Joystiq

Spy Hunter races to 3DS and PS Vita this fall

David Hinkle — Wed, 30 May 2012 17:00:00 EST

Warner Bros. has announced a new Spy Hunter game for the 3DS and PlayStation Vita. It's in development at TT Fusion, which was previously Embryonic Studios, a smattering of key staff from Gizmondo - who made the Gizmondo - and Warthog, a UK studio who has done a lot of licensed titles. TT Games snatched up the studio in 2006 before being bought by Warner Bros. a year later.

This Spy Hunter reboot will be available this fall, and ... well, it's Spy Hunter. You drive a transforming car to take down evil dudes. This latest installment adds an aerial support drone and will let users customize the Interceptor (the official ride of spies everywhere) through tech and weapon upgrades. The car is also red now, which seems like the worst color for a spy car but that's just our two cents.

Gallery: Spy Hunter (Vita/3DS)

Continue reading Spy Hunter races to 3DS and PS Vita this fall

Spy Hunter races to 3DS and PS Vita this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 conjures up iOS port

David Hinkle — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:15:00 EST

Just in time for Hogwarts summer break, Warner Bros. has released Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 on the iTunes App store. The new universal app for iPad and iPhone/iPod Touch will set eager Expelliarmus users back $4.99.

In addition to the base game, the iOS port features a Dueling Club expansion where players can take on famous Harry Potter characters like Professor Snape, Lord Voldemort and more.

Gallery: Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 (iOS)

Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 conjures up iOS port originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exploring an open-world Gotham in Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes

Xav de Matos — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:40:00 EST

Lego bricks inspire creativity, but that sense of discovery and creation is all but lost in the video games from developer Travelers Tales. The experiences are largely linear affairs, with not much in the way of making your own fun.

Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes has a different design philosophy. Rather than give players a list of levels they can select, TT Games has removed the barriers around Batman's hometown. While the vision of an open world is welcome, a short demo of the game during GDC showed there's still a lot that tethers The Dark Knight to Gotham.

Gallery: Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (3/15/12)

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Exploring an open-world Gotham in Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Batman 2 welcomes some friendly faces, unfriendly voices

JC Fletcher — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:10:00 EST

Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes has more heroes than usual -- going beyond the Bat-family into the wider DC Universe. You can see Superman looking totally oblivious alongside the appropriately gruff Dynamic Duo in the gallery below.

Lego Batman 2 also has real human voices speaking the English language, something you don't expect from a Lego game! In fact, the first human voice we hear is that of Clancy Brown, who provides the menacingly deep voice of Lex Luthor for Superman: The Animated Series and other DC Comics animation.

Gallery: Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (3/15/12)

Lego Batman 2 welcomes some friendly faces, unfriendly voices originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes gliding through Gotham in summer 2012

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST

After being outed by Lego's own advertising team in a series of toys, Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is officially on its way to pretty much every gaming device out there, starting in summer 2012. Beyond the platform ubiquity, WB unveiled the game's main cast, which has Superman, Green Lantern, and Wonder Woman joining forces with Gotham's famous bat and bird.

We're also told "notorious villains" like Lex Luthor and Joker will be a part of the game, providing a good serving of antagonism for the super hero quintet. Batman series staples such as the Batmobile and Batwing will also make appearances, albeit in Lego form. Developer TT Games is once again at the helm, no doubt infusing its silly sense of humor into Batman's typically grim career.

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Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes gliding through Gotham in summer 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 has this release-date thing figured out

Jessica Conditt — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST

The magical art of Arithmancy can be a huge help to video-game marketing executives, charting the best days to hold a sale, raise prices, or release an entire game. Warner Bros., of course, has access to the best wizards of our age and it was able to calculate the most profitable day to release Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 -- 11-11-11.

Now we just have to figure out which wizards are working with Bethesda and hope they're not evil. Oh, it looks like one of them is named Tom Riddle. That sounds like a safe, friendly name. We should be all right.

Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 has this release-date thing figured out originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 aiming for all consoles this holiday

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 19 May 2011 11:25:00 EST

If you're as obsessed with the boy who lived as we are, this summer's final chapter in the Harry Potter film series is unlikely to sate your desire for British wizardry. Thankfully, Warner Bros. has announced that the next entry in the Lego Harry Potter series will arrive on pretty much anything that plays video games, sometime "this holiday."

Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 follows Harry and co. through the treacherous final years at Hogwarts, leading up to the seventh book's catastrophic conclusions. Interestingly, the game is one of a handful of announced games for Sony's forthcoming system, the NGP (in addition to the PSP -- they're going to live alongside each other, remember?)

If Lego HP lives up to its promise of launching on all those consoles this holiday, it looks like North America is still set to be one of the first territories getting Sony's new handheld before year's end. Reps from WBIE hadn't gotten back to us as of publishing.

[Pictured: Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4]

Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 aiming for all consoles this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 May 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Pirates trailer is all violent mermaids, slapstick

David Hinkle — Tue, 10 May 2011 02:05:00 EST

We get it: You're stuck in the cold sea all of the time, watching us bipeds strut around our streets, all dry and comfy in our best walking jeans. Of course you'd have contempt for us, but this is Lego Pirates of the Caribbean here, not Murdermaids: The Bloodening.

Continue reading Lego Pirates trailer is all violent mermaids, slapstick

Lego Pirates trailer is all violent mermaids, slapstick originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 May 2011 02:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Pirates of the Caribbean coming to 3DS with exclusive StreetPass feature

JC Fletcher — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:20:00 EST

You'll be able to guide a swaying pile of rum-soaked plastic bricks through supernatural high-seas adventure in 3D this May. Disney and WB revealed that Lego Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game will be released on Nintendo 3DS in May, alongside versions for Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, PC, Mac, and DS -- and alongside the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides movie, of course.

The 3DS version includes a few exclusive features, like support for the system's pedometer-acquired "Play Coins," and a StreetPass feature, "Pirate Duels," that automatically engages virtual Lego pirates against one another when two 3DS systems come within communication range -- with even more Play Coins awarded to the winner.

Gallery: Lego Pirates of the Caribbean (3DS)

Lego Pirates of the Caribbean coming to 3DS with exclusive StreetPass feature originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars shows off big battles

David Hinkle — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST

Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars looks to be the most ambitious entry in the block-based space opera series yet -- at least, from a combat standpoint. This latest trailer promises big ground battles and even bigger space battles.

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Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars shows off big battles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Pirates of the Caribbean debut trailer

David Hinkle — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:55:00 EST

Back in November, Disney revealed Lego Pirates of the Caribbean, the latest adaptation from TT Games. Originally set to launch this May, the game's first trailer, posted by MTV Multiplayer and available for viewing at your leisure past the break, now pegs it for Summer 2011.

Continue reading Lego Pirates of the Caribbean debut trailer

Lego Pirates of the Caribbean debut trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Star Wars 3 voice actors show off nonverbal talents

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 01:30:00 EST

The quirky thing about Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars is that it features the actual voice cast from the television show, but limits them to nonverbal acting. Hngh!

Continue reading Lego Star Wars 3 voice actors show off nonverbal talents

Lego Star Wars 3 voice actors show off nonverbal talents originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Battles to go ninja, go Ninjago this spring

JC Fletcher — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

TT Games and WBIE are preparing a sequel to one of the few Lego games not to carry a license (well, other than the Lego license), the DS real-time strategy battle Lego Battles. Lego Battles: Ninjago brings back the RTS style, but gives it a new setting and new characters from Lego's new Ninjago toy line.

Ninjago is about ninjas who practice "Spinjitzu," the art of spinning into a human tornado like the Tasmanian Devil, and a martial art that doesn't sound like it lends itself to strategy. In "good" or "evil" single-player scenarios, you can play out the battles between the ninjas and the "Skulkin" skeleton army. There are also multiplayer modes, including "four new multiplayer challenges, and two of the original multiplayer challenges from Lego Battles." Ninjago will be released on DS this spring. In addition, a Ninjago-themed world is being added to the MMO Lego Universe.

Gallery: Lego Battles: Ninjago

Lego Battles to go ninja, go Ninjago this spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LEGO Star Wars 3 meets RTS in walkthrough video

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:20:00 EST

It might seem tempting to write off LEGO Star Wars 3 as just another family-friendly action game. That said, you might feel something ... twitch when you see the command options in the latest video, right around the time the player builds a base and summons a cannon directly to the battlefield. A similar twitch may occur at the mention of PvP multiplayer modes. That twitch, friends, just might be desire.

Gallery: Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars (12/17/10)

Continue reading LEGO Star Wars 3 meets RTS in walkthrough video

LEGO Star Wars 3 meets RTS in walkthrough video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game sets sail May 2011

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST

Disney may have sunk Pirates of the Caribbean: Armada of the Damned, but the franchise will still hit the high seas of retail next spring with Lego Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game in May. The latest adaptation to be built on TT Games' Lego foundation will launch on all major consoles, portable game systems and PC, right alongside the upcoming film, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

In the game, swashbuckling blockhead Jack Sparrow and, err, 70 other playable characters relive events from the first three movies (The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man's Chest and At World's End), along with moments from the fourth. If you're still clicking with this miniaturized take on popular franchises, you'll be able to speed the wait along with Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars, due next February.

Lego Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game sets sail May 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars deploys Feb. 15

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST

LucasArts has announced that Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars, based on the popular animated series, will enter the retail galaxy on February 15 in North America (and Feb. 18 in the UK). Yes, another one of those Lego games -- but this one introduces a few novelties, including "scene swap," where players switch between teams in separate locations to complete multi-part objectives, and boss battles. The game will also feature some real-time strategy elements.

Based on our look at the game, Lego Star Wars 3 could just be the most polished Lego game yet -- and it'll need to be to bring back the large following of the first two games. The Clone Wars series might be a solid extension of the Star Wars franchise, but it's nowhere near as well known as the films ... even the films we wish we could forget.

Gallery: Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars

Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars deploys Feb. 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter ships over 2.7 million units

David Hinkle — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:20:00 EST

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

What would the appropriate spell be called? Financialus Maximus? Cashius Give-it-all-to-us? Look, we're not hip to this Harry Potter thing the kids are into, but with the latest Warner Bros. financial earnings showing Lego Harry Potter: Years 1 - 4 has "shipped over 2.7 million units," we want in. The game launched on June 29 and received favorable marks across the board, even from yours truly.

Of course, it should be noted that "shipped" does not equal sold -- copies of the game could very well be sitting on store shelves right now. Regardless, don't expect you'll be seeing the last of these Lego games anytime soon.

Lego Harry Potter ships over 2.7 million units originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swag Sunday: Lego Harry Potter (360) [update]

Ben Gilbert — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST

Update: The comments are now closed and a winner will be contacted shortly via email. Thanks everyone for commenting!

Of the many things that the non-muggles among us are capable of doing with magic, conjuring money unfortunately isn't on the list. The rest of us are in the same boat, and so even if Lego Harry Potter only costs $30 at retail, we felt it best to give away our review copy of the game (same as retail) to either group of folks.

For a chance to win that copy of LHP, all you have to do is tell us your favorite spell from the series. Wingardium Leviosa, perhaps? Crucio, maybe ... you monster? Tell us in the comments below in the next 24 hours and keep an eye on your email inbox!

Leave a comment telling us what your favorite spell from the Harry Potter franchise is.
You must be 13 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
Limit 1 entry per person.
This entry period ends at 7:01PM ET on Monday, July 12.
At that time, we will randomly select one winner to receive a copy of Lego Harry Potter on Xbox 360 (ARV: $29.99) and various Harry Potter trinkets (ARV: $10).
For a list of complete rules, click here.

What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.

Swag Sunday: Lego Harry Potter (360) [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter demo materializes on Xbox Live June 7, PS3 and PC to follow

JC Fletcher — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST

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

Would you like to try Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4, before its June 29 release date? Luckily for you, the wizards at Hogwarts have decided to share a quick magic lesson that will allow you to do just that starting June 7. Here's how you perform the spell, which, for complicated magical reasons, won't work until June 7:

Download the demo from Xbox Live
Maybe say a magic word or gesture with a wand or something

The incantations and potion-brewing required to bring this demo into existence are somewhat more difficult for a PlayStation 3 and PC demo, so those versions won't be available until later in June. You'll be able to summon those demos just as easily, however, when the time arrives. You have the power within you.

Lego Harry Potter demo materializes on Xbox Live June 7, PS3 and PC to follow originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter trailer shows the return of 'Mort

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 27 May 2010 18:30:00 EST

A brief aside: The scaly antagonist from the Harry Potter series would be a whole lot less intimidating if everyone just shortened his name to Mort, wouldn't he? That's not a name that inspires much fear, even when prefaced with "The Nefarious Dark Lord of All-Wizardkind."

Check out the video above to see a brief vignette of clips from the fourth and final school year featured in Lego Harry Potter, which covers the events of Goblet of Fire. You know, the one with the Tri-Wizard Tournament, and Mad-Eye Moody, and all the thinly veiled lessons about the frightening changes puberty can visit upon teenagers. Yeah, that one.

Lego Harry Potter trailer shows the return of 'Mort originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warner Bros. tasks Jeff Junge with driving digital games business

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 25 May 2010 18:00:00 EST

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment continues to grow as a major player in the industry, announcing today that Jeff Junge will drive its digital games business as Senior VP of Online Games and Digital Games Platforms. Under his former and even more long-winded title (Senior Vice President of Business Management for Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group), Junge prompted some of Warner's most aggressive moves, overseeing the recent purchase of MMO developer Turbine and "guiding" the salvage of Midway's intellectual property. He also had a hand in the acquisition of Rocksteady Studios, developer of the acclaimed Batman: Arkham Asylum.

In his new role, where he will report to WBIE president Martin Tremblay and Thomas Gewecke, president of Warner Bros. Digital Distribution, Junge will oversee aspects of Warner's digital games business and integrated studios like Turbine and TT Games.

We're excited to see Warner take a more aggressive stride into digital distribution, as long as the result avoids comparison to the company's downloadable beat-meh-up, Watchmen: The End is Nigh.

Warner Bros. tasks Jeff Junge with driving digital games business originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TT Games production chief: Kids are the best video game testers

Justin McElroy — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:37:00 EST

[Image: Kidperez]

Forget Will "Cyrus" Powers. If you really want to know if your game has what it takes, you need to turn to an eight-year-old, according to TT Games production chief Jonathan Smith. "They are the most efficient quality filter," he said in the new issue of Official Nintendo Magazine. "They get to it quicker than anybody else, because they'll just say if something doesn't work. The smallest things could ruin something, and they'll get bored and move on."

... OK, so here's the pitch: "The Tester 2.0: Lil' Wage Slaves." It'll be just like the first one, only it's all eight-year-olds. There will be none of the awkward sexual advances by the more backwards contestants but (and we're adamant about this) twice the drinking.

*ring ring* "Hello? What's that, Mark Burnett, producer of reality show hits like Survivor and The Apprentice? You say you're retiring because you've heard there's a new kid in town whose big ideas are taking Hollywood by storm? Well, that's very flattering, thank you. Have your desk empty by the end of business."

[Via CVG]

TT Games production chief: Kids are the best video game testers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter 'Behind the Scenes' video shows us around Blockwarts ... er, Hogwarts

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 05:00:00 EST

Are you ready to explore the "largest, most detailed Hogwarts" that's ever been created in a game world? We're not certain that we are either, but TT Games certainly has high hopes that we'll get to that point before LEGO Harry Potter's delayed June release window arrives.

The latest "Behind the Scenes" video (seen above) has employees from the UK-based developer detailing the enormous, immersive world that they've built (primarily out of LEGOs, as one might imagine). And though we might argue that we're not exactly looking for "immersive experiences" from our LEGO-based titles, well, it's pretty cute watching little LEGO Harry in action. Even "He Who Must Not Be Named" is kinda adorable with a cylinder head -- how could we resist?!

Gallery: Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4

Lego Harry Potter 'Behind the Scenes' video shows us around Blockwarts ... er, Hogwarts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on: Lego Harry Potter, Years 1-4

Mike Schramm — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST

While Lego Batman and Lego Rock Band have tempted me, I've always stuck with the regular versions of those games rather than diving into any block-based variations. Nevertheless, I previewed TT Games' latest Lego outing, Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4, with an open mind -- I have read and liked the Harry Potter books and seen and enjoyed most of the movies. Maybe actually seeing Lego Hogwarts in action would win me over.

Gallery: Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4

Continue reading Hands-on: Lego Harry Potter, Years 1-4

Hands-on: Lego Harry Potter, Years 1-4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter trailer is Sirius business

David Hinkle — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:03:00 EST

Kids these days, they're big into this Harry Potter dude. Whether it's the books or the movies, the kids want to know what's going down at the Hogwarts, whereas we were more concerned with what was going down at the F.A.O. Schwartz in our younger years. That keyboard from Big? We were all about it.

That's why the above trailer is so hard to understand for us. Of course, the classic Traveler's Tales stamp of charismatic plastic dudes and dudettes is there and easily recognizable, but we're just not up on that Potter tip. We lack the info. Good thing Lego Harry Potter is a crash course on the up-and-coming wizard's first four years at that crazy school, right?

Lego Harry Potter trailer is Sirius business originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego and TT Games sticking together through 2016

JC Fletcher — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST

If you like the Lego (popular entertainment property) series of games, great news: developer TT Games and Lego will be held together like some kind of interlocking toy until 2016 -- by which time, the kid for whom you pretend to buy these games will no longer be a kid.

In the announcement of the renewed deal, WBIE notes that the Lego series, including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Batman games (Lego Rock Band isn't mentioned for some reason), has sold "close to 50 million units worldwide." Next up for the Lego/TT Games collaboration are Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 this May, and Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars this fall.

Lego and TT Games sticking together through 2016 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars marching to multiple platforms this fall

David Hinkle — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST

And here we thought the well of Lego Star Wars material had dried up. Perhaps we've underestimated TT Games, which has revealed that it's constructing a new armed and fully operational entry in the series: Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars. Destined for an Autumn 2010 release on the Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, Nintendo DS and Wii, the game will focus on the events of the Cartoon Network animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Expect "brand new battle modes, giving players unique, head-to-head combat" and an expanded level editor, allowing potential Padawans and Seperatists the chance to construct their own "customized bases and in-game battlefields." You'll also be able to employ new tactics throughout the game, such as "Squad command, Lightsaber slicing, Lightsaber jumps, long distance Jedi attacks and Grapple Tie-Ups."

Wait, lightsaber slicing? Does that mean the obvious, or the radical ability to slice through lightsabers?

Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars marching to multiple platforms this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Harry Potter building a magical May release

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:29:00 EST

The boy who lived will make his brick-tacular debut when Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 rides a broomstick to every major gaming platform this May. It'll be interesting to see if the retail magic is there with the Hogwarts pupil, as it was for other mega-franchises like Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Batman.

Lego Harry Potter will apply the standard TT Games treatment to the series, dividing the first four movies (and rectangular objects known as books) into levels. If the idea of playing Quidditch with a flying plastic cube interests you, congratulations! You're the target audience for this game. Speaking of which, where's our Lego Dune?

Lego Harry Potter building a magical May release originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Batman brings blocky justice to one million in UK

David Hinkle — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:30:00 EST

TT Games, purveyors of blocky entertainment the world over, has managed to get copies of Lego Batman into one million UK homes. Rather then employ the controversial "throw it through their front windows" approach, the company has instead adopted a "put it on store shelves and see if they'll buy it" tactic. On paper, the accomplishment of enticing one million UK citizens into buying the game may seem like a great victory for the caped crusader and his young ward, but there are a few caveats.

For one, Lego Batman is on about every system known to man. We're pretty sure we have a ColecoVision copy sitting around here somewhere, so its availability across almost every platform ever has contributed to its ability to get into gamers' hands. Second, there's the Xbox 360 bundle to consider, which managed to sell the game to some people who may not have particularly been in the market for it. Finally, the game released in late 2008 and the initially impressive feat is somewhat dulled by the fact it's had about 15 months to get to the coveted seven figure mark.

Still, congratulations are in order. Everyone who's tried TT Games' adaptation of the tale of Bruce Wayne has walked away generally pleased, so we raise a Batarang in celebration for the UK-based developer. We only have one question: where's Falcone? No, seriously, where is he? He was nowhere to be found in the game!

[Via VG247]

Lego Batman brings blocky justice to one million in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Lego Harry Potter trailer has us rowling with laughter

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST

TT Games has been at it for some time now with its Lego-themed games, taking on everything from Star Wars to Rock Band, each entry coupling the same goofy, self-referential comedy with a family friendly low barrier to entry.

The new trailer for Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 takes these recurring tropes and adds them to the world of Hogwarts, Muggles, and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, sprinkling in iconic moments from the first four blockbuster books throughout. Without a release date for the game - and with the first half of the final Harry Potter film not hitting theaters until next November - we worry it might be awhile before we get our hands on this block-breaking version of Harry.

New Lego Harry Potter trailer has us rowling with laughter originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saints Row 2, LEGO Indy hit Games on Demand

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST

As promised, both Saints Row 2 and LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures are now available on Xbox Live Games on Demand. The games are available in almost all regions, though Saints Row 2 is not available in Japan, while LEGO Indy skips both Japan and Mexico. Saints Row 2 is $29.99 in the US and Lego Indy is $19.99. Prices vary by region though, so check before you plunk down those MS Points.

Add Saints Row 2 to your 360 download queue
Add LEGO Indiana Jones to your 360 download queue

Saints Row 2, LEGO Indy hit Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New LEGO Rock Band trailer will brick your screen

David Hinkle — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:00:00 EST

At this point, many of you have likely already formed your Final Opinion[TM] on the blocky cousin to your regular, run-of-the-mill Rock Band: LEGO Rock Band. This latest trailer should then either excite you or induce a lifeless "meh." For us, it's the former, with the best part of this trailer obviously being the brief look at Chuck Norris rocking the guitar, right around the 58-second mark.

Oh, and a little "Final Countdown" certainly doesn't hurt.

New LEGO Rock Band trailer will brick your screen originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Queen is the champion of Lego Rock Band

David Hinkle — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST

Finally, you get to see what Brian May considers "the ultimate accolade:" Queen in Lego Rock Band. Warner Bros. just dished out a new trailer and screens showing Freddie and co. strutting their stuff on the blocky stage. Sadly, the game will only have two Queen tracks, but don't be such a grumpy Gus! Theoretically, you should be able to access those Queen songs you downloaded from the Rock Band Music Store in Lego Rock Band -- granted the songs have been rated as "suitable for all ages."

Oh, and don't expect to rent Lego Rock Band and extract all of its juicy tunes to your regular old Rock Band. Remember: you'll need a special code this time around.

Gallery: Lego Rock Band (Queen)

Video: Queen is the champion of Lego Rock Band originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blur gets blocky in Lego Rock Band

JC Fletcher — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Lego Rock Band is quickly becoming a who's who of famous musicians who don't mind having their hands rendered as cylindrical claws. But until recently, for a game called Rock Band, it's been heavy on the solo artists and suspiciously light on the actual bands.

Queen will be brickified for the game, but the first musical combo to be fully shown in LEGO form is Blur, best known for that one song with all the "Woo-hoos" in it. Rolling Stone has the first footage of the band performing that song in-game. You might as well watch it, since the song's already stuck in your head now.

[Via Kotaku]

Blur gets blocky in Lego Rock Band originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Rock Band DS is peripheral-free

JC Fletcher — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST

Warner Bros. has finally revealed the first screenshots and information about the mysterious DS version of Lego Rock Band. Unlike its DS Guitar Hero counterparts, Lego Rock Band doesn't make use of any peripherals beyond the standard DS stylus. Instead, it's an experience similar to Rock Band Unplugged on the PSP, also developed by Backbone -- in which players use the buttons to hit notes, switching between instrumental tracks throughout the song. This is wonderful news for those of us who loved Frequency and Amplitude.

The major differences between Lego and Unplugged include, of course, the Lego styling and character building options, as well as the ability to hit notes using either buttons or the stylus. Lego Rock Band includes multiplayer for up to four people, and will be out Holiday 2009 along with the other platform versions. Check after the break for the first known tracks!

Gallery: Lego Rock Band (DS)

Continue reading Lego Rock Band DS is peripheral-free

Lego Rock Band DS is peripheral-free originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warner Bros. promotes exec following Midway acquisition

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST

Warner Bros. executive Jeff Junge has a laundry list of valuable gaming credentials on his resume. From recently leading the acquisition of a failing Midway Games to an early investment in dark magic engine OnLive, and even spearheading the purchase of TT Games a couple of years back, Junge is no stranger to the game industry. And all that would help to explain why, late this week, Warner Bros. announced the promotion of Junge to senior VP of business management for Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group. The Home Entertainment Group includes, among many other things, the company's gaming division.

According to the release issued by WB, Junge will continue to "drive mergers and acquisitions" for the company. We've been told on good faith that neither "mergers" nor "acquisitions" are any type of automobile. How do you plan on driving them then, Mr. Junge? Hmmm?

[Via Edge]

Warner Bros. promotes exec following Midway acquisition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skeleton rock stars destroy buildings with rock power in Lego Rock Band

Justin McElroy — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:10:00 EST

It's a rarity, but we'll admit it when it occurs: We might have judged a game too quickly -- specifically, Lego Rock Band. While we assumed it would just be a brickalyzed version of the game we all know, love and are the tiniest bit sick of, a recent interview has us questioning that.

TT Games boss Jonathan Smith told VG247, "The Lego character customizer means that pirates, knights and skeletons can be rock stars too, in amazing new locations. Battle sea-monsters, smash up an entire building, or take a trip into space, all with the power of rock!"

Publishers, if you're curious about how to get our attention, skeleton rock stars destroying buildings with rock power before traveling into space is a great way to start.

Skeleton rock stars destroy buildings with rock power in Lego Rock Band originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK: Buy LEGO Battles, get a ticket to LEGOLAND

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:00:00 EST

Attention UK readers, Warner Bros. is running an interesting promotion for its DS RTS title, LEGO Battles, which is set to release in the region next week. MCV reports that the game will include vouchers for free entry into LEGOLAND Windsor. Specifically, the vouchers allow a child to enter the park for every paying adult. In other words, full grown adults will still have to pay full admission regardless, but the kids can come along for free (so long as you bring enough adults along).

So, all you adult gamers won't be getting a free pass. Of course, being full grown adults, you'd never play something as silly as LEGO Battles, would you? Of course not. Neither would we. Never.

We've contacted Warner Bros. to see if this promotion will be making it to North America as well. Considering it's already been released in North America -- and we haven't heard any full-grown children screaming with glee -- we're not holding our breath.

UK: Buy LEGO Battles, get a ticket to LEGOLAND originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Childhood comes to life in Lego Battles trailer

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:00:00 EST

Remember when you were a kid and you thought your LEGOs were real, when you just knew that they burst into life when you weren't looking? Watching this latest trailer for LEGO Battles is like catching them in the act. There's nothing quite like watching pirates battling aliens or wizards and knights taking on the hordes of the plastic undead. Basically, we're talking LEGO bedlam here. Throw in some firecrackers and bottle rockets and it would be perfect.

Granted, the trailer is a little short on actual gameplay, but the kid in us heartily approves.

Gallery: Lego Battles

Childhood comes to life in Lego Battles trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 May 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Details build on Lego Rock Band, 'rock challenges' not for squares

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:33:00 EST

Though we've known about Lego Rock Band -- more or less, that is -- since early this year, an Xbox.com listing for the game has revealed a few more tidbits to satiate our non-stop hunger for more info on the title. For starters, the game's progression has been revealed as incorporating the Lego theme with collectible Lego pieces that will allow you to, "build cooler vehicles and move to new venues." Furthermore, an extra easy (totally for babies) difficult setting has been added to the game for the ... ahem ... less than face-meltingly-advanced Rock Band-ers in our lives.

To add even more Lego flavor to the mix, the game will feature challenges that allow you to "destroy a giant robot, summon a storm, and demolish a skyscraper." One important bullet-point glaringly missing from all news on the game (and its Beatles-themed brethren, for that matter) is the ability to export the songs into Rock Band 2, a la Rock Band 1's tracks. We've put in a note to publisher MTV Games for clarification on this and will keep you updated if and when we hear more info.

[Via Destructoid]

Gallery: Lego Rock Band

Details build on Lego Rock Band, 'rock challenges' not for squares originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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