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 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Last Story's first concept art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/the-last-storys-first-concept-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/the-last-storys-first-concept-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/the-last-storys-first-concept-art/#commentsThe first details about Mistwalker's mysterious Wii RPG The Last Story have been released, in the form of a blog entry on Nintendo's Last Story site. The game takes place on Ruri Island, which, as home to a necessary harbor, has become a wealthy and important city. The affluent island is run by "Lord Arganon," a power-hungry ruler who is well-versed in magic. If we had to guess, we'd say he's going to be the villain.

We still have yet to see real screens or footage of The Last Story, but the blog entry includes concept art of the island, which is quite lovely.

[Via VG247; All Games Beta]

JoystiqThe Last Story's first concept art originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept-artHironobu-Sakaguchimistwalkerrpgthe-last-storyThu, 11 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[February NPD: Xbox 360 and BioShock 2 sales heat up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/february-npd-xbox-360-and-bioshock-2-sales-heat-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/february-npd-xbox-360-and-bioshock-2-sales-heat-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/february-npd-xbox-360-and-bioshock-2-sales-heat-up/#commentsMicrosoft's Aaron Greenberg is thrilled with February's NPD numbers, and for good reason. The Xbox 360 took the top spot in home console sales last month, despite not being a Wii. According to the NPD, it's the first time this has happened since the Halo 3 launch in 2007.

BioShock 2 seems to have had something to do with the boost, with the Xbox 360 version topping the software charts (and the PS3 version absent from the top ten). Other notable software milestones: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is now the third best-selling game of all time, and Just Dance seems to have made a better pact with Satan than even Dante's Inferno did. See the software top ten after the break.

-DS: 613K191K (45%)
-360: 422K89K (27%)
-Wii: 398K68K (-15%)
-PS3: 360K83K (30%)
-PSP: 133K33K (33%)
-PS2: 102K60K (143%)

Continue reading February NPD: Xbox 360 and BioShock 2 sales heat up

JoystiqFebruary NPD: Xbox 360 and BioShock 2 sales heat up originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-2dantes-infernojust-dancenpdsalesThu, 11 Mar 2010 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Trick possesses Japan June 24, Capcom releases demo]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/ghost-trick-possesses-japan-june-24-capcom-releases-demo/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/ghost-trick-possesses-japan-june-24-capcom-releases-demo/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/ghost-trick-possesses-japan-june-24-capcom-releases-demo/#commentsCapcom has announced the Japanese release date for Ace Attorney creator Shu Takumi's supernatural puzzle adventure game, Ghost Trick. Japan will be able to put Sissel's spirit into a bicycle on June 24. Capcom has yet to offer a date for North American or European releases beyond simply 2010, but if the game is in a complete state by June, that bodes well for localization sometime in the fall.

However, if you can't wait that long, and you don't mind clicking through a bunch of Japanese text, you can play the TGS demo right now! Capcom posted a flash demo to the Ghost Trick site.

[Via Andriasang]

Joystiq NintendoGhost Trick possesses Japan June 24, Capcom releases demo originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecapcomdemoghost-trickjapanpuzzlerelease-dateThu, 11 Mar 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's Yoshio Sakamoto reveals Metroid: Other M's cinematic inspirations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/nintendos-yoshio-sakamoto-reveals-metroid-other-ms-cinematic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/nintendos-yoshio-sakamoto-reveals-metroid-other-ms-cinematic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/nintendos-yoshio-sakamoto-reveals-metroid-other-ms-cinematic/#comments Yoshio Sakamoto has had a rather diverse career with Nintendo, having worked on games like Metroid, WarioWare and Tomodatchi Collection. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata asked the Metroid: Other M producer to speak at GDC to "explore the secret of creating games for such a dynamic range of titles."

One of Sakamoto's greatest inspirations seems to be film, noting directors Dario Argento, Luc Besson, John Woo and Brian de Palma as key figures. In particular, he found Argento's "Deep Red" to have a profound impact. Argento's manipulation of mood through music and timing is something he found moving; the use of foreshadowing helped transcend the film beyond other horror films.

Other M will take these various inspirations by becoming a "synthesis of everything I've learned," Sakamoto told the audience. A new trailer screened for GDC attendees highlighted various cinematic moments in the upcoming Wii game, including a CG reimagination of Super Metroid's climatic ending. Sakamoto pointed out the return of Metroid Fusion's Adam, reminding the audience that foreshadowing will play a key role in creating suspense in the interquel. Considering the subsequent applause, it seems clear that Metroid fans approve of this new direction.

JoystiqNintendo's Yoshio Sakamoto reveals Metroid: Other M's cinematic inspirations originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2010metroidmetroid-other-mteam-ninjayoshio-sakamotoThu, 11 Mar 2010 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: Pirates Plund-Arrr]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/impressions-pirates-plund-arrr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/impressions-pirates-plund-arrr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/impressions-pirates-plund-arrr/#comments Pirates Plund-Arrr is best summed up as Castle Crashers, but with pirates. On the Wii. For $30.

Unfortunately for Majesco and developer Boomzap, PSN and XBLA have spoiled us with a number of high-quality downloadable beat 'em ups for under $20. By skipping WiiWare and releasing as a retail game, Pirates Plund-Arrr seems a bit too pricey for its genre.

Still, if you've been hankering for a four player co-op brawler on the Wii, Pirates Plund-Arrr delivers the action and humor we've come to expect from the genre. The title alone is representative of the spirit of the game. Boomzap has taken every opportunity to inject pirate lingo and iconography into a colorful, well-animated world.

Continue reading Impressions: Pirates Plund-Arrr

JoystiqImpressions: Pirates Plund-Arrr originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boomzapmajescopirates-plund-arrrpirates-plundarrrThu, 11 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest makes 'Move' to PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/lord-of-the-rings-aragorns-quest-makes-move-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/lord-of-the-rings-aragorns-quest-makes-move-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/lord-of-the-rings-aragorns-quest-makes-move-to-ps3/#comments
[Wii version]
Warner Bros. Interactive has revealed that, in addition to the previously announced PS2, PSP, DS and Wii releases, it's putting Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest on PS3 -- with PlayStation Move support. The kid-friendly LOTR game will now be released this fall (delayed again!) on all five platforms, with the Wii version developed by Headstrong Games (yes, that Headstrong Games) and the others by TT Fusion. Of course, the Wii and PS3 versions will be the only ones with motion control, and they will also be the only versions featuring two-player co-op (with the second player controlling Gandalf).

The PS3 version won't be an exact port of the Wii one, but it's the same idea -- a game for which the Wii was originally the lead platform, now spreading to the PS3 thanks to the existence of a very Wii-like motion controller. It may be the first, but this is definitely not the last time we'll see this!

JoystiqLord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest makes 'Move' to PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aragorns-questdelaysfall-2010headstrong-gameslord-of-the-ringsmotion-controlplaystation-moverelease-datett-fusionwarner-bros-interactivewbieThu, 11 Mar 2010 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Hanabi Festival returns to Europe with Castlevania: Rondo of Blood]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/hanabi-festival-returns-to-europe-with-castlevania/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/hanabi-festival-returns-to-europe-with-castlevania/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/hanabi-festival-returns-to-europe-with-castlevania/#commentsNintendo of Europe is bringing back the Hanabi Festival, its occasional celebration of import games, starting March 12 -- and it's bringing what might be the most anticipated import Virtual Console game ever (by us). Castlevania: Rondo of Blood is among the small lineup of games to be released in Europe as part of the Festival, along with Milon's Secret Castle and Lode Runner, both for NES, and Ironclad for Neo Geo.

We aren't entirely certain from the wording, but the announcement mentions Castlevania, and then says that the other games will "continue in the following weeks." So it's pretty likely you're going to be able to buy Rondo of Blood tomorrow. Happy Hanabi Festival!

Joystiq NintendoHanabi Festival returns to Europe with Castlevania: Rondo of Blood originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlevania-rondo-of-bloodeuropehanabi-festivalironcladlode-runnermilons-secret-castlevirtual-consoleThu, 11 Mar 2010 10:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Majesco cooks up Crafting Mama for DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/majesco-cooks-up-crafting-mama-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/majesco-cooks-up-crafting-mama-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/majesco-cooks-up-crafting-mama-for-ds/#commentsAlmost a year ago, a trademark for "Crafting Mama" was spotted. It's now being put to use, as Majesco has announced, well, Crafting Mama for DS. In her latest endeavor, Mama will occupy her seemingly endless time with a new task: arts & crafts.

In a series of 40 projects, players will create things like birdhouses, quilts, kaleidoscopes and adorable new aprons for Mama to wear, as well as Mama dolls. Of course, these creations will all be realized through the familiar touch-based minigames, played alone and in multiplayer, which so many of us have grown to love in the utterly populous Cooking Mama game franchise. It's kind of crazy that a company can announce a game about making quilts and birdhouses, and we can already pretty much imagine how to play it!

Majesco plans a fall 2010 release for Crafting Mama, but we suspect the publisher is at least considering bumping that up a bit.

JoystiqMajesco cooks up Crafting Mama for DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooking-mamacooking-mama-limitedcrafting-mamafall-2010majescominigamesrelease-dateThu, 11 Mar 2010 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Green Day: Rock Band releases June 8 worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/green-day-rock-band-release-date-june-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/green-day-rock-band-release-date-june-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/green-day-rock-band-release-date-june-8/#comments That's right, folks -- Harmonix has just revealed that Green Day: Rock Band will be available for all come June 8 on Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii. Up to 6 players (3 mics; 3 instruments) will progress through the career of the trio, unlocking collectible images (more than 100, apparently) and some 40 minutes of "rare and unreleased" footage from interviews, outtakes and performances along the way.

As alluded to above, GD:RB will also sport the same vocal harmonizing feature that made The Beatles: Rock Band such a delight for mic hogs and comes loaded with 47 Green Day tracks, including "Brain Stew," "Jaded," "Hitchin' a Ride," "American Idiot," "Wake Me Up When September Ends" and "Boulevard of Broken Dreams."

Oh, and if you're looking to export these tunes, worry not: all 47 tracks are fully exportable to a console hard drive and playable in Rock Band, Rock Band 2 and the recently announced Rock Band 3. The export fee is $9.99 via Xbox Live or PSN. The export features is not available for the Wii system. Additionally, if you've picked up the six Green Day tunes already available as DLC, you can play them in the new game with added harmonies, "unique" visuals and more "exclusive archival material."

Green Day: Rock Band will be available as a standalone game for Xbox 360 and PS3 for $59.99, while Wii owners will get a bit of a price break at $49.99. A special edition Green Day: Rock Band Plus will also come to Xbox 360 and PS3 for $69.99 and includes fancy packaging, an "export" feature (we assume, a voucher to export the disc tracks to the hard drive) and the six previously released Green Day DLC tracks.

Update: The GameStop pre-order bonus for the standalone game is an export voucher (for Xbox 360 or PS3). Essentially, pre-order GD:RB from GameStop, and you can export all 47 tracks to your console hard drive for free.

JoystiqGreen Day: Rock Band releases June 8 worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonuscompatibilitydemiurgedemiurge-studiosdlceaexportinggamestopgreen-daygreen-day-rock-bandharmonixmk12mtv-gamespre-orderpricingq2-2010release-daterock-bandThu, 11 Mar 2010 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft prepping short film, a Ghost Recon: Future Soldier prequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/ghost-recon-future-soldier-short-film-prequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/ghost-recon-future-soldier-short-film-prequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/ghost-recon-future-soldier-short-film-prequel/#comments
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Ubisoft will release a short film ahead of the release of Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. The film will be helmed by Francois Alaux and Herve de Crecy, the duo that just won an Academy Award for their short film Logorama. We're assuming the Ghost Recon film won't be quite as cheeky. The short, which will serve as a prequel to Future Soldier, will be a 20-minute live-action film, reportedly with a budget between $8-10 million. It's being written by Tim Sexton, co-writer of Children of Men.

