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 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Activision: Modern Warfare 2 was always ready for the 'Call of Duty']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/activision-modern-warfare-2-was-always-ready-for-the-call-of-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/activision-modern-warfare-2-was-always-ready-for-the-call-of-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/activision-modern-warfare-2-was-always-ready-for-the-call-of-d/#comments The fact that "Call of Duty" branding was conspicuously absent from Modern Warfare 2's debut trailer and all subsequent promotional materials about the game seemed to declare clearly enough that the title had left the franchise's well-fortified nest. A fact that Activision seemed to acknowledge by telling us it "has taken on such a life of its own." So, imagine our surprise when the game's box art materializes ... with "Call of Duty" in the title.

Was this a reaction to the fact that consumers weren't really aware of the game without the familiar branding, as made clear by a Google Trends chart tweeted by Destructoid? (Or recent analyst comments saying as much.) When asked about the apparent change of heart (and art), Activision replied, "Infinity Ward, the original creators of the Call of Duty franchise, has said from the beginning Modern Warfare 2 resides in the Call of Duty universe. This is reflected in the title's package."

The company also said that, "Modern Warfare 2 is the direct sequel to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. We have focused our attention on Modern Warfare in order to most effectively communicate the fact that this is the first true sequel in the Call of Duty series." We agree: letting people know it's a Call of Duty game is probably a good thing.

JoystiqActivision: Modern Warfare 2 was always ready for the 'Call of Duty' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2infinity-wardmodern-warfare-2Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK music charts want to add rhythm game DLC tracking]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/uk-music-charts-want-to-add-rhythm-game-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/uk-music-charts-want-to-add-rhythm-game-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/uk-music-charts-want-to-add-rhythm-game-dlc/#comments
UK's aptly named Official Chart Company has a fairly progressive idea for how to more accurately tabulate the sales success of musical artists on its Official Download Chart -- by including the sales statistics for tracks offered as downloadable content for rhythm titles such as Rock Band, Guitar Hero: World Tour and SingStar.

To compile and include this data, it would take a great deal of negotiation between the record companies, the Official Chart Company and the game's developers, but we think it's definitely worth the trouble -- if only so we could try to get Stephen and the Colberts on the UK Weekly Top 40.

JoystiqUK music charts want to add rhythm game DLC tracking originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guitar-hero-world-tourmusicofficial-charts-companyrhythmrock-bandrock-band-2singstartop-40ukThu, 09 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mechwarrior 4 free on BattleTech.com 'soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/mechwarrior-4-free-on-battletech-com-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/mechwarrior-4-free-on-battletech-com-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/mechwarrior-4-free-on-battletech-com-soon/#comments
Big robots blowing each other up! The only way to make the prior sentence more masculine would be to repeat the word "bacon" about eight times. With that said, Smith & Tinker has authorized MekTek to distribute bacon MechWarrior 4, along with its expansions, for free. This likely has just a tiny bit to do with the recently announced MechWarrior reboot.

There is currently no release date, but Smith & Tinker states "the free download will be available soon!" Yes, YES! Now to stomp to the kitchen while making Mech walking noises and fry up some bacon!

[Thanks, Old Professor Zertoss; Via MekTek]

JoystiqMechwarrior 4 free on BattleTech.com 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mechwarriormechwarrior-4mechwarrior-4-mercenariesmektekmektek-studiossmith-and-tinkerThu, 09 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bioware wants Dragon Age's user-created PC content on consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/bioware-wants-dragon-ages-user-created-pc-content-on-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/bioware-wants-dragon-ages-user-created-pc-content-on-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/bioware-wants-dragon-ages-user-created-pc-content-on-consoles/#comments
During a recent chat with CVG, Bioware co-founder Greg Zeschuk spoke about Dragon Age: Origins and what DLC and demo plans the company had for the title. With the PC version shipping with a really robust tool set, console gamers may feel like they're missing out, but Zeschuk says that Bioware is actually looking to get that user content from the PC over to consoles. Aside from that, there's also discussion of new dungeons and expansions that could be DLC, though Zeschuk wouldn't comment beyond confirming DLC is in the works.

As for the possibility of a demo preceding release, Zeschuk says that likely isn't in the cards. It's a problem of finding the right part of the game to offer to fans. "The way the game's set up actually makes it hard for a demo because there are six origin stories and we don't know whether to just pick one or a couple." We'd just say pick a couple (more is better, right?) and go for it, because who doesn't like free content (other than Communists)?

JoystiqBioware wants Dragon Age's user-created PC content on consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredemodlcdragon-age-originsearpgThu, 09 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom: Anarchy Online 2 not in the cards (yet)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/funcom-anarchy-online-2-not-in-the-cards-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/funcom-anarchy-online-2-not-in-the-cards-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/funcom-anarchy-online-2-not-in-the-cards-yet/#comments
Funcom isn't planning on a sequel to Anarchy Online just yet. Speaking with VideoGamer, Game Director Craig Morrison believes a sequel would be "problematic." He notes that AO has been running for eight years and is still making money. We can't blame Funcom for not wanting to mess with a game that's making money.

Morrison explains that Age of Conan and The Secret World are currently the company's two main projects. For now, it looks like Anarchy won't be getting a sequel for ... well, considering MMO development cycles, a good long while.

JoystiqFuncom: Anarchy Online 2 not in the cards (yet) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conananarchy-onlinefuncomthe-secret-worldThu, 09 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Thursday: Yes, it's Battlefield 1943 time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/psn-thursday-yes-its-battlefield-1943-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/psn-thursday-yes-its-battlefield-1943-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/psn-thursday-yes-its-battlefield-1943-time/#comments

Battlefield 1943 has arrived -- and it's brought friends. A demo for Ghostbusters, some PS1 games and Buzz! Jr. Robo Jam round off the playable content, peppered with the usual pieces of DLC. PSP owners can pick up two full games and some Rock Band Unplugged DLC.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:


(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading PSN Thursday: Yes, it's Battlefield 1943 time

JoystiqPSN Thursday: Yes, it's Battlefield 1943 time originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>psn-thursdayThu, 09 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Zephyr turns into Tornado Outbreak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/zephyr-turns-into-tornado-outbreak/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/zephyr-turns-into-tornado-outbreak/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/zephyr-turns-into-tornado-outbreak/#comments Konami's Katamari Damacy clone, Zephyr: Rise of the Elementals has just spun itself an easier, more straightforward title: Tornado Outbreak. The game is the first from Loose Cannon Studios, made up of Sucker Punch veterans. While the pedigree of the studio is quite impressive, we found the game rather uninspired at E3, missing the charm that makes Katamari so lovable. Perhaps Tornado Outbreak will blow away our dampened expectations; this trailer reveals new elements (like bosses!) that we didn't have a chance to experience in our previous hands-on.

You'll be able to give Tornado Outbreak a whirl when it launches on Wii, Xbox 360 and PS3 this September.

Gallery: Tornado Outbreak

JoystiqZephyr turns into Tornado Outbreak originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamiloose-cannontornado-outbreakzephyrThu, 09 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix comes to Sony's Bravia TVs; PS3 befuddled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/netflix-comes-to-sonys-bravia-tvs-ps3-befuddled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/netflix-comes-to-sonys-bravia-tvs-ps3-befuddled/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/netflix-comes-to-sonys-bravia-tvs-ps3-befuddled/#comments
Netflix announced today a partnership with Sony to bring its movie streaming service to ... the Bravia brand of TVs?! Starting this fall, owners of internet-enabled Bravia televisions will be able to -- blah, blah, blah. Seriously, the Bravia! Clearly there's something up here and we're thinking it has more than a little something to do with a concept gamers are well versed in: the timed exclusive.

It's a reasonable explanation, considering we've seen the idea of Netflix alluded to for the Wii and this Bravia thing is about as silly as it gets. When asked for comment, Sony listed several media options it currently provides for the PS3 (full statement after the break), but currently had nothing to announce about Netflix on the console. We're currently awaiting comment from Netflix, but if the company stays the course, it'll be something like: "Netflix is always looking for ways to expand its service, but for now our game platform is the Xbox 360."

[Thanks, Protofunc; Via DigitalTrends]

Continue reading Netflix comes to Sony's Bravia TVs; PS3 befuddled

JoystiqNetflix comes to Sony's Bravia TVs; PS3 befuddled originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>braviabusinessnetflixsonyThu, 09 Jul 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wiimote controls giant claw, brings man and machine closer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/wiimote-controls-giant-claw-brings-man-and-machine-closer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/wiimote-controls-giant-claw-brings-man-and-machine-closer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/wiimote-controls-giant-claw-brings-man-and-machine-closer/#comments
When your job is to sit in an office all day, controlling a 15-ton robotic arm, things can get kind of boring. Thankfully, some ingenious operators decided to fool around with the arm at their disposal and managed to implement Wiimote controls. Judging by the YouTube video after the break, taking the thing for a spin with the Wiimote looks like it works quite well, as the gigantic yellow claw pretty much follows the movements of its operator exactly.

If we weren't sure the giant claw cost more money than we could ever hope to see, we'd suggest playing the world's largest crane game, or a bit of Let's See How Far We Can Throw This Minivan.

[Via Make]

Continue reading Wiimote controls giant claw, brings man and machine closer

JoystiqWiimote controls giant claw, brings man and machine closer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clawrobotrobot-clawrobotic-armroboticswiimoteThu, 09 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 box art includes 'Call of Duty']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/modern-warfare-2-box-art-includes-call-of-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/modern-warfare-2-box-art-includes-call-of-duty/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/modern-warfare-2-box-art-includes-call-of-duty/#comments
Though we all believed that Modern Warfare 2 had completely dropped the "Call of Duty" moniker, that's not exactly the case, judging by some new box art just posted by Infinity Ward spokesman Robert Bowling on his Twitter account.

We're not sure if this is a new official name for the game, but we'll do our best to find out. In the meanwhile, check out the full box art after the break.

Continue reading Modern Warfare 2 box art includes 'Call of Duty'

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 box art includes 'Call of Duty' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbox-artcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2infinity-wardmodern-warfare-2Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Nathan Fillion talks about Halo 3: ODST's Sgt. Buck]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/nathan-fillion-talks-about-halo-3-odsts-sgt-buck/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/nathan-fillion-talks-about-halo-3-odsts-sgt-buck/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/nathan-fillion-talks-about-halo-3-odsts-sgt-buck/#comments
Nathan Fillion, the second voice actor revealed for Bungie's Halo 3: ODST, recently spoke about his role in the game to MSNBC. Fillion needs no introduction and has many fans the world over (we loved Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place, too!), so it's great to see him involved with the game.

Fillion will be taking up the role of Sgt. Buck, a man he describes as "a bit hardened" and "a bit cranky." While Fillion's comments pertaining to his own personal interest in the franchise are nice to hear, the best parts of the interview are the sections where Fillion talks about the game's plot. We now know that his character will have a love interest, one that has come back into his life during the game's mission. Oh, and the gameplay footage is kind of nice, too.

We just hope he gets to say his famous phrase in the game: "I seek to behave according to societal standards." That's the line from that Ladybug show, right guys?

Continue reading Nathan Fillion talks about Halo 3: ODST's Sgt. Buck

JoystiqNathan Fillion talks about Halo 3: ODST's Sgt. Buck originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiefpshalo-3halo-3-odstnathan-fillionThu, 09 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Black + battle axe = awesome episode of Brutal Thoughts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/jack-black-battle-axe-awesome-episode-of-brutal-thoughts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/jack-black-battle-axe-awesome-episode-of-brutal-thoughts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/jack-black-battle-axe-awesome-episode-of-brutal-thoughts/#comments We weren't fans of the last episode of Brütal Thoughts, Jack Black's bi-weekly video series promoting Brütal Legend. But boy, does this make up for it. Black wields a rather impressive battle axe and uses it to great effect! It's obvious the actor is having a lot of fun with his role; it suits him rather perfectly, no? Just make sure you watch all the way to the end -- things will be broken.

See also:

JoystiqJack Black + battle axe = awesome episode of Brutal Thoughts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axebrutal-legendbrutal-thoughtsjack-blackThu, 09 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Devspeak: iPhone 3G vs iPhone 3GS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/devspeak-iphone-3g-vs-iphone-3gs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/devspeak-iphone-3g-vs-iphone-3gs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/devspeak-iphone-3g-vs-iphone-3gs/#comments
The introduction of the iPhone 3GS is huge for a variety of reasons, but most important to gamers is how the new phone improves gaming. And that's why IndustryGamers pinged a few iPhone devs to get their thoughts on the new device, how it'll make their games even better, and whether they should be developing for the larger install base of 3G users or specifically for the improved 3GS model.

The first developer to speak on the matter is EA Mobile, who says it'll actually be developing for both versions. "To take full advantage of the new capabilities of the 3GS, our development teams will create an additional version specifically for it, so that our products will be available and enjoyable no matter which iPhone or iPod touch a consumer has." Trip Hawkins, CEO of Digital Chocolate, thinks otherwise, and says that the new phone's capabilities will make existing products better, making it unnecessary to explicitly develop for the more powerful platform. Paxton LaZar, director of digital content at Sega of America, is more in line with EA Mobile, however, and says Sega will offer products tailored specifically for each phone, although only on select titles. "Sega will continue to develop games for the 3G iPhones and for appropriate games we will also deliver versions with added and/or improved features/content to take full advantage of the extra power afforded by the new 3GS model," LaZar said. LaZar further compared it to games that are offered across multiple platforms, and says this is basically no different.

While we wait for developers to figure out how they're going to tackle the 3G vs 3GS conundrum, we suggest you see for yourself just how much the 3GS brings to the table in this video for Firemint Real Racing. It just might blow you away.

JoystiqDevspeak: iPhone 3G vs iPhone 3GS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iphoneiphone-3giphone-3gsmobileThu, 09 Jul 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rebellion games hit GOG.com, we give them to you (just like that) [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/rebellion-games-hit-gog-com-we-give-them-to-you-just-like-that/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/rebellion-games-hit-gog-com-we-give-them-to-you-just-like-that/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/rebellion-games-hit-gog-com-we-give-them-to-you-just-like-that/#comments
Before teaming up with Sega recently for a new iteration of Aliens vs Predator, UK development house Rebellion made a handful of classic PC titles (yes, we know, including the original Aliens vs Predator). Starting today and continuing over the course of the next few weeks, GOG.com will be offering the company's titles through its site (DRM-free, XP and Vista compatible game, priced to move), starting with Ground Control (Dark Conspiracy expansion included) and Evil Genius. Lords of Magic, Empire Earth, "and more" are in the pipeline for the next few weeks.

To celebrate the release, the fine folks at Good Old Games were nice enough to hand us a few codes -- seven in all, just to keep you on your toes -- for not just the games released today but, well, anything on the site you'd like. That's right, folks, you can use the codes on anything from Rebellion's Evil Genius to Ubisoft's Beyond Good & Evil to Epic's Unreal Tournament (and everything in between, in case you were wondering). All you have to do is keep your eye on the Joystiq Twitter page over the course of the day to try and win one of them. Hit the break for an exhilarating explanation of how to redeem a code.

Update: All codes have been redeemed! Thanks to everyone who participated and to GOG.com for providing us with the codes.

Continue reading Rebellion games hit GOG.com, we give them to you (just like that) [update]

JoystiqRebellion games hit GOG.com, we give them to you (just like that) [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-vs-predatorbeyond-good-and-evilevil-geniusfacebookgog.comground-controlpcrebellionrebellion-developmentstwitterunreal-tournamentThu, 09 Jul 2009 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Skeleton rock stars destroy buildings with rock power in Lego Rock Band]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/skeleton-rock-stars-destroy-buildings-with-rock-power-in-lego-ro/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/skeleton-rock-stars-destroy-buildings-with-rock-power-in-lego-ro/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/skeleton-rock-stars-destroy-buildings-with-rock-power-in-lego-ro/#comments
It's a rarity, but we'll admit it when it occurs: We might have judged a game too quickly -- specifically, Lego Rock Band. While we assumed it would just be a brickalyzed version of the game we all know, love and are the tiniest bit sick of, a recent interview has us questioning that.

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

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ealego-rock-bandrock-bandskeleton-rock-stars-destroying-buildings-with-rocktt-gamesThu, 09 Jul 2009 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon offers up Prototype at $40 on consoles, $30 on PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/amazon-offers-up-prototype-at-40-on-consoles-30-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/amazon-offers-up-prototype-at-40-on-consoles-30-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/amazon-offers-up-prototype-at-40-on-consoles-30-on-pc/#comments
It appears that Amazon is slashing and absorbing the extra cost of Prototype, as the action-packed, vertical sandbox gorefest has been reduced by $20 on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC for today only.

The game was certainly well-received, so nobody is going to spit on you for deciding to take Amazon's offer. Well, inFamous' Cole might spit on you, which would be shocking. But not as shocking as these photos of him and Alex Mercer when they aren't saving/destroying the world!

[Thanks, Lesek]

JoystiqAmazon offers up Prototype at $40 on consoles, $30 on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionamazonamazon.comprototyperadical-entertainmentThu, 09 Jul 2009 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The Beatles: Rock Band set list not compromised by Michael Jackson's death]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/beatles-rock-band-set-list-not-compromised-by-michael-jacksons/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/beatles-rock-band-set-list-not-compromised-by-michael-jacksons/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/beatles-rock-band-set-list-not-compromised-by-michael-jacksons/#comments
One of the more profitable items in the late King of Pop's idiosyncratic collection of odds and ends was his ownership of ATV, a music publisher that owned the rights to over 200 songs from the Beatles' repertoire. Years after this acquisition, Jackson agreed to a merger with Sony, forming Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Jackson retained 50 percent of the publishing rights to the Beatles tracks until his recent untimely death -- despite rumors to the contrary, he never sold his stake in the merged company.

Why is this news relevant to you, dear reader? Well, many faux-rockers have been worried that Jackson's passing would affect the final set list for The Beatles: Rock Band. Fortunately, Harmonix recently confirmed to IGN that the game's tracks won't be compromised by MJ's death, or the dispersal of his assets -- including the Sony/ATV stake -- that will take place in the coming weeks. However, we expect that Elephant Man Bone Collector 3 will miss its fall launch window by a sizable margin.

JoystiqThe Beatles: Rock Band set list not compromised by Michael Jackson's death originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixmichael-jacksonmusicrock-bandsony-atv-music-publishingthe-beatles-rock-bandThu, 09 Jul 2009 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA 'Summer of Arcade' 2009 release schedule announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/xbla-summer-of-arcade-2009-release-schedule/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/xbla-summer-of-arcade-2009-release-schedule/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/xbla-summer-of-arcade-2009-release-schedule/#comments
Microsoft's Major Nelson has revealed the full details of this year's "Summer of Arcade" ... and it's going to be mighty expensive if you're interested in the whole kaboodle.
The only difference from this list and the previously announced lineup is the absence of Monkey Island Special Edition, which is scheduled for release next week on July 15.

JoystiqXBLA 'Summer of Arcade' 2009 release schedule announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marvel-vs-capcom-2shadow-complexsplosion-mansummer-of-arcadetmnttrials-hdturtles-in-timexblaThu, 09 Jul 2009 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Glu Mobile CEO steps down citing need for 'generating positive cash']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/glu-mobile-ceo-steps-down-citing-need-for-generating-positive-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/glu-mobile-ceo-steps-down-citing-need-for-generating-positive-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/glu-mobile-ceo-steps-down-citing-need-for-generating-positive-c/#commentsThere's no doubt that Apple's iPhone has put a significant dent into the mobile game landscape, especially for non-future phone game developers and publishers. Such is the case for Glu Mobile, a company that -- while recently inking a deal to develop and distribute Activision titles on mobile devices -- seems to be going through some not so fantastic times. IndustryGamers.com reports that the company's CEO, Greg Ballard, is stepping down after six years on the job, citing the need to generate "positive cash."

"This is a good time to bring in new leadership for the company, as we focus on returning to generating positive cash and begin even greater investment in next-generation mobile platforms," Ballard notes in the company's release. It's not clear at this time who will be taking the reins of the mobile developer, but we're hoping it's not these guys.


[Image]

JoystiqGlu Mobile CEO steps down citing need for 'generating positive cash' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbusinesscell-phoneeagamesindustry.bizgluglu-mobilegreg-ballardiphonemobileThu, 09 Jul 2009 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Splinter Cell: Conviction pre-order bonus is opposite of stealthy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/splinter-cell-conviction-pre-order-bonus-is-opposite-of-stealth/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/splinter-cell-conviction-pre-order-bonus-is-opposite-of-stealth/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/splinter-cell-conviction-pre-order-bonus-is-opposite-of-stealth/#comments
Listen, Ubisoft. You're taking your flagship stealth franchise in a decidedly un-stealthy direction -- we get that. We got it at E3 when you showed us the game's high-octane gunfights during the Microsoft press conference, and we certainly got it when you showed us hobo-Sam blowing up hot dog carts in a crowded park. Don't you think you're pushing the message a tad hard by making the pre-order bonus for Splinter Cell: Conviction an in-game semi-automatic shotgun? That's like, the least stealthy weapon in the world.

From the gameplay we've seen, it looks like players will be able to choose between stealth and brute force -- why not throw a free sneaky-themed weapon in there as well? Maybe a prison shank? A garrote? Or perhaps love -- the sneakiest weapon of them all. Yeah, man. That's deep.

[Via Destructoid]

JoystiqSplinter Cell: Conviction pre-order bonus is opposite of stealthy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pre-orderpre-order-bonusshotgunsplinter-cellsplinter-cell-convictionstealthubisoftThu, 09 Jul 2009 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Team 17 announces Alien Breed Evolution, teases imminent iPhone Worms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/team-17-announces-alien-breed-evolution-teases-imminent-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/team-17-announces-alien-breed-evolution-teases-imminent-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/team-17-announces-alien-breed-evolution-teases-imminent-iphone/#comments
Developer Team 17 loves its Facebook page. This morning the company announced a "retro modern remake" of Alien Breed, one of its games from way back in 1991. Alien Breed Evolution is an Unreal Engine 3-powered shooter, which can be played solo or co-op later this year. A representative for Team 17 tells us that a video of the game should be released in two to three weeks.

Team 17 also teased that iPhone Worms "looms... not long now." There is currently a tentative date, but the developer is awaiting the go from Apple. Like a good Worm, though, Team 17 has everything locked, loaded and ready to fire when ready.

JoystiqTeam 17 announces Alien Breed Evolution, teases imminent iPhone Worms originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien-breedalien-breed-evolutioniphone-wormsteam-17wormsworms-iphoneThu, 09 Jul 2009 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[EA announces Command & Conquer 4 (intentionally, this time)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/ea-announces-command-and-conquer-4-intentionally-this-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/ea-announces-command-and-conquer-4-intentionally-this-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/ea-announces-command-and-conquer-4-intentionally-this-time/#comments That press release EA linked to yesterday? It's up now, which makes Command & Conquer 4 that little bit more real. Not only that, but everything mentioned in that online survey was also real. This will be the final chapter of the Tiberium series and will feature "persistent player progression and [an] all-in-one mobile base" when it launches in 2010 for PC.

Command & Conquer 4 will also feature a co-op mode for the two campaigns, as well as a 5-vs-5 objective-based multiplayer mode, allowing for a new "social real time strategy experience." Aren't those called LAN parties? A new episode of Battlecast PrimeTime, which will be available on July 24, will give more information on the game, and the exclusive reveal of the first cinematic trailer will be shown on GameTrailers TV on July 23.

Gallery: Command & Conquer 4

JoystiqEA announces Command & Conquer 4 (intentionally, this time) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>command-and-conquercommand-and-conquer-4eaea-los-angelesealartsThu, 09 Jul 2009 10:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom: Marvel vs Capcom 2 on XBLA July 29, PSN date coming 'soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/capcom-says-marvel-vs-capcom-2-on-xbla-july-29-psn-date-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/capcom-says-marvel-vs-capcom-2-on-xbla-july-29-psn-date-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/capcom-says-marvel-vs-capcom-2-on-xbla-july-29-psn-date-coming/#comments
The Capcom Unity twitter account revealed something interesting this morning: Marvel vs Capcom 2 will be gracing Xbox Live on July 29 -- and Capcom PR separately confirmed a 1200 ($15) price. For those of you wondering about its arrival on PSN, Capcom promises an announcement "soon." Sharpen those claws (and those Hadoukens), because it's about to be on.

Gallery: Marvel vs Capcom 2

JoystiqCapcom: Marvel vs Capcom 2 on XBLA July 29, PSN date coming 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcommarvel-vs-capcom-2psnxnlaThu, 09 Jul 2009 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[New MechWarrior a reboot, called ... MechWarrior]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/new-mechwarrior-a-reboot-called-mechwarrior/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/new-mechwarrior-a-reboot-called-mechwarrior/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/new-mechwarrior-a-reboot-called-mechwarrior/#comments
Teased earlier this week, a new MechWarrior is currently being forged by Smith and Tinker (founded by FASA co-founder Jordan Weisman) and Piranha Games. IGN was informed that this is not being considered MechWarrior 5, but a reboot of the series. The title will release on PC and Xbox 360, and should include a full single-player campaign, "as well as support for four-player co-op campaign" and multiplayer.

There is currently no release window scheduled for the game, nor is there a publisher -- those two things are typically co-dependent. Check out the MechWarrior reveal trailer after the break.

Continue reading New MechWarrior a reboot, called ... MechWarrior

JoystiqNew MechWarrior a reboot, called ... MechWarrior originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jordan-weismanmechwarriorpiranhasmith-and-tinkerThu, 09 Jul 2009 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 1943 servers being added 'around the clock']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/battlefield-1943-servers-being-added-around-the-clock/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/battlefield-1943-servers-being-added-around-the-clock/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/battlefield-1943-servers-being-added-around-the-clock/#comments
As fun as Battlefield 1943 is, EA severely underestimated the amount of individuals who would enlist for battle in the Pacific yesterday on XBLA. If you tried to play, you likely spent a great deal of time staring at menus and found it a real pain to hook up and play with friends. According to a post made by Gordon Van Dyke on the official EA forums, developer DICE is doing all it can to increase the server count for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions.

In the latest update, Van Dyke writes, "We have full support of EA to add as many servers as takes and then some so that everyone can play. This work has already started and servers will be added around the clock with teams working to cover this 24 hours a day so not a moment is wasted. You will be able to play this game and play it lag free!"

While the prospect of a lag-free experience is something we can support, our problem was more with our inability to find matches and join our friends' games yesterday, even when multiple slots were open. But hey, at least the price was fixed! [It appears that the 90000 pricing "glitch" was a temporary workaround to dissuade Xbox Live Silver users from purchasing the online multiplayer-only game. Currently, the game is blocked from Silver account purchasing altogether and has been designated a "Gold Exclusive."]

[Via Edge; thanks to VIP0R, Roger, Ian & Alan for pricing glitch pics!]

JoystiqBattlefield 1943 servers being added 'around the clock' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-1943diceeaelectronic-artsfpspsnxblaThu, 09 Jul 2009 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Give Age of Conan a second chance, get two weeks free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/give-age-of-conan-a-second-chance-get-two-weeks-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/give-age-of-conan-a-second-chance-get-two-weeks-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/give-age-of-conan-a-second-chance-get-two-weeks-free/#comments Have you turned your back on Hyboria, nay, the entire Age of Conan? The MMO may be populated with barbarians, but its developer, Funcom, is really being quite nice to turncoats by offering two free weeks of gameplay if you return. No questions axed.

This re-evaluation campaign comes in advance of August's planned game expansion, which itself is set to be unveiled at Germany's GamesCom, which runs August 19 through 23. The wise barbarian will pocket those 14 days of free play until then.

JoystiqGive Age of Conan a second chance, get two weeks free originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanfuncomThu, 09 Jul 2009 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Baby Chun-Li imparts an important lesson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/baby-chun-li-imparts-an-important-lesson/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/baby-chun-li-imparts-an-important-lesson/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/baby-chun-li-imparts-an-important-lesson/#commentsPhotographed by Capcom staffers at last weekend's Anime Expo in Los Angeles, this baby dressed like Chun Li offers a little something we can all learn from.

That lesson, of course, is that this is the last age at which cosplay is morally acceptable. Now go home, wash the gel out of your hair spikes, write it in your adorable NERV diary, and never, ever, forget it.





JoystiqBaby Chun-Li imparts an important lesson originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baby-chun-licapcomhard-life-lessons-that-youll-thank-us-for-somedaything-you-shouldnt-forgetwisdomwise-babiesThu, 09 Jul 2009 06:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Blue Bubble developing Warlock of Firetop Mountain for DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/big-blue-bubble-developing-warlock-of-firetop-mountain-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/big-blue-bubble-developing-warlock-of-firetop-mountain-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/big-blue-bubble-developing-warlock-of-firetop-mountain-for-ds/#comments Canadian developer Big Blue Bubble is working on an action RPG for the DS named "The Warlock of Firetop Mountain." Sound familiar? Some of you may recognize it as the first book in Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone's Fighting Fantasy book series -- portable gaming for the pre-Gameboy crowd. This game, based on the book, will be published by Aspyr Media and will release this holiday season.

Jackson and Livingstone have both been involved with the project, helping Big Blue Bubble nail the look and feel of the Fighting Fantasy universe. While the last Fighting Fantasy book to be made into a video game, Deathtrap Dungeon, wasn't particular successful -- or good -- Warlock of Firetop Mountain looks to remain much more faithful to the book. Hey, games industry. You know what else would make a good transition from book to game? The Lone Wolf series. You should get on that.

JoystiqBig Blue Bubble developing Warlock of Firetop Mountain for DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 05:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-blue-bubblefighting-fantasyian-livingstonesteve-jacksonwarlock-of-firetop-mountainThu, 09 Jul 2009 05:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Left Behind Games signs distribution deal with Jack of All Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/left-behind-games-signs-distribution-deal-with-jack-of-all-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/left-behind-games-signs-distribution-deal-with-jack-of-all-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/left-behind-games-signs-distribution-deal-with-jack-of-all-games/#comments
On the surface, this is a post about Left Behind Games (you know, they make those Left Behind games?) signing a distribution deal with Jack of All Games. But really, the only interesting thing is that the author feels it necessary to name Wal-Mart specifically as the first major retailer carrying the games, even though of course it is.

No, we really just wanted to supply you with a link to the official Left Behind game site and ask that you click the "Left Behind" button and watch the subsequent video. You can thank us after you check out the "in-game film."

JoystiqLeft Behind Games signs distribution deal with Jack of All Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jack-of-all-gamesleft-behindleft-behind-gameswal-martThu, 09 Jul 2009 04:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Gwar headlines totally metal Brutal Legend concert]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/gwar-headlines-totally-metal-brutal-legend-concert/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/gwar-headlines-totally-metal-brutal-legend-concert/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/gwar-headlines-totally-metal-brutal-legend-concert/#comments
Notoriously noxious metal lords Gwar top the lineup of bands playing EA's "Brütal Legend Metal Meltdown" concert in San Diego, Calif., on the evening of July 23. (That's the first night of San Diego Comic-Con, which runs July 23 through 26 at the nearby San Diego Convention Center.)

The costumed comedy shock-rockers will be joined by Canadian metal act 3 Inches of Blood, all-grrl thrashers Unholy Pink and Black Flag co-founder Keith Morris. Now, before you bellow, "That is so effing cool!" know that it gets better: the show is free. Well, at least for those lucky enough to be chosen from the concert's sign-up page. More deets can be found on the concert flyer after the break.

Continue reading Gwar headlines totally metal Brutal Legend concert

JoystiqGwar headlines totally metal Brutal Legend concert originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-inches-of-bloodbrutal-legendconcertdouble-fineeagwarkeith-morrisrockunholy-pinkThu, 09 Jul 2009 03:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Re-recording music in Simlish is easier than it sounds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/re-recording-music-in-simlish-is-easier-than-it-sounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/re-recording-music-in-simlish-is-easier-than-it-sounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/re-recording-music-in-simlish-is-easier-than-it-sounds/#comments
Though the "Simlish" language that permeates The Sims (as well as a few other Will Wright-crafted franchises) is largely improvised by the series' voice actors, the musicians that provide the games' soundtracks have a bit more work to do than that. This translation process was recently explained by UK recording artist Pixie Lott in a video diary we've posted after the break.

Lott, (who is only 18, you creepy creepster) guides us through the steps required to Sim-ify her current chart-topper, "Mama Do," which sounds suspiciously like "Marmaduke" to our un-indoctrinated American ears. Man, if only!

Continue reading Re-recording music in Simlish is easier than it sounds

JoystiqRe-recording music in Simlish is easier than it sounds originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamaxismusicpcpixie-lottsimlishthe-simsthe-sims-3videoThu, 09 Jul 2009 02:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet / pester Platinum Games in San Diego this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/meet-pester-platinum-games-in-san-diego-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/meet-pester-platinum-games-in-san-diego-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/meet-pester-platinum-games-in-san-diego-this-month/#comments
If you enjoyed MadWorld (and are looking forward to Bayonetta), you'll want to take the chance to meet the fine folks behind those games on Friday, July 24. As part of a promotion for Bayonetta, some developers on the title will be on hand to answer your questions about gigantic heels and how effective they are at killing things. And then there are the prizes, with one lucky individual walking away with a custom Xbox 360.

This little shindig is not open to the general public, however, and you'll need to be at least 21 years old to enter (like all good things in life), so you'll have to win yourself a ticket. Platinum Games will be running several promotions to award folks with tickets, but you can enter right now by following these steps:
  1. Make sure you can be in San Diego that day (transportation is on you)
  2. Become a fan of PlatinumGames on Facebook
  3. Shoot an email over to littleangels@platinumgames.com with a link to your Facebook profile
You better get on it, because the deadline to enter is 11:59p.m. ET on July 13. Good luck!

JoystiqMeet / pester Platinum Games in San Diego this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bayonettalittle-angelsplatinum-gamesThu, 09 Jul 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Independent Games Festival accepting submissions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/2010-independent-games-festival-accepting-submissions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/2010-independent-games-festival-accepting-submissions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/2010-independent-games-festival-accepting-submissions/#comments
If you're ready to unleash your totally deviant, totally original and totally counter-cultural Tetris remake upon the world, your best chance to do so has arrived. The Independent Games Festival is now accepting entries into its Main and Student Showcase categories. You've got until November to get your submissions in, and finalists in the Main Competitions will be announced January 4.

If you're looking for reasons to enter your humble project, the festival's organizers have about 20,000 good ones, and by "ones" we mean dollars, by which we mean $20,000 is the grand prize for the competition. In addition, finalists will have their games exhibited on the GDC show floor, where they can be played, admired and possibly exalted by the gaming press -- a treatment received by titles such as World of Goo and Castle Crashers in the past. If your game is of that caliber, we highly suggest throwing your hat into the ring.

Joystiq2010 Independent Games Festival accepting submissions originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castle-crasherscompetitiongdcigfindependent-games-festivalindieworld-of-gooThu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UFC 2009 Undisputed patch incoming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/ufc-2009-undisputed-patch-incoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/ufc-2009-undisputed-patch-incoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/ufc-2009-undisputed-patch-incoming/#comments
If you've been dragged around the Octagon and beaten to a pulp one too many times due to glitches in UFC 2009 Undisputed's online component, you'll be pleased to hear that the developers are working on a patch. In fact, this blog post on the official site is proof of that.

There are several issues the developers are looking to resolve, and one of the more nasty ones involves a lack of repercussion for those who disconnect prematurely. These folks will receive a prize in the new patch, to the tune of some DNF and a loss on their record. Other fixes will target lag, Flash KOs, and the CAF cheat. For the full list, hit up the blog post.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqUFC 2009 Undisputed patch incoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsglitchglitchespatchthqufcufc-2009-undisputedWed, 08 Jul 2009 23:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomura: The Kingdom Hearts Keyblade was originally a chainsaw]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/nomura-the-kingdom-hearts-keyblade-was-originally-a-chainsaw/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/nomura-the-kingdom-hearts-keyblade-was-originally-a-chainsaw/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/nomura-the-kingdom-hearts-keyblade-was-originally-a-chainsaw/#commentsIn an interview with Famitsu, Square Enix character designer and Kingdom Hearts creator Tetsuya Nomura revealed some secrets about the early history of the franchise.

The ensemble-cast design of the games, for example, stemmed from a disagreement between Square and Disney over the protagonist: "Square wanted to make a game starring Mickey Mouse," Nomura said, as translated by 1UP, "and Disney wanted a Donald Duck title. Meanwhile, I wanted neither." The resulting compromise was "a game featuring lots of characters without focusing on any particular one."

The Keyblade weapon, despite being an early component of the game, was not Nomura's first idea for a signature weapon. "Actually," he said, "the first weapon I showed Disney was a chainsaw. It was this chainsaw-like weapon that I had a rough sketch of when I first showed my concepts to Disney."

Disney reacted pretty much like you would expect Disney executives to react to the heavy use of a chainsaw in a game about Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck: "Everyone got this scrunched-up look on their face and nobody said a word in the entire room. Dead silence. And I thought 'No, I guess this wouldn't work, huh?'"

It occurred to us that the chainsaw was the perfect Nomura weapon, because the teeth on the chain are reminiscent of those on a zipper.

JoystiqNomura: The Kingdom Hearts Keyblade was originally a chainsaw originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>keybladekingdom-heartskingdom-hearts-3582-daystetsuya-nomuraWed, 08 Jul 2009 21:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Clover dev: Indie Games channel has a long way to go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/clover-dev-indie-games-channel-has-a-long-way-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/clover-dev-indie-games-channel-has-a-long-way-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/clover-dev-indie-games-channel-has-a-long-way-to-go/#comments
Daniel Jones of Binary Tweed, developer of the Xbox 360 Indie Game Clover, has a few choice things to say about Microsoft's independent games service. Speaking to the UK's X360 Magazine, Jones just doesn't see a big enough audience in Indie Games to justify creating a game for it -- Joystiq readers will recall similar comments after Clover sales failed to set the world on fire.

"We're seeing even the best-selling Indie Games titles sell in the low five-figure numbers," says Jones, laying the blame on "lack of marketing from us developers, Microsoft, and also on the dirge of massage 'games' that dilute the brand's message." (Don't forget fart games!) He notes that the most popular titles on Indie Games are simple applications like music visualizers and digital aquariums, saying, "The marketing message clearly hasn't gotten to the people that want to play games, and so one has to question if there's any point making games for a service that gamers don't buy from."

Jones believes that the upcoming user ratings feature will help "immeasurably," though he adds, "There's still a lot of work to do in educating LIVE users about [what] Indie Games is about."

We're inclined to agree that the Indie Games channel needs a lot of work, especially if Microsoft ever expects it to become more than a Kodu delivery service.

JoystiqClover dev: Indie Games channel has a long way to go originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>binary-tweedclovercommunity-gamesdaniel-jonesindie-gamesWed, 08 Jul 2009 21:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Bionic Commando swings to PC July 17 in EU, July 28 in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/bionic-commando-swings-to-pc-july-17-in-eu-july-28-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/bionic-commando-swings-to-pc-july-17-in-eu-july-28-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/bionic-commando-swings-to-pc-july-17-in-eu-july-28-in-us/#comments
If you've been anxiously awaiting Nathan Spencer's latest romp, Bionic Commando, on the PC, then we've got some important days you'll need to mark on your calendar. First up, courtesy of Eurogamer, we know the title will release in Europe on July 17. Capcom has confirmed with us that the game will arrive in North America two weeks later, on July 28.

The PC version of Bionic Commando will feature the same gameplay as its console counterparts, but will boast new features in DirectX 9 and 10 support, higher resolutions, customizable controls and online options. Considering the game only managed to move 27,000 copies on consoles in its first month of US release, we wonder how the PC launch will fare.

JoystiqBionic Commando swings to PC July 17 in EU, July 28 in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandocapcomgrinWed, 08 Jul 2009 20:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Singularity sucked into Q1 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/singularity-sucked-into-q1-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/singularity-sucked-into-q1-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/singularity-sucked-into-q1-2010/#comments
First-person time manipulation news now, with a brief note from Activision alerting us to a delay in the release of Raven Software's Singularity, which was previously slated for a late 2009 arrival. It seems the publisher has wisely decided to push the sci-fi adventure back into March 2010 -- and well out of the way of Modern Warfare 2's commercially crushing tank treads.

"The level of excitement for Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare 2 coming out of E3 well exceeded our expectations and therefore we have decided to move Raven's upcoming sci-fi first person action title, Singularity, from 2009 to Q1 2010," an Activision spokesperson declared. "We believe that the March quarter will provide a better opportunity to establish the new cutting-edge action IP as a "must-have" title and clears the way for Modern Warfare 2 to dominate this holiday season."

Thanks for taking one for the team, Singularity! Now, if you Assassin's Creeds and Splinter Cells and BioShocks could just skooch over a tad ...

Gallery: Singularity

JoystiqSingularity sucked into Q1 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsravenraven-softwaresingularityWed, 08 Jul 2009 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[First screens of Titmouse's Seven Haunted Seas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/first-screens-of-titmouses-seven-haunted-seas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/first-screens-of-titmouses-seven-haunted-seas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/first-screens-of-titmouses-seven-haunted-seas/#comments
click to enlARRRRRge
When we first heard that the animation studio behind Metalocalypse was opening a game studio, we were, admittedly, quite intrigued. It's been a while since we heard anything from the folks at Titmouse, apart from sampling their taste in music at E3, of course. Now, we have the first actual screens from the studio's first game, Seven Haunted Seas, which is the story of an undead pirate by the name of Scurvy Pete. The screens were taken from a demo build -- Titmouse is currently shopping for publishers -- and depict Scurvy Pete aboard his pirate ship and sailing the seven seas, which we can only presume are haunted.

We're digging the art style so far. Hopefully we won't have to wait too much longer to see it in motion.

Gallery: Seven Haunted Seas

JoystiqFirst screens of Titmouse's Seven Haunted Seas originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>seven-haunted-seastitmousetitmouse-gamesWed, 08 Jul 2009 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Pick up Metallica/Smash Hits Guitar Hero bundle for cheap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/pick-up-metallica-smash-hits-guitar-hero-bundle-for-cheap/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/pick-up-metallica-smash-hits-guitar-hero-bundle-for-cheap/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/pick-up-metallica-smash-hits-guitar-hero-bundle-for-cheap/#comments
Yet another crazy music game fire sale from RedOctane today: For $49.99 on PS2, $59.99 on Wii or $69.99 on PS3 or 360, you can pick up a two-pack of Guitar Hero: Metallica and Guitar Hero: Smash Hits.

As an added bonus, you'll also get a free Guitar Hero World Tour shirt. Now, you should by no means wear this in public, but if you need to work on your car or play the Super Sloppy Double Dare home game, it's a nice perk.

JoystiqPick up Metallica/Smash Hits Guitar Hero bundle for cheap originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-metallicaguitar-hero-smash-hitsguitar-hero-world-tourred-octaneredoctaneWed, 08 Jul 2009 18:57:00 EST