Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Groove Coaster going to arcades in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/groove-coaster-going-to-arcades-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/groove-coaster-going-to-arcades-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/groove-coaster-going-to-arcades-in-japan/#comments Groove Coaster going to arcades in JapanGroove Coaster is moving from its extremely portable iOS format to the least portable format possible: a dedicated arcade machine. Taito has revealed plans for an arcade version of Reisuke Ishida's touchscreen music game, for release in Japan only this winter.

Rather than a touchscreen, the arcade game uses a mysterious "BOOSTER" system, seen above. Is it an Etch-a-Sketch type situation? We don't know. We do know that Taito promises a "very different control experience" from both other music games and the existing Groove Coasters.

The cabinet will make its debut at the Japan Amusement Expo on February 15 and 16. If you have an iOS device and haven't tried Groove Coaster, get Groove Coaster Zero for free and check it out. Put your headphones on if you're at work.

Gallery: Groove Coaster (Arcade)

JoystiqGroove Coaster going to arcades in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadegroove-coasterjapantaitoWed, 30 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Cooking Mama Seasons' goes free to play on iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/cooking-mama-seasons-goes-free-to-play-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/cooking-mama-seasons-goes-free-to-play-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/cooking-mama-seasons-goes-free-to-play-on-ios/#comments 'Cooking Mama Seasons' goes free to play on iOSIf you've never tried the touchscreen culinary minigames of one of the Cooking Mama games before, now you can sample her recipes for free. Cooking Mama Seasons is now on the App Store, replacing the previous iOS version, with new Retina graphics, "Food Art" decoration, and, of course, a free-to-play model that allows you to buy new recipes to try. A version with more recipes pre-loaded is also available for $6.99.

It's worth a download for free, in our opinion, just to have some heavily-accented encouragement from Mama any time we need it.

Joystiq'Cooking Mama Seasons' goes free to play on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooking-mamacooking-mama-seasonsiosipadiphonemobiletaitoThu, 20 Dec 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Groove Coaster becomes free-to-ride with new release Zero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/groove-coaster-becomes-free-to-ride-with-new-release-zero/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/groove-coaster-becomes-free-to-ride-with-new-release-zero/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/groove-coaster-becomes-free-to-ride-with-new-release-zero/#comments
Groove Coaster Zero sped onto the App Store today, the game a free-to-play version of Taito's rhythm-tastic Groove Coaster. The new version features over 30 tracks including those from the original game and some new tunes too. Some of those tracks have to be purchased in-app, with the ones in the game's shop including some from the original.

Groove Coaster delighted JC last year. with him saying he'd happily have paid $50 ten years ago for a game like it. With a free version out now, Taito is showing its thanks to those who did put down money for the original game by giving them three "limited edition" tracks in Zero. We of course don't begrudge Taito making an excellent game free and now accessible to more people. but showing a rollercoaster of love for early, paying adopters is neat too.

Gallery: Groove Coaster Zero

JoystiqGroove Coaster becomes free-to-ride with new release Zero originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>groove-coastergroove-coaster-zeroiosipadiphonetaitoTue, 20 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Invaders hub site invades your browser space]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/space-invaders-hub-site-invades-your-browser-space/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/space-invaders-hub-site-invades-your-browser-space/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/space-invaders-hub-site-invades-your-browser-space/#comments Square Enix launches Space Invader siteSquare Enix has launched a site that conveniently rounds up licensed Space Invaders merchandise for you to buy (like the above "space hopper") - and even gives you licensing contact information if you want to make more.

The site will also serve as a news hub about the series and offer links to recent games, including Space Invaders Infinity Gene and the honorary Space Invaders game Groove Coaster. Mostly, we're excited for the potential: If Square Enix cares enough about Space Invaders to continue promoting the series, maybe it cares enough to continue the series. Have we mentioned lately how cool Space Invaders Extreme was?

Continue reading Space Invaders hub site invades your browser space

JoystiqSpace Invaders hub site invades your browser space originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>space-invaderssquare-enixtaitoWed, 12 Sep 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Taito's Ishida: 'Expect to see more Groove Coaster']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/taitos-ishida-expect-to-see-more-groove-coaster/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/taitos-ishida-expect-to-see-more-groove-coaster/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/taitos-ishida-expect-to-see-more-groove-coaster/#comments If you've played Taito's beautifully abstract iOS music game, Groove Coaster, you probably want more of Taito's beautifully abstract iOS music game, Groove Coaster. And you'll have it. During an interview today, producer Reisuke Ishida told Joystiq: "People can expect to see more Groove Coaster in the future." As for the details, like when, or whether it's in the form of game updates or a full sequel, we got "No comment."

One (vector-based, icon-covered) avenue he'd like to explore is a console port, much like the XBLA/PSN port of his iOS shooter Space Invaders Infinity Gene. "There's no plan for a console release of Groove Coaster yet, but if it's possible it's something that I'd like to do," Ishida said. "I don't think the controls would be much of an issue; it's pretty simple controls." Ishida said he kept consoles in mind while designing Groove Coaster. "I didn't want to add something that wouldn't be able to be communicated for consoles in the future."

In terms of non-Groove Coaster games, Ishida teased a third game in what he called the "Infinity Gene series (which currently includes Infinity Gene and Groove Coaster). "It'll probably have a similar aesthetic to the previous two games, but people shouldn't expect another shooting game. It'll be something different."

