Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[BattleForge open beta is now ... open]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/battleforge-open-beta-is-now-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/battleforge-open-beta-is-now-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/battleforge-open-beta-is-now-open/#comments
Considering that it doesn't sport any offline play, it was pretty difficult for us to get a read on EA's sort-of-card-based RTS BattleForge at the New York Comic Con last month when the company's nets went kaput. But no longer must you tolerate the hazy impressions of The Internet's Only Video Game News Source! We've just learned from EA the game has gone into open beta for anyone willing to put the effort into clicking right here.

As we haven't really experienced the full package yet, we're relying on you to let us know what you think of the game in the comments. Don't let us down, the internet!

Gallery: BattleForge

JoystiqBattleForge open beta is now ... open originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battleforgebetaeaElectronic-Artsnycc-2009pcrtsTue, 10 Mar 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Infamous hands-on (PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/nycc-hands-on-infamous-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/nycc-hands-on-infamous-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/nycc-hands-on-infamous-ps3/#comments
Click to embiggen. A huge shadow has been cast over Sony's upcoming Infamous -- and it's called Prototype. It's strange that two very similar games are coming out so close to each other. Both games involve learning superpowers in a post-apocalyptic, open-world environment, but Prototype seemingly has more hype due to the over-the-top nature of its presentation.

In spite of their similarities, the two games play very differently. Whereas Prototype has an immediate hook, Infamous is a more meticulous affair, taking its time to draw the player into its world. Prototype is more of a beat-em-up, with easy lock-ons and quick melee combos. Infamous, on the other hand, plays a lot like a traditional third-person shooter, with the slow progression of a RPG. It may be a bit less flashy than its competitor, but it has the potential to be far more substantial and rewarding.

Gallery: Infamous (NYCC)

Continue reading NYCC 09: Infamous hands-on (PS3)

JoystiqNYCC 09: Infamous hands-on (PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infamousnycc-2009SandboxSCESony-Computer-EntertainmentSucker-PunchSucker-Punch-ProductionsThird-Person-ActionTue, 10 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumorang: More Mass Effect DLC on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/rumorang-more-mass-effect-dlc-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/rumorang-more-mass-effect-dlc-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/rumorang-more-mass-effect-dlc-on-the-way/#comments
You remember, eight freaking months ago, when we reported on BioWare talking about" more DLC for Mass Effect? Well, while you were vicariously experiencing the New York Comic Con through our virtual window into the Jacob Javits Center last weekend, BioWare community manager Jay Watamaniuk was dropping bombs on CinamaBlend.com's Pete Haas regarding that very same DLC, though remaining notably vague.

"Watamaniuk mentioned earlier in our chat that a second Mass Effect DLC episode was on the way," reads the piece, noting that Watamaniuk quickly redirected the conversation. We've reached out to BioWare for comment and have yet to hear back, but will update this post accordingly as word comes in.

JoystiqRumorang: More Mass Effect DLC on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecinemablenddlcgreg-zeschukmass-effectmass-effect-dlcMicrosoftnyccnycc-2009rumorrumorangXbox-360Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Returning to Wolfenstein (why?)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/nycc-09-returning-to-wolfenstein-why/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/nycc-09-returning-to-wolfenstein-why/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/nycc-09-returning-to-wolfenstein-why/#comments
Click to embiggen.
It's been 8 years since the release of the last real Wolfenstein game. After seeing Wolfenstein last week at an Activision event, we wonder if there's any reason to revisit the franchise.

There's a fine line between "classic" and "dated," and Wolfenstein finds itself on the wrong side of the fence. Fighting Nazis was a novel idea back in the series' prime, but it has since become a tired idea. At first glance, Wolfenstein can only be described as generic. A FPS that has you crawling through World War II shooting Nazis? After dozens of Call of Duty and Medal of Honor games, to call the era overused would be an understatement.

Gameplay and setting aren't the only things dated about Wolfenstein. The visuals are lackluster, undoubtedly hindered by the aging idTech 4 engine (Doom 3 engine). We couldn't help but notice how poor the texture work was and how uninspired the levels looked through the entirety of the hands-off demonstration. Although the visuals were rather bland, we were taken aback by the shoddy framerate. Yes, the game still has quite a bit of development left ahead of it, but this early look certainly didn't give us much confidence.

