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[The $73 million dollar Phantom disaster]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/the-73-million-dollar-phantom-disaster/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/the-73-million-dollar-phantom-disaster/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/the-73-million-dollar-phantom-disaster/#commentsFiled under: , ,


While this isn't quite as sexy as the whole Gizmondo topple from glory, mostly because there's no spectacular Ferrari crash in Southern California at the heart of it, the simple fact that the Phantom project has hemorrhaged so much cash and still continues to exist just boggles the mind.

There is a great article on the whole situation up at ars technica, and they bring you the entire story of the "now you see it, now you ... never will" Phantom game console in three red-ink filled pages. At this rate it'd be an easy bet to take that Duke Nukem Forever will hit store shelves before the Phantom Game System, or their weird mouse, keyboard, lapboard thingamabob ever does.

By the way, Phantom stock is now trading at .0008 cents, so if you've got some spare bucks lying around, you could pick up a good chunk of the company and secure yourself a place in Suckersville.

JoystiqThe $73 million dollar Phantom disaster originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LapboardPCPhantomThu, 07 Jun 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Legend of Zelda: Pen of Touching]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/the-legend-of-zelda-pen-of-touching/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/the-legend-of-zelda-pen-of-touching/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/the-legend-of-zelda-pen-of-touching/#commentsFiled under:

This fall, you'll be able to show everyone that you're all about Zelda and also that you don't care that your DS doesn't fit in its case anymore. To commemorate the release of Phantom Hourglass, Yujin is creating a set of six Zelda styli, each with a Rupee on top and a screen-cleaning strap attached, all designed to dangle from your DS.

These won't be out until the fall, so preorder now and hope you still like the game. Also, you should hope you either find five like-minded friends or five more DS's (and ten more hands) because this item comes in packs of six.

JoystiqThe Legend of Zelda: Pen of Touching originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsds liteDsLitehourglassnintendonintendo dsNintendoDspenphantomstylustouch penTouchPenzeldaMon, 04 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtually Overlooked Special: A bunch of NES games I get mixed up with each other]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/virtually-overlooked-special-a-bunch-of-nes-games-i-get-mixed-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/virtually-overlooked-special-a-bunch-of-nes-games-i-get-mixed-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/virtually-overlooked-special-a-bunch-of-nes-games-i-get-mixed-u/#commentsFiled under:


Welcome to our weekly feature, Virtually Overlooked, wherein we talk about games that aren't on the Virtual Console yet, but should be. Call it a retro-speculative.

Last week, I asked for reader suggestions for this week's Virtually Overlooked. One reader suggested The Guardian Legend, and I thought that was a perfectly reasonable suggestion. The Guardian Legend was one of the biggest sleeper hits of the NES era, and something that is definitely worth checking out, especially for fans of Ys and Faxanadu.

It was only later that I realized that I was thinking of Legacy of the Wizard. I get those two mixed up a lot. They both fall into that "sleeper" category, they were both published by Brøderbund, and they both have "Leg" in the title. They're practically the same game, except that one's a hybrid vertical shooter/Zelda-style adventure developed by Compile, and the other is a side-scrolling action RPG from Nihon Falcom. But other than that, the same game.

Inspired by my inability to keep two similar things separate, I thought this week we could look at some more NES games I get confused about, either because they're so similar or because I'm so dumb.

Continue reading Virtually Overlooked Special: A bunch of NES games I get mixed up with each other

JoystiqVirtually Overlooked Special: A bunch of NES games I get mixed up with each other originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8 eyes8Eyescubiclefaxanadufighterguardianiremkabukikabuki quantum fighterKabukiQuantumFighterkicklelegacylegendlolomagicianmilonmysterynesnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiphantomphantom fighterPhantomFighterquantumquestvowiiwizardThu, 31 May 2007 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantom Hourglass Japanese boxart FTW]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/phantom-hourglass-japanese-boxart-ftw/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/phantom-hourglass-japanese-boxart-ftw/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/phantom-hourglass-japanese-boxart-ftw/#commentsFiled under:

Too cute.
It's stylish. It's classy. But we here at DS Fanboy think that Link is getting a little too cute, even yon cel-shaded version. This cuteness is only made more creepy by the fact there is an old man with oddly-styled facial hair standing right next to him. Damn sailors.

This boxart reminds us heavily of Wind Waker, and it makes us wonder how big a component sailing is going to be in this new adventure. Crossing the ocean became a bit tedious in Wind Waker, so here's hoping the process has been streamlined (LOLpun) a bit.

[Thanks, Braden!]

JoystiqPhantom Hourglass Japanese boxart FTW originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BoxartHourglassLegendPhantomWakerWindZeldaTue, 22 May 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Legend of Zelda: Item of Great Importance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/wii-warm-up-legend-of-zelda-item-of-great-importance/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/wii-warm-up-legend-of-zelda-item-of-great-importance/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/wii-warm-up-legend-of-zelda-item-of-great-importance/#commentsFiled under: ,

According to the latest news about The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, the eponymous hourglass keeps your hearts from draining while in a cursed underwater shrine. Link must go from island to island to find sand so he can keep the hourglass full. Basically, he is addicted to sand.

That sounds like an interesting gameplay mechanic, lending the game a sort of Fushigi no Dungeon-esque resource upkeep element (like keeping the light glowing in The Nightmare of Druaga.) However, that's not the issue for today's discussion.

We want to talk about the item as it relates to Zelda's history. In most Zelda games since the N64 one, there has been an item in the title that is central to the game's plot and/or gameplay-- the Ocarina of Time and the very similar Wind Waker, Majora's Mask, Four Swords, the Minish Cap, and now the Phantom Hourglass. Do you think basing the game (and its title) around a single item is a neat storytelling convention, or lazy formulaic design? We are declaring this a Safe Zelda Bashing Zone. Don't be afraid to say something negative about Zelda! Here, we'll start: the first one didn't even have a subtitle, and it's still the best one.

[News item via NeoGAF]

JoystiqDS Daily: Legend of Zelda: Item of Great Importance originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsds litedsdDsLitefourhourglassmajoramajoras maskMajorasMaskmaskminishminish capMinishCapnintendonintendo dsNintendoDsocarinaphantomphantom hourglassPhantomHourglassswordswakerwindwind wakerWindWakerzeldaMon, 14 May 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's most failure-prone video: Console duds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/todays-most-failure-prone-video-console-duds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/todays-most-failure-prone-video-console-duds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/todays-most-failure-prone-video-console-duds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In today's video pick, GameTrailers counts down its list of the top ten console failures, including the Jaguar, Virtual Boy, and 3DO. We were tortured by watching footage of these console failures, yet we couldn't turn away, wishing that the hardware had succeeded while laughing about all the obvious reasons the systems bombed. The list covers the systems we expected; would you have added others?

See the video after the break.

Continue reading Today's most failure-prone video: Console duds

JoystiqToday's most failure-prone video: Console duds originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2007 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>32-x3d03do5200atari 5200Atari5200cdigame.comgenesisgizmondojaguarMobilen-gagengagephantomsega cdSegaCdtigervirtual boyVirtualBoyMon, 07 May 2007 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantom Hourglass due for June, saves summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/phantom-hourglass-due-for-june-saves-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/phantom-hourglass-due-for-june-saves-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/phantom-hourglass-due-for-june-saves-summer/#commentsFiled under:



Last year's middle months were starved for high-profile releases -- publishers held back the big guns for the holiday season, and the Nintendo DS relied on Big Brain Academy and third-party GBA games to fill out its summer schedule. The latest issue of Japanese magazine Famitsu reveals that this year could be different with the early release of The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass on June 23rd.

After seeing that the only Phantom Hourglass previews available at GDC were of the game's multiplayer mode, we didn't think that Nintendo would have Link's new adventure ready until Christmas. The announced date is for Japan, of course, but we don't expect a significant delay for its North American arrival. The series has always experienced more success in the US, sales-wise.

June 23rd happens to fall on a Saturday, which is unusual when you consider that outside of Dragon Quest and hardware debuts, most games in Japan are brought out on Thursdays. Could a Zelda-themed DS Lite also be in the works? We've got our fingers crossed!

JoystiqPhantom Hourglass due for June, saves summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdslitehourglassjapanlegendofzeldalinknintendophphantomphantomhourglassreleasesummerthelegendofzeldazeldazeldaphWed, 11 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 07: Phantom Hourglass multiplayer mode demoed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/gdc-07-phantom-hourglass-multiplayer-mode-demoed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/gdc-07-phantom-hourglass-multiplayer-mode-demoed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/gdc-07-phantom-hourglass-multiplayer-mode-demoed/#commentsFiled under:

We hope it doesn't suck.Ever since The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass made its debut at last year's GDC, the project has essentially been hidden within a solar eclipse. Now, on the celestial zenith anniversary of that momentous day, Nintendo has felt fit to show off another little part of the game: a multiplayer mode.

IGN has some hands-on impressions; one player controls Link, attempting to gather pieces of Triforce scattered about a (now classic) hedge maze, while the other draws paths on the touchscreen for three guards to follow and intercept. There appears to be some strategic elements as well, and for those a bit skeptical, remember this: the last Zelda title to feature a "bonus" multiplayer mode turned out to be good enough to spawn its own title, Four Swords Adventures.

JoystiqGDC 07: Phantom Hourglass multiplayer mode demoed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BonusDemogdcGDC07HourglassMultiplayerPhantomThu, 08 Mar 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Logitech Cordless MediaBoard for PS3 (hint: it's a keyboard)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/05/logitech-cordless-mediaboard-for-ps3-hint-its-a-keyboard/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/05/logitech-cordless-mediaboard-for-ps3-hint-its-a-keyboard/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/05/logitech-cordless-mediaboard-for-ps3-hint-its-a-keyboard/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Good news for those of you frustrated with clumsy gamepad browsing on your PS3: Logitech has announced the Cordless MediaBoard for the PlayStation 3. It's a wireless (Bluetooth or proprietary?) keyboard with a built-in trackpad and vertical scrollbar, expected to retail for $80. Yeah, that's it. Of course, if $80 is too rich for your blood, you can always get a wireless keyboard that uses a USB dongle or wait for an update enabling Bluetooth keyboards. According to CNET's PS3 review, "The system will eventually allow you to pair the PS3 with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse ... It's unclear whether all Bluetooth keyboards, past and present, will be compatible, but Sony assures us that many will." We just wanna make sure you've considered all your options is all.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqLogitech Cordless MediaBoard for PS3 (hint: it's a keyboard) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LogitechPhantomPS3Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[The best video game blunders of 2006]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/21/the-best-video-game-blunders-of-2006/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/21/the-best-video-game-blunders-of-2006/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/21/the-best-video-game-blunders-of-2006/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Have you been wondering what the biggest screwups in the video game industry were in 2006? Well, you can quit worrying and start reading. This is the sort of stuff we'd like to see covered at things like the Video Game Awards. For an industry that is so good at congratulating itself, they sure don't like to admit their mistakes. So, it's up to someone else to do it for them.

Check out this list of the top ten video game blunders, boners, mistakes and gaffes of 2006 from next-gen.biz, and laugh along at some of the highlights from the past year. The Gizmondo story should have totally been number one, though, as Stefan Eriksson has become the official poster-boy for video game idiocy in action after single-handedly killing a company. And a gorgeous Ferrari.

[Thanks, Joe]

JoystiqThe best video game blunders of 2006 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad ideabad ideasBadIdeaBadIdeasblundersbonersgaffesgizmodomistakesNintendophantomPS3Sonyvideo game industryVideoGameIndustryWiiWrist-stapXbox-360Thu, 21 Dec 2006 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Galaxy and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption to be released in late '07?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/19/super-mario-galaxy-and-metroid-prime-3-corruption-to-be-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/19/super-mario-galaxy-and-metroid-prime-3-corruption-to-be-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/19/super-mario-galaxy-and-metroid-prime-3-corruption-to-be-release/#commentsFiled under:

So far away...Le sigh. There was a point, if we here at the Fanboy offices can remember correctly, that both Super Mario Galaxy and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption were both possible launch titles. Now, according to some whispers over at CVG, neither title will be released (along with the eternally delayed Zelda: Phantom Hourglass) until the holiday season of 2007.

Patience is a good thing, and we're more than willing to wait until both of these quadruple-A titles are as shiny as can be. Still, unless Super Smash Bros: Brawl can make it out either in summer or even earlier (something we highly doubt), Nintendo is going to be going quite some time without a big first-party title. Memories of the typical Gamecube release schedule are coming to mind, but alas ... at least we've got the Virtual Console to keep us busy...

[via Joystiq]

JoystiqSuper Mario Galaxy and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption to be released in late '07? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007ChristmasComputerCorruptionGalaxyHolidayHourrglassLateLegendMarioMetroidPhantomPrimeSuperVideo GamesVideoGamesZeldaTue, 19 Dec 2006 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[GASP: Phantom console fails to materialize]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/gasp-phantom-console-fails-to-materialize/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/gasp-phantom-console-fails-to-materialize/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/gasp-phantom-console-fails-to-materialize/#commentsFiled under: ,


As tempting as it was to conjure up a "Phantom console CANCELLED" headline, the realization quickly set in that such a sensational piece of text simply wouldn't make any sense. How do you cancel something that never even existed to begin with? Zing, etc. It would appear that Phantom Entertainment has revamped their ball of lies website, quietly ushering in the demise of an imagined console and the arrival of an allusion to some sort of broadband game service.

Said service is described as "the first end-to-end, on-demand game service delivering online games directly to your living room or any comfortable setting in your home or workplace." Fascinating, but since "the Company intends to modify the Phantom Game Service software to run as client software on personal computers operating Windows XP and Windows XP Media center operating systems," games will only be going to your living room should that be the location of your computer. First indeed.

Further comedic value can be found in the "Who We Are" section, which duly describes the company as "an industry-leading, global entertainment and interactive game company." To be fair, it's probably the most truthful statement to be found on the entire website, as Phantom Entertainment is undoubtedly the leader of at least one industry and is frequently a provider of entertainment. Well, that and $129.95 Lapboards which, with the original console canned, barely have a reason to exist.

[Thanks, delerious.]

JoystiqGASP: Phantom console fails to materialize originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Aug 2006 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Broadband game serviceBroadbandGameServiceGames on demandGamesOnDemandGametapInfiniumLapboardPCPhantomVaporwareTue, 15 Aug 2006 22:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantom Hourglass pushed back?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/26/phantom-hourglass-pushed-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/26/phantom-hourglass-pushed-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/26/phantom-hourglass-pushed-back/#commentsFiled under:

Reports are rolling in that Link's latest adventure on the DS has been pushed back. Way back past the reaching arms of year 2006 and on into the future, almost certain to be an apocalyptic one, year 2007 is the date that is now when most are expecting to see The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass available on retail shelves, undoubtedly to be eagerly wrestled free from its noisy prison upon placement on said shelf to the quiet, almost romantic sanctity of your domicile. We're fairly sure you'll have some candles lit.

This news stems from reports that the title was not present during the recent San Diego Comic-Con. When asked, the rep supposedly stated that their presence was to showcase DS titles available for 2006, implying once again that we would not see Phantom Hourglass until 2007. Stay glued to DS Fanboy for future updates as we await official word from Nintendo on this matter of great import.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqPhantom Hourglass pushed back? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backdshourglasslitenintendophantompushedreleasezeldaWed, 26 Jul 2006 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantom Thief Rousseau in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/phantom-thief-rousseau-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/phantom-thief-rousseau-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/phantom-thief-rousseau-in-action/#commentsFiled under:


Here we're shown a small snippet of gameplay for Phantom Thief Rousseau, a game that the DS Fanboy staff would love to see release stateside. The main focus of the game, which should be obvious if you watched the video, is drawing disguises from pictures taken in the game in order to stay out of the law's grasp as you satiate your rampant kleptomania.

JoystiqPhantom Thief Rousseau in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Jul 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dslitemysteriousnintendophantomrousseauthiefTue, 25 Jul 2006 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions of Phantom Thief Rousseau]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/21/first-impressions-of-phantom-thief-rousseau/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/21/first-impressions-of-phantom-thief-rousseau/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/21/first-impressions-of-phantom-thief-rousseau/#commentsFiled under: ,

Siliconera has posted some of their impressions of Kaitou Rousseau (Phantom Thief Rousseau) and it looks like they really enjoyed their time with it. The piece even goes on to compare it to Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, a game which any fine reader of DS Fanboy knows is amongst our most favorite things ever. The game centers around Elementary student, and master of disguise, Rousseau. One day his classmate crush Seine is kidnapped and he is forced to don many a mask to save her. It's not like he can just make up disguises on the spot, however.

You see, for Rousseau to even be able to use a mask, he must take pictures of people and animals, which are then used to form new disguises. It's then up to the player to try and draw whichever mask they need, which is then transposed onto Rousseau's face. Then, a grade on how accurately recreated the image is that has been slapped onto his face is given. The game has a total of 3 episodes playing out like interactive comic books.


JoystiqImpressions of Phantom Thief Rousseau originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jun 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dskaitounintendophantomrousseauthiefWed, 21 Jun 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Whopping 22 minute vid of Phantom Hourglass at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/05/whopping-22-minute-video-of-phantom-hourglass-from-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/05/whopping-22-minute-video-of-phantom-hourglass-from-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/05/whopping-22-minute-video-of-phantom-hourglass-from-e3/#commentsFiled under:


This video shows the entire demo of The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass that was available at Nintendo's booth during E3. The video, which is filmed exceptionally well, shows all of you exactly how Link will control and interact with the environment. Just make yourself some popcorn before starting to watch, this video is on par with the length-time of a full episode of Scrubs.

JoystiqWhopping 22 minute vid of Phantom Hourglass at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jun 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dse3hourglasslegendlinklitenintendophantomzeldaMon, 05 Jun 2006 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinium's name is now Phantom Entertainment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/infiniums-name-is-now-phantom-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/infiniums-name-is-now-phantom-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/infiniums-name-is-now-phantom-entertainment/#commentsFiled under:

Infinium, the company that didn't bring us the Phantom game console, has changed its name to Phantom Entertainment. Now, I'm not an expert on brand recognition, but renaming your company so it's even more closely associated with a product that has topped vaporware charts and was founded by a person that has been accused of pumping stock doesn't strike me as a good move.

Talking of the pump 'n' dump accusation that has been levied against former Infinium CEO Tim Roberts; xantar over at The Gaming Hobo spotted an amusing little snippet regarding the Securities and Exchange Commission's investigation into Roberts. Apparently the fax that provided evidence that Infinium was pumping stock was sent to the commission's California office, making the SEC one of the one million recipients. A tip to any budding fraudsters out there: if you're gonna try and run up stocks so you can sell them at artificially inflated prices, don't notify the authority responsible for cracking down on such illegal activities.

JoystiqInfinium's name is now Phantom Entertainment originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accusationInfiniumInfinium LabsInfiniumLabsPhantomPhanton EntertainmentPhantonEntertainmentPump and dumpPumpAndDumpSECThe gaming hoboTheGamingHoboTim RobertsTimothy RobertsTimothyRobertsTimRobertsThu, 01 Jun 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Power dishes out Phantom Hourglass info]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/30/nintendo-power-dishes-out-phantom-hourglass-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/30/nintendo-power-dishes-out-phantom-hourglass-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/30/nintendo-power-dishes-out-phantom-hourglass-info/#commentsFiled under:

Some new information on the upcoming stylus-drive Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass has emerged via the latest issue of Nintendo Power. N-Sider has taken the time to condense the information for those lacking the fortitude to actually go out into the world and purchase the magazine, or even lack the strength to a wield a pen and fill out the requisite information to subscribe.

Out of the repeated information, a few new items are able to be extracted.The game supposedly features one primary dungeon that Link will have to navigate, yet will become impassable to him at times, which will require him to venture into other minor dungeons to acquire an item of some sort that will allow him to progress. What's also interesting is that the dungeons will also be home to what are being dubbed "chasers." These enemies are invincible, mercilessly pursuing Link upon the mere sight of him.

JoystiqNintendo Power dishes out Phantom Hourglass info originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 May 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dshourglasslinklitenintendophantompowerTue, 30 May 2006 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinium founder charged with using "impending Phantom launch" to inflate and sell stock]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/18/infinium-founder-charged-with-using-impending-phantom-launch-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/18/infinium-founder-charged-with-using-impending-phantom-launch-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/18/infinium-founder-charged-with-using-impending-phantom-launch-t/#commentsFiled under:

Timothy Roberts, the founder and former CEO of Infinium Labs, the company that promised us the Phantom (which came in at second on Wired's list of vaporware products of '06), has been accused by the Securities and Exchange Commission of artificially inflating stock and selling it on at a $422,500 profit. The SEC alleges that Roberts hired a promoter to send junk faxes to investors citing the Phantom's imminent launch, when in fact the console had postponed the launch due to insufficient funds.

According to the SEC, Roberts then sold 1.3 million shares from the company -- without any disclosure -- and secretly paid the promoter he had hired. These two actions, unfortunately for Roberts, are against the law: the SEC has asked a court to force Roberts to surrender the cash, pay a penalty and to prohibit him from ever becoming a CEO again.

Meanwhile, the company -- sans Roberts -- has blown through $63 million without producing the Phantom and has lost another CEO yet still claims to be relevant and capable of launching The Phantom along with a useless lap-based keyboard accessory. Someone put the company out of its misery. Pretty please?

[Thanks, Neal]

JoystiqInfinium founder charged with using "impending Phantom launch" to inflate and sell stock originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 May 2006 06:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CEOCNN MoneyCnnMoneyCorruptionGame companiesGameCompaniesInfiniumPhantomSharesSleazeStockThe PhantomThePhantomVaporwareVapourwareThu, 18 May 2006 06:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantom Hourglass scans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/27/phantom-hourglass-scans/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/27/phantom-hourglass-scans/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/27/phantom-hourglass-scans/#commentsFiled under: ,

Some scans hit the net today for this game called The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. You've probably never heard of it. It looks like it's a game based around spinning a small boy dressed in green, who is armed with a sword, shield, and sleeping cap, while his twin brothers cheer on. The scans come from magazine Nintendo Dream and also showcase a rather large, rosey-cheeked character wielding a massive paintbrush. It looks as if you'll be able to control the small kid, whose name is unknown, through the stylus and touch screen. We're not too excited about the game since it's relatively obscure, but we felt obligated to post about it for the benefit of the three people out there looking forward to it.

JoystiqPhantom Hourglass scans originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Apr 2006 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dshourglasslegendnintendophantomzeldaThu, 27 Apr 2006 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantom Hourglass trailer analysis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/14/phantom-hourglass-trailer-analysis/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/14/phantom-hourglass-trailer-analysis/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/14/phantom-hourglass-trailer-analysis/#commentsFiled under:

Since showing off the latest offering in the Zelda series at GDC, the vast amount of message boards that inhabit this interwebbed world we live in have lit up with posts of painful yearnings for the latest Hyrulian adventure and "Celda is teh gay agian lawls WTFBBQ." In attempting to fill the gap in time up until this year's E3 with something, IGN has posted a frame-by-frame analysis on the Phantom Hourglass trailer. In doing what you've likely already done, they dissect the video and offer up their opinions on what the game's final release build will be like.

JoystiqPhantom Hourglass trailer analysis originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Apr 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dse3gdchourglasslinknintendophantomzeldaFri, 14 Apr 2006 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[HOMM V: Nival (An SAT analogy question)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/15/homm-v-nival-an-sat-analogy-question/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/15/homm-v-nival-an-sat-analogy-question/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/15/homm-v-nival-an-sat-analogy-question/#commentsFiled under: , ,


(a) Phantom: Infinium Labs
(b) Duke Nukem Never: 3D Realms
(c) Area 51: Guantanamo Bay
(d) None of the above

If you answered (a), you're correct! Read aloud, the question-answer pair go like this: "Heroes of Might and Magic V is to developer Nival as the Phantom console is to Infinium Labs."

Quick summary for those of you puzzled by the suggestion that HOMM V is another Phantom or Duke Nukem Forever: Kevin Bachus (whom you might remember from his role co-creating the first Xbox) recently quit as CEO of Infinium Labs, the company that promised to deliver the Phantom game console. Kev then took a job as CEO of Nival Interactive, the hybrid LA-Russian (like, whatever, Comrade, I'm so sure) developer that is responsible for developing and releasing HOMM V. HOMM V recently made headlines because beta testers complained so loudly about the poor quality of the beta that Nival was forced to scrap its release plans and send the game back to developers in Russia. (In Soviet Russia, beta test plays YOU.)

So now Bachus is promising a launch of HOMM V some time in 2006, according to a GameCloud chat with Mr. Bachus. We are therefore suggesting (via analogy) that this promise too may be broken. In our gamer heart of hearts, however, we're hoping that HOMM V does indeed launch soon and that Mr. Bachus will shake his Phantom legacy.

JoystiqHOMM V: Nival (An SAT analogy question) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Mar 2006 00:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beta testheroes of might and magickevin bachusPCphantomWed, 15 Mar 2006 00:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinium blows through $63mln, Phantom still vaporware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/23/infinium-blows-through-63mln-phantom-still-vaporware/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/23/infinium-blows-through-63mln-phantom-still-vaporware/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/23/infinium-blows-through-63mln-phantom-still-vaporware/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gamespot reports that a prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission revealed that Infinium Labs, makers of vaporware-of-the-year runner-up Phantom Game Console, have blown through nearly $63 million dollars, with only $3.5 million going to development costs. Half has been spent on advertising (advertising what?) and the other significant expense was... consultants. Why are we not surprised?

In order to recoup their losses, the company reiterated their intention to (further) delay their Phantom Game Service and concentrate on selling the lapboard peripheral. They are also having trouble paying their $25K/month Seattle rent, so if any readers in the Seattle area have an extra bedroom, or a converted garage, give 'em a call.

See also:
CEO of Infinium Labs jumps ship, rows off into the sunset
Phantom in 2006? Infinium Labs insists they're relevant

[Thanks, jc]

JoystiqInfinium blows through $63mln, Phantom still vaporware originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2006 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Infinium LabsInfiniumLabsPCPhantomThu, 23 Feb 2006 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantom in 2006? Infinium Labs insists they're relevant]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/12/phantom-in-2006-infinium-labs-insists-theyre-relevant/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/12/phantom-in-2006-infinium-labs-insists-theyre-relevant/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/12/phantom-in-2006-infinium-labs-insists-theyre-relevant/#commentsFiled under: ,

Infinium Labs is one game company that just doesn't know when to quit. Most of the game community saw former Xbox alum Kevin Bachus' departure as a shot across Infinium Labs' bow; apparently, they don't agree. They have replaced Bachus as CEO with interim CEO Greg Koler who stated, "I know all of us in management are committed to achieving that goal in launching the Phantom Game Service to market this 2006."

At this stage in the game, nobody's doubting their commitment. It's their ability that appears to be holding them back.

JoystiqPhantom in 2006? Infinium Labs insists they're relevant originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2006 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Infinium LabsInfiniumLabsPCPhantomThu, 12 Jan 2006 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantom materializes... in lapboard form only]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2005/12/30/phantom-materializes-in-lapboard-form-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/12/30/phantom-materializes-in-lapboard-form-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/12/30/phantom-materializes-in-lapboard-form-only/#commentsFiled under: ,


Like the final scene of a B-horror movie, the Phantom has enough energy left for one last surprise! Infinium Labs is finally releasing the Phantom! Well... at least part of it. Remember that goofy keyboard/mouspad wireless combo that despite how ridiculous it looks, still seemed like a not altogether terrible idea? Well, somebody at Infinium saw an avenue for raising some much needed loot so they said, "Phantom: you wait here. Lapboard: come with me."

There is one problem: it's intended as a PC peripheral. Someone ought to tell them PC's already have keyboards and mice -- wireless ones even -- while consoles still labor under the tyrannical control of the gamepad. Nevertheless, they consider the lapboard "the perfect stepping-stone" to "[bridge] the subsequent launch of the full service." Who wants to bet we never see this thing? Or the full service?

[Thanks, bandersnatch; Via GameInsider]

JoystiqPhantom materializes... in lapboard form only originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Dec 2005 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Infinium LabsInfiniumLabsPCPhantomFri, 30 Dec 2005 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CEO of Infinium Labs jumps ship, rows off into the sunset]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2005/11/21/ceo-of-infinium-labs-jumps-ship-rows-off-into-the-sunset/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/11/21/ceo-of-infinium-labs-jumps-ship-rows-off-into-the-sunset/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/11/21/ceo-of-infinium-labs-jumps-ship-rows-off-into-the-sunset/#commentsFiled under: ,

PhantomWhen was the last time we heard any news regarding the Phantom? More importantly, when was the last time we heard any good news regarding the Phantom? Now those fun-loving toaster manufacturers over at Infinium Labs are in the headlines again, thanks to the resignation of their Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Bachus. Bachus, who'd only begun presiding over Infinium in August, allegedly resigned to "pursue other opportunities." Rumors that he rowed away in the only lifeboat, shouting obscenities about the captain going down with the ship have since been denied. In his stead, Infinium's former European director Greg Koler will serve as temporary CEO, CFO, and president. Despite this setback, Infinium remains dutifully dedicated to releasing the Phantom distribution service, "soon," a stance they have maintained since the late Mesozoic.

So what's the deal, Infinium? Electronic distribution is supposed to be the wave of the future, and you had the chance to get in on the ground floor. Back in 65,000,000 B.C. this whole "streaming online content" thing sounded brilliant, but nowadays, with services such as Steam, GameTap, Xbox Live, and Nintendo's upcoming Revolution allowing us virtual access to a plethora of amazing games over broadband, the Phantom's looking more and more evanescent by the day.

[Via Slashdot]

JoystiqCEO of Infinium Labs jumps ship, rows off into the sunset originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Nov 2005 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Infinium LabsInfiniumLabsPhantomMon, 21 Nov 2005 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joysnap caption contest: The Phantom grill machine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2005/09/02/joysnap-caption-contest-the-phantom-grill-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/09/02/joysnap-caption-contest-the-phantom-grill-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/09/02/joysnap-caption-contest-the-phantom-grill-machine/#commentsFiled under:

phantom begger #2

Live demonstration of Phantom Intelligence:

CEO: "The partner to the Phantom griller; It's lean, it's mean, introducing the finger fat reducing typing machine".

JoystiqJoysnap caption contest: The Phantom grill machine originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Sep 2005 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Infinium LabsInfiniumLabsPhantomFri, 02 Sep 2005 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantom game console taking shape?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2005/07/19/phantom-game-console-taking-shape/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/07/19/phantom-game-console-taking-shape/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/07/19/phantom-game-console-taking-shape/#commentsFiled under:

The PhantomInfinium Labs have been granted a trademark for their end-to-end online gaming service, the Phantom. The console will hook up to your broadband internet connection to allow online distribution of games. Now that they've been granted a trademark they can begin to market the console without fear of having their products ripped off by a thirteen year old millionaire entrepreneur sitting at his computer. In the past the company has been plagued by criticism from ex-employees and members of the community. The company has also failed to release the console despite announcing it would do so twice in the past. Add to this a lawsuit accusing the CEO of committing fraud and you have a very turbulent aura surrounding a supposedly revolutionary console which hopes to bring online distribution to the mainstream. Compare this to the relatively pristinely hyped marketing campaigns of Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo and the Phantom doesn't look all that appealing. Is this trademark too little too late for the Phantom?


[Thanks, bandersnatch]

JoystiqPhantom game console taking shape? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jul 2005 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Infinium LabsInfiniumLabsPhantomTue, 19 Jul 2005 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[That Phantom will prevail - interview with Kevin Bachus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2005/06/09/that-phantom-will-prevail-interview-with-kevin-bachus/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/06/09/that-phantom-will-prevail-interview-with-kevin-bachus/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/06/09/that-phantom-will-prevail-interview-with-kevin-bachus/#commentsFiled under:

The PhantomTwistedmonkey.net recently sat down with Infinium Lab's frontman Kevin Bachus for a little Q&A. The topic? What else, The Phantom.

Maybe you noticed, maybe you didn't, but the machine that's modeling itself after the satellite TV/radio business was mysteriously scarce at this year's E3. But apparently these guys are at the "goal line" in terms of launch schedule. Use the link below for the full scoop.

JoystiqThat Phantom will prevail - interview with Kevin Bachus originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jun 2005 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Infinium LabsInfiniumLabsPhantomThu, 09 Jun 2005 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinium Labs strapped for cash, triples shares, gets some coffee]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2005/02/27/infinium-labs-strapped-for-cash-triples-shares-gets-some/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/02/27/infinium-labs-strapped-for-cash-triples-shares-gets-some/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/02/27/infinium-labs-strapped-for-cash-triples-shares-gets-some/#commentsFiled under: ,

Phantom!Infinium Labs shareholders must have been genetically engineered at birth to be the most patient people on the face of the Earth. Like X-Men investors. ...X-vestors. This time they've authorized Infinium Labs to triple their available stock, from 200,000 shares to 600,000 shares. What's the deal? Well, to be blunt, Infinium Labs needs some major dough. Majorly. They also want to avoid being voted Vaporware of the Year two years in a row, so they've vowed to launch their aptly-named Phantom console within the time frame of Q2 2005. The conundrum: they estimate that it will cost around $11.5 million to launch the Phantom Game Service, and, as of last year, they had around $20,000 in the bank. That's right, they could pay for two semesters of college tuition. You may be asking, "how will they ever overcome this dilemma?!" as you grip the seat of your chair in a cold sweat. Reading Joystiq does that to people. How will they overcome it, you ask? By selling themselves off, of course! Look at it this way: at $0.25 per share, it would only take $75,000.25 to own the entire company! So if you've ever wanted to own your own company, then buy! buy! buy! and maybe the Phantom console won't come bundled with a copy of Duke Nukem Forever after all.

UPDATE: Apparently, Infinium's stock will be tripling to 600 million shares, rather than just 600 thousand. The only real difference this makes is that it means you're gonna to need to raise approximately $74,925,000 more to claim a majority stake in the company. My bad. Though I'm sure you could get the money easily by pawning off all those rare SNES carts you keep locked up in the safe, next to your birth certificate (and possibly your death certificate, if you're someone who likes to plan ahead). Thanks to one of the guys from ChatterBox Video Game Radio for catching this. Normally I'd attempt to validate it, but I'd say their name sounds official enough. We can't even spell "joystick" right, for crying out loud.

[thanks, Aaron]

JoystiqInfinium Labs strapped for cash, triples shares, gets some coffee originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Feb 2005 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Infinium LabsInfiniumLabsPhantomSun, 27 Feb 2005 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantom may not be vaporware for much longer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2005/01/14/phantom-may-not-be-vaporware-for-much-longer/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/01/14/phantom-may-not-be-vaporware-for-much-longer/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/01/14/phantom-may-not-be-vaporware-for-much-longer/#commentsFiled under:

You just know the investors are chomping at the bit on this one. The ever-arriving Phantom game console, a lovely looking piece of vaporware up to now, has been derided by everyone from press to gamers. But we're reserving judgment. If the hardware comes out in Q2, as promised, we'll assume all the hard work that's gone into making the thing tick will show off some sweet new features. We certainly like the control system. Will we like the games? We've heard that's an important part of the equation. As much fun as it is to blast the thing for some out there, we look forward to checking it out at long last.

 

JoystiqPhantom may not be vaporware for much longer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2005 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Infinium LabsInfiniumLabsPhantomFri, 14 Jan 2005 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinium Labs says it needs $11.5 million to launch the Phantom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2004/11/26/infinium-labs-says-it-needs-11-5-million-to-launch-the-phantom/http://www.joystiq.com/2004/11/26/infinium-labs-says-it-needs-11-5-million-to-launch-the-phantom/http://www.joystiq.com/2004/11/26/infinium-labs-says-it-needs-11-5-million-to-launch-the-phantom/#commentsphantom Infinium Labs, which has yet to conclusively prove that they're ever going to really ship their PC-based Phantom video game console that they've been working on for a few years now (they already missed their November 18th launch date), has admitted in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing that the source of the problem is that they need to find another $11.5 million in funding to get things rolling. Right now they're hoping to launch the Phantom Game Service and Phantom Game Receiver in Q2 of next year, but without a cash infusion this might prove especially troublesome, since at the time of the filing they only had $20,991 in the bank. And no, we didn't leave some zeroes off the end there.

JoystiqInfinium Labs says it needs $11.5 million to launch the Phantom originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Nov 2004 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Infinium LabsInfiniumLabsPhantomFri, 26 Nov 2004 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantom finds a backbone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2004/11/17/phantom-finds-a-backbone/http://www.joystiq.com/2004/11/17/phantom-finds-a-backbone/http://www.joystiq.com/2004/11/17/phantom-finds-a-backbone/#commentsFiled under:

The ever-dramatic story of the Phantom console continues. The Phantom is a PC-compatible system that is designed to allow users to stream games to their home. Ease-of-use is the device's mantra. The Phantom has been in development for quite some time, and has built an army of fans - and enemies. The latest news is that Limelight Networks has partnered with the Phantom's daddy, Infinium Labs. The deal will ensure a solid backbone for the Phantom's content distribution system. If nothing else, the partnership is a sign that the thing is still alive and kicking - but how much it really matters is yet to be seen. If the Xbox2 does half the things we've heard it will, then the Phantom will be redundant, at best. Still it's nice to see good ideas in development. It would be even nicer to see nice ideas in practice.

JoystiqPhantom finds a backbone originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Nov 2004 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Infinium LabsInfiniumLabsPhantomWed, 17 Nov 2004 14:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantom is making like a phantom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2004/09/20/phantom-is-making-like-a-phantom/http://www.joystiq.com/2004/09/20/phantom-is-making-like-a-phantom/http://www.joystiq.com/2004/09/20/phantom-is-making-like-a-phantom/#commentsFiled under:

In the ultimate example of phantom-ware the Phantom game console will not be released in November, as planned. According to Whereisphantom.com, the console that promises games on demand, has hit some more bumps and will not see the retailers' shelves until 2005. That means it will miss the holiday season - but not many people buy games around the holidays anyway. Whereisphantom.com is notorious for blasting Infinum Labs, the owners of the Phantom patent - so the article is worth a read just to soak in the bad vibes.

JoystiqPhantom is making like a phantom originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2004 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Infinium LabsInfiniumLabsPhantomMon, 20 Sep 2004 14:59:00 EST