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XBox
Battlefield 3: Aftershock pulled from App Store
Battlefield 3: Aftershock is MIA from the iOS App Store due to a lack of quality. IGN got a hold of a communique from EA, in which the publisher stated it is committed to delivering quality mobile entertainment and, therefore, decided to remove the game.
An EA spokesperson said the company is "currently re-evaluating the app" in response to the consumer feedback. Sounds like the 2.5 star rated app, which suffered complaints about its controls and multiplayer, may not return to the app arena any time soon.
Sony VP in UK and Ireland talks Vita pricing, says bigger memory cards on the way
Sony's Vice President and Managing Director from the UK and Ireland, Fergal Gara, talked with Eurogamer at the PS Vita launch last night in London, and said there's a lot more in store for the new handheld console. The current pricing and memory concerns are the results of "early days."
On price, for example, Gara says that the system is priced as low as Sony could get it on launch day, "not a lot above an iPod and a hell of a long way below a good tablet." Given the hardware included, Gara says Sony "priced it as attractively as we could afford to, frankly," with an eye toward creating a lasting product over the next few years.
Gara also admitted memory is a concern, with hefty downloadable games filling memory cards up quickly. Having learned from the Japanese Vita release, he says, Sony is already securing memory, chips and deals to release bigger cards in the UK, and presumably in North America as well.
Engadget evaluates Razer Blade performance
Our fellow bloggers at Engadget have gotten their hands on the Blade laptop from Razer (the very first commercial fruits of that "Switchblade" concept seeded so long ago), and the unit gets some high marks, despite some significant flaws. The worst issue with the laptop seems to be the audio (the built-in speakers are so bad that Engadget suspected their unit was broken somehow), but in general the problem with the Blade seems that it's tuned for a mix of portability and performance, which means neither gets to be perfect.
Yes, the Blade is sleek and super thin for a PC laptop, but it trades on that build by being a "gaming" unit that doesn't play StarCraft 2 or Skyrim on their highest settings perfectly. And that's something that Engadget would definitely like "the world's first true gaming laptop" to do. For the sticker price of $2,799, Razer traded a little too much performance for the admittedly impressive form factor.
But while Engadget doesn't recommend the laptop wholeheartedly, the site does praise the Blade's "bright and delectably tactile" LED buttons. The article surmises we'll see those types of controls again soon, either in Razer hardware, or units from other device manufacturers.
Mass Effect 3 'From Ashes' DLC also sold separately from Collector's Edition
BioWare has confirmed that the Mass Effect 3 "From Ashes" DLC that leaked on Xbox Live Marketplace yesterday is one of the items included with the Collector's Edition. The extra character, mission and outfits will also be sold separately (at 800 MSP / $10) for owners of the game's standard version.
Mass Effect 3 producer Michael Gamble hit the BioWare forums to clarify some stuff surrounding the exact components of the DLC. You'll want to avoid it if you don't want to learn the identity of what we shall tactfully refer to as "the extra, downloadable person."
[Thanks, Patrick.]
Report: Nintendo negotiating Wii U video content streaming
It makes sense. More individuals are streaming Netflix on their consoles and, as of last summer, the Wii was used to stream Netflix most often. According to a report on AdWeek, Nintendo is working out deals with major content providers right now for the Wii's successor, the Wii U.
AdWeek's sources say that Nintendo is aiming for parity between video streaming and gaming, much like what Microsoft did with the latest version of the Xbox 360 Dashboard. Sources say Nintendo held meetings back at CES in Las Vegas focusing on sports and music -- one source in particular says that Nintendo is working with Comcast right now for cable distribution rights.
It's all pretty forward-thinking stuff for Nintendo, if true. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata recently spoke about NFC payments and microtransactions on Wii U, showing an interest in broadening the system's financial model. The Wii U will launch by "the year-end season."
Mass Effect 3's trip into space gets a trailer, useful purpose
So, remember how EA and Bioware are launching six copies of Mass Effect 3 into (near) space? Well, they're still doing that, and now there's a trailer about it that you can watch.
The trailer itself is not particularly informative, but the press release delivered with said trailer actually contained some cool information about the event. Specifically, students from the High Altitude Balloon Club at Texas A&M University will be assisting with each of the six launch sites around the world.
Once the event is complete, EA will be donating all of the equipment used during the publicity stunt to A&M's Aerospace Engineering department, which will then take the gear to Alaska and use it study the aurora borealis. We're glad to hear this advertising campaign will benefit a group of bright youngsters, and that EA isn't shelling out a presumably massive load of cash just to launch some games into space.
California out nearly $2 million on failed video game legislation
When California agreed to foot the Entertainment Software Association's $950,000 legal bill accrued during its deconstruction of Brown v. EMA, we estimated the state's cumulative payout to the ESA at around $1,327,000. Once you factor in the state's own legal costs, however, California's total payout for attempting to regulate the sale of violent games to minors rings up at a cool $1.8 million, according to The Sacramento Bee.
Billable hours accrued by lawyers working for the state add an estimated $500,000 to the failed legislation's price tag, which has been slowly growing since the state decided to appeal the bill's initial injunction way back in 2007. Considering that California's budget deficit is projected to reach somewhere around $22 billion this year, two million bucks doesn't seem like all that much in comparison. It's like tossing a box of matches into a burning building: What are you gonna do, set it more on fire?
Tribes: Ascend beta open to all on Feb. 24
So far, 300,000 have played Tribes: Ascend in its closed beta state, Hi-Rez Studios COO Todd Harris revealed. But Hi-Rez wants more players and this Friday, the Tribes: Ascend beta will be open to all.
Before the launch of the open beta, Hi-Rez will add some additional maps and customization options to Tribes: Ascend, plus a new game mode: Arena Deathmatch. These will all be added in a patch coming, well, before Friday, we guess. Hi-Rez hasn't really said when the patch will be live.
If you're worried about player progress, don't sweat it. Your progress and unlocks will carry over to the open beta.
Building A Machine for Pigs and expanding the universe of Amnesia
It takes place sixty years after Amnesia: The Dark Descent at the turn of the twentieth century, yet the next game to carry the franchise's moniker will feel like familiar territory in one major respect: it is built to scare you senseless.
It's six-o-clock in the morning. My tea jolts me awake. The street outside is silent. It's serene and peaceful all around me, until I call Frictional Games designer Thomas Grip. His voice booms in my headset; he's obviously excited. This is the first time his team can talk about his upcoming project. This is how I was introduced to Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs.
