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[More Reich footage surfaces, from TGS '09]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/more-reich-footage-surfaces-from-tgs-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/more-reich-footage-surfaces-from-tgs-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/more-reich-footage-surfaces-from-tgs-09/#comments We've seen footage of Ignition's canceled FPS Reich before -- remember those videos from back in November? -- but what about the 2009 demo reel, set to erratic German metal, shown at Tokyo Game Show? Thanks to YouTube user "JanusTheChosen" (a reference to the game) the lengthy clip is now available for the world to see, showcasing the canned title's destructible environments and Psi-Ops-style telekinesis gameplay.

Additionally, Reich's apparent subtitle, "Downfall," is revealed, positioning the game one step closer to an internet meme. Head past the break to get a look at this most "up-to-date" footage.

Continue reading More Reich footage surfaces, from TGS '09

JoystiqMore Reich footage surfaces, from TGS '09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancelledignitionignition-entertainmentpaul-steedreichtgs-2009utv-ignitionMon, 27 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese game devs give their verdicts on TGS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/japanese-game-devs-give-their-verdicts-on-tgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/japanese-game-devs-give-their-verdicts-on-tgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/japanese-game-devs-give-their-verdicts-on-tgs/#comments
While plenty of games press and hardcore fans flocked to 2009's Tokyo Game Show, attendance was down versus last year, and developers noticed. "The total attendance is down from last year, but myself, it felt less like a crush of people and more like a fun festival atmosphere like we used to have," Hideo Kojima told Famitsu in an upcoming feature.

But not every developer looked favorably on the late-September show. Bayonetta director Hideki Kamiya pointed out that only three titles out of the 12 awarded 'Future' prizes at the Japan Game Awards were non-sequels. "That seems to go crossways with the term 'future' in my mind and it's frankly kind of sad," he said.

Resident Evil 5 producer Jun Takeuchi revealed he was "a little disappointed" that there were very few Japanese-made titles positioned for the worldwide market. However, he does note the titles meant for Japanese consumption puts the industry (in the East) on a stable base. While Fumito Ueda -- currently working on The Last Guardian -- noted that he is extremely excited about offerings from the West, specifically Modern Warfare 2. "I feel a serious sublime beauty in all of Infinity Ward's FPSes," he told Famitsu, despite qualms that Western companies came to Japan to push their wares rather than discussing innovation.

According to Akihiro Hino, head of Level-5 -- one of the busier booths at TGS 2009 -- the show felt "kind of plain." However, he does agree that the show offered a lot of games he personally wanted to play. "So in that respect," he noted, "TGS was great." If you consider waiting in line for 180 minutes to play one title great, we agree.

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqJapanese game devs give their verdicts on TGS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akihiro-hinofamitsuhideki-kamiyahideo-kojimajun-takeuchikojima-productionskonamilevel-5platinum-gamestgs-2009Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: .hack//Link]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/hands-on-hack-link/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/hands-on-hack-link/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/hands-on-hack-link/#commentsThe .hack franchise has always been a series we've wanted to like: CyberConnect 2's transmedia story combines an edgy, inspired style with a unique premise filled with intrigue. However, the original PS2 games -- spanning the .hack// tetralogy and the .hack//GU trilogy -- skimped on gameplay, failing to actualize its overly-ambitious vision.

Perhaps the only thing more surprising than the fact that the franchise's finale will appear exclusively on PSP is that .hack//Link has the potential to be the best game ever created in the long-running RPG series. Although not formerly announced for a US release, we find little reason for Namco Bandai Games America to skimp on a localized version: The demo at Tokyo Game Show had a fresh, "fun" attitude that's evident in both the game's new art style and its combat system.

We didn't have a chance to see much of the game's story in our demo. However, Link takes a page from the other compilation games so popular in Japan right now (Dissidia: Final Fantasy, Tales of VS), by populating the game with many faces from the various .hack games, manga and anime series. Playable partners in the TGS demo included Haseo (from .hack//GU) and Tsukasa (from .hack//SIGN).

Continue reading Hands-on: .hack//Link

JoystiqHands-on: .hack//Link originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>.hackcyberconnect2dot-hackdot-hack-linknamco-bandaitgs-2009Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Splinter Cell walkthrough video brings out the brutality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/splinter-cell-conviction-walkthrough-video-brings-out-the-brutal/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/splinter-cell-conviction-walkthrough-video-brings-out-the-brutal/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/splinter-cell-conviction-walkthrough-video-brings-out-the-brutal/#comments This four-and-a-half-minute walkthrough preview of Badass: The Game (a.k.a. Splinter Cell Conviction) is not for the faint of heart. "We really wanted to bring out Sam's brutality," observes an unseen narrator, as the rogue agent stabs a terrorist in the hand in a torture scene that would make Jack Bauer feel at home.

Certainly, Amnesty International wouldn't approve of these tactics -- but we're a rather depraved bunch here at Joystiq HQ. It's pretty clear Splinter Cell Conviction is one of our most anticipated games targeted for the crowded Q1 season next year.

JoystiqSplinter Cell walkthrough video brings out the brutality originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badass-the-gameMicrosoftsplinter-cellsplinter-cell-convictiontgs-2009ubisoftvideowalkthroughXbox-360Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Microsoft Game Studios' Phil Spencer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/interview-microsoft-game-studios-phil-spencer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/interview-microsoft-game-studios-phil-spencer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/interview-microsoft-game-studios-phil-spencer/#comments If given the choice of becoming a (presumably) anthropomorphic vegetable, Phil Spencer would opt for an eggplant. Sure, we spoke to the confident head of Microsoft Game Studios about other things -- Halo, Project Natal, Fable, Crackdown, the Xbox 360's successor, blah blah blah -- but with that profound scoop out of the way, there's barely any reason to read this interview.

Mind you, the part where Spencer suggests that alternate forms of input (whether in addition to or in substitute of traditional controllers) might become a common expectation is pretty interesting. You should definitely read that.

Joystiq: We just came out of the Tokyo Game Show panel discussion for Project Natal ...

Phil Spencer: The creators panel.

Yes, the creators panel. Hideo Kojima was there; they brainstormed about all these games. How much focus is Microsoft Game Studios placing on Natal development internally in comparison to other projects?

It's a big focus for us in first party. As a first party, I think it's our duty, it's our responsibility to look at the new technologies that we bring to our platform. We did this with Live. We did at launch of 360. When we look at Project Natal as an opportunity for first party to truly innovate on our platform, creating new experiences, new intellectual property, we're very focused. A large percentage of the studio right now is thinking about Natal as part of what they're doing.

Continue reading Interview: Microsoft Game Studios' Phil Spencer

JoystiqInterview: Microsoft Game Studios' Phil Spencer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-WakeCrackdownCrackdown-2FableHaloHalo-3-ODSTinterviewMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosODSTPhil-SpencerProject-Natalspawnpoint-studiosTGSTGS-2009Xbox-360Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: 'Alan Wake' runs toward darkness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/impressions-alan-wake-runs-toward-darkness/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/impressions-alan-wake-runs-toward-darkness/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/impressions-alan-wake-runs-toward-darkness/#comments
click to enlarge
Previously on Alan Wake... in search of lost manuscript pages for a novel he doesn't recall writing, Alan Wake is searching the Pacific Northwest town of Bright Falls for his missing wife. The pages aren't only a clue as to where Alan must search next, but seem to be the basis of a dark force taking over the small town.

In the latest demo of Alan Wake, the title character is without a weapon or the protection of a light source -- the only thing that can slow down the darkness taking over the small town. During this section of the game, Alan must retreat into the darkened forests, pursued by an FBI agent named Nightingale who is sure Wake is to blame for all of the terrible things happening in the town. Sadly, Nightingale may not be wrong.

Gallery: Alan Wake

Continue reading Impressions: 'Alan Wake' runs toward darkness

JoystiqImpressions: 'Alan Wake' runs toward darkness originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-wakeimpressionsMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosremedyremedy-entertainmenttgs-2009Xbox-360Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Front Mission Evolved]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/hands-on-front-mission-evolved/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/hands-on-front-mission-evolved/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/hands-on-front-mission-evolved/#comments Many franchises attempt to break apart from familiar genres in an effort to expand their fan bases. Metroid went first-person, Halo went RTS and Square Enix's long-standing, tactical RPG franchise, Front Mission, has turned into a standard third-person action game.

For players still clamoring to return to the world of MechAssault, Front Mission Evolved may help cater to their needs. While the game's current state looks pretty rough, the Robot vs. Other Giant Robot action is fun, fast and fulfilling. Front Mission Evolved features a limited array of weaponry, but its quick pace actually had me hooked while it lasted. If the action becomes a little too harsh -- and the game did pose a challenge during my brief demo with the Xbox 360 version -- tapping the 'Y' button slows down time and turns every weapon in your arsenal to an automatic victory cannon.

There isn't much to the action: Run through a linear level and defeat the enemies that get in your way. It isn't the Citizen Kane of gaming, but the demo was entertaining. At least half of it was.

Gallery: Front Mission Evolved

Continue reading Hands-on: Front Mission Evolved

JoystiqHands-on: Front Mission Evolved originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Double-Helix-Gamesfront-missionfront-mission-evolvedMicrosoftsquare-enixtgs-2009Xbox-360Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Valkyria Chronicles 2's Takeshi Ozawa and Shinji Motoyama]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/interview-valkyria-chronicles-2s-takeshi-ozawa-and-shinji-moto/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/interview-valkyria-chronicles-2s-takeshi-ozawa-and-shinji-moto/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/interview-valkyria-chronicles-2s-takeshi-ozawa-and-shinji-moto/#comments
The announcement of Valkyria Chronicles 2 came as a surprise for most. In spite of the modest sales of the first game, Sega greenlit a second title in th franchise, this time for the PSP. We spoke with Sega director Takeshi Ozawa and producer Shinji Motoyama about the difficulties in translating the experience to PSP, and the cameos we can expect from the upcoming sequel. [Note: While two people were interviewed, only the responses from our single Sega-provided translator are transcribed. We apologize for the lack of proper attribution.]

Joystiq: Obviously, many people were surprised to see a sequel not on PS3, but on PSP. Does this open up the chance that the franchise will move to even more platforms, like the 360, for example?

Translator: It's difficult for us to comment on because, actually, we weren't thinking about specific platforms when designing the game. And it just turns out, we developed for the PS3 and this time we chose PSP as the platform. We do take into consideration, in terms of game design, and delivering the game world and experience to the users. This time, we thought PSP was the ideal platform to do that. It's as simple as that. But, it's because of this that discussions became kind of widespread, and people started asking questions "why there's no 360 version?" We don't want to say anything that would enrage the fire of that discussion.

Continue reading Interview: Valkyria Chronicles 2's Takeshi Ozawa and Shinji Motoyama

JoystiqInterview: Valkyria Chronicles 2's Takeshi Ozawa and Shinji Motoyama originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>interviewsegashinji-motoyamatakeshi-ozawatgs-2009valkyria-chroniclesvalkyria-chronicles-2Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: tri-Ace and Sega on Resonance of Fate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/interview-tri-ace-and-sega-on-resonance-of-fate/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/interview-tri-ace-and-sega-on-resonance-of-fate/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/interview-tri-ace-and-sega-on-resonance-of-fate/#commentsImmediately after I got my first chance to play Resonance of Fate, with my ears still ringing from virtual gunfire, I met with director Takayuki Suguro (tri-Ace) and producer Mitsuhiro Shimano (Sega) to discuss the futuristic title. In our brief chat, the developers talked about the unique setting, the guns, and the difficulties of making both a multiplatform game and a game designed for a worldwide audience.

And if you ever wondered what tri-Ace does to unwind after a hard day at the RPG mines, that happens to come up too.

Gallery: Resonance of Fate



Continue reading Interview: tri-Ace and Sega on Resonance of Fate

JoystiqInterview: tri-Ace and Sega on Resonance of Fate originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>end-of-eternityMicrosoftresonance-of-faterpgsegatgs-2009tri-aceXbox-360Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce (360/PS3), Samurai Warriors 3 (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/hands-on-dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-360-ps3-samurai-warrio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/hands-on-dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-360-ps3-samurai-warrio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/hands-on-dynasty-warriors-strikeforce-360-ps3-samurai-warrio/#commentsI played two games in Koei's prolific Warriors series at TGS: the Wii-exclusive Samurai Warriors 3, and the PS3/360 port of the PSP's Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce. The two games were as different from one another as two Warriors games could be, though, of course, both games stuck to the Warriors foundation of controlling a historical war hero as he or she beats several thousand enemy soldiers on a crowded battlefield. Both seem like high-quality entries, each offering compelling reasons for lapsed combatants to return to the fight.

Gallery: Samurai Warriors 3 (Wii)


Gallery: Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce (PS3/360)


Continue reading Hands-on: Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce (360/PS3), Samurai Warriors 3 (Wii)

JoystiqHands-on: Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce (360/PS3), Samurai Warriors 3 (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dynasty-warriorsdynasty-warriors-strikeforcekoeiNintendosamurai-warriors-3tgs-2009WiiMon, 05 Oct 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Super Monkey Ball's Yasuhito Baba]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/interview-super-monkey-balls-yasuhito-baba/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/interview-super-monkey-balls-yasuhito-baba/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/interview-super-monkey-balls-yasuhito-baba/#comments
Who would've thought that a simple game about monkeys trapped in plastic balls would go on to become one of Sega's biggest franchises? We talked with Sega producer Yasuhito Baba at Tokyo Game Show about the upcoming Step & Roll for the Wii Balance Board, and talked about the future for the franchise. Will it include support for Natal and the PlayStation Motion Controller? Read on.

Joystiq: How long after the Balance Board was announced did you think of making a new Monkey Ball game for it?
Yasuhito Baba: So actually, as soon the Balance Board game out, we thought this would be a great match for Super Monkey Ball. But the problem is, because we can't bundle with the Balance Board, we had to wait and see how the Balance Board would do. We had to wait for it to sell and wait for there to be a market for more Balance Board games.

Monkey Ball is really well suited for new devices. So pretty much whenever there's a new device or new platform, we're always thinking about if Monkey Ball would work on it or not.

Continue reading Interview: Super Monkey Ball's Yasuhito Baba

JoystiqInterview: Super Monkey Ball's Yasuhito Baba originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-boardNintendosegastep-and-rollsuper-monkey-balltgs-2009Wiiyasuhito-babaMon, 05 Oct 2009 14:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Quantum Theory (PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/hands-on-quantum-theory-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/hands-on-quantum-theory-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/hands-on-quantum-theory-ps3/#comments Aping a popular franchise's mechanics and style may be seen as a safe business proposition, but in terms of critical evaluation, the copy-cat game is likely to face stricter judgment. After all, if you're going to copy the good stuff, you've got to get it right.

Tecmo's PlayStation 3 exclusive, Quantum Theory (just Quantum outside of Japan), certainly succeeds in evoking memories of Gears of War -- at least, if you remember Epic's shooter being a technically unsound and completely unappealing disaster. If the Tokyo Game Show build is any indication, Quantum needs to undergo crucial work before its early 2010 release.

Gallery: Quantum Theory

Continue reading Hands-on: Quantum Theory (PS3)

JoystiqHands-on: Quantum Theory (PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gears-of-warquantumquantum-theoryshootertecmotgs-2009Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Level 5 would consider new Dark Cloud if community shows interest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/03/level-5-would-consider-new-dark-cloud-if-community-shows-interes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/03/level-5-would-consider-new-dark-cloud-if-community-shows-interes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/03/level-5-would-consider-new-dark-cloud-if-community-shows-interes/#comments Level 5's Yoshiaki Kusada recently spoke with Kotaku at the Tokyo Game Show about whether the developer was working on a new installment in its debut franchise, Dark Cloud. "At this moment we don't have a specific plan for a sequel in the Dark Cloud series," Kusada explained, but later added, "there are some who decided to join Level 5 because they love the Dark Cloud series. So, if requests from users should increase in the future, we would seriously consider making it."

Level 5, please consider this our humble request: Please, please, please make Dark Cloud 3. Would it help if we went ahead and reviewed it? Fine, here we go: "Dark Cloud 3 is the greatest game ever created by anyone in the entire universe. Everyone should own it. In fact, failure to own it should be considered irresponsible. Its purchase should be federally mandated. If we did numerical scores, we'd give it a 68,439 out of 3."

There's more than a few box quotes for you, Level 5. Now get to work.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqLevel 5 would consider new Dark Cloud if community shows interest originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-clouddark-cloud-3level-5rpgtgs-2009yoshiaki-kusadaSat, 03 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: The Recap Post]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/tgs-2009-the-recap-post/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/tgs-2009-the-recap-post/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/tgs-2009-the-recap-post/#comments
Last week, the Tokyo Game Show brought in over 100 posts worth of news, previews, interviews, galleries, and videos. Clearly, a lot happened. If you're looking for a comprehensive list of all the goings-on during TGS 2009, Joystiq has you covered -- and organized!

Click on a platform below to scan the highlights:

(On the far right: that's "News" and "Culture" on the top and bottom, respectively)

Continue reading TGS 2009: The Recap Post

JoystiqTGS 2009: The Recap Post originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0-day-attack-on-earthace-attorney-investigations-miles-edgeworthace-combat-xialienwarearmy-of-two-2army-of-two-the-40th-dayassassins-creed-2badman-2bayonettacapcomcrackdown-2dantes-infernodead-rising-2DSdynasty-warriors-onlineeaechoshiftelectronic-artsend-of-eternityepic-gamesfablefinal-fantasty-crystal-chroniclesfinal-fantasty-crystal-chronicles-the-crystal-bearersfinal-fantasy-versus-xiiifinal-fantasy-xiiifinal-fantasy-xivforza-motorsport-3four-warriors-of-lightfour-warriors-of-light-final-fantasy-gaidengears-of-war-2ghost-trickGhost-Trick-Phantom-Detectiveghosts-n-goblinsghouls-n-ghostsgran-turismo-5gundamgyromancerinafunejoy-ridekojimakonamilast-guardianleft-4-dead-2little-king-storylittlebigplanetlost-planet-2metal-gear-solid-peace-walkerMicrosoftminna-no-sukkirini-no-kunini-no-kuni-the-another-worldNintendonis-americaokamidenphil-spencerplaystation-roomproject-natalpsp-gorecapresident-evil-5resident-evil-5-directors-cutresident-evil-the-darkside-chroniclesresonance-of-fatesands-of-destructionsegasilent-hill-shattered-memoriessnoopysonyspace-invaders-extremesplinter-cell-convictionsquare-enixsuda51super-monkey-ball-step-and-rolltgs-2009the-last-guardiantokyo-game-showtoy-soldierstsumujiubisoftvalkyria-chronicles-2valvewii-hulaxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeyoshiro-kimuraFri, 02 Oct 2009 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Interview: imageepoch and Sega on Sands of Destruction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/tgs-2009-interview-imageepoch-and-sega-on-sands-of-destruction/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/tgs-2009-interview-imageepoch-and-sega-on-sands-of-destruction/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/tgs-2009-interview-imageepoch-and-sega-on-sands-of-destruction/#commentsThough Sands of Destruction has been out in Japan since late 2008, developer imageepoch was present at Tokyo Game Show conducting interviews for the DS RPG in order to promote the January 2010 Western release.

We spoke with representatives from both imageepoch and Sega about the unconventional 2D game, learning a bit about what's been changed for the US version, talking about how cute the character Taupy (right) is and finding out what the deal is with the title change in the most unexpectedly awkward way possible.

Continue reading TGS 2009: Interview: imageepoch and Sega on Sands of Destruction

JoystiqTGS 2009: Interview: imageepoch and Sega on Sands of Destruction originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSimage-epochNintendosands-of-destructionsegatgs-2009world-destructionFri, 02 Oct 2009 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Level-5's Yoshiaki Kusada]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/interview-level-5s-yoshiaki-kusada/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/interview-level-5s-yoshiaki-kusada/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/interview-level-5s-yoshiaki-kusada/#comments
Sony Computer Entertainment and Level-5 have been slow in bringing White Knight Chronicles out of Japan. We talked with Level-5 manager Yoshiaki Kusada about the lengthy delay of the international version, and if the developer is concerned about competing against Square Enix's Final Fantasy XIII as the PS3 JRPG of choice next spring.

Joystiq: White Knight Chronicles has been out in Japan for a very long time. Why has it taken so long to find release in America?

Kusada: When Level-5 launched the Dark Cloud series in the past in Japan, we tried to incorporate feedback from users to make updates before releasing it overseas. In terms of White Knight Chronicles, since it's an online game, we have received a lot of feedback from users. So, we wanted to improve the title more based on the feedback from the users before releasing it overseas. In fact, in the Japanese market, these improvements have been made available through patching. We are awfully sorry we have been keeping the US users for so long, but we wanted to make sure that all the updates and improvements of everything up to the so-called "Second Wave," which includes Georama, before delivering it to the US users. After the "Second Wave," we started the localization of the game for the international market. We are so sorry that it has taken so much time. For the time, we believe we are able to deliver a much better game for the US market. So, I would like to ask for a bit more patience.

Continue reading Interview: Level-5's Yoshiaki Kusada

JoystiqInterview: Level-5's Yoshiaki Kusada originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>interviewjrpglevel-5tgs-2009white-knight-chroniclesyoshiaki-kusadaFri, 02 Oct 2009 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII TGS trailer -- this time dubbed in English]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/final-fantasy-xiii-tgs-trailer-this-time-dubbed-in-english/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/final-fantasy-xiii-tgs-trailer-this-time-dubbed-in-english/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/final-fantasy-xiii-tgs-trailer-this-time-dubbed-in-english/#commentsDon't worry, you won't find any master of unlocking-level voice work in this Final Fantasy XIII trailer, as all the character actors totally bring their respective A-games. It's the same trailer Square Enix released for TGS, although now that it's in English, you can actually understand what's going on.

There's combat, engagements and some totally badass summons to see, so waste no time hitting that play button. Still reading -- what are you waiting for? Hop to it!

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII TGS trailer -- this time dubbed in English originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiiiMicrosoftsquare-enixtgs-2009trailervideoXbox-360Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Coropata]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/hands-on-coropata-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/hands-on-coropata-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/hands-on-coropata-ds/#commentsDelightfully free of both hype and epic lines, Lukplus's Coropata proved to be one of the most pleasant surprises of TGS 2009. The DS adventure game looks at first like any of a million chibi anime games, but proved to be a light-hearted Japanese take on the Incredible Machine-meets-Lemmings gameplay most recently found in LucasArts' upcoming Lucidity.

Each puzzle in Coropata gives you a limited number of items in your inventory, like a single wooden platform or two basketballs, to use in order to help a blue-haired girl get to the goal. Additionally, other objects, including scissors and baseballs, are pre-littered throughout each stage, and their positions can't be changed. The girl automatically interacts with any object she comes across: if there's a ball, she throws it; if there's a banana peel, she slips, delaying her progress for a few seconds.

Continue reading Hands-on: Coropata

JoystiqHands-on: Coropata originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coropatalukpluspuzzletgs-2009Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: 0 Day Attack on Earth (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/hands-on-0-day-attack-on-earth-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/hands-on-0-day-attack-on-earth-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/hands-on-0-day-attack-on-earth-xbla/#comments Hidden in the back of its large TGS booth, Square Enix had three Xbox Live Arcade titles on display last week, one of which was 0 Day Attack on Earth.

A twin-stick shooter -- finally! -- 0 Day puts players in control of a fighter jet fending off an alien attack. Throw darts at a board littered with game premises and this is where many of them land. The problem isn't that the game mimics the mechanics of so many other titles available on XBLA -- because twin-stick shooters can still be good -- it's that 0 Day Attack on Earth just isn't compelling.

Gallery: 0 Day Attack on Earth (XBLA)

Continue reading Hands-on: 0 Day Attack on Earth (XBLA)

JoystiqHands-on: 0 Day Attack on Earth (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0-day-attack-on-earthgultisquare-enixtgs-2009twin-stick-shooterxblaxbox-live-arcadeThu, 01 Oct 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/hands-on-resident-evil-the-darkside-chronicles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/hands-on-resident-evil-the-darkside-chronicles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/hands-on-resident-evil-the-darkside-chronicles/#comments
If there's one thing to be thankful for in the face of Capcom's steady stream of Resident Evil games, it's that we've all been given a fairly comprehensive education on the undead blight. We can see a zombie coming a mile away, which presents an odd sense of frustration when the game's own characters fail to do the same. No, that person isn't sick. It's a zombie and it's going to bite your neck off. Just shoot it!

The Darkside Chronicles, an instantly familiar follow-up to the Wii's Umbrella Chronicles, often hesitates to pull the trigger. It takes a leisurely stroll when least appropriate and it's slow to react when things do get exciting. You might think that your friends Survival-Horror and On-Rails Shooter would get along just fine, but leave them both in the room while you go to the toilet and it's just awkward silence.

Gallery: Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles (TGS 2009)

Continue reading Hands-on: Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles

JoystiqHands-on: Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biohazardcapcomNintendoresident-evilresident-evil-the-darkside-chroniclestgs-2009the-darkside-chroniclesWiiWed, 30 Sep 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Crackdown 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/preview-crackdown-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/preview-crackdown-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/preview-crackdown-2/#comments A hands-on preview of Crackdown 2 at TGS last week came with a catch: deathmatch only. No matter how much potential for greatness a game might possess, it's hard to gauge its true character when limited to a boring multiplayer mode. That's not to say that my time with Crackdown 2 was entirely boring -- it wasn't -- but simply playing the most generic mode of all didn't raise my enthusiasm beyond a mild passing interest.

While I wasn't able to play the game's single-player campaign, I was shown a rough portion of it in action. Ruffian lead designer Steve Iannetta and producer James Cope showcased the game's new weapons and enemies (the mutated citizens of Pacific City that were simply referred to as "The Freaks"). Unlike the deathmatch portion of the preview session, this part was interesting.

Gallery: Crackdown 2 (TGS 2009)

Continue reading Preview: Crackdown 2

JoystiqPreview: Crackdown 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncrackdowncrackdown-2deathmatchMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosmultiplayerRiot-Act-2ruffianruffian-gamesSandboxtgs-2009Xbox-360Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:16:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Interview: Little King's Story's Yoshiro Kimura]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/tgs-2009-interview-little-king-storys-yoshiro-kimura/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/tgs-2009-interview-little-king-storys-yoshiro-kimura/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/tgs-2009-interview-little-king-storys-yoshiro-kimura/#commentsYoshiro Kimura is the creator of Little King's Story, likely the only game in history to be the inspiration for a giveaway of one hundred hamburgers, one hundred bananas, and one hundred coupons for a visit to a spa -- all simultaneously.

We spoke to Kimura during Tokyo Game Show about the secrets of the Wii game, about that rather strange contest, and about a can't-miss concept for a game about an old man drinking on a bench.

Continue reading TGS 2009: Interview: Little King's Story's Yoshiro Kimura

JoystiqTGS 2009: Interview: Little King's Story's Yoshiro Kimura originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cinglittle-kings-storymarvelousNintendoRPGRTStgs-2009WiiXSeedXSeed-JKSyoshiro-kimuraWed, 30 Sep 2009 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Interview: Suda 51]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/tgs-2009-interview-suda-51/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/tgs-2009-interview-suda-51/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/tgs-2009-interview-suda-51/#commentsWhen we came into Marvelous Entertainment's hotel room, we witnessed another outlet recording a video interview with Suda 51, producer of No More Heroes and its sequel. Marvelous brought this, well, marvelous beam katana prop, which lights up and makes appropriately lightsabery noises, and someone pretended to attack him in the conclusion of the video interview. Suda gamely displayed mock fright at the beam katana attack for multiple takes while someone waved the device around in front of him.

All we did was ask him some questions about No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle and Grasshopper's other work.

Continue reading TGS 2009: Interview: Suda 51

JoystiqTGS 2009: Interview: Suda 51 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actiongrasshopper-manufactureinterviewNintendoNo-More-Heroesno-more-heroes-2No-More-Heroes-2-Desperate-Strugglesuda51tgs-2009UbisoftWiiTue, 29 Sep 2009 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom summoning Ghouls 'n Ghosts/Ghosts 'n Goblins for iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/capcom-summoning-ghouls-n-ghosts-ghosts-n-goblins-for-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/capcom-summoning-ghouls-n-ghosts-ghosts-n-goblins-for-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/capcom-summoning-ghouls-n-ghosts-ghosts-n-goblins-for-iphone/#comments
Capcom has revealed that its resident ghost and goblin slayer (and suspected never-nude) Arthur is coming to the iPhone. During a presentation at TGS (via GameWatch) the company revealed a new Ghosts 'n Goblins -- which uses a touch-based control scheme not all that different from the iPhone port of Resident Evil 4 and overlays 3D models on top of the series' 2D gameplay. GameWatch also reports the title will allow players to choose between two different heroes: Arthur and Lancelot.

The game is highly reminiscent of Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins, a PSP game that also employed 3D models while retaining the classic 2D gameplay of the originals. There's no word on price or launch date, but we'll be sure to let you know as soon as it's announced.

[Via Touch Arcade]

JoystiqCapcom summoning Ghouls 'n Ghosts/Ghosts 'n Goblins for iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applearthurcapcomghosts-n-goblinsiPodlancelottgs-2009Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:24:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation & Xbox hardware gets the Body Worlds treatment at Japanese museum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/playstation-and-xbox-hardware-gets-the-body-worlds-treatment-at-ja/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/playstation-and-xbox-hardware-gets-the-body-worlds-treatment-at-ja/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/playstation-and-xbox-hardware-gets-the-body-worlds-treatment-at-ja/#commentsFor some people, the sight of a gaming console broken open, exposing its parts to the world, can be something of utter agony. Not for the Museum of Game Science in Tokyo, where you can find the entire line of PlayStation and Xbox consoles disassembled and dissected for all to see.

Seen in Engadget's video above, one thin layer of glass is all that prevents the intrepid cameraman from reaching into the displays and pulling bits from here, bobs from there to assemble the world's first supermega-gen console: XStation 720. Knowing better, he chooses instead to give us a piece-by-piece visual rundown of what the museum offered for display at this year's Tokyo Game Show. We appreciate your self-control, kind sir.

JoystiqPlayStation & Xbox hardware gets the Body Worlds treatment at Japanese museum originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwarejapanMicrosoftmuseum-of-game-scienceps1teardowntgstgs-2009videoXbox-360Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:15:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Game of the Show]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-game-of-the-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-game-of-the-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-game-of-the-show/#comments Andrew: "I think I'll just call this our game of the show and make that the headline. No other text."

Xav: "You can't use that headline! They'll use that on the box art!"

Ross: "I hope they do. I hope they do."

JoystiqTGS 2009: Game of the Show originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-of-the-showhulahula-wiiNintendotgs-2009WiiMon, 28 Sep 2009 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo Game Show 2009 attendance down slightly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tokyo-game-show-2009-attendance-down-slightly/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tokyo-game-show-2009-attendance-down-slightly/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tokyo-game-show-2009-attendance-down-slightly/#comments
The Tokyo Game Show maintained a relatively steady attendance this year, with the exception of the first public day of the show, which saw a 10,000 attendee decrease from the prior year. The business days maintained almost the exact same figures as 2008, which had seen a dramatic drop from 2007 -- but, with the global economy in shambles, that's not shocking.
  • Thursday (Business): 27,435 ('08 - 27,305; '07 - 29,783)
  • Friday (Business): 24,605 ('08 - 24,178; '07 - 32,390)
  • Saturday (Public): 61,138 ('08 - 71,639; '07 - 64,795)
  • Sunday (Public): 71,852 ('08 - 71,166; '07 - 66,072)
In total, the show had 185,030 attendees, which is still nothing to sneeze at -- unlike [tasteless gaming conference Swine Flu joke goes here].

[Image]

JoystiqTokyo Game Show 2009 attendance down slightly originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attendancetgstgs-2009Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Kudo demoes Natal, invents dance craze]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-kudo-tsunoda-demoes-natal-invents-dance-craze/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-kudo-tsunoda-demoes-natal-invents-dance-craze/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-kudo-tsunoda-demoes-natal-invents-dance-craze/#commentsAs you've probably guessed, the dearth of footage of actual Project Natal gameplay can be attributed to Microsoft's ban on filming the screen during demos of the technology. Hence, the gameplay-less video above, captured by Engadget during a Natal preview of Beautiful Katamari and Space Invaders Extreme.

Watch as Project Natal creative director Kudo Tsunoda shows how one rolls giant sticky balls or pushes back extraterrestrial attackers using only one's limbs. Without seeing the screen, we can't be certain how well he's performing these activities, but we can certainly attest to his remarkable dancing prowess.

JoystiqTGS 2009: Kudo demoes Natal, invents dance craze originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beautiful-katamarikudo-tsunodaMicrosoftproject-natalspace-invaders-extremetgs-2009videoXbox-360Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Interview: Gran Turismo 5's Kazunori Yamauchi]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-interview-gran-turismo-5s-kazunori-yamauchi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-interview-gran-turismo-5s-kazunori-yamauchi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-interview-gran-turismo-5s-kazunori-yamauchi/#comments During Tokyo Game Show last week we crashed Polyphony Digital's studio and chatted up Kazunori Yamauchi about ... Gran Turismo 6? Wait -- what? Just watch the interview.

Selected excerpts below:

Joystiq: Are there any plans to bring Gran Turismo PSP's "Party Mode" to GT5?

Yamauchi: I'm glad you noticed that. What we really worked hard to make the PSP portable fun and interesting is in those types of details. Obviously, these are ideas we worked hard on and they will be carried over in some form into GT5.

In Gran Turismo, with its ten years of history, the people that who good at playing the game are really, really good at playing the game. Of course, there are a lot of first-time players that want to get into the game, and it was a major theme for us to develop the game so it would be easier for them to get into it. With the party races and these game modes we've developed for the PSP, we've come to one solution for that aspect.

Continue reading TGS 2009: Interview: Gran Turismo 5's Kazunori Yamauchi

JoystiqTGS 2009: Interview: Gran Turismo 5's Kazunori Yamauchi originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran-turismogran-turismo-5gran-turismo-6gt5gt6interviewkazunori-yamauchiplaystation-eyeplaystation-motion-controllerpolyphony-digitaltgs-2009Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 international release likely early 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/gran-turismo-5-international-release-likely-early-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/gran-turismo-5-international-release-likely-early-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/gran-turismo-5-international-release-likely-early-2010/#comments Sony announced a March release for Gran Turismo 5 at Tokyo Game Show last week, a release window that was specifically targeted for the Japanese market. However, don't expect a surprise 2009 release (sorry Amazon!). "I don't think it's going to be that different for US and Europe," Polyphony Digital head Kazunori Yamauchi told journalists at a GT5 event last week. "Marketing is still discussing their issues," which is the reason why a specific date hasn't been pegged yet for those markets.

Yamauchi then went on to list a befuddling list of features that should ship on the disc next year. GT Mode will return with all the features of classic GT games, like the garage, the car dealer, the tuning shop, and license tests. However, more exciting are the new features, such as a brand-new physics model that includes damage and deformation for all "normal" cars. Hybrid and electric cars are going to be added to the livery, too, with over 950 cars available on the disc. There will also be over 70 variations of over 20 locations to race through.

The online features have been expanded to include both text and voice chat, with support for lobbies and private rooms. There will be online photo albums and online replay albums as well; with the ability to export replays to YouTube. Gran Turismo TV, the video service introduced in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will also be expanded with a brand new UI, progressive downloading (so you can watch the video content while it downloads), and the ability to export these videos to PSP. While this may seem like the kitchen sink of features, Yamauchi teased, "we have much more planned."

Considering it's been five years since the release of Gran Turismo 4 on PS2, fans of the franchise are expecting only the best, if not more.

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5

JoystiqGran Turismo 5 international release likely early 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran-turismogran-turismo-5gt5polyphony-digitalrelease-datetgs-2009Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: New Final Fantasy XIII trailer is heavy on story, light on English]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-new-final-fantasy-xiii-trailer-is-heavy-on-story-ligh/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-new-final-fantasy-xiii-trailer-is-heavy-on-story-ligh/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-new-final-fantasy-xiii-trailer-is-heavy-on-story-ligh/#commentsSquare Enix has finally released its TGS 2009 trailer for the hotly anticipated Final Fantasy XIII. In it, players can watch nearly seven full minutes of the game's story. Sadly, the entire trailer is in Square Enix's native tongue -- unsurprising since the trailer comes straight from the TGS 2009 show floor. Know what's going on? Sound off in the comments.

JoystiqTGS 2009: New Final Fantasy XIII trailer is heavy on story, light on English originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyFinal-Fantasy-13final-fantasy-xiiiMicrosoftsquare-enixtgs-2009Xbox-360Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Hands-on: Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker (co-op)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-hands-on-metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-hands-on-metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-hands-on-metal-gear-solid-peace-walker-co-op/#comments
Sharing a flimsy, cardboard box with another soldier is sure to be an inexhaustible supply of awkward discomfort. Aside from the clear violation of personal space, there are two major concerns for the occupants of Metal Gear Solid's iconic camouflage: (1) Who's driving this thing? And (2) that better be your gun poking me in the back, I swear.

Thankfully, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker has an elegant solution for the former problem. Holding up on the PSP's d-pad will "sync" you with your sneaking partner(s) and, as long as the button remains held down, you'll stay in automatic lockstep with the leader. Remaining a cohesive group is an essential strategy for a silent approach, though splitting up offers its own advantages as well.

Gallery: Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (TGS 2009)

Continue reading TGS 2009: Hands-on: Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker (co-op)

JoystiqTGS 2009: Hands-on: Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker (co-op) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hideo-kojimakojima-productionskonamimetal-gearmetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-peace-walkerpeace-walkersnaketgstgs-2009Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Feet-on: Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-feet-on-super-monkey-ball-step-and-roll/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-feet-on-super-monkey-ball-step-and-roll/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-feet-on-super-monkey-ball-step-and-roll/#commentsIt's surprising to think Sega hasn't already made a Super Monkey Ball game for the Wii Balance Board. It seems like a no-brainer, doesn't it? However, Sega made the playable debut of the very first Balance Board-enabled Monkey Ball game at TGS this year with Step & Roll.

Conceptually, the game is rather easy to grasp. Once again, players are tasked with getting monkeys (that are mysteriously trapped in plastic balls) to a goal by tilting the game world. This time around, the game can be controlled through shifting your weight on the Balance Board -- the translation should be immediately apparent.

Perhaps masters of Wii Fit (and subsequent fitness-related knockoffs) should find no problem with Step & Roll. However, a Balance Board novice like myself was a bit overwhelmed by the sensitivity demanded by the game: it takes subtle shifts in weight to carefully control the monkeys. Instead, my exaggerated movements caused the board to jerk around, tossing the trapped simian around haphazardly through the course.

Continue reading TGS 2009: Feet-on: Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll

JoystiqTGS 2009: Feet-on: Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-boardmonkey-ballNintendosegastep-and-rollsuper-monkey-ballsuper-monkey-ball-step-and-rolltgs-2009WiiMon, 28 Sep 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Hands-on: Valkyria Chronicles 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-hands-on-valkyria-chronicles-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-hands-on-valkyria-chronicles-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-hands-on-valkyria-chronicles-2/#comments Most fans of the original Valkyria Chronicles will want to know one thing: is the PSP-exclusive sequel a worthy follow-up successor to its predecessor? The answer, from our short time with the game at TGS, seems to be undeniably "yes."

A costumed girl attempted to explain the game's controls to me, but I was immediately able to jump in. Veterans of the first game will find themselves at home here: the interface has remained largely unchanged from its transition from PS3 to PSP. Once again, VC2 employs the "BLITZ" battle system of the first game: a unique combination of both real-time movement and turn-based strategy. Players are given a number of Command Points (CP) which can be used to select various units: scouts, snipers, tanks, etc. Once selected, these units are manually controlled as in a third-person shooter, with players stopping to aim at enemies. Enemies can respond by firing back, but they cannot change position. Each unit is allowed only one barrage of gunfire before they must end their turn. Once players run out of CP, or manually end combat, the "enemy phase" begins, where the AI is allowed to do the same thing.

The mixture of real-time and turn-based combat proves to be an ideal handheld gaming experience, mixing the casual pace of a turn-based game with the excitement of a shooter. Valkyria Chronicles is more about tactics, less about precision aiming -- a good thing to consider when adapting a title to Sony's handheld.

Continue reading TGS 2009: Hands-on: Valkyria Chronicles 2

JoystiqTGS 2009: Hands-on: Valkyria Chronicles 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>segatgs-2009valkyria-chroniclesvalkyria-chronicles-2Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Resonance of Fate trailer, now with 100% fewer bullets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-resonance-of-fate-trailer-now-with-100-fewer-bullets/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-resonance-of-fate-trailer-now-with-100-fewer-bullets/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/28/tgs-2009-resonance-of-fate-trailer-now-with-100-fewer-bullets/#commentsThe first TGS trailer for Resonance of Fate (End of Eternity in Japan) had us very excited due to its unique John Woo-inspired bullet-riddled action. However, the second (and presumably last) trailer for the game from the game show goes back to traditional JRPG form by focusing exclusively on the game's heavy-handed story.

While there's chance for greatness in tri-Ace's upcoming story, we can't say that's what's keeping us interested in the game. For once, could it be that a JRPG is keeping our attention more for its gameplay than its pre-rendered cutscenes?

JoystiqTGS 2009: Resonance of Fate trailer, now with 100% fewer bullets originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>end-of-eternityjrpgMicrosoftresonance-of-fatesegatgs-2009tri-aceXbox-360Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq vs. TGS '09: Day Four]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/joystiq-vs-tgs-09-day-four/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/joystiq-vs-tgs-09-day-four/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/joystiq-vs-tgs-09-day-four/#comments That's a wrap, folks. Tokyo Game Show is over! Since day four was mainly a "sit down and get work done" day for Team 'Stiq, very little video was shot. Thankfully, our friend Ross Miller at Engadget had plenty of footage of some of the sights around the show to bring your another edition of Joystiq vs. TGS. But that doesn't end our TGS 2009 coverage. Stay tuned throughout the week for more impressions, interviews and special features related to Japan's big gaming event.

JoystiqJoystiq vs. TGS '09: Day Four originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiq-vs-tgsjoystiq-vs-tgs2009tgs-2009tokyoSun, 27 Sep 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Hands-on: Assassin's Creed 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/tgs-2009-hands-on-assassins-creed-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/tgs-2009-hands-on-assassins-creed-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/tgs-2009-hands-on-assassins-creed-2/#comments
Given their line of work and generally suspicious behavior, deadly 15th-century assassins aren't likely to make many friends -- well, not unless the goal is to make them dead. Thankfully, Assassin's Creed 2 is cognizant of the power of influence and wealth. Should you encounter a group of mercenaries (usually loitering about in a dark alley or atop a beautifully tiled roof) while en route to an assassination target, you can hire them simply by stepping within range and pressing a button. It's an instant, intimidating posse that only a sophisticated hitman like Ezio could amass.

Money buys a surprisingly strong sense of loyalty -- your hired goons will do what they can to battle pesky guards, or even attempt to take on your target if you're otherwise occupied. It's a useful advantage in the face of overwhelming odds and does much to prevent public battles from dragging on for too long. Aside from loyalty, your money also secures a level of patience usually reserved for a shopping spouse. Your assassination assistants have no qualms about idling while you stop mid-mission because you simply must have those shoes.

Gallery: Assassin's Creed 2 (TGS 2009)

Continue reading TGS 2009: Hands-on: Assassin's Creed 2

JoystiqTGS 2009: Hands-on: Assassin's Creed 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2Microsofttgs-2009ubisoftubisoft-montrealXbox-360Sun, 27 Sep 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Keiji Inafune says Japanese game industry is over, man]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/keiji-inafune-says-japanese-game-industry-is-over-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/keiji-inafune-says-japanese-game-industry-is-over-man/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/keiji-inafune-says-japanese-game-industry-is-over-man/#comments
Giving Tokyo Game Show attendees a chance to get some hands-on time with Western-developed Dead Rising 2 at a party this week, Capcom's Keiji Inafune stated, "Japan is over. We're done. Our game industry is finished." Bionic Commando producer Ben Judd translated the Mega Man creator's claims to the crowd (that Destructoid captured on video, found after the break), explaining the eulogy as Inafune's reaction to the show floor at this year's TGS.

Unsurprisingly, his words were less harsh about his Japanese company's upcoming titles. "Just so that you all don't think that the game industry is finished, Capcom is doing our best," he said. Next year's Dark Void and Dead Rising 2 -- both Western developed games, mind you -- can't hurt Inafune's confidence, eh?

Continue reading Keiji Inafune says Japanese game industry is over, man

JoystiqKeiji Inafune says Japanese game industry is over, man originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-juddcapcomdark-voiddead-rising-2game-industryjapankeiji-inafunestreet-fighter-ivtgstgs-2009Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Motion-controlled LittleBigPlanet demo is grief-filled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/tgs-2009-motion-controlled-littlebigplanet-demo-is-grief-filled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/tgs-2009-motion-controlled-littlebigplanet-demo-is-grief-filled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/tgs-2009-motion-controlled-littlebigplanet-demo-is-grief-filled/#comments Anyone who's ever played LittleBigPlanet knows that the experience is enriched when played with friends -- but what if one of your "friends" was not a Sackboy in the context of the game, but rather, an invisible agent of divine intervention? Think of it: He or she could effortlessly lift objects through the air, discard obstacles, bridge gaps or, depending on their temperament, instantly murder you.

Sony and Media Molecule are teaming up to incorporate this unsettling omnipotence into the customizable platformer with the launch of the PlayStation Motion Controller. You can check out a video of the motion-controlled LBP multiplayer demo (culled from Sony's Tokyo Game Show keynote) after the jump. Fans of the title might see this new functionality as a bold evolution Media Molecule's lovable game -- we see it as an unprecedented advancement in hilarious griefing technology.

[Via Kotaku]

Continue reading TGS 2009: Motion-controlled LittleBigPlanet demo is grief-filled

JoystiqTGS 2009: Motion-controlled LittleBigPlanet demo is grief-filled originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>littlebigplanetmedia-moleculemotionplaystation-motion-controllersonytgs-2009Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: The worst logo of the show]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/tgs-2009-the-worst-logo-of-the-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/tgs-2009-the-worst-logo-of-the-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/tgs-2009-the-worst-logo-of-the-show/#commentsThere were plenty of game titles at TGS that we couldn't read because they were all in Japanese, but only one that we couldn't read in English.

In fact, it was only because of the Japanese title underneath this logo, for an Akella-developed MMO published in Japan by Acquire, that we could parse this unfortunate image at all. Good luck!

JoystiqTGS 2009: The worst logo of the show originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquireakellammoseriously-what-does-that-saytgs-2009Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST