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[SCE VP: Move should have done better in Europe (but it didn't)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/sce-vp-move-should-have-done-better-in-europe-but-it-didnt/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/sce-vp-move-should-have-done-better-in-europe-but-it-didnt/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/sce-vp-move-should-have-done-better-in-europe-but-it-didnt/#comments Sony Computer Entertainment UK VP Fergal Gara said the Move could have, should have done better in Europe, noting that the system's software lineup is crucial to its success. Gara named only one title, Sports Champions, that sold the best "by far" with a few hundred thousand units. We assume he expressed SCE's disappointment with the Move's success in the tone of, "I should have lost 20 pounds by now, even though I never work out and I eat bacon with every meal."

Gara is focusing on future titles to support Move, and by "titles" he means Sorcery (a game announced at E3 2010), and "other things that we know are bubbling under." SCE is stepping up its marketing and internal development for Move, Gara said, hoping to revitalize Move in 2012.

JoystiqSCE VP: Move should have done better in Europe (but it didn't) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europemoveplaystationps3scesorcerysports-championsThu, 12 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vita launch issues in Japan result in apology, software update [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/vita-launch-issues-in-japan-result-in-apology-software-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/vita-launch-issues-in-japan-result-in-apology-software-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/vita-launch-issues-in-japan-result-in-apology-software-update/#comments


For us suckers in North America, the PlayStation Vita is still just a distant object of desire. For the Japanese, though, the Vita is already a couple days into its life, but apparently it's got some ... issues. Our tech savvy brethren at Engadget are reporting that some users are experiencing "software bugs, unresponsive touchscreens and complete system freezes," resulting in many taking to social media to voice frustration.

Sony, as it turns out, is listening, already issuing a software update and penning an apology letter. The video above showcases some of the Vita's problematic issues, and it should at very least help you to sympathize with your Japanese equivalent's frustration. The letter, well, it's in Japanese, and it's kinda non-specific, so you may wanna skip that part. Regardless, with any luck, said issues will be ironed out by the time Vita arrives on US shores on February 22. Here's hoping, anyway.

Update: Sony UK counters this report and others, saying the company, "can't find any evidence of widespread glitches."

[Thanks Gerry!]

JoystiqVita launch issues in Japan result in apology, software update [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apologybugsfirmware-updateissuesjapanplaystationplaystation-vitascescejsoftware-updatesony-computer-entertainmentsony-computer-entertainment-japanvitaMon, 19 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: The Last Guardian lead Fumito Ueda quits Sony, working as freelancer to complete game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/rumor-the-last-guardian-lead-fumito-ueda-quits-sony-working-as/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/rumor-the-last-guardian-lead-fumito-ueda-quits-sony-working-as/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/rumor-the-last-guardian-lead-fumito-ueda-quits-sony-working-as/#comments Apparently, The Last Guardian creative lead and Team Ico head Fumito Ueda has quit Sony and is working on Team Ico's latest project as a freelancer. Eurogamer is reporting as much, saying that Ueda's departure from the team has accentuated the ever-growing delay of the project's launch.

The Last Guardian was pushed out of a "holiday 2011" release window earlier this year, and the development team were said to be moving offices this past summer, getting up close and personal with SCE's main HQ. Requests to Sony for comment have gone unreturned as of publishing.

Update: A Sony rep told Joystiq, "Sony doesn't comment on rumors or speculation."

JoystiqRumor: The Last Guardian lead Fumito Ueda quits Sony, working as freelancer to complete game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freelancefumito-uedaplaystationps3scesony-computer-entertainmentsony-japan-studioteam-icoThe-Last-GuardianWed, 30 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 catching up with Xbox 360 shipments worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/ps3-catching-up-with-xbox-360-shipments-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/ps3-catching-up-with-xbox-360-shipments-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/ps3-catching-up-with-xbox-360-shipments-worldwide/#comments Sony reported 3.7 million PS3 unit sales worldwide for Q2 of fiscal year 2011 (which ended September 30), bringing its life-to-date total to 55.5 million units and improving on its year over year Q2 sales by around 200,000. Just last month, Microsoft touted 57.6 million shipped units of the Xbox 360 worldwide, bringing Sony within sight of the vaunted number two position behind Wii (Nintendo reported 89.36 million units shipped as of October).

While Sony's document says "sales," it's difficult to tell whether that refers to sales to consumers ("sell-through") or shipments to retail ("sell-in"). Both competitors' numbers refer to shipments.

JoystiqPS3 catching up with Xbox 360 shipments worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fy-2011life-to-dateplaystationps3q2salesscesceisonyWed, 02 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 DLC delayed to October 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/gran-turismo-5-dlc-delayed-to-october-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/gran-turismo-5-dlc-delayed-to-october-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/gran-turismo-5-dlc-delayed-to-october-25/#comments When it comes to release dates pertaining to the Gran Turismo series, fans know better than to expect developer Polyphony Digital to actually meet those deadlines. It should come as no surprise, then, that Gran Turismo 5's first big DLC release, originally intended to launch on October 18, will now be drifting to October 25 in North America.

As previously explained, the DLC can either be purchased in one big $11.99 bundle, or piecemeal as tracks, cars, racing gear, and paint jobs. Sony apologized for the delay but didn't provide a reason for it. Instead, the company will include a "special bonus" with the DLC on October 25, so you've got that going for you.

JoystiqGran Turismo 5 DLC delayed to October 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaydlcdownloadable-contentGran-Turismo-5playstationplaystation-networkplaystation-storepolyphony-digitalps3psnq4-2011release-datescesceaTue, 18 Oct 2011 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a look at the gorgeous openings of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/take-a-look-at-the-gorgeous-openings-of-ico-and-shadow-of-the-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/take-a-look-at-the-gorgeous-openings-of-ico-and-shadow-of-the-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/take-a-look-at-the-gorgeous-openings-of-ico-and-shadow-of-the-co/#comments
Sure, you've already shed dozens of sympathy tears over Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, but have you ever shed tears of joy from the sheer beauty of the games, now updated to high-def? Well, these two videos, showcasing the opening to each game from the upcoming Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection re-release, may cause a bit of eye-born precipitation. At very least, they'll serve to get you extra pumped for the September launch of the remastered duo on PlayStation 3.

Continue reading Take a look at the gorgeous openings of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus HD

JoystiqTake a look at the gorgeous openings of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collectionjapan-studioplaystationps3scescejsony-computer-entertainmentsony-computer-entertainment-japansony-japan-studioteam-icoWed, 10 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Resistance 3 heads to the Outback in 'Alice Springs' multiplayer map]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/resistance-3-heads-to-the-outback-in-alice-springs-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/resistance-3-heads-to-the-outback-in-alice-springs-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/resistance-3-heads-to-the-outback-in-alice-springs-multiplayer/#comments
What's more important than getting a look at the just revealed "Alice Springs" map for Resistance 3 set in Northern Australia? To us, that answer is clearly "learning how to kill, like, a million chimera in a row." Luckily, this latest gameplay clip does both.

JoystiqResistance 3 heads to the Outback in 'Alice Springs' multiplayer map originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alice-springsaustraliagameplayinsomniacinsomniac-gamesmultiplayerplaystationps3Resistance-3scesceasony-computer-entertainmentsony-computer-entertainment-americaTue, 09 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Invizimals: The Lost Tribes appearing across Europe 'this November']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/invizimals-the-lost-tribes-appearing-across-europe-this-novemb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/invizimals-the-lost-tribes-appearing-across-europe-this-novemb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/invizimals-the-lost-tribes-appearing-across-europe-this-novemb/#comments You'll forgive us if we relate Invizimals to the 1988 sci-fi classic They Live, but we can't help ourselves. The premise of seeking out "magical monsters" who "live in the world all around you," only seen through the lens of a PlayStation Portable's camera, is eerily similar to "Rowdy" Roddy Piper's situation in the film. Apparently the devs at Novarama have stepped up their invisible monster capturing technology, as a third game in the franchise is headed to Europe "this November."

Unlike They Live, the 150 "magical monsters" of Invizimals: The Lost Tribes are instead captured, trained, and unleashed against other creatures, Pokémon-style. And unlike Pokémon, Novarama chose to curate "80 of the community's favorite" creatures and add 70 new ones, rather than building an enormous "Invizidex" roster, if you will. The Lost Tribes has only been announced for Europe thus far, though we expect a North American announcement somewhere down the line.

JoystiqInvizimals: The Lost Tribes appearing across Europe 'this November' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>euinvizimals-the-lost-tribesnovaramaplaystationpspq4-2011release-datescesonysony-computer-entertainmentWed, 29 Jun 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorstorm: Apocalypse launch postponed in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/motorstorm-apocalypse-launch-postponed-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/motorstorm-apocalypse-launch-postponed-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/motorstorm-apocalypse-launch-postponed-in-uk/#comments Despite the fact that MotorStorm: Apocalypse has already begun shipping to brick-and-mortar stores in the UK, Sony says it will "postpone the launch" for the time being, missing the March 18 launch date. SCE issued a statement (via CVG) that specifically cites "the impact of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan" and "the parallels between these events and the underlying theme in MotorStorm" as reasons for the delayed launch. The game's March 17 Japanese launch has also been delayed to a "TBA" date, alongside several other titles.

"Although the game itself is already in distribution, we are ceasing any further shipments and removing as much of the marketing materials as possible," SCE's statement continues. "Our thoughts are with all those affected, including our colleagues within the Sony family, living and working throughout Japan." SCEA confirmed with Joystiq that MotorStorm: Apocalypse will still ship in the US on April 12 -- perhaps signaling when the game will be made available across the Atlantic as well.

JoystiqMotorstorm: Apocalypse launch postponed in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaysearthquakeevolution-studiosmotorstorm-apocalypseplaystationps3scesceesony-computer-entertainmentTue, 15 Mar 2011 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza: Of the End, Motorstorm: Apocalypse delayed in Japan; Disaster Report 4 canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/yakuza-of-the-end-motorstorm-apocalypse-delayed-in-japan-dis/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/yakuza-of-the-end-motorstorm-apocalypse-delayed-in-japan-dis/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/yakuza-of-the-end-motorstorm-apocalypse-delayed-in-japan-dis/#comments Citing "various circumstances," both Sega and Sony have announced delays of major game releases, reports Andriasang, while Irem has outright canceled Disaster Report 4. Sega announced that Yakuza: Of the End has been pushed back to a "TBA" release date in Japan, while Sony has altered the MotorStorm: Apocalypse launch to "TBA," as well. both titles were scheduled to be released in Japan this Thursday, March 17.

While neither company directly cited the massive earthquake and devastating tsunami that struck Japan on March 11 as the cause of the delays, it's evident that the disaster prompted the moves; though it's unknown if the reasons extend beyond the two games' disaster-themed premises. Andriasang also reports that Sony has temporarily closed its PlayStation repair and information center, located in one of the worst hit areas of Japan, the Miyagi Prefecture. Just yesterday, Square Enix temporarily shut down the Final Fantasy XI and XIV servers to conserve power in the country.

Meanwhile, Irem has canceled Disaster Report 4 without citing a specific reason, according to Andriasang. As the title suggests, DR4 centers around players escaping a city that has just suffered a devastating earthquake. Both DR4 and Yakuza: Of the End were only announced for release in Japan.

It's unclear at this point whether MotorStorm: Apocalypse is still on track to launch across Europe this week, as SCEE told GameSpot UK, "[The game's release is] under discussion at the moment. We'll get back to you when we know more." (The game's release in New Zealand was previously delayed following the severe earthquake that struck Christchurch last month.) The North American launch was set for April 12 two months ago.

To find out more about how you can help those affected in Japan by the past week's events, head over to RedCross.org.

JoystiqYakuza: Of the End, Motorstorm: Apocalypse delayed in Japan; Disaster Report 4 canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcancellationdelaysdisaster-report-4earthquakeiremjapanmotorstorm-apocalypseplaystationps3scesegasony-computer-entertainmentyakuza-of-the-endMon, 14 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Killzone 3 beta delayed (very slightly) to tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/killzone-3-beta-delayed-very-slightly-to-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/killzone-3-beta-delayed-very-slightly-to-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/killzone-3-beta-delayed-very-slightly-to-tomorrow/#comments So that Killzone 3 multiplayer beta that was supposed to open today? That ain't happenin' -- not just yet. The beta has been pushed back to the far flung future of tomorrow (beginning at 1PM ET), according to PlayStation Blog. The humanity!

In the hopes of subduing your rage over this slight delay, Sony is giving away 60 "Limited Helghast Edition" copies of the game. Any player who accesses the beta this weekend will be automatically entered for a chance to win. The LE, you know, is the one with the crazy replica Helghast helmet that isn't sold in stores. Yeah, that one. Looks like our weekend just got booked!

JoystiqKillzone 3 beta delayed (very slightly) to tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadelaysdemoguerrilla-gamesKillzone-3multiplayerplaystationps3scesceasceesony-computer-entertainmentWed, 02 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 moves 560,500 units in December, 1.14 million sold between Nov. and Dec.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/gran-turismo-5-moves-560-500-units-in-december-1-14-million-sol/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/gran-turismo-5-moves-560-500-units-in-december-1-14-million-sol/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/gran-turismo-5-moves-560-500-units-in-december-1-14-million-sol/#comments Despite not making December's NPD top 10 list, Gran Turismo 5 sold 560,500 units last month in the US and Canada. IndustryGamers got the number straight from the NPD Group -- a number which looks like an apparent dropoff from Sony's late November launch numbers, which heralded 5.5 million units shipped worldwide, 1.25 million of which were in North America alone.

And hey, let's not kid ourselves: a good amount of December's "sales" figures are also accounted for in November's "shipped" figures. All of them, in fact -- 1.14 million copies of Gran Turismo 5 have been sold in the US and Canada thus far, a representative from NPD told us this afternoon, leaving approximately 110K copies from the initial shipment still on store shelves.

That said, plans for periodic support in GT5 were highlighted by developer Polyphony Digital as recently as last month. Add that to the fact that the 2011 Formula One season is just around the corner, and we'd say it's likely that racing fans will continue to pick up the game as early 2011 progresses.

JoystiqGran Turismo 5 moves 560,500 units in December, 1.14 million sold between Nov. and Dec. originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gran-Turismo-5npdnpd-groupplaystationpolyphony-digitalps3racingsalesscesimulationsony-computer-entertainmentFri, 14 Jan 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ico remastered preview: Not too little, definitely not too late]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collection-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collection-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collection-preview/#comments I'm going to say something now and I don't want you to get mad. Promise that you won't? Promise?! Okay, fine -- I've never played Ico. It just didn't happen. A mixture of procrastination and disc-read errors have conspired to keep me from the lauded PS2 classic.

That changed late last week at a Sony press event, where the publisher showed off the forthcoming, double-game remaster Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection.

Gallery: ICO / Shadow of the Colossus Collection

Continue reading Ico remastered preview: Not too little, definitely not too late

JoystiqIco remastered preview: Not too little, definitely not too late originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dBluepoint-Gamesicoico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collectionjapan-studioplaystationps3remasteredsceshadow-of-the-colossussonysony-computer-entertainmentsony-japan-studioTue, 14 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 patch v1.03 adds tiered damage to online races]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/gran-turismo-5-patch-v1-03-adds-tiered-damage-to-online-races/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/gran-turismo-5-patch-v1-03-adds-tiered-damage-to-online-races/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/gran-turismo-5-patch-v1-03-adds-tiered-damage-to-online-races/#comments Those of you taking Gran Turismo 5's detailed vehicles onto the information superhighway will be glad to hear that the latest patch for the game adds selectable car damage. After downloading the patch, GT5's "My Lounge" section allows you to choose how much mechanical damage you're willing to suffer during online play, from "None" to "Heavy" ("Mechanical damage will be more severe, and can only be repaired by making a pit stop ... damaged parts will be indicated with on-screen icons"). The "Light" damage option means parts of your car can be damaged, but its health regenerates (no, we're not joking). It's not clear whether the update also adds cover for your cars to hide behind while said health regenerates.

The patch is available as of right now and it takes up approximately 150MB of HDD space -- Polyphony Digital has yet to detail any other fixes/additions the patch brings with it. If you spot anything else, feel free to drop us a line!

[Thanks Russ!]

JoystiqGran Turismo 5 patch v1.03 adds tiered damage to online races originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car-damagedamageGran-Turismo-5patchpatch-1.03playstationpolyphony-digitalps3scesceasony-computer-entertainmentsony-computer-entertainment-americaTue, 07 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Gran Turismo 5 launch trailer is here]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/the-gran-turismo-5-launch-trailer-is-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/the-gran-turismo-5-launch-trailer-is-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/the-gran-turismo-5-launch-trailer-is-here/#comments In case you have yet to see the retail boxes at your local brick-and-mortar, Gran Turismo 5 is, like, totally out. Further proof? Sony's released the game's launch trailer. So it must be out! Seriously! Oh, right, we also reviewed it, so there's that too, ya big doubting debbie.

Continue reading The Gran Turismo 5 launch trailer is here

JoystiqThe Gran Turismo 5 launch trailer is here originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplayGran-Turismo-5launch-trailerplaystationpolyphony-digitalps3scesceasceeWed, 24 Nov 2010 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[All 1,031 of Gran Turismo 5's cars catalogued]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/all-1-031-of-gran-turismo-5s-cars-catalogued/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/all-1-031-of-gran-turismo-5s-cars-catalogued/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/all-1-031-of-gran-turismo-5s-cars-catalogued/#comments Now that we have a new, totally for sure release date for Gran Turismo 5 (we hope!), information has begun steadily arriving about the final product -- it probably doesn't hurt that retail copies were spotted in the wild last week. Eurogamer laboriously catalogued every single automobile in the forthcoming sim racer, from Acura to Volvo (and everything in between), totaling 1,031 cars in all.

And just think, as recently as yesterday we were totally worried that the game would only have one year's version of the Acura 3.2 CL Type-S. But no -- GT5 has both the 2001 and 2003 models! We can finally sleep again at night. Peep the whole list right here so you can too.

JoystiqAll 1,031 of Gran Turismo 5's cars catalogued originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car-listGran-Turismo-5playstationpolyphony-digitalps3scesceasony-computer-entertainmentFri, 12 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5's full Trophy list revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/gran-turismo-5-trophies/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/gran-turismo-5-trophies/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/gran-turismo-5-trophies/#comments Alongside today's news that Gran Turismo 5 retail discs have begun popping up in Europe comes a video detailing the game's entire Trophy list, minus three "Hidden" Trophies. Czech site Konzolista has the whole shebang, backed up by a clip found on GT Planet.

Rather than detailing the Trophies, we're gonna leave it to you to choose -- the clip has been embedded after the break and contains potential spoilers (albeit, seemingly minor ones). You've been warned!

Continue reading Gran Turismo 5's full Trophy list revealed

JoystiqGran Turismo 5's full Trophy list revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gran-Turismo-5playstationpolyphony-digitalps3scesceascejsony-computer-entertainmentsony-computer-entertainment-japantrophiesMon, 08 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 retail discs spotted in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/gran-turismo-5-retail-discs-spotted-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/gran-turismo-5-retail-discs-spotted-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/gran-turismo-5-retail-discs-spotted-in-europe/#comments Over the weekend, a handful of tipsters sent Gran Turismo fansite GT Planet photos of what appeared to be retail versions of Gran Turismo 5. The photographic evidence began to pile up, and it seems that some gamer slash gearheads in Europe are already playing the game -- this is, of course, after the game was delayed to an unknown release date. Additionally, the game's entire Trophy list has been revealed, adding fuel to the fire.

At the very least, this confirms GT5 director Kazunori Yamauchi's statement about discs for the game already being in production, though it doesn't put us any closer to knowing when exactly the game will finally arrive at retail. Will GT5 follow the path of the Sega Saturn and simply become available "right now," whenever the publisher deems it so? It certainly seems possible as of this report. But then, we all know how well that went for Sega's game console.

JoystiqGran Turismo 5 retail discs spotted in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gran-Turismo-5kazunori-yamauchileakplaystationpolyphony-digitalps3release-dateretailscescejsony-computer-entertainmentsony-computer-entertainment-japanMon, 08 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Patapon 3 multiplayer demo moves to the beat next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/patapon-3-multiplayer-demo-moves-to-the-beat-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/patapon-3-multiplayer-demo-moves-to-the-beat-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/patapon-3-multiplayer-demo-moves-to-the-beat-next-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Demo-demo-demo! That's what we imagine you'll be screaming to yourself as you download the Patapon 3 demo from PSN this upcoming Tuesday. To make things even better, the PlayStation Blog informs us that it's a multiplayer demo -- a sampling of the internet-based functionality that will be included in the franchise's third installment.

Now, before you ask, the demo isn't exclusive to PlayStation Plus subscribers, so one and all looking for their taste can get it. Clear up some space on your Memory Stick -- you're going to want to check this out on Tuesday, July 6.

JoystiqPatapon 3 multiplayer demo moves to the beat next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demojapan-studioPataponPatapon-3psnpyramidscescejsony-computer-entertainmentFri, 02 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video interview: Sony's Shuhei Yoshida on Team Ico, Insomniac, Move, and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/video-interview-sonys-shuhei-yoshida-on-team-ico-insomniac-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/video-interview-sonys-shuhei-yoshida-on-team-ico-insomniac-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/video-interview-sonys-shuhei-yoshida-on-team-ico-insomniac-m/#commentsShuhei Yoshida While at E3, we had a chance to speak with the always affable Shuhei Yoshida, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios. That title means he's the man in charge of Sony's first-party software, which also means he's the man to ask about Team Ico's absence from the show (No Last Guardian? No Ico / Shadow of the Colossus HD remake?), Insomniac's multi-platform future, the responsibility of first-party studios in defining the potential of PlayStation Move, the oft-rumored Warhawk sequel, the new Twisted Metal game, and more.

Continue reading Video interview: Sony's Shuhei Yoshida on Team Ico, Insomniac, Move, and more

JoystiqVideo interview: Sony's Shuhei Yoshida on Team Ico, Insomniac, Move, and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010playstationps3pspSCEShuhei-YoshidaSonyThu, 01 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at ICO and Shadow of the Colossus in HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/a-look-at-ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-in-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/a-look-at-ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-in-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/a-look-at-ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-in-hd/#comments With rumors suggesting that Team Ico's art house games, ICO and Shadow of the Colossus, will receive the God of War Collection Blu-ray treatment, Digital Foundry decided to have a look at what the results might be. Using PC emulation -- which reportedly got "very, very close" to looking like the final product with God of War -- the group captured video of the SD version and what the games may look like in HD.

God of War's PS3-fication allegedly didn't replace any in-game art "aside from the on-screen text and button graphics." If ICO and Colossus are indeed given the same Blu-ray treatment, the latter is sure to benefit from the PS3's hardware. Shadow of the Colossus pushed the PS2's tech to the breaking point, with a frame rate that could turn the Colossi into Harryhausen monsters.

JoystiqA look at ICO and Shadow of the Colossus in HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionicoico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collectionremasteredSCEshadow-of-the-colossusSonyTeam-ICOTeam-ICO-CollectionTue, 01 Jun 2010 15:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Press X to Jason: the music video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/press-x-to-jason-the-music-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/press-x-to-jason-the-music-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/press-x-to-jason-the-music-video/#comments We know it's supposed to be a moving moment in Heavy Rain, but we can't get enough of parody tributes to the game's true protagonist, little lost Jason. First there was the hit Flash game Press X to Jason and now the Dead Workers Party brings us "Press X to Jason," a bubbly, melodic retelling of the story of the boy who touched America's heart as America touched its X button. You can find it right after the break.

We're intentionally being pretty vague about the content of the scene here, since you really shouldn't be watching the clip unless you've already played Heavy Rain. Like, you really shouldn't. Trust us.

[Thanks, Spencer]

Continue reading Press X to Jason: the music video

JoystiqPress X to Jason: the music video originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heavy-rainInteractive-Dramapress-x-to-jasonquantic-dreamSCESCEASonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaWed, 26 May 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unique Features acquiring Heavy Rain movie rights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/unique-features-acquiring-heavy-rain-movie-rights/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/unique-features-acquiring-heavy-rain-movie-rights/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/unique-features-acquiring-heavy-rain-movie-rights/#commentsHeavy Rain continues its slow progression from "like a movie with lots of button inputs" to "just a movie." Deadline reports that Unique Features is in the process of acquiring the film rights to Quantic Dream's game. Unique Features is a production company started by Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, who used to be with New Line, the studio that had optioned the rights to the game in 2006.

Shaye and Lynne are apparently so interested in the project that they bought the rights with their own money. Maybe the game was too hard for them and they just wanted to see how it ends.

[Via Dread Central]

JoystiqUnique Features acquiring Heavy Rain movie rights originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 May 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureheavy-rainInteractive-Dramamovienew-line-cinemaquantic-dreamSCESCEASonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-Americaunique-featuresWed, 19 May 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain sells one million worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/heavy-rain-sells-one-million-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/heavy-rain-sells-one-million-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/heavy-rain-sells-one-million-worldwide/#comments No one was exactly sure if Sony's gamble with Heavy Rain would pay off. With no aliens, no stealth kills, and no epic boss battles, the game strayed so far from the mainstream norm that some wondered if it could possibly succeed. Considering the incredible technical effort Heavy Rain represented, it's clear that this was also an expensive experiment for both Sony and Quantic Dream to take on.

After seven weeks of release, Heavy Rain has managed to sell through a million units worldwide, according to an announcement on the PlayStation.Blog. No specifics are offered, but we'll deduce that Europe represents the largest piece of the sales pie; Heavy Rain was completely sold out in that part of the world.

It's unclear if a million units sold is enough for Quantic Dream and Sony to break even on Heavy Rain's lengthy development. Undoubtedly, the game will continue selling through the year, which has us hopeful that the industry will be unafraid to invest in another game like it in the future.

JoystiqHeavy Rain sells one million worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heavy-rainInteractive-Dramamillionplatinumquantic-dreamsalesSCESCEASonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaTue, 13 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Thursday: Get stuffed by 'The Taxidermist']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/psn-thursday-get-stuffed-by-the-taxidermist/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/psn-thursday-get-stuffed-by-the-taxidermist/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/psn-thursday-get-stuffed-by-the-taxidermist/#commentsHeavy Rain's "The Taxidermist" DLC is ready to fill you up with more suspense for $5. To access your wallet, you'll have to flick your analog stick up and to the right.

PSP owners can download titles like BlazBlue Calamity Trigger and Perv Simu ... ok, fine, Dead or Alive Paradise -- we still contend we were going down the right path the first time. As is pretty common, the latest deluge of PSP comics is the real draw for the handheld.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading PSN Thursday: Get stuffed by 'The Taxidermist'

JoystiqPSN Thursday: Get stuffed by 'The Taxidermist' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heavy-rainInteractive-Dramanba-unrivaledPSNPSN-StorePSN-ThursdayqoreQuantic-DreamSCESCEASonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaThu, 01 Apr 2010 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[10 games added to PS3 Greatest Hits lineup, Sony confirms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/10-games-added-to-ps3-greatest-hits-lineup-sony-confirms/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/10-games-added-to-ps3-greatest-hits-lineup-sony-confirms/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/10-games-added-to-ps3-greatest-hits-lineup-sony-confirms/#comments Looks like the Walmart ad we posted yesterday actually undersold the number of PS3 games that Sony will soon add to the $30 Greatest Hits collection. The following 10 titles will be decked in red and reduced in price in the U.S. and Canada within the next few weeks:
  • inFAMOUS (Sony Computer Entertainment)
  • God of War Collection (Sony Computer Entertainment)
  • Killzone 2 (Sony Computer Entertainment)
  • LittleBigPlanet Game of the Year (Sony Computer Entertainment)
  • Resistance 2 (Sony Computer Entertainment)
  • Dead Space (Electronic Arts)
  • Fight Night Round 4 (EA Sports)
  • Resident Evil 5 (Capcom)
  • Soulcalibur IV (Namco Bandai Games)
  • UFC 2009 Undisputed (THQ)
That's a pretty good assortment of quality titles -- assuming, of course, that this isn't some kind of horribly distasteful April Fools' Day joke.

Joystiq10 games added to PS3 Greatest Hits lineup, Sony confirms originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spacedealdiscountEAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-Artsfight-night-round-4Fightinggod-of-war-collectiongreatest-hitsinfamouskillzone-2littlebigplanet-game-of-the-year-editionresident-evil-5resistance-2saleSandboxSCEsonySony-Computer-Entertainmentsoulcalibur-ivSportsSucker-PunchSucker-Punch-ProductionsThird-Person-Actionufc-2009-undisputedXboxThu, 01 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: inFAMOUS, LBP GOTY and others joining Greatest Hits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/rumor-infamous-lbp-goty-and-others-joining-greatest-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/rumor-infamous-lbp-goty-and-others-joining-greatest-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/rumor-infamous-lbp-goty-and-others-joining-greatest-hits/#comments According to a recent Walmart ad dug up by NeoGAF user ghostmind, a whole slew of new PS3 titles will soon be added to the $29.99 Greatest Hits collection. Featured on the ad are five games which will apparently get the red box treatment: LittleBigPlanet: Game of the Year Edition, Killzone 2, inFAMOUS, Resistance 2 and UFC 2009 Undisputed. Actually, according to the flyer, the games are being offered for $29.83. That, dear readers, is the Walmart difference.

We've contacted Sony America to find out if the Walmart ad is authentic, but we have no reason to believe it's a mock-up. We mean, all those games are "hits," and they're all pretty "great," right?

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqRumor: inFAMOUS, LBP GOTY and others joining Greatest Hits originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealgreatest-hitsinfamouskillzone-2littlebigplanetresistance-2saleSandboxSCEsonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSucker-PunchSucker-Punch-ProductionsThird-Person-Actionufc-2009-undisputedwalmartWed, 31 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain 'Taxidermist' DLC hitting PSN for $4.99 on April 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/heavy-rain-taxidermist-dlc-hitting-psn-for-4-99-on-april-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/heavy-rain-taxidermist-dlc-hitting-psn-for-4-99-on-april-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/heavy-rain-taxidermist-dlc-hitting-psn-for-4-99-on-april-1/#comments We have a hard time watching films where people get caught being in places they totally shouldn't be. We get no enjoyment from watching a Misery or a Rear Window, for example. That kind of scenario is the bread and butter of Heavy Rain's first downloadable chapter, "The Taxidermist," which pre-order customers of the game have already gotten their hands on. The rest of us will have our chance to grab the suspenseful scene on April 1, when it hits the PSN storefront for $4.99.

Check out the video above for a brief teaser of the chapter's events. Actually, it doesn't look that scary to us. Madison climbs in a window, walks up some stairs, and accidentally intrudes on a woman taking a bath. What's that? The woman is dead? Yes, well, that is significantly more upsetting.

JoystiqHeavy Rain 'Taxidermist' DLC hitting PSN for $4.99 on April 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-cagedlcheavy-rainInteractive-Dramapre-orderpsnquantic-dreamrelease-dateSCESCEAsonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericataxidermistFri, 19 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Spoiling Heavy Rain with David Cage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/interview-spoiling-heavy-rain-with-david-cage/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/interview-spoiling-heavy-rain-with-david-cage/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/interview-spoiling-heavy-rain-with-david-cage/#comments
Once a major release has been completed and propelled to the top of the sales charts, the critical discussion surrounding it typically evaporates just as the Next Big Thing appears on the horizon. But Heavy Rain -- whether you like it, love it or loathe it -- has been kept afloat in popular opinion, with critics still debating its controversial design and embarrassing themselves as they attempt to shoehorn water puns like "afloat" and "evaporates" into ham-fisted introductory paragraphs.

We drew Heavy Rain's director and writer, the soft-spoken, passionate and occasionally enigmatic David Cage, into the ongoing discussion and asked him to elaborate upon the game's story, its technology and its critical reception. Oh, and the nature of the Origami Killer, which means ...

SPOILER WARNING: The following interview contains massive, big-huge spoilers for Heavy Rain. If you have not completed Quantic Dream's cinematic adventure, do not proceed beyond the break -- and don't even think about reading the comments. Just turn around and slowly R2 away.

Continue reading Interview: Spoiling Heavy Rain with David Cage

JoystiqInterview: Spoiling Heavy Rain with David Cage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuredavid-cagegdc-2010heavy-rainInteractive-Dramainterviewmysteryquantic-dreamSCESCEAsonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaFri, 19 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain patch development complete, release 'very soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/heavy-rain-patch-development-complete-release-very-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/heavy-rain-patch-development-complete-release-very-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/heavy-rain-patch-development-complete-release-very-soon/#comments While the Joystiq staff hasn't experienced a game-ending Heavy Rain crash, there are a number of vocal members of the PlayStation forums that have reported some serious issues, most notably save file corruption. Quantic Dream is working on a new patch for the adventure game, one that "address a range of minor issues," but isn't "targeted purely at the issues reported." According to Sam_Protagonist, SCEE has had difficulty in reproducing the reported bugs, but hopes that the patch should fix various "contributing factors" that may be at the root of Heavy Rain's issues. "We're optimistic that this patch resolves your problems but cannot guarantee that this will be the case."

Development on the patch is now complete, and is undergoing the "final stages of testing." Let's hope the patch actually does its job -- otherwise, angry Heavy Rain owners will be left with nothing to play but Press X to Jason.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqHeavy Rain patch development complete, release 'very soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heavy-rainInteractive-Dramapatchquantic-dreamSCESCEAsceeSonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaThu, 18 Mar 2010 12:18:00 EST<![CDATA['Press X to Jason' distills Heavy Rain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/press-x-to-jason-distills-heavy-rain/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/press-x-to-jason-distills-heavy-rain/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/press-x-to-jason-distills-heavy-rain/#comments Sure, Heavy Rain was great, but what was with all the story? Don't you just wish someone would come along, strip out that cinematic nonsense and leave only the visceral thrill of repeatedly calling for your missing son while tearing through a shopping mall?

For you, there's Press X to Jason, a low-rez action/puzzle/platformer/adventure from Heavy.com that nails just one mechanic: Yelling for Jason. [Fair warning: If you don't know how this particular Heavy Rain scene plays out, like, in the real game, you may not want to play Press X to Jason just yet.]

If afterwards you still aren't sure about little Jason's fate, you'll be happy to know that we've located him, and he's on Twitter.

[Thanks, Wez]

Joystiq'Press X to Jason' distills Heavy Rain originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heavy-rainheavy.comInteractive-Dramajasonpress-x-to-jasonquantic-dreamSCESCEASonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaWed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux says Heavy Rain offers the 'first glimpses of the future' of games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/molyneux-says-heavy-rain-offers-first-glimpses-of-the-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/molyneux-says-heavy-rain-offers-first-glimpses-of-the-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/molyneux-says-heavy-rain-offers-first-glimpses-of-the-future/#comments If only Sony had waited until after the South by Southwest festival to release Heavy Rain, the publisher could have printed several glowing quotes from a known Xbox consorter on the back of the PS3-exclusive's game box. Oh, well -- there's always the "Game of the Year" edition.

During a a one-on-one conversation with writer Frank Rose at SXSW this week, Fabled designer Peter Molyneux heaped praise on Heavy Rain, calling it "absolutely brilliant."

"I recommend anyone who wants to start to see the first glimpses of the future of video games to go out and buy it," Molyneux advocated, before exposing his softer side to the audience. "But, personally, I could not bring myself to play more than 90 minutes, because the world that was there was so dark and so emotionally involving I felt emotionally beaten up." Aww, Mr. Molyneux.

"But there's no question in my mind that games like Heavy Rain -- games that have a new fidelity in the way that they present their experiences; obviously made with cinematography and motion capture in mind -- can really show the way forward to a new form of entertainment, which is evolving the story and choices and consequences." Molyneux steadfastly declared, having apparently recovered from painful memories of the game (perhaps cries of Jason? Jason? Jason! still faintly echoing in his head).

Molyneux also commended developer Quantic Dream's design choices, observing that the QTE interface "really meant that you had to pay attention all the time because you didn't know whether these quick-time events were going to come up"; though he noted that such gameplay mechanics "may be a little bit tired after a while." Still, he said, "I have to take my hat off to [Quantic Dream] ... There's a couple of things they do in that game which were really revolutionary, and what they do with quick-time is fantastic."

"Us designers were just laughing because we thought quick-time was dead, but that really was part of the drama of Heavy Rain."

JoystiqMolyneux says Heavy Rain offers the 'first glimpses of the future' of games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heavy-rainInteractive-Dramalionhead-studiospeter-molyneuxqtequantic-dreamquick-time-eventsSCESCEASonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-Americasxswsxsw-2010Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC: How Sucker Punch built inFamous' big city with a small team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/gdc-how-sucker-punch-built-infamous-big-city-with-a-small-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/gdc-how-sucker-punch-built-infamous-big-city-with-a-small-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/gdc-how-sucker-punch-built-infamous-big-city-with-a-small-team/#comments Last year's shockingly awesome superhero title inFamous boasted a massive sandbox world known as Empire City -- a playground full of climbable, grindable, shootable objects. It was an impressive environment, made all the more impressive by a startling piece of information revealed by Sucker Punch's Nate Fox during a recent GDC panel: The whole city was created by a team of just 12 artists.

Fox explained that this feat was accomplished with the liberal reusing of the game's catalog of environmental assets. For example, there were only two types of cars in the game, differentiated by hue shifts and decals. The map was partitioned into a hexagonal grid -- the inspiration for which came from the popular board game Carcassonne, Fox explained. Edges of each hex were designed to effortlessly fit together, allowing designers to make minor changes to each compartment, and paste the location into another chunk of the city.

This might sound like a cheap tactic for a developer to employ, but Fox explained that a developer's time and resources are limited. By swiftly executing the creation of a game's setting, the developers are given more of an opportunity to focus on designing "evil lairs" and other memorable landmarks. Oh, and according to Fox, the industry term for these outstanding structures is "Weenies." Yes, for that reason. Yes, that is wonderful.

Gallery: inFAMOUS

JoystiqGDC: How Sucker Punch built inFamous' big city with a small team originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-designgdc-2010infamousnate-foxpanelSandboxSCESony-Computer-Entertainmentsucker-punchsucker-punch-productionsThird-Person-ActionThu, 11 Mar 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[inFamous is temporarily inExpensive, $27 on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/infamous-is-temporarily-inexpensive-27-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/infamous-is-temporarily-inexpensive-27-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/infamous-is-temporarily-inexpensive-27-on-amazon/#comments Did you miss out on Sucker Punch's shockingly awesome superhero simulator, inFamous? Today's the perfect day to rectify your oversight -- Amazon's offering the title for just $26.99 until the end of the day. If you're wondering whether or not it's worth this price, we'd remind you that this is a game where you can electrocute large groups of innocent civilians with a single, errant bolt, provided they're standing in a large enough puddle. Of course it's worth it.

JoystiqinFamous is temporarily inExpensive, $27 on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondealdeal-of-the-dayinfamousretailsaleSanboxSCEsonySony-Computer-Entertainmentsucker-punchSucker-Punch-ProductionsTue, 02 Mar 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: John Hight, God of War III director of product development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/god-of-war-3-product-development-john-hight-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/god-of-war-3-product-development-john-hight-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/god-of-war-3-product-development-john-hight-interview/#comments John Hight runs Sony's Santa Monica studio and oversees the entire God of War 3 team. He makes sure that everyone is happy, that the game is going to ship on time, and that it's going to be something you'll want to play. Read on to learn more from him about the the future of the franchise, the possibility of multiplayer, the God of War movie and why he hasn't played Dante's Inferno (yet).

Continue reading Interview: John Hight, God of War III director of product development

JoystiqInterview: John Hight, God of War III director of product development originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>God-of-WarGod-of-War-3God-of-War-IIIinterviewJohn-Hightsanta-monica-studioscesonysony-santa-monicaMon, 01 Mar 2010 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Adam Puhl, God of War III's combat designer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/god-of-war-3-lead-combat-designer-adam-puhl-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/god-of-war-3-lead-combat-designer-adam-puhl-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/god-of-war-3-lead-combat-designer-adam-puhl-interview/#comments As lead combat designer of God of War III, Adam Puhl has the enviable position of creating an arsenal of weapons and abilities fit to take down the gods. I recently spoke with Adam about the design process for such a titanic task and the pressures of surpassing the first two God of War games. Additionally, Adam offered his gameplay reactions to Dante's Inferno and Darksiders, two recent action-adventures that owe a lot to the God of War series.

Read on after the break for the full interview.

Gallery: God of War 3

Continue reading Interview: Adam Puhl, God of War III's combat designer

JoystiqInterview: Adam Puhl, God of War III's combat designer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-puhlgod-of-wargod-of-war-3god-of-war-iiiinterviewsanta-monica-studioscesonysony-santa-monicaMon, 01 Mar 2010 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: God of War III (well, the first boss battle at least)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/god-of-war-3-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/god-of-war-3-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/god-of-war-3-preview/#comments A common refrain from many (including us!) about God of War III is: "It's God of War ... in HD." And, as our last preview attested, that's not such a bad thing. In fact, while the demo was impressive in its own right, the game's director tells us they've added depth of field, motion blur, and high dynamic range lighting to the finished product. Too technical, right? We'll just use our fallback word: awesome.

For this hands-on, we went all the way up to the first boss and beat him ... err, after several tries. It's none other than a certain God of the Sea, and he's pretty moody on account of Kratos and a bunch of Titans trying to scale Mount Olympus. In fact, there's a gathering of the gods up there and they're all pretty miffed: Zeus, Helios, Hermes, Poseidon, Hades, and a mysterious someone else. Based on this preview, they're going to do everything they can to try and make sure Kratos doesn't play king of the hill on their precious mountain.

Read on for our experience with the opening of God of War III up to, and including, the first boss battle. If you're hoping to go into this game spoiler-free next month, you might want to stop here; otherwise, press on!

Gallery: God of War 3

Continue reading Hands-on: God of War III (well, the first boss battle at least)

JoystiqHands-on: God of War III (well, the first boss battle at least) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>God-of-WarGod-of-War-3Kratossanta-monica-studioSCESonysony-santa-monicaMon, 01 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain buoyed to top of UK sales charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/heavy-rain-buoyed-to-top-of-uk-sales-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/heavy-rain-buoyed-to-top-of-uk-sales-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/heavy-rain-buoyed-to-top-of-uk-sales-charts/#comments Consumers in the UK poured out the pounds for PS3's Heavy Rain last week, according to Chart-Track's all-formats chart. The adventure game took the hill from Aliens vs. Predator, which slipped down one spot. Meanwhile, Just Dance kept doing its cha-cha of endurance and took third.

Nintendo's Wii Fit Plus got a second wind (or a big shipment to the region) and overtook Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 after moving up five spots and into fourth. Finally, Napoleon: Total War marched in at #12 while White Knight Chronicles began its quest at #35.

Source - Heavy Rain storms the charts [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

JoystiqHeavy Rain buoyed to top of UK sales charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-vs-predatorcall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2chart-trackenglandheavy-rainInteractive-Dramajust-danceMicrosoftnapoleon-total-warNintendoQuantic-DreamsalesSCESCEASonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-Americaukwhite-knight-chronicleswi-fit-plusWiiXbox-360Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Line Cinema options rights for film adaptation of Heavy Rain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/27/new-line-cinema-options-rights-for-film-adaptation-of-heavy-rain/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/27/new-line-cinema-options-rights-for-film-adaptation-of-heavy-rain/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/27/new-line-cinema-options-rights-for-film-adaptation-of-heavy-rain/#comments What if Heavy Rain, which is so often heralded by creator David Cage as "interactive fiction," was just a bit less interactive? Is the game's story and cast of vaguely-French-sounding characters strong enough to carry a feature-length film? We might just find out, some day -- internet super-sleuth superannuation recently uncovered copyright documents which reveal that New Line Productions optioned the rights to turn Heavy Rain into a movie on May 15, 2006 -- just a few days after "The Casting" trailer (NSFW) was revealed at E3.

This doesn't ensure the development of a Heavy Rain movie, of course; it only means if any film studio makes the film, it's going to be New Line Cinema. We think the rights are in good hands -- New Line did some great work on the film adaptations of those Lord of the Rings games.

JoystiqNew Line Cinema options rights for film adaptation of Heavy Rain originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adaptationcopyrightdavid-cagefilmheavy-rainInteractive-Dramanew-line-cinemaoptionquantic-dreamSCESCEASonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaSat, 27 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RE5 Gold tops Japanese charts; Heavy Rain floods top ten]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/re5-gold-tops-japanese-charts-heavy-rain-floods-the-top-ten/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/re5-gold-tops-japanese-charts-heavy-rain-floods-the-top-ten/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/re5-gold-tops-japanese-charts-heavy-rain-floods-the-top-ten/#commentsEven without the PlayStation Motion Controller to back it up, Resident Evil 5 has struck gold for a second time. The PS3 version of Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition (Alternative Edition in Japan) hit the top of the Media Create sales chart in Japan following its February 18 release, selling 143,339 copies. God Eater continues to gobble up attention, taking the #2 spot with 64,192 units sold (while passing 500k units sold to date).

Another big PS3 game also debuted in the top ten this week: Heavy Rain, which fell in at #6, selling 26,775 copies. In a way, the Japanese version is the superior release, because the voice acting doesn't seem to have been performed by French people faking Japanese accents. See the full top ten after the break.

Continue reading RE5 Gold tops Japanese charts; Heavy Rain floods top ten

JoystiqRE5 Gold tops Japanese charts; Heavy Rain floods top ten originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomDSgod-eaterheavy-rainInteractive-Dramajapanmedia-createnamco-bandaiNintendoQuantic-Dreamresident-evil-5resident-evil-5-alternative-editionresident-evil-5-gold-editionsalesSCESCEAsoftwareSonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaWiiFri, 26 Feb 2010 09:35:00 EST