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[Dragon Ball Z Kinect rated in Korea, start practicing your Fusion Dance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/dragon-ball-z-kinect-rated-in-korea-start-practicing-your-fusio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/dragon-ball-z-kinect-rated-in-korea-start-practicing-your-fusio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/dragon-ball-z-kinect-rated-in-korea-start-practicing-your-fusio/#comments We're not even ashamed to admit we're excited about "DragonballZ Kinect," an unannounced game rated by Korea's Game Ratings Board. Usual Dragon Ball Z game publisher Bandai Namco is listed as the publisher for this game.

It's not hard to imagine a Kinect-based Dragon Ball Z game, all yelling into the microphone to "power up" your character, making wild flailing motions to throw Kamehameha Waves and Spirit Bombs at smirking, airborne jerks with tall hair, and maybe even walking in place to pantomime the destructive stomps of a crazed space gorilla.

Whatever we imagine this game includes, the real thing's going to be so much goofier. We can't wait to find out.

JoystiqDragon Ball Z Kinect rated in Korea, start practicing your Fusion Dance originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-ball-zdragon-ball-z-kinectkinectkoreamicrosoftratingxboxFri, 17 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian government finally introduces R18+ bill, to go into effect next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/australian-government-finally-introduces-r18-bill-to-go-into-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/australian-government-finally-introduces-r18-bill-to-go-into-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/australian-government-finally-introduces-r18-bill-to-go-into-e/#comments Australia's game rating woes are almost over. After years of debate and legal discussion about an R18+ rating for video games there (that would allow for the equivalent of the ESRB's M-rated games to be released without, you know, being illegal), the government has finally agreed to the new rating, aiming to enact it as early as next year. A bill setting up the extra rating was introduced to the Federal Parliament this week, and is expected to pass easily through the House and Senate.

The bill would go into effect sooner, but the Federal Minister for Home Affairs says the government needs time to finish all of the paperwork on the new regulation, and to allow each state and territory to draft its own laws enforcing the rating. The bill wouldn't mandate a nationwide rating, but simply allow each territory to create its own.

But that shouldn't be an issue, according to those in the know. Apparently, there's plenty of public support already. There were almost 60,000 submissions from the public responding to a discussion paper from 2010, and 98% of those were strongly in support of games rated R18+. As soon as the laws go into effect, retailers will be free to sell games as needed to anyone old enough to buy them.

JoystiqAustralian government finally introduces R18+ bill, to go into effect next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiachildrenfederal-parliamentgameslegislationmaturer18ratingrulingThu, 16 Feb 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[South Korean rating outs Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/south-korean-rating-outs-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-plan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/south-korean-rating-outs-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-plan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/south-korean-rating-outs-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-plan/#comments Game Rating Board, South Korea's premiere games rating board, has listed another entry in the Magic: The Gathering series of games, presumably for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 again. As things look, Stainless Games and Wizards of the Coast have no plans of stopping the annual installments.

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise: both the original Duels of the Planeswalkers and Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 performed well, the former having sold over 500,000 copies on XBLA, while the latter was one of PSN's top performers last year. Considering both previous installments launched in the summer, we're betting we'll be hearing about Duels 2013 soon.

JoystiqSouth Korean rating outs Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-rating-boardgrbkoreamagic-the-gatheringmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2013microsoftpcplaystationps3ratingsouth-koreaStainless-Gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxFri, 10 Feb 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 rated by ESRB for consoles, PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-rated-by-esrb-for-consoles-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-rated-by-esrb-for-consoles-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2-rated-by-esrb-for-consoles-pc/#comments The ESRB has granted Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 an "E for Everyone" rating on the PC, 360, PS3 and Windows Phone platforms, thankfully without dyeing its sideburns in the process. Usually, an ESRB rating is indicative of an impending release date announcement or, in the case of badly promoted games, an impending release.

Android, iOS and Wii classifications are missing from the ESRB's breakdown of the title, which isn't to say that those version don't or won't exist, but it is a good sign that they may not be among the first batch of platforms to receive Sonic 4: Episode 2. Still, it's at least reassuring to know that the game exists, which is more than some people can say.

JoystiqSonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 rated by ESRB for consoles, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ESRBmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3ratedratingsegasonic-teamsonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2xboxThu, 26 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 and Vita game 'Malicious' classified in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/ps3-and-vita-game-malicious-classified-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/ps3-and-vita-game-malicious-classified-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/ps3-and-vita-game-malicious-classified-in-australia/#comments
Malicious, a PSN-exclusive boss rush action game (genre: "I'd like to speak to the manager, and then stab him."), may bring its concentrated quest and weaponized cloak to territories beyond Japan. The Alvion-developed project has been classified in Australia and attached to publisher Sony Computer Entertainment, making a localized version likely.

The game's move to other markets could coincide with the upcoming Vita port, which was announced in August after the original launched on PlayStation 3. We've yet to hear any official details about a Malicious localization, but we've already started begging Sony to change the name and prevent confusion with our homoerotic "Firefly" fan novel.

JoystiqPS3 and Vita game 'Malicious' classified in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alvionaustraliaMaliciousoflcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psnratingsonyvitaFri, 23 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Prince of Persia' for Wii and 3DS, 'Rayman' for 3DS rated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/prince-of-persia-for-wii-and-3ds-rayman-for-3ds-rated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/prince-of-persia-for-wii-and-3ds-rayman-for-3ds-rated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/prince-of-persia-for-wii-and-3ds-rayman-for-3ds-rated/#comments Ratings have popped up in Australia for 3DS games called simply "Rayman" and "Prince of Persia," along with a Wii "Prince of Persia." Ubisoft has done plenty with both of these franchises, ensuring that we can't know for sure exactly what's been revealed here.

The simplest explanation is that these listings are all for Virtual Console downloads. Prince of Persia was released on both the Game Boy and Game Boy Color, making it eligible for the 3DS Virtual Console -- and it was made for almost all of the platforms supported by the Wii Virtual Console. In addition, a game called "Rayman" was released on Game Boy Color, which was a combination of elements from Rayman 1 and 2 -- and thus providing an example of why we'd have a hard time knowing what the plain "Rayman" title referred to.

[Image: GameFAQs]

Joystiq'Prince of Persia' for Wii and 3DS, 'Rayman' for 3DS rated originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustraliaeshopnintendoprince-of-persiaratingraymanubisoftvirtual-consolewiiMon, 19 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition outed by BBFC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/mortal-kombat-komplete-edition-outed-by-bbfc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/mortal-kombat-komplete-edition-outed-by-bbfc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/mortal-kombat-komplete-edition-outed-by-bbfc/#comments It would seem Warner Bros. is looking to re-release Mortal Kombat, perhaps bundled with all of the DLC characters released. At least, that's what we gleaned from a recent rating that popped up on the BBFC, the British Board of Film Classifications. They also rate video games.

February 17 is the listed launch date for this potential re-release. But right now, outside of the date and our own speculation, there isn't much else to go on. We expect that will change soon enough.

JoystiqMortal Kombat Komplete Edition outed by BBFC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfcmicrosoftmortal-kombat-2011Netherrealm-Studiosplaystationps3ratingwarner-broswbiexboxFri, 02 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtua Tennis 4 'World Tour Edition' rated in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/virtua-tennis-4-world-tour-edition-rated-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/virtua-tennis-4-world-tour-edition-rated-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/virtua-tennis-4-world-tour-edition-rated-in-australia/#comments The Australian ratings board has posted a classification for some kind of new version of Virtua Tennis 4, called "Virtua Tennis 4 World Tour Edition." This one differs from the original in that it's got an M rating and warnings for severe, graphic violence.

No, we're totally kidding. It's rated G ... for graphic violence.

Kidding again. It's "General."

Our best guess for the identity of this "World Tour Edition" is that it's the Vita release of Virtua Tennis 4. The PSP Virtua Tennis game bore the "World Tour" appellation as well. It certainly makes sense for a game you can take with you.

JoystiqVirtua Tennis 4 'World Tour Edition' rated in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classificationclassification-boardoflcratingsegaVirtua-Tennis-4virtua-tennis-4-world-tour-editionMon, 24 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Mutation Station' rated for Xbox in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/mutation-station-rated-for-xbox-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/mutation-station-rated-for-xbox-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/mutation-station-rated-for-xbox-in-australia/#comments Mutation Station, what's your classification? "General," according to Australia's ratings board. Something under that title is being published for Xbox 360 by Microsoft, as the rating reveals.

No details about the title have been officially announced, but a safe guess would be that it's another Kinect Fun Labs widget, one that lets you alter the appearance of anything you put in front of the camera, either by warping it or tacking on virtual tentacles and stuff.

An unsafe guess would be that it's an app that causes your Xbox 360 to overheat, and then directs you to get closer to it and soak up the radiation it emits.

[Thanks, Sacra.]

Joystiq'Mutation Station' rated for Xbox in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaclassification-boardkinectkinect-fun-labsmicrosoftmutation-stationratingxboxFri, 02 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Saints Row: Money Shot' rated, alleged screens posted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/saints-row-money-shot-rated-alleged-screens-posted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/saints-row-money-shot-rated-alleged-screens-posted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/saints-row-money-shot-rated-alleged-screens-posted/#comments Over the weekend, a rating for something under the super classy title "Saints Row: Money Shot" appeared on the Australian Ratings Board database. All we know officially is that it's developed by THQ Digital Phoenix and earned an MA15 rating.

Unofficially, however, we have some screenshots posted by MSXboxWorld, which look to us like grabs from a video. The screens reveal what looks like a Saints Row-themed light gun game or rail shooter. Achievements also posted on the site, worth 200 points, suggest that this is an XBLA game (or Saints Row: The Third DLC). There's even a description of the premise: "You are Cypher, a deadly assassin in the world of Saints Row, and you hunt the most elusive targets with the most sophisticated weaponry that Ultor has to offer." You can apparently control the movement of each bullet to weave its way to the intended target.

Officially, the planned Saints Row XBLA/PSN/3DS game, Saints Row: Drive By, was cancelled. But, to engage in a bit of conjecture for a moment, the concept and appearance of this game seem tailor-made for 3D. Could the project have been resurrected? Or is this all just media for a cancelled game, with the Australian rating a vestige of its former development?

Joystiq'Saints Row: Money Shot' rated, alleged screens posted originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiamicrosoftratingsaints-rowsaints-row-money-shotthqthq-digital-phoenixxblaxboxMon, 22 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metacritic drops individual developer ratings for good]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/metacritic-drops-individual-developer-ratings-for-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/metacritic-drops-individual-developer-ratings-for-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/metacritic-drops-individual-developer-ratings-for-good/#comments Though Metacritic's recent policy of not only applying scores to video games, but also the individual people who created those games, drew some ire from the site's users, we thought it was a masterstroke. Assigning people arbitrary scores based on their past achievements? Seriously, the person who came up with that had to be, like, at least a 93. Sadly, the ratings were short-lived, and in a recent GamesIndustry interview, Metacritic founder Marc Doyle (a known 77) said, "We have no plans to bring it back."

Ultimately, Mr. 77 said the site isn't meant to "fuel some larger discussion over what person is more worthy than some other person." That's actually kind of a nice sentiment, but it's that lack of bloodthirstiness that's keeping Mr. Doyle from breaking into the low 80s.

JoystiqMetacritic drops individual developer ratings for good originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developersindustrymarc-doylemetacriticratingreviewsscoresThu, 31 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Sega Rally Online Arcade' rated in Korea]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/sega-rally-online-arcade-rated-in-korea/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/sega-rally-online-arcade-rated-in-korea/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/sega-rally-online-arcade-rated-in-korea/#commentsIf a new listing by the Korean Game Rating Board is any indication, we could be kicking up some dust on PSN soon. The board posted a rating entry for "Sega Rally Online Arcade," a title that doesn't really require much interpretation. It's Sega Rally -- the classic arcade rally racing series originally created by Tetsuya Mizuguchi -- online.

The title was submitted by Sony Computer Entertainment Korea, which would suggest a release on a PlayStation system; and we'll just go out on a limb and guess that would be PS3. The previous "Online Arcade" game, OutRun Online Arcade, was released on PSN and XBLA ... and then removed (due to an expiring contract with Ferrari). Since this Sega Rally game has yet to even be officially announced, it'll be long before we have to worry about that game being over (yeaaah).

Joystiq'Sega Rally Online Arcade' rated in Korea originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grbkoreaplaystationps3psnratingsegasega-rallysega-rally-online-arcadesony-computer-entertainment-koreaFri, 28 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Full House Poker rated in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/microsofts-full-house-poker-rated-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/microsofts-full-house-poker-rated-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/microsofts-full-house-poker-rated-in-australia/#comments It looks like the super secret beta for Microsoft's next massively multiplayer Xbox Live title is going pretty well -- the Australian classification board recently gave a rating of G (for General!) to Full House Poker. If you'll recall, that's the title of the 1 vs. 100-inspired online card game which Microsoft invited select Gold subscribers to try out earlier this month. It's also the title of our favorite 90s family sitcom, with the word "Poker" appended to the end of it.

The game's "G" rating in Australia is a little strange, considering the beta invitations sent out by Microsoft mentioned a Teen rating in the States, thanks to all the 'simulated gambling.' Maybe they don't have much of a problem with fake gambling in Australia? Or maybe they just have, like, really cool, Frank Sinatra-esque kids.

JoystiqMicrosoft's Full House Poker rated in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>full-house-pokermicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosoflcpokerratingxblaxboxThu, 18 Nov 2010 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[OFLC rating outs Microsoft's 'Avatar Superstars Poker']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/oflc-rating-outs-microsofts-avatar-superstars-poker/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/oflc-rating-outs-microsofts-avatar-superstars-poker/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/oflc-rating-outs-microsofts-avatar-superstars-poker/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A recent rating from Australia's Office of Film and Literature Classification reveals Microsoft Game Studios' upcoming take on table gaming, titled Avatar Superstars Poker. It sounds like an XBLA poker title with Avatar support -- a feature that was unable to be added to TikGames' 2006 XBLA title Texas Hold'Em, which led the studio to create an Xbox Live Indie poker title specifically to include playable Avatars.

We've contacted Microsoft to find out more about the title, and what will set it apart from the other poker games already on the platform. For now, we're going to go update our Avatar to look exactly like John Malkovich wearing a track suit. Pardon us.

JoystiqOFLC rating outs Microsoft's 'Avatar Superstars Poker' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-superstars-pokermicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosoflcpokerratingxboxThu, 05 Aug 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Castlevania: Harmony of Despair' resurfaces in OFLC rating]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/castlevania-harmony-of-despair-resurfaces-in-oflc-rating/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/castlevania-harmony-of-despair-resurfaces-in-oflc-rating/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/28/castlevania-harmony-of-despair-resurfaces-in-oflc-rating/#commentsAn OFLC rating provides further evidence of the existence of Konami's rumored multiplayer XBLA Castlevania title, Harmony of Despair. The Australian ratings board now lists a rating for Harmony of Despair, specifying it as an "X-box" game. The listing also includes the caveat that the "Gaming experience may change online," suggesting online multiplayer is a feature of the game.

While the rating information isn't a confirmation of the precise details we heard previously -- that Harmony of Despair is a side-scrolling "Metroidvania" for up to six players, featuring heroes from throughout the series -- it is confirmation that there is some kind of game with that name for Xbox 360; making any details we've heard that much more likely.

[Via 1UP]

Joystiq'Castlevania: Harmony of Despair' resurfaces in OFLC rating originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 May 2010 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacastlevaniacastlevania-harmony-of-despairkonamiMicrosoftratingxblaXbox-360Fri, 28 May 2010 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: 98 percent of Australians in support of R18+ rating]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/09/report-98-percent-of-australians-in-support-of-r18-rating/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/09/report-98-percent-of-australians-in-support-of-r18-rating/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/09/report-98-percent-of-australians-in-support-of-r18-rating/#comments Australia's Federal Home Affairs group recently published a poll which may turn the heads on a few of the nation's governmental bodies. Out of the survey's 59,678 participants, 98.2 percent said they would support the oft-proposed addition of an R18+ rating for video games in the region.

Of course, more than half of the participants in said poll were turned on to it by an in-store promotion at select Australian EB Games. A somewhat more balanced selection of special interest groups were also allowed to respond to the survey, and only 53 percent showed support for the mature rating. By our amateur calculations, the actual percentage of Australian citizens who support the rating falls somewhere between the two. How about 86.3 percent? It's a totally made-up number, but ... it just seems right, doesn't it?

JoystiqReport: 98 percent of Australians in support of R18+ rating originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 May 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacensorshipmature-gamesoflcpollr18ratingsurveySun, 09 May 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project gets some from the ESRB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/duke-nukem-manhattan-project-gets-some-from-the-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/duke-nukem-manhattan-project-gets-some-from-the-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/duke-nukem-manhattan-project-gets-some-from-the-esrb/#comments It would appear the side-scrolling shoot-em-up PC Gamer called "a blast" back in 2002, Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project, will eventually find its way onto Xbox Live Arcade. It's happening, right? Like, we've seen a couple ratings pop up for the game, so it's gotta be a done deal -- come on, will somebody just officially announce this already? The latest indication (and hopefully precursor to a real announcement) comes from the ESRB, which offers the listing you see above.

Duke Nukem 3D creator 3D Realms, whose last project was Prey Invasion for the iPhone and iPod Touch back in June of 2009, is listed as the publisher on the potential XBLA title. We've sent in word to both 3D Realms and Microsoft for comment and will let you know what we hear back.

JoystiqDuke Nukem: Manhattan Project gets some from the ESRB originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games3d-realmsduke-nukemduke-nukem-manhattan-projectesrbmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosratingxblaxblmXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadeFri, 07 May 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[OFLC rates two new games by Chibi Robo, Art Style dev]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/oflc-rates-two-new-games-by-chibi-robo-art-style-dev/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/oflc-rates-two-new-games-by-chibi-robo-art-style-dev/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/oflc-rates-two-new-games-by-chibi-robo-art-style-dev/#commentsTwo mysterious new games from a known DSiWare developer have been rated by Australia's OFLC. Skip, creator of most of the Art Style games -- as well as Chibi-Robo! -- is named as the author of both Light Trax and Penta Tentacles, with Nintendo as publisher.

Though no specific platform is named for either, Skip's recent output has been targeted entirely at the DS, with LOL and a Japan-only Chibi-Robo sequel released in addition to several DSiWare Art Style games. With all that evidence, we're guessing these two will be released on Game and Watch.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqOFLC rates two new games by Chibi Robo, Art Style dev originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiadsiwarelight-traxoflcpenta-tentaclesratingskipFri, 19 Feb 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[More retailers sign on in support of R18+ rating in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/more-retailers-sign-on-in-support-of-r18-rating-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/more-retailers-sign-on-in-support-of-r18-rating-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/more-retailers-sign-on-in-support-of-r18-rating-in-australia/#comments Most businesses enjoy exchanging goods and services for fungible assets, so it's not too shocking that Australian retailers are pulling for the nation to adopt an R18+ rating, which would cut down on the number of games the OFLC is forced to outright ban. Two retailers, GAME and Gametraders, recently spoke to GameSpot about their support of the new rating, and explained they'd be willing to adhere to surprisingly strict protocols in order to sell mature titles.

Both parties agreed to keep R18+ games in a special section of the store, which would be restricted to youngsters. Also, they stated they would package mature games in blank cases, so as not to offend the delicate sensibilities of nearby shoppers. That sounds a lot like that certain section of your local Blockbuster Video. You know, the one that only creeps go into? And occasionally, you see one of your old math teachers coming out of? And then you're forced into an awkward conversation with them while they desperately attempt to hide their naughty acquisition?

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqMore retailers sign on in support of R18+ rating in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabangamegametradersoflcpoliticsr18ratingretailThu, 11 Feb 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[OFLC posts rating for Perfect Dark on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/oflc-posts-rating-for-perfect-dark-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/oflc-posts-rating-for-perfect-dark-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/oflc-posts-rating-for-perfect-dark-on-xbla/#commentsFiled under:

The Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification has posted a rating on its website for the long-awaited XBLA port of Rare's Perfect Dark, which would hint that a release is just around the corner. (Major Nelson did say that it would drop "this winter.") The OFLC gave the shooter an MA 15+ for "strong violence," the toughest rating they hand out for video games.

If a release is imminent, now might be the perfect time to play through the 360 prequel, Perfect Dark Zero, and get further acquainted with Joanna Dark before you can revisit her debut adventure in high resolution.

JoystiqOFLC posts rating for Perfect Dark on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiama15microsoftoflcperfect-darkperfect-dark-xblaperfect-dark-zerorareratingxblaTue, 22 Dec 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega: Aliens vs. Predator reclassified in Australia without edits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/sega-aliens-vs-predator-reclassified-in-australia-without-edit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/sega-aliens-vs-predator-reclassified-in-australia-without-edit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/sega-aliens-vs-predator-reclassified-in-australia-without-edit/#commentsSega has announced its victory in the fight over whether or not Australians will get to (legally) play Aliens vs. Predator. According to a statement given to Kotaku, Sega has successfully appealed the OFLC's decision to refuse classification to the FPS and has secured the game a rating of MA-15+, which has yet to be reflected in the OFLC database.

"We are particularly proud that the game will be released in its original entirety, with no content altered or removed whatsoever," Sega Australia general manager Darren Macbeth told Kotaku. "This is a big win for Australian gamers. We applaud the Classification Review Board on making a decision that clearly considers the context of the game, and is in line with the modern expectations of reasonable Australians".

We now urge our Australian friends not to do anything that might appear even the least bit inspired by this game. If you see a ravenous, monstrous alien, let it go unblasted.

JoystiqSega: Aliens vs. Predator reclassified in Australia without edits originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-vs-predatoraustraliaavpcensorshipfpsMicrosoftoflcratingrebellionsci-fisegaXbox-360Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB: M-rated 'SABRE Team' deploying on Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/esrb-m-rated-sabre-team-deploying-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/esrb-m-rated-sabre-team-deploying-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/esrb-m-rated-sabre-team-deploying-on-wii/#comments Move over, Modern Warfare Reflex! Soon, Wii players will have a choice of "modern" FPS. In assigning an M-rating, the ESRB has revealed a game called SABRE Team, an FPS that takes place "'behind enemy lines' in a number of Middle Eastern-style locations." The game lets players "navigate tight alleyways and corridors, secure buildings, and kill enemy forces."

The publisher is listed as Collision Studios, developer of Jumper: Griffin's Story on Wii and PS2, as well as both Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010 and Daisy Fuentes Pilates. Maybe, to save money, Collision will reuse some celebrity character models, and we'll see a couple of Daisy Fuenteses providing cover fire. At the very least, all the soldiers should be limber. The dev is also responsible for 300: March to Glory on PSP.

The name SABRE Team was also used by a 1992 Amiga game. This could be a refresh of that series, but since the original was a strategy game and this is an FPS, even if it is based on the same source material, it'll bear little resemblance.

JoystiqESRB: M-rated 'SABRE Team' deploying on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collision-studiosesrbNintendoratingsabre-teamWiiMon, 14 Dec 2009 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[OFLC suggests Western release for Ninety-Nine Nights 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/oflc-suggests-western-release-for-ninety-nine-nights-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/oflc-suggests-western-release-for-ninety-nine-nights-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/oflc-suggests-western-release-for-ninety-nine-nights-2/#commentsKonami appears to be daring enough to localize Ninety-Nine Nights 2 -- which, we suppose, isn't too much of a surprise since it showed the courage to publish the sequel to the mediocre action title in the first place. While Konami hasn't said anything official, an OFLC rating has appeared for N32, outing at least a tentative plan to publish the game in Australia. Speculation: Konami's not going to localize the game just for Australia.

Whether the announcement is good news or not depends on your faith in Feelplus (for whom this is the first action game) to deliver a better Dynasty Warriors-type game than Phantagram did.

Gallery: Ninety-Nine Nights 2

JoystiqOFLC suggests Western release for Ninety-Nine Nights 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaustraliafeelpluskonamiMicrosoftninety-nine-nights-2oflcq-entertainmentratingXbox-360Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[FTC commends ESRB and gaming industry for self-regulation practices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/ftc-commends-esrb-and-gaming-industry-for-self-regulation-practi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/ftc-commends-esrb-and-gaming-industry-for-self-regulation-practi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/ftc-commends-esrb-and-gaming-industry-for-self-regulation-practi/#comments The Federal Trade Commission recently published a report which should simultaneously flatter the video game industry and stymie adversaries of the medium's terribly corruptive properties. In the report, the FTC says the gaming industry "outpaces" all other channels of entertainment in regards to its self-regulatory policies on marketing and advertising products which feature mature content.

The report praises the ESRB's ratings system, stating that 80 percent of M-rated games sales to minors are prevented by retailers. In addition, the report found that no ads for mature games were being run before 10 p.m., adding that the Commission found little evidence of M-rated game advertisements being targeted towards minors. The only exception? That episode of Hannah Montana where Hannah traveled back in time to 15th century Italy to become a professional assassin. Admittedly, that was kind of ethically dubious.

JoystiqFTC commends ESRB and gaming industry for self-regulation practices originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingesrbFederal-Trade-CommissionftcmarketingmatureratingFri, 04 Dec 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rebellion won't release 'sanitized' AvP in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/rebellion-wont-release-sanitized-avp-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/rebellion-wont-release-sanitized-avp-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/rebellion-wont-release-sanitized-avp-in-australia/#comments In a statement released this morning by Rebellion's Jason Kingsley, concerning the Australian Classification Board's so-called "ban" of Rebellion's Aliens vs. Predator game, the CEO expressed his studio's disappointment with the board's ruling, but added, "as we understand the law in that country the authorities had no choice as we agree strongly that our game is not suitable for game players who are not adults."

The subtle swipe at the Australian ratings system, which tops out at an MA15+ classification, turned into a full-on blow as Kingsley concluded, "We will not be releasing a sanitized or cut down version for territories where adults are not considered by their governments to be able to make their own entertainment choices."

Ouch! You feel that too, Germany? "It is for adults," Kingsley insisted of AvP, "and it is bloody and frightening, that was our intent." Clearly, that's why PEGI assigned an 18-rating. Check out the box art for PAL territories that will release the game -- for adults -- come February 2010 worldwide:

Gallery: Aliens vs. Predator (2010): Packshots [PAL]

JoystiqRebellion won't release 'sanitized' AvP in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-vs-predatoraustraliaavpbanclassificationjason-kingsleyMicrosoftratingrebellionrelease-datesegaXbox-360Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian Classification Board vs. Aliens vs. Predator [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/australian-classification-board-vs-aliens-vs-predator/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/australian-classification-board-vs-aliens-vs-predator/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/australian-classification-board-vs-aliens-vs-predator/#comments It may not have acid blood or infrared vision, but the Australian Classification Board has won its battle against Rebellion's upcoming Aliens vs. Predator game. "The game contains first-person perspective, close-up depictions of human characters being subjected to various types of violence, including explicit decapitation and dismemberment as well as locational damage such as stabbing through the chest, mouth, throat, or eyes," the board reports. Apparently, the game's excessive gore and violence exceeds the requirements for a MA15+ rating. Without an option for an R18+ rating, Aliens vs. Predator becomes the latest title to join the ever-growing list of essentially "banned" games in the territory.

Sega is left with two options should it want to pursue an Australian release: Attempt an appeal with the board, or censor the game's content to meet Australian standards. Should AvP follow in the footsteps of the edited Left 4 Dead 2, Australian gamers should get ready to be disappointed yet again.

Update: Rebellion responds. Oh snap!

JoystiqAustralian Classification Board vs. Aliens vs. Predator [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-vs-predatoraustraliabanMicrosoftratingrebellionsegaXbox-360Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:05:00 EST<![CDATA[OFLC rating reveals Q-Games' Reflect Missile, Nintendo publishing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/27/oflc-rating-reveals-q-games-reflect-missile-nintendo-publishin/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/27/oflc-rating-reveals-q-games-reflect-missile-nintendo-publishin/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/27/oflc-rating-reveals-q-games-reflect-missile-nintendo-publishin/#comments Q-Games and Nintendo had a recent partnership in the release of Digidrive, but it doesn't seem like they're letting their relationship cool off any time soon. According to a new OFLC rating, Q-Games is developing -- and Nintendo is publishing -- a game called Reflect Missile. No platform was announced, but the safe money's on either a DSiWare or WiiWare release.

Now, let's get to determining exactly what a "Reflect Missile" is. Is is just, like, a really shiny missile, in which one might see themselves? Or is "Reflect Missile" a command in weird, broken English? For instance, "Captain Douglass, reflect [that] missile?" Or is the command being issued directly to the missile itself -- "Reflect, Missile!" The possibilities are as endless as they are nonsensical.

[Via GamerBytes]

JoystiqOFLC rating reveals Q-Games' Reflect Missile, Nintendo publishing originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendooflcq-gamesratingreflect-missileFri, 27 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[After Burner Climax rated by OFLC and Korean board, possibly coming to PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/after-burner-climax-rated-by-oflc-and-korean-board-possibly-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/after-burner-climax-rated-by-oflc-and-korean-board-possibly-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/after-burner-climax-rated-by-oflc-and-korean-board-possibly-coming/#comments Though it might lose some of its magic without the full chair-and-tinted-window-equipped arcade cabinet, we're still pretty pumped about the possibility of getting our hands on a port of Sega's classic flight combat sim, After Burner. According to the OFLC and the Korean Game Rating Board, it's only a matter of time before our wish is fulfilled -- GamerBytes recently noticed that both groups have rated Sega's After Burner Climax for home console distribution.

According to the Korean board, the rating was applied for by Sony, leading some to believe the title's planned launch platform is the PSN. However, considering the multi-platform release of Outrun Online Arcade, we wouldn't be surprised if Sega decided to share the aerial dogfighting love with the 360 as well. We've contacted the hedgehog-loving developer to find out exactly what its plans are for the title.

JoystiqAfter Burner Climax rated by OFLC and Korean board, possibly coming to PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>after-burnerafter-burner-climaxarcadekoreaMicrosoftoflcportpsnratingsegaSega-AM2Xbox-360Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AO-rated PC version of Manhunt 2 releasing next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/ao-rated-pc-version-of-manhunt-2-releasing-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/ao-rated-pc-version-of-manhunt-2-releasing-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/ao-rated-pc-version-of-manhunt-2-releasing-next-week/#comments If you thought Manhunt 2 had reached the pinnacle of mature content in video games, you better guess again. The controversy-garnering title will be re-released on Direct2Drive next week for $29.99 -- only this time around, it's packing an AO rating. As those who lived through Mahuntgate surely remember, that was planned to be the original rating for the game, before the ESRB rolled up, and was all like "what? You want to stick shards of glass into another man's ear? No. No, sir."

Rockstar has remained mum about what the new rating will entail, but our guess is that it will incorporate more graphic forms of violence, and perhaps a few extra dirty words. We've contacted Rockstar to get more specific details on the mature-r content, and to find out when we can expect the Early Childhood version of the game to hit store shelves.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqAO-rated PC version of Manhunt 2 releasing next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adults-onlyaodirect2drivedownloadmanhunt-2Manhunt2ratingRockStarSat, 31 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP minis developer surprised by cost of ESRB ratings [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/psp-minis-developer-surprised-by-cost-of-esrb-ratings/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/psp-minis-developer-surprised-by-cost-of-esrb-ratings/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/psp-minis-developer-surprised-by-cost-of-esrb-ratings/#comments Here's one reason why PSP minis are more expensive than their iPhone counterparts: the ESRB. Sony doesn't enforce any control over the pricing of minis, but they do mandate getting approval from the ESRB ratings board. That, apparently, has been a significant hidden cost some developers didn't expect. "You have to invest some money into dev kits and into getting ratings for your game. The costs of ratings such us ESRB is significantly more then we had realized," Fieldrunners developer Sergei Gourski told Gamasutra. According to a posting at GameDev.net, the cost of getting an approval is $2,500. [Update: The ESRB responded to our story, correcting the price. "ESRB has a reduced fee of $800 for games that have development costs under $250,000, which would likely apply to virtually all PSP Minis."]

Content developed for the iPhone doesn't need to go through the ratings board, an oversight which, surprisingly, has yet to attract a media call-to-arms. Should the ESRB succeed in courting Apple as the defacto ratings system for the iPhone, the high cost of approval should curtail one of the largest problems facing the iPhone store today: having too much content, a sentiment shared by Minigore developer Kimmo Vihola. Vihola noted that "[Apple's] process is starting to crack from the seams," and pointed out that Sony's turnaround time on minis is much faster than Apple's store. Sony takes three to five days for approval, while Apple varies "from a couple of days to up to six weeks."

JoystiqPSP minis developer surprised by cost of ESRB ratings [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeappleesrbiphoneiPodpsp-minisratingFri, 09 Oct 2009 17:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian attorney general refuses to support 18+ game rating]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/australian-attorney-general-refuses-to-support-18-game-rating/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/australian-attorney-general-refuses-to-support-18-game-rating/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/australian-attorney-general-refuses-to-support-18-game-rating/#comments Australia has a long, sordid history when it comes to banning the sale of mature games. Titles which exceed the limits of the Office of Film and Literature Classification's MA15+ rating are refused classification, preventing them from being sold in the Land Down Under. Following such a ban on Valve's Left 4 Dead 2, the introduction of an R18+ rating has been feverishly debated by the nation's officials -- however, a South Australian attorney general named Michael Atkinson is holding up the proceedings by vehemently opposing the adoption of the mature rating.

Atkinson told Australian news outlet News.com.au that he's uncomfortable with the interactive nature of the medium. "People are participating and 'acting-out' violence and criminal behaviour when they are playing a video game," he explained, later adding, "it certainly does restrict choice to a small degree, but that is the price of keeping this material from children and vulnerable adults. In my view, the small sacrifice is worth it."

Rarely can governmental actions be attributed to just one person, but the OFLC's refusal to rate mature titles is a direct result of Atkinson's opposition. Remember, this is the same guy who tried to censor a public document which canvassed Australians on the issue in an attempt to better advise the nation's ratings officials. He censored the study on censorship. Consider our mind truly boggled.

[Via GamesIndustry]

JoystiqAustralian attorney general refuses to support 18+ game rating originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabanlawleft-4-dead-2maturemichael-atkinsonMicrosoftoflcr18ratingvalveXbox-360Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB rates Oddworld, Blood Omen and others for PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/esrb-rates-oddworld-blood-omen-and-others-for-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/esrb-rates-oddworld-blood-omen-and-others-for-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/esrb-rates-oddworld-blood-omen-and-others-for-psn/#comments
The ESRB has proven to be the unacknowledged PR firm for the announcement of Sony's PSOne Classics -- today, the ratings board released its biggest onslaught of upcoming PSN titles to date, including such gems as:
  • Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain
  • Cool Boarders 3
  • International Track & Field
  • Oddworld: Abe's Exodus
  • Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
  • Pandemonium!
  • Syphon Filter 2
  • Um Jammer Lammy
Some of these ratings are new -- however, Um Jammer Lammy has already been released in Japan, and Blood Omen and Pandemonium! were actually given ratings last March before mysteriously disappearing from the ESRB site. Hopefully, their resurfacing is indicative of their swift arrival -- we're jonesing for some old fashioned, Silicon Knights-branded Vampiolence.

[Via CVG]

JoystiqESRB rates Oddworld, Blood Omen and others for PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-omen-legacy-of-kainesrbpandemoniumplaystation-storeps1psnratingum-jammer-lammyTue, 01 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC considering universal game ratings, ESA unimpressed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/fcc-considering-universal-game-ratings-esa-unimpressed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/fcc-considering-universal-game-ratings-esa-unimpressed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/fcc-considering-universal-game-ratings-esa-unimpressed/#comments According to a Bloomberg report, the FCC will soon begin looking into the development of a universal rating system that would span television, games and mobile phone content. Unsurprisingly, the move comes in response to a Congressional call to see whether inappropriate content is harming children and if the current laws are adequate to protect them.

The Entertainment Software Association, according to the report, has previously stated that the FCC has no jurisdiction over video games. In a statement given to GameSpot, ESA senior vice president for communications and industry affairs Rich Taylor stated that the current ESRB rating system is "considered by parents, family advocates, the Federal Trade Commission, and elected officials as the gold standard in providing caregivers with the information they need to make the right choices for their families." He added further that a new universal system would "confuse consumers, violate the Constitution's first amendment, and are a solution in search of a problem."

We might also add that television, video games and mobile phone content are -- with few exceptions -- different forms of media. After all, it doesn't really make sense to use the same scale to judge both Batman: Arkham Asylum and your "Yakety Sax" ringtone. Or does it?

Source - Bloomberg
Source - GameSpot

JoystiqFCC considering universal game ratings, ESA unimpressed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esaesrbfccgovernmentratingFri, 28 Aug 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP finally joining the Tetris Club]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/psp-finally-joining-the-tetris-club/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/psp-finally-joining-the-tetris-club/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/psp-finally-joining-the-tetris-club/#comments
The PlayStation Portable has been on the market in some form or another for nearly five years now -- the fact that there isn't a Tetris game available on the platform is mind-boggling. Seriously, our grandmother has Tetris on her portable defibrillator. How is it not on our half-decade-old handheld gaming device?

Electronic Arts apparently asked themselves this question, then immediately sprung into action to port the popular puzzler to PSP. At least, that seems to be the case, as evidenced by a recent Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (that name is too beautiful to truncate!) listing for an EA-developed PSP version of Tetris. We've contacted EA to see if Lumines' tyrannical reign over the handheld's puzzle genre really is drawing to a close.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqPSP finally joining the Tetris Club originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>puzzleratingtetrisuskFri, 07 Aug 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Publishers face big fines for lying to PEGI]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/publishers-face-big-fines-for-lying-to-pegi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/publishers-face-big-fines-for-lying-to-pegi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/publishers-face-big-fines-for-lying-to-pegi/#comments
The UK-based Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) is trying to show that the PEGI system -- which it supported in the great BBFC ousting of '09 -- is by no means weaker than the BBFC ratings that used to be oversee the region. Speaking with MCV, the group took the opportunity to warn publishers: "Abuse [the] new system and risk your future." Publishers may face fines of €500,000 ($696K) if they lie on the questionnaire, which allows PEGI and the Video Standards Council to determine an appropriate rating for their games.

ELSPA's statement and teeth bearing are to ease concerns that PEGI won't be strong enough for the UK when it's implemented this holiday. ELSPA is essentially using a "see, we told them to play nice" tactic to save face, just in case the rating system it supported has an incident.

JoystiqPublishers face big fines for lying to PEGI originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfcbritainelspapegipoliticsratingukThu, 25 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumorang: BBFC rates 'Silent Hill']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/rumorang-bbfc-rates-possible-silent-hill-remake/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/rumorang-bbfc-rates-possible-silent-hill-remake/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/rumorang-bbfc-rates-possible-silent-hill-remake/#comments
We hope Konami may soon be ready to scare some truth out of earlier rumors of a Silent Hill remake for the Wii and PSP. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) recently posted a '15' rating for Silent Hill, with a listing that contains an interesting breakdown of scenes from the game with titles like "ANKH ROOM" and "CYBIL'S DEATH."

Last month's rumor laid dev duties at the feet of Silent Hill: Origins creator Climax, though Konami has yet to make anything official. We're trying to reach either Konami or Climax for comment ... but the lines are cut, and there's an unsettling noise coming from behind the door.

Of course, this could just as well be a PSN re-release. And yes, we'll take one of those too.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqRumorang: BBFC rates 'Silent Hill' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfcclimaxkonamiNintendoratingrumorrumorangsilent-hillsurvival-horrorWiiTue, 10 Mar 2009 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft 'least consistent,' Rockstar 'most consistent,' concludes study of Metacritic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/ubisoft-least-consistent-rockstar-most-consistent-conclude/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/ubisoft-least-consistent-rockstar-most-consistent-conclude/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/ubisoft-least-consistent-rockstar-most-consistent-conclude/#comments
Prepare yourself for some simple math and inflammatory statements. Gaming industry analysis site GameQuarry recently performed a breakdown of Metacritic ratings for titles released by major publishers to determine whose releases were of a consistently high quality. Assigning each release an A - F grade, then using a simple point value cipher (A = 2, B = 1, C = 0, D = -1, F = -2), it ranked each publisher by their final scores, providing some fairly interesting results.

Rockstar Games took home top honors in this respect, with a grade score of 19 over its 23 releases. Telltale Games was a close runner-up with a score of 14 for its 23 titles. On the not-so-braggable end of the spectrum (chart posted after break), Ubisoft was listed as the "least consistent" publisher, with a final score of -148 over 237 games, with Activision hot on its heels with a score of -138 for its 227 games.

Is this study the final word on which publishers are currently putting out the highest quality product? No, not exactly, as the list includes the entire portfolios of the publishers listed (at least for titles current enough to merit Metacritic ratings), so it doesn't do much to point out current publishing trends. Also, the more prolific publishers seemed to be somewhat penalized for their largeness -- Activision, who ranked second from the bottom, had more Grade A titles than anyone else on the list. However, it does provide a little food for thought -- and more than a little fuel for a few flamewars, we suspect.

Continue reading Ubisoft 'least consistent,' Rockstar 'most consistent,' concludes study of Metacritic

JoystiqUbisoft 'least consistent,' Rockstar 'most consistent,' concludes study of Metacritic originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionconsistencygamequarrymetacriticpublisherratingrockstartelltale-gamesubisoftThu, 05 Mar 2009 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian game rating board under fire for Lost and Damned classification]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/australian-game-rating-board-under-fire-for-lost-and-damned-clas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/australian-game-rating-board-under-fire-for-lost-and-damned-clas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/australian-game-rating-board-under-fire-for-lost-and-damned-clas/#commentsFiled under:


Typically, when Australia's Office of Film and Literature Classification (the game rating board for the Land Down Under) is criticized for shoddy job performance, the attacks are coming from ... well, people like us. This is because the board's highest rating is MA15+, meaning games containing similar content to games rated Mature by the ESRB are often refused classification and sent back to the developer for content cuts.

However, the OFLC has recently come under fire from its harshest critics, not due to its refusal to classify certain games, but rather, because of its rating for the recently released expansion to GTA IV, The Lost and Damned. These critics take issue with the fact that the expansion earned a rating from the OFLC without undergoing any content cuts, while GTA IV was forced to clean up its act before getting approved. These critics claim the similarities between the core game and expansion are evidence of major disparities in the Australian rating board.

These critics might have a point -- the OFLC could be taking on a more lax approach to their classification of mature content titles. However, it's just as likely that Rockstar made content cuts to Lost and Damned before the first submission in order to avoid a refusal of classification -- and a costly resubmission. There's only one way to tell: Australian readers, we need you to boot up the game and, well, check for any and all wangs. We know, it's a lot to ask.

JoystiqAustralian game rating board under fire for Lost and Damned classification originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiagtaivma15Microsoftoflcratingthe-lost-and-damnedXbox-360Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[USK diagnoses PS3 with a severe case of Worms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/usk-diagnoses-psn-with-a-severe-case-of-worms/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/usk-diagnoses-psn-with-a-severe-case-of-worms/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/usk-diagnoses-psn-with-a-severe-case-of-worms/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (or USK, for those who are terrified of lengthy, foreign words), Germany's game rating organization, isn't traditionally known for bringing us the hottest scoops. However, a recent listing on their site perked up our ever-attentive ears -- they recently stamped a Freigegeben ab 6 Jahren gemäß § 14 JuSchG (restricted for those below the age of six) rating to a PS3 version of Worms. Given that the genre of said listing is "Arcade", we think it's safe to assume that they're referring to a PSN port of the XBLA title.

This isn't a particularly surprising turn of events -- Worms has sold over half a million on the XBLA, and its done so over the course of about two years. However, Team 17, the game's developer, hasn't formally announced the PSNified title. Assuming the USK hasn't got its wires crossed, we should be hearing more about the port fairly soon.

JoystiqUSK diagnoses PS3 with a severe case of Worms originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>psnratingteam-17Team17Team17-SoftwareuskWormsWorms-2007Worms-HDFri, 06 Feb 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian MMOs: Without classification, but still on store shelves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/australian-mmos-without-classification-but-still-on-store-shel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/australian-mmos-without-classification-but-still-on-store-shel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/australian-mmos-without-classification-but-still-on-store-shel/#commentsFiled under:

We've talked about it in the past ad nauseum, but for those who are just now joining us: the Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) doesn't have a rating for video games above MA15+. Thus, if your title is deemed too inappropriate for someone 15 years or older, it's Refused Classification (RC), essentially barring it from sale in the country. Except, it seems, if your game is an MMO.

Our friends at Massively took a look at MMOs in Australia, which -- with few exceptions -- are sold at retail without any rating whatsoever. Developers and publishers claim they've never submitted their titles to the OFLC because they didn't believe it was necessary to do so. That misconception may have come from the board itself, who is said to have given such counsel before it was merged with the Federal Attorney-General's Office. However, the now-assimilated group is saying that MMOs require classification, and selling an unclassified game is a crime. Hit up Massively for more information. This is gonna be a very interesting story to follow.

JoystiqAustralian MMOs: Without classification, but still on store shelves originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacensorshipclassificationlawlegalmmommo rpgMmoRpgoflcratingratingsrpgThu, 29 Jan 2009 02:00:00 EST