Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mario crossover developer launches Super Retro Squad Kickstarter project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/mario-crossover-developer-launches-super-retro-squad-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/mario-crossover-developer-launches-super-retro-squad-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/mario-crossover-developer-launches-super-retro-squad-kickstarter/#comments Mario crossover developer launches Super Retro Squad Kickstarter projectExploding Rabbit, the development team behind Super Mario Bros. Crossover, recently hopped on the Kickstarter train to seek funding for its next game, Super Retro Squad. The game shares the 2D platforming qualities of the aforementioned crossover game, but uses original art and music this time around.

The game will feature "40+ levels that will be spanned across 8 worlds," and each world will be "based on one of the characters, so there will be plenty of variety found in the environments and enemies." The project also aims to include equipment and character upgrading, as well as hidden items in levels that can only be found with specific characters.

A $15 pledge to the project earns fans a digital copy of the game upon its tentative March 2013 release for Mac, PC, Linux, Android, and iOS. Super Retro Squad will be fully funded if it reaches the $10k mark by July 19.

[Thanks to everyone that sent this in!]

JoystiqMario crossover developer launches Super Retro Squad Kickstarter project originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2d-platformerandroidexploding-rabbitiosipadiphonemacmobilepcPlatformingsuper-mario-bros-crossoversuper-mario-bros-crossover-2super-retro-squadSun, 24 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Media Molecule toyed with full 3D level design in first LittleBigPlanet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/media-molecule-toyed-with-full-3d-level-design-in-first-littlebi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/media-molecule-toyed-with-full-3d-level-design-in-first-littlebi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/media-molecule-toyed-with-full-3d-level-design-in-first-littlebi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The original LittleBigPlanet was billed as a platform for platformers -- but what about those gamers whose favorite entries into that particular genre include Kazooies, Ratchets and Bandicoots? Media Molecule co-founder Alex Evans recently revealed to Joystiq at Gamescom that an early build of the original LittleBigPlanet allowed for that kind of 3D gameplay, explaining, "LBP 1 had free depth and completely moving cameras, and the gameplay engine wasn't layered fundamentally."

Evans added that while the developer "used to make levels that could travel into the screen," this feature was ultimately removed from the game. "It's really unconstrained in 3D. It's really hard -- I mean creatively unconstrained, it's really difficult to have something to push off," Evans explained. "We found our level designers wasted tons of time in 3D land, so we iteratively reduced it, first of all we reduced the scope, then we added the layers, and with each restriction we did, it improved the quality."

According to Evans, the lack of 3D platforming wasn't due to a technical snafu, but rather, "entirely a game design decision." He added, "so when we go 3D, and I'm assuming at some point we will go 3D, the challenge we will have, and any other user-generated content company -- you know, I want to be one-upped, I'd love to see a fully-3D creation game. I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm saying we haven't cracked it yet." Keep an eye out for our full interview with Evans in the coming days.

JoystiqMedia Molecule toyed with full 3D level design in first LittleBigPlanet originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dalex-evansgamescom-2010LBPLittleBigPlanetmedia-moleculeplatformingplaystationps3Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/hands-on-prince-of-persia-the-forgotten-sands-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/hands-on-prince-of-persia-the-forgotten-sands-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/hands-on-prince-of-persia-the-forgotten-sands-360/#comments Regardless of how you felt about Ubisoft's 2008 Prince of Persia, it represented a clear departure from the acclaimed Sands of Time trilogy -- an experiment, even. And although, on a granular level, The Forgotten Sands modifies the formula through the addition of elemental powers, they primarily strengthen the game's familiar basis of linear platforming mixed with light combat.

It's a solid basis and one that Ubisoft clearly believes to be worth pursuing again this May (especially with movie buzz in the air), but it hasn't been swept clean of old problems. Even in the short snippet of gameplay on show at PAX East, the combat feels like filler. It's competent -- and the Prince's agility adds an exciting flourish to every strike and finishing blow -- but it never feels complex enough to stand out as anything more than "that thing you do between platforming segments." That's a problem Prince of Persia often shares with Tomb Raider.

Continue reading Hands-on: Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (360)

JoystiqHands-on: Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftpax-eastpax-east-2010platformingprince-of-persiaprince-of-persia-the-forgotten-sandsubisoftubisoft-montrealXbox-360Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 re-imagined as a side-scroller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/team-fortress-2-re-imagined-as-a-side-scroller/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/team-fortress-2-re-imagined-as-a-side-scroller/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/team-fortress-2-re-imagined-as-a-side-scroller/#comments Dylan Loney isn't just a dude with an awesome name, he's also quite the Team Fortress 2 mod-tician ... which is a real word that we totally didn't make up. With a couple of custom maps under his belt, Loney decided to up the ante, so he rolled up his sleeves and turned Valve's class-based shooter into a speedy side-scroller.

The redesign was part of a contest for Interlopers back in December. Drawing inspiration from Canabalt, Loney created the complimentary mixture of TF2's characters and Canabalt's fast side-scrolling gameplay you see above. Actually, an image really doesn't sell it, so head past the break to check out some footage of it in action.

[Via Kotaku]

Continue reading Team Fortress 2 re-imagined as a side-scroller

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 re-imagined as a side-scroller originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dylan-loneyinterlopersmodplatformingside-scrollerteam-fortress-2valveThu, 04 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fret Nice soloing on PSN this week [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/fret-nice-soloing-on-psn-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/fret-nice-soloing-on-psn-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/fret-nice-soloing-on-psn-this-week/#commentsTecmo announced via Twitter that Fret Nice, the musical platformer played with guitar controllers, will be available on PSN in North America this week. In its own tweet, developer Pieces Interactive said that a European release date would be "coming soon."

Now PS3 owners will be able to use those guitar controllers of theirs to do something other than play along to "Uncontrollable Urge" over and over again (what, you mean you don't do that?) Specifically, in Fret Nice, players take control of the Vibrant Chordblasters as they travel through the world defeating Hair Bängers with their riffs.

Oddly missing from both of these announcements is any mention of the Xbox 360 version. We're checking with Tecmo about that.

[Update: Tecmo has no date for the XBLA version yet, and could offer no reason for the wait.]