MotorStorm RC zooms adorably to PS3 and Vita on March 6
Tiny trucks will take their places on PS3 and Vita on March 6, when MotorStorm RC arrives on the North American PSN, letting you experience the best of the series in little toy trucks. You'll be able to download the same game on both platforms, and buying one gives you access to the other.
If you're playing on PS3, you'll get "SimulView" same-screen support (for TVs fancy enough to support it), 3D, and split-screen four-player. If you're playing on Vita, you're playing on a Vita! Wow!
Game explains the missing Ubisoft Vita launch titles, physics
Game, the UK-based games retailer, was unable to stock any of Ubisoft's Vita day-one titles, breaking the news just hours before the device's midnight launch early this morning. Game still doesn't have definite plans to carry the games, and marketing director Anna-Marie Mason explained why to Eurogamer: "You can see, there's a finite amount of space in a store." No way. Do go on.
"We can't stock absolutely everything. That's just not possible," she said. Mason didn't cite Game's financial troubles as a direct cause of the missing titles, talking past Game's store closures, layoffs, broken credit lines and the potential sale of its international branch.
One possible reason for Game's struggling sales is an influx of cheaper online retailers, but Mason said Game offers something more, citing the store's 2.5 million customers a week. "What our customers get from us, whether they shop with Game or Gamestation, is more than a sterile transaction," Mason said. "They get the opportunity to transact with us in the way they want and they get added value. Our customers will vote with their feet."
Game may stock Ubisoft's Vita launch titles in the future, Mason said, but for now it does offer the games through a "downloadable option," which we're sure will attract dozens of feet.
Persona 3, Tactics Ogre, and other PSP RPGs that will live on my Vita
This is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs have to offer.
A PlayStation Vita will be arriving on my doorstep some time on Thursday. It will be arriving courtesy of Amazon rather than Sony, in case you're wondering, so I did in fact spend money on the thing. I do not, however, plan to purchase any games for it. At least not yet.
As I perused the list of PSP games available for download, I realized that I already had quite a few titles to choose from. So rather than try to justify spending money on Lumines or Uncharted -- both fine games but not my cup of tea -- I decided I would revisit some of my favorite PSP RPGs on the Vita's big, beautiful screen.
It's really a pity the PSP never experienced the renaissance over here that it did in Japan, since it means quality RPGs like Valkyria Chronicles 3 may never be localized. It's only thanks to XSEED that Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky ever saw the light of day in the US, as well as Vanillaware's coming North American launch for Grand Knights History. A select few have made it stateside, and I'm happy to see them available on PSN. Here are the ones that will be making their way to my Vita, and to yours as well, I hope.
Tekken 3D Prime Edition review: Far from prime edition
We've raised our expectations for portable fighting games in the last decade, especially in the past year.
The last time Namco brought Tekken to a Nintendo handheld, it produced 2002's Tekken Advance, which received praise from reviewers at the time but in hindsight was a poor facsimile of the console and arcade experience -- like the Kid Cuisine version of spaghetti and meatballs, fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, but, c'mon son, that ain't a proper meal.
Another Tekken Advance (that is to say another handheld port that's far from arcade perfect) wouldn't stand today, not when releases like Super Street Fighter IV 3D and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 set the standard for fighting games you can play on the go. Those releases don't stop at just emulating the big screen experience; they raise the bar for what all portable titles can accomplish, online and off.
That is why Namco Bandai and Arika's Tekken 3D Prime Edition will disappoint both new and casual Tekken fans. Because while the core game -- the parts in between "Round One, Fight!" and "K.O. You win!" -- are just as great as the Tekken 6 I've played on consoles and in arcades, everything else is lacking.
Video: PlayStation Vita's AR game trio
With the retail launch of the Vita hardware comes the arrival of three augmented reality games, using a set of six cards that look an awful lot like the ESP test cards Dr. Venkman used in Ghostbusters. I downloaded them all from the PlayStation Store today, carefully set up a camera between my face and Vita (keeping the table in view) and demonstrated all three.
Of the three, Fireworks is the definite standout. And by "standout" I mean "one I could foresee playing a second time."
[Music: "Shanghai Moon" by USK]
'Aaaaa!!!' plummets onto iOS 'February 30'
Dejobaan's AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! for the Awesome drops into the iOS App Store next week as AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! (Force = Mass x Acceleration). The game will launch on March 1 as a $2.99 universal app. Meaning, you pay once and play it on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.
Having had some hands-on time with the mobile version recently, the iPad experience can be particularly intense. The tilt controls are super intuitive -- since you're falling and trying to avoid buildings -- and I found myself tilting my head to avoid scraping against buildings. The size of the screen and focus on the experience started making everything else around me fade away.
For a less intense, but still enjoyable game, the iPhone version feels like guiding an object through space instead of yourself.
Project Zero 2 (Fatal Frame 2) to terrify European Wii owners
Another gem unearthed from the Nintendo Direct event: Project Zero 2 (known as Fatal Frame 2 in the states) is headed to the Wii in Europe. We don't have many other details, the press release states rather simply that, along with Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir, Project Zero 2: Wii Edition "will be coming to Europe." The remake was announced for Japan back in 2010.
The release doesn't specify whether the game will see a North American release as well. Spirit Camera, a Fatal Frame spinoff, has already been confirmed for North America, so hopefully we'll have a Fatal Frame 2 announcement before too long. And, uh, since we're on the subject, how about a little Fatal Frame 4, Nintendo? Pleeease?
New Assassin's Creed game, Gameloft's 'Gang Domination' coming to GREE platform
A new Assassin's Creed mobile game will launch in December of this year for English and Japanese audiences. The title is being developed by Ubisoft and GREE. In the same breath, GREE is teaming up with Gameloft on Gang Domination, which will be available on various smartphone devices this coming June.
So, what's GREE? Beyond being a company with way too much money, it's a mobile publisher/platform that's huge in Japan and is moving into the global marketplace, launching the GREE Platform in the second quarter of 2012. The company bought mobile social network OpenFeint last year and has offices in Tokyo, San Francisco, London, Beijing, Sao Paulo and Dubai. The company states: "GREE will continue to aggressively expand worldwide."
"GREE will continue to focus on building relationships with third party game developers and publishers as it moves towards releasing its new platform."
So, if GREE wasn't on your radar before, it appears to be a company you're going to be hearing about a lot in the near future.
Slash looks back at working with Activision on Guitar Hero
Real-life guitar hero Slash was in Los Angeles last week promoting a new music game called BandFuse: Rock Legends. Speaking to Joystiq, he shared some insight on what it was like to work with Activision for the immensely popular Guitar Hero series. "A lot of kids tripped out," says the former Guns and Roses guitarist, "because they were under the impression that the character in Guitar Hero was just that character. So a lot of kids trip out that I was actually a real person."
Once they found out that he was an actual person who was in an actual band, however, Slash says Guitar Hero was surprisingly effective at winning new fans. "It opened up the doors of a demographic that was way younger than me," he says. "I had no idea that would happen." He couldn't speak to the lawsuit that claims the game took advantage of his GnR connection, but he does say the game has inspired a much younger generation to check out classic rock.
As for interest going the other way, Slash says he hasn't found the time for video games -- not even his own. "I couldn't play it," he says, "because I was actually in the game and it was too surreal."
Asura's Wrath review: Wrecking the curve
Asura's Wrath is a pile of impossibilities. It is a myth made real. It is a meticulous construction of unflappable absurdity. Asura's Wrath is a glittering, golden starchild of incredulity, and I love it. I also wish I didn't have to review it.
The strictures of a review really aren't adequate to quantify the experience waiting for players in Asura's Wrath. Of course there are mechanics and systems and gauges, all of that, and I will endeavor to explain them, but understand that what follows falls well short of fully encapsulating the experience. About 380,000 kilometers too short.
BandFuse: Rock Legends attempts a music game with real guitars ... again
Over the last few years or so, the "guitar game" genre has had one of the craziest journeys in video game history. From the huge early success of Harmonix' Guitar Hero to the company's split into Rock Band and the final proclamation that Guitar Hero was finished, the epic story of plastic instruments and the games that came with them has gone from prelude to climax to quiet hum, all in the space of a few years.
And there have already been a few "post-modern" guitar games, most notably Power Gig: Rise of the Six-String and Rocksmith, which both involve real guitars rather than their plastic counterparts, and which suggest that strumming along with real songs and strings might actually teach real musical skill (a promise that neither was able to land with great success).
And so it's interesting that Realta Entertainment Group has chosen this moment to step out with its premiere product, called BandFuse: Rock Legends. It's a music game that uses a real, live electric guitar, plugged into a video game console, as its controller. We've ... we've been down this road before, right?
Mass Effect 3 standard edition contains reversible FemShep cover
Commander Shepard is a man? It was the greatest lie ever created in future history. BioWare sought to fix this, admitting the savior of Earth (and the galaxy at large) could be recast as female.
Well, it seems the developer has gone one step further and slipped in the female Shepard on the reverse cover of Mass Effect 3 (standard edition). Sure, she's not black yet, but we'll take a partial truth for the time being.
Check out BioWare's unboxing video after the break.
PSA: Twitter, Netflix, and Flickr now available for Vita
The PlayStation Vita just got moderately more useful. A suite of apps is available today on the PlayStation Store including Flickr, Netflix, and "LiveTweet." That's the name of the Twitter app. No, we don't know why.
If you're a new Vita owner, you can get them all right now through the PlayStation Store. If you're a prospective Vita owner just waiting to see how the Netflix app shook out, you can see for yourself in this walkthrough from Engadget.
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs is the next title from Frictional Games and Dear Esther dev
The power of two crowned indie developer darlings have joined together to form one team, set to bring the Amnesia franchise into a new era.
Speaking exclusively with Joystiq, Frictional Games and Dear Esther's thechineseroom have revealed their latest project, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs.
Developed by thechineseroom and produced by Frictional Games, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs is planned for a debut on PC later this year. No firm date has been set, but internally the two studios hope to launch before Halloween. A recent alternate reality game has been teasing the the next Amnesia's reveal, sending fans into a frenzy.
"It's not a direct sequel, in terms of it doesn't follow on from the story of Amnesia. It doesn't involve the same characters," Dear Esther writer Dan Pinchbeck told me. Instead, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs will be set in the same "alternate history and set in the same universe." In short, the game will look to scare your pants off.
Set in 1899, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs follows the "wealthy industrialist" Oswald Mandus, who has returned home from "a disastrous expedition to Mexico, which has ended in tragedy." Struck by a destructive fever, Mandus is haunted by dreams of a dark machine until he mysteriously regains consciousness. Months have passed, unbeknownst to the industry tycoon, and as he emerges from his slumber the roaring engine of a mysterious machine sputters to life.
A detailed interview with Frictional Games designer Thomas Grip and thechineseroom's Dan Pinchbeck is coming later today, delving deeper into the darkness with Amnesia's next chapter. And yes, the two discuss what A Machine for Pigs means.
Joystiq's PlayStation Vita launch guide
Today marks the actual launch date for the PlayStation Vita! Sure, you may have had one for a week, but let's act surprised nonetheless. We continue to update our launch guide, to help you find all the game reviews and features you need to know about.
Escape Plan review: Shades of grey
Escape Plan makes a far better showcase for the PlayStation Vita's control methods than, say, Little Deviants. It makes logical use of the front and rear touchpads and the accelerometer, as you prod, swipe, tilt, and otherwise cajole two characters out of a series of deadly traps.
Interacting with Lil and Laarg shows exactly what the capabilities of the Vita's alternate control methods are, but unfortunately throws their limitations into sharp contrast as well.
Kojima Productions planning new studio in California
Kojima Productions is looking to do some Kojima Producing in the US, according to senior producer Kenichiro Imaizumi. Discussing a new brand manager position on Twitter, Imaizumi said "Yes, we plan to open a studio in CA. IF we can find the right people."
In what we hope is a coincidence, this comes right after our newly California-located editor-in-chief delivered his tongue-in-cheek pitch for a new Metal Gear game, while passing along news of Kojipro's impending development efforts. You can't have him, Imaizumi!
If you're Japanese-English bilingual and California-local, however, and you're not my boss, you can swing by booth 1914 at the career pavilion at GDC to get in on this opportunity.
Alan Wake's emergence from darkness to cult status
"Oh, God. You're killing me," Remedy Entertainment's Oskari Hakkinen groaned when I pressed him for details on PC plans for Alan Wake's American Nightmare. "I've got nothing to announce at this point," he moans softly into his headset. After a moment of silence I burst into laughter and he quickly joins me.
As Head of Franchise Development, Oskari -- or Ozz, as he asks people to call him -- he'd certainly know Remedy's plan for Alan Wake's XBLA title coming to PC. But American Nightmare wasn't the basis for my call to the Finnish developer. It was Alan Wake's original tale I wanted to discuss, a game many skimmed past due to what many in the industry infuriatingly refer to as an "embarrassment of riches."
On the same day Alan Wake's long development process met its ultimate ship goal, it was greeted by a host of quality competition. The adrenaline-fueled Split/Second landed on shelves. The Prince of Persia returned to his roots in The Forgotten Sands.
Red Dead Redemption happened.
Nintendo Direct trailer roundup! YEEHAW!
Today's Nintendo Direct presentation shot out trailers and gameplay videos fast and furious. Once the coffee kicked in and we had a little time to organize, we got them together for you (yes, personally, for you!) in this handy-dandy post. Check out videos for Kid Icarus: Uprising, Mario Tennis Open, Spirit Camera and Dillon's Rolling Western here.
Fire Emblem: Awakening's brand new, way Japanese trailer
Debuted during Nintendo president Satoru Iwata's latest Nintendo Direct address, the new trailer for Fire Emblem: Awakening on 3DS is -- dare we say? -- dramatic. Crafty YouTubers have already snatched the video and put it online, as evidenced above.
Dillon's Rolling Western rolls onto the 3DS eShop
As part of the Nintendo Direct event, Nintendo has announced the surprise release of Dillon's Rolling Western, a new download for the 3DS eShop (first revealed at Nintendo Direct last year). The game stars the armadillo cowboy -- a cowboy who is also an armadillo, not an armadillo herder -- named Dillon, who defends poor towns in traditional gunslinger style. Except he doesn't use a gun at all, actually, preferring to roll his way to victory. Rolling Western features tower defense gameplay, in which Dillon must collect resources and repel the invasion of evil rock monsters -- monsters who are also rocks, that is, not Osbournes -- the Grocks.
About that surprise release: it's today, a full day before the usual Thursday eShop update. You can snag Dillon's Rolling Western for $10. If you're still on the fence, we'll have a Portabliss on it later today.
Xenoblade Chronicles arrives on April 6 wrapped in this gorgeous box art
According to Nintendo of America head Reggie Fils-Aime himself, Xenoblade Chronicles will finally arrive in North America on April 6. Wait, but didn't that game already come out, like, two other times? Yes, friend, it totally did. First, in Japan on June 10, 2010 as just "Xenoblade," then in Europe once more on August 19, 2011 with its current name. The April 6, 2012 North American launch will mark its third such launch. But hey, check out that incredible box art!
The game's tumultuous journey from Japanese exclusivity to worldwide release has been a point of contention for classic console JRPG fans. After a group formed online named "Operation Rainfall," various loud messages were voiced to Nintendo about a trio of JRPGs that were at the time unannounced for North America (The Last Story, Xenoblade Chronicles, and Pandora's Tower). All three titles have since been announced for release (or released) in other regions, though Pandora's Tower is still not planned for a US release.
Of course, you could've been playing Xenoblade Chronicles all along by using our handy guide to making the EU version work on your North American Wii. But then you already knew that, right?
Watch the Nintendo Direct presentation from Reggie right here
Check out Nintendo President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime get raw and uncensored in this Nintendo Direct presentation. It's all like "WHOA!" and "WOW!" and up in your grill faceplate! All these trailers are also available on the 3DS eshop for maximum in-your-face action.
Wii's 'The Last Story' coming to North America in 2012 [update: summer!]
The final surprise at the end of this morning's Nintendo Direct: The Last Story! The long-awaited action-RPG for Wii by Mistwalker will be out in North America this year, thanks to the stalwart RPG localizing staff of publisher XSEED Games.
Update: A press release from XSEED specifies summer 2012. You can read it after the break.
Capcom, Namco and Sega teaming up for mysterious 3DS collaboration
Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata announced this morning a 3DS collaboration between publishers Capcom, Namco Bandai and Sega. The "impossible to predict" project also has a a teaser site.
Your guess is as good as ours...
Street Fighter x Tekken x Sonic & Friends?
Mario Tennis Open served to Japan May 24, Europe May 25, America May 20 [update: trailer]
The Nintendo Direct presentation from Nintendo of Japan brought news of Mario Tennis Open for 3DS, the latest entry in, you know, that series of games about Mario playing tennis. We learned that the sports game will feature online play and Mii customization -- and, most importantly, that it'll be available May 24.
The European translation of the same video informed us that the game will be out on May 25. And now we wait for 9AM EST, and the American Nintendo Direct, for potential news of a stateside release.
Update: Nintendo of America says Mario Tennis Open will arrive in North America on May 20.
Brain Age returns with devilishly difficult training
Nintendo has been criticized for not getting edgy with some of its franchises. Well, it's about to do just that in the most unexpected way. Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata announced a follow-up to the Brain Age series this morning with a devilish Dr. Ryuta Kawashima.
As translated by Andriasang, the new title focuses on concentration and working memory, with some of the challenges so tough they are referred to as "Oni Training," which you can translate as devil or demon training.
The normal Kawashima will now be replaced by a devil form. Yup, this is going to go over well in the States with the firebrand crowd. Somehow we have a hard time imagining Nicole Kidman giggling through this Brain Age.
Borderlands 2 out September 18 in North America, September 21 elsewhere
Borderlands 2 will be out in North America on September 18, and internationally on September 21. That date might be enough incentive for you to pre-order -- it's so far away, and you might forget! -- but 2K offered initial incentive, in the form of the "Premiere Club."
Premiere Club members will get a unique "Gearbox Gun Pack," a "Golden Key" item to unlock something in the Golden Sanctuary Loot Chest, and the "Vault Hunter's Relic." These are all in-game items, by the way. 2K didn't really build a "Golden Sanctuary" and send out keys to it.
Game Gear titles head to 3DS on March 14 for ¥300 apiece
March 14 is the big day for Game Gear on Virtual Console, with a trio of titles headed to Japanese 3DS owners, Nintendo announced this morning. Unsurprisingly, Sega leads the lineup with three classics: Sonic (Sonic and Tails 2), Shinobi (GG Shinobi), and Dragon Crystal. The titles will cost ¥300 ($3.75) apiece, and no word was given as to when they'd head Stateside.
Of course, Sonic Triple Trouble and Shinobi were rated by the ESRB for 3DS back in February, and we were last told that Game Gear (as well as TurboGrafx-16) games would arrive on the handheld's Virtual Console store in "late May." So, uh, they're coming to North America, just not quite yet. We'll also venture a wild guess that Dragon Crystal will end up in the US as well. Sure, why not?
The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Catball Eats It All
What's your game called and what's it about?
Tyson Anderson: Our game is Catball Eats It All. From a story standpoint, it's about a voracious little furball that eats everything in sight, and... that's it! Short and sweet. From a gameplay perspective, it's an action-puzzle game based around navigating and optimizing paths through levels and mastering responsive play controls.
As a graffiti artist, how did NoseGo get involved with Broken Compass?
Matt Anderson: We all met through a mutual friend Jeff, who is now our very talented producer. Yis Goodwin -- aka NoseGo -- had expressed a desire to make a game featuring his work, and Tyson and I have been working in games for a while. Jeff, in true producer-ly fashion, put the people together, and the magic was there. We clicked, and our visions, both as creators and as a business, quickly solidified.
PSN releases: Touch My Katamari, Plants vs. Zombies
Another big Vita week for the PSN update. Last week's "early" launch saw the additions of Escape Plan, Hustle Kings, and Super Stardust Delta -- that last one being the free 3G game. This week we see the addition of Touch My Katamari, perennial favorite Plants vs. Zombies and several augmented reality. Of course, for further pertinent PS Vita information, head on over to our Joystiq Vita launch guide.
PSN Plus subscribers can pick up six classic Sega titles for free this week, which includes the first two Sonic the Hedgehog titles, Golden Axe (call dibs on dwarf!) and Altered Beast. Also, don't forget to check out the demos for SSX and Shank 2. Check out the full list of this week's content over on the PlayStation Blog.
An EA spokesperson said the company is "currently re-evaluating the app" in response to the consumer feedback. Sounds like the 2.5 star rated app, which suffered complaints about its controls and multiplayer, may not return to the app arena any time soon.
Battlefield 3: Aftershock pulled from App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Sony VP in UK and Ireland talks Vita pricing, says bigger memory cards on the way
On price, for example, Gara says that the system is priced as low as Sony could get it on launch day, "not a lot above an iPod and a hell of a long way below a good tablet." Given the hardware included, Gara says Sony "priced it as attractively as we could afford to, frankly," with an eye toward creating a lasting product over the next few years.
Gara also admitted memory is a concern, with hefty downloadable games filling memory cards up quickly. Having learned from the Japanese Vita release, he says, Sony is already securing memory, chips and deals to release bigger cards in the UK, and presumably in North America as well.
Sony VP in UK and Ireland talks Vita pricing, says bigger memory cards on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Engadget evaluates Razer Blade performance
Yes, the Blade is sleek and super thin for a PC laptop, but it trades on that build by being a "gaming" unit that doesn't play StarCraft 2 or Skyrim on their highest settings perfectly. And that's something that Engadget would definitely like "the world's first true gaming laptop" to do. For the sticker price of $2,799, Razer traded a little too much performance for the admittedly impressive form factor.
But while Engadget doesn't recommend the laptop wholeheartedly, the site does praise the Blade's "bright and delectably tactile" LED buttons. The article surmises we'll see those types of controls again soon, either in Razer hardware, or units from other device manufacturers.
Engadget evaluates Razer Blade performance originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Mass Effect 3 'From Ashes' DLC also sold separately from Collector's Edition
Mass Effect 3 producer Michael Gamble hit the BioWare forums to clarify some stuff surrounding the exact components of the DLC. You'll want to avoid it if you don't want to learn the identity of what we shall tactfully refer to as "the extra, downloadable person."
[Thanks, Patrick.]
Mass Effect 3 'From Ashes' DLC also sold separately from Collector's Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Report: Nintendo negotiating Wii U video content streaming
AdWeek's sources say that Nintendo is aiming for parity between video streaming and gaming, much like what Microsoft did with the latest version of the Xbox 360 Dashboard. Sources say Nintendo held meetings back at CES in Las Vegas focusing on sports and music -- one source in particular says that Nintendo is working with Comcast right now for cable distribution rights.
It's all pretty forward-thinking stuff for Nintendo, if true. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata recently spoke about NFC payments and microtransactions on Wii U, showing an interest in broadening the system's financial model. The Wii U will launch by "the year-end season."
Report: Nintendo negotiating Wii U video content streaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Mass Effect 3's trip into space gets a trailer, useful purpose
So, remember how EA and Bioware are launching six copies of Mass Effect 3 into (near) space? Well, they're still doing that, and now there's a trailer about it that you can watch.
The trailer itself is not particularly informative, but the press release delivered with said trailer actually contained some cool information about the event. Specifically, students from the High Altitude Balloon Club at Texas A&M University will be assisting with each of the six launch sites around the world.
Once the event is complete, EA will be donating all of the equipment used during the publicity stunt to A&M's Aerospace Engineering department, which will then take the gear to Alaska and use it study the aurora borealis. We're glad to hear this advertising campaign will benefit a group of bright youngsters, and that EA isn't shelling out a presumably massive load of cash just to launch some games into space.
Continue reading Mass Effect 3's trip into space gets a trailer, useful purpose
Mass Effect 3's trip into space gets a trailer, useful purpose originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
California out nearly $2 million on failed video game legislation
Billable hours accrued by lawyers working for the state add an estimated $500,000 to the failed legislation's price tag, which has been slowly growing since the state decided to appeal the bill's initial injunction way back in 2007. Considering that California's budget deficit is projected to reach somewhere around $22 billion this year, two million bucks doesn't seem like all that much in comparison. It's like tossing a box of matches into a burning building: What are you gonna do, set it more on fire?
California out nearly $2 million on failed video game legislation originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Tribes: Ascend beta open to all on Feb. 24
Before the launch of the open beta, Hi-Rez will add some additional maps and customization options to Tribes: Ascend, plus a new game mode: Arena Deathmatch. These will all be added in a patch coming, well, before Friday, we guess. Hi-Rez hasn't really said when the patch will be live.
If you're worried about player progress, don't sweat it. Your progress and unlocks will carry over to the open beta.
Continue reading Tribes: Ascend beta open to all on Feb. 24
Tribes: Ascend beta open to all on Feb. 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Building A Machine for Pigs and expanding the universe of Amnesia
It's six-o-clock in the morning. My tea jolts me awake. The street outside is silent. It's serene and peaceful all around me, until I call Frictional Games designer Thomas Grip. His voice booms in my headset; he's obviously excited. This is the first time his team can talk about his upcoming project. This is how I was introduced to Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs.
Continue reading Building A Machine for Pigs and expanding the universe of Amnesia
Building A Machine for Pigs and expanding the universe of Amnesia originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
MotorStorm RC zooms adorably to PS3 and Vita on March 6
Tiny trucks will take their places on PS3 and Vita on March 6, when MotorStorm RC arrives on the North American PSN, letting you experience the best of the series in little toy trucks. You'll be able to download the same game on both platforms, and buying one gives you access to the other.
If you're playing on PS3, you'll get "SimulView" same-screen support (for TVs fancy enough to support it), 3D, and split-screen four-player. If you're playing on Vita, you're playing on a Vita! Wow!
MotorStorm RC zooms adorably to PS3 and Vita on March 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Game explains the missing Ubisoft Vita launch titles, physics
"We can't stock absolutely everything. That's just not possible," she said. Mason didn't cite Game's financial troubles as a direct cause of the missing titles, talking past Game's store closures, layoffs, broken credit lines and the potential sale of its international branch.
One possible reason for Game's struggling sales is an influx of cheaper online retailers, but Mason said Game offers something more, citing the store's 2.5 million customers a week. "What our customers get from us, whether they shop with Game or Gamestation, is more than a sterile transaction," Mason said. "They get the opportunity to transact with us in the way they want and they get added value. Our customers will vote with their feet."
Game may stock Ubisoft's Vita launch titles in the future, Mason said, but for now it does offer the games through a "downloadable option," which we're sure will attract dozens of feet.
Game explains the missing Ubisoft Vita launch titles, physics originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Persona 3, Tactics Ogre, and other PSP RPGs that will live on my Vita
This is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs have to offer.
As I perused the list of PSP games available for download, I realized that I already had quite a few titles to choose from. So rather than try to justify spending money on Lumines or Uncharted -- both fine games but not my cup of tea -- I decided I would revisit some of my favorite PSP RPGs on the Vita's big, beautiful screen.
It's really a pity the PSP never experienced the renaissance over here that it did in Japan, since it means quality RPGs like Valkyria Chronicles 3 may never be localized. It's only thanks to XSEED that Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky ever saw the light of day in the US, as well as Vanillaware's coming North American launch for Grand Knights History. A select few have made it stateside, and I'm happy to see them available on PSN. Here are the ones that will be making their way to my Vita, and to yours as well, I hope.
Continue reading Persona 3, Tactics Ogre, and other PSP RPGs that will live on my Vita
Persona 3, Tactics Ogre, and other PSP RPGs that will live on my Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Tekken 3D Prime Edition review: Far from prime edition
The last time Namco brought Tekken to a Nintendo handheld, it produced 2002's Tekken Advance, which received praise from reviewers at the time but in hindsight was a poor facsimile of the console and arcade experience -- like the Kid Cuisine version of spaghetti and meatballs, fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, but, c'mon son, that ain't a proper meal.
Another Tekken Advance (that is to say another handheld port that's far from arcade perfect) wouldn't stand today, not when releases like Super Street Fighter IV 3D and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 set the standard for fighting games you can play on the go. Those releases don't stop at just emulating the big screen experience; they raise the bar for what all portable titles can accomplish, online and off.
That is why Namco Bandai and Arika's Tekken 3D Prime Edition will disappoint both new and casual Tekken fans. Because while the core game -- the parts in between "Round One, Fight!" and "K.O. You win!" -- are just as great as the Tekken 6 I've played on consoles and in arcades, everything else is lacking.
Continue reading Tekken 3D Prime Edition review: Far from prime edition
Tekken 3D Prime Edition review: Far from prime edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Video: PlayStation Vita's AR game trio
With the retail launch of the Vita hardware comes the arrival of three augmented reality games, using a set of six cards that look an awful lot like the ESP test cards Dr. Venkman used in Ghostbusters. I downloaded them all from the PlayStation Store today, carefully set up a camera between my face and Vita (keeping the table in view) and demonstrated all three.
Of the three, Fireworks is the definite standout. And by "standout" I mean "one I could foresee playing a second time."
[Music: "Shanghai Moon" by USK]
Video: PlayStation Vita's AR game trio originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
'Aaaaa!!!' plummets onto iOS 'February 30'
Dejobaan's AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! for the Awesome drops into the iOS App Store next week as AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! (Force = Mass x Acceleration). The game will launch on March 1 as a $2.99 universal app. Meaning, you pay once and play it on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.
Having had some hands-on time with the mobile version recently, the iPad experience can be particularly intense. The tilt controls are super intuitive -- since you're falling and trying to avoid buildings -- and I found myself tilting my head to avoid scraping against buildings. The size of the screen and focus on the experience started making everything else around me fade away.
For a less intense, but still enjoyable game, the iPhone version feels like guiding an object through space instead of yourself.
'Aaaaa!!!' plummets onto iOS 'February 30' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Project Zero 2 (Fatal Frame 2) to terrify European Wii owners
The release doesn't specify whether the game will see a North American release as well. Spirit Camera, a Fatal Frame spinoff, has already been confirmed for North America, so hopefully we'll have a Fatal Frame 2 announcement before too long. And, uh, since we're on the subject, how about a little Fatal Frame 4, Nintendo? Pleeease?
Project Zero 2 (Fatal Frame 2) to terrify European Wii owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
New Assassin's Creed game, Gameloft's 'Gang Domination' coming to GREE platform
So, what's GREE? Beyond being a company with way too much money, it's a mobile publisher/platform that's huge in Japan and is moving into the global marketplace, launching the GREE Platform in the second quarter of 2012. The company bought mobile social network OpenFeint last year and has offices in Tokyo, San Francisco, London, Beijing, Sao Paulo and Dubai. The company states: "GREE will continue to aggressively expand worldwide."
"GREE will continue to focus on building relationships with third party game developers and publishers as it moves towards releasing its new platform."
So, if GREE wasn't on your radar before, it appears to be a company you're going to be hearing about a lot in the near future.
Continue reading New Assassin's Creed game, Gameloft's 'Gang Domination' coming to GREE platform
New Assassin's Creed game, Gameloft's 'Gang Domination' coming to GREE platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Slash looks back at working with Activision on Guitar Hero
Once they found out that he was an actual person who was in an actual band, however, Slash says Guitar Hero was surprisingly effective at winning new fans. "It opened up the doors of a demographic that was way younger than me," he says. "I had no idea that would happen." He couldn't speak to the lawsuit that claims the game took advantage of his GnR connection, but he does say the game has inspired a much younger generation to check out classic rock.
As for interest going the other way, Slash says he hasn't found the time for video games -- not even his own. "I couldn't play it," he says, "because I was actually in the game and it was too surreal."
Slash looks back at working with Activision on Guitar Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Asura's Wrath review: Wrecking the curve
The strictures of a review really aren't adequate to quantify the experience waiting for players in Asura's Wrath. Of course there are mechanics and systems and gauges, all of that, and I will endeavor to explain them, but understand that what follows falls well short of fully encapsulating the experience. About 380,000 kilometers too short.
Continue reading Asura's Wrath review: Wrecking the curve
Asura's Wrath review: Wrecking the curve originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
BandFuse: Rock Legends attempts a music game with real guitars ... again
And there have already been a few "post-modern" guitar games, most notably Power Gig: Rise of the Six-String and Rocksmith, which both involve real guitars rather than their plastic counterparts, and which suggest that strumming along with real songs and strings might actually teach real musical skill (a promise that neither was able to land with great success).
And so it's interesting that Realta Entertainment Group has chosen this moment to step out with its premiere product, called BandFuse: Rock Legends. It's a music game that uses a real, live electric guitar, plugged into a video game console, as its controller. We've ... we've been down this road before, right?
Continue reading BandFuse: Rock Legends attempts a music game with real guitars ... again
BandFuse: Rock Legends attempts a music game with real guitars ... again originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Mass Effect 3 standard edition contains reversible FemShep cover
Well, it seems the developer has gone one step further and slipped in the female Shepard on the reverse cover of Mass Effect 3 (standard edition). Sure, she's not black yet, but we'll take a partial truth for the time being.
Check out BioWare's unboxing video after the break.
Continue reading Mass Effect 3 standard edition contains reversible FemShep cover
Mass Effect 3 standard edition contains reversible FemShep cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
PSA: Twitter, Netflix, and Flickr now available for Vita
The PlayStation Vita just got moderately more useful. A suite of apps is available today on the PlayStation Store including Flickr, Netflix, and "LiveTweet." That's the name of the Twitter app. No, we don't know why.
If you're a new Vita owner, you can get them all right now through the PlayStation Store. If you're a prospective Vita owner just waiting to see how the Netflix app shook out, you can see for yourself in this walkthrough from Engadget.
PSA: Twitter, Netflix, and Flickr now available for Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs is the next title from Frictional Games and Dear Esther dev
Speaking exclusively with Joystiq, Frictional Games and Dear Esther's thechineseroom have revealed their latest project, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs.
Developed by thechineseroom and produced by Frictional Games, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs is planned for a debut on PC later this year. No firm date has been set, but internally the two studios hope to launch before Halloween. A recent alternate reality game has been teasing the the next Amnesia's reveal, sending fans into a frenzy.
"It's not a direct sequel, in terms of it doesn't follow on from the story of Amnesia. It doesn't involve the same characters," Dear Esther writer Dan Pinchbeck told me. Instead, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs will be set in the same "alternate history and set in the same universe." In short, the game will look to scare your pants off.
Set in 1899, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs follows the "wealthy industrialist" Oswald Mandus, who has returned home from "a disastrous expedition to Mexico, which has ended in tragedy." Struck by a destructive fever, Mandus is haunted by dreams of a dark machine until he mysteriously regains consciousness. Months have passed, unbeknownst to the industry tycoon, and as he emerges from his slumber the roaring engine of a mysterious machine sputters to life.
A detailed interview with Frictional Games designer Thomas Grip and thechineseroom's Dan Pinchbeck is coming later today, delving deeper into the darkness with Amnesia's next chapter. And yes, the two discuss what A Machine for Pigs means.
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs is the next title from Frictional Games and Dear Esther dev originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Joystiq's PlayStation Vita launch guide
Continue reading Joystiq's PlayStation Vita launch guide
Joystiq's PlayStation Vita launch guide originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Escape Plan review: Shades of grey
Interacting with Lil and Laarg shows exactly what the capabilities of the Vita's alternate control methods are, but unfortunately throws their limitations into sharp contrast as well.
Continue reading Escape Plan review: Shades of grey
Escape Plan review: Shades of grey originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Kojima Productions planning new studio in California
In what we hope is a coincidence, this comes right after our newly California-located editor-in-chief delivered his tongue-in-cheek pitch for a new Metal Gear game, while passing along news of Kojipro's impending development efforts. You can't have him, Imaizumi!
If you're Japanese-English bilingual and California-local, however, and you're not my boss, you can swing by booth 1914 at the career pavilion at GDC to get in on this opportunity.
Kojima Productions planning new studio in California originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Alan Wake's emergence from darkness to cult status
As Head of Franchise Development, Oskari -- or Ozz, as he asks people to call him -- he'd certainly know Remedy's plan for Alan Wake's XBLA title coming to PC. But American Nightmare wasn't the basis for my call to the Finnish developer. It was Alan Wake's original tale I wanted to discuss, a game many skimmed past due to what many in the industry infuriatingly refer to as an "embarrassment of riches."
On the same day Alan Wake's long development process met its ultimate ship goal, it was greeted by a host of quality competition. The adrenaline-fueled Split/Second landed on shelves. The Prince of Persia returned to his roots in The Forgotten Sands.
Red Dead Redemption happened.
Continue reading Alan Wake's emergence from darkness to cult status
Alan Wake's emergence from darkness to cult status originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Nintendo Direct trailer roundup! YEEHAW!
Today's Nintendo Direct presentation shot out trailers and gameplay videos fast and furious. Once the coffee kicked in and we had a little time to organize, we got them together for you (yes, personally, for you!) in this handy-dandy post. Check out videos for Kid Icarus: Uprising, Mario Tennis Open, Spirit Camera and Dillon's Rolling Western here.
Continue reading Nintendo Direct trailer roundup! YEEHAW!
Nintendo Direct trailer roundup! YEEHAW! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Fire Emblem: Awakening's brand new, way Japanese trailer
Debuted during Nintendo president Satoru Iwata's latest Nintendo Direct address, the new trailer for Fire Emblem: Awakening on 3DS is -- dare we say? -- dramatic. Crafty YouTubers have already snatched the video and put it online, as evidenced above.
Fire Emblem: Awakening's brand new, way Japanese trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Dillon's Rolling Western rolls onto the 3DS eShop
As part of the Nintendo Direct event, Nintendo has announced the surprise release of Dillon's Rolling Western, a new download for the 3DS eShop (first revealed at Nintendo Direct last year). The game stars the armadillo cowboy -- a cowboy who is also an armadillo, not an armadillo herder -- named Dillon, who defends poor towns in traditional gunslinger style. Except he doesn't use a gun at all, actually, preferring to roll his way to victory. Rolling Western features tower defense gameplay, in which Dillon must collect resources and repel the invasion of evil rock monsters -- monsters who are also rocks, that is, not Osbournes -- the Grocks.
About that surprise release: it's today, a full day before the usual Thursday eShop update. You can snag Dillon's Rolling Western for $10. If you're still on the fence, we'll have a Portabliss on it later today.
Dillon's Rolling Western rolls onto the 3DS eShop originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Xenoblade Chronicles arrives on April 6 wrapped in this gorgeous box art
The game's tumultuous journey from Japanese exclusivity to worldwide release has been a point of contention for classic console JRPG fans. After a group formed online named "Operation Rainfall," various loud messages were voiced to Nintendo about a trio of JRPGs that were at the time unannounced for North America (The Last Story, Xenoblade Chronicles, and Pandora's Tower). All three titles have since been announced for release (or released) in other regions, though Pandora's Tower is still not planned for a US release.
Of course, you could've been playing Xenoblade Chronicles all along by using our handy guide to making the EU version work on your North American Wii. But then you already knew that, right?
Xenoblade Chronicles arrives on April 6 wrapped in this gorgeous box art originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Watch the Nintendo Direct presentation from Reggie right here
Check out Nintendo President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime get raw and uncensored in this Nintendo Direct presentation. It's all like "WHOA!" and "WOW!" and up in your grill faceplate! All these trailers are also available on the 3DS eshop for maximum in-your-face action.
Watch the Nintendo Direct presentation from Reggie right here originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Wii's 'The Last Story' coming to North America in 2012 [update: summer!]
Update: A press release from XSEED specifies summer 2012. You can read it after the break.
Continue reading Wii's 'The Last Story' coming to North America in 2012 [update: summer!]
Wii's 'The Last Story' coming to North America in 2012 [update: summer!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Capcom, Namco and Sega teaming up for mysterious 3DS collaboration
Your guess is as good as ours...
Street Fighter x Tekken x Sonic & Friends?
Capcom, Namco and Sega teaming up for mysterious 3DS collaboration originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Mario Tennis Open served to Japan May 24, Europe May 25, America May 20 [update: trailer]
The Nintendo Direct presentation from Nintendo of Japan brought news of Mario Tennis Open for 3DS, the latest entry in, you know, that series of games about Mario playing tennis. We learned that the sports game will feature online play and Mii customization -- and, most importantly, that it'll be available May 24.
The European translation of the same video informed us that the game will be out on May 25. And now we wait for 9AM EST, and the American Nintendo Direct, for potential news of a stateside release.
Update: Nintendo of America says Mario Tennis Open will arrive in North America on May 20.
Mario Tennis Open served to Japan May 24, Europe May 25, America May 20 [update: trailer] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Brain Age returns with devilishly difficult training
As translated by Andriasang, the new title focuses on concentration and working memory, with some of the challenges so tough they are referred to as "Oni Training," which you can translate as devil or demon training.
The normal Kawashima will now be replaced by a devil form. Yup, this is going to go over well in the States with the firebrand crowd. Somehow we have a hard time imagining Nicole Kidman giggling through this Brain Age.
Brain Age returns with devilishly difficult training originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Borderlands 2 out September 18 in North America, September 21 elsewhere
Borderlands 2 will be out in North America on September 18, and internationally on September 21. That date might be enough incentive for you to pre-order -- it's so far away, and you might forget! -- but 2K offered initial incentive, in the form of the "Premiere Club."
Premiere Club members will get a unique "Gearbox Gun Pack," a "Golden Key" item to unlock something in the Golden Sanctuary Loot Chest, and the "Vault Hunter's Relic." These are all in-game items, by the way. 2K didn't really build a "Golden Sanctuary" and send out keys to it.
Borderlands 2 out September 18 in North America, September 21 elsewhere originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Game Gear titles head to 3DS on March 14 for ¥300 apiece
Of course, Sonic Triple Trouble and Shinobi were rated by the ESRB for 3DS back in February, and we were last told that Game Gear (as well as TurboGrafx-16) games would arrive on the handheld's Virtual Console store in "late May." So, uh, they're coming to North America, just not quite yet. We'll also venture a wild guess that Dragon Crystal will end up in the US as well. Sure, why not?
Game Gear titles head to 3DS on March 14 for ¥300 apiece originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Catball Eats It All
Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, Tyson and Matt Anderson of Broken Compass Studios share the artistic influences of their Kickstarter-funded mobile title, Catball Eats It All. Yes, it stars a cat shaped like a ball. You know you're intrigued.
What's your game called and what's it about?Tyson Anderson: Our game is Catball Eats It All. From a story standpoint, it's about a voracious little furball that eats everything in sight, and... that's it! Short and sweet. From a gameplay perspective, it's an action-puzzle game based around navigating and optimizing paths through levels and mastering responsive play controls.
As a graffiti artist, how did NoseGo get involved with Broken Compass?
Matt Anderson: We all met through a mutual friend Jeff, who is now our very talented producer. Yis Goodwin -- aka NoseGo -- had expressed a desire to make a game featuring his work, and Tyson and I have been working in games for a while. Jeff, in true producer-ly fashion, put the people together, and the magic was there. We clicked, and our visions, both as creators and as a business, quickly solidified.
Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Catball Eats It All
The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Catball Eats It All originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
PSN releases: Touch My Katamari, Plants vs. Zombies
PSN Plus subscribers can pick up six classic Sega titles for free this week, which includes the first two Sonic the Hedgehog titles, Golden Axe (call dibs on dwarf!) and Altered Beast. Also, don't forget to check out the demos for SSX and Shank 2. Check out the full list of this week's content over on the PlayStation Blog.
PSN releases: Touch My Katamari, Plants vs. Zombies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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