths-training-packed-with-math/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/maths-training-packed-with-math/#commentsFiled under:

Listen, we know you might have expected llamas or butts or something in Professor Kageyama's Maths Training, but the recent screens that surfaced indicate that it's gonna be full of math. Numbers. And, apparently, lots of lightning-bolt-squiggle-four-three-two hybrids or something, because we don't know what is going on in this shot. We can only surmise that someone needs Handwriting Training, or that this is an early stealth advertisement for such a title. Also, there's some Hundred Cell Calculation Methodizing going on, but we'd rather focus on the simpler, funnier side, because all those numbers make our eyeballs go curiously melty.

If you happen to really like math, click on through to the other side to see more number-packed screens.

JoystiqMaths Training packed with ... math originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kageyamamathmaths-trainingnon-gametrainingTue, 22 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii gamers need more common sense]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/wii-gamers-need-more-common-sense/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/wii-gamers-need-more-common-sense/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/wii-gamers-need-more-common-sense/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you were hoping to get a crack at Otona No Joushikiryoku Training DS, well, too bad. That's one DS training game that isn't yet on board for an English-language release, but it does seem to be headed toward the Wii ... at least, in Japan. The non-game focuses not on common sense as we often colloquially use the phrase, but more on "general knowledge." For example, in the above screen, players are asked to locate the Caribbean Sea. From some of the other screens (handily included in our gallery below), we can see that the title focuses on a variety of skills and knowledges that are useful, from tying a tie to cultural information.

Perhaps the Wii title will have a better chance of crossing the globe, considering the ever-expanding casual market, but for now, we'll have to settle for a little free translation training from the kanji-heavy screens.

The Wii version heads out to Japan in March.

JoystiqWii gamers need more common sense originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>common-senseedutainmentgallerygeneral-knowledgenon-gametrainingWed, 16 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Kageyama's Maths Training uses a familiar formula]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/12/professor-kageyamas-maths-training-uses-a-familiar-formula/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/12/professor-kageyamas-maths-training-uses-a-familiar-formula/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/12/professor-kageyamas-maths-training-uses-a-familiar-formula/#commentsFiled under:



You'll all be familiar with Dr. Kawashima by now, right? Angular, disembodied head, constructed entirely from polygons? Can't miss him. Oh, hai Dr. Kawashima!

Anyway, the video above introduces us to his arch-rival in the rapidly expanding world of Nintendo non-games. Round of face and blue of hair, math genius Dr. Kageyama may look like a slightly different proposition to Dr. Kawashima, but his reassuring words and friendly tone makes one think of the Brain Training doc, and that in turn makes us want to relearn all of that long division we forgot in our late teens. Or until we get bored of doing so after, like, three minutes. Math ain't our thang, see. We am writers.

Any of you European folk plan to get your math on when Professor Kageyama's Maths Training launches next month?

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqProfessor Kageyama's Maths Training uses a familiar formula originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kageyamamaths-trainingnon-gameshogakukantrainingSat, 12 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[People of Europe to receive improved faces in Q2?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/people-of-europe-to-receive-improved-faces-in-q2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/people-of-europe-to-receive-improved-faces-in-q2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/people-of-europe-to-receive-improved-faces-in-q2/#commentsFiled under: ,

Remember Otona no DS Kao Training? Non-game. Free camera. Facening. Well, the folks at French site JeuxActu are just absolutely goshdarn convinced that Intelligent Systems' face training non-game is packing its bags and heading to Europe during Q2 this year.

As Nintendo has yet to pass official comment on this, we're cautiously treating this as rumor for now, but the incessant popularity of training games in Europe makes us think there could be some truth in the speculation. If it does turn out to be correct, it also means Europeans will be getting that rather dinky camera add-on. As well as having totally awesome faces.

JoystiqPeople of Europe to receive improved faces in Q2? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameraeuropefaceface-trainingfaceningFaceTraininglocalizationnon-gamenongamestrainingMon, 07 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Learn kanji, math, and breakdancing with Masu x Masu 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/learn-kanji-math-and-breakdancing-with-masu-x-masu-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/learn-kanji-math-and-breakdancing-with-masu-x-masu-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/learn-kanji-math-and-breakdancing-with-masu-x-masu-2/#commentsFiled under: ,



With the trickle of DS training games from Japan well on the way to becoming an avalanche, it was always likely that publishers would push their products in increasingly novel ways. At least, that can be the only explanation behind this lovably bonkers advert for Shogakukan's kanji and math trainer Masu x Masu 2.

We haven't the faintest idea about how the creators linked breakdancing with kanji and math, but we do know this: we now very strongly believe that more games should be advertised with breakdancing. Don your helmet and windmill your way past the post break for a second trailer.

Continue reading Learn kanji, math, and breakdancing with Masu x Masu 2

JoystiqLearn kanji, math, and breakdancing with Masu x Masu 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dancejapankanjimasu-x-masu-2mathnon-gametrainingWed, 12 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese release of Wii Fit met by loooong queues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/japanese-release-of-wii-fit-met-by-loooong-queues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/japanese-release-of-wii-fit-met-by-loooong-queues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/03/japanese-release-of-wii-fit-met-by-loooong-queues/#commentsFiled under:

We may still lack solid numerical data when it comes to Japanese sales of Wii Fit, but all the early signs have been pointing to Nintendo scoring another major non-game hit.

The scene to the right, for example, shows a queue of soon-to-be Wii Fit owners, patiently lining up in Akihibara. As the pictures after the jump and at the link below illustrate, this is far from a one-off; Wii Fit is shaping up to be big, in a way that poor old Super Mario Galaxy wasn't.

Barring shortages of the Balance Board, or another miraculous performance from Dragon Quest IV (not that that should be completely ruled out), expect Wii Fit to be hogging top spot in Japan next week.

Continue reading Japanese release of Wii Fit met by loooong queues

JoystiqJapanese release of Wii Fit met by loooong queues originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-ivexergamingfitnessjapannon-gamequeuessalessportswii-fitwii-sportsMon, 03 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix creates the most boring training game ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/square-enix-creates-the-most-boring-training-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/square-enix-creates-the-most-boring-training-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/square-enix-creates-the-most-boring-training-game-ever/#commentsFiled under: ,

The latest DS Style program from Square Enix is, well, square. They've managed to reach profound new levels of non-game-ness with this one, whose name translates roughly to Pass the LEC Level 3 Bookkeeping Exam By Studying Seriously. That's right, it's Bookkeeping Training.

But not just any Bookkeeping Training. This program is designed in cooperation with Legal Mind, an education firm that focuses on professional certification, to help students pass the Level 3 Bookkeeping exam. In addition to a DS translation of Legal Mind's 10-day lecture course, the game includes exclusive DS-based interactive activities, which promise to be less fun than video games, but more fun than just taking a bookkeeping exam preparation course.

JoystiqSquare Enix creates the most boring training game ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookkeepingdsstylenon-gamesquare-enixtrainingWed, 21 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Une semaine avec My French Coach: Day Seven]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/18/une-semaine-avec-my-french-coach-day-seven/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/18/une-semaine-avec-my-french-coach-day-seven/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/18/une-semaine-avec-my-french-coach-day-seven/#commentsFiled under: ,


Notre semaine avec Ubisoft's My French Coach est arrivée, malheureusement, à la fin. That is to say, in properly worded and conjugated English (because I'm sure the French was terrible ... or it was before commenter Rodac helpfully corrected it!), our week with the recently released French language trainer has, unfortunately, come to an end. After seven days of working with the title, it's time to not only recap today's lessons, but speak on the worth of the title as a whole.

If I were someone else, I would probably include a clip of Boyz II Men's "End of the Road" here, but instead you'll have to suffice with the shedding of one lone, tragic tear. It has been a very interesting sort of "review," and one that is well suited for a training game. I can even speak as to why, after lessons each day, that first sentence was so likely to be terrible.

Continue reading Une semaine avec My French Coach: Day Seven

JoystiqUne semaine avec My French Coach: Day Seven originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Nov 2007 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frenchjoystiqfeaturesMy-French-Coachnon-gametrainingUbisoftweek-of-frenchSun, 18 Nov 2007 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Une semaine avec My French Coach: Day Six]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/17/une-semaine-avec-my-french-coach-day-six/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/17/une-semaine-avec-my-french-coach-day-six/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/17/une-semaine-avec-my-french-coach-day-six/#commentsFiled under: ,


All week long, we've been taking on Ubisoft's My French Coach in an effort to find out whether or not it's possible to learn (or at least supplement) a language with a DS game. If you missed the overview on day one, you might want to back up a little. If not, then let's get moving with day six of our language training.

With only one more day to go in this diary after today's entry, I must say that I will be sad to see this wind down. However, the time with the training title has been so useful that I think I'll continue it, though perhaps a little less publically; after all, I really do struggle with French, though I find it a fascinating language. It's nice to find a resource that isn't based solely on spoken language, but is rather a blend of different styles. I know a lot of people who benefit from audio-based language training via CDs, and I am not one of them, alas. Being able to see and interact with things in My French Coach, however, has been dead useful.

Continue reading Une semaine avec My French Coach: Day Six

JoystiqUne semaine avec My French Coach: Day Six originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Nov 2007 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frenchjoystiqfeaturesmy-french-coachnon-gametrainingubisoftweek-of-frenchSat, 17 Nov 2007 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Une semaine avec My French Coach: Day Five]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/une-semaine-avec-my-french-coach-day-five/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/une-semaine-avec-my-french-coach-day-five/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/une-semaine-avec-my-french-coach-day-five/#commentsFiled under: ,


The week is more than half gone, and that means our time with Ubisoft's My French Coach is winding down... at least, for the purposes of this diary. All week long, we've been taking on the training title in an effort to find out whether or not it's possible to learn (or at least supplement) a language with a DS game. If you missed the overview on day one, you might want to back up a little. If not, then let's get moving with day five of our language training.

Today, I dropped back down to two lessons, though I had initially planned to do three. What happened? Directions happened. After continually confusing droite and droit (and really, who could blame me?), I thought it best to take a break instead of going for the gold. I did learn some new and interesting ways to maximize my learning with the game, however, which I will happily share.

Continue reading Une semaine avec My French Coach: Day Five

JoystiqUne semaine avec My French Coach: Day Five originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frenchjoystiqfeaturesmy-french-coachnon-gametrainingubisoftweek-of-frenchFri, 16 Nov 2007 11:31:00 EST