Gallery: Fret Nice (XBLA/PSN)

JoystiqFret Nice soloing on PSN this week [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fret-niceguitarpieces-interactiveplatformerplatformingpsnrelease-datetecmoTue, 02 Feb 2010 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: The Behemoth's 'Game 3']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/hands-on-the-behemoths-game-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/hands-on-the-behemoths-game-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/hands-on-the-behemoths-game-3/#comments
There's a part of me that likes examining games' sub-superficial levels -- the lingering inspiration behind the art, gameplay, story and all the rest of its aggregate components. Behemoth's Game 3 is difficult to dismantle in this manner, largely due to the fact that, even when compared to past entries in Behemoth's bizarre repertoire -- it's an unabashed labor of madness.

It could also be due to the fact that the speed at which I was forced to play the Game 3 PAX demo could best be described as blistering. Still, it didn't take much time to get what the game's core components are all about: Frantic multiplayer platforming action, the likes of which you haven't seen since Super Mario Bros. 3.

Continue reading Hands-on: The Behemoth's 'Game 3'

JoystiqHands-on: The Behemoth's 'Game 3' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-3hands-onMicrosoftoriginalpaxpax-2009platformingthe-behemothXbox-360Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Shorts DS game draws our attention]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/the-shorts-ds-game-draws-our-attention/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/the-shorts-ds-game-draws-our-attention/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/the-shorts-ds-game-draws-our-attention/#commentsNormally, a DS game based on a kids' movie wouldn't attract our notice -- they're as common as rocks, and tend to be less fun to play with. But the DS game based on Robert Rodriguez's Shorts, a movie about a neighborhood of kids who find some kind of wish-granting rock, appropriates one of our favorite new trends in side-scrolling games: drawing platforms.

Kirby Canvas Curse started it, but in the last year there has been an explosion of games that mix traditional platforming with user-created platforms. The Chase: Felix Meets Felicity did it, and the upcoming Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter, MarkerMan Adventures (also published by Shorts publisher Majesco), and, outside of the DS, Crayon Physics, Drawn to Life on Wii, Max and the Magic Marker on WiiWare, and Trine allow players to make platforms by drawing shapes.

And, as it turns out, we are extremely receptive to this idea, even when it is in a game in which you control a character named Loogie. See the trailer after the break.

Continue reading The Shorts DS game draws our attention

JoystiqThe Shorts DS game draws our attention originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>majescoplatformplatformingshortsWed, 15 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Review: Prince of Persia Epilogue (DLC)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/joystiq-review-prince-of-persia-epilogue-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/joystiq-review-prince-of-persia-epilogue-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/joystiq-review-prince-of-persia-epilogue-dlc/#comments
"I'm glad you're still doing that."

The Prince's relief at being spared another fatal plunge, even if it squashes his pride just a tad, is well justified in Epilogue. Crumbling, daunting, dark and no more practical than most video game locales, the Underground Palace is the sort of place that makes you glad you invested in that magical, life-saving companion. Its entirely linear layout offers a breathless string of platforming challenges for the Prince, a final chicane of scurrying and swinging that requires more adept timing than anything else in the main game.

That isn't to say that the downloadable extension is a mere taunt directed at those who scoffed at Prince of Persia's forgiving nature. The difficulty curve matches the dire situation crafted by the story, which has prompted the acrobatic duo to flee rather than fight. It's easy for me to recommend Epilogue based on the engaging spatial puzzles or the elaborate, corruption-riddled platforming sequences, but the real draw is witnessing the aftermath of Prince of Persia's poignant climax.

Gallery: Prince of Persia 'Epilogue' DLC

Continue reading Joystiq Review: Prince of Persia Epilogue (DLC)

JoystiqJoystiq Review: Prince of Persia Epilogue (DLC) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCMicrosoftplatformingPrince-of-PersiaPrince-of-Persia-DLCPrince-of-Persia-EpilogueUbisoftXbox-360Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: Bird, bear, backpack join forces on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/this-wednesday-bird-bear-backpack-join-forces-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/this-wednesday-bird-bear-backpack-join-forces-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/this-wednesday-bird-bear-backpack-join-forces-on-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This Wednesday's Xbox Live Arcade update will finally deliver the spruced-up N64 classic, Banjo-Kazooie. After experiencing a brief delay, fans of the backpack-packing bear from Rare will be able dive headfirst into nostalgia, once again transforming into compulsive note-collecting maniacs. It happens to the best of us.

Aside from notes, tokens and jiggies, this version also requires one other collectible: Microsoft Points. You'll need 1,200 of them to proceed beyond the trial version.

JoystiqThis Wednesday: Bird, bear, backpack join forces on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Banjo-KazooiePlatformingRareXBLAXBLAWednesdayXbox-360Xbox-Live-ArcadeMon, 01 Dec 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[General Banjo-Kazooie XBLA release delayed until Dec. 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/general-banjo-kazooie-xbla-release-delayed-until-dec-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/general-banjo-kazooie-xbla-release-delayed-until-dec-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/general-banjo-kazooie-xbla-release-delayed-until-dec-3/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft has come bearing (GEDDIT? BECAUSE BANJO IS A BEAR) bad news, notifying 1UP that the general Xbox Live Arcade release of Rare's classic N64 platformer, Banjo-Kazooie, has been delayed until Dec 3rd. It would appear the high-res re-release has been pushed back in order to extend the period of exclusivity, granted to those who preordered vehicular adventure Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts and failed to receive their bonus XBLA download codes.

Microsoft is currently "investigating" the holdup, urging customers who did not receive a redeem code to contact their retailers' customer service departments. That's always a grizzly task. GEDDIT? BECAUSE GRIZZLY IS A TYPE OF BEAR AND BANJO IS A BEAR.

Gallery: Banjo-Kazooie (XBLA)

JoystiqGeneral Banjo-Kazooie XBLA release delayed until Dec. 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Banjo-is-a-bearBanjo-KazooieBanjo-Kazooie-nuts-and-boltsPlatformingRareXBLAXbox-360Xbox-Live-ArcadeThu, 20 Nov 2008 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega Man 9 getting intentional bugs, flicker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/mega-man-9-getting-intentional-bugs-flicker/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/mega-man-9-getting-intentional-bugs-flicker/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/mega-man-9-getting-intentional-bugs-flicker/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Capcom's going out of its way to make sure its deliciously stale Mega Man 9 offers a true 8-bit experience, bugs and all. The company's Hironobu Takeshita recently told Gamasutra that the download will have the look and feel of a NES-era release, and that things such as sprite flicker have even been included as a -- thankfully optional -- feature.

"Yeah, there were some things, like you couldn't have more than three enemies on the screen at once, so we had to make sure that that's how it stayed in our game. In the part with the dragon with the flame, [there should be] flickering, and whatnot," noted the game's producer. "In the options of this game, you can adjust that, unlike the old games. We purposely put some of those old-school bugs into this game, so it does recreate that feel." Now, if only Capcom could emulate blowing into the cartridge we'd be in retro heaven.

Gallery: Mega Man 9 (WiiWare, PSN, XBLA)

JoystiqMega Man 9 getting intentional bugs, flicker originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugscapcomflickermega-man-9megamanplatformingPS3retroWiiXbox-360Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Mega Man 9 coming to XBLA, PSN too [update: Capcom denies]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/rumor-mega-man-9-coming-to-xbla-psn-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/rumor-mega-man-9-coming-to-xbla-psn-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/rumor-mega-man-9-coming-to-xbla-psn-too/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

According to Ars Technica, Capcom's two-dimensional return to tradition in Mega Man 9 may not be confined to WiiWare, as was originally revealed in the latest issue of Nintendo Power. The report notes that the game is currently listed as an Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network title on Capcom's E3 roster -- if true, Mega Man 9 would be the first downloadable game to jump through the doors of all three services.

Capcom remains quiet on the matter, however, telling us that we'll have to wait until E3 for further news. Given the publisher's continued support of both XBLA and PSN for its downloadable games, the blue bomber will likely stick with a multi-platform approach. We can't imagine how many gamers would be left seeking retrobution otherwise.

Update: Capcom has reaffirmed to Ars that Mega Man 9 is "WiiWare only."

JoystiqRumor: Mega Man 9 coming to XBLA, PSN too [update: Capcom denies] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomMega-ManMega-Man-9PlatformingPS3PSNRumorWiiWiiWareXBLAXbox-360Xbox-LiveMon, 30 Jun 2008 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Mega Man 9 a retro fit for WiiWare [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/rumor-mega-man-9-a-retro-fit-for-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/rumor-mega-man-9-a-retro-fit-for-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/rumor-mega-man-9-a-retro-fit-for-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: ,

Forget about those fancy 3D graphics and newfangled, over-the-shoulder shooting mechanics you saw in your worst nightmares. According to the latest issue of Nintendo Power, Mega Man 9 is set to hop onto Nintendo's WiiWare service, complete with traditional, two-dimensional platforming and adorable retro graphics.

Scans of the magazine allegedly reveal that everybody's favorite robot boy will once again succumb to his rampant kleptomania, this time pilfering the powers of bossmen like: Magma Man, Galaxy Man, Plug Man ("Please purchase Mega Men one through eight!"), Concrete Man and the one that's sure to elicit a "woah, man," Splash Woman.

We've asked Capcom for comment, as well as permission to play the game immediately. Update: Permission denied, but game confirmed. If you want all the details, pick up this month's issue of Nintendo Power.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqConfirmed: Mega Man 9 a retro fit for WiiWare [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsCapcomMega-ManMega-Man-9PlatformingRumorWiiWiiWareThu, 26 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[N+ boxart wall-jumps out, collects gold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/n-boxart-wall-jumps-out-collects-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/n-boxart-wall-jumps-out-collects-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/11/n-boxart-wall-jumps-out-collects-gold/#commentsFiled under:


A rather final-looking boxart has shown up on Amazon for N+, Atari's upgraded remake of Metanet Software's brilliant freeware platformer N. It lacks the final ESRB rating, and contains some kind of "FPO" code, but it looks otherwise ready for stores. It features the two most important elements of N+: jumping and gold, and keeps it simple otherwise. The image also appears on Atari's page for the game, so it's probably safe to look for that picture when you go to buy it.

But when can you do that? Amazon and Atari both say March 18th, while Gamestop says February 26th. We're guessing that the later date is the real one, because that's pretty much how it works. That gives us just ... not nearly enough time to finish all the official single-player levels in N.

JoystiqN+ boxart wall-jumps out, collects gold originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariboxartmetanetnplatformingTue, 11 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[A very easy investigation turns up more Insecticide screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/a-very-easy-investigation-turns-up-more-insecticide-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/a-very-easy-investigation-turns-up-more-insecticide-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/a-very-easy-investigation-turns-up-more-insecticide-screens/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yesterday, we remarked on the relative lack of coverage of the investigative aspect of Insecticide. We see a lot of screens and video of action, but relatively few of the adventure-game portions. And so we decided to hit the streets and put our detective skills to the test, hunting for new screens of this portion of the game.

Then before we started, we got six new screens in our e-mail. We're such awesome investigators that all we have to do is want to investigate. Look! The game has a story! And, yes, conversation trees! There is truly an adventure game hidden in the platformer. That is wonderful. Not only that, but the game's personality is evident from even the tiny snippets of dialogue found in these screens.



[Via press release]

JoystiqA very easy investigation turns up more Insecticide screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecrackpotgamecockinsecticideplatformingWed, 28 Nov 2007 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider: Anniversary now on Xbox Live Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/tomb-raider-anniversary-now-on-xbox-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/tomb-raider-anniversary-now-on-xbox-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/tomb-raider-anniversary-now-on-xbox-live-marketplace/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lara Croft's superb re-quel, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, has finally clambered onto the Xbox Live Marketplace after being unearthed in June and delayed from an initial September release. If you missed it on the PlayStation 2, the PSP, the PC or even the Xbox 360 (in ancient disc format), now's your chance to relive the iconic grave robber's best adventure in the form of two downloadable chunks. The catch, of course, is that it functions as Tomb Raider: Legend DLC and will require you to have that disc handy.

