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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise rips the stuffing out of XBLA, PSN this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/naughty-bear-panic-in-paradise-rips-the-stuffing-out-of-xbla-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/naughty-bear-panic-in-paradise-rips-the-stuffing-out-of-xbla-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/naughty-bear-panic-in-paradise-rips-the-stuffing-out-of-xbla-p/#comments
Apparently Naughty Bear didn't kill all the other stuffed bears his first time around. 505 Games has announced a new Naughty Bear game is in the works for this fall: Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise.

Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise is a downloadable title for Xbox Live and PSN, and features "a completely over-hauled combat system, brand new leveling up system, equipment customization with thousands of combinations, and over 30 mission set across 11 distinct areas of Paradise Island." The titular bear is once again angry at his peers - this time for not inviting him on vacation to Paradise Island - so he decides to kill them all again.

Look, Bear, we don't want to tell you how to live your life, but maybe if you didn't kill everyone so much, you'd get invited on more vacations? Just a thought!

Gallery: Naughty Bear Panic in Paradise (XBLA, PSN)

JoystiqNaughty Bear: Panic in Paradise rips the stuffing out of XBLA, PSN this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesmicrosoftnaughty-bear-panic-in-paradiseplaystationps3psnxblaxboxThu, 31 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fez sales shift 100,000 copies across XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/fez-sales-shift-100-000-copies-across-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/fez-sales-shift-100-000-copies-across-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/fez-sales-shift-100-000-copies-across-xbla/#comments ImagePhil Fish (and co.'s) passionate labor has paid off with Fez having reached 100,000 sales on Xbox Live Arcade. Fish made the announcement this morning on the Polytron site. Looks like Microsoft finally gave Fish a sip of that secretive sales data.

Following years of development, which made it feel like Fez had become the second-cousin of Duke Nukem Forever, the game finally launched last month to high critical praise - which is more than we can say for that cousin we mentioned.

JoystiqFez sales shift 100,000 copies across XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fezmicrosoftpolytronpolytron-corporationsalesxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeThu, 31 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jeremy McGrath's Offroad races to PSN, XBLA on June 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/jeremy-mcgraths-offroad-races-to-psn-xbla-on-june-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/jeremy-mcgraths-offroad-races-to-psn-xbla-on-june-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/jeremy-mcgraths-offroad-races-to-psn-xbla-on-june-27/#comments ImageYeah, so about that whole launch thing - Jeremy McGrath is pulling up to the starting line a lot later than expected. Jeremy McGrath's Offroad will launch on Xbox Live Arcade and PSN on June 27, for 800 MS Points ($10).

Jeremy McGrath's Offroad is developed by 2XL Games and being published by Reverb. 2XL has a lineage rooted in motorcross and offroad racing games, like Baja: Edge of Control.

Continue reading Jeremy McGrath's Offroad races to PSN, XBLA on June 27

JoystiqJeremy McGrath's Offroad races to PSN, XBLA on June 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2xl-gamesjeremy-mcgraths-offroadmicrosoftplaystationps3psnreverb-publishingxblaxboxWed, 30 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Studios' CastleStorm marching onto Xbox Live Arcade this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/zen-studios-castlestorm-marching-onto-xbox-live-arcade-this-yea/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/zen-studios-castlestorm-marching-onto-xbox-live-arcade-this-yea/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/zen-studios-castlestorm-marching-onto-xbox-live-arcade-this-yea/#comments
Zen Studios is just as busy as can be, it seems. In addition to the upcoming Kickbeat, the studio is also bringing CastleStorm to Xbox Live Arcade and other unannounced platforms. Promising a mix of real-time strategy, tower defense and destruction gameplay, CastleStorm lets players take up the roles of either knights or vikings as they fight to destroy each others' castles.

The game bears some resemblance to Ronimo's Swords & Soldiers, and has players sending out various troops, building their castles and using spells. Castlestorm is slated to be released this year. Check out the first trailer above and some screens in the gallery below.

Continue reading Zen Studios' CastleStorm marching onto Xbox Live Arcade this year

JoystiqZen Studios' CastleStorm marching onto Xbox Live Arcade this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlestormmicrosoftxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadezen-studiosWed, 30 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLM discounts PopCap games this week, Borderlands and Red Dead next]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/xblm-discounts-popcap-games-this-week-borderlands-and-red-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/xblm-discounts-popcap-games-this-week-borderlands-and-red-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/xblm-discounts-popcap-games-this-week-borderlands-and-red-dead/#comments ImageIf Mad Riders and the two Sega Vintage Collections coming to XBLA this week don't fill absolutely all of your time, you can occupy every spare second with discounted PopCap games. From today through June 4, PopCap games on XBLA are half off, including Plants vs. Zombies, Peggle, Zumba, Bejeweled 3, and more.

Next week, Borderlands DLC will be half off, as will the Red Dead Redemption Undead Nightmare Collection and, why not, Sega Bass Fishing. We know there must be someone who has time to play games next week, but we don't want to hear about it.

JoystiqXBLM discounts PopCap games this week, Borderlands and Red Dead next originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandsmajor-nelsonmicrosoftpopcapred-dead-redemptionxblaxblmxboxTue, 29 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Blitz tracks include Elton John, All-American Rejects, Iron Maiden, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/rock-band-blitz-tracks-include-elton-john-all-american-rejects/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/rock-band-blitz-tracks-include-elton-john-all-american-rejects/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/rock-band-blitz-tracks-include-elton-john-all-american-rejects/#comments
Harmonix has revealed some of the new tracks that will be headed to its controller-powered Rock Band Blitz. The list features plenty of variety, including Elton John's "I'm Still Standing," All-American Rejects' "Kids in the Street," Iron Maiden's "Wicker Man" and Fall Out Boy's "A Little Less Sixteen Candles." Living Colour has a track as well - we'll let you guess which one.

