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[The glory of Quest For Glory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-glory-of-quest-for-glory/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-glory-of-quest-for-glory/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/the-glory-of-quest-for-glory/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This is a weekly column from freelancer Rowan Kaiser, which focuses on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.
Last week, when GOG.com announced that Quest For Glory was the newest addition to its collection, I was delighted. In fact, I'm not sure that there's a game series that could have induced as much joy. I think some others, like Wizardry or a collection of old SSI games, might have been better and more important, sure. But I have more love for Quest For Glory than those other games. I'm not the only one, either: The Quest For Glory games are great games, yes, but they're also special games.

Quest For Glory is a five-title series of adventure/role-playing hybrids, with the first release in 1989, and the last in 1998. They were published by Sierra - a company whose fate was recently detailed to Joystiq by Leisure Suit Larry creator Al Lowe - and used similar interfaces and graphics as other adventures, such as King's Quest or Gabriel Knight, combined with combat systems that varied from game to game.

Being a genre hybrid is one of the surest ways to become a beloved game. Panzer General, Deus Ex, and Mass Effect are all crossover hits, thanks in part to combining role-playing with other genres. Quality hybrids manage to feel both fresh conceptually and comfortable to actually play, a winning combination.

Continue reading The glory of Quest For Glory

JoystiqThe glory of Quest For Glory originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcQuest-For-GlorySierrawestern-rpgsThu, 17 May 2012 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Entire Quest for Glory series now available on GOG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/entire-quest-for-glory-series-now-available-on-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/entire-quest-for-glory-series-now-available-on-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/entire-quest-for-glory-series-now-available-on-gog/#comments
If you have an affection for adventure games, you may want to sit down. Since you're on the internet, you may be doing that already, so feel free to stand up and subsequently sit down again. Ready? Good. It's been a long, long road, but Sierra's classic Quest for Glory series is finally available on Good Old Games.

You can snag all five Quest for Glory games in a single package for just ten bucks. Best of all, the pack seems to be based on the CD-ROM collection, meaning you'll get both the original and VGA enhanced versions of Quest for Glory 1, and the sweet, velvety voice of John Rhys-Davies all up in your Quest for Glory 4.

JoystiqEntire Quest for Glory series now available on GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionfrickin-finallygogpcquest-for-glorysierraso-you-want-to-be-a-heroThu, 10 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Quest and other Sierra collections on sale at GOG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/space-quest-and-other-sierra-collections-on-sale-at-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/space-quest-and-other-sierra-collections-on-sale-at-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/space-quest-and-other-sierra-collections-on-sale-at-gog/#comments Your weekend itinerary has just been officially cleared by Good Old Games. Your new task? Buy and complete all six of Sierra's delightful Space Quest games. Each pack of three is on sale for $6.99, 30% off the usual price.

You can also get King's Quest or Police Quest collections for the same price, but we suggest going through those only after you've experienced the epic space opera of interstellar janitor Roger Wilco, full of thrilling action, spacefaring adventure, time travel, cowardly hiding, and floor waxing.

JoystiqSpace Quest and other Sierra collections on sale at GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadventuregoggog.comkings-questpcpolice-questsierraspace-questFri, 15 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Police Quest: Swat 1 and 2 added to GOG, pie-slicing imminent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/police-quest-swat-1-and-2-added-to-gog-pie-slicing-imminent/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/police-quest-swat-1-and-2-added-to-gog-pie-slicing-imminent/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/police-quest-swat-1-and-2-added-to-gog-pie-slicing-imminent/#comments We bet that your household in the mid-'90s resembled our household in the mid-'90s -- filled with concerned adults, watching their children periodically and meticulously sweeping through rooms, communicating through stern hand gestures and occasional orders to "slice the pie." Then again, maybe Police Quest: SWAT and its sequel didn't penetrate the walls and minds of your family as potently as it did ours, which would be a sad, sad fate indeed.

You can rectify your oversight (or relive those precious childhood memories) by grabbing Police Quest SWAT 1 and 2 on GOG, available now for $9.99. The latter half of the pair is actually a pretty deep tactical strategy title -- but the original, a pseudo-FMV adventure game, is the one you'd be incredibly foolhardy to miss. (Here's a protip: You're not supposed to shoot, like, anyone. Why do you carry around a substantial amount of guns and ammo? It is a mystery.)

JoystiqPolice Quest: Swat 1 and 2 added to GOG, pie-slicing imminent originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadventuregogpcpolice-questpolice-quest-swatpolice-quest-swat-2sierraThu, 10 Feb 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Adventure game portal Sarien back with Activision's approval]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/29/adventure-game-portal-sarien-back-with-activisions-approval/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/29/adventure-game-portal-sarien-back-with-activisions-approval/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/29/adventure-game-portal-sarien-back-with-activisions-approval/#comments In a lengthy post on the personal blog of Martin Kool, proprietor of the recently cease-and-desisted Sierra adventure game portal Sarien.net, the lengthy history of the site's development was recounted. We assumed said history would end with the site's closure earlier this week -- but luckily, it looks like a new chapter is set to unfold, as Activision has given Sarien approval to continue running, albeit in a limited fashion.

Kool explained, "Activision proposed to officially authorize Sarien.net to publish the first game of any series in its multiplayer HTML5 form." The portal will include a link from each of these free-to-play first chapters to the series' full collections on Steam. The publisher also demanded that the iPad versions of the titles be removed, on the off chance that they ever decide to drop their own adventure game Apps. Seems like a pretty reasonable response from Activision -- especially when compared to most publishers' policy of "Hey, that's ours, cut that out right away, young man."

JoystiqAdventure game portal Sarien back with Activision's approval originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadventure-gamesmartin-koolpcpolice-questsariensierraspace-questSat, 29 Jan 2011 19:00:00 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[King's Quest 3 fan remake announced, The Silver Lining episode 3 delayed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/kings-quest-3-fan-remake-announced-the-silver-lining-episode-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/kings-quest-3-fan-remake-announced-the-silver-lining-episode-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/kings-quest-3-fan-remake-announced-the-silver-lining-episode-3/#commentsTwo separate, but oddly parallel, developments in the world of King's Quest fan games were announced this week, in what must be the biggest week for King's Quest news in years.

First, Phoenix Online announced a delay for the third episode of the officially Activision-blessed fan series, The Silver Lining, from January 29 to early February. In the announcement, the developer claimed that the episode, which is "more than twice the size of Episode 2," and which necessitated the hiring of 20 additional animators, needed extra polish.

In other "third King's Quest game" news, AGD Interactive announced a fan remake of King's Quest 3: To Heir is Human, which it says it has been "covertly developing" over eight years. The planned release date? February!

Gallery: King's Quest III Redux: To Heir is Human

JoystiqKing's Quest 3 fan remake announced, The Silver Lining episode 3 delayed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agd-interactivekings-questkings-quest-iii-reduxpcphoenix-online-studiosq1-2011release-datesierrathe-silver-liningWed, 26 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[So, you want to read a Quest for Glory retrospective interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/so-you-want-to-read-a-quest-for-glory-retrospective-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/so-you-want-to-read-a-quest-for-glory-retrospective-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/so-you-want-to-read-a-quest-for-glory-retrospective-interview/#comments As lovers of RPGs, adventure games and terrible, terrible puns, it should come as no surprise that your average Joystiq writer is wildly in love with the Quest for Glory series. That's why we were positively thrilled to read a retrospective interview with the franchise's co-creator, Corey Cole, in which long-hidden secrets about the games' development were aired out. You know, things like inspirations for the series, explanations for some of the games' weirder inside jokes, and justification for Quest for Glory 4's many, many, so many bugs.

Cole also comments on where he'd like to see the franchise go from here, saying he'd love to see a Glory remake on modern consoles, adding "I think there is a vast untapped market out there of people who want more intelligent games and less death and destruction." A thousand times, yes. Check out the rest of the interview while we anxiously await any chance we can get to give this franchise more of our money.

JoystiqSo, you want to read a Quest for Glory retrospective interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecorey-colepcquest-for-gloryquest-for-glory-2rpgSierraTue, 18 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG brings Police Quest series in for questioning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/gog-brings-police-quest-series-in-for-questioning/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/gog-brings-police-quest-series-in-for-questioning/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/gog-brings-police-quest-series-in-for-questioning/#comments Rookie, you don't know how easy you've got it.

These days, it's all polygons and Dolby 13.1 surround explosions, but in my day we had to rely on real police work. We'd comb the streets looking for clues just a few pixels wide and clicking on so many dead ends that the blisters on our index fingers had blisters. We'd question the locals and have to read their answers. That's right, rook: Read. And if we got stuck in a case, there were no GameFAQs to fall back on. Hell, we didn't know what a GameFAQ was -- we called a 900 number. And we were grateful to have it.

You know what? Forget about the Schloienger case. No, you've got some homework tonight. I hear Good Old Games just added Police Quest 1-4 to its service for $10. Go home, play them all, and see if you don't come back tomorrow with just a bit more respect for your elders.

And rook ... when you tell me what you think of them, could you do it in a speech bubble? You know, for old time's sake.

JoystiqGOG brings Police Quest series in for questioning originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiongogpcpolice-questsierraTue, 18 Jan 2011 09:00:00 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[New Silver Lining chapter out in September, old King's Quest games on GoG now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/new-silver-lining-chapter-out-in-september-old-kings-quest-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/new-silver-lining-chapter-out-in-september-old-kings-quest-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/new-silver-lining-chapter-out-in-september-old-kings-quest-gam/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Phoenix Online Studios announced that the second chapter of its Activision-approved(ish) free King's Quest game, The Silver Lining, will be released next month. In a post on the game's site, Phoenix's Cesar Bittar notes some of the improvements that have been made based on feedback from those who played the first game.

Thanks to you, Episode 2: Two Households will have better pathfinding, the option to switch between "extended" and "short" narration, new walking animation (with a walk/run toggle), more subtitle options, and widescreen support. In terms of gameplay, there are 17 new locations, a roughly 4-hour-long quest, and "puzzles a-plenty to keep you entertained."

If you want to catch up on this King's Quest business so you can understand why fans would go to the trouble of making a tribute game, GoG.com just added a King's Quest 1-3 bundle to its shop, for $9.99. You can get a pack with 4, 5, and 6 for the same price. We'll warn you now: these games look and sound quite vintage.

JoystiqNew Silver Lining chapter out in September, old King's Quest games on GoG now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionAdventureEpisodicGoG.comKings-QuestpcPhoenix-Online-StudiosQ3-2010Release-DateretroSierrathe-silver-liningTue, 24 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Daryl Gates, ex-police chief and Police Quest: SWAT designer, dies at 83]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/daryl-gates-ex-police-chief-and-police-quest-swat-designer-di/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/daryl-gates-ex-police-chief-and-police-quest-swat-designer-di/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/daryl-gates-ex-police-chief-and-police-quest-swat-designer-di/#commentsAccording to Reuters, former Los Angeles chief of police Daryl Gates passed away at his home on Friday. Though Gates is probably best known for being forced out of his job as chief due to his handling of the Rodney King beating and ensuing riots in 1992, we at Joystiq remember him as the designer of Police Quest: SWAT, the fifth game in the Sierra series. (Gates also contributed to the previous game, Police Quest: Open Season).

Okay, okay, so the FMV relic isn't particularly beloved, but Gates was also responsible for establishing the very first SWAT team -- a concept the video game industry has gotten so much mileage out of, we figured Gates was at least owed a moment of recognition. He was 83 years old.

JoystiqDaryl Gates, ex-police chief and Police Quest: SWAT designer, dies at 83 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daryl-gatesfmvobituarypolice-questpolice-quest-swatsierraswatMon, 19 Apr 2010 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Al Lowe reveals the 'real' Leisure Suit Larry 8 plot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/al-lowe-reveals-the-real-leisure-suit-larry-8-plot/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/al-lowe-reveals-the-real-leisure-suit-larry-8-plot/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/al-lowe-reveals-the-real-leisure-suit-larry-8-plot/#comments
[Hardcore Gaming 101]
You may not remember this, but in the days before Magna Cum Laude, Leisure Suit Larry games were adventure games. And funny. Series creator Al Lowe has revealed what would have been the plot for Leisure Suit Larry 8: Lust in Space, had upheaval at Sierra not prevented it from ever happening.

Essentially, Larry is captured by "amazonian warrior women" from a distant planet. They brainwash the perennially behind-the-times loser into believing he's in a disco paradise. Then, they plan to use Larry to father a race of alien-human hybrids to take over the earth. "When he finally woke up, he realized: he had to figure out what was going on, find a way to stop the invasion and literally save the planet!"

So why didn't this happen? Sierra tried to hire Lowe to design the game with only a promise that a contract would come later. Considering that the last thing we heard about Al Lowe was that his Sam Suede was being worked on again (without him), and without his knowledge, we believe he was right to be suspicious.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqAl Lowe reveals the 'real' Leisure Suit Larry 8 plot originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureal-loweleisure-suit-larryleisure-suit-larry-8lust-in-spacesierraThu, 11 Mar 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Solve a Puzzle of Flesh on Good Old Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/solve-a-puzzle-of-flesh-on-good-old-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/solve-a-puzzle-of-flesh-on-good-old-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/solve-a-puzzle-of-flesh-on-good-old-games/#comments If you like your adventure games to be rife with mature content, gore and unimaginably insane plot twists, you might just want to check out GOG.com's latest downloadable offering: Phantasmagoria: A Puzzle of Flesh. This sequel to Roberta Williams' adventure-thriller (which is also available on GOG) will only cost you $5.99. And for just six bucks, you'll be getting a whole bunch of crazy.

The game follows the exploits of pharmaceutical engineer Curtis Craig, a former psychopath who begins to suffer vivid hallucinations while seemingly being framed for murder. During these hardships, Craig also begins to explore his own sexual preferences, leading to a multitude of on-screen sadomasochistic encounters. Also, zombies.

JoystiqSolve a Puzzle of Flesh on Good Old Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuregoggood-old-gamesmysteryphantasmagoriaphantasmagoria-2salesierraWed, 03 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gabriel Knight 2 now within GoG, King's Quest 4-6 following soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/gabriel-knight-2-now-within-gog-kings-quest-4-6-following-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/gabriel-knight-2-now-within-gog-kings-quest-4-6-following-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/gabriel-knight-2-now-within-gog-kings-quest-4-6-following-soon/#commentsSince the addition of Activision (by which we mean Sierra) titles to its catalogue of classic PC games, Good Old Games has become one of the most worthwhile game retailers online. This week, another Sierra adventure game makes its way into the shop, with an announcement of more -- two wildly different styles of point-and-click adventure game.

Today, you can get Gabriel Knight 2: The Beast Within for six bucks (warning: it is an FMV game). In the same announcement, GoG noted that a pack containing King's Quest IV, V, and VI is coming soon, as is the strategy game Call to Power 2.

JoystiqGabriel Knight 2 now within GoG, King's Quest 4-6 following soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadventurecall-to-power-2gabriel-knightgabriel-knight-2goggog.comkings-questkings-quest-4kings-quest-5kings-quest-6sierraWed, 24 Feb 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Caesar 3 added to GoG, Interstate '76 on Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/caesar-3-added-to-gog-interstate-76-on-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/caesar-3-added-to-gog-interstate-76-on-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/caesar-3-added-to-gog-interstate-76-on-thursday/#comments DRM-free download site GoG is offering up two classics this week: Sierra's city-building sim, Caesar 3, and Activision's classic car combat game, Interstate '76 -- both for $5.99. You'll find that the former is already available to download, but you'll have to wait until Thursday to get behind the wheel of I76 and play Sly Stallone make believe. Watch out for traffic -- it's murder.

Source - Caesar 3 on GoG
Source - Interstate '76 on GoG

JoystiqCaesar 3 added to GoG, Interstate '76 on Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncaesar-3car-combatcity-buildinggoginterstate-76sierrasimvehicular-combatWed, 17 Feb 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Phantasmagoria, Space Quest games now on GoG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/phantasmagoria-space-quest-games-now-on-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/phantasmagoria-space-quest-games-now-on-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/phantasmagoria-space-quest-games-now-on-gog/#comments
[SpaceQuest.net]
Have you had a Time Ripping adventure lately? Or an interactive nightmare? If you're eager to experience either (and you are), GoG's latest Month of Activision offerings are for you. The online classic games store is offering some of Sierra's best adventure game classics, and also Phantasmagoria.

For just $9.99, you could be playing Space Quest IV, V, and VI, sci-fi adventure games starring everyone's favorite space janitor, Roger Wilco. Or, if your tastes run spookier, you can put your ten dollars toward Phantasmagoria, the horror game written by King's Quest creator Roberta Williams, starring some video clips.

JoystiqPhantasmagoria, Space Quest games now on GoG originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadventuregoggog.comphantasmagoriaretrosierraspace-questThu, 11 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Brutal Legend postmortem: Scrum, content explosion and lawsuit drama]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/brutal-legend-postmortem-scrum-content-explosion-and-lawsuit-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/brutal-legend-postmortem-scrum-content-explosion-and-lawsuit-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/brutal-legend-postmortem-scrum-content-explosion-and-lawsuit-d/#comments It's been a bumpy road to release for Brütal Legend. Tim Schafer's had to change publishers, deal with a pesky lawsuit, soldier through PR missteps and even handle some post-release DLC. This is all common knowledge, but in a lengthy postmortem at Gamasutra, Caroline Esmurdoc, executive producer at Double Fine, goes in depth on the development strategy for the title and talks about what went right and what went wrong in the creation of this rock gaming opus.

Double Fine adopted the Scrum method of agile software development for Brütal Legend, which allowed the company to create a renderer, terrain and a playable Eddie Riggs for Tim in a mere month. Content creation was fairly steady, Esmurdoc admitted, but around January of this year, the game's content jumped from the 2.5GB generated over three years to a massive 9GB, thanks to multiple teams unloading assets for the game simultaneously.

Esmurdoc also touched on the lawsuit, though she couldn't go into specifics beyond mentioning that the transition between publishers caused "internal unrest and morale dips among the team", and that Double Fine learned Activision would not be publishing Brutal Legend when the game was suspiciously absent from a list of the publisher's upcoming games. Double Fine then pursued a new publishing partner.

JoystiqBrutal Legend postmortem: Scrum, content explosion and lawsuit drama originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbrutal-legendcaroline-esmurdocdlcdouble-fineeaeddie-riggsElectronic-Artsjack-blackMicrosoftpostmortemscrumsierraXbox-360Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Quest and King's Quest Collections join Steam, with other Sierra titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/space-quest-and-kings-quest-collections-join-steam-with-other/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/space-quest-and-kings-quest-collections-join-steam-with-other/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/space-quest-and-kings-quest-collections-join-steam-with-other/#comments > CHECK CALENDAR

Your Hot Men of Activision calendar reveals that it's July ... 2009, of course. And wow, that Bobby Kotick must work out.

> PINCH CHEEK

You pinch your cheek so hard, you bruise it. Hey, that almost looks like facial hair, Mr. Manly Man!

> DOWNLOAD CLASSIC SIERRA GAMES OFF OF STEAM

What do you think this is? The 90s? Go shoot some space marines like a real man.


At least, that's how this scene would've played out only yesterday. While adventure games are seemingly in the middle of a resurgence in popularity - thanks in large part to LucasArts classics making their way to places like Steam and Xbox Live Arcade - the availability of Sierra's classic adventure games has been a slightly more complicated affair. Of course, they became the property of Activision Blizzard following last year's mega-merger wherein Activision had its sights set squarely on profit, not nostalgia.

In fact, when asked explicitly about the Sierra classics, an Activision rep told us: "We are retaining only those franchises that are a strong fit with our long-term strategy ... We will not publish any other titles that previously were part of the Vivendi Games portfolio and we are currently reviewing our options regarding those titles." Well, that review is apparently over and, after what we can only imagine was a great amount of deliberation - "can we make a rhythm game out of it?" - the "King's Quest Collection" and "Space Quest Collection" both find themselves on Steam for the more-than-fair price of $20 for each set ($15 if you buy before July 30). We could tell you about Aces of the Galaxy, TimeShift, and 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures - other Sierra back-catalog titles that are hitting the service today - but we really want to save our last paragraph for one very special message:

GIVE US THE QUEST FOR GLORY GAMES. That is all.

[Thanks, Jason]

Source - Activision Expands Catalog with Space Quest, King's Quest and More
Source - King's Quest Collection
Source - Space Quest Collection

JoystiqSpace Quest and King's Quest Collections join Steam, with other Sierra titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionKings-QuestretroSierraSpace-QuestSteamundefinedThu, 23 Jul 2009 16:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Original Quest for Glory devs unaware of any planned remakes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/original-quest-for-glory-devs-unaware-of-any-planned-remakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/original-quest-for-glory-devs-unaware-of-any-planned-remakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/original-quest-for-glory-devs-unaware-of-any-planned-remakes/#comments
Don't hold out hope for any upgraded remakes of Quest for Glory, at least none made with the knowledge of original designers Lori and Corey Cole. The husband and wife team told Destructoid that only once since the game was released in 1989 were they ever approached about a remake. Originally created by Sierra, the rights for all the Quest titles are under the control of Activision Blizzard, which stated late last year that it was "reviewing" its options about the Sierra adventure titles from the days of yore.

The Coles are interested in making more Quest for Glory games, but admit to not fully playing an adventure title since Monkey Island or the Indiana Jones series (they're into World of Warcraft). Although they'll be able to get an upgrade of Monkey Island soonish, it's worth mentioning that Telltale has been doing a good job of iterating the genre for a new generation.

JoystiqOriginal Quest for Glory devs unaware of any planned remakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecolecorey-coledestructoidlori-colequest-for-glorysierraThu, 11 Jun 2009 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve sues Activision over 2002 royalty dispute]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/valve-sues-activision-over-2002-royalty-dispute/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/valve-sues-activision-over-2002-royalty-dispute/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/valve-sues-activision-over-2002-royalty-dispute/#comments
GamePolitics reports that a 2002 lawsuit between Valve and Sierra regarding royalties is getting ugly. Activision -- which inherited the suit when it absorbed Sierra in 2008 -- was to pay Valve $2,391,932, as determined by an arbitration agreed to by both parties. Activison later challenged the award, saying that Valve was overpaid by $424,136.

Valve claims that the complaint was not officially submitted to the "contractually agreed audit and dispute process" and states that the auditor thus refused to consider it. So, what did Activision do? It paid $1,967,796. Yup, that's exactly $424,136 less than the awarded amount. Furthermore, Activision stated it would sue Valve if the company attempted to have the court confirm the total payment due.

Undaunted, Valve is now asking that the court award it the deficient payment and officially close the arbitration process, thus barring Activision from attempting to re-open it. More legal fireworks, it would seem, are about to ensue.

JoystiqValve sues Activision over 2002 royalty dispute originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 May 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionlawsuitsierravalveFri, 01 May 2009 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Cities disappearance explained]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/lost-cities-disappearance-explained/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/lost-cities-disappearance-explained/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/lost-cities-disappearance-explained/#comments
We reported earlier this month that Lost Cities had mysteriously disappeared from Xbox Live Arcade as recently as early March. We surmised at the time that the rights to the game could have been transferred to Activision during the merger with Vivendi (then parent of developer Sierra). As it turns out, according to Official Xbox Magazine (via GamerBytes), the Lost Cities license reverted back to the original licensor after the merger. Without the license to the Lost Cities brand, Activision can no longer sell it. So, that's it.

Incidentally, if you downloaded the trial version of Lost Cities before, you can still re-download it via your download history. The full version is inaccessible though, so you'll have to find someone who already has it if you want to play. Or you could always just pick up the card game and play it face-to-face if you think you can handle that kind of intensity.

JoystiqLost Cities disappearance explained originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionlost-citiessierraxblaTue, 28 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Play classic Sierra adventures for free -- with multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/play-classic-sierra-adventures-for-free-with-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/play-classic-sierra-adventures-for-free-with-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/play-classic-sierra-adventures-for-free-with-multiplayer/#commentsHopefully this gets to you before the inevitable cease-and-desist: right now, a site called Sarien (named after the antagonists in the original Space Quest) is offering a selection of vintage Sierra adventure games, playable right in your browser. If you've never known Leisure Suit Larry to be anything but a terrible minigame collection, you can check out the real game here, along with Police Quest, The Black Cauldron, and the first two wonderful Space Quest games.

As if a free, simple interface for enjoying these games weren't enough, Sarien adds a bizarre twist: (optional) multiplayer. When you go into a game, you'll be surrounded by identical avatars, all playing their own adventures. You can watch them explore and type commands (that's right, typing), or you can provide tips to your fellow players. It can be pretty disorienting to adventure game fans (and creators) but once you get used to the crowd, it's an interesting variation on these old games.

[Via What They Play, Offworld]

JoystiqPlay classic Sierra adventures for free -- with multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebrowserleisure-suit-larrypolice-questsariensierraspace-questthe-black-cauldronWed, 22 Apr 2009 11:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Cities no longer found on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/lost-cities-no-longer-found-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/lost-cities-no-longer-found-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/lost-cities-no-longer-found-on-xbla/#comments
We've confirmed with Major Nelson that the now-aptly named Lost Cities has disappeared from Xbox Live Arcade. Apparently, not too many folks were actually looking for the game, as our inbox holds an overlooked tip about its missingness dating back to March 4th.

The game was published by Sierra last summer, but we presume that those rights transferred over to Activision Blizzard in "The Merger." Microsoft currently has no further details on why the game was pulled, though Major Nelson remarks that it's only the second game to be pulled from the service (the first being Yaris). In case you were wondering, this has nothing to do with poorly performing XBLA titles being delisted from XBLA, that program hasn't yet been implemented -- and likely never will.

[Thanks Josh and Jeremy]

JoystiqLost Cities no longer found on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionlost-citiesMicrosoftsierraxblaXbox-360Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See screens, video from canceled 3D Space Quest *platformer* ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/05/see-screens-video-from-canceled-3d-space-quest-platformer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/05/see-screens-video-from-canceled-3d-space-quest-platformer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/05/see-screens-video-from-canceled-3d-space-quest-platformer/#comments
He's defeated Sariens, foiled Sludge Vohaul and even uncovered a sinister plot by ScumSoft. Still, after all of that, little has been heard from mop-wielding hero Roger Wilco, star of Sierra's venerable Space Quest series, in well over a decade. And judging by images and a video posted by game designer Brett Johnson of a canceled seventh game in the franchise, it's a good thing.

The long-rumored sequel looked to sweep its PC roots under the rug, trading pointing and clicking for running and jumping as a 3D platformer for the PlayStation 2 and original Xbox. In fact, the game, which was being helmed by developer Escape Factory, bore little resemblance at all to the Space Quest that series fans had grown to love. Still, it's somewhat interesting to look at the Space Quest game that might have been, but like the Labion Terror Beast, it's best appreciated from a distance.

[Via superannuation]

JoystiqSee screens, video from canceled 3D Space Quest *platformer* originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure-gamescancelledMicrosoftroger-wilcosierraspace-questXbox-360Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Baron Arcade gets un-canceled, releases today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/red-baron-arcade-gets-un-canceled-releases-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/red-baron-arcade-gets-un-canceled-releases-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/red-baron-arcade-gets-un-canceled-releases-today/#comments
Red Baron Arcade, originally scheduled for a September release last year, mysteriously disappeared once Activision Blizzard acquired Sierra Games. Six months later, the downloadable flight game makes a surprise return appearance.

Our impressions of the game from 2008 were rather lackluster, but the game may have improved quite a bit over the last few months. Update: The PlayStation.Blog's Jeff Rubenstein confirms the game will cost $9.99, and players will be able to experience a taste of the game in a playable demo.

See the game's original trailer after the break.

Continue reading Red Baron Arcade gets un-canceled, releases today

JoystiqRed Baron Arcade gets un-canceled, releases today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>red-baronred-baron-arcadesierraThu, 12 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Economy Wars: Galaxies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/economy-wars-galaxies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/economy-wars-galaxies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/economy-wars-galaxies/#commentsFiled under:

We fear that this deal will sell out in the time it takes for us to get the post up, but it's a risk we're going to have to take! Geometry Wars: Galaxies is Amazon's Deal of the Day, dropping for today only to ten damn dollars. In these harsh times, we understand that some of us can't drop even ten dollars on unexpected impulse purchases. If you are safely in possession of enough disposable income to bring some awesome shooty action home -- and if you've got plenty saved up -- you could do a lot worse than to throw a little bit of money towards some awesome portable shooty action!

Our post image is an encore from a previous Geo Wars sale post. Eric's image was just so perfect that we wanted to highlight it once again!

JoystiqEconomy Wars: Galaxies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionArcadeBizarreBizarre-CreationsGeometry-WarsGeometry-Wars-GalaxiesKujuKuju-EntertainmentShmupSierraWed, 21 Jan 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[No coin-cidence: 50 Cent, 50 Cent game to appear on Spike VGAs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/no-coin-cidence-50-cent-50-cent-game-to-appear-on-spike-vgas/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/no-coin-cidence-50-cent-50-cent-game-to-appear-on-spike-vgas/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/no-coin-cidence-50-cent-50-cent-game-to-appear-on-spike-vgas/#commentsFiled under:


Just dying to see new footage of 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand? (No, really, are you dying? We'll call for help.) Well, you'll get to peep it in the background as the rapper performs - live and in person - at Spike TV's 2008 Video Game Awards on Sunday, December 14. Those are the VGAs to those in the know.

Mr. Cent will be joined (not all at once, mind you) by Weezer, All American Rejects and LL Cool J. "Video games and music are an explosive creative combination," according to Spike TV vice president, Casey Patterson. Sony Picture Studios, the event venue, could not be reached to confirm that it holds adequate creative explosion insurance.

JoystiqNo coin-cidence: 50 Cent, 50 Cent game to appear on Spike VGAs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>50-cent50-cent-blood-on-the-sand50-Cent-BotSMicrosoftSierraspike-vga-2008Swordfish-StudiosTHQXbox-360Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision's Prototype site breaks, spills some assets on web]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/activisions-protoype-site-breaks-spills-some-assets-on-web/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/activisions-protoype-site-breaks-spills-some-assets-on-web/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/activisions-protoype-site-breaks-spills-some-assets-on-web/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Prototype, better known as Crackdown + The Matrix + Superman seems to have a busted website that confronts you with an age gate, and then gives up all of its secrets like the wimpy kid during recess. It appears that these are images and videos they are assembling for a presentation at CES in January, but Happy Holidaze! You get it a few weeks early.

Check out the new images from the game in the gallery below, and there are four new videos waiting for you after the break. Just hurry and do it now before someone comes to their senses and flips the switch. Either this is a brilliant marketing ploy, or someone's asleep at the keyboard.

Gallery: Prototype: 12/09/08



[Thanks Johnny Nobody]

Continue reading Activision's Prototype site breaks, spills some assets on web

JoystiqActivision's Prototype site breaks, spills some assets on web originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionbreakingnewsjs-twitterPCPrototypePS3RadicalRadical-EntertainmentSandboxSierraXbox-360Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Born for Wii: Metal Arms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/born-for-wii-metal-arms/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/born-for-wii-metal-arms/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/born-for-wii-metal-arms/#commentsFiled under:

In an industry perpetuated by sequels, we see plenty of gamers rabidly demanding new installments in their favorite series, whether it be the predictable Madden: Year Edition, Medal of Honor: Kill Some More Nazis, or Metal Gear Solid: Even Longer Cutscenes. Of course, there's also a vocal community crying out against the terrible process of franchise-milking, demanding fresh characters and fresher concepts. Every year there are a few surprisingly original titles from the big studios. This year EA has been surpringly generous with new IPs, publishing heavy-hitters like Mirror's Edge and Dead Space. In the past, we've gotten gems like Beyond Good & Evil and Zack & Wiki. Unfortunately, as we all know, new franchises mean new risks, and they don't always sell as well as they deserve.

Last generation, few games exemplified this tragic situation more than Metal Arms: Glitch in the System. Created by Swingin' Ape Studios, this wonderfully charming and surprisingly deep third-person shooter would be the developer's only project -- though they started work on the infamous Starcraft Ghost, they were eventually absorbed by Blizzard, and the game eventually disappeared. For whatever reason -- poor advertising, unappealing box art, or bad timing -- Metal Arms was overlooked by many a gamer. Those who gave it a chance discovered a lengthy quest chock full of hilarious characters, a genuinely original world, and a veritable ton of weapons, and that's why Glitch in the System is this week's game that's Born for Wii.

NEXT >>

Every week, Born for Wii digs into gaming's sordid past to unearth a new treasure fit for revival on the Nintendo Wii. Be sure to check out last week's entry in the series, Wario's Woods, and for more great titles that deserve your attention, take a look at Virtually Overlooked.

JoystiqBorn for Wii: Metal Arms originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>born-for-wiijoystiqfeaturesmetal-armsmetal-arms-glitch-in-the-systemportshootersierraswingin-apethird-person-shootervivendiTue, 09 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghostbusters spooking you out in June 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/ghostbusters-spooking-you-out-in-june-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/ghostbusters-spooking-you-out-in-june-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/ghostbusters-spooking-you-out-in-june-2009/#commentsFiled under:

Atari recently caught the Ghostbusters game in its ghost trap, and has now revealed a release date for the title -- the once-shaky project will escape its Ecto-Containment Unit in June 2009! There's no word yet on which region that date is for, though Atari's press gathering is taking place in the UK, for what that's worth.

Who's excited, then? We noticed a few naysayers in the comments of our last Ghostbusters post, but the involvement of (Mushroom Men creator) Red Fly gives us confidence!

JoystiqGhostbusters spooking you out in June 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionatarighostbustersghostsred-flysierravivendi-gamesTue, 02 Dec 2008 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari rescues Ghostbusters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/atari-rescues-ghostbusters/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/atari-rescues-ghostbusters/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/atari-rescues-ghostbusters/#commentsFiled under:


When your game's alone
With no publisher
Who you gonna call?
Ghostbusters! Atari!

For a while, the merging of Activision and Blizzard looked like it might spell a grisly end for the Ghostbusters game, but now HERO OF THE PEOPLE Atari has stepped in to save the day, confirming previous assurances from Dan Akroyd and Variety. Once caught in development limbo, Ghostbusters is now due to release in 2009, and will feature the film's original main cast and a storyline penned by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. We never imagined ourselves saying this, but let's all raise a glass to Phil Harrison.


[Via press release]

JoystiqAtari rescues Ghostbusters originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionatarighostbustersghostsred-flysierravivendi-gamesFri, 07 Nov 2008 15:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari sets the trap, will publish Ghostbusters in '09]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/atari-sets-the-trap-will-publish-ghostbusters-in-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/atari-sets-the-trap-will-publish-ghostbusters-in-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/atari-sets-the-trap-will-publish-ghostbusters-in-09/#commentsFiled under:


Gozer: "You must choose ... choose and publish.

Sierra: "Oh, oh I get it. Clear your heads, don't think of anything!"

Gozer: "The choice is made. The Publisher has come!"

Sierra: "Whoa, whoa whoa! We didn't choose anything. Did you choose anything?"

Activision: "My mind is totally blank."

(They all look at Atari.)

Atari: "I couldn't help it. It just popped in there."

Sierra: "What? What just 'popped' in there?"

(Distant stomping sounds.)

Atari: "I tried to think ...

Activision: "Look!"

Sierra: "What did you do Atari?"

Atari: "No, it can't be! It can't be!"

(They look to the horizon.)

Atari: "It's Phil Harrison."


Incidentally, Atari will publish Ghostbusters in 2009.


[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqAtari sets the trap, will publish Ghostbusters in '09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionatarighostbusterssierraFri, 07 Nov 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios hires World of Warcraft UI, King's Quest music vets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/04/38-studios-hires-world-of-warcraft-ui-kings-quest-music-vets/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/04/38-studios-hires-world-of-warcraft-ui-kings-quest-music-vets/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/04/38-studios-hires-world-of-warcraft-ui-kings-quest-music-vets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When filling the ranks at his game development brainchild, 38 Studios, it makes sense that MMO-fan Curt Schilling would look to his pastime of choice. The company announced that it has hired former Blizzard UI maestro, Irena Pereira, as 38 Studios' senior UI designer, bringing her interface grinding expertise not only with World of Warcraft, but The Burning Crusade and Wrath of the Lich King to the fledgling company as well.

Additionally, when setting the mood in its secretive MMO project codenamed Copernicus, the dev will look to the musical styling of newly hired composer and sound designer, Aubrey Hodges, whose familiar tunes can be heard in such adventure game greats as King's Quest, Space Quest, Quest for Glory and Conquests of the Longbow. Hodges is credited as one of the chief pioneers of in-game MIDI music, and also helped make us jump with his ambient tracks heard in both Doom and Quake.

Both Pereira and Hodges are just the latest seasoned vets to join 38 Studios, following the hiring of former Everquest designer Travis McGeathy and THQ artist Thom Ang, making us all the more curious just what the company is working on behind that curtain.

Joystiq38 Studios hires World of Warcraft UI, King's Quest music vets originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicuscurt-schillingcurtschillingkings-questsierraworldofwarcraftwowTue, 04 Nov 2008 12:45:00 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[Swordfish Studio 'sources' deny 50 Cent game canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/swordfish-studio-sources-deny-50-cent-game-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/swordfish-studio-sources-deny-50-cent-game-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/swordfish-studio-sources-deny-50-cent-game-canceled/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Swordfish Studio "sources" tell GI.biz that the rumor of 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand's cancellation is not true. The site reports "sources close" to the studio say the game is currently having its bugs fixed, and that it is still expected to release this holiday.

GI.biz goes on to note that the "studio is confident of a secure future in the industry." We'll have to wait and see if that future lies with Activision-Blizzard, though, as the publisher is still reviewing the status of several Sierra/Vivendi properties.

Source - 50 Cent Blood on the Sand is Dead, Dead, Dead (Kotaku)
Source - 50 Cent not canceled, despite rumors (GI.biz)

Gallery: 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand

JoystiqSwordfish Studio 'sources' deny 50 Cent game canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>50-cent50-cent-blood-on-the-sand50-Cent-BotSactivisionactivision-blizzardMicrosoftPS3sierraSwordfish-StudiosTHQvivendiXbox-360Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Name change: 'F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/name-change-f-e-a-r-2-project-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/name-change-f-e-a-r-2-project-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/name-change-f-e-a-r-2-project-origin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

f.e.a.r. 2
Monolith and Warner Bros. sure appreciate all the hard work you put in to deciding the name of the "spiritual successor" to F.E.A.R., but let's face it, Project Origin doesn't quite ring like ... F.E.A.R. 2. But, as the backstory goes, Sierra owned the franchise name and, up until the Activision-Blizzard merger, the company was supposedly working on its own F.E.A.R. sequel.

But then, well, Sierra hit a snag. Sensing that all was not well, Warner Bros. sent over a gift basket full of money, and back came the rights to the franchise name. So, here Warner Bros. and Monolith are with the original name and the name that's been used in all the marketing to date. Solution? Combine the two. And the final answer is ... F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin! In stores February 10th, 2009.

JoystiqName change: 'F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FEARFEAR-2FEAR-2-Project-OriginFPSMicrosoftMonolithMonolith-ProductionsPCPS3sierraWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWBIEXbox-360Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming to Go: Geometry Wars: Galaxies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/gaming-to-go-geometry-wars-galaxies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/gaming-to-go-geometry-wars-galaxies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/gaming-to-go-geometry-wars-galaxies/#commentsFiled under:


Who knew Bizarre Creations had a hit on its hands when it created the original Geometry Wars so many moons ago? I certainly didn't, though that might be due in part to my complete lack of one of those other consoles. Since its original inception on Microsoft soil, the Geometry Wars series has seen a number of different incarnations, a particularly enjoyable one of which is available for everyone's favorite handheld.

Geometry Wars: Galaxies also saw a release on Nintendo's white waggle box, though the infinitely more portable version is what I'll be covering in this week's edition of Gaming to Go. Haven't experienced the geometrical madness yet? Come along and see why playing with shapes on a two-dimensional grid is far more entertaining than it sounds.

Continue reading Gaming to Go: Geometry Wars: Galaxies

JoystiqGaming to Go: Geometry Wars: Galaxies originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionArcadeBizarreBizarre-CreationsGeometry-WarsGeometry-Wars-GalaxiesKujuKuju-EntertainmentShmupSierraMon, 08 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Baron flies again on PSN Sept 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/red-baron-flies-again-on-psn-sept-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/red-baron-flies-again-on-psn-sept-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/red-baron-flies-again-on-psn-sept-18/#commentsFiled under: ,

Look, up in the sky! It's Snoopy! It's a pizza! No, it's the original Red Baron! (har) Sierra Online has announced that Stainless Studios' remake of the 1990 PC flight simulator is coming to the PlayStation Network on September 18 (via Shacknews). The update has 36 missions, 20 airplanes and eight-player online multiplayer. Check out the trailer after the break.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

Continue reading Red Baron flies again on PSN Sept 18

JoystiqRed Baron flies again on PSN Sept 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstation-networkPS3psnred-baronsierrastainless-studiosWed, 27 Aug 2008 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quest for Glory II VGA remake released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/quest-for-glory-ii-vga-remake-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/quest-for-glory-ii-vga-remake-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/quest-for-glory-ii-vga-remake-released/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you're still downtrodden at hearing that Activision won't be publishing the classic Sierra adventures of yesteryear, we have great, great news: The saints at AGD Interactive have just released the (free) VGA remake of Quest for Glory II: Trial By Fire, a labor of love in development off and on for nearly seven years.

Finally you'll get to meet Rakeesh, Uhura and Ad Avis in their 256-color glory, as well as get the chance to navigate a much simplified alleyway system. If that last bit didn't make you breathe a sigh of relief, you should click here immediately and get educated. If it did ... well, we assume we've already lost you to the "Source" link.

JoystiqQuest for Glory II VGA remake released originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agdiPCquest-for-glorysierratrial-by-fireMon, 25 Aug 2008 08:30:00 EST