JAKKS wants to keep WWE, THQ not quite sure
JAKKS is more than happy to reenter into its WWE licensing deal with THQ, but the gaming company isn't so sure it's ready to make a commitment. After JAKKS signed on the dotted line to extend its gaming agreement with the wrestling group for five years, THQ sued the toymaker, saying it wasn't ready to make a decision and that JAKKS had no right to sign the agreement without THQ's consent.
There were some reportedly shady dealings when JAKKS originally got the contract -- perhaps THQ wants to get the whole pie for itself. Who knows? Either way, the two companies have entered into arbitration, so hopefully the tiff won't have an impact on releases.
There were some reportedly shady dealings when JAKKS originally got the contract -- perhaps THQ wants to get the whole pie for itself. Who knows? Either way, the two companies have entered into arbitration, so hopefully the tiff won't have an impact on releases.
Vandal Hearts delayed for XBLA and PSN, still hearts you
If you had your heart set on downloading Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment via XBLA or PSN this September, prepare to have it broken. Konami has confirmed to Joystiq a report by Eurogamer that the return of the company's classic strategy RPG franchise has been delayed until "winter."
No reason was provided for the postponement of the game, which we first caught a glimpse of earlier this year. Let's hope the developer's equipment wasn't ... wait for it ... vandalized. (That one was from the heart.)
No reason was provided for the postponement of the game, which we first caught a glimpse of earlier this year. Let's hope the developer's equipment wasn't ... wait for it ... vandalized. (That one was from the heart.)
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 gets Japanese release date
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is set to hit stores on October 1 in Japan. Once an Xbox 360 exclusive, Ninja Gaiden's PS3 return combines the 2008 Xbox 360 sequel with new features, including online co-op, two new playable characters and planned fixes to a laundry list of issues found in the original game. Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is priced at ¥7,800 ($80 US). According to Kotaku, pre-order bonuses for the game include a "starter guide book" and download code for the original Ryu Hayabusa character costume. Better get a good stain remover, getting blood out of a Gi is hellacious.
Gallery: Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2
Home survey hints at future content

Sony has sent around another Home survey to see if it can figure out what people actually want from the service. Triplechat has an in-depth post about the various features that are mentioned in the survey -- some of which are things that have been promised before (such as game launching and music / video sharing) and some of which are things that haven't been mentioned (such as a PlayStation-branded Home space).
The survey asks recipients to rate different features with regard to how appealing they are or how likely the are to encourage more frequent Home visits. One section asks users to indicate what types of streaming media they'd like to see in the theater, such as full movies and TV shows, indie movies, music videos, developer interviews and stand up comedy.
Elsewhere it asks what features users would like to see in the aforementioned PlayStation Home space. These include minigames, backstory of the history of PlayStation and its games, trailers, interactive demos of PlayStation products, developer interviews and the ability to ask PlayStation experts questions about the brand. It all sounds like content that would be worth a look, but there's no guarantee at this point how much will make it into the service. Still, it's nice to see Sony constantly tasting the soup as it cooks.
The survey asks recipients to rate different features with regard to how appealing they are or how likely the are to encourage more frequent Home visits. One section asks users to indicate what types of streaming media they'd like to see in the theater, such as full movies and TV shows, indie movies, music videos, developer interviews and stand up comedy.
Elsewhere it asks what features users would like to see in the aforementioned PlayStation Home space. These include minigames, backstory of the history of PlayStation and its games, trailers, interactive demos of PlayStation products, developer interviews and the ability to ask PlayStation experts questions about the brand. It all sounds like content that would be worth a look, but there's no guarantee at this point how much will make it into the service. Still, it's nice to see Sony constantly tasting the soup as it cooks.
Rumor: UFC to ban fighters that sign on for EA's MMA
There's been a pretty crazy rumor floating around. originating from the mixedmartialarts.com forums. The rumor states that UFC will blacklist any fighter that chooses to be a part of EA's upcoming game, MMA. That means should any fighter sign up to be represented in EA's game, they won't ever be endorsed by the UFC or asked to join. Crazy, right?
It makes sense, though, considering how well UFC 2009 Undisputed sold. UFC has a bona fide franchise on its hands, and will likely begin prepping for a sequel soon (if not already), and doesn't want that threatened by EA's game. But, hey, can't we all just get along? This isn't football, after all.
We've put in word to UFC corporate about the rumor and will be sure to get back to you as soon as we hear something.
[Via BloodyElbow; Thanks, Ryan!]
It makes sense, though, considering how well UFC 2009 Undisputed sold. UFC has a bona fide franchise on its hands, and will likely begin prepping for a sequel soon (if not already), and doesn't want that threatened by EA's game. But, hey, can't we all just get along? This isn't football, after all.
We've put in word to UFC corporate about the rumor and will be sure to get back to you as soon as we hear something.
[Via BloodyElbow; Thanks, Ryan!]
Sony commissions PS3 MMO for Taiwanese market

Taiwanese developer Yeck Entertainment, whose work includes the PC MMO, Legend of Glory (artwork from which can be seen above), is working on a PS3 MMO for Sony Computer Entertainment Taiwan, Siliconera reports. The confirmation comes from an interview that Japanese website Impress Watch conducted with the developer. Unfortunately, that's about all the info to be had at present.
Silconera speculates that, given the relatively small size of the Taiwanese console market, an investment in a large MMO undertaking for PS3 that will only be released there simply doesn't make sense -- indicating a likely Western release (or at least one outside of Taiwan) for the title.
Silconera speculates that, given the relatively small size of the Taiwanese console market, an investment in a large MMO undertaking for PS3 that will only be released there simply doesn't make sense -- indicating a likely Western release (or at least one outside of Taiwan) for the title.
Hacker brings PlayStation to the Pre
We can't tell you the number of times we've been on a train or bus and thought, "Wow, I really wish I was playing (insert your favorite PSX game here, though we're going to assume it's Pepsiman because of course it is)." Engadget reports that super hacker ZodTTD has heard our silent prayer and brought PlayStation 1 emulation to the Palm Pre.
It's not quite perfect yet (and not just because you have to play the thing with a keyboard), but at least we know our dream of bringing refreshing Pepsi-Cola to the children of the world on the go is just a bit closer to fruition.
It's not quite perfect yet (and not just because you have to play the thing with a keyboard), but at least we know our dream of bringing refreshing Pepsi-Cola to the children of the world on the go is just a bit closer to fruition.
Rare PlayStation Home goodies go for big bucks
GameZine did some snooping around eBay recently, and found some of the more rare PlayStation Home items were going for a surprising amount of money. Two examples were presented in an InFamous reaper costume that sold for $30 (that's like 18 Slurpees) and a Killzone 2 Helghast outfit that went for -- you may want to brace your hindquarters for this one -- a whopping $66. That is more than the frakkin' game!
So, Joystiq has come up with a plan:
So, Joystiq has come up with a plan:
- Create a Joystiq-themed Home space (there may be some minor kidnapping of designers involved, but we'll flesh that out later)
- Make sure it is the only one in existence
- ???
- Profit
Hot Shots 'Refresh' revealed as a minigame collection
First teased by developer Clap Hanz a couple days back, IGN reports that the latest casual sporting game in the Hot Shots franchise is actually a collection of 12 disparate minigames. Minna no Sukkiri ("sukirri" is Japanese for "refresh") does feature some sports -- karate, baseball, soccer, boxing, racing -- but only in bite-sized servings. The remaining seven games are ... well, they're odd, comprised of book-organizing, vegetable fighting and vacuuming, to name just a few.
We can see this minigame jumble getting a strong push for PSP Go in the States -- under a completely different name, of course. The Japanese version is slated for release this fall and a demo will be made available on Japan's PlayStation Store this Friday, July 3.
We can see this minigame jumble getting a strong push for PSP Go in the States -- under a completely different name, of course. The Japanese version is slated for release this fall and a demo will be made available on Japan's PlayStation Store this Friday, July 3.
Capcom reveals list of PSP and PS1 games coming to PSN

Capcom is making good on its promise to release a ridiculous amount of PSP and PS1 titles on the PSN and has announced, via the PS Blog, the next batch of games that will be available to (re)purchase. Resident Evil fans won't be disappointed with the rest of the PS1 franchise entries making their way to the PSN, alongside Dino Crisis. PSP fans will also get their hands on seven titles, including two Mega Man games, two Capcom Classics collections, Darkstalkers and Power Stone Collection.
It's a pretty good bunch of games and you can see the full list after the break. Other than Capcom Classics Remixed, which releases in America this week, none of the other games have been dated for any territory, nor even confirmed for European release. We've contacted Capcom Europe to ask, but release dates for the US will be revealed on the PlayStation Blog over time.
It's a pretty good bunch of games and you can see the full list after the break. Other than Capcom Classics Remixed, which releases in America this week, none of the other games have been dated for any territory, nor even confirmed for European release. We've contacted Capcom Europe to ask, but release dates for the US will be revealed on the PlayStation Blog over time.
Citroen concept car gets driven around UK, impresses Londoners
French car maker Citroën drove its "GTbyCitroën" concept car from the perpetually "coming soon" Gran Turismo 5 around London streets recently. It toured the the real-life version of a street track from the game and, wouldn't you know it, people everywhere were going nuts. Busting out cameras, mouths agape staring while the car rumbled past -- it's as if they'd never seen such a purty car before.
Oh right! That's because they haven't ever seen the car before, because it's still a concept, unveiled at last year's Paris Auto Show as a collaboration between Polyphony Digital and Citroën. We have the full video after the break, but as you might imagine, it's not exactly nailing apexes and drafting opponents so much as slowly winding around pedestrian-filled British streets. With any luck, we'll have a more ... erm ... action-oriented video of the car soon for your viewing pleasure, as it'll be making an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this coming weekend.
Oh right! That's because they haven't ever seen the car before, because it's still a concept, unveiled at last year's Paris Auto Show as a collaboration between Polyphony Digital and Citroën. We have the full video after the break, but as you might imagine, it's not exactly nailing apexes and drafting opponents so much as slowly winding around pedestrian-filled British streets. With any luck, we'll have a more ... erm ... action-oriented video of the car soon for your viewing pleasure, as it'll be making an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this coming weekend.
SOCOM: Confrontation DLC available later this summer
SOCOM: Confrontation will soon join the DLC fold, with new content scheduled to drop later this summer. While details on the new content are slim, the game's official site promises more information will be made available in the upcoming weeks. What we do know is the content will include a new area of operation, a new game mode, along with new maps (teased in the tiny image above), characters, weapons and attachments.
Audiophiles will also be happy to hear the game's music will be updated and players can select a new voice-over when the content arrives. Now that SOCOM: Confrontation has evolved beyond its original feature-sparse retail release, we're excited for new ways to get tactical on our online enemies.
Audiophiles will also be happy to hear the game's music will be updated and players can select a new voice-over when the content arrives. Now that SOCOM: Confrontation has evolved beyond its original feature-sparse retail release, we're excited for new ways to get tactical on our online enemies.
Gallery: SOCOM Confrontation
And you thought DJ Hero was expensive in America

Europeans will be paying through the nose -- but pay they will, if past Hero franchise figures are anything to go by -- for the next rhythm game from Activision. ShopTo has told Eurogamer that DJ Hero will retail for a ridiculous £108 in the UK. That's about $178 -- a $50 markup from the already silly US price.
Retailers are doing their best to bring the price down to something a little more reasonable, with ShopTo offering the game for £94.85 and HMV listing a £99.99 price point. Still a bit steep, but we suspect the game will still sell pretty decently. Although, that depends on how much Scratch will be selling for ...
Retailers are doing their best to bring the price down to something a little more reasonable, with ShopTo offering the game for £94.85 and HMV listing a £99.99 price point. Still a bit steep, but we suspect the game will still sell pretty decently. Although, that depends on how much Scratch will be selling for ...
inFamous Home space encourages vandalism, electrocution
PlayStation Home is becoming, well, home to a number of new game-specific spaces, the latest of which -- devoted to inFamous -- has been revealed by Sony. Set to be added to the virtual world on Thursday, July 2 (hey, that's tomorrow!), the themed location ("The Abandoned Docks of Empire City") will feature a couple of interactive goodies, including the ability for users to create graffiti designs using Sony's tool set (to prevent any naughtiness, we suppose) which can be seen -- and voted on -- by other Homers.
Much more exciting, though, is a shooting gallery minigame where (after waiting in line for, like, forever, spamming the X button) Cole-esque electric bolts are used to knock down targets fashioned after Reapers, Dustmen and the like. We were hoping for a corresponding announcement of a new "Zeke's Rooftop" private space, but, alas, it's seemingly not to be, at least for now. Check out a video tour of the new inFamous space after the break, along with high-res screens below.
Much more exciting, though, is a shooting gallery minigame where (after waiting in line for, like, forever, spamming the X button) Cole-esque electric bolts are used to knock down targets fashioned after Reapers, Dustmen and the like. We were hoping for a corresponding announcement of a new "Zeke's Rooftop" private space, but, alas, it's seemingly not to be, at least for now. Check out a video tour of the new inFamous space after the break, along with high-res screens below.
Gallery: inFamous Home Space
Kojima Productions in 'support role' for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
Hideo Kojima has further reiterated his supporting role in Castlevania: Lord of Shadow in a new interview with Weekly Famitsu, reports 1UP. "This has become a big project, one with the idea that we needed to make a Castlevania which had that same kind of feverish Western support, and that's why Kojima Productions came in to help," Kojima told the Japanese publication.
With his Metal Gear Solid games beloved by everyone the world over (everyone with taste, anyway), Kojima's the right man for the job. But seeing as how this game is being developed by Madrid-based Mercury Steam Entertainment, Kojima obviously won't be on-site to aid in development. Instead, the team comes up with concepts to run by Kojima and he has them "fix things based on my objective viewpoint." An example given is the initial model for the hero's face, which Kojima had them redesign to be, well, more heroic looking. See, people, this is the kind of thing only Kojima can bring to the table!
With his Metal Gear Solid games beloved by everyone the world over (everyone with taste, anyway), Kojima's the right man for the job. But seeing as how this game is being developed by Madrid-based Mercury Steam Entertainment, Kojima obviously won't be on-site to aid in development. Instead, the team comes up with concepts to run by Kojima and he has them "fix things based on my objective viewpoint." An example given is the initial model for the hero's face, which Kojima had them redesign to be, well, more heroic looking. See, people, this is the kind of thing only Kojima can bring to the table!
Featured Galleries
Team Joystiq
- Chris Grant
- Editor-in-Chief, Email
- James Ransom-Wiley
- Managing Editor, Email
- Ludwig Kietzmann
- Senior Editor, Email
- Andrew Yoon
- East Coast Editor, Email
- Randy Nelson
- West Coast Editor, Email
- Justin McElroy
- Reviews Editor, Email
- Justin Glow
- Developer, Email
Joystiq Video

Loading Viddler Videos
WIN Network
- Autos
- Technology
- Lifestyle
- Gaming
- Entertainment
- Finance
- Sports
- Also on AOL
AOL News
All contents copyright © 2003-2009, Weblogs, Inc. All rights reserved
Joystiq [PlayStation] is a member of the Weblogs, Inc. Network. Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, Notify AOL



















