Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[White Knight Chronicles 2 preview: Round two start]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/white-knight-chronicles-2-preview-round-two-start/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/white-knight-chronicles-2-preview-round-two-start/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/white-knight-chronicles-2-preview-round-two-start/#comments White Knight Chronicles 2 Last year's White Knight Chronicles, developed by Level-5 and published by SCEA, was a "surprisingly mediocre" RPG with some interesting skill-up mechanics. That's probably why Sony passed on publishing the sequel in America this time around, but D3 Publisher has picked up the reins, and will be putting out White Knight Chronicles 2 (which will also contain the first game's International Edition on the very same disc) on September 13.

Fortunately for series fans, improvements have been made. While the last game's battle system was occasionally slow and tedious, the sequel's attacks have been sped up a little bit -- not only do individual abilities charge and execute faster, but there are more ranged options and "charge" attacks, designed to get players in and out of battle quickly.

That's not to say that the game necessarily plays significantly differently from the first title -- it really doesn't. But it is smoother, and the addition of some major customization features for the game's mech-like Incorruptus armor means that those who found something fun in the first game will probably be back for another round.

Gallery: White Knight Chronicles 2 (8/21/11)

Continue reading White Knight Chronicles 2 preview: Round two start

JoystiqWhite Knight Chronicles 2 preview: Round two start originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d3-publisherlevel-5previewrpgsequelwhite-knight-chronciles-2white-knight-chronicles-2Mon, 22 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[League of Legends Dominion preview: The squared circle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/league-of-legends-dominion-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/league-of-legends-dominion-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/league-of-legends-dominion-preview/#comments League of Legends recently reached a total of 15 million registered players. Perhaps the most surprising thing is that all of those players have played their matches on just two different maps, one made specifically for Defense of the Ancients-style 5v5 play, and one made for 3v3 combat (there are a few other maps in the game, but they're used for training, not full game modes).

That's about to change. Last week, Riot Games invited Joystiq over to its headquarters in Santa Monica, California, to see a brand new game mode for the online competitive title. It's coming along with what Senior Producer Travis George calls "the biggest update we've ever made for League of Legends," a new content release subtitled Dominion.

Dominion is a brand new gametype and is especially notable because all of the games in the growing DotA (or MOBA) genre have basically used the same premise: two armies of minions fight with equal strength across a series of parallel lanes, and player champions fight minions and each other to gain ground and win the battle. Dominion, however, is a brand new set of rules, combining elements of the DotA genre with scoring, much more akin to EA's Battlefield games or Call of Duty's Domination mode.

Gallery: League of Legends: Dominion

Continue reading League of Legends Dominion preview: The squared circle

JoystiqLeague of Legends Dominion preview: The squared circle originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championscompetitiondominiondotaleague-of-legendsmobapcpreviewriot-gamestravis-georgeThu, 04 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Island preview: Reality bites]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/dead-island-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/dead-island-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/dead-island-preview/#comments Following our initial look at Dead Island back at GDC, I recently got our first chance to play the game for real. And "real" is the appropriate word here. Despite the zombies, wacky weapon combinations and a creepy Lost vibe, Dead Island does a lot to emphasize the reality of your admittedly unbelievable situation.

It starts right away in the demo, with an opening first-person cinematic that has my character living it up at one of the island's clubs, as signs of the big Z start to appear at the corners of my blurred, drunken vision. Is that woman just resting in the booth over there or is that blood near her head? Wait -- did that man just bite his date? Eventually, I'm too drunk to tell or even care, passing out in a nearby corner. This is when the game proper starts.

Gallery: Dead Island (5/16/11)

Continue reading Dead Island preview: Reality bites

JoystiqDead Island preview: Reality bites originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-islanddeep-silvermicrosoftpcplaystationpreviewps3square-enixtechlandxboxzombiesMon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Defenders preview: Defense of the Diablo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/dungeon-defenders-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/dungeon-defenders-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/dungeon-defenders-preview/#comments Dungeon Defenders originally began as "Dungeon Defense," an indie game created with Epic's Unreal Dev Kit that mashed up the tower defense and action-RPG genres. Developers Trendy Entertainment then decided to revamp the game, which became Dungeon Defenders, and it's now being readied for release on XBLA, PC and PSN (with support for Move and stereoscopic 3D) later this year.

After a recent preview session with the game, I'll say this: It's complicated. Dungeon Defenders doesn't just mix pieces of a few genres, it totally combines them. There is a full tower defense game here, and a full action-RPG game, and even a little bit of real-time strategy resource management. There's a lot going on, but just like recent genre-mixer Monday Night Combat, players who can juggle a few genres at a time will find a lot to like.

Gallery: Dungeon Defenders (9/23/10)

Continue reading Dungeon Defenders preview: Defense of the Diablo

JoystiqDungeon Defenders preview: Defense of the Diablo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3daction-rpgdungeon-defendersmicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-movepreviewps3psnrtssonysteamtower-defensetrendy-entertainmentxblaxboxWed, 29 Sep 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Fighters Uncaged]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/preview-fighters-uncaged/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/preview-fighters-uncaged/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/preview-fighters-uncaged/#comments First, the good news: Fighters Uncaged Prodcuer Luc Verdier recognizes that there have been too many casual, family-oriented games announced for the Kinect thus far, and says the game is his attempt to fix this. Now the bad news: based on a recent demo of the game at Gamescom, Fighters Uncaged utterly fails in this attempt.

As you can see in this live demonstration video, the movement recognition for Fighters Uncaged is far from perfect at this point. Punches can be completely finished and retracted in the real world before they even start in the game, making it hard to string together quick combinations of moves. In fact, Verdier said combos in the final game would actually be activated using a quick-time event system, asking players to string together preset poses for an unblockable chain of attacks. A similar match-the-on-screen-pose system is already in place to dodge or block incoming attacks, and feels incredibly unwieldy.

