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[Need for Speed: The Run - A People Chase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/need-for-speed-the-run-a-people-chase/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/need-for-speed-the-run-a-people-chase/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/need-for-speed-the-run-a-people-chase/#comments Ever gone on a spontaneous road trip with your friends? You all suddenly decide that you should absolutely take a trip to Vegas for the evening, and you can totally come back the next day. You all put on suits, pile into the car ... and three hours later, with everyone sleeping in the car, you remember it's actually a five hour drive. The moment's been lost.

That's the problem Brian Lindley and his team are facing with EA's race across the country in Need for Speed: The Run. "If you think about actually trying to drive across the country," says Lindley, "it might get a little monotonous, even when you're racing."

To combat that issue, Lindley and the Black Box folks have created a new "Battle" race mode, one of a few different ways the team is hoping to vary the pace as protagonist Jack makes The Run.

Gallery: Need for Speed: The Run Independence Pass (PS3/360/PC)

Continue reading Need for Speed: The Run - A People Chase

JoystiqNeed for Speed: The Run - A People Chase originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-boxbrian-lindleyea-black-boxmicrosoftneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-the-runpcplaystationps3racesupermodelsxboxThu, 29 Sep 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[TrackMania 2 Canyon preview: The amazing race]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/trackmania-2-canyon-preview-the-amazing-race/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/trackmania-2-canyon-preview-the-amazing-race/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/trackmania-2-canyon-preview-the-amazing-race/#comments Even fans of Nadeo's legendary TrackMania racing series (which, even if you haven't played, you might remember from the wild 1k Project videos) might be forgiven for thinking they've been abandoned. The last game in the series was released for the Nintendo DS two years ago, and while a full sequel to the popular original game and its many addons was announced in 2009, those plans were apparently derailed a bit by a Ubisoft acquisition in 2010.

Last year at E3, Ubisoft revealed that it would be turning the series into a platform called ManiaPlanet, with not much more than a name and an ambitious release plan (including not just the long-awaited racing sequel, but also highly customizable RPG and shooter titles as well). Since then, we haven't gotten much more than a screenshot, and a promise that the game's still coming.

Finally, last month at a pre-E3 event, we got to see the title, now called TrackMania 2 Canyon, in action. This is indeed a brand new TrackMania game, featuring all of the kooky customizable tracks and over-the-top physics-based racing that's made the series so popular. But rather than TrackMania 2, Canyon is actually the beginning of the TrackMania platform, one that will depend as much on user creations as what the developers actually assemble.

Gallery: TrackMania 2 Canyon

Continue reading TrackMania 2 Canyon preview: The amazing race

JoystiqTrackMania 2 Canyon preview: The amazing race originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 May 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>damagee3-2011maniaplanetnadeopcpre-e3-2011racetrackmania-2trackmania-2-canyonubisoftuser-contentMon, 30 May 2011 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Race changes now allowed in World of Warcraft, cost a pretty penny]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/race-changes-now-allowed-in-world-of-warcraft-cost-a-pretty-pen/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/race-changes-now-allowed-in-world-of-warcraft-cost-a-pretty-pen/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/race-changes-now-allowed-in-world-of-warcraft-cost-a-pretty-pen/#comments
The virtual lands of World of Warcraft have played host to a number of strange sights these past few days -- and we're not just talking about the Halloween festivities which have turned once proud heroes into foam-mouthed candy addicts. No, we're talking about the new "Race Change" feature, which has basically turned the game's sociological landscape into the ending of the music video for Michael Jackson's "Black or White." Only ... with, like, Trolls and Orcs and stuff.

For a cool $25, players can change the race (provided that race is in the same faction -- changing that costs extra!), gender, appearance and name of their character. We realize there's a number of people who wouldn't mind freshening up their old avatar, but why not just start a new character for free? Seriously, you haven't sunk that much time into your current level 80 Rogue, have you? Oh, you have? 2,800 hours, you say? That's ... that's actually really depressing. We're depressed by that.