Harmonix has also released a short video explaining some of Blitz's power-ups. Check it out above, and find the partial track list after the break.

Continue reading Rock Band Blitz tracks include Elton John, All-American Rejects, Iron Maiden, more

JoystiqRock Band Blitz tracks include Elton John, All-American Rejects, Iron Maiden, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrock-band-blitzxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeMon, 28 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft teases Avatar motorcycle game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/microsoft-teases-avatar-motorcycle-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/microsoft-teases-avatar-motorcycle-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/microsoft-teases-avatar-motorcycle-game/#comments ImageMicrosoft's PlayXBLA site posted two "Secret Squirrel screenshots" depicting an unannounced Xbox Live game to be announced for real at E3. Of course, even without the title or any real details, we can get a pretty good idea of what the game's like: it's Avatar-shaped people racing and doing stunts on motorcycles in exotic, dirt-track environments.

With screenshots named "AMX_Mystery," the name "Avatar Motocross" seems like a safe guess. Regardless of the name, Xbox fans have proven definitively that they think bikes are neat - a trend that likely motivated the development of this mystery game.

Gallery: Unannounced MX game (XBLA)

JoystiqMicrosoft teases Avatar motorcycle game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar-motorcrossmicrosoftmotorcyclexblaxboxMon, 28 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Deadlight story trailer explains the saving powers of fear]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/deadlight-story-trailer-explains-the-saving-powers-of-fear/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/deadlight-story-trailer-explains-the-saving-powers-of-fear/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/deadlight-story-trailer-explains-the-saving-powers-of-fear/#comments
Image

"The only thing we have to fear is to fear yourself." We're pretty sure that's what president Franklin D. Roosevelt said to galvanize the American public when he took office in 1933, in the thick of the Great Depression. Nothing says "We can do it!" quite like "You're a monster!"

Thankfully Deadlight, which uses the tagline "Fear yourself" in its latest story trailer, isn't a historical-reenactment title, though it may be a simulator of potential future circumstances. If so, we may have a bit more to fear than metabolic reactions or mere humans.

Deadlight is set to launch this summer on XBLA.

JoystiqDeadlight story trailer explains the saving powers of fear originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deadlightfearmicrosoftPlatformersummertequila-worksXBLAxboxzombieFri, 25 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft edges Black Ops out of second spot on XBLA charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-edges-black-ops-out-of-second-spot-on-xbla-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-edges-black-ops-out-of-second-spot-on-xbla-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-edges-black-ops-out-of-second-spot-on-xbla-charts/#comments

This week, two important things happened to Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition on Xbox 360 - one, the game topped the Xbox Live activity charts once more, this time beating out the longstanding Call of Duty: Black Ops for the number two spot (Modern Warfare 3 remains lodged in the top position). Second, and more importantly, I finally made a nether portal last night. This is important business, folks!

Regardless, it's likely many of you folks have also done so by this point - the game's also topping this week's "Top Arcade Titles" list as well, digging under the hills and valleys of big seller Trials Evolution. How about those crazy ghost things, huh? Straight up madness!

JoystiqMinecraft edges Black Ops out of second spot on XBLA charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j4j-studiosmicrosoftMinecraftmojangmojang-specificationssalesxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadexbox-live-marketplaceFri, 25 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Adventure Update components coming to Minecraft XBLA, eventually]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/adventure-update-components-coming-to-minecraft-xbla-eventually/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/adventure-update-components-coming-to-minecraft-xbla-eventually/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/adventure-update-components-coming-to-minecraft-xbla-eventually/#comments It may not be the next update (that's scheduled to be an Xbox approximation of Beta version 1.7.3, which adds pistons), but at some point the XBLA version of Minecraft will be brought up to parity with PC version 1.8, also known as the Adventure Update.

"There are no big architecture changes with the move to 1.7.3, so it's been quite straightforward. The move to 1.8.2 is much more challenging," 4J Studios co-founder Paddy Burns told OXM. "We are working with Daniel Kaplan at Mojang to define what is going in to the Xbox version, but the aim is to include as many of the PC features that make sense on the Xbox as possible. The game isn't Minecraft on the Xbox, it is Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition, so it isn't really a direct port of the PC game."

When the Adventure Update went live last on PCs September, it introduced the Endermen, several new kinds of building materials, a new mode specifically designed for free-form creation (dubbed "Creative mode"), as well as more minor changes to combat mechanics and the introduction of a food system.

JoystiqAdventure Update components coming to Minecraft XBLA, eventually originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j-studiosAdventure-UpdatemicrosoftMinecraftMojangxblaxboxThu, 24 May 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Cave opens up to adventurers in 2013, care of Ron Gilbert and Double Fine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-cave-opens-up-to-adventurers-in-2013-care-of-ron-gilbert-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-cave-opens-up-to-adventurers-in-2013-care-of-ron-gilbert-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-cave-opens-up-to-adventurers-in-2013-care-of-ron-gilbert-an/#comments
Double Fine and Sega have officially announced The Cave, a side-scrolling, multi-character adventure game coming to Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and PC in 2013. Led by Ron Gilbert, The Cave sees an eclectic cluster of impromptu spelunkers - including a scientist, a monk, a knight and a time traveler - finding their fortunes (and perhaps more) in the titular, mysterious and, err, "sultry" subterranean network. That's right: The Cave can speak.

The rest of the protagonists are silent, but up to three can venture into The Cave at a time. After picking your trio, you guide them all deeper into the seamless network of underground rooms, switching control between each to solve puzzles and exploit their unique abilities. The knight, for instance, can activate a guardian angel that protects him from flames and falls, while the hillbilly can hold his breath underwater forever. (Take that, Guybrush Threepwood!)

The game can be completed with any combination of characters, but certain endings and unique areas are locked to individual characters. Having the knight in your group, for example, will open up the medieval castle and its puzzles for play. And yes, there just happens to be a castle buried deep within in The Cave. With a "New Grog" vending machine (among other inharmonious objects) cropping up in the network's lower bowels, we think it's safe to say that Ron Gilbert's touch is evident throughout the game.

He also programmed the whole thing himself, we think. Probably.

Gallery: The Cave

JoystiqThe Cave opens up to adventurers in 2013, care of Ron Gilbert and Double Fine originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013double-finemicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnrelease-dateron-gilbertsegathe-cavexblaxboxThu, 24 May 2012 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Sega Vintage Collection now available on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/psa-sega-vintage-collection-now-available-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/psa-sega-vintage-collection-now-available-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/psa-sega-vintage-collection-now-available-on-xbla/#comments XBLA's Sega Vintage Collections are available today on XBLA, meaning Monster World IV has officially been released in North America, in English, on all three current platforms. Incredible! You can also buy Alex Kidd, in a set with Revenge of Shinobi and Super Hang-On.

JoystiqPSA: Sega Vintage Collection now available on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex-Kidd-in-Miracle-Worldmicrosoftmonster-worldpsasega-vintage-collectionsuper-hang-onxblaxboxWed, 23 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Scourge: Outbreak spreads to PSN, XBLA, Mac this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/scourge-outbreak-spreads-to-psn-xbla-mac-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/scourge-outbreak-spreads-to-psn-xbla-mac-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/scourge-outbreak-spreads-to-psn-xbla-mac-this-summer/#comments ImageTragnarion Studios, who you may (may!) remember from the DS game Doodle Hex, is working on a futuristic third-person shooter for XBLA, PSN (PS3), and Mac. Yes, those are the correct platforms.

Scourge: Outbreak introduces the "Echo Squad," a group of mercenaries hired to take out the Nogari Corporation, conveniently located on Nogari Island. Four players can team up to infiltrate the "alien-infested facilities," locate a double agent, destroy the Nogari, and gain control of the "Ambrosia" power source. Functionally, this means co-op shooting, with story segments coming through as flashbacks from the four separate characters.

Scourge: Outbreak will allow players to stop both the scourge and the outbreak this Q3, "later this summer."

Gallery: Scourge: Outbreak (Screens and Character Art 5/22/12)

Continue reading Scourge: Outbreak spreads to PSN, XBLA, Mac this summer

JoystiqScourge: Outbreak spreads to PSN, XBLA, Mac this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmicrosoftplaystationps3psnscourge-outbreaktragnarion-studiosxblaxboxTue, 22 May 2012 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft XBLA refunds available to SDTV owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/minecraft-xbla-refunds-available-to-sdtv-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/minecraft-xbla-refunds-available-to-sdtv-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/minecraft-xbla-refunds-available-to-sdtv-owners/#comments ImageMinecraft's XBLA port features local split-screen multiplayer - but only when played on an HDTV, a stipulation that wasn't ... stipulated very clearly. Microsoft announced two efforts to rebuild the shattered relationship between it and SDTV-owning fans who found themselves lacking in modes. The full (but brief) statement is after the break.

First, Microsoft is now issuing refunds to affected customers who contact the publisher through customer support. Second, it is preventing other customers from being Mineshafted by adding clearer notification to the XBLA listing: "To experience split-screen functionality a high-definition television is required."

Continue reading Minecraft XBLA refunds available to SDTV owners

JoystiqMinecraft XBLA refunds available to SDTV owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftMinecraftrefundsdtvxblaxboxMon, 21 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega Vintage Collections dumping lots of old games on PSN and XBLA next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/sega-vintage-collections-dumping-lots-of-old-games-on-psn-and-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/sega-vintage-collections-dumping-lots-of-old-games-on-psn-and-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/sega-vintage-collections-dumping-lots-of-old-games-on-psn-and-xb/#comments ImageWay, way more Master System and Genesis games are on the way to PS3 and Xbox, including the long-awaited release of Monster World IV. Sega announced the next few "Vintage Collections," which will be sold individually on PSN and in bundles on XBLA.

For XBLA, the Monster World Collection brings together Wonder Boy in Monster Land (arcade) and Wonder Boy in Monster World and MWIV for Genesis on May 23. On May 30, Golden Axe's arcade original joins Golden Axe 2 & 3 on Genesis, concurrent with a three-volume Streets of Rage Collection. The collections sell for 800 MSP each.

Meanwhile, PSN will see all of those Wonder Boys, Super Hang-On (arcade), Revenge of Shinobi, and Alex Kidd in Miracle World on May 22, for $5 each.

JoystiqSega Vintage Collections dumping lots of old games on PSN and XBLA next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3psnsegasega-vintage-collectionsega-vintage-collection-3xblaxboxFri, 18 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Techland's Mad Riders touches down on PSN May 29, XBLA/PC on May 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/techlands-mad-riders-touches-down-on-psn-may-29-xbla-pc-on-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/techlands-mad-riders-touches-down-on-psn-may-29-xbla-pc-on-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/techlands-mad-riders-touches-down-on-psn-may-29-xbla-pc-on-may/#comments Image
If you've somehow managed to get your fill of Trials Evolution's dusty peaks and valleys already, Techland's latest, Mad Riders, may be perfect for you. And hey, the game is set to launch on May 30 according to the latest trailer. That's pretty soon!

Like Trials before it, Mad Riders is a digital-only title, but unlike Trials, it's not limited to a single console (Mad Riders is headed to PSN, XBLA, and PC). It'll be available one day earlier for PSN users on May 29, and May 30 on XBLA and PC, but it'll cost the same on all three: a cool $10. Techland describes that as "an awesome game for the price of a pizza," though we'd warn the studio against devaluing its games as such. What kind of pizza are you gonna get for $10? Terrible pizza, that's what!

JoystiqTechland's Mad Riders touches down on PSN May 29, XBLA/PC on May 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hastemad-ridersmicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnq2-2012release-datetechlandubisoftxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeFri, 18 May 2012 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Serious Sam 3: BFE, Serious Sam Double D XXL run screaming to XBLA this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/serious-sam-3-bfe-serious-sam-double-d-xxl-run-screaming-to-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/serious-sam-3-bfe-serious-sam-double-d-xxl-run-screaming-to-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/serious-sam-3-bfe-serious-sam-double-d-xxl-run-screaming-to-xb/#comments This fall, Xbox Live Arcade doubles down on Serious Sam. Serious Sam 3: BFE - which launched on the PC late last year and was ported over to the Mac last month - will ditch the disc for an Xbox Live Arcade release this fall. Serious Sam 3: BFE on XBLA will be the full game, losing nothing in the transition over to console.

Serious Sam Double D XXL is the new version of Mommy's Best Games' PC release. The XXL brings with it "new campaign missions, new challenges, new enemies, Gunstacker upgrades and a hot new two-player local cooperative mode." Serious Sam Double D XXL is priced at 800 MS Points ($10).

Gallery: Serious Sam Double D XXL (XBLA)

Continue reading Serious Sam 3: BFE, Serious Sam Double D XXL run screaming to XBLA this fall

JoystiqSerious Sam 3: BFE, Serious Sam Double D XXL run screaming to XBLA this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmommys-best-gamesserious-sam-3serious-sam-3-bfeserious-sam-double-d-xxlxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeWed, 16 May 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trials Evolution moves half a million in just three weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/trials-evolution-moves-half-a-million-in-just-three-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/trials-evolution-moves-half-a-million-in-just-three-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/trials-evolution-moves-half-a-million-in-just-three-weeks/#comments ImageScreaming at monitors while attempting to make just one more crushingly difficult checkpoint is apparently a pastime shared by many, many gamers. This week, Ubisoft revealed that the latest Trials franchise entry - Trials Evolution - sold approximately 500,000 units since its launch in mid-April.

Sure, it's no Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition, but half a million sales in less than a month is quite impressive for a title on Xbox Live Arcade. How impressive, you ask? Well, we'd love to tell you, but Microsoft doesn't release sales numbers for XBLA games. Those rascals! For context's sake, though, we'd point out that it took just over a year for the first Trials game on XBLA to hit 1 million units sold. We get the feeling it'll take a bit less time with Evolution.

In the same slide, RedLynx is called out as having many brands with "great multiplatform potential." A quick glance at RedLynx's catalog confirms our suspicion that Trials is indeed the Finnish studio's biggest "brand." How about that!

JoystiqTrials Evolution moves half a million in just three weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftredlynxsalestrials-evolutionubisoftxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeWed, 16 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Castle Crashers (XBLA) on sale for $7.50 through May 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/castle-crashers-xbla-on-sale-for-7-50-through-may-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/castle-crashers-xbla-on-sale-for-7-50-through-may-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/castle-crashers-xbla-on-sale-for-7-50-through-may-21/#comments We can't imagine there are people out there who haven't ever played Castle Crashers - well, maybe babies haven't. Those babies should to take advantage of the current Xbox Live Arcade sale, which has priced Castle Crashers at 600 MS Points ($7.50) through May 21.

JoystiqCastle Crashers (XBLA) on sale for $7.50 through May 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Castle-Crashersmicrosoftthe-behemothxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeWed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joy Ride Turbo skids onto Xbox Live Arcade May 23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/joy-ride-turbo-skids-onto-xbox-live-arcade-may-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/joy-ride-turbo-skids-onto-xbox-live-arcade-may-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/joy-ride-turbo-skids-onto-xbox-live-arcade-may-23/#comments Joy Ride Turbo, the Kinect-free sequel to Kinect Joy Ride, will be released on Xbox Live Arcade on May 23, according to a new release schedule from Major Nelson. As previously revealed, Joy Ride Turbo features several different modes, including a new Stunt Park, and generally sounds a lot more like the Joy Ride Microsoft originally announced way back in 2009.

If your Kinect is feeling lonely as a result, this week's Xbox Live Deal of the Week revolves entirely around downloadable Kinect titles. You can grab Fruit Ninja Kinect for $7, while Hole in the Wall, Leedmees, Double Fine Happy Action Theater, Rhythm Party and Haunt have been knocked down to $5 each.

If your 360 controller is now feeling double-reverse lonely, next week will see discounts to some old-fashioned regular XBLA games. Specifically, Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes will be reduced to $7.50, while Outland and Beyond Good & Evil HD will be available for $5 each.

JoystiqJoy Ride Turbo skids onto Xbox Live Arcade May 23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BigParkjoy-ride-turbokinectmicrosoftrelease-datexblaxboxxbox-liveTue, 15 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free DLC brings Arkham Asylum into Gotham City Impostors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/free-dlc-brings-arkham-asylum-into-gotham-city-impostors/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/free-dlc-brings-arkham-asylum-into-gotham-city-impostors/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/free-dlc-brings-arkham-asylum-into-gotham-city-impostors/#comments Image
Prepare to be slightly, mildly confused. Gotham City Impostors, the non-Batman Batman game, is getting a free map based on Arkham Asylum, setting for a different recent Batman game. There's probably a way we could present that information that would be confusing, like "Batman game to be set in Arkham Asylum" or "You've never been to Arkham in this Batman game" but really it's not a big deal. Can you tell we started this post planning to play up the confusion angle and then stopped ourselves?

Speaking of confusion, this free map launched on the North American PSN last week by accident, in place of the Rodeo Pirate Pack. It will launch as planned on Xbox May 16, and PC at an unspecified date soon after.

JoystiqFree DLC brings Arkham Asylum into Gotham City Impostors originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkham-asylumdlcgotham-city-impostorsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnxblaxboxMon, 14 May 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft XBLA sold 1 million copies in five days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/minecraft-xbla-sold-1-million-copies-in-five-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/minecraft-xbla-sold-1-million-copies-in-five-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/minecraft-xbla-sold-1-million-copies-in-five-days/#comments ImageYep, that's a 1 followed by six 0s and two - count 'em, two - commas. Minecraft on Xbox 360 has sold 1 million copies since its launch on May 9, Microsoft announced today. Minecraft runs $20 a pop on XBLA, making its initial revenue bump against $20 million, supposedly split between Mojang, port developer 4J Studios and Microsoft.

Players have so far spent more than 5.2 million hours mining on XBLA, played 4 million multiplayer sessions and clocked more than 2.4 million multiplayer hours, Microsoft reported. Original Minecraft developer Markus "Notch" Persson reacted to the news in what we think is an appropriate manner: "Wow."

JoystiqMinecraft XBLA sold 1 million copies in five days originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-million4j-studiosmicrosoftMinecraftmojangnotchsalesXBLAxboxMon, 14 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown due June 5 on PSN, June 6 on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/virtua-fighter-5-final-showdown-due-june-5-on-psn-june-6-on-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/virtua-fighter-5-final-showdown-due-june-5-on-psn-june-6-on-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/virtua-fighter-5-final-showdown-due-june-5-on-psn-june-6-on-xbl/#comments Image
We can't see the title of the new XBLA/PSN release of Virtua Fighter 5 and not think of "The Final Countdown." And now, we are in the final countdown before Final Showdown's release. Sega announced today that the 3D fighter will arrive on PSN June 5 and on XBLA June 6.

Should you want to make the delightfully budget-priced fighter less budget-priced, the release will be accompanied by a bunch of character customization DLC. Individual character packs (containing "600-950" items!) will be released for $5/400 MS Points; or you can buy two bundle packs (one with 9 characters' items and one with 10) for $15/1,200 points, also on release day.

Continue reading Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown due June 5 on PSN, June 6 on XBLA

JoystiqVirtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown due June 5 on PSN, June 6 on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3psnq2-2012release-datesegavirtua-fighter-5-final-showdownxblaxboxMon, 14 May 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Walking Dead tops XBLA activity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/the-walking-dead-tops-xbla-activity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/the-walking-dead-tops-xbla-activity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/the-walking-dead-tops-xbla-activity/#comments As it turns out, "point-and-click adventure game" and "horrible traumatic zombie apocalypse" go together like chocolate and peanut butter, or peanut butter and waffles, or chicken and waffles, or waffles and waffles. Look, this analogy is falling apart and we haven't had breakfast yet, but the point is that a lot of people bought The Walking Dead on XBLA.

In fact, Telltale's tumultuous title was the number one game on XBLA for the week of April 30, beating out Trials Evolution, Fable Heroes and Fez, among others. Peep the full list of the week's top-selling games after the break, and be astounded by the fact that Castle Crashers is still in the top 20, one million years after its original release in 2008.

Continue reading The Walking Dead tops XBLA activity

JoystiqThe Walking Dead tops XBLA activity originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftTellTale-Gamesthe-walking-deadXBLAxbla-activityxboxFri, 11 May 2012 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[You did a great job making Jet Set Radio graffiti]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-did-a-great-job-making-jet-set-radio-graffiti/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-did-a-great-job-making-jet-set-radio-graffiti/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/you-did-a-great-job-making-jet-set-radio-graffiti/#comments Image
There is, strictly speaking, new content to be found in the HD update of Jet Set Radio. It's limited to user-created graffiti designs, but it's new content nonetheless! In the video above, Sega introduces the winning designs in its graffiti contest, all of which look like legitimate graffiti designs and not just Rage Comics and QR codes linking to petitions about Sonic voice actors.

We're sure those were submitted - they just didn't win.

JoystiqYou did a great job making Jet Set Radio graffiti originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestgraffitijet-grind-radiojet-set-radiomicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnsegaxblaxboxFri, 11 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft XBLA was profitable within an hour, broke digital sale records]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/minecraft-xbla-was-profitable-within-an-hour/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/minecraft-xbla-was-profitable-within-an-hour/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/minecraft-xbla-was-profitable-within-an-hour/#comments ImageMinecraft is digging its own grave with its latest release on XBLA -- and by "grave" we mean "lavish, gold-plated throne room with indoor pool and grape-feeding robots." Minecraft was profitable within an hour of its launch on XBLA, developer Markus "Notch" Persson tweeted today. That's on top of Notch's multi-million-dollar PC version.

Based on leaderboard participation numbers, Minecraft sold more than 400,000 copies in 24 hours, Notch said. Minecraft broke digital sales records for the console, selling more than any other XBLA title in its first day, according to Microsoft.

Earlier today, Notch tweeted that he had sales numbers for Minecraft (turns out they were the above leaderboard figures), which sparked a conversation about the inner workings of XBLA developer contracts with Fez's Polytron. Polytron still doesn't know Fez's exact numbers, even though it came out a month ago.

"Standard procedure" according to Polytron is "you find out how much you sold when you get your first check three-four months later." Notch thought getting immediate numbers was standard, but he avoided contract negotiation and doesn't know what it says on the subject, he replied.

Minecraft also gets free updates, "which is something every other developer on the platform is told is simply not an option," Polytron wrote. Notch replied: "We had to fight for that, and we got a limited number of them. Not sure why they don't like it."

We may have discovered Notch's hidden talent and secret to his success: fighting for something in a contract while avoiding contract negotiation, and winning.

Continue reading Minecraft XBLA was profitable within an hour, broke digital sale records

JoystiqMinecraft XBLA was profitable within an hour, broke digital sale records originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contractfezmicrosoftMinecraftmojangnotchpolytronsalesXBLAxboxThu, 10 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Surprise: XBLA Minecraft's split-screen multiplayer requires HDTV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/surprise-xbla-minecrafts-split-screen-multiplayer-requires-hdt/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/surprise-xbla-minecrafts-split-screen-multiplayer-requires-hdt/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/surprise-xbla-minecrafts-split-screen-multiplayer-requires-hdt/#comments ImageSplit-screen multiplayer in the Xbox 360 version of Minecraft requires an HDTV connection, but the game's description on the Xbox Live Marketplace website fails to note this necessity. Minecraft's description on XBLA does list "HDTV 720p" under the "Local Capabilities" details, but that generally is taken to mean the title will support up to HD 720p, and not as a requirement. In-game, a screen prompts players to "play the game in High Definition mode" for split-screen multiplayer.

Notch wasn't aware that local multiplayer wouldn't work with standard-definition TVs, he tweeted and apologized to a fan today.

Port developer 4J Studios has justified the HD requirement on Twitter: "The inventory and crafting just didn't work in splitscreen Standard Definition - it was too small to make out."

Some fans want a refund from Microsoft, saying they wouldn't have bought Minecraft if the HD requirement was clearer, but Microsoft is holding out on a few of them, Kotaku reports.

JoystiqSurprise: XBLA Minecraft's split-screen multiplayer requires HDTV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdhd-720hdtvlocal-multiplayermicrosoftMinecraftmojangmultiplayernotchsplit-screenXBLAxboxThu, 10 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deja Review: Minecraft (XBLA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/deja-review-minecraft-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/deja-review-minecraft-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/deja-review-minecraft-xbla/#commentsWe're of the firm opinion that your time is too precious, too valuable to be spent reading a full review for a game that was already reviewed many, many years ago. What's the point of applying a score to a game that's old enough to be enrolled in the sixth grade? That's why we invented Deja Review: A quick look at the new features and relative agelessness of remade, revived and re-released games.
Image
Minecraft on Xbox Live Arcade is surreal. It's like eating jelly on eggs while watching a baby play in a lion cage: It doesn't belong where it is, but now that it's there you can't look away and, for some reason, there's a surprisingly delicious taste in your mouth.

Minecraft's shock value as an XBLA breakout isn't a result of it not making sense on the platform - in fact, it plays almost like a native title. It's surprising because Minecraft was never supposed to be big enough for a high-profile XBLA port. It's a voxel-based PC-only sandbox game with choppy graphics and no defined goal, which some argue makes it the opposite of a "game." Minecraft was never supposed to be a hit. It wasn't supposed to sell more than 5 million copies, generate $80 million or be played by more than 25 million people. It wasn't supposed to turn Markus Persson's developer persona, Notch, into a millionaire, a fashion icon, or a common name among Swedes and gamers alike,

But Minecraft has done all of these things, and now it's made its way XBLA. And just as it has everywhere else, Minecraft surprisingly succeeds.

Continue reading Deja Review: Minecraft (XBLA)

JoystiqDeja Review: Minecraft (XBLA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deja-reviewMarkus-PerssonmicrosoftMinecraftmojangnotchXBLAxboxXbox-360Xbox-Live-ArcadeThu, 10 May 2012 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[How to buy Minecraft on Xbox 360 for $5 less than on your Xbox 360 [update: no more!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/how-to-buy-minecraft-on-xbox-360-for-5-less-than-on-your-xbox-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/how-to-buy-minecraft-on-xbox-360-for-5-less-than-on-your-xbox-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/how-to-buy-minecraft-on-xbox-360-for-5-less-than-on-your-xbox-3/#comments ImageUpdate: Best Buy's price for Minecraft is back at $20, unfortunately. Congrats to those of you who managed to snap up the lower price!

With the launch of Minecraft today on Xbox Live Arcade for the lofty price of 1600 MS Points ($20), we searched long and hard to discover a way to buy the game for a full 25 percent off. There was lava and exploding Creepers and this skeleton that kept shooting arrows - pretty harrowing stuff. Anyway, we sussed out this precise formula for snagging the game on the cheap. Follow along below ... if you dare.
  • Step 1: Go to Best Buy's website.
  • Step 2: Purchase Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition for $15 instead of the $20 it costs on Xbox Live Marketplace.
  • Step 3: Laugh and throw money in the air, you baller.

[Thanks KP!]

JoystiqHow to buy Minecraft on Xbox 360 for $5 less than on your Xbox 360 [update: no more!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j4j-studiosbest-buymicrosoftMinecraftmojangmojang-specificationsxblaxblmxboxxbox-livexbox-live-arcadexbox-live-marketplaceWed, 09 May 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Alien Hominid has been played 20 million times on Newgrounds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/#comments ImageBefore there was, uh, that other game called Alien Hominid (and Castle Crashers), there was the original Alien Hominid, a free browser run-and-gun game that debuted on Newgrounds. And that original game has now surpassed 20 million play sessions, The Behemoth has announced.

The brain child of Tom Fulp and Dan Paladin, Alien Hominid was built in Flash and released on Newgrounds way back in 2002. It would eventually be ported to the GameCube and PS2 in 2004 (and Europe would see Xbox and GameBoy Advance ports), then to Xbox Live Arcade in 2007. Currently, The Behemoth is working on Battleblock Theater.

JoystiqAlien Hominid has been played 20 million times on Newgrounds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAlien-Hominidandroiddsfree-to-playgamecubeiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenewgroundsnintendopcplaystationps3the-behemothwiiwii-uxblaxboxWed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Combat Wings landing on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/rumor-combat-wings-landing-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/rumor-combat-wings-landing-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/rumor-combat-wings-landing-on-xbla/#comments ImageThe Xbox Marketplace currently has a placeholder for Combat Wings, but there is some curiosity over the listing. XBLAFans first took note of the addition, but it's unclear if this XBLA game is a spin-off of the formerly retail product, Combat Wings: The Great Battles of World War II, or a downloadable replacement after the game missed its March launch.

City Interactive recently stated on its Facebook wall that the retail game had not been canceled, but was going digital instead. We were able to get in contact with the US representatives for the Polish publisher, but they needed to check with base camp before providing further clarification. We'll let you know as soon as we hear more.

JoystiqRumor: Combat Wings landing on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-interactiveCombat-Wingscombat-wings-the-great-battles-of-wwiimicrosoftxblaxboxTue, 08 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jam Live Music Arcade launches the week of May 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/jam-live-music-arcade-launches-the-week-of-may-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/jam-live-music-arcade-launches-the-week-of-may-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/jam-live-music-arcade-launches-the-week-of-may-16/#comments
Those dusty, old, cobweb-ridden, spider-infested peripheral instruments collecting mold and animal dander in your living room corner may soon see some use, as Zivix and Reverb Publishing's Jam Live Music Arcade is now set to pump up your 360/PS3's jams and/or volume sometime during the week of May 16.

If you made the space-saving decision to rid your apartment of its plastic instruments long ago, you'll still be able to remix tracks from the likes of Atmosphere and Rise Against with a conventional controller. We suppose wearing a giant homemade Deadmau5 mask is also optional, if you can really consider it proper music production without one.

Continue reading Jam Live Music Arcade launches the week of May 16

JoystiqJam Live Music Arcade launches the week of May 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jam-live-music-arcademicrosoftplaystationps3PSNrelease-datereverb-publishingXBLAxboxzivixSat, 05 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Is Trials Evolution the Perfect Game?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/is-trials-evolution-the-perfect-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/is-trials-evolution-the-perfect-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/is-trials-evolution-the-perfect-game/#commentsYou're reading Reaction Time, a weekly column that claims to examine recent events, games and trends in the industry, but is really just looking for an excuse to use the word "zeitgeist." It debuts on Fridays in Engadget's digital magazine, Distro.
Trials Evolution might just be the perfect video game. The subject matter doesn't seem worthy of the adjective, as it mostly involves a subject colliding with matter face-first after being catapulted from a motorcycle into an unimpressed log. It's just a simple, repeatable exercise in balancing a bike, which you steer through an insane obstacle course for no reason other than to succeed and see some flashy fireworks at the end.

So, perhaps it's not the greatest or most important creation to emerge from an industry packed with intelligent designers and bold artists. It is, however, a perfect encapsulation of what drives any good game. Trials is like a transparent cube - a simple shape to house and display the same gears that turn within more elaborate machines. (It also costs $15, so a comparison to one of those gaudy, see-through Swatches from the '90s might be more apt.)

Continue reading Is Trials Evolution the Perfect Game?

JoystiqIs Trials Evolution the Perfect Game? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftreaction-timeredlynxtrials-evolutionxblaxboxFri, 04 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Might and Delight 'renting' XBLA spot to sell Pid there]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/might-and-delight-renting-xbla-spot-to-sell-pid-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/might-and-delight-renting-xbla-spot-to-sell-pid-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/might-and-delight-renting-xbla-spot-to-sell-pid-there/#comments ImagePid is a new platformer being put together by Might and Delight, and when it arrives, it'll be available on PSN, Steam, and XBLA. But while Might and Delight will be self-publishing on PSN and Steam (because both platforms have plans in place for devs to do that), it won't be self-publishing on the Xbox Live Arcade. They won't have another publisher, either -- instead, Might and Delight is "renting" an XBLA game slot.

The PA Report explains how it all works: When Microsoft agrees to allow devs to publish on XBLA, those devs get a set number of slots to sell games with. Not all of the publishers who get these slots use them and some of those publishers are now selling their slots, usually for a share of the game's profits, to other developers. That's the case with Pid: Might and Delight is "borrowing" another publisher's game slot and in return sharing part of Pid's profits.

Anyone publishing a game on XBLA needs to give Microsoft a cut of the profits as well, so both Microsoft and the publisher are taking money away from Might and Delight here. But on the plus side, Might and Delight doesn't need to make a traditional publishing deal at all, so there's no issue with exclusivity or long-term rights. If the game does well, they're much more likely to make sure they see the rewards directly.

JoystiqMight and Delight 'renting' XBLA spot to sell Pid there originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmight-and-delightpidpsnpublishingrentself-publishingspotsteamxblaxboxWed, 02 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable Heroes review: For every choice, no consequence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/fable-heroes-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/fable-heroes-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/fable-heroes-review/#comments ImageIn Fable Heroes, you and some friends take the role of cutesy Fable-based puppets, battling through a number of cookie-cutter levels on the couch or online. Put frankly, the game is a shameless abuse of the Fable property. The idea of a cartoonish hack-and-slash isn't necessarily a bad idea, if executed properly. Unfortunately, Fable Heroes struggles at its core concept.

Like most hack-and-slash games, the button scheme is fairly simple, featuring a light and heavy attack, along with a roll maneuver. You can open chests for various power-ups (some of dubious helpfulness) and there is a special move that none of my multiplayer party fully grasped. I knew how to do it, but for the life of me couldn't figure out when it was available. This led to rampant guesswork with limited success. The help section of the game didn't offer much assistance either. (Though it does include a 17-page description of all the power-up chests.)

Gallery: Fable Heroes (Marketplace, 3/4/12)

Continue reading Fable Heroes review: For every choice, no consequence

JoystiqFable Heroes review: For every choice, no consequence originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable-heroesLionhead-Studiosmicrosoftxblaxboxxbox-livexbox-live-arcadeTue, 01 May 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joy Ride Turbo is the Kinectless sequel to Kinect Joy Ride]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/joy-ride-turbo-is-the-kinectless-sequel-to-kinect-joy-ride/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/joy-ride-turbo-is-the-kinectless-sequel-to-kinect-joy-ride/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/joy-ride-turbo-is-the-kinectless-sequel-to-kinect-joy-ride/#comments ImageSo uh, you guys remember Kinect Joy Ride, that launch-window Kinect kart racing title from November of 2010? Well, developer BigPark is making a sequel: Joy Ride Turbo. As you can surmise from the peculiar lack of the word "Kinect" in the title, Joy Ride Turbo will, in fact, not be a Kinect game when it launches in the coming weeks.

The game will launch as an XBLA title, rather than a full retail release like its predecessor. It features Battle Race, Pro Race and Time Trial modes, as well as a new "Stunt Park," which allows players to drive over cliffs and out of cannons at (presumably) very high speeds.

Exploring the park yields new rides (42 in total), upgrades, as well as coins and trophies of unknown significance. Local multiplayer is supported for up to four players, with races capping out at eight drivers online. Steal a glance at some aerial automotive avatar acrobatics in the gallery below.

Gallery: Joy Ride Turbo (XBLA)

JoystiqJoy Ride Turbo is the Kinectless sequel to Kinect Joy Ride originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BigParkjoy-ride-turbokinect-joy-ridemicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosXBLAxboxMon, 30 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's how to play Awesomenauts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/heres-how-to-play-awesomenauts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/heres-how-to-play-awesomenauts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/heres-how-to-play-awesomenauts/#comments Image
This latest trailer from Ronimo Games and dtp entertainment runs through the basics of a match of Awesomenauts, imparting crucial wisdom by letting the viewer live vicariously through the experiences of a hyper-stereotypical cowboy caricature named Lonestar.

JoystiqHere's how to play Awesomenauts originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomenautsdtp-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3PSNronimo-gamesXBLAxboxSat, 28 Apr 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon's Lair swings onto XBLA May 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/dragons-lair-swings-onto-xbla-may-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/dragons-lair-swings-onto-xbla-may-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/dragons-lair-swings-onto-xbla-may-18/#comments ImageCome May 18, the Xbox 360 will join historical icons like the Sega CD and Philips CD-i as one of the many proud platforms to receive a port of Advanced Microcomputer Systems' classically animated laserdisc fable, Dragon's Lair.

If you count the horrible Game Boy version and various other non-digital-media pseudo-ports from the 80s, the XBLA rerelease will be port number 67 for Dragon's Lair, although its Kinect capabilities make it distinct from its predecessors in that Dragon's Lair is the first XBLA title to support both regular controllers and Microsoft's all-seeing eye. The port also features a "full watch" mode for people too lazy to use either control method, as well as those who enjoy buying ancient animated feature films with MS Points.

JoystiqDragon's Lair swings onto XBLA May 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragons-lairEAElectronic-ArtskinectmicrosoftXBLAxboxSat, 28 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bloodforge review: God of sore ... thumbs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/bloodforge-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/bloodforge-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/bloodforge-review/#comments Even before diving into Bloodforge's gore-soaked, beast-slaying combat or encountering one of its screen-enveloping enemies, the XBLA brawler announces itself as a God of War wannabe. From its pissed-off protagonist to its female narrator, the hack-and-slasher channels Kratos' exploits before the first entrails stain your sword. There are certainly worse series to crib from, and Bloodforge, while significantly flawed, generally feels more like a fan-made tribute than a cash-grabbing copycat.

The first thing Bloodforge hits you with isn't some ugly monster's sharp steel, but a striking visual presentation. Contrasting a desaturated color palette with buckets of bright blood, Bloodforge looks like it may have jumped off the paneled page of a mature graphic novel. The dark vibe is further complemented by sopping rain storms, snowy landscapes stained with viscera, and marshes blanketed with mist. If all that doesn't set the tone, silhouetted corpses impaled on spikes and hanging from nooses should do the trick.

Gallery: Bloodforge (XBLA)

Continue reading Bloodforge review: God of sore ... thumbs

JoystiqBloodforge review: God of sore ... thumbs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodforgemicrosoftxblaxboxxbox-livexbox-live-arcadeFri, 27 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skullgirls sells more than 50K to date, Reverge working on updates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/skullgirls-sells-more-than-50k-to-date-reverge-working-on-updat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/skullgirls-sells-more-than-50k-to-date-reverge-working-on-updat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/skullgirls-sells-more-than-50k-to-date-reverge-working-on-updat/#comments ImageReverge Labs announced via Twitter that Skullgirls has sold over 50,000 copies in ten days of availability. That number doesn't include any European PSN sales, as that version arrives on May 2.

The company thanked fans, and revealed that it's at work on "the first updates," the contents of which are currently unknown. However, Reverge has suggested that in-game move lists and input displays for training mode are among the updates it would want to add, if enough people bought the game to support the hosting costs.

This is good news for the first-time developer, and good news for fans. It's good news for everyone but "Peacemillian," who made a statement in chat during a streaming event last September: "if this game breaks 50k sold I'll eat my own shit."

JoystiqSkullgirls sells more than 50K to date, Reverge working on updates originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3psnreverge-labssalesskullgirlsxblaxboxThu, 26 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST