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[Dan Teasdale leaves Twisted Pixel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/dan-teasdale-leaves-twisted-pixel/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/dan-teasdale-leaves-twisted-pixel/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/dan-teasdale-leaves-twisted-pixel/#comments Dan Teasdale leaves Twisted PixelTwisted Pixel designer Dan Teasdale is moving on to (presumably) greener pastures. Today marks his last day at Twisted Pixel, Teasdale noted on Twitter. "I honestly thought something incredibly unique and amazing would have to come out of left field for me to even consider leaving," writes Teasdale. It would appear that just such an opportunity has arisen, though he's not sharing what it is just yet, saying only that "it's a shift in what I've been doing for the past 15 years."

Teasdale plans to take a break before his next venture begins, relaxing on a "Great American Road Trip" and working on his bizarre, recently Kickstarted app, Super Drake Tracker 2000 EX. The app tracks the flight status of Harmonix director of communication and brand management, John Drake. It also allows users to buy Drake a Diet Coke. The project originally sought $550, but went on to raise over $10,000.

For his part, Drake feels "weirdly responsible" for Teasdale's departure.

JoystiqDan Teasdale leaves Twisted Pixel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dan-teasdaletwisted-pixelFri, 12 Apr 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Twisted Pixel Games Bundle spins onto XBLA for 800 MSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/twisted-pixel-games-bundle-spins-onto-xbla-for-800-msp/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/twisted-pixel-games-bundle-spins-onto-xbla-for-800-msp/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/twisted-pixel-games-bundle-spins-onto-xbla-for-800-msp/#comments Twisted Pixel's XBLA bundle is available for purchase as of this morning, and the price is not bad, not bad at all. At 800 MSP, the collection of 'Splosion Man, Ms. Splosion Man, The Maw, and Comic Jumper comes in at two ninths - or around 22 percent for non-fractionists - of the games' total cost when purchased separately.

If you've been waiting to twist on the talented Texas studio's XBLA collection all this time - is The Maw really four years old now? - then we'd say today your luck is in.

JoystiqTwisted Pixel Games Bundle spins onto XBLA for 800 MSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-jumpermicrosoftms-splosion-manrelease-datesplosion-manthe-mawtwisted-pixelXBLAXBLMxboxFri, 12 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man iOS out now, PC next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ms-splosion-man-ios-out-now-pc-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ms-splosion-man-ios-out-now-pc-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ms-splosion-man-ios-out-now-pc-next-week/#comments
Ms. Splosion Man brings her bewitching mixture of science and 'splosions to iPhone and iPad today, with the iOS port available now for $2.99. Developer Twisted Pixel also revealed the PC port of the original XBLA game is due next week.

The iOS version, developed by Iron Galaxy Studios, introduces six new power-ups to the platformer along with a whopping 1,500 challenges to complete, including racing ghost replays from Twisted Pixel's QA team.

Meanwhile, Twisted Pixel says the PC version is a straight port of the original XBLA game, courtesy of Firehose and Panic Button Studios. By the by, we awarded Ms. Splosion Man on XBLA a glittering five stars, deeming it to be "dripping in charm."

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man iOS out now, PC next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphoneiron-galaxy-studiosmobilems-splosion-manpctwisted-pixelThu, 28 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Twisted Pixel bundle includes studio's XBLA library, coming 'soon' to Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/twisted-pixel-bundle-includes-studios-xbla-library-coming-soo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/twisted-pixel-bundle-includes-studios-xbla-library-coming-soo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/twisted-pixel-bundle-includes-studios-xbla-library-coming-soo/#comments Twisted Pixel bundle includes studio's XBLA library, coming 'soon' to LiveTwisted Pixel is packaging all of its XBLA games into one 'Twisted Bundle,' which is making its way onto Xbox Live "soon." We're waiting for the four-in-one compilation, which includes The Maw, 'Splosion Man, Ms. Splosion Man, and Comic Jumper to twist on a price and date.

JoystiqTwisted Pixel bundle includes studio's XBLA library, coming 'soon' to Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-jumpermicrosoftms-splosion-mansplosion-manthe-mawtwisted-pixelXBLAXBLMxboxxbox-liveThu, 28 Mar 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man bringing power-ups to iOS by the end of March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/ms-splosion-man-bringing-power-ups-to-ios-by-the-end-of-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/ms-splosion-man-bringing-power-ups-to-ios-by-the-end-of-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/ms-splosion-man-bringing-power-ups-to-ios-by-the-end-of-march/#comments Ms. 'Splosion Man will launch on iOS by the end of March, Twisted Pixel told Joystiq at PAX East. The game introduces power-ups, which will be specific to the iOS version of the game. Power-ups include "nuclear 'splode," a bullet-time item and a option to cheat on the game, skipping a level entirely.

The "cheat" power-up isn't new to the series, as Ms. 'Splosion Man originally gave players the option to move past a level should they fail a little too much. In this case, the iOS version offers that choice via power-ups in the in-game power-up store. The game is also coming to Steam and Windows Phone.

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man bringing power-ups to iOS by the end of March originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilems-splosion-manpax-eastPAX-East-2013twisted-pixelFri, 22 Mar 2013 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Freddy Rodriguez is in Lococycle, wishes it was Call of Duty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/freddy-rodriguez-is-in-lococycle-wishes-it-was-call-of-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/freddy-rodriguez-is-in-lococycle-wishes-it-was-call-of-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/freddy-rodriguez-is-in-lococycle-wishes-it-was-call-of-duty/#comments
We're starting to understand how Twisted Pixel managed to wrangle all the actors featured in LocoCycle.

JoystiqFreddy Rodriguez is in Lococycle, wishes it was Call of Duty originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freddy-rodriguezlococyclemicrosoftmicrosoft-studiostwisted-pixelxboxFri, 15 Mar 2013 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Twisted Pixel's LocoCycle takes inspiration from some crazy places]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/twisted-pixels-lococycle-takes-inspiration-from-some-crazy-plac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/twisted-pixels-lococycle-takes-inspiration-from-some-crazy-plac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/twisted-pixels-lococycle-takes-inspiration-from-some-crazy-plac/#comments Lococycle goes a little nutsYou may think, after watching the initial trailer, that Twisted Pixel pulled LocoCycle (in which you control a renegade robotic motorcycle that shoots and karate-chops its way across the country) out of some loony creative cauldron of its own making. But that's not quite true, says studio director Michael Wilford, showing the game for the first time at PAX Prime 2012. There is a very clear inspiration, he says, and it's Ice Cube's 2004 motorcycle racing movie, Torque.

"It's a really shitty movie," Wilford tells us. "It tries to be Fast and the Furious on motorcycles." Twisted Pixel's art director gave a copy of Torque to the company's chief creative officer, Josh Bear, one day as a joke, and Bear was directly influenced by a viewing, especially a scene where two women battle with motorcycles. "Josh had a nightmare that night," says Wilford with complete sincerity, "and woke up the next day and said, 'We have to make a game about a fighting motorcycle.'"

Continue reading Twisted Pixel's LocoCycle takes inspiration from some crazy places

JoystiqTwisted Pixel's LocoCycle takes inspiration from some crazy places originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lococyclemichael-wilfordmicrosoftmotorcyclepaxpax-2012pax-prime-2012torquetwisted-pixelxboxFri, 31 Aug 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First two LocoCycle trailers show off gameplay, voice talent, wackiness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/first-two-lococycle-trailers-show-off-gameplay-voice-talent-wa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/first-two-lococycle-trailers-show-off-gameplay-voice-talent-wa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/first-two-lococycle-trailers-show-off-gameplay-voice-talent-wa/#comments First two LocoCycle trailers show off gameplay, voice talent, wackiness
Twisted Pixel just released the first two trailers for its latest jam, LocoCycle, and boy howdy does it look as trademark weird as we were hoping. The game focuses on a sentient three-wheeled motorcycle named I.R.I.S. (voiced by Lisa Foiles) who is on the run from her creators and, by extension, the bike they've sent to retrieve her: S.P.I.K.E., voiced by Robert Patrick.

As shown in the gameplay trailer above, I.R.I.S. is armed with automatic weaponry and is capable of dramatic, in-air martial arts, ala Devil May Cry/Bayonetta. S.P.I.K.E., who can be seen in the behind-the-scenes voice-actor trailer after the break, has a decidedly more sinister Ghost Rider feel, as opposed to I.R.I.S.'s sophisticated Tron vibe. Well, as sophisticated as a motorcycle dragging a person while punching dudes with its tires can look, at any rate.

LocoCycle's release window is still a painfully vague "2013."

Continue reading First two LocoCycle trailers show off gameplay, voice talent, wackiness

JoystiqFirst two LocoCycle trailers show off gameplay, voice talent, wackiness originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-sceneslisa-foileslococyclemicrosoftrobert-patricktwisted-pixelxboxWed, 29 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Twisted Pixel's next game is LocoCycle [Update: Trailer and more details added!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/twisted-pixels-next-game-is-lococycle/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/twisted-pixels-next-game-is-lococycle/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/twisted-pixels-next-game-is-lococycle/#comments Twisted Pixel's next game is LocoCycleSince acquiring Twisted Pixel back in October, Microsoft has seemingly wasted no time putting the Texas studio to work. Announced today during Microsoft's E3 press conference, the outfit's new project has been revealed: LocoCycle, a game that is about a really advanced motorcycle.

Update: We've got the trailer embedded in the post now, and there's a press release with some more information just past the break.

Continue reading Twisted Pixel's next game is LocoCycle [Update: Trailer and more details added!]

JoystiqTwisted Pixel's next game is LocoCycle [Update: Trailer and more details added!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012lococyclemicrosoftmicrosoft-gamestwisted-pixelxboxMon, 04 Jun 2012 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man Cinco de Mayo promo teases E3 game announcement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/ms-splosion-man-cinco-de-mayo-promo-teases-e3-game-announcemen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/ms-splosion-man-cinco-de-mayo-promo-teases-e3-game-announcemen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/ms-splosion-man-cinco-de-mayo-promo-teases-e3-game-announcemen/#comments ImageTwisted Pixel's next joint will be revealed at E3 this year in LA - specifically, on June 5. Word comes via a Cinco de Mayo promotion for Ms. Splosion Man, which adds a new challenge level called "Splokour" and will gift five lucky winners a copy of Twisted Pixel's next title.

In addition to winning the new game, the top five on the challenge level leaderboard will also snag a Ms. Splosion Man plushie. The free challenge level will be available from May 5 until 11pm ET on May 20.

Gallery: Ms. Splosion Man (Splokour challenge map)

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man Cinco de Mayo promo teases E3 game announcement

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man Cinco de Mayo promo teases E3 game announcement originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012microsoftms-splosion-mantwisted-pixelxboxFri, 04 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man platform 'splosion: coming to PC, iOS, Windows Phone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/ms-splosion-man-platform-splosion-coming-to-pc-ios-windows/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/ms-splosion-man-platform-splosion-coming-to-pc-ios-windows/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/ms-splosion-man-platform-splosion-coming-to-pc-ios-windows/#comments
Like playing Ms. Splosion Man, but have an intractable grudge against your Xbox 360? Twisted Pixel is bringing its concussive platformer to several new platforms, including PC (on both Steam and Games for Windows Live), iPhone, iPad, and Windows Phone 7. The porting process is a multi-studio endeavor, requiring the talents of not only Twisted Pixel, but Iron Galaxy, Fire Hose Games, and Panic Button Games as well.

The PC version appears identical to the XBLA release, but the mobile game is a "unique experience" designed specifically for touchscreens -- using a virtual d-pad. You'll be able to find out how well these new containers withstand explosive force this summer.

Continue reading Ms. Splosion Man platform 'splosion: coming to PC, iOS, Windows Phone

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man platform 'splosion: coming to PC, iOS, Windows Phone originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>games-for-windows-liveiosipadiphonemobilems-splosion-manpax-east-2012pcrelease-datesteamsummer-2012twisted-pixelFri, 06 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ska Studios' Charlie Murder media blitz, Twisted Pixel buy-out prank]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/ska-studios-charlie-murder-media-blitz-twisted-pixel-buy-out-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/ska-studios-charlie-murder-media-blitz-twisted-pixel-buy-out-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/ska-studios-charlie-murder-media-blitz-twisted-pixel-buy-out-p/#comments

Ska Studios' next title is a gory RPG-dungeon-crawler punk-fest called Charlie Murder, and we have the first trailer available for the pleasure of your eyeballs and earballs above. Charlie Murder has a brand new website that developer Ska Studio promises to update with bios, wallpapers and music in the near future; for now it features a hefty batch of shiny screens.

In related Ska news, the studio's April Fools' joke materialized in a post about it being bought out by Twisted Pixel for a jet ski, in order to offset the number of fancy dinners Twisted Pixel ends up buying Ska at PAX.

In related related ska news, this.

JoystiqSka Studios' Charlie Murder media blitz, Twisted Pixel buy-out prank originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-fools-2012charlie-murdermicrosoftska-studiostwisted-pixelXBLAxboxXbox-Live-ArcadeSun, 01 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man celebrates Valentine's Day with steak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/ms-splosion-man-celebrates-valentines-day-with-steak/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/ms-splosion-man-celebrates-valentines-day-with-steak/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/ms-splosion-man-celebrates-valentines-day-with-steak/#comments A new challenge level for Ms. 'Splosion Man is set to debut this Valentine's Day, with a special reward for its best players. From February 14-27, players will have access to the "Shoot the Glass" challenge level Ms. 'Splosion Man's main menu. As the title implies, the goal is to smash all the glass in the level, with missed panes adding ten seconds to your clear time.

What really makes the challenge special, however, is the prize. At the end of the challenge period, the five US players with the best times will receive a prize pack from Omaha Steaks. A prize pack composed of steak. Just make sure you 'splode it before you eat it.

Gallery: Ms. Splosion Man (Shoot the Glass)

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man celebrates Valentine's Day with steak

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man celebrates Valentine's Day with steak originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftms-splosion-manomaha-steakstwisted-pixelxblaxboxxbox-liveMon, 13 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Splosion Man coming to Retro City Rampage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/splosion-man-coming-to-retro-city-rampage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/splosion-man-coming-to-retro-city-rampage/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/splosion-man-coming-to-retro-city-rampage/#comments
Not even the metaphorical constraints of intellectual property are enough to contain Twisted Pixel's 'Splosion Man, apparently, as indie developer VBlank Entertainment has revealed that both Mr. And Ms. 'Splosion Man will join the cast of its upcoming pixel-art chiptune meta-homage Retro City Rampage.

VBlank told MineCon 2011 attendees that 'Splosion Man is "the first of Retro City Rampage's official indie (or previously indie) crossovers," a statement that indicates future crossover announcements while simultaneously poking at Twisted Pixel's recent change in corporate structure. Check out the trailer above for a glimpse at RCR's isometric take on 'splode-based platforming.

Gallery: Retro City Rampage ('Splosion Man)

Joystiq'Splosion Man coming to Retro City Rampage originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossoverindiemicrosoftMs-Splosion-Mannintendoretro-city-rampagesplosion-mantwisted-pixelvblankvblank-entertainmentwiiwiiwarexblaxboxSat, 19 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[For a few dollars less: Gunstringer/Fruit Ninja Kinect $20 at Best Buy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/for-a-few-dollars-less-gunstringer-fruit-ninja-kinect-20-at-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/for-a-few-dollars-less-gunstringer-fruit-ninja-kinect-20-at-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/for-a-few-dollars-less-gunstringer-fruit-ninja-kinect-20-at-be/#comments For a few dollars less The Gunstringer had seen many a strange thing in his life, but this took the cake. As he stared through the batwing doors of the local Best Buy general store, he thought he spied his own face glaring back. He took a closer look - turns out some folks in Texas made a vidya game out of his life story. What's more, seems that the store's proprietor had marked it down to two sawbucks. Perhaps most perplexing of all, the box also proclaimed to include something called Fruit Ninja Kinect.

He didn't know what a "fruit ninja" was, but he didn't like the sound of it.

JoystiqFor a few dollars less: Gunstringer/Fruit Ninja Kinect $20 at Best Buy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buyfruit-ninja-kinectkinectmicrosoftthe-gunstringertwisted-pixelXBLAxboxFri, 04 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect holiday bundle includes Gunstringer, Fruit Ninja]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/kinect-holiday-bundle-includes-gunstringer-fruit-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/kinect-holiday-bundle-includes-gunstringer-fruit-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/kinect-holiday-bundle-includes-gunstringer-fruit-ninja/#comments Microsoft is currently shipping a Kinect sensor bundle for the holidays, which includes three games for $150. The included games for North America - though they "may vary by region" - are Kinect Adventures, Fruit Ninja Kinect and The Gunstringer, from Microsoft's newly acquired studio Twisted Pixel. Considering the $40 Gunstringer retail box contains a free Fruit Ninja Kinect, it might be easier to think about this bundle providing a $40 savings.

Microsoft has been playing it close to the chest regarding Kinect sales this year, recently reiterating that the device had sold 10 million units, a statistic it already promoted in March. We'll get another update after this year's bundle-boosted holiday sales have been tallied.

JoystiqKinect holiday bundle includes Gunstringer, Fruit Ninja originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrick-studioskinectmicrosoftthe-gunstringertwisted-pixelxboxTue, 01 Nov 2011 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft buys indie developer Twisted Pixel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/microsoft-buys-indie-developer-twisted-pixel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/microsoft-buys-indie-developer-twisted-pixel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/microsoft-buys-indie-developer-twisted-pixel/#comments After developing games exclusively for Xbox 360 and PC, it's fair to say that indie dev Twisted Pixel has been going steady with Microsoft. Today, the two have finally tied the knot as the Redmond corporation announced that it has purchased the Austin studio.

That may be terrifying news for fans of the dev, which has built games like 'Splosion Man and The Gunstringer around its scrappy DIY aesthetic. But Matt Booty, general manager of Microsoft Studios, told Joystiq it's exactly that character that the company hopes to preserve after the sale.

Continue reading Microsoft buys indie developer Twisted Pixel

JoystiqMicrosoft buys indie developer Twisted Pixel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitioncomic-jumperjosh-bearjosh-bootykinectmichael-pachtermichael-wilfordmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiospcsplosion-manthe-gunstringertwisted-pixelxboxWed, 12 Oct 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order your own Gunstringer Mini Marionette]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/pre-order-your-own-gunstringer-mini-marionette/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/pre-order-your-own-gunstringer-mini-marionette/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/pre-order-your-own-gunstringer-mini-marionette/#comments If there's two things Joystiq is all about, it's antiquated puppet technology and indie-development studios, so naturally The Gunstringer tickled our fancy in an incredibly specific, thoroughly satisfying way. Had we known that Twisted Pixel would soon be releasing its own Gunstringer Mini Marionettes, however, we probably wouldn't have spent all last week building our own out of clothes pins and yarn.

The 16-inch Gunstringer Mini Marionette, available to pre-order on Twisted Pixel's site, is a replica of the marionette seen in the western's FMV sequences, will set you back $100 ($110 for an autographed version), and is expected to exit pre-order status before the end of November. Shoot past the break for a full look at the little guy's prototype.

Continue reading Pre-order your own Gunstringer Mini Marionette

JoystiqPre-order your own Gunstringer Mini Marionette originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmarionettemicrosoftpre-orderreplicathe-gunstringertwisted-pixelxboxSat, 08 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The three terrifying minutes that created The Gunstringer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/the-three-terrifying-minutes-that-created-the-gunstringer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/the-three-terrifying-minutes-that-created-the-gunstringer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/the-three-terrifying-minutes-that-created-the-gunstringer/#comments "I'm going to go to the restroom," said Microsoft's Cherie Lutz, "but when I get back I really want to hear this new idea."

"Oh yeah, it's awesome, can't wait."

Twisted Pixel chief creative officer Josh Bear had responded with abounding confidence, if only to mask the truth. Because the fact of the matter, the fact that he and CEO Mike Wilford were all too aware of, as they sat in Redmond, WA Tex-Mex restaurant The Matador, was this: The idea wasn't "awesome." It was nonexistent.

The developer had scored a major meeting with Microsoft to pitch a new game developed exclusively with Kinect (then "Project Natal") in mind. It needed to be big, it needed to be smart and -- most pressingly to Wilford and Bear at that exact moment -- it needed to exist.

Continue reading The three terrifying minutes that created The Gunstringer

JoystiqThe three terrifying minutes that created The Gunstringer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cherie-lutzjosh-bearkinectmicrosoftMike-Wilfordthe-gunstringertwisted-pixelxboxMon, 26 Sep 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[You must download The Gunstringer's soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/you-must-download-the-gunstringers-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/you-must-download-the-gunstringers-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/you-must-download-the-gunstringers-soundtrack/#comments Look, we don't like giving ultimatums and we know you don't like hearing them, but we can't be friends anymore if you don't download The Gunstringer's phenomenal soundtrack. Aren't you into indie music? Don't you like feeling joy?

Straight up, Matt Cheney's spaghetti-samurai score is a bone-chilling, tonally perfect masterclass in atmospheric storytelling through composition, and you'd be doing yourself a criminally negligent disservice by skipping it. So much so, that we couldn't stand to be around you, knowing what a hollow shell your life had become.

It's also entirely free, and at fewer than 100 megs, Twisted Pixel's fat pipes will have you swimmin' in tunes in no time. Hit the source link and click on the "Downloads" tab, and save our friendship.

JoystiqYou must download The Gunstringer's soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chainsawgunstringermatt-chaneymicrosoftsoundtrackthe-gunstringertwisted-pixelxboxSat, 17 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Gunstringer's launch DLC free to all Xbox Live members on Sept. 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/the-gunstringers-launch-dlc-free-to-all-xbox-live-members-on-se/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/the-gunstringers-launch-dlc-free-to-all-xbox-live-members-on-se/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/the-gunstringers-launch-dlc-free-to-all-xbox-live-members-on-se/#comments The only thing more charming and out of place than an interactive, full-motion video addendum to a game about an undead marionette cowboy is free DLC. "The Wavy Tube Man Chronicles," an anachronistic add-on to Twisted Pixel's Kinect debut, The Gunstringer, is currently free only to Xbox Live Gold subscribers. Man, what a bunch of withholding assh --

"So right now DLC is free to gold members only but don't let that discourage you (or call us assholes yet ;)," tweets Twisted Pixel. "It goes free to Silver next Tues."

On the other hand, if you want to hurl obscenities at Twisted Pixel over an agonizing World 3 level in Ms. Splosion Man, we'll join you in a foul-mouthed chorus.

JoystiqThe Gunstringer's launch DLC free to all Xbox Live members on Sept. 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlckinectmicrosoftrelease-datethe-gunstringerthe-wavy-tubeman-chroniclestwisted-pixelxboxxbox-liveTue, 13 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Gunstringer review: Dig my grave]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/the-gunstringer-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/the-gunstringer-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/the-gunstringer-review/#comments Today, I'm breaking one of the biggest rules of criticism:

Don't attempt to write an objective review if you're personally invested in the success of the product.

No, I don't have an uncle at Twisted Pixel (as far as I know). And no, I don't have stock in the skeletal puppetry biz. But there's a component of The Gunstringer that's so wonderful, so specifically hand-crafted just for me that my continued happiness relies on more of it being made.

This is my review of the The Gunstringer, and I can not be trusted.

Gallery: The Gunstringer (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading The Gunstringer review: Dig my grave

JoystiqThe Gunstringer review: Dig my grave originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmicrosoftthe-gunstringertwisted-pixelxboxTue, 13 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch the first 15 minutes of The Gunstringer's FMV DLC, 'Wavy Tubeman Chronicles']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/watch-the-first-15-minutes-of-the-gunstringers-fmv-dlc-wavy-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/watch-the-first-15-minutes-of-the-gunstringers-fmv-dlc-wavy-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/watch-the-first-15-minutes-of-the-gunstringers-fmv-dlc-wavy-t/#comments
Twisted Pixel's foray into the motion-tracking, depth-sensing world of Kinect may not be out until tomorrow, but The Gunstringer's first batch of DLC is already locked and loaded, waiting patiently in the wings for its chance to shine. And oh, how it shines; glinting in the sun like a sheriff's badge at high-noon.

Wavy Tubeman Chronicles is an entirely FMV experience, the first fifteen minutes of which you can watch above via G4TV. To the more ancient astute of you, Twisted Pixel's masterwork may seem a bit familiar, and for good reason: The full-motion adventure was inspired in no small part by Mad Dog McCree, an FMV laserdisc/arcade/3DO/Sega CD western from 1990. We had hoped that watching would somehow satiate our unquenchable thirst for FMV games, but it ended up having the opposite effect.

JoystiqWatch the first 15 minutes of The Gunstringer's FMV DLC, 'Wavy Tubeman Chronicles' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCFMVFMV-gamesfull-motion-videoKinectmad-dog-mccreemicrosoftthe-gunstringertwisted-pixelwavy-tubeman-chroniclesxboxMon, 12 Sep 2011 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man challenge round two features Fruit 'Friend']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/ms-splosion-man-challenge-round-two-features-fruit-friend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/ms-splosion-man-challenge-round-two-features-fruit-friend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/ms-splosion-man-challenge-round-two-features-fruit-friend/#comments Gottagobye.
Listen, Penny Arcade's Fruit F**cker certainly isn't a "friend" to fruit, though we can understand the need to tone down the juicing robot's vile moniker for more tender audiences. It turns out he's not a friend to Ms. 'Splosion Man either, as he now appears in a new challenge level for Twisted Pixel's latest 'sploderific opus.

The challenge level is available now -- handily offered without needing a special download -- and is littered with 9 of the little buggers. The challenge level is open until September 11, and the three players who walk away with the highest scores will receive a prize pack filled with Twisted Pixel and Penny Arcade goodies.

We're not sure if said prize packs include a Fruit "Friend," but you might want to hide your produce just in case.

Gallery: Ms. 'Splosion Man Fruit "Friend" challenge level

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man challenge round two features Fruit 'Friend'

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man challenge round two features Fruit 'Friend' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfruit-friendmicrosoftms-splosion-manpenny-arcadetwisted-pixelxblaxboxTue, 06 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grab the reins of the Gunstringer demo right now on XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/grab-the-reins-of-the-gunstringer-demo-right-now-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/grab-the-reins-of-the-gunstringer-demo-right-now-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/grab-the-reins-of-the-gunstringer-demo-right-now-on-xblm/#comments A sample of Twisted Pixel's next, Kinect-infused project, The Gunstringer, is now ready for your enjoyment -- or your unenjoyment, on the off chance you possess some deep, inexplicable fear of marionette puppets. The run-and-gunner now has a demo available on Xbox Live Marketplace, where you can download it right now instead of reading a news post about how a demo for The Gunstringer is available right now.

The demo supposedly gives a good cross-section of the game's controller-free controls, but we're counting on you to tell us how effectively said scheme works, as we fit squarely into the "irrational puppet fear" contingency.

JoystiqGrab the reins of the Gunstringer demo right now on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demokinectmicrosoftthe-gunstringertwisted-pixelxblaxblmxboxTue, 30 Aug 2011 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man's Pinball FX table out Aug. 31, playable at PAX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/ms-splosion-mans-pinball-fx-table-out-aug-31-playable-at-pax/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/ms-splosion-mans-pinball-fx-table-out-aug-31-playable-at-pax/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/ms-splosion-mans-pinball-fx-table-out-aug-31-playable-at-pax/#comments The Ms. Splosion Man pinball table for Pinball FX2 will blast pinkness across XBLA on August 31 for 240 MSP ($3) -- that's less than a box of doughnuts.

Heading to PAX? You'll be able to flip over the new table at Twisted Pixel or Microsoft, located at booth numbers 3003 and 432, respectively. While you're waiting for the table, why not try out the actual Ms. Splosion Man game? It's fun, we promise.

Gallery: Pinball FX 2 (Ms Splosion Man)

Continue reading Ms. Splosion Man's Pinball FX table out Aug. 31, playable at PAX

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man's Pinball FX table out Aug. 31, playable at PAX originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftms-splosion-manpinball-fx-2release-datetwisted-pixelxblaxboxZen-StudiosWed, 24 Aug 2011 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[The Gunstringer achievement you really shouldn't get]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/the-gunstringer-achievement-you-really-shouldnt-get/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/the-gunstringer-achievement-you-really-shouldnt-get/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/the-gunstringer-achievement-you-really-shouldnt-get/#comments Twisted Pixel is known for its charming games, but something darker lurks just beneath the surface of The Gunstringer. Namely: there's a secret option on the Kinect shooter that makes it hate you. It's called "Hardcore Mode," and it sounds terrifying. Enemies shoot three times as much, health drops twice as quickly and traps spring from nowhere. Plus, if you die you'll have to head right back to the beginning of the game.

Understand that when we tell you that there's a 50-point achievement for finishing a Hardcore run-through in one sitting called Strings of Steel, it's not so you'll go after it. In fact, it's actually so you'll do the exact opposite and pity those those lost souls who delved into the dark recesses of madness to claim it.

JoystiqThe Gunstringer achievement you really shouldn't get originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementskinectmicrosoftthe-gunstringertwisted-pixelxboxWed, 27 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Show - 004: The Toys of Summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-joystiq-show-004-the-toys-of-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-joystiq-show-004-the-toys-of-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-joystiq-show-004-the-toys-of-summer/#commentsFiled under:

It's summer, and that means a wasteland of retail releases, but never fear, there are plenty of great smaller titles on the way. XBLA has turned the Summer drought into a veritable smorgasbord of great downloadable releases, and the indie scene is looking to bring their goods as well.

Twisted Pixel delivered Ms. Splosion Man last week, and Richard talks with Twisted Pixel's Frank Wilson about the follow-up to 2009's XBLA hit. Indie games are also getting their due with an interview about the Indie Games Summer Uprising on XBL. Supergiant Games's freshman effort and Summer of Arcade 2011 opener, Bastion, gets an audio review from Ludwig and a review roundtable featuring MTV Games's Russ Frushtick.

Part 1 (1:27) - Twisted Pixel interview

Part 2 (10:56) - XBLA Indie Games Summer Uprising interview

Part 3 (30:58) - Bastion audio review and roundtable

Thanks to Chris for the hot new Joystiq Show artwork.

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Joystiq Podcast in iTunes
[Zune] Subscribe to the Joystiq Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[RSS] Add the Joystiq Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Host: Richard Mitchell (@SenseiRAM)
Guests: Frank Wilson, Dave Voyles (@DaveVoyles), Kris Steele (@kriswd40), Russ Frushtick (@RussFrushtick)
Producer: Jonathan Downin (@jonathandownin - Game Thing Daily)
Production Coordinator: Richard Mitchell (@SenseiRAM)
Music: Trash80 and Broke For Free.

See the full guest list, and stream the show, after the break.

Continue reading The Joystiq Show - 004: The Toys of Summer

JoystiqThe Joystiq Show - 004: The Toys of Summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bastionindie-gamesjoystiq-podcastjoystiq-showpodcastssplosion-mantwisted-pixelFri, 22 Jul 2011 16:00:00 ESTThe Joystiq Show - 004: The Toys of SummerJoystiq53:07podcasts<![CDATA[The Gunstringer will be $40, comes with Fruit Ninja Kinect and free DLC, this September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-gunstringer-will-be-40-comes-with-fruit-ninja-kinect-and-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-gunstringer-will-be-40-comes-with-fruit-ninja-kinect-and-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/the-gunstringer-will-be-40-comes-with-fruit-ninja-kinect-and-f/#commentsWhen Twisted Pixel announced that its Kinect-based, undead western marionette shooter would gallop past Xbox Live Arcade and ride right into Retailville, we wrote, "Twisted Pixel isn't talking price right now, but considering most Kinect games go for $50, we'd say that's a safe bet." Well ... we were wrong. And we're sorry. And we hope you didn't bet any actual money.

Microsoft just announced that The Gunstringer will be hitting shelves on September 13 in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Asia, and September 16 in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Oh, you wanted to know the price? How does $40 sound to you? Oh ... well, how about $40 and a free code for Fruit Ninja Kinect, itself valued at $10?

Still not enough? You drive a hard bargain, friend! How about some free launch DLC titled "The Wavy Tube Man Chronicles" in which you battle "the time-traveling son of Wavy Tube Man." Here, we'll use Microsoft's description:
In this add-on, Wavy Tube Man Jr. steals a time machine to prevent his father's death at the hands of "The Gunstringer," and it's up to players to battle classic western cowboys and futuristic warriors to save the world from destruction.
Wait a second ... you're still not satisfied? Can you not be sated? Is there nothing that can match your appetite for deals? Fine, if you pre-order the game from "select US and European retailers [...] you'll receive two tokens for a free Avatar Prop from the game." There, that's it. That's all you're getting. We're exhausted.

Continue reading The Gunstringer will be $40, comes with Fruit Ninja Kinect and free DLC, this September

JoystiqThe Gunstringer will be $40, comes with Fruit Ninja Kinect and free DLC, this September originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combofruit-ninja-kinecthalfbrick-studioskinectmicrosoftrelease-dateretailthe-gunstringertwisted-pixelxboxFri, 22 Jul 2011 10:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Get The Maw free with Bastion purchase at Microsoft Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/get-the-maw-free-with-bastion-purchase-at-microsoft-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/get-the-maw-free-with-bastion-purchase-at-microsoft-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/get-the-maw-free-with-bastion-purchase-at-microsoft-store/#comments Maw? Maaaawwww? Where is that little purple guy? Oh, there he is -- as part of a free Summer of Arcade promotion on the Microsoft Store. Those who pick up a copy of Bastion via the Microsoft Store will also receive a free copy of Twisted Pixel's adorable adventure, The Maw. As we mentioned only a few words ago, The Maw is positively adorable and a decent game to boot, making this an attractive deal for those interested in Bastion.

Strangely, the site notes that the deal applies to "any" Summer of Arcade purchase, though a footnote claims that the deal is valid solely for Bastion. Considering Bastion is currently the only Summer of Arcade title available, it's possible that the deal will be applied to the rest of the Summer of Arcade lineup as each title is released.

JoystiqGet The Maw free with Bastion purchase at Microsoft Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionmicrosoftsummer-of-arcadesupergiant-gamesThe-Mawtwisted-pixelXBLAxboxThu, 21 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man gets first challenge level, free DLC released for 'Splosion Man]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/ms-splosion-man-gets-first-challenge-level-free-dlc-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/ms-splosion-man-gets-first-challenge-level-free-dlc-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/ms-splosion-man-gets-first-challenge-level-free-dlc-released/#comments Twisted Pixel has announced that the first Title Managed Storage (TMS) challenge has been launched for Ms. 'Splosion Man. The challenge, which features Mr. Destructoid as an in-game character, requires no extra download and should be accessible from the main menu of the game. It will be open until July 31.

Those who managed to grab 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in the leaderboard by the end of the challenge will win a prize pack including a Ms. 'Splosion Man statue, Destructoid bobble head and T-shirts and posters. One random contestant will also receive a Twisted Pixel prize pack, so even those without the best 'sploding skills have a shot at winning something.

In addition to the TMS challenge, Twisted Pixel has also released a new level for the original 'Splosion Man. The level serves as a quick prologue to Ms. 'Splosion Man, and details just how the team at Big Science lured him into a trap. The DLC is free and available now on Xbox Live Marketplace.

Gallery: Ms. 'Splosion Man TMS Challenge (6/21/11)

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man gets first challenge level, free DLC released for 'Splosion Man

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man gets first challenge level, free DLC released for 'Splosion Man originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmicrosoftms-splosion-mansplosion-mantwisted-pixelxblmxboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceThu, 21 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man's 'TMS' system isn't what you think]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/ms-splosion-mans-tms-system-isnt-what-you-think/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/ms-splosion-mans-tms-system-isnt-what-you-think/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/ms-splosion-mans-tms-system-isnt-what-you-think/#comments Though Ms. Splosion Man features online co-op and ghost data races against friends, the folks at developer Twisted Pixel are, like, really concerned with keeping you interested in their newest game. One such indication of this is today's launch day announcement that the "TMS" (or "Title Managed Storage" system, as explained here) will add "special rules and new content" to existing levels on a rolling weekly basis. Like previous TMS-assisted titles (Super Meat Boy, Monday Night Combat), no patch or update will be required for the new content to appear in the game.

There will be leaderboards specifically targeted at the TMS challenges, from which the studio will pull winners to award "real prizes and other fun stuff." It heralds a "new way of giving away free stuff to people who buy our games," says marketing director Jay Stuckwisch.

If you aren't already on that MSM tip (following our review), have a look at the launch trailer just above.

Continue reading Ms. Splosion Man's 'TMS' system isn't what you think

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man's 'TMS' system isn't what you think originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jay-stuckwischmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosms-splosion-mantitle-managed-storagetmstwisted-pixelxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeWed, 13 Jul 2011 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man review: Sweet science]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ms-splosion-man-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ms-splosion-man-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ms-splosion-man-review/#comments People like to ask if video games can be art. I think I've come up with a better question: Can video games be science? Using specific and carefully arranged digital stimuli, is it possible to reliably reproduce the same result?

In the case of Ms. 'Splosion Man, I believe it is. The desired result, in this case, is fun.

Gallery: Ms. Splosion Man

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man review: Sweet science

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man review: Sweet science originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftms-splosion-mantwisted-pixelxblaxboxMon, 11 Jul 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man contains a hidden dig at Capcom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ms-splosion-man-contains-a-hidden-dig-at-capcom/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ms-splosion-man-contains-a-hidden-dig-at-capcom/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/ms-splosion-man-contains-a-hidden-dig-at-capcom/#comments
You might remember the drama surrounding a Capcom mobile title that sprung up earlier this year. In January, the publisher released MaXplosion, a title that bore more than a passing resemblance to the Twisted Pixel game, 'Splosion Man. Twisted Pixel's own Mike Henry stated at the time that the rip-off made him "sad."

Capcom, which had previously passed on the opportunity to publish 'Splosion Man, stated that it was "saddened" by the situation. Furthermore, the publisher distanced itself from the title, noting that it was created by Capcom Mobile, "a different division of Capcom with separate offices and as such."

Twisted Pixel obviously hasn't forgotten, hiding a playful Capcom burn in the 'Splosion Man sequel, Ms. 'Splosion Man, which releases later this week. The dig is hidden in a secret area of the game, which is itself an homage to another title we won't spoil here. See it for yourself in the video above.

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man contains a hidden dig at Capcom originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcapcom-mobilemaxplosionmicrosoftms-splosion-mantwisted-pixelxblaxboxMon, 11 Jul 2011 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man gets a table in Pinball FX 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/ms-splosion-man-gets-a-table-in-pinball-fx-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/ms-splosion-man-gets-a-table-in-pinball-fx-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/ms-splosion-man-gets-a-table-in-pinball-fx-2/#comments Zen Studios' Pinball FX2 and Twisted Pixel's Ms. Splosion Man have revealed a cross-splode-form promotion. Ms. 'Splosion Man will have her own table in the pinball sim, while an arcade room in Ms. 'Splosion Man, will have a "virtual Pinball FX 2 table where you can dive right into the hot XBLA pinball action directly."

Ms. 'Splosion Man hits Xbox Live Arcade on July 13 for 800 MSP ($10). There is currently no release date or price announcement for Ms. 'Splosion Man's Pinball FX 2 table, but it should arrive shortly after the XBLA game's debut and cost a few dollars.

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man gets a table in Pinball FX 2

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man gets a table in Pinball FX 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmicrosoftms-splosion-manpinball-fx-2twisted-pixelxblaxboxZen-StudiosThu, 07 Jul 2011 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man won't make wallets 'splode, priced at $10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/ms-splosion-man-wont-make-wallets-splode-priced-at-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/ms-splosion-man-wont-make-wallets-splode-priced-at-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/ms-splosion-man-wont-make-wallets-splode-priced-at-10/#comments It looks like Ms. 'Splosion Man will buck the fifteen buck trend on Xbox Live Arcade. Just like her significant other, Ms. 'Splosion Man will be priced at an oh-so-reasonable 800 MS Points ($10). The 'sploderific sequel is set to land on Xbox Live on July 13. A PC version has also been rumored, though not confirmed.

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man won't make wallets 'splode, priced at $10

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man won't make wallets 'splode, priced at $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftms-splosion-manpricetwisted-pixelxblaxboxxbox-liveTue, 05 Jul 2011 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Ms. 'Splosion Man seen briefly on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/rumor-ms-splosion-man-seen-briefly-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/rumor-ms-splosion-man-seen-briefly-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/rumor-ms-splosion-man-seen-briefly-on-steam/#comments Rock Paper Shotgun's Lewie Procter claims to have had a Steam version of Ms. 'Splosion Man spontaneously burst into his library, only to be replaced soon after by a listing called "ValveTestApp105420." A screenshot captured by RPS shows greyed-out Achievement images that depict Ms. 'Splosion Man, further suggesting that it's a future Steam offering that got out a bit early, and not just a completely random error.

Ms. Splosion Man's initial announcement came without a platform listing, leading to speculation then that it wouldn't be an XBLA exclusive. And as far back as 2009, the developer was saying there was nothing holding the series to XBLA but convenience. We've reached out to Twisted Pixel to find out when or if this mistaken reveal will lead to a real one.

JoystiqRumor: Ms. 'Splosion Man seen briefly on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftms-splosion-manpcsteamtwisted-pixelxboxTue, 05 Jul 2011 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Comic Jumper falls to $10 permanently]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/comic-jumper-falls-to-10-permanently/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/comic-jumper-falls-to-10-permanently/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/comic-jumper-falls-to-10-permanently/#comments The adventures of Captain Smiley have gotten a little cheaper this week, as Twisted Pixel has announced a permanent price drop for its pen-and-ink blaster, Comic Jumper. Originally priced at 1200 MS Points ($15), the panel-hopper will now be available for 800 MS Points ($10).

Of course, if you really want to save some money, Comic Jumper is still part of the current Xbox Live Deal of the Week lineup. This week only, the new price has been cut in half, dropping it down to an impulse purchase of $5 for Xbox Live Gold members. If you consider the four distinct comic styles contained within the game, it works out to $1.25 per issue.

Gallery: Comic Jumper: The Adventures of Captain Smiley (6/20/11)

Continue reading Comic Jumper falls to $10 permanently

JoystiqComic Jumper falls to $10 permanently originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-jumpermicrosofttwisted-pixelxblmxboxxbox-liveThu, 30 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Twisted Pixel CEO says studio is working on iOS game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/twisted-pixel-ceo-says-studio-is-working-on-ios-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/twisted-pixel-ceo-says-studio-is-working-on-ios-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/twisted-pixel-ceo-says-studio-is-working-on-ios-game/#comments "The Capcom fiasco -- if you want to call it that -- lit a fire under our butts to give [iOS development] a try and see if we can make something there," Twisted Pixel CEO Mike Wilford has told Touch Arcade. Of course, the "fiasco" he's referring to was Capcom's appropriation of Splosion Man's core gameplay mechanic for its MaXplosion, similarities that Wilford himself told Joystiq were "nauseating" back in January.

But forget about all of that: Twisted Pixel is working on an iOS game! "We're working on something. Nothing to announce yet. Hopefully, relatively soon we'll having something to share with you guys," Wilford said. While he played coy on what this new project is, Wilford did say that the staple of "character-driven IPs" created at Twisted Pixel provide potential for "a lot of fun stuff."

Baby Splosion Man? The Fingerstringer? The Maw(ing at your iOS screen)? What do you guys think Twisted Pixel is up to?

JoystiqTwisted Pixel CEO says studio is working on iOS game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemacmike-wilfordmobiletwisted-pixelMon, 27 Jun 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. 'Splosion Man multiplayer preview: It's all about the shoes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/ms-splosion-man-multiplayer-preview-its-all-about-the-shoes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/ms-splosion-man-multiplayer-preview-its-all-about-the-shoes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/ms-splosion-man-multiplayer-preview-its-all-about-the-shoes/#comments With the Ms. 'Splosion Man beta going on right now, we decided it would be the perfect time to check out the game's new mechanics in an online multiplayer session. We caught the resulting chaos on video, which we now present for your viewing pleasure.

Join us as we hunt for Ms. 'Splosion Man's most treasured collectible: Shoes.

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man multiplayer preview: It's all about the shoes

JoystiqMs. 'Splosion Man multiplayer preview: It's all about the shoes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftms-splosion-mantwisted-pixelxblaxboxxbox-liveThu, 23 Jun 2011 17:45:00 EST