Joystiq

Syndicate reboot 'didn't pay off' for EA; SSX reboot 'very successful'

David Hinkle — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:45:00 EST

Clearly a positive review on Joystiq isn't the sales driver we thought it was. Despite having a good time with it ourselves, it would seem EA's Syndicate reboot was not the commercial success the company had hoped for. So says EA Labels president Frank Gibeau.

"Syndicate was something that we took a risk on. It didn't pay off - it didn't work," Gibeau told CVG. "But in general it doesn't change my appetite for wanting to go look in the library and see what we have and maybe bring back some IPs for the next-generation. That's the nature of the business; some stuff works, some stuff doesn't."

EA's other big reboot this year, SSX, apparently fared a bit better. Gibeau called this year's revival "a very successful launch for us," and lauded the game's "online innovation" as a catalyst for bringing the series back. "It's done well and you'll probably see more in the future," Gibeau concluded.

Syndicate reboot 'didn't pay off' for EA; SSX reboot 'very successful' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FIFA Street reboot kicks it in UK top spot

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST

It's good to be EA in the UK right now, as the publisher holds the top four spots on the all formats sales chart. The company's latest addition, FIFA Street, debuted at the top of the charts, pushing Mass Effect 3 and SSX into second and third, respectively. Fourth is held by stalwart footster FIFA 12.

Chart-Track dug into the archives and unearthed the last time EA claimed the top four spots was in week 48 and 49 of... 2003. At that time -- a tumultuous period, because Madonna kissed both Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera on TV and the world was going to end -- it was FIFA 2004, Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, Medal of Honor: Rising Sun and Need for Speed: Underground.

The bottom half of the UK top ten is full of familiars, including the sweatastic return of Zumba Fitness. Another reboot, Sony's Twisted Metal, drove into 12th place for its launch. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

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FIFA Street reboot kicks it in UK top spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You gethed it, Mass Effect 3 tops UK charts

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST

EA is reaping quite a haul at retail, dominating the UK charts with Mass Effect 3 and harvesting pounds. According to Chart-Track, first week sales of the space opera's conclusion sold more than the first two installments combined, likely assisted by the fact that this is the first Mass Effect entry launched on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC simultaneously.

Capcom's Street Fighter X Tekken put up a fight against overwhelming odds and debuted in third, while last week's top performer, SSX, slipped one spot into second, with a 49 percent decline. The other new entry in the top ten last week -- also, another EA title -- was the latest Sims expansion, The Sims 3: Showtime, which walked the red carpet in sixth.

The UK top ten can be scanned after the break.

Continue reading You gethed it, Mass Effect 3 tops UK charts

You gethed it, Mass Effect 3 tops UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSX online pass doesn't lock out multiplayer

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST

The online pass for SSX will not lock players out of multiplayer competition. Instead, it is used to lock players out of obtaining in-game credits used to unlock content.

EA tells Game Informer that players without the online pass will be able to compete and play in both of SSX's online game modes, "Explore" and "Global Events," but that credits awarded to those without the online pass in Global Events will be inaccessible and banked until they pony up the $10 for the pass.

EA concludes, "Economy balance makes it possible to unlock all available content and allows you to participate in all event drops across both Explore and Global Events, with credits earned solely in Explore."

Gallery: SSX (2012) (9/30/11)

SSX online pass doesn't lock out multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA unable to gain rights to SSX.com

Jordan Mallory — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:15:00 EST

EA, in an attempt to gain ownership of SSX.com ahead of the series' February relaunch, challenged Abstract Holdings International LTD's claim on the address, saying that the URL was registered in "bad faith." A panel at The National Arbitration Forum, however, has determined that EA's argument was insufficient.

"The EA allegations of bad faith in part are based upon the lack of due diligence conducted by retailers of domain names like Respondent," the Forum determined. "EA would seem to require that entities like Respondent conduct an international search for relatively obscure trademarks in order to determine whether a name is a registered mark. The Panel is not willing to go so far."

In this case, EA's claim of "bad faith" hinged on the fact that SSX.com briefly contained video game-related advertisements. Since these advertisements are now gone, there's nothing inherently malicious or misleading about the site, negating EA's ability to claim any misuse. For now, SSX.com remains the property of Abstract Holdings, although we imagine several zeroes and a few commas written on EA letterhead would change their minds.

EA unable to gain rights to SSX.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSX characters dunked into NBA Jam: On Fire Edition

JC Fletcher — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 02:30:00 EST

Some SSX characters are moving from the snow to on fire, from steep snowy slopes to flat parquet floors, from boards to ... basketballs. Boomshakalaka! In a bizarre crossover, EA announced that Elise, Kaori, and Mac from SSX will be a playable team in NBA Jam: On Fire Edition.

If you like the idea of controlling the sweatiest team in Jam history (they're in head-to-toe cold weather gear!), look forward to next week's PSN/XBLA release of On Fire Edition.

SSX characters dunked into NBA Jam: On Fire Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From the slopes to the air with SSX's wingsuits

Mike Schramm — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST

Back when the latest SSX was first introduced, players worried that this supposedly "grim, darker" take on the franchise would lose the goofy, colorful elements that made the series so popular. Most of those elements (the over-the-top tricks, the larger-than-life settings, and the extravagantly ramped and rail-equipped levels) have survived just fine according to what we've seen so far, but art director Geoff Coates does say that some of the fun had to go.

"If you look at the character design [in previous versions]," he says, "it's characters that are wearing t-shirts and jeans, and dresses or whatever, and they're being thrown out on these mountains." So it's fair to say that we won't see jean shorts or bikinis on SSX's latest class. "The character design now is taking the characters, retaining their personality, but still giving them that survival aspect. You'll see they have backpacks, they have gear that's a little more appropriate."

"And the wingsuits," Coates continues, "are part of that." Yes, the wingsuits. Oh my, the wingsuits.

Gallery: SSX (2012) (9/30/11)

Continue reading From the slopes to the air with SSX's wingsuits

From the slopes to the air with SSX's wingsuits originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSX trailer brings Zoe back to the snow-y

Mike Schramm — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST

This motion-comic-style trailer for EA's SSX tells the story of Zoe Payne and her transition from motocross racing back into the dangerous and snowy world of SSX. Apparently she believes it's easier to "defy reality" and "own the planet" from a snowboard than a bike. Makes ... sense?

SSX trailer brings Zoe back to the snow-y originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New SSX trailer shows off social features, Ridernet competition

Mike Schramm — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 07:00:00 EST

The latest trailer out of Gamescom for EA's upcoming SSX shows off a little bit of that social functionality we just heard about. After a quick walk around the world and the previously revealed NASA terrain data (that was eventually turned into the game's maps), we get to see an example of how Ridernet will work. You can pull in a friend's (or, presumably, a stranger's) ghost run, then race it down a mountain anywhere in the game's world.

You can also see a quick glimpse of the online gameplay, with "up to 100,000 players" competing all at once around the globe. Not on the same map, we hope -- that would probably get a little crowded. There's a few screenshots of all of this functionality (and a sassy-looking updated Elise) in the gallery below.

Gallery: SSX (Gamescom 2011)

New SSX trailer shows off social features, Ridernet competition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Need for Speed: The Run, SSX, and Battlefield 3 have exclusive content on PS3

JC Fletcher — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:21:00 EST

EA and Sony just announced a bundle of exclusive extras coming to the PS3 versions of three multiplatform EA games.

For SSX, it's an exclusive Mt. Fuji level. For Need for Speed: The Run, it's seven exclusive supercars including the Bugatti Veyron. The PS3 version of Battlefield 3 will come with a free copy of Battlefield 1943.

Need for Speed: The Run, SSX, and Battlefield 3 have exclusive content on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSX trailer re-introduces Mac to the mountain

Mike Schramm — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST

SSX ~~Deadly Descents~~ (sorry, it's just SSX now, we forgot) has a brand new trailer out, and there's a peek at the new version of SSX standby Mac Fraser, who looks ... just as generic as all the previous versions. At least all that powder and those gnarly ramps look fun.

Continue reading SSX trailer re-introduces Mac to the mountain

SSX trailer re-introduces Mac to the mountain originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSX dev diary brings back some familiar faces

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST

Though it sounds like SSX is mixing up the franchise in some fairly bold ways, it won't be throwing out the series' tried and true cast of downhill daredevils. Check out the developer diary after the jump to see how EA Canada is breathing new life into these powder-caked veterans.

Continue reading SSX dev diary brings back some familiar faces

SSX dev diary brings back some familiar faces originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSX to descend in January 2012

David Hinkle — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST

During EA's Season Opener event yesterday, SSX creative director Todd Batty revealed a launch window for the snowboarding revival: January 2012. The game will be playable at E3 in June, so expect a more detailed evaluation from us at that point.

The presentation was very light on SSX gameplay footage, though we were shown some new mechanics. An overhauled physics system in the game will attempt to eliminate invisible or man-made boundaries, allowing you to trick off rocks and find you own way down through the particular track in question. You'll also be able to employ a wingsuit in mid-air, making it possible to clear large, otherwise unnavigable terrain. Expect some familiar faces to return for this latest entry, too -- you can see the new version of Elise in the gallery below.

During our interview with Batty following his presentation, he explained that dynamic snow particles, imbued with their own physics, could influence spontaneous avalanches throughout descent (now that sounds deadly).

Gallery: SSX (4/13/11)

SSX to descend in January 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSX dev diary finally shows off the tricks of the trade

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST

Okay, we've heard a lot about EA Canada's upcoming SSX (née Deadly Descents) -- but somewhat inexplicably, we haven't heard a lot about the sweet tricks therein. Fortunately, that ever-important mortar that holds the franchise together is discussed in great detail in the dev diary posted below.

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SSX dev diary finally shows off the tricks of the trade originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New SSX drops 'Deadly Descents' subtitle

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:06:00 EST

EA Sports looks to still any bad vibes that have reverberated from negative reaction to the debut teaser for SSX: Deadly Descents by toning down the emphasis on "deadly." The company has officially dropped "Deadly Descents" from the game title, Game Informer confirms, and has begun a marketing campaign that, in part, assures fans that developer EA Canada is not abandoning the series' arcade roots in favor of more realistic gameplay in the reboot.

The cinematic teaser, which portrays a desperate snowboarder skidding down a dark and stormy Himalayan slope -- his last words: "I'm not gonna make it," as he shoots over a cliff side and into the air, deploying his squirrel suit -- seemed to suggest that the new SSX would be "moving away from the bright colors and crazy arcade feel of the early titles in favor of a more realistic tone," as Game Informer observed. "Is this true?" the site asked creative director Todd Batty.

"No, absolutely not," insisted Batty, who described "Deadly Descent" as a "new" event type in the game, "which is all about survival gameplay." SSX will also include "Speed Descent" and "Tricky Descent" events, according to Batty. "We wanted to make sure we hit the over-the-top arcadey gameplay in all of these different gameplay modes. We decided to lead with the new Deadly Descent gameplay in that trailer, but all of the classic SSX style will be there, too."

The image makeover isn't fully complete, however, as the original SSX: Deadly Descents logo and name are still prominent on the EA.com game page (as of publishing); though the new, just SSX logo was used in last week's promotional video and is featured on the game's Facebook page. Of course, as Joystiq commenter "ptcamn" pointed out last week, lost in this little fiasco is the fact that EA tried a very similar, "survive the ride" marketing campaign for 2003's SSX 3 -- skull-face lightning flash and all.

New SSX drops 'Deadly Descents' subtitle originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: New SSX developed by Skate team members

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:32:00 EST

EA Sports' Peter Moore may consider it an "obscure new title" being teased in a recent VGA trailer, but word in the ski lodge is that it could be hinting at the new SSX game. A Kotaku source tells the site that a new installment in the abandoned snowboarding franchise has been in development at EA Canada by "much of the Skate team." The expectation is that Skate's inspired and innovative use of the right analog stick to perform tricks will transfer into the series.

Whispers and hints of a legitimate SSX title have been echoing through the mountains since last year, with things taking a more substantial turn with the domain registrations of "SSX: Deadly Descent" and "SSX: First Descent." The VGAs will take place this Saturday, December 11, on Spike.

Rumor: New SSX developed by Skate team members originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSX 'Descent' sites registered

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:20:00 EST

With Shaun White now taking it to the streets, perhaps there's an opening on the slope for EA's snowboarding franchise, SSX, to reemerge from hibernation. A mess of newly registered domains points to the possibility of a reboot of the series, which has been sidelined since 2007's pedestrian Wii release, Blur.

Professional domain registration outfit Corporate Domains, Inc. (what a gig!) has locked down URL variations of "SSX: Deadly Descent," plus an "SSX: First Descent" domain -- suggestive of the popular reboot motif: the origin story. While none of this activity is confirmation of a new SSX game, EA has worked through Corporate Domains in the past in advance of public announcements, most recently to secure web real estate for potential Need for Speed names (though Hot Pursuit was ultimately recycled) and The Sims Medieval.

As for SSX, it's been more than a year since EA Montreal's Alain Tascan left open the possibility for a new entry in the series, saying in September 2009, "If the market is there and is ready for a new one, then we'll consider it." Perhaps through Move and Kinect, EA Montreal sees its ready market and an opportunity to build on the motion-controlled framework established in its Blur effort. Of course, fans of the last-generation games might prefer to see the series' original developer, EA Canada, stage the comeback. And what a meta-comeback story it could be! (The studio could use a big win following the NBA Elite 11 fail, after all.)

Still, all this domain fuss could just as easily be over the naming of the SSX iPhone game, which has been -- quietly -- in the works for too long.

SSX 'Descent' sites registered originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA done with Boogie franchise for now, SSX revived if market is 'ready'

Xav de Matos — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:15:00 EST

In an interview with Gamesindustry.biz, EA Montreal general manager Alain Tascan discussed the possibility of a SSX franchise revival, saying, "If the market is there and is ready for a new one then we'll consider it." While Wii gamers have already hit the slopes with SSX Blur, the closest PS3 and Xbox 360 users have been to the franchise is through shoddy backwards compatibility features.

Tascan also discounted a new installment in the rhythm music franchise, Boogie. According to Tascan, the franchise has been a success for EA and, while the publisher is proud of its work with the series, there are no plans for Boogie to return at this time. Thankfully, the games industry has plenty of music games to spare nowadays.

[Via G4TV]

EA done with Boogie franchise for now, SSX revived if market is 'ready' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDC09: Upcoming EA iPhone game list fully revealed, screens and info on Tiger

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:30:00 EST

Just before the deluge of GDC 2009 news started this week, Travis Boatman, VP of worldwide studios at EA Mobile, confirmed the upcoming release of a veritable smörgåsbord of EA franchises coming to the iPhone. Today, we have confirmation from Meghan Rathman (representing EA) of the exact titles on the way to the iPhone/iTouch as well as a handful of screens from Tiger Woods PGA Tour. Unfortunately, according to Ms. Rathman, the rest of the games in development are "still too early" and don't have screens. Considering the turnaround time on iPhone/iTouch games though, we're willing to bet you'll see those shots ~~by the end of the week~~ pretty soon!

The full list of games we received from EA is as follows: Tiger Woods PGA Tour, The Sims 3, FIFA, Madden NFL Football, Spore Creatures, Mystery Mania, Wolfenstein RPG, American Idol, Connect Four, Battleship, Need for Speed, RISK, Monopoly and Clue. Differing from reports at the GDC Mobile event earlier this week, we're seeing the addition of The Sims 3 and Need for Speed. In turn, we're losing the first SSX in two years, Red Alert, NBA Live 10, American Idol, Star Trek. But hey, Tiger Woods!

The press release from EA on Tiger Woods PGA Tour tells us that the game is of the "touch" rather than of the "shake" variety, comes with achievements and offers a way to compare achievements with your friends. Of the key features listed, notably missing is "playing against friends wirelessly," though it does promise the ability to "affect your ball spin direction" using your finger. Those are comparable features, right? We'll keep on EA and let you know as soon as we find out more on their upcoming iPhone/iTouch assault.

Gallery: Tiger Woods PGA Tour on iPhone

GDC09: Upcoming EA iPhone game list fully revealed, screens and info on Tiger originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDC09: EA quietly announces iPhone versions of major franchises

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:54:00 EST

Of the many GDC 2009 announcements taking place this week, we were most shocked to see EA sneakily introducing some of the company's most popular franchises to the Apple device some are calling the newest gaming platform -- the iPhone. Travis Boatman, VP of worldwide studios at EA Mobile, made the announcement at GDC Mobile, naming SSX, Wolfenstein RPG, Red Alert, FIFA 10, Madden 10, NBA Live 10, American Idol, Spore Creatures, Clue, Risk, Mystery Mania, Connect Four, Battleship, Tiger Woods and Star Trek, according to reports from Patrick Klepek (former MTV Multiplayer writer) and Shacknews.

While most of the titles are the to-be-expected EA mutliplatform titles like Madden 10 and NBA Live 10, the SSX series will be getting its first update in two years according to this announcement. Also of note, Wolfenstein RPG is of no relation to the just released Wolfenstein 3D for the iPhone; rather, it makes up half of the two iPhone games id Software is purportedly working on. Details are unfortunately scant at the moment but we've reached out to EA for comment.

On a personal note, we'd like to extend our personal "WHAT THE HELL?!" regarding Risk being announced for the iPhone and still not hearing a peep on it coming to XBLA/PSN. Seriously, EA. What the hell?!

[Via Shacknews]

GDC09: EA quietly announces iPhone versions of major franchises originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA Montreal to announce new game on March 12

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:54:00 EST

EA has notified press that it intends to demonstrate a new game from its Montreal studio (along with other forthcoming projects) next Monday, March 9. The Canadian studio, currently hard (we hope) at work on one third of EA's new Need For Speed trio, namely the Wii-bound Need For Speed: Nitro, is expected to formally announce the project on March 12.

Extending this post would only lead to rampant and inevitably spurious speculation, so we'll just let you take a guess at what this mystery title could be.

View Poll

EA Montreal to announce new game on March 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Wii saves cell phone gaming

JC Fletcher — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:45:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff, Homebrew

We'll never understand the drive to play cell phone games. Even if phone hardware is powerful enough to render high-quality visuals, the experience is all but ruined by the fact that every cell phone ever has a completely terrible interface for playing games (sorry, iPhone, but we could do with at least one button!) When there are awesome portable game systems available, we don't see the need to play games on our phones. Of course, that's us, and we sort of identify as fanboys of a certain non-phone handheld game system.

"Ares" of the UIQ Evangelist blog solved the interface problem using a program called MobiPad that enables the Wiimote to connect to phones via Bluetooth. Now he can play the phone version of SSX3 with a decent d-pad. There's no waggle or anything, but just not being terrible is a quantum leap for mobile game controls.

The Wii saves cell phone gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA producer responds to SSX Blur's icy reception [update 1]

JC Fletcher — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: News, Interviews

SSX Blur didn't exactly receive unanimous approval. Many thought that the Wii controller was going to be a perfect fit for the trick-heavy snowboard series, and while some continued to think that after playing it, other reviewers were nonplussed.

EA Montreal's Eric Chartrand, who recently revealed Nintendo's Mii stinginess, responded to the cumulative critical "meh" his last game received, saying "The reaction to the game was very... how can I say that... interesting." He goes on to talk about wildly varying feelings about the effectiveness of the control scheme. He also suggested that the gaming press were disproportionately negative about the controls, and that the public enjoyed the game more than reviews would indicate.

What did you think about Blur? Did you find it "serviceable and enjoyable at times" or do you agree with Chartrand that it was a "damn fine game"?

[Update: fixed a broken link.]

EA producer responds to SSX Blur's icy reception [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSX Blur: Analyzing the controls

Zack Stern — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo Wii, Action, Sports

With the Wii's focus on controls, how does a franchise like SSX handle the transition? Snowboarding -- and Wii-only SSX Blur -- lacks a direct relation to the Wii's motion sensitivity, but the game still translates to hand movements. The steering mechanic, which relies on Nunchuk twists, fits well; it even seems like it had always been a part of SSX.

The tricks, however, are mixed; simple remote flicks feel like a gimmick, while drawing shapes for Ubertricks only works some of the time. Overall, the controls work well enough to keep me playing, but I sometimes stop in frustration after consecutive, unrecognized moves.

As far as graphics, sound, and other review standards, those all hold up in Blur, but aren't my focus in this analysis. (Look up scored reviews for other opinions.) Instead, I'll further explain how Blur translates a thumbstick-and-button game into a tilt-and-flail experience.

Gallery: SSX Blur

Continue reading SSX Blur: Analyzing the controls

SSX Blur: Analyzing the controls originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Mar 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WRUP: backside air edition

David Hinkle — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 11:35:00 EST

Filed under: What are you playing?

Of course, with the big release of SSX: Blur hitting this week, many of you are undoubtedly busting the "mad phat trix" plentifully all over many a snowy mountain. Even knowing this, we're forced to ask that question we ask you every Friday: what are you playing? Will you be picking up the new title or are you planning on playing some of the Virtual Console games you might have downloaded this weekend? Or are you still chipping away at a different game?

Personally, we plan on picking up Sonic and the Secret Rings this weekend. We have yet to grab the game as we've been busy blogging lately and look forward to dashing around with the blue hedgehog.

Previous posts: What were you playing?

WRUP: backside air edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Mar 2007 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metareview - SSX Blur

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 22:25:00 EST

Should there be reason for concern with another hodgepodge of reviews? IGN gives SSX Blur a thumbs-up, but warns it's for "hardcore" gamers only; 1UP disses, claiming SSX vets will be turned off. So which is it? Why have we been sifting through so many mixed reviews for Wii games?

It's sorta like DS's first year, no? Everyone -- publishers, developers, and gamers -- are trying to figure out how it works; and what works. So then, aren't we a little concerned? Fearful that Wii is just a gimmick. The gems will come, but might we also be faced with a lotta "meh." SSX has been a reliable franchise, but Blur has so far scored the lowest average of any of the series' console iterations -- it's hard not to see a message in that.

Continue reading Metareview - SSX Blur

Metareview - SSX Blur originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Feb 2007 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA hosts SSX party at Ice Hotel

JC Fletcher — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: News

To celebrate the release of SSX Blur, EA held an event at Quebec's Ice Hotel, which is a hotel made of ice. A hotel, where people sleep, where the walls are made of ice.

Journalists got a chance to play the new game and see new demos of Army of Two and a mysterious new property that is, unfortunately, under embargo. Junkie XL, who is responsible for Blur's soundtrack, provided a performance, presumably using non-ice-based instruments. The crowd was also treated to drinks at the ice bar (a bar made of ice), and, of course, warm chicken soup, which no doubt helped everyone keep warm. Ice, as you may have heard, is cold, and the event took place in a building made entirely of ice.

We don't know whether to be jealous of the people who were invited to this unusual locale, or happy that we spent the day in an environment habitable by humans. Luckily Blur is out in stores and we can enjoy it in our nice, temperate homes.

[Via QJ.net]

EA hosts SSX party at Ice Hotel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metareview: SSX: Blur [update 1]

David Hinkle — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 11:35:00 EST

Filed under: Reviews, Metareview

Update: Finally, the reviews are rolling in. We've updated the post with plenty of more scores.

With SSX: Blur being available at retailers today, the reviews are rolling in kind of late. As of right now, only two online outlets have reviewed the game, giving it very decent scores. Looks like many of you who were hoping for a game from a third-party with the same attention to detail that many of Nintendo's first-party titles receive may just be getting their wish. Many of the popular online outlets have yet to review the game, so keep in mind we'll be updating the post when their reviews go live.

Without further delay, let's check out what some of the critics had to say:

Game Informer (85/100) says the controls aren't as precise as they would've liked them to be: "The one real problem I have with this game is that the ubertrick system doesn't work nearly as well as it should. The new controls do add something new to the series, but almost the entire time I pined for something more traditional."

GameTrailers (84/100) finds the experience to be authentic: "It replicates the feeling of sliding down a mountain side with eerie precision and manages to make other control schemes feel dated. There's certainly plenty of opportunity for improvement with the sequel, but with a ton of content and even more fun, it's hard to go wrong with SSX Blur."

GameDaily (80/100) says that eventhough the game lacks online play, it's still quite fun: "No online play hurts, and the two-player split screen mode offers limited enjoyment, but overall, EA successfully "blurs" the line between realism and fantasy, creating a great video game for all ages."

1UP (55/100) finds the game prevents you from really getting into the flow: "No matter how badly you want to get into the game, to find the flow...the game doesn't let you. And that's too bad, because it really does look great, the multiplayer mode is basic yet competent, and there are flashes of true SSX brilliance."

GamePro (50/100) says it takes too long to figure out the game's controls: "Dedicated (read: sadistic) gamers willing to invest the time necessary to figure out the controls might get a kick out of this one, but the convoluted controls will turn off most players. The lesson here is clear: Wii developers need to start with a blank slate rather than graft old-school control schemes onto the Wii Remote because, as SSX Blur demonstrates, it just doesn't work."

Metareview: SSX: Blur [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii releases for the week of February 26th

David Hinkle — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: News

We'll be honest, it feels good to be able to make this post this week. This relief should last though, as from here on out we should all be enjoying a steady release of third-party titles over the next few months. This week's title is a little game from EA:

SSX: Blur

How many of you plan on picking up this game and look forward to tearing it up on the mountain?

Wii releases for the week of February 26th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Feb 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSX: Blur brings on the crystal clear screens

David Hinkle — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 17:05:00 EST

Filed under: Screens

With the game's release a mere few days away (2/27 in case you didn't know), those of you dying to get out on the digital mountain and get some huge air are probably sitting at your computer, Googling away furious for some more news on the title, or perhaps some reviews. You've also probably got your snow boots on. It's OK, we understand (we rarely leave the house without our Wiimote in our pocket), and we humbly offer you some screens of the game.

As usual, we've embedded some of our favorites past the post break for your viewing convenience.

Continue reading SSX: Blur brings on the crystal clear screens

SSX: Blur brings on the crystal clear screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSX Blur cast biographies

David Hinkle — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff

IGN has put up some cast biographies for EA's upcoming Wii installment in the SSX franchise in SSX: Blur. Instead of drumming interest in the game, it instead reads like a list of riders up for the possibility of being endorsed by Mountain Dew. Still though, the game should be fun as all previous installments in the series have been, so we're looking forward to its release come later this month.

We've embedded the information into the post past the break in the hopes of saving you from IGN's ~~advertisements~~ slow-loading pages.

Continue reading SSX Blur cast biographies

SSX Blur cast biographies originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq hands-on: SSX Blur (Wii)

Zack Stern — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo Wii, Sports

The Wii Remote should be great for certain sports titles: tennis, golf, baseball, and other swinging games. But I've been skeptical about how the console will handle lower-body games, like soccer and snowboarding. Some recent play-time with Wii-only SSX Blur made me look forward to at least snowboarding; the controls felt more fluid than a gamepad. In my limited time with Blur, all of the movements -- even heart drawing and flicking up to jump -- added to the experience.

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: SSX Blur (Wii)

Joystiq hands-on: SSX Blur (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Jan 2007 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Draw hearts in SSX: Blur

David Hinkle — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Screens

A previous video on SSX: Blur might've shown us how one performs tricks, grabs and spins, but we had no idea we had to be drawing shapes as well. Turns out, in order to utilize the game's Uber Tricks, the player must use the Wiimote and nunchuk to draw complex shapes, including the pictured heart, as well as the letter S. These are the only documented Uber Tricks so far, however we're sure they're not the only ones to be included in the final game.

[Via Joystiq]

Draw hearts in SSX: Blur originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSX Blur will force you to draw hearts

James Ransom-Wiley — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:25:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo Wii, Action, Sports

Harmony. That's Wiimote and Nunchuk moving in tandem. Drawing hearts. Newsweek's N'Gai Croal has posted a visual guide of SSX Blur's Wii commands. Pictured above, an 'Uber Trick' is executed by drawing a heart-shape with the two controls. Not every action is as creative or involved, nor should all be, but the Wiiness certainly looks to put a spin on a series that could use some shaking up. Peep the photo album.

SSX Blur will force you to draw hearts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switching, clicking, and tricking in SSX Blur

Alisha Karabinus — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 17:55:00 EST

Filed under: Video

EA has released a new video featuring their upcoming Wii-exclusive SSX Blur, but this gameplay video isn't all about showing off the shinyz. Rather, the focus is on the franchise's new dedication to the Wii control scheme, and offers a nice (if not in depth) look at how some of the high-flying, snow-spraying acrobatics will be performed. Even better news -- in motion, the game seems to look better than it did in stills. See for yourself after the jump.

Continue reading Switching, clicking, and tricking in SSX Blur

Switching, clicking, and tricking in SSX Blur originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Jan 2007 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Screenshot explosion: SSX Blur

David Hinkle — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 10:35:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff

More dozens than a baker could ever count of images for SSX Blur have hit the intertron and we here at Wii Fanboy really think they could look better. Granted, we have not yet seen the game in motion, so final judgements are nowhere near close to being made on our part (we roll honest here, folks). What we thinks doesn't matter though, it's all about you guys!

So, do the new screenshots get you excited or instill a sense of apathy on par with our own? We've included several more of them past the jump for your viewing pleasure.

Continue reading Screenshot explosion: SSX Blur

Screenshot explosion: SSX Blur originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Dec 2006 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii-exclusive SSX all 'Blur' for now

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo Wii, Action, Sports

EA was kind enough to provide the name of its upcoming SSX installment for Wii: SSX Blur. But despite a projected March release date, developer EA Montreal remains vague about the project that was revealed five months ago.

Producer Alex Hyder did imply extensive use of motion, saying, "We wanted to take the soul of the franchise ... and Wii-ify it," but stopped short of defining the specific mechanics. Let's just hope this series doesn't get butchered the way Activision did Tony Hawk for its Wii debut.

Wii-exclusive SSX all 'Blur' for now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deal of the Day: $17 PSP games at Circuit City

Chris Powell — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Software

If you're like me, then you like to buy your games on the cheap. And you can't get much cheaper than Circuit City and its $17 clearance on a bunch of PSP games.

Here's the list:

Burnout Legends
Death Jr.
FIFA World Cup 2006
Lumines
Mega Man: Powered Up
Midway Arcade Treasures
Namco Museum Battle Collection
NBA Ballers Rebound
Pinball Hall of Fame
Ridge Racer
SSX On Tour
Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw

Yeah, most of these games are a tad old, but we gotta take the deals as they come to us, right? It doesn't look like this deal is currently being offered online, so you'll have to get off the computer and go outside.

[Via Cheapassgamer - Registration required]

Deal of the Day: $17 PSP games at Circuit City originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA's launch lineup

Alisha Karabinus — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 23:45:00 EST

Filed under: News

Before we break out the goods, let's just clarify: these are launch window titles. Meaning they'll come out within the first few months of the Wii's release. They may or may not be taking up shelf space on launch day. That said, Electronic Arts is supporting the Wii launch window with six titles, including a few offerings from wildly popular franchises like Madden and Tiger Woods PGA Tour. These titles were already announced for the Wii, but EA confirmed all six for the launch window at in Leipzig.

The full list:

Godfather
Harry Potter
Madden NFL 2007
Need For Speed: Carbon
SSX 5
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2007

EA's launch lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Aug 2006 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Six from EA

Jason Wishnov — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 13:21:00 EST

Filed under: News

Electronic Arts generally releases games for more platforms than we even knew existed. Thus, when they announce support for the Wii, we have trouble acting surprised, even for the benefit of our readers. When they announce that their tried-and-true franchises are being given unique control schemes by a dedicated team, however, we then tend to pay a bit more attention.

Everyone knew, of course, that Madden 2007 was getting a specialized Wii treatment. In a press release earlier today, however, they have announced similar plans for five more games: Harry Potter, Need for Speed, Tiger Woods: PGA TOUR, SSX, and The Godfather. Whoa.

Need for Speed: Carbon was indeed known to be coming to the Wii, albeit we had no idea what playing it would be like. Chances are, it will utilize a similar control scheme as Excitetruck, the Wiimote aligned horizontally. Tiger Woods will offer a more intense golf simulation over that of the Wii Sports incarnation, Harry Potter will certainly use the controller as a wand for some excellent spell-casting, and SSX will most likely revamp their trick system. And The Godfather? Is anyone else seeing an intense cigar-smoking simulation?

[Thanks, John and Cabbage!]

Six from EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jul 2006 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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