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[Bringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/#comments ImageMercenary Ops is something of a rarity. While there are quite a few Western-developed games being published in Asia by Chinese and Korean companies, there aren't a lot of Chinese-developed online titles being published by Western companies.

Developed in China by Yingpei Games, which used to be called Epic Games China, the shooter is being distributed by the San Francisco-based outfit Kalends, a group of developers who've decided to try their hand at publishing on their own.

As for the game itself, Kalends has announced that Mercenary Ops will be released as a free-to-play, microtransaction-based title - a business plan that has deep roots in China, but is only just breaking ground stateside.

Gallery: Mercenary Ops

Continue reading Bringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops

JoystiqBringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabetaeasternfree-to-playjason-sharpkalendsmarketsmercenary-opspcshooterthird-personuswesternying-peiTue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trenched is a third-person tower-defense game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/trenched-is-a-third-person-tower-defense-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/trenched-is-a-third-person-tower-defense-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/trenched-is-a-third-person-tower-defense-game/#comments When Trenched was revealed by Tim Schafer at the end of this year's Game Developer's Choice Awards ceremony, we knew next to nothing about it. Though we can't tell you how we feel about it ourselves, previews are showing up all over the web that describe the game as a third-person tower-defense title set in an alternate history post-WWI world.

G4 explains that the tower-defense-style battles of Trenched take place atop walking, upgradeable trenches. As it turns out, television monsters (referred to as "tubes") are attacking the world's mobile trenches and handicapped hero Frank Woodrof is bent on defending them. You'll employ Woodrof's ultra-manliness to defeat said "tubes" and restore alternate reality's normalcy. Or, ya know, Double Fine's bizarre version of normalcy in the world of Trenched. Schafer's team expects the game out on Xbox Live Arcade at some point in 2011.

JoystiqTrenched is a third-person tower-defense game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doublefinemicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosthird-persontim-schafertower-defensetrenchedxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeThu, 10 Mar 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Lead and Gold ganging up on the US PlayStation Store today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/lead-and-gold-ganging-up-on-the-us-playstation-store-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/lead-and-gold-ganging-up-on-the-us-playstation-store-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/lead-and-gold-ganging-up-on-the-us-playstation-store-today/#comments Can't wait for Red Dead Redemption's release date to get your cowboy on? You can exercise a more immediate, cost-effective option on the US PlayStation Store today, with the release of Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West. For $15, you can pick up the western-themed multiplayer third-person shooter and begin honing your ever-valuable frontier skills. You know, stuff like rustling. Bronco riding. Spittooning. Campfire cooking. Spur maintenance.

JoystiqLead and Gold ganging up on the US PlayStation Store today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionfatsharklead-and-goldlead-and-gold-gangs-of-the-wild-westplaystation-storepsnthird-personTue, 04 May 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rooster Teeth experiments with third-person driving in real life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/rooster-teeth-experiments-with-third-person-driving-in-real-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/rooster-teeth-experiments-with-third-person-driving-in-real-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/rooster-teeth-experiments-with-third-person-driving-in-real-life/#comments In the pilot episode of a new web series titled "Immersion," the comedic machinimists of Rooster Teeth attempted to bring a popular action game phenomenon into the real world: What if you could really drive a car from a third-person perspective? Using a pole, some dumbbells, an expensive camera and some vision-impairing black sheets, the troupe was able to have an entertaining, albeit entirely irresponsible out-of-car driving experience. Check out the NSFW video after the jump to see their automotive shenanigans in action.

Continue reading Rooster Teeth experiments with third-person driving in real life

JoystiqRooster Teeth experiments with third-person driving in real life originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drivinggrand-theft-autohumorrooster-teeththird-personthird-person-viewvideoWed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 will feature third-person mode for playlists]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/modern-warfare-2-will-feature-3rd-person-mode-for-playlists/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/modern-warfare-2-will-feature-3rd-person-mode-for-playlists/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/modern-warfare-2-will-feature-3rd-person-mode-for-playlists/#comments You never want to bring a third person along on a date -- not unless that date happens to be November 10th. Infinity Ward's community manager Robert Bowling (A.K.A. fourzerotwo) has taken control and confirmed that a third-person camera viewpoint will be available in this holiday's monolithic Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, though it'll be limited to specifically labeled online playlists.

"It's not something you can toggle on and off in ANY game," said Bowling. The special mode can only be played in private matches -- toggled on or off just like "Hardcore" settings -- or in playlists that are designated for third-person play. According to Bowling, everyone playing in a third-person playlist will be restricted to the viewpoint. "This is just another cool way to play the game," he said, "you obviously will still have the option to play gametypes normal as well."

Our friend, the internet, has an inscrutable video of some person running around in third person, but you're probably better off waiting for the "awesome trailer" the folks at Infinity Ward have planned.

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 will feature third-person mode for playlists originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3rd-personactivisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2fourzerotwofpsinfinity-wardMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2robert-bowlingthird-personXbox-360Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:17:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2009: Red Dead Redemption lets you kill ... everything]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/pax-2009-red-dead-redemption-lets-you-kill-everything/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/pax-2009-red-dead-redemption-lets-you-kill-everything/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/pax-2009-red-dead-redemption-lets-you-kill-everything/#comments Red Dead Redemption's promised Wild West sandbox came to life in a build shown off to attendees at PAX over the weekend. One of the first things we noticed is that you can end a life whenever you want. What kind of lives? See a bunny bouncing by? Kablam. Attacked by a wild bear? Kapow. Angry at your horse and want to put him down? Kablang. You can kill literally every living thing in the game and, in some cases, skin them and sell their hides to the furrier in town to make some dough. We doubt he deals in horse skins, however.

There's more beyond the break, just mind you don't get shot.

Gallery: Red Dead Redemption (PAX 2009)

Continue reading PAX 2009: Red Dead Redemption lets you kill ... everything

JoystiqPAX 2009: Red Dead Redemption lets you kill ... everything originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Kill-EverythingMicrosoftOpen-WorldPAXPAX-2009Red-Dead-RedemptionRed-Dead-RevolverRockstarrockstar-san-diegoSandboxShooterThird-PersonWesternXbox-360Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wanted for breaking the law: Vogster's CrimeCraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/wanted-for-breaking-the-law-vogsters-crimecraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/wanted-for-breaking-the-law-vogsters-crimecraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/wanted-for-breaking-the-law-vogsters-crimecraft/#comments
***NOTICE TO ALL GAMERS***

FROM: The Joystiq Office of Law Enforcement
RE: Vogster's CrimeCraft, a "persistent world next-gen shooter" due out August 25th.

Attention: CrimeCraft is to be considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached in a video game store. Stay away at all costs.

Last seen location: E3 2009, in the Vogster booth.

Continue reading Wanted for breaking the law: Vogster's CrimeCraft

JoystiqWanted for breaking the law: Vogster's CrimeCraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actioncrimecrafthands-onjoystiqmmonext-genpersistentpvepvpshooterthird-personvogsterWed, 03 Jun 2009 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2009: Nier trailer hits the web, official website launches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/31/e3-2009-nier-is-square-enixs-next-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/31/e3-2009-nier-is-square-enixs-next-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/31/e3-2009-nier-is-square-enixs-next-game/#comments Square Enix has seemingly jumped the gun on at least some of its E3 news, with the trailer for Nier finding its way online, not to mention the game getting an official website. Hey, there's even gameplay!

The art style looks like a pretty dramatic departure from the Japanese company's usual androgynix, not to mention the vast swathes of blood. Maybe that has something to do with Square's recent fascination with the Western market? That remains to be seen. We'll assuredly see more as the week progresses, though feel free to peruse our gallery of screens below in the meantime.

Gallery: Nier

JoystiqE3 2009: Nier trailer hits the web, official website launches originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 May 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actioncaviaMicrosoftniersquare-enixthird-personXbox-360Sun, 31 May 2009 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Faction: Guerrilla trailer shows off tools of destruction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/red-faction-guerrilla-trailer-shows-off-tools-of-destruction/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/red-faction-guerrilla-trailer-shows-off-tools-of-destruction/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/red-faction-guerrilla-trailer-shows-off-tools-of-destruction/#comments
If you like weapons and exploding buildings, then you'll likely enjoy the latest trailer from Red Faction: Guerrilla. Either that, or you're an action hero. Unless your driver's license says Bruce Willis, however, then it's safe to bet you just like action, and don't find yourself as a regular participant in its chaos. The same cannot be said for folks on Mars, as action finds them on a daily basis. Don't believe us? Watch the trailer past the break, which depicts the everyday violence happening on the red planet. Here's what we've learned from said trailer: Quaid managed to start the reactor, but Kuato's rebellion hasn't won yet.

Gallery: Red Faction: Guerrilla

Continue reading Red Faction: Guerrilla trailer shows off tools of destruction

JoystiqRed Faction: Guerrilla trailer shows off tools of destruction originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Microsoftred-factionred-faction-guerrillathird-personthqvideovolitionXbox-360Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic contemplates Gears of War 2 ranking system overhaul]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/epic-contemplates-gears-of-war-2-ranking-system-overhaul/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/epic-contemplates-gears-of-war-2-ranking-system-overhaul/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/epic-contemplates-gears-of-war-2-ranking-system-overhaul/#comments
If you've been playing Gears of War 2 since its release in early November, then the ranking system is just one item of complaint on a list of many. Thankfully, Epic's Rod Fergusson has proposed a change in the way players are ranked, introducing an experience-based alternative on the Gears of War forums. The response was pretty much positive, as many of the comments are in favor of the proposed changes than the existing Trueskill-based system.

In case you were wondering where we stand, you can bet we're in support of Rod's idea. Mainly because we've had our rank since the first day and it hasn't changed in the slightest. You'd think 10,000 kills would be enough to rank up, but then you'd be wrong.

JoystiqEpic contemplates Gears of War 2 ranking system overhaul originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionepicgears-of-wargears-of-war-2ranking-systemrod-fergussonshooterthird-personthird-person-shooterMon, 09 Feb 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Keiji Inafune mentions Lost Planet, Dead Rising sequels, may be multiplatform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/keiji-inafune-mentions-lost-planet-dead-rising-sequels-might-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/keiji-inafune-mentions-lost-planet-dead-rising-sequels-might-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/keiji-inafune-mentions-lost-planet-dead-rising-sequels-might-g/#commentsFiled under: ,


We completely understand talk of a sequel to Lost Planet. With a movie in the works, it makes sense to revisit the misplaced orb that's so wonderfully overrun with bugs and mechs. As for Dead Rising 2 ... we want more Frank West in skimpy clothing. Also, we want to kill 53,000+ zombies again.

The mega man behind the Mega Man series and Capcom top dog, Keiji Inafune, recently sat down for a chat with Japanese mag Famitsu and was pretty direct about his forthcoming projects, making sure to refrain from beating around bushes. "We're finally putting out new Dead Rising and Lost Planet games," he exclaimed. He went on to say that Capcom is "thinking about multiplatform, and expanding upon both slightly from the Xbox 360 version."

CVG asked a Capcom UK spokesperson about the matter, who said that Dead Rising "was a huge success for us and is obviously the kind of game we'd like to continue to make." He elaborated further, adding that, "At the moment we have made no official announcement regarding a sequel. As the source is Famitsu, I can only suggest that it was a mistranslation." Mistranslation, huh?

So, what say you all? Want another Lost Planet? We know you want another Dead Rising already. We asked your mom and she said you loved the first game, so we're glad to be in agreement there.

JoystiqKeiji Inafune mentions Lost Planet, Dead Rising sequels, may be multiplatform originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actioncapcomdead-risingfamitsufrank-westjapankeiji-inafunelost-planetLost-Planet-Extreme-ConditionMicrosoftPS3third-personXbox-360Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq E3 hands-on: Red Faction: Guerrilla]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/joystiq-e3-hands-on-red-faction-guerrilla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/joystiq-e3-hands-on-red-faction-guerrilla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/joystiq-e3-hands-on-red-faction-guerrilla/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Volition's decision to change the perspective in Red Faction: Guerrilla from the first to the third-person couldn't have been an easy choice to make, but it seems to be the right one, something that even now feels strange to put to words. Even as a fan of the developer's terrain-deforming original, it's difficult to look back on Red Faction without qualifying my enthusiasm with the promises and potential of what might have been.

However, after sitting down with Volition senior artist Jasen Whiteside over a hurried E3 lunch and actually playing the title, it's evident that action game fans shouldn't feel at all awkward about adding Red Faction: Guerrilla to their list of titles to look forward to in early 2009.

Gallery: Red Faction: Guerrilla

Continue reading Joystiq E3 hands-on: Red Faction: Guerrilla

JoystiqJoystiq E3 hands-on: Red Faction: Guerrilla originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e32008joystiqfeaturesPCPS3red-factionred-faction-3red-faction-guerrillaredfactionthird-personthqvolitionXbox-360Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega partners with PlatinumGames, reveals first MADWORLD shots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/sega-partners-with-platinumgames-reveals-first-madworld-shots/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/sega-partners-with-platinumgames-reveals-first-madworld-shots/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/sega-partners-with-platinumgames-reveals-first-madworld-shots/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click to enlarge.

Earlier this week on DS Fanboy, we reported on a rumor that Sega had signed up to publish three titles from PlatinumGames, the studio formed by former employees of the vaunted Clover Studio. To our delight, Sega just sent forth a press release confirming the partnership, along with the first two shots of PlatinumGames' Wii debut, MADWORLD.

Described as a game that "straddles graphic novels and 3D worlds," MADWORLD looks every bit as stunning as early video footage had suggested. It's set for release during Q1, 2009, and promises weapons that range from chainsaws to street signs, irreverent humor, and sports commentary to accompany the slaughtering.

Finally, there's a fourth title that Sega is keeping under wraps for now -- all we know is that it's being directed by Shinji Mikami, whose resume includes the first three Gyakuten Saiban games, God Hand, Killer 7, Resident Evil 4, and Viewtiful Joe.


[Via press release]

JoystiqSega partners with PlatinumGames, reveals first MADWORLD shots originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 May 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionclovermadworldplatinum-gamesplatinumgamesthird-personThu, 15 May 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Checking out interactive environments in Alone in the Dark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/checking-out-interactive-environments-in-alone-in-the-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/checking-out-interactive-environments-in-alone-in-the-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/checking-out-interactive-environments-in-alone-in-the-dark/#commentsFiled under:


A new trailer for the PC version of Alone in the Dark just hit the internet, giving us a glimpse into what to expect from the title. We're anticipating pretty much the same experience as the other versions of the game on the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3, just with some toned-down graphics. And, we're also incredibly excited about the high levels of interactivity the game's environments exhibit, as you all undoubtedly are.

JoystiqChecking out interactive environments in Alone in the Dark originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkatarihorrorsurvival-horrorthird-personTue, 22 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom: Bionic Commando on Wii possible, if demand is there]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/capcom-bionic-commando-on-wii-possible-if-demand-is-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/capcom-bionic-commando-on-wii-possible-if-demand-is-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/capcom-bionic-commando-on-wii-possible-if-demand-is-there/#commentsFiled under:


When the game was revealed, we quickly replied with a "meh," anticipating the title would not arrive on our beloved Wii system (Capcom loves that 360 thing). Sure enough, it was only going to arrive on the other current-gen systems. But, times change and apparently Capcom could be open to changing the game up a tad and fitting it for the Wii. That is, if you all want it.

And, after watching the game's hero whip things, we have come to the conclusion that we want the game. The reticle aiming and whipping action looks like it would be a perfect match for the Wii's control scheme. Of course, should the game turn out to be bad, we'll be kicking ourselves for making such a stink about the whole thing.

What do you all think? Would you play the game, or could you not care less?

JoystiqCapcom: Bionic Commando on Wii possible, if demand is there originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandocapcomthird-personThu, 10 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destructible game, Fracture, announced for 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/destructible-game-fracture-announced-for-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/destructible-game-fracture-announced-for-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/destructible-game-fracture-announced-for-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Fracture is the new collaboration between publisher, LucasArts, and developer Day 1 Studios. To be released in mid-2008 for the PS3 and 360, the third-person shooter will rely on destructible environments as a key component of the gameplay. We've heard that promise before, but like a bass noticing a Shad Rap, the game's potential is high enough for us to follow this lure to the boat.

It's the year 2161, and the United States has been divided by its flooded Mississippi River. The East is full of cybernetically enhanced humans, while the West is populated with powerful mutants aided by genetic engineering. The freaks can't get along, and this premise -- which hopefully plays out better than it sounds -- incites a world war based in America. (We look forward to the "K" broadcasters finally settling their feud with the "W" stations.)

[Update: Be sure to check out our impressions of the title as well.]

Gallery: Fracture

Continue reading Destructible game, Fracture, announced for 2008

JoystiqDestructible game, Fracture, announced for 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Day 1 StudiosDay1StudiosdestructibleFractureLucasartsPS3third personthird-personThirdPersonXbox-360Wed, 02 May 2007 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview - Killzone: Liberation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/30/metareview-killzone-liberation/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/30/metareview-killzone-liberation/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/30/metareview-killzone-liberation/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Killzone: LiberationWith that Killzone sequel stuck somewhere in the PlayStation 3 pipeline, Sony and Guerilla have opted to keep the franchise alive with a PSP spin-off, releasing this week. Guerilla was not up to the task of proving FPSs could be done well on PSP, so Liberation is brought to us in third-person, which has proved more stable and successful on the platform. But releasing alongside Vice City Stories and a pair of Q Entertainment puzzlers could mean Liberation gets slept on.

Here are some mixed critiques:
  • IGN (90/100) opines Killzone's got "depth" and "accessibility," making it "one of the best games on [PSP]."
  • GameDaily (80/100) gives a clear-cut endorsement: "Killzone: Liberation is definitely worth buying."
  • Game Informer (73/100) applauds Guerilla for "actually trying to do some quality work on the PSP," but warns, "this game will kick your ass" because of awkward controls and difficulty balance.

JoystiqMetareview - Killzone: Liberation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Oct 2006 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Guerilla GamesGuerillaGamesKillzonePSPSCEShooterThird-PersonMon, 30 Oct 2006 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[John Woo's Stranglehold hands-on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/john-woos-stranglehold-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/john-woos-stranglehold-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/john-woos-stranglehold-hands-on/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Take the gun out of your mouth folks. John Woo's Stranglehold looks like more than just a shot-to-sh-t cash-in on the Hong Kong action auteur's single-syllable last name. Senior Game Designer Patrick Curry (a loyal Joystiq reader) pulled me out of the crowd  for a little quality time with Midway's homage to Woo's bullet ballets and I came away impressed. This 360 game is from the same team that did Psi-Ops: Mindgate Conspiracy, an awesome Xbox title that was on everybody's "best game that no one played" list. After commiserating with the staff over the inexplicable disappointing sales of that game, I picked up the controller to try out  its "spiritual" next-gen sequel. Stranglehold plays like Max Payne with, better graphics, more style and more ridiculously cool slow-mo moves. Midway's pitch focused on the destructable environment, which allowed me to blow up everything from wall tiles to frozen pigs. Combined with an array of Woo-ish bullet-time maneuvers, the level I saw did a good job of recreating the vibe from the tea house shoot-out scene in Hard-boiled. I asked executive producer Brian Eddy for the honest truth about Woo's involvement and was told he really did write  the script. He also personally nixed blown off limbs, which sadly aren't his stylistic bag. Fortunately, he does prefer  that perforated enemies stack up a la The Killer rather than disappear, so the team is working on that feature. They're also adding melee moves beyond the standard pistol whip present in the current build. Employing a common E3 tactic, Midway is keeping multiplayer details close to the shoulder holster, but I was assured that bullet-time will be implemented in an innovative way. Oh, and no warehouse levels. 

JoystiqJohn Woo's Stranglehold hands-on originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 May 2006 01:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionE3e32006licensemidwaythird-personwooXbox-360Sun, 14 May 2006 01:50:00 EST