JoystiqRace changes now allowed in World of Warcraft, cost a pretty penny originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardmmommorpgracerace-changeworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 28 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Criterion Games takes us on a tour of Burnout Paradise's Big Surf Island]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/criterion-games-takes-us-on-a-tour-of-burnout-paradises-big-sur/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/criterion-games-takes-us-on-a-tour-of-burnout-paradises-big-sur/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/criterion-games-takes-us-on-a-tour-of-burnout-paradises-big-sur/#comments
Criterion Games has released the latest Crash TV episode looking at Burnout Paradise's upcoming DLC, Big Surf Island. In their classic style, the guys and gals at Criterion have given us a very in-depth look at the new content, showing off the new Criterion Dust Storm car, and even a building that one of the game's fans won the chance to name (he named it after his son, Taylor).

Head past the break to check out Big Surf Island.

Continue reading Criterion Games takes us on a tour of Burnout Paradise's Big Surf Island

JoystiqCriterion Games takes us on a tour of Burnout Paradise's Big Surf Island originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 May 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-surf-islandburnout-paradisecrash-tvcriterion-gamesdlcMicrosoftraceracerracingXbox-360Thu, 28 May 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PrimePlus assesses the current state of black characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/primeplus-assesses-the-current-state-of-black-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/primeplus-assesses-the-current-state-of-black-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/primeplus-assesses-the-current-state-of-black-characters/#commentsFiled under: ,


PrimePlus has a fairly interesting piece about the current state of black characters in video games. The editorial maintains a very moderate approach to the charged subject, covering the differences between Western and Eastern development, along with how black characters have been portrayed over the years.

The piece mostly focuses on upcoming titles and games from the last decade, like Mass Effect, Half-Life 2, Gears of War and GTA: San Andreas. Without getting "politically correct" or preachy, the editorial notes that representation isn't an "exclusive concern to the population of black individuals." It points out that "more socially imaginative avenues of inspiration" would be welcome, which is something we can agree about.

[Via Edge]

JoystiqPrimePlus assesses the current state of black characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>african-americanblackculturegears-of-war-2half-life-2mass-effectminorityraceresident-evil-5Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Bull charges into PS Home as first major sponsor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/red-bull-charges-into-ps-home-as-first-major-sponsor/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/red-bull-charges-into-ps-home-as-first-major-sponsor/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/red-bull-charges-into-ps-home-as-first-major-sponsor/#commentsFiled under: ,


Puzzling through Sony's reasons for throwing money at PlayStation Home is not a task for weak of heart, but for long, sleepless hours spent burning the midnight oil. Thankfully we now have Red Bull, the online service's first major third-party partner, on tap to help energize our search for enlightenment.

Details remain scant, though UK site Brand Republic notes that the energy drink company will have its own caffeinated island space in Home featuring "an aeroplane racing game based on Red Bull's real world Red Bull Air Race series." As Home does anything but race to release, we can't help but wonder if someday we'll take in Sony's advertisement-laden virtual landscape from the air, rather than while wandering aimlessly on the ground.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqRed Bull charges into PS Home as first major sponsor originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>energydrinkshomeplaystation-homeplaystationhomeracered-bullredbullsonysponsorWed, 03 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[High Voltage Hot Rod Show 'basically finished']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/high-voltage-hot-rod-show-basically-finished/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/high-voltage-hot-rod-show-basically-finished/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/high-voltage-hot-rod-show-basically-finished/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Even though it's the most recent High Voltage game to be revealed, there's a good chance High Voltage Hot Rod Show will beat both The Conduit and Animales de la Muerte to market. In an interview with WiiWare World, producer Josh VanVeld has revealed the game is "basically finished," and discussed the racer in quite a bit more detail.

The games that influenced Hot Rod Show are enough to make us excited for the project; VanVeld namedrops the likes of R.C. Pro-Am, Micro Machines, and Racing Gears Advance (while criticizing the likes of Excite Truck and recent versions of Mario Kart for "losing some of their focus"). In Hot Rod Show, close quarters racing and the long-forgotten art of memorizing tracks will be the order of the day. Typically for a High Voltage game, loads of attention has been paid to the controls. VanVeld reports that we can use a horizontally positioned Wii Remote (as in Excite Truck), the Classic Controller, a GameCube controller, or add a Nunchuk and use the thumbstick for steering.

After the disaster that was SPOGS Racing, there's definitely room on WiiWare for a cheap, well-made racer that can be enjoyed with friends (VanVeld says four-player splitscreen "could be the best experience you'll have with the game"); we can easily imagine High Voltage Hot Rod Show being that game.

JoystiqHigh Voltage Hot Rod Show 'basically finished' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>high-voltagehigh-voltage-hot-rod-showhot-rod-showraceracerracingWed, 15 Oct 2008 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[High Voltage announces new WiiWare racer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/11/high-voltage-announces-new-wiiware-racer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/11/high-voltage-announces-new-wiiware-racer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/11/high-voltage-announces-new-wiiware-racer/#commentsFiled under: ,


It would appear that High Voltage made a pretty penny or two from their last WiiWare release, Gyrostarr, as the company has announced they're working on a new game for WiiWare. Titled High Voltage Hot Rod Show, this game will be hitting WiiWare this fall and features a "unique stunt system" that gives players "multiple ways to build boost." The game will utilize the company's Quantum 3 engine technology and has support for up to 4 players via local split-screen, features 5 racers, and has 6 different tracks.

After checking out the trailer above, be sure to hit up our gallery below, which has screens from the game, as well as some promo art and wallpapers!

JoystiqHigh Voltage announces new WiiWare racer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdownloadablehigh-voltagehigh-voltage-hot-rod-showhot-rod-showraceracerracingSat, 11 Oct 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamestop sponsors driver in NASCAR Nationwide Series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/gamestop-sponsors-driver-in-nascar-nationwide-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/gamestop-sponsors-driver-in-nascar-nationwide-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/gamestop-sponsors-driver-in-nascar-nationwide-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Fans of high speed circular driving and pre-owned video games will be pleased to see a familiar sight at the NASCAR Nationwide Series at the Dover International Speedway on May 31 -- a Gamestop sponsored stock car, driven by the fresh faced Joey Logano. Gamestop debuted the young driver to the racing world today by celebrating Logano's eighteenth birthday (the required age for NASCAR drivers), and presented the new adult with an Xbox 360 and an advance copy of NASCAR '09 (for training purposes, we assume).

We don't anticipate Logano to set any records at his debut race -- apparently, his pit crew has been instructed to ask if he'd like to exchange his old tires for trade-in credit at every stop, then ask if he wants the one-year warranties on his new tires, and finally, if he'd like to reserve additional tires for any upcoming pit stops.

JoystiqGamestop sponsors driver in NASCAR Nationwide Series originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 May 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joey-loganojoeyloganoNASCARnascar-09racesponsorstockcarXbox-360Sat, 24 May 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MTV talks to black professionals in gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/mtv-talks-to-black-professionals-in-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/mtv-talks-to-black-professionals-in-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/mtv-talks-to-black-professionals-in-gaming/#commentsFiled under: ,

Much like what she did last year with women in games, MTV Multiplayer's Tracey John is in the middle of a week-long series that looks at black professionals in the video game industry. So far she's talked to Newsweek's N'Gai Croal, Crystal Dynamic's Morgan Gray and Nerjyzed Entertainment's Brian Jackson. Tomorrow's entry will be an interview with SCEA producer Felice Standifer.

Similar to the last series, topics of discussion include the perception of black people in games, the struggles with diversity in the industry and how it affects the end product (i.e. the game). Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Gears of War's character Cole Train are discussed on multiple occasions. Concluding his interview, Croal threw out an idea for a Dance Dance Revolution title that would actually teach you how to dance, which the rhythmically-deficient folks at Joystiq would love to get our off-time hands on.

JoystiqMTV talks to black professionals in gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>african-americanblackbrian-jacksonmorgan-graynerjyzednewsweekngai-croalraceThu, 10 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Baja (360/PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/joystiq-hands-on-baja-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/joystiq-hands-on-baja-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/joystiq-hands-on-baja-360-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


At a recent sampling of THQ games, Baja entertained me, although I had a hard time deciding if it was a simulation or an arcade racer. Its developers touted the simulation and how accurately the game captures off-road racing. Not being an off-road driver, I can't make a comparison.

Relative to other driving games, Baja was unforgiving of my bad mistakes, pitching me off the track like a Colin McRae game. I'm not sure if it was difficult enough -- I guess I equate "difficult" with "realistic simulation" -- but I had fun playing it.

This August, 2008 game will include 50 licensed vehicles across nine classes, ranging from big trucks to VW bugs. So simulation fans will have those real-world elements. I drove a big F-series Ford over sand and dirt, even hitting a big jump with a soft landing. (Again, "simulation" doesn't seem quite right to me.)

Visuals looked good in my races, although nothing stood out against other games. Ambient life appeared a few times -- a rabbit dodged across the track, and a hawk flew overhead -- but the shadows and details blended together. Real-world billboards for Del Taco caught my eye, but mostly just as an exercise about in-game ads. (Still, there were a lot of billboards in the desert.)

But most of all, the game felt fluid, with close objects constantly flying by, and distant mountains drifting with turns. Arcade-and-simulation racing gamers will appreciate that smooth motion. It'll take more time to evaluate its realism, but Motorstorm has another game inching up in the rear-view mirror.

Gallery: Baja

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Baja (360/PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bajadrivingoff-roadPS3raceracingthqXbox-360Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo details Mario Kart Wii channel, online play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/nintendo-details-mario-kart-wii-channel-online-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/nintendo-details-mario-kart-wii-channel-online-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/nintendo-details-mario-kart-wii-channel-online-play/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've known for a while that Mario Kart Wii would support twelve-player online races, but given Nintendo's less-than-stellar online record, we were a little worried about how smooth the online experience would be. Well, we're a little less worried now that the Nintendo UK web site has revealed some details of how online racing on the Wii will work. Among the details discussed:
  • Spectator mode - When you join a room in progress, you can watch the race unfold while waiting for a new one to start.
  • Global friend view - Lets you view your friends' locations and online status.
  • Room structure - Host chooses race type, but player votes determine course selection.
The site also revealed a dedicated Mario Kart Wii channel, which can be run independently of the disc-version of the game. The channel lets players view global rankings, share and download ghost data, and download daily missions (similar to those found in Mario Kart DS). Can we suggest a mission dedicated to arranging dropped banana peels into jaunty patterns? That would be awesome.

[Via WiiFanboy]

JoystiqNintendo details Mario Kart Wii channel, online play originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>channelkartmariomario kartmario kart wiimario-kart-wiiMarioKartMarioKartWiionlineraceWiiWed, 05 Mar 2008 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Four48 faces Resident Evil challenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/02/four48-faces-resident-evil-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/02/four48-faces-resident-evil-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/02/four48-faces-resident-evil-challenge/#commentsFiled under:

Remember that group of guys who tried to beat four Zelda games in forty-eight hours? They've dubbed themselves Four48, and have done quite a few marathon gaming sessions in order to raise money for charity.

Now they're at it again, it seems, but this time, they're not just racing against the clock. The Four48 crew is competing against seven other teams this weekend to see who will be the first to complete Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition. The only thing at stake, besides gamer pride, of course, is a copy of No More Heroes that will go to the winning team.

They'll be taking donations as per usual, which will be given to Child's Play. They're also webcasting the event, so if you find yourself with little to do this weekend, it might be worth checking out.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqFour48 faces Resident Evil challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playfour48racere4resident-evil-4Sat, 02 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Burnout Paradise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/joystiq-hands-on-burnout-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/joystiq-hands-on-burnout-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/joystiq-hands-on-burnout-paradise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I recently got sucked into Burnout Paradise, playing about a half-hour of the racing game due for release this Winter. While a half-hour may not seem like much, at hands-on gaming events, we writers rarely have the time or interest to play more than about fifteen minutes of a title before moving to the next.

Criterion creative director, Alex Ward chatted while I raced through the realistic city; he was clearly proud and excited by the game's deviation from previous Burnout franchise titles. And I was also impressed.

Admittedly, a half-hour isn't enough time to make a complete assessment of a game. But I'm optimistic that the new version of the title will be a smash even if it breaks Burnout traditions.

Gallery: Burnout Paradise

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Burnout Paradise

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Burnout Paradise originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-wardburnout-paradiseburnoutparadisecrashcriteriondrivinghands-onimpressionsonlinepreviewps3raceracingxbox-360Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's hungriest video: Aqua Teens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/31/todays-hungriest-video-aqua-teens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/31/todays-hungriest-video-aqua-teens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/31/todays-hungriest-video-aqua-teens/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The half-baked, non sequitur style of Adult Swim prevails in this trailer for Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-Am. They couldn't even resize footage from different sources to be the same resolution. That's the Adult Swim seal of approval.

Strangely -- like some of those cartoon shows the kids are into -- the trailer comes off as engaging and funny. There's golf cart racing, a helpless Carl taking the detectives' abuse, Mooninites, and very little actual golf. Hopefully the actual game will strike a similar balance.

See the trailer after the break.

Continue reading Today's hungriest video: Aqua Teens

JoystiqToday's hungriest video: Aqua Teens originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adultswimaquateenhungerforceaquateensathfbostoncartcartoonnetworkgolfhottestvideokartmidwaymooniniteps2raceTue, 31 Jul 2007 00:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Opening FFTA2's Sealed Grimoire]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/opening-ffta2s-sealed-grimoire/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/opening-ffta2s-sealed-grimoire/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/opening-ffta2s-sealed-grimoire/#commentsFiled under:

Jeux France has the goods on the races (as well as new images and scans) in the upcoming Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2: The Sealed Grimoire: Human, Viera, Moogle, Bangaa, and Nu Moh. Sound familiar? They should, if you played Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. Hey, it's a sequel -- did you expect other furry animal-based races?

We know some of you are looking forward to the title (and others, not so much), and though the details are starting to shape up, we're as yet undecided on how we feel about this game. In the end, since it's Final Fantasy, and we're shameless addicts, we'll probably give it a go, despite the question of Tactics vs. Tactics Advance being just as polarizing, if not more so, than the idea of Tingle starring in his own games.

JoystiqOpening FFTA2's Sealed Grimoire originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bangaaffta2final fantasyFinalFantasyhumanmooglenu mohNuMohracesealed grimoireSealedGrimoiresquare enixSquareEnixsrpgvieraTue, 26 Jun 2007 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Somewhat more Sedate Truck found at Gamestop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/somewhat-more-sedate-truck-found-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/somewhat-more-sedate-truck-found-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/somewhat-more-sedate-truck-found-at-gamestop/#commentsFiled under:

This profoundly limited-edition copy of Excite Truck was spotted on the shelf at GameStop. Evidently, an employee drew this charmingly quaint alternate boxart instead of using the default GameStop display box for loose games. You can see from the little motion lines that the truck is clearly excited, which is a much subtler approach than the usual bright colors and EXTREME explosions.

We totally prefer the lunch-break line art shown here to the real boxart, but we're still a little shocked that they're selling this copy as a new game with no discount.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqSomewhat more Sedate Truck found at Gamestop originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2007 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxartebebgamesexciteexcite truckExciteTruckfanartgamegamestopnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiraceracingstoptrucktruckswiiWed, 02 May 2007 18:50:00 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: , , ,



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

JoystiqDS 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[DK Bongo Blast's bothersome controls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/dk-bongo-blasts-bothersome-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/dk-bongo-blasts-bothersome-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/dk-bongo-blasts-bothersome-controls/#commentsFiled under: ,



It was obvious that Donkey Kong Bongo Blast would abandon the bongo peripheral when it migrated from the GameCube to the Wii, but details on how the racing game will use the Wii remote weren't revealed until late last week. Players will shake their remotes and nunchucks at the same time to accelerate, rattle one of the controllers when steering to the left or right, and lift both pieces to jump.

This modified control setup makes a lot of sense, but does it sound fun? In our opinion, this seems like it would have been better left on the GameCube. It'd be appreciated if developer Paon would give us the choice to use our old bongos, but with no mention of the option yet for the, it's doubtful.

JoystiqDK Bongo Blast's bothersome controls originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bongobongoblastbongosdkdkbbdonkey kongdonkeykongdonkeykongbongoblastnintendonintendowiipaonpaoncorpraceracingwiiMon, 16 Apr 2007 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Kart DS slot car set is designed to prevent snaking]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/mario-kart-ds-slot-car-set/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/mario-kart-ds-slot-car-set/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/mario-kart-ds-slot-car-set/#commentsFiled under:

"Sunday, SUNDAY, Sunday, come on down to the Mario Kart DS Slot Car Race Track for some wild, no-rules racing action! Bring the whole family for an afternoon of Mario Kart-style toy racing excitement! Watch some of the best drivers in the business, including YOU and YOUR FRIENDS, take on one of the toughest tracks there is! You'll see twists and turns, thrills and spills, only at the Mario Kart DS Slot Car Race Track! Pay for the whole seat, but you'll only use the edge."

Wow, we didn't even buy one of these slot car sets and we're already having fun with it. Anyone up for simulating the Mario Kart experience in ... well, not real life, but miniature fake real life?

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqMario Kart DS slot car set is designed to prevent snaking originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarsdsds litedslitekartlitemariomario kartmariokartnintendonintendo dsnintendodsraceslotslot carslot carsslotcarslotcarstoysFri, 23 Mar 2007 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Criticism of racial stereotyping in games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/17/criticism-of-racial-stereotyping-in-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/17/criticism-of-racial-stereotyping-in-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/17/criticism-of-racial-stereotyping-in-games/#commentsFiled under:

A piece on BlackVoiceNews explores blacks playing and portrayed in video games. The two part piece (1 and 2) by Ricard O. Jones expresses his views on the harm to blacks by racial stereotyping and obsession with gaming. Based on a 2006 Kaiser Family Foundation study that revealed black youth play video games 90 minutes a day, 30 minutes more than white youth, that "it stands to reason that blacks are the most negatively effected" by the game media's portrayal. Jones uses the "poor self-images" from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to illustrate his point. In all fairness though, the first two GTA's had a generic white guy and an Italian mobster stereotype as the anti-hero. The question being: Would it have been better not to have Carl Johnson at all? Take-Two took a bit of a risk using a black protagonist nestled in the Cali gangsta' culture of the early-'90s.

Portrayal of diverse characters in video games is a simple issue of marketing and numbers. Jones states this in the first piece's closer, "The video game industry is all about money. No one really cares about your skin color or gender if you are a well-trained video game designer or illustrator. The problem is that [black] youth and adult players see themselves as players and not designers or illustrators. Therefore unless they're motivated to get on the business end versus the player end of the video game phenomenon they will continue to be portrayed in a negative light and also miss out on a ten billion dollar a year industry."

The impact, influence and potential of minorities will certainly be part of the discussion at the Game Developers Conference's Diversity: The Window of Opportunity headed by Joseph Saulter. A similar session last year pointed to more blatantly offensive games like 25 to Life, which were crass compared to the more refined GTA: San Andreas.

See also: Jade is Latina, Asian, Black ... who knows?

[via GamePolitics]

JoystiqCriticism of racial stereotyping in games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Feb 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacksgaylatinoprofilingracestereotypingwomenSat, 17 Feb 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jade is Latina, Asian, Black ... who knows?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/11/jade-is-latina-asian-black-who-knows/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/11/jade-is-latina-asian-black-who-knows/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/11/jade-is-latina-asian-black-who-knows/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Earlier this week, a story by Jason Ellis traveled around the intertubes listing 11 black video game stars. The list was tragic, highlighting that black leading characters, especially original intellectual properties, are few and far between. However, the topic of most debate had to do with the appearance of Jade, from Beyond Good and Evil, on the list. Jade was black?

It was the immediate thing we wondered about on our staff. Latina, Asian and "just tan," were terms we came up with. The crew over at Wired apparently had a similar issue. Writing up a column on racially ambiguous characters. Chris Kohler says, "The reaction to Ellis' piece would suggest that Michel Ancel and his team got it perfect with Jade. Because only a few people are suggesting that Jade 'looks' black or 'seems' Asian. They say with conviction that she is black, is Asian, is 'clearly' Latina. Everyone is right, and no one is right."

Half-Life is also master of the racially ambiguous. Alyx Vance could be a mix of anything, her look is truly exotic. Then there is always the question of Gordon Freeman. Not the most stereotypically "white" name, you never actually see him, and other than the box art -- we'd never know. Was making Freeman white, or showing him at all, a last minute marketing decision? It's a fun experiment to take Freeman and just change the pigment of his skin, it's amazing how well it works. The main point is when things are ambiguous, we see what we want to see. Personally, we don't care what race Jade is, we just want to see that girl in a sequel!

JoystiqJade is Latina, Asian, Black ... who knows? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Feb 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alyx vancebeyond good and evilethnicitygordon freemanGordonFreemanhalf-life 2jadePCPS2raceXboxXbox-360Sun, 11 Feb 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[MACH's slow "death race"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/23/machs-slow-death-race/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/23/machs-slow-death-race/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/23/machs-slow-death-race/#commentsFiled under: ,

The upcoming PSP-exclusive airplane racer/shooter, MACH, has just come out in Japan. I was pretty excited about the game, but looking at GameTrailers' latest footage was a little underwhelming. The game reminds me a lot of Nintendo 64's Diddy Kong Racing: don't these planes feel a little too slow for you? And shouldn't there be more consequences for running into things?

See also:
PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 1

JoystiqMACH's slow "death race" originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Jan 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gametrailersmachracevideoTue, 23 Jan 2007 15:30:00 EST