Joystiq

Report: 'Nintendo, Mario in the world 1000 million for the new Wii'

David Hinkle — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST

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

Today's most confusing headline is brought to you by the Google translation of a Nikkei Net report that New Super Mario Bros. Wii has topped ten million (not one-thousand million) units sold worldwide since its release in mid-November (and early December in Japan). Frankly, we're downright shocked that this kind of game -- with such an unsavory cast of characters -- could sell like gangbusters. C'mon, all they ever do is kill each other!

The figure Nintendo is not sharing is the number of relationships that New Super Mario Bros. Wii has destroyed. Three and counting for me -- making it at least 30 million worldwide! Let's just say, Mom and Dad and a certain someone who is dead to me aren't allowed to visit again until they learn proper Propeller Suit etiquette.

Report: 'Nintendo, Mario in the world 1000 million for the new Wii' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The best of WoW Insider: June 24-July 1, 2008

Mike Schramm — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Online, Meta (about Joystiq), MMO

Where can the world's biggest World of Warcraft fans go to talk with Blizzard devs, hear news about upcoming games, and dress up like Murlocs? Paris' Worldwide Invitational 2008, of course -- that's where WoW Insider was last weekend, and we've got a ton of news about everything WoW from the event, including Death Knight exclusives, new talents for Wrath of the Lich King, and coverage of all the panels and ceremonies. If you've ever played World of Warcraft, now's the time to go check WoW Insider -- odds are there's something new that'll remind you why you liked the game in the first place.

News

Worldwide Invitational Paris: The roundup
Everything we posted from and about Blizzard's Worldwide Invitational event in Paris this last weekend. If you weren't there, read this, and you'll feel like you were (and it's a lot cheaper than a plane ticket).
Hands on with WWI '08 Death Knight demo
We actually play, for the first time, the first new class implemented in the game since launch.
WWI '08 Costume Contest gallery
Let's face it, the real reason you go to these nerdy events is to see the wacky cosplayers. Here they are.
Blizzard unveils Diablo 3
What were you doing last Saturday morning at 4:30am? Sleeping? We were compiling information on Blizzard's newest game.
Blizzard's splash screen changes for June 27th
Of course now, we know it was all for Diablo 3, but last week, we were still guessing our hearts out as to what the splash screen ice meant.

Features

Arena Season 4: Brutal Gladiator
Season 4 started last week, and we've got the most definitive guide on the Internet for what to spend your Honor on.
Midsummer Fire Festival quest guides
All the news coming out of Paris might have distracted you, but we didn't forget: the Midsummer Fire Festival is live on the realms.
The Care and Feeding of Warriors: Titan's Grip!
Yes, Warriors can do in Wrath what we never though possible: wield a two-hander in one hand.
Blizzard Authenticator introduced at the Worldwide Invitational
Blizzard is selling a physical key, to make sure the only person who signs into your account is you.
Two talent trees for the price of one?
We dip into one of the most underrated pieces of news coming out of WWI: could Blizzard be making it easier for players to respec?

The best of WoW Insider: June 24-July 1, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WWI08: Lore and art in Diablo 3

Elizabeth Harper — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Features, Mac, PC, RPGs

At Blizzard's recent Worldwide Invitational, Diablo 3's World Designer Leonard Boyarsky and Art Director Brian Morrisroe got on stage in front of a crowd hungry for details on Blizzard's latest project to talk about combining art and lore to expand the world give the player a deeper and more engaging experience. Diablo is a unique fantasy universe in that instead of having Dwarves and Elves, it has Angels and Demons. The game's setting makes it a dark fantasy environment that the previous games had only scratched the surface of.

Gallery: Diablo III

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WWI08: Lore and art in Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WWI08: Lore and art in Diablo 3 (Part 2 - Q&A)

Elizabeth Harper — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 06:59:00 EST

Filed under: Mac, PC, RPGs

Q&A with Leo and Brian

Q: In the end of Diablo 2 we went to hell, killed him, smashed his Soulstone and essence of him, Bael, Maphesto ... how do we justify him coming back?
Leo: You don't know for sure that Diablo is coming back. [Ed: ... !] We don't want to divulge too much of the story, we just want to say that it will be entertaining when you come to it.

Q: In previous game you had quests to achieve to get, say the Horadric Cube. Will there be similar quests? Will we be able to get the Horadric Cube again?
Leo: The way the process works is we look into the story, look into the lore, and we want that to drive the gameplay and drive the quests. I can say there will be quests related to lore. In Diablo 2 they didn't just set out to say "let's make this great cube," it came out of the design process.

Gallery: Diablo III

Continue reading WWI08: Lore and art in Diablo 3 (Part 2 - Q&A)

WWI08: Lore and art in Diablo 3 (Part 2 - Q&A) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WWI08: New WoW arenas, nonlinear dungeons and goodie bags

Ross Miller — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Mac, PC, Online, RPGs, MMO

For the World of Warcraft fans who might've missed some coverage today, here are some of the highlights, care of WoW Insider:

Check out these awesome goodie bags
A look at Lake Wintergrasp, a non-instanced Battleground, as well as new arena maps from the PvP panel
From the Dungeons and Raids panel, we learned about the return of nonlinear dungeons in Wrath of the Lich King.
A video recap of the first day of WWI, with some good footage of the costume and dance contest (start at 1:45 for that)
Did we mention awesome goodie bags?

Gallery: Worldwide Invitational goodie bag

Gallery: Worldwide Invitational 2008

WWI08: New WoW arenas, nonlinear dungeons and goodie bags originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WWI08: Diablo 3 design fundamentals

Jennie Lees — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:00:00 EST

Filed under: Features, Mac, PC, RPGs

At the Blizzard Worldwide Invitational in Paris, Blizzard designers took to the stage to talk about the design goals and fundamentals behind their upcoming title, Diablo III. Jay Wilson, lead designer on the title, presented a rundown of the design philosophy behind the game, covering its origins, the game's approchability, and the design team's "better gameplay, less carpal tunnel" approach.

Gallery: Diablo III

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WWI08: Diablo 3 design fundamentals originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq chats with Jay Wilson on Diablo 3

Elizabeth Harper — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EST

Filed under: Mac, PC, Online, RPGs, Interviews

click to embiggen

The buzz here at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles is all about Diablo 3. When will we have a playable demo? When can we expect a release? Blizzard, of course, isn't willing to commit to a date other than their standard "when it's done" answer:

What classes are going to be available? Blizzard's answer: we're not ready to talk about that.
Will there be a cow level? Blizzard's answer... well, more on that later.

Joystiq had a chance to catch up with Diablo 3's lead designer Jay Wilson (whom you may know from his work on a little game called Dawn of War) and pick his brain about how he got on the Diablo 3 project, what's in store for Battle.net, and the secret cow level.

Gallery: Diablo III

Continue reading Joystiq chats with Jay Wilson on Diablo 3

Joystiq chats with Jay Wilson on Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blizzard's WWI 2008 costume and dance contest

Ross Miller — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Online, RPGs, MMO

The Murloc costume above only placed second in Blizzard's Worldwide Invitational 2008 costume contest. Interested to see what came in first? Check out WoW Insider's gallery of the costume (and dance!) contest, complete with their own colorful commentary.

Gallery: WWI08 Costume and Dance Contest

When you get through with that, be sure to check out their major gallery of the WWI event, including some hawt ogre-on-ogre action.

Gallery: Worldwide Invitational 2008

Blizzard's WWI 2008 costume and dance contest originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blizzard introduces Diablo 3

Elizabeth Harper — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 06:30:00 EST

Filed under: Mac, PC

click to enter gallery

Joystiq will make any sacrifice to bring you the latest news -- even if it means flying to Paris, France in order to attend Blizzard Entertainment's Worldwide Invitational. Only seconds ago we were shown a cinematic from Blizzard's newest game: Diablo 3. We're currently being shown a live demo of the game (which we're reminded is a work in progress) by lead designer Jay Wilson. The look and feel of the game -- though graphically updated from its aging sibling -- looks a lot like the dungeon crawls we all know and love from the original series. We're promised more loot, more quests (and some old friends like Deckard Cain), and new environments. Classes demo'd include the familiar Barbarian and the brand new Witch Doctor (a master of disease and fire who will control pets). Says Wilson, the game is "primarily cooperative" and it will be quick and easy to form groups over Battle.net. Sorry, folks who were expecting an MMO, but it sounds like Diablo 3 will continue in the tried-and-true Diablo format.

Update: Blizzard's European site is now live with the cinematic teaser and gameplay footage for your perusal!

Gallery: Worldwide Invitational 2008: Diablo 3

Blizzard introduces Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blizzard offers live streams of Worldwide Invitational

Ross Miller — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Mac, PC

For those who can't make it out to Paris for this weekend's Worldwide Invitational, Blizzard is offering live streams of the main stage and tournament stage, in both low-resolution (400kbits) and high-resolution (1000kbits) modes. While the tournament stage might be less interesting, the main stage is where Blizzard is expected to make its big announcement.

The stream requires the Octoshape browser plug-in; if you're planning to watch the event, we recommend getting everything ready ahead of time. Don't forget to vote in our predictions poll and keep an eye on WoW Insider for extensive WWI coverage.

[Via WoW Insider]

Blizzard offers live streams of Worldwide Invitational originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starcraft II WWI '08 panel part 4: Q&A

Dan O'Halloran — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:25:00 EST

Filed under: Features, PC, Strategy

Q&A with Rob Pardo
Q: How will the planet systems be used?
A: The star map in the story campaigns is you mission selector. You will explore the story and have a lot of different paths to follow. You can choose from 2-7 missions depending on where you are in the story. There is a starmap in all three campaigns. but different for each race. For example, in the Terran campaign you will take a lot of mercenary missions for money to pay for technology.

Q: What role will hero and multiclass players play?
A: We are de-emphasizing heroes in Starcraft2. That's what Warcraft 3 is for. There will be some missions where you play named characters like Raynor, but not much. Mostly dialogue and story characters, not much as gameplay chars.

Q: Is the Zerg building infestation ability working on Protoss?
A: Yes.

Q: Will there be an Apple and PV version release at same time?
A: Yes, all of our PC games will also be available on Macs.

Q: Is there a Terran version of Queen/Mothership
A: No. Mothership not as unique as Queen and players can build multiple Motherships.

Q: What role is the roach unit supposed to have?
A: It doesn't have much health, but it does have very high regeneration. Its good to go up against enemy units with low damage output like marines, zealots, etc.

Q: Is the black hole still planned for the Protoss?
A: It used to be on the Mothership, but was taken away when the Mothership became a defense unit in the development of the game. It may come back later in a different way in the development process but no promises.

Q: What lies ahead in the evolution of units?
A: The Terran Thor unit is hard to find a role for. Right now it is much like the sieg tank/battle cruiser. It could get more abilities to differentiate it.

Q: The Merc Haven can't train reavers, just enables you to build them. Why?
A: The Merc Haven has gone through five or six designs, but we never fell in love with one. It needs more tinkering.

Q: What kind of units will come out from Protoss infested buildings?
A: I misspoke earlier. They [the Zerg] cannot infest Protoss buildings, but we're still deciding for sure.

Q: Will the Ghost unit get telekenisis or telepathic abilties like in the books and manga?
A: There is much experimentation right now with the unit and it's centered around the lore. There is a good chance, yes.

Q: Is it possible to play the story line in co-op mode?
A: No. It's been discussed, but it's too difficult to have two players both be the main character.

That's all from Paris. We'll have some hands-on write ups with the new Zerg demo they have set up. Check back soon.

Starcraft II WWI '08 panel part 4: Q&A originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starcraft II WWI '08 panel part 2: Protoss

Dan O'Halloran — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:23:00 EST

Filed under: Features, PC, Strategy

The Protoss are a force to be reckoned with
Pardo moved on to talk a bit about how the Protoss are progressing in the development of the game. Their psionics are the key theme to their race and Blizzard pushed that further, but also pulled back on the emphasis on spellcasting.

First he showed an example of their new force field ability used to control the battlefield. A video showed a swarm of zerglings rushing a Protoss base, but the Protoss force threw up a series of connected force fields that formed a funnel forcing the zergs into a choke point where they were easily destroyed.

While high damage Protoss spells like Psi Storm are returning, Blizzard also wanted to introduce some early game casters. Nullifiers were mentioned. And Stalkers were given a teleport ability that had interesting strategic potential. In another video of game play, force fields were raised forcing an attacking army to go around it. The Stalkers then teleported themselves to the other side of the force fields, behind the attacking army, and took them out from behind.

The return of the Mothership
The Protoss Mothership also makes an appearance. While not as powerful as the Zerg Queen, it has been given powerful support abilities. It is now a mobile battlefield teleporter, able to zap in troops to wherever it is at. It is also heavily armored and has an emergency ability called Time Bomb which renders it immune from damage for a short period of time. Since it isn't as versatile as the Zerg Queen, Protoss players will be able to have more than one Mothership in play at once.

NEXT: The Terrans and the diminishing Hero ===>

Starcraft II WWI '08 panel part 2: Protoss originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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