Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Namco Bandai climbs out of the red with pair of million-sellers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/namco-bandai-climbs-out-of-the-red-with-pair-of-million-sellers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/namco-bandai-climbs-out-of-the-red-with-pair-of-million-sellers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/namco-bandai-climbs-out-of-the-red-with-pair-of-million-sellers/#comments For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011, Namco Bandai's "Content" division -- which includes both home-console and arcade games, in addition to music and video products -- increased sales just enough to post a modest operating income of ¥3.09 billion ($38.5 million). In turn, the company turned around from the previous fiscal year's net loss to scrounge up ¥3.78 billion ($46.9 million) in profit.

The publisher put out 88 games (including individual iterations of multiplatform titles) across six systems, selling roughly 20.9 million software units in the 12-month period. Its efforts were focused primarily on handheld releases, with 30 games on DS -- plus three more for the 3DS launch -- and 29 for PSP. The company's two bestselling titles during the fiscal year, however, were for home consoles: 2009's still-kicking Tekken 6 accounted for 1.15 million unit sales on PS3 and Xbox 360 in the US alone, and Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 sold 1.1M units worldwide on those same consoles, according to the company's financial highlights document [PDF].

While Naruto performed above initial expectations, Enslaved failed to muster numbers in line with even the revised sales forecast reset by Namco Bandai in November. Ninja Theory's action-adventure had to settle for 730,000 units sold across PS3 and 360, falling short of the hoped-for 800K mark. As for Splatterhouse and Majin, the publisher did not report their individual sales, as both titles' performances seemingly fell below 400K units (Namco Bandai's cutoff line for "Main Game Titles," as they appear in the financial highlights report).

For the current fiscal year, which began April 1, Namco Bandai forecasts continued gains resulting in ¥8 billion in profit. The publisher has plans to release 90 games during the period, including 26 titles bound for PS3. Props to anyone that can name three of them! (No googling.)

JoystiqNamco Bandai climbs out of the red with pair of million-sellers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 May 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsearningsenslavedfinancialfy-2011majin-and-the-forsaken-kingdommicrosoftnamco-bandainaruto-ultimate-ninja-storm-2nintendoplaystationps3pspq4salessonysplatterhousetekken-6wiixboxTue, 10 May 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Save on Castlevania, Naruto and more in Amazon's year-end sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/26/save-on-castlevania-naruto-and-more-in-amazons-year-end-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/26/save-on-castlevania-naruto-and-more-in-amazons-year-end-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/26/save-on-castlevania-naruto-and-more-in-amazons-year-end-sale/#commentsIf you thought Amazon would stop holding ridiculous sales because the holiday season is winding down, you are a fool. A hypothetical fool. Amazon's year-end sale (which technically started on Dec. 24) is as good as any offer the retailer had for Black Friday or the pre-Christmas shopping season!

The PS3 version of Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 is over half off at $25.99, as is the PS3 limited edition of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow at $39.99. Enslaved is just $19.99 on either system, and Atlus hits Demon's Souls and 3D Dot Game Heroes can be picked up for just $16.99 and $14.99 respectively. FlingSmash on Wii is $39.99, which at that price is essentially a free game with a regular-price Wii Remote Plus.

Amazon is also offering a 75% discount on a large selection of downloadable PC games, and an even larger selection of casual PC games for $2 each.

JoystiqSave on Castlevania, Naruto and more in Amazon's year-end sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazoncastlevania-lords-of-shadowdsenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westflingsmashmicrosoftnaruto-ultimate-ninja-storm-2nintendopcplaystationps3pspsonysplatterhousewiixboxyear-end-saleSun, 26 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Splatterhouse 'Lost Islands' DLC available now, its one fan overjoyed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/splatterhouse-lost-islands-dlc-available-now-its-one-fan-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/splatterhouse-lost-islands-dlc-available-now-its-one-fan-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/splatterhouse-lost-islands-dlc-available-now-its-one-fan-over/#comments Hey there, Clyde. Yes, you, the biggest Splatterhouse fan that reads Joystiq. When we previewed the game, you were thrilled to see your favorite old title reborn. When we made fun of that screenshot, you chuckled along with us, but secretly thought it was awesome. And you, Clyde, didn't even bother to read our review -- you were already at home playing your pre-order.

So it's for you -- and no one else -- that we report that the "Lost Islands" DLC for Splatterhouse is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace for 160 MS Points, or on PSN for $1.99. The pack includes a survival arena to fight through wave after wave of abominations that most of us think are disgusting and crass, but which you think are freaky great. Don't say we never did anything for you, Clyde. Now go ... go and download that DLC and love this game made just for you, because that's what gaming is really all about.

JoystiqSplatterhouse 'Lost Islands' DLC available now, its one fan overjoyed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlclost-islandsmicrosoftNamco-Bandaiplaystationps3SplatterhousexboxFri, 24 Dec 2010 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[12 Days of Joyswag: Splatterhouse, Terror Mask statue, and weird collapsible speakers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/12-days-of-joyswag-splatterhouse-terror-mask-statue-and-weird/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/12-days-of-joyswag-splatterhouse-terror-mask-statue-and-weird/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/12-days-of-joyswag-splatterhouse-terror-mask-statue-and-weird/#comments To celebrate the holidays, we're having twelve straight days of giveaways up through Christmas day. And while we say it's to celebrate, really ... we're simply getting rid of some of the larger packages around the ol' office.

Look, we're going to be honest with you ... it's day nine and we've got some less awesome stuff for you today. Want a copy of the not-so-great Splatterhouse on Xbox 360? Really? Well, how about a copy of Splatterhouse along with a cat-sized Terror Mask statue and a strange set of collapsible speakers? Well, if you insist - you can enter our giveaway by leaving a comment. Find the full rules after the break.

Gallery: Splatterhouse Joyswag

Continue reading 12 Days of Joyswag: Splatterhouse, Terror Mask statue, and weird collapsible speakers

Joystiq12 Days of Joyswag: Splatterhouse, Terror Mask statue, and weird collapsible speakers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-days-of-joyswag-2010joyswagmicrosoftNamcoSplatterhousexboxWed, 22 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Splatterhouse review: All guts, no glory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/splatterhouse-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/splatterhouse-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/splatterhouse-review/#comments If there's one thing Splatterhouse isn't, it's precise. It seems to take pride in being sloppy as it revels in letting you lop off limbs, crush skulls, and tear ribcages from spines.

Unfortunately, thanks to that same sloppy attitude, you might find yourself wishing the game could do the same to you, if only to end the suffering.

Gallery: Splatterhouse (5/24/10)

Continue reading Splatterhouse review: All guts, no glory

JoystiqSplatterhouse review: All guts, no glory originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BottleRocketmicrosoftNamco-Bandaiplaystationps3SplatterhousexboxMon, 29 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enslaved underperforms for Namco, Naruto exceeds expectations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/enslaved-underperforms-for-namco-naruto-exceeds-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/enslaved-underperforms-for-namco-naruto-exceeds-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/enslaved-underperforms-for-namco-naruto-exceeds-expectations/#comments Namco Bandai may have suffered less terrible losses in the first half of its fiscal year compared to last, but several of the publisher's major titles aren't expected to hit sales goals. Andriasang has a list of comparing the company's hopes for its software to the harsh reality, with Ben 10 Ultimate Alien Cosmic Destruction and Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja: Storm 2 being the overachievers. Ben 10 is expected to have 800K sales -- 100K over forecast -- and Naruto may move a million copies, 300K more than planned.

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is expected to sell about 800K units, which is still good, but the publisher expected it to sell a million. Other titles expected to underperform, according to the company, will be the as-yet unreleased Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom with 300K units (-700K below) and Splatterhouse at 350K (-650K below).

Enslaved deserves better so, with some luck, hopefully Monkey and crew will have a longer tail than Namco expects.

JoystiqEnslaved underperforms for Namco, Naruto exceeds expectations originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enslavedenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westmajin-and-the-forsaken-kingdommicrosoftnaruto-ultimate-ninja-storm-2nintendoplaystationps3splatterhousewiixboxMon, 08 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Splatterhouse screens are relatively clean]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/09/new-splatterhouse-screens-are-relatively-clean/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/09/new-splatterhouse-screens-are-relatively-clean/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/09/new-splatterhouse-screens-are-relatively-clean/#comments Don't read that the wrong way. These Splatterhouse screens are filthy, bloody and disgusting. That said, compared to the last batch of screens we got, these are worthy of a tasteful Martha Stewart picture frame. If only she knew a festive seasonal cocktail potent enough to make us forget ...

Gallery: Splatterhouse (10/8/2010)

JoystiqNew Splatterhouse screens are relatively clean originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Oct 2010 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftNamco-Bandaiplaystationps3SplatterhousexboxSat, 09 Oct 2010 06:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shot happens: Splatterhouse screen is the butt of our jokes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/shot-happens-splatterhouse-screen-is-the-butt-of-our-jokes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/shot-happens-splatterhouse-screen-is-the-butt-of-our-jokes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/shot-happens-splatterhouse-screen-is-the-butt-of-our-jokes/#comments It's time for some straight talk. When we saw the above image - part of Namco's Splatterhouse Gamescom press blast today - we were simultaneously both grossed out and in stitches. We had a lot of gags (both because of and featuring) Rick and his monster pal but we couldn't settle on just one. So we're using this post to bring them all to you. Bon appétit!

Continue reading Shot happens: Splatterhouse screen is the butt of our jokes

JoystiqShot happens: Splatterhouse screen is the butt of our jokes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 03:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3SplatterhousexboxThu, 19 Aug 2010 03:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Splatterhouse trailer shows off retro roots, machetes them]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/latest-splatterhouse-trailer-shows-off-retro-roots-machetes-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/latest-splatterhouse-trailer-shows-off-retro-roots-machetes-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/latest-splatterhouse-trailer-shows-off-retro-roots-machetes-the/#comments The strangest concept for us about this fall's Splatterhouse re-imagining is the departure it takes from the series' 16-bit origins. Oddly, the latest trailer features a mashup of the original game with the new one, spliced with music from the original. We'll be honest -- it's pretty confusing.

That, however, is significantly less of an issue than one of the screenshots Namco sent along with the new trailer. It's ... well, let's just say it's probably not the safest image for your boss to see. Or anyone, really. Actually, you know what? Maybe just stick with the trailer for now. Besides, you probably don't have enough Tide in your house to get out the stains left by this screen. We sure didn't.

Gallery: Splatterhouse (Gamescom 2010)

Continue reading Latest Splatterhouse trailer shows off retro roots, machetes them

JoystiqLatest Splatterhouse trailer shows off retro roots, machetes them originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescomgamescom-2010microsoftnamconamco-bandaiplaystationps3SplatterhousexboxWed, 18 Aug 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Splatterhouse producer talks blood, guts and paying homage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/splatterhouse-producer-talks-blood-guts-and-paying-homage/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/splatterhouse-producer-talks-blood-guts-and-paying-homage/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/30/splatterhouse-producer-talks-blood-guts-and-paying-homage/#comments Controversy is not new to games, but few tend to attract it as eagerly as the upcoming Splatterhouse remake. Following our E3 preview of the game, we were unsure if Namco Bandai's effort would be little more than fodder for your local news looking to stir up viewers. I chatted with producer Dan Tovar at Comic-Con last week to find out if there's more to Splatterhouse than blood, guts and a sensational headline.

"I was a huge fan of Splatterhouse since as far back as I could remember," Tovar told me. "Played the crap out of all three of the original games back in the '80s and '90s, and so when I came to Namco years ago, they were looking for concepts to get going in the next couple of years. I asked them, 'Are we going to be able to do old properties?' and they said yes. Splatterhouse was on the top of my list, so we just went to work trying to get a concept together, and it just snowballed from there."

Gallery: Splatterhouse (5/24/10)

Continue reading Splatterhouse producer talks blood, guts and paying homage

JoystiqSplatterhouse producer talks blood, guts and paying homage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2010dan-tovarmicrosoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3SplatterhousexboxFri, 30 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Splatterhouse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/preview-splatterhouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/preview-splatterhouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/preview-splatterhouse/#comments Most of the games games shown at E3 are not final retail versions; they're preview builds specifically developed to show at the industry's largest expo. Since this is the case, many developers will remind those playing its game or watching demos that what they're seeing is subject to change. "We still have to polish this," or "the animation over here isn't finished" are a few of the things you'll hear. It's expected.

However, sometimes demos are nothing but a string of apologies and promises. Splatterhouse was one of those titles. During my demo, the game's executive producer assured me that the game was still in production at every pass and that nearly everything I saw and played would be "fixed," "changed" or "polished." You can't blame Namco Bandai for being hesitant to show the game, considering the development hell it has been through -- but it was a little extreme, especially when considering that I thought the game looked good (even great in some spots!) apart from the expected poor framerate for an early build.

No, looks weren't an issue, but I did have a few others with the game during my short demo.

Gallery: Splatterhouse

Continue reading Preview: Splatterhouse

JoystiqPreview: Splatterhouse originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010microsoftnamco-bandaiNamco-Bandai-Gamesplaystationps3SplatterhousexboxTue, 29 Jun 2010 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Splatterhouse E3 trailer reminds us of 'The Mask']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/splatterhouse-e3-trailer-reminds-us-of-the-mask/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/splatterhouse-e3-trailer-reminds-us-of-the-mask/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/splatterhouse-e3-trailer-reminds-us-of-the-mask/#comments If Jim Carrey's The Mask took a more macabre turn, we think it would look a little something like this. Namco Bandai's reimagined Splatterhouse tells the tale of the generically-named Rick Taylor that dons a haunted mask in an attempt to save his girlfriend's life. Proving R.L. Stine right, Taylor gets a lot more than he bargained for when he listens to the advice of a mystical, talking, obviously-evil mask.

Continue reading Splatterhouse E3 trailer reminds us of 'The Mask'

JoystiqSplatterhouse E3 trailer reminds us of 'The Mask' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3splatterhousexboxFri, 11 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Splatterhouse to bring the gore in time for Halloween]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/splatterhouse-to-bring-the-gore-in-time-for-halloween/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/splatterhouse-to-bring-the-gore-in-time-for-halloween/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/splatterhouse-to-bring-the-gore-in-time-for-halloween/#commentsGamespot reports that a Namco Bandai representative has informed the site that Splatterhouse is "due for a Halloween release," which is just about as appropriate as release dates get. What would you have preferred? Labor day? Veterans' Day? Those don't make any sense. We suppose a Día de los Muertos release might work, but let's not split hairs, okay? Let's just split zombies. With extreme force.

Halloween actually falls on a Sunday this year, so we're not sure whether the Namco Bandai representative meant on Halloween or shortly before Halloween. We've contacted the developer to try and get a clarification. The new trailer above simply says "fall 2010."

JoystiqSplatterhouse to bring the gore in time for Halloween originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halloweenMicrosoftnamco-bandairelease-datesplatterhouseXbox-360Tue, 25 May 2010 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai predicts sales for Dead to Rights, Splatterhouse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/namco-bandai-predicts-sales-for-dead-to-rights-splatterhouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/namco-bandai-predicts-sales-for-dead-to-rights-splatterhouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/namco-bandai-predicts-sales-for-dead-to-rights-splatterhouse/#comments During a recent investor's presentation, Namco Bandai relayed some projections for a few of its top titles -- specifically, recent releases Clash of the Titans and Dead to Rights: Retribution and upcoming Splatterhouse and Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom. The presentation is available here, though due to the fact that it's in some foreign language (what are they speaking, Klingon?), we defer to Siliconera's translation.

For Clash and DtR, Namco Bandai isn't expecting either to clear a million units: each is projected to sell around 700,000 copies. That's certainly nothing to scoff at. Namco Bandai has higher hopes for Splatterhouse and Majin, however, predicting sales of one million for each.

Really? A million units? Sure, we've heard that "sex sells," but charmingly bumbling monsters and bloody, deformed hockey mask-garbed behemoths? People can't possibly be into either of those things, right?

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqNamco Bandai predicts sales for Dead to Rights, Splatterhouse originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clash-of-the-titansdead-to-rightsdead-to-rights-retributionMajinmajin-and-the-forsaken-kingdomMicrosoftNamcoNamco-BandaisalessplatterhouseXbox-360Thu, 13 May 2010 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Splatterhouse trailer borders on tasteful]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/splatterhouse-trailer-borders-on-tasteful/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/splatterhouse-trailer-borders-on-tasteful/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/splatterhouse-trailer-borders-on-tasteful/#comments For those that have been following the bloody trail of Splatterhouse marketing thus far, the latest trailer is something of a departure. By that we mean to say that the first minute or so is essentially devoid of blood and gore; in fact, it's almost ... refined. But fear not, gore hounds: The last thirty seconds deliver the brutal (recently cel-shaded) mayhem we've come to expect.

JoystiqSplatterhouse trailer borders on tasteful originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MicrosoftNamcoNamco-BandaisplatterhouseXbox-360Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Splatterhouse sends in the clown heads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/splatterhouse-sends-in-the-clown-heads/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/splatterhouse-sends-in-the-clown-heads/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/splatterhouse-sends-in-the-clown-heads/#comments
Click to head into the gallery
Namco Bandai has released some details about the weapon system in the long-delayed Splatterhouse reboot. Weapons are divided into categories like "edged," "bludgeon" and "extra brutal," which determine what kind of damage they do to enemies.

This scant explanation is joined by a series of new screens that depict some of said weapons, which the super-huge Rick Taylor will employ on his quest to smash a house full of monsters. Included are such exciting implements as a board with nails in it, a pipe and ... a zombie clown head? What class of weapon is that? "Extra hilariously morbid?"

Gallery: Splatterhouse (3/25/10)

JoystiqSplatterhouse sends in the clown heads originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftnamco-bandaiscreenshotssplatterhouseXbox-360Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Splatterhouse screens -- now with more blood!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/new-splatterhouse-screens-now-with-more-blood/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/new-splatterhouse-screens-now-with-more-blood/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/new-splatterhouse-screens-now-with-more-blood/#comments If you're anything like us, you've had the upcoming Splatterhouse remake fresh in your mind ever since this week's positively terrifying reveal of Splatterhouse shoes. Thankfully, Namco also released a handful of fresh screens of the game, riddled with various creature parts and - shock! - gallons of blood. Sure, the 13-year-old in us is just about as stoked for a new Splatterhouse game as one could be. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old in us still needs a lot of convincing that the franchise is worth revisiting before next year's Q3 release.

Gallery: Splatterhouse (11/29/09)

JoystiqNew Splatterhouse screens -- now with more blood! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bottlerocketbottlerocket-entertainmentMicrosoftnamconamco-bandairemakescreenshotssplatterhouseXbox-360Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Splatterhouse shoes are like a Terror Mask for your feet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/splatterhouse-shoes-are-like-a-terror-mask-for-your-feet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/splatterhouse-shoes-are-like-a-terror-mask-for-your-feet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/splatterhouse-shoes-are-like-a-terror-mask-for-your-feet/#commentsNamco Bandai may have trouble getting a next-gen update to Splatterhouse out the door, but the company seems to have had no problem developing a new iteration of the franchise for the your feet platform.

Namco partnered with Globe Shoes to create these sneakers, purportedly based on those worn by Rick in the game. To be nitpicky, the real-world shoes don't feature the green accent found on the in-game versions -- and the Splatterhouse logo on the shoes would make for a really weird coincidence if Rick happened to be wearing them when he went into, you know, the Splatterhouse.

Then again, the Globe version makes up for the inconsistency by coming with a T-shirt, which is something Rick could use. The shoes are available from Namco's shop in limited quantities for $79.99 a pair.

JoystiqSplatterhouse shoes are like a Terror Mask for your feet originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>globe-shoesMicrosoftnamco-bandaishoessplatterhouseXbox-360Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Splatterhouse opens its doors in Q3 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/splatterhouse-opens-its-doors-in-q3-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/splatterhouse-opens-its-doors-in-q3-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/splatterhouse-opens-its-doors-in-q3-2010/#comments
Click to enter SplattergalleryWe had kind of forgotten that, despite the closure of developer BottleRocket, Namco Bandai's current-gen Splatterhouse revamp was still in the works. And even if we had remembered that, we would have assumed that the supposed 2010 release had been quietly canceled in the interim. However, October is the right time for horror games and Namco Bandai has decided to surprise us all by releasing the game five screenshots!

These new screens look pretty different from what we've seen, seeming to show a little bit of a cel-shaded effect and, for some reason, reduced muscle definition on Rick. We didn't really expect Namco to be messing around with the basic look of the game, but there it is.

The company also adjusted the previous "early 2010" release date we'd heard: now the game is slated for "Q3 2010." We're kind of hoping the extra time goes into the graphics. At least into getting them back to the state they were in last year.

Gallery: Splatterhouse (10/13/09)

JoystiqSplatterhouse opens its doors in Q3 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionbottlerockethorrorMicrosoftnamco-bandaisplatterhouseXbox-360Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BottleRocket fizzles out of existence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/bottlerocket-fizzles-out-of-existence/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/bottlerocket-fizzles-out-of-existence/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/bottlerocket-fizzles-out-of-existence/#comments
BottleRocket Entertainment, the company that had worked on Splatterhouse and a game based on The Flash, has shut down. Studio founder Jay Beard confirmed the closure and noted in an email that he plans to make a new operation "from the ground up."

According to Beard, BottleRocket had been in a precarious position "for the past six months," presumably ever since Namco Bandai pulled the Splatterhouse project from the studio citing "performance issues." The developer denied the accusation and members of BottleRocket were even put back on the Splatterhouse project after the full team was removed. Another contributing factor to the studio's passing was likely the halted Flash game that was allegedly in development until publisher Brash Entertainment's demise. Hopefully, Beard will have better luck with his next studio.

JoystiqBottleRocket fizzles out of existence originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bottlerocketbusinessclosureflashjay-beardlayoffssplatterhousethe-flashFri, 04 Sep 2009 09:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Surprise! Splatterhouse missing 2009, splattering in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/surprise-splatterhouse-missing-2009-splattering-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/surprise-splatterhouse-missing-2009-splattering-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/surprise-splatterhouse-missing-2009-splattering-in-2010/#comments Did you notice? Namco's now-gen Splatterhouse reboot was nowhere to be seen at this year's E3. Following the game's troubled development history, that wasn't much of a surprise to those of us in the know, but we decided to send off a query to the folks at Namco Bandai, just to make sure.

They told us, "Namco Bandai Games America Inc. is hard at work on Splatterhouse. Development is in full swing and we are committed to bringing it to the Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2010. This will give us time to polish and incorporate all the content to deliver a top notch game worthy of this classic video game franchise."

So, the American development team behind Afro Samurai has taken the reins from previous developer BottleRocket (with help from some now-former BottleRocket staff), and any 2009 release window you may have heard about in the past has been smashed with a gore-soaked two-by-four. So consider this a public service announcement: you won't be splattering any houses until 2010 (or "early 2010" as Siliconera was told).

Gallery: Splatterhouse

JoystiqSurprise! Splatterhouse missing 2009, splattering in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayse3-2009MicrosoftNamco-BandaiSplatterhouseXbox-360Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[VC/WiiWare Tuesday: Muscle Marches On]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/vc-wiiware-tuesday-muscle-marches-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/vc-wiiware-tuesday-muscle-marches-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/vc-wiiware-tuesday-muscle-marches-on/#commentsUnder normal circumstances, by far the biggest news on the Japanese Wii Shop this week would be Final Fantasy. Square Enix actually delivered the game on time to Virtual Console, and didn't even take the opportunity to jack the price up. Even if it is ancient, 500 points for a classic RPG is a great deal!

But circumstances aren't normal this week: Muscle March, the game of posing a line of Speedo'd bodybuilders to run through walls in order to catch the thief who stole their protein powder, is out. Also on WiiWare, though less muscle-related: Arkanoid Plus!, a WiiWare release similar to the Arkanoid game for XBLA, and NEVES Plus.

Virtual Console:
WiiWare:

JoystiqVC/WiiWare Tuesday: Muscle Marches On originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 May 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-degrees-carkanoidarkanoid-plusfinal-fantasymuscle-marchneves-plussplatterhousevctuesdayTue, 26 May 2009 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[BottleRocket confirms work on Splatterhouse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/bottlerocket-confirms-work-on-splatterhouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/bottlerocket-confirms-work-on-splatterhouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/bottlerocket-confirms-work-on-splatterhouse/#comments A BottleRocket representative has confirmed an earlier report suggesting that members of the former Splatterhouse developer's team had been brought on by Namco Bandai to help finish the job. "Yes, that is true," commented the rep, who added the while the studio couldn't talk about how many employees had accepted Namco's offer, "It is my understanding that Namco only offered contracts, not full-time employment."

BottleRocket was forcibly removed from developing Splatterhouse by Namco last February over an unspecified "performance issue", with the re-imagining instead rumored to now be in the hands of the team responsible for Afro Samurai.

JoystiqBottleRocket confirms work on Splatterhouse originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 May 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bottlerocketbottlerocket-entertainmentnamconamco-bandainamcobandaisplatterhouseSat, 02 May 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: BottleRocket devs hired to finish Splatterhouse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/variety-bottle-rocket-devs-hired-to-finish-splatterhouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/variety-bottle-rocket-devs-hired-to-finish-splatterhouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/variety-bottle-rocket-devs-hired-to-finish-splatterhouse/#comments
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Namco had taken development of its Splatterhouse revival away from developer BottleRocket, opting to move the game to the internal studio behind Afro Samurai. Namco cited a "performance issue" as its reason for pulling development, a claim that BottleRocket later contested. Now, The Cut Scene is reporting that development has gone back to BottleRocket ... in a manner of speaking. A "source close to the project" claims that Namco has hired several members of the BottleRocket staff and assigned them to a new San Diego office to finish the game.

As Variety notes, it would appear that the "performance issue" didn't apply to the people actually responsible for making the game. Either that, or finishing someone else's game turned out to be more difficult than expected.

JoystiqReport: BottleRocket devs hired to finish Splatterhouse originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 May 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bottlerocketMicrosoftnamconamco-bandaisplatterhouseXbox-360Fri, 01 May 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BottleRocket responds to 'performance issue' claims]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/bottlerocket-responds-to-performance-issue-claims/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/bottlerocket-responds-to-performance-issue-claims/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/bottlerocket-responds-to-performance-issue-claims/#comments
And the drama continues between publisher Namco Bandai and BottleRocket, with the former Splatterhouse developer responding this afternoon to claims last week that a "performance issue" was to blame for the project being yanked off the California studio's plate. Obviously miffed, the company noted deliberate choice of its words, writing "We too have to be careful of what we say since publishers have to worry about their "image" and will sue small, independent studios who bark back at them too loudly."

"Game development contracts are put in place to protect the publisher and their interests," offered BottleRocket in a prepared statement. "Within these contracts are a series of defined game development objectives and goals called milestones. If a developer is under performing they tend to fail these milestones and have varying degrees of accountability placed upon them."

The statement concluded: "Splatterhouse had been in development for over eighteen months and up to having the title taken away from us we had not missed any contractually defined milestones. So either there were no performance issues during that timeframe or Namco's management of the title was inept." So, Namco, what gives? Did BottleRocket run over your dog, or something?

JoystiqBottleRocket responds to 'performance issue' claims originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bottlerocketbottlerocket-entertainmentnamconamco-bandaisplatterhouseMon, 16 Mar 2009 18:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco: BottleRocket 'performance issue' to blame for Splatterhouse flap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/namco-bottlerocket-performance-issue-to-blame-for-splatterhou/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/namco-bottlerocket-performance-issue-to-blame-for-splatterhou/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/namco-bottlerocket-performance-issue-to-blame-for-splatterhou/#comments Namco Bandai has broken its silence: "So, basically, the only reason why publishers pull the project out from the developer is when the developer isn't really meeting the requirements," COO Makoto Iwai told Gamasutra, as he carefully began the first official explanation for the removal of BottleRocket Entertainment from Splatterhouse development. In what is best described as the delicate threeway between "evil publishers" (Namco, in this case), their properties, and the indie developers they employ to do said properties, Namco deemed BottleRocket incapable of delivering the climactic touch to Splatterhouse. In other words, "I just want to be 100 percent clear," Iwai asserted, "There was a performance issue." Gasp!

Wow, Namco sure is brave for speaking out. It's such a taboo topic, after all -- no one wants to hear it was the developer's fault. "I have to be very careful so we don't make any direct comment on it because whatever we say, people will try to be on the developer side," Iwai observed. Whatever Namco, isn't there a pill or something you could have prescribed?

JoystiqNamco: BottleRocket 'performance issue' to blame for Splatterhouse flap originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bottlerocketbottlerocket-entertainmentnamconamco-bandaisplatterhouseThu, 12 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex Splatterhouse dev speaks out, confirms new project ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/ex-splatterhouse-dev-speaks-out-confirms-new-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/ex-splatterhouse-dev-speaks-out-confirms-new-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/ex-splatterhouse-dev-speaks-out-confirms-new-project/#comments BottleRocket, the now former developer of Namco's forthcoming Splatterhouse reboot, has officially commented on last week's unexpected parting of ways with the franchise. The move -- on Namco's part -- raised questions about the studio's fate, yet a statement we received today includes word of future plans.

"Namco canceled the development of Splatterhouse on February 6, 2009," the statement confirms, going on to say, "BottleRocket wishes Namco the best in completing their project." Thought not officially confirmed by Namco, it's believed that the internal studio responsible for Afro Samurai has taken on Splatterhouse.

Meanwhile, BottleRocket appears to be forging ahead, stating that, "[The] development team is looking forward to turning their attention to a new project soon to be announced." As long as it's not called Hockey Mask Gorefest, we think the team will do alright.

JoystiqEx Splatterhouse dev speaks out, confirms new project originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bottlerocketnamco-bandaisplatterhouseThu, 12 Feb 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[News flash: Splatterhouse is really gory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/news-flash-splatterhouse-is-really-gory/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/news-flash-splatterhouse-is-really-gory/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/news-flash-splatterhouse-is-really-gory/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's probably time that we introduce you to some new footage from Splatterhouse, somehow lost in the New York Comic Con shuffle. The footage, incidentally, is horrific, visceral, violent and gory. It also has a totally rawkin' soundtrack for those who are into that sort of thing. For those not into that sort of thing, well, we hope there's a BGM volume option.

Then again, music might be the least of your worries now that Namco Bandai's internal Surge studio is at the helm of the game. As such, let's just hope it doesn't become Voldo's Quest: The Search for a Better Thong. Check out the footage after the break.

Continue reading News flash: Splatterhouse is really gory

JoystiqNews flash: Splatterhouse is really gory originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftnamconamco-bandaiPS3splatterhousesurgeXbox-360Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco splits with Splatterhouse dev, game will be finished]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/namco-splits-with-splatterhouse-dev-game-will-be-finished/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/namco-splits-with-splatterhouse-dev-game-will-be-finished/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/namco-splits-with-splatterhouse-dev-game-will-be-finished/#commentsFiled under: ,

Namco Bandai has confirmed that its upcoming next-gen reboot of Splatterhouse -- which we just saw at New York Comic Con -- is no longer in development at Bottlerocket Entertainment. Development of the game, which was the studio's only project, will be completed, although Namco isn't saying who will finish the work.

When approached for comment on the situation, Bottlerocket told us that, "Last Friday, Namco showed up with a U-Haul truck, took all their assets (dev kits, etc.) and informed management that the title was being pulled from Bottlerocket."

Namco would not discuss specifics of the move, saying only that, "Yes, we have decided to part ways with Bottlerocket Entertainment but we are committed to bringing Splatterhouse to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 later this year. At this time, we are not ready to discuss specific development details about the game and wish Bottlerocket the best of luck in their future endeavors."

The job of finishing Splatterhouse is rumored to have gone to the same in-house Namco Bandai team responsible for the recently-released Afro Samurai.

JoystiqNamco splits with Splatterhouse dev, game will be finished originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bottlerocketnamco-bandaiPS3splatterhouseXbox-360Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Namco takes Splatterhouse From BottleRocket [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/rumor-namco-takes-splatterhouse-from-bottlerocket/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/rumor-namco-takes-splatterhouse-from-bottlerocket/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/rumor-namco-takes-splatterhouse-from-bottlerocket/#comments
Namco Bandai has reportedly swiped the hockey mask out from under Splatterhouse developer BottleRocket Entertainment, giving the nearly-finished project to the publisher's internal Afro Samurai team instead. Sources close to the company say that Namco officials reclaimed all dev kits and Splatterhouse assets from BottleRocket last Friday, according to Kotaku, apparently leaving the California dev with nothing else to work on besides cleaning out its desks.

If true, it's unclear why Namco would wait so long to pull the project from BottleRocket, with the gory PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 action title set to go gold sometime in March. We've reached out to both Namco Bandai and BottleRocket for further comment, and will update once we hear more.

Update: We've heard back from both developer BottleRocket and publisher Namco Bandai - read their responses here. If you know anything about the specifics of this most unfortunate situation, be sure to let us know!

JoystiqRumor: Namco takes Splatterhouse From BottleRocket [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionafro-samuraibottlerocketnamconamco-bandainamcobandairumorsplatterhouseMon, 09 Feb 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NYCC 09: Original Splatterhouse included in reboot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-original-splatterhouse-included-in-reboot/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-original-splatterhouse-included-in-reboot/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/nycc-09-original-splatterhouse-included-in-reboot/#comments "Everybody wants that," exclaimed Splatterhouse co-producer Mark Brown, responding to a question about the original 1988 beat-em-up's inclusion in the forthcoming franchise reboot. "In one form, we're gonna deliver on it," concluded Brown, who was joined by writer Gordon Rennie in a design panel at New York Comic Con today.

Brown, who is producing the new Splatterhouse alongside Dan Tovar, called the original, the "crown jewel of the [Namco] back catalog," and confirmed the plan to bundle the classic arcade game (also ported to Turbografx-16 -- and now on Virtual Console) as an extra in the new game, perhaps as a "premium edition" bonus.

Splatterhouse is due out "later this year" -- Namco Bandai is targeting Q3 2009. The official game site has just gone live with a new trailer and screens. On a side note: Splatterhouse appears to be the first game to allow players to use their own severed limbs as weapons ... once their bloody stumps regenerate into new arms. Confirmed.

JoystiqNYCC 09: Original Splatterhouse included in reboot originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bottlerocket-entertainmentcomic-congordon-renniemark-brownMicrosoftnamco-bandainyccnycc-2009splatterhouseXbox-360Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Telling stories: The next hurdle for story telling]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/telling-stories-the-next-hurdle-for-story-telling/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/telling-stories-the-next-hurdle-for-story-telling/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/telling-stories-the-next-hurdle-for-story-telling/#commentsFiled under: ,


As games have evolved, so too has the role of storytelling in the titles we play. As we turn the corner on 2008, we asked multiple industry personalities across all walks of game development on titles such as Dragon Age: Origins, Bionic Commando and Guild Wars for their thoughts.

What's next for in-game story telling? In this, our final segment looking at video game narratives, our collective of industry professionals offer insight into what they believe is the next big challenge facing the evolution of story telling in the games we play.

Continue reading Telling stories: The next hurdle for story telling

JoystiqTelling stories: The next hurdle for story telling originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedcity-of-heroesgalactic-civilizationsgalactic-civilizations-iigringuild-warsguild-wars-2joystiqfeaturesjs-twittermastiffmoonnamconamco-bandaincsoftncsoft-norcalrenegade-kidresistance-retributionsonysony-bendsplatterhousestardocktelling-storiesMon, 29 Dec 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Telling stories: The games that got it right]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/telling-stories-the-games-that-got-it-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/telling-stories-the-games-that-got-it-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/telling-stories-the-games-that-got-it-right/#commentsFiled under: ,


As games have evolved, so too has the role of storytelling in the titles we play. As we turn the corner on 2008, we asked multiple industry personalities across all walks of game development on titles such as Dragon Age: Origins, Bionic Commando and Guild Wars for their thoughts.

It's rare that story tellers get all of the pieces of their narrative to fit together exactly right in any medium. But in this industry, where story shares a balance with gameplay and endings often get the short end of the development stick, weaving a complete and compelling tale must be a daunting task. Now, gifts unwrapped and bellies full, our panel of industry personalities sound off on those games that they feel were up to the challenge, delivering storytelling experiences above and beyond their peers.

Continue reading Telling stories: The games that got it right

JoystiqTelling stories: The games that got it right originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedcity-of-heroesgalactic-civilizationsgalactic-civilizations-iigringuild-warsguild-wars-2joystiqfeaturesjs-twittermastiffmoonnamconamco-bandaincsoftncsoft-norcalrenegade-kidresistance-retributionsonysony-bendsplatterhousestardocktelling-storiesFri, 26 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Telling stories: How much is that ending in the window?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/telling-stories-how-much-is-that-ending-in-the-window/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/telling-stories-how-much-is-that-ending-in-the-window/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/telling-stories-how-much-is-that-ending-in-the-window/#commentsFiled under: ,


As games have evolved, so too has the role of storytelling in the titles we play. As we turn the corner on 2008, we asked multiple industry personalities across all walks of game development on titles such as Dragon Age: Origins, Bionic Commando and Guild Wars for their thoughts.

Epic Games' Michael Capps recently caused quite an uproar among gamers with his suggestion to offer the conclusion to games as premium DLC rather than as part of the core experience. As the latest in our continuing week-long feature, we asked our panel of industry personalities what they thought of the proposal. Interestingly, much of the group was noticibly more tight-lipped in their responses than when answering other questions.

Continue reading Telling stories: How much is that ending in the window?

JoystiqTelling stories: How much is that ending in the window? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedcity-of-heroesgalactic-civilizationsgalactic-civilizations-iigringuild-warsguild-wars-2joystiqfeaturesjs-twittermastiffmoonncsoftncsoft-norcalrenegade-kidresistance-retributionsonysony-bendsplatterhousestardocktelling-storiesWed, 24 Dec 2008 10:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Telling stories: What's up with lame endings?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/telling-stories-whats-up-with-lame-endings/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/telling-stories-whats-up-with-lame-endings/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/telling-stories-whats-up-with-lame-endings/#commentsFiled under: ,


As games have evolved, so too has the role of storytelling in the titles we play. As we turn the corner on 2008, we asked multiple industry personalities across all walks of game development on titles such as Dragon Age: Origins, Bionic Commando and Guild Wars for their thoughts.

While narrative has taken on a larger role, time and again we end up being left unsatisfied in the final moments with endings that fail to wrap up stories in interesting or compelling ways. In our continuing week-long feature, we asked our diverse collection of industry personalities why so many endings in the games we play leave us cold.

Continue reading Telling stories: What's up with lame endings?

JoystiqTelling stories: What's up with lame endings? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedcity-of-heroesgalactic-civilizationsgalactic-civilizations-iigringuild-warsguild-wars-2joystiqfeaturesjs-twittermastiffmoonncsoftncsoft-norcalrenegade-kidresistance-retributionsonysony-bendsplatterhousestardocktelling-storiesTue, 23 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Telling stories: Balancing gameplay v. narrative]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/telling-stories-balancing-gameplay-v-narrative/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/telling-stories-balancing-gameplay-v-narrative/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/telling-stories-balancing-gameplay-v-narrative/#commentsFiled under: ,


As games have evolved, so too has the role of storytelling in the titles we play. As we turn the corner on 2008, we asked multiple industry personalities across all walks of game development on titles such as Dragon Age: Origins, Bionic Commando and Guild Wars for their thoughts.

How important are stories? How about endings? Over the next week this diverse group of personalities sounds off on these and other story-driven topics, starting today as we open up by asking whether or not narrative shares an equal burden as gameplay in carrying the video game experience.

Continue reading Telling stories: Balancing gameplay v. narrative

JoystiqTelling stories: Balancing gameplay v. narrative originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedcity-of-heroesgalactic-civilizationsgalactic-civilizations-iigringuild-warsguild-wars-2joystiqfeaturesjs-twittermastiffmoonncsoftncsoft-norcalrenegade-kidresistance-retributionsonysony-bendsplatterhousestardocktelling-storiesMon, 22 Dec 2008 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Splatterhouse focuses on gore for 'a very messy good time']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/splatterhouse-to-focus-on-gore-for-a-very-messy-good-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/splatterhouse-to-focus-on-gore-for-a-very-messy-good-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/splatterhouse-to-focus-on-gore-for-a-very-messy-good-time/#commentsFiled under: , ,


1UP has pummeled new details out of Namco Bandai and The Mark of Kri devs at BottleRocket concerning the upcoming Splatterhouse remake, which will bloody up the Xbox 360 and PS3 sometime next year. Among the finer points spilled include a return of many of the series' weapons, including the 2-by-4 and meat cleaver, while Rick's arsenal has been expanded to include multiple weapon classes and "a few surprises."

Speaking of the original, while Namco believes the source material's graphics are "best left to nostalgia," the team notes that they have tried to remain faithful to the series' 80s horror movie vibe. Even so, the devs admit that gore is what the game "is going to be all about," promising that players will have "a very messy good time." It's amazing what you can do with that little 'M' on the box. Still, we wonder if the title will come with a disclaimer warning kids that inevitably get hold of Spatterhouse that lumber is absolutely not to be used in this manner.

JoystiqSplatterhouse focuses on gore for 'a very messy good time' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bottlerocketnamconamco-bandainamcobandaiPS3splatterhouseXbox-360Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Splatterhouse Party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/01/wii-warm-up-splatterhouse-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/01/wii-warm-up-splatterhouse-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/01/wii-warm-up-splatterhouse-party/#commentsFiled under:

Did any of you spend the Halloween evening at home on the couch instead of out looking and acting silly? Maybe you've been drafted into the all-important supply side of the trick-or-treat candy distribution chain. Or maybe you didn't have time to put a costume together, or you didn't know of any parties, or it was too cold outside for the spandex outfit you bought.

Whatever the reason, we figure some of you were at home playing games this Halloween. Did any of you do any totally spooky Halloween gaming? Did you boost the Splatterhouse download numbers?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Splatterhouse Party originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halloweensplatterhouseSat, 01 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Splatterhouse teaser leaves everything and nothing to the imagination]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/splatterhouse-teaser-leaves-everything-and-nothing-to-the-imagin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/splatterhouse-teaser-leaves-everything-and-nothing-to-the-imagin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/splatterhouse-teaser-leaves-everything-and-nothing-to-the-imagin/#commentsFiled under:

Sometimes a teaser is released that makes the whole, "This game is not yet rated thing" seem a little silly. This is one of those pivotal moments in gaming history. GameTrailers has exclusively revealed the teaser trailer for the upcoming Splatterhouse reboot from Namco Bandai, publishers of cheery games such as Eternal Sonata and Pac-Man ... anything. While the trailer only shows about 2 seconds of what appears to be in-game footage we can safely say Splatterhouse will involve buckets of blood and brutality. Totally getting an "E 10+" rating. You heard it here first.

JoystiqSplatterhouse teaser leaves everything and nothing to the imagination originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>namco-bandaisplatterhouseTue, 28 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: Sequel week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/vc-friday-sequel-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/vc-friday-sequel-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/08/vc-friday-sequel-week/#commentsFiled under: ,


Game sequels often suffer from a reputation of being weaker than their predecessors, but that hasn't stopped Nintendo whacking a whole pile of them on the PAL Virtual Console this week. The M-rated Splatterhouse 2 leads the charge, bloodied lead pipe in hand, and is joined by Samurai Shodown II, Pitstop II, and Ecco Jr. (okay, so that's not a sequel in the strictest sense of the term, but a spin-off for the kids). Here's what that little lot will cost you:
  • Ecco Jr. -- Mega Drive -- 800 Wii Points
  • Splatterhouse 2 -- Mega Drive -- 800 Wii Points
  • Samurai Shodown II -- Neo Geo -- 900 Wii Points
  • Pitstop II -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points *
* As usual, Australia misses out on the Commodore 64 game.

Footage of all four is past the break -- try listening to six minutes of Pitstop II's engine effects without going insane.

Continue reading VC Friday: Sequel week

JoystiqVC Friday: Sequel week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacommodore-64ecco-jreuropefridaygenesismega-drivenamconeo-geonovotradepalpitstop-2samurai-shodownsamurai-shodown-2segasequelsnksplatterhousesplatterhouse-2Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:50:00 EST