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[This monk is suspicious of this hillbilly, only Double Fine knows why]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/this-monk-is-suspicious-of-this-hillbilly-only-double-fine-know/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/this-monk-is-suspicious-of-this-hillbilly-only-double-fine-know/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/this-monk-is-suspicious-of-this-hillbilly-only-double-fine-know/#comments ImageDouble Fine's Ron Gilbert isn't content with random websites leaking his own studio's work: he'll leak his own stuff, thank you very much. Gilbert posted the above two photos on Grumpy Gamer, his personal game industry blog.

His first post was a link to the monk. Apparently, no, it's not fanart for Diablo 3, unless developer JP LeBreton, who tweeted he'd been working on the related Monk link for nine months, has a lot of down time at Double Fine.

Gilbert later posted the hillbilly, a character we recognize from the puzzle Double Fine sent the press last week as an announcement of a new, spooky-tinged title. Now the age-old question returns: What do a monk and a hillbilly have in common? Besides mystery, of course.

JoystiqThis monk is suspicious of this hillbilly, only Double Fine knows why originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finehillbillymonkpcpuzzleRon-GilbertFri, 18 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A puzzling glimpse of Ron Gilbert's new Double Fine game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/a-puzzling-glimpse-of-ron-gilberts-new-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/a-puzzling-glimpse-of-ron-gilberts-new-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/a-puzzling-glimpse-of-ron-gilberts-new-double-fine-game/#comments
Click to enlarge
Derived from concepts that predate even Maniac Mansion, Ron Gilbert's new game is becoming a tad less nebulous today. The above image implies a spooky atmosphere, and shows a group of characters that look ready to assail all manner of creeping, moaning mysteries.

We captured the art after assembling a jumbled puzzle, sent to us this morning by Double Fine. Though the independent developer trusts the press to dutifully post this new artwork (which doubles as an invite to an upcoming event), it seems to have some reservations about our puzzle-solving prowess. It is, after all, only 35 pieces.

(After the break, see the game's matching Double Fine babies!)

Continue reading A puzzling glimpse of Ron Gilbert's new Double Fine game

JoystiqA puzzling glimpse of Ron Gilbert's new Double Fine game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredouble-finepuzzleron-gilbertThu, 10 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This is not a test: Portal 2 sales top 4 million, map editor DLC out today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/this-is-not-a-test-portal-2-sales-top-4-million-map-editor-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/this-is-not-a-test-portal-2-sales-top-4-million-map-editor-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/this-is-not-a-test-portal-2-sales-top-4-million-map-editor-dlc/#comments ImagePortal 2 has sold more than 4 million units worldwide since its launch on April 18, 2011, and Valve is slowly but steadily (mostly slowly) supporting it with new content, such as today's batch of DLC, the Perpetual Testing Initiative. The Perpetual Testing Initiative offers players a map-editing tool, which looks a lot like this, so fans can make testing chambers to rival GLaDOS'. And make maps shaped like penises, probably.

The map editor in today's DLC is accessible for new players, yet robust enough to satisfy hardcore ones, Valve tells NeoGamr. Valve's first attempt at fan-made maps, the Hammer editor, is tech-heavy and complicated for most people to get a hang of, most likely because it's Valve's in-house map creation tool - still, players have created more than 400 maps with Hammer. However, without a standardized way to share the maps, most of these have gone unnoticed by the larger community.

The Perpetual Testing Initiative's puzzle maker allows users to export their creations in Hammer's native format and continue building with the more powerful tools, if they so choose. The simple map editor is "incredibly powerful for all of its simplicity and can easily reproduce pretty much every puzzle from Portal 2," Valve said.

JoystiqThis is not a test: Portal 2 sales top 4 million, map editor DLC out today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCeditormap-editorpcperpetual-testing-initiativeportal-2puzzlepuzzle-makersalesvalveTue, 08 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Atelier takes Vita in a new direction with SunFlowers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/the-game-atelier-takes-vita-in-a-new-direction-with-sunflowers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/the-game-atelier-takes-vita-in-a-new-direction-with-sunflowers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/the-game-atelier-takes-vita-in-a-new-direction-with-sunflowers/#comments Image
That new direction is "sideways." The new Vita puzzle game by the developer of The Flying Hamster is played in a vertical format, requiring you to upend your system as you control the sun, pushing rays through clouds to cause rain to fall on flowers. You have to avoid ... evil clouds ... who will incinerate your flowers if stimulated.

Each flower you collect goes into your personal (virtual) garden, for those days you just want to look at some beautiful (cartoon simulations of) nature. There's no release date yet, but there is an adorable trailer, above.

JoystiqThe Game Atelier takes Vita in a new direction with SunFlowers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitapuzzlesunflowersthe-game-ateliervitaWed, 18 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie Fund backs Antichamber in an attempt to make the impossible real]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/indie-fund-backs-antichamber-in-an-attempt-to-make-the-impossibl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/indie-fund-backs-antichamber-in-an-attempt-to-make-the-impossibl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/indie-fund-backs-antichamber-in-an-attempt-to-make-the-impossibl/#comments Image
Antichamber is the seventh title to receive the financial backing of Indie Fund, who has recently helped in the success of such titles as Q.U.B.E. and Dear Esther. Antichamber has won almost as many awards as the number of years it's been in development -- casually since 2006 and full-time since 2010 -- and has been nominated for three more than that. We'll wait while you calculate that one (remember to carry the two).

Developed by Alex Bruce, Antichamber is a practice in psychological, philosophical, impossible puzzle games that has captured the attention of festivals and reviewers for years, and with Indie Fund backing we're looking forward to seeing this one finished sometime soon.

JoystiqIndie Fund backs Antichamber in an attempt to make the impossible real originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antichamberfinanceIndieIndie-fundpcpuzzleTue, 03 Apr 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Written in the S.T.A.R.S.: Capcom dreams of CoD fans playing Resident Evil]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/written-in-the-s-t-a-r-s-capcom-dreams-of-cod-fans-playing-res/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/written-in-the-s-t-a-r-s-capcom-dreams-of-cod-fans-playing-res/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/written-in-the-s-t-a-r-s-capcom-dreams-of-cod-fans-playing-res/#comments

For those hoping Resident Evil 6 will play like a classic Resident Evil title, with more puzzles and less emphasis on (not) running and gunning -- look away now. Go watch the My Little Pony Skyrim mod and live in ignorant bliss for a while longer. You'll thank us later. Still here? All right, but we warned you:

Capcom UK Marketing head Dave Turner said Resident Evil wants to tap into the Call of Duty market with its coming titles, noting Operation Raccoon City in particular: "The dream would be that the millions of Call of Duty fans that are enjoying these fast-paced online games are attracted to this Resident Evil," Turner said.

Resident Evil has attracted more players since incorporating more action, with Resident Evil 5 leading the charge, Turner said. "We've seen the popularity of Resident Evil increase massively as the series became more action oriented -- Resident Evil 5 is the biggest seller in the series," he said. "So, it makes sense for us to follow this action area more fully."

Turner was speaking mostly with Operation Raccoon City in mind, it sounds like, although the trailer for Resident Evil 6 doesn't make it look like the riddle-ridden games of yore.

JoystiqWritten in the S.T.A.R.S.: Capcom dreams of CoD fans playing Resident Evil originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionCall-of-DutyCapcommicrosoftpcplaystationps3puzzleresident-evil-6resident-evil-operation-raccoon-cityxboxFri, 20 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Antichamber preview: Psycholudology]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/antichamber-preview-psycholudology/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/antichamber-preview-psycholudology/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/antichamber-preview-psycholudology/#comments Trying to describe the hour I spent with Alexander Bruce's PAX 10 Finalist indie game, Antichamber, is going to be one of the most difficult descriptive feats I've ever attempted. I think that the big hang-up is that it's going to mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people: For me, my time with the game was all about learning the obscure rules of a universe with no immediate context; a game about second, then third, then fourth-guessing my own actions until I found a solution I was able to walk away from with just a modicum of satisfaction.

For the person who took up the demo after me, it was about moving forward as quickly he could, attempting to adhere to an entirely pointless 90-minute time limit while ignoring all the lessons the game had to teach. Here's the thing: I'm not entirely sure either of us was playing it wrong.

Continue reading Antichamber preview: Psycholudology

JoystiqAntichamber preview: Psycholudology originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurealexander-bruceantichamberdemruthindiepax-10pax-prime-2011pcpuzzleFri, 02 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quantum Conundrum preview: Inter-dimensional charm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/quantum-conundrum-preview-inter-dimensional-charm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/quantum-conundrum-preview-inter-dimensional-charm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/quantum-conundrum-preview-inter-dimensional-charm/#comments Recent Airtight Games convert Kim Swift's new downloadable title, Quantum Conundrum, is just about as charming as charming can be. You probably could have guessed that based on Swift's notably Portal-infused background, not to mention the pitch-perfect, cartoonish design aesthetic that pervades the manor home in which the game is set. But you really have to see its dimension shifting in action to fully understand it.

The pitch is this: Using an "Inter-dimensional Shift Device," a young boy must traverse the sprawling mansion of his mad scientist uncle, Dr. Fitz Quadwrangle, to discover said relative's whereabouts. The device in question allows the user to shift each of the puzzle-filled rooms between four dimensions to achieve goals, changing the properties of each of the objects contained therein. It's a lot less complicated once you see it in action, until it gets a whole lot more complicated.

Gallery: Quantum Conundrum (PAX 2011)

Continue reading Quantum Conundrum preview: Inter-dimensional charm

JoystiqQuantum Conundrum preview: Inter-dimensional charm originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airtight-gameskim-swiftmicrosoftpcplaystationportalps3puzzlequantum-conundrumsquare-enixxboxFri, 26 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Catherine sold 78K copies in July]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/npd-catherine-sold-78k-copies-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/npd-catherine-sold-78k-copies-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/npd-catherine-sold-78k-copies-in-july/#comments No, the cake isn't quite a lie, but it did omit a key slice of information. Last week, Atlus trumpeted strong first-week sales for its eccentric puzzle game, Catherine, via a celebratory cake: "200,000 sold in the first week," it exclaimed. Try: 200,000 sold-in the first week (meaning shipped).

Following today's NPD report of video game sales in North America, you may have been curious as to why Catherine didn't appear among July's top ten best sellers. The lowest-ranked game, Mortal Kombat, had sold 85K units by month's end. Catherine came in below that, selling 78K copies in its first six days (still making it Atlus' biggest launch yet).

Another weird, well-received Japanese game, Shadows of the Damned, sold 14K during its second month -- proving that there will be no cake in hell.

JoystiqNPD: Catherine sold 78K copies in July originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atluscatherinemicrosoftnpdplaystationps3puzzlesalesxboxThu, 11 Aug 2011 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Cut the Rope: Experiments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/portabliss-cut-the-rope-experiments/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/portabliss-cut-the-rope-experiments/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/portabliss-cut-the-rope-experiments/#comments Did you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Cut the Rope: Experiments!
Cut the Rope: Experiments is one of the most aptly-named apps ever released on the iOS platform. Though it largely focuses on the tether-slicing, physics-manipulating puzzles that made the franchise's first, subtitleless iteration so delightful, it includes two bold new mechanics that completely change the face of the game. (And what an adorable face it is!)

It's the success of these two new aspects that alleviated my hesitance about this standalone title: It's functionally the same as the free updates to the original Cut the Rope, only significantly less free.

Continue reading Portabliss: Cut the Rope: Experiments

JoystiqPortabliss: Cut the Rope: Experiments originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chillingocut-the-ropecut-the-rope-experimentsiphonemobileportablisspuzzlezepto-labsFri, 05 Aug 2011 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Catherine marks Atlus' biggest launch ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/catherine-marks-atlus-biggest-launch-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/catherine-marks-atlus-biggest-launch-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/catherine-marks-atlus-biggest-launch-ever/#comments "Catherine can boast the largest launch in the 20-year history of Atlus," Atlus VP of sales and marketing Tim Pivnicny told IGN in a statement this week. Though he did not reveal any sales numbers for the eccentric, adult-oriented puzzle game, he added that "Catherine has exceeded our highest expectations."

The game launched in North America on July 26 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, apparently garnering enough attention pre-release to post record-breaking sales numbers. Without any numbers provided by Atlus, it's hard to gauge just how well Catherine is doing, but the NPD results should help elucidate the matter within a few weeks.

JoystiqCatherine marks Atlus' biggest launch ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atluscatherinemicrosoftplaystationps3puzzlesalesxboxWed, 03 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This new Storm trailer is quite calming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/this-new-storm-trailer-is-quite-calming/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/this-new-storm-trailer-is-quite-calming/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/this-new-storm-trailer-is-quite-calming/#comments No loud thunderstorms, no torrential downpours -- this latest trailer for Storm, Eko Software's puzzler headed to XBLA and PSN this summer, is quite serene. In fact, you may not even want to watch the trailer and instead just lay back, close your eyes and enjoy a nice nap.

JoystiqThis new Storm trailer is quite calming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eko-softwareplaystationps3psnpuzzlestormxblazoo-entertainmentTue, 02 Aug 2011 23:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: New standalone Cut the Rope title coming soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/report-new-standalone-cut-the-rope-title-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/report-new-standalone-cut-the-rope-title-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/report-new-standalone-cut-the-rope-title-coming-soon/#comments We love Om Nom more than most of our friends and immediate family members, and yet we don't think twice about keeping him imprisoned in puzzle-filled boxes. That's a bit of a double standard; and one that might be remedied soon. IGN reports that a new standalone Cut the Rope title is on its way to the App Store soon, and has also acquired a few images which appear to show the game's ever-hungry mascot escaping from his cardboard confines.

The images also show a "Professor's Album," which contains images of an even adorabler, younger Om Nom. Who is this Professor? We're not sure, but considering he's probably responsible for Nom's incarceration, we'd like to have a stern conversation with him. We've contacted Zepto Labs for more information!

JoystiqReport: New standalone Cut the Rope title coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chillingocut-the-ropeiosipadiphonemobileom-nompuzzlezepto-labsTue, 02 Aug 2011 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Leedmees preview: Like a bridge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/leedmees-preview-like-a-bridge/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/leedmees-preview-like-a-bridge/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/leedmees-preview-like-a-bridge/#comments Leedmees was a nice surprise in the Konami suite at Comic-Con this week -- we haven't posted about it yet at all, and while Fruit Ninja Kinect has gotten a lot of the press as the first downloadable Kinect title, this one looks like it might be the more original.

The game describes, during a dreamy little introduction, the player wandering into a secret magical door somewhere, where little white creatures (called Leedmees, presumably) march in step from one little spinning portal to another. Like the old Lemmings games, Leadmees mindlessly walk forward, and it's up to the player to make sure they get home safely.

But there's one important twist: In Lemmings, you controlled the little creatures, using their abilities to get through the environment. In Leedmees, you are the environment.

Continue reading Leedmees preview: Like a bridge

JoystiqLeedmees preview: Like a bridge originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2011kinectkonamikonami-japanleedmeeslemmingsmicrosoftpuzzlesdcc-2011two-playerxboxTue, 26 Jul 2011 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Pragmatica]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-pragmatica/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-pragmatica/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-pragmatica/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, we unlock HiVE's apocalyptic puzzler, Pragmatica.
What's your game called, and what's it about?

This is Pragmatica. It's a programming-based puzzler set in a not-too-distant future, in which robots have, somewhat controversially, all but replaced humans as the world's industrial labour force. The largest and most powerful robotics firm, Pragmatica, hires you as a programmer, tasking you with writing programs to solve tasks using their expensive and highly volatile robots. Gameplay-wise, this means combine actions and conditions (SEE-WALL, TURN-RIGHT) into a program, then hitting the launch button and watching the robots execute it to complete the task, or crash and burn trying.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Pragmatica

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Pragmatica originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>futureHiVEpcpragmaticapuzzleRobotsSun, 17 Jul 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle Agent 2 now cracking cases on iPhone and iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/puzzle-agent-2-now-cracking-cases-on-iphone-and-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/puzzle-agent-2-now-cracking-cases-on-iphone-and-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/puzzle-agent-2-now-cracking-cases-on-iphone-and-ipad/#comments It's time once again to strap on your cold-resistant rabbit fur cap, and then, atop that, your thinking cap. You're going to look awfully silly with your tower of headwear, but it's what's expected if you're going to take on the arctic riddles of Puzzle Agent 2, Telltale's latest iOS opus. The sequel to last year's Telltale pilot experiment (which was apparently a success!) is available now for $4.99 on iPhone, and $6.99 on iPad.

JoystiqPuzzle Agent 2 now cracking cases on iPhone and iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilepuzzlepuzzle-agentpuzzle-agent-2telltale-gamesThu, 30 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mahjong gets Cub3D on 3DS this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/mahjong-gets-cub3d-on-3ds-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/mahjong-gets-cub3d-on-3ds-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/mahjong-gets-cub3d-on-3ds-this-summer/#comments Atlus appears to have been eager for something to supplement Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked in its 3DS lineup, as it's picked up a Japanese launch window game we didn't expect to see localized. The publisher is bringing Sunsoft's Shanghai 3D Cube to North America this summer as "Mahjong Cub3D."

Players will match mahjong tiles on the faces of a cube in "Cube Mode" or in a more traditional Shanghai arrangement (flat, facing up) in "Classic Mode." There will also be multiplayer via Download Play, if you want to test your tile-swapping abilities against an opponent. In all, Atlus claims there are 200 puzzles to be found. The first: What's a mahjong cub?

Gallery: Mahjong Cub3D (3DS)

JoystiqMahjong gets Cub3D on 3DS this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsatlusdsmahjong-cub3dnintendopuzzleq2-2011release-dateshanghaishanghai-3d-cubesunsoftWed, 20 Apr 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Clash of Heroes HD trailer teaches the tactics of puzzle-fighting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/clash-of-heroes-hd-trailer-teaches-the-tactics-of-puzzle-fightin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/clash-of-heroes-hd-trailer-teaches-the-tactics-of-puzzle-fightin/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/clash-of-heroes-hd-trailer-teaches-the-tactics-of-puzzle-fightin/#comments Missed out on Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes when it originally launched in 2009? You don't have to go into the HD remake, due out next week, completely uninformed -- check out the video after the jump to learn the basic mechanics of the game's rows-and-columns combat.

Continue reading Clash of Heroes HD trailer teaches the tactics of puzzle-fighting

JoystiqClash of Heroes HD trailer teaches the tactics of puzzle-fighting originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capybara-GamesmicrosoftMight-and-MagicMight-and-Magic-Clash-of-Heroesplaystationps3puzzlestrategyxboxTue, 05 Apr 2011 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New tracks and artists revealed for Chime Super Deluxe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/new-tracks-and-artists-revealed-for-chime-super-deluxe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/new-tracks-and-artists-revealed-for-chime-super-deluxe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/new-tracks-and-artists-revealed-for-chime-super-deluxe/#comments We already know the identities of five out of ten of the songs included in the upcoming, PSN-exclusive update to Zoe Mode's innovative puzzler, Chime Super Deluxe. Today, three more songs for the title were announced -- and my, what an ecclectic mix they are:
  • Chiptune artist Sabrepulse will contribute a song titled "Play With You," on which he collaborated with Jorden Milnes, previous winner of the Billboard Songwriter Of The Year Award.
  • Nathan McCree, composer for Tomb Raider 1, 2 and 3, will turn in a song titled "Machine Dream."
  • Finally, film and television composer Joe Hogan will contribute a "cinematic orchestral" tune named "Sympathy." The song was originally used in a prototype version of the original Chime, so we imagine that it's undergone quite a bit of Supering and Deluxing over the past year.

Continue reading New tracks and artists revealed for Chime Super Deluxe

JoystiqNew tracks and artists revealed for Chime Super Deluxe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chime-super-deluxemusiconebiggameplaystationps3puzzlezoe-modeTue, 15 Feb 2011 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Sounds like Chime is headed for US PSN, too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/sounds-like-chime-is-headed-for-us-psn-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/sounds-like-chime-is-headed-for-us-psn-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/sounds-like-chime-is-headed-for-us-psn-too/#comments Originally developed for Xbox Live Arcade as the first of OneBigGame's for-charity titles, music-based puzzler Chime is one step closer to release on PS3 via PlayStation Network. Already rated by classification boards in Australia and Germany, the game has now received an "E" rating from the ESRB.

Now this PS3 version of the game just needs to be, y'know, announced. (Hopefully with Portal's "Still Alive" included.)

JoystiqSounds like Chime is headed for US PSN, too originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chimechime-super-deluxeesrbplaystationps3psnpuzzlesonyzoe-modeTue, 18 Jan 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Goo'd deal: Word of Goo for iPad is now half-price]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/good-deal-word-of-goo-for-ipad-is-now-half-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/good-deal-word-of-goo-for-ipad-is-now-half-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/good-deal-word-of-goo-for-ipad-is-now-half-price/#comments World of Goo, 2D Boy's sticky-stretchy indie puzzle platformer, has been available on iPad for a month, and to celebrate the occasion the game is now $4.99 for a limited time. At half off, it's an absolute steal for an outstanding game we included in our 2010 iOS buyer's guide.

JoystiqGoo'd deal: Word of Goo for iPad is now half-price originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2d-boyapp-storeappleiosipadmobilepuzzleWorld-of-GooSat, 15 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tetris set to drop on PSN in December from EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/tetris-set-to-drop-on-psn-in-december-from-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/tetris-set-to-drop-on-psn-in-december-from-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/tetris-set-to-drop-on-psn-in-december-from-ea/#comments The most prolific puzzler of them all is coming to PS3 next month, care of Electronic Arts. Tetris, the game of simple falling blocks, is getting an extravagant makeover for its downloadable debut on PSN (which was foretold of by Sony back in February) complete with 1080p visuals and six-channel audio -- but the area that's getting the most attention is multiplayer.

This new Tetris will support competitive online play for up to six players at once, and cooperative play for two teams of two in its aptly titled Team Battle mode. In this variant of the classic's gameplay, players have the option of changing play styles on-the-fly between offense and defense -- the former sending lines to the opposition, the latter removing them from their own team's wells.

Pricing and a firm release date are forthcoming. In the meantime, check out the first screens below!

Gallery: Tetris (PSN)

JoystiqTetris set to drop on PSN in December from EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>december-2010eaElectronic-Artsplaystationps3psnpuzzletetristetris-psnTue, 16 Nov 2010 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Telltale releases free match-three Back to the Future puzzle game on Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/telltale-releases-free-match-three-back-to-the-future-puzzle-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/telltale-releases-free-match-three-back-to-the-future-puzzle-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/telltale-releases-free-match-three-back-to-the-future-puzzle-gam/#comments Telltale games has released a free Back to the Future game on Facebook called Blitz Through Time. It's a pretty straightforward Bejeweled Blitz ripoff, though of course it's skinned up with sounds and graphics from the classic movie series. Your goal is to match three or more same-colored gems in a row, pushing the in-game speedometer all the way up to 88 miles per hour, where you'll ... change the background to a different time and start matching gems again.

Fun? Sure. New? Not really. But if you're a real BTTF fan, "liking" the game on the fan page will enter you in a contest for some related prizes. You can see a short trailer for the game after the break. Of course this is all promotion for the actual BTTF adventure game, which comes out sometime next month.

Continue reading Telltale releases free match-three Back to the Future puzzle game on Facebook

JoystiqTelltale releases free match-three Back to the Future puzzle game on Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-the-futurefacebookmatch-threepcpuzzlesocialtelltale-gamesMon, 15 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Osmos only $2.50 as Game for Windows Live's Deal of the Week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/13/osmos-only-2-50-as-game-for-windows-lives-deal-of-the-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/13/osmos-only-2-50-as-game-for-windows-lives-deal-of-the-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/13/osmos-only-2-50-as-game-for-windows-lives-deal-of-the-week/#comments
$2.50 doesn't buy a lot these days -- we remember when two bucks and fifty cents could get you a few movie rentals, a nice big bag of candy, or even a sweet comic book. But nowadays, it barely buys you a cup of coffee. One thing you can do with your $2.50 this weekend, though, is take advantage of Games for Windows Live's Deal of the Week -- Microsoft is offering up the terrific indie game Osmos for just two dollars and two quarters.

The game's great -- it was an Indiecade finalist last year, and has you playing as a celestial body trading off mass for movement and always trying to eat orbs bigger than you are. $2.50 doesn't go as far as it used to, but this deal, on through Wednesday of next week, is money well spent.

Update [11/15/10]: This deal is also available through the newly relaunched Games for Windows Marketplace.

JoystiqOsmos only $2.50 as Game for Windows Live's Deal of the Week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambientdealgames-for-windows-liveosmospcpuzzleSat, 13 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap offering free Bejeweled 2 today for birthday celebration]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/popcap-offering-free-bejeweled-2-today-for-birthday-celebration/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/popcap-offering-free-bejeweled-2-today-for-birthday-celebration/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/popcap-offering-free-bejeweled-2-today-for-birthday-celebration/#comments If it wasn't fairly evident before than PopCap has a very personal vendetta against your work ethic, it should be now -- in celebration of the 10th birthday of the developer's flagship, gem-swapping casual series, its offering a free download of Bejeweled 2 for PC and Mac.

Continue reading PopCap offering free Bejeweled 2 today for birthday celebration

JoystiqPopCap offering free Bejeweled 2 today for birthday celebration originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bejeweled-2casualfreemacpcpopcappuzzleSun, 10 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witness makes low-key debut at PAX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/the-witness-makes-low-key-debut-at-pax/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/the-witness-makes-low-key-debut-at-pax/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/the-witness-makes-low-key-debut-at-pax/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The first public appearance of The Witness, a new game from Braid designer Jonathan Blow (and a small team of independent designers), almost went unnoticed. Its presence at last weekend's Penny Arcade Expo wasn't announced by an enthusiastic press release or trumpeted by a flashy trailer. It didn't even have a sign.

"PAX is a huge show, with tons of stuff to see everywhere; if the game could hold peoples' attention under those conditions, purely on its own merits rather than by hype or pedigree, then I would know that it was really working," Jonathan Blow wrote on The Witness blog. "Happily, the game worked very well - despite the fact that the visuals are still in an early prototype stage. People tended to play for a long time, and they liked what they played."

Kotaku's Stephen Totilo compared the first-person exploration and puzzle-solving to Myst. The game's beautifully lit and serene world hides abstract enigmas, such as boards that require you to trace the correct route. What's most interesting, however, is that there don't seem to be any prompts or instructions for the player -- making this understated PAX reveal seem very appropriate indeed.

JoystiqThe Witness makes low-key debut at PAX originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>explorationjonathan-blowpax-2010puzzlethe-witnessMon, 06 Sep 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo opens the floodgates on Fluidity media]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/nintendo-opens-the-floodgates-on-fluidity-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/nintendo-opens-the-floodgates-on-fluidity-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/nintendo-opens-the-floodgates-on-fluidity-media/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Fluidity, the new WiiWare game Nintendo is showing off at PAX, looks a lot more interesting than you'd expect from a game about tilting containers to let water flow. For one thing, the containers in question are whole rooms set inside a comic book, filled with puzzles that require you to squirt, freeze, melt or otherwise manipulate water to complete them. For another, the water animation is mesmerizingly pretty.

PAX attendees have the opportunity to swish around in Fluidity for themselves, but the rest of us will have to be content with the trailer after the break and the screens in our gallery.

Gallery: Fluidity (WiiWare)

Continue reading Nintendo opens the floodgates on Fluidity media

JoystiqNintendo opens the floodgates on Fluidity media originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fluiditynintendopax-2010puzzlewiiwiiwareFri, 03 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Solve Layton's puzzles or die in a Bay area phone booth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/solve-laytons-puzzles-or-die-in-a-bay-area-phone-booth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/solve-laytons-puzzles-or-die-in-a-bay-area-phone-booth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/solve-laytons-puzzles-or-die-in-a-bay-area-phone-booth/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're in the San Francisco area on September 7, you may want to stop by the Union Square shopping center, where characters from the Professor Layton series will let visitors step into a British phone booth and sample the upcoming Professor Layton and the Unwound Future. Combined total puzzle scores for guys will be pitted against ladies' scores as similar events are held in Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia.

... Hey, wait a minute! A puzzle-obsessed genius is trapping people in phone booths until they complete a battle of wits? Hell, toss in a couple of rotating blades and Cary Elwes and we've got a Saw movie on our hands.

JoystiqSolve Layton's puzzles or die in a Bay area phone booth originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dseventsLevel-5nintendoprofessor-laytonProfessor-Layton-and-the-Unwound-FuturepuzzleTue, 31 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chime hits Steam Sept. 6 with Portal-themed level]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/chime-hits-steam-sept-6-with-portal-themed-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/chime-hits-steam-sept-6-with-portal-themed-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/chime-hits-steam-sept-6-with-portal-themed-level/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Zoë Mode creative director Ste Curran has tweeted some exciting news for PC-owning puzzle game buffs: Chime, the music-driven XBLA block-dropper it created for the OneBigGame charity project, is coming to Steam next month. The game will be available on the service from September 6, and will be up for pre-order there later today.

Chime's a great puzzler as-is, but Zoë Mode is adding something extra-special for the PC release: a sixth level themed after Valve's modern classic, Portal, featuring Jonathan Coulton's "Still Alive." As with the XBLA version, 5 percent of the Steam purchase price will go to charity. Sounds like a triumph for everyone.

JoystiqChime hits Steam Sept. 6 with Portal-themed level originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychimeonebiggamepcportalpuzzlerelease-datesteamvalvezoe-modeThu, 26 Aug 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Ivy the Kiwi? (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/review-ivy-the-kiwi-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/review-ivy-the-kiwi-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/review-ivy-the-kiwi-wii/#commentsPrope's Ivy the Kiwi? is a simple game. It has a simple story: a newborn chick, still half-stuck in an egg, searches for her mother. It has simple gameplay: draw vines on the screen to propel Ivy through mazes, avoiding enemies and hazards. But despite (or maybe thanks to) its simplicity, it thrives: the presentation is almost unfairly charming, and Ivy is just plain fun to manipulate in the world. Besides, for such a simple game, it's not easy.

Gallery: Ivy the Kiwi (Wii, 8/24/10)

Continue reading Review: Ivy the Kiwi? (Wii)

JoystiqReview: Ivy the Kiwi? (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionIvy-the-KiwinintendoPropePuzzlewiiXSEEDTue, 24 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Find Professor Layton and the Lost Future in Europe on October 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/find-professor-layton-and-the-lost-future-in-europe-on-october-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/find-professor-layton-and-the-lost-future-in-europe-on-october-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/11/find-professor-layton-and-the-lost-future-in-europe-on-october-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nintendo announced the European release date for Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, the third game in the Professor Layton series today: October 22 (with the slightly altered title Professor Layton and the Lost Future).

If you're in Europe and want to play it sooner, you can either follow in the Professor's footsteps and use a time machine ... or just order a copy from the US, where it'll be available September 12. Of course, European Layton fans have the advantage of being able to watch the Professor Layton movie to help pass the time, so maybe the wait won't be so awful.

JoystiqFind Professor Layton and the Lost Future in Europe on October 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsEuropeLevel-5nintendoProfessor-Laytonprofessor-layton-and-the-lost-futureProfessor-Layton-and-the-Unwound-FuturePuzzleRelease-dateWed, 11 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PixelJunk Racers 2nd Lap available today for PlayStation Plus members, free to existing Racers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/pixeljunk-racers-2nd-lap-available-today-for-playstation-plus-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/pixeljunk-racers-2nd-lap-available-today-for-playstation-plus-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/pixeljunk-racers-2nd-lap-available-today-for-playstation-plus-me/#commentsFiled under: , ,

PlayStation Plus users will be able to get a headstart on PixelJunk Racers 2nd Lap -- not in the actual races, which would be incredibly unfair, but in terms of access to the game itself. The updated, mercifully easier version of Q-Games' puzzle/racing/party game (now with Trophies!) will be available to PS+ members today, and to everyone else on August 24.

If you already have PixelJunk Racers, the update will be free, and will allow you to play the new version without overwriting the original content. If you're new to the game, 2nd Lap will be $6.99 in the PlayStation Store, with an extra 25% discount thrown in for Plus members. Accelerate past the break to see a new trailer.

Continue reading PixelJunk Racers 2nd Lap available today for PlayStation Plus members, free to existing Racers

JoystiqPixelJunk Racers 2nd Lap available today for PlayStation Plus members, free to existing Racers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pixeljunkPixelJunk-Racersplaystationplaystation-plusps3psnpuzzleq-gamesracingTue, 10 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Scribblenauts ESRB description confirms mermaid-murdering computers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/super-scribblenauts-esrb-description-confirms-mermaid-murdering/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/super-scribblenauts-esrb-description-confirms-mermaid-murdering/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/super-scribblenauts-esrb-description-confirms-mermaid-murdering/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Were you concerned about whether or not you'd be able to create a man-eating bicycle in Super Scribblenauts? Parents, do you have a strict "no homicidal houses" policy for your kids' entertainment media? The ESRB has stepped in to offer a few (extremely) random examples of what's possible.

Continue reading Super Scribblenauts ESRB description confirms mermaid-murdering computers

JoystiqSuper Scribblenauts ESRB description confirms mermaid-murdering computers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-celladventuredsESRBnintendopuzzlesuper-scribblenautsWarner-Bros-InteractiveMon, 09 Aug 2010 13:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Solve Puzzle Quest 2 on Steam August 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/solve-puzzle-quest-2-on-steam-august-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/solve-puzzle-quest-2-on-steam-august-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/solve-puzzle-quest-2-on-steam-august-12/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Though we usually elect to enjoy Puzzle Quest 2 during life's natural intermissions -- red lights, bathroom visits, literal intermissions between two acts of a lengthy musical -- we suppose having it on our home computer would be equally convenient. (We spend a lot of time on computers, you know.) We'll all get our chance to grab the game's PC iteration when it lands on Steam next Thursday, August 12.

The puzzle-RPG will be available for the (relatively) bargain price of $19.99 -- but if you'd like to do a bit of damage to that cost, you can save 10 percent by pre-ordering the game on Steam.

JoystiqSolve Puzzle Quest 2 on Steam August 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d3-publisherinfinite-interactivepcpuzzlePuzzle-Quest-2release-datesteamFri, 06 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Castlevania Puzzle: Encore of the Night debuts on App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/castlevania-puzzle-encore-of-the-night-debuts-on-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/castlevania-puzzle-encore-of-the-night-debuts-on-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/castlevania-puzzle-encore-of-the-night-debuts-on-app-store/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Castlevania Puzzle: Encore of the Night is now available in North America. Unlike the last bizarre, potentially embarrassing Castlevania spinoff, Judgment, nobody has to see you buy it, thanks to digital distribution!

"With a timeless flagship title like Castlevania, it was essential to maintain the integrity of the franchise, while at the same time offering updated content to consumers," said Joe Morris, Konami's Vice President of Mobile Content and Social Networking, about the game that retells the events of the most beloved Castlevania game, Symphony of the Night, as a falling-block puzzler. If you want to find out for yourself how well this complete departure maintains the franchise's integrity, the game costs $5.

Gallery: Castlevania Puzzle: Encore of the Night

JoystiqCastlevania Puzzle: Encore of the Night debuts on App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlevaniacastlevania-puzzle-encore-of-the-nightiphonekonamimobilepuzzlerelease-dateFri, 23 Jul 2010 00:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch this Ghost Trick footage, for dog's sake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/watch-this-ghost-trick-footage-for-dogs-sake/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/watch-this-ghost-trick-footage-for-dogs-sake/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/watch-this-ghost-trick-footage-for-dogs-sake/#commentsSnippets of Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective footage went up on various outlets, mostly focusing on a sequence in which Sissel has to save a young girl named Kamilla from the game's nearly-blind assassin. Sissel is assisted in this task by Missile, Kamilla's dog -- who, like Sissel, has recently been killed by the assassin. Sissel rewinds time, and the two have to work together to get Kamilla in a safe hiding place before the killer arrives.

After the break, see a clip from GameVideos in which Sissel and Missile manipulate Kamilla through the use of donuts. Find more at IGN and GameSpot (who has a clip of Missile's fateful showdown).

Continue reading Watch this Ghost Trick footage, for dog's sake

JoystiqWatch this Ghost Trick footage, for dog's sake originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdventureCapcomdsGhost-TrickGhost-Trick-Phantom-DetectivenintendoPuzzleThu, 22 Jul 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap rolling out Zuma Blitz on Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/popcap-rolling-out-zuma-blitz-on-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/popcap-rolling-out-zuma-blitz-on-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/popcap-rolling-out-zuma-blitz-on-facebook/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hot on the heels of PopCap stating that social features would be added to all its existing games, the company has announced Zuma Blitz for Facebook. Zuma Blitz is "expected to roll out gradually" in three weeks with a beta. The company will update the app with weekly tournaments, new levels, an 'experience points' system to unlock features and "a 'treasure chest' virtual currency-based system for obtaining in-game power-ups."

Zuma Blitz is PopCap's second "full-fledged" Facebook game. The casual e-crack developer previously released Bejeweled Blitz, which, according to PopCap, has had nearly 30 million players and 100 million sessions daily since being introduced 18 months ago.

JoystiqPopCap rolling out Zuma Blitz on Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CasualFacebookPopCapPopCap-GamesPuzzleZumazuma-blitzThu, 15 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton's future unwinds on September 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/professor-laytons-future-unwinds-on-september-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/professor-laytons-future-unwinds-on-september-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/professor-laytons-future-unwinds-on-september-12/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Professor Layton has figured out the secrets of time travel! Though his new game, Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, was originally set to be released in North America on September 20, the clever adventurer has figured out a way to move the release date back in time one week, to September 12.

Unwound Future begins with Professor Layton receiving a letter from his apprentice, Luke -- from ten years in the future. Layton and Luke must travel to the London of the future for urgent puzzle-related business. Apparently, sending someone through time is easier than some of the puzzles.

Gallery: Professor Layton and the Unwound Future (DS)


JoystiqProfessor Layton's future unwinds on September 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsLevel-5nintendoProfessor-Laytonprofessor-layton-and-the-last-time-travelProfessor-Layton-and-the-Unwound-FuturePuzzleRelease-DateWed, 14 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the detectives of Disney Guilty Party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/meet-the-detectives-of-disney-guilty-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/meet-the-detectives-of-disney-guilty-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/meet-the-detectives-of-disney-guilty-party/#comments
They're not exactly an intimidating bunch -- we've got a masked brat, a soft-spoken granny and a let-himself-go gumshoe in here -- but the investigative attendees of Disney Guilty Party look like they can crack a case and hook some crooks with flair on August 31. See the new trailer after the break.

Continue reading Meet the detectives of Disney Guilty Party

JoystiqMeet the detectives of Disney Guilty Party originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disneydisney-guilty-partyDisney-InteractiveGuilty-PartyMysterynintendoPuzzleQ3-2010WideloadWideload-GameswiiWed, 14 Jul 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Time for a bit more of the Portal 2 E3 demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/time-for-a-bit-more-of-the-portal-2-e3-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/time-for-a-bit-more-of-the-portal-2-e3-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/time-for-a-bit-more-of-the-portal-2-e3-demo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Portal 2
Valve's agonizing piecemeal delivery of footage from the Portal 2 E3 demo continues. These clips introduce Pneumatic Diversity Vents and Thermal Discouragement Beams, because simply creating conduits between two points in space (four in co-op) wasn't complicated enough.

Sure, those are just vacuums and lasers, respectively, but it's still enough to give us a headache in anticipation of future gameplay complexity. Luckily, no space-bending guns are required to see the videos -- simply click past the post break and they'll go directly into your eyes.

Continue reading Time for a bit more of the Portal 2 E3 demo

JoystiqTime for a bit more of the Portal 2 E3 demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FPSmicrosoftpcplaystationportal-2ps3PuzzleValvexboxWed, 30 Jun 2010 16:59:00 EST