Gallery: Wolfenstein

Continue reading NYCC 09: Returning to Wolfenstein (why?)

JoystiqNYCC 09: Returning to Wolfenstein (why?) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftnycc-2009wolfensteinXbox-360Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Gears has 'ten-year plan', prequel possible]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/nycc-09-gears-has-ten-year-plan-prequel-possible/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/nycc-09-gears-has-ten-year-plan-prequel-possible/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/nycc-09-gears-has-ten-year-plan-prequel-possible/#commentsThis weekend, during a NYCC held panel on Gears of War, Gears 2 lead writer Joshua Ortega let slip information on plans to extend the Gears franchise ten years, which may result in an Emergence Day prequel.

"You will not be disappointed in the next ten years," revealed Ortega when answering a panel question that asked about a future Gears project being a prequel. "It's a ten-year plan. Gears is long-term. The lancer is the new lightsaber." You know, just replace the glow of the saber with a chainsaw and a few bullets, and you have one accurate analogy.

While Ortega didn't flat out confirm a Marcus Fenix prequel, his talk of a ten year life cycle makes it all too possible that Gears' storyline would (eventually) have to go into prequel territory. And is it just us, or lately, has talking up ten year life cycles been all the rage?

[Via GamePro]

JoystiqNYCC 09: Gears has 'ten-year plan', prequel possible originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesgears-of-war-2gow2nycc-2009ortegashooterx3f-twitterMon, 09 Feb 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Roogoo Twisted Towers and Roogoo Attack! hands-on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-roogoo-twisted-towers-and-roogoo-attack-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-roogoo-twisted-towers-and-roogoo-attack-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-roogoo-twisted-towers-and-roogoo-attack-hands-on/#comments
When we first got our filthy mitts on a demo of Xbox Live puzzler Roogoo way back when, we noted its deceiving looks in comparison to its addictive and surprisingly complex gameplay. Nearly a year later and we're back in the same position, though this time we're playing Wii and DS iterations Roogoo Twisted Towers and Roogoo Attack! (respectively).

Checking out a demo of each before this weekend's New York Comic Con, we walked away smiling once again -- childish looks and throwaway story aside, Roogoo Twisted Towers and Roogoo Attack! look to be shaping up very well.

Gallery: Roogoo Twisted Towers

Continue reading NYCC 09: Roogoo Twisted Towers and Roogoo Attack! hands-on

JoystiqNYCC 09: Roogoo Twisted Towers and Roogoo Attack! hands-on originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSNintendonycc-2009roogooroogoo-attackroogoo-twisted-towerssouthpeaksouthpeak-gamessouthpeakgamesWiiSun, 08 Feb 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Marble Saga Kororinpa hands-on (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-marble-saga-kororinpa-hands-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-marble-saga-kororinpa-hands-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-marble-saga-kororinpa-hands-on-wii/#comments If you ever find yourself in need of something a little different, then Marble Saga Kororinpa has you covered. It's a puzzle game that caught our eye at this year's New York Comic Con, particularly because it utilizes the Wii Balance Board for some of its levels.

There's a lot of variety and challenge within its stages, and players can even create their own if they don't find what they're looking for in the preset levels. Read on after the break for our impressions on the title, including impressions on the Balance Board support and level creator.

Continue reading NYCC 09: Marble Saga Kororinpa hands-on (Wii)

JoystiqNYCC 09: Marble Saga Kororinpa hands-on (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hudsonmarble-sagamarble-saga-kororinpanycc-2009puzzleSun, 08 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Cryptic panel covers Champions MMO, reveals Star Trek Online race creator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-crpytic-panel-covers-champions-mmo-reveals-star-trek-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-crpytic-panel-covers-champions-mmo-reveals-star-trek-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-crpytic-panel-covers-champions-mmo-reveals-star-trek-o/#comments Yesterday's Cryptic Studios panel was a two-part affair. The majority of the hour-long panel was allotted to talk on Champions Online - a super hero MMO based off the original 80s paper-and-pencil RPG. The last five minutes were reserved for Star Trek Online. Both games yielded tons of new info.

