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[Costco UK selling full-size F1 simulator for just £90,000]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/costco-uk-selling-full-size-f1-simulator-for-just-90-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/costco-uk-selling-full-size-f1-simulator-for-just-90-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/costco-uk-selling-full-size-f1-simulator-for-just-90-000/#commentsCostco UK selling fullsize F1 simulator for just 90,000 Costco UK is selling an FMCG International F1 racing simulator for £89,999.89 (including delivery and installation!), or $138,338.83, which is still significantly cheaper than owning an actual Formula 1 car. We also assume it's probably a tiny bit safer and easier to maintain, but that's just a hunch.

The body is available in "your own choice of colour" and is made out of various combinations of composite materials, alloys and carbon fiber, with real wheels, tyres, chromed-out exhaust tips and everything. There's no engine or transmission, obviously, but it does come with one of those totally awesome detachable steering wheels.

The gaming portion of the rig is powered by an Intel Core i7, an SSD of unknown capacity, 16 gigs of RAM and a non-specified graphics card outputting to three 23-inch adjustable TFT monitors. Meanwhile, sweet jams are pumped through a 5.1 audio system into both the car's body and your body, since the subwoofer is located directly behind the driver's seat.

JoystiqCostco UK selling full-size F1 simulator for just £90,000 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costcoF1FMCG-InternationalpcracingreplicasimsimulationsimulatorSat, 18 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: EA Maxis takes 'full responsibility' for SimCity issues via internal memo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/rumor-ea-maxis-takes-full-responsibility-for-simcity-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/rumor-ea-maxis-takes-full-responsibility-for-simcity-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/rumor-ea-maxis-takes-full-responsibility-for-simcity-issues/#comments An internal memo from Maxis general manager Lucy Bradshaw details the state of the developer, who is hard at work trying to get SimCity fully operational in North America. "SimCity is an online game and critics and consumers have every right to expect a smooth experience from beginning to end," she wrote. "I and the Maxis team take full responsibility to deliver on our promise. Trust that we're working as hard as possible to make sure everyone gets to experience the amazing game we built in SimCity."

Polygon claims to have the internal memo in question, presented in a series of quotes. It claims that the issues experienced in North America are starting to spread overseas. "It's also now evident that players across Europe and Asia are experiencing the same frustration." It also claims 700,000 cities were built in the first 24 hours after launch.

Yesterday, EA Maxis disabled certain non-critical features in SimCity in an attempt to help lighten the load on the servers, which are also growing in number. SimCity is dependent upon a constant online connection. Being an unavoidable part of the experience, server woes have caused us to hold back our review.

Update: An EA representative has confirmed with Joystiq the internal memo in fact leaked today; however, this representative did not go into any further detail than that.

JoystiqRumor: EA Maxis takes 'full responsibility' for SimCity issues via internal memo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5simulationFri, 08 Mar 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[MLB 12 The Show gets price cut, predicts playoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/mlb-12-the-show-gets-price-cut-predicts-playoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/mlb-12-the-show-gets-price-cut-predicts-playoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/mlb-12-the-show-gets-price-cut-predicts-playoffs/#comments

With the tail end of baseball season in full swing, Sony dropped the price on MLB 12: The Show to $29.99 for PS3 and $19.99 for Vita. Baseball fans that aren't ready to call it quits can take advantage of the game's cross-platform features at a combined $50, less than the PS3 version launched at in March.

Sony's San Diego studio also teamed up with ESPN to simulate this year's MLB playoffs in MLB 12: The Show, and has the Washington Nationals facing the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series. The Orioles haven't been in the world championship since 1983, and the Nationals haven't appeared in the World Series at all. Those hoping for an interesting end to the MLB playoffs should keep their fingers crossed for Sony's simulation to come true.

JoystiqMLB 12 The Show gets price cut, predicts playoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baseballESPNMLBmlb-12-the-showmlb-the-shownationalsOriolesplayoffsplaystationplaystation-vitaprice-cutps3simulationsony-san-diegovitaworld-seriesSun, 07 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Flight is free as a bird on Feb. 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/microsoft-flight-is-free-as-a-bird-on-feb-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/microsoft-flight-is-free-as-a-bird-on-feb-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/microsoft-flight-is-free-as-a-bird-on-feb-29/#comments
Microsoft clearly has no care for the silly paramaters we call "seasons," as its launching Microsoft Flight on February 29, bucking the original "spring" launch window. Microsoft Flight's official site will be hosting downloads of the free application starting that Wednesday -- no other distribution channels are named, but we suspect it'll also be up on Games for Windows Live's Marketplace as well.

That guess' accuracy is bolstered by the news that the "Hawaiian Adventure Pack" wil be made available as well on the 29th, coming in at $19.99. The pack is said to include the "remaining Hawaiian Islands, a new plane, and 20 new missions," should you have already exhausted your enjoyment of the other content, perhaps during the simulation's beta period. More details on the DLC can be found just after the break, including two additional planes, priced at $7.99 and $14.99 (for regular and "deluxe" models, respectively).

At this point, we were gonna make a flippant joke about Flight being little more than flying simulation, but then we thought about that Louis CK bit and started feeling all guilty. So, here we are. Either way, how about those DLC prices, eh? Madness!

Gallery: Microsoft Flight (Hawaiian Adventure Pack)

Continue reading Microsoft Flight is free as a bird on Feb. 29

JoystiqMicrosoft Flight is free as a bird on Feb. 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flight-simflight-simulationmicrosoft-flightmicrosoft-studiospcq1-2012release-datesimulationMon, 06 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA picks NY Giants as Super Bowl XLVI winner in Madden simulation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/ea-super-bowl-46-prediction/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/ea-super-bowl-46-prediction/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/ea-super-bowl-46-prediction/#comments
Are you wondering who has the upper hand in this Sunday's National Football League sporting contest, but you're beyond trusting those silly old sports journalists? Let EA answer that for you, with its annual simulation of the Superbowl as conducted in Madden NFL 12 on Xbox 360. As evidenced in the video above, the New York Giants are set to overtake the New England Patriots in Superbowl 46 by three points (GO GIANTS WOOOO), with a field goal in the final quarter locking the win for big blue.

We might seem a tad dismissive, but EA has set a precedent in the past with annual predictions being spot on (at least in terms of a winner ... less so in terms of actual scores). That either tells us that Madden's numbers game has been spot on for several years, or that football is easily predicted. We'd rather avoid the pummeling that will assuredly result in supposing the latter, so we're gonna go with option A.

JoystiqEA picks NY Giants as Super Bowl XLVI winner in Madden simulation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportselectronic-artsfootballmadden-nfl-12microsoftne-patriotsnew-england-patriotsnew-york-giantsnflny-giantssimulationsuperbowlsuperbowl-46superbowl-xlvixboxMon, 30 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[US Army game developers show off CryEngine 3-powered environments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/us-army-game-developers-shows-off-cryengine-3-powered-environmen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/us-army-game-developers-shows-off-cryengine-3-powered-environmen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/us-army-game-developers-shows-off-cryengine-3-powered-environmen/#comments The US Army has been building a training game for its soldiers to play, and the company behind the project, called RealTime Immersive, Inc., has just released two trailers showing off the game's graphics, powered by CryEngine 3. If it looks good, it's because the powers that be have spent $57 million on the project. For that price, there better be dedicated servers and LAN support.

Keep in mind this is just a tease -- this game is meant for internal training by the Army, and so it isn't something the public will get to play in any major way. Besides, can the Army hire a group of racist teenagers to yell at soldiers as they perform the in-game training operations?

JoystiqUS Army game developers show off CryEngine 3-powered environments originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cryengine-3pcrealtime-immersive-incsimulationsoldiersus-armyFri, 23 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz launches ThunderHawk Studios, gets into flight sim development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/mad-catz-launches-thunderhawk-studios-gets-into-flight-sim-deve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/mad-catz-launches-thunderhawk-studios-gets-into-flight-sim-deve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/mad-catz-launches-thunderhawk-studios-gets-into-flight-sim-deve/#comments Peripheral maker Mad Catz has announced that it's moving beyond just making flight sticks -- it's actually going to make the flight simulations to use them with. Forming an internal development group called ThunderHawk Studios, the company has set its sights on creating massively multiplayer air combat games that CEO Darren Richardson says will "leverage the market share leadership and global distribution enjoyed by our flight simulation hardware products."

"The formation of ThunderHawk Studios is an important milestone as we pursue our longer term goal of expanding our participation in developing, publishing and distributing games," Richardson added. The first title from ThunderHawk is slated to go wheels-up in 2012, and we'd be surprised if we didn't see it in some form at next week's E3 expo.

Continue reading Mad Catz launches ThunderHawk Studios, gets into flight sim development

JoystiqMad Catz launches ThunderHawk Studios, gets into flight sim development originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 May 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentmad-catzmmosimulationthunderhawk-studiosTue, 31 May 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sims 3: Generations trailer introduces the world's worst teenagers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/sims-3-generations-trailer-introduces-the-worlds-worst-teenage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/sims-3-generations-trailer-introduces-the-worlds-worst-teenage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/sims-3-generations-trailer-introduces-the-worlds-worst-teenage/#comments If hooking up in the hot tub isn't your ultimate end-game in The Sims 3, then you might want to check out Generations, the latest expansion. Now it's your mid-life crisis instead of just another Tuesday! It's all about experiencing life's major moments, like raising lawn-hating teenagers.

Continue reading Sims 3: Generations trailer introduces the world's worst teenagers

JoystiqSims 3: Generations trailer introduces the world's worst teenagers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 May 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artssimulationstrategythe-simsThe-Sims-3Wed, 18 May 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Move over, Gran Turismo 5 -- Omni Bus is a real driving sim]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/move-over-gran-turismo-5-omni-bus-is-a-real-driving-sim/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/move-over-gran-turismo-5-omni-bus-is-a-real-driving-sim/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/move-over-gran-turismo-5-omni-bus-is-a-real-driving-sim/#comments Gran Turismo 5, Forza 4 and Shift Unleashed 2? Babytime frolics, friends. A series of videos highlighting German-made Omni Bus prove that it's taking driving simulators to the next level. Not since Densha de Go! have we been so intimidated by a game.

YouTube user macelqnt has been steadily uploading videos from the game, the latest of which you can see past the break. Omni Bus is available for purchase right now! An English version of the game can be found here and, if you're having trouble getting your bus ta' move, an English manual will be available for download tomorrow.

Continue reading Move over, Gran Turismo 5 -- Omni Bus is a real driving sim

JoystiqMove over, Gran Turismo 5 -- Omni Bus is a real driving sim originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerosoftdriving-simulatoromni-busomnibuspcsimulationTue, 22 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steelers win Madden 11 Super Bowl simulation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/steelers-win-madden-11-super-bowl-simulation/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/steelers-win-madden-11-super-bowl-simulation/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/steelers-win-madden-11-super-bowl-simulation/#comments Computers can be used to calculate all sorts of truly helpful data ... or they can be used to simulate the Super Bowl. If you're going to use processing power to predict the outcome of a sporting event, then you'd better be pretty darned accurate if you hope to maintain any semblance of a reasonable use of life (it still takes human people to run, recap and even report on -- hi there! -- the simulation). EA Sports' Madden games have at least been that, accurately calling the winner of six of the last seven Super Bowls.

This year, Madden 11 sees the Pittsburgh Steelers defeating the Green Bay Packers 24-20 in Super Bowl XLV, which sounds like a good enough guess. But now, do you put money on that? (After the break, delve into the video highlights and box score ... of the simulated game.)

Also vying for "reasonability" will be this Thursday's Madden Bowl XVII (wait -- there have already been sixteen of these?). The annual tournament of NFL players gamers whose seasons have been reduced to playing as themselves will be broadcast live on ESPN3 (on your Xbox Dashboard) at 9PM ET, February 3. Hey Niners fans, did you know Alex Smith* has won a record two Madden Bowls? That's the same number of Super Bowl rings that Roethlisberger has -- well, until Sunday's victory, according to Madden. [*Update: Oops! Sorry to get your hopes up San Francisco faithful -- it's Alex Smith the tight end (currently playing for the Cleveland Browns) who holds the Madden Bowl record. Alex Smith the quarterback has never participated in the event.]

Gallery: Madden NFL 11 (Super Bowl XLV Simulation)

Continue reading Steelers win Madden 11 Super Bowl simulation

JoystiqSteelers win Madden 11 Super Bowl simulation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>espn3madden-bowl-xviimadden-nfl-11microsoftpackersplaystationpredictionps3simulationsonysteelerssuper-bowlsuper-bowl-xlvxboxTue, 01 Feb 2011 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 moves 560,500 units in December, 1.14 million sold between Nov. and Dec.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/gran-turismo-5-moves-560-500-units-in-december-1-14-million-sol/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/gran-turismo-5-moves-560-500-units-in-december-1-14-million-sol/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/gran-turismo-5-moves-560-500-units-in-december-1-14-million-sol/#comments Despite not making December's NPD top 10 list, Gran Turismo 5 sold 560,500 units last month in the US and Canada. IndustryGamers got the number straight from the NPD Group -- a number which looks like an apparent dropoff from Sony's late November launch numbers, which heralded 5.5 million units shipped worldwide, 1.25 million of which were in North America alone.

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gran-Turismo-5npdnpd-groupplaystationpolyphony-digitalps3racingsalesscesimulationsony-computer-entertainmentFri, 14 Jan 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[From the makers of Game Dev Story: 'The Game Dealer' retail sim]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/from-the-makers-of-game-dev-story-the-game-dealer-retail-sim/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/from-the-makers-of-game-dev-story-the-game-dealer-retail-sim/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/from-the-makers-of-game-dev-story-the-game-dealer-retail-sim/#commentsThere's a good chance that some of you reading this are currently employed by game retailers, so we're going to describe Waiwai! The Game Dealer, a new game from Kairosoft (maker of Game Dev Story), without spinning any heads.

In The Game Dealer, you assume the role of a game store boss who must manage employees and please customers, all the while balancing a stock portfolio of game development studios. Unlike real life game retail jobs, you'll apparently be able to offer customers food, Touch Arcade reports -- perhaps a "shoo mallrats away from free food" minigame is on the books?

TGD is only available in the Japanese App Store as of right now and no official confirmation has been given of intentions to localize the game. That said, with the success of Game Dev Story and the forthcoming Game Dev Story 2 already planned, we'd be surprised if the game didn't arrive Stateside at some point. And that's when the existential crisis begins: playing a game about managing a retail game store while working at a retail game store.

Gallery: The Game Dealer

JoystiqFrom the makers of Game Dev Story: 'The Game Dealer' retail sim originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storegame-dev-storyiphoneitunes-app-storejapankairosoftmobilesimulationthe-game-dealerTue, 04 Jan 2011 09:41:00 EST<![CDATA[The Sims Medieval 'special edition' coming, specialness debatable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/the-sims-medieval-special-edition-coming-specialness-debatabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/the-sims-medieval-special-edition-coming-specialness-debatabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/the-sims-medieval-special-edition-coming-specialness-debatabl/#comments When we heard that EA would be releasing a "special limited edition" of The Sims Medieval next spring, our minds were filled with images of a replica treasure chest, loaded with fittingly medieval goodies -- perhaps a sword-shaped letter opener? (Okay, so our imaginations are a little unimaginative today.) Instead, we learned that the release would include three exclusive throne rooms, "princess," "barbarian" and "dark magic," in addition to two outfits, some royal clothes and executioner garb.

While we're already rocking a dark magic theme in our own throne room, the thought of some pre-made costumes for the next Renaissance Faire season seemed pretty cool. Upon closer inspection of the announcement, however, we discovered that these are outfits for the game's "simulation" people. That kind of ruined it for us, but we suppose if you're a diehard Sims buff, resisting this package would be feudal.

JoystiqThe Sims Medieval 'special edition' coming, specialness debatable originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsmacpcsimulationspecial-editionthe-simsthe-sims-medievalWed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Forza 4 announced with live-action trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/forza-4-announced-with-live-action-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/forza-4-announced-with-live-action-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/forza-4-announced-with-live-action-trailer/#comments Forza 4 was unveiled with a dramatic live-action trailer during tonight's Spike VGAs. The teaser gave an idea of what the game will include -- namely, simulation driving in really fast, expensive cars. Did you expect any less? See it for yourself after the break.

Also, we're guessing that the Kinect functionality that we saw with Forza back at E3 could end up in this forthcoming title. Color us interested, just please, please don't make us pretend there's a steering wheel in our hands. Forza 4 arrives on Xbox 360 in Fall 2011.

Continue reading Forza 4 announced with live-action trailer

JoystiqForza 4 announced with live-action trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Dec 2010 21:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forza-4forza-motorsport-4kinect-forzamicrosoftq3-2011racingrelease-datesimulationturn-10-studiosvga-2010xboxSat, 11 Dec 2010 21:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5 public demo coming in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/civilization-5-public-demo-coming-in-september-firaxis-promises/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/civilization-5-public-demo-coming-in-september-firaxis-promises/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/civilization-5-public-demo-coming-in-september-firaxis-promises/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Oh, so you think you're heading off into space for some distant world in September? Nope, you've got more pressing matters here at home. A public demo for Civilization 5 has been confirmed for September, "before the full game is released."

The missive can be found over on the game's official site, which promises more details on the exact nature of the demo and when rowdy road-builders can get their cultivation on, "coming soon." We'll be sure to update you all when we hear something, but in the meanwhile, you can get back to filling the coffers for that special edition you've had your eye on.

JoystiqCivilization 5 public demo coming in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilizationcivilization-5demoFiraxis-Gamespcsid-meiersimulationstrategyWed, 04 Aug 2010 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Maxis hiring development director for 'online simulation game']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/maxis-hiring-development-director-for-online-simulation-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/maxis-hiring-development-director-for-online-simulation-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/maxis-hiring-development-director-for-online-simulation-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to a job notice recently discovered by superannuation, Maxis is currently hiring a development director to aid in the creation of "an unannounced next-generation Online simulation game." The job's prerequisites give a few hints about what the new project might entail, including requirements such as "shipped at least one online PC title" and "has shipped at least one game with an online financial model, including online stores and DLC's."

Regardless of which of Maxis' franchises this new title ends up within, it sounds like it'll be microtransaction-supported. Perhaps superannuation's hypothesis that it'll be a Facebook-based FarmVille competitor isn't too far off.

JoystiqMaxis hiring development director for 'online simulation game' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hiringjobmaxisMicrotransactionsonlinepcsimulationWed, 14 Jul 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Chahi: Project Dust is like building sandcastles, with more lava]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/chahi-project-dust-is-like-building-sandcastles-with-more-lava/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/chahi-project-dust-is-like-building-sandcastles-with-more-lava/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/chahi-project-dust-is-like-building-sandcastles-with-more-lava/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Speaking to Joystiq during E3, legendary Another World designer Eric Chahi gave us a bit more information about the mysterious Project Dust, revealed at Ubisoft's E3 presentation. First, it's important to know what inspired him to make the game: volcanoes. " I took a trip to an active volcano to see eruptions," Chahi said, "and since that time I'm crazy about volcanoes. When an eruption is announced somewhere, I take my bag and take the first flight to see this kind of thing."

According to Chahi, Project Dust is a God game based on manipulating nature. " The foundation of Project Dust is a simulation. It's like playing 'sandcastle' on the beach, except you have more material to use, like lava." Lava, he reminded us, isn't purely a destructive force -- it can also be used to shape the land and even create areas of land.

Interaction with your tribe of people is done through manipulation of the land, which mainly involves picking up materials and moving them around. The Ubisoft rep with Chahi explained that when you pick up something like water, it forms a free-floating sphere that the people can see and react to -- and they don't understand it. Right now, he said, the in-world significance of the levitating material is a mystery even to Ubisoft.

Gallery: Project Dust (working title)

JoystiqChahi: Project Dust is like building sandcastles, with more lava originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010Eric-ChahiGod-GamemicrosoftplaystationProject-Dustps3simulationUbisoftxboxWed, 30 Jun 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Test drive Split/Second, ModNation Racers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/psn-tuesday-test-drive-split-second-modnation-racers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/psn-tuesday-test-drive-split-second-modnation-racers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/psn-tuesday-test-drive-split-second-modnation-racers/#comments
PSN Tuesday's big draw this week is kickin' the tires on Split/Second, developed by the same folks that brought us the equally gorgeous Pure. For those interested in DLC, there's new stuff for BioShock 2, Batman: Arkham Asylum and, naturally, LittleBigPlanet.

PSP owners can pick up Harvest Moon: Hero Of Leaf Valley and Worms: Battle Islands. Split/Second isn't the only racing game with a demo -- ModNation Racers is also available for a test drive. Check out the full update after the break.


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

Continue reading PSN Tuesday: Test drive Split/Second, ModNation Racers

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Test drive Split/Second, ModNation Racers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 20:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Harvest-MoonHarvest-Moon-Hero-of-Leaf-ValleyMarvelous-InteractiveNatsumePSN-Storepsn-tuesdaypsn-weeklySimulationsplit-secondTue, 11 May 2010 20:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Swag Sunday: 32GB iPod Touch [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/02/swag-sunday-32gb-ipod-touch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/02/swag-sunday-32gb-ipod-touch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/02/swag-sunday-32gb-ipod-touch/#comments Update: The entry period has concluded. Keep an eye on your email to see if you won!

We've got a 32GB iPod Touch courtesy of Sega, pre-loaded with Football Manager 2010 leftover from our review, and we're looking to pass it on to one lucky reader. For your chance to score this limited edition iPod -- it's 1 of 45 laser-etched with the Football Manager 2010 logo -- just follow the simple rules below:
  • Leave a comment telling us your favorite football (you know, "soccer") player of all time.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day.
  • This entry period ends at 3:31PM ET on Monday, May 3.
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive the limited edition 32GB iPod Touch (ARV: $299.99).
  • For a list of complete rules, click here.
What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition.

For more info on our policy, click here.

JoystiqSwag Sunday: 32GB iPod Touch [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 May 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleFootball-ManagerFootball-Manager-Handheld-2010iPodipod-touchjoyswagSegaSimulationSportsSports InteractiveSportsInteractiveswag-sundaySun, 02 May 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone It In: Football Manager 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/iphone-it-in-football-manager-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/iphone-it-in-football-manager-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/iphone-it-in-football-manager-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ask any sports fan and they'll tell you about the importance of stats. Beneath all of the flash and cash, an athlete is only as good as his or her numbers. And in Sega's Football Manager 2010 on the iPhone, math is pretty much the entirety of the game: Calculating salaries, player skills and tactics -- all in an attempt to put the odds in your favor.

Continue reading iPhone It In: Football Manager 2010

JoystiqiPhone It In: Football Manager 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleFootball-ManagerFootball-Manager-Handheld-2010iphone-app-storeiphone-it-iniPodSegaSimulationSportsSports InteractiveSportsInteractiveMon, 19 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Silent Hunter 5 recalled in Germany]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/report-silent-hunter-5-recalled-in-germany/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/report-silent-hunter-5-recalled-in-germany/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/report-silent-hunter-5-recalled-in-germany/#commentsUbisoft has issued a recall for Collectors Edition copies of the submarine sim Silent Hunter 5: Battle of the Atlantic, According to a report from the German site ComputerBase. Apparently, some offending World War II-related symbols (we're guessing swastikas) were left in some of the bonus content, which violates German law. This only affects the Collectors Edition.

The ComputerBase post briefly mentions the Ubisoft DRM that has been so problematic for players of Assassin's Creed 2 and this game, confirming that the same scheme is in use there. It must not be as bad in Germany, because someone was able to play long enough to see a swastika.

[Via Blue's News, Edge]

JoystiqReport: Silent Hunter 5 recalled in Germany originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drmrecallsilent-huntersilent-hunter-5simulationsubmarineubisoftFri, 12 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden predicts Saints win Super Bowl XLIV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/madden-predicts-saints-win-super-bowl-xliv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/madden-predicts-saints-win-super-bowl-xliv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/madden-predicts-saints-win-super-bowl-xliv/#comments If the "Madden Curse" is the unflapping revenge exacted by the fowl spirit of the Great Turducken, its devoured body unceremoniously carved up by the bare hands of John Madden on national television those many years ago (seriously, go wikipedia that joint), then the annual "Madden NFL Super Bowl Simulation" is just ... plain math.

In the latest case of crunching the numbers, Madden 10 has predicted the New Orleans Saints to be winners of this Sunday's Super Bowl XLIV over the Indianapolis Colts. It was a real nail biter, EA recalls: "with minutes left in the game the duo of Joseph Addai and Peyton Manning put the Colts back on top with a go-ahead touchdown pass. With the game hanging in the balance, Drew Brees hits David Thomas for an 11-yard touchdown and the game winning score." The final: 35-31.

But more intriguing than the projected outcome of a mere sporting event is EA Sports' coveted simulation formula, which has become scary good. Not only did it correctly predict the winners of the conference championship games a few Sundays ago within a three-point margin of error, according to EA Sports, the formula accurately played out last year's Super Bowl down to the final score and individual player stats, which begs the question: What can't it predict?

We'd like to put a request in to EA to simulate next week's retail showdown: BioShock 2 vs. Dante's Inferno. Place your bets now!

Gallery: Madden NFL 10 Super Bowl XLIV Simulation

JoystiqMadden predicts Saints win Super Bowl XLIV originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsElectronic-Artsmaddenmadden-10madden-nfl-10MicrosoftNintendopredictionssimulationsuper-bowlsuper-bowl-xlivsuperbowlWiiXbox-360Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley coming to PSP this April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/harvest-moon-hero-of-new-leaf-coming-to-psp-this-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/harvest-moon-hero-of-new-leaf-coming-to-psp-this-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/harvest-moon-hero-of-new-leaf-coming-to-psp-this-april/#comments Natsume continues milking the Harvest Moon franchise, with a new game coming to the PSP later this year. Hero of Leaf Valley promises to be "the biggest PSP Harvest Moon adventure yet." This time around, players must farm their hearts out in order to save Leaf Valley from the evil Funland Corporation. Multiple endings are promised -- we hope one of them involves your vegetables combining to form a mech that destroys Funland Corp. (That might be unlikely, though.)

Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley will be available in April for $29.99.

Gallery: Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley

JoystiqHarvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley coming to PSP this April originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harvest-moonharvest-moon-hero-of-leaf-valleyMarvelous-InteractivenatsumeSimulationThu, 28 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Soccer reigns supreme once again in UK sales chart; DJ Hero breaks in at 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/soccer-reigns-supreme-once-again-in-uk-sales-chart-dj-hero-brea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/soccer-reigns-supreme-once-again-in-uk-sales-chart-dj-hero-brea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/soccer-reigns-supreme-once-again-in-uk-sales-chart-dj-hero-brea/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Another football game came out in the UK last week and, once again, it came in first place in the region's weekly software sales charts. This time around, the game was Football Manager 2010, in which soccer isn't played, but rather, managed. That's far too boring a concept to discuss further, so instead, let's move to the other big debuts: Wii Fit Plus, for instance, came in second place for the week, which is -- wait a minute. Doesn't Wii Fit Plus have a "Soccer Heading" minigame? Oh, Nintendo. You know exactly what you're doing.

Episodes From Liberty City and Tekken 6 also made a splash during their launch week, garnering sixth and eighth place finishes, respectively. However, DJ Hero seems to be following its expected, slow-starting sales trajectory, debuting at twentieth place in last week's chart. We've got a small suggestion for FreeStyle Games to improve the rhythm title's performance in the UK: Needs moar Dizzee Rascal.

Source -- Sega's FM 2010 Kicks Off at No1 [Chart Track]
Source -- All formats chart [Chart Track]

JoystiqSoccer reigns supreme once again in UK sales chart; DJ Hero breaks in at 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chart-trackdj-heroepisodes-from-liberty-cityFootball-ManagerFootball-Manager-2010MicrosoftNintendosalesSegaSimulationSportsSports InteractiveSportsInteractivetekken-6ukWiiwii-fit-plusXbox-360Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCastle and SimMars scrapped in favor of The Sims]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/12/simcastle-and-simmars-scrapped-in-favor-of-the-sims/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/12/simcastle-and-simmars-scrapped-in-favor-of-the-sims/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/12/simcastle-and-simmars-scrapped-in-favor-of-the-sims/#comments After breaking our hearts by showing us the Road Rash remake which never will be, the gaming industry's Encyclopedia Brown, supererogatory, dug up another pair of intriguing titles which sadly never saw the light of day. The personal blog of game designer Ward Moore mentions two Sim games which were ultimately canceled in order to focus on the blockbuster The Sims franchise: SimCastle, a game based on the SimTown engine set in medieval times, and SimMars, which ... simulated life on Mars, we guess?

Moore's blog included a look at the called-off Martian endeavor, seen above. The blog of illustrator Corey Keller includes a few conceptual designs from SimCastle, one of which can be seen after the jump. SimAnt, which perplexingly somehow got made while these two promising titles didn't, can be seen here. Life can be awfully unfair at times.

Continue reading SimCastle and SimMars scrapped in favor of The Sims

JoystiqSimCastle and SimMars scrapped in favor of The Sims originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancelledeaElectronic-ArtsmaxissimsimcastlesimmarssimssimulationMon, 12 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari 458 Italia announced for Forza 3, coming as DLC 'this holiday']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/ferrari-458-italia-announced-for-forza-3-coming-as-dlc-this-ho/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/ferrari-458-italia-announced-for-forza-3-coming-as-dlc-this-ho/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/ferrari-458-italia-announced-for-forza-3-coming-as-dlc-this-ho/#commentsIt was only a few months ago that Ferrari officially unveiled the successor to the F430 in the much rumored Ferrari 458 Italia. With Forza 3 just over a month away, we can certainly understand how developer Turn 10 couldn't find extra time to fully develop the brand new car for its game. Even though the game went gold recently, the developer got right back to work, announcing recently that the mid-engine V8 monster will arrive as DLC this holiday. There's even a sweet video of the car in action that you can see above (and compare it with the real thing found after the break).

We pressed Microsoft for a price and only heard back, "We're not announcing any other details about the Ferrari vehicle at this time, other than to celebrate its inclusion in the game since it's a sick car." Maybe Microsoft will gift us all free Ferraris for the hoidays!

Continue reading Ferrari 458 Italia announced for Forza 3, coming as DLC 'this holiday'

JoystiqFerrari 458 Italia announced for Forza 3, coming as DLC 'this holiday' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrariferrari-458-italiaforzaforza-3forza-motorsportforza-motorsport-3microsoftmicrosoft-game-studiosracingsimulationtrailerturn-10turn-10-studiosvideoXbox-360Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Ship Simulator Extremes to blow the doors off ship simulation genre]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/ship-simulator-extremes-to-blow-the-doors-off-ship-simulation-ge/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/ship-simulator-extremes-to-blow-the-doors-off-ship-simulation-ge/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/ship-simulator-extremes-to-blow-the-doors-off-ship-simulation-ge/#comments
This ain't your papa's ship simulation game. This is Ship Simulator Extremes, the latest entry in Dutch developer VSTEP's series of nautical piloting sims. The press release which announced the game includes a lengthy list of features, but all you need to know is in the title -- it'll be "Extremes." Not just "Extreme," mind you -- but "Extremes." As in, more than one "Extreme." We can assume this means the game will take you to the razor-sharp edge of seafaring Extreme-ness, then, just for kicks, it'll take you a bit farther.

The game sounds like it'll go over quite well with the world's expansive community of boat enthusiasts -- we just hope it can stay afloat (nailed it!) in the crowded waters of Q1 2010.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqShip Simulator Extremes to blow the doors off ship simulation genre originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boatparadox-interactivepcq1-2010shipship-simulator-extremessimulationvstepFri, 14 Aug 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: Afrika]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/impressions-afrika/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/impressions-afrika/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/impressions-afrika/#commentsPokémon Snap fans, beware! Afrika is the Pokémon game you know and love, just all grown up ... and, ya know, without all those Pocket Monsters. Instead, you're chasing around lions and tigers and, erm, zebras with fancy Sony brand cameras, trying your best to capture shots and not get trampled.

Oh, wait, that's right! There is no "trample." In fact, there's no interaction with the animals of any kind. You don't even get the satisfaction of oddly petting them like in Endless Ocean. With Afrika, you get an African safari simulator and little else. Which really makes it hard for us to even classify Afrika as a "game" as opposed to edutainment. Sure, there are assignments and "challenges," should you so choose to engage them, but there is little (if any) real progression through the experience.

Better cameras do unlock as you complete assignments and a whole mess of National Geographic footage/stills/information also serve to reward various complete objectives, but none of this makes the "game" any more game-ey. Those of you looking for an interactive African safari simulation, Afrika is for you. For those of you whose first interest is seeing if you can run down a rhino, look elsewhere -- this "game" ain't for you.

Gallery: Afrika

JoystiqImpressions: Afrika originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afrikae3-2009impressionsnational-geographicnatsumesafarisimulationWed, 10 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Order!!, WiiWare's retro king simulator, explained]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/order-wiiwares-retro-king-simulator-explained/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/order-wiiwares-retro-king-simulator-explained/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/order-wiiwares-retro-king-simulator-explained/#commentsWe introduced Order!! yesterday, the upcoming WiiWare title that puts the player in the role of a 16-bit RPG's king. AndriaSang's preview of Poisoft's game helpfully gives us more details about the gameplay, which diverges significantly from My Life as a King (and also Little King's Story -- by the way, what's the deal with all the king games on Wii?).

As the king, you are visited by heroes, whom you send out to fight monsters. When they return, you reward them with items. Sometimes those heroes will explore your castle and just take items -- much like we all would when playing heroes in RPGs. You also build the infrastructure of your kingdom with item shops, farms, schools, and other such buildings.

While all that sounds pretty similar to My Life as a King, there's another layer of gameplay: you control your kingdom's foreign policy as well, deciding whether to use the army (which you build) to attack and invade neighboring kingdoms. You can use diplomacy, warfare, or even assassinations to achieve your goals.

Our favorite detail of the game: "You don't even have to set your sights on world peace. If you prefer, you can choose to support the demon lord by giving money to the demon army or capturing heroes and turning them in." The preview also mentions a sneakier approach: reducing the number of health items for sale in your kingdom to make it less hospitable to heroes.

JoystiqOrder!!, WiiWare's retro king simulator, explained originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 May 2009 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanorderpoisoftsimulationwiiwareWed, 20 May 2009 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Forza 3 making an appearance at E3 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/rumor-forza-3-making-an-appearance-at-e3-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/rumor-forza-3-making-an-appearance-at-e3-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/rumor-forza-3-making-an-appearance-at-e3-2009/#comments
(click to embiggen)
At this point, after "supposed" artwork was leaked and the franchise's publisher, Microsoft, circulated a survey inquiring about the game, you'd think the company would just up and announce Forza 3 already. Not so, however, as Microsoft's also notoriously cagey about the game's "possible" existence within its own doors!

As you can see in the video embedded after the break (and in the less than beautiful screen grab above), Microsoft hides a logo for Forza even when showing the game to its own employees a group of Xbox community members from PortalXbox.com.br during a recent, camera-laden meeting in Brazil. The crowd audibly cheers "Forza!" when the logo appears and the man in charge goes on to speak about his love for past entries in the franchise -- never mentioning "Forza 3" by name, mind you. All we get after this is a banner marked "AGUARDEM," meaning "coming soon."

Will we see more of the game at E3 2009? Our money's on "Yeah, we'll probably see it then." Oh, and hey, Portuguese-speaking readers, feel free to drop us a tip with the fully translated transcript when you get a second. Thanks!

UPDATE: Reader Daniel Gomes has informed us that the event was actually the "National Forum on April 25th in São Paulo" for PortalXbox.com.br, "the largest Xbox community in Brazil." Good to know!

UPDATE 2: Apparently the YouTube clip we embedded after the break got pulled. Luckily, we had already downloaded the video! Feel free to check it out, still after the break!

Continue reading Rumor: Forza 3 making an appearance at E3 2009

JoystiqRumor: Forza 3 making an appearance at E3 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009forzaforza-3leakmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosracingrumorsimulationXbox-360Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MySims Party raises roof this March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/mysims-party-raises-roof-this-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/mysims-party-raises-roof-this-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/mysims-party-raises-roof-this-march/#comments
What a glorious day, which was only made better by EA's announcement that MySims Party will be available for Wii and DS this March. Yes, the saccharin collection of minigames -- 40 in the DS version and 50 on the Wii -- will keep you smiling ... like you just ate the family pet and nobody knows.

MySims Party is part of EA's initiative to design more titles that appeal to the console's demographic. EA is likely taking a cue from 2K Games, which has found minigame success with its Carnival Games series. Next up for the MySims on Wii and DS: MySims Racing. Then, we speculate: Legend of MySims, Super Smash MySims and MySims Fit.

JoystiqMySims Party raises roof this March originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsmysimsmysims-partyNintendosimulationWiiTue, 10 Feb 2009 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[EA officially announces Spore Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/ea-officially-announces-spore-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/ea-officially-announces-spore-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/ea-officially-announces-spore-hero/#commentsFiled under:

Spore's arrival on the Wii has been stretched out over such a protracted period of time it would make evolution itself blush. Will Wright first confirmed the project way, way back in October 2007; optimistically, we placed the game in a list of titles to look out for in 2008.

Nevertheless, let's say it again: Spore is coming to Wii. Yay! This time, to make things feel extra official and important, EA made the announcement, revealing that Spore Hero, a game built from the ground up for the Wii, would focus on "creativity and evolution." And that's really all we know for now, aside from the fact that the game will release this fall.

Considering it's taken EA the best part of fifteen months to announce the thing, and given the first game's reputation, we wouldn't be amazed to see some slippage. One to watch out for in our "Games for 2010" list, perhaps.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqEA officially announces Spore Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamaxissimulationsporespore-heroThu, 22 Jan 2009 10:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy Review: Sandy Beach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/wii-fanboy-review-sandy-beach/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/wii-fanboy-review-sandy-beach/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/wii-fanboy-review-sandy-beach/#commentsFiled under: ,


While not all of Hudson's WiiWare offerings are necessarily successful in terms of sales or critical response, they've been responsible for some of the best, and best-selling, games on the service. And even when they don't do so well, effort is evident. So why can't Hudson's parent company, Konami, take a lesson from their subsidiary? Since the launch of the service, they've released only two games: Critter Round-Up and this. So they've released, like, one and a quarter games.

Sandy Beach is a baffling release -- in that I can't fathom how Konami saw this and decided there was enough game to be worth releasing. It's really two games, but the sum fails to provide enough value for the 500 Wii Point cost.

Continue reading Wii Fanboy Review: Sandy Beach

JoystiqWii Fanboy Review: Sandy Beach originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buildingfrozen-codebasejoystiqfeatureskonamisandy-beachsimulationtower-defenseWed, 07 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bury the Shovelware: Zoo Tycoon DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/bury-the-shovelware-zoo-tycoon-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/bury-the-shovelware-zoo-tycoon-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/bury-the-shovelware-zoo-tycoon-ds/#commentsFiled under:



Pedigree

Based on the PC series of the same name, the Zoo Tycoon games are rooted in the business / construction simulation titles that proved to be very popular in the 1990s. These types of games include the SimCity series and its numerous spinoffs, Theme Park, and the Civilization series. These sorts of titles usually appeal to those who take gaming very seriously; perhaps you could say "connoisseurs" of gaming. Thus, a certain level of quality and depth is expected.

Publisher THQ is neither fully innocent nor consistently guilty as a shovelware publisher. Developer Blue Fang Games is an interesting case in that the only games they've ever created are those in the Zoo Tycoon series. This game marks their first appearance on the DS, and one of only two games ever created for Nintendo's portable (the other being Zoo Tycoon 2 DS).

It's worth noting that while neither of the two PC Zoo Tycoon titles were excessively praised nor bashed, they have won numerous awards relating to its family-friendly play. I can't vouch for the prestige of any of these awards, but it's always interesting to find a disconnect between critics and award organizations.

The Critics Said ...

Nintendo Power gave Zoo Tycoon the sole positive review. They claim that it "faithfully reproduces the ZT experience, from building exhibits and guest facilities to managing cash flow." I haven't played the original, but I can't imagine the series being this successful if all of the games are similar to this (more on that later). Statements made by other critics seem to fit the shovelware definition to a tee. A few snippets from the critics: "the forced or rushed feeling of this title," "tedious gameplay," "unwieldy controls," and "it will bore you into hatred."Game Informer pleasantly noted that the game is "about as much fun as giving an elephant a suppository." Gee ... a simple "I didn't like this game" would have worked just fine.

Continue reading Bury the Shovelware: Zoo Tycoon DS

JoystiqBury the Shovelware: Zoo Tycoon DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiqfeaturesshovelwaresimulationzoo-tycoonzoo-tycoon-2zoo-tycoon-dsWed, 19 Nov 2008 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[MySims Kingdom: glowsticks and crabs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/mysims-kingdom-glowsticks-and-crabs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/mysims-kingdom-glowsticks-and-crabs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/mysims-kingdom-glowsticks-and-crabs/#commentsFiled under:


Fantastic settings bring a lot of things to mind, and sure, one of them can be crabs. It helps when they're cute little red crabs, as briefly seen in the above trailer for MySims Kingdom. Of course the crabs are cute; it's MySims, and that's the primary point of the new franchise (also, you build).

But there's something else here we don't expect to see in the typical fantasy setting, and that's glowsticks. And dance floors. Okay, there are several things that seem a little out of place, but it's MySims, and we're gonna go with it. The mini-rave is probably just on one of the themed islands you can explore in the forthcoming game, but knowing that doesn't make the dancing any less jarring when it appears out of nowhere in the trailer!

JoystiqMySims Kingdom: glowsticks and crabs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamysims-kingdomsimulationThu, 23 Oct 2008 09:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Harvest Moon: Welcome to the debut trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/harvest-moon-welcome-to-the-debut-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/harvest-moon-welcome-to-the-debut-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/harvest-moon-welcome-to-the-debut-trailer/#commentsFiled under: ,


Can you keep up with all these Harvest Moon games? It's getting pretty difficult, but the recently-announced Harvest Moon: Welcome to the Wind Bazaar should be memorable, thanks to the multiplayer elements ... but it's still Harvest Moon, and that means farming.

As with Animal Crossing, you can invite friends to visit your farm, but in Welcome to the Wind Bazaar, you can put them to work! You know someone's a good friend when they start taking care of your business.

JoystiqHarvest Moon: Welcome to the debut trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>farmingharvest-moonmarvelous-interactivemultiplayersimulationWed, 22 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS08: Marvelous announces Discipline for WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-marvelous-announces-discipline-for-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-marvelous-announces-discipline-for-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-marvelous-announces-discipline-for-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: , ,


As if they hadn't done enough, Marvelous has revealed another new Wii game: Discipline, a WiiWare "real-time simulation" game directed by Doshin the Giant and Tail of the Sun director Kazutoshi Iida.

We have very little information about this game, other than an intricate logo (it is a perfect ... logo!), a few cryptic screens, and a picture of a real-life version of the bizarre alien object seen in the game -- a disgusting-looking Wiimote surrogate. The game apparently involves escaping from a moving prison with the help of this device. It kind of looks like it gathers information about nearby objects? We'll find out more soon.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqTGS08: Marvelous announces Discipline for WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disciplinemarveloussimulationtgs-2008tgs08Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Harvest Moon: Waku Waku Animal Puppets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/harvest-moon-waku-waku-animal-puppets/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/harvest-moon-waku-waku-animal-puppets/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/harvest-moon-waku-waku-animal-puppets/#commentsFiled under: ,


Our Japanese is not quite good enough to ascertain the nuances of this dramatic scene, but what we could understand was self-evident anyway. In this ad for Harvest Moon: Waku Waku Animal March, the frog wants the cow to give him a ride like the animals in the game do.

The cow (spoilers!) relents, and the frog gleefully hops on, only to find the ride slow. The cow complains about being out of energy, and the frog cheers him on, telling him to summon his "cow power." Then the frog takes off on a date with Keromi-chan.

In the second part, after the break, the frog and cow decide to make use of Waku Waku Animal March's photo features. Wackiness ensues, culminating with the frog asking the cow to take some "sexy" shots.

And that's why you should buy Harvest Moon: Waku Waku Animal March.

Continue reading Harvest Moon: Waku Waku Animal Puppets

JoystiqHarvest Moon: Waku Waku Animal Puppets originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harvest-moonHarvest-Moon-Animal-ParademarvelousMarvelous-InteractivenatsumepuppetsSimulationwaku-waku-animal-marchTue, 30 Sep 2008 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Sim Bothering Animals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/sim-bothering-animals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/sim-bothering-animals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/sim-bothering-animals/#commentsFiled under: ,


EA has released a new trailer and screens for their Sim spinoff SimAnimals. Like the initial assets released during E3, this trailer, while putting on a happy-go-lucky face, illustrates a game almost exclusively about being a total jerk to animals.
"Oh, look, a happy little bear cub with his family," the interior monologue of the imaginary player seems to say, "Let's kidnap him! I wonder if bears eat squirrels? I wonder if this bear cub can swim!" The floating, gloved hand continues to disrupt the lives of once-peaceful forest residents like that while the narrator cheerily describes how much fun it is to interact with animals. This is horrifying.


[Via press release]

JoystiqSim Bothering Animals originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>easimanimalssimssimulationTue, 16 Sep 2008 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Boldly go into the Rune Factory Frontier gallery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/boldly-go-into-the-rune-factory-frontier-gallery/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/boldly-go-into-the-rune-factory-frontier-gallery/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/boldly-go-into-the-rune-factory-frontier-gallery/#commentsFiled under:

With all the fuss about Animal Crossing lately, we'd nearly forgotten about Rune Factory Frontier. That's not terribly surprising, considering that details on the franchise's Wii debut have been few and far between lately, and City Folk dominated the land-and folk-tending genre at E3. New screenshots have surfaced, however, and after ogling, we thought we'd ask you which you prefer: Animal Crossing or Rune Factory?

JoystiqBoldly go into the Rune Factory Frontier gallery originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agriculturemarvelousrune-factory-frontiersimulationxseedThu, 11 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST