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[Aliens: Colonial Marines Collector's Edition, Gamestop pre-order bonus now official]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/aliens-colonial-marines-collectors-edition-gamestop-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/aliens-colonial-marines-collectors-edition-gamestop-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/aliens-colonial-marines-collectors-edition-gamestop-pre-order/#comments ImageAliens: Colonial Marines may have been delayed all the way until February 12 of next year, but at least we can take solace in knowing that the Collector's Edition leaked back in January is not only the Real Deal with Bill McNeal, but is even more legit than previously indicated.

For $100, the Collector's Edition includes a Powerloader vs. Xenomorph statuette and a USCM dossier containing a mission brief, a schematic of the USS Sephora, a recruitment card, iron-on badges, recon photos and a USCM graduation certificate. It also comes with digital goodies, not the least of which is the ability to play as the film's Apone, Drake, Hicks and Hudson.

You'll also receive Ripley's flamethrower, "additional marine customization options," two bonus multiplayer weapons ("Sonic Electromagnetic Ball Breakers" and "Phase Plasma Rifle") and an exclusive level, the USCM Academy Firing Range. Pre-ordering the standard edition from Gamestop will net you the four bonus characters, customization options and Ripley's flamethrower, but none of the other content/toys. You will, however, have an extra $40 in your pocket, and won't need to explain the Exosqaud figurine on your desk.

Gallery: Aliens: Colonial Marines (Collector's Editon and Pre-Order Bonus)

Continue reading Aliens: Colonial Marines Collector's Edition, Gamestop pre-order bonus now official

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines Collector's Edition, Gamestop pre-order bonus now official originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinescollectors-editiongamestopgearbox-softwaremicrosoftnintendopcplaystationpre-orderps3Segawii-uxboxThu, 31 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jet Set Radio tags PlayStation Vita this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/jet-set-radio-tags-playstation-vita-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/jet-set-radio-tags-playstation-vita-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/jet-set-radio-tags-playstation-vita-this-summer/#comments ImageYou'll be able to listen to Professor K and his circa-2000 futuristic pirate radio station anywhere. Sega's updated version of Jet Set Radio is coming to PlayStation Vita alongside its PS3, Xbox, and PC releases, the publisher announced today. It'll include "Vita camera integration" in an unspecified capacity, and touchscreen graffiti mechanics.

The summer release will be playable for the first time on Vita at E3. Will we take time out of our packed E3 schedules to play an old game? Of course we will.

Gallery: Jet Set Radio (PS Vita)

Continue reading Jet Set Radio tags PlayStation Vita this summer

JoystiqJet Set Radio tags PlayStation Vita this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jet-grind-radiojet-set-radioplaystationplaystation-vitasegavitaFri, 25 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Cave opens up to adventurers in 2013, care of Ron Gilbert and Double Fine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-cave-opens-up-to-adventurers-in-2013-care-of-ron-gilbert-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-cave-opens-up-to-adventurers-in-2013-care-of-ron-gilbert-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-cave-opens-up-to-adventurers-in-2013-care-of-ron-gilbert-an/#comments
Double Fine and Sega have officially announced The Cave, a side-scrolling, multi-character adventure game coming to Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and PC in 2013. Led by Ron Gilbert, The Cave sees an eclectic cluster of impromptu spelunkers - including a scientist, a monk, a knight and a time traveler - finding their fortunes (and perhaps more) in the titular, mysterious and, err, "sultry" subterranean network. That's right: The Cave can speak.

The rest of the protagonists are silent, but up to three can venture into The Cave at a time. After picking your trio, you guide them all deeper into the seamless network of underground rooms, switching control between each to solve puzzles and exploit their unique abilities. The knight, for instance, can activate a guardian angel that protects him from flames and falls, while the hillbilly can hold his breath underwater forever. (Take that, Guybrush Threepwood!)

The game can be completed with any combination of characters, but certain endings and unique areas are locked to individual characters. Having the knight in your group, for example, will open up the medieval castle and its puzzles for play. And yes, there just happens to be a castle buried deep within in The Cave. With a "New Grog" vending machine (among other inharmonious objects) cropping up in the network's lower bowels, we think it's safe to say that Ron Gilbert's touch is evident throughout the game.

He also programmed the whole thing himself, we think. Probably.

Gallery: The Cave

JoystiqThe Cave opens up to adventurers in 2013, care of Ron Gilbert and Double Fine originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013double-finemicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnrelease-dateron-gilbertsegathe-cavexblaxboxThu, 24 May 2012 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza 5 due in Japan December 2012, has new engine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/yakuza-5-due-in-japan-december-2012-has-new-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/yakuza-5-due-in-japan-december-2012-has-new-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/yakuza-5-due-in-japan-december-2012-has-new-engine/#comments ImageYakuza 5, as revealed in a leak from the latest Famitsu magazine, sounds like it's expanding significantly on its predecessors, spreading out into five Japanese cities (Tokyo, Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka) with one protagonist in each - for a total of five, one more than any previous game.

Those protagonists include Kazuma Kiryu, who is now a cab driver in Fukuoka (but will certainly get back to solving everyone's problems with violence), Yakuza 4's escaped convict Taiga Saejima, once again in prison, loan shark Shun Akiyama in Osaka, and Kiryu's daughter Haruka, playable for the first time. Why, we remember when she was just an NPC in a PS2 game, cheering for us as we showed off in the batting cages ... they grow up so fast.

According to the summary of this Famitsu interview, Yakuza 5 has had double the development time of previous games, and features a new engine, allowing the game to move from battle scenes to adventuring "seamlessly." The game is reportedly set for a Japanese release this December.

JoystiqYakuza 5 due in Japan December 2012, has new engine originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanplaystationps3q4-2012release-datesegayakuza-5Wed, 23 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega publishing Ron Gilbert's Double Fine game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/sega-publishing-ron-gilberts-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/sega-publishing-ron-gilberts-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/sega-publishing-ron-gilberts-double-fine-game/#comments ImageIt's been almost two weeks since Double Fine and Ron Gilbert gave us our first glimpse of their new game (different from Double Fine Adventure, the Kickstarter project), and today Sega all but outed itself as the publisher.

After tweeting a link to the image above, the official Sega account has been silent on the matte. It's easy to see the images Gilbert's been teasing match up with the shaded area above. All that remains is the official announcement.

JoystiqSega publishing Ron Gilbert's Double Fine game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finedouble-fine-productionsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ron-gilbertsegaxboxTue, 22 May 2012 22:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz hitz Vita on October 23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/super-monkey-ball-banana-splitz-hitz-vita-on-october-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/super-monkey-ball-banana-splitz-hitz-vita-on-october-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/super-monkey-ball-banana-splitz-hitz-vita-on-october-23/#comments ImageSuper Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz is stopping, dropping and rolling onto Vita on October 23 in North America and Europe. This is a tad later than the initial "early 2012" launch window we received in September, but with a title as adorable as this one our anger seems to just melt away.

Banana Splitz will feature more than 100 levels, eight minigames and a custom level builder that turns photos of real images into Monkey Ball-able objects.

JoystiqSuper Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz hitz Vita on October 23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitarelease-dateSegasuper-monkey-ball-banana-splitzsuper-monkey-ball-vitavitaTue, 22 May 2012 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines delayed to February 2013 on 360/PS3/PC, Wii U date to be revealed later]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/aliens-colonial-marines-delayed-to-february-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/aliens-colonial-marines-delayed-to-february-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/aliens-colonial-marines-delayed-to-february-2013/#comments
Aliens: Colonial Marines launches on February 12, 2013, Sega announced this morning. The Gearbox Software-developed game was previously given a "fall 2012" launch window, and was planned as a Wii U hardware launch title (the game is also planned for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC), though no hard date was ever given before. In fact, despite the February 12 date announcement, the game's Wii U version still doesn't have a date. "A release date for the announced Wii U version will be revealed at a later time," the press release reads.

Upset? That's understandable, but Sega's hoping to deflect some of that rage with a new trailer, which we've dropped just above.

Continue reading Aliens: Colonial Marines delayed to February 2013 on 360/PS3/PC, Wii U date to be revealed later

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines delayed to February 2013 on 360/PS3/PC, Wii U date to be revealed later originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinesdelaydelaysgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3q1-2013release-datesegawii-uxboxMon, 21 May 2012 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega Vintage Collections dumping lots of old games on PSN and XBLA next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/sega-vintage-collections-dumping-lots-of-old-games-on-psn-and-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/sega-vintage-collections-dumping-lots-of-old-games-on-psn-and-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/sega-vintage-collections-dumping-lots-of-old-games-on-psn-and-xb/#comments ImageWay, way more Master System and Genesis games are on the way to PS3 and Xbox, including the long-awaited release of Monster World IV. Sega announced the next few "Vintage Collections," which will be sold individually on PSN and in bundles on XBLA.

For XBLA, the Monster World Collection brings together Wonder Boy in Monster Land (arcade) and Wonder Boy in Monster World and MWIV for Genesis on May 23. On May 30, Golden Axe's arcade original joins Golden Axe 2 & 3 on Genesis, concurrent with a three-volume Streets of Rage Collection. The collections sell for 800 MSP each.

Meanwhile, PSN will see all of those Wonder Boys, Super Hang-On (arcade), Revenge of Shinobi, and Alex Kidd in Miracle World on May 22, for $5 each.

JoystiqSega Vintage Collections dumping lots of old games on PSN and XBLA next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3psnsegasega-vintage-collectionsega-vintage-collection-3xblaxboxFri, 18 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown due June 5 on PSN, June 6 on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/virtua-fighter-5-final-showdown-due-june-5-on-psn-june-6-on-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/virtua-fighter-5-final-showdown-due-june-5-on-psn-june-6-on-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/virtua-fighter-5-final-showdown-due-june-5-on-psn-june-6-on-xbl/#comments Image
We can't see the title of the new XBLA/PSN release of Virtua Fighter 5 and not think of "The Final Countdown." And now, we are in the final countdown before Final Showdown's release. Sega announced today that the 3D fighter will arrive on PSN June 5 and on XBLA June 6.

Should you want to make the delightfully budget-priced fighter less budget-priced, the release will be accompanied by a bunch of character customization DLC. Individual character packs (containing "600-950" items!) will be released for $5/400 MS Points; or you can buy two bundle packs (one with 9 characters' items and one with 10) for $15/1,200 points, also on release day.

Continue reading Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown due June 5 on PSN, June 6 on XBLA

JoystiqVirtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown due June 5 on PSN, June 6 on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3psnq2-2012release-datesegavirtua-fighter-5-final-showdownxblaxboxMon, 14 May 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy the greatest song ever written (and other Sonic soundtracks) on iTunes [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/buy-the-greatest-song-ever-written-and-other-sonic-soundtracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/buy-the-greatest-song-ever-written-and-other-sonic-soundtracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/buy-the-greatest-song-ever-written-and-other-sonic-soundtracks/#comments Image
The pinnacle of all human achievement, "Open Your Heart" from the Sonic Adventure soundtrack, is now available on iTunes, as are a plethora of other Sonic-related albums from across the breadth of time and space. The soundtracks to Sonic Adventure, Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic CD and others can be yours for the paltry sum of $9.99 each, which is a small price to pay for 20 to 30 tracks per album of gloriously ridiculous nostalgia-metal.

Soundtracks for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 and Episode 2 will be available before too long, according to Sega. Head on through to the other side for a full list of what's available now and how to get it.

Update: As it turns out, these soundtracks have been available since last year or earlier. Sega decided to nest the announcement of forthcoming Episode 1 and Episode 2 soundtracks within a reiteration of the availability of its other musical offerings.

Continue reading Buy the greatest song ever written (and other Sonic soundtracks) on iTunes [update]

JoystiqBuy the greatest song ever written (and other Sonic soundtracks) on iTunes [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crush-40iTunesJun-SenouemusicSegasonic-adventuresonic-adventure-2Sonic-CDSonic-ColorsSonic-Heroessonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2soundtrackssuper-sonic-songsthe-worksSun, 13 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega also skipping Gamescom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/sega-also-skipping-gamescom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/sega-also-skipping-gamescom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/sega-also-skipping-gamescom/#comments Sega has decided to opt out of this year's Gamescom trade show, joining the likes of Nintendo and THQ as a proud member of the "Eh, Maybe Next Year" Club. Essentially, having a presence at a show in August (even if it is the largest gaming show in the entire world) just doesn't jive well enough with Sega's 2012 release calendar:

"Unfortunately the release timing of our 2012 AAA titles and new projects don't work with the mid- August scheduling of the show," reads a statement made by Sega to GamesIndustry. "The decision will not mean that Sega will never attend Gamescom in the future, this was simply a commercial decision made for 2012." Maybe the German market for interactive gaming toilets isn't as booming as originally thought?

JoystiqSega also skipping Gamescom originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gamescomgamescom-2012SegatoiletsSat, 12 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega earnings down in fiscal 2011, Mario & Sonic sell 3 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sega-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2011-mario-and-sonic-sell-3-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sega-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2011-mario-and-sonic-sell-3-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sega-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2011-mario-and-sonic-sell-3-million/#comments Sega's earnings are down in the year ended March 31, 2012, which shouldn't come as a surprise given the company's recent extreme restructuring measures. Sega reported net sales of 395.5 billion yen ($5 billion), down 0.3 percent from 2011; net income dropped 47.4 percent to 21 billion yen.

In the "consumer business" division (the one that deals with home video games), Sega reported a year-over-year drop in unit sales. Its best-performing game was Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, of course, at 3.28 million copies. Sonic Generations followed at 1.85 million; Virtua Tennis 4 sold 1.04 million across five platforms. Sega listed sales for Football Manager 2012 (710,000) and Yakuza: Dead Souls (550,000), but nothing else -- so we don't know how well Binary Domain did, except to guess that it probably didn't do very well.

JoystiqSega earnings down in fiscal 2011, Mario & Sonic sell 3 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsearningsfy-2011microsoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsegasonyvitawiixboxFri, 11 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You did a great job making Jet Set Radio graffiti]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-did-a-great-job-making-jet-set-radio-graffiti/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-did-a-great-job-making-jet-set-radio-graffiti/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-did-a-great-job-making-jet-set-radio-graffiti/#comments Image
There is, strictly speaking, new content to be found in the HD update of Jet Set Radio. It's limited to user-created graffiti designs, but it's new content nonetheless! In the video above, Sega introduces the winning designs in its graffiti contest, all of which look like legitimate graffiti designs and not just Rage Comics and QR codes linking to petitions about Sonic voice actors.

We're sure those were submitted - they just didn't win.

JoystiqYou did a great job making Jet Set Radio graffiti originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestgraffitijet-grind-radiojet-set-radiomicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnsegaxblaxboxFri, 11 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Creative Assembly's untitled Alien project aimed at next-gen too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/creative-assemblys-untitled-alien-project-aimed-at-next-gen-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/creative-assemblys-untitled-alien-project-aimed-at-next-gen-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/creative-assemblys-untitled-alien-project-aimed-at-next-gen-too/#comments ImageThe Creative Assembly has revealed that its Aliens game, which has been known to be in production since last year, is expected to pounce on next-generation PlayBoxes, in addition to current systems. We'd like to imagine it's kinda like the scary little mouth hiding inside of the bigger, scarier mouth.

"The successful applicant will be working on a AAA multi-platform title on current and future generation consoles set in the Alien universe," the job listing for a programmer read. Now, we know what you're thinking: Wii U, right? Sure, let's not rule it out, but the wording specifically calls out experience in Xbox 360, PS3 and PC development.

You may best recognize The Creative Assembly from its work on Sega's Total War series of real-time strategy games.

JoystiqCreative Assembly's untitled Alien project aimed at next-gen too originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliennext-generationsegathe-creative-assemblyuntitled-alien-projectFri, 04 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam adds Genesis Classics Collection 5: Beyond Oasis, Phantasy Star 2 and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-adds-genesis-classics-collection-5-beyond-oasis-phantasy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-adds-genesis-classics-collection-5-beyond-oasis-phantasy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-adds-genesis-classics-collection-5-beyond-oasis-phantasy/#comments ImageThe fifth Genesis Classics Collection is now available on Steam, perfect for PC players who want to relive the glory of their Sega-oriented youths. The same goes for Nintendo-aligned Console War veterans, who now, wise beyond their years, look to experience what life was like on the other side of the trenches.

The Genesis Classics Collection 5 boasts 10 games for $7.99, or $2.99 a piece if you'd rather go a la carte. Amongst the recommissioned relics from yesteryear are Phantasy Stars II through IV, Wonder Boy in Monster World, Vectorman 2, and Beyond Oasis. Jump past the break for the full list, which also includes Dynamite Headdy, one of the best, weirdest games ever made for Sega's classic warhorse.

Continue reading Steam adds Genesis Classics Collection 5: Beyond Oasis, Phantasy Star 2 and more

JoystiqSteam adds Genesis Classics Collection 5: Beyond Oasis, Phantasy Star 2 and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Beyond-OasisDynamite-HeaddyGenesisGenesis-Classics-CollectionGenesis-Classics-Collection-5Golden-Axe-3Mega-DrivepcPhantasy-Star-2Phantasy-Star-3Phantasy-Star-3-Generations-of-DoomPhantasy-Star-4Phantasy-Star-4-The-End-of-the-Milleniumrevenge-of-shinobiSegaSteamStreets-of-Rage-3Vectorman-2wonder-boy-in-monster-worldThu, 03 May 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Amoebattle, Super Hang-On]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/nintendoware-weekly-amoebattle-super-hang-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/nintendoware-weekly-amoebattle-super-hang-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/nintendoware-weekly-amoebattle-super-hang-on/#comments ImageTwo new Virtual Console games in as many weeks? What is going on? On top of the VC release of Super Hang-On, Amoebattle makes its way to DSiWare and Bird Mania 3D takes flight on the 3DS eShop.

We rather liked the iPhone version of Amoebattle. Its real-time strategy controls should translate to the DS and 3DS just fine.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Amoebattle, Super Hang-On

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Amoebattle, Super Hang-On originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAmoebattlebird-mania-3ddsdsiwareeshopnintendonintendoware-weeklysegasuper-hang-onvirtual-worldswiiThu, 03 May 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega makes Toylets available to the Japanese public]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/sega-makes-toylets-available-to-the-japanese-public/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/sega-makes-toylets-available-to-the-japanese-public/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/sega-makes-toylets-available-to-the-japanese-public/#comments
Sega is now selling its line of Toylets to the Japanese public. Yes, as in video game toilet rigs, and exactly what you were thinking when you saw the word "Toylet." The base unit will set uninspired urinators back 140,000 yen (around $1750) and each game will cost a total of 10,000 yen ($125) each. Finally, there's the unlisted price of having to tell everyone why you've got thousands of dollars worth of entertainment in your bathroom.

Sega has been a big player in the toilet-gaming space with its line in bars and other public establishments in Japan for a few years now. If there's something that'll help the company get out of its slump, it's got to be expensive gaming toilets.

JoystiqSega makes Toylets available to the Japanese public originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japansegasega-toylettoylettoyletsTue, 01 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega CEO Mike Hayes stepping down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/sega-ceo-mike-hayes-stepping-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/sega-ceo-mike-hayes-stepping-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/sega-ceo-mike-hayes-stepping-down/#comments Sega Europe and Sega America CEO Mike Hayes is stepping down and exiting the building, though he may peek in through second-floor windows every now and then in "advisory roles." If the Sega corporate ladder is no longer available, the garden variety should suffice.

According to GamesIndustry, the departing executive will remain in the industry in assorted capacities, while COO Jurgen Post and Masano Maeda oversee the company in Europe and America, respectively. Sega has not yet confirmed when or how it intends to fill the CEO role in the future.

Sega's American arm was recently struck with unspecified game cancellations, layoffs and significant restructuring in an effort to create a smaller, more profitable business. The company intends to prioritize digital games and safe, mac-and-cheese IPs like Sonic, Total War and Aliens.

Continue reading Sega CEO Mike Hayes stepping down

JoystiqSega CEO Mike Hayes stepping down originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jurgen-postmasano-maedamike-hayessegaMon, 30 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Binary Domain sold 20K in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/npd-binary-domain-sold-20-000-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/npd-binary-domain-sold-20-000-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/npd-binary-domain-sold-20-000-in-march/#comments Following its launch on February 28, it seems Binary Domain didn't have a very good March. According to data Joystiq received from the NPD, Sega's sci-fi shooter only sold 20,000 copies during the month. Compare that to the 1.3 million physical copies sold of the other big sci-fi game of March, Mass Effect 3.

Of course, Binary Domain had a lot going against it. For one, it's called Binary Domain. There was little-to-no marketing, whereas Mass Effect 3 ads were everywhere and everything you bought came with DLC. In the sci-fi wars of March, 2012, Mass Effect 3 emerged victorious.

As the last big boxed product from Sega, this disappointing performance likely contributed to Sega's decision to drastically alter its publishing strategy and issue substantial layoffs worldwide at the end of March.

JoystiqNPD: Binary Domain sold 20K in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>binary-domainmass-effect-3microsoftnpdplaystationps3salessegaxboxFri, 13 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Project X Zone screens show a mob of Sega, Capcom and Namco stars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/project-x-zone-screens-show-a-mob-of-sega-capcom-and-namco-star/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/project-x-zone-screens-show-a-mob-of-sega-capcom-and-namco-star/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/project-x-zone-screens-show-a-mob-of-sega-capcom-and-namco-star/#comments ImageThe first screens of the combat system in Project X Zone, a collaborative strategy-RPG from Namco, Sega and Capcom, have been released, revealing chibi-like versions of staple characters from each house.

Ever wanted to see Ryu and Ken team up against Tyrant? How about Ulala dancing and fighting? Head over to Famitsu to see that and more.

JoystiqProject X Zone screens show a mob of Sega, Capcom and Namco stars originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcomnamco-bandainintendoproject-x-zonesegaThu, 12 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SRPG 'Project X Zone' is Namco, Sega, and Capcom's 3DS crossover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/srpg-project-x-zone-is-namco-sega-and-capcoms-3ds-crossover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/srpg-project-x-zone-is-namco-sega-and-capcoms-3ds-crossover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/srpg-project-x-zone-is-namco-sega-and-capcoms-3ds-crossover/#comments ImageIf you assumed the Namco, Capcom, and Sega crossover 3DS project would be some kind of strategy RPG, you assumed correctly. Project X Zone is not an official follow-up to 2006's Namco X Capcom for PS2, but the idea of a crossover SRPG is similar - and this time, of course, Namco is bringing Sega characters into the mix. The name "Project X Zone" was chosen because using the company names would have implied a sequel to Namco X Capcom, producer Kensuke Tsukanaka told Famitsu.

Pairs of characters team up to battle using their signature fighting styles, including Ryu and Ken, Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, Jin and Xiaoyu, and ... Space Channel 5's Ulala and Shining Force EXA's Toma? Specific details of the combat system have yet to be revealed, as all we know at this point is from Famitsu leaks. The game is due in Japan this year.

JoystiqSRPG 'Project X Zone' is Namco, Sega, and Capcom's 3DS crossover originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcomjapanNamco-Bandainintendoproject-x-zonesegaWed, 11 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: PSO2 character creator online, available for everyone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/psa-pso2-character-creator-online-available-for-everyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/psa-pso2-character-creator-online-available-for-everyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/psa-pso2-character-creator-online-available-for-everyone/#comments That Phantasy Star Online 2 character creator we caught wind of back in March is now online; ready and waiting to be downloaded, unzipped and utilized to forge a character you'll probably never use if you don't import it or live outside Japan.

The character creator can be downloaded by hittin' the source link below, and since it's in Japanese you'll need a working knowledge of Nippon's native tongue to use it. Or, alternatively, you can use this handy guide from the folks at Phantasy Star Fan Blog. Just, you know, don't get too attached once you've made your character.

JoystiqPSA: PSO2 character creator online, available for everyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-creatorfreepcphantasy-star-online-2PSO2SEGASonic-TeamSat, 07 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Old-school Sega dev Hirokazu Yasuhara starts work at Nintendo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/old-school-sega-dev-hirokazu-yasuhara-starts-work-at-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/old-school-sega-dev-hirokazu-yasuhara-starts-work-at-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/old-school-sega-dev-hirokazu-yasuhara-starts-work-at-nintendo/#commentsImageHirokazu Yasuhara, co-creator of Sonic the Hedgehog, has begun working at Nintendo Software Technology in Redmond, Washington, Gamasutra reports. Yasuhara worked at Sega from 1988 until switching to 2K Sports in 2000, Naughty Dog in 2002 (senior game designer for the Jak & Daxter and Uncharted franchises) and finally Namco Bandai, which he left last month.

Nintendo Software Technology generally develops DS and DSiWare titles, having worked on Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem and Metroid Prime Hunters.

JoystiqOld-school Sega dev Hirokazu Yasuhara starts work at Nintendo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdshirokazu-yasuharamario-vs-donkey-kong-mini-land-mayhemnintendonintendo-software-technologySegaSonicwiiwii-uFri, 06 Apr 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega: Rhythm Thief 'still happening']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/sega-rhythm-thief-still-happening/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/sega-rhythm-thief-still-happening/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/sega-rhythm-thief-still-happening/#comments ImageWe still have no official word on the aftermath of Sega's restructuring -- how many employees were laid off, or which games have been canceled. However, we obtained confirmation from a Sega rep on the PAX East show floor of one upcoming packaged game that has not been canceled: Rhythm Thief and the Emperor's Treasure.

The representative told us explicitly that the 3DS rhythm action game is "still happening." Good news, because we've enjoyed our brief time with it so far. It seemed like a relative lock, given that it's done, and out in Europe, but given Sega's recent issues no packaged game seemed safe. We're glad to have confirmation of that one.

We were also assured that Aliens: Colonial Marines was still going to make it to retail, but the recent media blitz, explicit mention as a profitable franchise in Sega's restructuring plan, and giant, separate booth were already clues to that.

JoystiqSega: Rhythm Thief 'still happening' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendopax-east-2012rhythm-thief-and-the-emperors-treasuresegaFri, 06 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines multiplayer, or 'How Gearbox played as Xenomorphs and dissected its guests']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/aliens-colonial-marines-multiplayer-or-how-gearbox-played-as/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/aliens-colonial-marines-multiplayer-or-how-gearbox-played-as/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/aliens-colonial-marines-multiplayer-or-how-gearbox-played-as/#comments ImageAt a recent preview event for Aliens: Colonial Marines, developer Gearbox didn't let us play through the single-player portion of its upcoming shooter, but gave us a shot at commanding our own marine in multiplayer. Playing Team Deathmatch, journalists took the reigns as marines, while a group of Gearbox employees faced off against as us the frightening Xenomorphs.

If you're familiar with team deathmatch from other shooters, Aliens: Colonial Marines will do little to surprise you. The multiplayer is asymmetrical, meaning the two sides of the conflict are pretty different in terms of abilities and play styles. While we didn't get to play as the aliens, we did get to watch them be played, which showed us that there is a least a little here that makes this different from your everyday red vs. blue combat situation.

Gallery: Aliens: Colonial Marines (4/4/12)

Continue reading Aliens: Colonial Marines multiplayer, or 'How Gearbox played as Xenomorphs and dissected its guests'

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines multiplayer, or 'How Gearbox played as Xenomorphs and dissected its guests' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinesgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3segawii-uxboxWed, 04 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega canceling games, cutting jobs in US and Europe to restructure [update: SOA statement]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/sega-canceling-games-cutting-jobs-in-us-and-europe-to-restructu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/sega-canceling-games-cutting-jobs-in-us-and-europe-to-restructu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/sega-canceling-games-cutting-jobs-in-us-and-europe-to-restructu/#comments Sega's forecasts for the fiscal year ending March 31 have been adjusted down -- expected net income is down 47.4% -- and Sega Sammy's board of directors have enacted a drastic plan to reduce operating costs in the future.

Sadly, this plan involves the "streamlining" of Sega's operations in the US and Europe, to "create a smaller company positioned for sustained profitability." There is currently no word on how many jobs are being cut, or where, to create this smaller company.

The plan also includes a narrowing of Sega's lineup, to focus on franchises that the company expects to sell in the US and Europe, including Sonic, Football Manager, Total War, and Aliens. That refocusing means some games have been canceled, though specific titles were not announced.

Sega's "extraordinary loss" (caused in part by costs from this restructuring) will see the company's expected profits drop from 38 billion yen ($462 million) to 20 billion yen ($243 million,) with sales revenue dipping about a half-billion dollars. The cancellation of these projects and this reform is estimated to have a 7.1 billion yen ($86.5 million) price tag.

Update: After the break, find Sega of America's full statement.

Continue reading Sega canceling games, cutting jobs in US and Europe to restructure [update: SOA statement]

JoystiqSega canceling games, cutting jobs in US and Europe to restructure [update: SOA statement] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsfinanciallayoffsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3restructuringsegasega-sammy-holdingswiixboxFri, 30 Mar 2012 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Try Phantasy Star Online 2's character creation April 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/try-phantasy-star-online-2s-character-creation-april-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/try-phantasy-star-online-2s-character-creation-april-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/try-phantasy-star-online-2s-character-creation-april-5/#comments On April 5, PC gamers will be able to indulge any cautious optimism they may have about Phantasy Star Online 2 with a character creation demo. Of course, it'll be in Japanese, but we don't anticipate too many problems adjusting hair color on a slider.

That'll be open to all; a beta test held later in April will be capped at 100,000 participants. It might be less exciting to build a character and then not do anything with it, but it's more exciting than being fully shut out of the game.

JoystiqTry Phantasy Star Online 2's character creation April 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacharacter-creationclosed-betademopcphantasy-star-online-2segaMon, 26 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantasy Star Online 2 is free-to-play, also coming to smartphones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/phantasy-star-online-2-is-free-to-play-also-coming-to-smartphon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/phantasy-star-online-2-is-free-to-play-also-coming-to-smartphon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/phantasy-star-online-2-is-free-to-play-also-coming-to-smartphon/#comments Phantasy Star Online 2 isn't exactly the Dreamcast-era throwback we expected. Sega is embracing the future for its pricing model -- the infinitely expensive, vaguely annoying future. Sega announced a free-to-download, free-to-play model for the PC/Vita online action RPG during a streaming media event this morning. Revenue will come from item transactions.

Sega also announced a version of the game for iOS and Android. This won't exactly be the full game; according to Andriasang, Sega promised "social game elements," and simpler controls and character creation. Data will be shared between the phone and PC/Vita versions, but crossplay will not be possible. This version is due winter 2012, between the summer PC release and the 2013 Vita release.

JoystiqPhantasy Star Online 2 is free-to-play, also coming to smartphones originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfree-to-playiosiphonemobilepcphantasy-star-online-2playstationplaystation-vitasegavitaMon, 26 Mar 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Total War Shogun 2, other Sega titles on sale for PC at Amazon until Saturday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/total-war-shogun-2-other-sega-titles-on-sale-for-pc-at-amazon-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/total-war-shogun-2-other-sega-titles-on-sale-for-pc-at-amazon-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/total-war-shogun-2-other-sega-titles-on-sale-for-pc-at-amazon-u/#comments Until Saturday, Amazon has several Sega titles deeply discounted for procurement through downloadable means. Although the sale has been going on all week, both Total War Shogun 2 and Shogun 2: Rise of the Samurai were added today, at $7.49 and $2.49, respectively.

Other deals include Sonic the Hedgehog: Episode 1 for $5, along with Sonic Generations and the 48-game Sega arcade bundle for $7.50 apiece.

If strategy and platforming isn't your thing, there's also the non-Sega NBA2K12 for sale at $10.

JoystiqTotal War Shogun 2, other Sega titles on sale for PC at Amazon until Saturday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonpcSegashogun-2-total-warThu, 22 Mar 2012 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Lady Shotgun Games: new studio from Tomb Raider devs, working on iOS game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/lady-shotgun-games-new-studio-from-tomb-raider-devs-working-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/lady-shotgun-games-new-studio-from-tomb-raider-devs-working-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/lady-shotgun-games-new-studio-from-tomb-raider-devs-working-on/#comments Lady Shotgun Games is a brand new studio being put together by two developers who formerly worked with Eidos on the Tomb Raider franchise, and a number of other studios including Sony and Sega. Anna Marsh and Sarah van Rompaey have decided to leave the big studios and try to go indie. Along with a team of freelancers, they are hoping to make a splash with "a great game for mobile on a realistic budget."

The name of the company might suggest that it's a girl power thing, but though many of the company's workers are female, Marsh tells Gamasutra it's more of a developer power thing. The goal is to create a studio with a remote staff to support "the idea that this could really work with a group of experienced freelance developers who all knew how to manage their own time, work as a remote team and take responsibility for their own work."

The studio's first title will be a universal iOS app, with a chance for other platforms later, and Marsh teases that it's a casual title with "a tongue-in-cheek narrative" and "depth in the right places." The game will be revealed later on this summer, and you can see some early concepts over on the official blog.

JoystiqLady Shotgun Games: new studio from Tomb Raider devs, working on iOS game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anna-marsheidosiosipadiphonelady-shotgun-gamesmobilesarah-von-rompaeysegasonytomb-raiderThu, 22 Mar 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bayonetta making a cameo in Anarchy Reigns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/bayonetta-making-a-cameo-in-anarchy-reigns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/bayonetta-making-a-cameo-in-anarchy-reigns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/bayonetta-making-a-cameo-in-anarchy-reigns/#comments Bayonetta may not be getting a big sequel to her high-kicking 2010 debut just yet, but she will be making a cameo appearance in this year's Platinum Games console release, Anarchy Reigns. Famitsu has the exclusive reveal of Bayonetta's guest appearance in the game, alongside ... pretty much zero other news about her inclusion in the game.

Given the inclusion of MadWorld's Jack Cayman as a playable character, we're taking a wild guess that Bayonetta will take the same route. We've reached out to Sega in the meantime for more info.

JoystiqBayonetta making a cameo in Anarchy Reigns originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-reignsbayonettacameoguest-charactermax-anarchymicrosoftplatinum-gamesplaystationps3segaxboxWed, 21 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Binary Domain called to PC in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/binary-domain-called-to-pc-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/binary-domain-called-to-pc-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/binary-domain-called-to-pc-in-april/#comments The set of platforms on which you can play Binary Domain will soon no longer be ... an area composed only of two things. Sega announced today that Binary Domain is coming to the PC in North America and Europe this April.

"As well as the excitement generated by Binary Domain in the console press we were seeing increasing numbers of players asking for a PC version," said Sega's SVP of Marketing Gary Knight. "So we listened and we delivered." Of course, being a PC game, it's being released both retail and digitally -- Steam puts an April 6 date on its version, which comes with some totally '80s ninja costumes.

JoystiqBinary Domain called to PC in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>binary-domainpcq2-2012release-datesegaMon, 19 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Shenmue 1 and 2 HD finished, hitting XBLA/PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/rumor-shenmue-1-and-2-hd-finished-hitting-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/rumor-shenmue-1-and-2-hd-finished-hitting-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/rumor-shenmue-1-and-2-hd-finished-hitting-xbla-psn/#comments All right, before we go any further than that headline up there, we want everyone playing along at home to go to the kitchen and bring back one of those big cardboard cylinders of Morton's salt with the little metal flap on top.

Got it? Okay great, because you're going to need more than a grain for this one: HD versions of Shenmue 1 and 2 have been completed for more than a year and are pending release on XBLA and PSN, according to an anonymous source reporting to Gamerzines. The source goes on to say that Sega has been sitting on the remakes while it decides the fate of a potential Shenmue 3, though the source did not specify what that fate is.

Look, we're not saying that it isn't true, or that we don't want HD remakes of two of our favorite games ever, because of course we do. We just want you to be careful and not get your precious little hopes up, only to have them dashed to pieces -- your broken, mangled hearts never able to trust or love again.

JoystiqRumor: Shenmue 1 and 2 HD finished, hitting XBLA/PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dreamcastmicrosoftplaystationps3PSNSEGAshenmueshenmue-2Shenmue-2-HDShenmue-3Shenmue-HDXBLAxboxSat, 17 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza: Dead Souls review: What a twist!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/yakuza-dead-souls-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/yakuza-dead-souls-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/yakuza-dead-souls-review/#comments I've got to hand it to Yakuza: Dead Souls. It resurrects an old antagonist with a prosthetic gun-arm, unleashes a zombie apocalypse on Tokyo and still manages to take itself seriously. The only real difference between Dead Souls and Yakuza 4 is some thoroughly mediocre gunplay and, well, the living dead.

It's not a terrible idea when it comes down to it. Half the fun is seeing how Yakuza's eclectic cast deals with being recast in what amounts to a Resident Evil game. It has resident psychopath Goro Majima waging a one-man war against the undead horde. It has Kazuma Kiryu punching out a zombie for heaven's sake. It's all good fun, particularly for existing fans of the series.

Gallery: Yakuza: Dead Souls (PS3)

Continue reading Yakuza: Dead Souls review: What a twist!

JoystiqYakuza: Dead Souls review: What a twist! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3segayakuza-dead-soulsyakuza-of-the-endFri, 16 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Game Gear, Samurai Shodown IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/nintendoware-weekly-game-gear-samurai-shodown-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/nintendoware-weekly-game-gear-samurai-shodown-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/nintendoware-weekly-game-gear-samurai-shodown-iv/#comments It's the Virtual Consoliest day of 2012! Between the Wii and 3DS, there are four new Virtual Console games you can buy today. On 3DS, of course, that means Game Gear support has arrived. On Wii, it means Samurai Shodown IV, originally for Neo Geo.

There's also some free entertainment to be found on the 3DS Nintendo Video service, where a 3D Kid Icarus anime is probably being delivered to you over SpotPass right this second.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Game Gear, Samurai Shodown IV

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Game Gear, Samurai Shodown IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdragon-crystaldsdsiwareeshopgame-gearnintendonintendoware-weeklypirates-assaultsamurai-shodown-ivsegashinobisonic-triple-troublewiiwiiwareThu, 15 Mar 2012 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[House of the Dead 4 opens its doors on PSN April 17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/house-of-the-dead-4-opens-its-doors-on-psn-april-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/house-of-the-dead-4-opens-its-doors-on-psn-april-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/house-of-the-dead-4-opens-its-doors-on-psn-april-17/#comments
A new Sega arcade shooter comes home for the first time next month, when House of the Dead 4 hits PS3 on April 17, for $9.99.

House of the Dead 4 gains a few augmentations in its trip to PSN, including HD graphics, Move support, a slew of new Trophies to unlock and additional levels found in House of the Dead 4 Special. It's no Overkill, but it's a nice bonus for franchise fans who never tracked this one down in the arcade.

JoystiqHouse of the Dead 4 opens its doors on PSN April 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>house-of-the-dead-4moveplaystationplaystation-moveps3psnrelease-datesegaThu, 15 Mar 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The best mobile games of GDC 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/the-best-mobile-games-of-gdc-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/the-best-mobile-games-of-gdc-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/the-best-mobile-games-of-gdc-2012/#comments We've picked out five of the most interesting new mobile titles seen at the Game Developers Conference this year. One of them is available now, and the others are coming soon, all from studios and developers of varying talents and reputations. Read on to see the cream of the crop from the mobile side of this year's GDC.

Continue reading The best mobile games of GDC 2012

JoystiqThe best mobile games of GDC 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-mailchillingocoderunnergdc-2012iosipadiphonemobilenimblebitone-man-leftoutwitterspocket-planessegatotal-war-battlestotal-war-battles-shogunWed, 14 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Gear emulation outclasses the other 3DS Virtual Console games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/game-gear-emulation-outclasses-the-other-3ds-virtual-console-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/game-gear-emulation-outclasses-the-other-3ds-virtual-console-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/game-gear-emulation-outclasses-the-other-3ds-virtual-console-gam/#comments
With the arrival of a new system on the 3DS Virtual Console -- the Sega Game Gear -- comes a new hardware emulator. And the one Sega and developer M2 put together is really, really nice! Nicer than I'm used to for Virtual Console games, honestly, and including a full suite of tweaks and features.

Do you want to play your game inside a tiny 3D Game Gear? You can do that. Would you like said Game Gear to be a rare limited-edition color variant? You can totally do that too. Excited by the application of more than minimal effort toward the presentation of retro games, I recorded this quick video.

Though I didn't bring it up here, there's also a "performance" option that, I believe, allows for system-accurate slowdown (or lack thereof). I didn't see any difference with Sonic, so it wasn't going to make for great video. Sonic arrives tomorrow on the 3DS eShop, along with Shinobi and Dragon Crystal.

JoystiqGame Gear emulation outclasses the other 3DS Virtual Console games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsm2nintendosegasonic-triple-troublevirtual-consoleWed, 14 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Monkey Ball for Vita lets you generate levels from photos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/super-monkey-ball-for-vita-lets-you-generate-levels-from-photos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/super-monkey-ball-for-vita-lets-you-generate-levels-from-photos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/super-monkey-ball-for-vita-lets-you-generate-levels-from-photos/#comments Yes, there's a Super Monkey Ball game on PlayStation Vita, because the Vita is a device capable of playing video games. Sega has officially begun promoting the game in Japan, announcing a June 14 release date in that region, and a Japanese title: Super Monkey Ball Tokumori Asobita! (It's Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz over here).

The Vita game features a level editor that allows players to generate new Monkey Ball levels from photos. There's also a weird two-player co-op mode that tethers two Monkey Balls together with a line. Other than that, it's the Monkey Ball you know and loved until you got so frustrated you swore you'd never play again.

JoystiqSuper Monkey Ball for Vita lets you generate levels from photos originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanplaystationplaystation-vitasegasuper-monkey-ball-banana-splitzsuper-monkey-ball-vitavitaWed, 14 Mar 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Jet Set Radio HD retains US-version content, half of original track list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/jet-set-radio-hd-retains-us-version-content-half-of-original-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/jet-set-radio-hd-retains-us-version-content-half-of-original-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/jet-set-radio-hd-retains-us-version-content-half-of-original-tr/#comments Stripping out Jet Set Radio's eclectic mix of original and licensed music would be a vandalism far worse than that perpetrated by its roving band of cel-shaded graffiti artists. Sega's proposal of a high-definition update to the cherished and influential Dreamcast game skated around the question, but now we know just how much of the music will remain intact: 16 tracks, roughly half of the 30 shipped between the North American and European versions.

Sega tells Joystiq it made every effort to pursue and re-license all the music, but cost and even the availability of certain music publishers became an impediment. In the end, Jet Set Radio keeps its original music (composed by Hideki Naganuma), and several fan favorites like "Magical Girl" (Guitar Vader) and "Funky Radio" (B.B. Rights). We'll probably survive without Rob Zombie.

Though the NTSC- and PAL-specific tracks haven't made the cut, the levels developed for those versions (including Grind Square) will be included with this summer's HD port. The preservation may not be flawless, but the presentation nearly is -- Jet Set Radio's bold, cartoonish aesthetic benefits immensely from the higher resolution, 16:9 display and 60 frames-per-second output. Oh, and there's one more thing you didn't have before: a second analogue stick to steer the camera!

Gallery: Jet Set Radio (3/13/12)

Continue reading Jet Set Radio HD retains US-version content, half of original track list

JoystiqJet Set Radio HD retains US-version content, half of original track list originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2012hideki-naganumajet-grind-radiojet-set-radiomicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnsegaxblaxboxTue, 13 Mar 2012 17:32:00 EST