Joystiq

Marvel Universe Online shows off some (back)sides of its superheroes

Jessica Conditt — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 22:30:00 EST

Developer Gazillion and Marvel have been showing off some superheroes for the coming MMO Marvel Universe Online, and with the inclusion of Iron Man, we think it's about time you took a good look at these guys. So far, the MMMSociety has released renders of Deadpool, Wolverine, Cable, Captain America, Thor, Thing and Iron Man, all in fairly traditional spandex and ironclad garb. Iron Man, for example, looks a bit like Robert Downey Jr. under that sleek armor design -- trust us, we would know that rear end anywhere.

Gallery: Marvel Universe Online (12/3/11)

Marvel Universe Online shows off some (back)sides of its superheroes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Dec 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You really should have seen this amazing footage from The Avengers video game

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST

Earlier this year THQ shuttered the Australian studio most likely working on The Avengers: The Video Game, and until now we didn't know how far along the game was, or how awesome it was turning out to be. A freshly leaked video shows The Avengers in a pre-alpha build, highlighting the game's sweet FPS mechanics -- unfortunately THQ has pulled the footage from YouTube, meaning you'll never get to see how amazing this thing was. Your life sucks.

Not to rub it in your face, but we saw it and boy, was it good. The video showed the first-person perspectives of Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and Captain America, all using unique fighting styles to destroy their enemies -- or get obliterated by them, as was the case against the X-Men and Fantastic Four Super-Skrulls. The art style appeared sophisticated, especially for a pre-alpha build, and it contained just the right amount of superhero violence, including an active input scene where Hulk slowly snapped the neck of a Super-Skrull. Seriously, it's a shame you'll never see this footage. Ever.

Unless you see it here. We hope you appreciate it more this way.

You really should have seen this amazing footage from The Avengers video game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Avengers: The Video Game leaks, cancelled by THQ

Mike Schramm — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST

Early last month, THQ shuttered a few Australian studios that were working on licensed titles. A leak seems to reveal what one of those titles could have been: A video game tie-in to the upcoming Avengers movie. WouldYouKindly poked around on a few websites of concept artists formerly employed by THQ, and found some concept art and even a test animation (which has since been hidden) showing off Thor, Captain America, and Hawkeye all beating up on some Skrull enemies. One concept also shows Hulk and Iron Man in the mix.

The Avengers: The Video Game was at least being pitched, if not actually developed, for PS3, Xbox 360, and the PC. According to the LinkedIn profile of at least one developer, the game has been completely canceled, though we're not sure about the status of the license -- presumably, if THQ isn't making the game, Marvel could try shopping it to another developer or publisher.

The Avengers: The Video Game leaks, cancelled by THQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii developer Red Fly Studio lays off 30

Justin McElroy — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST

Sad news from Austin developer Red Fly Studio, which confirmed to GameSpot that it unexpectedly had to terminate approximately 30 employees on June 22. CEO Dan Borth explained, "The reduction of staff was a response to a large high-profile project that was, to our surprise, reevaluated and then canceled."

Red Fly is perhaps best known for its Wii versions of licensed games that are often as well -- if not better -- received than their 360 and PS3 counterparts (as was the case with the recent Thor). Here's hoping those affected land on their feet.

Wii developer Red Fly Studio lays off 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thor and Captain America to avenge in 3D on PS3, Xbox and (of course) 3DS

JC Fletcher — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:10:00 EST

Sega is showing the Thor and Captain America games at an event for both Marvel properties, and is also tweeting news snippets out of said event. First off, games based on both Marvel movies will be released on 3DS.

Second -- and this dovetails nicely -- the Xbox and PS3 versions will also be playable in 3D. No word yet about whether this will require a 3D television or if it'll be something like TriOviz that works on everything. Thor is currently slated for a May 11 release, with Captain America following sometime this summer.

Thor and Captain America to avenge in 3D on PS3, Xbox and (of course) 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thor: God of Thunder coming to consoles on May 3rd, 2011

Andrew Yoon — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 20:50:00 EST

Yep, it's another Sega published video game adaptation of a comic book movie. What could go wrong? Hopefully, this God of War approach to the God of Thunder will prove a bit more successful when it launches on May 3rd, three days before the movie.

Continue reading Thor: God of Thunder coming to consoles on May 3rd, 2011

Thor: God of Thunder coming to consoles on May 3rd, 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Dec 2010 20:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thor teaser trailer drops the hammer

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:20:00 EST

Just over a week since Sega confirmed that Thor: The Video Game was on track for next year, the company has released the first bits of media. There isn't much to go on at this point, with only a brief teaser trailer and a pair of concept art images, but allow us to make this bold prediction: The core gameplay mechanic will involve smashing things.

Gallery: Thor: The Video Game (concept art)

Continue reading Thor teaser trailer drops the hammer

Thor teaser trailer drops the hammer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Please hammer, hurt 'em: Thor officially in Marvel vs. Capcom 3

JC Fletcher — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:50:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

T.Q. Jefferson, director of Marvel Games, might not have had the element of surprise on his side when revealing the inclusion of the Mighty Thor in Marvel vs. Capcom 3, but the confirmation was more than welcome when he made the announcement at the MvC 3 panel at Comic-Con.

"Bringing him into this game is huge," Jefferson said. "The fact that we've got the movie coming out and another Thor game coming out from Sega, there's an appetite for Thor out there among the fanbase." For the especially curious among you, Jefferson revealed that the version of the Asgardian god used in this game will be Thor as drawn by Olivier Coipel in the latest comic series. Update: Now with video!

Gallery: Marvel vs Capcom 3 (Comic Con)

Continue reading Please hammer, hurt 'em: Thor officially in Marvel vs. Capcom 3

Please hammer, hurt 'em: Thor officially in Marvel vs. Capcom 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thor and Amaterasu descend into Marvel vs. Capcom 3

JC Fletcher — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:35:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Marvel.com seems to have accidentally revealed two more Marvel vs. Capcom 3 characters ahead of time. Character art and screenshots depicting Thor and Okami's Amaterasu appeared in Marvel.com's gallery for the game, though it seems to have been taken down since.

However, because sites like Omega-Level saved the images, and because you can see one in this very post, and because the Thor character art remains in Marvel's gallery at this moment, it doesn't really take much faith to believe in these two gods. We'll probably learn more details during tomorrow's MvC3 Comic-Con panel.

Thor and Amaterasu descend into Marvel vs. Capcom 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega confirms Thor game for 2011

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Sega today reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to creating game tie-ins to Marvel's (will-be) Avengers flicks. Following its recent pair of Iron Man games and The Incredible Hulk, Sega will launch Thor: The Video Game across major platforms next year -- and almost certainly around the release of the Thor film, due out May 6, 2011. (Marvel previously pegged the Thor game for May.)

The Thor games will be forged into three experiences: A God of War-type third-person adventure, featuring "tide-turning elemental powers" and "25 foot tall, 12 ton Ice Trolls," is in development for PS3 and Xbox 360; while the Wii version will add a twist -- and a hammer smash, presumably -- with its motion controls, in addition to taking on a "uniquely styled comic book look" (read: not in HD) that it will share with the PSP iteration. Finally, the DS Thor game will be presented as a 2D side-scrolling adventure and feature its own narrative, distinct from the other versions.

No word from Sega on the Captain America game yet; though the movie's still on for next July, and Sega's got the game rights.

[Image credit: Thor (2011 film) publicity photo; via LA Times]

Sega confirms Thor game for 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thor and Captain America games due in 2011

Justin McElroy — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:51:00 EST

It wasn't clear when Sega would be bringing its previously announced Thor and Captain America games to market, though we assumed they'd arrive alongside the films starring the iconic characters. Marvel has confirmed our suspicions in an earnings report this morning, saying that Thor and Cap will come to consoles in May and July of 2011 respectively, the same points they're set to appear on the big screen.

Since we know practically nothing about these games, we decided that, in true internet fashion, this would be the absolute best time to pick which one is better. Excelsior!

View Poll

Thor and Captain America games due in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney's Marvel buyout won't affect Sega superhero games

Randy Nelson — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:30:00 EST

Yesterday's news that Disney was buying Marvel Entertainment to the ~~toon~~ tune of $4 billion raised questions about games based on the comic book powerhouse's licenses. One of these has been answered by Sega, which is currently working on three announced Marvel tie-ins: Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America. The word from on top? "At this time there are no changes to Sega's existing licensing agreement for [those] videogame titles," Sega told GI.biz.

In addition, the publisher indicated that it would be teaming with Disney and Marvel (Misney? Darvel?) on "future ventures." One thing at a time, folks ... one thing at a time. It's probably best to focus on the here and now; after all, we all remember how the first Iron Man game turned out.

Disney's Marvel buyout won't affect Sega superhero games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Too Human video: Thor smash!

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

GameTrailers has posted a new trailer from the upcoming Silicon Knights hack and slash, Too Human. There is no gameplay feature. However, what it lacks in gameplay, it makes for it with Thor. As the Norse god of thunder, Thor has something of a temper, which is fairly evident in the video. Watch as Baldur and Thor search for the doorway to the serpent's lair. We hate to spoil it for anyone, but let's just say that if you're the god Thor and you carry a giant hammer, you can make doors.

Too Human video: Thor smash! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega gathers up more Marvel superheroes

Nick Doerr — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

Sega, I love ya and I hate ya. Nights on the Wii? Come on, the SIXAXIS would work too -- look at flOw. Also, why no traditional Phantasy Star? Why are you pooing all over the Sonic franchise? At least you're not cutting any corners on the Virtua Fighter 5 front. SEGA, you seem to cater to the fighting enthusiast. Dreamcast was a great arcade fighter system -- their arcade stick (whatever its name was) was arguably the best ever. Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is still in my white box.

Marvel understands this and continues its relationship with Sega by giving them three more superhero names to utilize: The Incredible Hulk, Thor, and Captain America. Sega already has an Iron Man game in the works, probably to follow the upcoming film's adventure with Tony Stark. Iron Man is Tony Stark, right? Or is my memory rapidly melting away into reality? We can expect most of these games to coincide with their respective films, but maybe we'll get treated to one with a unique story. Who knows? ...The Shadow knows. Awful.

Sega gathers up more Marvel superheroes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEGA bringing Marvel's Hulk, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America to games

Steven Bailey — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

Superhero games are nothing new, but like comic movies, the games seem to be of a higher quality lately. With that in mind, SEGA has announced a deal with Marvel to bring games featuring their beloved characters to PC, next-gen consoles and handhelds. But what can I say that SEGA PR can't say better? Here's what SEGA US president Simon Jeffery said:

"As SEGA continues to create more games that are built from the ground up to appeal to Western audiences it makes perfect sense to work with a powerhouse company like Marvel that has established and beloved characters like The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, and Thor. These are icons that people are already familiar with and love, so our goal is to give gamers the ability to play out their fantasies by actually becoming these Super Heroes."

I think I'm personally looking forward to a Thor game the most, if for only because he hasn't hit the gaming space quite as often as the other heroes. How about you? Which of these Marvel characters would you most like to play with on your PSP?

[Via IGN]

SEGA bringing Marvel's Hulk, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America to games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sega picks up rights to Hulk, Captain America, Thor

Justin McElroy — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action

A limited number of the Avengers assemble! It may lack the punch of the standard battle cry, but it seems to be the one on Sega's lips as they add The Hulk, Thor and Captain America to their character roster. What unites these three characters? Are there a handful of designers at Sega with a bold vision to bring these favorites to life on consoles ... or could it be that all three are the subject of forthcoming blockbuster films? Well, Reuters says that Sega's already got a team on The Hulk in anticipation of the June 2008 film starring Edward Norton, if that helps narrow it down.

Sega is already creating an Iron Man game internally for consoles in conjunction with the Robert Downy Jr. flick due out next year and Reuters reports that the game is being made "using next-generation technology," so it should be an instant classic. We're anxious to see what Sega does with the heroes, but allow us to make one small suggestion: Wiimote + Thor's hammer = funtastic. That's all we're saying.

Sega picks up rights to Hulk, Captain America, Thor originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VC Friday: It's all about Sega

Alisha Karabinus — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: News, Virtual Console

Well, if you just happen to be in Europe and are nursing an irrational hatred of Sega (hey, who knows?), then this is not the week for you. Just forget about the Virtual Console and go cycling through the countryside. If, on the other hand, you happen to be a big Sega fan, then rejoice! This one's for you, cause it's all about the Mega Drive.

Out today on the VC:

Sonic Spinball -- 800 Wii points
The Story of Thor -- 800 Wii points
Vectorman -- 800 Wii points

Will you be dropping large blocks of Wii points on any of these, or will you take a pass?

VC Friday: It's all about Sega originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metareview - Marvel Ultimate Alliance

Alan Rose — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: PC, Sony PlayStation 2, Microsoft Xbox, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action, Online, RPGs, Metareviews

The ongoing debate over which superhero universe reigns supreme may never be settled, but Marvel Comics is looking like the clear winner in the gaming space with Activision's release of Marvel Ultimate Alliance. There's no Incredible Hulk (he's in Vivendi's game), but just about everyone else from the House of Ideas makes an appearance, which amounts to at least 20 playable characters on each platform. Where Ultimate Alliance really shines over Justice League Heroes is in the stronger focus on teamwork, not to mention a more impressive cast of villains. , assemble!

Game Informer (93/100) likes the new transparent rejuvenation system: "In this game, you no longer need to stock potions. When an enemy is slain, there's a chance that the fallen will gift you with a cluster of healing orbs that automatically zoom to your character. This change not only removes the clunky system of healing, it makes you feel more like a hero. Your focus is always on the battlefield, not a meter."

GamePro (90/100) appreciates the challenging enemy AI: "The major boss battles are head and shoulders above anything you've seen in the past. The roster of villains changes with such frequency that you never get a chance to get sick of them. Stronger ones boast talents like healing and immunity to certain attacks, while others carry shields that force your active crew of four to work as a team."
TeamXbox (88/100) was dazzled by the production quality: "The opening cinematic by Blur Studios is perhaps the finest I have witnessed in a videogame...but it's worth mentioning that the in-game footage cut scenes by Raven are no slouches either. Raven's in-game work is really nice too. Characters all have that comic book look, but have been updated to have their own edge. The backgrounds are just as sweet, flexing a bunch of post-production effects and lots of animations."

Metareview - Marvel Ultimate Alliance originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Oct 2006 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq hands-on: Marvel: Ultimate Alliance

Kevin Kelly — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action, Adventure, Fighting, RPGs

After previewing Call of Duty 3 and seeing the trailer for Flags of our Fathers for the umpteenth time, we wanted a diversion from the battlefields. Returning to Activision in search of something that would allow us to shed our daily mundane identities and to become heroes that weren't dressed in fatigues, we encountered our friend the receptionist again, still holding a grudge from our earlier victory. She led us into a dark room that had the villainous look of a secret lair. We had entered the realm of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance.

The green glow of Xbox 360 rings of light around the room looked like laser-activated booby traps, but we managed to evade them and press on. After a short briefing we were off to hand pick our four fellow heroes. You pick from tons of playable characters, although some of them are unlocked as you explore areas and find more heroes. Putting The Thing, Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, and the Human Torch on our team got us a Fantastic Four bonus (it was a no-brainer, we admit it), but we couldn't figure out any of the other combinations. We spied Deadpool and Spider-Woman on the Wii version -- which are probably the two unique characters that only the next-gen systems will be serving up. There is an extremely Nick Fury-esque shoulder holster on one of the silhouetted locked characters, and our fingers are itching to play the cigar-chomping, insult-hurling leader of the Howling Commandos.

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Marvel: Ultimate Alliance

Joystiq hands-on: Marvel: Ultimate Alliance originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ultimate Alliance producer interviewed

Alan Rose — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Sony PlayStation 2, Portable, Sony PSP, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action, RPGs

UGO recently interviewed Activision producer Matthew Paul to get some background details on Marvel Ultimate Alliance. Paul discussed the creative process he and Marvel games writer C. B. Cebulski used to craft the Alliance plot, and also talked about how the reworked X-Men Legends technology allows for a greater range of combat moves. Look for alternate costumes and unique gameplay with the Wii controller when Alliance ships in October.

Ultimate Alliance producer interviewed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Aug 2006 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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