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[Permanent bite taken out of Skulls of the Shogun price]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/permanent-bite-taken-out-of-skulls-of-the-shogun-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/permanent-bite-taken-out-of-skulls-of-the-shogun-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/permanent-bite-taken-out-of-skulls-of-the-shogun-price/#comments Skulls of the Shogun, which we rather liked, now has a lower price on Xbox Live Arcade, Windows 8 and Surface. The Xbox Live Arcade version has dropped to $10, while the Windows 8 and Surface versions can be had for $7 apiece. The Windows Phone version, however, is still five bucks.

The savings should help pay for the inevitable dental work associated with eating skulls.

JoystiqPermanent bite taken out of Skulls of the Shogun price originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bitmicrosoftmobilepcskulls-of-the-shogunxboxFri, 01 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun review: See you in Hell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/skulls-of-the-shogun-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/skulls-of-the-shogun-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/skulls-of-the-shogun-review/#comments Full disclosure: I've never died before. I have no idea what the afterlife looks like, where it's located, who runs its admissions process or if it even exists. I just don't. However, if an afterlife does exist, I'd be totally fine if it resembled the fantastical environment in Skulls of the Shogun.

The entire game takes place in a Japanese warrior's afterlife, with bright Asian line art, a cast of mystical characters and a betrayed general out for revenge. Somewhere along the development process, Skulls of the Shogun could have transformed into a gritty, deep commentary on the futility of life and honor, but thankfully its cheerful, Saturday-morning art style saves it from tumbling too far down that dark rabbit hole. In the end - and I do mean the end - Skulls of the Shogun is joyful, cheeky, and like most memorable experiences, it's best with friends.

So the next time you see your best buddy, clap a hand on his shoulder, look deep into his eyes and say, "We're going to the afterlife." And don't forget to smile.

Gallery: Skulls of the Shogun

Continue reading Skulls of the Shogun review: See you in Hell

JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun review: See you in Hell originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bitmicrosoftmobilepcskulls-of-the-shogunwindows-8windows-phonexboxThu, 31 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun cuts down Windows pricing at launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/skulls-of-the-shogun-cuts-down-windows-pricing-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/skulls-of-the-shogun-cuts-down-windows-pricing-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/skulls-of-the-shogun-cuts-down-windows-pricing-at-launch/#comments Skulls of the Shogun will launch at a special introductory price on January 30. Both the Windows 8 and Windows Surface versions will launch at a reduced $10 (normally $15), while the Windows Phone version will be available for $5, down from its normal $7.

The timing on the promotional launch place is vague at the moment - the press release past the break says the discounts will last for a "limited time." A day in dog years? Less than 12 parsecs? The length of the Japanese feudal period, roughly seven centuries?

(Don't worry, we'll let you know when it's over.)

Continue reading Skulls of the Shogun cuts down Windows pricing at launch

JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun cuts down Windows pricing at launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bitmobilepcskulls-of-the-shogunwindowswindows-8windows-phonewindows-surfaceWed, 23 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun slices off a release date of Jan. 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/skulls-of-the-shogun-slices-off-a-release-date-of-jan-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/skulls-of-the-shogun-slices-off-a-release-date-of-jan-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/skulls-of-the-shogun-slices-off-a-release-date-of-jan-30/#comments
Skulls of the Shogun is launching simultaneously on XBLA, Windows 8 on PC, Windows Surface and Windows Phone on January 30. With a launch platform lineup like that, we're not even going to complain that it didn't come out alongside Windows 8 as 17-Bit teased last year.

Skulls of the Shogun will run 1200 MS Points ($15) for XBLA, Windows 8 and Surface, and $7 for Windows Phone via the Windows Phone Marketplace. The game has up to four-player local or online multiplayer, and for the first time on Microsoft platforms, it supports asynchronous, cross-platform gameplay. What's more, it will be localized in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese and Russian. A little extra time goes a long way, apparently.

For a look at Skulls of the Shogun from the developer's point of view, check out its Joystiq Indie Pitch.

Continue reading Skulls of the Shogun slices off a release date of Jan. 30

JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun slices off a release date of Jan. 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bitmicrosoftmobilepcrelease-dateskulls-of-the-shogunxboxThu, 10 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Feeding on undead armies in Skulls of the Shogun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/feeding-on-undead-armies-in-skulls-of-the-shogun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/feeding-on-undead-armies-in-skulls-of-the-shogun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/feeding-on-undead-armies-in-skulls-of-the-shogun/#comments Feeding on undead armies in Skulls of the ShogunHere's your high-concept, catch-all elevator pitch for Skulls of the Shogun: samurai zombies meets turn-based strategy, and a dash of Words With Friends thrown in for flavor. 17-BIT's charming top-down strategy title captures the action-flavored flow of the Advance Wars series, though it ditches the grid-based world in favor of more natural radial movement. The whole package comes together around an ambitious multi-platform release that features asynchronous multiplayer match-ups and a meaty, multi-hour campaign.

Don't let the "multi-platform" thing fool you. Skulls is 100 percent a Microsoft exclusive. You'll simply be able to play it on anything that runs Windows or some approximation of it. Xbox Live Arcade, yes, but also Surface tablets, Windows Phone devices, and Windows 8 PCs via the new operating system's app store.

As you might have read in our earlier previews or our recent Joystiq Indie Pitch, the 10-15 hour campaign casts players in the role of a recently deceased samurai lord from feudal Japan. Horrified at being forced to wait in line for half a millennium before being admitted into the afterlife, our General Akamoto takes matters into his own hands. He enlists an army of zombie Ronin to fight by his side and sets out to carve his way into the great beyond.

Gallery: Skulls of the Shogun

Continue reading Feeding on undead armies in Skulls of the Shogun

JoystiqFeeding on undead armies in Skulls of the Shogun originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-BITmicrosoftMicrosoft-Studiosmobilepcskulls-of-the-shogunSurfaceWindows-PhonexboxFri, 14 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Skulls of the Shogun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-skulls-of-the-shogun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-skulls-of-the-shogun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-skulls-of-the-shogun/#comments

Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We like that. This week, Skulls of the Shogun lead designer Jake Kazdal discusses developing a game for four platforms at once, and what happened to that "launch alongside Windows 8" promise.

The Joystiq Indie Pitch Skulls of the Shogun
What's your game called and what's it about?

Skulls of the Shogun is an arcade-strategy game coming to XBLA, Windows Phone, Windows 8 and Windows RT (Surface) very soon. It's an original title, developed by a small team of highly experienced AAA developers over the past 3.5 years. It's a mash-up of tactical turn-based strategy, with a feel that is very arcade-like and action-packed. No grids, very few menus and quick, snappy rounds give it a very unique and charming aesthetic, easy for action gamers to adapt to, but with all the depth a good strategy game lover needs.

Why did you choose to go exclusively Microsoft? Is there any chance of Skulls of the Shogun launching through Steam or anywhere else?

Microsoft's XBLA group is full of old friends and co-workers from my past in this industry, they're close by so we can zip over there for lunch and meetings, and they have my favorite game console, along with a phone and a tablet and a new operating system.

For a micro-studio like us to be able to launch on four platforms simultaneously was a huge incentive. We own the IP and would like to do more with it in the future (not only gaming) but Microsoft is the publisher for these versions and that has kept our hands quite full for now.

Gallery: Skulls of the Shogun

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Skulls of the Shogun

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Skulls of the Shogun originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bitjoystiq-indie-pitchmicrosoftmobileskulls-of-the-shogunsurfacewindows-8windows-phone-8windows-rtxboxMon, 26 Nov 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun playable at PAX Prime, trailer visible right here]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/skulls-of-the-shogun-playable-at-pax-prime-trailer-visible-righ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/skulls-of-the-shogun-playable-at-pax-prime-trailer-visible-righ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/skulls-of-the-shogun-playable-at-pax-prime-trailer-visible-righ/#comments Skulls of the Shogun gets new trailer, playable at Pax Prime
Skulls of the Shogun is coming to just about everything Windows 8; Windows 8 PCs, Windows 8 phones, Windows 8 tablets. Oh, and Xbox. The turn-based strategy game supports cross-platform play across all those Windows, a nifty feature PAX Prime attendees can sample for themselves this weekend.

Skulls of the Shogun comes crashing through all those Windows on October 26.*

*when Windows 8 launches

JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun playable at PAX Prime, trailer visible right here originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bitmicrosoftmobilepax-primepax-prime-2012pcskulls-of-the-shogunwindows-8windows-phone-8xboxFri, 31 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Surface launching alongside Windows 8 this October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/microsoft-surface-launching-alongside-windows-8-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/microsoft-surface-launching-alongside-windows-8-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/microsoft-surface-launching-alongside-windows-8-this-october/#comments Microsoft Surface launching alongside Windows 8 this OctoberMicrosoft's Surface is launching on (or near) October 26, according to a recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing. "The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices," the report reads.

The Surface launches in two flavors: Surface for Windows RT and Surface for Windows 8 Pro, the latter carrying beefier specs. It's unclear if both will launch simultaneously, and no pricing has been set on the two varieties of Surface. At least one game will be available at launch - Skulls of the Shogun - with others expected alongside it.

JoystiqMicrosoft Surface launching alongside Windows 8 this October originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmicrosoft-surfacemobilepcq4-2012release-dateskulls-of-the-shogunsurfacewindowswindows-8windows-rtMon, 30 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Seattle Indies Expo kicks off on Sunday, Sunday, Sunday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/seattle-indies-expo-kicks-off-on-sunday-sunday-sunday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/seattle-indies-expo-kicks-off-on-sunday-sunday-sunday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/seattle-indies-expo-kicks-off-on-sunday-sunday-sunday/#comments

Seattle Indies Expo kicks off on Sunday Sunday SundayThe Seattle Indies Expo is hosting a plethora of playable indie games at the Digipen Institute of Technology Redmond campus, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Sunday. Sunday Sunday Sunday, to be exact.

SIX will have Skulls of the Shogun, Mark of the Ninja, Perspective, Super Amazing Wagon Adventure, The Bridge and a slew of other under-the-radar games to play, as the Powerthirst announcer in the above video demonstrates. Admission to SIX is free, but getting your hands on some of these games before any of your friends is priceless.

JoystiqSeattle Indies Expo kicks off on Sunday, Sunday, Sunday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidIndieiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilepcseattle-indies-exposixskulls-of-the-shogunsundayxboxTue, 24 Jul 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun launching alongside Windows 8 this October [Update: Delayed]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/skulls-of-the-shogun-launching-alongside-windows-8-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/skulls-of-the-shogun-launching-alongside-windows-8-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/skulls-of-the-shogun-launching-alongside-windows-8-this-october/#comments Skulls of the Shogun launching alongside Windows 8 this October
Skulls of the Shogun isn't just an Xbox Live Arcade game, y'all. It's also a Windows 8 game, a Windows Phone 7 game, and a Surface game. So when Microsoft announced the launch date for Windows 8 yesterday, we couldn't help but wonder if that meant Skulls of the Shogun would launch alongside it. "The plan is to sim-ship on Win 8 (desktop, and both versions of Surface), Windows Phone 7 and XBLA in the same week," 17-bit's Jake Kazdal told us. So, uh, sounds like it!

He added one caveat. "We're certainly shooting for day one release with Win 8, and it looks very likely, but nothing is set in stone yet," he said. Windows 8 launches on October 26, meaning you'll likely have your hands on those shogun skulls ahead of Halloween. And considering the dev studio's former name is Haunted Temple, that seems rather fitting, no?

Update: Skulls of the Shogun missed its Windows 8 launch, but is now scheduled to hit on January 30 for XBLA, Windows 8, Windows Surface and Windows Phone.

JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun launching alongside Windows 8 this October [Update: Delayed] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bithaunted-temple-studiosjake-kazdalmicrosoftmobilepcskulls-of-the-shogunsurfacewindows-8windows-phone-7xblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeThu, 19 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun gives asynchronous, cross-platform play a turn]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/skulls-of-the-shogun-gives-asynchronous-cross-platform-play-a-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/skulls-of-the-shogun-gives-asynchronous-cross-platform-play-a-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/skulls-of-the-shogun-gives-asynchronous-cross-platform-play-a-t/#comments Skulls of the Shogun gives asynchronous, crossplatform play a turnSkulls of the Shogun will feature Skulls Anywhere mode, which offers cross-platform play and asynchronous multiplayer across all of its launch platforms: XBLA, Windows Phone, Windows 8 PC and Windows 8 tablet, a la Microsoft Surface. Players with the required devices will be able to take turns independently of one another, for up to four players, and the single-player campaign will be accessible across all Windows platforms through cloud saves.

"The turn-based nature of the game makes for perfect asynchronous play across every platform we're shipping on," 17-BIT's Jake Kazdal says. "You can start playing a game at home on your Xbox, then head out and play a few turns from the same game on your phone. You might be playing against someone on a PC or a tablet - everyone's connected via Xbox Live. And regardless of platform, everyone's having the same great experience, because it's the exact same game across all those devices."

Skulls of the Shogun will still feature online, real-time multiplayer, called Skulls Online, and the standard local multiplayer matches.

JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun gives asynchronous, cross-platform play a turn originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bitasynchronouscross-platformmicrosoftMicrosoft-Surfacemobilepcskulls-anywhereskulls-of-the-shogunsurfacewindowswindows-7windows-8xboxThu, 28 Jun 2012 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun dev becomes '17-BIT']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/skulls-of-the-shogun-dev-becomes-17-bit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/skulls-of-the-shogun-dev-becomes-17-bit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/skulls-of-the-shogun-dev-becomes-17-bit/#comments Image"It's 16-bit, plus a bit more," says CEO Jake Kazdal, who can now add "ghostbuster" to his job title. Formerly "Haunted Temple Studios," the developer behind stylized strategy-fest Skulls of the Shogun has officially changed its name to "17-BIT." The old-school alteration is meant to reflect the studio's "classic gameplay ideals," and comes after a successful trial run on the PAX East show floor.

"The new name sums up our goal perfectly -- taking your best memories of the 16-bit era, and making new experiences that look as good and play as well as you remember," Kazdal says.

You'll get to see the studio's snazzy -- make that SNES-y -- badge tattooed on the Skulls of the Shogun, which launches on Xbox Live Arcade, Windows Phone and Windows 8 just as Microsoft pushes out its new OS (currently speculated to happen in October). The 17-BIT art itself came about with the aid of Cory Schmitz, who is quickly becoming the Nolan North of nifty logos.

Continue reading Skulls of the Shogun dev becomes '17-BIT'

JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun dev becomes '17-BIT' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17-bithaunted-temple-studiosjake-kazdalmicrosoftmobilepcskulls-of-the-shogunxboxFri, 04 May 2012 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun starts strategizing this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/skulls-of-the-shogun-starts-strategizing-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/skulls-of-the-shogun-starts-strategizing-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/12/skulls-of-the-shogun-starts-strategizing-this-fall/#comments Skulls of the Shogun has been teasing us with cartoonish, captivating strategy since 2010, and as its previous release window of "early 2012" is rapidly passing us by, we can finally take heart in some solid news. Developer Haunted Temple Studios says it's "pretty confident" that Skulls of the Shogun will launch on XBLA in the fall.

Haunted Temple has been busy adding "a couple very cool features" and "a new platform," it says in response to a fan's inquiry on Facebook, and we can expect an official announcement with more information in the coming weeks.

JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun starts strategizing this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Haunted-Temple-Studiosmicrosoftrelease-dateskulls-of-the-shogunXBLAxboxXbox-Live-ArcadeSun, 12 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Getting Skulls of the Shogun's characters just right]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/getting-skulls-of-the-shoguns-characters-just-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/getting-skulls-of-the-shoguns-characters-just-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/getting-skulls-of-the-shoguns-characters-just-right/#comments Haunted Temple Studios says it's still a little while out on completing Skulls of the Shogun, an impressive turn-based strategy game due out for XBLA early next year. But the current focus, as I saw during a short demo at the company's HQ (which right now means a living room in an apartment belonging to one of the developers, just a few blocks from the beach in Venice, CA), is not only weeding the bugs out, but making the game look the way it should, so players can make the best strategic decisions possible.

For example, the game's archer is relatively powerful, with an attack value of six. When pitted against units with a low defense score, he can sometimes change the tide of a battle all by himself. Graphically, his role is clear -- he's got a bow, and you can clearly see when moving him around that he's meant to be a ranged character.

His power isn't quite as apparent, however. Haunted Temple is working on making him look just right: weak enough that he can't withstand a close-up attack, but strong enough that, at range, he's a force to be reckoned with.

Gallery: Skulls of the Shogun (11/22/2011)

Continue reading Getting Skulls of the Shogun's characters just right

JoystiqGetting Skulls of the Shogun's characters just right originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>haunted-temple-studiosmicrosoftskulls-of-the-shogunstrategytacticsxblaxboxWed, 23 Nov 2011 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Indiecade 2011 finalists announced, include Fez, Skulls of the Shogun and Sword and Sworcery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/indiecade-2011-finalists-announced-include-fez-skulls-of-the-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/indiecade-2011-finalists-announced-include-fez-skulls-of-the-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/indiecade-2011-finalists-announced-include-fez-skulls-of-the-s/#comments Fez is an IndieCade 2011 finalist. The IndieCade Festival has announced its list of finalists for next month's event in Culver City, California, and it's going to be a packed house. There are no fewer than 36 indie titles on the list. From bigger profile titles like Bit.Trip Flux, Fez, and the XBLA-bound Skulls of the Shogun to smaller affairs like the great Desktop Dungeons and the five-year-old powered Sissy's Magical Ponycorn Adventure, the festival's games run the gamut.

There will be developers from all over the world at the event, and all of the finalist games will be playable at the festival on October 8-9, with the last 10 awards being passed out at a Red Carpet Awards ceremony on October 6.

The finalists were chosen from 446 submissions to the festival by group of 100 jurors. Past IndieCade finalists have found lots of success, either as downloadable titles on PC, or even indie releases on XBLA or PSN. And with the quality in this year's list, that trend will likely continue.

Continue reading Indiecade 2011 finalists announced, include Fez, Skulls of the Shogun and Sword and Sworcery

JoystiqIndiecade 2011 finalists announced, include Fez, Skulls of the Shogun and Sword and Sworcery originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsfezfinalistsindiecade-2011indiecade2011microsoftmobilepcplaystationps3skulls-of-the-shogunxboxThu, 15 Sep 2011 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft signs skeleton-filled strategy title Skulls of the Shogun for XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/microsoft-signs-skeleton-filled-strategy-title-skulls-of-the-sho/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/microsoft-signs-skeleton-filled-strategy-title-skulls-of-the-sho/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/microsoft-signs-skeleton-filled-strategy-title-skulls-of-the-sho/#comments Microsoft has snapped up exclusive publishing rights to the first game from Haunted Temple Studios, the dev established by former EA Los Angeles staffers Jake Kazdal, Ben Vance and Borut Pfeifer. Under the agreement, the trio's original strategy offering, Skulls of the Shogun (which we first previewed here), will debut on Xbox Live Arcade under the Microsoft Game Studios banner.

Haunted Temple's Kazdal, who worked on EA and Steven Spielburg's canned Project LMNO with his two studio-mates, told Gamasutra that Microsoft "totally got" Skulls of the Shogun and "have been fully behind it" since signing it. "The support we're getting out of them has been seriously as much as I could ever ask for," he added.

The game, which we've made no bones about loving so far, is due out this fall.

JoystiqMicrosoft signs skeleton-filled strategy title Skulls of the Shogun for XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Haunted-Temple-StudiosindiemicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosskulls-of-the-shogunstrategyxblaxboxFri, 15 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun preview: Dem bones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/skulls-of-the-shogun-preview-dem-bones/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/skulls-of-the-shogun-preview-dem-bones/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/skulls-of-the-shogun-preview-dem-bones/#comments All of us on the site seemed extra busy at E3 this year, our schedules filled with appointments for games both big and small. But each of us tried to grab a little time just wandering the show floor appointment-free, and in the 45 minutes I had to myself, I stumbled across this gem, sitting in the middle of the Indiecade booth area.

Skulls of the Shogun is a game created by Jake Kazdal, Ben Vance and Borut Pfeifer, three guys with extensive game development backgrounds who decided to go it independently as Haunted Temple Studios. We saw it in action last October, but I'd never heard of it before, and I was instantly charmed by the premise: a group of cartoon-y skeleton Shogun warriors battle it out in turn-based strategy, with no hexes to be seen.

Gallery: Skulls of the Shogun (6/12/11)

Continue reading Skulls of the Shogun preview: Dem bones

JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun preview: Dem bones originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-vancee3e3-2011haunted-temple-studiosmicrosoftpcsimpleskulls-of-the-shogunturn-based-strategyMon, 13 Jun 2011 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Skulls of the Shogun preview: Turn-based strategy for Dummies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/skulls-of-the-shogun-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/skulls-of-the-shogun-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/skulls-of-the-shogun-preview/#comments Turn-based strategy games have always been up there with creased jeans and Styrofoam as among my biggest turn-offs. There's something about the static, menu-based gameplay that runs contrary to what I usually look for in a game.

So when my girlfriend wants to check out Skulls of the Shogun at PAX, I reluctantly decide to indulge her. It's good to try new things. Little did I know I was about to discover a highlight of the show.

Gallery: Skulls of the Shogun (PAX Prime 2010)

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JoystiqSkulls of the Shogun preview: Turn-based strategy for Dummies originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>haunted-temple-studiosmicrosoftpax-2010pax-prime-2010pcplaystationps3PSNskulls-of-the-shogunXBLAxboxMon, 04 Oct 2010 19:30:00 EST