Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Kard Combat gets four new mages and two new modes in free update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/kard-combat-gets-four-new-mages-and-two-new-modes-in-free-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/kard-combat-gets-four-new-mages-and-two-new-modes-in-free-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/kard-combat-gets-four-new-mages-and-two-new-modes-in-free-update/#comments Have you already burned your way through the four main campaigns of Hothead's recently released iOS strategy title, Kard Combat? First of all, you need to slow the heck down. How are you supposed to enjoy anything in life if you consume it with such terrible avarice? Secondly, you'll want to update the game through the App Store as soon as humanly possible -- the developer recently launched a massive update for the title, which notably adds four new decks to the mix: Demon, Chaos, Deception and Arcane.

These new decks and campaigns (as well as a new Challenge mode and Timed Multiplayer mode) are free to anyone who purchased the full game unlock -- as all future deck expansions to the title will be. We're glad every other TCG on the planet isn't quite as generous. We're not sure the support struts of our house could withstand the weight of all those metric tons of Pokémon cards.

Continue reading Kard Combat gets four new mages and two new modes in free update

JoystiqKard Combat gets four new mages and two new modes in free update originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hothead-Gamesioskard-combatmobiletcgupdateWed, 10 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Kard Combat (iOS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/portabliss-kard-combat-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/portabliss-kard-combat-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/portabliss-kard-combat-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. Three times a week, our new Portabliss column will tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Kard Combat!
Considering the microtransactional crossover between traditional trading card games and iOS apps, it's astonishing the two haven't blown up into their own, obscenely lucrative industry. Not that I'm complaining -- my wallet can't afford to be gripped by the plaguing addiction of another Magic: The Gathering or Pokémon TCG. Perhaps that's why I enjoy Kard Combat as much as I do; not only is it an excellent, compelling game, but it also won't send you into an inescapable spiral of bankruptcy, which is awfully nice of it.

This mercy is surprising, considering the involvement of Magic creator Richard Garfield, whose influence can be seen in Kard Combat's every mechanic. The game actually plays like a smartly boiled-down version of Wizards of the Coast's TCG: two players summon creatures using mana to attack the opposing team's roster or, with luck, the other player themselves.

Gallery: Kard Combat (iPhone/iPad)

Continue reading Portabliss: Kard Combat (iOS)

JoystiqPortabliss: Kard Combat (iOS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardshothead-gamesioskard-combatmobileportablissrichard-garfieldtcgWed, 13 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hothead Games settles on Kard Combat, deals out some details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/hothead-games-settles-on-kard-combat-deals-out-some-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/hothead-games-settles-on-kard-combat-deals-out-some-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/hothead-games-settles-on-kard-combat-deals-out-some-details/#comments Hothead Games, we have never been this disappointed in you. After you asked for titles for your magically-charged iOS trading card game, and we responded with pure gold like Hocus Poker and Guess Who: Portraits of Power, you went with ... Kard Combat. Sure, it succinctly sums up the free-to-play game's two biggest constituent elements, but we think that moniker could have used a bit of spicing-up. Also, some spell-checking, because "Card" is spelled with a "C," you silly geese.

Magic: The Gathering creator Richard Garfield served as a co-designer on Kard Combat, and explained in a press release, "For years I've wanted to create Magic-like experiences for people who play video games. Kard Combat on iPhone and iPad does this and is simple enough for anyone to pick up and play, but with plenty of depth for the hardcore player." Check out the gallery below and the trailer after the jump to see just what kind of depth we can expect from the egregiously misspelled title.

Gallery: Kard Combat (iPhone/iPad)

Continue reading Hothead Games settles on Kard Combat, deals out some details

JoystiqHothead Games settles on Kard Combat, deals out some details originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardshothead-gamesioskard-combatmagic-the-gatheringmobiletcgTue, 21 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL 12 video highlights Madden Ultimate Team changes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/madden-nfl-12-video-highlights-madden-ultimate-team-changes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/madden-nfl-12-video-highlights-madden-ultimate-team-changes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/madden-nfl-12-video-highlights-madden-ultimate-team-changes/#comments Since debuting in Madden NFL 10, EA Sports' card game version of football, Madden Ultimate Team, has apparently resonated with fans as it will be returning for a third year in Madden NFL 12. In this trailer, EA Sports highlights some of the changes in this year's version.

Continue reading Madden NFL 12 video highlights Madden Ultimate Team changes

JoystiqMadden NFL 12 video highlights Madden Ultimate Team changes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-sportsmadden-nfl-12madden-ultimate-teammicrosoftplaystationps3tcgtrading-card-gamexboxMon, 20 Jun 2011 23:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Trainer Challenge brings the trading card game online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/pokemon-trainer-challenge-brings-the-trading-card-game-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/pokemon-trainer-challenge-brings-the-trading-card-game-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/pokemon-trainer-challenge-brings-the-trading-card-game-online/#comments The problem with trading card games is that you have to have friends around to play them -- and, a lot of times, that means you actually have to leave the house. In a video game, roaming the world in search of Pokémon may be relatively safe, but out in the real world, there are certain dangers that need to be taken into consideration. Bears, diseases and cosplayers are all real threats.

That's why we're excited about the Pokémon Trainer Challenge, a new Flash version of the TCG coming to the internet near you this April. Using three pre-constructed decks, you'll be able to face off against 12 virtual trainers across three leagues in the online game, hopefully learning enough to keep you from embarrassing yourself at the next Saffron City Social.

Pokémon Trainer Challenge will require a free Pokémon Trainer Club account to play. You can find more details on Pokemon.com.

Gallery: Pokemon Trainer Challenge

JoystiqPokemon Trainer Challenge brings the trading card game online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsflash-gamenintendopcpokemonPokemon-Black-and-WhitePokemon-Trainer-ChallengetcgThe-Pokemon-Companytrading-card-gameTue, 15 Feb 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dire Wolf Digital is building a Lego Universe trading-card game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/dire-wolf-digital-is-building-a-lego-universe-trading-card-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/dire-wolf-digital-is-building-a-lego-universe-trading-card-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/dire-wolf-digital-is-building-a-lego-universe-trading-card-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dire Wolf Digital and NetDevil have signed an agreement that will see the creation of a LEGO Universe trading-card game, due in 2011. (The Lego Universe MMO is set to launch on October 26.) What makes this deal interesting is the potential to create products outside of just the TCG.

The agreement gives Dire Wolf Digital "a license to produce physical TCG products as well as digital products for PC, Mac and mobile devices." This could portend the TCG will come to digital spaces or it could simply refer to additional products outside of the card game -- as soon as we know something, we'll be sure to pass it along.

Head past the break for the full press release.

Gallery: LEGO Universe (Comic-Con)

Continue reading Dire Wolf Digital is building a Lego Universe trading-card game

JoystiqDire Wolf Digital is building a Lego Universe trading-card game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>legolego-universelego-universe-tcglego-universe-trading-card-gamemmorpgnetdevilpctcgtrading-card-gameThu, 29 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yu-Gi-Oh! Decade Duels coming to XBLA this spring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/yu-gi-oh-decade-duels-coming-to-xbla-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/yu-gi-oh-decade-duels-coming-to-xbla-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/yu-gi-oh-decade-duels-coming-to-xbla-this-spring/#comments
Click on the image and yu-can-go into our gallery

The beautiful part about having Yu-Gi-Oh! on your Xbox 360 is that you can still partake in that most guilty of pleasures, but you don't have to wade through the cesspool of people that enjoy that brand of self-deprecation. Konami has announced that Yu-Gi-Oh! Decade Duels is coming to Xbox Live Arcade in Spring 2010 and will feature "the most robust card offering and the opportunity to purchase additional card packs through Xbox Live."

There's no word on price right now for the initial game, so we've contacted Konami. We'll let you know what we hear back.

Gallery: Yu-Gi-Oh! Decade Duels

JoystiqYu-Gi-Oh! Decade Duels coming to XBLA this spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>card-gamecard-gameskonamiMicrosofttcgtrading-card-gametrading-card-gamesXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadeyu-gi-ohYu-Gi-Oh-5Ds-Decade-DuelsyugiohThu, 15 Apr 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest Victory attacks Wii this summer in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/dragon-quest-victory-attacks-wii-this-summer-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/dragon-quest-victory-attacks-wii-this-summer-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/dragon-quest-victory-attacks-wii-this-summer-in-japan/#comments Been hankering for more Dragon Quest since the release of The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors? Square Enix has announced Dragon Quest Victory for Wii in Japan, an adaptation of the Dragon Quest Monsters Battle Road arcade game. The Wii version is set to launch this summer and features card-based battles for up to four players via local split-screen and the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The game will also include a "Tournament" mode, in which players face off against a succession of NPCs in a virtual town, collecting cards.

Perhaps the coolest feature of all is connectivity between the arcade and Wii games, using a DSi. Players will be able to download a special DSiWare app that will scan in the arcade version's cards, allowing transport over to the Wii game. The price of the DSiWare app is currently unknown.

[Via andriasang]

JoystiqDragon Quest Victory attacks Wii this summer in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadedragon-questdragon-quest-monsters-battle-roaddragon-quest-monsters-battle-road-victorydragon-quest-monsters-jokerdsijapanrpgsquare-enixtcgtrading-card-gametrading-card-gamesWed, 14 Apr 2010 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2009: Duel the Dragon DLC coming to Duels of the Planeswalkers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/06/pax-2009-duel-the-dragon-dlc-coming-to-duels-of-the-planeswalke/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/06/pax-2009-duel-the-dragon-dlc-coming-to-duels-of-the-planeswalke/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/06/pax-2009-duel-the-dragon-dlc-coming-to-duels-of-the-planeswalke/#comments
We've just returned from the Wizards of the Coast Magic: The Gathering party (where we were in the company of *NAME DROP ALERT* Wil Wheaton / Wesley Crusher / übergeek), and we've returned from the fray with tapped mana and ... information. WotC announced new DLC and a title update coming (finally) to the XBLA version of Duels of the Planeswalkers.

Duel the Dragon, the first expansion to the popular Magic: The Gathering for the Xbox 360 set, features three new decks, six more ladder levels, new challenges including "multi-turns" that require more than one turn to win, and a final boss that is strongly hinted at in the title. They didn't announce a date for the DLC except for "soon." Even sooner than that, however, will be a full title update, which includes numerous bug fixes (no more freezes!), a forfeit option, and more.

WotC execs foolishly chose yours truly to be the first to demo the new expansion, and through extreme amounts of audience help, which consisted of shouts of NOOOOO! and YEEEEEAHHHHH!, my black & blue deck triumphed over Sarkhan Vol. We'll have assets for the DLC soon, which thankfully won't include our blurry partycam shot above. Sadly the new DLC does not include deck customization, but keep hope alive.

JoystiqPAX 2009: Duel the Dragon DLC coming to Duels of the Planeswalkers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Magic-The-GatheringMicrosoftMTGpax-2009TCGXBLAXbox-360Sun, 06 Sep 2009 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Magic the Gathering -- Duels of the Planeswalkers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/interview-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/interview-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/interview-magic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/#comments
Duels of the Planeswalkers was released at the beginning of summer on Xbox Live Arcade, and it's a surprisingly competent take on the traditional Magic card game. The XBLA game is immediately familiar and also easy enough for first-timers to jump in and learn the ropes. There's a robust tutorial, all of the cards are real Magic cards, and the multiplayer features multiple modes of play, including four-on-four battles and "Two-Headed Giant," where a team of two faces off against another team of two. In short, it's addictive.

We recently spoke with Worth Wollpert, senior business manager for Magic Online, and Mark Purvis, associate brand manager, both at Wizards of the Coast. The subject at hand was all things Duels of the Planeswalkers: there's some DLC on the way, and possibly other changes to the game -- but no deck customization (boo!). For now, the team is happy to let the game bring lapsed players back into the fold, and to introduce new players to the tapping and shuffling of Magic: The Gathering. Continue reading for the full interview.

Gallery: Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers

Continue reading Interview: Magic the Gathering -- Duels of the Planeswalkers

JoystiqInterview: Magic the Gathering -- Duels of the Planeswalkers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Duels-of-the-PlaneswalkersinterviewMagicMagic-the-GatheringStainless-GamesTCGWizards-of-the-CoastWotCXBLAWed, 29 Jul 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[BattleForge shuffling 60 new cards into August expansion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/19/battleforge-shuffling-60-new-cards-into-august-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/19/battleforge-shuffling-60-new-cards-into-august-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/19/battleforge-shuffling-60-new-cards-into-august-expansion/#comments
Our knowledge of the inner workings of Electronic Arts' microtransaction-infused RTS BattleForge is limited, but we're still pretty excited about the Renegade Edition expansion that's coming to the game this August. The add-on will add 60 new cards to the game, each representing new units and buildings. While we may not know exactly how those cards are used, our history with the Pokémon TCG taught us one hard and fast rule -- more cards is always a good thing.

However, we can't begin to guess the purpose of the "dual orb cards and special affinities" that the expansion will also bring to the game, but the announcement post on BattleForge's blog says they'll "deepen and enrich the strategical possibilities of the decks and the combat itself." We guess we'll take their word for it.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqBattleForge shuffling 60 new cards into August expansion originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battleforgeeaElectronic-ArtsexpansionpcrenegadertstcgSun, 19 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision publishing game based on Chaotic TCG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/activision-publishing-game-based-on-chaotic-tcg/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/activision-publishing-game-based-on-chaotic-tcg/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/13/activision-publishing-game-based-on-chaotic-tcg/#comments
Fans of the popular TCG and cartoon series, Chaotic, will get a much cheaper alternative when Activision releases their video game version of the card game. Combining action, role-playing, and turn-based elements, Chaotic will feature "vibrant, fully-realized 3D environments" and "various characters from the best-selling trading card game and hit animated series." Players can also look forward to "dramatic tactical battles, a variety of captivating gameplay modes, as well as powerful upgrades and valuable unlockables."

Chaotic will be available for the DS, Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3 this fall.

JoystiqActivision publishing game based on Chaotic TCG originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanimated-seriescartoonchaotictcgtrading-card-gameFri, 13 Feb 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft's Spectral Tiger sells for $2000]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/18/world-of-warcrafts-spectral-tiger-sells-for-2000/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/18/world-of-warcrafts-spectral-tiger-sells-for-2000/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/18/world-of-warcrafts-spectral-tiger-sells-for-2000/#commentsFiled under: ,

A Spectral Tiger from the World of Warcraft: Trading Card Game recently sold on eBay for $2000. If we'd have known that the Spectral Tiger that WoW Insider gave away last month would sell for $2000, we would have said. "Contest be damned! We're going to Vegas baby!" The reason the card is so special is because it also gives you a rare mount inside of WoW once you input a code.

Another reason the card sold for so much is that the card set it comes form, Fires of Outland, won't even be out until August 22nd. Beyond that, it's still apparently a rare card. As WoW Insider points out, $2000 is 11 years of game time -- and yes, that's the way they think about these things. Of course, like all things WoW, people go nuts and spend all this money and time on something to only have to be made completely uncool and pointless by something else a month later. But, you know, you're still World of Warcraft cool for a whole month.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft's Spectral Tiger sells for $2000 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Aug 2007 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arthasPCspectraltigertcgtradingcardgameworldofwarcraftSat, 18 Aug 2007 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[WoW Insider gives away a super rare Spectral Tiger Mount]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/wow-insider-gives-away-a-super-rare-spectral-tiger-mount/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/wow-insider-gives-away-a-super-rare-spectral-tiger-mount/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/wow-insider-gives-away-a-super-rare-spectral-tiger-mount/#commentsFiled under:


See that? That's a Spectral Tiger Mount, a super-rare steed available only from a special loot card in Upper Deck's new World of Warcraft TCG expansion. Sure, the cards aren't even out yet but that hasn't stopped Upper Deck and WoW Insider (Joystiq's totally fabulous all-things-WoW blog) from teaming up to give one away to a single lucky reader. Entering is simple! If you play on a US or EU realm, just head over to WoW Insider and leave a comment before 7pm EDT tomorrow. That's it!

While you're over there, check out their coverage of Blizzcon, going down next week. Already going? Stop by the first ever WoW Insider meetup while you're in town. Tell 'em Joystiq sent ya.

JoystiqWoW Insider gives away a super rare Spectral Tiger Mount originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>TCGUpperDeckWoWWoWInsiderThu, 26 Jul 2007 12:00:00 EST