Joystiq

Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Puzzle Quest and expansion puzzling PSN this winter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/puzzle-quest-and-expansion-puzzling-psn-this-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/puzzle-quest-and-expansion-puzzling-psn-this-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/puzzle-quest-and-expansion-puzzling-psn-this-winter/#commentsFiled under: Sony PlayStation 3, Puzzle, RPGs, Casual

For PS3 owners somehow unacquainted with Puzzle Quest, we suggest stocking up on antibiotics and extra time. D3Publisher has revealed plans to bring not only the original Puzzle Quest but also its recent fan-named expansion, Revenge of the Plague Lord, to the PlayStation Store this winter, a move that according to our calculations will make it scientifically impossible not to have lost sleep playing the puzzle-RPG hybrid.

Both titles will be released as a single purchase and download, though the publisher has not announced how much the time sink combo will cost. We're currently waiting to hear back from our man on the street, who's diligently checking the alleys to see how much a twofer of digital crack goes for these days, anyway.

[Via PS3F]

Puzzle Quest and expansion puzzling PSN this winter originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d3d3-publisherd3publisherplaystationnetworkplaystationstorePS3psnpuzzle-questpuzzlequestrevenge-of-the-plague-lordThu, 02 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming to Go: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/gaming-to-go-puzzle-quest-challenge-of-the-warlords/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/gaming-to-go-puzzle-quest-challenge-of-the-warlords/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/gaming-to-go-puzzle-quest-challenge-of-the-warlords/#commentsFiled under: Gaming to Go

The premiere Puzzle Quest title debuted to generally positive reviews, many of which praised the unexpectedly compelling mix of ~~Bejeweled~~ gem-swapping puzzles and standard RPG elements. Any gamer who has given the title a whirl knows the critical claim doesn't come unwarranted, even with a few niggling things like cheating AI and a complete lack of closure. Those minor complaints are more than made up for with the mind-boggling amount of depth the developers crammed into the cartridge, transforming what could have been just another puzzler into an addicting little package still worth playing over a year since its release.

With the space-age sequel rumored to land sometime in October, now is as good a time as any to take a look back at the sword and stone puzzler that started it all. If you never bothered to pick it up, consider yourself thoroughly shamed -- but don't let the weight of your emotional guilt bring you down. Come along with this week's edition of Gaming to Go for one last reminder that sliding colorful stones around a board is a perfectly viable way to wage digital war.

Continue reading Gaming to Go: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords

Gaming to Go: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d3d3publisherinfinite interactiveinfiniteinteractivejoystiqfeaturespuzzlepuzzle questpuzzlequestrpgMon, 15 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle Quest update to infect XBLA this Wednesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/puzzle-quest-update-to-infect-xbla-this-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/puzzle-quest-update-to-infect-xbla-this-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/puzzle-quest-update-to-infect-xbla-this-wednesday/#commentsFiled under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Puzzle, RPGs

Those jewels you've been collecting are about to get a whole lot more infectious, as D3Publisher announced that its player-christened Puzzle Quest expansion, Revenge of the Plague Lord, will infest Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday, July 23.

Develped by Puzzle Quest devs, Infinite Interactive, the 700 Microsoft Point update will offer a virulent mass of new content, including 25 new quests, 50 new spells, 40 new items, and four new heroes, as well as the ability to build up characters to level 60. In addition, Revenge of the Plague Lord will also add three new Achievements to the popular puzzler, giving us plenty to feed our fever until we look to the skies next year.

Puzzle Quest update to infect XBLA this Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galactrixinfinite-interactiveinfiniteinteractivepuzzle-questpuzzlequestrevenge-of-the-plagu...revengeoftheplaguelordXbox-360Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Help focus test new Puzzle Quest game in LA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/focus-test-new-puzzle-quest-game-in-la/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/focus-test-new-puzzle-quest-game-in-la/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/focus-test-new-puzzle-quest-game-in-la/#commentsFiled under: Arcade, Culture, Puzzle, RPGs

D3Publisher of America is looking for volunteers to focus test the "next game in the Puzzle Quest franchise." If you live in the Los Angeles area and have played the original Puzzle Quest, contact lisa[at]mindofthegamer[dawt]com and place "Puzzle Quest Research" in the subject line.

Emails must be received by April 18 and participants will be chosen on a first come, first served basis; there will also be screening for "additional criteria." We spoke with a representative who told us participants will be mostly testing Galactrix, a little Revenge of the Plague Lord, and "other" Puzzle Quest related things. Those who score a golden ticket, let us know what you find out.

Gallery: Puzzle Quest: Galactrix (XBLA/DS/PC)

Help focus test new Puzzle Quest game in LA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d3publishergalactrixpuzzle-guestpuzzlequestThu, 10 Apr 2008 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle Quest 1.5 gets name, dubbed Revenge of the Plague Lord]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/puzzle-quest-1-5-gets-name-dubbed-revenge-of-the-plague-lord/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/puzzle-quest-1-5-gets-name-dubbed-revenge-of-the-plague-lord/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/puzzle-quest-1-5-gets-name-dubbed-revenge-of-the-plague-lord/#commentsFiled under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Puzzle, RPGs, Casual

Refusing to heed our suggestion, D3Publisher has picked the name for it's upcoming version 1.5 update for Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. The download, which will drop over Xbox Live this spring, will carry the rather tortured title of Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords - Revenge of the Plague Lord. Let us pause now and catch our breath.

According to D3, the mouthful was picked from a collection of more than 500 suggestions sent in as part of the last month's call for potential monikers, which turned out equally labored names as "Sorceress of Malbec" and "The Scourge of Antharg," the contest's two runner-ups. Still, while we find the chosen name difficult to swallow, we remain excited for the expansion, which promises to tempt us with new hero professions, spells, items, and quests. Goodbye free time, we hardly knew ye.

Puzzle Quest 1.5 gets name, dubbed Revenge of the Plague Lord originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d3d3publisherpuzzle-questpuzzlequestrevenge-of-the-plague-lordrevengeoftheplaguelordxblaXbox-360Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy poll: Would you buy Puzzle Quest '1.5'?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/ds-fanboy-poll-would-you-buy-puzzle-quest-1-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/ds-fanboy-poll-would-you-buy-puzzle-quest-1-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/ds-fanboy-poll-would-you-buy-puzzle-quest-1-5/#commentsFiled under: DS Fanboy poll

The Nintendo DS has a long way to go before it can match the Xbox 360's online features and capabilities, but that doesn't mean we're any less jealous of the XBLA-only Puzzle Quest "1.5" add-on. In addition to a new story and arch-villain (Antharg, Lord of the Plague), the expansion pack will feature new spells, items, and quests. The upgrades we're extra envious about, though, are the new classes -- Bard, Rogue, Ranger, and Warlock.

Seeing as the DS edition of Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords doesn't allow for downloadable content, if the expansion pack were to come out for the DS, it would have to be on a new cart. We doubt D3 will bother with porting the game, but we're interested to find out if you'd buy a Puzzle Quest 1.5, provided that the game allowed you to migrate your old character, of course.

See also: GDC08: Hands almost-on with Puzzle Quest: Galactrix

DS Fanboy poll: Would you buy Puzzle Quest '1.5'? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360challenge-of-the-warlordsdownloadable-contentexpansiongalactrixinfinite interactiveinfiniteinteractivepuzzle-questpuzzlequestxblaMon, 17 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle Quest getting XBLA expansion, fans asked to name it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/puzzle-quest-getting-xbla-expansion-fans-asked-to-name-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/puzzle-quest-getting-xbla-expansion-fans-asked-to-name-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/puzzle-quest-getting-xbla-expansion-fans-asked-to-name-it/#commentsFiled under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Puzzle, RPGs, Casual

Puzzle Quest was among our favorite titles released last year over Xbox Live Arcade, with the unlikely mix of casual puzzling and role-playing edging its way into several of our staff's top picks for 2007. Now publisher D3 has announced that the game will soon be getting what it calls a "tremendous amount" of new content by way of an upcoming downloadable expansion. There's just one problem -- it needs a name.

The add-on, which promises a new villain in Antharg, the Lord of Plague, as well as new spells, items, and quests on top of four new hero professions (Bard, Rogue, Ranger and Warlock), is currently being dubbed " Puzzle Quest: 1.5," but that name is hardly appropriate. To this end, D3 is calling for players to submit name suggestions on the official Puzzle Quest website starting today at noon through Friday, March 21. Once a name has been decided, the expansion will be made available this spring over Xbox Live. We're already brainstorming our ideas -- might we suggest Puzzle Quest: The Addictioning?

Puzzle Quest getting XBLA expansion, fans asked to name it originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anthargbreakingnewsd3d3-publisherd3publisherexpansionpuzzle-questpuzzlequestxblaXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadexboxlivexboxlivearcadeMon, 17 Mar 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock your DS's sound through the car stereo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/rock-your-dss-sound-through-the-car-stereo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/rock-your-dss-sound-through-the-car-stereo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/rock-your-dss-sound-through-the-car-stereo/#commentsFiled under: Fan stuff

We actually enjoy playing our DS in the car quite a bit. In fact, one of us even went so far as to enjoy playing Puzzle Quest at red lights while behind the wheel. It's a dangerous obsession that not only threatens our own lives, but those of everyone else in the world. It's the nature of the beast, we suppose.

So imagine our surprise when we read this little piece and totally realized we could output our DS's sound to our car speakers, almost providing a surround sound experience. Sure, we have headphones for when we're trying to get our dual-screen on out in the wild, but sometimes they're uncomfortable. This just seems like an incredibly obvious thing we never thought of ourselves. We can totally picture playing Ouendan or Elite Beat Agents in this manner.

Rock your DS's sound through the car stereo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carebaouendanpuzzle-questpuzzlequestred-lightsurround-soundFri, 22 Feb 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Griffin's Picks of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: Nintendo DS, Features, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360

Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition (Wii)

For a port of a two-year-old game, RE4: Wii Edition didn't have a whole lot going for it. It had the same extra features as the PS2 port of the game, not-so-updated graphics, and slightly lower reviews than its original iteration -- and yet, somehow, just by changing how the game is controlled, Capcom created an entirely new adventure. When the peculiar controls for the Wii were first announced, this is the type of interactivity that I imagined from the future games for the system -- responsive, accurate, and realistic. The only way they could have made the gunplay feel any more natural would have been to package the game with an actual gun, which you shot at the on-screen zombies. Once.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Griffin's Picks of 2007

Best of the Rest: Griffin's Picks of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best-of-the-rest-2007Blue-DragonBlueDragonCrackdownDSGH3GOTY-2007Guitar-Hero-3GuitarHero3MassEffectPokemonPuzzle-QuestPuzzleQuestResident-Evil-4ResidentEvil4The-BigsTheBigsWiiXbox-360Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Alexander's Picks of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: Nintendo DS, Features, PC, Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PSP, Microsoft Xbox 360

Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword (PC)

Please, make the addiction stop! Civilization IV: Warlords, the first expansion for Civ IV, made my "Best of the Rest" last year and Beyond the Sword tops this year's list. The funny thing is I'm not a Civ fanboy, nor am I even that great of a player (Full Disclosure: I still play on Noble level), but Civ IV is a game I can come back to over and over again. Beyond the Sword added much-needed mechanics for culture-prone and passive-aggressive players, with enhancements in espionage and other concepts "beyond the sword." Oh, and just to keep last year's tradition going: Firaxis (2K, Take-Two), please get the rights to Alpha Centauri back from EA and give us a sequel!

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Alexander's Picks of 2007

Best of the Rest: Alexander's Picks of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionBest-of-the-rest-2007carcassonnecatanciv4civilizationcivilizationivcivIVCrackdownDSEternal-SonataGOTY-2007heavenly-swordheavenlyswordJRPGMicrosoftNamcoNamco-BandaioverlordPCprojectsylpheedPS3PSPpuzzle-questpuzzlequestratchet-and-clankratchetandclankRealtime-WorldsRiot-ActRPGSandboxthe-darknessthedarknessTri-CrescendoTrusty-BellXbox-360Tue, 01 Jan 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Justin's Picks of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-justins-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-justins-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-justins-picks-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: Nintendo DS, Features, PC, Sony PSP, Microsoft Xbox 360

Dead Head Fred (PSP)

Though he may have been on a small screen, Dead Head Fred (voiced by Scrubs' John C. McGinley), had more character than 90 percent of the leads in this year's crop of console games. If you haven't played it, do yourself a favor and track it down. It's excellent stuff.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Justin's Picks of 2007

Best of the Rest: Justin's Picks of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionBest-of-the-rest-2007CrackdownDead-Head-FredDesktop-Tower-DefenseDSElder-ScrollsElderScrollsGOTY-2007MassEffectMicrosoftOblivionPCPSPPuzzle-QuestPuzzleQuestRealtime-WorldsRiot-ActSandboxShivering-IslesShiveringIslesXbox-360Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: James' Picks of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-james-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-james-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-james-picks-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: Nintendo DS, Features, Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PSP, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360

Pac-Man Championship Edition (XBLA)

If not worthy of a Top 10 spot, then certainly Pac-Man deserves Joystiq's 'Comeback Player of the Year' award. I covered Pac-Man CE's overblown launch in early June, but it wasn't until I became a devoted player at home that I realized the sheer genius of the first true Pac-Man sequel since 'the Ms.' hit the maze in '82. Designer Toru Iwatani managed to scrape off a quarter-century of rust and fashion a remarkably relevant game that held me down during an otherwise punishing summer drought. Geometry Wars might be the most celebrated, but Pac-Man CE is Xbox Live Arcade's true star.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: James' Picks of 2007

Best of the Rest: James' Picks of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionassassins-creedassassinscreedbest-of-the-rest-2007castlevaniacastlevania-symphony-of-the-nightcrackdownDSeverdayshootereveryday-shooterGOTY-2007heavenly-swordheavenlyswordjeanne-darcLost-Planet-Extreme-ConditionlostplanetmasseffectMicrosoftmlb-07pac-manpac-man-cepac-man-championship-editionphantom-hourglassphatomhourglasspicrossPS3psnPSPpuzzle-questpuzzlequestQueasy-GamesRealtime-WorldsRiot-ActSandboxSCEShooterSony-Computer-Entertainmentsuper-stardust-hdsuperstardusthdsymphony-of-the-nightsymphonyofthenightWiixblaXbox-360zeldaTue, 01 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Too many to choose from edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/wrup-too-many-to-choose-from-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/wrup-too-many-to-choose-from-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/wrup-too-many-to-choose-from-edition/#commentsFiled under: What are you playing?

There's, like, a whopping one new game available this week. So, unless you're down to play the puzzle game on your DS (or happen to live outside of the U.S.), you've got nothing new to play. What a shame.

But, you've got to play something (don't even try to tell us you aren't playing anything, 'cause that's bull). Maybe you're just getting around to playing Phantom Hourglass? Maybe you're finally seeing what all of the fuss is about in Puzzle Quest? What are you playing?

WRUP: Too many to choose from edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>luxorphantomhourglasspuzzlepuzzlequestFri, 14 Dec 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Reformulated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/ds-daily-reformulated/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/ds-daily-reformulated/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/ds-daily-reformulated/#commentsFiled under: DS Daily

We thought we'd do a little thought experiment today. The DS is home to a few games that combine two unrelated genres unexpectedly, to varying results: the (nominally) rhythm-based brawler Draglade, and the puzzle RPG Puzzle Quest, to name two.

We'd like you to come up with a design idea for a game combining two divergent genres or styles? How about a real-time strategy game about one-on-one fighting? Or an abstract music-based racing game? No idea is too crazy -- not after Puzzle Quest.

DS Daily: Reformulated originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragladegenrepuzzle-questpuzzlequestWed, 05 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: The questing continues some more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/wii-warm-up-the-questing-continues-some-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/wii-warm-up-the-questing-continues-some-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/wii-warm-up-the-questing-continues-some-more/#commentsFiled under: Wii Warm Up

As if responding to the concerns we raised yesterday, D3Publisher announced what changes and additions gamers can expect with the Wii port of Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. Shouldn't we have heard about these details at an earlier date, preferably before the game was shipped out?

Anyway, this new Wii version of the puzzle/RPG hybrid has rebalanced elements, a replay option for capturing monsters, and a two-player multiplayer mode. As we predicted, there are no online features, unlike the Xbox Live Arcade and PC releases. Developer Vicious Cycle Software did, however, make sure to integrate "waggle control options with the Wii Remote."

Were any of you actually hoping for motion-based controls? Or were you wishing, like we were, that the developer would focus its efforts on implementing the primary feature fans of the handheld versions were asking for? We'll probably pick up Puzzle Quest anyway; we just wish we could play against some of you online.

Wii Warm Up: The questing continues some more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bejeweledd3phybridinfinite-interactiveportpuzzle-questpuzzlequestrpgvicious-cycle-softwarewaggleFri, 30 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: The questing continues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/wii-warm-up-the-questing-continues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/wii-warm-up-the-questing-continues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/wii-warm-up-the-questing-continues/#commentsFiled under: Wii Warm Up

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords was one of the biggest surprise hits of the year, its word-of-mouth success prompting a release on every relevant platform -- first the PSP and DS, then Xbox Live Arcade and Windows, and this week, the Wii and PS2 (with a Mobile version in the works). But with over eight months past since Puzzle Quest made its debut on handhelds and two months since its first console port, are you still interested enough in this game to pick it up?

We haven't seen any previews or impressions so far, so we can only assume that developer Vicious Cycle Software hasn't added anything to the original game beyond the bug fixes and balance tweaks that were already in place with the Xbox Live Arcade version. It's safe to assume that there won't be any sort of online functionality either, which is really disappointing when you consider that cheaper versions of Puzzle Quest have had support for online multiplayer battles for months now.

Wii Warm Up: The questing continues originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bejeweledd3phybridinfinite-interactiveportpuzzle-questpuzzlequestrpgvicious-cycle-softwareThu, 29 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview update: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (Xbox 360, DS, PSP)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/20/metareview-update-puzzle-quest-challenge-of-the-warlords-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/20/metareview-update-puzzle-quest-challenge-of-the-warlords-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/20/metareview-update-puzzle-quest-challenge-of-the-warlords-xbox/#commentsFiled under: Nintendo DS, Sony PSP, Microsoft Xbox 360

The gamer crack known as Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords kept getting better as it evolved from PC screen, to handheld screen, and finally to glorious HD. As this blogger has officially not been able to use the Xbox 360 for the last four hours because of household members discovering the game for the first time, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to go back and update our original metareview on Puzzle Quest. Although the Wii version costing $30 and PS2 version at $20 are expected Nov. 13, the real gem in the Puzzle Quest iterations is certainly the $15 HD version available on XBLA. Civilization may be known for its "just one more turn" line of addicts everywhere, but Puzzle Quest could very well become known for "just one more quest" as more and more people discover this addictive puzzle/RPG hybrid.

Previous Metareview for DS and PSP:

Update for XBLA:

Gamespot (90/100) - "Online play is a great addition, even if it's limited to straightforward ranked and player matches. It's still fun to be able to take the character you've been building up in the single-player campaign against another live player, and the ability to adjust the time limit for each player's turn can make the action much more frantic and challenging. ... Despite coming out on XBLA a good half a year after the original DS and PSP releases, Puzzle Quest still feels incredibly fresh and vital, and the changes made in between make it even easier to recommend."
IGN (90/100) - "The minor glitches that were apparent in the DS version are nowhere to be found here. It's also a bargain on XBLA, priced at half the amount of the portable versions. If you haven't played Puzzle Quest, yet, this is a definite download. And if you have it's likely you'll fall in love with its seemingly endless set of quests to be accomplished, different classes to try, and new spells to master all over again. Throw in achievements, higher resolution graphics, and online multiplayer -- Puzzle Quest is a marriage that will last."

Gallery: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (XBLA)

Metareview update: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (Xbox 360, DS, PSP) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Oct 2007 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSmetareviewPSPpuzzlequestxblaXbox-360Sat, 20 Oct 2007 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: Puzzle Quest and Toyota advergame hit XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/this-wednesday-puzzle-quest-and-toyota-advergame-hit-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/this-wednesday-puzzle-quest-and-toyota-advergame-hit-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/this-wednesday-puzzle-quest-and-toyota-advergame-hit-xbla/#commentsFiled under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Driving, Puzzle

As was revealed over the weekend, Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords is finally gracing Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday. A fee of 1,200 MS Points ($15) allows entry into the kingdom where warring men and beasts settle things not by clanging swords, but politely manipulating colored tiles. The price of such civility may seem puzzling, but the digitally distributed form seems to offer the most features (examine them after the break) at the lowest price.

Wednesday sees another game arrive at the lowest price, specifically $0. In what is sure to be a vortex for game of the year accolades, Toyota's "Yaris" advergame allows you to test drive the eponymous vehicle from the comfort of your couch. You'll dodge robotic rabbits, engage in the exciting "Yaris vs. Yaris" mode and even upgrade the "protective shielding" you're surprised Toyota hasn't made more of an effort to market. Unfortunately, this game is only available to Live subscribers in the US and Canada.

Gallery: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (XBLA)

Gallery: Yaris (XBLA)

Continue reading This Wednesday: Puzzle Quest and Toyota advergame hit XBLA

This Wednesday: Puzzle Quest and Toyota advergame hit XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdvergameBackbone-EmeryvilleCastaway-EntertainmentD3microsoftPuzzle-QuestPuzzleQuestXBLAXBLAWednesdayxboxXbox-360YarisMon, 08 Oct 2007 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle Quest this Wednesday on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/06/puzzle-quest-this-wednesday-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/06/puzzle-quest-this-wednesday-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/06/puzzle-quest-this-wednesday-on-xbla/#commentsFiled under: Arcade, Microsoft Xbox 360, Puzzle

According to a press release IGN received from D3 Publisher, Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords will release on Xbox Live Arcade Oct. 10. Although no specifics were given on price, the game is expected to cost 1200 MS points ($15) based on previous leaked info.

Although the 1200 MS price point may be a little steep compared to what we're used to paying for an XBLA game, considering the game normally costs between $20 - $30 on various other platforms (DS, PSP, PC), it doesn't seem unreasonable -- and the HD is a nice perk. If you haven't played the acclaimed puzzle/RPG hybrid, or are looking forward to playing again on a bigger screen, it appears the wait is almost over.

[Via Evil Avatar]

Puzzle Quest this Wednesday on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Oct 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>D3puzzlequestxblaXbox-360xbox360Sat, 06 Oct 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fresh screenshots for upcoming XBLA games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/fresh-screenshots-for-upcoming-xbla-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/fresh-screenshots-for-upcoming-xbla-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/fresh-screenshots-for-upcoming-xbla-games/#commentsFiled under: News, Xbox Live Arcade

With this week's announcement of upcoming Xbox Live Arcade games that will be releasing soonish comes a batch of marketing offered screenshots. And we figured what better way to share the visual stimulation that these XBLA screenshots have to offer than with official X3F galleries! So, that's exactly what we did. Check out the newly uploaded screenshots for upcoming XBLA games Hexic 2, SPFIITHDR, War World and Puzzle Quest by giving them a quick click-through. We even got you started in your screenshot browsing by embedding the SPFIITHDR gallery below. Go already, go get your daily dose of XBLA screenshot love.

Fresh screenshots for upcoming XBLA games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carbonated-GamesHexicHexic-2Hexic-HDhexic2Microsoft-Game-StudiosPuzzlepuzzlequestSPFIITHDRwarworldxblaXbox-LiveXbox-Live-ArcadeThu, 09 Aug 2007 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Summer XBLA titles announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/summer-xbla-titles-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/summer-xbla-titles-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/summer-xbla-titles-announced/#commentsFiled under: News, Xbox Live Arcade

Following the announcement of Track & Field yesterday, Microsoft gave us a sneak peak at the Arcade titles coming this month and in the coming weeks. They announced that this month we'll be seeing Ecco The Dolphin, which we caught on the ESRB a while back, Hexic 2, and War Worlds. Outside of August, or potentially on the tail end as a twofer, we have Geon: Emotions, Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords, Streets of Rage 2, Space Giraffe, and of course, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. Out of that line up, what are you most stoked for?

Summer XBLA titles announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eccogeonhexic2puzzlequestSPFIITHDRstreetsofrage2superpuzzlefighteriiturbohdremixwarworldsxblaTue, 07 Aug 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle Quest rated for PS3, Mac by ESRB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/puzzle-quest-rated-for-ps3-macs-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/puzzle-quest-rated-for-ps3-macs-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/puzzle-quest-rated-for-ps3-macs-by-esrb/#commentsFiled under: Mac, Sony PlayStation 3, Puzzle

Perhaps the only thing more exciting than the news that versions of Puzzle Quest were coming to almost every platform would be this ESRB rating leading us to believe that none system would be left behind. Apparently, Mac and PS3 owners will soon get to experience the thrill of doing battle with a deadly Minotaur by switching gems into rows of threes.

We kid, but the portable versions of Puzzle Quest didn't leave our hands for weeks after we first grasped them. We're curious to see if their strange siren song works on home consoles too. Curious what all the hubbub's about? You can find a demo here.

[Via Siliconera]

Puzzle Quest rated for PS3, Mac by ESRB originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macps3puzzlequestTue, 24 Jul 2007 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle Quest and its cheating AI coming to Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/puzzle-quest-and-its-cheating-ai-coming-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/puzzle-quest-and-its-cheating-ai-coming-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/puzzle-quest-and-its-cheating-ai-coming-to-wii/#commentsFiled under: News

We reported on rumors of Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords coming to the Wii two weeks ago, but publisher D3P finally made the port official with an announcement earlier today. Though it doesn't look like there's much planned in the way of new features or content, we're happy to see the addictive puzzle/RPG hybrid appear on more platforms. Knowing that the game's developer, Infinite Interactive, will have some extra cash to fund their other projects (e.g. Galactrix and Warlords DS) also puts an extra spring in our steps. Expect to see the Wii version of Puzzle Quest hit store shelves this fall.

And yes, we know that Puzzle Quest's AI doesn't actually cheat -- it sure seemed that way, though, those first few times we tried to siege Gallia!

[Via Joystiq]

Puzzle Quest and its cheating AI coming to Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bejeweledd3pinfiniteinteractiveportpuzzlequestTue, 17 Jul 2007 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Puzzle Quest coming to Wii?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/rumor-puzzle-quest-coming-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/rumor-puzzle-quest-coming-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/rumor-puzzle-quest-coming-to-wii/#commentsFiled under: Rumors

The latest mumbling amongst mumbling folk is that a Wii release might be planned for Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. Amazon has listed a Wii version of the Bejeweled/RPG hybrid at a budget price of $29.99, due this September 25th.

So what can we hope for with this port? New content? Honestly, we don't expect much beyond bug fixes. Added waggle controls, then? Not if we're lucky. Online battles, at least? Though this is implemented in the upcoming XBLA version, and the new product page mentions the ability to "Battle other Warlords for supremacy via wireless multiplayer," this seems like a fool's hope. That bullet-pointed feature was most likely gleaned from a previous press release, and it seems far too early for a niche release on the Wii to support online multiplayer.

You'll find no truer friends of Infinite Interactive than us, but there are just so many ways a port like this can be messed up.

[Via Joystiq]

Rumor: Puzzle Quest coming to Wii? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbejewledd3 publisherd3pD3Publisherhybridinfinite interactiveinfiniteinteractivenintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiipuzzlepuzzle questPuzzleQuestpuzzlerrpgwiiWed, 04 Jul 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle Quest spreads its addictiveness to the Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/puzzle-quest-extends-its-empire-to-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/puzzle-quest-extends-its-empire-to-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/puzzle-quest-extends-its-empire-to-the-wii/#commentsFiled under: Nintendo Wii, Casual

Rumors of a Wii version of the incredibly addictive PSP/DS game Puzzle Quest have been laying still for months. Now, with an Xbox Live Arcade incarnation on its way, Amazon.com has listed Puzzle Quest Wii with a release date of September 25th. Even better: the attractive price tag of $29.99 is plastered below the box art, taunting those of us who already own a portable version of the game. Would we pick up a big-screen brother of Puzzle Quest, even if it had but a few pithy extras? Yes.

[Thanks, Steve 3.2]

Puzzle Quest spreads its addictiveness to the Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bejeweledcasualdsindependentindieinfiniteinteractivepcpsppuzzlequestpuzzlerpgwiixblaWed, 04 Jul 2007 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Puzzlers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/ds-daily-puzzlers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/ds-daily-puzzlers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/ds-daily-puzzlers/#commentsFiled under: DS Daily

There are several puzzle games in the top twenty DS titles, as compiled by Metacritic, and none of them are Puzzle Quest. How can this be?! While we puzzle over that one, we thought we'd ask: with the plethora of good puzzle titles (and games with puzzle elements) available for DS fans, what's your favorite? Or are you -- gasp -- not much of a puzzle person?

DS Daily: Puzzlers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdpuzzlepuzzle questPuzzleQuestThu, 21 Jun 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Looking for closure with Puzzle Quest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/09/looking-for-closure-with-puzzle-quest/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/09/looking-for-closure-with-puzzle-quest/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/09/looking-for-closure-with-puzzle-quest/#commentsFiled under: Fan stuff

For all its charms, Puzzle Quest is not a game that ends well. Once you've completed every mindless fetch mission and julienned the anticlimactic final boss, you're dropped back into the worldmap with hardly any ceremony save some brief epilogue text. The landscape appears just as you left it, unaffected by your victory or valor.

The New Gamer laments in its review, "I keep hoping that, finally, my character will have some complete and utter impact on the lands, that all those I've interacted in will pronounce the lands free of evil, free of conflict and that they can finally live their lives in peace." But your deeds are quickly forgotten by the townspeople you've saved, and there's little to indicate that you've had an impact on the kingdom of Etheria. In short, it never feels like the Challenge of the Warlords has actually been completed.

Though this lack of finality isn't exclusive to Puzzle Quest, we really expected more from an otherwise fantastic game. Hopefully, Infinite Interactive will take pains to address the issue before putting out its next puzzle/RPG hybrid, Galactrix. Until then, we'll be haunting Etheria's dusty roads, matching gems against any soul that stumbles across our path, sighing no matter what the outcome.

Looking for closure with Puzzle Quest originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jun 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closuredsfinalityhybridinfinite interactiveInfiniteInteractivenintendo dsNintendoDspqpuzzle questPuzzleQuestwarlordsSat, 09 Jun 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Forty-hour DS charger is perfect ... for somebody]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/forty-hour-ds-charger-is-perfect-for-somebody/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/forty-hour-ds-charger-is-perfect-for-somebody/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/forty-hour-ds-charger-is-perfect-for-somebody/#commentsFiled under: Nintendo DS, Hacks, Business

When we play Puzzle Quest on DS, sometimes we get a little anal. Like staring at the screen-for-hours-trying-to-pick -the-right-move anal ... Bobby Fisher anal. When we get in the zone like this, we don't notice anything, let alone house fires, so keeping the DS plugged into the wall is simply too risky. So we were thrilled, as you might imagine, to hear about this battery pack, which allows us to stare at the screen for up to 40 hours without a charge.

OK, we know what you're thinking. We're stretching. Yeah, well, you got us. Frankly we don't know why you'd need this thing. And if you do, it's probably time to reassess your priorities. Why aren't you ever near an outlet? Are you homeless? If so, why are you buying it? Where will you have it delivered to? The audience this thing is aimed at is the only puzzle we're questing after at the moment.

[Via DS Fanboy]

Forty-hour DS charger is perfect ... for somebody originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterydspuzzlequestMon, 04 Jun 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: If only]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/30/ds-daily-if-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/30/ds-daily-if-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/30/ds-daily-if-only/#commentsFiled under: DS Daily

Sometimes, you pick up a DS game, play it for a while, and think, "Wow, this could easily be the best game ever ... if only it offered an online multiplayer option." Some games just cry out for it. Puzzle Quest is the first that comes to mind, but it's not the only DS game that just seems half-finished without WiFi support. Enedora needs to be able to take her show online. What about SNK vs. Capcom Card Fighters? Begging for it. We're happy that Nintendo at least implemented online play with the DS, but we want more. You know how it is -- we're just never satisfied.

DS Daily: If only originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdsdmultiplayeronlinePuzzle QuestPuzzleQuestsnkSNK vs Capcom Card FightersSnkVsCapcomCardFighterswifiWed, 30 May 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Variety - is it really the spice of life?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/27/ds-daily-variety-is-it-really-the-spice-of-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/27/ds-daily-variety-is-it-really-the-spice-of-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/27/ds-daily-variety-is-it-really-the-spice-of-life/#commentsFiled under: DS Daily

We're curious ... when you're not playing the DS, what are you playing instead? Are you filling your non-handheld time with the Wii, or even -- gasp -- another system? That's where this blogger tends to fall of late; between the Halo 3 Beta and the recent release of Catan on the Xbox Live Marketplace (we love the boardgame), there's a little variety in the gaming schedule of late. After all, for those of us who aren't Poké-fiends, the last few weeks have been a little more on the mediocre side of things ... which, considering our continuing obsession with Puzzle Quest, is probably a good thing for the ol' wallet.

But we do wonder what other games take your fancy. Perhaps World of Warcraft or another MMO? Are you one of the seven people who've bought a PS3? Next week, we figure Mario Party 8 will suck up tons of free time, so we're getting that non-Nintendo gaming in now. How about you? Are you sticking with your beloved DS, or do you sometimes branch out a little?

DS Daily: Variety - is it really the spice of life? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catandsdhalo 3Halo3mario party 8MarioParty8puzzle questPuzzleQuestsettlers of catanSettlersOfCatanvarietyxbox 360Xbox360Sun, 27 May 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: May 11, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/today-in-joystiq-may-11-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/today-in-joystiq-may-11-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/today-in-joystiq-may-11-2007/#commentsFiled under: Culture, Nintendo DS, Microsoft Xbox, Microsoft Xbox 360, First Person Shooters, Puzzle

Pink Chiefette sent us these pics of her namesake, in action figure form, playing Puzzle Quest, eloping with Master Chief, and contributing to moral decline. But why, Pink Chiefette, are you playing DS when the Halo 3 open beta is fast approaching? Shouldn't you be preparing yourself? Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta event - San Francisco
Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta event - NYC
Joystiq hands-on: Skate
Joystiq impressions: The Simpsons Game
Joystiq Review: Pelican PS2 to PS3 controller adapter
Today's most betalicious video: Halo 3 beta footage

News
Nyko Intercooler intercools the PlayStation 3
Project Rygar revealed for Wii
Tecmo Bowl returns in 2008
Area 51: BlackSite demo Live, government still denying existence
Sega and Nintendo bring Rhythm Tengoku to arcades ... in Japan
Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword unleashes July 23
Demonstration: Ninja Gaiden DS stylus controls
Lost Planet PC demo available on 15 May
Crackdown DLC resetting progress for some
This Wednesday: Soltrio Solitaire shuffles onto XBLA
High stakes poker on the Vegas strip, PS3-style
Kung Fu Hustle-ing you, one transaction at a time
Mortal Kombat Wii lacks online mode, developer blames Nintendo
On Sony's love for pirates, Stargate and card games
PlayStation Home footage is beta-than Second Life
Funcom unveils The Secret World MMO for Xbox 360, PC

Culture & Community
Capcom releases Japanese textbook about video games

Today in Joystiq: May 11, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiedaily recapDailyRecapdshalopuzzle questPuzzleQuestXboxXbox-360Fri, 11 May 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[A few new Puzzle Quest details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/a-few-new-puzzle-quest-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/a-few-new-puzzle-quest-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/a-few-new-puzzle-quest-details/#commentsFiled under: News

There's a Puzzle Quest interview up at GameSpot. While it doesn't reveal much in the way of new details about the upcoming XBLA release, it does give us an idea of the game's genesis. Steve Fawkner, lead designer for the game, did say that the development team plans to take advantage of the features available on Xbox Live Arcade. In fact, Fawkner notes, "XBLA has so many great features that it would be a criminal act if we didn't take advantage of all of them." We take it that means Puzzle Quest will be getting a high definition makeover, online play, and leaderboards at the very least.

Now all we need is a release date.

[Via Game Stooge]

A few new Puzzle Quest details originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcaded3 publisherD3Publisherlive arcadeLiveArcadepuzzle questPuzzleQuestxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeFri, 11 May 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle Quest creators talk about upcoming Galactrix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/06/puzzle-quest-creators-talk-about-upcoming-galactrix/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/06/puzzle-quest-creators-talk-about-upcoming-galactrix/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/06/puzzle-quest-creators-talk-about-upcoming-galactrix/#commentsFiled under: Metareview

Who would've thought blending RPG elements into a puzzle game would become so successful? Puzzle Quest's incredible fan following has earned its spiritual successor, Galactrix, a great deal of attention. In an interview with IGN, Lead Designer Steve Fawkner reveals that the team is trying their best to make this game feel unique: "the last thing we want to hear from gamers is "oh that's just a Puzzle Quest clone" (which we admit to doing).

When questioned on its gameplay mechanics, Fawkner stated the game was not based on Bejeweled, but another popular puzzle game: "I would say that it would better be described as Collapse in space." A crucial difference between the two titles is that Galactrix features real-time puzzle battling.

As revealed in the interview, there are plans to introduce downloadable content and 6 player multiplayer. It will be interesting to see how this game develops over time.

Puzzle Quest creators talk about upcoming Galactrix originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 May 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collapsegalactrixinfinite interactiveInfiniteInteractivepuzzlepuzzle questPuzzleQueststeve fawknerSteveFawknerSun, 06 May 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle Quest sequel in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/puzzle-quest-sequel-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/puzzle-quest-sequel-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/puzzle-quest-sequel-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: Interviews

If Final Fantasy can reach the double digits, why can't an RPG puzzler also have sequels? In a recent interview with the creators of Puzzle Quest, IGN learned that not only were the creators surprised by how quickly the title has sold, but that they are also working on a sequel. Infinite Interactive's CEO Steve Fawkner said: "We have enjoyed creating (and playing) Puzzle Quest so much that I think we wanted to start on a sequel the day the game was released. The right thing to do, though, is to spend some time gathering ideas, discussing new features, and listening to our customers before we dive right in and start work on a sequel. But I can almost guarantee that, barring the most unfortunate Act of God, you haven't seen the last Puzzle/RPG hybrid to come out of Infinite Interactive."

If that still doesn't convince you that a sequel is in the works, Puzzle Quest's publisher D3 also chimed in about a sequel possibility: "Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords is considered one of D3's key franchises. Absolutely do not count out the possibility of an amazing sequel to this remarkable game."

So what changes would you like to see in this inevitable sequel?

Puzzle Quest sequel in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d3infinite interactiveInfiniteInteractivepuzzle questPuzzleQueststeve fawknerSteveFawknerWed, 02 May 2007 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homebrew Warlords invades the DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/homebrew-warlords-invades-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/homebrew-warlords-invades-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/homebrew-warlords-invades-the-ds/#commentsFiled under: News, Homebrew

Though we hate to think of the Nintendo DS as a system overrun with ports of old games, we won't raise any arguments when those ports consist of PC classics. Homebrew developer Beathwho has started work on bringing over a DS version of Warlords, one of the finest turn-based strategy titles to hit home computers in the early 90s. If you've played Puzzle Quest, then you're already familiar with the series' fantasy world of Etheria.

With Infinite Interactive already planning a commercial release of Warlords 2 for the DS, we can't imagine that they'd be too happy seeing games from their franchise put out for free. Still, it's great to see someone deliver these old favorites to our handhelds. Now all we need are ports of X-Com and Civilization!

[Via PAlib]

Homebrew Warlords invades the DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2007 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beatwhodshomebrewinfiniteinteractivenintendonintendodspcportportspuzzlequestwarlordswarlords2warlordsdsWed, 02 May 2007 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA goes Puzzle Questing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/xbla-goes-puzzle-questing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/xbla-goes-puzzle-questing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/xbla-goes-puzzle-questing/#commentsFiled under: News, Xbox Live Arcade

Perhaps you've heard of Puzzle Quest. The game has caused quite a stir among DS fanboys the world over. If you're not up to speed on the game, suffice it to say that it is a hybrid puzzle game/RPG. No, that's not a joke. It's an RPG in which combat is decided by rounds of Bejeweled. Strange as it sounds, the game has managed to round up some impressive review scores. What does all of this have to do with the Xbox 360 you ask? Simple, D3 Publisher, publisher of Puzzle Quest, is bringing the title to Xbox Live Arcade. They're also behind Mad Tracks and RocketBowl (take that, Wii Sports!). While no official details about the game have been revealed, we can only assume that Puzzle Quest will feature online versus play.

Expect to start seeing D3Publisher games on Xbox Live Arcade this year.

[Via Joystiq]

XBLA goes Puzzle Questing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadelive arcadeLiveArcademad tracksMadTrackspuzzle questPuzzleQuestrocket bowlRocketBowlxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeTue, 01 May 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[D3 brings Puzzle Quest and friends to XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/d3-brings-puzzle-quest-and-friends-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/d3-brings-puzzle-quest-and-friends-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/d3-brings-puzzle-quest-and-friends-to-xbla/#commentsFiled under: Arcade, Microsoft Xbox 360, Puzzle

D3Publisher has announced their plans to bring three titles ("the first of many") to Microsoft's bit-flinging Xbox Live Arcade service: Mad Tracks, RocketBowl (XBLA's first bowling game, they coo), and the addictive matching game Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords.

Of course, Puzzle Quest is what we're really interested in here. We can imagine the XBLA version's HD graphics undoing the cramped constraints of the Nintendo DS release, while the delivery mechanism should bypass the PSP version's awkward loading pauses, and then there's Xbox Live integration for a proper multiplayer experience. Match up these three improvements to form the ultimate (albeit decidedly non-portable) version of Puzzle Quest!

[Thanks, Sherveen]

D3 brings Puzzle Quest and friends to XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>D3MadTrackspuzzlequestRocketbowlXBLAXbox-360Tue, 01 May 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Favorites: Eric's top five]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/ds-fanboy-favorites-erics-top-five/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/ds-fanboy-favorites-erics-top-five/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/ds-fanboy-favorites-erics-top-five/#commentsFiled under: Homebrew, GBA, Features, Meta

All this week, the DS Fanboy staff is letting you in on a few of their favorite titles. Each day, a different member of the staff will present their personal top five DS games along with a snapshot of their gaming paraphernalia and habits, in an effort to provide our readers with a little more information on the tastes and personalities of our writers.

When my afternoons aren't busied by hours of photoshopping cat heads onto pictures of my friends, I pass the time with puzzlers and plumbers on my DS Lite. But those kitten-free days are few and far between, so I end up being able to only fit either the most polished or the most eccentric games into my packed schedule. Wario: Master of Disguise? Sorry, I've got things to do and feline faces to retouch. Lost in Blue 2? I'll have to pass -- I'm already lost in trying to get these whiskers to look perfect.

My collection is a mishmash of AAA titles and niche releases, their cases piled atop one another like a Jenga stack of mismatched blocks, threatening to topple over at any moment. Just pulling a game from the middle of the shaky structure is an act preceded by hours of anxiety and self-doubt. Having my wife provide commentary during the ordeal, remarking "Oh god, it's going to crash this time for sure, I just know it. Why'd you even try, Eric?! Game over, man! Game over!" as I tug out my copy of Advance Wars DS doesn't make the challenge any easier.

So when I do manage to put aside the pussycat photos and secure a game to play, it better damn well be worth it. Journey forth and read which of those titles have captured a place not only on my top five list, but in my heart.

Continue reading DS Fanboy Favorites: Eric's top five

DS Fanboy Favorites: Eric's top five originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcomageatluscardschallengeofthewcontactcrackdrybonesdsfanboyfavegbagrasshopperinfiniteinterackartluckycharmsmagicmagiccardsmagicthegatherimariokartmariokartdsNew-Super-Mario-Bros-DSNintendonintendodsPlatformpqpuzzlepuzzlequestpuzzlerquestraceracingrebelstarrebelstartacticsupermariobrostetristetrisdswarlordsx-comxcomFri, 20 Apr 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle Quest creators go sci-fi for successor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/puzzle-quest-creators-go-sci-fi-for-successor/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/puzzle-quest-creators-go-sci-fi-for-successor/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/puzzle-quest-creators-go-sci-fi-for-successor/#commentsFiled under: News

If, like so many DS owners, you continue to be enslaved by Puzzle Quest, you'll be happy to know its creators are already working on another puzzle title. The new game, Galactrix, promises "a blend of puzzle, RPG, and strategy games" with -- get this -- science fiction. It's like nothing we've seen before! Well, sorta.

Infinite Interactive is moving beyond the handheld realm this time around, and Galactrix is in the works for not only the PSP and the DS, but also the PC and Xbox Live Arcade. Some versions will include multiplayer modes and downloadable content, but they're not being too specific about whether or not those features are limited to certain formats.

[Via GoNintendo]

Puzzle Quest creators go sci-fi for successor originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Challenge of the WarlordsChallengeOfTheWarlordsDSGalactrixInfinite InteractiveInfiniteInteractiveNintendoPSPpuzzlePuzzle QuestPuzzleQuestSonyWed, 11 Apr 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hacker gets revenge on Puzzle Quest's bullying AI]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/hacker-gets-revenge-on-puzzle-quests-bullying-ai/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/hacker-gets-revenge-on-puzzle-quests-bullying-ai/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/hacker-gets-revenge-on-puzzle-quests-bullying-ai/#commentsFiled under: Fan stuff, Video

We're not certain what sort of demonic sacrifices Infinite Interactive made to grant Puzzle Quest its hellborn AI, but we imagine that the cursed contract that authenticated the ceremony was written with the blood of many innocents. The match-three puzzler does everything short of outright cheating, stealing your advantages and setting up multiple combos, each computer-cleared gem bearing the mark of Mephistopheles.

DS gamer Zaraf plotted a strategy that would tear down the AI's defenses and avenge dozens of unfair losses. Unwilling to spend months leveling up and making preparations, staying his vendetta, he hex-edited the game to to max out his character's stats. Zaraf then armed his warrior with a class spell called Deathbringer, enabling him to fill the screen with an amount of damaging skulls equal to half of his red mana. Head past the post break for the results caught on video.

Continue reading Hacker gets revenge on Puzzle Quest's bullying AI

Hacker gets revenge on Puzzle Quest's bullying AI originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionreplayaibejewledcheatcheatinghackhackinghexhexeditinfiniteinteractivepuzzlepuzzlequestpuzzlerrevengerpgvendettavideowarriorTue, 10 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST