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[Neocore Games working on Paradox-published King Arthur 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/neocore-games-working-on-paradox-published-king-arthur-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/neocore-games-working-on-paradox-published-king-arthur-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/neocore-games-working-on-paradox-published-king-arthur-2/#comments Paradox Interactive has announced that it's going to publish King Arthur 2, a sequel to the role-playing strategy game from a few years back. The title will be developed by Neocore Games, the team behind the original, and this time around introduces a dark fantasy setting for the Arthurian battles -- along with the various demons and dragons that comes with. This time around, King Arthur is known as the "Maimed King" and will face bigger battles and boss fights, while the game takes advantage of an improved camera, new animations and "an extensive tutorial."

There's no release date yet, but it sounds like development is just getting underway.

JoystiqNeocore Games working on Paradox-published King Arthur 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>king-arthurking-arthur-2neocore-gamesparadox-interactivepcrole-playingstrategyTue, 18 Jan 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine cleansing consoles for the emperor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/warhammer-40-000-space-marine-cleansing-consoles-for-the-empero/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/warhammer-40-000-space-marine-cleansing-consoles-for-the-empero/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/warhammer-40-000-space-marine-cleansing-consoles-for-the-empero/#comments THQ has officially confirmed work on Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, yet another game set against the backdrop of Games Workshop's gritty tabletop universe. Relic has again been handed developer duties on the title, though unlike Dawn of War, the console-focused Space Marine will be an action RPG that lets players control individual units through a "narrative-driven story campaign and in wide-scale online battles."

In development for both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, it's unclear what ties, if any, the project has to the leaked Space Marine footage that made the rounds late last year. However, judging from this IGN-hosted trailer, the game certainly looks to keep more with 40K's combat-heavy fiction when it eventually decides to chainsword retail shelves.

JoystiqWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine cleansing consoles for the emperor originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 May 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actiondawn-of-wargames-workshopMicrosoftrelicrelic-entertainmentrole-playingspace-marinethqwarhammer-40kwarhammer-40k-space-marineXbox-360Thu, 28 May 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese debut trailer released for Magna Carta 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/japanese-debut-trailer-released-for-magna-carta-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/japanese-debut-trailer-released-for-magna-carta-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/japanese-debut-trailer-released-for-magna-carta-2/#comments
One of the 31 titles Microsoft pimped at a Japanese press event today was Magna Carta 2, a role-playing game from developer Softmax set to launch this August out East. Judging from the Japanese debut trailer, Magna Carta 2 will feature such role-playing game innovations as: Brooding anti-heroes; effeminate gentlemen; hair that slightly covers one eye; and what we can only assume is supreme magics.

No, you haven't played this game before ... but you probably played something just like it three times this generation. Okay, to be fair we have no idea what's going on in the completely Japanese trailer but it all looks a bit familiar. Maybe we're wrong or maybe the bad J-rock got to us. Watch it after the break and decide for yourself.

[Via Siliconera]

Continue reading Japanese debut trailer released for Magna Carta 2

JoystiqJapanese debut trailer released for Magna Carta 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jrpgmagna-carta-2namco-bandairole-playingsoftmaxTue, 21 Apr 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Cross Edge release level grinding to May 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/cross-edge-release-level-grinding-to-may-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/cross-edge-release-level-grinding-to-may-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/cross-edge-release-level-grinding-to-may-24/#comments
Publisher NIS America announced this morning that the unconventional RPG Cross Edge will head to the US on May 24 after being delayed last month in the name of Trophies. Best described as fan service, the game was co-developed by Nippon Ichi Software, Idea Factory, Gust, Namco Bandai and Capcom, and features popular characters from such titles as Disgaea, Darkstalkers, Mana Khemia 3, Ar tonelico and Spectral Souls in a variety of questionable outfits.

Finally, PlayStation 3 owners hungry for some niche role-playing in their diets have a date to circle on their 'Girls of Anime' calendar. It's about time that thing got some action besides your ceaseless leering. Seriously, it's creepy.

JoystiqCross Edge release level grinding to May 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-edgenis-americanisarole-playingrpgx-edgeTue, 24 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Suikoden Tierkreis pre-order customers obtain not-so rare bonuses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/suikoden-tierkreis-pre-order-customers-obtain-not-so-rare-bonuse/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/suikoden-tierkreis-pre-order-customers-obtain-not-so-rare-bonuse/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/suikoden-tierkreis-pre-order-customers-obtain-not-so-rare-bonuse/#commentsPre-ordering Suikoden Tierkreis will net gamers the not-so rare combo of an art book and soundtrack at Amazon or GameStop. Tierkreis (the German word for Zodiac) is another in a long line of Suikoden role-playing titles from publisher Konami, this time offering players a unique online experience. The mode allows Tierkreis players to trade items and characters and battle exclusive online monsters to obtain rare (phat) loots. Suikoden Tierkreis hits the Nintendo DS on March 17.

Seriously, few things entice consumers like the art book / soundtrack combo. If only the rest of the competitive retail world realized bundling collectible tchotchkes could drive more business, we'd always pre-order our beer.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqSuikoden Tierkreis pre-order customers obtain not-so rare bonuses originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonart-bookgamestoppre-orderrole-playingsoundtracksuikodensuikoden-tierkreisMon, 09 Mar 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Legacy of Ys: Books I & II delayed, soundtrack bundled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/legacy-of-ys-books-i-and-ii-delayed-soundtrack-bundled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/legacy-of-ys-books-i-and-ii-delayed-soundtrack-bundled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/legacy-of-ys-books-i-and-ii-delayed-soundtrack-bundled/#comments
The hike up to Darm Tower is taking longer than expected. Atlus has bumped the release of Legacy of Ys: Books I & II for the Nintendo DS back two weeks from its originally announced February 10 ship date. Now set for release on February 24, the publisher notes that the entire first printing of the upcoming RPG will now come packaged with the game's soundtrack CD, originally intended just for those who reserved the game.

The bundling is part of a "fan appreciation" effort called Atlus Spoils, which according to Atlus is intended to "give a little extra something to the company's faithful followers." The announcement follows yesterday's reveal of Devil Summoner 2, which will come stuffed with a free Raiho plushie. Now here, take this hankie and wipe those silver tears from your eyes.

JoystiqLegacy of Ys: Books I & II delayed, soundtrack bundled originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusatlus-usanintendonintendo-dsrole-playingrole-playing gamesRole-playingGamesrpgysWed, 28 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2008: Blizzard's Rob Pardo talks Diablo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/blizzcon-2008-blizzards-rob-pardo-on-diablo-3-starcraft-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/blizzcon-2008-blizzards-rob-pardo-on-diablo-3-starcraft-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/16/blizzcon-2008-blizzards-rob-pardo-on-diablo-3-starcraft-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


We met up with Blizzard's Rob Pardo, vice-president of game design and one of Time Magazine's 2006 "100 Most Influential People in the World," at BlizzCon to ask him about all things Diablo 3, since we'd already gotten the good from him about Starcraft 2 and Battle.net. He didn't grant our wish to let us take home a copy of the Diablo 3 demo, but he did say a beta would be out for the game ... at some point. Find out what little we were able to squeeze out of him after the break.

Gallery: BlizzCon 2008: The Experience


Continue reading BlizzCon 2008: Blizzard's Rob Pardo talks Diablo 3

JoystiqBlizzCon 2008: Blizzard's Rob Pardo talks Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzconblizzcon-2008DiabloDiablo-3Diablo-IIIjoystiqfeaturesMacPCRob-Pardorole-playingRPGWorld-Of-WarcraftThu, 16 Oct 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Agetec shows kid-friendly PS2 love in Falling Stars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/agetec-shows-kid-friendly-ps2-love-in-falling-stars/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/agetec-shows-kid-friendly-ps2-love-in-falling-stars/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/agetec-shows-kid-friendly-ps2-love-in-falling-stars/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Refusing to close the lid on the PS2's casket, Armored Core publisher Agetec has announced plans to bring last-gen RPG Falling Stars to North America this summer. The game casts players in the role of a young girl named Luna on a quest to save the village of Dazzleon from her own green-skinned uncle and his obsession with turning peaceful creatures into evil pets.

According to Agetec, the Ivolgamus-created Falling Stars will include "cute characters, fun mini games, and simplified controls." Wait, is this a PS2 or Wii game we're talking about here? Either way, this role-playing game for the younger set will no doubt give players coming off of the Lithuanian developer's Barbie as The Island Princess something else to look forward to after nap time.

JoystiqAgetec shows kid-friendly PS2 love in Falling Stars originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 May 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agetecfalling-starsfallingstarsIvolgamuskidsPS2role-playingroleplayingMon, 12 May 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tales of Vesperia Xbox 360 exclusive, for now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/tales-of-vesperia-xbox-360-exclusive-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/tales-of-vesperia-xbox-360-exclusive-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/tales-of-vesperia-xbox-360-exclusive-for-now/#commentsFiled under:


There are very few franchises in the role-playing genre that have maintained a top level of quality throughout it's lifespan, the Tales series is one of them. Widely regarded as one of the finest second-tier role-playing games (here in the West), the Tales series dates back to the Super Famicom so a new installment was to be expected. Namco Bandi recently revealed Tales of Vesperia, the latest in the franchise, is exclusive to the Xbox 360 - for now.

The tenth in the series hitting the X360 echoes a strong backing for the western-made console by Namco Bandai, who have previously released Beautiful Katamari, Ace Combat 6 and Eternal Sonata on the Microsoft platform. While the title is currently an Xbox 360 exclusive everyone, including the game's director Yoshito Higuchi, expects the title to find it's way onto the PlayStation 3 eventually. During an interview with Play Magazine Higuchi was very direct when asked if the title would ever breathe life on Sony's platform. "Yes, I won't deny the possibility," Higuchi told Play. "But we're not thinking about it yet-there are so many other things to concentrate on first."

[Thanks, Steve. Via Deeko]

JoystiqTales of Vesperia Xbox 360 exclusive, for now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-exclusivenamco-bandairole-playingtales-of-vesperiatimed-exclusiveMon, 25 Feb 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Great Geiger! Bethesda buys Fallout IP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/great-geiger-bethesda-buys-fallout-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/great-geiger-bethesda-buys-fallout-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/great-geiger-bethesda-buys-fallout-ip/#commentsFiled under: , ,


According to an SEC report filed today, the revered Fallout franchise has been sold to Bethesda Softworks, currently in the midst of developing Fallout 3. Uncovered by Fallout fansite, No Mutants Allowed, the document states that the radioactive IP was purchased from Interplay for the princely sum of $5.75 million -- roughly a mountain's worth of post-apocalyptic bottle caps. Bethesda had been developing their Fallout sequel as licensee, not property owner.

This change of ownership sees original IP-holder, Interplay, becoming a licensee to Bethesda and paying the Elder Scrolls developer a 12% royalty on net sales derived from an upcoming (and still entirely nebulous) Fallout MMO. Interplay's license requires them to begin development within two years of the date of agreement, secure a minimum of 10,000 subscribers and offer a product that complies with "the quality standards of Bethesda."

Purchasing the Fallout IP outright certainly reflects positively on Bethesda's dedication to the franchise -- it's their property they risk messing up now -- and highlights plans well beyond "Morrowind with Mutants." (Next, would someone be so kind as to rescue the Freespace IP from Interplay?)

[Via Gamasutra]

JoystiqGreat Geiger! Bethesda buys Fallout IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-SoftworksFalloutFallout 3Fallout MMOFallout3FalloutMmoInterplayRole-playingThu, 12 Apr 2007 23:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari reveals Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/atari-reveals-neverwinter-nights-2-mask-of-the-betrayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/atari-reveals-neverwinter-nights-2-mask-of-the-betrayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/atari-reveals-neverwinter-nights-2-mask-of-the-betrayer/#commentsFiled under: ,

Not quite done casting Magic Missile and attacking the darkness of Neverwinter Nights? Well, good. Atari has announced an expansion pack for Neverwinter Nights 2, ominously entitled Mask of the Betrayer. Slated for release this Fall and developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the game promises more spells, more monsters, more weapons, more levels, more modding possibilities and presumably, more heartless backstabbing.

"Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer's engrossing campaign will conclude the storyline that began in the original Neverwinter Nights 2 and focus on combat, exploration and classic D&D dungeon-crawling," says Obsidian CEO and plausible fantasy character, Feargus Urquhart. He also notes that the expansion will see enhancements made to the companion Influence System, as used in the base title and Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords. Of course, it's probably best to just avoid adding any masked strangers to your party during this particular adventure.

JoystiqAtari reveals Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariMask of the BetrayerMaskOfTheBetrayerNeverwinter NightsNeverwinter Nights 2NeverwinterNightsNeverwinterNights2ObsidianPCRole-playingThu, 12 Apr 2007 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect release date spotted on official Xbox site [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/02/mass-effect-release-date-spotted-on-official-xbox-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/02/mass-effect-release-date-spotted-on-official-xbox-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/02/mass-effect-release-date-spotted-on-official-xbox-site/#commentsFiled under: ,

Update: Microsoft sent us another statement, this time ruling out the date entirely. "An incorrect release date for Mass Effect was inadvertently posted on Xbox.com Australia and has since been removed. We will keep you posted on the ongoing development of Mass Effect, however, we have no announcements regarding the game's release date at this time."

According to the Australian section of the official Xbox website, we may be finding ourselves incinerating aliens and threatening suspicious bartenders before the year reaches its midpoint. A product blurb dedicated to BioWare's galaxy-spanning sci-fi RPG, Mass Effect, currently lists a release date of 18 May 2007, a bit more specific than the "2007" placeholder appended to the likes of Forza Motorsport 2 (which is set to arrive sometime in May).

It's worth noting that Microsoft has yet to announce an official release date. At the time of writing, they had not yet responded to our request for comment.

[Thanks, Thomas]

Continue reading Mass Effect release date spotted on official Xbox site [update 2]

JoystiqMass Effect release date spotted on official Xbox site [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Feb 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BiowareKOTORMass EffectMassEffectRole-playingSci-FiXbox-360Fri, 02 Feb 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Role-playing titles that made a "quantum leap"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/role-playing-titles-that-made-a-quantum-leap/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/role-playing-titles-that-made-a-quantum-leap/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/role-playing-titles-that-made-a-quantum-leap/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Role-playing titles that made a Gamasutra recently polled its readers on which role-playing game made the biggest "quantum leap" at the time it was released. Any RPG throughout the history of the genre was fair pickings, but the top entry was the game that received the most votes from readers identified as industry professionals (because grunts like you and me only dilute the quality of the selection process).

Classic heavyweights such as Final Fantasy IV, Neverwinter Nights, EverQuest, Baldur's Gate II, and the Ultima series are celebrated as honorable mentions, which illustrates the impressive depth of the genre. I won't reveal the top five vote-getters, but a certain spike-haired dude with a huge sword is absent from the list -- just one omission of many that should fuel some interesting debates among the RPG faithful. What are your thoughts about the list?

See also:

JoystiqRole-playing titles that made a "quantum leap" originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Baldur's Gatechrono crosschrono triggerdeus exelder scrollsEverQuestfalloutFinal FantasymmorpgNeverwinter Nightsoblivionplanescape tormentrole-playingrpgUltimaTue, 10 Oct 2006 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[D&D fans fix Temple of Elemental Evil]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/06/DandD-fans-fix-temple-of-elemental-evil/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/06/DandD-fans-fix-temple-of-elemental-evil/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/06/DandD-fans-fix-temple-of-elemental-evil/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Circle of Eight fixes Temple of Elemental Evil
A group of dedicated Dungeons & Dragons role-playing fans have managed to accomplish something Atari and Troika failed to do three years ago -- fix most of the bugs in The Temple of Elemental Evil. Circle of Eight's labor of love has resulted in a consolidated patch that greatly enhances what many consider to be the best electronic interpretation of true D&D turn-based gaming. The Co8 updates even provide some extra content, such as additional quests, and new character portraits and voices.

Team Troika consisted of Interplay veterans who had worked on the Fallout series, and the company's other two releases, Arcanum and Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines, also had bug problems, despite garnering praise for their general gameplay. Even though Troika has disbanded, you should still be able to find ToEE for between $10-20, either online or at your local game store.

[via PC Gamer #154]

JoystiqD&D fans fix Temple of Elemental Evil originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Oct 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcanumataricircle of eightco8Dungeons and DragonsfalloutgreyhawkPCrole-playingrpgTemple of Elemental EvilTroikaFri, 06 Oct 2006 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mysterious PS3 launch title is Oblivion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/27/mysterious-ps3-launch-title-is-oblivion/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/27/mysterious-ps3-launch-title-is-oblivion/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/27/mysterious-ps3-launch-title-is-oblivion/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Remember when the folks at the Official Playstation Magazine declared than an upcoming issue would reveal a surprise PS3 launch title? A game so magnificently obscure and unexpected, a launch game "that you have not heard of?" The answer has finally come in the editorial team's latest podcast -- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Don't worry, we've never heard of it either. Sounds rather pretentious.

The podcast does provide some clarification with regards to how Bethesda's in-your-face epic could possibly have been labeled as a game you've been completely oblivious (har har) to. Correction: it's a launch game you've never heard of, in the sense that you've never heard of it being a PS3 launch game. Obviously, Halo 3, Space Channel 5 and Pikmin would all have been fair guesses. Ah, we jest.

According to OPM, the PS3 version of Oblivion will include new content and enhancements, likely referring to a bevy of equine protection items and the vicious eradication of problematic insects seen in the Xbox 360 and PC versions. 1UP specifically mentions a new faction, the Knights of the Nine, entering the world of Cyrodiil and providing the player with new quests. In addition, they also confirm a PSP game, Elder Scrolls Travels: Oblivion. More information on both titles will surely arrive in the next few weeks.

Listen -- about three quarters of the way in
Read -- a new faction and a PSP Oblivion
Behold -- the first batch of PS3 screenshots

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqMysterious PS3 launch title is Oblivion originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Sep 2006 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-SoftworksElder ScrollsElderScrollsOblivionPCPS3PS3 launchPs3LaunchPSPRole-playingXbox-360Wed, 27 Sep 2006 19:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Buena Vista announces DS exclusive -- Spectrobes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/01/buena-vista-announces-ds-exclusive-spectrobes/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/01/buena-vista-announces-ds-exclusive-spectrobes/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/01/buena-vista-announces-ds-exclusive-spectrobes/#commentsFiled under:

Not too long after the family friendly publisher announced the perversion melding of popular puzzler Meteos with the saccharine world of Disney, comes word that Buena Vista Games is releasing something called Spectrobes which, rather than being some sort of airborne virus, is actually an exclusive DS game. Developed by Japanese developer, Jupiter Corporation, the game is an anime-inspired action role-playing title which seems to subscribe to the greedy "Gotta catch 'em all" school of thought.

With an evil alien force out to destroy the galaxy (it's just what evil alien forces do), two junior interplanetary patrol officers, Rallen and Jeena soon come to learn that salvation lies in an ancient race of fossilized creatures. In order to thwart said evil alien force, over 500 different Spectrobes must be (and stop me if you've heard this before) unearthed, collected and trained in order to do battle. The press release promises that all of the DS' capabilities will be put to good use, though we certainly hope that excavation doesn't come down to scratching the screen furiously.

The game also promises loads of customization, a compelling story (it does have an evil alien force, after all) and exciting real-time battles. No release date is set yet, but we'll probably learn more about this one at E3.

JoystiqBuena Vista announces DS exclusive -- Spectrobes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 May 2006 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CollectingCollectionDSDS LiteDsLiteNintendo DSNintendoDsPokemonRole-playingSpectrobesMon, 01 May 2006 10:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Magic preview raises some questions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/17/lost-magic-preview-raises-some-questions/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/17/lost-magic-preview-raises-some-questions/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/17/lost-magic-preview-raises-some-questions/#commentsFiled under:

1up is running a preview of Lost Magic, a game which promises to bring role-playing and real-time strategy together in wedded bliss. The superb Warcraft III certainly pulled that off with aplomb, though this game's take on that genre juxtaposition is somewhat different. For one thing, casting spells is a tad more involved than merely selecting the appropriate command from a menu.

I have to wonder if that's a good thing or not. Obviously, I want the game to use the capabilities of the DS whenever possible, but only if it comes naturally from the design and not as a forced bullet-point to add to the back of the game's case. The concept should be fitted to the hardware, not the other way around. Lost Magic has the player drawing different runes in order to cast spells (with over 350 types available), with each rune triggering anything from healing spells to more pleasing fire spells.

Do I really want to draw some sort of shape every single time I want to heal my magical princess? Why is that I am now forced to use the touch screen in order to accomplish something that worked just fine (and arguably more easily) with traditional controls? I think these are good questions to ask, especially in the light of many great DS games like Mario Kart DS or Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time that didn't really make full use of the stylus. I'm not judging Lost Magic by any means (yet), but 1up's preview doesn't really give me enough information to decide whether or not the rune system is inspired or gimmicky.

Let me know what you think.

JoystiqLost Magic preview raises some questions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Apr 2006 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSDS LiteDsLiteNintendo DSNintendoDsReal-time strategyReal-timeStrategyRole-playingRPGRTSStrategyMon, 17 Apr 2006 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Who are the gender-benders?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/21/who-are-the-gender-benders/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/21/who-are-the-gender-benders/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/21/who-are-the-gender-benders/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Academic MMO weblog Terra Nova is looking at gender-bending in cyberspace at the moment, delving into the phenomenon by asking the simple question "Who's doing it?". While many men who play female characters use the "nice ass" line--if they're going to be staring at a pixellated posterior all day, it might as well be a pretty one--Terra Nova tries to go beyond this by looking at the personalities of gender-bending players.

The comments on the post are also interesting, covering identity tourism, transgender and GLBT issues as well as adding several more accounts of gender-bending (or not) into the mix.

JoystiqWho are the gender-benders? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Mar 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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