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[Assassin's Creed 3 director Jamie Stowe joins 22cans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/assassins-creed-3-director-jamie-stowe-joins-22cans/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/assassins-creed-3-director-jamie-stowe-joins-22cans/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/assassins-creed-3-director-jamie-stowe-joins-22cans/#comments
Assassin's Creed 3 level design director Jamie Stowe recently joined Peter Molyneux's 22Cans studio. Stowe will assume the role of technical director for Godus, the developer's spiritual successor to Populous. Stowe worked at Codemasters as a QA lead and level designer prior to joining Ubisoft Singapore in 2009.

22Cans successfully raised £526,563 ($852K) on Kickstarter in December 2012 to fund Godus' development. Molyneux and his crew posted a new video update to 22Cans' Facebook page, which welcomes Stowe to the team.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 3 director Jamie Stowe joins 22cans originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>22-Cans22Cansassassins-creed-3godusjamie-stowepcPeter-MolyneuxpopulousUbisoft-SingaporeSat, 27 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux reinventing Populous with 'Godus,' calls on Kickstarter for help]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/molyneux-reinventing-populous-with-godus-calls-on-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/molyneux-reinventing-populous-with-godus-calls-on-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/molyneux-reinventing-populous-with-godus-calls-on-kickstarter/#comments Molyneux reinventing Populous with 'Godus,' calls on Kickstarter for helpPeter Molyneux's next experiment with his new studio, 22 Cans, is a "reinvention" of his classic god game Populous, fittingly titled Godus. "Project Godus" is now live on Kickstarter, where 22 Cans is asking for £450,000 to develop this rebirth of god games for PC, iOS and Android.

"Godus blends the power, growth and scope of Populous with the detailed construction and multiplayer excitement of Dungeon Keeper, and the intuitive interface and technical innovation of Black & White," its Kickstarter description reads. It will be multiplayer, probably with up to eight players at a time (though it seems Molyneux would like more). 22 Cans expects Godus will take seven to nine months to develop.

This is the second endeavor from 22 Cans, following Curiosity: What's Inside the Cube. Check out the Kickstarter video for Godus below.

Continue reading Molyneux reinventing Populous with 'Godus,' calls on Kickstarter for help

JoystiqMolyneux reinventing Populous with 'Godus,' calls on Kickstarter for help originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>22-Cansandroidgod-gamegodusiosipadiphonekickstartermobilepcPeter-Molyneuxpopulousproject-godusWed, 21 Nov 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG weekend sale: Alpha Centauri, Syndicate and other EA classics 60% off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/gog-weekend-sale-alpha-centauri-syndicate-and-other-ea-classic/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/gog-weekend-sale-alpha-centauri-syndicate-and-other-ea-classic/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/gog-weekend-sale-alpha-centauri-syndicate-and-other-ea-classic/#comments Several of EA's classic PC games have had their prices slashed to ridiculous levels on GOG for this weekend - games like Alpha Centauri, Syndicate, Populous and more can be had for under $3 each.

Other EA games taking part in the sale include a whole bunch of Ultimas, the Wing Commander series and SimCity 2000. All of the games listed on GOG's weekend promo page will set you back $2.39 a pop. If you want to purchase all 26 eligible games, it'll cost $62.14.

JoystiqGOG weekend sale: Alpha Centauri, Syndicate and other EA classics 60% off originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-centaurigogpcpopuloussimcitysimcity-2000syndicateultimawing-commanderFri, 02 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux's Populous rebuilt as Caplin's Reprisal, play God now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/molyneuxs-populous-rebuilt-as-caplins-reprisal-play-god-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/molyneuxs-populous-rebuilt-as-caplins-reprisal-play-god-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/molyneuxs-populous-rebuilt-as-caplins-reprisal-play-god-now/#comments ImageThe first true god game for PC, Peter Molyneux's Populous, unleashed its fury in 1989. Today, that omniscient rage has been remapped, revamped and softened in designer John Caplin's first title, Reprisal, an homage offering to the deity that is Populous.

Reprisal is browser-based and free, playable right here. So far Reprisal has snagged more than 1 million players, going by the game's Universe Population counter. Maybe give your fingers a good stretch first -- we hear playing god isn't so easy a task.

JoystiqMolyneux's Populous rebuilt as Caplin's Reprisal, play God now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserJon-CaplinpcPeter-MolyneuxpopulousReprisalMon, 21 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Outernauts' trademarked by Insomniac, could be part of EA Partners deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/outernauts-trademarked-by-insomniac-could-be-part-of-ea-partn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/outernauts-trademarked-by-insomniac-could-be-part-of-ea-partn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/outernauts-trademarked-by-insomniac-could-be-part-of-ea-partn/#comments The wily gentlemen at NeoGAF have spotted a copyright registration by Insomniac Games for something called Outernauts, supposedly a new game the developer is working on. If you thought the company was already working on "O-something," you're also right: Overstrike was announced at last year's E3. But Outernauts is new, and Insomniac has also registered "outernauts-game.com," and "outernauts-game.net," so the game, as they say, is afoot.

There's more, too: A Google search for the recently unburied title revealed a wiki page that was apparently meant for EA Partners marketing planning, and revealed both Overstrike and Outernauts, along with "Respawn" (probably the new project from the studio of the same name), The Secret World (which EA is publishing with Funcom) and "Populous," which might be a new version of that old strategy series. And as if all of that isn't enough, the wiki page was created by one "pmarineau," which matches up to Phil Marineau, who happens to be EA's director of marketing.

Whew! Did we mention that the NeoGAF folks were wily? We've contacted Insomniac for comment on this one, but it's unlikely they'll confirm at this point. We'll probably just have to wait for the official Outernauts announcement to know what it's all about.

Joystiq'Outernauts' trademarked by Insomniac, could be part of EA Partners deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-partnersinsomniacmicrosoftouternautsoverstrikepcplaystationpopulousps3respawn-entertainmentthe-secret-worldxboxSat, 04 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Populous and Ultima IV hit GOG -- and Ultima's free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/populous-and-ultima-iv-hit-gog-and-ultimas-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/populous-and-ultima-iv-hit-gog-and-ultimas-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/populous-and-ultima-iv-hit-gog-and-ultimas-free/#comments Interested in being the master of a whole world -- or being a total slave to the rules of one? Two games newly added to GOG's DRM-free lineup will let you experience both. Populous lets you build a world and a civilization, and then ... you know, unleash natural disasters upon it.

Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar puts you in the role of a hero who must save the land of Britannia while adhering strictly to eight virtues. Thrift isn't one of those virtues, but it's still something you can practice with this game, as GOG is giving it away for free! If you want to pay for some Ultimas, the first three are also up.

JoystiqPopulous and Ultima IV hit GOG -- and Ultima's free originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullfroggoggog.comorigin-systemspcpopulousultima-4Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Molyneux's 'FeedMe' is a 256-player Populous pet project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/peter-molyneuxs-feedme-is-a-256-player-populous-pet-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/peter-molyneuxs-feedme-is-a-256-player-populous-pet-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/peter-molyneuxs-feedme-is-a-256-player-populous-pet-project/#comments After taking a trip back through the development of his first game, Populous, at GDC today, Lionhead's Peter Molyneux revealed that he's actually still working on the game. Programmed by Molyneux in his spare time, "FeedMe" is a 256-player version of the original Commodore Amiga title -- and the audience for his presentation got a rare look at it.

Showing if off wasn't easy. Molyneux had to compile the Visual C++ code, encountered a fatal error and sucessfully debugged it. The result: a very basic, high-res Populous world map with almost no user interface. In the course of watching this, we realized that the famed designer has only one game in the taskbar on his computer: Minecraft -- which, when you think about it, does draw inspiration from Molyneux's world-manipulation-based classic.

JoystiqPeter Molyneux's 'FeedMe' is a 256-player Populous pet project originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullfrogeaelectronic-artsfeedmegdcgdc-2011macmultiplayerpcPeter-MolyneuxpopulousstrategyThu, 03 Mar 2011 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[EA studio boss would love to revisit Bullfrog IP; EA renews Bullfrog trademarks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/ea-studio-boss-would-love-to-revisit-bullfrog-ip-ea-renews-bull/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/ea-studio-boss-would-love-to-revisit-bullfrog-ip-ea-renews-bull/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/ea-studio-boss-would-love-to-revisit-bullfrog-ip-ea-renews-bull/#comments In an interview with Kikizo, EA's Bright Light Studio head, Harvey Elliot, mentioned that he would "love" to work on old Bullfrog Productions properties like Populous and Theme Park. Elliot cautiously noted that Bullfrog's classics were "right for their time, and the trick with those games is coming up with what's right for the time now." In other words, he's not entirely keen on "just a 'remake' or something."

With a new edition of Bullfrog's Syndicate rumored to be in production at Starbreeze Studios, one might conclude that Harvey isn't the only one at EA looking for "what's right for the time now." And one might conclude even harder when database digger Superannuation finds that Electronic Arts has filed new trademarks for Populous, Theme Park, Wing Commander and Road Rash. Pure speculation? Yes. Highly desirable? Also yes.

Source -- Why there's hope for Bullfrog IP returning [Kikizo]
Source -- Superannuation

JoystiqEA studio boss would love to revisit Bullfrog IP; EA renews Bullfrog trademarks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bright-lightbullfrogeaelectronic-artsharvey-elliotkikizopopulousroad-rashsuperannuationsyndicatetheme-parkwing-commanderTue, 11 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS releases for the week of November 10th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-november-10th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-november-10th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-november-10th/#commentsFiled under:

Lots of games out this week that may have dropped off your radar, like Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff and Populous DS. If you like a wide variety of games, this one may be tough for you: there's a lot of different things out this week, and unfortunately, they all cost money. That one always gets us in the end.

Europe is just now getting Dementium: The Ward? We'd feel bad, but you guys also have Flower, Sun, and Rain this week, so mainly, we're just jealous.
  • Amazing Adventures: The Forgotten Ruins
  • Avatar - The Last Airbender: Into the Inferno
  • Call of Duty: World at War
  • futureU: The Prep Game for SAT
  • Guinness World Records: The Videogame
  • Hello Kitty Daily
  • My Stop Smoking Coach with Allen Carr
  • National Geographic Panda
  • Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
  • Pony Friends: Mini Breeds Edition
  • Populous DS
  • Sally's Salon
  • Six Flags Fun Park
  • Star Wars The Clone Wars: Jedi Alliance
  • Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff
  • TrackMania DS
  • Winx Club: Mission Enchantix
  • WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009
  • Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals

Continue reading DS releases for the week of November 10th

JoystiqDS releases for the week of November 10th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarcall-of-dutyflower-sun-and-rainmy-stop-smoking-coachnational-geographic-pandanovemberpokemon-rangerpopulousreleasesshadows-of-almiastar-warstecmo-bowlthe-clone-warsMon, 10 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: DS Fanboy plays God with Populous DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/e308-ds-fanboy-plays-god-with-populous-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/e308-ds-fanboy-plays-god-with-populous-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/e308-ds-fanboy-plays-god-with-populous-ds/#commentsFiled under:


It's been a very long time since I played Populous. In fact, the only version I ever got to play was the SNES port (the game first released on the PC, Atari ST-1 and Amiga) back in the day. But, I did play that port quite a bit in my youth, so seeing the game hit the DS is very exciting to me. Populous DS very much feels like the game of old, but in truth is nothing like the SNES title in both presentation and gameplay.

Continue reading E308: DS Fanboy plays God with Populous DS

JoystiqE308: DS Fanboy plays God with Populous DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308eaelectronic-artsgodgod-simjoystiqfeaturespopulouspopulous-dssimsimulationxseedWed, 23 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Populous DS revamps an enjoyable classic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-populous-ds-revamps-an-enjoyable-classic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-populous-ds-revamps-an-enjoyable-classic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-populous-ds-revamps-an-enjoyable-classic/#comments

XSeed is determined to get in our good graces by bringing niche joys to American DS owners, including titles like Korg DS-10, Retro Game Challenge, Avalon Code, and now Populous DS.

Let's take a look now at Populous DS, a game that's sure to sate your lingering god complex. Putting this classic on the DS is a good move, and we also appreciate the nice-looking animations thrown into the mix. Expect to find more gods to choose from in this DS iteration, each of whom have their own demon counterpart. Another nice feature is the four-player wireless offering, though we're not sure how many carts will be necessary (hopefully one). Those of us in North America can expect to see Populous DS release in the fall.

We also added a handful of new screens to the gallery if you'd like to check those out.

JoystiqE308: Populous DS revamps an enjoyable classic originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308godgod-simpopulouspopulous-dssimxseedWed, 16 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Let these Populous screens populate your retinas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/let-these-populous-screens-populate-your-retinas/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/let-these-populous-screens-populate-your-retinas/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/let-these-populous-screens-populate-your-retinas/#commentsFiled under:

Those of you with fond memories of Populous back in the day, you've probably been watching for news on the remake as closely as we have. Well, sadly we're not presenting anything new on the title today, aside from, as you've gathered from this post's title, new screens.

You can see all of the new screens right here. And, if you're still craving some more eye candy, hit up our gallery below.

JoystiqLet these Populous screens populate your retinas originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 May 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bit-planeeapopuloussimworld-buildingTue, 20 May 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lionhead's Molyneux open to revisiting his past catalog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/lionheads-molyneux-open-to-revisiting-his-past-catalog/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/lionheads-molyneux-open-to-revisiting-his-past-catalog/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/lionheads-molyneux-open-to-revisiting-his-past-catalog/#commentsFiled under: ,


Though his vision usually outstrips his games' technical prowess, super developer Peter Molyneux is still responsible for some the most unique gaming experiences ever put to code. He's let us soar through the air on an enchanted rug, mow down civilians in a near-future dystopia, and has even let us play god once or twice.

Unfortunately, after having the distinct 'pleasure' of being absorbed by larger studios on two separate occasions, many of his most memorable creations have since been left to the pages of history. Even so, while Molyneux is currently courting players with his canine-friendly Fable 2, he recently told Shacknews that he's open to revisiting his earlier games, particularly Syndicate.

"I really would love to redo a version of Syndicate," he commented, adding that while he has not been given the go ahead to knock the dust off his past achievements, "one day, I'm sure that opportunity is going to come up and I'd love to do it." Of course, he's said this all before, but we continue to hold out hope. In a world filled with one mundane first-person shooter after the next, we could really use another Magic Carpet.

JoystiqLionhead's Molyneux open to revisiting his past catalog originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionblackandwhitebullfrogfable2lionheadlionhead-studioslionheadstudiosmagic-carpetmagiccarpetMGSmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosmolyneuxpetermolyneuxpopulousRPGsyndicateXbox-360Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/18-2/24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-18-2-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-18-2-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-2-18-2-24/#commentsFiled under:

The DS and PSP seem to be in a tooth-and-nail fight for second place. This week, the PSP took back the second spot, but just barely.

Hardware:
  • Wii: 63,504
  • PSP: 53,373
  • Nintendo DS: 50,151
  • PlayStation 3: 14,060
  • PlayStation 2: 9,634
  • Xbox 360: 2,001
The DS did better in software, though, with Etrian Odyssey II becoming popular in its first week. The DS dungeon crawler was only 9,000 units away from Super Smash Bros. Brawl, in fact. Harvest Moon: Shining Sun and Friends was another DS champ, ending up 5th on this week's chart.

There were twelve DS games in the top thirty, which is impressive, especially considering the ton of new releases that came out last week. The new software did manage to bump a bunch of DS games out of the top thirty, though, including big names like Professor Layton and Pandora's Box, Dragon Quest IV, and Final Fantasy IV. To see the software placements, make sure to check after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/18-2/24

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/18-2/24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>death-noteetrian-odyssey-iigirls-sidegirls-side-second-seasonharvest-moonkage-bunshin-emakimario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymy-heart-to-younarutoneon-genesis-evangelionnew-super-mario-brosnsmbpopulousrasens-trapshining-sun-and-friendsshippuuden-dairansentaiko-drum-masterthe-royal-grailtokimeki-memorialFri, 29 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS releases for the week of February 18th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-february-18th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-february-18th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-february-18th/#commentsFiled under:


It's a good week to be a DS gamer in pretty much any region. Europe is a possible exception, but we happen to think Paint by DS is a neat-looking product. Outside of Europe and its possibly compelling coloring game, quality abounds this week, with Capcom's Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney as the flagship release in the U.S. Whenever an Ace Attorney game comes out, it's a Big Deal in DS-land, and this one is especially noteworthy!

Japan is flooded with cool games this week, including Space Invaders Extreme, the remake, J.B. Harold Murder ClubPopulous DS, and even a new Harvest Moon. And Australia gets a shot at both Advance Wars and Cooking Mama 2! There's a pretty good chance you'll have something to buy this week.
  • Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney
  • Dungeon Explorer: Warriors of the Ancient Arts
  • FIFA Street 3

Continue reading DS releases for the week of February 18th

JoystiqDS releases for the week of February 18th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apollo-justicedungeon-explorerfifa-street-3harvest-moonpaint-by-dspopulousreleasesspace-invaders-extremeMon, 18 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[A little more on Populous]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/a-little-more-on-populous/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/a-little-more-on-populous/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/a-little-more-on-populous/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ah, at last we can check out some of those Bit-plane shots from Populous DS without all those pesky watermarks fudging up the corners. There are also some other, newer screens in the mix, all loaded into our gallery below.

Unfortunately, we still haven't seen anything on a release outside of Japan, but considering how popular the game has been over the years, and the fact that it is viewed as the god game by many, surely we'll hear something. Eventually. Probably. Right?

Here's hoping.

JoystiqA little more on Populous originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bitplaneeagodpopuloussimworld-buildingTue, 29 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Build a fanboy paradise in Populous DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/build-a-fanboy-paradise-in-populous-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/build-a-fanboy-paradise-in-populous-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/build-a-fanboy-paradise-in-populous-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,

The civilizations you build in Populous DS can grow in different areas of the Populous world, developing wildly different cultures. Famitsu has revealed these cultures and the warriors produced by each. By far the most interesting area you can build is the Nintendo-themed land of Bitplane, in which buildings are gigantic Nintendo consoles and the inhabitants are made of pixel-like cubes. Basically, it's just like our minds, except that we assume useful work gets done within its confines.

Our other favorite new location is Mars -- not because we hate liquid water (apparently the denizens are grateful for tsunamis), but because it is protected by caped superheroes. And also because we're just going to assume that the cities are full of circa-1990 Spike Lees.

JoystiqBuild a fanboy paradise in Populous DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bitplanebullfrogeagodpopuloussimMon, 21 Jan 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Populous: Demon days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/populous-demon-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/populous-demon-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/populous-demon-days/#commentsFiled under: ,


In Populous DS, you do your society-building stuff as one of five elemental gods. Each god has a counterpart demon who comes by and gets all up in your business (which is civilization). These demons look similar to the player's god characters, but all evil and such. For example, the plant goddess looks like she's dressed in greenery, while the plant demon has all kinds of twisted tendrils and stuff coming out of her arms. The rest of the demons, similarly, look fit for inclusion on a Dio album cover.

To combat these celestial jerks, and to help shape your land, your character has access to special elemental "miracles." These include earthquakes, gusts of wind, and even a mass growth of mushrooms that can be used to cure viruses.

GAME Watch has character art of all the demons, along with screens that show the effects of the miracles. It's still Populous, so think more "the grid looking just like it always does, but some squares turn a different color" and less "amazing graphical effects."

JoystiqPopulous: Demon days originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullfrogdemoneapopuloussimulationstrategyWed, 09 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Populous trailer rises up for your viewing pleasure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/29/populous-trailer-rises-up-for-your-viewing-pleasure/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/29/populous-trailer-rises-up-for-your-viewing-pleasure/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/29/populous-trailer-rises-up-for-your-viewing-pleasure/#commentsFiled under: ,

We don't know how many of you are interested in importing this world-builder god sim, but for those considering it, you might find this (non-embeddable) trailer to be worth watching. The game looks like it has plenty of deities and levels to keep sim lovers busy for a while. The short cutscenes are also looking cool, and we think they add a nice touch when it comes to reaping destruction on the land.

The game will be importable soon, as Populous DS is set to release in Japan on February 21st.

JoystiqPopulous trailer rises up for your viewing pleasure originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eajapanpopuloussimsimulationworld-buildingSat, 29 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fresh Populous screens release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/fresh-populous-screens-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/fresh-populous-screens-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/fresh-populous-screens-release/#commentsFiled under:

A handful of new screens for EA's Populous DS have hit, courtesy of the official Japanese website for the game. Each of the new screens provides a small glimpse into some aspect of the game. The problem is that machine translation isn't the best, so wrapping our head around what each screen actually shows has been a problem. Still, we can gather that the game board has been retooled to allow the player to see more of the game world at once, as well as some of the game's more powerful attacks, such as tsunamis and earthquakes. So, we're not entirely clueless. As tough as it has been to find information on the game, we'll keep taking these screens. The more we see, the more we want.

Be sure to hit up our gallery below for the new screens.


[Via Wiiz]

JoystiqFresh Populous screens release originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eajapanpopuloussimulationworld-buildingMon, 24 Dec 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Doing that god thing with Populous]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/doing-that-god-thing-with-populous/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/doing-that-god-thing-with-populous/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/doing-that-god-thing-with-populous/#commentsFiled under:

The DS take on the classic Populous is set for a release next February (in Japan, at least), and it looks like things are shaping up well. At least, it looks like Populous, and that's what's really important here. Of course, we're interested in more details on the game as well, such as control scheme (stylus only, or a variety of approaches?), but if all we get right now are screenshots, well, we'll take 'em. You can take 'em yourself in our gallery below.

JoystiqDoing that god thing with Populous originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAgallerypopuloussimulationworld-buildingTue, 18 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Populous teases us with website]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/populous-teases-us-with-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/populous-teases-us-with-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/populous-teases-us-with-website/#commentsFiled under:


The Japanese site for Populous DS has risen from the bottom of the tubes we call the internet and has thrust itself out there for all to see. In checking out what it has to offer, we found that there isn't really anything there right now. You can check out a couple of screens (which you have probably already seen before) and try to make sense of all the kanji there, should you choose. Or, you can just keep reading DS Fanboy and we'll update you as to when the site has some real content.

JoystiqPopulous teases us with website originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eainternetjapanpopulouswebFri, 30 Nov 2007 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Populous screens pop up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/populous-screens-pop-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/populous-screens-pop-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/populous-screens-pop-up/#commentsFiled under:

When it was revealed that Peter Molyneaux's Populous franchise would hit the DS, we became very excited. Then, we got our first blurry look at the game and we found the cosmetic change to be quite nice. Shortly after, Famitsu got the scoop on some actual sreens that weren't taken with a dirty-lensed camera phone.

Well, Dengeki has got some more assets, expanding the wealth of screens that Famitsu brought to our attention. So, if you're into that kind of thing, we suggest you check them out.

JoystiqPopulous screens pop up originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eapeter-molyneauxpopulousMon, 12 Nov 2007 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Molyneux's Populous coming to Nintendo DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/peter-molyneuxs-populous-coming-to-nintendo-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/peter-molyneuxs-populous-coming-to-nintendo-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/peter-molyneuxs-populous-coming-to-nintendo-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,

Before he was integrating man's best friend into Fable 2, Peter Molyneux designed a little game called Populous, which was subsequently the inspiration for an entire genre of simulation games known as "god games." Though it was officially (and quietly) announced two months ago, the Populous DS buzz is finally beginning to build, with screens and details of the portable remake appearing in a recent issue of Famitsu Magazine.

According to our buddies over at DS Fanboy, the remake will feature wireless multiplayer for up to four people, and options for both stylus-driven and classic control. The game's levels will be collected from the original's numerous sequels, expansions, and editions. Famitsu reports a February 2008 release for the game in Japan.

JoystiqPeter Molyneux's Populous coming to Nintendo DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dseaElectronic-Artspetermolyneuxpopulouspopulous-dsMon, 12 Nov 2007 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[First clear look at Populous DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/first-clear-look-at-populous-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/first-clear-look-at-populous-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/first-clear-look-at-populous-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hey, awesome! A Marble Madness level generator for the DS! ... Oh, wait, no, it's just Populous DS. That's okay too, we suppose. It's just ... it looks a lot like Marble Madness, and we like Marble Madness in general better than strategy-type sim games where you build OH HEY look at that guy! He's pretty impressive!

Does anyone else find it interesting that Japanese publications get the scoops on this game? It's a remake of a very Western game from a very Western developer, published by EA! But so far, the only release date the game has is the Japanese date of December 31st. It could be that a Japanese EA team is porting it -- or maybe EA wants to give us plenty of time with EA Playground before announcing another big game.

JoystiqFirst clear look at Populous DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullfrogeapopulousremakesimstrategyFri, 09 Nov 2007 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[First blurry look at Populous DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/first-blurry-look-at-populous-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/first-blurry-look-at-populous-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/first-blurry-look-at-populous-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,

Almost two months since its game was announced, Electronic Arts has finally published tangible details and the first screenshots for Populous DS in this week's issue of Famitsu.

Due next February 21st, this remake of the god game will feature both touchscreen and classic controls, though these isometric sims seem to lend themselves to the former. In addition to four different modes -- Challenge, Free Play, VS (up to four players, and Gallery -- Populous DS will come packed with popular maps from its many, many previous editions on PCs and consoles. Peek past the post break for a camera-phone shot of the Famitsu page.

Continue reading First blurry look at Populous DS

JoystiqFirst blurry look at Populous DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullfrogeaelectronic-artsfamitsupopulousremakesimstrategyWed, 07 Nov 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS07: EA Populating the DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/ea-populating-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/ea-populating-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/ea-populating-the-ds/#commentsFiled under:

This story came and went in a puff of smoke on many sites -- maybe for clarification? -- but GoNintendo still has the information up, and since it is so very exciting, we felt we had to share. Move over, Sim City ... Populous is headed to the DS! For those not familiar with the title in one of its many previous incarnations, Populous places players in the role of a god with a single human follower, and from there, you're charged to build an entire civilization. But you're not alone -- and the DS version is set to capitalize on that aspect with a four-person multiplayer mode. Between the handheld's portability and touchscreen functionality, we're very much excited about this latest news!

1UP still has the title listed, but their short preview seems to be down. Little information is available at this time, but we'll keep an ear to the ground for anything that develops.

JoystiqTGS07: EA Populating the DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artsgod-gamePopulousstrategyTGS07Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux discusses Wii and PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/molyneux-discusses-wii-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/molyneux-discusses-wii-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/molyneux-discusses-wii-and-ps3/#commentsFiled under:

Gamespot UK recently had a Q & A session with Lionhead's Peter Molyneux (Populous, Black & White). Lionhead Studios, who was acquired by Microsoft last April, has also developed such hits as The Movies and Fable. During the interview, the console wars debate came up and Peter's response was surprisingly Wii-positive, but of course he couldn't help but cram some praise for the 360 in there as well. As for Sony, he said:

GSUK: There seems to be a backlash mounting against the PlayStation 3, while the Wii seems to be going from strength to strength. How do you think the next-gen console war is going to stack up?

PM: Well, I have been through console wars before, but this one strikes me as particularly interesting. Nintendo has done a great job of convincing us that next gen is about game play rather than high-tech specs. Microsoft has done an incredible job of expanding games online and making them more mass market. Sony, in my view, seems it has been rather more lazy with their message. How all this pans out really depends on one thing and that is the brilliance of the titles that appear on each platform over the next two to three years. Marketing the hardware is nothing compared to the games that run on it, so I expect the system with the greatest games on it to end up on top.

Everyone has been very supportive of the one-two punch combo of the Wii and Xbox 360, leaving Sony to stew in their own stolen juices, forgetting that Microsoft is in fact the competition for Nintendo as well. Just like Reggie said in his USA Today interview, he'd rather see consumers buying the Wii, along with some games and accessories, over buying both consoles and creating an opportunity to sell more of his competitor's product. We couldn't agree more.

JoystiqMolyneux discusses Wii and PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Aug 2006 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackfablelionheadmicrosoftmolyneuxnintendopeterpopulouswhitewiiTue, 15 Aug 2006 11:00:00 EST