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[4X space strategy game StarDrive out now on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/4x-space-strategy-game-stardrive-out-now-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/4x-space-strategy-game-stardrive-out-now-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/4x-space-strategy-game-stardrive-out-now-on-steam/#comments
Zero Sum Games' StarDrive is now available on Steam for $26.99. The game is currently 10 percent off until May 3.

StarDrive is a new entry in the "4X space strategy" genre, and has players "starting with a single planet and a small number of space-worthy vessels" before seeking out new worlds to conquer and colonies to build and defend. The game features real-time gameplay, eight playable alien races and customizable fleet formations.

StarDrive's publisher is Iceberg Interactive, which published another popular 4X game, Endless Space.

Gallery: StarDrive (4/27/13)

Joystiq4X space strategy game StarDrive out now on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4x4x-space-strategyiceberg-interactivepcspacespace-strategystardrivesteamzero-sum-gamesSat, 27 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve had a space pirate game called 'Stars of Blood']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/valve-had-a-space-pirate-game-called-stars-of-blood/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/valve-had-a-space-pirate-game-called-stars-of-blood/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/valve-had-a-space-pirate-game-called-stars-of-blood/#comments

Valve at one point had an internal project called "Stars of Blood," and it was all about buckaneering on the galactic sea, co-founder Gabe Newell said. Newell was speaking to a group from 4chan.org's /v/ board, who paid him a visit on his birthday to drop off a Mann Co. crate and pick his brains about rumors and, apparently, Source Engine 2.

"We had an internal project [incomprehensible] called 'Stars of Blood.' It was a space pirates game. That never saw the light of day," Newell said, with the inquiry starting at 47:45 in the above video.

The question was spurred by previous rumors of a Valve space game called "Stars of Barathrum," but Newell appeared just as confused by that name as we were. Though now that we think about it, "Barathrum" definitely has a pirate-y ring to it. Rum, anyone?

JoystiqValve had a space pirate game called 'Stars of Blood' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabe-newellpcPiratesspacespace-piratesstars-of-barathrumstars-of-bloodvalveMon, 12 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: FTL: Faster than Light]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-ftl-faster-than-light/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-ftl-faster-than-light/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-ftl-faster-than-light/#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 believe they deserve a wider audience with the Joystiq Indie Pitch: This week, Justin Ma and Matthew Davis of Subset Games describe their quick rise to space roguelike-like fame with FTL: Faster than Light, which recently launched on Steam for PC and Mac.
The Joystiq Indie Pitch FTL Faster than Light
What's your game called and what's it about?

Justin Ma: Our game is called FTL: Faster than Light and we've been describing it as a "spaceship simulation roguelike-like." The focus is on managing a spaceship and her crew as they explore a randomized galaxy. Combat requires you to control the crew to keep your ship running and fight off intruders, balancing your power distribution, and trying to wreak havoc on the enemy ship. In between fights the game is filled with "choose your own adventure" style text-based events with many possible outcomes.

Matthew Davis: The core game can be compared to something like Weird Worlds or Flotilla where the player is travelling to various star systems, encountering events and upgrading their ship. But the combat is focused on the ship interior as opposed to "dogfighting" in space.

What's the coolest aspect of FTL?

Justin: Each element of the game is pretty simple on its own: Blast doors can restrict enemy movement on your ship; oxygen can be vented by opening the airlocks; fire spreads through open doors. When all of these interact you can get some amazing and unpredictable situations. Your crew might be trapped putting out a fire in the weapons rooms while at the same time boarders are trying to break the doors down because they're suffocating after mistakenly sabotaging your oxygen system.

Gallery: FTL: Faster Than Light

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: FTL: Faster than Light

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: FTL: Faster than Light originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ftl-faster-than-lightIndiejoystiq-indie-pitchjustin-mamacmatthew-davispcroguelikespacesubset-gamesWed, 19 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch still working on 0x10c, despite a few stops and starts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/notch-still-working-on-0x10c-despite-a-few-stops-and-starts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/notch-still-working-on-0x10c-despite-a-few-stops-and-starts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/notch-still-working-on-0x10c-despite-a-few-stops-and-starts/#comments Notch still working on 0x10c, despite a few stops and startsSpeaking to Joystiq at PAX last weekend, Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson told us that while most of his days lately are taken up with "just discussing how to do stuff" ("and then Reddit," he added slyly), work continues on the 0x10c space game he announced a while ago. Oh, and in case you're still wondering how the title is pronounced, Notch calls it "ten-to-the-C."

"I have the game world fleshed out, all the soft stuff, like the setting," he says. "And I have the emulator for the CPU, which is probably the most complex part of it, all written. I had a prototype for walking around and trying out all of the graphics styles, but that wasn't really fun. So I kind of took a break to recharge my batteries and deal with some personal stuff, and then I'll probably start over again when I get back to Sweden." Starting over again means he'll just rework the graphical engine on the game, and "rethink how the rendering is done, how the physics is done for the character."

The team working on 0x10c did have a building interface in mind for players to design their own spaceships, and Notch said it was heavily based on the popular 3D Construction Kit. But the interface wasn't fun, he told us. "We had something kind of inspired by [the Kit], with cubes you could remove corners from to make angles, but it turned really annoying when you tried to build anything."

And Notch also confirmed that the game, whenever it is ready, will be released to the public in the way Minecraft was, in various states as it's being built. Notch says he got the idea to release games that way from the old roguelike genre, of all places. "The first version they release is just you can walk around in the dungeon and that's it, that's the extent of what you can do. That's where I got it from." That release schedule, he said, works well for games that fall back on sandbox or user-generated content. "If you're making like The Walking Dead or something, because it's story driven," he said, then obviously a half-finished version won't work. "You're just going to ruin it for people in the other versions."

JoystiqNotch still working on 0x10c, despite a few stops and starts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10ccodinginterviewnotchpax-2012pax-prime-2012pcphysicssci-fishipsspaceThu, 06 Sep 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First Kinect in space is like the first dog in space but it has more use]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/first-kinect-in-space-is-like-the-first-dog-in-space-but-it-has/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/first-kinect-in-space-is-like-the-first-dog-in-space-but-it-has/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/first-kinect-in-space-is-like-the-first-dog-in-space-but-it-has/#comments ImageEngineers in Surrey are using Kinect technology in a pair of satellites, hoping to make them dock together, in orbit, using the peripheral's motion-sensing capabilities.

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited's STRaND 2 satellites will use components of Kinect tech to scan their immediate surroundings and gather spatial awareness from all directions: They are planned to launch, separate and perform safety checks, and then dock with each other again. In space.

In-orbit docking has so far been reserved for the rich kids at space camp, only available in multi-billion-dollar ships. The STRaND 2 satellites will be the smallest yet to link up in orbit.

We think this raises the Gaming vs. Miscellaneous Uses For Kinect tally to 36-5,690, or something in that area. Space points count as triple, because seriously, that's awesome.

JoystiqFirst Kinect in space is like the first dog in space but it has more use originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dockingin-orbitkinectsatellitespacesurreyxboxMon, 28 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Orbitron: Revolution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-orbitron-revolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-orbitron-revolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-orbitron-revolution/#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 at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, Matthew Leigh of Canada's Firebase Industries details the details behind Orbitron: Revolution, a gorgeous space shmup for XBLIG and PC.


What's your game called and what's it about?

Orbitron: Revolution. Originally it was called Orbital, but looking online it seemed as though 10 other games were called that. Orbitron was settled on because it sounded like something you would find in a smoky 1980s arcade. Then two days before the Dream Build Play 2011 competition we thought we would add a second title and for about three minutes it was going to be called Orbitron: Combat Revolved.

The game has the player in the role of a defense fighter, fending off an invasion of angry robots who are bent on destroying the Orbitron Power Station. Guardian Mode is really the core of the game and is a bit of a action/shmup/tower-defense mashup. You have to stop evil laser-drilling robots from attacking and destroying the four sector ports located around the ring. When three of the four ports are destroyed the ring explodes!

Orbitron: Revolution was a semi-finalist in the Dream Build Play 2011 competition -- how encouraging was that for Firebase Industries?

The first trailer we did as a requirement to get into Dream Build Play 2011 really exploded on Youtube. We got 25,000 views or something in only a couple days which is rare for an XBLIG title. So after that we were feeling pretty good about that game and where it could go. Getting the semi-finalist spot was fantastic as well and I hope it helped get the awareness of the game up!

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Orbitron: Revolution

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Orbitron: Revolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Firebase-Industriesjoystiq-indie-pitchMatthew-LeighmicrosoftOrbitron-RevolutionpcShmupspacexboxSat, 17 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How Rovio CEO's grandparents saved the space program... wait...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/how-rovio-ceos-grandparents-saved-the-space-program-wait/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/how-rovio-ceos-grandparents-saved-the-space-program-wait/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/how-rovio-ceos-grandparents-saved-the-space-program-wait/#comments

Before Apollo 11 made history by successfully shuttling the first humans to the moon in 1969, the space program was in desperate financial condition and President John F. Kennedy had his grandparents mortgage their apartment for the money to keep NASA running. Er, no -- we're getting our stories mixed up here.

The bit about the grandparents mortgaging their home to keep a company running is actually the story behind Rovio, the creators of Angry Birds. Rovio was mainly backed by CEO Mikael Hed's dad and it hadn't produced a hit in years before Angry Birds; it was Hed's dad who proposed the family-mortgage plan.

"He told me that he wanted to mortgage my grandparents' flat so he could put some more money in the company to keep it afloat," Hed told All Things D. "That was pretty tough. I certainly did not want to be the person responsible for putting my grandparents on the street."

Hed doesn't have to worry about that now, as Angry Birds is a smash (HA!) hit and Rovio is valued at more than $6 billion. The next game from Rovio is Angry Birds Space, due out for iOS, Android, PC and Mac on March 22, and whose out-of-this-world adorable trailer you can view above.

JoystiqHow Rovio CEO's grandparents saved the space program... wait... originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birds-spacegrandparentsiosipadiphonemacmikael-hedmobilemortgageNASApcRoviospaceFri, 24 Feb 2012 19:18:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP launching EVE character names and pictures into space via giant balloon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/ccp-launching-eve-character-names-and-pictures-into-space-via-gi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/ccp-launching-eve-character-names-and-pictures-into-space-via-gi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/ccp-launching-eve-character-names-and-pictures-into-space-via-gi/#comments Well, it's not technically space, but it's as close as you can get without the help of some Russian rocketeers and their flying machines. As a token of gratitude, the Icelandic MMO moguls at CCP will be placing the names and pictures of every currently subscribed player character in EVE Online (as of 23:59 GMT tonight) into a capsule, which will then be sent into near-space via high-altitude balloon.

High-altitude balloons cannot actually leave the Earth's atmosphere and enter legit outer-space, but they are capable of traveling hundreds of thousands of feet into the air; high enough to see the curvature of the Earth against the blackness of space. The event will take place during CCP's own Fanfest 2012 in beautiful Reykjavik, Iceland.

JoystiqCCP launching EVE character names and pictures into space via giant balloon originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balloonCCPCCP-Gameseve-onlinefanfest-2012high-altitude-balloonicelandmacnear-spacepcreykjavikspaceSat, 31 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Garriott asserts claim over lunar land]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/richard-garriott-asserts-claim-over-lunar-land/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/richard-garriott-asserts-claim-over-lunar-land/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/richard-garriott-asserts-claim-over-lunar-land/#commentsCall him Lord Lunar. Not content with his sovereignty over the nonexistent kingdom of Britannia, game designer and space traveler Richard Garriott is now claiming dominion over a small area of the moon. At a 1993 auction, Garriott purchased the rights to a Russian rover that was, at the time, lost on the moon. Last week, it was spotted again, and the Portalarium founder is using that as the basis for his land grab. " I'm the only private individual with a flag or stake on the soil of the Moon," Garriott told Metro, "and, thus, at the least I might be able to make some claim to the land beneath it, if not even more territory."

Speaking to Space.com, Joanne Irene Gabrynowicz, Director of the National Center for Remote Sensing, Air and Space Law denied Garriott's half-joking assertion. "The USSR was and Russia is a party to the Outer Space Treaty," she said. "It did not acquire the territory under the object when it landed. One cannot sell what one does not own. Since USSR/Russia did not have a property right to the territory under the landed object, there was nothing to sell." Garriott's just going to have to be satisfied with being the only private owner of an object on the moon, which, luckily, is completely awesome.

[Via Evil Avatar Forums]

JoystiqRichard Garriott asserts claim over lunar land originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lord-britishmoonrichard-garriottspaceTue, 30 Mar 2010 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Richard Garriott: Man on a Mission' premiering at SXSW Film Festival]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/richard-garriott-man-on-a-mission-premiering-at-sxsw-film-fes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/richard-garriott-man-on-a-mission-premiering-at-sxsw-film-fes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/richard-garriott-man-on-a-mission-premiering-at-sxsw-film-fes/#commentsRichard Garriott spent years as the ruler of a fictional kingdom before he became a second-generation astronaut. Sounds like the kind of guy you'd want to make a movie about! That's exactly what filmmaker Mike Woolf and his production company, Beef & Pie, has done, and it sounds like it's going to be a treat not only for old-school PC game-types who remember "Lord British," but also anyone interested in the process of going into space.

Richard Garriott: Man on a Mission, a film about the preparation and execution of Garriott's 2008 trip to the International Space Station, will premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas, with showings on Sunday, March 14 and Thursday, March 18. The film includes "never-before-seen training footage in Star City, Russia's secretive cosmonaut training facility," as well as footage of the launch and video taken from space by Garriott. Check out a trailer after the break.

Continue reading 'Richard Garriott: Man on a Mission' premiering at SXSW Film Festival

Joystiq'Richard Garriott: Man on a Mission' premiering at SXSW Film Festival originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>documentaryfilmman-on-a-missionmovienasarichard-garriottrichard-garriott-man-on-a-missionspacesxsw-2010Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlatinumGames' Infinite Space docking in Europe on March 26th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/platinumgames-infinite-space-docking-in-europe-on-march-26th/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/platinumgames-infinite-space-docking-in-europe-on-march-26th/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/platinumgames-infinite-space-docking-in-europe-on-march-26th/#comments Infinite Space, the upcoming DS space RPG from Platinum Games, has gotten itself a European release date in the form of March 26th (or as you might call it in Bangladesh, "Independence Day").

Strangely, we still haven't heard an official US date yet -- the closest we've got is Spring 2010, which despite all of the snow you might be seeing lately, is approaching quite quickly. Assuming that the EU and US dates aren't too far off from each other, by the end of March you too might be saying, "I'm... in space!" just like the wince-worthy voice acting we've experienced so far.

JoystiqPlatinumGames' Infinite Space docking in Europe on March 26th originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dateeuropeaninfinite-spacemarchplatinum-gamesplatinumgamesrpgspacespring-2010usWed, 17 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ken Levine goes behind the scenes on System Shock 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/ken-levine-goes-behind-the-scenes-on-system-shock-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/ken-levine-goes-behind-the-scenes-on-system-shock-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/ken-levine-goes-behind-the-scenes-on-system-shock-2/#comments Irrational Games continues to empty out its vault of memories and secrets over on its newly commissioned blog -- Ken Levine and the crew are revealing so much old insider information over there you have to wonder how long they'll keep it up. Today, it's "what might have been" on System Shock 2, as Levine relates what they would have liked to do with the SHODAN showdown game, given more time and resources. The game was originally designed as an Apocalypse Now-style assassination in space, and it included some zero-G gameplay ideas (that sound pretty similar to what Dead Space pulled off years later). The ending also had to be rewritten, as the cinematic that Levine got back didn't have much to do with the script that he had originally put together.

And perhaps the most disturbing factoid is that the entire game was created in just 900 square feet of office space, full of overworked (and smelly) game developers. Wandering around the Von Braun was scary and all, but spending 11 months in a tiny room full of developers on crunch? No wonder Levine sounds ecstatic he survived.

JoystiqKen Levine goes behind the scenes on System Shock 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocalypse-nowassassinationdead-spacedevelopersfactsken-levineresourcessmellspacesystem-shock-2Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Project 72: An iPhone game made in 72 hours]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/project-72-an-iphone-game-made-in-72-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/project-72-an-iphone-game-made-in-72-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/project-72-an-iphone-game-made-in-72-hours/#comments Remember Super Ramen Bros., the iPhone App that a team of developers crafted in just 24 hours? Have you ever wondered what that game might look like with an additional 48 hours of polish? The folks over at casual developer Dogtown Studios recently provided sustenance for your curiosity by challenging themselves to create an iPhone title in just three days. The result was Project 72, a simple, arcadey space flight game which, according to iPhone news site AppAdvice.com, is actually pretty good. You can check out some off-screen footage of the game after the jump.

The game, which is currently available on the App Store for $.99, was designed, developed and submitted between the hours of 8 p.m. on January 5 and 8 p.m. on January 8. We're pretty sure we spent that time poopsocking our way through the entire series of Lost on Netflix Instant Queue. Man, we feel unproductive.

Continue reading Project 72: An iPhone game made in 72 hours

JoystiqProject 72: An iPhone game made in 72 hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>72-hoursApplecasualchallengedogtown-studiosiPodproject-72spacetimeTue, 26 Jan 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gravitate to Halfbrick's newest PSP Mini, Blast Off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/gravitate-to-halfbricks-newest-psp-mini-blast-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/gravitate-to-halfbricks-newest-psp-mini-blast-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/gravitate-to-halfbricks-newest-psp-mini-blast-off/#comments Listen, you're going to need a solid handheld game if you're going to survive tomorrow's family-fueled Thanksgiving festivities. You know, something discreet you can hide under the table, or perhaps behind a towering pile of yams. Indie developer Halfbrick has you covered -- the studio released its second PSP Mini onto the PSN yesterday: An "interstellar arcade game" titled Blast Off.

The game, which arrived on the PSN storefront for the bargain price of $2.99, places you behind the controls of a rocket ship. Whilst piloting said spacecraft, you must navigate through the gravitational fields of planets, asteroids and black holes to rescue lost astronauts. It sounds like an neat little diversion to help you get through the post-pumpkin pie family bonding time.

JoystiqGravitate to Halfbrick's newest PSP Mini, Blast Off originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blast-offhalfbrick-studiosindiepsp-minisspaceWed, 25 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi opening sleek Home space, apartments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/audi-opening-sleek-home-space-apartments/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/audi-opening-sleek-home-space-apartments/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/audi-opening-sleek-home-space-apartments/#comments Yet another enormous corporation is dipping its toes into the advertising-friendly waters of PlayStation Home -- later this year, Audi is releasing a Home space with a whole slew of new features beyond "televisions that show commercials all day long." Well, they have those too (of course), but the space will also grant access to an Audi-driving minigame. Those who perform well in said game can unlock apartments in a massive housing complex in the middle of Audi square. We assume if you lose your ranking, you get evicted. Such is life in the high-stakes, no-mercy Home racing circuit.

JoystiqAudi opening sleek Home space, apartments originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartmentaudiautomobilecardrivinghomespaceWed, 23 Sep 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[SingStar Home space coming September 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/singstar-home-space-coming-september-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/singstar-home-space-coming-september-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/singstar-home-space-coming-september-24/#comments
There's a time and a place for dancing -- even within the virtual confines of PlayStation Home. Fortunately, Sony is attempting to prevent the spread of inappropriate move busting by introducing an interactive dance floor-equipped SingStar space on September 24. Said dance arena doesn't just cast pretty lights onto its inhabitants -- it actually changes the current song based on which dance the majority of players are doing. Check out a video of the dance floor in action after the jump.

In addition, the SingStar space will include a music video jukebox, an interactive music quiz, and even a few "fetching" rewards for visitors. We're excited for said prizes -- provided they lend themselves to our favorite pastime.

Continue reading SingStar Home space coming September 24

JoystiqSingStar Home space coming September 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dancehomemusicplaystation-homesingstarspaceThu, 10 Sep 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Online gaming between Earth and Mars will be laggy as hell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/online-gaming-between-earth-and-mars-will-be-laggy-as-hell/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/online-gaming-between-earth-and-mars-will-be-laggy-as-hell/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/online-gaming-between-earth-and-mars-will-be-laggy-as-hell/#comments
We know that not everyone was blessed with knowledge of aeronautical physics and interplanetary telecommunications, so we'll try and keep this simple. A recent Edge Online article examined the possibility of online multiplayer matches between human Earthlings and human Martians -- as one might expect, the future of galactic Left 4 Dead bouts looks pretty grim.

First off, NASA's two Martian orbiters, through which information is relayed to Earth, can only transfer a single megabit of data per second. Worse still, these orbiters only work in 15 minute increments before they must be repositioned -- a process that takes hours. Furthermore, bandwidth is unsurprisingly limited on the Red Planet -- messages between Earth and Mars usually suffer 4 - 20 minutes of lag, depending on the positions of the conversing planets.

Check out the full article for even more interesting tidbits about extraterrestrial multiplayer. It's all a bit pointless, though. From what we've recently learned, folks on Mars are far too busy causing property damage to play any video games.

JoystiqOnline gaming between Earth and Mars will be laggy as hell originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marsmartianmultiplayernasaonlineplanetpsnspacexbox-liveThu, 06 Aug 2009 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Burn Zombie Burn to get DLC, lights up Home with new space]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/burn-zombie-burn-to-get-dlc-lights-up-home-with-new-space/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/burn-zombie-burn-to-get-dlc-lights-up-home-with-new-space/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/burn-zombie-burn-to-get-dlc-lights-up-home-with-new-space/#comments
PlayStation Home is getting another themed space, this time promoting the recently PSN exclusive Burn Zombie Burn. According to doublesix senior games designer Ollie Barder, the BZB Home space will a feature a maze populated with brain-munching zombies and will be placed within a graveyard, so players can frolic with the undead. Bigger than that, BZB is getting a dose of DLC with two new levels taking place in space (it's the final frontier, by the way). Release information or price for the DLC was not revealed. Check out a trailer of the new alien abduction-themed levels after the break.

Continue reading Burn Zombie Burn to get DLC, lights up Home with new space

JoystiqBurn Zombie Burn to get DLC, lights up Home with new space originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burn-zombie-burndlcdoublesixdownloadable-contenthome-spaceplaystation-homespaceFri, 31 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Miner Wars, an MMO for PC and ... XBLA?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/miner-wars-an-mmo-for-pc-and-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/miner-wars-an-mmo-for-pc-and-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/miner-wars-an-mmo-for-pc-and-xbla/#comments File this one under the "We couldn't have seen it coming from a mile away" category: Keen Software House announced today its forthcoming game, a space shooter MMO named Miner Wars, for release on PC and Xbox Live Arcade. Yep, that's right folks, an MMO could quite possibly hit the Xbox 360's Live Arcade service before landing on the console proper, as this one's billed for an "Autumn 2009 World Premiere."

Wait, does that mean a fall release? KSH's Marek Rosa told Joystiq, "World premiere means game release, but it's possible we will move this date to Q1/2010, because we don't want to fight with games like Call Of Duty, etc., but the official date right now is Autumn 2009." And will Miner Wars support cross-platform play between the Xbox 360 and PC? Hmmm?

"Cross-platform PC and Xbox is something I would like to have -- there will probably be some compromises, but I will fight for it," Rosa told us. He says since the game is being developed currently using the XNA development tools, a PlayStation 3 port is unlikely, though a 2D iteration of Miner Wars is planned for the PSP and iPhone following the completion of the XBLA/PC game.

[Via Big Download]

Gallery: Miner Wars

JoystiqMiner Wars, an MMO for PC and ... XBLA? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>keen-software-houseMicrosoftminer-warsmmopcshooterspacexblaXbox-360Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[SXSW 2009: EA Dead Space - A Deep Media Case Study ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/21/sxsw-2009-ea-dead-space-a-deep-media-case-study/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/21/sxsw-2009-ea-dead-space-a-deep-media-case-study/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/21/sxsw-2009-ea-dead-space-a-deep-media-case-study/#comments
One of SXSW's panels that showed off the effects of Panelitis Fakeoutitis (where a panel sounds much better on paper than it actually is) was "EA Dead Space: A Deep Case Media Study," which sounded like it would be a dissection of the game and what went into creating it.

A closer reading of the synopsis noted that it was all about "the method and the madness behind Electronic Arts' use of cross-platform marketing." Wait? What? Marketing?! Well, we went anyhow, and you can check out the highlights beyond the break.

Continue reading SXSW 2009: EA Dead Space - A Deep Media Case Study

JoystiqSXSW 2009: EA Dead Space - A Deep Media Case Study originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dead-SpaceDeep-FocusEAea-redwood-shoresElectronic-ArtsmarketingmediaMicrosoftscifispacesurvival-horrorsxswsxsw-2009Xbox-360Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq eyes-on: Jumpgate Evolution (PC)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/joystiq-eyes-on-jumpgate-evolution-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/joystiq-eyes-on-jumpgate-evolution-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/joystiq-eyes-on-jumpgate-evolution-pc/#comments
click to gallery hyper-jump Sci-fi fans who love the idea of galactic war and space-age dogfighting will want to have a look at NetDevil's Jumpgate Evolution. In this Massively Multiplayer Online game, players take command of their very own fully-customizable spacecraft in a war against a mysterious alien enemy. The developers describe the game as an MMO version of Wing Commander with the intensity of Battlestar Galactica's fast-paced fighter battles.

This war not only has to have grand action, but also has to be set on an equally grand stage. And in that, we can attest that Jumpgate fulfills those duties very well. The artistic direction will be the very first thing that will grab one's attention upon sitting down with Jumpgate. The diverse locales we've been shown are all very colorfully vibrant and lively; there's rarely a spot that's dull or fails to dazzle. Open space is accentuated with swirls of thematic nebulas, while cruising along the backdrop of beautifully rendered planets is an amazing sight on its own. There are various other places to visit including mining colonies, asteroid fields and debris-filled 'space graveyard.'

Gallery: Jumpgate Evolution

Continue reading Joystiq eyes-on: Jumpgate Evolution (PC)

JoystiqJoystiq eyes-on: Jumpgate Evolution (PC) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersjumpgate-evolutionmmonetdevilpcscifishooterspaceTue, 17 Feb 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Oddity: Lord British pays $30 million for trip to International Space Station]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/space-oddity-lord-british-pays-30-million-for-trip-to-internat/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/space-oddity-lord-british-pays-30-million-for-trip-to-internat/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/space-oddity-lord-british-pays-30-million-for-trip-to-internat/#commentsFiled under:


Those who needed further proof of the overwhelming eccentricity of Ultima developer Richard Garriott (aka Lord British) will be pleased to hear that the NCSoft producer disembarked on a journey to the International Space Station aboard Russia's Soyuz TMA-13 capsule this morning. The reason for the $30 million extraterrestrial excursion (besides Lord B.'s desire to follow in the footsteps of his father, American astronaut Owen Garriott) was to allow the game designer to conduct experiments while aboard the station. Oh, and to ensure the eternal preservation of the human race. No biggie.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqSpace Oddity: Lord British pays $30 million for trip to International Space Station originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>international-space-stationlord-britishrichard-garriottspaceSun, 12 Oct 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Once, it was small]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/wii-warm-up-once-it-was-small/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/wii-warm-up-once-it-was-small/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/wii-warm-up-once-it-was-small/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When the Wii was released, it was small, especially compared to the behemoth consoles manufactured by the competition. But after the wheel and the zapper and digging out the GameCube controllers, and finding a place for the balance board -- and don't forget, you'll need those maracas, too -- does it feel like the tiny system has grown a little? Is it taking over the living room? How do you manage all the extras?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Once, it was small originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>extrasspacestorageMon, 30 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3s used to simulate black hole collisions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/ps3s-used-to-simulate-black-hole-collisions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/ps3s-used-to-simulate-black-hole-collisions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/ps3s-used-to-simulate-black-hole-collisions/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's like our favorite old-school commercial: "Mr. Owl, how many Playstation 3s does it take to simulate a collision between two black holes?" Apparently, the answer is 16.

A group at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth hopes to use a cluster of 16 PS3s to run the simulation, specifically looking at the properties of the gravity waves emitted by the collision. The cluster -- nicknamed the PS3 Gravity Grid -- was built with a partial donation from Sony, who must like watching really big stuff collide as much as we do.

Similar simulations have been run before (most notably by NASA), but this marks the first time the super-calculation has been performed using a game console. Like our colleagues as PS3 Fanboy, we admit that most of the technical jargon presented here is way over our heads. We're sure some of you will "get it," though, and not just resort to Tootsie Roll references.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqPS3s used to simulate black hole collisions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-holeseducationPS3researchsonyspaceWed, 05 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's most stylistic video: "video game" vs. "videogame"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/todays-most-stylistic-video-video-game-vs-videogame/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/todays-most-stylistic-video-video-game-vs-videogame/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/todays-most-stylistic-video-video-game-vs-videogame/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's a debate that's at least as old as our 2005 poll on the subject (which ended in a statistical dead heat) -- should the term "video game" be one word or two. Copy editors, designers, and journalists have all weighed in on the subject (as well as a certain book author and blogger). Now, finally, we have an official answer from a well-respected, authoritative source: the fine fellows over at College Humor.

The video does a great job of skewering the self-importance of those that obsess over such a pointless argument (present company included). But then they link to an official petition (currently down) that purports to support College Humor's preferred, one-word spelling. Are they taking themselves too seriously, or is it just another layer of the meta-joke? We report, you decide.

Continue reading Today's most stylistic video: "video game" vs. "videogame"

JoystiqToday's most stylistic video: "video game" vs. "videogame" originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>debatejournalismone-wordspacespace-bartwo-wordsvideo-gamevideogameTue, 26 Feb 2008 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA may enter game publishing realm with space exploration MMO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/nasa-enters-game-publishing-realm-with-space-exploration-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/nasa-enters-game-publishing-realm-with-space-exploration-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/nasa-enters-game-publishing-realm-with-space-exploration-mmo/#commentsFiled under: ,


Though space-themed MMOs have a tendency of hastily going the way of the dodo (sometimes before they're ever released), NASA is considering throwing their lot into the ever-growing MMO market with an online space exploration game that will allow players to "simulate real Nasa engineering and science missions" with thousands of other wannabe cosmonauts. That is, if a thousand people purchase the game -- an unlikely scenario, considering the title doesn't include the words "world", "of", "war", or "craft".

We love the idea of an MMO based on real-life space experiments, however, we doubt the game will appeal to the Barrens Chat crowd without the timely addition of "lazorz" and "totally crazy aliens". Actually, that might be a good thing -- we shudder to think of the implications of the creation of "Uranus Chat".

JoystiqNASA may enter game publishing realm with space exploration MMO originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MMONASAOnlinegamingPCSpaceWoWSat, 19 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hullbreach manages to snag a few users]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/hullbreach-manages-to-snag-a-few-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/hullbreach-manages-to-snag-a-few-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/hullbreach-manages-to-snag-a-few-users/#commentsFiled under: ,


A fresh press release from Hullbreach Online, that Wii Internet Channel MMO we reported on a few weeks back, states that some people have decided to give it a try. With 1,175 members, the game has grown a bit. There are now 576 different sectors that players can hyperjump to, as well as numerous quests and combat scenarios to complete. From the press release, it sounds like this thing is growing pretty fast.

While we haven't played it ourselves (darn this blogging), we love to hear about this kind of stuff. Ambition projects are few and far between, it seems, so we look forward to December. Why? Well, that's when the final release hits, which will have NPC interaction, asteroid mining and player-to-player bartering.

Has anyone given this a try? Are you finding it to your liking? Or, is it a waste of time?

[Via press release]

JoystiqHullbreach manages to snag a few users originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserhullbreachinternetmmommorpgoperarpgspaceWed, 07 Nov 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[A video where Buzz Aldrin doesn't punch someone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/a-video-where-buzz-aldrin-doesnt-punch-someone/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/a-video-where-buzz-aldrin-doesnt-punch-someone/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/a-video-where-buzz-aldrin-doesnt-punch-someone/#commentsFiled under: ,


You know, maybe we shouldn't make light of an incident where someone accused a national hero of faking one of the United States' most historic events, but we can't help it. If we remember Buzz Aldrin for one thing, it's punching someone in the face. Oh, and his moon landing thing.

Anyway, the above video comes from the meeting between Buzz and Mario we talked about a few days ago. So, if you, like us, were left kind of confused about the whole thing, then check out the video above.

JoystiqA video where Buzz Aldrin doesn't punch someone originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buzzbuzz-aldrinmariospacesupermariogalaxyWed, 07 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA considering reaching out to youth through 3D moon landing game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/nasa-considering-reaching-out-to-youth-through-3d-moon-landing-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/nasa-considering-reaching-out-to-youth-through-3d-moon-landing-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/nasa-considering-reaching-out-to-youth-through-3d-moon-landing-g/#commentsFiled under: ,


In an effort to bolster its declining image and make space exploration cool again, NASA is considering working with game development companies to create a 3D game that simulates landing on the moon. It's little more than idle brainstorming at the moment, but the company is making a considerable effort to reach out to the non-fogey crowd by setting up real estate in Second Life, streaming spacewalk videos on Twitter, and establishing a presence on Facebook.

It's tough to top landing a man on the moon, which is perhaps one reason NASA isn't as popular as it once was. That and what seems like a string of blunders beginning with Challenger and continuing through the Hubble. Other than boosting interest in science, mathematics, and space in general, could a videogame make the public fall for NASA once again?

And for the record, we still love you, NASA. Always have.

JoystiqNASA considering reaching out to youth through 3D moon landing game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nasasciencespaceThu, 28 Jun 2007 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtually Overlooked Week: Jason's picks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/virtually-overlooked-week-jasons-picks/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/virtually-overlooked-week-jasons-picks/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/virtually-overlooked-week-jasons-picks/#commentsFiled under: ,

You've seen it before.
Virtually Overlooked has taken over Wii Fanboy! All this week, members of the staff will be outlining their personal picks for future Virtual Console releases.
Growing up with gaming is an interesting thing these days. Many of you are part of the first generation that was quite literally born into a household with a gaming console, as I was. In my experience, if you start off in life gaming hard, you don't stop. Therefore, in the very near future, I will able to ask a random middle-aged man if he wants to go play Guitar Hero 4, and it won't be totally weird.

Who am I kidding? This isn't Japan, and that guy will probably think I am, in fact, totally weird. But man, screw those non-gamers. The hardcore, like you and I, have tons of gaming memories, and thus we frequently long for the games of yore to be released on the Virtual Console. But they have not yet appeased my feral hunger, and thus do I lay these games out in a commanding fashion for Nintendo's minions to take note.

You, of course, may gaze as well.

Continue reading Virtually Overlooked Week: Jason's picks

JoystiqVirtually Overlooked Week: Jason's picks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blastburgercorpsdensetsuearthboundmakersmanamarinamischiefmotherrarerarewaresecretseikensiliconspacestationtimevalleyvoweekWed, 13 Jun 2007 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese hardware sales, May. 7 - May 13: Office Space edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/japanese-hardware-sales-may-7-may-13-office-space-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/japanese-hardware-sales-may-7-may-13-office-space-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/japanese-hardware-sales-may-7-may-13-office-space-edition/#commentsFiled under:

Loadletter beatdown
David: Hey, Jason, yeahhhh, I'm gonna need you to get on those JHS reports ... did you see the memo?

Jason: Uh, yeah, I saw it. Thanks, Dave.

David: Good, good. I'll let you get to it, then.

(Jason sighs, and begins to type frantically.)

Alisha: Heyyyyy, Jason, did you see the mem--

Jason: For the love of God, yes. I'm on it.

Alisha: No need to snap, Jason. Sounds like someone has a case of the Fridays.

(Jason mumbles as Alisha walks away. JC and Eric approach.)

JC: I can't believe it. I told those fudgepackers I liked JC's music. Me! I've never despised any form of sensory input as I do those songs.

Continue reading Japanese hardware sales, May. 7 - May 13: Office Space edition

JoystiqJapanese hardware sales, May. 7 - May 13: Office Space edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2007 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BossCubicleHardwareJapaneseJHSLoadletterNumbersOfficeReportsSalesSpaceStaplerTPSWorkFri, 18 May 2007 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese hardware sales, May. 7 - May 13: Office Space edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/japanese-hardware-sales-may-7-may-13-office-space-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/japanese-hardware-sales-may-7-may-13-office-space-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/18/japanese-hardware-sales-may-7-may-13-office-space-edition/#commentsFiled under:

JHS Reports...worse than TPS Reports.
David: Hey, Jason, yeahhhh, I'm gonna need you to get on those JHS reports ... did you see the memo?

Jason: Uh, yeah, I saw it. Thanks, Dave.

David: Good, good. I'll let you get to it, then.

(Jason sighs, and begins to type frantically.)

Alisha: Heyyyyy, Jason, did you see the mem--

Jason: For the love of God, yes. I'm on it.

Alisha: No need to snap, Jason. Sounds like someone has a case of the Fridays.

(Jason mumbles as Alisha walks away. JC and Eric approach.)

JC: I can't believe it. I told those fudgepackers I liked JC's music. Me! I've never despised any form of sensory input as I do those songs.

Continue reading Japanese hardware sales, May. 7 - May 13: Office Space edition

JoystiqJapanese hardware sales, May. 7 - May 13: Office Space edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2007 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleBossCubicleEditionHardwareJapaneseJHSMacBookNumbersOfficeReportsSalesSpaceTPSWorkFri, 18 May 2007 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming VC releases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/upcoming-vc-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/upcoming-vc-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/upcoming-vc-releases/#commentsFiled under: ,

How...archaic.Thus far, Nintendo has decided to keep the exact releases of Virtual Console Mondays a secret until the day-of, leaving us gamers biting our nails in mind-numbing suspense. Sega's official website and a major in cryptology have given us three gleaming glimpses in the future.

First, from Sega's camp, the classic space-shooter Space Harrier II (1989) will see the light of day next Monday, the 18th of December. Furthermore, on Christmas Day, they'll drop cult-favorite and this blogger's most anticipated VC title, Toe Jam & Earl. Awesome.

From Hudson, their website left the internet-at-large with this little clue:

WHICH GAME COMES NEXT? This one is a doosy. Truly a classic. Here's your first clue:

VGCE0590PG46

Yes, I know. that's freakin cryptic. If no one can figure it out, I may drop another clue tomorrow.

Good luck!

Brilliant minds came together, formulas were solved, chemicals were mixed, and lo, the secret was revealed. VGCE0590PG46 stands for Video Game and Computer Entertainment, May 1990, Page 46. Dig up a couple of old magazine scans, and voilà! The game is Military Madness, a turn-based strategy game with a fairly large following.

Couldn't they have just told us right out?

JoystiqUpcoming VC releases originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Dec 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ConsoleCryptographyEarlHarrierHintJamMadnessMilitaryReleaseSpaceToeVirtualThu, 14 Dec 2006 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii have no room to play (Wii annoyance #003)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/wii-have-no-room-to-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/wii-have-no-room-to-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/wii-have-no-room-to-play/#commentsFiled under:

The Nintendo Wii has been getting plenty of buzz over the past few weeks from various sources. Nintendo isn't too shocked by it; they did build the machine to accommodate a whole new target audience. However, Nintendo may have one fatal flaw in their design: space.

It would seem that Nintendo didn't account for room size when dreaming up the little wand that links our world to the Wii world. Some guys over at MTV decided to run a four player Wii match and found their existing room -- which is wide enough to fit a couch and have four-player traditional matches -- didn't accommodate their Wii gaming; they were getting in each others way.

The Wii may be the smallest next-gen console, but it clearly requires the most space to truly enjoy. And yet another traditional element of console gaming has vanished in the Wii's growing wake; no longer can the console be moved to a back-room and be enjoyed. Either that, or we're going to have to learn to play without looking like a toolbox.

PS3 delights vs. PS3 annoyances
Wii delights vs. Wii annoyances
Xbox 360 delights vs. Xbox 360 annoyances

JoystiqWii have no room to play (Wii annoyance #003) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Nov 2006 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MTVNintendospaceWiiwiiannoyThu, 16 Nov 2006 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Xyanide Resurrection screens released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/new-xyanide-resurrection-screens-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/new-xyanide-resurrection-screens-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/new-xyanide-resurrection-screens-released/#commentsFiled under:

New Xyanide Resurrection screens released
Gamespot has just released a bunch new screens of Playlogic's upcoming shooter Xyanide Resurrection. And if shooting at giant, half-naked, outer-space prepubescent boys is your idea of having a good time, the game appears to be right up your alley.

Fortunately for us, that's not all it has going for it. The game's developer, Playlogic, is using a new video-streaming technology that combines high-quality interactive video backgrounds withreal-time game sceneries for the first time ever in a handheld game, the company's press release stated.

In the game, you play as Drake, an executioner who must escort the witch Aguira to the Maelstrom all while navigating through tunnels and fighting off enemies.

JoystiqNew Xyanide Resurrection screens released originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boysdrakemaelstronplaylogicshooterspacestreamingtechnologyxyanide resurrectionXyanideResurrectionTue, 07 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video Sandwich: October 17, 2006]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/video-sandwich-october-17-2006/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/video-sandwich-october-17-2006/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/video-sandwich-october-17-2006/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's been a while. It's time for another Video Sandwich. We love looking at PSP ads here, and I would have to say that this "viral" ad is pretty effective. It tells you that you can play your PSP anywhere, any place... but would the PSP function in a low-grav, no-oxygen environment? Something tells me no. MISLEADING AD!!! (Okay, maybe it's just puffery.)

Below, you'll see a fan-made parody of one of the earliest PSP ads: you know, the ones where they threw them around, from friend to friend. I was always horrified by that ad, just because I asked: what would you do if you dropped it??? That's $250 down the drain! Well, thankfully, these kids find out so you don't have to.

JoystiqVideo Sandwich: October 17, 2006 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisementadvertisementsastronautastronautscommercialcommercialssandwichspacethrowTue, 17 Oct 2006 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Like a Phoenix from the ashes: Nintendo World 2006]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/like-a-phoenix-from-the-ashes-nintendo-world-2006/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/like-a-phoenix-from-the-ashes-nintendo-world-2006/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/like-a-phoenix-from-the-ashes-nintendo-world-2006/#commentsFiled under:

So PRETTY!
Okay, so it's not Space World, the legendary Nintendo-only event whose last appearance occurred in 2001. Nintendo's announcement of a new event, however, named Nintendo World 2006, certainly conjures fond memories. The event, which takes place over a mammoth ten-day period from November 3rd to the 12th (and again on November 25th and 26th), will feature hands-on playtime with the Wii and some of the hottest new DS titles. Best of all, it's open to the Japanese public, and completely free. Awesome.

While it's unknown if Nintendo will be making any major announcements at the event, it's understood that they will, at the very least, announce more specific details of the Virtual Console service (read: launch titles) a bit closer to Wii Day. What better place to spring some good news on the unsuspecting Japanese?

(The image is a personal favorite, from digital artist Greg Martin. Check more of his work here.)

JoystiqLike a Phoenix from the ashes: Nintendo World 2006 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EventFreeGreg MartinGregMartinJapanPhoenixPublicSpaceVirtual ConsoleVirtualConsoleWorldWed, 11 Oct 2006 17:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Like a Phoenix from the ashes: Nintendo World 2006]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/like-a-phoenix-from-the-ashes-nintendo-world-2006/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/like-a-phoenix-from-the-ashes-nintendo-world-2006/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/like-a-phoenix-from-the-ashes-nintendo-world-2006/#commentsFiled under:

So PRETTY!
Okay, so it's not Space World, the legendary Nintendo-only event whose last appearance occurred in 2001. Nintendo's announcement of a new event, however, named Nintendo World 2006, certainly conjures fond memories. The event, which takes place over a mammoth ten-day period from November 3rd to the 12th (and again on November 25th and 26th), will feature hands-on playtime with the Wii and some of the hottest new DS titles. Best of all, it's open to the Japanese public, and completely free. Awesome.

While it's unknown if Nintendo will be making any major announcements at the event, it's understood that they will, at the very least, announce more specific details of the Virtual Console service (read: launch titles) a bit closer to Wii Day. What better place to spring some good news on the unsuspecting Japanese?

(The image is a personal favorite, from digital artist Greg Martin. Check more of his work here.)

JoystiqLike a Phoenix from the ashes: Nintendo World 2006 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006EventFreeGreg MartinGregMartinJapanNintendoPhoenixPublicSpaceVirtual ConsoleVirtualConsoleWorldWed, 11 Oct 2006 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Between the darkness and the light: Lunar Knights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/24/between-the-darkness-and-the-light-lunar-knights/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/24/between-the-darkness-and-the-light-lunar-knights/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/24/between-the-darkness-and-the-light-lunar-knights/#commentsFiled under:

Konami with a vampire hunting game? Say it ain't so! But there's nary a Belmont in Lunar Knights (psst, don't call it Boktai), the action RPG coming to the DS in November. Like the newest installment in that other gothic franchise, Lunar Knights features two heroes: Lucian and Aaron. But they're not exactly regular guys -- their power is dependent on a solar cycle, with Lucian's power waxing at night and waning during the day, when Aaron comes to the fore.

The top screen of the DS will display weather and solar cycle effects. This new 'paraSOL' system (how's that for a pun?) will impact every aspect of the game, from the polar opposite heroes to the enemies they face.

As Aaron and Lucian fight to save their futuristic world from a dark fate at the hands of an undead army, they are supported by Terrenials, embodiments of the elements the world is built from. These Terrenials have their own attacks and can enhance the man characters, allowing them to take on even more powerful forms. And just because space vampires are awesome, when the planet-side evil is vanquished, Lucian and Aaron blast off for all new adventures as they try to dispose of their enemies once and for all. We're not quite sure how the light/dark cycle might function there, but the Terrenials, at least, accompany our heroes into the final frontier for further support.

JoystiqBetween the darkness and the light: Lunar Knights originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Aug 2006 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dayDSKojima ProductionsKojimaProductionsKonaminightNintendoparaSOLRPGspacevampireThu, 24 Aug 2006 18:43:00 EST<![CDATA[No Space World, Mario Galaxy could be available at launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/04/no-space-world-mario-galaxy-could-be-available-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/04/no-space-world-mario-galaxy-could-be-available-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/04/no-space-world-mario-galaxy-could-be-available-at-launch/#commentsFiled under:

Over at AMN, Nintendo has confirmed that there will in fact be no Space World event held this year. The person confirming this, Nintendo of America Public Relations Manager Matt Atwood, dashed away speculation that this event would help usher in the launch of the Wii. However, there is good news!

I managed to save money on my car insurance! Matt Atwood, the clever PR-type person that he is, said that while Nintendo has yet to officially announce its Wii lineup, in regards to Super Mario Galaxy making the cut for launch, "anything is possible."

JoystiqNo Space World, Mario Galaxy could be available at launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Aug 2006 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galaxymarionintendospacesuperwiiworldFri, 04 Aug 2006 15:45:00 EST