Joystiq [PlayStation] http://playstation.joystiq.com Joystiq [PlayStation] http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://playstation.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq [PlayStation] http://playstation.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[Get a taste of the future: Ghost Recon: Future Soldier teaser]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/get-a-taste-of-the-future-ghost-recon-future-soldier-teaser/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/get-a-taste-of-the-future-ghost-recon-future-soldier-teaser/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/get-a-taste-of-the-future-ghost-recon-future-soldier-teaser/#comments The previously Xbox Live-exclusive Ghost Recon: Future Soldier trailer has found its way onto the YouTubes. As expected, it's a lot of CG and absolutely no gameplay -- with a final title screen promising release in "Fall 2010." One item in the teaser, however, did manage to excite us: Invisibility. It looks like every future soldier gets one of those special Harry Potter blankets. Neat!

Head past the break for the teaser.

Continue reading Get a taste of the future: Ghost Recon: Future Soldier teaser

JoystiqGet a taste of the future: Ghost Recon: Future Soldier teaser originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghost-reconghost-recon-future-soldierubisoftvideoTue, 09 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz reports growing profits, hints at new Super Street Fighter IV joystick]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/mad-catz-reports-profits-new-super-street-fighter-iv-joystick/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/mad-catz-reports-profits-new-super-street-fighter-iv-joystick/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/mad-catz-reports-profits-new-super-street-fighter-iv-joystick/#commentsAccessory company Mad Catz released its earnings report for the third quarter of its fiscal year (ending December 31, 2009), with numbers that suggest its wares are selling like mad. Net sales came to $48.8 million, which is "the second-best quarter of sales in the company's history." Profits increased 51 percent over the same period in the previous fiscal year, a change Mad Catz attributes to its movement out of low-price controllers and into higher-end specialty accessories. Hello $150 FiightStick!

In its announcement, Mad Catz also listed the controllers and accessories it plans to ship in the near future. In addition to the new Super Street Fighter IV "Tournament Edition S" FightSticks (pictured above), the release also reveals plans to sell a new Super Street Fighter IV edition of the standard FightStick. It's as of yet unconfirmed if the standard stick will be given a new layout and shell like the superified Tournament Edition stick, or merely new artwork.

JoystiqMad Catz reports growing profits, hints at new Super Street Fighter IV joystick originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfightstickfinancialmad-catzmadcatzsuper-street-fighter-ivTue, 09 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 has surprises in store for Wii and PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/level-5-has-surprises-in-store-for-wii-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/level-5-has-surprises-in-store-for-wii-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/level-5-has-surprises-in-store-for-wii-and-ps3/#commentsGiving a speech at the deliciously-named C.C. Lemon Hall in Tokyo, Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino revealed that the developer has unannounced Wii and PS3 games in the works.

The developer's current lineup is heavy on DS and mobile titles (including Professor Layton games, Ni no Kuni, and Fantasy Life), with one known console game: the followup to the PS3 role-playing game White Knight Chronicles. One of the unnamed Wii titles could be Inazuma Eleven Break, a console soccer RPG whose platform was never specified. Dragon Quest X, whose Wii development was confirmed by Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii, but whose developer was never named, is also a possibility. But this is all conjecture, since Hino said nothing other than that there were some new Wii and PS3 games.

[Via Andriasang]

JoystiqLevel-5 has surprises in store for Wii and PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-xinazuma-eleven-breaklevel-5Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Riccitiello reckons console price cuts came too late]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/riccitiello-reckons-console-price-cuts-came-too-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/riccitiello-reckons-console-price-cuts-came-too-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/riccitiello-reckons-console-price-cuts-came-too-late/#comments Yesterday's EA earnings call was packed with tidbits about upcoming games but, as reported by VG247, there was time for some minor mudslinging as well. During the call, EA CEO John Riccitiello was asked about industry health and tie ratios, and said "I think a... factor in 2009 was sort of a lack of aggressive pricing on first-party if you will, a little bit too late with their price-cuts."

He later added that console use was actually up, even in the face of social gaming platforms like Facebook. So, think what you will about Riccy's stance on price cut timing, the one thing that's certain is that we're not to blame.

JoystiqRiccitiello reckons console price cuts came too late originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaJohn-riccitielloTue, 09 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Holy trademark, NIS! 'Badman' games to be renamed [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/holy-trademark-nis-badman-games-to-be-renamed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/holy-trademark-nis-badman-games-to-be-renamed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/holy-trademark-nis-badman-games-to-be-renamed/#commentsWhat did I do to deserve this, my lord!? That is both the question on NIS America's mind and the new title of its series, once known as Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! The publisher announced that it's changing the name of the Acquire-developed action-strategy game in response to "a conflict of interest with an existing IP." We're guessing the trademark issue in question is with a certain comic book franchise owned by Warner Bros. -- Plastic Man, obviously.

This week has not been kind to NIS. Just yesterday, the Japanese parent company reported a 95 percent drop in profits, and now the American branch has to change the name of one of its franchises midstream. May 4 is the new release date for what is now called What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord!? 2.

[Update: May is indeed a new release date for the game: it was originally slated for March.]

JoystiqHoly trademark, NIS! 'Badman' games to be renamed [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquirebadmanbatmanholy-invasion-of-privacy-badmannisnis-americatrademarkwarner-broswhat-did-i-do-to-deserve-this-my-lordTue, 09 Feb 2010 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[BlazBlue: Continuum Shift gaining a character in console port]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/blazblue-continuum-shift-gaining-a-character-in-console-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/blazblue-continuum-shift-gaining-a-character-in-console-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/blazblue-continuum-shift-gaining-a-character-in-console-port/#commentsAs we heard from Famitsu leaks, Arc System Works' arcade Blazblue followup is coming home to consoles. Blazblue: Continuum Shift will feature the three new characters added to the arcade release -- Tsubaki Yayoi, Hazama, and λ-11, as well as one new console-exclusive character, the cyborg μ-12.

According to Siliconera, the new home release will also include a beginner mode, and the strategic Legion Mode introduced in BlazBlue Portable. So you'll be able to randomly mash buttons as usual, but you'll win territory by doing so. No time frame or consoles are known at the moment, but the original BlazBlue was released on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

JoystiqBlazBlue: Continuum Shift gaining a character in console port originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysarc-system-worksblazblueblazblue-continuum-shiftfightingTue, 09 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon also headed to Wii, PSP, and DS; Wii version developed by a different team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ghost-recon-also-headed-to-wii-psp-and-ds-wii-version-develop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ghost-recon-also-headed-to-wii-psp-and-ds-wii-version-develop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ghost-recon-also-headed-to-wii-psp-and-ds-wii-version-develop/#comments Among the handful of Ubiscoops about 2010's releases coming out of today's investor call, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot brought up the tactical Tom Clancy franchise Ghost Recon. Beyond the already revealed platforms for Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, Guillemot detailed the franchise's further ubiquity, saying the next Ghost Recon game will "be on all platforms: 360, PS3, Wii, PSP, [and] DS." He noted that the Wii version of Ghost Recon will "be done by a different team" with a "different approach ... created for that Wii population." Presumably, the game will involve standing on the balance board to approximate a sniper's breathing -- and it'll also be made up entirely of mini-games. Whoa, whoa -- calm down there killer. We're just joshin' ya!

He also confirmed something we've been mentioning for months now: "There will be more competition in the first eight months than in the last four." Get your calculators and spreadsheets out, folks -- early 2010 is gonna be a bruiser like we've never seen before (on our bank accounts, that is).

JoystiqGhost Recon also headed to Wii, PSP, and DS; Wii version developed by a different team originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghost-reconghost-recon-future-soldierq1-2010ubisoftyves-guillemotTue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 (PSP)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/review-socom-fireteam-bravo-3-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/review-socom-fireteam-bravo-3-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/review-socom-fireteam-bravo-3-psp/#comments The SOCOM series traditionally focuses on tactical decision-making rather than big action; large set piece battles become few and far between when players utilize the correct tactics to mechanically disable the opposition. In SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3, the careful execution of enemy forces still exists, but in the end, most missions boil down to the same tactic found in other shooters: survival.

In Fireteam Bravo 3, the SEALs have infiltrated an action movie and there's no turning back.

Continue reading Review: SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 (PSP)

JoystiqReview: SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 (PSP) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>slant-sixslant-six-gamesSOCOMsocom-fireteam-bravo-3Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Q-Games' Dylan Cuthbert taking aim at more PixelJunk Shooter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/q-games-dylan-cuthbert-taking-aim-at-more-pixeljunk-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/q-games-dylan-cuthbert-taking-aim-at-more-pixeljunk-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/q-games-dylan-cuthbert-taking-aim-at-more-pixeljunk-shooter/#comments There's no doubt about it -- Q-Games head Dylan Cuthbert is very much interested in making more content for the latest in the PixelJunk series of games, PixelJunk Shooter. When he spoke recently to G4TV, Cuthbert said, "for PixelJunk Shooter we still have a ton of ideas on the drawing board and the engine has lots of potential we want to use before moving onto our next idea." He also teased the possibility of a full-on sequel, front-loading his last statement with, "normally sequels are just a re-hashing of the ideas in the original."

Given the PixelJunk's all-over-the-place history with DLC and re-releases and Encore versions, we poked Cuthbert for clarification. When we asked which of the aforementioned options we might see for PixelJunk Shooter, Cuthbert told us: "It hasn't been decided yet, as it depends on how much content we end up making. Whatever we end up making, though, it will be even better than the first installment with loads of new stuff. (Obviously I know what some of that stuff is, but I can't say -- all I can say is that fans will be extremely pleased.)" So, there you have it, folks! We're gonna see ... umm ... something else from Shooter.

JoystiqQ-Games' Dylan Cuthbert taking aim at more PixelJunk Shooter originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcdylan-cuthbertencorepixeljunkpixeljunk-shooterpsnq-gamessequelTue, 09 Feb 2010 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft details first quarter 2010 releases; reveals Anno for iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-details-first-quarter-2010-releases-reveals-anno-for-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-details-first-quarter-2010-releases-reveals-anno-for-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-details-first-quarter-2010-releases-reveals-anno-for-ip/#comments Ubisoft's latest sales report details the company's proposed fourth quarter fiscal year releases -- the period beginning January 1, 2010 until March 31, 2010. It's pretty much everything we expected, with profits for Ubisoft relying on four key titles, three of which are on the PC platform: Assassin's Creed II: Director's Cut, Red Steel 2, The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom and Silent Hunter 5: Battle for the Atlantic.

However, other notable titles will also release during this window, including Racquet Sports and the upcoming Assassin's Creed 2: Multiplayer on iPhone -- oh, and a bunch of new Imagine games, obviously. Outside of detailing these games, Ubisoft also announced that its popular Anno series is coming to the iPhone. Exact details on the game haven't been revealed, but it's a safe bet that city planning and real-time strategy will somehow be involved. Head past the break for the full list of releases.

Source - Ubisoft Q3 sales report [PDF link]

Continue reading Ubisoft details first quarter 2010 releases; reveals Anno for iPhone

JoystiqUbisoft details first quarter 2010 releases; reveals Anno for iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creedassassins-creed-2assassins-creed-2-directors-cutassassins-creed-2-discoveryassassins-creed-2-multiplayerimagineracquet-sportsrelease-dateubisoftTue, 09 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Trine chops price on European PSN]]>http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/trine-chops-price-on-european-psn/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/trine-chops-price-on-european-psn/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/trine-chops-price-on-european-psn/#comments Co-op platformer Trine has received a magical 25 percent price chop on the European PlayStation Network, making it €15. There's currently no word of a stateside drop, but we're aiming for some answers.

Considering the second delay (following a three month holdup) between Trine's European and US release was about a month, maybe it's the theme that's being used for the discount? Then again, €15 converted to USD is $20, so this "price drop" is actually bringing price parity with Trine's current cost in the States.

Gallery: Trine

Joystiq PlaystationTrine chops price on European PSN originally appeared on Joystiq Playstation on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefrozenbyteplatformerprice-cutpsntrineTue, 09 Feb 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Producers: Final Fantasy XIII will 'resurrect' Japanese game industry]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/producers-final-fantasy-xiii-will-resurrect-japanese-game-ind/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/producers-final-fantasy-xiii-will-resurrect-japanese-game-ind/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/producers-final-fantasy-xiii-will-resurrect-japanese-game-ind/#comments
Final Fantasy XIII may not be out in North America and Europe yet, but the development team is in full "victory lap" mode in Japan. At least, that's how it seemed when noted industry figure Jem Alexander interviewed producer Yoshinori Kitase and director Motomu Toriyama for the European PlayStation Blog. Asked about the state of the Japanese game industry, the two (no individual attribution was given to the speakers) said that FFXIII was going to fix it.

"Some people have been saying that the Japanese game industry is dead, and all that... I dunno," the creative lead said. "I will say that Final Fantasy XIII is one really epic title for high definition consoles. With this game, we are going to resurrect the whole thing." And then they immediately moved from boastful to confusing: "As for Western games that have influenced us - FPSs mostly. The Call of Duty series, for example." Influenced their desire to sell a lot of copies, maybe?

The team also suggested elsewhere in the interview that God of War Collection-style remakes of previous Final Fantasy titles are unlikely. And, while they didn't outright deny DLC (which is looking more and more likely), they said that material or ideas originally left out won't be put back in as DLC.

JoystiqProducers: Final Fantasy XIII will 'resurrect' Japanese game industry originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiiimotomu-toriyamarpgsquare-enixyoshinori-kitaseTue, 09 Feb 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier to be present Holiday 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/tom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldier-to-be-present-holiday-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/tom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldier-to-be-present-holiday-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/tom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldier-to-be-present-holiday-2/#comments Or, it'll be a Holiday 2010 present, depending on how heavily you drop those hints and how desirable you find Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's "cutting-edge technology, prototype high-tech weaponry, and state-of-the-art single-player and multiplayer modes." Developed by the GRAW veterans at Ubisoft Paris, Future Soldier promises to "go beyond the core Ghost Recon franchise and deliver a fresh gameplay experience, with an unparalleled level of quality that will excite long-time fans and newcomers alike." Yes, this is definitely from a press release.

A multiplayer beta is scheduled to start in Summer 2010, with invitations tied to another of Ubisoft's freshened franchises, Splinter Cell: Conviction (which is but a stone's throw away from release). The offer is currently extended only to the Xbox 360 version of Conviction -- and aside from Microsoft's system, no platforms have been explicitly mentioned in Future Soldier's announcement. He's from the future, so Facebook is a likely candidate.

Update: According to one of Ubisoft's Twitter accounts, the "same experience, same development team and same release date" will be coming to PlayStation 3. Ubisoft's Kimi Matsuzaki also noted that PC details would come "later."

JoystiqTom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier to be present Holiday 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghost-reconghost-recon-future-soldiertom-clancytom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldierubisoftubisoft-parisTue, 09 Feb 2010 06:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft: EndWar sequel on hold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-endwar-sequel-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-endwar-sequel-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-endwar-sequel-on-hold/#comments The news, as presented in EndWar voice-command style:

-- VG247, report, EndWar sequel, halted.

-- Ubisoft, elaborate, "on the backburner."

-- Joystiq, clarify, "on the backburner?"

*END TRANSMISSION*

JoystiqUbisoft: EndWar sequel on hold originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>end-warendwarmichael-de-platertom-clancys-endwarubisoftTue, 09 Feb 2010 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Former EyeToy exec warns of the difficulties facing Natal, 'Arc']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/former-eyetoy-exec-warns-of-the-difficulties-facing-natal-arc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/former-eyetoy-exec-warns-of-the-difficulties-facing-natal-arc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/former-eyetoy-exec-warns-of-the-difficulties-facing-natal-arc/#comments In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Jamie MacDonald, former Vice President of Sony Worldwide Studios (the company responsible for EyeToy), gave out a few pointers to Sony and Microsoft regarding their respective motion controllers. MacDonald warned that gamers are expecting more from the 360 and PS3's motion gaming than they do from the Wii, due to both consoles' beefier hardware. However, he also warned about implementing "traditional long-form gameplay," lengthy sessions of which would leave players "completely knackered."

MacDonald's wisest words came when speaking about pricing the two pieces of hardware. He suggested they follow Sony's strategy with EyeToy, where the peripheral and a piece of software came bundled for the price of a normal game, which kept consumers from "paying a premium for the hardware." That's a sweet thought, but it's a little presumptive -- after all, we've yet to hear a price for the two devices. (Hell, we haven't even heard a name for one of them.)

JoystiqFormer EyeToy exec warns of the difficulties facing Natal, 'Arc' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eyetoyjamie-macdonaldmicrosoftnatalplaystation-arcplaystation-arc-motion-controllerplaystation-motion-controllerproject-natalsonyMon, 08 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Moore excited about PlayStation 'Arc,' unsure about OnLive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/peter-moore-excited-about-playstation-arc-unsure-about-onlive/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/peter-moore-excited-about-playstation-arc-unsure-about-onlive/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/peter-moore-excited-about-playstation-arc-unsure-about-onlive/#comments In a time-honored Peter Moore tradition, the EA Sports head recently opened up for an interview on a variety of subjects in the game industry. This time, the oft fake-tattooed gentleman exposited on the future of OnLive and his company's investment in the upcoming PlayStation Motion Controller (supposedly named "Arc"). "I don't know about OnLive," Moore told CVG, responding to the question of whether or not the cloud gaming service will become the "iTunes of gaming." He does, however, see opportunity in burgeoning distribution and pricing methods. "If a consumer's got five bucks to spend on some cool DLC; if they love Tiger Woods but want to be able to play online and invest $10 or $15 over a period of time ... those are the things we need to look at."

As far as his interest in the "Arc" goes, he says that he's seen the hardware in action and thinks it'll be a "great complement to what's out there." He directly points out its distinction from the Wii's motion controller and reconfirms EA Sports' development of games with Sony motion in mind -- he even names tennis and golf as prime contenders as each sport lends to an "authentic sports motion" (at least with what he's seen on the Wii). Frankly, we're just about as excited as could be to finally show off our lacking sports skills as games based on sports creep closer to reality.

JoystiqPeter Moore excited about PlayStation 'Arc,' unsure about OnLive originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcdevelopmentdlceaea-sportsonlivepeter-mooreplaystation-motion-controlsony-motion-controllertiger-woodsMon, 08 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo PSP helps series top 55 million units sold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/gran-turismo-psp-helps-series-top-55-million-units-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/gran-turismo-psp-helps-series-top-55-million-units-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/gran-turismo-psp-helps-series-top-55-million-units-sold/#comments We hate to be all Captain Obvious about it, but there's good reason the Gran Turismo series is still doing laps around the virtual track. People are voting with their cash, as the latest figures from Polyphony Digital show that Gran Turismo PSP has managed to sell 1.8 million copies. And through its success, it's hit one hell of a milestone for the Gran Turismo series at large. Here's the rundown of the franchise's success:
  • The original Gran Turismo has sold 10,850,000 units
  • Gran Turismo 2 has sold 9,370,000 units
  • Gran Turismo 3 A-spec on the PS2 managed to sell 14,890,000 units
  • Gran Turismo Concept Series sold 1,560,000 units
  • Gran Turismo 4 "Prologue" invaded 1,350,000 homes
  • Gran Turismo 4 has been a heck of an earner, selling 10,980,000 units
  • Gran Turismo 5 "Prologue" brought the series to the PS3 by selling 4,650,000 units
  • Gran Turismo PSP recently recorded sales of 1,800,000 units
That brings the total to 55,450,000 units. It seems impressive enough -- over five million units sold in the last year-and-a-half ain't too shabby -- though there are some caveats.

For one, the Gran Turismo series has been around for over 10 years -- much longer than any of its competitors. Secondly, it's been the definitive diehard simulation racing experience on Sony's consoles, effectively making it the only show in town. Finally, the series has over seven Guinness World Records. Basically, when you have the world record for "Largest Instruction Guide for a Racing Game," it's, like, a guarantee people are going to buy it.

[Via GI.biz]

JoystiqGran Turismo PSP helps series top 55 million units sold originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran-turismogran-turismo-5gran-turismo-5-prologuegran-turismo-psppolyphony-digitalsalesMon, 08 Feb 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Global PS3 market share increasing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/report-global-ps3-market-share-increasing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/report-global-ps3-market-share-increasing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/report-global-ps3-market-share-increasing/#commentsYou may have assumed this from the climbing PS3 sales Sony reported last week, but a report from Research and Markets provides further confirmation that the system is increasing in popularity around the world.

"The PS3 is dominant in Japan and Korea," the report notes, "and as of June 2008, has begun to outsell the Xbox 360 in Europe. It is also steadily increasing its market share in all other regions across the globe, including in the North American market." The Xbox 360 is still ahead of the PS3 in North America. It's worth noting that the increase in sales in Europe predates the price drop and introduction of the PS3 Slim.

Research and Markets also provided a bit more information about the distribution of console sales. Though North America remains the largest market for consoles, "The high population density and rapid uptake of technology in countries such as Japan and Korea, and to a lesser extent in Singapore and Hong Kong, see a disproportionately high level of console sales compared to the rest of the world," the report reads." Console sales are also fairly high in Western Europe and are growing considerably in the emerging markets of Eastern Europe, Latin America, and other areas in Asia."

JoystiqReport: Global PS3 market share increasing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystmarket-sharemarketshareps3-slimresearch-and-marketsMon, 08 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Rock Band deal with Viacom only through March 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/ea-rock-band-deal-with-viacom-only-through-fiscal-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/ea-rock-band-deal-with-viacom-only-through-fiscal-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/ea-rock-band-deal-with-viacom-only-through-fiscal-2010/#commentsIf you're wondering where Rock Band 3 is, a year and a half after Rock Band 2 and five months after the launch of The Beatles: Rock Band, it seems EA isn't sure it's going to get to publish it. During an investor conference call, EA execs revealed that the publisher's deal with Viacom (the company that owns MTV, Harmonix, Rock Band and maybe you as well) is only active through fiscal year 2010 (which ends March 31).

Presumably the deal somehow includes the yet-to-be-released Green Day: Rock Band -- but EA's unlikely to announce any more Rock Band games until it knows it has the license locked down for another year.

JoystiqEA: Rock Band deal with Viacom only through March 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaharmonixmtvrock-bandrock-band-2rock-band-3viacomMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space 2 and EA's Epic shooter slated for early 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/dead-space-2-and-ea-epic-shooter-slated-for-early-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/dead-space-2-and-ea-epic-shooter-slated-for-early-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/dead-space-2-and-ea-epic-shooter-slated-for-early-2011/#comments EA's tentative release schedule for Q4 of its fiscal 2011 (or, as us normal people call it, January-March 2011) contains more than a few intriguing entries. You already heard about the new Dragon Age game -- but listed just below that is an untitled "Shooter from Epic TBA." Of course, this can only mean one thing: Gears of Madden 2012 is within spitting distance of becoming a sweet reality! Wait -- what's that? Oh, right, the listing more likely points to new speculative details about that possible "Bulletstorm" project from Epic's People Can Fly studio. How ... unofficial.

Also listed under the early 2011 releases is Dead Space 2, which EA had previously promised would drop before next March. The excitement level of the remaining games drops off like the deep end of a pool: The list includes (deep breath) a new Need For Speed on consoles and PC (in addition to an apparent Holiday 2010 release), a downloadable "action" game, a new fighting game designated as a "sports" title, a new Hasbro game (more Family Game Night?), and new installments in the Sims and Spore franchises.

JoystiqDead Space 2 and EA's Epic shooter slated for early 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bulletstormdead-spacedead-space-2eaea-sportselectronic-artsfamily-game-nightneed-for-speedpeople-can-flyq1-2011release-datethe-simsMon, 08 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 2, Sims 3 on consoles, NBA Jam due Holiday 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/crysis-2-sims-3-on-consoles-nba-jam-due-holiday-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/crysis-2-sims-3-on-consoles-nba-jam-due-holiday-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/crysis-2-sims-3-on-consoles-nba-jam-due-holiday-2010/#comments Thanks to today's EA earnings report (EArnings?) we're starting to get an idea of how the company's holiday season is going to shape up. This is all subject to change, of course, but as of right now it would appear you can look forward to Crysis 2, NBA Jam and EA Sports MMA sometime between October and December of 2010.

Filling out the holiday quarter are some yet-to-be-formally-announced titles like The Sims 3 on consoles, a new Need For Speed game (perhaps the Criterion-developed one?) and a new Harry Potter game (likely tied to this November's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I). Want to come up with your own wild speculation? Peruse the list here.

JoystiqCrysis 2, Sims 3 on consoles, NBA Jam due Holiday 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterioncrysis-2eaea-sports-mmaharry-potternba-jamneed-for-speedq4-2010release-datesims-3Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Medal of Honor, APB dated for Summer 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/medal-of-honor-apb-dated-for-summer-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/medal-of-honor-apb-dated-for-summer-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/medal-of-honor-apb-dated-for-summer-2010/#commentsAccording to EA's list of upcoming titles in its latest earnings report, a couple of high-profile games are going to be released this summer between July 1 and September 30: Realtime Worlds' crime-themed MMO APB (which is likely to be the "major MMO" to whose spring release John Riccitiello referred to previously), and ... a "TBA" Medal of Honor title -- possibly the one with the beard. EA did say that game would be out before March 2011! The summer release is listed for consoles, PC and handhelds.

Also due out in the quarter: the expected spate of annual sports franchises (Madden, FIFA, FIFA Online, NHL), a Monopoly game for consoles and handhelds, and a new MySims title -- we're guessing MySims Sky Heroes.

JoystiqMedal of Honor, APB dated for Summer 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafifa-11fifa-onlinemadden-11medal-of-honormonopolymysimsncaa-football-11nhl-11q3-2010release-dateMon, 08 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[A whole mess of LittleBigPlanet Valentine's DLC coming this week]]>http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/a-whole-mess-of-littlebigplanet-valentines-dlc-coming-this-week/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/a-whole-mess-of-littlebigplanet-valentines-dlc-coming-this-week/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/a-whole-mess-of-littlebigplanet-valentines-dlc-coming-this-week/#comments The world of LittleBigPlanet is scheduled to become a much more loving place this Thursday, when a few Valentine's Day-themed content packs arrive on the PlayStation Store. The PSP iteration of the game is getting a free costume (the one on the left in the above image), as well as the "Luvre Theme Pack," which adds four costumes and 15 romantically-inclined stickers for $2.99. The PS3 version of the game will see the return of last year's Valentine's Day Mini-Pack, which adds a Cupid costume and a few new materials and stickers to the game for $2.99.

Oh, Media Molecule is also making the free Chinese New Year costume pack available until February 25. Just imagine: You can finally fuse Valentine's Day and the Chinese New Year into the single, unstoppable uber-holiday they were meant to become.

Joystiq PlaystationA whole mess of LittleBigPlanet Valentine's DLC coming this week originally appeared on Joystiq Playstation on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinese-new-yeardlclittlebigplanetlittlebigplanet-pspmedia-moleculesonyvalentines-dayMon, 08 Feb 2010 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Brand sparking new Rocket Knight art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/brand-sparking-new-rocket-knight-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/brand-sparking-new-rocket-knight-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/brand-sparking-new-rocket-knight-art/#comments
click to rocket-size
We're going to level with you: There's not a lot of new info to be found in the latest batch of character art from Konami's upcoming reboot of Rocket Knight. The press release does mention a few of Sparkster's abilities. While most should be familiar to players -- wall ricochet jumps, etc -- one new addition is the "burst vortex," which can reflect projectiles back toward enemies. Beyond that, however, we're left only with images of Emperor Sweinhart and Sparkster's nemesis, Axel Gear, both of whom can be seen above. Konami has also released a high resolution version of Sparkster himself.

Yes, it's not much but, when it comes to Rocket Knight, we'll take what we can get.

JoystiqBrand sparking new Rocket Knight art originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>climaxkonamipsnrocket-knightsteamxblaMon, 08 Feb 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms hits 8 million players]]>http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/free-realms-hits-8-million-players/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/free-realms-hits-8-million-players/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/free-realms-hits-8-million-players/#comments It's been a while since we last checked in on the user tally for Sony's Free Realms, but that all came to an end today when the company announced that the family-friendly online game had reached the eight-million user milestone.

As you may remember, Free Realms got off to a speedy start, garnering around five million players in its first three months, but as the market has become more saturated with free-to-play MMOs, growth has understandably slowed. That said, look for a big bump when the title finally makes its way to PS3 in the middle of the year.

If you're already among the Free Realms faithful, you can look forward to the Festival of Hearts, "a special month long event that celebrates love, friendship and kindness," according to Sony. ... Boy, gang, we're not going to lie -- that sounds terrible.

Joystiq PlaystationFree Realms hits 8 million players originally appeared on Joystiq Playstation on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsmmosoeMon, 08 Feb 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq set to overtake G4 in Folding@home leaderboards tonight]]>http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/joystiq-set-to-overtake-g4-in-folding-home-leaderboards-tonight/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/joystiq-set-to-overtake-g4-in-folding-home-leaderboards-tonight/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/joystiq-set-to-overtake-g4-in-folding-home-leaderboards-tonight/#comments Were you aware that Folding@home (now called Life With PlayStation) isn't just an altruistic distributed computing network, but also a brutal team sport? It's true -- reader Chilly_Willy recently pointed our attention to Joystiq's ranking on the F@h leaderboard and reported the delightful news that Team 'Stiq is set to overtake fellow games media outlet G4TV within the next 24 hours. We received the news with dignity, knowing that rankings don't matter -- all we care about is contributing to the scientific community's fight against disease.

We're kidding, of course -- we're purely in this thing for the thrill of victory. In fact, it would be great if you guys could go turn on your PS3s and lend a hand in destroying G4. We want Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb to feel absolutely crushed with defeat at some point during the day, but not know why. We want to run into Olivia Munn and Kevin Pereira at PAX East, and have them be too afraid to make eye contact with us. Please, please, dear readers -- won't you help make our dream a reality?

Joystiq PlaystationJoystiq set to overtake G4 in Folding@home leaderboards tonight originally appeared on Joystiq Playstation on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distributed-computinglife-with-playstationmetaMon, 08 Feb 2010 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Zombies blasts onto PSP and PS3 Minis Feb. 25]]>http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/age-of-zombies-blasts-onto-psp-and-ps3-minis-feb-25/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/age-of-zombies-blasts-onto-psp-and-ps3-minis-feb-25/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/age-of-zombies-blasts-onto-psp-and-ps3-minis-feb-25/#commentsHalfbrick Studios, the Minis-producing development factory in Brisbane, has announced a new title: Age of Zombies. Not to be confused with the Age of Aquarius or the beloved children's film Ice Age, Halfbrick's game is decidedly more macabre -- with a pinch of cute tossed in. (We never thought we'd call zombies both those things, but there it is.)

Age of Zombies follows time-traveling protagonist (and delicious side dish) Barry Steakfries, doing his best to eradicate the hungry undead looking to get a mouthful of his tasty vittles. The debut trailer nestled above gives us a vibe akin to a cross between Robotron and Zombies Ate My Neighbors, which kinda sounds like a good time. There's also the promise of zombified T-Rex dinosaurs, which hardly seems possible in the real world, but, hey, we'll take it.

Age of Zombies will be available to download from the PlayStation Store on Thursday, February 25 for $4.99. In the meantime, fight your way through a horde of new screens in our gallery below.

Joystiq PlaystationAge of Zombies blasts onto PSP and PS3 Minis Feb. 25 originally appeared on Joystiq Playstation on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-zombieshalfbrick-studiosminispsnrelease-dateMon, 08 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 remains atop UK charts, Dante debuts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/mass-effect-2-remains-atop-uk-charts-dante-debuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/mass-effect-2-remains-atop-uk-charts-dante-debuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/mass-effect-2-remains-atop-uk-charts-dante-debuts/#comments Mass Effect 2 has maintained the top spot on Chart-Track's UK all-formats sales chart for a second week in a row. However, there seems to be some kind of Batarian flu loose on the isles, because Mass Effect 2 sales, which dropped by 64 percent this week, were "within touching distance" (850 units, to be exact) of Wii's Just Dance. Rounding out the unchanged top three for a second week was Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

EA's Dante's Inferno had one hell of a premiere on the charts, earning a somewhat sinful spot at fourth. In a good sign for MAG, the mega shooter slipped only three notches to seventh place. Meanwhile, the surprise return of other BioWare game Dragon Age: Origins to the top 40 last week has gained even more momentum, moving up another three spots to 28th.

Source - Mass Effect 2 leads an unchanged top 3 [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

JoystiqMass Effect 2 remains atop UK charts, Dante debuts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackjust-dancemass-effect-2ukMon, 08 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: February 8-14, 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/now-playing-february-8-14-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/now-playing-february-8-14-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/now-playing-february-8-14-2010/#comments
Just relax -- you might feel a slight pinch.

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Last updated: Tuesday, 4:11 PM

Continue reading Now Playing: February 8-14, 2010

JoystiqNow Playing: February 8-14, 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>newgamesnow-playingMon, 08 Feb 2010 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: BioShock 2 (single player)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/review-bioshock-2-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/review-bioshock-2-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/review-bioshock-2-single-player/#comments
BioShock didn't need a sequel.

I know it, you know it; heck, I'd bet if they were being totally honest, the staff of 2K Marin would tell you they knew it too. BioShock was that rare combination of a perfectly realized world, fresh yet refined action and a narrative that left me with no real burning questions. It didn't need a sequel.

But all that has very little to do with BioShock 2 because whether it needed to be made or not, it's here now. And the surprise isn't that someone other than Irrational had the chutzpah to make a BioShock sequel. The surprise is just how worthwhile it is.

Continue reading Review: BioShock 2 (single player)

JoystiqReview: BioShock 2 (single player) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Australia2K-Games2k-marinbioshockbioshock-2fpsMon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Keighley: L.A. Noire coming this September [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/keighley-l-a-noire-coming-this-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/keighley-l-a-noire-coming-this-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/keighley-l-a-noire-coming-this-september/#comments Update: A representative from Game Informer confirmed to us that the LA Noire issue of the magazine does list a September 2010 release window for the game. And now, we play the waiting game.

We always assumed that Geoff Keighley's ability to secrete world exclusives only applied video games, but his power/curse seems to extend even to magazines about video games. Keighley says he got an early look at Game Informer's recently teased piece on Rockstar's L.A. Noire and let slip via his Twitter feed that the game is apparently slated to arrive in September.

According to legend, Keighley is often able to see pieces like this even before the electrical impulse makes its way from the "typing synapse" of the brain to the writer's fingers. That's our accurate, scientific way of saying we haven't seen the piece for ourselves yet, so we're going on Keighley's word at the moment. We know, we know, we dislike trusting a guy who misspells "Jeff" too.

JoystiqKeighley: L.A. Noire coming this September [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>geoff-keighleyla-noirerockstarrumorteam-bonditwitterMon, 08 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars marching to multiple platforms this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/lego-star-wars-iii-the-clone-wars-marching-to-multiple-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/lego-star-wars-iii-the-clone-wars-marching-to-multiple-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/lego-star-wars-iii-the-clone-wars-marching-to-multiple-platforms/#comments And here we thought the well of Lego Star Wars material had dried up. Perhaps we've underestimated TT Games, which has revealed that it's constructing a new armed and fully operational entry in the series: Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars. Destined for an Autumn 2010 release on the Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, Nintendo DS and Wii, the game will focus on the events of the Cartoon Network animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Expect "brand new battle modes, giving players unique, head-to-head combat" and an expanded level editor, allowing potential Padawans and Seperatists the chance to construct their own "customized bases and in-game battlefields." You'll also be able to employ new tactics throughout the game, such as "Squad command, Lightsaber slicing, Lightsaber jumps, long distance Jedi attacks and Grapple Tie-Ups."

Wait, lightsaber slicing? Does that mean the obvious, or the radical ability to slice through lightsabers?

JoystiqLego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars marching to multiple platforms this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>legolego-star-warsstar-warstt-gamesMon, 08 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB outs WWII-based opening of Bad Company 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/esrb-outs-wwii-based-opening-of-bad-company-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/esrb-outs-wwii-based-opening-of-bad-company-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/esrb-outs-wwii-based-opening-of-bad-company-2/#comments The original Bad Company spinoff in the Battlefield series kept the franchise's setting firmly in modern times, but if the Bad Company 2 ESRB description is true, you'll be seeing a return to WWII in the sequel. At the very least, the game's opening will bring players back to the Pacific side of the war, with the ESRB description saying, "In single-player mode, players conduct missions on an unnamed Japanese island during World War II and then move into the modern day through jungles, deserts, and snowy terrain."

Just like we've discovered in our way too many hours with the game's multiplayer demo, the description details the inclusion of "melee attacks with a power drill" (yes, seriously) and the characters use of profanity "during cutscenes and in the heat of battle." And yes, we're just as excited by the former as you might imagine.
[Via BigDownload]

JoystiqESRB outs WWII-based opening of Bad Company 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-company-2battlefieldbattlefield-bad-companybattlefield-bad-company-2campaigndiceeaesrbsingle-playerwwiiSun, 07 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega cites 'tweaks' and release position for Alpha Protocol delay [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/sega-cites-tweaks-and-release-position-for-alpha-protocol-dela/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/sega-cites-tweaks-and-release-position-for-alpha-protocol-dela/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/sega-cites-tweaks-and-release-position-for-alpha-protocol-dela/#comments It would have been nice to hear more of an explanation way back in October when Sega's Alpha Protocol was "officially delayed" to the amorphous "Spring 2010," but, unfortunately, that didn't happen. Speaking with MTV Multiplayer this week, though, assistant producer at Sega Matthew Hickman explicitly detailed the reasons for the delay, saying, "We really wanted to polish the game up, make it everything Obsidian planned it to be, and give the consumer a very polished game."

He added that there's been some "tweaks in lighting here and there," and the inventory screen has been revamped a bit, but in general the team has been focused on "bringing the whole quality level up." The post's author also notes that the game is set for a "Summer 2010" release window now, and we've reached out to him (and Sega) for clarification.

Update: The post's author has responded that, yes, the game's current release window is set for "Summer 2010." Guess that's another delay then, eh? We'll update again if Sega responds.

JoystiqSega cites 'tweaks' and release position for Alpha Protocol delay [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-protocoldelaysmatthew-hickmanobsidianobsidian-entertainmentq2-2010release-datesegaspring-2010summer-2010Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Brock Lesnar makes the cover of UFC Undisputed 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/brock-lesnar-makes-the-cover-of-ufc-undisputed-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/brock-lesnar-makes-the-cover-of-ufc-undisputed-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/brock-lesnar-makes-the-cover-of-ufc-undisputed-2010/#comments We knew the Ultimate Fighting Championship was open to all forms of combatants, but we think professional brawler Brock Lesnar's admittance to the league is just a little unfair. Our attention was turned to Lesnar by the recently revealed cover of UFC Undisputed 2010 (the full version of which is posted after the jump), which features his countenance. See, we don't have anything against Lesnar -- we just think it's a little one-sided to pit human fighters up against shaved kodiak bears.

We can't wait to scare the living crap out of all the other game cases on our shelf by placing this one near them when UFC Undisputed 2010 releases May 25.

Continue reading Brock Lesnar makes the cover of UFC Undisputed 2010

JoystiqBrock Lesnar makes the cover of UFC Undisputed 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brock-lesnarcoverfightingsportsthqufcufc-undisputedufc-undisputed-2010ultimate-fighting-championshipSat, 06 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Dead Redemption screens go hogtie wild]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/red-dead-redemption-screens-go-hogtie-wild/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/red-dead-redemption-screens-go-hogtie-wild/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/red-dead-redemption-screens-go-hogtie-wild/#comments We've already seen John Marston get himself into a whole mess of different being a cowboy-related situations before Red Dead Redemption's impending April release date, but today's are (as you might imagine) just a bit different. That's right, folks -- this time he's got a lasso. Rather than employing the ubiquitous Old West tool in cow wrangling, though, Marston drops some rope-based justice on fools and horses alike (okay okay -- we suppose it's possible there are also some fool horses). Peep the five new screens below in our hi-res gallery.

JoystiqRed Dead Redemption screens go hogtie wild originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>john-marstonlassoold-westred-dead-redemptionrockstarrockstar-gamesrockstar-san-diegoscreenshotsSat, 06 Feb 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus lets you pick your special V-Day event in Demon's Souls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/atlus-lets-you-pick-your-special-v-day-event-in-demons-souls/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/atlus-lets-you-pick-your-special-v-day-event-in-demons-souls/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/atlus-lets-you-pick-your-special-v-day-event-in-demons-souls/#comments Atlus is an awfully empathetic company. It realizes that not everyone gets all sunshine and lollipops around the 14th of February -- in fact, some folks experience the opposite sensation: Darkness and ... salt-water taffy? We guess?

With this dichotomy in mind, Atlus is allowing players to vote on the special event which will overtake its hard-as-hell RPG Demon's Souls on Valentine's Day -- will it be the easy-going White Tendency which appeared during the holiday season? Or the extra difficult Black Tendency which destroyed players on Halloween? Only you, and your either loving or jilted heart, can decide.

JoystiqAtlus lets you pick your special V-Day event in Demon's Souls originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusdemons-soulsfrom-softwarerpgsonyvalentines-daySat, 06 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock 2 soundtrack song list revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/bioshock-2-soundtrack-song-list-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/bioshock-2-soundtrack-song-list-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/bioshock-2-soundtrack-song-list-revealed/#comments Considering the upcoming digital release of BioShock 2's soundtrack is, well, digital, you could probably just procure the track list from Amazon and grab the individual songs before its announced February 9 release date. Sure, you're not gonna get your ... uhh ... eyes on the fancy digital packaging, but you could snag all those classy tunes a full three days before the other kids on your block. Think about that!

Done thinking? Good, 'cause we've got more BioShock 2 music info for you -- there's also a way to enjoy the soundtrack this very second. How's that, you ask? Well, simple: just grab this iTunes music file or this WIndows music file and enjoy a taste of "Rapture Radio." To be clear, the tracks listed are no bearing on the game's official score which comes with the game's special edition. Head past the break for a breakdown of both the standard and deluxe editions (no prices are available yet).

[Via Destructoid]

Continue reading BioShock 2 soundtrack song list revealed

JoystiqBioShock 2 soundtrack song list revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-marinbioshockbioshock-2deluxe-editionmusicrapture-radiorelease-datesoundtrackstandard-editionSat, 06 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII producers: Traditional RPG towns are tough to do in HD]]>http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/final-fantasy-xiii-producers-traditional-rpg-towns-are-tough-to/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/final-fantasy-xiii-producers-traditional-rpg-towns-are-tough-to/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/final-fantasy-xiii-producers-traditional-rpg-towns-are-tough-to/#comments Lots of fans think it would be great to see the classic Final Fantasy VII remade in full HD glory on a platform like the PS3, but Final Fantasy XIII producers Yoshinori Kitase and Motomu Toriyama say it would be really tough to do. In a recent interview with Ultimania, they say that the limit isn't the HD technology, it's the amount of artisanship. "Considering the amount of work to make graphics that deserve HD, it is hard to make towns in the conventional style," said Toriyama. FFVII's graphics were beautiful at the time, but when you consider that we all played them on a 4:3 TV SD screen rather than the 1080p HD behemoths we're all playing games on today, you realize that it's a lot more work for artists to put in to make the game look as epic as Final Fantasy should. That's one reason why FFXIII doesn't have conventional RPG towns.

Kitase agrees, saying that "it is very hard to make games on PlayStation 3 in the same style the games in that era had. Making graphics will take enormous time." So score one for standard definition and the limits of the old pre-HD consoles. Note that neither producer says it's impossible, just a lot of work. So maybe some enterprising young developer will come along and make a solid, HD JRPG in the old-school fashion.

Joystiq PlaystationFinal Fantasy XIII producers: Traditional RPG towns are tough to do in HD originally appeared on Joystiq Playstation on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artisanshipfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-viifinal-fantasy-xiiihdjrpgmotomu-toriyamastandardtownsyoshinori-kitaseFri, 05 Feb 2010 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[No strings attached with Echoshift demo this month]]>http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/no-strings-attached-with-echoshift-demo-this-month/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/no-strings-attached-with-echoshift-demo-this-month/http://playstation.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/no-strings-attached-with-echoshift-demo-this-month/#comments Echoshift, a PSP-ified second-cousin to PS3 puzzler echochrome, will have a demo out sometime in February. A post on the PlayStation Blog notes the game will have 56 levels, with additional downloadable levels through PSN. Hopefully the game will receive the same extensive community support bestowed upon echochrome.

As we noted in our hands-on, if you're looking for a primer to the game, feel free to try Yoshio Ishii's Cursor*10 or its sequel.

Gallery: echoshift

Joystiq PlaystationNo strings attached with Echoshift demo this month originally appeared on Joystiq Playstation on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>echochromeechoshiftFri, 05 Feb 2010 22:15:00 EST