First off, Champions will feature a lot of unique and odd weapons such as guitars. Essentially, this means you can create a "Guitar Hero" (hey, not our joke - blame executive producer Bill Roeper). The crew at Cryptic is also looking into implementing vehicles such as motorcycles, tanks ... and pogo sticks. Lastly, the formation of "super hero groups" will still follow the basic MMO guild structure, but with an integrated ranking system.

Moving on to Star Trek Online, the game was revealed to be set in the year 2409. That's 30 years after the events of Star Trek Nemesis, which marks the end of the ST timeline. The MMO puts players in the captain's chair as they are tasked to command their own ship either under the banner of the Starfleet or Klingon Defense Force. Ships and bridge officers are customizable. Cryptic says to expect a lot of "beaming up and down" from ship to ground for an authentic ST feel. The most interesting reveal was the race creator, allowing players to customize their own race. See that in action after the break.

Continue reading NYCC 09: Cryptic panel covers Champions MMO, reveals Star Trek Online race creator

JoystiqNYCC 09: Cryptic panel covers Champions MMO, reveals Star Trek Online race creator originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosMicrosoftmmonycc-2009star-trek-onlineXbox-360Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Riding a mech in Resistance Retribution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-riding-a-mech-in-resistance-retribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-riding-a-mech-in-resistance-retribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-riding-a-mech-in-resistance-retribution/#comments
Resistance Retribution continues to impress. Bend's upcoming prequel to Resistance 2 will be one of the best looking games on PSP when it releases next month. You should be familiar with our glowing praise of the game's standard third-person combat. The team has really nailed PSP controls perfectly. However, at Comic Con, we were able to try another section of the game. Here, players will get a chance to ride a giant mech. It's a fairly straightforward segment which gives players access to a chaingun and giant explosive missiles. The destructive power on display is rather impressive, but there are some tactics to consider.

You can't spam your weapons. Players will want to keep a close eye on the bottom right side of the screen to see when their missiles are ready. When there are flying enemies, for example, it's best to aim at the floor below and let the splash damage take out a large handful of enemies. Even with regenerating armor it's pretty rough.

Check out screens of this new mode in our gallery:

JoystiqNYCC 09: Riding a mech in Resistance Retribution originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nycc-2009resistanceresistance-retributionSun, 08 Feb 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Marvel Comics releasing two more Halo mini-series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-marvel-comics-releasing-two-more-halo-mini-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-marvel-comics-releasing-two-more-halo-mini-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-marvel-comics-releasing-two-more-halo-mini-series/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you enjoyed Marvel's yet-to-be-completed Halo: Uprising comic series then you may be interested in a recent announcement from Marvel editor-in-chief Joe Quesada -- during his Cup O' Joe panel at NYCC, Quesada confirmed that Marvel will be publishing two more Halo miniseries by the end of the year. Hopefully, these two won't get bogged down by late-in-the-game story revisions and accompanying year-long delays.

The first five-part series, which is set to deploy this summer (and could conveniently wrap in time for Halo 3: ODST) will be penned by She-Hulk writer Peter David, and drawn by Gigantic's Eric Nguyen. The second series, due out in winter, will be produced by Fred Van Lente and Francis Portela, the writing and illustrating (respectively) team behind Wolverine: First Class. Best of luck, guys -- you've got some awfully big shoes to fill.

JoystiqNYCC 09: Marvel Comics releasing two more Halo mini-series originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalohalo-comicmarvelmarvel-comicsmaster-chiefMicrosoftnycc-2009Xbox-360Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: The Conduit revisited; hands on a 'new' game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-the-conduit-revisited-hands-on-a-new-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-the-conduit-revisited-hands-on-a-new-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-the-conduit-revisited-hands-on-a-new-game/#comments The Conduit is a story of hype because it is a story of hope. Not the interactive story (that might be about hope, too), but the story of the game's development. We won't rehash the dramatic rise to relevance of High Voltage Software's labor of love, but we certainly thought about it as we played a section of the game at New York Comic Con this weekend. The Conduit has a publisher -- finally -- in Sega, but it is still cherished for its grass roots origin. Technically, this was very much the same game we previewed back in October, but we couldn't help but notice the change taking place as we blasted through an alien invasion inside Sega's Comic Con booth.

The Conduit has made it -- acquired by a major third-party publisher. Its chapter as indie orphan is over. Now, on the verge of release, it competes with any other title that reaches store shelves. We may want to hold onto the sentiment of victory (the little guy making it to the big show), but the game has changed. We must consider The Conduit from a different perspective. In fact, dual perspectives: How does The Conduit rate as a Wii game; and how does it rate as a contemporary first-person shooter?

Gallery: The Conduit

Continue reading NYCC 09: The Conduit revisited; hands on a 'new' game

JoystiqNYCC 09: The Conduit revisited; hands on a 'new' game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-confpshands-onhigh-voltage-softwareNintendonyccnycc-2009segathe-conduitWiiSun, 08 Feb 2009 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: 38 Studios panel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-38-studios-panel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-38-studios-panel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-38-studios-panel/#comments

Despite officially labeling Saturday's discussion with the subtitle "How I Learned to Talk on Panels Without Saying Anything," 38 Studios actually ended up sharing a little bit about their MMO project Copernicus. Thom Ang, director of art, said to expect the final look of Copernicus' world to adhere closely to the previously shown concept artwork. He said that, unlike typical production structures, concept artists at 38 Studios are doing all the artwork - from initial sketches to modeling the environments. This ensures the artistic vision is maintained throughout.

Other than that, there's no news on Copernicus to speak of. The panelists mostly talked about the studio itself. So for those who are interested, 38 spoke about how they've grown to become a 60+ member team, and that they're surviving the tundra of Maynard, MA on a diet of gamer cakes and pastries. Hopefully the next time 38 holds a session, we'll finally get some deets on this uber-mysterious MMO.

JoystiqNYCC 09: 38 Studios panel originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicusmmonycc-2009Sun, 08 Feb 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: BattleForge hands-off / system-down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-battleforge-hands-off-system-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-battleforge-hands-off-system-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/nycc-09-battleforge-hands-off-system-down/#comments Know this: BattleForge is not a trading card game. BattleForge is an RTS. Correction: It's an online RTS -- it's not playable offline. And so, when producer Sebastian Nell connected to the server for a hands-on demonstration on the New York Comic Con show floor, the server temporarily went down, and we were left to chat in front of a blank screen.

BattleForge is still in an open beta testing phase, so we'll forgive the technical outage for now -- but surely this is a key issue that needs to be avoided after the official game launch. The other issue is the general misconception that BattleForge is a trading card game. It's true, traditional RTS units are represented as virtual cards in the game, and players command "decks" -- and "booster packs" (8 cards: 1 rare, 2 uncommon and 5 common cards) can be purchased for $2.50 from an online marketplace; cards can also be traded between players. Still, there aren't physical cards to be collected, and the trading card aspect is more bullet point than innovation.

Gallery: BattleForge

Continue reading NYCC 09: BattleForge hands-off / system-down

JoystiqNYCC 09: BattleForge hands-off / system-down originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battleforgecomic-coneaElectronic-Artshands-onnyccnycc-2009pcphenomicrtsSun, 08 Feb 2009 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen @ NYCC 09: Old frenemies in the bargain bin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/seen-nycc-09-old-frenemies-in-the-bargain-bin/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/seen-nycc-09-old-frenemies-in-the-bargain-bin/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/seen-nycc-09-old-frenemies-in-the-bargain-bin/#comments Once bitter rivals sharing the throne, these old familiars now find themselves huddled together under a discount sign. At least they're still on top of the heap ...

JoystiqSeen @ NYCC 09: Old frenemies in the bargain bin originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-conmarionyccnycc-2009plushiesonicSat, 07 Feb 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Hands-on with Unbound Saga]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-hands-on-with-unbound-saga/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-hands-on-with-unbound-saga/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-hands-on-with-unbound-saga/#comments Let's face the truth: new PSP exclusive games are far and few. We were surprised to hear that Dark Horse Comics was going to announce a brand new game for the PSP at New York Comic Con. Even more surprising is the game's unique distribution model: it is a brand new game that will be available exclusively on the PlayStation Store for PSP.

This brawler is planned to release simultaneously with a brand new satirical comic series. You play as Rick Ajax and Lori Machete, two fighters on a journey to meet "The Maker." Rick Ajax suspects that he's trapped in a comic book, and he's trying to fight his way out. Unfortunately, "The Maker" will make things won't make it easy, drawing in new challenges and enemies in the panels Rick travels across.

Continue reading NYCC 09: Hands-on with Unbound Saga

JoystiqNYCC 09: Hands-on with Unbound Saga originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-horsedark-horse-comicsnycc-2009unbound-sagaSat, 07 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Velvet Assassin hands-on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-velvet-assassin-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-velvet-assassin-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-velvet-assassin-hands-on/#comments
click to embiggen
When we first got our hands on Velvet Assassin nearly eight months ago at E3 2008, we were impressed. The level of polish exhibited for a game still months from any formal release was a good sign to us that the game was on the right track to becoming one of few stealth/action titles we might really enjoy. We delighted in sneaking up behind a group of unwitting Nazi soldiers, pulling a pin from one of their grenades, and watching the resultant explosion of humanity from a comfortable distance. Not just for the obvious reasons but because little touches like that helped to make VA feel like a living world and brought you into the role of French WWII-era assassin Violette Szabo, the interesting real life person the game's based on.

And though we were assured the grenade trick has been left in the game (even if it wasn't in the most recent build we checked out just before the 2009 New York Comic Con), enough has changed since we first met protagonist Violette Summer to be concerned. The polish once exuded by German developer Replay Studios' first game for the Xbox 360 has all but vanished, leaving behind kludgey player animation, poor enemy AI and glitch-prone graphics. With two months to go until the "April launch window" of VA, we're hoping (but not exactly confident) they can bring back the experience we had so many moons ago.

Gallery: Velvet Assassin

Continue reading NYCC 09: Velvet Assassin hands-on

JoystiqNYCC 09: Velvet Assassin hands-on originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onMicrosoftnycc-2009pcreplay-studiosreplaystudiossouthpeaksouthpeak gamessouthpeak-gamessouthpeakgamessouthpeakinteractivevelvet-assassinXbox-360Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: MadWorld hands-on (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-madworld-hands-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-madworld-hands-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-madworld-hands-on-wii/#comments MadWorld seems to be made with the theme: if you can see it, you can kill someone with it. This game is all about gore and the sadistic glee one derives from spilling others' blood. We've kept our eye on this title for nearly a year now, and with a release looming so closely, Sega finally lets us try it out for the first time.

So what does it feel like going through this ultra-violent Wii title? What does one feel while holding Jack's chainsaw and using the Wiimote to cut into enemies? It feels great - so natural and so good.

Gallery: MadWorld

Continue reading NYCC 09: MadWorld hands-on (Wii)

JoystiqNYCC 09: MadWorld hands-on (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmadworldNintendonycc-2009platinum-gamessegaWiiSat, 07 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Invincible Tiger hands-on (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-invincible-tiger-hands-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-invincible-tiger-hands-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-invincible-tiger-hands-on-xbla/#comments We learned a valuable lesson today: Don't judge a game by its ... name. First uncaged earlier this week, Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao is the sort of hackneyed game title that simply can't survive in the brutal wilds of Joystiq.com. So, already composing the first kill strikes in our minds, we picked up an Xbox 360 gamepad and entered the Tiger.

First thought: Wow, this is kinda like Kung-Fu Master -- the venerable father of beat-em-ups. Next thought: No, this isn't like Kung-Fu Master. The level is a movie set, not side-scrolling, but stage-like, with vertical sections, props, and stunt areas. You don't move as an 8-bit Master, but as a fast and fluid 3D model: leaping, rolling, diving, flipping, kicking and splitting wigs.

Gallery: Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao

Continue reading NYCC 09: Invincible Tiger hands-on (XBLA)

JoystiqNYCC 09: Invincible Tiger hands-on (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-conhands-oninvincible-tigerMicrosoftnamco-bandainyccnycc-2009psnpsn-gamesthe-legend-of-han-taoxblaXbox-360Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: You'll be happy to see this MadWorld trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-youll-be-happy-to-see-this-madworld-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-youll-be-happy-to-see-this-madworld-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-youll-be-happy-to-see-this-madworld-trailer/#commentsFiled under:

We may not all get to go to New York Comic-Con and meet the Platinum Games crew, but we get to watch this MadWorld trailer in the comfort of our own homes, without the din of thousands of shuffling fanboys drowning out the crunching noises and rock. It's about one minute of all-new footage, full of punching, kicking, throwing, and wrist-mounted-chainsawing.

Given that this is a MadWorld trailer and thus violence is happening in almost every frame, you'll find it safely tucked away after the break. Speaking of violence, pause on the ESRB rating and check out the content descriptors! Yeesh. They almost ran out of space.

Continue reading NYCC 09: You'll be happy to see this MadWorld trailer

JoystiqNYCC 09: You'll be happy to see this MadWorld trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmadworldnycc-2009platinum-gamessegaSat, 07 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Bomberman Ultra hands-on (PSN)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-bomberman-ultra-hands-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-bomberman-ultra-hands-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nycc-09-bomberman-ultra-hands-on-psn/#comments
Bomberman isn't Bomberman if it isn't done in that classic 2D, top-down style. It's a simple formula that has transcended generations, making hits when staying true to its roots ... and making facepalms when it doesn't. It's with this thought in mind that we're left unsurprised to see what Hudson has decided to do with Bomberman Ultra -- the latest entry into this 26-year old series. Hudson is sticking to tradition with this PlayStation Network title.

Bomberman Ultra is, in a nutshell, a slightly upgraded port of Bomberman Live! which debuted on Xbox Live back in 2007. The visuals are virtually identical as this PS3 version retains a crisp and clean look along with some very vibrant colors. Other identical features include the very same power-ups and character customization options found in Live!. Ultra also contains all of Live!'s additional levels from the Bomb-Up Pack DLC, as well as three all-original stages for a total of 17 playable levels.

Gallery: Bomberman Ultra

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JoystiqNYCC 09: Bomberman Ultra hands-on (PSN) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbone-entertainmentbombermanbomberman-ultrahudsonnycc-2009psnpsn-gamesSat, 07 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Original Splatterhouse included in reboot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-original-splatterhouse-included-in-reboot/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-original-splatterhouse-included-in-reboot/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-original-splatterhouse-included-in-reboot/#comments "Everybody wants that," exclaimed Splatterhouse co-producer Mark Brown, responding to a question about the original 1988 beat-em-up's inclusion in the forthcoming franchise reboot. "In one form, we're gonna deliver on it," concluded Brown, who was joined by writer Gordon Rennie in a design panel at New York Comic Con today.

Brown, who is producing the new Splatterhouse alongside Dan Tovar, called the original, the "crown jewel of the [Namco] back catalog," and confirmed the plan to bundle the classic arcade game (also ported to Turbografx-16 -- and now on Virtual Console) as an extra in the new game, perhaps as a "premium edition" bonus.

Splatterhouse is due out "later this year" -- Namco Bandai is targeting Q3 2009. The official game site has just gone live with a new trailer and screens. On a side note: Splatterhouse appears to be the first game to allow players to use their own severed limbs as weapons ... once their bloody stumps regenerate into new arms. Confirmed.

JoystiqNYCC 09: Original Splatterhouse included in reboot originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bottlerocket-entertainmentcomic-congordon-renniemark-brownMicrosoftnamco-bandainyccnycc-2009splatterhouseXbox-360Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Todd Howard, Ken Levine panel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-todd-howard-ken-levine-panel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-todd-howard-ken-levine-panel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-todd-howard-ken-levine-panel/#comments
So, what happens when you stick game developers Ken Levine (BioShock) and Todd Howard (Fallout 3) in a room with two outspoken games journalists for an hour? You get a fascinating discussion on how Eastern Europe has become a new haven for PC games, how Bollywood perfected The Lost and, of course, a lesson about Horse Armor. That, and Howard reveals Bethesda is working on an iPhone game. MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo and Newsweek's N'Gai Croal grilled both Levine and Howard on everything and anything gaming, and we were there to absorb it all.

When asked about what he thought the most notable game of last year was, Levine answered he was intrigued with Russian dev Katauri Interactive's King's Bounty: The Legend. He pointed out that Eastern Europe has been thriving with PC games, noting that games like King's Bounty are good reason to keep an eye on the region.

Todd Howard was asked by a fan where he draws the line on DLC, using Oblivion's Horse Armor as an example of seemingly unnecessary content, or content which should have been integrated initially. Howard responded saying that people shouldn't complain about the inclusion of DLC, as devs can't always include certain content within their given schedules. They're really extras for fans, he said; however, he ascribed merit to complaining about how much that content costs.

One last interesting discussion of the afternoon included a glimpse into how companies are using Achievements/Trophies in more ways than just giving you - the gamer - an ego. Game companies are using these accolade systems to check up on completion rates on their games (determined by the number of gamers who've received endgame Achievements). Levine revealed that 50 percent of BioShock players finished the game, while Howard noted a 30 percent completion rate for Fallout 3. Both those titles represented a notch up from the average 20 percent.

JoystiqNYCC 09: Todd Howard, Ken Levine panel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-BostonBethesdaBethesda-Softworksken-levinengai-croalnyccnycc-2009stephen-totilotodd-howardFri, 06 Feb 2009 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Fuse your powers with this Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-fuse-your-powers-with-this-marvel-ultimate-alliance-2-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-fuse-your-powers-with-this-marvel-ultimate-alliance-2-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-fuse-your-powers-with-this-marvel-ultimate-alliance-2-tr/#comments
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 swoops onto game consoles everywhere later this year. In it, characters from the pages of your favorite funny-books will band together in teams and fuse power like never before. The latest trailer for MUA2 shows off some of the special fusion techniques players can expect. Ignite a tornado formed by Storm as the Human Torch, deflect Iron Man's energy blasts as Wolverine; combine any ability to create devastating attacks in battle versus evil-doers.

So far, the game looks interesting. What doesn't look even remotely interesting is Iron Man's character model. He looks like a hobo who uses the box he lives in as his suit to fight crime. Check out the trailer after the break.

Continue reading NYCC 09: Fuse your powers with this Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 trailer

JoystiqNYCC 09: Fuse your powers with this Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionmarvel-ultimate-alliance-2marvel-ultimate-alliance-2-fusionMicrosoftNintendonycc-2009trailerWiiXbox-360Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Battlefield 1943 Pacific hands-on (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-battlefield-1943-pacific-hands-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-battlefield-1943-pacific-hands-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-battlefield-1943-pacific-hands-on-xbla/#comments Battlefield 1943 Pacific is just like ... well, other Battlefields. That's a compliment, by the way. 1943 is no janky spinoff. It's small in scope, sure, but it offers (and even improves upon -- read: no more health packs!) the core experience of its disc-based brethren. This is visible -- even playable -- in a pre-alpha build (XBLA version) on the New York Comic Con show floor.

We got our hands on the Wake Island map, one of three in the downloadable game, which is modeled on the actual geographic location with a few gameplay-enhancing improvements. 1943's color palette is distinctly vibrant, clashing against the epic destruction that ensues once a match begins. As featured in Bad Company last year, the Frostbite game engine's destructible environments are exploding and imploding in 1943 as well, with buildings reduced to mere foundations as players carelessly toss grenades, launch rockets and even bomb from the skies (bombers can be somewhat controlled from within specially-marked, protected bombing HQs). Destruction is a gimmick -- but a good one.

Gallery: Battlefield 1943

Continue reading NYCC 09: Battlefield 1943 Pacific hands-on (XBLA)

JoystiqNYCC 09: Battlefield 1943 Pacific hands-on (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-1943Battlefield-XBLAcomic-condiceeaElectronic-Artsfpsfrostbite-enginehands-onMicrosoftnyccnycc-2009pcpsnpsn-gamesxblaXbox-360Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Bethesda developing iPhone title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-bethesda-developing-iphone-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-bethesda-developing-iphone-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-bethesda-developing-iphone-title/#comments
In the closest thing you'll find to a Megaton announcement at New York Comic Con, Fallout 3 executive producer Todd Howard has confirmed during a panel at the show that Bethesda is now working on an iPhone game. News of this comes from Newsweek corespondent N'Gai Croal's twitter feed (we heard it, too -- sitting in the audience!) and includes no other details. That's because there weren't any.

Whether the game is Fallout-related, Oblivion-related or something completely new, we're intrigued to find out. Who knows, maybe it's that ill-fated Oblivion PSP title that never made it to market. Check back later for our full report on the Todd Howard and Ken Levine panel at Comic Con.

JoystiqNYCC 09: Bethesda developing iPhone title originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworkscomic-con-2009falloutiphonenycc-2009obliviontodd-howardFri, 06 Feb 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: GTA Chinatown Wars hands-on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-gta-chinatown-wars-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-gta-chinatown-wars-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-gta-chinatown-wars-hands-on/#commentsGrand Theft Auto's jump into the current generation of home consoles introduced a new level of depth, realism and maturity into the franchise. While Niko's story was compelling, it lacked a certain je ne sais quoi that series regulars expect. In lieu of zany over-the-top comedy, there was drama; in lieu of arcade action was a refined cover and aiming system.

These changes certainly progressed the series further, but it's hard not to miss the classic action found in earlier GTA games. Chinatown Wars, Rockstar's first real foray into DS development, is the perfect opportunity to revisit the arcade trimmings of the classic PS1/2 era of the games. Chinatown Wars is, at its best, a perfect blend of old-school gameplay with modern design philosophies.

The notion of old meets new is immediately apparent from the visuals. Screenshots don't do the game justice. The graphics are quite impressive, with full 3D models, an incredible amount of texture variety, and a very steady framerate. Of course it comes nowhere close to the fidelity of the PSP games, but the team at Rockstar Leeds has created a sharp, clean look that works within the limitations of the DS hardware.

Gallery: GTA: Chinatown Wars (DS)

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JoystiqNYCC 09: GTA Chinatown Wars hands-on originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinatown-warsDSgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-chinatown-warsgtahands-onNintendonycc-2009Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq @ New York Comic Con 2009!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/joystiq-new-york-comic-con-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/joystiq-new-york-comic-con-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/joystiq-new-york-comic-con-2009/#comments
Click to begin your photo tour -- it's like you're really here! Joystiq is here: Live from New York Comic Con 2009! Join us on the show floor as we bask in the glow of video games. Take that, you boring old comic ... books. Check out all there is to offer us thumb twiddlers, including a Platinum Games Inaba sighting -- and ... is that really you, Vin Diesel? -- in our gallery below:

Gallery: New York Comic Con 2009

Namco BandaiNamco BandaiNamco BandaiKonamiKonami

JoystiqJoystiq @ New York Comic Con 2009! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atsushi-inabacomic-coninabanyccnycc-2009Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision, EA headline increased game presence at New York Comic Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/activision-ea-headline-increased-game-presence-at-new-york-comi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/activision-ea-headline-increased-game-presence-at-new-york-comi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/activision-ea-headline-increased-game-presence-at-new-york-comi/#comments
The New York Comic Con has revealed a rather bountiful list of video game exhibitors taking part in this year's event. The game group is reported to take up 11,000 square feet, which represents a 50% increase from last year. The publishers attending with wares:
  • Activision-Blizzard: X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, Prototype.
  • Atari: Champions Online, Ghostbusters: The Video Game, The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena, Ready 2 Rumble Revolution.
  • Codemasters: Fuel, Damnation and Overlord 2 on Xbox 360. Overlord Dark Legend on Wii. Jumpgate Evolution on PC.
  • Electronic Arts: Spore Galactic Adventures, Godfather 2, Dragon Age, Burnout Paradise, Battle Forge and Battlefield Heroes.
  • Konami Digital Entertainment: Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game, Blue Dragon Role Playing Card Game.
  • Namco Bandai Games America: Afro Samurai, Dynasty Warriors: GUNDAM 2, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 4 (with tournament), Splatterhouse, We Ski, Snowboard and "much more."
  • SouthPeak Games: Velvet Assassin on Xbox 360. X-Blades on Xbox 360 and PS3. Roogoo: Attack on DS and Roogoo: Twisted Towers on Wii.
  • TC Digital: The Chaotic TCG.

Although there are no further details, Cryptic Studios, Mythic Entertainment, Rockstar Games, Sega, THQ and Ubisoft are also expected to attend. The NYCC takes place February 6-8 at the Jacob Javits Center. We'll have hands-on impressions of several titles mentioned when we attend the show next week.

JoystiqActivision, EA headline increased game presence at New York Comic Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-concultureDSMicrosoftnew-york-comic-conNintendonyccnycc-2009WiiXbox-360Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:01:00 EST