The project is in line with Ubisoft's ongoing strategy to expand its scope of media to include more than just video games. Last year, the company released the Assassin's Creed: Lineage short film series to promote Assassin's Creed II. Later in the year, Ubisoft Montreal's Yannis Mallat envisioned a future where Ubisoft crafts films and games using the same assets, which is precisely what it did with Lineage. Given the talent and financial backing behind the Future Soldier film, it looks like Mallat's future could be a bright one.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqUbisoft prepping short film, a Ghost Recon: Future Soldier prequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>filmfrancois-alauxghost-reconghost-recon-future-soldierherve-de-crecymovieubisoftubisoft-parisWed, 10 Mar 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[LukPlus looking for Coropata publisher at GDC]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/lukplus-looking-for-coropata-publisher-at-gdc/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/lukplus-looking-for-coropata-publisher-at-gdc/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/lukplus-looking-for-coropata-publisher-at-gdc/#commentsIf you're reading this and you're in charge of business development for a game publisher, and if you're at GDC -- as unlikely as all that is -- please go talk to LukPlus. According to Siliconera, the publisher has a meeting room at the convention, and is actively working to find a North American publisher for its cute DS puzzle game Coropata.

We sampled Coropata at TGS and found it charming, and we'd appreciate the opportunity to do things like buy it in a store and read all the text. We admit that a cutesy, anime-style puzzle game similar to The Incredible Machine may be somewhat of a niche interest, though.

Joystiq NintendoLukPlus looking for Coropata publisher at GDC originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coropatagdc-2010localizationlukpluspuzzleWed, 10 Mar 2010 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Eminem & Jay-Z all mixed up in new DJ Hero DLC pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/eminem-and-jay-z-all-mixed-up-in-new-dj-hero-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/eminem-and-jay-z-all-mixed-up-in-new-dj-hero-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/eminem-and-jay-z-all-mixed-up-in-new-dj-hero-dlc/#comments
Scr-scr-scratched through all of DJ Hero's tracks? Activision has announced a new DLC mix pack featuring Renegade Edition headliners Eminem and Jay-Z. The collection is scheduled to drop on Xbox Live, PSN and Wii this month and includes:
  • "Shake That" by Eminem mixed with "Show Me What You Got" by Jay-Z
  • "Without Me" by Eminem mixed with "Encore" by Jay-Z
  • "Can I Get A..." by Jay-Z mixed with "Lose Yourself" by Eminem
The new tracks will be available on March 18 on Xbox Live for 640 ($8) and March 25 on PSN for $7.99. The tracks will not be sold separately for Xbox 360 or PS3. Each track, however, will be available for the Wii version on March 25 as a downloadable single for 300 Wii Points ($3); $9 for all three.

JoystiqEminem & Jay-Z all mixed up in new DJ Hero DLC pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-herodlceminemjay-z-psnrelease-datexblmxbox-liveWed, 10 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reggie: Nintendo not 'thinking seriously' about next console yet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/reggie-nintendo-not-thinking-seriously-about-next-console-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/reggie-nintendo-not-thinking-seriously-about-next-console-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/reggie-nintendo-not-thinking-seriously-about-next-console-yet/#commentsIn a Forbes interview, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime gave the impression that a new home console from Nintendo is still in the distant future.

"The way we approach that innovation," he said, referring to Nintendo's innovative "jumps" (like the Wii), "because we have hardware developers working side by side with software developers, is that when the software developer comes forward with an idea that can't be executed on the current platform, that's when we start thinking seriously about the next system. We're not there yet, from a Wii perspective." Of course, E3 is still a few months away.

Satoru Iwata recently commented that a Wii successor would "need something new" in addition to HD graphics to be worthwhile, and Fils-Aime, who has previously, "forcefully" denied plans for an Wii HD model, echoed this sentiment. "So when people talk about high definition for the Wii console, our feedback is that that by itself will not create a brand new experience. Therefore, we're not interested. What we have to push for are groundbreaking new experiences. Technology has to enable it, not to be a means all by itself."

[Via Edge]

JoystiqReggie: Nintendo not 'thinking seriously' about next console yet originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwarereggiereggie-fils-aimewii-2wii-hdWed, 10 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Wright on the Wii's toy-like sensibilities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/will-wright-on-the-wiis-toy-like-sensibilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/will-wright-on-the-wiis-toy-like-sensibilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/will-wright-on-the-wiis-toy-like-sensibilities/#commentsSpeaking to IndustryGamers in a pre-GDC interview, industry veteran Will Wright shared his thoughts on the Wii and where it fits in the current video game market. According to Wright, the Wii offers an experience that is "clearly different than the Xbox or the PlayStation." Specifically, he stated that the Wii differs from its console brothers in that it doesn't generally cater to long, in depth experiences. Rather, said Wright, the Wii offers "fun toys to pick up and start playing in five minutes." He added, "It really is more into what I would call the toy market."

Elaborating, Wright said that all consoles will have a "specifically defined niche" and that Nintendo actively decided to approach the Wii in a different way. He stated that Nintendo opted not to directly compete with the hardcore sensibilities of FPS-heavy consoles like the Xbox 360. "I think it's kind of cool that they decided to go off and find a different sandbox to play in," said Wright, "I think it's been very good for the industry."

Hit the source link for more excerpts from the interview.

JoystiqWill Wright on the Wii's toy-like sensibilities originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2010stupid-fun-clubwill-wrightWed, 10 Mar 2010 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports Active 2.0 coming this fall to Wii, PS3 and iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/ea-sports-active-2-0-coming-this-fall-to-wii-ps3-and-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/ea-sports-active-2-0-coming-this-fall-to-wii-ps3-and-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/ea-sports-active-2-0-coming-this-fall-to-wii-ps3-and-iphone/#comments EA Sports' "Season Opener" event at GDC contained one major announcement for the developer's bevy of franchises: EA Sports Active will receive the sequel treatment this Fall with EA Sports Active 2.0 (working title), an updated version of the exergame for the PS3, Wii, iPhone and iPod Touch platforms. The console versions of the game will come equipped with two motion sensors and a heart rate monitor the player can strap to their arms and legs.

User information in this new game can be shared over an online social network, allowing fellow players to keep track of how frequently you've been skipping out on your demanding workout regimen. EA Vancouver is reprising its role as developer for the title. We'll let you know when we hear more about 2.0 -- like, for instance, why the game is apparently skipping out on launching on the 360.

JoystiqEA Sports Active 2.0 coming this fall to Wii, PS3 and iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsea-sports-active-2ea-sports-active-2.0ea-vancouverexergaminggdc-2010sportsTue, 09 Mar 2010 22:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Flip's Twisted World team spins a dev diary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/flips-twisted-world-team-spins-a-dev-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/flips-twisted-world-team-spins-a-dev-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/flips-twisted-world-team-spins-a-dev-diary/#comments Flip's Twisted World is a rare third party game that sets to do something original for the Wii. Yet strangely, it's gone almost completely unnoticed. While platformers are a dime a dozen, Flip's gravity-twisting gameplay offers a unique spin (get it?) that deserves a look. The "gimmick" at the heart of Flip's Twisted World is the player's ability to "flip" the world at whim, turning floors into walls, ceilings into floors, and more.

Majesco has released a dev diary for Flip's Twisted World that better explains its gameplay. It's easy to make comparisons to Super Mario Galaxy, but that's not really a bad thing, is it? Flip's Twisted World comes out on Wii this April.

JoystiqFlip's Twisted World team spins a dev diary originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flips-twisted-worldmajescoTue, 09 Mar 2010 22:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Analysts predict hardware, software drops in February NPD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/analysts-predict-hardware-software-drops-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/analysts-predict-hardware-software-drops-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/analysts-predict-hardware-software-drops-in-february/#commentsIn advance of NPD sales results for February 2010, analysts are predicting year-over-year declines for pretty much everything. Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter, according to Gamasutra, is predicting that hardware and software sales will decline 10 percent, with Wii hardware sales hit particularly hard (around 40 percent) due to shortages. Beyond the Wii, the continuing decline of the music genre is partly to blame for the reduced sales.

Analyst Colin Sebastian is guessing at a 15 percent decline, despite encouraging early sales for games like Heavy Rain and preorders for games like Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (which, as an early March release, may fit into the NPD February sales period) and God of War III. The fact that high-profile games are likely to show sharp declines after strong first-week sales will prevent software trends from turning for the better.

JoystiqAnalysts predict hardware, software drops in February NPD originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystcolin-sebastianmichael-pachternpdTue, 09 Mar 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Tiger Woods 11 to support PlayStation Move]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/tiger-woods-pga-tour-11-to-support-playstation-motion-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/tiger-woods-pga-tour-11-to-support-playstation-motion-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/tiger-woods-pga-tour-11-to-support-playstation-motion-controller/#commentsMuch like the star it's named for, it seems the Tiger Woods PGA Tour franchise isn't adverse to trying new things. EA has announced that the next iteration, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, will support the PlayStation Move motion controller to "give gamers an authentic interactive swing experience."

There aren't any other details about Move implementation at the moment, but the game is slated for release on June 8 -- well before Sony's motion controller's projected fall release. (And before you ask, no mention has been made of support for Microsoft's Project Natal.)

It may be less flashy, but series fans may be interested to hear the game will also feature the Ryder Cup, allowing for two 12-man teams to face off against each other.

We say 12-man, but we guess it could be 12 women against 12 men, right? Heck, maybe even 12 women against one man. Can you imagine, one guy trying to keep up with all those women? We sure can't.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 will be available on June 8 for Wii (with MotionPlus support), Xbox 360, PS3 and iPhone.

Update: Changed "PlayStation Motion Controller" references to "PlayStation Move," the now official name for Sony's device.

[Editor's Note: EA's press release only included a box art asset for the Xbox 360 version. Go figure.]

JoystiqTiger Woods 11 to support PlayStation Move originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaEA-Sportsmotionplusplaystation-arcplaystation-motion-controllerplaystation-moveproject-natalrelease-datesonytiger-woodstiger-woods-pga-tour-11Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese Nintendo downloads: Mega Man 10, Moon Cresta]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/japanese-nintendo-downloads-mega-man-10-moon-cresta/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/japanese-nintendo-downloads-mega-man-10-moon-cresta/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/japanese-nintendo-downloads-mega-man-10-moon-cresta/#commentsThough there's a lot of content on DSiWare in Japan today, it's almost entirely training stuff. So, it would seem that DSiWare stepped aside to let WiiWare's single release shine this week. (That's probably not what really happened -- but it's a nice thought.)

In any case, Mega Man 10 is up on WiiWare in Japan today, and it's likely to overshadow anything else available this week, including the ancient Moon Cresta:

Joystiq NintendoJapanese Nintendo downloads: Mega Man 10, Moon Cresta originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdsiwaregg-seriesjapanlets-golfmega-man-10moon-crestavctuesdayvirtual-consolewiiwareTue, 09 Mar 2010 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Lady Gaga, Cartman's 'Poker Face']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/rock-band-weekly-lady-gaga-eric-cartmans-poker-face/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/rock-band-weekly-lady-gaga-eric-cartmans-poker-face/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/rock-band-weekly-lady-gaga-eric-cartmans-poker-face/#comments Don't even lie! You're just as excited as any club kid that boundary-pushing pop sensation Lady Gaga is coming to Rock Band next week. So, in the privacy of your living room, break out the tight-fitting pleather and get your jam on (to the tracks you, publicly, tell everyone you hate).

Of course, you could pretend you "accidentally" bought the Gaga Track Pack, when you actually meant to purchase South Park chubby charmer Eric Cartman's rendition of "Poker Face." Yup, that lil' ditty will also be available. See, now you can cover up that undeniable desire to go goo-goo for Gaga with a veil of irony!

Check out the full release list after the break.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Lady Gaga, Cartman's 'Poker Face'

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Lady Gaga, Cartman's 'Poker Face' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcharmonixmtv-gamespoker-facerock-bandrock-band-2rock-band-weeklyrock-band-wiirock-band-wiiklysouth-parkTue, 09 Mar 2010 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Ryan Kesler is the NHL 2K11 cover athlete]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/ryan-kesler-is-nhl-2k11-cover-athlete/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/ryan-kesler-is-nhl-2k11-cover-athlete/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/ryan-kesler-is-nhl-2k11-cover-athlete/#commentsFirst he won a silver medal at the Winter Olympics, and now he'll be on the cover of the Wii-exclusive NHL 2K11. Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler sounds genuinely excited about the opportunity, telling The Canadian Press that the only way he thought he'd ever end up on a game cover was "if I put my own picture on there."

"It's a dream come true for me," Kesler, ever the good spokesplayer, said. "I grew up playing, and to be on the cover of 2K is unbelievable."

Kesler confirmed that he got in his motion capture time for the game last year with 2K10 cover athlete Alexander Ovechkin. "I'm not a flashy scorer like Ovechkin, by any means, but I think I'm exciting in my own right," Kesler observed, suggesting that his Olympic performance was what attracted publisher Take-Two to his game ... face.

Hopefully, for Kesler's sake, there's no equivalent "Madden Curse" for NHL games. Hockey players are already doomed to lose all their teeth anyway. NHL 2K11 will be out this fall.

JoystiqRyan Kesler is the NHL 2K11 cover athlete originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportshockeynhlnhl-2k11ryan-keslersportstake-twoTue, 09 Mar 2010 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[VC in Brief: Final Fantasy II (SNES)]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/vc-in-brief-final-fantasy-ii-snes/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/vc-in-brief-final-fantasy-ii-snes/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/vc-in-brief-final-fantasy-ii-snes/#commentsFinal Fantasy II (actually Final Fantasy IV) is one of the most important role-playing games of all time. Not only was it the first to introduce the ATB system (Active Time Battle), but it also had an incredibly ambitious plot and, frankly, a downright great opening sequence. It would help bring the world to the JRPG (and vice versa), so however you choose to play through this bit of classic gaming, do it. You owe it to yourself to do that at least once in your life.
  • Final Fantasy II (SNES, 1 player, 800 Wii Points) (actually FFIV)
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 like that.

Joystiq NintendoVC in Brief: Final Fantasy II (SNES) originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-2rpgsnessquaresquare-enixsquare-softvc-in-briefvirtual-consoleMon, 08 Mar 2010 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Pokemon TV spots]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-pokemon-tv-spots/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-pokemon-tv-spots/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-pokemon-tv-spots/#comments This week's Nintendo Channel update is about as light as it gets. Sure, there's a new DS demo to check out and a pair of TV spots for Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver -- but that's about it.

Oh, you don't believe us? Well, that hurts our feelings, but, by all means, check out the full list of this week's content past the break for yourselves. We'll just wait for you in the corner with our broken heart.

Continue reading This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Pokemon TV spots

Joystiq NintendoThis Week on the Nintendo Channel: Pokemon TV spots originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendo-channelPokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverMon, 08 Mar 2010 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands gameplay footage revealed; game coming to PC in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/prince-of-persia-the-forgotten-sands-gameplay-footage-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/prince-of-persia-the-forgotten-sands-gameplay-footage-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/prince-of-persia-the-forgotten-sands-gameplay-footage-revealed/#commentsPhew, we can all relax now. According to this first gameplay footage from Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands, all concerns that the new game would forgo elements of exploration and environmental puzzle-solving -- and just go all-out "Bruckheimer" -- should be allayed. Plus, The Prince totally has some Andy Gibb hair going on. That's awesome, right?

The Forgotten Sands puts our Prince in his brother's neighboring kingdom during a great conflict. As a last-ditch effort to ensure the survival of the kingdom, the two release the Sands of Time, which saves everyone ... but also unleashes dark horrors. Uh-oh.

In PoP news, Eurogamer reports the PC version will release in June, a month after the console installments (due May 18). This is nothing new for Ubisoft, as the publisher followed the same protocol with staggered releases of both Assassin's Creed games. And if waiting an extra month hasn't deterred your goal to play The Forgotten Sands on the PC, know that it will also include Ubisoft's internet-based DRM solution -- something to keep in mind.

JoystiqPrince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands gameplay footage revealed; game coming to PC in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>prince-of-persiaprince-of-persia-the-forgotten-sandsrelease-datethe-forgotten-sandstrailerubisoftvideoMon, 08 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Flipnotes from the PAX 2009 show floor]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/flipnotes-from-the-pax-2009-show-floor/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/flipnotes-from-the-pax-2009-show-floor/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/flipnotes-from-the-pax-2009-show-floor/#commentsDuring PAX last year, Nintendo asked any professional artists who happened to be there to create an animation in the DSiWare program Flipnote Studio. Now, the flipnotes from comic artists like Eric Jones and Christina Strain, webcomics artist Scott Kurtz, and 5TH Cell art director Edison Yan, have finally been posted in a gallery on the Flipnote Hatena site.

Showing what can be done in a few minutes by a talented artist, and building on the excitement of a popular convention, makes this initiative a great promotional tool for the free app (and for the DSi in general), which is why Nintendo waited until six months after the event to release these!

Joystiq NintendoFlipnotes from the PAX 2009 show floor originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-celldsidsiwareedison-yanflipnote-studiopax-2009scott-kurtzMon, 08 Mar 2010 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo leading fans on wild Pokemon chase in New York City]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/nintendo-leading-fans-on-wild-pokemon-chase-in-new-york-city/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/nintendo-leading-fans-on-wild-pokemon-chase-in-new-york-city/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/nintendo-leading-fans-on-wild-pokemon-chase-in-new-york-city/#commentsNintendo is adding an ambulatory flourish to its Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver launch, celebrating the PokeWalker accessory with a guided walk around New York City's Times Square. On Sunday, March 14, Pikachu footprints will be placed around Broadway Plaza, inviting fans to trace the trail of the fictional giant rat, with live demonstrations of the game and accessory along the trail.

Nintendo's usual launch events take place at the Nintendo World Store in Rockefeller Center, but this one is located in (and around) the Times Square Toys 'R' Us. Should you show up at the NWS, you'll just have to do a little extra walking.

Joystiq NintendoNintendo leading fans on wild Pokemon chase in New York City originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>launch-eventnew-york-citypokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokewalkertoys-r-usMon, 08 Mar 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rising Star crowdsources Spanish localization of Fragile Dreams]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/rising-star-crowdsources-spanish-localization-of-fragile-dreams/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/rising-star-crowdsources-spanish-localization-of-fragile-dreams/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/rising-star-crowdsources-spanish-localization-of-fragile-dreams/#commentsRising Star Games has taken an unusual, cost-effective step to get Fragile Dreams into Spanish-speaking homes. In collaboration with fansite DSWii.es, Rising Star is helping a group of 50 fans produce their own translation of the game's 35,000-word script. The translated text will be made available from DSWii and Rising Star's site following the European release of the game on March 19.

This is a clever approach to localization for a couple of reasons. First, fifty motivated kids will be able to get the job done in a fraction of the time a professional localization team would take. Additionally, it'll be much easier for Rising Star to laugh off the inevitable errors than it would with a 'real' localization.

JoystiqRising Star crowdsources Spanish localization of Fragile Dreams originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dswiifragilefragile-dreamslocalizationnamco-bandairising-star-gamesspaintri-crescendoMon, 08 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: March 8-14, 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/now-playing-march-8-14-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/now-playing-march-8-14-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/now-playing-march-8-14-2010/#comments
"Dude!"

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Last updated: Tuesday, 9:18 AM

Continue reading Now Playing: March 8-14, 2010

JoystiqNow Playing: March 8-14, 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>newgamesnow-playingMon, 08 Mar 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Final Fantasy II, Max & the Magic Marker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/nintendoware-weekly-final-fantasy-ii-max-and-the-magic-marker/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/nintendoware-weekly-final-fantasy-ii-max-and-the-magic-marker/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/nintendoware-weekly-final-fantasy-ii-max-and-the-magic-marker/#commentsSure, you could play Final Fantasy XIII on PS3 and Xbox 360 this week, but you could also buy a Final Fantasy game whose quality isn't under any debate -- partly because it's really good, and partly because Final Fantasy II for SNES was released in 1991 and the debate has pretty much elapsed by now.

Or you could bypass that whole Final Fantasy thing and play a cute game about a kid and his amazing drawing ability.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Final Fantasy II, Max & the Magic Marker

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Final Fantasy II, Max & the Magic Marker originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4-travellers-play-spanishdracula-undead-awakeningdsiwareelemental-mastersfinal-fantasy-iifinal-fantasy-ivflipsmax-and-the-magic-markernintendoware-weeklysnesvirtual-consolewiiwareMon, 08 Mar 2010 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is new king of UK sales charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/battlefield-bad-company-2-is-new-king-of-uk-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/battlefield-bad-company-2-is-new-king-of-uk-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/08/battlefield-bad-company-2-is-new-king-of-uk-sales/#comments It's debatable whether or not the server crashing this past week was a symptom of Battlefield: Bad Company 2's success. What isn't debatable is the game's explosive debut on the UK's Chart-Track all-formats chart. The multiplayer-centric shooter, which we've been thoroughly enjoying, outsold the original Bad Company's launch week numbers almost 3 to 1. According to Chart-Track, BC2 is the "best ever launch for any game released this early in the year." Interestingly, 53 percent of BC2 sales went to the Xbox 360 version, followed by 31 percent and 16 percent of sales for the PS3 and PC, respectively. (The game also topped the three, individual platform charts.)

Of course, lurking in the corner was Just Dance. The game will not go away and continues to stay in the top three week after week after week. Last week's top game, Heavy Rain, slipped down to fourth and the battle of Aliens vs. Predator held onto third. Check out the complete top ten after the break.

Source - Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is a born leader [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

Continue reading Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is new king of UK sales charts

JoystiqBattlefield: Bad Company 2 is new king of UK sales charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-vs-predatorbattlefield-bad-company-2britainchart-trackheavy-rainjust-danceukMon, 08 Mar 2010 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Power: Scribblenauts sequel coming this Fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/06/nintendo-power-scribblenauts-sequel-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/06/nintendo-power-scribblenauts-sequel-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/06/nintendo-power-scribblenauts-sequel-coming-this-fall/#comments
[GoNintendo]

As evidenced by the image above, the latest issue of Nintendo Power reveals a sequel to 5th Cell's Scribblenauts for the Nintendo DS. According to a report from GoNintendo, the magazine feature additionally details the game's release window ("fall"), that it will receive "10,000 more words" and "120 new and improved levels," and will have a focus on the use of adjectives. Thankfully, the report also notes intentions to improve the game's controls -- a major setback of the first outing. We've shot an email to the developers and will hopefully have more information on the game sometime soon. For now, you can check out the full magazine cover right here.

JoystiqNintendo Power: Scribblenauts sequel coming this Fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-cellnintendo-powerq3-2010release-datescribblenautsscribblenauts-2Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Diner Dash dashing to WiiWare March 29]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/diner-dash-dashing-to-wiiware-march-29/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/diner-dash-dashing-to-wiiware-march-29/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/diner-dash-dashing-to-wiiware-march-29/#comments Attention would-be restaurateurs: Hudson has announced that Diner Dash will arrive on WiiWare March 29. This will mark the first time that the game has been available on WiiWare outside of Japan, where it was released last month. For those unfamiliar with the title, Diner Dash tasks players with running a restaurant. This entails seating customers, taking orders, placing orders, serving food and cleaning tables. You have to manage all of these tasks in real time, so it gets pretty hectic pretty fast. The WiiWare version features new controls and a new multiplayer mode as well.

The press release doesn't mention a pricing, though we'd imagine it will share the Japanese price of $10.

Joystiq NintendoDiner Dash dashing to WiiWare March 29 originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbonediner-dashhudsonplayfirstwiiwareFri, 05 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart-exclusive Wii bundle includes Wii Sports Resort]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/walmart-exclusive-wii-bundle-includes-wii-sports-resort/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/walmart-exclusive-wii-bundle-includes-wii-sports-resort/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/walmart-exclusive-wii-bundle-includes-wii-sports-resort/#comments Walmart just announced an exclusive Wii bundle, containing both Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort, as well as the necessary MotionPlus attachment. It'll be available in stores today, and on Walmart.com this Sunday. There's no reason not to pick this one up instead of the normal Wii package: this new bundle sells for the same $199 price!

According to Walmart, it'll only be available "while supplies last," which, given the history of the Wii platform, could be a surprisingly short time.

Update: We were additionally informed by a Walmart representative that the bundle contains "[one] normal Wii console you would purchase -- comes with all the same components -- for $199, except that you're getting Wii Sports Resort (with the packaged Wii MotionPlus)." Still quite a deal!

JoystiqWalmart-exclusive Wii bundle includes Wii Sports Resort originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlemotionplusspecial-value-editionwalmartwii-sportswii-sports-resortFri, 05 Mar 2010 17:21:00 EST<![CDATA[European Nintendo downloads: Mega Man 10, Bit.Trip Void, Dark Void Zero]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/european-nintendo-downloads-mega-man-10-bit-trip-void-dark-vo/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/european-nintendo-downloads-mega-man-10-bit-trip-void-dark-vo/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/european-nintendo-downloads-mega-man-10-bit-trip-void-dark-vo/#commentsIt's a fantastic day to be in Europe like retro and retro-style downloadable games. Coinciding with that amazing Bit.Trip Runner trailer, its predecessor Bit.Trip Void is now avaiable on WiiWare, along with the authentically NES-style Mega Man 10! There's even a real retro game available on Virtual Console -- a pretty good one, at that.

The theme even extends to DSiWare, where you can get Dark Void Zero, a promotional game that outshines the game it was meant to promote. You can play it on the DSi XL, which was released in Europe today!
  • Zaxxon (Arcade, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)
  • Bit.Trip Void (WiiWare, 1-4 players, 600 Wii Points)
  • Mega Man 10 (WiiWare, 1 player, 1,000 Wii Points)
  • Dark Void Zero (DSiWare, 1 player, 500 DSi Points)
  • Flips: The Bubonic Boulders (DSiWare, 1 player, 500 DSi Points)
  • Globulos Party (DSiWare, 1-2 players, 500 DSi Points)
  • Pinball Pulse: The Ancients Beckon (DSiWare, 1 player, 500 DSi Points)
  • Real Football 2010 (DSiWare, 1-4 players, 800 DSi Points)
  • New English Training: Learn with Tempo - Advanced Edition (not available in the UK) (DSiWare, 1 player, 800 DSi Points)

Joystiq NintendoEuropean Nintendo downloads: Mega Man 10, Bit.Trip Void, Dark Void Zero originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bit-trip-voiddark-void-zerodsiwareeuropeflipsfridayglobulos-partymega-man-10pinball-pulse-the-anicents-beckonreal-football-2010virtual-consolewiiwarezaxxonFri, 05 Mar 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision/Infinity Ward court documents detail ex-studio heads' many, many complaints]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/activision-infinity-ward-court-documents-detail-ex-studio-heads/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/activision-infinity-ward-court-documents-detail-ex-studio-heads/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/activision-infinity-ward-court-documents-detail-ex-studio-heads/#comments
[bloomsberries]

Beyond a statement released by ex-Infinity Ward heads Jason West and Vince Zampella's lawyer yesterday detailing the lawsuit the two are filing against Activision, we've seen little in the way of back history on the various events that lead us to the debacle we're seeing this week. This morning, though, Joystiq obtained the entire 16-page court document (gallery-ized below for you) that details, among many other things, the ex-employees' complaints about Activision in the wake of their untimely departure.

The initial claim of unpaid royalties is represented in the documents, even going as far as to claim that the publisher fired West and Zampella just weeks before having to pay out said royalties. "Activision fired them in hope that by doing so, it could avoid paying them what they had rightfully earned, and to seize control of the Infinity Ward studio, to which Activision had previously granted creative control over all Modern Warfare branded games," the document reads. In the history lesson portion of the complaint, it's revealed that Activision allegedly purchased the studio for just $5 million originally (in two different chunks), and the Call of Duty franchise (including Treyarch-developed titles) has earned over $3 billion since 2003.

Finally, the complaint claims that, before Infinity Ward agreed to develop Modern Warfare 2, the then-studio heads "were not eager to extend their employment" as Activision had apparently begun demanding a more constant development pace at the studio. "Despite assurances by Activision that West and Zampella would have complete freedom to run Infinity Ward as an independent studio, Activision had begun to intrude upon Infinity Ward's ability to create quality games. For example, Activision forced Infinity Ward's employees to continue producing the games at a breakneck pace under aggressive schedules, and West and Zampella were concerned that Activision was emphasizing quantity over quality."

Regardless of the veracity of these allegations, it would certainly appear that the gloves have come all the way off. We'll have a more thorough breakdown of the entire document later today, but for now you can see it in its entirety below.

JoystiqActivision/Infinity Ward court documents detail ex-studio heads' many, many complaints originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2court-documentsgame-developmentinfinity-wardjason-westlawsuitvince-zampellaFri, 05 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: The White Stripes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/rock-band-weekly-the-white-stripes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/rock-band-weekly-the-white-stripes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/rock-band-weekly-the-white-stripes/#commentsIt's a great time to be part of a two-piece Rock Band ... band. Next week, a three-pack of songs by The White Stripes will be released, each from a different album. In what might be the most appropriate music game DLC ever, "Fell in Love with a Girl" is totally playable in Lego Rock Band.

Other tracks to be added next week include songs from The Futureheads, The James Gang, Shaimus, and, for those of you who are both Canadian and four-armed mutants, Rush drummer Neil Peart's version of the classic Hockey Night in Canada theme song.

While you wait on that stuff, why not browse the new Rock Band Network selections? If you're playing on Xbox 360, that is. Everyone else: continue waiting.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: The White Stripes

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: The White Stripes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>neil-peartrock-bandrock-band-2rock-band-dlcrock-band-weeklyshaimusthe-futureheadsthe-james-gangthe-white-stripeswhite-stripesFri, 05 Mar 2010 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[You should probably watch this Bit.Trip Runner trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/bit-trip-runner-wiiware-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/bit-trip-runner-wiiware-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/bit-trip-runner-wiiware-trailer/#commentsGaijin Games has released the first trailer for Bit.Trip Runner, the fourth game in the WiiWare Bit.Trip series. Now we can see what the developer means by calling it a "rhythm platformer." The layout of the stage, from enemies to terrain, is all designed in accord with the chiptune soundtrack, and Commander Video, the franchise hero, jumps, slides, and collects gold at super-high speed -- all to the beat of 8-bit-inspired music.

We wanted to point to one specific moment in the video (posted after the break), but, as trailers tend to be, this one's full of moments. So, see if you can spot Super Meat Boy! Check out that Pitfall level! Watch out for the ... giant miner? ... Who shoots fireballs at you from a lantern? While you're on a treadmill?

Continue reading You should probably watch this Bit.Trip Runner trailer

JoystiqYou should probably watch this Bit.Trip Runner trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bit-trip-runnerchiptunesgaijin-gamesplatformerrhythmrhythm-platformertrailervideowiiwareFri, 05 Mar 2010 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's Dunaway says DS has 'room to grow' in US market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/nintendos-dunaway-says-ds-has-room-to-grow-in-us-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/nintendos-dunaway-says-ds-has-room-to-grow-in-us-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/nintendos-dunaway-says-ds-has-room-to-grow-in-us-market/#comments
[Business Wire] Nintendo of America VP Cammie Dunaway thinks the Nintendo DS is going to keep on getting bigger in America. (And no, not just literally.) Speaking with VentureBeat, the executive highlighted the tremendous success of the Nintendo handheld. "We had our best year ever, selling 11.2 million units. That has never been done by any game platform ever."

Yet, in spite of its success, Dunaway believes there's still a lot more to be done with the US market. Dunaway notes that -- in terms of market penetration -- "in Japan, one in two consumers has a DS." But in America? "It is one in four. So we have room to grow." Essentially, if Japan is the benchmark for America, Nintendo must sell twice as many DS systems as it already has.

If there's one thing we've learned not to doubt this generation, it's Nintendo's ability to sell systems and make money. In January, the company was able to sell over 400,000 units in America -- and that figure is likely to grow with the introduction of the DSi XL in March. Perhaps we need to add even more money to this already-overused JPG.

[Via Edge]

JoystiqNintendo's Dunaway says DS has 'room to grow' in US market originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cammie-dunawaydsdsi-xlnintendonintendo-dsnintendo-dsi-xlnintendo-of-americasalesThu, 04 Mar 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MadWorld for an insanely low $10]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/madworld-for-an-insanely-low-10/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/madworld-for-an-insanely-low-10/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/madworld-for-an-insanely-low-10/#comments Look, we don't like giving out ultimatums here; people are free to do what they want and we wouldn't dare dream of interfering. But we feel like we just can't go on if you don't own a copy of Platinum Games' MadWorld -- or have at least played it -- at this point in time.

So, we'd like to point out this sale over at Newegg. The game will only set you back a double sawbuck ($10) and even has free shipping -- there's really no excuse for you to refuse our request. Fine, you don't even have to play it. Just give it to a friend and hang out while they enjoy the over-the-top carnage and hilarious commentating duo of Greg Proops and John Di Maggio. Relationships are give and take, so work with us here, guys!

[Via Cheap College Gamers]

Joystiq NintendoMadWorld for an insanely low $10 originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealdealsmadworldneweggplatinum-gamessegaThu, 04 Mar 2010 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shin'en lighting up WiiWare with Jett Rocket]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/shinen-lighting-up-wiiware-with-jett-rocket/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/shinen-lighting-up-wiiware-with-jett-rocket/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/shinen-lighting-up-wiiware-with-jett-rocket/#commentsShin'en, developer of the DS Nanostray games, as well as the recent WiiWare release Art of Balance, has announced a new 3D platformer for WiiWare. Jett Rocket looks like your basic 3D platformer, but slightly smaller in scale, with three areas of the planet Yoroppa to explore. It looks impressive, with graphics that recall Super Mario Galaxy.

With a name like Jett Rocket, you'd expect some kind of powered vehicles, and the game features three: a paraglider, a "Jet Boat," and a "Jet Snowboard." Wouldn't that melt all the snow?

Joystiq NintendoShin'en lighting up WiiWare with Jett Rocket originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jett-rocketplatformershin-enshinenwiiwareThu, 04 Mar 2010 17:15:00 EST