Each half of the game will set you back roughly 1.5GB in bandwidth and 1,200 MS Points ($15) -- in combination, that puts it on par with the PS2 version and $10 beneath the disc-based Xbox 360 version. If this still isn't the opportune moment to explore Lara's treasure-laden crevices, you still have the hands-on Wii version to try out (it's out in the UK too this December).

JoystiqTomb Raider: Anniversary now on Xbox Live Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-AdventureBuzz-MonkeyBuzz-Monkey-SoftwareCrystal-DynamicsEidosEidos-InteractiveLara-CroftLaraCroftMicrosoftNixxes-SoftwarePlatformingTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryXBLAXbox-360xbox-liveFri, 23 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Legend of Kage 2 still looks amazing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/17/the-legend-of-kage-2-still-looks-amazing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/17/the-legend-of-kage-2-still-looks-amazing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/17/the-legend-of-kage-2-still-looks-amazing/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you think that our hunger for side-scrolling action sequels on the DS is sated this week, then you are underestimating our desire to run from left and right and shoot/slash things. In fact, Contra 4 has just made us want more. And The Legend of Kage 2 looks like the same kind of thing: a gorgeous fully 2D update of a NES-era classic. Even if the original is only a classic to us. If the development team behind Kage 2 learns anything from the last 20 years or so of gaming, we hope it's how to make a better Legend of Kage game.

From the screens, it looks like they may achieve that. It already looks like they've turned to Ninja Spirit for inspiration. That can only mean good things for the world.

JoystiqThe Legend of Kage 2 still looks amazing originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionlegend-of-kageplatformingretrotaitoSat, 17 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nega-review: Super Mario Galaxy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/nega-review-super-mario-galaxy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/nega-review-super-mario-galaxy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/nega-review-super-mario-galaxy/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Super Mario Galaxy "isn't quite perfect." (6) "It doesn't invent new kinds of gameplay" (2) and "It's not as revolutionary as Mario 64." (3) "If you played that seminal game, Mario Galaxy's star hunt progression probably sounds familiar to you." (6) "There's no denying that Super Mario Galaxy predominantly sticks with the tried and true." (8)

"Once again we have a Mario game with a shell of a story, and this one doesn't even have any ridiculous twists." (8) "The title begins with a predictable ... storybook introduction ... told through very basic and boring storybook cut-scenes." (6) "This all certainly sounds par for the course." (7) Sadly, the game seems to have "a complete disinterest in telling a compelling story." (5)

Continue reading Nega-review: Super Mario Galaxy

JoystiqNega-review: Super Mario Galaxy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MarionegareviewNintendoPlatformingWiiThu, 08 Nov 2007 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Super Mario Galaxy leaked online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/rumor-super-mario-galaxy-leaked-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/rumor-super-mario-galaxy-leaked-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/rumor-super-mario-galaxy-leaked-online/#commentsFiled under: ,


Are those nasty pirates orchestrating their revenge after Nintendo sunk their chips earlier this week? According to a posting on NeoGAF, an unsavory EB Games employee decided to take the contents of an in-store Super Mario Galaxy demo disc and share it with the online world. Though the demo is usually constrained by a 10-minute time limit, the disc reportedly contains the full game and is fully accessible through use of a modified Wii console. As the pirate site offering the code isn't specified or linked to, it's difficult to verify whether or not Mario's currently making his way down some shady pipes.

We contacted a Nintendo spokesperson for confirmation, only to be informed that we were the first to alert them of the development. Note that in the event of the rumor being true, posting of download links or impressions in the comments sections will be met with permanent bans and disapproving glares.

[Via Maxconsole]

JoystiqRumor: Super Mario Galaxy leaked online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MarioNintendoPiratesPlatformingSuper-Mario-GalaxySuperMarioGalaxyWiiThu, 25 Oct 2007 20:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Retailers list 360's Tomb Raider Anniversary for Oct. 23 release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/retailers-list-360s-tomb-raider-anniversary-for-oct-23-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/retailers-list-360s-tomb-raider-anniversary-for-oct-23-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/retailers-list-360s-tomb-raider-anniversary-for-oct-23-release/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If numerous online retailers are to be believed, the Xbox 360 version of Tomb Raider: Anniversary is set to arrive in the US next week on October 23rd. "But wait," you rudely interject, "wasn't there another version for that console?" Indeed, you quite clearly recall that Eidos announced its intention to digitally distribute Lara Croft assets -- that would be the game split into five separate episodes -- on the Xbox Live marketplace. The online chunks, functioning as add-ons to Tomb Raider: Legend, would amount to 2400 MS Points ($30) in total, a good $10 cheaper than the price retailers are currently appending to the standalone disc.

As the online episodes were initially scheduled for release in September, it inescapably follows that they've been delayed. The question is, "Until when?" While Eidos assures us that they're still in the pipeline, it's "still confirming dates for both versions and will release information on this asap." We'll keep you informed if and when we receive this mysterious asap containing the information.

JoystiqRetailers list 360's Tomb Raider Anniversary for Oct. 23 release originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-AdventureBuzz-MonkeyBuzz-Monkey-SoftwareCrystal-DynamicsEidosEidos-InteractiveLara-CroftLaraCroftMicrosoftNixxes-SoftwarePlatformingTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryXbox-360Tue, 16 Oct 2007 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Tomb Raider Anniversary (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/joystiq-hands-on-tomb-raider-anniversary-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/joystiq-hands-on-tomb-raider-anniversary-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/joystiq-hands-on-tomb-raider-anniversary-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,

Some things are obvious about Lara Croft. But Crystal Dynamics's Morgan Gray wants you to focus on Lara's more subtle assets, like her intelligence. The late-coming Wii version of Tomb Raider Anniversary focuses on Lara's actual career: babe, er, 'archaeologist'.

There's "over three hours" of Wii-specific content promised, and the majority of it comes in the form of motion-sensitive mini-games. There's Lara with a pick axe unearthing clues; Lara digging for buried treasures; and Lara taking charcoal rubbings for her journal. All use the Wiimote's pointer, mimicking what you'd normally find in a DS game (think: psuedo-archeology game Spectrobes). It's gimmicky, yes -- but there are times where the physicality adds an appreciable amount of depth to the experience. In one segment of the game, we had to uncover symbols, hidden away under some dust. With those symbols in mind, we had to draw them in sand to unlock a door. Drawing with the Wiimote added a whole new layer to what was originally a very simple puzzle. Thankfully, the system is forgiving enough to recognize even the shakiest of gestures.

Not only has Lara's "intelligence" been expanded upon for Wii, combat has received a major overhaul as well. For the first time in the franchise, players will aim and shoot freely while moving. Players will have to use the pointer to manually aim at the various enemies on the screen while performing Lara's signature dodges. It can be awkward at first, but Crystal Dynamics is so confident in their battle system that they won't give players the option to switch to more traditional controls. "All or nothing," as we were told by Gray. To ease away potential frustrations, there is an overly generous hit detection system that requires only a marginal amount of accuracy. Harder difficulties, we're told, will require a much steadier shot.

Gallery: Tomb Raider Anniversary (Wii)

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Tomb Raider Anniversary (Wii)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Tomb Raider Anniversary (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-AdventureCrystal-DynamicsEidosEidos-Interactivelara-croftNintendoNixxes-SoftwarePlatformingtomb-raiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryWiiWed, 03 Oct 2007 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[The Legend of Kage 2 details emerge from the shadows]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/the-legend-of-kage-2-details-emerge-from-the-shadows/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/the-legend-of-kage-2-details-emerge-from-the-shadows/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/the-legend-of-kage-2-details-emerge-from-the-shadows/#commentsFiled under: ,

Looks like The Legend of Kage 2 is going for just a little more depth than its predecessor. Not that that's hard, considering that The Legend of Kage had five (brutal) stages that repeated three times. We loved the game, however, and that's why we're as happy about this sequel as 22 of you are.

The new game has 12 stages for Kage and 12 stages for his kunoichi counterpart, Chihiro. Though these stages will probably use the same environments, we are hoping for different enemy and item layouts, or Taito's cheating by calling them different stages.

There will be over 30 equippable abilities, which are gained by picking up and equipping elemental spheres. According to the GAME Watch article, these abilities will allow players to customize their play style. The NES game only had one style that we were aware of: jam on the attack buttons while jumping randomly and hoping that you'll kill all the bad ninja before getting hit by an unavoidable shuriken.

JoystiqThe Legend of Kage 2 details emerge from the shadows originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionlegend-of-kagelegendofkageplatformingretrotaitoFri, 14 Sep 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[See how Tomb Raider Anniversary uses Wiimote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/see-how-tomb-raider-anniversary-uses-wiimote/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/see-how-tomb-raider-anniversary-uses-wiimote/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/see-how-tomb-raider-anniversary-uses-wiimote/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When imagining ways for the Wiimote to be incorporated into the Wii release of Tomb Raider Anniversary, you probably let your evil imagination wander to some ... unfortunate situations, and we want you to know that we're personally very disappointed in you. Lara Croft uses the Wiimote for science, mister, and don't you forget it.

As you can see in the video, the Wii is incorporated into all sorts of archeological pursuits, from column turning to dust brushing and, lest you begin to flashback to 9th grade history class, shooting bears. Only about 25 percent of the activities shown here look tacked on or contrived, which, all things considered, is fairly impressive.

[Via CVG]

JoystiqSee how Tomb Raider Anniversary uses Wiimote originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-AdventureBuzz-MonkeyBuzz-Monkey-SoftwareCrystal-DynamicsEidosEidos-InteractiveNintendoNixxes-SoftwarePlatformingTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryWiiwiimoteThu, 16 Aug 2007 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten reasons one guy likes Dewy's Adventure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/ten-reasons-one-guy-likes-dewys-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/ten-reasons-one-guy-likes-dewys-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/ten-reasons-one-guy-likes-dewys-adventure/#commentsFiled under:


Josh from WiiFolder.com loves Dewy's Adventure, and he's not above inventing his own logic to make you love it as well. He's created a video called "Top 10 Reasons Why Dewy's Adventure Completely Rocks!" Of course, his definition of "rocking" is idiosyncratic at best: KISS, for example, were never known for their "cutesy style."

We agree with some of his reasoning: edit mode is wonderful, and the game appears to have excellent level design. We don't think he's going to win any converts with his reasons, but on the other hand, for those of us who already think Dewy looks great, this is a chance to see a bunch of footage.

JoystiqTen reasons one guy likes Dewy's Adventure originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dewydewysadventurekonamiplatformingMon, 13 Aug 2007 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Online level sharing in N+]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/online-level-sharing-in-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/online-level-sharing-in-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/online-level-sharing-in-n/#commentsFiled under:

In a 1up interview, Atari's Tavit Geudelekian described the level-sharing capabilities of the DS and PSP versions of N+: "the DS and PSP [versions] will support a full level editor that will allow players to build their own stages and share them locally via ad hoc connection or upload them through an infrastructure connection to a database of user-created levels online."

Unfortunately, because the DS lacks any kind of permanent storage, you'll only be able to download a few levels at a time, and they'll be lost when you turn the system off. We'd love to see the interface for designing levels, but none of the three new screens of the DS version highlight that feature.

N+ features a Pure mode, which is a direct port of the PC version, and a Plus mode, with new graphics and enemies. Also new to the handheld remakes: multiplayer, in both cooperative and competitive modes!

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqOnline level sharing in N+ originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarimetanetnplatformingThu, 09 Aug 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The B[ack]log: Happy Anniversary, Miss Croft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/the-b-ack-log-happy-anniversary-miss-croft/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/the-b-ack-log-happy-anniversary-miss-croft/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/the-b-ack-log-happy-anniversary-miss-croft/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jacqueline Natla is quite obviously the villain in Tomb Raider: Anniversary. In the 1996 original, the only initial clues to her evil nature resided in a somewhat condescending tone of voice and a far too serious haircut. The opening moments of the Crystal Dynamics remake, however, show a more conniving woman with flowing blond hair, almost alien facial features and suspiciously long fingers. Still a bit of a condescending hag, though.

"My company has recently turned its focus on the study of ancient artifacts, and I am lead to believe that with the right incentive, you are just the woman to find them for me," she says, addressing one of gaming's most iconic characters, Lara Croft. "I'm afraid you've been mistaken," comes the decorous reply. "I only play for sport." Ah, but Natla's done her research. "Which is precisely why I've come to you Miss Croft. This is a game you've played before..."

Though trusting the words of a noticeably vile video game character is generally not advised, they're true in this case. Tomb Raider: Anniversary is indeed a game you've played before, at least if you had the good sense to play Tomb Raider at some point in your fulfilling life (replace "fulfilling" with "miserable" if you haven't). The reworked puzzles, contemporized controls and modern presentation may set Anniversary apart from the groundbreaking effort by Core Design, but beneath those layers lies the same game with the same ideals. Either Tomb Raider was nearly eleven years ahead of its time, or the games we play just haven't changed all that much.

Continue reading The B[ack]log: Happy Anniversary, Miss Croft

JoystiqThe B[ack]log: Happy Anniversary, Miss Croft originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-AdventurebacklogBuzz-MonkeyBuzz-Monkey-SoftwareCore-DesignCrystal DynamicsCrystal-DynamicsCrystalDynamicsEidosEidos-InteractiveLara CroftLaraCroftMicrosoftNixxes-SoftwarePCPlatformingPS2Robosoft-TechnologiesTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryWiiXbox-360Wed, 04 Jul 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider: Anniversary episodes hitting Xbox 360 in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/tomb-raider-anniversary-episodes-hitting-xbox-360-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/tomb-raider-anniversary-episodes-hitting-xbox-360-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/tomb-raider-anniversary-episodes-hitting-xbox-360-in-september/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Eidos UK has officially announced Tomb Raider: Anniversary for the Xbox 360, confirming almost all of the theories originating from the ESRB listing we unearthed earlier this month. We say "almost," because one of said theories had the game being distributed via antiquated catapult. That's clearly and unfortunately not the case, as Anniversary will initially arrive on the Xbox 360 as a set of four downloadable episodes incorporated into Tomb Raider: Legend. The publisher notes that this marks the first occasion of a full game being serialized on the Xbox Live Marketplace.

As suggested in the earlier article, the episodes should be split across the various locales Lara Croft explores and inevitably desecrates in the Crystal Dynamics remake of the 1996 original. Lady Croft's manor will be offered as a free download, while the complete set of episodes will cost 2400 MS Points -- $30 and on par with the cost of the already released PC and PS2 versions.

Eidos promises to release Episode 1 and Episode 2 in September, with the final two episodes following "shortly afterwards." Those bemoaning the fact that they've since traded in Tomb Raider: Legend (understandable!) or never bothered to pick it up (unacceptable!) can wait for a retail version of Anniversary to be released on Xbox 360 "later in the year."

JoystiqTomb Raider: Anniversary episodes hitting Xbox 360 in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 06:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-AdventureBuzz-MonkeyBuzz-Monkey-SoftwareCrystal-DynamicsEidosEidos-InteractiveMicrosoftNixxes-SoftwarePCPlatformingPS2PSPTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryXBLAXBLMXbox-360Xbox-LiveMon, 18 Jun 2007 06:40:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB: Tomb Raider Anniversary bound for 360, possibly as DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/esrb-tomb-raider-anniversary-bound-for-360-possibly-as-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/esrb-tomb-raider-anniversary-bound-for-360-possibly-as-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/esrb-tomb-raider-anniversary-bound-for-360-possibly-as-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Entertainment Software Ratings Board is probably due for a shiny PETA trophy by now. The organization's online ratings database has let many a cat out of cruel prison bags, with today marking the release of gaming's most agile feline. The website currently lists not one, but five separate entries for an Xbox 360 version of Lara Croft's latest romp, Tomb Raider: Anniversary.

More interestingly, each entry specifies a locale featured within the Crystal Dynamics remake. Peru, Lost City, Greece, Egypt and Croft Manor are all listed and rated, leading us to conclude that Anniversary could very well be making its way to Microsoft's system as downloadable content. Whether it would be offered as downloadable content for Tomb Raider: Legend (which utilizes the same graphics engine as Anniversary) or as episodic titles on the Xbox Live Marketplace is a matter of pure speculation. Certainly, a cost of $5 per level would compare well to the $30 PS2 and PC versions released yesterday.

JoystiqESRB: Tomb Raider Anniversary bound for 360, possibly as DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-AdventureCrystal-DynamicsEidosEidos-InteractiveMicrosoftNixxes-SoftwarePCPlatformingPS2PSPTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryXBLAXBLMXbox-360Wed, 06 Jun 2007 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[New games this week: Tomb Raider Anniversary edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/new-games-this-week-tomb-raider-anniversary-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/new-games-this-week-tomb-raider-anniversary-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/new-games-this-week-tomb-raider-anniversary-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's weird isn't it? It's like seeing an old flame that you heard got fat so you forget about them, only to find out that they're apparently hot again. Also we're not sure if we're talking about a Tomb Raider game being the top release or the fact that it's on PS2.The whole week is weird like that. Let's get to it.

PlayStation 2:
  • Tomb Raider Anniversary

Gallery: Tomb Raider Anniversary

Continue reading New games this week: Tomb Raider Anniversary edition

JoystiqNew games this week: Tomb Raider Anniversary edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-AdventureCrystal-DynamicsDSEidosEidos-InteractivenewgamesNixxes-SoftwarePlatformingps2ps3pspTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryvcWiiXbox-360xbox360Mon, 04 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider and Anniversary comparison video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/tomb-raider-and-anniversary-comparison-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/tomb-raider-and-anniversary-comparison-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/tomb-raider-and-anniversary-comparison-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Next week sees the release of Tomb Raider: Anniversary, where Lady Croft goes to the salon and fixes her roots. The video above shows the transformation of the original Tomb Raider into Anniversary. Tomb Raider: Legend (now playable for free on GameTap) reawakened the joy for many in Tomb Raider and reinvigorated the franchise. We're hoping that Anniversary is a fitting tribute to the original but, and this was part of the design behind Anniversary, puts some modern concepts into the gameplay for gamers who are just joining the series post Legend.

We're definitely looking forward to E3 and seeing how far along the Tomb Raider: Legend sequel is. Although not half as painful of a cliffhanger as Halo 2, the ending to Legend (which came about 8 hours too early) was excellent and we were ready to put down the cash for the sequel right there. If Anniversary continues the solid gameplay trend of the new Lara Croft, the future looks bright again for the series.

JoystiqTomb Raider and Anniversary comparison video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-AdventureBuzz-MonkeyBuzz-Monkey-SoftwareCrystal-DynamicsEidosEidos-Interactivegametaplara croftMicrosoftNixxes-SoftwarePCPlatformingplaystationPS2Robosoft-TechnologiessteamTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryXbox-360Thu, 31 May 2007 20:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Croft's Anniversary gains Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/crofts-anniversary-gains-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/crofts-anniversary-gains-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/crofts-anniversary-gains-steam/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lara's throwing her big Anniversary bash and it looks like every conceivable outlet who can sell or run the game is invited to the party. We've got typical retail, GameTap and now Steam is in there too. Everyone into the pool on June 5 for Tomb Raider: Anniversary. Just make sure you take a buddy, because you might drown from all the people crowded in there.

We can't help but wonder if this is the nature of things to come. This is the first explicit moment of a trifecta release. Retail, digital distribution (Steam) and subscription service distribution (GameTap). That's just for PC. The PS2 and PSP editions come in their standard box at retail format. We still find it strange that the game still hasn't been announced for the Xbox 360. If it gets announced for XBLA, that's it, we'll have officially entered a new era of game distribution.

[Via Press Release]

JoystiqCroft's Anniversary gains Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2007 23:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-AdventureCrystal-Dynamicsdigitial distributionEidosEidos-Interactivelara croftLaraCroftNixxes-SoftwarePCPlatformingsteamTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryTue, 29 May 2007 23:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Flash game N+ getting official DS release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/25/flash-game-n-getting-official-ds-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/25/flash-game-n-getting-official-ds-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/25/flash-game-n-getting-official-ds-release/#commentsFiled under:


Metanet's N is a physics-based platformer in which players run and jump around a big room collecting coins. It's a simple concept that is executed so well that it earned the game an Independent Games Festival Audience Award. Next on the list of honors: an official retail release on the DS and PSP from Atari, to be called N+.

We don't know how the game will be changed, other than the addition of, as Metanet puts it, "pretty cool new features and graphics." Really, we hope it isn't changed much at all-- especially the level-editing feature. Atari, we've never asked you for anything before-- let us make and trade N+ levels online.

You can download the Flash version of N here. Try it out and see how you'd feel about a DS version!

JoystiqFlash game N+ getting official DS release originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridsds liteDsLiteflashindielitemetanetnnintendonintendo dsNintendoDsplatformerplatformingFri, 25 May 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii to celebrate Tomb Raider: Anniversary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/wii-to-celebrate-tomb-raider-anniversary/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/wii-to-celebrate-tomb-raider-anniversary/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/wii-to-celebrate-tomb-raider-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In news that is sure to set tongues wagging and arms waggling, IGN reports that Lara Croft will soon raid a more modern tomb -- your Wii's game shelf. In a press release issued by an international Eidos branch, Tomb Raider: Anniversary is stated as being in development for Nintendo's popular console. Previously, the remake was only slated for release on the PC (including GameTap), PlayStation 2 and PSP.

With Eidos holding out on costly PS3 releases until 2008 and with no Xbox 360 version of Anniversary in sight, it seems the Wii is benefiting for once by being lumped in a similar technological bracket as the PS2. It makes for a quick and financially sensible port, it's only challenge being the tacking on implementation of unique motion controls. We're hoping for an ice-cold virtual hand to poke Lara into position for those tricky jumps.

No Anniversa-Wii date has been set, but other platforms begin festivities on June 5th.

JoystiqWii to celebrate Tomb Raider: Anniversary originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2007 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-AdventureCrystal-DynamicsEidosEidos-InteractiveLara-CroftNintendoNixxes-SoftwarePCPlatformingPS2PSPremakeTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryWiiMon, 14 May 2007 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider: Anniversary, day and date on GameTap and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/tomb-raider-anniversary-day-and-date-on-gametap-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/tomb-raider-anniversary-day-and-date-on-gametap-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/tomb-raider-anniversary-day-and-date-on-gametap-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Referred to as May Day on their design blog, Turner's buffet-esque gaming service, GameTap, has some huge announcements today. The headliner of which is a real doozy. Through a deal with Eidos, the upcoming Tomb Raider: Anniversary will be made available on the service come launch day, June 5th, and at no extra cost to subscribers. The title will also be available to non-subscribers via their upcoming digital distribution store as well.

GameTap has been offering brand-new, original titles at no extra cost for a while now (see: Sam & Max, Myst Online), but to take this trend and run with a third party is huge.

Closing out May Day is May 31st where GameTap will crack open its doors a bit with a new free-to-play portal. Not regulated to chump titles, the new service will launch with games such as Metal Slug, Bust-a-Move and Tomb Raider: Legend. This will be made possible with their new three-tiers of membership and a handy-dandy chart to explain these tiers (two of which are free, by the way) has been made available after the break.

In other GameTap news, both the press release and blog have mentioned the Metal Slug and King of Fighters series coming to the service. Nice.

Continue reading Tomb Raider: Anniversary, day and date on GameTap and more

JoystiqTomb Raider: Anniversary, day and date on GameTap and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2007 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-AdventureCrystal-DynamicsEidosEidos-InteractivegametapNixxes-SoftwarePCPlatformingTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryTue, 01 May 2007 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtually Overlooked: Bronkie the Bronchiasaurus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/virtually-overlooked-bronkie-the-bronchiasaurus/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/virtually-overlooked-bronkie-the-bronchiasaurus/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/virtually-overlooked-bronkie-the-bronchiasaurus/#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.

Some of the games we cover in this feature are worth talking about just because of their concepts. Zombie Nation, about a giant flying head, for example. Bronkie the Bronchiasaurus might be the ultimate conceptually-interesting game, at least to us, since it is one of the most bizarre and incongruous things ever to appear on a console. Bronkie is an educational side-scrolling platformer for the SNES about an anthropomorphic dinosaur with asthma.

Continue reading Virtually Overlooked: Bronkie the Bronchiasaurus

JoystiqVirtually Overlooked: Bronkie the Bronchiasaurus originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asthmabronkiedinosaurhealthnintendonintendowiiplatformerplatformingsnesvowiiThu, 26 Apr 2007 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider: Anniversary set for June 5th (don't forget!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/tomb-raider-anniversary-set-for-june-5th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/tomb-raider-anniversary-set-for-june-5th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/tomb-raider-anniversary-set-for-june-5th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Those longing to don a pair of unreasonably tight pants, shoot up ancestral tombs and mow down innocent bears (without getting arrested) would be wise to circle the date of June 5th, 2007 on their official Rhona Mitra calendars. This day marks the release of Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary, a Crystal Dynamics remake of the adventure that put the grave-robbing heroine on the map, the coffee mug, the magazine cover and the unfortunate t-shirt which proclaimed, "I raided Lara's tomb."

Hearkening to a time (1996!) when Tomb Raider regularly induced drool as opposed to debilitating nausea, Anniversary sees reworked puzzles, improved controls and enhanced graphics injected into one of the greatest games of all time. Play it on your PS2, PC or PSP while you wait for a sequel to last year's surprisingly superb Tomb Raider: Legend to arrive -- and don't forget to do a graceful swan dive straight into a boulder. That's always good for a laugh.

JoystiqTomb Raider: Anniversary set for June 5th (don't forget!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-AdventureAngelina JolieAngelinaJolieCrystal DynamicsCrystal-DynamicsCrystalDynamicsEidosEidos-InteractiveLara CroftLaraCroftNixxes-SoftwarePCPlatformingPS2PSPTomb RaiderTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryWed, 25 Apr 2007 16:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Ratchet & Clank officially titled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/next-ratchet-and-clank-officially-titled/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/next-ratchet-and-clank-officially-titled/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/next-ratchet-and-clank-officially-titled/#commentsFiled under: ,

1UP informs us that the forthcoming Ratchet & Clank adventure is featured on the cover of April's Electronic Gaming Monthly, complete with its full title, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction. Brian Allgeier, design director for Insomniac Games, notes that the name "works on many levels. It signals a new era for the franchise, ties into the game's story, and includes one of our signature subtitle double entendres."

Tools of Destruction might even mark the first time that Insomniac's playful choice of words survives the trip to Europe. You might recall the PlayStation 2 titles, Going Commando and Up Your Arsenal, being respectively changed to the more polite Locked & Loaded and Ratchet & Clank 3. It's just as well Insomniac didn't go for their original and somewhat less subtle choice, Ratchet and Clank To Come: Implements of Ravaging.

JoystiqNext Ratchet & Clank officially titled originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>InsomniacInsomniac GamesInsomniacGamesPlatformingPS3Ratchet and ClankRatchet ClankRatchetAndClankRatchetClankThu, 22 Feb 2007 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Paper Mario releases April 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/super-paper-mario-releases-april-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/super-paper-mario-releases-april-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/super-paper-mario-releases-april-9/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Portly paper plumber platforming news now, with Nintendo announcing a release date of April 9 for Super Paper Mario. Initially developed as a Gamecube title, the Wii adventure sees Mario switching between charming 2-D and 3-D landscapes in an effort to thwart the ill-advised marriage of Princess Peach to Bowser. Who knew a mere platformer could provide such sweeping social commentary on the liberal, inter-species marriage laws of the Mushroom Kingdom?

The platformer also underlines the state of the ongoing Wii games drought. Short of Sonic's Wii debut later this month and Wario's notable appearance early this year, the console's Q1 release schedule has been decidedly barren. Ideally, Super Paper Mario will kick off a more vigorous second quarter, complete with the evolved form of an overlooked Gamecube ape.

Gallery: Super Paper Mario

JoystiqSuper Paper Mario releases April 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GameCubePlatformerPlatformingSuper MarioSuper Paper MarioSuperMarioSuperPaperMarioWiiMon, 12 Feb 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic Rivals trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/26/sonic-rivals-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/26/sonic-rivals-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/26/sonic-rivals-trailer/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sonic has been cursed with some pretty mediocre gameplay in the past generation when placed in the third dimension. But, the 2D platformers found on the Game Boy Advance were all very solid. Sonic Rivals, the upcoming PSP-exclusive title features 2D gameplay, but with 3D graphics.... So, will it fall into the same curse that all the other 3D Sonics have?

This trailer shows off some solid (and very speedy) graphics, but the gameplay worries me. Does it seem a bit too shallow? I'm afraid that because of its focus on racing, it might forget the important platforming element so crucial to a platform game. You watch the trailer and you be the judge.

JoystiqSonic Rivals trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Aug 2006 00:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>knucklesplatformerplatformingracingsegasonicsonic rivalsSonicRivalsSat, 26 Aug 2006 00:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern society under attack from Mario Bros.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/31/modern-society-under-attack-from-mario-bros/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/31/modern-society-under-attack-from-mario-bros/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/31/modern-society-under-attack-from-mario-bros/#commentsFiled under:

Shortly after celebrating Mario's rampant popularity in Japan, we now learn through Joe Larson's blog, Exploding Unicorn, that the portly plumber is nothing more than an instrument of societal destruction, wrecking young minds as the worst kind of role model. Larson points out that Mario's career is dubious at best, asking "if he can jump fifteen feet in the air, why doesn't he play basketball? One can only conclude that Mario had the worst high school guidance counselor on the planet - if he graduated from high school at all."

The rogues that populate the Mushroom Kingdom are just as guilty of polluting young minds, it seems, with Shy Guy teaching kids that "the best way to treat social anxiety disorder is by jumping on it with an overweight Italian plumber. Maybe Shy Guy would fit in and make some friends if he stopped dressing like a serial killer."

Read the rest and become aware of the overalls being yanked over your eyes. And please, take it seriously.

[Thanks Joe!]

JoystiqModern society under attack from Mario Bros. originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 May 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DS LiteDsLiteLiteMarioNew Super Mario Bros.NewSuperMarioBros.PlatformingSuper Mario BrosWed, 31 May 2006 15:30:00 EST