Gallery: Fighters Uncaged

Continue reading Preview: Fighters Uncaged

JoystiqPreview: Fighters Uncaged originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ama-studiosfighters-uncagedgamecomgamescom-2010kinectmicrosoftpreviewubisoftxboxSun, 22 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: The Fight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/preview-the-fight/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/preview-the-fight/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/preview-the-fight/#comments Sony had a new, roughly 60% complete build of The Fight on hand at a pre-Gamescom press event, and I have to say, my experience with the game couldn't have been more different from the one Chris Buffa had a few months ago (when the game still had its "Lights Out" subtitle). For one, I found the artificial intelligence to be at least competitive, if not overly hard. My computerized opponent -- a thin, bouncy, tattooed Asian gangster -- came at me constantly, using quick jabs to take advantage if I opened myself up with too many attacks and not enough guarding. The player who went before me actually lost to his computer opponent, a beefy black man in a wifebeater who countered an endless series of high, straight punches with some accurate low body blows.

For another, I didn't notice any discernible lag between my real-life motions and the punches on screen. That's not to say there wasn't any lag -- in fact, there probably was -- but just that it wasn't easily discernible in the heat of the battle. I didn't find myself making a punching motion and then waiting for a second to see if the game would recognize it as a punch or anything like that. On the contrary, the game seemed pretty good about moving my on-screen fighter's arm almost immediately when I moved my own.

Continue reading Preview: The Fight

JoystiqPreview: The Fight originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxingfightinggamescom-2010moveplaystationplaystation-movepreviewps3the-fightthe-fight-lights-outWed, 18 Aug 2010 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: SingStar Dance and SingStar Guitar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/preview-singstar-dance-and-singstar-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/preview-singstar-dance-and-singstar-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/preview-singstar-dance-and-singstar-guitar/#comments A music game that's just about singing? That's so 2003. Or if you're the SingStar franchise, it's so, um, today. Sony's PlayStation karaoke series has proudly focused on grading vocals for years now, but that's about the change with this fall's release of both SingStar Dance and SingStar Guitar. I got a chance to try both of these games at Sony's pre-GamesCom press event, and have written up some quick initial impressions after the break.

Continue reading Preview: SingStar Dance and SingStar Guitar

JoystiqPreview: SingStar Dance and SingStar Guitar originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescom-2010gdc-europe-2010hands-onplaystationpreviewps3singstarsingstar dancesingstar guitarsingstar-dancesingstar-guitarSingstarDanceSingstarGuitarTue, 17 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Disney Epic Mickey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/preview-disney-epic-mickey/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/preview-disney-epic-mickey/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/preview-disney-epic-mickey/#comments I've actually been lucky enough to see Epic Mickey twice now, once at a pre-E3 event a few weeks ago and then again this week at E3. And while my first reaction to the game was twinged with disappointment (which I'll explain in just a minute), after seeing it a second time, and talking with Warren Spector himself, I think the game will turn out to be something really special.

What changed in between then and now? Honestly, I don't think they're showing the right demo. The Epic Mickey you can see on the floor of E3 this week shows a middling-to-above-average platformer, with few simple stages and a paint/thinner mechanic that allows you to draw and erase various walls and platforms. But I am convinced anyway (perhaps wrongly, I'll admit) that there's a lot more to this game than that.

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey (E3 2010)

Continue reading Preview: Disney Epic Mickey

JoystiqPreview: Disney Epic Mickey originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-epic-mickeydisney-interactivee3-2010epic-mickeyjunction-point-studiosmickeynintendopreviewwarren-spectorwiiWed, 16 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus offers video walkthrough of 3D Dot Game Heroes, Twilight fanfic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/atlus-offers-video-walkthrough-of-3d-dot-game-heroes-twilight-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/atlus-offers-video-walkthrough-of-3d-dot-game-heroes-twilight-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/atlus-offers-video-walkthrough-of-3d-dot-game-heroes-twilight-f/#comments Atlus has proven to be the distributor of some of the funniest press releases we regularly receive. The party responsible for a majority of that humor, PR manager Aram Jabbari, recently stopped by Playstation.Blog HQ to give a brief video demonstration of 3D Dot Game Heroes, which you'll find posted above.

The video shows a walkthrough of one of the game's Zelda-esque dungeons and, appropriately, includes a number of irreverent jabs at 8-bit classics. Though legal reasons prevent Jabbari from naming specific games the title lampoons, he was more than happy to show off his homemade Vampire protagonist's massive sword, remarking, "I'm sure Bella will find that impressive." Oh, Aram. Don't ever change.

JoystiqAtlus offers video walkthrough of 3D Dot Game Heroes, Twilight fanfic originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-dot-game-heroes3d-game-heroesaram-jabbariatlusdemofrom-softwarejoyfiqpreviewSilicon-StudiovideoWed, 17 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Split/Second]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/hands-on-split-second/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/hands-on-split-second/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/hands-on-split-second/#comments "Split/Second is like Burnout, except the world around you is the thing that gets smashed into bits." - Joystiq's E3 preview

I had the fortune of spending about an hour with Black Rock's upcoming, destruction-laden Split/Second, and, like Xav before me, I had a total blast (sorry about the pun, folks). The idea of using the environment as a weapon is a novel twist, keeping racers on their toes throughout the entire race. Stay vigilant, or else a helicopter might just drop an explosive on top of you. (That actually happened to me, folks.)

While I was equally impressed by the much-touted dynamic environments of the racer, having so much time with the game let me appreciate some of the finer nuances of the gameplay. I only had three vehicles to choose from, but each controlled differently and highlighted the various strategies players could employ during races. I was most skilled with the lightweight car, thanks to its maneuverability and speedy acceleration. The handling was a bit loose, especially when drifting -- but that proves to be an advantage, as I found myself able to build up my power meter with relative ease.

Gallery: Split/Second (GDC 2010)

Continue reading Hands-on: Split/Second

JoystiqHands-on: Split/Second originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rock-studioshands-onMicrosoftpreviewsplit-secondsplit-second-velocityXbox-360Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively embarks on the first few levels of Star Trek Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/massively-embarks-on-the-first-few-levels-of-star-trek-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/massively-embarks-on-the-first-few-levels-of-star-trek-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/massively-embarks-on-the-first-few-levels-of-star-trek-online/#comments Last week, our MMO-obsessed sister site Massively took a break from their sneak preview of Cryptic's spacefaring sim, Star Trek Online, to share some of their thoughts on the Klingon faction and player vs. player combat. Today, they've got a preview of the first few levels you'll be grinding through. Is there anything more exciting in an MMORPG than those inaugural hours? All those tutorials? The terrible items? The countless woodland rodents and birds you have to slaughter to become marginally less pathetic?

Check out Massively's preview to find out how your astronautical career begins. Spoiler alert: You start the game by fighting the Borg, which are way more intimidating than rabid sewer rats.

Gallery: Star Trek Online

JoystiqMassively embarks on the first few levels of Star Trek Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cryptic-studiosmassivelymmommorpgpreviewstar-trekstar-trek-onlineSun, 03 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Heavy Rain's first full chapter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/heavy-rain-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/heavy-rain-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/heavy-rain-preview/#comments
 While Heavy Rain attempts to welcome both serious and more casual players, it's clear that many will find the unique controls and the story's slow burn a bit too jarring, unconventional, and even boring. Sony has already released so much (arguably too much) footage of Quantic Dream's adventure, and chances are that you've already passed judgment on the title. Perhaps more than any other game before it, Heavy Rain hopes that you want to like the experience. Why? It is -- at its core -- a role-playing game.

When people find out I've been playing Heavy Rain, the first question that generally pops up is, "Is it anything but a series of Quick-Time Events?" The problem with that question is that it inherently assumes that a QTE necessitates a lack of player control. While it's true that the majority of player input is done via on-screen indicators, to simply call them quick-time events is a bit derogatory, ignoring the innovations that developer Quantic Dream has made. Not all actions require players to press buttons as quickly as they see them. In fact, most of the commands involve a very deliberate pace: you may need to move the analog stick slowly, or hold down two buttons while transitioning to a third. Some inputs use the PS3's built-in motion controls, while others will use a combination of various inputs. There are many ways of interfacing with the controller, with each QTE trying to simulate its corresponding, real-world action.

However, variety is not Heavy Rain's greatest innovation. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of the game to explain is its integration of inaction. You are often given the opportunity to do nothing -- and counter to your intuition, that can be the most satisfying option to pursue.

Gallery: Heavy Rain (12/14/09)

Continue reading Preview: Heavy Rain's first full chapter

JoystiqPreview: Heavy Rain's first full chapter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onheavy-rainpreviewquantic-dreamsonyMon, 14 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Max Payne 3's new environments (and plus-sized hero) previewed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/03/max-payne-3s-new-environments-and-plus-sized-hero-previewed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/03/max-payne-3s-new-environments-and-plus-sized-hero-previewed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/03/max-payne-3s-new-environments-and-plus-sized-hero-previewed/#comments A lot of fans of the Max Payne series have been hesitant to get completely excited about Rockstar's third installment in the series, largely due to the unfamiliar setting of São Paulo, Brazil, and the obvious aesthetic changes undergone by the game's titular anti-hero. Perhaps their fears will be abated by a recent Game Informer preview of the title, which analyzes the big differences between the first two installments and the boldly redesigned threequel.

 The preview mentions a few intriguing gameplay additions, including improved Bullet Time physics (thanks largely to the implementation of the Euphoria engine), and a cover system, which the game's devs promised would be optional. The article also explains the aforementioned aesthetic shifts. For instance, we learned that this older version of Max Payne isn't actually chubby. His beefier frame can be attributed to muscle, not obesity. That makes sense -- a diet consisting solely of whiskey and painkillers probably isn't loaded with saturated fats.

Gallery: Max Payne 3

JoystiqMax Payne 3's new environments (and plus-sized hero) previewed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-informermax-paynemax-payne-3Microsoftpreviewrockstarrockstar-vancouverXbox-360Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 2 being previewed on the silver screen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/uncharted-2-being-previewed-on-the-silver-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/uncharted-2-being-previewed-on-the-silver-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/uncharted-2-being-previewed-on-the-silver-screen/#comments If you're waiting on pins, needles and mercenary machetes for the film adaptation of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Sony and Naughty Dog have come up with a pretty clever way of biding your time -- sneak previews of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves will be given on the massive screens of four theaters in Bellevue, WA, Rosemont, IL, Thousand Oaks, CA and San Francisco, CA on October 5 and 6.

SCEA reps and Naughty Dog developers will be around to answer your questions and give you a guided tour of the game. Tickets for the October 5 showings have already sold out -- so you'd better act quickly if you want to see what a two-story-tall half-tuck looks like. We imagine it's a life-changing experience.

JoystiqUncharted 2 being previewed on the silver screen originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>movienaughty-dogpreviewsceaSony-Computer-Entertainment-Americatheateruncharteduncharted-2Uncharted-2-Among-ThievesSat, 26 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[G4TV gets hands on Behemoth's 'Game 3' platformer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/g4tv-gets-hands-on-behemoths-game-3-platformer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/g4tv-gets-hands-on-behemoths-game-3-platformer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/g4tv-gets-hands-on-behemoths-game-3-platformer/#comments If your pure, pure love of Castle Crashers and Alien Hominid has left you starving for more info regarding The Behemoth's next title -- a multiplayer platformer tentatively titled "Game 3" -- then you should check out G4's recent hands-on with the title, in video form after the break. Adam Sessler got a chance to check out the idiosyncratic game while Dan Paladin rides shotgun, explaining a couple of the game's modes, as well as the overarching story for the title. In a nutshell, said plot features a schizophrenic madman who's managed to kidnap your friends, whom you must rescue. Sounds appropriately bizarre.

The video shows four players slugging it out in "Whale mode," and also gives a brief demo of the co-op mode. We can't wait to check it out -- sadly, with a nondescript launch window of "2010," it seems we'll be doing a great deal of waiting before we can do checking.

Continue reading G4TV gets hands on Behemoth's 'Game 3' platformer

JoystiqG4TV gets hands on Behemoth's 'Game 3' platformer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dan-palading4tvgame-3multiplayerplatformerpreviewthe-behemothWed, 19 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 2 single-player footage is rad, spoiler-filled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/uncharted-2-single-player-footage-is-rad-spoiler-filled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/uncharted-2-single-player-footage-is-rad-spoiler-filled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/uncharted-2-single-player-footage-is-rad-spoiler-filled/#comments
If your unslakable hunger for video content from Naughty Dog's upcoming treasure hunting sim Uncharted 2: Among Thieves has led you to doff your aversion to spoilers, you should probably click past the jump. 1UP recently got their hands on an excerpt from the game's single-player campaign -- a segment titled "War Escape," which, as one might imagine, shows Nathan, Chloe, Elena and ... Jeff, escaping from a hostile warzone.

As we've said before, it's posted after the jump -- but there's a couple things in the video you might want to remain in the dark about until you actually get your hands on the game. If you really don't mind spoilers, 1UP also posted a version of the video in which two of their Uncharted experts deconstruct it, revealing story elements we don't even think Naughty Dog knows about yet. Caveat Emptor!

Continue reading Uncharted 2 single-player footage is rad, spoiler-filled

JoystiqUncharted 2 single-player footage is rad, spoiler-filled originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>naughty-dogpreviewsingle-playerspoilersuncharteduncharted-2Uncharted-2-Among-ThievesvideoFri, 14 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Xbox 360 Dash Preview invites in the mail [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/28/psa-xbox-360-dash-preview-invites-in-the-mail/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/28/psa-xbox-360-dash-preview-invites-in-the-mail/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/28/psa-xbox-360-dash-preview-invites-in-the-mail/#comments
Update: According to the comments in this story, the Xbox 360 Dashboard Preview has begun to roll out now.

If you were quick enough on the draw to sign up, you may notice an email from Microsoft in your inbox today inviting you into the new Xbox 360 Dashboard Preview. The public preview -- which opened up for selected press and MVPs earlier last week -- is not fully live just yet, but Microsoft is notifying users if they were accepted into the program. Unaware of what to expect when the new dashboard hits this August? Joystiq has a lengthy guide with a plethora of videos to show you the ropes for the "New New Xbox Experience." Those guys are swell.

JoystiqPSA: Xbox 360 Dash Preview invites in the mail [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashboardinvitesnxepreviewxbox-dashboardxbox-live-updateTue, 28 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Dashboard update preview goes live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/xbox-live-dashboard-update-preview-goes-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/xbox-live-dashboard-update-preview-goes-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/xbox-live-dashboard-update-preview-goes-live/#comments
The preview of the upcoming update for the Xbox 360 Dashboard is now live, giving a few lucky Xbox owners -- for now, mostly press outlets -- a chance to place their eyes upon many of the new features, such as Games on Demand, improved Netflix functionality, unlockable Avatar items, purchasable Avatar items, a community-controlled games rating system, and other minor improvements.

We'll have a video preview and some additional image galleries of these new features up later today. Fear not, non-chosen ones -- you'll get your hands on the preview shortly, and everyone will be able to install the update when it goes public on August 11.

Update: We've edited this post to clarify that while the preview is technically live, its access is currently limited to press and a select few "MVPs." Those of you lowly commoners chosen for the preview should be granted access in the next several days.

Gallery: Xbox Live Dashboard Update (2009)

JoystiqXbox Live Dashboard update preview goes live originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatardashboarddashboard-updatefall-updategames-on-demandMicrosoftnetflixpreviewupdatexbox-360Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PrE3view: Tuesday, June 2, 2009 (Day 3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/pre3view-tuesday-june-2-2009-day-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/pre3view-tuesday-june-2-2009-day-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/pre3view-tuesday-june-2-2009-day-3/#comments
At long last, the time has come for the floodgates of the L.A.Convention Center's main arena to be flung wide, drowning the humble bloggers of this blog in a deluge of gaming news. If you want to keep tabs on us while we try to stay afloat, check out our schedule for the day below. You'll see we've got the press conferences for the other two legs of The Big Three -- Nintendo and Sony, almost back to back. Don't lose track of the non-huge stuff, though! They're part of your healthy, balanced diet.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009 (Presented in Eastern Standard Time)
  • 12:00 pm -- Nintendo Press Conference
  • 2:00 pm -- Sony Press Conference
  • 3:00 pm -- Show floor opens
  • 8:30 pm -- Shigeru Miyamoto presentation and Q&A
  • All day -- Hands-ons, interviews and booth tours with EA, Capcom, Bethesda, Activision, Eidos, Valve, Epic, MTV Games, High Voltage, SCEE, SCEA and Square-Enix.

JoystiqPrE3view: Tuesday, June 2, 2009 (Day 3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009previewscheduleTue, 02 Jun 2009 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Trine (PSN)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/joystiq-hands-on-trine-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/joystiq-hands-on-trine-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/08/joystiq-hands-on-trine-psn/#comments
The initial gameplay trailers for Trine teased some incredible potential. Yet, in spite of our excitement for Trine, we couldn't have predicted how engrossing the title would be. Even in its early state, we were mesmerized by the game's impeccable presentation and accessible, innovative gameplay. Although it's a PlayStation Network game from an independent studio, the production values of Trine are rather surprising.

The game begins with a rather charming narrator telling the tale of a thief looking to steal a valuable, guarded treasure. Here, a simple tutorial teaches you the basics of using the thief's grappling hook, and bow and arrow. She's able to easily traverse the environment, swinging across large gaps quickly and smoothly. All the while, the narrator continues telling his tale; it's a perfect blend of story and gameplay that helps Trine capture a truly whimsical feel. Eventually, the thief lays her hands on the treasure ...

The screen fades to black and you then take control of a wizard. You'll learn to use his ability to telepathically pick up objects with the right analog stick -- and not only can he move objects around, but he can create blocks by drawing a square in the air. Once again, the narrator continues speaking as you make your way to the same room as the thief did.

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Trine (PSN)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Trine (PSN) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 May 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>previewpsntrineFri, 08 May 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamespot floods us with Bioshock 2 details, spoilers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/18/gamespot-floods-us-with-bioshock-2-details-spoilers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/18/gamespot-floods-us-with-bioshock-2-details-spoilers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/18/gamespot-floods-us-with-bioshock-2-details-spoilers/#comments
Before reading on, we beg of you, our dearest readers, to heed this solemn warning. Do you remember that magical feeling that filled you the first time you crossed the aquatic threshold into Bioshock's labyrinthian metropolis, Rapture? That warm, gooey feeling of excitement and wonder? If you read Gamespot's recent all-inclusive, spoiler-filled preview of 2K Marin's highly anticipated follow-up, you'll probably be robbed of that feeling the first time you boot up Bioshock 2. Trust us. We made the sacrifice to pass this news onto you, and we're pretty sure we won't be able to get to sleep tonight.

If you absolutely must know what tantalizing details Gamespot dug up, you can check out their video featurette, which we've posted after the jump. Just don't come crying to us when you learn that the original Bioshock was actually just a dream sequence. (Oops! Sorry!)

Continue reading Gamespot floods us with Bioshock 2 details, spoilers

JoystiqGamespot floods us with Bioshock 2 details, spoilers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-marinbioshockbioshock-2gamespotMicrosoftpreviewspoilersXbox-360Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Waninkoko's Wii USB loader demoed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/waninkokos-wii-usb-loader-demoed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/waninkokos-wii-usb-loader-demoed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/waninkokos-wii-usb-loader-demoed/#comments
Following a significant Wii menu update from Nintendo, Waninkoko has revealed footage of its new USB Loader software in action. Using any USB storage device in combination with the software allows gamers to play their "legal game backup collection."

While the software isn't currently available, a pre-release version has ironically been leaked but is said to be unusable for the time being. However, footage of the software in action (found after the break) shows the current release does work. Of course, as our sister site Engadget notes, we are inching up on April Fool's Day so the entire thing could really be too good to be true. But all signs from forum crawlers point to Waninkoko's software as the real deal.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Waninkoko's Wii USB loader demoed

JoystiqWaninkoko's Wii USB loader demoed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homebrewpreviewusb-loaderwaninkokoMon, 30 Mar 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BigDownload previews PC titles for 2009 and beyond]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/bigdownload-previews-pc-titles-for-2009-and-beyond/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/bigdownload-previews-pc-titles-for-2009-and-beyond/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/bigdownload-previews-pc-titles-for-2009-and-beyond/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


BigDownload has been butting together an extensive preview of all the titles they hope will release in 2009. Granted, a fair chunk might get hit with the delay stick and be knocked out until 2010, but we're not about to get in the way of their PC gaming dreams (they hack stuff when they're angry).

The previews have been broken up into several sections below. This'll give you a great jump on your pirating holiday wish list for next year.

Source - Action-FPS Titles Part 1
Source - Action-FPS Titles Part 2
Source - Strategy-RTS Games
Source - RPG-MMO Games
Source - 2009 PC Game Preview: Other Games

JoystiqBigDownload previews PC titles for 2009 and beyond originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-downloadPCpreviewWed, 31 Dec 2008 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[A few more Uncharted 2 details from Edge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/a-few-more-uncharted-2-details-from-edge/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/a-few-more-uncharted-2-details-from-edge/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/a-few-more-uncharted-2-details-from-edge/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Nathan Drake's disheveled mug has decided to grace yet another magazine cover, this time the latest issue of Edge. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is the cover story, and to be honest, there isn't much here that we didn't already hear about from Game Informer or see from the leaked photos. Still, have at a few new pull quotes: According to Naughty Dog's Bruce Straley, the sneaking mechanic is "something more in the toolbox" that won't be required. "It's not Splinter Cell," he said. "It's choosing when and from where to enter combat."

Adding to the previously reported claim of "maxing out" the PlayStation 3's capabilities, the devs tease that the technology is strong enough to "allow an entire building to collapse while you're in it - and we can throw enemies in at the same time while that's happening." That better be in the final game a few times. This issue of Edge should be on newsstands now.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqA few more Uncharted 2 details from Edge originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edgenaughty-dogpreviewPS3uncharteduncharted-2uncharted-2-among-thievesuncharted-among-thievesWed, 31 Dec 2008 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Extended Hands-on: Crash Commando]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/25/extended-hands-on-crash-commando/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/25/extended-hands-on-crash-commando/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/25/extended-hands-on-crash-commando/#commentsFiled under:

We got our hands on Crash Commando at E3 and were quite impressed. Since then we've had the opportunity to play a preview build to our heart's content and it's looking great. Crash Commando is a 2D multiplayer shooter with 3D graphics. It plays very similarly to Soldat but has a pinch of Warhawk in there for good measure.

Gameplay consists of jetpacking around a battlefield shooting at people. The funny thing about these battlefields is that they're two-sided, so each level has a background and a foreground. You can switch between these by stepping through various doors littered throughout each level. You can see people fighting in the background in real time, helping you locate more people to shoot at.

The game will ship with eight levels, ranging from a cave, a jungle fort and a dilapidated ruins. When we spoke to the producer of the game at E3, however, he was keen to tell us that the dev team is planning on plenty of post-launch downloadable content.

Continue reading Extended Hands-on: Crash Commando

JoystiqExtended Hands-on: Crash Commando originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crash-CommandoEPOS-Game-StudiosjoystiqfeaturespreviewPSNShmupSony-Computer-EntertainmentSat, 25 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP Fanboy hands-on: Yggdra Union]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/psp-fanboy-hands-on-yggdra-union/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/psp-fanboy-hands-on-yggdra-union/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/psp-fanboy-hands-on-yggdra-union/#commentsFiled under:


Wow, Yggdra Union is tough. That's probably the first thing you'll say after getting through a few matches of Atlus' upcoming PSP SRPG. It'll take a few battles to wrap your head around the unique mechanics of the card game, and although the game does an excellent job of holding your hand, don't expect an easy romp, even in the second battle in the game.

Yggdra Union is a tactical card RPG that will test your tactical capabilities through and through -- there's no grinding here to be found. Battles are typically multi-tiered: just when you think you're done with a level, a new set of increasingly difficult reinforcements appear. However, because your character's morale (essentially, their HP) carries over from battle to battle, across every level, each battle is decisive. If you make too many mistakes with one character, you'll notice that they'll be at a serious disadvantage in upcoming battles. And don't think about grinding to level up your characters: you can't. The story moves at such a brisk pace that your success depends solely on your ability to choose the right cards, and decide exactly how to move your characters through the map.

The basics of battle are easy to explain, but the full ramifications won't truly make sense until you get the game in your hands. Before each conflict, players can choose a certain number of cards. Cards will grant players special abilities, but also have important stats like number of spaces players can move, card strength and weapon affinity. Quite possibly the most important thing to pay attention to is the weapon affinity: certain weapons are stronger than others, and these will be one of the primary factors of a battle's success. For example, swords are stronger than axes, but axes are stronger than spears. Spears, on the other hand, are stronger than swords. This circle gets more complicated with the introduction of magic users and archers.

Continue reading PSP Fanboy hands-on: Yggdra Union

JoystiqPSP Fanboy hands-on: Yggdra Union originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlushands-onjoystiqfeaturespreviewsrpgyggdra-unionMon, 18 Aug 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Izuna 2: Hands-on with an Unemployed Ninja]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/izuna-2-hands-on-with-an-unemployed-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/izuna-2-hands-on-with-an-unemployed-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/izuna-2-hands-on-with-an-unemployed-ninja/#commentsFiled under:

If you enjoyed Izuna: Legend of the Unemployed Ninja (or at least thought you might), then there's good news: the sequel is just as charming, just as engaging, and perhaps even a little more fun than the original. The sequel has a lot of new things, including a second baby step toward making Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns a hair easier on your sanity and frustration levels.

That's right -- while Izuna's games definitely fall under the roguelike label, they're a fingernail easier than the traditional dungeon crawler. That doesn't make them any easier to me, but the hardest of the hardcore may scoff at Izuna's differences, while the rest of us can actually attempt the game without "accidentally" dropping the DS or anything. What's different? In both Izuna 2 and its predecessor, when you die (and will you ever die), you keep your levels. In keeping with the roguelike tradition, you lose everything else, but it's not absolutely everything in a square-one sort of way. Izuna 2 adds something else on top of that: the tag team system. And that's where things get a little sticky.

Continue reading Izuna 2: Hands-on with an Unemployed Ninja

JoystiqIzuna 2: Hands-on with an Unemployed Ninja originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlushands-onizuna-2joystiqfeaturespreviewroguelikeSat, 19 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/ps3-fanboy-hands-on-naruto-ultimate-ninja-storm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/ps3-fanboy-hands-on-naruto-ultimate-ninja-storm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/ps3-fanboy-hands-on-naruto-ultimate-ninja-storm/#commentsFiled under:

One thing has been made abundantly clear in all the media we've seen of Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm -- it is insanely pretty. Playing the recent demo (available now in Qore, public release in a few weeks) only reaffirmed this point. Ultimate Ninja Storm, more than any anime game before it, looks just as good, if not better, than its source material. Not only is the level of detail stunning, the fluidity of the animations and the strong use of motion blur give it a truly cinematic look.

The Ultimate Ninja games on PS2 and PSP were all rather solid, but fans will be shocked to see the series make the transition into full 3D battles. Expanding the battlefield adds a great deal of depth to the aging series, and makes fighting even more enjoyable.

Continue reading PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm

JoystiqPS3 Fanboy hands-on: Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onjoystiqfeaturesnarutonaruto-ultimate-ninja-stormpreviewultimate-ninja-stormMon, 07 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Behold: New Too Human previews hit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/lo-and-behold-too-human-previews-hit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/lo-and-behold-too-human-previews-hit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/lo-and-behold-too-human-previews-hit/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're just two months out from the release of Too Human, a game that would have garnered its share of attention - though not nearly as much as it's getting for being in development 10 years across at least three platforms. The game (the first in a planned trilogy) is finally hitting on Xbox 360, and two of our blogosphere compatriots have offered up their thoughts on its current state in new previews. Read what MTV and Wired had to say after the break.

Source: 'Too Human' Xbox 360 Preview, In The Shadow of 'Metal Gear' - MTV
Source: Too Human in 10 hours - Wired

Gallery: Too Human

Continue reading Behold: New Too Human previews hit

JoystiqBehold: New Too Human previews hit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftgamestudiospreviewsilicon-knightstoo-humanXbox-360Tue, 01 Jul 2008 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your daily dose of murder with this Gears of War 2 Multiplayer preview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/get-your-daily-dose-of-murder-with-this-gears-of-war-2-multiplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/get-your-daily-dose-of-murder-with-this-gears-of-war-2-multiplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/get-your-daily-dose-of-murder-with-this-gears-of-war-2-multiplay/#commentsFiled under: ,


While most of the "new" gameplay elements and maps discussed in the above preview for Gears of War 2 aren't really "new" to the video game news consuming populous, it's still nice to see some of the game's fresh features in action. The preview is fairly comprehensive -- there's looks at some of the soon-to-be-covered-in-gore locales, the new gametypes (we absolutely cannot wait for meatflag), chainsaw duels, new weapons and executions, and brand new, colorful ways of describing acts of grisly violence from the game's all-growed-up iconic lead designer, Cliff Bleszinski. We can't think of a better way to spend eight and a half minutes of a Sunday afternoon than to watch beefy combatants get halved.

JoystiqGet your daily dose of murder with this Gears of War 2 Multiplayer preview originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chainsawcliff-bleszinskicliffybepicepicgamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-2multiplayerpreviewXbox-360Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trauma Center: Hands on the Knife 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/trauma-center-hands-on-the-knife-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/trauma-center-hands-on-the-knife-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/trauma-center-hands-on-the-knife-2/#commentsFiled under: ,


Good news for Trauma Center fans -- if you liked the first game, it stands to reason that you'll enjoy Under the Knife 2. All the slicing, stitching, and ass-kicking potential of the first is here, and with more options lifted from the Wii version. But if you didn't like Trauma Center the first time around, the Easy mode may not be enough to tempt you into this one.

Of course, if you didn't like Trauma Center, you're probably more interested in spending your time kicking puppies, or otherwise engaged in some horrific habit. Honestly, the pain of (repeated, egregious) failure aside, it remains one of the best and most intense experiences on the handheld. Can a sequel hope to measure up? We spent a little time with the upcoming title in an effort to find out.

Continue reading Trauma Center: Hands on the Knife 2

JoystiqTrauma Center: Hands on the Knife 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusjoystiqfeaturesmedicalpreviewsimulationsurgerytrauma-centerunder-the-knife-2Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 2 details emerge from X360 magazine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/gears-of-war-2-details-emerge-from-x360-magazine/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/gears-of-war-2-details-emerge-from-x360-magazine/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/gears-of-war-2-details-emerge-from-x360-magazine/#commentsFiled under: ,


Though other shooters have surpassed it in terms of Xbox Live activity, we still hold a dear, dear place in our heart for the multiplayer portion of Gears of War -- a place intricately carved by an enemy chainsaw. Sure, the character advancement of Call of Duty 4 and Vegas 2 led to a more compelling overall experience, but they lacked a certain panache that only a well-timed curb stomp can supply.

Imagine our excitement when we caught wind of the intimidating flood of details for the sequel's multiplayer component in the upcoming issue of UK's X360 magazine. There's a full list of said details on our Microsoft-related sister site, but to inspire you to continue reading, here's a few tantalizing buzzwords you'll find behind that link: Meatflag, Poison gas grenade, Flamethrower, Ten person multiplayer, Chainsaw duels, and last but certainly not least, Verandas. If that didn't sell you, we don't know what will.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqGears of War 2 details emerge from X360 magazine originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliffybdetailsepicgears-of-wargears-of-war-2gowgow2meatflagmicrosoftmultiplayerpreviewx360Xbox-360Sat, 24 May 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP Fanboy hands-on: Fading Shadows]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/psp-fanboy-hands-on-fading-shadows/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/psp-fanboy-hands-on-fading-shadows/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/psp-fanboy-hands-on-fading-shadows/#commentsFiled under:


When Agetec announced they were going to release Fading Shadows in the US, they invited us to their NYC offices to try the game. We spent a good deal of time with the game -- over 10 levels -- and thoroughly enjoyed this excellent addition to the PSP library.

Yes, one of the game's leading charms is its story. To sum things up shortly, the player becomes a magical beam of light and must direct a girl who's transformed into a magical orb through a series of puzzles. It's strange, we know, but we wouldn't have it any other way. The nonsensical premise is what spurs a mellow, easy-to-understand puzzle adventure game, that's oozing with style.

The interplay between the light and the orb is well constructed. The orb is attracted to the light, and cannot move without it. At first, the light is used simply to get the orb from point A to point B. However, the game becomes more complex. The orb can transform into a variety of elements: wood, glass and metal. In its metal form, it can jump when a strong beam of light is placed on it. Wood can float across water, and glass can traverse its depths. However, players must be careful: overexposure to strong light will burn wood, and shatter glass.

Continue reading PSP Fanboy hands-on: Fading Shadows

JoystiqPSP Fanboy hands-on: Fading Shadows originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 May 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fading-shadowshands-onjoystiqfeaturespreviewMon, 19 May 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy hands-on: Deca Sports]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/wii-fanboy-hands-on-deca-sports/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/wii-fanboy-hands-on-deca-sports/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/wii-fanboy-hands-on-deca-sports/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Imagine our delight when we had a brown envelope from Hudson sitting on our doorstep Friday afternoon. As we opened the parcel up, we found the above items: a preview copy of Deca Sports and this sweet little wristband. Huzzah!

But, woe was us for we would not be able to just play and selfishly enjoy the four available sports on the demo disc by our lonesome (or with some friends). Oh no, we have a job and have to let our readers know what we think. So that's what we did. But, we didn't just settle for playing the included sports and writing up a preview. No, instead we decided that we'd do a nice little video for you. And for all of you who enjoy reading things, we wrote up our opinions as well.

So head on past the break for our hands-on look at Deca Sports for the Wii!

Continue reading Wii Fanboy hands-on: Deca Sports

JoystiqWii Fanboy hands-on: Deca Sports originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badmintondeca-sportsfigure-skatinghudsonjoystiqfeaturesminigamespreviewpreviewssupercrossvolleyballMon, 21 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA4 preview details online multiplayer modes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/gta4-preview-details-online-multiplayer-modes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/gta4-preview-details-online-multiplayer-modes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/gta4-preview-details-online-multiplayer-modes/#commentsFiled under: , ,


GameTap has finally gotten a chance to share the previously embargoed details of its recent hands-on time with Grand Theft Auto IV. The preview discusses four of the game's fifteen online modes: Team Deathmatch, GTA Race, Cops 'N Crooks (a Counter-Strike style team match) and Hangman's Noose (a co-operative escort mission).

Among the interesting details discussed (some of which have also been revealed elsewhere):
  • Previously rumored 16-player online play is confirmed.
  • The online maps aren't changed in any way from single-player -- you can still drive vehicles from one end of the city to the other, if you want.
  • There's no co-op option for the single-player missions, but many online modes allow for cooperation.
  • Ranked online matches earn players in-game cash for character customization. Higher difficulty means more cash.
  • Race mode can be played with or without weapons.
  • The volume of other characters voices will vary depending on their distance from you. "So if you hear an enemy's voice, he's probably right behind you and it's too late."
The most telling quote in the preview is Vice President of Game Development Geronimo Barrera's suggestion that "after players earn the cell phone in the single-player game (which takes about five minutes), if they want they can jump online and never even play the single-player again." With the extremely varied multiplayer options, we might just be taking him up on that.

Note: GameTap's servers are getting hit pretty hard, so the Read link may not load for a while.

Update: They're all live! GTA4.net has posted links to numerous multiplayer previews. (Thanks Cal!)

JoystiqGTA4 preview details online multiplayer modes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimegametapgrand-theft-autogta-ivmultiplayeronlinepreviewPS3Xbox-360Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Oodles of Opoona]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/oodles-of-opoona/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/oodles-of-opoona/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/oodles-of-opoona/#commentsFiled under:


Someone really wants to make sure you're not forgetting about poor little Opoona, the nunchuk-controlled RPG set for release later this month. To that end, a sudden burst of videos seems to have appeared, demonstrating everything from the battles to the futuristic world of the rotund protagonist. And frankly, we're pleased that we're getting to see so much of the title. Let's hope Opoona has a chance out of the gate this time, though with Super Smash Bros. Brawl on the horizon, we're a little worried about every other game releasing this month (and maybe next!).

Head past the break for a few more tantalizing video snippets.

Continue reading Oodles of Opoona

JoystiqOodles of Opoona originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holy (adjective) (noun), Batman! Our second bit of Lego related news for the evening (this time, about a real game) comes in the form of this fantastic new trailer for Lego Batman: The Video Game. We're positive that fans of The Dark Knight can find something to get excited about in this video, whether it be the inclusion of fan-favorite villainess Harley Quinn, the hint of a Catwoman romance subplot, or the chance to see some sweet Lego Joker ass. If, you know, that's your thing.

JoystiqLego Batman's villain-packed trailer looks promising originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmandarkknightdcDSharleyquinnlegolegobatmanlegobatmanthevideogamePCpreviewPS2PS3PSPtrailerWiiXbox-360Sat, 01 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Nintendo sheds more light on Mario Kart Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/gdc08-nintendo-sheds-more-light-on-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/gdc08-nintendo-sheds-more-light-on-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/gdc08-nintendo-sheds-more-light-on-mario-kart-wii/#commentsFiled under: , ,


IGN got their lucky, lucky hands on the latest build of Mario Kart Wii recently, taking the time to carefully analyze the differences between this game and the installments of old. Following this, they wrote a five-page preview on the game. We've read the whole thing (omg no wai?!). We're excited.

First of all, each racer now has a plethora of rides to choose from: three karts and three bikes each. These are available from the start of the game. Also, the CC classes return, but with a small twist. The 50CC bracket is for karts only, the 100CC bracket is for bikes only and the 150CC is a mixture of both. IGN notes the difference between the two as the bikes having a tougher time with turns, but being easier to boost with (tip the wheel back to do a wheelie, hold it then zoom off). As for karts, they'll get boosts from powerslides, providing more boost depending on how long the player holds it, eliminating the need to slam on the d-pad to generate these anymore (we're not sure if this means no more snaking or not). Stunts will also provide boosts, allowing a player to perform a mid-air stunt off of a jump and shoot off once they land on the track.

Continue reading GDC08: Nintendo sheds more light on Mario Kart Wii

JoystiqGDC08: Nintendo sheds more light on Mario Kart Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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At a recent Spore demo, I spent four hours seeing and playing the game. I can normally sum up an in-development game in a half-hour, but I frantically took notes that whole time. I gorged on Spore, like a starving hiker stumbling into an alpine restaurant. So this was what all the excitement was about.

Even after watching and playing Spore to the point of delirium, I still had more questions. There was even more I didn't see. But I was so full that I figured if I never heard anything about Spore again, I'd be satisfied.

Somehow, in the following days, I started to miss Spore a little: the teetering walks of an off-balance creature, an alien spaceship scaring my nervous tribe, and the curved horizon lines. I could fill pages here with these little snippets -- and I did in my notebook.

But most of all, I came away thinking that Maxis could pull off Spore's overwhelming scope. This game could actually live up to Will Wright's intent, shipping on September 7. Through Spore, he could change gaming again.

I never wanted to read another hype-generating Spore preview again. I never thought I'd be writing one.

Gallery: Spore (2-12-08)

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Spore (PC/Mac)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Spore (PC/Mac) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artshands-onimpressionsMacmaxisPCpreviewsporewill_wrightWed, 13 Feb 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Hot Shots Golf Out of Bounds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/ps3-fanboy-hands-on-hot-shots-golf-out-of-bounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/ps3-fanboy-hands-on-hot-shots-golf-out-of-bounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/ps3-fanboy-hands-on-hot-shots-golf-out-of-bounds/#commentsFiled under:


Click for high-resolution image.

With a little over a month left until Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds comes stateside, we decided to take a near-complete version of the game for a spin.

We don't know if this'll be in the final retail version of the game, but we were annoyed to see that Hot Shots Golf, just like Devil May Cry 4, features a required installation at game launch. In fact, with about 5GB of data being installed onto the PS3 drive, it's just as lengthy as Capcom's action game. We were surprised by this -- we didn't have our sandwiches ready for the long-haul.

Once in the game, we saw a few stray items left over from the Japanese build of the game. We can't wait to see if these features get localized. One option allowed players to access the Minna no Golf website from the game, while another option was a video tutorial on how to navigate the game. Certainly, that'll be helpful for the casual gamers that'll flock to this surprisingly deep offering.

Continue reading PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Hot Shots Golf Out of Bounds

JoystiqPS3 Fanboy hands-on: Hot Shots Golf Out of Bounds originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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