Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Reliving the controversy of Phantasmagoria]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/reliving-the-controversy-of-phantasmagoria/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/reliving-the-controversy-of-phantasmagoria/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/reliving-the-controversy-of-phantasmagoria/#comments This is Making Time, a column about the games we've always wanted to play, and the games we've always wanted to play again.

Reliving the controversy of Phantasmagoria
I have a confession to make. The only reason this column exists is because I wanted an excuse to write about Phantasmagoria, an adventure game created by industry pioneer Roberta Williams. Not that I could have told you who Roberta Williams was when I first played the game in the mid-1990s. I played the majority of the game on my friends Danny and Mikey's computer. My family didn't have much of a PC at the time, but Danny and Mikey had a 486 beast that could run Windows 95 and a glut of incredible games I couldn't get at home. (Maybe I'll tell you about my family's PCJr in a future column.)

In some ways, Phantasmagoria is the quintessential 90s game, borrowing elements - intentionally or not - from some of the decade's biggest phenomena. Released in 1995, it was smack in the middle of publisher Sierra's adventure game heyday. Like CD-ROM sensation Myst, all the characters are rendered using full-motion video, while the environments are all composed of static, pre-rendered 3D backgrounds. And, like Mortal Kombat and Night Trap before it, Phantasmagoria's realistic and often gruesome depiction of its characters stirred up controversy.

Gallery: Making Time: Phantasmagoria

Continue reading Reliving the controversy of Phantasmagoria

JoystiqReliving the controversy of Phantasmagoria originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>making-timepcphantasmagoriasierrasierra-onlineMon, 11 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Leisure Suit Larry creator talks dirty about the past and future of the mature series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/leisure-suit-larry-creator-talks-dirty-about-the-past-and-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/leisure-suit-larry-creator-talks-dirty-about-the-past-and-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/leisure-suit-larry-creator-talks-dirty-about-the-past-and-future/#comments ImageAfter seeing success, both Leisure Suit Larry and his creator Al Lowe fell upon dark times. Lowe and his polyester-clad protagonist have lived through the rise and fall of Sierra On-Line, multiple intellectual property changes, and two very poor attempts at bringing Larry to a new generation of gamers.

"It was like seeing a video from your son's kidnappers!" Lowe told Joystiq. "On one hand he's still alive but it's like, 'Oh God, what are they doing to him!' And it just pained me to watch it happen. You know I put ten years of my life into that guy and he was very good to me."

Leisure Suit Larry starred in seven titles under the Sierra banner, turning it into a billion dollar business for founders Ken and Roberta Williams. But success would be bittersweet for both Lowe and the Williams family, as Sierra On-Line found itself ensnared in the middle of a hostile takeover that would evolve into one of most infamous scams in video game business history.

Continue reading Leisure Suit Larry creator talks dirty about the past and future of the mature series

JoystiqLeisure Suit Larry creator talks dirty about the past and future of the mature series originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Al-LoweandroidiosipadKickstarterleisure-suit-larrymobilepcSierra-OnlineVivendi-UniversalWalter-ForbesThu, 10 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Quest creators reunite for new 'Spaceventure']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/15/space-quest-creators-reunite-for-new-spaceventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/15/space-quest-creators-reunite-for-new-spaceventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/15/space-quest-creators-reunite-for-new-spaceventure/#comments Image
Scott Murphy and Mark Crowe, the "Two Guys from Andromeda" responsible for the classic Space Quest series of Sierra On-Line adventure games have reunited and are hard at work creating a new Spaceventure[TM] game.

While details are slim at the moment, the new title is said to incorporate the "same style of comedy, wonder and excellence you expect from a Two Guys adventure," according to the duo's new site. The pair also recognize how much has changed in game design and distribution since Space Quest: The Sarien Encounter released in 1986: "The way games are made and gotten into a player's home has changed greatly ... We are adapting to the changes, taking advantage of them and charting our own course through space and looking forward to finding that 'new game smell.'"

The Two Guys From Andromeda are also hiring for the project, and while many positions have already been filled, they still have openings for a 3D Character Artist, Senior Game Developer and Sound Designer.

Perhaps most surprisingly of all, we've yet to find any mention of a Kickstarter anywhere.

[Thanks, P.C.!]

JoystiqSpace Quest creators reunite for new 'Spaceventure' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guys-from-andromedaMark-CroweScott-Murphysierra-onlinespace-questspace-quest-the-sarien-encountertwo-guys-from-andromedaSun, 15 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unauthorized Sierra adventure games portal Sarien.net ceases upon Activision order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/unauthorized-sierra-adventure-games-portal-sarien-net-ceases-upo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/unauthorized-sierra-adventure-games-portal-sarien-net-ceases-upo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/unauthorized-sierra-adventure-games-portal-sarien-net-ceases-upo/#comments Sarien.net, "the portal that once stood for reliving classic Sierra On-Line adventure games" (for free), has been shut down following a cease-and-desist order issued by IP owner Activision. The site's creator, Mr. Kool (real name!), has posted the letter from Activision's legal counsel on the Sarien homepage.

"While we appreciate your dedication to the Sierra classic library and understand that you are a fan of these games, Activision has not authorized the development or distribution of these games via your Website," the order reads. "Accordingly, we must demand that you immediately cease any further distribution or exploitation of the Sierra Games on your Website."

Kool launched Sarien way back in April 2009, but it seemingly took this month's implementation of iPhone and iPad browser support (for all of the site's AGI-powered games) for Activision to take notice. "Wait till you see my new World of Warcraft in javascript," Kool quipped in a tweet. "Oh wait, that's Activision too..."

[Thanks, Ryan; image source: MobyGames]

JoystiqUnauthorized Sierra adventure games portal Sarien.net ceases upon Activision order originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadventure-gamesagibrowser-basedcease-and-desistlegalmacmartin-koolpcportalr.i.p.sarienshutdownsierrasierra-entertainmentsierra-onlineThu, 27 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sierra On-Line games playable on iPad via web app (for now)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/sierra-on-line-games-playable-on-ipad-via-web-app-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/sierra-on-line-games-playable-on-ipad-via-web-app-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/sierra-on-line-games-playable-on-ipad-via-web-app-for-now/#comments It's almost certainly a matter of time before the subject of this post is struck down with an Activision-branded cease and desist, so listen up: Using a bit of sorcery, Sarien.net has made its catalog of Sierra On-Line adventure games (including hits like Space Quest, King's Quest and Leisure Suit Larry) playable on the iPad. To access the games, just visit Sarien's website, pick your game and bookmark it. It's alarmingly easy.

Again, we can't imagine Activision smiles upon any of its IPs being distributed so freely and simply, so the games probably won't be available for long. We suggest you get to perp-busting/galaxy-saving/womanizing at your earliest convenience.

JoystiqSierra On-Line games playable on iPad via web app (for now) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ipadkings-questleisure-suit-larrymobilepolice-questsarienSierraSierra-OnlineSat, 15 Jan 2011 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[The fate of Red Baron Arcade is unclear]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/the-fate-of-red-baron-arcade-is-unclear/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/the-fate-of-red-baron-arcade-is-unclear/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/the-fate-of-red-baron-arcade-is-unclear/#commentsFiled under:


When the giant Actiblizzard katamari acquired Sierra's game properties, the fate of Red Baron Arcade became unclear. The PSN game was scheduled for a release last September, but has since disappeared off the face of the earth. Gamers Platform is reporting that the game is canceled: "Sadly, Red Baron was never completed; they had to stop the project when Sierra Online was incorporated into Activision-Vivendi."

Our own contacts confirmed that Sierra Online is no more, but could not verify if the game has been canceled. "I can't confirm that the game itself has been canceled. Sierra Online is no longer however, so they won't publish."

Considering no one seems to know if the game exists anymore, it's probably safe to assume that the project is dead.

JoystiqThe fate of Red Baron Arcade is unclear originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>red-baron-arcadesierra-onlineThu, 13 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Servers for 21 Sierra games shutting down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/servers-for-21-sierra-games-shutting-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/servers-for-21-sierra-games-shutting-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/servers-for-21-sierra-games-shutting-down/#commentsFiled under: ,


What's left of Sierra after the great Activision/Vivendi merger recently announced that it will shut down 21 game servers on Nov. 1.

The list is populated by titles that are from a few years back, but there are some goodies on there. No reason was given for the closure, but obviously Activision-Blizzard didn't want to pay the electric bill for them anymore. The full list of titles scheduled for online closure can be found after the break.

[Via Eurogamer]

Continue reading Servers for 21 Sierra games shutting down

JoystiqServers for 21 Sierra games shutting down originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardPCsierrasierra-onlinevivendiWed, 08 Oct 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Zombie Wranglers shambles to XBLA soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/rumor-zombie-wranglers-shambles-to-xbla-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/rumor-zombie-wranglers-shambles-to-xbla-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/rumor-zombie-wranglers-shambles-to-xbla-soon/#commentsFiled under: ,


click to embiggen

Tipster VIP0R informs us that someone at Microsoft may have made a little boo-boo this morning. While browsing Inside Xbox, VIP0R came across the page pictured above. According to the page, the Sierra Online's Zombie Wranglers is already available on Xbox Live Arcade. Unfortunately, this contradicts the fact that the game is not, in fact, available on Xbox Live Arcade. VIP0R informs us that the link in the page led to a blank page. Furthermore, it seems the Inside Xbox page has now been replaced with a more appropriate page regarding Feeding Frenzy 2.

Does this mean we'll be seeing Zombie Wranglers next week? It's possible, though certainly not assured. Heck, it's possible the image above is no more than Photoshop trickery, though it looks legit to us. We'd be happy to see Zombie Wranglers release next week, so long as it doesn't interfere with the launch of Duke Nukem 3D, of course.

JoystiqRumor: Zombie Wranglers shambles to XBLA soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadelive-arcadesierra-onlinexblaxbox-live-arcadezombie-wranglersThu, 18 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Elements of Destruction and Sea Life Safari]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-elements-of-destruction-and-sea-life-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-elements-of-destruction-and-sea-life-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-elements-of-destruction-and-sea-life-sa/#commentsFiled under:

XBLA in Brief examines two unusual Xbox Live Arcade titles this week. First up is Elements of Destruction which has players essentially playing as nature itself, using tornadoes, earthquakes, and lightning to destroy everything in sight. Sea Life Safari on the other hand, is a game about taking pictures of fish. See? Kind of different for XBLA, isn't it? Watch the new episode and decide if either is worth your hardearned MS Points.

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JoystiqX3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Elements of Destruction and Sea Life Safari originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elements-of-destructionfrozen-codebasesea-life-safarisierrasierra-onlinethqwanakowild-tangentwildtangentx3f-tvxbla-in-briefWed, 18 Jun 2008 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[An XBLA Twofer: Elements of Destruction and Sea Life Safari]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/an-xbla-twofer-elements-of-destruction-and-sea-life-safari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/an-xbla-twofer-elements-of-destruction-and-sea-life-safari/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/an-xbla-twofer-elements-of-destruction-and-sea-life-safari/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's going to be an "interesting" Xbox Live Arcade release this week as we're being treated to an XBLA twofer this Wednesday, June 18th with the release of both Elements of Destruction and Sea Life Safari.

Frozen Codebase's 800 Microsoft point Elements of Destruction is a destruction sim, where your goal is to destroy, blow up and "kablam!" as many things as possible. With two player online and local multiplayer, versus or cooperative and the feeling of having god-like powers, Elements of Destruction may be something to check out.

The other XBLA release this week is Wanako's Sea Life Safari (also 800 MS points) where the goal is to explore the ocean and take pictures of underwater creatures. No joke. Now, we aren't going to pre-judge Sea Life Safari (though we really, really want to), but we have a feeling that a sea creature photography game is a very niche gaming experience. Anyhoo, check out all the new XBLA screenshot goodness in the galleries below.


JoystiqAn XBLA Twofer: Elements of Destruction and Sea Life Safari originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elements-of-destructionfrozen-codebasesea-life-safarisierrasierra-onlinewanakoxblaMon, 16 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Aces of the Galaxy and Roogoo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-aces-of-the-galaxy-and-roogoo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-aces-of-the-galaxy-and-roogoo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-aces-of-the-galaxy-and-roogoo/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's another double dose of games this week for XBLA in Brief. This time, we examine Aces of the Galaxy and Roogoo. Aces of the Galaxy is an on-rails space shooter, whereas Roogoo is a puzzle game. What are the odds that both of them are actually pretty good? Frankly, we think those odds are fairly slim, but we're happy to say that both games manage to impress in their own way. Watch the latest episode and find out if either game is right for you.

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JoystiqX3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Aces of the Galaxy and Roogoo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeartechartech-studioslive-arcaderoogoosierrasierra-onlinesouthpeaksouthpeak-gamesspidermonkx3f-tvxblaxbla-in-briefxbox-live-arcadeWed, 04 Jun 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Aces of the Galaxy hitting XBLA next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/aces-of-the-galaxy-hitting-xbla-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/aces-of-the-galaxy-hitting-xbla-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/aces-of-the-galaxy-hitting-xbla-next-week/#commentsFiled under: ,


It seems it's been a trend lately for XBLA games to release in pairs and while we were a bit less than thrilled with this week's releases, next week does look better. In addition to Roogoo, June 4 will also see the release of the co-op space shooter Aces of the Galaxy. Little to nothing has been revealed about the game so far but XBLA thankfully gives us trial versions, and the graphics and co-op play give us more than enough reason to give it try. From what we can infer the game could be worth its 800pt price tag, we just wish Artech had gotten more out there about it.

JoystiqAces of the Galaxy hitting XBLA next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 May 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aces-of-the-galaxyartechsierrasierra-onlinexblaFri, 30 May 2008 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA in Brief: Assault Heroes 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/xbla-in-brief-assault-heroes-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/xbla-in-brief-assault-heroes-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/xbla-in-brief-assault-heroes-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In the latest XBLA in Brief, we check out Assault Heroes 2, the sequel to one of Xbox Live Arcade's best action titles. The sequel takes the foundations of the first game and adds new weapons and vehicles into the mix. The on-foot gameplay has been dramatically improved as well. Check out the video and find out whether or not Assault Heroes 2 belongs in your XBLA library.

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JoystiqXBLA in Brief: Assault Heroes 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 May 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-heroesassault-heroes-2sierra-onlinewanakoWanako-Studiosx3f-tvxblaxbla-in-briefxbox-live-arcadeThu, 15 May 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assault Heroes 2 assaults XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/assault-heroes-2-assaults-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/assault-heroes-2-assaults-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/assault-heroes-2-assaults-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,


click to enlarge
After all the Spring Showcase excitement yesterday, it's hard to come to terms with the fact that it's just another plain ol' Wednesday now. How could you possibly stifle the Wednesday doldrums? Oh that's right, it's Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday! That means there's a brand new Xbox Live Arcade game available. To top it all off, it's actually a sequel to one of XBLA's best shooters. Yup, it's Assault Heroes 2. It's like Assault Heroes, except with more weapons, new vehicles, and, of course, more massive destruction. Go grab the trial version and see whether or not massive destruction is your thing (we're betting it is).

Let's just hope they fixed the faulty co-op this time around.

JoystiqAssault Heroes 2 assaults XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-heroesassault-heroes-2sierra-onlinewanakoWanako-Studiosxblaxbox-live-arcadeWed, 14 May 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: Assault Heroes 2 shoots everything on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/this-wednesday-assault-heroes-2-shoots-everything-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/this-wednesday-assault-heroes-2-shoots-everything-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/this-wednesday-assault-heroes-2-shoots-everything-on-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're afraid the sequel to Assault Heroes is still not an open-ended, city-dwelling game where you're tasked with punching firemen and war veterans. Sierra Online's Assault Heroes 2, which is scheduled to demolish the Xbox Live Arcade lineup this Wednesday, is very much in line with 2006's omni-directional shooter, though we suspect we won't be able to make jokes about a broken multiplayer mode this time.

Instead, we'll have to deliver punchlines that involve the sequel's more destructive weaponry, ability to hi-jack enemy vehicles and high volume of "relentless enemies and outrageous bosses." And sometimes, it has all of that, with two-player co-op ... in space! It's yours for 800 MS Points ($10).

Gallery: Assault Heroes 2

JoystiqThis Wednesday: Assault Heroes 2 shoots everything on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 May 2008 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assault-HeroesAssault-Heroes-2MicrosoftSierra-OnlineWanako-GamesWanako-StudiosXBLAXblaWednesdayXbox-360Xbox-LiveMon, 12 May 2008 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Assault Heroes 2 assaults the XBLA this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/assault-heroes-2-assaults-the-xbla-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/assault-heroes-2-assaults-the-xbla-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/assault-heroes-2-assaults-the-xbla-this-week/#commentsFiled under: ,


Is should come as no surprise that this Wednesday, May 14th, Sierra's Assault Heroes 2 will make its release to the Xbox Live Arcade to the joy of arcade gamers worldwide. This 800 Microsoft point sequel builds upon the original Assault Heroes formula by making battles more intense, adding new weaponry, making vehicles hijackable and, of course, co-op gaming. Get excited, because lots of "boom!", "kablaam!" and "sizzle!" is headed to the XBLA this week.

JoystiqAssault Heroes 2 assaults the XBLA this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 May 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-heroesassault-heroes-2sierraSierra-Onlinewanako-studiosxblaMon, 12 May 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: meet the bosses of Assault Heroes 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/video-meet-the-bosses-of-assault-heroes-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/video-meet-the-bosses-of-assault-heroes-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/video-meet-the-bosses-of-assault-heroes-2/#commentsFiled under: ,

With less than a week to go before Assault Heroes 2 arrives on Xbox Live Arcade (it's scheduled to drop on May 14), Sierra is ramping up the publicity, releasing a new two part trailer featuring some of the game's massive bosses. There seems to be an obsession with throwing mechanized versions of various fauna at players this time around, as the bosses featured in the video are the Mecha Gorilla, Mech Scorpion, Mecha Killer Orca (really?), Mecha Snake, Mecha Quadruped, and Mecha Demolition (guess they ran out of animals with that last one). Suffice it to say that the bosses are appropriately huge and they seem to be capable of dealing death quite adequately. We approve. Find the second trailer after the break.

Continue reading Video: meet the bosses of Assault Heroes 2

JoystiqVideo: meet the bosses of Assault Heroes 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 May 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-heroesassault-heroes-2sierrasierra-onlinewanakoWanako-Studiosxblaxbox-live-arcadeThu, 08 May 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assault Heroes 2 video extravaganza]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/assault-heroes-2-video-extravaganza/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/assault-heroes-2-video-extravaganza/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/assault-heroes-2-video-extravaganza/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Look! It's an Assault Heroes 2 video extravaganza complete with seconds upon seconds of explosive in-game Assault Heroes 2 action! Watch as destruction is dealt out in two player cooperation. Watch as tanks fall apart, choppers drop from the sky and points get accrued. And all that's just in the one video above! There are two more Assault Heroes 2 gameplay videos embedded after the break that promise twice as much video goodness. That's why we're calling it a video extravaganza!

Continue reading Assault Heroes 2 video extravaganza

JoystiqAssault Heroes 2 video extravaganza originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-heroesassault-heroes-2sierraSierra-OnlineWanako-StudiosxblaWed, 30 Apr 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Assorted Sierra XBLA games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-assorted-sierra-xbla-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-assorted-sierra-xbla-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-assorted-sierra-xbla-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sierra recently showed off its upcoming crop of XBLA games at a media event. While a couple have promise, most could be buried by the quantity or quality of competitors. All are confirmed only for XBLA, but Sierra is considering PSN versions of most. All will be out this Summer.

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Assorted Sierra XBLA games

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Assorted Sierra XBLA games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-heroesassault-heroes-2downloadgin-rummylost-citiesMicrosoftonlinepsnsea-lifeSierra-Onlinesierra-spring-event08Wanako-StudiosxblaXbox-360zombie-wranglersMon, 28 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Lost Cities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-lost-cities/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-lost-cities/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-lost-cities/#commentsFiled under: ,

This week on XBLA in Brief, we check out Lost Cities. For a game about exciting adventures and expeditions, it sure plays an awful lot like solitaire. Competitive solitaire. And guess what: it's actually really, really fun. Who knew? Check out the video above and learn why card and board game fans should definitely try Lost Cities.

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JoystiqX3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Lost Cities originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lost-citiessierrasierra-onlinex3f-tvxblaxbla-in-briefxbox-live-arcadeFri, 25 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Cities now found on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/lost-cities-now-found-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/lost-cities-now-found-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/lost-cities-now-found-on-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,


Another Wednesday, another Xbox Live Arcade release. This week brings us Lost Cities, a game that combines all the excitement of archaeology with the thrills of solitaire. No, seriously, it's actually really fun. It's so fun, in fact, that we've been playing the trial version over and over again this morning instead of writing this post. Apart from the archaeology / solitaire thing, the game somewhat defies description. Competitive solitaire, perhaps? Whatever you want to call it, board and card game nuts should definitely give it a go. The complete game is 800 MS bucks if you are so inclined.

JoystiqLost Cities now found on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lost-citiessierrasierra-onlinexblaxbox-live-arcadeWed, 23 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Cities is set to deal onto the XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/lost-cities-is-set-to-deal-onto-the-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/lost-cities-is-set-to-deal-onto-the-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/lost-cities-is-set-to-deal-onto-the-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft just announced that the adventure card game Lost Cities will be making its way to the Xbox Live Arcade for 800 Microsoft points this Wednesday, April 23rd. Lost Cities is an original card strategy game where players travel through exotic locations to outwit, outlast and outplay (sounds like an episode of Survivor) their opponents to card victory. More information available on Xbox.com and hidden deep within' the screenshots we carefully placed in the gallery below.

JoystiqLost Cities is set to deal onto the XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lost-citiessierrasierra-onlinexblaMon, 21 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototype website launches with DNA surprises]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/prototype-website-launches-with-dna-surprises/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/prototype-website-launches-with-dna-surprises/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/prototype-website-launches-with-dna-surprises/#commentsFiled under:

Sierra just sent word that they've launched the official Prototype website and hidden among all the flashy flash are new screenshots, videos and prequel bits for you to enjoy. But if you're interested in seeing the exclusive media, you'll have to work for it, because it's locked within the DNA. The DNA menu is a puzzle of sorts where you have to correctly switch DNA pairs to discover special media. For some, it may end up being a little too much work to handle, but for others, any new Prototype media or information is worth the effort. Heck, you may even discover that the game's multiplayer and co-op has been re-integrated. Don't hold your breath though.

JoystiqPrototype website launches with DNA surprises originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>prototyperadicalradical-entertainmentsierrasierra-onlineTue, 08 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assault Heroes 2 achievements (hint: shoot things)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/assault-heroes-2-achievements-hint-shoot-things/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/assault-heroes-2-achievements-hint-shoot-things/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/assault-heroes-2-achievements-hint-shoot-things/#commentsFiled under: ,

MyGamercard.net has revealed the achievements for Sierra Online and Wanako's upcoming XBLA shooter Assault Heroes 2. The secret to most of the achievements lies right there in the genre: shooting stuff. The trick is just how you shoot them and who you do it with. The achievements offer a nice mix of single and multiplayer achievements, and it doesn't sound like any of them are too difficult, but it's hard to say before we know how difficult the game is in general. Our favorite achievement is definitely Smoothie Heroes. Not only does the name reference a delicious frozen treat, but the description for obtaining the achievement earns points for creativity: "Co-op Campaign: Kill 100 infantry, one player freezes & the other shatters, on Hard in one session."

Hit the "read" link for the complete listing..

JoystiqAssault Heroes 2 achievements (hint: shoot things) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-heroesassault-heroes-2sierrasierra-onlinewanakoWanako-Studiosxblaxbox-live-arcadeThu, 03 Apr 2008 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sierra Online XBLA News]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/sierra-online-xbla-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/sierra-online-xbla-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/sierra-online-xbla-news/#commentsFiled under: ,


Appearing on the "Three Red Lights" podcast, Ross Erickson from Sierra Online gave the IGN Podcast a host of details regarding the company's upcoming games. The biggest of the news is that Assault Heroes 2 is actually completed, and is on the road to an April release. The second-most significant news would also be XBLA related, and regards the near-completion of Lost Cities. Concerning Lost Cities, there is still no word about he price, but the rumblings are that it could hit at 400 points. Among the smaller tidbits of information from the interview, Sierra is looking at giving adventure games a return, they're going to be publishing an award-winning XNA game, and as far as their number show, expansions tend to sell less than 50% of the originals.

[Via xblah]
[Read, Three Red Lights Podcast]

JoystiqSierra Online XBLA News originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-heroes-2sierra-onlinexblaxnaThu, 27 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Doom, Assault Heroes become $5 XBLA Hits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/assault-heroes-doom-become-5-xbla-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/assault-heroes-doom-become-5-xbla-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/assault-heroes-doom-become-5-xbla-hits/#commentsFiled under:

Perhaps, like us, you occasionally feel the urge to parade through the neighborhood, toting nothing but an impossibly huge rocket launcher and a desire to vaporize anything that, well, isn't you. And perhaps, like us, you realize (before it's too late) that these impractical desires are best expressed in video games such as Sierra Online's Assault Heroes or id Software's iconic Doom. It's certainly a lot cheaper.

In fact, the two aforementioned games will be added to Xbox Live's Arcade Hits program this Wednesday, March 19th, resulting in a 50% discount to 400 MS Points ($5) each. As Microsoft is keen to point out in the same press release, your determined point pinching may just come in handy for a lineup of new titles due to arrive on Xbox Live Arcade "in the near future:"

Continue reading Doom, Assault Heroes become $5 XBLA Hits

JoystiqDoom, Assault Heroes become $5 XBLA Hits originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-heroesassaultheroescommando-3doomMicrosoftrocky-and-bullwinkleshotest-shogiSierra-OnlineTiQalWanako-Studioswits-and-wagersWolf-of-the-battlefieldXbox-360Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Assault Heroes 2 blows up XBLA this Spring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/assault-heroes-2-blows-up-xbla-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/assault-heroes-2-blows-up-xbla-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/assault-heroes-2-blows-up-xbla-this-spring/#commentsFiled under: ,

Confirming an earlier ESRB listing, Sierra Online has announced a sequel to its popular top-down arcade shooter, Assault Heroes. Promising to "expand its horizons into outer space," Assault Heroes 2 will feature cooperative gameplay, hi-jackable enemy vehicles and, by the looks of things, at least one robot mammoth. We rather like those.

Developed by Wanako Studios, Assault Heroes 2 is scheduled to arrive on Xbox Live Arcade this Spring. Be sure to check out IGN's preview for further details.

Gallery: Assault Heroes 2

JoystiqAssault Heroes 2 blows up XBLA this Spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assault-HeroesAssault-Heroes-2MicrosoftSierra-OnlineSierraOnlineWanako-GamesWanako-StudiosXBLAXbox-360Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assault Heroes 2 coming to XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/assault-heroes-2-coming-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/assault-heroes-2-coming-to-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/assault-heroes-2-coming-to-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,

Though it's been on the radar before thanks to an early ERSB review, Assault Heroes 2 had never been an official XBLA title; until now. IGN posted a preview and video of the game and it already looks to be improving greatly on the original in a whole host of ways. Wanako Games is bringing us the sequel to the original hit with the community and feedback in mind, implementing changes such as putting more emphasis on co-op and creating more varied three-dimensional levels. The on-foot sections of the game have also been fleshed out, to raise them to the same level of quality as the rest of the game. Though the core gameplay and visual appearance are almost identical, those things weren't exactly broken to begin with, and should remain as engaging as ever when Assault Heroes 2 hits later on this spring.

JoystiqAssault Heroes 2 coming to XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assault-Heroesassault-heroes-2sierra-onlinewanako-gamesWanako-StudiosWed, 12 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA in Brief: Comanders: Attack of the Genos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/xbla-in-brief-comanders-attack-of-genos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/xbla-in-brief-comanders-attack-of-genos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/xbla-in-brief-comanders-attack-of-genos/#commentsFiled under: ,


In a lineup filled with puzzle games, fighters, and retro console and arcade relelases, a turn based strategy game tends to stand out on Xbox Live Arcade. With the genre previously represented solely by Band of Bugs, a new entrant is definitely welcome. Given our time with the trial version of Commanders: Attack of the Genos, we'd say that the welcome is deserved too. Read on to find out whether or not Commanders is worth your time and money.

Continue reading XBLA in Brief: Comanders: Attack of the Genos

JoystiqXBLA in Brief: Comanders: Attack of the Genos originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commanders-attack-of-genossierrasierra-onlinexblaxbla-in-briefxbox-live-arcadeWed, 13 Feb 2008 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Commanders and Discs of Tron hit XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/commanders-and-discs-of-tron-hit-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/commanders-and-discs-of-tron-hit-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/commanders-and-discs-of-tron-hit-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,


We love Wednesdays. Before Xbox Live Arcade came along, Wednesday was just one day closer to Friday, but now, it's a reason to celebrate ... most of the time anyway. This week we've got two new games to look forward to, Commanders: Attack of Genos and Discs of Tron. Commanders helps fill out the underrepresented turn based strategy genre on XBLA, while Discs of Tron helps fill out the ... um ... Frisbee battle genre. We're particularly anxious to give Commanders a try -- we loves us some turn based strategy -- and you can expect a full report once we do. Oh, and a note to whoever currently owns the license to X-COM, get that game on XBLA, now.

Update: Oh, you might want to know that Disc of Tron costs 400 MS Points and Commanders will set you back 800 MS Points.


JoystiqCommanders and Discs of Tron hit XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commanderscommanders-attack-of-genosdiscs-of-trondisney-interactivesierra-onlinexblaWed, 13 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Commanders: Attack of Genos screens aplenty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/commanders-attack-of-genos-screens-aplenty/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/commanders-attack-of-genos-screens-aplenty/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/commanders-attack-of-genos-screens-aplenty/#commentsFiled under: ,


Having confirmed that Commanders: Attack of Genos would debut on Xbox Live Arcade alongside Discs of Tron this week, we can now bring you brand new images of the title. Having scrutinized the screens, we can say that the comparisons to Nintendo's Advance Wars series certainly seem valid. Lest you haven't played Advance Wars, that's a good thing. If the gameplay hold up to the level of the visuals, we should be in for quite a treat.

JoystiqCommanders: Attack of Genos screens aplenty originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commanderscommanders-attack-of-genossierra-onlinexblaxbox-live-arcadeMon, 11 Feb 2008 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: Commanders, Discs of Tron assault XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/this-wednesday-commanders-discs-of-tron-assault-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/this-wednesday-commanders-discs-of-tron-assault-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/this-wednesday-commanders-discs-of-tron-assault-xbla/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Turn-based strategy and relentless disc flinging will be coming to Xbox Live Arcade this week, with Commanders: Attack of the Genos and Discs of Tron scheduled to arrive on Wednesday. Sierra Online's Commanders pits you (a commander, we suspect) against an invading army of genetically modified miscreants who, at the very least, are polite enough to wage war in turns. Fifteen missions, fifteen specialized units and a "retro-futuristic" setting can be had for 800 MS Points ($10).

Gallery: Commanders: Attack of the Genos


As the title succinctly implies, Discs of Tron is primarily concerned with opponents hurling Tron discs at each other, very often while standing on discs within Tron. The disc-less download, which sports enhanced graphics and "CD-quality sound," will require you to discard 400 of your MS Points ($5).

Gallery: Tron / Discs of Tron (XBLA)

JoystiqThis Wednesday: Commanders, Discs of Tron assault XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CommandersCommanders-Attack-of-the-GenosDiscs-of-TronDisneySierra-OnlineSierraOnlineSouthEnd-InteractiveTronXbox-360Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Planet: Colonies, Assault Heroes 2 rated by ESRB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/lost-planet-colonies-assault-heroes-2-rated-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/lost-planet-colonies-assault-heroes-2-rated-by-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/lost-planet-colonies-assault-heroes-2-rated-by-esrb/#commentsFiled under: ,

Although Capcom has yet to announce Lost Planet: Colonies (or even explain what it is), Gamespot has pointed to the Xbox 360 and PC game's existence on the ESRB's frequently revelatory database. The mysterious Lost Planet: Colonies was first discovered last year, when Germany's USK rated the game and fueled speculation regarding the game's genre and relation to Capcom's 2007 action smash.

The ESRB also lists an equally unannounced Assault Heroes 2 for Xbox 360, which logic would dictate is a sequel to XBLA's well-received Assault Heroes.

JoystiqLost Planet: Colonies, Assault Heroes 2 rated by ESRB originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assault-Heroesassault-heroes-2AssaultHeroescapcomesrblost-planet-coloniesLost-Planet-Extreme-ConditionLostPlanetMicrosoftPCSierra-OnlineWanako-StudiosXbox-360Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA in Brief: Boogie Bunnies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/xbla-in-brief-boogie-bunnies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/xbla-in-brief-boogie-bunnies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/xbla-in-brief-boogie-bunnies/#commentsFiled under: ,

We occasionally do hands-on features (or even full reviews) of certain Xbox Live Arcade games or demos that catch our fancy. There are other games, though, that slip through the cracks. So, this week we're endeavoring to give you a quick glance at Boogie Bunnies. Honestly, Boogie Bunnies isn't worth much more than a quick glance anyway, at least if the trial version is anything to go by. Boogie Bunnies is a by-the-numbers puzzle game through and through, and not a great one at that. The objective is simple, faced with an oncoming grid of ridiculously cute multicolored bunnies, you must launch your bunny into others of the same color. Connect three or more and they will disappear. Doing this cleverly will cause other bunnies to fall into other bunnies of the same color, thus destroying them and creating a chain reaction. And that's pretty much it. Oh, wait, the red bunnies also destroy other bunnies adjacent to them, like a bomb. And that's pretty much it.

Continue reading XBLA in Brief: Boogie Bunnies

JoystiqXBLA in Brief: Boogie Bunnies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boogie-bunniessierra-onlinexblaxbla-in-briefxbox-live-arcadeWed, 16 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F hands-on: Arkadian Warriors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/x3f-hands-on-arkadian-warriors/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/x3f-hands-on-arkadian-warriors/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/x3f-hands-on-arkadian-warriors/#commentsFiled under: ,


Xbox Live Arcade doesn't have much in the way of dungeon crawlers, with the possible exception of Gauntlet, which isn't really a dungeon crawler. Enter Arkadian Warriors from Sierra Online and Wanako (Assault Heroes). Arkadian Warriors aims to fill the gap in Xbox Live Arcade's roster. Honestly, we're a little surprised no one jumped on this genre before, as it's really a pretty good fit for Live Arcade. We took the trial version of the game for a spin, read on for some detailed impressions.

Continue reading X3F hands-on: Arkadian Warriors

JoystiqX3F hands-on: Arkadian Warriors originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkadian-warriorshands-onsierra-onlinewanakoxblaThu, 13 Dec 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GripShift and Arkadian Warriors releasing this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/gripshift-and-arkadian-warriors-releasing-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/gripshift-and-arkadian-warriors-releasing-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/gripshift-and-arkadian-warriors-releasing-this-week/#commentsFiled under: ,

After Microsoft deprived us of new Xbox Live Arcade gaming last week they're trying to redeem themselves by offering up two XBLA games this week. They must really feel bad. Releasing to the Arcade on Wednesday, December 12th will be both Sidhe Interactive's GripShift and Wanako Games' Arkadian Warriors each for 800 Microsoft points. We know a select few of our fellow fanboys have been eagerly awaiting GripShift and some even Arkadian Warriors, so this Wednesday those select few shall be super, super happy. Anyone willing to commit to spending 800 points on either title or will a trial be necessary?

JoystiqGripShift and Arkadian Warriors releasing this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkadian-warriorsgripshiftsierra-onlinexblaMon, 10 Dec 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: Switchball and Word Puzzle [verb] XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/this-wednesday-switchball-and-word-puzzle-verb-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/this-wednesday-switchball-and-word-puzzle-verb-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/this-wednesday-switchball-and-word-puzzle-verb-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's hard to believe that the seemingly innocuous phrase, "having a ball," could be tinged with cruelty. You see, the life of a nondescript videogame ball is actually quite miserable, rife with surreal landscapes, tilting mazes and suspiciously long half-pipes that only lead to pointless goals. Sierra Online's graphically splendid Switchball only exacerbates this sad state of affairs, featuring a shiny sphere capable of changing its physical properties (to overcome puzzles!), but not its emotional state. If you spend 800 MS Points ($10) on it this Wednesday, consider how you'd feel if tears rolled down your cheek and up the back of your head.

Hitting Xbox Live Arcade on the same day is Word Puzzle, a game that primarily deals with the useful thingamabobs that made this sentence possible. For 800 MS Points, you'll receive "intricate 3D boards," Vision camera support and the chance to use "exploding word bombs." Those should give the stereotypical Halo crowd a head start, at least.

JoystiqThis Wednesday: Switchball and Word Puzzle [verb] XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Sierra-OnlineSwitchballWord-PuzzleXBLAXBLAWednesdayXbox-360Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sierra Online looking for Wii Ware game producer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/18/sierra-online-looking-for-wii-ware-game-producer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/18/sierra-online-looking-for-wii-ware-game-producer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/18/sierra-online-looking-for-wii-ware-game-producer/#commentsFiled under:



Ever since it was officially announced, we've been impatiently waiting for Wii Ware to come along. As it turns out, many of you lovely readers seem to be excited too.

If you're a hands-on person, as opposed to froth-at-the-mouth people like ourselves, then why not consider getting into the Wii Ware production business? Now would be an ideal time considering that Sierra Online, a division of Vivendi Games, is looking for someone to produce the company's downloadable Wii titles. We wonder if this means that Sierra is bringing some adventure game goodness to our favorite console? The job will also include producing downloadable games for the PS3, PC, and Xbox 360.

Unfortunately, being excited about Wii Ware won't be enough to get you this job. First off, you have to live in the Los Angeles area. Then there's the little, itty bitty matter of having experience with this sort of thing. We suppose that those of us without any qualifications for this job will just have to bide our time and wait for Wii Ware to hit our consoles at home. We only hope that it won't be long before we can kill viruses, build countries, and pop bubbles.

JoystiqSierra Online looking for Wii Ware game producer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JobSierraSierra-OnlineThu, 18 Oct 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sierra Online details upcoming PC, XBLA lineup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/12/sierra-online-details-upcoming-pc-xbla-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/12/sierra-online-details-upcoming-pc-xbla-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/12/sierra-online-details-upcoming-pc-xbla-lineup/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vivendi Games' Sierra Online division has revealed a number of details concerning its lineup of XBLA and PC releases throughout the remainder of the year, including a number of previously announced titles as well as two new games, one where you get to shoot aliens (pictured) and another where you..well...play with bunnies. Earlier this year following the appointment of XBLA's former portfolio lead Ross Erickson to Sierra Online we predicted that the company had big plans for the downloadable space, and given the breadth of today's announcements that assumption looks more correct than ever.

The two new titles announced today include a particularly interesting sounding "third person retro-arcade shooter" called Aces of the Galaxy, where players man the turret of an AI-driven spaceship to shoot down waves of bad guys, and the strangely titled Boogie Bunnies, where players will match up colorful rabbits in a "match-three puzzle game." Both of these will arrive for both the PC and XBLA this winter.

In addition, Sierra confirmed that Wanako Studios' top-down XBLA shooter Assault Heroes will make the move to retail shelves and unspecified digital download services for the PC for $19.99 on October 23. The earlier acquired Latin American studio is also developing the hack-and-slash dungeon crawler Arkadian Warriors (formerly called Artemis Warriors), which will launch this fall from Sierra for the PC and over XBLA, though we hope that this time they'll manage to get multiplayer working from day one.

Continue reading Sierra Online details upcoming PC, XBLA lineup

JoystiqSierra Online details upcoming PC, XBLA lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aces of the GalaxyAcesOfTheGalaxyArkadian WarriorsArkadianWarriorsassault heroesAssault-HeroesAssaultHeroesbattlestarBoogie BunniesBoogieBunniesMicrosoftpcsierraSierra-OnlineSwitchballWanako-StudiosxblaXbox-360Fri, 12 Oct 2007 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Assault Heroes finally patched ... almost]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/assault-heroes-finally-patched-almost/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/assault-heroes-finally-patched-almost/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/assault-heroes-finally-patched-almost/#commentsFiled under: ,


Let's say your game shipped with a horrendous multiplayer bug that prevented many people from connecting to online co-op sessions. Would you fix it? Would you fix it quickly? If you're part of Wanako and Sierra Online, and your game is Assault Heroes for Xbox Live Arcade, then your answer is clearly "no." Yes, Assault Heroes was added to the XBLA library last December and played host to a serious co-op problem, namely that co-op games could not be joined by many people. Now, seven months later, a title update for Assault Heroes has finally been released. There's only one problem: you can't download it. In a particularly delicious bit of irony, you are greeted with an error message the moment you accept the update prompt. Oy vey.

Let's hope the Assault Heroes team gets their ducks in a row and fixes this problem soon.

JoystiqAssault Heroes finally patched ... almost originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeassault heroesAssault-HeroesAssaultHeroeslive arcadeLiveArcadesierra onlineSierra-OnlineSierraOnlinewanakoWanako-Studiosxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeFri, 29 Jun 2007 12:05:00 EST