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[Final Fantasy Versus XIII and Agito XIII TGS trailers (finally) released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/final-fantasy-versus-xiii-and-agito-xiii-tgs-trailers-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/final-fantasy-versus-xiii-and-agito-xiii-tgs-trailers-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/final-fantasy-versus-xiii-and-agito-xiii-tgs-trailers-finally/#comments It's been a while since we've seen any media from the Fabula Nova Crystallis series' other two-thirds -- actually, scratch that. We saw a trailer for Final Fantasy Versus XIII and Agito XIII during TGS last month. Now, thanks to Square Enix's unswerving kindness, you can watch it too.

Continue reading Final Fantasy Versus XIII and Agito XIII TGS trailers (finally) released

JoystiqFinal Fantasy Versus XIII and Agito XIII TGS trailers (finally) released originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-agito-xiiifinal-fantasy-versus-xiiiplaystationps3pspsonysquare-enixtgs-2010Sun, 10 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[American McGee on bringing Alice's madness back]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/american-mcgee-on-bringing-alices-madness-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/american-mcgee-on-bringing-alices-madness-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/american-mcgee-on-bringing-alices-madness-back/#commentsAt a pre-TGS event, EA demonstrated gameplay of Alice: Madness Returns, with a segment in real-world London transitioning to a Wonderland in which Alice used a pepper grinder as a Gatling gun, fighting weird baby-doll monsters and giant teapots that spat boiling tea.

After bearing witness to the return of the madness, we chatted with American McGee, head of developer Spicy Horse, about the new game, his name as a brand, and, of course, the other recent reimagining of Alice in Wonderland, courtesy of Tim Burton.

Gallery: Alice: Madness Returns (TGS 2010 screens)

Continue reading American McGee on bringing Alice's madness back

JoystiqAmerican McGee on bringing Alice's madness back originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alice-2Alice-Madness-Returnsamerican-mcgees-aliceea-partnerselectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3spicy-horsetgs-2010xboxWed, 29 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The 3rd Birthday preview: A reason to cry]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/the-3rd-birthday-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/the-3rd-birthday-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/the-3rd-birthday-preview/#comments A good third-person shooter isn't easy pull off on the PSP. The limited number of buttons and lack of a second analog stick mean that only a few games represent the genre well on Sony's handheld -- Syphon Filter and Resistance Retribution both come to mind. Given the limitations of the platform and Square Enix's storied failures with the genre, you'd be right at approaching The 3rd Birthday with some skepticism. Based on what we've played so far, it doesn't seem like developer Hexa Drive is capable of assuaging our concerns.

Parasite Eve fans have waited for a new game in the franchise for over a decade, and The 3rd Birthday has many of the qualities that made the original games so intriguing. Once again, New York is under supernatural attack, and Aya and a squad of soldiers must stop the infestation. Like its predecessors, The 3rd Birthday is all about mood and macabre, grotesque enemies. The presentation is absolutely spot-on, boasting some of the studio's best CG work and impressive real-time graphics. Whilst watching a lengthy cutscene, I couldn't help but think how much it looked and sounded like a true Parasite Eve sequel.

Continue reading The 3rd Birthday preview: A reason to cry

JoystiqThe 3rd Birthday preview: A reason to cry originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationpspsonysquare-enixtgs-2010the-3rd-birthdayTue, 28 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[El Shaddai director explains the inexplicable game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/27/el-shaddai-director-explains-the-inexplicable-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/27/el-shaddai-director-explains-the-inexplicable-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/27/el-shaddai-director-explains-the-inexplicable-game/#commentsAfter playing the TGS demo for Ignition Entertainment's starkly unique action game, El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron, we were intensely curious about ... well, how it came to be. It's such an unlikely combination of action, platforming, art and Biblical themes, that we honestly couldn't figure out how someone could come up with it.

According to director Sawaki Takeyasu (who started at Capcom doing art for Devil May Cry, and moved to Clover Studio and then Platinum Games before starting his own company, Crim) it was an equally unlikely combination of corporate edict and personal idiosyncracy. Find out about its origins, as well as the game itself, in our interview.

Joystiq: The first thing I wanted to ask about is the style: it's very abstract. How did that style come about?

Sawaki Takeyasu: The art style in the game is based on three major points: the intention is to, before that, it's not that I tried to make it eccentric and make it stand out. We wanted to make it simple, a simple visual. The second point is that it's a constantly changing screen, so that even if you leave the controller for a few minutes then it's still moving, it's always moving. Another thing is variety in levels. There is so much variety and different styles of levels, so that you can be constantly entertained and so that we can bring refreshment and change throughout our gameplay.

Continue reading El Shaddai director explains the inexplicable game

JoystiqEl Shaddai director explains the inexplicable game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>El-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3sawaki-takeyasutgs-2010xboxMon, 27 Sep 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Solatorobo preview: Robot trumps furry]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/25/solatorobo-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/25/solatorobo-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/25/solatorobo-preview/#commentsSolatorobo: And Then to Coda for DS is kind of an unofficial sequel to the PlayStation furry/mech adventure Tail Concerto. It's apparently set in the same universe, featuring cameos from Tail Concerto characters. It's also developed by the same studio, CyberConnect2, which most recently made news for hooking up with Capcom on the weird Asura's Wrath.

But even for people like me who never got around to playing Tail Concerto -- and even for people who avoid anthropomorphic animals -- Solatorobo is a surprisingly engaging game that is fun just to interact with.

Continue reading Solatorobo preview: Robot trumps furry

JoystiqSolatorobo preview: Robot trumps furry originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyberconnect2dsnamco-bandainintendosolarobosolatorobotgs-2010Sat, 25 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Q-Games' Dylan Cuthbert considering PixelJunk Monsters 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/q-games-dylan-cuthbert-considering-pixeljunk-monsters-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/q-games-dylan-cuthbert-considering-pixeljunk-monsters-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/q-games-dylan-cuthbert-considering-pixeljunk-monsters-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Q-Games has retooled, tweaked and enhanced nearly every game in the PixelJunk series thus far. However, PixelJunk Shooter 2 is the first true sequel in the franchise. Considering the vast amount of new features thrown into the upcoming PSN game, Cuthbert argues that it merits a numeric bump in the title. (We'd agree!) But would he consider making a true sequel to one of the earlier PixelJunk games?

The answer appears to be yes. "We want to make a PixelJunk Monsters 2," Cuthbert said during a Tokyo Game Show meeting. However, even if the team began working on a Monsters 2, it would likely be a long time coming. Cuthbert said a sequel could be part of Q-Games' envisioned "Series 2, so it will be 3D in some way." (Series 2 would be a second set of PixelJunk games designed with 3D graphics, as opposed to the studio's current set of games, "Series 1," which are all 2D games.)

JoystiqQ-Games' Dylan Cuthbert considering PixelJunk Monsters 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dylan-cuthbertPixelJunk-Monsterspixeljunk-monsters-2playstationps3psnq-gamestgs-2010Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trail(er)s its Most Wanted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailers-its-most-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailers-its-most-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-trailers-its-most-wanted/#comments The Seacrest County Police only drop their spikes and break out the road block for the most wanted. But for all we know, this guy's just got one of those stuck accelerator pedals. Didn't you hear? It's spread to Porsches now.

Continue reading Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit trail(er)s its Most Wanted

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit trail(er)s its Most Wanted originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterioneamicrosoftneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitpcplaystationps3tgs-2010xboxFri, 24 Sep 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Danbol Senki preview: Virtual-On Jr.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/danbol-senki-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/danbol-senki-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/danbol-senki-preview/#commentsI don't know why I'd be surprised about a Level-5 game being fun. Aside from a few missteps, the company is one of the most consistently great developers in Japan, with the sales to prove it. And yet, I was only driven to try out the PSP game Danbol Senki when I noticed that it had no line at the Level-5 booth, and I was not at all expecting to be won over as I was.

Continue reading Danbol Senki preview: Virtual-On Jr.

JoystiqDanbol Senki preview: Virtual-On Jr. originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actiondanbol-senkilevel-5playstationpsprpgsonytgs-2010Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable franchise expected to incorporate Milo's technology]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/fable-franchise-expected-to-incorporate-milo-technology/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/fable-franchise-expected-to-incorporate-milo-technology/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/fable-franchise-expected-to-incorporate-milo-technology/#comments It seems like just a couple months ago that Peter Molyneux was on stage at the prestiguous TED conference sharing "Project Milo" with the attendees, and now rumors suggest the virtual boy-shaped tamagotchi has been put down and carved up. We spoke with Microsoft Game Studios boss Phil Spencer in Tokyo last week and asked him about the commercial prospects of the always commercially vague Milo project.

"If I had to bet, which I guess I do, I think you will see the innovation that that team put forward come to market, absolutely," Spencer told Joystiq. "Will it be under the idea and framework of 'Milo,' I'm not as convinced of that."

Continue reading Fable franchise expected to incorporate Milo's technology

JoystiqFable franchise expected to incorporate Milo's technology originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fableKinectLionheadlionhead-studiosmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosMiloMilo-and-KatePhil-SpencerProject-MiloTGS-2010xboxFri, 24 Sep 2010 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Valkyria Chronicles 3 preview: A bigger portable experience]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/valkyria-chronicles-3-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/valkyria-chronicles-3-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/valkyria-chronicles-3-preview/#comments Valkyria Chronicles 3 may not mark the franchise's return to the PS3, but it does take the series into darker, more adult-themed territory. Gone are the school setting and happy-go-lucky characters. In their place are the "Nameless" -- a collective of criminals and social deviants serving the military in a side-story that takes place concurrently with the original's tale. Not only have the characters and story matured, but the presentation has as well. An updated UI and a more complex color palette make Valkyria Chronicles 3 look closer to the PS3 game.

It's hard to pinpoint a single reason, but I walked away from the TGS demo impressed by how much better this sequel looked. It could be that the graphics have simply improved in the franchise's second outing on the PSP. The environment felt larger, and a bit more detailed, and other elements helped give the impression of a better looking game. The UI looks a bit sleeker, with helpful status icons appearing on the command map, highlighting characters with low HP, for example. Character portraits take much bigger prominence on the screen during the gameplay sequences and the manga-inspired cutscenes. The rich red hues and expressive portraits offer a visual "pop" that its predecessor lacked.

Continue reading Valkyria Chronicles 3 preview: A bigger portable experience

JoystiqValkyria Chronicles 3 preview: A bigger portable experience originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationpspsegasonytgs-2010valkyria-chronicles-3Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bulletstorm preview: Just for kicks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/bulletstorm-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/bulletstorm-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/bulletstorm-preview/#comments Writing about games always comes with a peculiar kind of self-defeating dissonance. This morning, I might have grabbed a metaphorical megaphone and shoved it in some ebert's ear, right before laying out why Shadow of the Colossus is such a magnificent meditation on loss and sacrifice and etc. "Games involve and encourage and inspire!" I'd say. "It's for grownups, you know."

And then, just a few hours later, I'll write about a game that's awesome because it lets you kick people to death.

Gallery: Bulletstorm (TGS 2010)

Continue reading Bulletstorm preview: Just for kicks

JoystiqBulletstorm preview: Just for kicks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BulletstormEpic-GameskickingmicrosoftpcPeople-Can-Flyplaystationps3tgs-2010xboxThu, 23 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega Man Universe preview: Mega Man Uncertainty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/mega-man-universe-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/mega-man-universe-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/mega-man-universe-preview/#commentsThere's one thing I'm sure of about Mega Man Universe: I want to like it. For one thing, it's a Mega Man game! I like it when those are good. For another, the concept of making your own Mega Man stages and playing them with cobbled-together heroes or other Capcom characters is a total slam dunk. I'm just ... not really sure about anything else.

The major hook for Universe is that you can build your own avatar out of parts from various Mega Mans, the series' bosses and other Capcom characters (Capcom won't say yet exactly how you obtain these parts in the game). The TGS demo build included multiple premade Mega Mans, including one in the style of Keiji Inafune's drawings and one resembling the style of the dopey space ranger from the Mega Man box art. Each one has different attributes in terms of health, speed, jumping ability and so on. You can further augment these abilities by changing parts.

Gallery: Mega Man Universe (TGS 2010)

Continue reading Mega Man Universe preview: Mega Man Uncertainty

JoystiqMega Man Universe preview: Mega Man Uncertainty originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcommega-manmega-man-universemicrosoftplaystationps3psntgs-2010xblaxboxWed, 22 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yakuza 4 producer gives us a new view of Kamurocho]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/yakuza-4-producer-gives-us-a-new-view-of-kamurocho/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/yakuza-4-producer-gives-us-a-new-view-of-kamurocho/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/yakuza-4-producer-gives-us-a-new-view-of-kamurocho/#commentsThe Yakuza series may be exploring left field with the fanciful zombie-attack game Yakuza: Of the End, but American audiences still have one good old jaunt around Kamurocho to look forward to: this spring's Yakuza 4, whose major innovation of four playable characters seems comfy in comparison.

We spoke to producer Masayoshi Kikuchi, mostly about how Yakuza 4 has changed and improved on previous games in the series. Of course, we couldn't resist asking about Of the End, because seriously, what?

Joystiq: Yakuza 3 got a lot of complaints from American gamers for the content that was removed. Will Yakuza 4 have a more complete localization?

Masayoshi Kikuchi, Sega: One of the things that happened on Yakuza 3 was that the Yakuza team worked with the folks at Sega West to see how we can improve the product in terms of being able to be understood by users and broaden the user base, and one of the things that is part of the Yakuza franchise -- you have very Japanese parts of the game. They wanted to make the game easier to play. One of the decisions that was the result of that was that we decided to simplify the game by cutting sections of the game. Of course, based on the reaction that we received -- we heard the voices of our fans loud and clear -- and we will be doing as much as possible to bring the whole experience of Yakuza to the West in terms of the content, in terms of its Japaneseness.

Continue reading Yakuza 4 producer gives us a new view of Kamurocho

JoystiqYakuza 4 producer gives us a new view of Kamurocho originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>masayoshi-kikuchiplaystationps3Ryu-ga-Gotoku-4segatgs-2010yakuzayakuza-4Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2010 shopping area shrinks down, but still tempts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/tgs-2010-shopping-area-shrinks-down-but-still-tempts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/tgs-2010-shopping-area-shrinks-down-but-still-tempts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/tgs-2010-shopping-area-shrinks-down-but-still-tempts/#commentsLast year, the shop portion of the TGS show floor took up an entire hall by itself. This year, it was squeezed into the corner of one of the two halls housing game demos. That isn't to say that the downsized area didn't find ways to take money from obsessed fans, as there was certainly a lot to see and buy.

We hope our gallery helps you experience the thrill of buying a Solid Snake cell phone strap, without the cost or the crowds.

Gallery: TGS 2010 Shopping

JoystiqTGS 2010 shopping area shrinks down, but still tempts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>shoppingsquare-enixtgs-2010Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Zac and Ombra: Amusement Park of Illusion preview: B-layton-t imitation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/zac-and-ombra-amusement-park-of-illusion-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/zac-and-ombra-amusement-park-of-illusion-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/zac-and-ombra-amusement-park-of-illusion-preview/#commentsIt's usually hard for me to get upset about imitation. Most beloved games are built on the achievements of others: Guitar Hero is Guitar Freaks from a different angle, and Guitar Freaks was just Beatmania anyway. Galaxian is Space Invaders with more colors. Usually, even the most obviously "inspired" games have their own personality and feel. But not Konami's Zac and Ombra: Amusement Park of Illusion for DS, which I can only describe as the product of some depressingly corporate thinking. Basically, Konami decided to make Professor Layton, but for people who aren't smart enough to solve puzzles.

Continue reading Zac and Ombra: Amusement Park of Illusion preview: B-layton-t imitation

JoystiqZac and Ombra: Amusement Park of Illusion preview: B-layton-t imitation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dskonamiminigamesnintendotgs-2010zac-and-ombra-amusement-park-of-illusionzack-and-ombra-the-phantom-amusement-parkTue, 21 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gun Loco preview: Run and gun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/gun-loco-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/gun-loco-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/gun-loco-preview/#comments In Gun Loco, you can kick a man so hard that his torso flies off. Don't worry, everyone's seemingly made of manga meat -- and they're no-good criminals to boot, marooned on a decrepit prison planet once intended for "the baddest of the bad." The bizarre ruffians, who started life as toys created by artist Kenny Wong, seem almost disposable as they charge into shootouts with nary a concern for safety.

A cover system? What's that?

Gallery: Gun Loco (Xbox 360)

Continue reading Gun Loco preview: Run and gun

JoystiqGun Loco preview: Run and gun originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gun-locokenny-wongmicrosoftshootersquare-enixtgs-2010xboxTue, 21 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2010: Cosplay goes to a new chapter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/tgs-2010-cosplay-goes-to-a-new-chapter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/tgs-2010-cosplay-goes-to-a-new-chapter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/tgs-2010-cosplay-goes-to-a-new-chapter/#commentsIt's not Tokyo Game Show without cosplay! There's something uniquely TGS-like about being stuck in a game demo line between two Hatsune Mikus. We took our lives into our hands (leaving room for a camera, of course) and ventured into a raging sea of people to bring you pictures of those few folks dedicated enough to make and wear elaborate outfits in unseasonable heat.

As for our favorite cosplayer of the show: we're definitely fond of the guy in Dragon Quest IX "Gooey Gear" Slime armor, but Airman can't be beaten.

Gallery: TGS cosplay 2010

JoystiqTGS 2010: Cosplay goes to a new chapter originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airmancosplaytgs-2010Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of Arcana preview: Bloody bad monster hunting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/lord-of-arcana-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/lord-of-arcana-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/lord-of-arcana-preview/#comments Ever since Capcom's Monster Hunter Portable lit up the Japanese sales charts, there's been no shortage of clones hitting the PSP. This year's TGS show floor featured follow-ups to many of them, including Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, God Eater Burst and Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity. Square Enix is throwing its hat into the crowded monster-hunting genre with Lord of Arcana ... and doesn't appear to succeed.

If you've played a dungeon crawler on PSP before, Lord of Arcana will feel immediately familiar. An on-screen mini-map will direct you throughout the dungeon, until it ends with a climatic battle against a giant boss monster. Along the way, there are battles with smaller creatures, and straying from the beaten path will reveal loot-filled treasure chests.

Continue reading Lord of Arcana preview: Bloody bad monster hunting

JoystiqLord of Arcana preview: Bloody bad monster hunting originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lord-of-arcanaplaystationpspsonysquare-enixtgs-2010Tue, 21 Sep 2010 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dr. Kawashima's Body and Brain Connection preview: Brain Age meets Kinect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/dr-kawashimas-body-and-brain-exercises-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/dr-kawashimas-body-and-brain-exercises-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/dr-kawashimas-body-and-brain-exercises-preview/#comments What if Nintendo made a game for Kinect? Namco Bandai does its best to answer that question with Dr. Kawashima's Body and Brain Connection, a "Brain Age" game for Microsoft's motion-control peripheral. This family-oriented minigame collection, featuring Xbox Avatars alongside the ever-digitized Dr. Kawashima, makes for an experience that seems more than inspired by Nintendo's recent efforts -- it's a total knockoff. The UI, the music and the gameplay all feel ripped from the Brain Age series and Nintendo's Wii Fit games.

In some respects that's a compliment, but gamers who have already written off edutainment and exergames won't find much reason to give Body and Brain Connection a try. You know exactly what to expect from this game.

Gallery: Dr. Kawashima's Body and Brain Exercises (TGS 2010)

Continue reading Dr. Kawashima's Body and Brain Connection preview: Brain Age meets Kinect

JoystiqDr. Kawashima's Body and Brain Connection preview: Brain Age meets Kinect originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>body-and-brain-connectionbrain-agedr-kawashimadr-kawashimas-body-and-brain-connectiondr-kawashimas-body-and-brain-exerciseskinectmicrosoftnamco-bandaitgs-2010xboxMon, 20 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Trick's Shu Takumi on finding humor in a murder-mystery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/ghost-tricks-shu-takumi-on-finding-humor-in-a-murder-mystery/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/ghost-tricks-shu-takumi-on-finding-humor-in-a-murder-mystery/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/ghost-tricks-shu-takumi-on-finding-humor-in-a-murder-mystery/#commentsWe'd happily take any opportunity to talk about Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective -- to our readers, our coworkers, our friends, people we meet in elevators, etc. So we happily jumped at the chance to talk with Capcom's Shu Takumi, the person responsible for creating the supernatural puzzle-adventure game. In a brief TGS interview, we spoke with Takumi about the unique humor in Ghost Trick and the Ace Attorney series -- and the relative uniqueness of any humor in a video game.

Your games tend to have a certain tone, they tend to be funny. Most video games don't even attempt humor. Why do you think it's so rare, and how is it that you can continue doing funny games?

I don't really know why people don't attempt to put humor in games. That's something I would actually love to know. I'd love to ask people why they don't try it. As for me, why I put humor in my games, and why I'm able to continue doing that: I like funny things. I like humor. I like writing mysteries, and mysteries have to be fun to read. They have to be something entertaining where you want to continue reading it. It can't be boring or dry. For me, what makes it interesting is adding a little humor here and there, using that to my advantage. Basically, I just write what is funny to me, whatever I'm interested in for other people to read. And that's how I'm able to continue in this manner that I do.

It's important what I write, but what I write is in Japanese, and part of that humor and part of what makes it unique is the translation. (Note: Takumi's interpreter in this interview was Capcom's Janet Hsu, who actually works on localization for the Ace Attorney games. She reported her embarrassment about translating praise for herself.)

Continue reading Ghost Trick's Shu Takumi on finding humor in a murder-mystery

JoystiqGhost Trick's Shu Takumi on finding humor in a murder-mystery originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdsghost-trickGhost-Trick-Phantom-Detectivenintendoshu-takumitgs-2010Mon, 20 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tales of Graces PS3 preview: Unlocalized fun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/tales-of-graces-ps3-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/tales-of-graces-ps3-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/tales-of-graces-ps3-preview/#comments It's disappointing to see Tales of Graces continue to go without a North American release. Last year's Wii game was not localized, and it's a shame that the enhanced PS3 version, Tales of Graces F, will likely miss an American release as well. That's too bad, because Graces is an excellent (albeit familiar) addition to the RPG franchise.

Continue reading Tales of Graces PS3 preview: Unlocalized fun

JoystiqTales of Graces PS3 preview: Unlocalized fun originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>namco-bandaiplaystationps3tales-of-gracestales-of-graces-ftgs-2010Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hideo Kojima wants to show a game of his own at TGS 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/hideo-kojima-wants-to-show-a-game-of-his-own-at-tgs-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/hideo-kojima-wants-to-show-a-game-of-his-own-at-tgs-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/hideo-kojima-wants-to-show-a-game-of-his-own-at-tgs-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While a new Kojima Productions game was on display at TGS 2010 -- Castlevania: Lords of Shadow -- Hideo Kojima's direct involvement seems limited to providing the voice for a mischievous chupacabra. In a tweet, the game director expressed his interest in showing a true Hideo Kojima game at next year's event.

Kojima said "I think it would be nice if next year I can do not just editing, but introduce my own new game (game design, script and direction)." During the Metal Gear Solid cosplay event at TGS, he also jokingly said "It's 5! Shall we make 5! With this, I won't have to quit Konami. I'll be there for 3 more years." This was in response to a prompt to "say something shocking," however, and not "say something true." A grain of salt is advised.

JoystiqHideo Kojima wants to show a game of his own at TGS 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Castlevania-Lords-of-Shadowhideo-kojimakojima-productionskonamiLords-of-Shadowtgs-2010tgs-2011Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Edwin and Enoch: El Shaddai's official jeans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/edwin-and-enoch-el-shaddais-official-jeans/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/edwin-and-enoch-el-shaddais-official-jeans/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/edwin-and-enoch-el-shaddais-official-jeans/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Are you over your initial shock about Ignition's El Shaddai, the abstract, psychedelic third-person action game based on the Bible's Book of Enoch? Now that you've assimilated that into your worldview, prepare to have your mind blown once again: this Bible-themed game includes co-marketing with jeans.

An Ignition rep explained to us that Lucifel (a certain fallen angel you may have heard of, who goes on to a measure of infamy after the game's time) is capable of traveling through time at will, and enjoys the 20th century, bringing back styles from the era into the distant past for himself and his pal Enoch. This includes the jeans both wear, which are Edwin brand. In turn, Edwin will offer special El Shaddai styles of its jeans in Japan, on display in glass cases at TGS.

The rep was careful to explain that El Shaddai wasn't conceived as a vehicle for clothing marketing -- we believe this, given that one of the in-game "models" is, you know, the devil, which can't be one hundred percent ideal.

Gallery: El Shaddai (Edwin jeans!)

Continue reading Edwin and Enoch: El Shaddai's official jeans

JoystiqEdwin and Enoch: El Shaddai's official jeans originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionedwinel-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-entertainmentjeansmarketingmicrosoftplaystationps3tgs-2010xboxMon, 20 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2011 provisionally dated, TGS 2010 audience breaks record]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/tgs-2011-provisionally-dated-tgs-2010-audience-breaks-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/tgs-2011-provisionally-dated-tgs-2010-audience-breaks-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/tgs-2011-provisionally-dated-tgs-2010-audience-breaks-record/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tokyo Game Show organizer CESA announced the dates for next year's event: either September 15 through 18 or September 16 through 18. The reason for the uncertain date range: CESA has yet to decide whether to cut one of the two business days from the schedule -- otherwise known as the "we actually get to see and play things" days.

In addition, CESA also announced record-breaking TGS 2010 attendance. 207,647 people in total showed up over the four days of the event, the first time it's broken the 200,000 mark. This is despite slightly smaller numbers during the business days, and the smaller size of the show overall. Basically, it means that more people were crammed into the Monster Hunter line at one time than ever before.

[Pictured: Monster Hunter Portable 3rd line -- on a business day]

JoystiqTGS 2011 provisionally dated, TGS 2010 audience breaks record originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesajapantgs-2010tgs-2011Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Keiji Inafune remains critical of Japanese games, deems even Capcom 'complacent']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/keiji-inafune-remains-critical-of-japanese-games-deems-even-cap/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/keiji-inafune-remains-critical-of-japanese-games-deems-even-cap/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/keiji-inafune-remains-critical-of-japanese-games-deems-even-cap/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"I think Japanese gaming is dead. When I say these things, I'm called a traitor. But I love Japan. I want to save it." Keiji Inafune still hovers over the Japanese video game industry, defibrillator paddles at the ready. According to an interview with the New York Times, the outspoken designer and Global Head of Production at Capcom saw little at this year's Tokyo Game Show to change his pessimistic outlook on Japan's creations.

"I look around T.G.S., and everyone's making awful games. Japan is at least five years behind," he said. "It's like we're still making games for the last generation of game consoles." And Inafune's ire isn't just aimed at competitors -- he cited Lost Planet 2 as a clear failure to connect with audiences everywhere. "Lost Planet 1 was designed for the Western market. But the guys who made Lost Planet 2 were misguided. They made it too Japanese. They made it like Monster Hunter."

The Monster Hunter franchise is far more popular in Japan than it is elsewhere, and modifying it could alienate its current customer base. Inafune is willing to compromise here: "We basically want to make games that will sell globally, but some games might sell only in Japan.That's O.K. - as long as we make a profit on it." Still, he warned that Capcom remained complacent in the ranks of worldwide competitors, who are already targeting bigger markets like China. "I'm always so shocked when I see global sales rankings," he said. "I think: Wow, Capcom's ranked so low. However you approach it, we're dead. Resident Evil sold 5 million copies. That's still no good."

Inafune is well aware of how harsh his comments appear among Japanese creators -- who are "always so ambiguous" -- and expects to be treated like a "lunatic." With that kind of drive, he'll either be in full control of Capcom and the Japanese industry within the next five years ... or be relegated to playing cards with Yu Suzuki in a basement somewhere.

JoystiqKeiji Inafune remains critical of Japanese games, deems even Capcom 'complacent' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomchinajapankeiji-inafuneLost-Planet-2tgs-2010Mon, 20 Sep 2010 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[PixelJunk Shooter 2 preview: It's a gas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/19/pixeljunk-shooter-2-preview-its-a-gas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/19/pixeljunk-shooter-2-preview-its-a-gas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/19/pixeljunk-shooter-2-preview-its-a-gas/#comments It may not have had an official presence at TGS this year, but I had a chance to see an updated build of PixelJunk Shooter 2 behind closed doors. Q-Games' Dylan Cuthbert was mum on when we can expect the PSN sequel, but he did showcase a bevy of new features we can expect in the Shooter follow-up.

Like its predecessor, Shooter 2 is all about elements. Whereas the first game explored more traditional elements like water, lava and gas, the sequel expands upon the concept with new gimmicks: light and dark, acid, foam and sand. Whilst in foam, you'll lose control of your ship, requiring the use of a grappling hook that can swing you around obstacles. Sound familiar? Perhaps it's because it looks a bit like Q's platformer, PixelJunk Eden.

There are a number of games that offer inspiration for the sequel. Shockingly, Dig-Dug is one of them. In areas with sand, you'll be able to don a new suit that lets you dig through the earth. Your movement is restricted, just like in its arcade inspiration, and you'll have to navigate carefully to make sure that you aren't crushed by any rocks. PixelJunk Shooter 2 takes more direct inspiration from classic hardcore shmups as well, with a new enemy type that sprays out complex bullet patterns that require pixel-perfect movement, timing and reflexes. As in the best shmups, these segments are all about dodging: You won't be able to shoot these enemies. Instead, you must grapple them when close.

Continue reading PixelJunk Shooter 2 preview: It's a gas

JoystiqPixelJunk Shooter 2 preview: It's a gas originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PixelJunk-Shooter-2playstationps3psnq-gamestgs-2010Sun, 19 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space Extraction PS3 preview: Rescue operation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/19/dead-space-extraction-ps3-preview-rescue-operation/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/19/dead-space-extraction-ps3-preview-rescue-operation/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/19/dead-space-extraction-ps3-preview-rescue-operation/#comments EA is sending in the experts to salvage Dead Space Extraction, left adrift in retail space last year. Although Extraction impressed critics with its threatening environments and frantic action, it never quite found the audience it deserved on the Wii. The on-rails shooter was an essential component of EA's harsh sci-fi universe, trading engineer Isaac Clarke's high-pressure exploration for a briskly paced series of intense standoffs -- that 480p resolution certainly didn't stop it from being a Dead Space game.

The PlayStation 3 version's high-definition graphics are a straightforward (if unambitious) improvement, but the wider distribution via the PlayStation Network, and through Limited Edition PS3 copies of next year's Dead Space 2, offers the greatest opportunity to connect with new players.

Gallery: Dead Space Extraction (PS3)

Continue reading Dead Space Extraction PS3 preview: Rescue operation

JoystiqDead Space Extraction PS3 preview: Rescue operation originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dead-Space-Extractioneamoveplaystationplaystation-moveps3tgs-2010Sun, 19 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[El Shaddai preview: Confusing my religion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/19/el-shaddai-preview-confusing-my-religion/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/19/el-shaddai-preview-confusing-my-religion/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/19/el-shaddai-preview-confusing-my-religion/#commentsEl Shaddai is the most bizarre possible amalgam of seemingly random elements: simple, casual-friendly controls, exciting action, thoroughly abstract visuals, side-scrolling platforming ... oh, and Bible stories. And pants. I don't know what publisher Ignition Entertainment envisioned for its first internally produced, original retail game, but there's no way in Hell this was it.

El Shaddai, though, is much more interesting than most of the games at TGS -- you know, those games that show evidence of having been made by sane people.

Continue reading El Shaddai preview: Confusing my religion

JoystiqEl Shaddai preview: Confusing my religion originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>el-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3tgs-2010xboxSun, 19 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DISSIDIA 012 [duodecim] FINAL FANTASY preview: a sensible sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/dissidia-012-duodecim-final-fantasy-preview-a-sensible-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/dissidia-012-duodecim-final-fantasy-preview-a-sensible-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/dissidia-012-duodecim-final-fantasy-preview-a-sensible-sequel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

DISSIDIA 012 [duodecim] FINAL FANTASY may have a bizarre, head-scratching title, but its brand new features make a whole lot of sense. The follow-up to 2008's mash-up fighter offers the most obvious addition for a sequel: an expanded roster, including Final Fantasy XIII's Lightning and Final Fantasy VII's Tifa. However, it also includes a number of other features that make the experience more engaging for fans, and more accessible for newcomers to the franchise.

The original Dissidia met a mixed response from fans due to its rather unique combat system. Instead of copying the model of other fighters -- Nintendo's Smash Bros., or Capcom's Vs. series -- Square Enix crafted a battle system inspired by Advent Children, but still rooted in RPG mechanics. If that doesn't make much sense to you, you are not alone.

Arguably the biggest new feature for Duodecim is the addition of an "RPG Mode" that strips down the combat experience into something that might be a bit more familiar to traditional Final Fantasy players. Unlike the traditional "Action Mode," you lose direct control over your character in this mode, relegated to selecting commands. You'll be able to switch between attacking Bravery and HP, or choosing a more defensive role. It may seem like the game is simply controlling itself, and to a certain degree, it is. However, this mode lets you understand the various mechanics that are at play in Dissidia without being overwhelmed.

Continue reading DISSIDIA 012 [duodecim] FINAL FANTASY preview: a sensible sequel

JoystiqDISSIDIA 012 [duodecim] FINAL FANTASY preview: a sensible sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dissidiadissidia-duodecim-final-fantasyplaystationpspsonysquare-enixtgs-2010Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect object scanning adds some color to Joy Ride]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/kinect-object-scanning-adds-some-color-to-joy-ride/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/kinect-object-scanning-adds-some-color-to-joy-ride/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/kinect-object-scanning-adds-some-color-to-joy-ride/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As you would expect, Microsoft's Kudo Tsunoda has expressed an optimistic viewpoint on Kinect's rarely utilized ability to scan real-world objects and incorporate them into games. At a recent Tokyo Game Show demonstration of Kinect Joy Ride, he revealed a small example of how Microsoft-owned developer BigPark utilizes the motion-sensing camera's capture capabilities. It's not quite a scanned skateboard, but it's enough to spur some color commentary.

Kinect Joy Ride features some minor pre-race vehicle customization options, starting with your car's color. If you're dissatisfied with the selection of bold colors in the game, Kinect can take a peek at any item positioned in front of the camera (within a small, on-screen reticle) and transfer its color onto your car. You could apply a dark shade of red (apple), an uplifting purple (GameCube) or a disgusting, sickly white (game journalist arm).

It's worth noting that this technology is hardly new -- you might have used it to capture textures in LittleBigPlanet with a PlayStation Eye -- and the implementation is far removed from Kinect's promotional promises. It's not even a particularly interesting addition in the case of Joy Ride, but right now it's in Microsoft's best interests to shift its conversation with consumers, away from, "What can't it do?" and onto "What can it do?"

JoystiqKinect object scanning adds some color to Joy Ride originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Joy-RidekinectKinect-Joy-Ridekudo-tsunodamicrosofttgs-2010xboxSat, 18 Sep 2010 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Katsuhiro Harada talks Tekken Tag Tournament 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/interview-katushiro-harada-talks-tekken-tag-tournament-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/interview-katushiro-harada-talks-tekken-tag-tournament-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/interview-katushiro-harada-talks-tekken-tag-tournament-2/#comments Just minutes ago, immediately following the Tougeki fighting game championship finals held during the Tokyo Game Show, Namco Bandai game director Katsuhiro Harada announced Tekken Tag Tournament 2, the first iteration in the Tekken Tag series since the 1999 debut over a decade ago. We had a chance to speak with Mr. Harada following this unveiling, and learned more about the long delay, the game's arcade destination, the current state of fighting games and what's going on with Tekken X Street Fighter.

Joystiq: How long have you been working on Tekken Tag Tournament 2?
Katsuhiro Harada: Actually there was some talk at first of doing this before Tekken 6 came out, but when we discussed it amongst ourselves and the team we felt like we first wanted to make a proper sequel to 6 to see how far we could push the limits of our graphics engine on that hardware before going to Tag.

As you've seen for yourself in the trailer, we have three or four characters on the screen at once so that's simply twice as much power needed than previously for example in Tekken 6. So obviously trying to do that right off the bat earlier on would be much more difficult.

If it's running on the same technology as 6, which came not only to arcades but to consoles, what are your console plans for Tag 2?

Continue reading Interview: Katsuhiro Harada talks Tekken Tag Tournament 2

JoystiqInterview: Katsuhiro Harada talks Tekken Tag Tournament 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArcadeKatsuhiro-HaradaNamco-BandaitekkenTekken-Tag-Tournament-2TGS-2010Sat, 18 Sep 2010 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Limbo was top Summer of Arcade title 'by a long stretch,' part of 'changing' XBLA market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/limbo-was-top-summer-of-arcade-title-by-a-long-stretch-part-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/limbo-was-top-summer-of-arcade-title-by-a-long-stretch-part-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/limbo-was-top-summer-of-arcade-title-by-a-long-stretch-part-o/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Limbo logo
Five of the top six spots on Xbox Live Arcade aren't just Japanese; they are all ports of classic titles. When we asked Microsoft Games Studios VP Phil Spencer about the observation, he said he could challenge the assumption that ports and existing IPs dominate sales on the platform. His ammunition was Limbo, the superb platformer that kicked off this year's Summer of Arcade.

"Our number one Summer of Arcade game is Limbo," Spencer said, "by a long stretch." Other games in the five-week lineup included updates of classic titles like Hydro Thunder and existing - and highly visible - IPs like Castlevania and Lara Croft. "I think there was a time when Live Arcade was about IP that people knew," Spencer acknowledged, while conceding that those games are "always going to be important."

"It's changing though," he said. "I really think coming out of Braid, Shadow Complex, Limbo [...] that it's changing a little bit. We see that in the market, that it's becoming less about iconic IP that people know and it's becoming more diverse." And that's a good thing for everyone involved, including Spencer. "I love Limbo. I think Limbo's probably my game of the year right now." Us too.

JoystiqLimbo was top Summer of Arcade title 'by a long stretch,' part of 'changing' XBLA market originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>limbomicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosPhil-SpencerPlayDeadTGS-2010XBLAxboxSat, 18 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tekken Tag Tournament 2 hitting Japanese arcades in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/tekken-tag-tournament-2-hitting-japanese-arcades-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/tekken-tag-tournament-2-hitting-japanese-arcades-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/tekken-tag-tournament-2-hitting-japanese-arcades-in-2011/#comments Attendees of the Tougeki fighting game tournament in Japan received a special surprise today. Namco Bandai unveiled a brand new Tekken game for Japanese arcades. Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is a follow-up to 1999's arcade original, updated with a new roster and a current-gen graphics engine.

Neither a US nor console release have been announced at the time, but we're certain they're in the works. Even the debut trailer (after the break) states that "other region release dates are TBD."

Gallery: Tekken Tag Tournament 2

Continue reading Tekken Tag Tournament 2 hitting Japanese arcades in 2011

JoystiqTekken Tag Tournament 2 hitting Japanese arcades in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>namco-bandaitekkentekken-tag-tournament-2tgs-2010tougekiSat, 18 Sep 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Dark trailer is dark, Demon's Souls-esque]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/project-dark-trailer-is-dark-demons-souls-esque/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/project-dark-trailer-is-dark-demons-souls-esque/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/project-dark-trailer-is-dark-demons-souls-esque/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's still a lot of unanswered questions about Project Dark, the next title from the Demon's Souls team at From Software, but chief amongst them is the simple query: Is this a Demon's Souls sequel? While we still don't have a clear answer on that front, the below cam-captured teaser provides some evidence that it's at least cut from the same, blood-stained cloth.

Project Dark is a PS3-exclusive in Japan, while Namco Bandai's English website lists an Xbox 360 version as well.

[Thanks, thepapercut]

Continue reading Project Dark trailer is dark, Demon's Souls-esque

JoystiqProject Dark trailer is dark, Demon's Souls-esque originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Demons-SoulsFrom-SoftwaremicrosoftNamco-Bandaiplaystationproject-darkps3TGS-2010xboxSat, 18 Sep 2010 05:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition adds Yun and Yang]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/super-street-fighter-iv-arcade-edition-adds-yun-and-yang/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/super-street-fighter-iv-arcade-edition-adds-yun-and-yang/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/super-street-fighter-iv-arcade-edition-adds-yun-and-yang/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Here comes a new challenger! Here comes another new challenger! Straight out of TGS's Tougeki fighting game tournament, Capcom finally, officially revealed the two new characters for the arcade release of Super Street Fighter IV: Street Fighter III's Yun and Yang.

If you're excited about these new characters, you could either wait for this arcade game to hit your local game center this December (in which case, you are in Japan), or you can start saving up for the unannounced, but inevitable, DLC.

[Thanks, Terry!]

Continue reading Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition adds Yun and Yang

JoystiqSuper Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition adds Yun and Yang originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadecapcomfightingSuper-Street-Fighter-IVTGS-2010TougekiyangyunSat, 18 Sep 2010 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective bumped to January 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/ghost-trick-phantom-detective-gets-bumped-to-january-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/ghost-trick-phantom-detective-gets-bumped-to-january-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/18/ghost-trick-phantom-detective-gets-bumped-to-january-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When last we heard Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, Capcom's excellent spiritual (get it?) successor to the Ace Attorney series, was due in "winter 2010." With that in mind, we have bad news for would-be phantom detectives, as Capcom's TGS fact sheet for the title includes a "January 2011" North American release date. The good news: our time with the title in Tokyo this year has further convinced us that the wait will be worth it.

JoystiqGhost Trick: Phantom Detective bumped to January 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomdsGhost-Trick-Phantom-Detectivenintendorelease-dateTGS-2010Sat, 18 Sep 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deus Ex: Human Revolution TGS trailer is hard to understand, easy on the eyes [update: now in English!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/deus-ex-human-revolution-tgs-trailer-is-hard-to-understand-eas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/deus-ex-human-revolution-tgs-trailer-is-hard-to-understand-eas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/deus-ex-human-revolution-tgs-trailer-is-hard-to-understand-eas/#comments We've got a new Deus Ex: Human Revolution trailer fresh from TGS, but we can't understand much of what these people are talking about. Thankfully, the language of kicking ass and looking good while doing it is universal. [Update: Now in English!]

Continue reading Deus Ex: Human Revolution TGS trailer is hard to understand, easy on the eyes [update: now in English!]

JoystiqDeus Ex: Human Revolution TGS trailer is hard to understand, easy on the eyes [update: now in English!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-ex-human-revolutioneidos-montrealmicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixtgs-2010xboxFri, 17 Sep 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warriors: Legends of Troy preview: Changing the dynasty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/warriors-legends-of-troy-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/warriors-legends-of-troy-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/warriors-legends-of-troy-preview/#comments It seems that nearly every Koei game, in some shape or form, is related to Dynasty Warriors. Legends of Troy is no different, giving you control over a lone warrior slaughtering hundreds of generic enemies. While it's bound to fall victim to the curse of repetition, Warriors: Legends of Troy makes some significant advancements to Koei's familiar formula: improved visuals and deeper combat.

That said, the TGS demo I played wasn't polished enough to keep me captivated.

Gallery: Warriors: Legends of Troy (TGS)

Continue reading Warriors: Legends of Troy preview: Changing the dynasty

JoystiqWarriors: Legends of Troy preview: Changing the dynasty originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>koei-canadamicrosoftplaystationps3tecmo-koeitgs-2010warriors-legends-of-troyxboxFri, 17 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Vanquish demo on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/another-vanquish-demo-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/another-vanquish-demo-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/another-vanquish-demo-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , ,

1UP reports that a second Vanquish demo will soon be dashing its way to consoles. The announcement was made by director Shinji Mikami and producer Atsushi Inaba during a stage show at TGS. The demo is set to offer a challenge mode, designed to provide a more challenging experience for skilled players. The new demo will arrive in Japan on September 22. We've contacted Sega to see if it will also see release outside of Japan.

JoystiqAnother Vanquish demo on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demomicrosoftplaystationps3segaTGS-2010vanquishxboxFri, 17 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ace Attorney Investigations 2 preview: My first game of Logic Chess]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/ace-attorney-investigations-2-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/ace-attorney-investigations-2-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/ace-attorney-investigations-2-preview/#commentsDespite the obvious problems with trying to play a graphical text adventure in Japanese, I attempted the Ace Attorney Investigations 2 TGS demo. I was able to glean at least the premise and highlights of the first case: a politician is shot during a speech, immediately following the landing of his plane, and Miles Edgeworth and Dick Gumshoe are assigned to investigate it.

As tends to happen in these games, things got weird almost immediately, as my investigation led to a giant Steel Samurai balloon submerged in a body of water. That's probably an important clue! Ace Attorney nerds will be happy to know that the Steel Samurai seems to figure heavily in this game -- not only does that balloon appear in the first five minutes of play, but Capcom's booth included inflatable Steel Samurai decorations, as well.

Gallery: Ace Attorney Investigations 2

Continue reading Ace Attorney Investigations 2 preview: My first game of Logic Chess

JoystiqAce Attorney Investigations 2 preview: My first game of Logic Chess originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-attorneyace-attorney-investigations-2capcomdslogic-chessnintendotgs-2010Fri, 17 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST