Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Sleeping Dogs free on PS Plus; Papo & Yo on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/psn-tuesday-sleeping-dogs-free-on-ps-plus-papo-and-yo-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/psn-tuesday-sleeping-dogs-free-on-ps-plus-papo-and-yo-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/psn-tuesday-sleeping-dogs-free-on-ps-plus-papo-and-yo-on-sale/#comments United Front's open-world action game, Sleeping Dogs, is now available for free to PlayStation Plus members as part of Instant Game Collection.

Papo & Yo is available for $9 this week (or $12 if you want the soundtrack tossed in), while Retro City Rampage is down to $7.50. Fatal Frame 2 joins the PS2 Classics list, and a multiplayer demo for Fuse teases Insomniac's latest shooter before its launch later this month. Check the PlayStation Blog for the full list of new content.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Sleeping Dogs free on PS Plus; Papo & Yo on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fusepapo-and-yoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psn-tuesdaypspretro-city-rampagesleeping-dogssonyvitaTue, 07 May 2013 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Expect more humorous open-world games from Brian Provinciano]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/expect-more-humorous-open-world-games-from-brian-provinciano/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/expect-more-humorous-open-world-games-from-brian-provinciano/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/expect-more-humorous-open-world-games-from-brian-provinciano/#comments "I'm definitely going to be doing more open-world comedy stuff in the future, but it might not be my next game," Retro City Rampage creator Brian Provinciano told Joystiq following a GDC panel where he broke down sales of his game across the various platforms.

"I have about four open-world game ideas in my head that I'm passionate about, but I'm also very concerned about jumping into another big project. So I'm sorting out my ideas right now and figuring out if there's a smaller game idea or something different I could do in the middle, just as a palate cleanser. When I do my next big ambitious game, again it'll probably be open-world."

While Provinciano is keen on making more games, he wants to "let the dust settle" on Retro City Rampage before diving into his next game. We probably won't see his next project in 2013, unless it's a smaller-scale game. "I would love to ship another game this year, but the only way for that to happen is if I get a small idea and everything just falls into place."

Art was one thing Provinciano had strong opinions about regarding his next project. He doesn't want to become "typecast" as the pixel-art guy - and he wants future games to place a bigger emphasis on art and audio.

"I had an amazing time working with the artist and the audio person on Retro City Rampage, and I really love art and audio so I want to put more of an emphasis on those in the next games - higher production value. As much as I love doing art - so I found this artist that was doing amazing art and it was way better than me, I would still do some of the art because I love doing it and it's fun, but now I'm thinking differently. I would rather have amazing art way beyond my capabilities and have it all done by other people than have some half-assed art I did myself, just for the sake of saying 'I did it myself.' So one of the big goals in my next games is to have really high-quality art and - as much as I do love pixel stuff, and I may do revisit that in different degrees at some point - again, I want to do different art styles, to show to the world that I'm not just a pixel-art guy."

Provinciano said that PlayStation 4 is on the table as a potential platform for upcoming games. At a previous panel, Provinciano confirmed he would also work with PS Vita in the future.

JoystiqExpect more humorous open-world games from Brian Provinciano originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-provincianogdc-2013retro-city-rampagevblank-entertainmentFri, 05 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA sale: Mark of the Ninja, Trials and more cheap until Apr. 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/xbla-sale-mark-of-the-ninja-trials-and-more-cheap-until-apr-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/xbla-sale-mark-of-the-ninja-trials-and-more-cheap-until-apr-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/xbla-sale-mark-of-the-ninja-trials-and-more-cheap-until-apr-9/#comments Another sale has spread across Xbox Live Arcade, running until April 9. The sale's highlight is 50% off Mark of the Ninja from Klei Entertainment - one of Joystiq's favorite games of 2012 - bringing it down to 600 MS Points ($7.50).

Other cheap contenders include Trials Evolution for 800 MS Points ($10) and some discounted Pinball FX 2 tables. There's also Dust: An Elysian Tale and Deadlight for 600 MS Points ($7.50) to consider.

On top of this promotion highlighting Microsoft Studios games, there's also the ongoing Xbox Live Arcade Deal of the Week sale. Retro City Rampage has been knocked down to 600 MS Points ($7.50) and Quarrel is 200 MS Points ($2.50). The full list of both sales can be seen through the source links below.

JoystiqXBLA sale: Mark of the Ninja, Trials and more cheap until Apr. 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deadlightdeal-of-the-weekdust-an-elysian-tailmark-of-the-ninjamicrosoftmicrosoft-studios-saleretro-city-rampagetrials-evolutiontrials-hdxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeTue, 02 Apr 2013 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Where Retro City Rampage made its money]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/where-retro-city-rampage-made-its-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/where-retro-city-rampage-made-its-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/where-retro-city-rampage-made-its-money/#comments During his GDC panel, "One Man, 17 SKUs: Shipping on Every Platform at Once," Retro City Rampage creator Brian Provinciano provided a clear breakdown of the game's fiscal performance across various platforms.

PSN was where Provinciano saw most of his profit come in: over $600,000 earned across over 35,000 units sold on PSN. These numbers do not account for PlayStation Plus downloads and the period of time during which RCR was offered for free with membership.

The PC platform yielded the second-highest revenue for Retro City Rampage, earning over $400,000 from over 40,000 copies sold - the majority sold on Steam. Xbox Live Arcade came third with around $200,000 earned across 15,000 units sold, and WiiWare earned under $10,000 with fewer than 2,000 units sold. After the panel, Provinciano told me sales currently sit around 97,000 total, and that he anticipates total sales will exceed 100,000 next week.

Provinciano said he spent the most development time on the Xbox Live Arcade port, on a platform he called the most expensive. "Knowing what I know now, I would've skipped it," he said. Though he considered the WiiWare version a $20,000 gift to fans, the XBLA port ended up costing more.

Update: Brian got in touch to tell us some of the numbers in his panel were a bit off thanks to an Excel issue. "Looks like Excel didn't line up the bars up correctly." The WiiWare version sold under 2,000 units, he tells us. "It's also sold significantly more than 35K on PSN, 40K on PC and 15K units on each of the other platforms."

JoystiqWhere Retro City Rampage made its money originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-provincianogdc-2013microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3retro-city-rampagevblank-entertainmentwiixboxFri, 29 Mar 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard@GDC: 'Absolutely']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/overheard-gdc-absolutely/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/overheard-gdc-absolutely/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/overheard-gdc-absolutely/#comments OverheardGDC 'Absolutely'The PlayStation Vita Development panel featured a lineup of veteran Vita developers, who for an hour espoused the benefits of working with Sony and getting a game on its handheld platform. The panel featured Brian Provinciano of Retro City Rampage, Bobby King of Pinball Arcade, Chris Harvey of Guacamelee and Richard Hogg of Frobisher Says, and it was moderated by Gaijin Games' Alex Neuse.

Neuse was interested in the panelists' answers since Runner 2 is on its way to Vita sometime in the summer. To help set his mind at ease, he asked the developers if their next games would show up on Vita.

"Yes," they all said. "Absolutely," one of them added. When Neuse later asked the crowd who was considering developing for Vita, a sea of hands shot straight up. For those interested in developing for Vita, a Sony representative suggested this website.

JoystiqOverheard@GDC: 'Absolutely' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frobisher-saysGDCGDC-2013guacameleepinball-arcadeplaystationplaystation-vitaretro-city-rampagerunner-2vitaThu, 28 Mar 2013 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie Spring Sale bounces onto Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/indie-spring-sale-bounces-onto-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/indie-spring-sale-bounces-onto-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/indie-spring-sale-bounces-onto-steam/#comments Indie Spring Sale bounces onto SteamFrom now through March 29, Steam will be hosting a cavalcade of discounted indie games, both old standbys and newcomers alike, as part of its Indie Spring Sale. The list of discounted games (just click on "Specials") is as long as it is jam packed with great deals.

For instance, 25 percent off of Kentucky Route Zero is something you can have in your life right now, as is the opportunity to buy To The Moon, Home or Jamestown for less than $5 each. Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien, Super Hexagon, Proteus, Retro City Rampage, VVVVVV; the list of discounted greatness goes on and on. There's even quite a few options for you Linux gamers out there, so apologize to your wallet and start restocking your gaming retirement fund.

JoystiqIndie Spring Sale bounces onto Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homeindieindie-spring-saleJamestownkentucky-route-zeromacpcproteusretro-city-rampagerunner-2Steamsuper-hexagonto-the-moonVVVVVVThu, 21 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WiiWare version of Retro City Rampage is a '$20,000 gift' to fans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/wiiware-version-of-retro-city-rampage-is-a-20-000-gift-to-fan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/wiiware-version-of-retro-city-rampage-is-a-20-000-gift-to-fan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/wiiware-version-of-retro-city-rampage-is-a-20-000-gift-to-fan/#comments WiiWare version of Retro City Rampage is a '$20,000 gift' to fansDeveloper Brian Provinciano doesn't expect to make any money from the launch of Retro City Rampage on Nintendo's WiiWare - in fact, he stands to lose $20,000 in development costs alone, with little chance of seeing a return.

"Between the office rent, hardware, insurance, game ratings and other costs, had I not done the WiiWare version, I could've saved around $20,000 - not even including my salary in porting it," Provinciano tells Nintendo Life. "And as it stands, virtually no games hit the threshold these days, so it's only being released as fan service. A $20,000 gift to the fans."

The loss comes down to a few odd requirements Nintendo places on WiiWare launches: The developer must have a designated office space, even for a one-man operation, and he gets paid only if the game sells a certain number of copies. Unless that sales threshold is hit, "you don't get paid a cent," as Provinciano puts it. These regulations have been tweaked for future platforms, he says, and Nintendo deserves kudos for listening to its content creators.

"They listen to feedback and take action to improve things if there's a better way. In both cases, the original policies had the best intentions, but turned out to be a bit problematic."

Regardless, Provinciano launched Retro City Rampage on WiiWare on February 28 because he wanted to keep his promise that the game would come to a Nintendo console: "I'm happy to see it finally out, and the many happy players. That said, I encourage everyone to buy it! I'm crossing my fingers that it will hit the threshold at least in one region."

Retro City Rampage is holding its own on Vita, PS3, Steam and XBLA, in that order.

JoystiqWiiWare version of Retro City Rampage is a '$20,000 gift' to fans originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-provincianonintendoretro-city-rampagevblank-entertainmentwiiwiiwareSun, 03 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How to turn Retro City Rampage into a working 8-bit game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/how-to-turn-retro-city-rampage-into-a-working-8-bit-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/how-to-turn-retro-city-rampage-into-a-working-8-bit-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/how-to-turn-retro-city-rampage-into-a-working-8-bit-game/#comments
When Retro City Rampage comes to WiiWare tomorrow it'll include an 8-bit version of the game called ROM City Rampage. Provinciano was developing what's now become ROM City Rampage almost a decade ago for the NES, but abandoned it to focus on Retro City Rampage because of the hardware limitations - a wise choice. After releasing the open-world crime game last year, he decided to come back to his 8-bit aspirations and crunch the modern Retro City Rampage into a truly retro game.

In this video, Provinciano explains the difficulties he had in creating ROM City Rampage. Even if you're not hugely interested in how games are or were developed it's a good watch, and not too inside baseball; Provinciano neatly explains some of the data-saving processes he had to employ, such as sprite mirroring and combining duplicate tiles of pixels.

ROM City Rampage will be included as a playable prototype in the WiiWare release, and come as a free update tomorrow to the PC version, which you can pick on Steam at half-off for one more day.

JoystiqHow to turn Retro City Rampage into a working 8-bit game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-provincianonintendopcretro-city-rampagevblank-entertainmentwiiWed, 27 Feb 2013 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage sold 'much more' on PSN than Steam, XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/retro-city-rampage-sold-much-more-on-psn-than-steam-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/retro-city-rampage-sold-much-more-on-psn-than-steam-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/retro-city-rampage-sold-much-more-on-psn-than-steam-xbla/#comments Retro City Rampage 'sold much more' on Vita DAVID LOOK HERERetro City Rampage has been around the block a few times, establishing a steady launch stream across PC and consoles since October. Now that the game has had time to settle on XBLA, PS3, Vita and Steam, developer Brian Provinciano has a clear, surprising favorite: Vita.

"Indies should definitely jump onto the PS Vita," he tweets. "RCR's sold much more on PSN than XBLA and more on PS Vita than even PS3."

Retro City Rampage was part of the PS Plus Instant Game Collection, but Provinciano's praise doesn't include those numbers. PSN sales, both in units and revenue, eclipsed XBLA and even Steam on their own, and any PS Plus action is an extra bonus.

"Steam's done far better than XBLA too, but PSN has still done the best," Provinciano says.

While Vita is the "easiest console platform to develop for," XBLA clearly falls behind in Provinciano's estimation. Getting on XBLA required two rounds of pitching, paperwork and negotiation, each time taking more than six months. "It's absurd. They don't make it easy," Provinciano says.

He continues, "It cost more to do the XBLA version than all other SKUs combined. Made more on all other platforms. XBLA: 'a learning experience.'"

Provinciano has an idea why Retro City Rampage is doing so well on Vita: "Sony promoted the game incredibly well and Vita players are hungry for games! Make them more!" Provinciano will cover his multi-platform development process and resultant sales at GDC 2013, with a talk titled, "One Man, 17 SKUs: Shipping on Every Platform at Once."

JoystiqRetro City Rampage sold 'much more' on PSN than Steam, XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-provincianomicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3retro-city-rampagesalesSTEAMvblank-entertainmentvitawiixboxWed, 27 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage hits WiiWare Feb. 28, bonus content on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/retro-city-rampage-hits-wiiware-feb-28-bonus-content-on-the-wa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/retro-city-rampage-hits-wiiware-feb-28-bonus-content-on-the-wa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/retro-city-rampage-hits-wiiware-feb-28-bonus-content-on-the-wa/#comments Retro City Rampage's long, pixelated journey to WiiWare finally comes to an end next week. The campy parody crime game will land on WiiWare on February 28 for $10. The Wii release will also feature the bonus "ROM City Rampage," which will allow players to "experience what Retro City Rampage could've been like if it were actually released in the '80s, as a 100% NES hardware-accurate ROM." ROM City Rampage will be accessible via the in-game arcade.

PC players will also get to experience the bonus mode thanks to a free update scheduled to release alongside the WiiWare version. Creator Brian Provinciano also reminds Wii U owners that they will be able buy and play the game using the Wii menu.

Finally, the Steam version of Retro City Rampage is on sale this week for $7.50, half the usual price. The sale ends on February 28.

Continue reading Retro City Rampage hits WiiWare Feb. 28, bonus content on the way

JoystiqRetro City Rampage hits WiiWare Feb. 28, bonus content on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-provincianonintendopcretro-city-rampagewiiwii-uThu, 21 Feb 2013 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Retro City Rampage crashes into PSN in Europe, Asia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/20/psa-retro-city-rampage-crashes-psn-in-europe-asia/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/20/psa-retro-city-rampage-crashes-psn-in-europe-asia/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/20/psa-retro-city-rampage-crashes-psn-in-europe-asia/#comments PSA Retro City Rampage out on PSN in Europe, AsiaRetro City Rampage brings its retro looting allure to Europe and Asia, available now for one price, £8.99 (€11.25), on Vita and PS3 with Cross Play.

Retro City Rampage made its way to PS3 and Vita in the US back in October, and it hit XBLA on January 2. A WiiWare version is scheduled to launch this month. We think the PS3 and Vita versions represent "the perfect game for gamers, an experience carefully executed to appeal directly to them." And, of course, the game has "hilarious writing." Trust us.

JoystiqPSA: Retro City Rampage crashes into PSN in Europe, Asia originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaeuropeplaystationplaystation-vitaps3retro-city-rampagevitaSun, 20 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage wrecks Europe and Asia on Jan. 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/retro-city-rampage-wrecks-europe-and-asia-on-jan-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/retro-city-rampage-wrecks-europe-and-asia-on-jan-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/retro-city-rampage-wrecks-europe-and-asia-on-jan-16/#comments On January 16, wannabe gangsters across the pond in Europe and Asia will get a chance to check out the excellent Retro City Rampage on both the PS Vita and PS3. Developer Brian Provinciano hasn't used the extra month lightly, either - the extra time has allowed him to add extra polish to the game, he tells Joystiq.

If you don't have a PC, PS3 or PS Vita, the WiiWare version of Retro City Rampage is slated to launch sometime this month, though Provinciano is unable to say exactly when at the moment. The Xbox Live Arcade version has been available since last week.

JoystiqRetro City Rampage wrecks Europe and Asia on Jan. 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-provincianonintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3release-dateretro-city-rampagevblank-entertainmentvitawiiFri, 11 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Retro City Rampage tears up XBLA today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/psa-retro-city-rampage-tears-up-xbla-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/psa-retro-city-rampage-tears-up-xbla-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/psa-retro-city-rampage-tears-up-xbla-today/#comments After PC, PS3 and Vita players have been enjoying the delightfully campy Retro City Rampage for months, Xbox players can finally see what all the hubbub is about. The 2D, pixelated open-world crime game is now available on Xbox Live Arcade, offering up more video game and pop culture references from the last three decades than you can shake a shotgun at.

As our review notes, if you've been playing video games for a long time, you're bound to get a kick out of it. You can snag it for $10.

JoystiqPSA: Retro City Rampage tears up XBLA today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftrelease-dateretro-city-rampagevblank-entertainmentxblaxboxxbox-liveWed, 02 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Dave's picks of 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/best-of-the-rest-daves-picks-of-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/best-of-the-rest-daves-picks-of-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/best-of-the-rest-daves-picks-of-2012/#comments Joystiq is revealing its 10 favorite games of 2012 throughout the week. Keep reading for more top selections and every writer's personal, impassioned picks in Best of the Rest roundups.

Borderlands 2
The first Borderlands quickly established itself as one of the best co-op experiences back in 2009, and succeeded despite being forgettable in the realm of story. Not so with Borderlands 2, which not only builds on the RPG systems and excellent shooting of its predecessor in practical ways, but tells a compelling story full of memorable, endearing characters. There are few arguments for a better time with friends in 2012.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Dave's picks of 2012

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Dave's picks of 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-rest-2012borderlands-2dead-or-alive-5doa-5iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobileneed-for-speed-most-wanted-2012pcplaystationps3retro-city-rampagethe-walking-dead-assaultvblank-entertainmentxboxWed, 02 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage starts trouble on XBLA Jan. 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/retro-city-rampage-on-xbla-jan-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/retro-city-rampage-on-xbla-jan-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/retro-city-rampage-on-xbla-jan-2/#comments Retro City Rampage welcomes Xbox 360 owners to the mean streets of Theftropolis on January 2, 2013. The official word comes from the game's creator, Brian Provinciano, who tells us the game's launch on PlayStation 3 in Europe and Asia, along with the WiiWare version, should also occur in January.

"Remember that the XBLA version has an additional month of development, polish, tuning and improvements," said Provinciano. Those updates have also been patched into the PS3 and PC versions, which have been available since October 9.

In a year full of great games, our review of RCR called it the "perfect game for gamers."

JoystiqRetro City Rampage starts trouble on XBLA Jan. 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftrelease-dateretro-city-rampageVBlankvblank-entertainmentXBLAxboxFri, 28 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get Retro City Rampage for $10 on PS3 and Vita Monday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/get-retro-city-rampage-for-10-on-ps3-and-vita-monday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/get-retro-city-rampage-for-10-on-ps3-and-vita-monday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/get-retro-city-rampage-for-10-on-ps3-and-vita-monday/#comments Starting Monday, December 24, those that are still in the buying mood can net both the PS3 and Vita versions of Retro City Rampage for $9.99 on PlayStation Network. Of course, if the Steam Holiday Sale has you transfixed, you can pick up the game for $10 on there too.

If you're a bit more old-fashioned, you can download the DRM-free game direct from Vblank Entertainment for the same price, which includes a GoG and Steam key. Unfortunately, the direct PC download doesn't include floppy disks for you old codgers out there.

JoystiqGet Retro City Rampage for $10 on PS3 and Vita Monday originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3retro-city-rampagesalesSTEAMvblank-entertainmentvitaSat, 22 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage in certification for XBLA, WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/retro-city-rampage-in-certification-for-xbla-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/retro-city-rampage-in-certification-for-xbla-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/retro-city-rampage-in-certification-for-xbla-wiiware/#comments PSA Retro City Rampage takes on PC, PS3 and Vita todayRetro City Rampage is currently going through the certification process for Xbox Live Arcade and WiiWare. RCR creator Brian Provinciano mentioned on Twitter (noticed by Eurogamer) that the game will "hopefully" be out this month on WiiWare, with no date mentioned for XBLA.

The game is also close to a launch on the European PlayStation Network, where it has been available in the States since October 9, along with PC. If you have the opportunity, do check RCR out, for in our review we called it the "perfect game for gamers."

Gallery: Retro City Rampage (2/20/12)

JoystiqRetro City Rampage in certification for XBLA, WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3retro-city-rampagexboxMon, 10 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage review: Love letter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/retro-city-rampage-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/retro-city-rampage-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/retro-city-rampage-review/#comments
It would be impossible to sit down and write out everything you love about everything. It'd be a pursuit of madness. Why would you do it? Just to have some kind of time capsule for all of your cherished memories?

But what if you did it within the confines of a video game? It would be an even madder pursuit, for sure, but that's exactly what Retro City Rampage is. It's a love letter to all of developer Brian Provinciano's favorite things within the borders of an 8-bit open-world crime game - a game, I might add, that is so beautiful in its simplicity and hilarious in its execution that it has become one of my favorite games of all time.

Gallery: Retro City Rampage (2/20/12)

Continue reading Retro City Rampage review: Love letter

JoystiqRetro City Rampage review: Love letter originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-provincianopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3retro-city-rampagesteamvblank-entertainmentvitaFri, 12 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Dishonored, Sherlock Holmes, Retro City Rampage, tons more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/psn-tuesday-dishonored-sherlock-holmes-retro-city-rampage-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/psn-tuesday-dishonored-sherlock-holmes-retro-city-rampage-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/psn-tuesday-dishonored-sherlock-holmes-retro-city-rampage-to/#comments PSN Tuesday Dishonored, Sherlock Holmes, Retro City RampageToday's PS Store dump includes a barrage of full games as part of Sony's Day 1 Digital promotion and its ongoing indie focus. For full games, we have Dishonored, Birds of Steel, Devil May Cry HD Collection and The Testament of Sherlock Holmes.

PSN gets Retro City Rampage, The Walking Dead Episode Four: Around Every Corner, Derrick the Deathfin, Machinarium, Worms Revolution and more. Retro City Rampage is also hitting Vita, alongside Dr. Who: The Eternity Clock, Spy Hunter and Sunflowers.

Vita is getting three new PSOne Classics, Romance of the Three Kingdoms 4, Destrega and Saiyuki: Journey West. There's also a free demo for this week's big release (that isn't Dishonored), XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and the Mechromancer DLC for Borderlands 2. Check out the complete lineup here.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Dishonored, Sherlock Holmes, Retro City Rampage, tons more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2derrick-the-deathfindestregadishonoreddr-whomachinariumplaystationplaystation-vitaPS-Storeps3PSNpsn-tuesdayretro-city-rampageromance-of-the-three-kingdomssaiyuki-journey-westspy-huntersunflowersthe-testament-of-sherlock-holmesthe-walking-deadvitaworms-revolutionXComxcom-enemy-unknownTue, 09 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Retro City Rampage takes on PC, PS3 and Vita today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/psa-retro-city-rampage-takes-on-pc-ps3-and-vita-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/psa-retro-city-rampage-takes-on-pc-ps3-and-vita-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/psa-retro-city-rampage-takes-on-pc-ps3-and-vita-today/#comments PSA Retro City Rampage takes on PC, PS3 and Vita todayRetro City Rampage, Vblank Entertainment's insanely in-depth 8-bit parody of classic open-world action tropes, is out now for PC, PS3 and Vita. We mentioned this was happening yesterday with the game's lovely launch trailer, which we've refrained from embedding above to give you more time to just go out and buy Retro City Rampage already.

Retro City Rampage is available for PC via Steam, GOG and its official site, and is on PS3 and Vita through PSN and the PS Store, regularly priced at $15. It's 10 percent off on Steam through October 16 ($13.50). Go get some.

JoystiqPSA: Retro City Rampage takes on PC, PS3 and Vita today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GOGgog.compcplaystationplaystation-vitaPS-Storeps3PSNreleaseretro-city-rampageSTEAMVBlankvblank-entertainmentvitaTue, 09 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prepare for the Retro City Rampage with this trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/prepare-for-the-retro-city-rampage-with-this-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/prepare-for-the-retro-city-rampage-with-this-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/prepare-for-the-retro-city-rampage-with-this-trailer/#comments
What does it look like when one man devotes most of a decade to a single game? We'll find out tomorrow when Retro City Rampage launches on PC, PS3, and Vita.

JoystiqPrepare for the Retro City Rampage with this trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psnretro-city-rampagevitawiiwiiwarexblaxboxMon, 08 Oct 2012 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage's life of crime starts Oct. 9 on PS3, Vita, and PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/retro-city-rampages-life-of-crime-starts-oct-9-on-ps3-vita-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/retro-city-rampages-life-of-crime-starts-oct-9-on-ps3-vita-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/retro-city-rampages-life-of-crime-starts-oct-9-on-ps3-vita-a/#comments Retro City Rampage's life of crime starts Oct 9 on PS3, Vita, and PCWe've waited years to play VBlank's Retro City Rampage, and our wait ends next week. The developer informed us tonight that the PS3, Vita, and PC versions of Retro City Rampage will launch October 9 in North America.

Your $14.99 purchase gets you a copy of the game on both PlayStation platforms; the PC version retails for the same price, and will be available from Steam, GOG, or VBlank's own website (which dispenses both a DRM-free download and your choice of a Steam or GOG key).

The European Vita and PS3 release will also happen this month, developer Brian Provinciano told us. The WiiWare and XBLA versions are coming later in 2012.

JoystiqRetro City Rampage's life of crime starts Oct. 9 on PS3, Vita, and PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3release-dateretro-city-rampagevitawiixboxThu, 04 Oct 2012 23:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Influential indies on the brouhaha around Ouya]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/influential-indies-on-the-brouhaha-around-ouya/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/influential-indies-on-the-brouhaha-around-ouya/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/influential-indies-on-the-brouhaha-around-ouya/#comments Influential indies on the brouhaha around OuyaThe Ouya, a $99 Android-powered console whose prototype has raised $4.9 million in 7 days on Kickstarter, is a mystery wrapped in a sleek silver box. Many players seem to gravitate toward the idea because of its price point, while it would appear developers, especially indies, are backing it for its open hardware.

But those are just appearances - we want to know what prominent and plucky indie developers actually think the Ouya can do for the industry. So we asked a few, including Minecraft's Markus Persson, The Binding of Isaac's Edmund McMillen, Retro City Rampage's Brian Provinciano and five other indie starlings. Their thoughts are collected below in the order each developer responded to the email thread, because that seems more fair than arranging them by "best hair" or something.

A few of the indies are tenuously linked to the Ouya and have already been quoted on the Kickstarter itself, or have a game listed in the mock-up images, but none of the following developers have seen or played the Ouya. These are initial reactions to an idea, and speculation about a rapidly evolving industry:

Continue reading Influential indies on the brouhaha around Ouya

JoystiqInfluential indies on the brouhaha around Ouya originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidAuditoriumCanabaltdeveloperIndiekickstarterminecraftouyaretro-city-rampageserious-sam-double-d-xxlspypartysuper-meat-boythe-dream-machineMon, 16 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG.com getting Retro City Rampage, Tomb Raider, Colonization]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/gog-com-getting-retro-city-rampage-tomb-raider-colonization/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/gog-com-getting-retro-city-rampage-tomb-raider-colonization/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/gog-com-getting-retro-city-rampage-tomb-raider-colonization/#comments As part of CD Projekt Red's summer conference today, it was revealed that Retro City Rampage will be available on Good Old Games. Retro City Rampage, slated to arrive later this year, hearkens back to the 8-bit days of yore to deliver a parody of modern day open-world games, and it has generally been a topic of gleeful discussion among Joystiq staff.

In addition to Retro City Rampage, GOG.com has also acquired the first three games of the Tomb Raider series and Sid Meier's Colonization. Notably, the Tomb Raider collection has actually been "remastered for Windows." The Tomb Raider collection is $10, while Colonization is available for $6. On June 19, indie game Tiny and Big will also come to GOG, for $10 ($9 for pre-orders). Finally, GOG.com is hosting a special pre-order program for the upcoming indie adventure title, Resonance. Those who pre-order will receive a 10 percent discount and access to a 4 hour playable preview of the game prior to its June 19 launch.

Continue reading GOG.com getting Retro City Rampage, Tomb Raider, Colonization

JoystiqGOG.com getting Retro City Rampage, Tomb Raider, Colonization originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projekt-redcolonizationgog.compcresonanceretro-city-rampagesid-meiers-colonizationtomb-raiderWed, 30 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage for Vita looks like this]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/retro-city-rampage-for-vita-looks-like-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/retro-city-rampage-for-vita-looks-like-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/retro-city-rampage-for-vita-looks-like-this/#comments Image
We may not have any idea when to expect Retro City Rampage on the Vita (and various other platforms), but we're starting to see what it'll look like once it's finally done.

Potential rampagers need not worry about the Vita's smaller screen size, according to developer Brian Provinciano, as the portable version has been outfitted with two different scaling options; one that scales the game to ensure everything is clearly visible, and another that maintains the console version's original 16:9 aspect ration and stylized borders.

Touchscreen functionality has also been "tastefully" implemented, but only so far as to aid in navigating menus and during shopping sprees. "If you're an absolute purist," Provinciano adds, "you can still play the game 100% with the buttons." The Vita version also supports "continuous play" with the PS3 version, meaning that saves transfer between the two platforms and both versions share the same universal scoreboard.

Additionally, the Vita and PS3 ports will come packed with visual filters that make the game look like various systems of yore, such as the all-red "Virtual Burn" and monochrome "Brick Handheld" settings.

JoystiqRetro City Rampage for Vita looks like this originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitaps3retro-city-rampagevblank-entertainmentvitaMon, 21 May 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fools' Day 2012: And the rest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-day-2012-and-the-rest/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-day-2012-and-the-rest/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-day-2012-and-the-rest/#comments It was a fairly lively April Fools' Day this year -- not only did we manage to make it all day without being duped, deceived or disillusioned, but at times we were genuinely entertained by what the technology and gaming companies of the world were able to dream up.

On the other hand, the stuff invented for April Fools' Day is often times way, way cooler than the products that actually get made, which is sort of depressing when you stop and think about it. It's like the news cycle on April Fools' Day is glimpse into a world where magic is still alive in the hearts and minds of millions. Sigh.

Anyway, we've taken the liberty of compiling the gags and goofs we haven't already posted about into this specific chunk of Internet, so head on past the break for a look at realities better than our own.

Continue reading April Fools' Day 2012: And the rest

JoystiqApril Fools' Day 2012: And the rest originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Angry-Birdsapril-fools-2012awesomenautschocolate-dimensionDay-of-the-Awesomenauts-Monkey-throttlemicrosoftpcplaystationps3quantum-conundrumretro-city-rampagericochet-2Rock-Band-Board-Gamesaints-row-the-thirdSaints-Row-The-Third-Enter-The-DominatrixWorld-of-BirdsWorld-of-TanksxboxSun, 01 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage soundtrack available now, downloadable or on vinyl]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/retro-city-rampage-soundtrack-available-now-downloadable-or-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/retro-city-rampage-soundtrack-available-now-downloadable-or-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/retro-city-rampage-soundtrack-available-now-downloadable-or-on/#comments
Retro City Rampage is expanding to even more platforms than announced -- like your record player. Developer Brian Provinciano announced a soundtrack release for the top-down parody open-world crime simulator, and it's available digitally and in a truly retro format: vinyl.

If you want the soundtrack (by Freaky DNA, virt, and Norrin Radd), you can buy it on Bandcamp for $7.99 Canadian or however much more you'd like to chip in. If you want the limited-edition vinyl, limited to 100 blue or green discs, you can get that for $39 here. 300 more will be available in "classic black."

JoystiqRetro City Rampage soundtrack available now, downloadable or on vinyl originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3retro-city-rampagesoundtrackvblankvitaxboxFri, 24 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage running wild on Xbox, Wii, PS3, Vita, and PC in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/retro-city-rampage-ps3-vita-pc-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/retro-city-rampage-ps3-vita-pc-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/retro-city-rampage-ps3-vita-pc-release-date/#comments Vblank Entertainment's long-awaited, open-world 8-bit parody crime game, Retro City Rampage, will finally be let loose in May, creator Brian Provinciano told Joystiq. It'll be rampaging across a few new platforms -- in addition to the known XBLA and WiiWare versions, Provinciano announced plans on the PlayStation Blog to release the game on PS3 and PlayStation Vita, and shared plans on his own site to release it PC. He's aiming for a simultaneous May release for them all.

In fact, you can pre-order that PC version right now at retrocityrampage.com, and get bonuses including a mini soundtrack download, a digital manual and 20% off of Fangamer's Retro City Rampage collection*.

And yes, Provinciano is still making all of these versions pretty much on his own. "Maxime [Trépanier]'s been doing art and the music guys are still doing some polish but I'm still juggling everything else myself," Provinciano told Joystiq. Add publishing to that list of duties as well. "I'm self publishing on PlayStation," Provinciano said. "Sony's fantastic that they allow you to do that."

Once this epic undertaking is finally completed, Provinciano hopes to take on something smaller-scale. "I've got many ideas and definitely want to do more open-world games," he said, "but right after RCR I will take a breather and work on something small and different. Hopefully something that takes maybe eight weeks instead of eight years."

Gallery: Retro City Rampage (2/20/12)



[*Disclosure: I have worked with Fangamer on a currently available product.]

JoystiqRetro City Rampage running wild on Xbox, Wii, PS3, Vita, and PC in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psnq2-2012retro-city-rampagevblank-entertainmentvitawiiwiiwarexblaxboxMon, 20 Feb 2012 10:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage trailer teases 'big news']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/retro-city-rampage-trailer-teases-big-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/retro-city-rampage-trailer-teases-big-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/retro-city-rampage-trailer-teases-big-news/#comments
Enjoy a sample of tiny mayhem in the latest trailer for Retro City Rampage, a game we hope developer Vblank is going to stop working on soon (for the sake of his own sanity). Then at the end, note that the developer teases some "BIG NEWS" to be announced February 20. Please, please let it be a release date.

JoystiqRetro City Rampage trailer teases 'big news' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendoretro-city-rampagevblank-entertainmentwiixboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Splosion Man coming to Retro City Rampage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/splosion-man-coming-to-retro-city-rampage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/splosion-man-coming-to-retro-city-rampage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/splosion-man-coming-to-retro-city-rampage/#comments
Not even the metaphorical constraints of intellectual property are enough to contain Twisted Pixel's 'Splosion Man, apparently, as indie developer VBlank Entertainment has revealed that both Mr. And Ms. 'Splosion Man will join the cast of its upcoming pixel-art chiptune meta-homage Retro City Rampage.

VBlank told MineCon 2011 attendees that 'Splosion Man is "the first of Retro City Rampage's official indie (or previously indie) crossovers," a statement that indicates future crossover announcements while simultaneously poking at Twisted Pixel's recent change in corporate structure. Check out the trailer above for a glimpse at RCR's isometric take on 'splode-based platforming.

Gallery: Retro City Rampage ('Splosion Man)

Joystiq'Splosion Man coming to Retro City Rampage originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossoverindiemicrosoftMs-Splosion-Mannintendoretro-city-rampagesplosion-mantwisted-pixelvblankvblank-entertainmentwiiwiiwarexblaxboxSat, 19 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Partial Retro City Rampage soundtrack available online, for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/partial-retro-city-rampage-soundtrack-available-online-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/partial-retro-city-rampage-soundtrack-available-online-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/partial-retro-city-rampage-soundtrack-available-online-for-free/#comments Waiting for a game is probably the worst thing in the world. But if you're waiting for Retro City Rampage, you can at least ease that burden a bit by checking out select tracks from the game's soundtrack right now, free of charge.

This Soundcloud page has a few of the game's tracks for streaming or download, as well as some remixes that were the product of a recent contest. We're not sure how long it'll be available, but said page says to look for the full soundtrack in January or February 2012. We've contacted Brian Provinciano, the game's creator, who told us that these tracks will be available indefinitely. The full soundtrack is being printed right now, but you'll have to (obviously) pay money for it.

JoystiqPartial Retro City Rampage soundtrack available online, for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Nov 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmusicnintendoretro-city-rampagesoundtrackvblank-entertainmentwiiwiiwarexblaxboxSat, 05 Nov 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage turns on the Biffsignal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/retro-city-rampage-turns-on-the-biffsignal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/retro-city-rampage-turns-on-the-biffsignal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/retro-city-rampage-turns-on-the-biffsignal/#comments
How does Retro City Rampage get so many jokes in at once while remaining a playable game? This latest trailer, for example, introduces "Biffman," a superhero for whom your character substitutes.

In just a few brief scenes (and relatively few pixels!) this setup allows Vblank to make fun of Batman in general, and the '60s TV show in specific, while making a random, but logically sound, Pitfall! reference -- and a related Atari 2600 joke.

"Biffman" is also a funny name, on its own.

JoystiqRetro City Rampage turns on the Biffsignal originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendoretro-city-rampagevblank-entertainmentwiixboxFri, 28 Oct 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage playable at Comic-Con, even without a pass]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/retro-city-rampage-playable-at-comic-con-even-without-a-pass/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/retro-city-rampage-playable-at-comic-con-even-without-a-pass/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/retro-city-rampage-playable-at-comic-con-even-without-a-pass/#comments If you don't mind hanging out in a Hard Rock establishment, you have an opportunity to play a bunch of unreleased games, including Retro City Rampage. In case it weren't abundantly clear from our past coverage of RCR, we're big proponents of not just the game itself, but of the developer's dogged entrepreneurial spirit, so we wanted to make sure you knew about two chances this weekend to play it at Microsoft's Hard Rock-based Comic Con Xbox lounge. Extra convenient? No SDCC pass is required to attend.

In between snacking on sliders and getting your 8-bit open-world on, you may also want to check out some of the other games available to play -- everything from Orcs Must Die to Batman: Arkham City, we're told. And before you head over, why not take a look through a brand new set of Comic-Con screens for RCR, just below? Details for the weekend can be found after the break.

Gallery: Retro City Rampage (San Diego Comic Con 2011)

Continue reading Retro City Rampage playable at Comic-Con, even without a pass

JoystiqRetro City Rampage playable at Comic-Con, even without a pass originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-provincianocomic-con-2011hard-rock-hotelmicrosoftnintendoretro-city-rampagesan-diego-comic-consan-diego-comic-con-2011sdcc-2011vblankvblank-entertainmentwiixboxFri, 22 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Relive the Joystiq E3 2011 meetup through this video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/relive-the-joystiq-e3-2011-meetup-through-this-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/relive-the-joystiq-e3-2011-meetup-through-this-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/relive-the-joystiq-e3-2011-meetup-through-this-video/#comments Max Paolucci (thankfully) took some video of the Joystiq E3 meetup, both as evidence it actually happened (that whole week was a blur) and as a kindness to those unable to physically attend. It suffices to say that we love Max dearly.

Continue reading Relive the Joystiq E3 2011 meetup through this video

JoystiqRelive the Joystiq E3 2011 meetup through this video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-central-2dse3e3-2011macmicrosoftmobilemonaconintendopcplaystationps3pspreader-meetupretro-city-rampageretrogradesonyspypartywiixboxzombiesMon, 13 Jun 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: LA reader meetup is tonight! Come play great games and accept our hugs!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/reminder-la-reader-meetup-is-tonight-come-play-great-games-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/reminder-la-reader-meetup-is-tonight-come-play-great-games-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/reminder-la-reader-meetup-is-tonight-come-play-great-games-and/#comments E3 2011 has officially wrapped, folks. And though we've still got a mess of content to blow out over the coming days, we wanted to remind you that we've got a reader meetup tonight in downtown Los Angeles, and we'd be really upset if you weren't there. Like, many, many tears. The most tears.

You know who else will be disappointed? The cadre of great game developers we've got coming by with their great games. From the just announced Dance Central sequel to the retro gaming menagerie of Retro City Rampage, you could be seriously missing out. So hey, if you're in the Los Angeles area this evening, you're over 21 (sorry! seriously! we know it's super lame!), and you want to play a bunch of great video games while hanging out with the editors of Joystiq, we'd suggest clearing the hours of 5:30 to 9:00PM.

Head past the break for the entire list of games and details of the event location. We, we, we so excited!

Continue reading Reminder: LA reader meetup is tonight! Come play great games and accept our hugs!

JoystiqReminder: LA reader meetup is tonight! Come play great games and accept our hugs! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011la-citametamicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3reader-meetupretro-city-rampagexboxFri, 10 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011 reader meetup: Retro City Rampage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/04/e3-2011-reader-meetup-retro-city-rampage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/04/e3-2011-reader-meetup-retro-city-rampage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/04/e3-2011-reader-meetup-retro-city-rampage/#comments Between now and next Friday, when we'll be holding our semi-annual E3 reader meetup, Joystiq will be putting the spotlight on each of the games folks will be able to go hands-on with. First up is VBlank Entertainment's long in-development XBLA/WiiWare title, Retro City Rampage.

Born out of VBlank Entertainment founder Brian Provinciano's urge to craft an 8-bit demake of Grand Theft Auto 3, Retro City Rampage was originally known as "Grand Theftendo." The ambitious project eventually took on a life of its own, evolving into a full-blown WiiWare title, and finally blooming to XBLA.

As huge fans of 8-bit games and, uh, games in general, RCR hits all the right notes with us. The concept is essentially an elaborate homage to the history of video gaming, mixing all of the game mechanics that come along with that -- a pastiche of gaming history's tropes, memorable moments, and go-to themes, if you will (peep our reference-filled preview for a taste).

We'll have the game (and its developer!) on-hand at next Friday's E3 reader meetup for you to check out, but in the meantime VBlank's sent over some new screens of RCR's Chinatown area, as well as revealing a new character: "The Great Gamedini." Mr. Gamedini is described as a magician whose wish will be your command ... should you be able to find the right codes. As VBlank tells it, "his dog ate his codebook." Blasted dogs! Take a peek at both the new area and new character in our exclusive gallery below.

Gallery: Retro City Rampage (E3 2011 meetup)

JoystiqE3 2011 reader meetup: Retro City Rampage originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-provincianoe3-2011microsoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-networkreader-meetupretro-city-rampagevblankvblank-entertainmentwiiwiiwarexblaxboxSat, 04 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Come hang out with Joystiq (and play a bunch of great games!) at our E3 2011 reader meetup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/come-hang-out-with-joystiq-and-play-a-bunch-of-great-games-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/come-hang-out-with-joystiq-and-play-a-bunch-of-great-games-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/come-hang-out-with-joystiq-and-play-a-bunch-of-great-games-at/#comments We love you, Los Angeles, you know that. Sure, it's been awhile since we last hung out, but we wanna make that up to you. And not just any boring old dinner-and-a-movie kinda thing either, a full blown party! Next Friday, June 10, Joystiq will take over the La Cita bar in downtown LA between 5:30 and 9:00PM PST for a game-filled, giveaway-packed reader meetup.

As our staff will be all up in your city for the duration of next week, we took the liberty of renting out a bar for a few hours so you -- our best friends -- could hang out, talk about the week's big news, play a bunch of great games, and take all the game swag that's been piling up in our domiciles. Chris Hecker will be swinging through with SpyParty, as will Andy Schatz with Monaco, to name just a few of the games/game devs at the event. And how about a chance to play Harmonix' next project before anyone else? 'Cause that'll totally be there too.

Unfortunately, for our friends under 21, the event space is restricted to those of us with legal access to alcohol. We're really sorry and we still love you! It was, as they say, out of our hands. An extra big thank you to all of our participants!

SpyParty, Chris Hecker (@SpyParty)
Nidhogg, Mark Essen (@Messhof)
Unannounced Project, Ska Studios (@SkaStudios)
Monaco, Pocketwatch Games (@MonacoIsMine)
Retro City Rampage, Brian Provinciano (@RetroCR)
Q.U.B.E., Toxic Games (@qubegame)
Unannounced Project, Harmonix (@Harmonix)

Still with us? Head past the break for details, and make sure to RSVP on our Facebook event page so we know how many of you to expect!

Continue reading Come hang out with Joystiq (and play a bunch of great games!) at our E3 2011 reader meetup

JoystiqCome hang out with Joystiq (and play a bunch of great games!) at our E3 2011 reader meetup originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy-schatzbrian-provincianoe3-2011harmonixharmonix-music-systemsmacmark-essenmicrosoftmobilemonaconidhoggpcplaystationpocketwatch-gamesps3q.u.b.e.reader-meetupretro-city-rampageska-studiosspypartytoxic-gamesxboxThu, 02 Jun 2011 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage shirts, posters, and pins up for pre-order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/retro-city-rampage-shirts-posters-and-pins-up-for-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/retro-city-rampage-shirts-posters-and-pins-up-for-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/retro-city-rampage-shirts-posters-and-pins-up-for-pre-order/#comments You can't buy VBlank Entertainment's parody-rich Retro City Rampage yet -- and you'll definitely never be able to mail-order it, since it's digitally distributed -- but you can start shopping for tie-in goods right now. Developer VBlank Entertainment partnered with Fangamer to produce a series of official items including t-shirts, buttons, and posters.

The $40 "Rampage Combo Pack," shipping in June, features the "Theftropolis" shirt designed by Jon Kay, an 18" x 24" print of a new poster design by Maxime Trépanier, and a set of Retro City Rampage pins. The items will also be available separately, in case you don't want to spend too much more than the cost of the XBLA/WiiWare game.

Gallery: Retro City Rampage (Fangamer goods)

JoystiqRetro City Rampage shirts, posters, and pins up for pre-order originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fangamermicrosoftnintendoretro-city-rampagevblank-entertainmentwiiwiiwarexblaxboxThu, 14 Apr 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage hits XBLA in summer 2011, WiiWare version delayed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/retro-city-rampage-hits-xbla-in-summer-2011-wiiware-version-del/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/retro-city-rampage-hits-xbla-in-summer-2011-wiiware-version-del/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/retro-city-rampage-hits-xbla-in-summer-2011-wiiware-version-del/#commentsIf you were looking forward to buying Brian Provinciano's Retro City Rampage on WiiWare, we have some bad news: it's been delayed significantly. The WiiWare version of the satirical 8-bit sandbox game was originally targeted for the end of this year, but now won't arrive until fall 2011.

But you'll be able to play it before then. Like Super Meat Boy before it, the announced WiiWare release of Retro City Rampage will be preceded by an XBLA version, which comes out in the summer. "In order to continue making these games and not have to start flipping burgers after Retro City Rampage is done," Provinciano told Destructoid, "it needed to be multi-platform." Provinciano is using the extra time to put additional content, including playable characters and missions, into both versions of the game.

JoystiqRetro City Rampage hits XBLA in summer 2011, WiiWare version delayed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-provincianodelaysmicrosoftnintendoq2-2011q3-2011release-dateretro-city-rampagevblank-entertainmentwiiwiiwarexblaxboxMon, 20 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See and hear Retro City Rampage's mix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/see-and-hear-retro-city-rampages-mix/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/see-and-hear-retro-city-rampages-mix/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/see-and-hear-retro-city-rampages-mix/#commentsNot only does this Retro City Rampage trailer contain ten minutes of music from VBlank's WiiWare game, it also contains nearly ten minutes of chaotic, hilarious, satirical, unbelievably violent gameplay, rife with video game and pop-culture references. All those poor A-Team vans!

Continue reading See and hear Retro City Rampage's mix

JoystiqSee and hear Retro City Rampage's mix originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>musicnintendoretro-city-rampagevblank-entertainmentwiiwiiwareFri, 29 Oct 2010 20:30:00 EST