Ishida quickly clarified: "I'm not saying I'm never going to make shooting games again, just not for the next project."

JoystiqTaito's Ishida: 'Expect to see more Groove Coaster' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdcgdc-2012groove-coasteriosiphonemobilereisuke-ishidaspace-invaders-infinity-genetaitoFri, 09 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reisuke Ishida on why perfect games can't be perfect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/reisuke-ishida-on-why-perfect-games-cant-be-perfect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/reisuke-ishida-on-why-perfect-games-cant-be-perfect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/reisuke-ishida-on-why-perfect-games-cant-be-perfect/#comments Taito designer Reisuke Ishida devoted a GDC panel to "five techniques for making an unforgettable game," and his most interesting tip for accomplishing that was perhaps counterintuitive: don't make it perfect.

Perfect games, argued Ishida, are boring. In Space Invaders Infinity Gene, for example, he originally experimented with making the invaders more colorful (which you can see on the right in the shot above). But that look made the game "look too 'normal,'" Ishida said. "It didn't really stand out enough for us." He decided to go back to the white coloring of the original invaders, and that helped give the game a unique look.

Those graphics may not be the most aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but Ishida said that helps more than it hurts. "You need a little bit of that quirkiness," he told the crowd, "so it captures your eye and your attention, and it leaves that impression."

And that attention leads to curiosity, which Ishida said will really make a game shine. "People will find that curiosity and they'll want to find out where that curiosity is going to take them," he said. Developers obviously don't want to turn off an audience with disharmony, but Ishida said a great game should have "just a little touch -- something that will trigger someone to think that maybe there's a little more that I need to seek out."

JoystiqReisuke Ishida on why perfect games can't be perfect originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designdisharmonygamegame-designgdcgdc-2012groove-coastermobilepcresiuke-ishidaspace-invaders-infinity-genetaitoFri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darius Bursts onto the App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/darius-bursts-onto-the-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/darius-bursts-onto-the-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/darius-bursts-onto-the-app-store/#comments
Square Enix has released another Taito shmup on the App Store, and as with pretty much all Square releases, we can't help but be aghast at the price. Given the source material, however, maybe $11 isn't that bad.

Dariusburst Second Prologue is based on both the PSP Dariusburst and its arcade followup, Another Chronicle -- the two latest iterations of Taito's long-lived shmup series about shooting enormous robot fish. The PSP game content is all here, along with a remixed mode with new enemy patterns and stuff from Another Chronicle. There are also four new tracks by Taito's Zuntata band.

In other words, if it were on PSP, there'd be no question of its value. We admit we're still kind of balking at the App Store price anyway. That's just how the market is on that platform!

Gallery: Dariusburst Second Prologue (iOS)

Continue reading Darius Bursts onto the App Store

JoystiqDarius Bursts onto the App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darius-burstdariusburstdariusburst-second-prologueiosipadiphonemobilesquare-enixtaitoFri, 10 Feb 2012 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Taito's RayForce hits iOS for ... more than you'd expect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/taitos-rayforce-hits-ios-for-more-than-youd-expect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/taitos-rayforce-hits-ios-for-more-than-youd-expect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/taitos-rayforce-hits-ios-for-more-than-youd-expect/#comments
The term "Square Enix Tax" refers to the publisher's frequent tendency to price its games more than others on the same platform. Most of Square Enix's DS games retailed for $39.99, for example, and even the simplistic Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy carries a price of ¥6,090 ($79!) in Japan.

Even with that background, however, we were a bit surprised when the publisher released an iOS port of Taito's 1993 arcade shmup RayForce yesterday, with a price point of $11.99. It's not that the game doesn't appear to be worth it (the port looks great!) -- that's just more than we'd expect any publisher to attempt on the iOS market. Especially for a vintage game.

We're trying to be excited about this, Square! That price point is not helping.

Gallery: RayForce (iOS)

JoystiqTaito's RayForce hits iOS for ... more than you'd expect originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosiphonemobilerayforcesquare-enixsquare-enix-taxtaitoSat, 14 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Taito's Rayforce shmup coming to iOS this winter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/taitos-rayforce-shmup-coming-to-ios-this-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/taitos-rayforce-shmup-coming-to-ios-this-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/taitos-rayforce-shmup-coming-to-ios-this-winter/#comments
Classic shmup news now, with Taito's Rayforce, the first entry in its series of vertical shmups starting with the word "Ray," coming to iOS. Japanese outlet Famitsu (via Andriasang) says the game is planned for the smaller iThings, like the iPhone and iPod Touch, and will launch on the App Store this winter.

The teaser trailer above gives us a small taste of what to expect. (Shmupping, mostly.)

JoystiqTaito's Rayforce shmup coming to iOS this winter originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilerayforcetaitoThu, 29 Dec 2011 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hark, the herald Groove Coasters sing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/hark-the-herald-groove-coasters-sing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/hark-the-herald-groove-coasters-sing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/hark-the-herald-groove-coasters-sing/#comments

It's a Christmas miracle! Taito Claus has bestowed five new downloadable Groove Coaster songs upon all the good little vector dots and Invader icons of the world -- including a techno-y Christmas tune. We're not going to be listening for the tapping of reindeer feet this Christmas because we're going to be tapping out music.

Even better, the game is on sale right now for .99 -- joining other seasonally discounted Taito games including Cooking Mama and Space Invaders: Infinity Gene.

JoystiqHark, the herald Groove Coasters sing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooking-mamagroove-coasteriosiphonemobilespace-invaders-infinity-genesquare-enixtaitoMon, 19 Dec 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA['iNVADERCADE' turns your iPad into a tiny Space Invaders machine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/invadercade-turns-your-ipad-into-a-tiny-space-invaders-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/invadercade-turns-your-ipad-into-a-tiny-space-invaders-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/invadercade-turns-your-ipad-into-a-tiny-space-invaders-machine/#comments
We really, really want to like Square Enix's new iNVADERCADE. The iPad arcade cabinet peripheral is basically the same idea as the iCade, but modeled after a vintage Space Invaders cabinet. It allows you to play (supported) iOS games using a real joystick and button, includes speakers and a headphone port, and charges your iPad while you use it. Square Enix is even promoting the (approximately) £150 peripheral with the spot-on retro "show" above.

So why are we conflicted about the device? Well, for one thing, it's called the "iNVADERCADE," complete with annoying capitalization. For another, it has only one button, limiting its utility for arcade-style games, especially compared to the iCade's eight. Maybe you're not buying one of these to be practical.

Joystiq'iNVADERCADE' turns your iPad into a tiny Space Invaders machine originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>invadercadeiosipadmobilesquare-enixtaitoThu, 22 Sep 2011 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Invaders Infinity Gene propagates to Android tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/space-invaders-infinity-gene-propagates-to-android-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/space-invaders-infinity-gene-propagates-to-android-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/space-invaders-infinity-gene-propagates-to-android-tomorrow/#comments After engagements on iOS, PSN, and XBLA, the techno-trippy, genetics-themed shmup Space Invaders Infinity Gene is mutating into an Android game. The shooter will be available for purchase tomorrow on the Android Market for $5.

If you're an Android adherent, and at all interested in the idea of a shooter that slowly "evolves" new abilities, visual styles, and gameplay elements as you play it, you'll want to check this out. Not only because we think it's a novel shooter with accessible touch controls, but also so you can use your money to influence Square Enix to port Reisuke Ishida's follow-up game, the amazing Groove Coaster.

JoystiqSpace Invaders Infinity Gene propagates to Android tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobileq3-2011release-datespace-invaders-infinity-genesquare-enixtaitoTue, 06 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Elevator Action Deluxe in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/elevator-action-deluxe-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/elevator-action-deluxe-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/elevator-action-deluxe-in-action/#comments Not even a week before the release of Elevator Action Deluxe, Square Enix sent out the first trailer for the PS3 update. Between the exaggerated art style, the Cowboy Bebop-style intro, and the inexplicably dancing enemies, this just looks like fun. Well, it looks like those things and the classic Elevator Action gameplay.

Speaking of classic Elevator Action gameplay, the trailer reveals that Deluxe "fully contains the arcade version." There's guaranteed to be at least one good game in the download, then. Elevator Action Deluxe (and the original) will be out on PSN August 30 in North America, and August 31 worldwide.

JoystiqElevator Action Deluxe in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elevator-action-deluxeplaystationps3psnsquare-enixtaitoFri, 26 Aug 2011 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Elevator Action Deluxe descends to PSN on Aug. 31 [update: screens]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/elevator-action-deluxe-descends-to-psn-on-aug-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/elevator-action-deluxe-descends-to-psn-on-aug-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/elevator-action-deluxe-descends-to-psn-on-aug-31/#comments Taito is keeping fairly close to the source material in Elevator Action Deluxe, in a Bionic Commando Rearmed sort of way. The PSN game is essentially an HD update with the original side-view gameplay and the familiar rows-of-doors stage layout.

Additions to the formula include new weapons, occasional high-speed elevators, and new (offline) multiplayer modes. Those modes include a deathmatch, and competitive modes in which players race to steal secret files from red doors. The secret files, according to the website, are now represented by "TAITO old game pamphlets!"

We don't have to wait long at all to experience the new Action: it'll be out August 30th in North America and August 31st elsewhere, for $9.99/£7.99/€9.99.

Update: Check out some new screens in our gallery.

Gallery: Elevator Action Deluxe (PSN)

JoystiqElevator Action Deluxe descends to PSN on Aug. 31 [update: screens] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elevator-action-deluxeplaystationps3psnq3-2011release-datesquare-enixtaitoThu, 18 Aug 2011 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix opens Elevator Action Deluxe teaser site]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/square-enix-opens-elevator-action-deluxe-teaser-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/square-enix-opens-elevator-action-deluxe-teaser-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/square-enix-opens-elevator-action-deluxe-teaser-site/#comments Square Enix has officially acknowledged the existence of Elevator Action Deluxe, a game first mentioned in an Australian rating. The teaser site for the game shows Japanese, American, and European ratings, suggesting a worldwide release, and PS3 and PSN logos, suggesting platform exclusivity.

Unfortunately, we don't know any more about the game itself yet. The only reference to that is an animation of the classic arcade game, ending in a reveal of the words, "He'll be back." But after outstanding recent downloadable Taito games like Groove Coaster and Space Invaders Infinity Gene, we're eager to see whatever the company has planned for Elevator Action.

JoystiqSquare Enix opens Elevator Action Deluxe teaser site originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elevator-actionelevator-action-deluxeplaystationps3psnsquare-enixtaitoMon, 15 Aug 2011 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Groove Coaster (iOS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/portabliss-groove-coaster-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/portabliss-groove-coaster-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/portabliss-groove-coaster-ios/#comments Did you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Groove Coaster!
Groove Coaster takes the flashy style of Space Invaders Infinity Gene, a game that turned music into shmup stages, and applies it to a straight-up rhythm game that takes no time to learn and, perhaps, too long to bring myself to stop playing. It's really fun! And, before I go any further, it's temporarily 99 cents, so go buy it.

OK, now back to the game. Groove Coaster takes its name from roller coaster-like lines, dotted with, well, dots that indicate when to tap the screen. When your avatar crosses one of these dots, you tap anywhere, or occasionally swipe to the side, hold, or "scratch," corresponding to the beat. It's pretty easy to understand! And, at first, it's pretty easy to play.

Gallery: Groove Coaster (iOS)

Continue reading Portabliss: Groove Coaster (iOS)

JoystiqPortabliss: Groove Coaster (iOS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>groove-coastermobileportablisssquare-enixtaitoFri, 29 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Groove Coaster available now on iOS for 99 cents]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/groove-coaster-available-now-on-ios-for-99-cents/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/groove-coaster-available-now-on-ios-for-99-cents/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/groove-coaster-available-now-on-ios-for-99-cents/#comments We've gone from not knowing the release date of Taito's iOS rhythm game Groove Coaster to having the date -- and discovering that it's today. You can get Space Invaders Infinity Gene creator Reisuke Ishida's new game from the App Store right now, as a universal app, for 99 cents.

It'll go up to its normal price of $2.99 soon after launch, so if you have any kind of predilection toward rhythm games at all, you should jump on this without hesitation. That'll free up a couple of bucks that you can put toward the soundtrack, which has also been released on iTunes.

Gallery: Groove Coaster (iOS)

JoystiqGroove Coaster available now on iOS for 99 cents originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>groove-coasteriosipadiphonemobilereisuke-ishidasquare-enixtaitoThu, 28 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Groove Coaster is an iOS rhythm game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/groove-coaster-is-an-ios-rhythm-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/groove-coaster-is-an-ios-rhythm-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/groove-coaster-is-an-ios-rhythm-game/#comments Taito teased Groove Coaster, from the creator of Space Invaders: Infinity Gene, earlier this month. Today, two new trailers reveal the nature of the game. Groove Coaster is a touch-controlled rhythm game for iOS -- one that looks exceedingly simple. You just tap anywhere on screen when a circle icon lines up with a glowing icon in the middle of the screen.

Of course, being from Infinity Gene's Reisuke Ishida, the rhythm gameplay takes place in a wireframe, vector graphics-esque world with original dance music and beautiful lighting effects. Check out one gameplay sample above via Famitsu and another, after the break, posted by Taito.

Continue reading Groove Coaster is an iOS rhythm game

JoystiqGroove Coaster is an iOS rhythm game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>groove-coastermobilereisuke-ishidasquare-enixtaitoMon, 25 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Groove Coaster' coming from Space Invaders Infinity Gene creator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/groove-coaster-coming-from-space-invaders-infinity-gene-creato/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/groove-coaster-coming-from-space-invaders-infinity-gene-creato/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/groove-coaster-coming-from-space-invaders-infinity-gene-creato/#comments Reisuke Ishida, the creator of Taito's mobile/XBLA/PSN shmup, Space Invaders Infinity Gene, is working on a new game called Groove Coaster. No details -- no release date, platform, or even genre -- have been revealed, but the teaser site offers some clues.

A pulsating graphic of an Invader with headphones suggests that it'll still use Taito's iconic characters (and thus will be a Taito-published game). The teaser site calls it an "exhilarating next-gen groove game," which suggests it'll be musical in nature. It also says the game is "coming soon," which our experts have interpreted to mean it's coming soon.

Joystiq'Groove Coaster' coming from Space Invaders Infinity Gene creator originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>groove-coasterreisuke-ishidaspace-invaders-infinity-genesquare-enixtaitoFri, 15 Jul 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Hollywood officially out of ideas, options movie rights for 'Space Invaders']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/hollywood-officially-out-of-ideas-options-movie-rights-for-spa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/hollywood-officially-out-of-ideas-options-movie-rights-for-spa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/hollywood-officially-out-of-ideas-options-movie-rights-for-spa/#comments Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Gigi Pritzker, two producers who, collectively, are responsible for both The Wedding Planner and all three Transformers films, have secured the rights to produce a movie based on Taito's classic Space Invaders. When asked why movie rights for Space Invaders would even exist, the entire human population of Earth crumbled into exasperated, bewildered piles of dust.

We first caught wind of a potential Space Invaders adaptation in a report by the L.A. Times last year, however it's unclear whether or not di Bonaventura's Space Invaders and Warner Bros.'s Space Invaders are one-in-the-same. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the pair have begun the process of finding a writer to pen the script, which we can only assume will have very little to do with space/invaders, and everything to do with Shia LaBeouf.

JoystiqHollywood officially out of ideas, options movie rights for 'Space Invaders' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gigi-PritzkerLorenzo-di-BonaventuraShia-LaBeoufspace-invadersspace-invaders-movieTaitoThe-wedding-plannerTransformersSun, 10 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Elevator Action Deluxe' rated for PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/elevator-action-deluxe-rated-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/elevator-action-deluxe-rated-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/elevator-action-deluxe-rated-for-ps3/#comments Another vintage Taito series is coming up again (ding!) according to an Australian classification board listing. Square Enix is preparing Elevator Action Deluxe for PS3, developed by a company called B-Project Inc.

Despite the name, there's no way this game is as deluxe as the recent arcade title Elevator Action Death Parade -- that game has real elevator doors. We would expect a new Elevator Action to build not on the light-gun gameplay of that arcade game, though, but on the side-view, floor-to-floor espionage and combat of the original and its excellent sequel. And by "expect" we mean "hope."

Joystiq'Elevator Action Deluxe' rated for PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-project-incelevator-actionelevator-action-deluxeoflcplaystationps3ratingssquare-enixtaitoTue, 28 Jun 2011 09:49:00 EST<![CDATA['Space invaders in Real Life' is exactly that]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/space-invaders-in-real-life-is-exactly-that/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/space-invaders-in-real-life-is-exactly-that/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/space-invaders-in-real-life-is-exactly-that/#comments What would you do if you woke up one day and suddenly discovered invaders, from space -- Space Invaders, if you will -- totally all up in your planet? You'd put those sick gaming skillz to work, right?

Continue reading 'Space invaders in Real Life' is exactly that

Joystiq'Space invaders in Real Life' is exactly that originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 May 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>space-invaderstaitoWed, 18 May 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Invaders Infinity Gene soundtrack evolves into digital release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/space-invaders-infinity-gene-soundtrack-evolves-into-digital-rel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/space-invaders-infinity-gene-soundtrack-evolves-into-digital-rel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/space-invaders-infinity-gene-soundtrack-evolves-into-digital-rel/#comments Square Enix has made it possible to enjoy the excellent Space Invaders Infinity Gene soundtrack, by Taito "house band" Zuntata, for use even outside of shmup-related activities.

The publisher has released the album on CD, the Amazon MP3 Store and iTunes (and mora in Japan), bundling all the tracks from the iPhone and XBLA/PSN releases, plus the iPhone update, into a single music collection. The CD edition also includes "a visual reference guide/sticker sheet depicting all 90 characters from the game."

This is the first simultaneously digital and retail release for a Zuntata album; if you want to know why that's so awesome, we suggest listening to some preview tracks on iTunes. That way, you'll hear how cool the music is and realize you didn't have to mail-order a $50 CD from Japan.

JoystiqSpace Invaders Infinity Gene soundtrack evolves into digital release originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmobilemusicplaystationps3soundtrackspace-invaders-infinity-genesquare-enixtaitoxboxzuntataFri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap and Taito team up to bring Pop Tower to Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/popcap-and-taito-team-up-to-bring-pop-tower-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/popcap-and-taito-team-up-to-bring-pop-tower-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/popcap-and-taito-team-up-to-bring-pop-tower-to-japan/#comments PopCap Games and Taito announced a partnership this morning that would oversee the launch of a new "dedicated mobile social game service" in Japan. The service is named, appropriately enough, Pop Tower. The service will add an "all-new metagame with RPG elements" to several of PopCap's titles (Bejeweled, Chuzzle, and Zuma were all named), unifying multiple PopCap properties under one persistent leveling system.

Beyond unnamed new modes being added and the RPG metagame, additional "social elements" will give players the opportunity to communicate with friends. As we've come to expect with most games moved from the Western market to the East, microtransactions will play a major role in the monetization of Pop Tower's titles, allowing for the purchase of "in-game virtual goods and premium service options." And hey, if that means we can play as Björn the Unicorn across multiple PopCap titles and persistently level him up, consider us sold.

JoystiqPopCap and Taito team up to bring Pop Tower to Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bejeweledchuzzlejapanmacmicrotransactionsmobilepcpop-towerpopcappopcap-gamessquare-enixtaitozumaThu, 11 Nov 2010 19:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix and Disney release Puzzle Bobble: Disney Edition for cell phones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/16/square-enix-and-disney-release-puzzle-bobble-disney-edition-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/16/square-enix-and-disney-release-puzzle-bobble-disney-edition-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/16/square-enix-and-disney-release-puzzle-bobble-disney-edition-for/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Is Bubble Bobble still Bubble Bobble without its adorable dinosaur mascots? Square Enix is having Bubblun and Bobblun sit out for the latest Puzzle Bobble (Bust a Move) in favor of someone named "Mickey Mouse." Puzzle Bobble: Disney Edition for Japanese mobile phones combines the familiar bubble-shooting, color-matching game with cutesy Disney characters.

Mickey is joined by Minnie, Donald, Winnie the Pooh, Stitch, and Marie from the Aristocats. We must admit that the renditions of those characters are pretty cute. The more we look at that Pooh bear, the less we mind the exclusion of the dinosaur mascots. Of course, whether or not we like the look is totally meaningless, since this is only being released on Japanese cell phones.

JoystiqSquare Enix and Disney release Puzzle Bobble: Disney Edition for cell phones originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Oct 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bubble-bobblejapanmobilepuzzle-bobblepuzzle-bobble-disney-editionsquare-enixtaitoSat, 16 Oct 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bust a Move goes 3D with 'gimmick bubbles' on 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/bust-a-move-3d-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/bust-a-move-3d-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/bust-a-move-3d-announced/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Following Nintendo's announcement of Japanese launch details for the 3DS, Square Enix announced a new version of its venerable Bust a Move/Puzzle Bobble franchise, called Tobidasu! Puzzle Bobble 3D ("Jump Out! Puzzle Bobble 3D")

In addition to the normal match-three gameplay, the 3DS puzzler includes "gimmick bubbles," which will involve the third dimension in some way. How that will work has yet to be announced, but we suspect the "gimmick" label will prove quite accurate. Puzzle Bobble 3D will jump into Japanese retail this spring.

JoystiqBust a Move goes 3D with 'gimmick bubbles' on 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbust-a-movedsnintendopuzzle-bobblesquare-enixtaitotobidasu-puzzle-bobble-3dWed, 29 Sep 2010 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Invaders Infinity Gene Xbox 360 & PS3 preview: a classic evolved]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/space-invaders-infinity-gene-xbox-360-and-ps3-preview-a-classic-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/space-invaders-infinity-gene-xbox-360-and-ps3-preview-a-classic-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/space-invaders-infinity-gene-xbox-360-and-ps3-preview-a-classic-e/#comments
 Space Invaders: Infinity Gene is coming to PS3 and Xbox 360 next week, on September 14 and 15, respectively. Although based on the iPhone version of the game, the HD presentation and the much-needed ability to use a gamepad makes it a worthwhile upgrade over the iPhone version. It's far easier to pull off combos, powered by consecutive shots, with a controller -- especially when you're able to see your ship (instead of your thumb).

For those unfamiliar with the game, the concept centers around the evolution of the shooter. Starting with the iconic intro stage to the original arcade game, Infinity Gene introduces new gameplay and visual elements as you reach certain score targets. The first upgrade allows you to move your ship freely across the X and Y axis, and eventually you'll be able to move along the Z-axis as well. The visuals transform from a monochromatic not-even-8-bit look, to a wild barrage of colorful vectors.

Like the rest of the recent Space Invaders games, Infinity Gene may be more fun to look at, than to actually play. The entire presentation is high-concept -- every time the bright white "EVOLUTION" screen appears on the screen, it's hard not to think how odd this title really is. It's definitely intriguing, but perhaps not everyone's cup of tea.

Gallery: Space Invaders: Infinity Gene (XBLA/PSN)

Continue reading Space Invaders Infinity Gene Xbox 360 & PS3 preview: a classic evolved

JoystiqSpace Invaders Infinity Gene Xbox 360 & PS3 preview: a classic evolved originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3psnrelease-datespace-invaders-infinity-genesquare-enixtaitoxblaxboxWed, 08 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Invaders Infinity Gene lands on PSN and XBLA in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/space-invaders-infinity-gene-lands-on-psn-and-xbla-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/space-invaders-infinity-gene-lands-on-psn-and-xbla-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/space-invaders-infinity-gene-lands-on-psn-and-xbla-in-september/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Square Enix Downloadable Games Twitter account has brought excellent news to those of us who despise UFOs and want to see them destroyed in an ever-increasing variety of ways: The company tweeted that the PSN and XBLA versions of Space Invaders Infinity Gene will arrive in September.

The game's official site also features that date, both on the page itself and at the end of a brief new trailer (accessed by clicking the box labeled "The Beginning"). We can expect this date to evolve into a more specific date soon, and then an actual playable game after that.

JoystiqSpace Invaders Infinity Gene lands on PSN and XBLA in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3PSNq3-2010release-datespace-invaders-infinity-geneSquare-EnixTaitoxblaxboxMon, 30 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Invaders landing on iPad today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/space-invaders-landing-on-ipad-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/space-invaders-landing-on-ipad-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/space-invaders-landing-on-ipad-today/#commentsFiled under: , ,

So you just spent $600 on an iPad. How better to show off the capabilities of your state-of-the-art gadget than with ... Space Invaders? Taito released an iPad version (for $5) of its iPhone Space Invaders app worldwide -- and thanks to common iPad naming conventions, Taito thought it was a good idea to call it Space Invaders HD.

The iPad game offers, of course, a larger-scale presentation of both the 1978 game and Space Invaders Part II, as well as some promotional flyers and other vintage artifacts. It also has a rather cool new feature: a two-player mode that flips the screen so that players sitting across from one another can take turns. It's modeled on the classic cocktail-style arcade machines, and Taito even went so far as to demonstrate the game on iPads sitting on those arcade machines at an event in Japan.

JoystiqSpace Invaders landing on iPad today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ipadmobilespace-invadersspace-invaders-hdsquare-enixtaitoFri, 16 Jul 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Invaders Infinity Gene XBLA, PSN versions confirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/space-invaders-infinity-gene-xbla-psn-versions-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/space-invaders-infinity-gene-xbla-psn-versions-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/space-invaders-infinity-gene-xbla-psn-versions-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to Siliconera, the latest issue of Famitsu confirms what a source (and the OFLC ratings board) told Joystiq: Taito's ever-adapting shooter, Space Invaders Infinity Gene, is being released on Xbox 360 and PS3. The game appears in the magazine's table of contents.

Additionally, 1UP reports that other Japanese game magazines have confirmed the Infinity Gene console release, which is said to be a downloadable port of the iPhone game for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. Even if it's just a direct port, we relish the opportunity to play this already-great game without covering up any of the screen with a big fat finger.

JoystiqSpace Invaders Infinity Gene XBLA, PSN versions confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3PSNShmupSpace-InvadersSpace-Invaders-Infinity-GeneSquare-EnixTaitoXBLAxboxXbox-360Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Space Invaders Infinity Gene cloned for XBLA and PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/rumor-space-invaders-infinity-gene-cloned-for-xbla-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/rumor-space-invaders-infinity-gene-cloned-for-xbla-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/rumor-space-invaders-infinity-gene-cloned-for-xbla-and-psn/#comments A trusted Joystiq source has confirmed that Taito's mobile and iPhone game Space Invaders Infinity Gene is coming to Xbox Live Arcade and PSN. Further corroborating our source's intel is Australian ratings board the OFLC, which has published a rating for an unspecified "multiplatform" release of Infinity Gene. Ubisoft, which distributes Square Enix titles in Australia is listed as the publisher. (Square Enix is the parent company of Taito.)

With some neat functionality -- the iPhone version lets players generate levels based on their stored music -- and an HD facelift, we'd be willing to bet Space Invaders Infinity Gene wouldn't find much opposition on Xbox Live Arcade and PSN. Previously, Taito released a version of its handheld series Space Invaders Extreme on XBLA to positive reception.

JoystiqRumor: Space Invaders Infinity Gene cloned for XBLA and PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 May 2010 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaMicrosoftoflcpsnratingsrumorspace-invadersspace-invaders-infinity-genesquare-enixtaitoubisoftxblaXbox-360Wed, 19 May 2010 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: RayStorm HD, Zeno Clash]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-raystorm-hd-zeno-clash/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-raystorm-hd-zeno-clash/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-raystorm-hd-zeno-clash/#commentsFiled under:

Two very different games on Xbox Live Arcade this week, folks. First up, we have RayStorm HD a revamp of the classic arcade, PlayStation and Saturn shooter of yore. If you've played a shmup before, you'll be right at home. The other game, however, is an odd, odd duck. Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition is a first-person brawler with shooting elements and one of the most bizarre, surreal art styles on XBLA. If nothing else, you should download it just to see it.

Watch the latest XBLA in Brief and see if either game deserves your hard-earned 1200 ($15).

[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.
[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly.
[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[M4V] Download the M4V directly.


Xbox.com: Add RayStorm HD trial version to your Xbox 360 download queue
Xbox.com: Add Zeno Clash trial version to your Xbox 360 download queue

JoystiqX3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: RayStorm HD, Zeno Clash originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-teamatlusraystorm-hdtaitox3f-tvxblaxbla-in-briefzeno-clashZeno-Clash-Ultimate-EditionWed, 05 May 2010 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB: Dariusburst is approaching fast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/esrb-dariusburst-is-approaching-fast/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/esrb-dariusburst-is-approaching-fast/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/esrb-dariusburst-is-approaching-fast/#commentsProviding further evidence of a localization for the US-trademarked DariusBurst, the ESRB has rated the PSP shmup. It was released in Japan on both UMD and as a download on Christmas Eve of last year. For those of us who have never played any shooter before (ever), the ESRB describes the gameplay: "From a side-scrolling perspective, players navigate through outer space while shooting at the numerous enemy units. Ships, objects, and enemies explode when hit, sometimes with realistic or slow-motion effects. "

We love this new world in which developers are selling shmups again. They were ridiculously popular in the 8- and 16-bit eras, but North American releases were few and far between for most of the last three generations. And now we're seeing this and RayStorm HD from Taito, DeathSmiles from Cave, and even an iPhone version of EspGaluda 2 in the the same year -- oh, and Cho Aniki.

JoystiqESRB: Dariusburst is approaching fast originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darius-burstdariusburstesrbshmupshootersquare-enixtaitoMon, 03 May 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Taito shoots RayStorm HD at North America May 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/01/taito-shoots-raystorm-hd-at-north-america-may-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/01/taito-shoots-raystorm-hd-at-north-america-may-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/01/taito-shoots-raystorm-hd-at-north-america-may-5/#commentsShooter fans in the mood for something with a bit more of a classical sensibility than the insane "bullet hell" shmups being made these days should look forward to May 5.

Square Enix just announced the North American release date for the XBLA RayStorm HD, the updated remake of a classic Taito vertical shooter (but not the one with the robot fish), and it's the same May 5 date at which Japanese Xbox owners (both of them) and PlayStation 3 owners will be able to get the game. Sadly, no PSN release date was included in the announcement -- something about which we're checking with the publisher.

JoystiqTaito shoots RayStorm HD at North America May 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftraystormraystorm-hdrelease-dateshmupshootertaitoxblaXbox-360Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Raystorm HD storming Japanese XBLA and PSN May 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/raystorm-hd-storming-japanese-xbla-and-psn-may-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/raystorm-hd-storming-japanese-xbla-and-psn-may-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/raystorm-hd-storming-japanese-xbla-and-psn-may-5/#comments Though "mum" is still the word on the stateside release plans of Taito's renovated shoot-em-up Raystorm HD, Japanese scrolling aerial warfare enthusiasts will be pleased to know the game's recently announced, completely imminent release date. According to Japanese gaming news site Game Watch, Taito has confirmed the game will arrive in Japan on XBLA May 5 for 1,200 and PSN May 6 for 1,500 yen.

Just like every other time we've written about Raystorm HD, we'll contact Taito to see if we can find out anything about the game's North American release. Should we hear anything back, we'll travel directly to Vegas, because we've obviously been stricken with an impossible amount of good fortune.

JoystiqRaystorm HD storming Japanese XBLA and PSN May 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanpsnraystormraystorm-hdrelease-dateremakeshoot-em-uptaitoxblaWed, 28 Apr 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese Nintendo downloads: Darius Twin, Max & the Magic Marker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/japanese-nintendo-downloads-darius-twin-max-and-the-magic-marker/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/japanese-nintendo-downloads-darius-twin-max-and-the-magic-marker/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/japanese-nintendo-downloads-darius-twin-max-and-the-magic-marker/#commentsWith only one download per service, Japan's Wii and DSi Shops this week resemble the kind of updates we're used to in North America. At least the content is mostly good. Darius Twin, the SNES debut of Taito's horizontal shmup series, provides multiplayer shooting against a variety of giant robotic sea creatures. And Rakugaki Hero is the World Game Parade-localized Max & the Magic Marker.

As for, Let's Make a Zoo on DSiWare, it was released elsewhere as Zoo Frenzy. It's all the fun of managing a fake zoo! The full list of weekly releases follows:

JoystiqJapanese Nintendo downloads: Darius Twin, Max & the Magic Marker originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darius-twindsiwaregameloftjapanmax-and-the-magic-markerpress-playrakugaki-herotaitovctuesdayvirtual-consolewiiwarezoo-frenzyTue, 13 Apr 2010 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros. in talks to produce Space Invaders movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/warner-bros-in-talks-to-produce-space-invaders-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/warner-bros-in-talks-to-produce-space-invaders-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/warner-bros-in-talks-to-produce-space-invaders-movie/#comments According to a recent report from the L.A. Times, Warner Bros. is in talks with Japanese game developer Taito to secure the rights for a film adaptation of Space Invaders. The Times speculates the film would be a big-budget action-blockbuster, helmed by prolific producers of big-budget action-blockbusters, such as Mark Gordon, Jason Blum and Guymon Casady.

In other news, we're planning on doing our own version of Space Invaders pretty soon, only it will be about us, attempting to invade outer space, because we don't want to live on this stupid, terrible planet anymore.

[Via IGN]

JoystiqWarner Bros. in talks to produce Space Invaders movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adaptationarcadeclassichollywoodla-timesmoviespace-invaderstaitowarner-brosWed, 03 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Taito iPhone games on sale for the holidays]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/24/taito-iphone-games-on-sale-for-the-holidays/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/24/taito-iphone-games-on-sale-for-the-holidays/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/24/taito-iphone-games-on-sale-for-the-holidays/#commentsTaito is celebrating the success of its iPhone games in the best possible way: by making some of them cheaper. The Square Enix-owned publisher announced that its lineup of iPhone games appeared in Apple's "Rewind 2009" lists for 65 different regional App Stores, and that it's temporarily discounting Cooking Mama and Bust-a-Move to mark the occasion.

Cooking Mama is $3.99 for the first 50,000 people who download it, or until January 4 (whichever comes first). Bust-a-Move is just $2.99 from now until January 4. Taito also alerted us to new in-app purchases for that game, consisting of a new two-player cooperative mode and four additional 50-stage packs.

JoystiqTaito iPhone games on sale for the holidays originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebust-a-movecooking-mamadiscountiPodsaletaitoThu, 24 Dec 2009 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Qix++]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-qix/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-qix/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-qix/#commentsFiled under:

Taito's unleashed a new puzzle game on Xbox Live Arcade this week: Qix++ for $10 (800). The demo version of the game only offers two levels to try out, but the full game sports 16 different stages and a multiplayer mode. So, without further ado, check out the video above to see what the game is all about.

Shortcut: Download the trial version of Qix++ [Via Xbox.com]

JoystiqX3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Qix++ originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>qixqix-plus-plustaitox3f-tvxblaxbla-in-briefWed, 09 Dec 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Cooking Mama coming to arcades, looks pretty unsanitary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/cooking-mama-coming-to-arcades-looks-pretty-unsanitary/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/cooking-mama-coming-to-arcades-looks-pretty-unsanitary/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/cooking-mama-coming-to-arcades-looks-pretty-unsanitary/#comments We hate to go all Howard Hughes on you guys, but we must admit: This touch-screen equipped arcade version of Cooking Mama fills every bone in our body with germophobic discomfort. That can partially be attributed to the fact that we've seen our fair share of filthy hands attached to the wrists of arcade dwellers. Then again, perhaps we just have a visceral, sickening reaction to seeing raw fish being prepared by the aforementioned unwashed digits. Gyyeeeuuuuhhh.

Check out some footage from the arcade port after the jump, then go ahead and cancel that reservation for Red Lobster. You won't be needing (or wanting) it any time soon.

[Via GoNintendo]

Continue reading Cooking Mama coming to arcades, looks pretty unsanitary

JoystiqCooking Mama coming to arcades, looks pretty unsanitary originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadecookingcooking-mamagermstaitotouch-screenFri, 20 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST