Joystiq [Nintendo] http://nintendo.joystiq.com Joystiq [Nintendo] http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq [Nintendo] http://nintendo.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[The Scribblenauts ESRB listing is hilarious]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/the-scribblenauts-esrb-listing-is-hilarious/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/the-scribblenauts-esrb-listing-is-hilarious/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/the-scribblenauts-esrb-listing-is-hilarious/#comments
Above, you can see the actual ESRB listing for the upcoming DS write-em-up, Scribblenauts. We've taken the liberty of blurring out the most boring bits. Left behind is just a tiny sampling of the truly wondrous things that Scribblenauts is capable of. Trust us, developer 5th Cell did its homework. We know, we checked.

Seriously, any game that allows you to attach a steak to a baby in order to attract lions ... that's at least a rental, right? Scribblenauts drops this September.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqThe Scribblenauts ESRB listing is hilarious originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-cellesrbscribblenautsThu, 09 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil 5 on Wii 'isn't likely,' still 'possible']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/resident-evil-5-on-wii-isnt-likely-still-possible/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/resident-evil-5-on-wii-isnt-likely-still-possible/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/resident-evil-5-on-wii-isnt-likely-still-possible/#comments
It's probably best to read that headline in the purest technical sense. At a recent promotional event, Capcom Chief Producer Masachika Kawata was asked by games[TM] magazine about the possibility of a Wii version of Capcom's fantabulously successful Resident Evil 5. Kawata responded that while the Resident Evil 4 engine would work "perfectly" to recreate the gameplay of Resident Evil 5, the graphical quality of the PS3 and 360 versions couldn't be matched. To that, we say, "duh." He elaborated that a rail shooter like Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles "makes much more sense on Wii," adding that a port of Resident Evil 5 "isn't likely to happen."

That said, Kawata noted that Capcom has been "surprised" by the graphical prowess of Cavia, the studio behind Darkside Chronicles, adding that "it may actually be possible after all...." And that, Wii gamers, is that: It's possible. Of course, we all already knew that, but it's nice to hear it coming from Capcom.

JoystiqResident Evil 5 on Wii 'isn't likely,' still 'possible' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomresident-evilresident-evil-5Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2 million people pre-ordered Dragon Quest IX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/2-million-people-pre-ordered-dragon-quest-ix/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/2-million-people-pre-ordered-dragon-quest-ix/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/2-million-people-pre-ordered-dragon-quest-ix/#comments
Square Enix is set to unload Dragon Quest IX onto the Japanese populace this week and it's apparently a big deal over there. A report (via Inside Games) shows the title has over two million pre-orders across various retailers in the country. It just blows our minds, because Japan has never been that fond of the Dragon Quest franchise.

So, for those of you keeping score on your Craz-o-meters, this is basically Gary Busey-level stuff we're talking about here. It's like running around in the street with no pants on, screaming that you're the person responsible for velcro technology and the Aurora Borealis.

[Via Kotaku]

Joystiq2 million people pre-ordered Dragon Quest IX originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-ixjapanpre-orderpreordersquare-enixThu, 09 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RE5 producer: Mature games will sell on Wii , but need an 'X-Factor' (hint: it's 'Resident Evil')]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/re5-producer-mature-games-will-sell-on-wii-but-need-an-x-fac/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/re5-producer-mature-games-will-sell-on-wii-but-need-an-x-fac/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/re5-producer-mature-games-will-sell-on-wii-but-need-an-x-fac/#comments Mature games can sell well on Wii; just ask Resident Evil 5 (and RE: The Darkside Chronicles) producer, Masachika Kawata. Speaking to VideoGamer.com, he acknowledged that it's not easy for adult-oriented titles to break out on the system, but says it's still possible given hard work and an "X-Factor."

One of the roadblocks mature games face on Wii is perception, Kawta said. "People get this perception that on Nintendo Wii all there is are cutesy games. However, when you actually try to develop a game on Wii it costs you money, it's time consuming and it's not the easiest console to deal with." So, real games (i.e. ones that aren't cute) are hard to -- wait, did he just say "cutesy" games aren't games? Well, he has been around blood and gore an awful lot lately, but still.

"There are good [mature] games that didn't sell, obviously," Kawata admitted. "You need an X-Factor." We presume he's talking about the likes of Platinum Games' excellent MadWorld, which we have to admit probably would have sold better with the "X-Factor" that's served Capcom so well on Wii: the words "Resident Evil" in the title.

JoystiqRE5 producer: Mature games will sell on Wii , but need an 'X-Factor' (hint: it's 'Resident Evil') originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>masachika-kawatamatureresident-evilresident-evil-the-darkside-chroniclessalesThu, 09 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes trailer may look familiar]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/might-and-magic-clash-of-heroes-trailer-may-look-familiar/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/might-and-magic-clash-of-heroes-trailer-may-look-familiar/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/might-and-magic-clash-of-heroes-trailer-may-look-familiar/#comments We will refrain from the bullish assumption that everyone (and their mother) owns an iPhone, but if you do and have played Critter Crunch, Ubisoft's upcoming Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes may look a tad familiar. That's because Critter Crunch and Clash of Heroes are developed by the same team -- Toronto's Capybara Games -- and both feature a similar look and puzzle style.

Something that won't be familiar when watching the trailer for Clash of Heroes is excitement for a Might & Magic title. While Ubisoft has attempted to revamp the license in various ways over the years, Capybara's simple puzzle adventure feels like a step in the right direction for the franchise. Also, it doesn't help that every character in Clash of Heroes is adorable -- another trademark of Capybara Games, it would seem.

Joystiq NintendoMight & Magic: Clash of Heroes trailer may look familiar originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capybara-gamesclash-of-heroesmight-and-magicmight-and-magic-clash-of-heroespuzzleubisoftThu, 09 Jul 2009 17:00:00 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.

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[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[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[Final Fantasy III coming to the Virtual Console this month (in Japan)]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/final-fantasy-iii-coming-to-the-virtual-console-this-month-in-j/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/final-fantasy-iii-coming-to-the-virtual-console-this-month-in-j/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/final-fantasy-iii-coming-to-the-virtual-console-this-month-in-j/#comments
Square Enix continues its assault on the Virtual Console in Japan with the third installment in the Final Fantasy series. Game Watch is reporting FInal Fantasy III will be available on the Virtual Console for 500 Wii Points some time this month. We'd be super excited about this, if not for the DS remake that had already released, which gave those of us in the West our first taste of this game. Would you prefer to play the original instead?

[Thanks, Justin!]

Joystiq NintendoFinal Fantasy III coming to the Virtual Console this month (in Japan) originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-iiijapansquare-enixvirtual-consoleThu, 09 Jul 2009 11:15:00 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[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[Suda51 'loves' Travis Touchdown, hopes he becomes a 'huge star']]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/suda51-loves-travis-touchdown-hopes-he-becomes-a-huge-star/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/suda51-loves-travis-touchdown-hopes-he-becomes-a-huge-star/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/suda51-loves-travis-touchdown-hopes-he-becomes-a-huge-star/#comments
Speaking with Nintendo Power (and caught by Destructoid), No More Heroes creator Goichi "Suda51" Suda told the magazine about his mad love for series star Travis Touchdown. OK, so he didn't exactly say "mad love," but the magazine's editors tell Joystiq that Suda51 considers the character his absolute favorite creation.

In an interview published in the official Nintendo mag's latest issue, Suda expresses his hope that Touchdown will become a much more recognized character with the release of No More Heroes 2, saying, "I love him, and I want him to be a huge star." The developer joked that he'd be tickled to see Touchdown included on the roster for a future Super Smash Bros. title. "Maybe in the future, we can see him fighting alongside Link," he laughed. "That would be great."

We have to agree that Travis and his beam katana would certainly make our cut for a fantasy Smash Bros. lineup. Which Nintendo platform characters would be on yours?

[Thanks, Mark M.!]

Joystiq NintendoSuda51 'loves' Travis Touchdown, hopes he becomes a 'huge star' originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grasshopper-manufactureno-more-heroesno-more-heroes-desperate-strugglesuda51travis-touchdownubisoftWed, 08 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fake Dragon Quest IX ROM punishes overeager pirates]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/fake-dragon-quest-ix-rom-punishes-overeager-pirates/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/fake-dragon-quest-ix-rom-punishes-overeager-pirates/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/fake-dragon-quest-ix-rom-punishes-overeager-pirates/#commentsOkay, let's get this out of the way right up front: Downloading what you think is a ROM of the Japanese release of Dragon Quest IX, days before it even comes out, is not cool. It turns out that it will probably also end up being hazardous to your DS.

DS Scene reports that a file going around, labeled "Dragon Quest IX JPN DSi Enhanced NDS iND," is actually not Dragon Quest IX at all, but rather a malicious program that can overwrite a DS's firmware and render systems unusable. The program is disguised as a hentai slideshow called "DS Owata," which is itself disguised as Dragon Quest IX.

Our advice in this case is to do your very best not to be a pirate and just buy the thing when you can. Square Enix booby-traps its legitimate games against piracy anyway.

Joystiq NintendoFake Dragon Quest IX ROM punishes overeager pirates originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-ixpiracyrpgsquare-enixWed, 08 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Carcassone laying down tiles on the DS]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/carcassone-laying-down-tiles-on-the-ds/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/carcassone-laying-down-tiles-on-the-ds/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/carcassone-laying-down-tiles-on-the-ds/#comments
Everyone's favorite German board game (no, not that one), Carcassonne, is coming to the DS, courtesy of Koch Media. The news comes via Go Nintendo, with the press release mentioning the DS title will feature the original game plus three new territories: the Asian, Arabic, and Nordic worlds. The game will also include the River expansion set, which comes standard with the newer versions of the Carcassonne board game. You can expect three different modes of play, including a single-player, story-driven mode, a quick play mode for, uh, quick play, and a multiplayer mode that will support game sharing and local wireless multiplayer.

Our only beef is that the size of the game grid might not scale down to the DS screen too well, and it might be hard to see everything going on. But, hey, even if that's the case, you won't need to clean up a messy board game, and isn't that the important thing here?

[image credit]

Joystiq NintendoCarcassone laying down tiles on the DS originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcassonneklaus-jurgen-wredekoch-mediaWed, 08 Jul 2009 19:00:00 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<![CDATA[Dragon Quest IX save data 'enormous;' only one slot allowed]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/dragon-quest-ix-save-data-enormous-only-one-slot-allowed/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/dragon-quest-ix-save-data-enormous-only-one-slot-allowed/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/dragon-quest-ix-save-data-enormous-only-one-slot-allowed/#comments
The upcoming DS-exclusive RPG, Dragon Quest IX, is massive. In fact, producer Ryutaro Ichimura notes that "the amount of freedom we give players is huge." The consequence? "The data that needs to be saved is enormous." Instead of providing multiple save slots, as found in most DS games, Dragon Quest IX is too large to fit more than one save file in the DS cartridge's limited memory.

While those who prefer creating multiple save points (before a dungeon, for example) will be disappointed, we're reminded of yet another huge DS game: Pokemon. And like Nintendo's monster collecting RPG, Dragon Quest IX will feature a backup system just in case your DS battery dies. "The scariest for save data is when the battery dies," notes DQ creator Yuji Horii. With this system in place, you'll be safe knowing a failed save won't result in hours of gameplay lost.

[Via Kotaku]

Joystiq NintendoDragon Quest IX save data 'enormous;' only one slot allowed originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-questdragon-quest-ixdsnintendo-dssaveWed, 08 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Snap Judgment: Treasure World (DS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/snap-judgment-treasure-world-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/snap-judgment-treasure-world-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/snap-judgment-treasure-world-ds/#commentsTreasure World is such an innovative, potentially important game that I felt like it needed to be highlighted with a review, if only to get the word out about one of the most clever ideas to hit the DS (a system overrun with clever ideas). However, time constraints and Wi-Fi issues prevented me from obtaining what I would consider an exhaustive enough experience for an authoritative review. Hence, Snap Judgment.

Continue reading Snap Judgment: Treasure World (DS)

JoystiqSnap Judgment: Treasure World (DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyraspyr-mediasnap-judgmenttreasure-worldwi-fiWed, 08 Jul 2009 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Bionic Commando, Wheelman, more drop to $20 in GameStop sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/bionic-commando-wheelman-more-drop-to-20-in-gamestop-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/bionic-commando-wheelman-more-drop-to-20-in-gamestop-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/bionic-commando-wheelman-more-drop-to-20-in-gamestop-sale/#comments
GameStop is having a sale on a number of games; some of them flops that have plummeted from $60 to $20. Highlights include:
  • Guitar Hero: World Tour (Band Kit) - $90 [360/Wii]
  • Bionic Commando - $20 [PS3/360]
  • Wheelman - $20 [PS3/360]
  • Tom Clancy's HAWX - $20 [PS3/360]
  • Star Wars: The Force Unleashed - $20 [PS3/360]
  • Prince of Persia - $20 [PS3/360]
  • Tom Clancy's EndWar - $20 [PS3/360]
  • Cooking Mama: World Kitchen - $20 [Wii]
  • House of the Dead 2 and 3 Returns - $20 [Wii]
GameStop's summer sale runs from now until August 2. Check out all the goods here.

JoystiqBionic Commando, Wheelman, more drop to $20 in GameStop sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandodealgamestopsalewheelmanWed, 08 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hudson's 'Calling' revealed once again]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/hudsons-calling-revealed-once-again/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/hudsons-calling-revealed-once-again/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/hudsons-calling-revealed-once-again/#commentsLast year, footage of an unannounced Wii horror game from Hudson, Calling, appeared on the publisher's PR server, and was quickly pulled from both the server and YouTube. Nothing has been heard about Calling since, until today, when the game was officially revealed in Famitsu magazine.

Calling: Kuroki Chakushin (Dark Call) features an in-game cell phone through which players will send and receive messages, and record audio and video, all of which will almost certainly be spooky. According to NeoGAF, the game is 70% complete, which makes sense given that it's been in the works since at least October.

Joystiq NintendoHudson's 'Calling' revealed once again originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>callingfamitsuhorrorhudsonWed, 08 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Win Bleach, NiGHTS and Panzer Dragoon swag from Sega]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/win-bleach-nights-and-panzer-dragoon-swag-from-sega/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/win-bleach-nights-and-panzer-dragoon-swag-from-sega/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/win-bleach-nights-and-panzer-dragoon-swag-from-sega/#comments
Once again, Sega is giving away a fresh load of swag for its weekly Free Stuff Friday Twitter giveaway. There's plenty up for grabs, though the highlights are definitely the NiGHTS figurine, Panzer Dragoon statue and Bleach: Dark Souls for the DS. There's some other stuff, including a super exciting Sonic Heroes notepad, but we won't bother you with the details. We don't have to, because Sega was nice enough to create a video to showcase it all. You can find it after the break.

Be sure to head over to Sega for details on how to enter.

Continue reading Win Bleach, NiGHTS and Panzer Dragoon swag from Sega

Joystiq NintendoWin Bleach, NiGHTS and Panzer Dragoon swag from Sega originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freestufffridaysegaWed, 08 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unofficial: the complete Guitar Hero 5 track list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/unofficial-the-complete-guitar-hero-5-track-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/unofficial-the-complete-guitar-hero-5-track-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/unofficial-the-complete-guitar-hero-5-track-list/#comments
Amidst one of our furious brianstorm sessions, the staff at Joystiq concurred that site readers -- who never miss a beat -- would undoubtedly be hungry like the wolf for a full Guitar Hero 5 track list. Under pressure, we toiled six days a week and pulled together previously announced artists and trusted sources to obtain the complete (though not officially confirmed) set of tracks, soon to be transformed into rapidly approaching note charts. Why bother?

Because we wanted to see smiles on all the pretty faces. And ... we're only happy when it rains. Smells like teen spirit is a song that is in this game.

Continue reading Unofficial: the complete Guitar Hero 5 track list

JoystiqUnofficial: the complete Guitar Hero 5 track list originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-5Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo sneaking a new Chibi-Robo game out this month]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/nintendo-sneaking-a-new-chibi-robo-game-out-this-month/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/nintendo-sneaking-a-new-chibi-robo-game-out-this-month/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/nintendo-sneaking-a-new-chibi-robo-game-out-this-month/#commentsNintendo has released a trailer for its latest Chibi-Robo sequel for the DS. Called Okaeri! Chibi-Robo! Happy Rich Osouji! (Welcome home, Chibi-Robo! Happy Rich Big Cleanup), the third Chibi-Robo game returns to the house-cleaning gameplay found in Skip's original GameCube game.

The new game takes place in the home of a grown-up version of Jenny, the frog-obsessed little girl from the original game. Chibi-Robo sweeps, vacuums, scrubs with a toothbrush, and sifts through dust to find gems, which he trades for money that can be used to buy things from a home shopping channel.

Happy Rich Cleanup is coming out in Japan on July 23, which seems really soon! See the trailer after the break, and see short video clips of the game here.

Continue reading Nintendo sneaking a new Chibi-Robo game out this month

Joystiq NintendoNintendo sneaking a new Chibi-Robo game out this month originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurechibi-robojapanskipwelcome-home-chibi-roboWed, 08 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA celebrates Nerf milestone with Nerf 2: N-Strike Elite]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/ea-celebrates-nerf-milestone-with-nerf-2-n-strike-elite/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/ea-celebrates-nerf-milestone-with-nerf-2-n-strike-elite/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/ea-celebrates-nerf-milestone-with-nerf-2-n-strike-elite/#commentsAre you the best of the best when it comes to soft, safe firepower? EA is going to give you a chance to prove your dominance of the Nerf battlefield once again, in the sequel to last year's Nerf N-Strike. This release coincides with Nerf's 40th anniversary, a fact touted by EA in its press release.

Most important among the new features of Nerf 2: N-Strike Elite, of course, is the new version of the Nerf Switch Shot EX-3 gun, which works both as a standalone Nerf dart gun and a Wii gun shell. The new blue gun includes a red decoder lens that reveals secret messages in the game -- otherwise, it appears identical to the previous (kind of awesome) gun controller.

The game includes new in-game weapons and upgrades, and "enhanced co-op play" with jump-in play. Nerf 2: N-Strike Elite will be out this fall.

Joystiq NintendoEA celebrates Nerf milestone with Nerf 2: N-Strike Elite originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-salt-lakenerfnerf-2-n-strike-elitenerf-n-strikeWed, 08 Jul 2009 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/hands-on-might-and-magic-clash-of-heroes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/hands-on-might-and-magic-clash-of-heroes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/hands-on-might-and-magic-clash-of-heroes/#comments
The most pleasant surprise -- and quite possibly our most favorite game -- from Ubisoft's "UbiNintendo" event was for Nintendo DS. Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes is a fresh new direction for the classic RPG franchise, and, from what we played, it's a good direction to be heading in on the handheld.

Clash of Heroes is being developed by Capybara Games of Critter Crunch semi-fame, so we weren't surprised by its combat's similarity to a puzzle game -- specifically Critter Crunch. Sure, it's a different approach for the genre, but, combined with a very JRPG art style, lush visuals and an actual story, it just ... works.

Continue reading Hands-on: Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes

JoystiqHands-on: Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capybaramight-and-magic-clash-of-heroesubinintendo-2009ubisoftTue, 07 Jul 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Sports Resort's E3 2008 demo completed in three months]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/wii-sports-resorts-e3-2008-demo-completed-in-three-months/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/wii-sports-resorts-e3-2008-demo-completed-in-three-months/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/wii-sports-resorts-e3-2008-demo-completed-in-three-months/#comments When we first saw Wii Sports Resort last year, all Nintendo had available were three of the game's events: swordplay, power cruising, and Disc Dog. It turns out that those three (quite polished) events are pretty much all that existed at the time. In the latest Iwata Asks interview, the Wii Sports Resort team reveals that they didn't have anything but the idea of maybe doing another sequel until three months before E3 2008. Above, you can see what had been done: a MotionPlus test involving a virtual toy.

As usual, the Iwata Asks interview is full of surprisingly forthright discussion about the inner workings of Nintendo, including the team (and Shigeru Miyamoto) expressing its elation about a MotionPlus delay that allowed for more work on Resort, everyone's relative confusion at Miyamoto's "Wuhu Island" franchise idea, and, best of all, Miyamoto's deceptive methods of team motivation.

At one point, Miyamoto announced in an interview that golf would be in Wii Sports Resort, and that the MotionPlus would allow backswing to control the strength of the swing, instead of just speed -- and the team had to rush to actually put golf in the game afterward. Later, he describes how he faked a directive from Satoru Iwata to add an extra game mode. And apparently a programmer couldn't demonstrate the archery feature for Miyamoto because he was too nervous to aim the bow properly.

Shigeru Miyamoto sounds like kind of a jerk, actually.

JoystiqWii Sports Resort's E3 2008 demo completed in three months originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>miyamotomotionpluswii-sportswii-sports-resortTue, 07 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/hands-on-shaun-white-snowboarding-world-stage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/hands-on-shaun-white-snowboarding-world-stage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/hands-on-shaun-white-snowboarding-world-stage/#comments
click to enlarge Ah, snowboarding in the middle of summer -- well, on a screen and using a Wii Balance Board at least. Our recent trip to Ubisoft provided a brief opportunity to get our feet snowy with the Wii-only sequel to Shaun White Snowboarding and, well, the experience was familiar.

The biggest difference: new events in various parts of the world. One we were able to take a crack at was a half-pipe run in New York City's Times Square. The Balance Board control felt great, apart from the act of jumping, which required us to quickly dig our heels into the board rather than, y'know, lifting them off of it. The game really didn't like it when we tried that.

Continue reading Hands-on: Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage

JoystiqHands-on: Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>shaun-whiteshaun-white-snowboarding-world-stageubinintendo-2009ubisoftwii-balance-boardTue, 07 Jul 2009 18:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Celebrate the launch of The Legendary Starfy, only a month after it happened]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/celebrate-the-launch-of-the-legendary-starfy-only-a-month-after/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/celebrate-the-launch-of-the-legendary-starfy-only-a-month-after/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/celebrate-the-launch-of-the-legendary-starfy-only-a-month-after/#commentsNintendo announced today that it will hold a launch event for The Legendary Starfy at its Nintendo World Store in New York City on July 11. You may be looking at your copy of Starfy right now and wondering if another one is coming out -- no, this is for the one that came out on June 9.

The event will run from 1-3 p.m. and will feature Starfy-themed contests, face painting, balloons, and even a life-sized Starfy mascot character. That seems like a lot of attention for a game from a developer who usually doesn't even take credit for the games it works on. Good for TOSE.

Joystiq NintendoCelebrate the launch of The Legendary Starfy, only a month after it happened originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>launchnintendo-world-storestarfythe-legendary-starfytoseTue, 07 Jul 2009 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-Up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/hands-on-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-smash-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/hands-on-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-smash-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/hands-on-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-smash-up/#comments
click to enlarge Since it was first revealed that members of the Super Smash Bros. Brawl team were crafting Ubisoft's new TMNT brawler, the expectation has been that it will be a total SSBB play-alike. From our time with it at last week's UbiNintendo day, we can confirm that there are similarities, but, if anything, it's more like "SSBB lite."

The four-player, multi-tiered arena aspect is there, for sure, but the complexity of the controls (and, with it, the number of moves and weapon pick-ups) has been dialed back a few clicks. At the same time, the pacing and presentation has been turned up, making for an extremely frantic experience.

Continue reading Hands-on: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-Up

JoystiqHands-on: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-Up originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameartsteenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-smash-upubinintendo-2009ubisoftTue, 07 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA goes into the wild with SimAnimals Africa]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/ea-goes-into-the-wild-with-simanimals-africa/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/ea-goes-into-the-wild-with-simanimals-africa/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/ea-goes-into-the-wild-with-simanimals-africa/#commentsAfrica is fast becoming a hotbed of activity in games, and EA is the latest to take us there with its new game, SimAnimals Africa. In an attempt to improve the public image of the deadly animals there, EA will put a pleasant face on these creatures in this sequel to the original SimAnimals game on both the Wii and DS. Each are aimed at the casual crowd (of course) and will focus on providing players with "challenges and mini-games that players solve to unlock new items, animals and levels to explore."

SimAnimals Africa migrates to retail October 23, 2009.

Joystiq NintendoEA goes into the wild with SimAnimals Africa originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>easimanimalssimanimals-africaTue, 07 Jul 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Rabbids Go Home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/hands-on-rabbids-go-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/hands-on-rabbids-go-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/hands-on-rabbids-go-home/#comments
click to enlarge Since their introduction in the minigame compilation, Rayman: Raving Rabbids, the title characters of Ubisoft's latest Rayman spin-off (a platformer!) have been among the least psychologically stable game characters ever. This is reflected in nearly every nuance of Rabbids Go Home, from the sadistic "inside the Wiimote" bonus mode to the piloting of a stolen jet engine through an airport terminal.

That first bit we mentioned is a detailed interior of a Wii Remote, which reacted to every twist and button press of the real one in our hands during a recent demo of the game. Inside the Wiimote: a Rabbid, subject to all manner of mishandling as we slammed it this way and that before inflating one of its eyes, deflating one of its ears, sticking a squid on its head and diving into the game proper.

Continue reading Hands-on: Rabbids Go Home

JoystiqHands-on: Rabbids Go Home originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rabbids-go-homeubinintendo-2009ubisoftTue, 07 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WiiSpray tagged with design award]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/wiispray-tagged-with-design-award/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/wiispray-tagged-with-design-award/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/wiispray-tagged-with-design-award/#commentsMartin Lihs and Frank Matuse's WiiSpray, the art project that combines a projector, a custom Flash interface and a Wiimote inside a spray can-shaped enclosure, now has documented proof that it is awesome. Over the weekend, International Forum Design awarded the creators of the WiiSpray project its iF Communication Design Award in the category of product interfaces.

In August, International Forum Design will announce "gold award" winners from within the group of iF winners. Even if WiiSpray doesn't get that, it's already noteworthy enough to see a Wiimote-based homebrew project win a design award. And it's quite an achievement for a couple of students!

[Via GameSpot]

Joystiq NintendoWiiSpray tagged with design award originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designgraffitihacksmodswiisprayTue, 07 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Red Steel 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/hands-on-red-steel-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/hands-on-red-steel-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/hands-on-red-steel-2/#comments
click to enlarge
We stopped by Ubisoft's San Francisco offices late last week to spend more time with its upcoming Nintendo platform lineup. Although we'd played many of the same games -- at the same stage of development -- during E3, now was the time to really focus on details. So, first up was Red Steel 2, a game that initially had us smitten with its manga-esque East-meets-West visual style, but failed to impress once we took hold of its controls.

So, once again, we were faced with the extremely short demo / gameplay primer Ubisoft had created for last month's trade show. This second look didn't leave us any more enamored with the mix of sword slashing and pistol shooting, but we were able to get a better idea of exactly what didn't feel right. At the same time, we came away even more impressed by the game from a visual standpoint than when we'd first seen it in action.

Continue reading Hands-on: Red Steel 2

JoystiqHands-on: Red Steel 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsred-steel-2ubinintendo-2009ubisoftwii-motionplusTue, 07 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rabbids ready to 'smash up' with TMNT]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/rabbids-ready-to-smash-up-with-tmnt/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/rabbids-ready-to-smash-up-with-tmnt/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/rabbids-ready-to-smash-up-with-tmnt/#comments
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash Up doesn't just remind of another famous Nintendo franchise with the word Smash in the cover, now it's got the same style of cameos going on. The Tanooki took note of two different Rabbids that will make an appearance in the melee brawler.

The first Rabbid appears to be a standard insanitus bunnykin, while the other is a Sam Fisher Rabbid. The characters surely have their own fighting styles and special moves. Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Rabbids ready to 'smash up' with TMNT

Joystiq NintendoRabbids ready to 'smash up' with TMNT originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rabbidsraving-rabbidsteenage-mutant-ninja-turtlestmnt-smash-upubisoftTue, 07 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's 'Demo Play' planned for handheld games as well]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/nintendos-demo-play-planned-for-handheld-games-as-well/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/nintendos-demo-play-planned-for-handheld-games-as-well/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/nintendos-demo-play-planned-for-handheld-games-as-well/#commentsThe controversial "Demo Play" feature devised by Shigeru Miyamoto and Nintendo won't just be limited to New Super Mario Bros. Wii and other console-based adventures. A blurb in Japan's Nikkei newspaper notes that the feature, which allows players to skip difficult areas and watch them played automatically, will also be used in portable games in the future. Nikkei referred to it as a "skip functionality" or "skip feature."

Nikkei notes that this feature is designed for "high-speed action games," so presumably you won't be able to let Dr. Kawashima step in and count the number of people who just ran out of the house (we hate that one), nor will you be able to make the Pokémon start choosing themselves mid-battle.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqNintendo's 'Demo Play' planned for handheld games as well originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualdemo-playmiyamotonew-super-mario-bros-wiiTue, 07 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sands of Destruction game and anime due early 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/sands-of-destruction-game-and-anime-due-early-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/sands-of-destruction-game-and-anime-due-early-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/sands-of-destruction-game-and-anime-due-early-2010/#commentsFunimation has obtained the rights to the anime series based on Sega's upcoming DS RPG, Sands of Destruction. Funimation plans to begin airing the first thirteen-episode season of the Production I.G-produced anime in spring of 2010. Like the DS game, the show stars a kid named Kyrie who gets drawn into a secret organization determined to destroy the world -- in order to free humans from subjugation.

In the same press release announcing the anime deal, Sega offered a January 2010 release date for the DS game itself. The game was first announced for North American release in December of last year. There's something kind of nostalgic about waiting over a year for the translation of an RPG.

Gallery: Sands of Destruction

JoystiqSands of Destruction game and anime due early 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animefunimationimage-epochsands-of-destructionsegaworld-destructionTue, 07 Jul 2009 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Tuesday: Flying, boxing, and no WiiWare]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/vc-tuesday-flying-boxing-and-no-wiiware/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/vc-tuesday-flying-boxing-and-no-wiiware/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/vc-tuesday-flying-boxing-and-no-wiiware/#commentsThis week, Japan finally gets Super Punch-Out!! on the Virtual Console. The Wii game, for which this SNES release has served as a promotional tool in other territories, isn't out until July 23 in Japan, so Super Punch-Out!! will have to tide over the crowd of Japanese gamers hungry for cartoon violence.

Also available on the Virtual Console: cartoon violence of a different variety and an older vintage, in the form of Namco's 1985 horizontal shooter Sky Kid. And on WiiWare this week: nothing at all.

Virtual Console:

Continue reading VC Tuesday: Flying, boxing, and no WiiWare

Joystiq NintendoVC Tuesday: Flying, boxing, and no WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japansky-kidsuper-punch-outvctuesdayvirtual-consolewiiwareTue, 07 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fight Night Round 4 knocks out its UK chart competitors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/fight-night-round-4-knocks-out-its-uk-chart-competitors/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/fight-night-round-4-knocks-out-its-uk-chart-competitors/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/fight-night-round-4-knocks-out-its-uk-chart-competitors/#comments
So it turns out Fight Night Round 4 is a real hit over in the UK. A real hit. That's a joke. What isn't a joke is that the game is enjoying a second week at the number one spot, despite competition from Tiger Woods Pro Tour 10, which debuted at number 2. We say "competition," but no matter which one you buy the money's still going in EA's pocket -- something that doesn't happen when you buy Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, which surged from number 6 to number 3 this week.

The bundling of Wii MotionPlus with Tiger Woods doesn't seem to have impacted too much on sales, as it debuted at number 4 in the Wii charts. Grand Slam Tennis -- which is also bundled with MotionPlus -- swapped places with EA Sports Active, jumping from number 3 to number 2. None of which seem to be able to get close to that other Wii peripheral, Wii Fit, which sits comfortably at the top of the Wii chart, as usual.

JoystiqFight Night Round 4 knocks out its UK chart competitors originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartsfight-night-round-4motionplusTiger-woods-pro-tour-10uk-chartsMon, 06 Jul 2009 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Donkey Kong Easter egg cracked 26 years late]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/donkey-kong-easter-egg-cracked-26-years-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/donkey-kong-easter-egg-cracked-26-years-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/donkey-kong-easter-egg-cracked-26-years-late/#comments Who knew? You can put a price on obscure video game secrets, after all. Buried in 25,000-odd lines of game code for twenty-six years, an ancient "Easter egg" has been uncovered -- thanks to a modest cash reward -- from the Atari 8-bit port of Donkey Kong. Hint: You're looking at it (pictured above). Don't see it? It's the initials: LMD. Yeah, that's it.

Last year, in an unabridged blog post about early-80s programming for Atari, celebrated coder Landon M. Dyer offhandedly remarked, "There's an Easter egg [in the Donkey Kong port], but it's totally not worth it, and I don't remember how to bring it up anyway." Still, game databaser Digital Press thought it worth it enough to offer up a $75 reward for discovering the hidden treasure; or, more accurately, a reward for discovering the process by which the Easter egg is triggered, as it was known that the bonus itself was simply the programmer's initials displayed on the title screen. In turn, the seventy-five bucks was worth it enough to a Mr. Don Hodges to scour the game code and dig up the dusty trail to the Easter egg. There are plenty of eggs left to crack, too, if you're looking for adventure that pays.

Head past the break for the suspenseful reveal. The video's got quite the build-up. Be patient.

Continue reading Donkey Kong Easter egg cracked 26 years late

JoystiqDonkey Kong Easter egg cracked 26 years late originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariatari-400atari-800belongs-in-a-museumdonkey-kongeaster-egglandon-dyerretroMon, 06 Jul 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VC in Brief: California Games (C64)]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/vc-in-brief-california-games-c64/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/vc-in-brief-california-games-c64/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/vc-in-brief-california-games-c64/#comments
California Games (C64, 1 - 5 players, 500 Wii Points)
We say: Check it out!

This week's release is an old favorite: California Games. Featuring an eclectic mix of sports to play (are these games all Californians know and love?), it's a game that many likely remember fondly. Well, in playing it for the first time in, oh, over 10 years, we still found it to be quite fun. Save for the roller skating game. That one is the worst.

Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.

Joystiq NintendoVC in Brief: California Games (C64) originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c64california-gamescommodore64epyxvc-in-briefMon, 06 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Guitar Hero 5 drum set to look an awful lot like Rock Band's]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/rumor-guitar-hero-5-drum-set-to-look-an-awful-lot-like-rock-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/rumor-guitar-hero-5-drum-set-to-look-an-awful-lot-like-rock-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/rumor-guitar-hero-5-drum-set-to-look-an-awful-lot-like-rock-ban/#comments
Is the drum kit above (to the right) what Guitar Hero 5 will be shipping with when it hits this September? We're not 100% sure, but a trusted source at our sister site Engadget sent in the blurry shot, leading us to believe it could very well be.

The new set bears a strong resemblance to that other full band music/rhythm game -- hey, there's even a lower bar support where the kick pedal could possibly hook on! Additionally, as Engadget rightly points out, the system controls have been moved in front of the pads. The back of the set allegedly features two kick pedal jacks and a "mysterious black mini jack" as well. We've asked for comment from Activision for confirmation of the set and have yet to hear back.

JoystiqRumor: Guitar Hero 5 drum set to look an awful lot like Rock Band's originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondrumsengadgetguitar-heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-world-tourneversoftrock-bandrumorMon, 06 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST