Joystiq [Nintendo] http://nintendo.joystiq.com Joystiq [Nintendo] http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq [Nintendo] http://nintendo.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[BBFC: Sega compiling Sonic games for DS]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/bbfc-sega-compiling-sonic-games-for-ds/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/bbfc-sega-compiling-sonic-games-for-ds/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/bbfc-sega-compiling-sonic-games-for-ds/#commentsThe BBFC classification site lists a "Sonic Classic Collection" coming to DS soon. Normally, with these ratings, we'd be left to speculate as to the identity of the games on the collection -- however, the BBFC helpfully provided a list of games on the cart!

According to the rating, it'll feature Sonic 1-3, plus Sonic and Knuckles -- with the ability to virtually "Lock-on" and play as Knuckles in the older games. Also included in the shockingly specific list of in-game content: Sonic Chronicles and "The History of Sonic" video content and the art gallery.

We can only hope it turns out better than Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis on GBA.

[Via Kombo]

Joystiq NintendoBBFC: Sega compiling Sonic games for DS originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfcsegasonicsonic-classic-collectionsonic-the-hedgehogFri, 20 Nov 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Dementium 2 (DS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/hands-on-dementium-2-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/hands-on-dementium-2-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/hands-on-dementium-2-ds/#commentsHaving not played Renegade Kid's first survival/horror-FPS on the Nintendo DS back in 2007, Dementium: The Ward, I had few expectations going into my recent hands-on with the game's sequel, the aptly titled Dementium 2. I knew that the first game enjoyed critical acclaim for more than adequately bringing survival/horror tropes to Nintendo's handheld, and ultimately scored pretty well with reviewers, but ever since Metroid Prime Hunters I've been wary of first-person mechanics on the DS.

Thankfully, when first faced with manipulating Dementium 2's main character, it became quickly obvious that the game's slow pace helps to account for any discomfort issues that might arise from the control scheme. Over the course of 45 minutes, I put together puzzles, traveled between two dimensions multiple times, and even fought a boss who tried to throw up on me from the ceiling (what a jerk!). Though its content and storytelling seems to be a carefully crafted amalgam of games from the three or so genres it mashes up (fps, adventure, survival/horror) - a handheld Half-Life meets Silent Hill on Monkey Island, almost - the time I spent with a preview build of Dementium 2 earlier today felt like the beginning of what could be a very interesting game.

Continue reading Hands-on: Dementium 2 (DS)

JoystiqHands-on: Dementium 2 (DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dementiumdementium-2fpshands-onhorrorrenegade-kidsouthpeaksurvivalsurvival-horrorFri, 20 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[System Flaw commercial shoots up your living room]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/system-flaw-commercial-shoots-up-your-living-room/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/system-flaw-commercial-shoots-up-your-living-room/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/system-flaw-commercial-shoots-up-your-living-room/#comments You know, living rooms (or parlors, for you weirdos out there) are damn boring -- it goes double for outdoor patios. Luckily, System Flaw is attempting to address your home and its surroundings' severe deficiency in fun as one of the first DSi-only games. Utilizing the handheld's built-in camera, it populates your real-world locale with virtual enemies to shoot down in a kind of first-person shmup. It's an interesting concept, as you can see for yourself in the video past the break.

[Thanks, RupeeClock]

Continue reading System Flaw commercial shoots up your living room

Joystiq NintendoSystem Flaw commercial shoots up your living room originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enjoy-gamingstormcity-entertainmentsystem-flawvisual-impactvisual-impact-studiosFri, 20 Nov 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[European Nintendo downloads: Pokemon Rumble, Shootanto, demos]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/european-nintendo-downloads-pokemon-rumble-shootanto-demos/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/european-nintendo-downloads-pokemon-rumble-shootanto-demos/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/european-nintendo-downloads-pokemon-rumble-shootanto-demos/#commentsThe WiiWare demo service arrives in Europe today, though a bit light on content compared to other regions. On the upside, both of the demos offered are for games that cost 1,500 Wii Points, which means you could save a pretty large chunk of change if you discover (somehow) that you don't like World of Goo.

In terms of stuff you pay for, Shootanto is going to be totally overshadowed by Pokemon Rumble. DSiWare has a decent selection of games, including something that looks kind of like Defend Your Castle, a few card games, and myNotebook.
  • Pokemon Rumble (WiiWare, 1-4 players, 1,500 Wii Points)
  • Shootanto: Evolutionary Mayhem (WiiWare, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points)
  • Army Defender (DSiWare, 1 player, 200 DSi Points)
  • A Little Bit of ... All-Time Classics: Strategy Games (DSiWare, 1 player, 500 DSi Points)
  • myNotebook: Blue (DSiWare, 1 player, 200 DSi Points)
  • Uno (DSiWare, 1-6 players, 500 DSi Points)
  • Demos: Pokemon Rumble, World of Goo (free)

Joystiq NintendoEuropean Nintendo downloads: Pokemon Rumble, Shootanto, demos originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>army-defenderclubhouse-games-expressdsiwareeuropefridaymynotebookpokemon-rumbleshootantounowiiwareFri, 20 Nov 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Introducing the Spirit Tower in The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/introducing-the-spirit-tower-in-the-legend-of-zelda-spirit-trac/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/introducing-the-spirit-tower-in-the-legend-of-zelda-spirit-trac/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/introducing-the-spirit-tower-in-the-legend-of-zelda-spirit-trac/#commentsFiled under:

The latest trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, featuring what appears to be the game's introduction, highlights what is certain to be one of the most bemoaned features of the new game: the Tower of Spirits. Yes, like Phantom Hourglass, this game has a central dungeon area to which you'll return throughout the game, though players will be able to skip areas they have already completed this time.

The trailer also seems to suggest that all the train tracks are magical shackles placed on the ground to imprison an evil presence. So that's why there are train tracks around! We would have guessed "interstate commerce."


JoystiqIntroducing the Spirit Tower in The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>spirit-tracksthe-legend-of-zelda-spirit-trackszeldaFri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crystal Bearers dives into Europe February 5]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/crystal-bearers-dives-into-europe-february-5/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/crystal-bearers-dives-into-europe-february-5/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/crystal-bearers-dives-into-europe-february-5/#commentsThe good news: no Boxing Day shopping trips are in store for European gamers eager to telekinetically grab Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers. The (relatively) bad news: that's because it's coming out more than a month later. Square Enix announced today that Crystal Bearers will be available in PAL territories on February 5, 2010. As waits for Final Fantasy games go, it doesn't seem that bad.

In fact, with the game being released on a normal day instead of the day after Christmas, maybe someone in Europe will notice its release -- something we suspect may be a problem for a game that has been under the radar for most of its development.

Joystiq NintendoCrystal Bearers dives into Europe February 5 originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-crystal-chroniclesfinal-fantasy-crystal-chronicles-the-crystal-bearersrelease-dateFri, 20 Nov 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Tom Petty, Go-Go's, Kelly Clarkson, Pink]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/rock-band-weekly-tom-petty-go-gos-kelly-clarkson-pink/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/rock-band-weekly-tom-petty-go-gos-kelly-clarkson-pink/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/rock-band-weekly-tom-petty-go-gos-kelly-clarkson-pink/#comments A live version of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' "Mary Jane's Last Dance" is available next week within the band's Rock Band DLC six-pack. The song may not be everyone's cup of formaldehyde, but it's certainly memorable for conjuring up one of the creepiest music videos of all time. We have no idea what the song is actually about, but it will always be the story of Tom Petty stealing Kim Basinger's corpse from the morgue, dressing her up, and then at the end .... AHHhhHhHHHH!

Check out the full update after the break, no new Rock Band Unplugged DLC next week.


Select a platform below to view complete DLC listing:

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Tom Petty, Go-Go's, Kelly Clarkson, Pink

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Tom Petty, Go-Go's, Kelly Clarkson, Pink originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcgo-gosharmonixkelly-clarksonmtv-gamespinkrock-bandrock-band-2rock-band-unpluggedrock-band-weeklyrock-band-wiirock-band-wiiklytom-pettyFri, 20 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Child's Play & Harmonix rock San Fran for charity Dec. 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/childs-play-and-harmonix-rock-san-fran-for-charity-dec-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/childs-play-and-harmonix-rock-san-fran-for-charity-dec-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/childs-play-and-harmonix-rock-san-fran-for-charity-dec-9/#comments
Harmonix and Child's Play have announced that they're banding together for a charity benefit Rock Band night at San Francisco's DNA Lounge the night of December 9. "Ümloud!" is an all-ages event organized by GameLife's Chris Kohler, Gamehelper's Joe Markert and Telltale Games' John "Seg" Seggerson, and staffed by a number of Bay Area games bloggers, including yours truly.

The party kicks off at 7PM PT and runs through 2AM PT on December 10, with a suggested $10 donation for admission. Everyone who attends will automagically be made eligible for a chance to win some of the many raffle prizes that'll be awarded throughout the night, but those who wish to donate more can sign up for two different "band packages" -- which include reserved songs and the chance to play on DNA's main stage -- at the Ümloud! site.

Proceeds from the event will go to provide toys and video games to children's hospitals nationwide, including the local Oakland Children's Hospital.

JoystiqChild's Play & Harmonix rock San Fran for charity Dec. 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bay-areacaliforniacharitychilds-playharmonixrock-bandsan-franciscoFri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Wal-Mart's Black Friday deals [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/rumor-wal-marts-black-friday-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/rumor-wal-marts-black-friday-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/rumor-wal-marts-black-friday-deals/#comments GamerDeals.net has posted what it claims are Wal-Mart's Black Friday deals and, if accurate, there are some serious savings to be had. Probably the most prominent deal would be the doorbuster on Rock Band 2 Special Edition for PS3 or 360, which will net you the full band kit and the game for a paltry $50. Another impressive deal, shoppers can pick up a PS3, Infamous, "Batman" (Arkham Asylum, we're assuming) and a copy of The Dark Knight for $299. In comparison, the Xbox 360 gets the lukest of lukewarm bundles ever, an Xbox 360 Arcade unit complete with the Madagascar 2 game and both Madagascar movies on DVD.

Other deals include select console titles for between $7 and $25, select PC games for $25 and a $98 doorbuster on DS Lites (time to clear that stock, amirite?). Head over to GamerDeals for the full rundown. We were unable to confirm the deals with Wal-Mart, though we were told that the official Black Friday announcement will arrive on Monday, November 23.

Update: Scans of Wal-Mart's ad are online, confirming the deals on the list -- except for the Rock Band 2 deal, which is actually the first Rock Band Special Edition for $50.

JoystiqRumor: Wal-Mart's Black Friday deals [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-friday-2009dealswal-martThu, 19 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shiren the Wanderer turns up in February minus online features]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/shiren-the-wanderer-turns-up-in-february-minus-online-features/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/shiren-the-wanderer-turns-up-in-february-minus-online-features/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/shiren-the-wanderer-turns-up-in-february-minus-online-features/#commentsAtlus announced a North American localization of Sega and Chunsoft's Shiren the Wanderer at E3, and hasn't said much about it until now. The company just dated the game for February 9 and released a bunch of screens & art for the punishing roguelike, along with a bit of sad news regarding the online connectivity.

"Despite our best efforts, the North American version of Shiren will not include the Rescue, Versus, or Item Transfer online features," Atlus's Aram Jabbari said in the announcement. "However, the downloadable dungeon content from the Japanese version will be included on the disc." Jabbari said that Atlus felt compelled to alert fans because "the absence of these features may influence some fans' decision to purchase the game."

The most identifiable feature of any Shiren game -- repeated, unavoidable death -- should remain intact.

Joystiq NintendoShiren the Wanderer turns up in February minus online features originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atluschunsoftrelease-dateroguelikeshiren-the-wandererThu, 19 Nov 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom schools Monster Hunter Tri rookies, unsure about Wii Speak for US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/capcom-schools-monster-hunter-tri-rookies-unsure-about-wii-spea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/capcom-schools-monster-hunter-tri-rookies-unsure-about-wii-spea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/capcom-schools-monster-hunter-tri-rookies-unsure-about-wii-spea/#comments
[Capcom-Unity]

Capcom held a university-themed event Tuesday evening in San Francisco to introduce newcomers to the Monster Hunter universe in the runup to next spring's North American release of Monster Hunter Tri for the Wii. We'd already played the game at previous events, so we knew what to expect: Monster Hunter, looking nice (especially the large monsters) but not as nice as it could have on the PS3.

After spending some time with the three-level, English-localized trade show demo on-hand -- including a go using the very nice Classic Controller Pro, which is included in Japan's black system/game bundle -- we asked Capcom staff about two unsettled questions concerning the game's US release. The first was the matter of paying to play Monster Hunter Tri online, as the game eschews Nintendo's servers for Capcom-operated ones and is fee-based in Japan. We didn't receive a decisive answer, being told only that the publisher is "hoping" the game will be free to play in the US. We got a similar response when we wondered if Wii Speak support was 100% set for the domestic release -- Capcom's "hoping" to get it in, but couldn't promise anything.

The event did provide taste of what trying to coordinate a successful online monster hunt would be like without Wii Speak -- we found it nearly impossible to hear our fellow players (or the game) over the music being piped through the venue's formidable sound system.

JoystiqCapcom schools Monster Hunter Tri rookies, unsure about Wii Speak for US originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcommonster-huntermonster-hunter-triwii-speakThu, 19 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[101 MiniGolf World fills a hole in DSiWare lineup]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/101-minigolf-world-fills-a-hole-in-dsiware-lineup/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/101-minigolf-world-fills-a-hole-in-dsiware-lineup/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/101-minigolf-world-fills-a-hole-in-dsiware-lineup/#comments
Proving that there really are (really) games being made for DSiWare without "Sudoku" in their title, Teyon has announced 101 MiniGolf World for Nintendo's DSi download service. The game, which gets it name from the fact that it features six 18-hole courses, has yet to be dated -- but at least we can get a look at it.

We became excited briefly when the announcement mentioned support for eight players ... until we parsed the next few words and realized Teyon means by passing your DS around. Still, the developer is promising "mind-blowing obstacles, loops, pipes, ramps" and so forth. It would be nice to have a new DSiWare title blow our minds rather than our DSi Points.

Joystiq Nintendo101 MiniGolf World fills a hole in DSiWare lineup originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>101-minigolf-worlddsiwaregolfmini-golfteyonThu, 19 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky Crawlers landing in Europe this February]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/sky-crawlers-landing-in-europe-this-february/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/sky-crawlers-landing-in-europe-this-february/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/sky-crawlers-landing-in-europe-this-february/#commentsNamco Bandai declined to publish The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces in North America, licensing the game out to XSEED instead. However, the company is handling the game itself for the European release, due in February. The game is a flight action game developed by Ace Combat dev Project Aces, and based on both the novel and the Mamoru Ishii-directed anime film of the same name.

In addition to the game, the movie is planned for a DVD and Blu-Ray release in PAL territories at an unspecified future date ("coming soon"). That seems like a good idea -- licensed games probably work better when people know what the source material is.

Joystiq NintendoSky Crawlers landing in Europe this February originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europenamco-bandainamco-bandai-europepalproject-acessky-crawlersthe-sky-crawlers-innocent-acesThu, 19 Nov 2009 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Zelda producer teases surprises for next title at E3 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/zelda-producer-teases-surprises-for-next-title-at-e3-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/zelda-producer-teases-surprises-for-next-title-at-e3-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/zelda-producer-teases-surprises-for-next-title-at-e3-2010/#comments Our absolute favorite thing about the Zelda series is how much it saves us on strategy guides. See, you can pretty much follow the walkthrough for Link to the Past to beat every installment in the franchise released thereafter. (Get the sword! Get the shield! Beat the Forest Temple! Get the power bracelet! Beat the Fire Temple!) However, in a recent interview with Official Nintendo Magazine, series producer Eiji Aonuma revealed that we can expect some big changes from the franchise's next iteration -- changes which he hopes will be revealed during next year's E3 showcase.

Aonuma explained that, in order to try and keep the series fresh, he and Shigeru Miyamoto "have been trying something new in terms of the structure of the Wii version of the new Zelda game this time." You know what that means. They're going to put the Fire Temple before the Forest Temple. We're kidding, of course -- that's just crazy talk.

JoystiqZelda producer teases surprises for next title at E3 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010Eiji-Aonumamiyamotothe-legend-of-zeldazeldaThu, 19 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton and the Figurine of Want]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/professor-layton-and-the-figurine-of-want/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/professor-layton-and-the-figurine-of-want/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/professor-layton-and-the-figurine-of-want/#comments Gamers certainly aren't strangers to memorabilia, doubly so for figurines, but this Professor Layton statue from NCSX has one thing going for it those others don't: you can actually afford it. We're used to seeing those high-dollar Samus statues and Capcom's ridiculously-priced (and ridiculously nice!) Street Fighter series, so when we caught wind of this $30 Professor Layton companion, we knew we had to post it up. So ... yeah, that's what this is.

What? You were expecting more? OK, here's a riddle: What's 120 words, loves you and thinks you're the sexiest person on the planet? Head past the break for the answer!

[Via Go Nintendo]

Continue reading Professor Layton and the Figurine of Want

Joystiq NintendoProfessor Layton and the Figurine of Want originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>figurinencsxprofessor-laytonprofessor-layton-2professor-layton-and-pandoras-boxprofessor-layton-and-the-curious-villageprofessor-layton-and-the-devils-boxprofessor-layton-and-the-devils-fluteprofessor-layton-and-the-diabolical-boxprofessor-layton-and-the-eternal-divaprofessor-layton-and-the-last-time-travelThu, 19 Nov 2009 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvelous lost money on most of its Wii releases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/marvelous-lost-money-on-most-of-its-wii-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/marvelous-lost-money-on-most-of-its-wii-releases/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/marvelous-lost-money-on-most-of-its-wii-releases/#commentsPretty much everyone can guess why No More Heroes is being released again -- Marvelous needs money. During a Q&A presentation (PDF link, Japanese) about its fiscal Q2 2010 earnings, Marvelous boldly revealed that three out of its four 2009 Wii releases lost money, though it didn't say which was the winner.

Muramasa sold 47,000 units in Japan, the company said, not specifying American sales. Arc Rise Fantasia, which will be published Stateside by Ignition, sold 45,000 copies. Little King's Story sold 26,000 copies in Japan, 37,000 copies in North America, and 67,000 in Europe. Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga, which came out in September in North America, sold just 16,000 copies (Japanese sales, which started in October, are not mentioned). Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility on Wii somehow sold 57,000 units in 2009 despite being a 2007 release in Japan, a 2008 release in America, and not out until October in Europe and Australia.

Because of lower development costs, Marvelous said, PSP software was more successful, with four out of five releases making money on similar sales numbers. Half-Minute Hero was Marvelous's overall best-performing title, at 70,000 copies sold.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqMarvelous lost money on most of its Wii releases originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningshalf-minute-herolittle-kings-storymarvelousmuramasasalesThu, 19 Nov 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop earnings up in Q3, Modern Warfare 2 company's biggest launch ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/gamestop-earnings-up-in-q3-modern-warfare-2-companys-biggest-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/gamestop-earnings-up-in-q3-modern-warfare-2-companys-biggest-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/gamestop-earnings-up-in-q3-modern-warfare-2-companys-biggest-l/#comments GameStop remains an unstoppable retail force, as the juggernaut slammed cash register drawers shut with $1.83 billion in sales and $52.2 million in profit for the quarter ending October 31. The figures represent 8.2 and 11.8 percent increases, respectively, from the same quarter last year.

The top five games during the quarter were Madden NFL 10, Halo 3: ODST, Batman: Arkham Asylum, NBA 2K10 and Wii Sports Resort, with all titles having "exceeded" the company's initial sales expectations. GameStop also revealed thar Modern Warfare 2 -- which released in Q4 on November 10 -- sold 2.5 million copies at the retailer in 72 hours. GameStop CEO Daniel DeMatteo is optimistic and believes MW2 is a bellwether for the rest of the holiday season.

JoystiqGameStop earnings up in Q3, Modern Warfare 2 company's biggest launch ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbusinesscall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2fpsgamestopinfinity-wardmodern-warfare-2q3-2009salesThu, 19 Nov 2009 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The many artistic portrayals of Lara Croft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/the-many-artistic-portrayals-of-lara-croft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/the-many-artistic-portrayals-of-lara-croft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/the-many-artistic-portrayals-of-lara-croft/#comments
[Nebeziel, deviantART user]

A Google image search of Lara Croft is a lot tamer than it used to be these days, though it's still something we wouldn't suggest doing. Thankfully, we have a link to quench your thirst for inspired, non-naked, sexually-deprived-fanboy-fantasy-quasi-porn, courtesy of The Design Inspiration.

There are 40 fanworks in total, all originating from deviantART (obviously). There are a lot of great renditions, including the image where Lara is fighting dinosaurs and the one where she's hiding from dinosaurs. We also have a soft spot for this odd image of her fighting Wonder Woman, but the best has to be this image where she defends herself so she can stop and eat the baked potato she brought down into the tomb with her. Tomb raiding takes a lot of carbohydrates, people!

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqThe many artistic portrayals of Lara Croft originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artdeviantartlara-crofttomb-raiderThu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phoenix Wright summoned for duty on WiiWare this January]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/phoenix-wright-summoned-for-duty-on-wiiware-this-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/phoenix-wright-summoned-for-duty-on-wiiware-this-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/phoenix-wright-summoned-for-duty-on-wiiware-this-january/#comments As revealed in the latest issue of Famitsu, Capcom is bringing its three Phoenix Wright "courtroom battle" games to Nintendo's WiiWare service. Today the publisher confirmed that the releases will be making their way to the US beginning in January. Capcom intends to release the games every other month (January, March and May) for 1,000 Wii Points ($10) apiece, with "Rise from the Ashes," the extra case added to the DS Ace Attorney, arriving as DLC in May for 100 Wii Points ($1).

The first game, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, is a port of the original Game Boy Advance title -- and, like the two subsequent WiiWare editions, Justice for All and Trials and Tribulations, remains unchanged from its original release (read: same graphics, sound, dialog) save for the ability to swing the Wii Remote out (as in the image above, which is one-off, non-sprite art) to object and present evidence to the court. They'll all be presented in widescreen, but the actual gameplay only takes up a 4:3 area on top of an animated background. Nevertheless, the games are still superb, and at $10 with the ability to play them on the big screen you won't hear any objections from us.

Check out a whole lot of screens and two pieces of art from Ace Attorney in the gallery below.

JoystiqPhoenix Wright summoned for duty on WiiWare this January originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomphoenix-wrightwiiwareWed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameFly begins selling new games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/gamefly-begins-selling-new-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/gamefly-begins-selling-new-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/gamefly-begins-selling-new-games/#comments GameFly, the online game rental service .... wait, that's hardly accurate anymore, let's start over: GameFly, the media company and rental service entity, is now selling new games on its website, including large items like DJ Hero and Tony Hawk Ride. Those expecting to discover the amazing discounts normally found with the service's used games will be disappointed to note that the new games are full retail price and include shipping costs and applicable taxes.

Example for Massachusetts:
  • A new copy of New Super Marios Bros Wii: $50 for the game + $3 tax + $5 for standard shipping = $58
  • The "keep it" price for a member who's been with the service over a year: $39 + $3 tax + no shipping cost = $42 (members also receive a $5 coupon every quarter, which would make it $37)
The "new" store isn't a revelation in retail, but perhaps it'll make more sense later on. GameFly still has some of the best deals in used games we've seen.

[Thanks, Chris S.]

JoystiqGameFly begins selling new games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessgame-salesgameflyretailWed, 18 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Avatar's third dev diary is all about choices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/avatars-third-dev-diary-is-all-about-choices/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/avatars-third-dev-diary-is-all-about-choices/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/avatars-third-dev-diary-is-all-about-choices/#commentsOkay, okay - we'll admit that the transparent dry erase board thing is a bit on the "too much" side of things, but Avatar's third dev diary contains enough interesting information about the game in it otherwise that we feel okay forgiving the clip's director. The emphasis here is on the game's many choices, and, more specifically, the one major choice which mirrors the movie's plot. Will you choose the path of the human and murder a tall blue alien ... thing, or stand up for all that is righteous and good in the world? The choice is yours (you monster!).

JoystiqAvatar's third dev diary is all about choices originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar-the-gamedev-diarydev-diary-3developer-diaryjames-cameronjames-camerons-avatarubisoftWed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Mall Experience tour heads cross-country next week]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/nintendo-mall-experience-tour-heads-cross-country-next-week/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/nintendo-mall-experience-tour-heads-cross-country-next-week/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/nintendo-mall-experience-tour-heads-cross-country-next-week/#comments Nintendo must've had some luck with its Great Lakes and Wii Sports Resort tours recently, as the company has announced the Nintendo Mall Experience tour. Starting next week through December 20, The Big N will be stopping at shopping centers across the country to get some of its Wii and DS titles in the faces of holiday shoppers.

On the Wii side, Nintendo will show off its top three games for the holiday season: Wii Sports Resort, New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Wii Fit Plus. For the handheld crowd, Nintendo will be pushing the new Style Savvy, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box and The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. Head past the break for the full list of stops on Nintendo's Mall Experience tour.

Continue reading Nintendo Mall Experience tour heads cross-country next week

Joystiq NintendoNintendo Mall Experience tour heads cross-country next week originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new-super-mario-brosnew-super-mario-bros-wiinintendo-mall-experienceprofessor-laytonprofessor-layton-and-the-diabolical-boxspirit-tracksstyle-savvythe-legend-of-zeldathe-legend-of-zelda-spirit-trackswii-sportswii-sports-resortWed, 18 Nov 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix's new Lufia game is a Lufia II remake]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/square-enixs-new-lufia-game-is-a-lufia-ii-remake/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/square-enixs-new-lufia-game-is-a-lufia-ii-remake/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/square-enixs-new-lufia-game-is-a-lufia-ii-remake/#commentsLast week, Square Enix announced a new entry in Taito's long-dormant Lufia(or Estpolis) series for an unknown platform. As it turns out, it's not entirely new, though enough is being changed that it might as well be. The new Lufia is, in fact, a remake of 1995's Lufia II, redone in 3D for the DS.

According to IGN's summary of a Famitsu article, that's not the only change. The game is now an action RPG instead of a turn-based game -- with combo-based attacks, and the ability to launch enemies into the air, as well as switch party members mid-combo. In addition, it will be fully voice acted. Estpolis will be released in Japan on February 25.

Joystiq NintendoSquare Enix's new Lufia game is a Lufia II remake originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>estpolislufialufia-iisquare-enixtaitoWed, 18 Nov 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Club Nintendo Japan sending Game & Watches as Platinum gifts]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/club-nintendo-japan-sending-game-and-watches-as-platinum-gifts/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/club-nintendo-japan-sending-game-and-watches-as-platinum-gifts/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/club-nintendo-japan-sending-game-and-watches-as-platinum-gifts/#commentsThe Game & Watch Collection is a popular catalog item for Club Nintendo, but this year's gift for Japanese gamers who reach Platinum status takes the Game & Watch nostalgia even further. It's a real Game & Watch.

Nintendo is producing a new run of the classic handheld Ball, specifically to give away to Club Nintendo members who accrued 400 points or more in the last year. It's a replica of the original, with a Club Nintendo logo added. Like the other Platinum awards, this doesn't cost any points (so Platinum members can still buy Wii de Ultrahand), and will be sent out to everyone who qualifies.

As usual, gold members get a calendar.

[Via Andriasang]


Joystiq NintendoClub Nintendo Japan sending Game & Watches as Platinum gifts originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballcalendarclub-nintendogame-and-watchjapanWed, 18 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Toys R Us announces pre-Black Friday game deals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/toys-r-us-announces-pre-black-friday-game-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/toys-r-us-announces-pre-black-friday-game-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/toys-r-us-announces-pre-black-friday-game-deals/#commentsIn a refreshing move, Toys R Us revealed some November video game deals for Sunday, November 22 through Thursday, November 26, available both in-store and online. Therefore, they won't require you to stand outside in the middle of the night or battle other deal-seekers for possession of a "doorbuster" (which Toys R Us is also reportedly doing). Even better, Toys R Us is the only retailer we know of handing out Cold Stone gift cards with purchases.

Starting on Sunday:
  • all DS and PSP games will be buy one, get one half off.
  • Wii and Xbox 360 Arcade hardware purchases will be bundled with (seriously) a $15 gift card for Wendy's, Subway, or Cold Stone Creamery -- deal available in-store only
  • "Select video games" will be bundled with a $25 iTunes gift card -- deal available in-store only
  • The Beatles: Rock Band standalone software will be $49.99.
  • The Beatles: Rock Band "Special Value Edition" will be $134.99.
  • "Select video game storage units" will be $34.99.
From Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22, both TRU stores and Toysrus.com will offer a "Ready to Play DS Lite Pack" for $157.95, containing a DS Lite, a case, various accessories, and two DS games from an "edited assortment." TRU says that, when purchased as part of this set, the DS comes out to $64.99.

JoystiqToys R Us announces pre-Black Friday game deals originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holidazeholidaze-2009salesthe-beatles-rock-bandtoys-r-usWed, 18 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Again and Monster Rancher DS also headed to Europe]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/again-and-monster-rancher-ds-also-headed-to-europe/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/again-and-monster-rancher-ds-also-headed-to-europe/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/again-and-monster-rancher-ds-also-headed-to-europe/#commentsTecmo has just announced a spring release date for Monster Rancher DS and Again ... again. But in Europe this time! Last week, Tecmo announced March release dates for the Cing-developed adventure game and monster training game. Tecmo Koei Europe has followed suit, though with a less specific spring release window.

Monster Rancher DS, of course, is a game about creating and training monsters -- in this game, monsters are generated either by speaking into the microphone or drawing. Again is an adventure game about an FBI agent who investigates crime scenes in both the past and the present.



Joystiq NintendoAgain and Monster Rancher DS also headed to Europe originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>againcingeuropemonster-rancher-dstecmoWed, 18 Nov 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Super Saiyan prize pack]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/joyswag-super-saiyan-prize-pack/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/joyswag-super-saiyan-prize-pack/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/joyswag-super-saiyan-prize-pack/#comments Namco's just unleashed its first two Dragon Ball games after wrestling the license back away from Atari and we're looking to gift one of you Super Saiyan wannabes with the above prize pack. The gotta-have-it item is obviously the Instant Anime Character Costume, which features an orange t-shirt, blue wristbands, hair gel and completely ridiculous Namco employee pose cover art. Oh, if only our legal department would let us keep it!
  • Leave a comment telling us who your favorite character from the Dragon Ball series is (full list here)
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day
  • This entry period ends at 11:59AM ET on Tuesday, November 24
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo for Wii ($50 ARV), Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans for DS ($30 ARV) and an Instant Anime Character Costume ($20 ARV)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

Joystiq NintendoJoyswag: Super Saiyan prize pack originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-ball-zdragon-ball-z-attack-of-the-saiyansdragon-ball-z-revenge-of-king-piccolodragonballdragonballzjoyswagnamconamco-bandaiWed, 18 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Toys R Us expands layaway to include consoles, adds hardware to trade-in program]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/toys-r-us-expands-layaway-to-include-consoles-adds-hardware-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/toys-r-us-expands-layaway-to-include-consoles-adds-hardware-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/toys-r-us-expands-layaway-to-include-consoles-adds-hardware-to/#comments Toys R Us announced today that its "Big Gift" layaway program will now include video game hardware. TRU CEO Jerry Storch states that it was the "number one" request from customers. For those who don't know what layaway is: it's the practice of a company holding onto a "purchased" product until the customer has paid for the item in full. For the TRU program, customers must deposit 20% of the console's total purchase, including tax, and a "$10 service charge." Payments can be made at the store in cash, check, credit card ... wait, what? If someone has a credit card, then -- nevermind. Payment must be made in full before December 6. There will also be a fee for canceled orders and the program is not available in Maryland.

The retailer is also expanding its video game trade-in program, which began in September, to include video game hardware. The program begins this Friday, November 20, and works almost the same way as the software trade-in: customers go to the "guest service desk," their items are scanned, an offer is made and they receive a gift card if all is approved. We've listed all consoles and handhelds available for trade-in after the break.

Continue reading Toys R Us expands layaway to include consoles, adds hardware to trade-in program

JoystiqToys R Us expands layaway to include consoles, adds hardware to trade-in program originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessconsumerslayawaytoys-r-ustrade-inWed, 18 Nov 2009 09:17:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports Active stores open in Boston and San Francisco]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/ea-sports-active-stores-open-in-boston-and-san-francisco/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/ea-sports-active-stores-open-in-boston-and-san-francisco/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/ea-sports-active-stores-open-in-boston-and-san-francisco/#commentsIf you live in Boston or San Francisco and are curious enough about EA Sports Active to go into a retail store devoted entirely to the fitness game, you're in luck! And maybe you've also learned something about the amount of curiosity you have about EA Sports Active. On November 15, EA opened two EA Sports Active stores, featuring demo units of both Active and the new EA Sports Active: More Workouts, "Active Trainers" who will show attendees how to use the game, and even a supply of games to lend out to visitors so they can try it at home. The stores also take reservations for workout sessions. They'll be open until December 14.

EA invited some bloggers to the Boston location for a tour and a workout. Not us, but fitness bloggers. You know, the people that someone might listen to if they cared about being healthy. Luckily for us, those bloggers took plenty of pictures of the inside of the Boston store. If you'd like to visit, the addresses of the stores are posted after the break.

Continue reading EA Sports Active stores open in Boston and San Francisco

JoystiqEA Sports Active stores open in Boston and San Francisco originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualea-sportsea-sports-activeea-sports-active-more-workoutspromotionTue, 17 Nov 2009 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Phoenix Wright judged appropriate for WiiWare re-release in Japan]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/phoenix-wright-judged-appropriate-for-wiiware-re-release-in-japa/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/phoenix-wright-judged-appropriate-for-wiiware-re-release-in-japa/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/phoenix-wright-judged-appropriate-for-wiiware-re-release-in-japa/#commentsThe latest issue of Famitsu confirms what a USK rating hinted: Phoenix Wright is coming to WiiWare. Capcom is porting the DS games (or, if you'd rather, the Game Boy Advance games) to Wii one at a time, to be released in Japan starting December 15. Judging from what we can see (which isn't much -- portions of cell phone images of screenshots), the graphics aren't enhanced for Wii at all.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney will be available in Japan on December 15 for 900 Wii Points, with the two Phoenix Wright sequels following on January 26 and February 23 for 1200 Wii Points each. The original case added to the DS version of the first Ace Attorney will be out on March 16 for 300 Points.

And now begin the process of reminding ourselves that we've already played all of this content, and just because it's being released again in a different format doesn't mean we have to buy it again. The fact that no announcements have been made about a North American release should help.

Joystiq NintendoPhoenix Wright judged appropriate for WiiWare re-release in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecapcomfamitsugyakuten-saibanportwiiwareTue, 17 Nov 2009 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Commercial success dependent on 'more than just quality,' Divnich suggests]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/commercial-success-dependent-on-more-than-just-quality-divnic/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/commercial-success-dependent-on-more-than-just-quality-divnic/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/commercial-success-dependent-on-more-than-just-quality-divnic/#comments
Pictured: A successful commercial
Speaking during a presentation at the recent Montreal International Game Summit (as covered by Edge), EEDAR Director of Analyst Services Jesse Divnich highlighted a tenuous connection between game review scores and commercial success. In the case of Nintendo's DS, Divnich is quoted as saying "scores don't matter." But do they matter among a more dedicated gaming audience?

"When we did compare Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 only games, we did, to no surprise, find that review scores highly correlated to sales," Divnich told Joystiq. "However, marketing correlation was still just a tad bit more." According to EEDAR's research, marketing has played the "more crucial role" with DS games and, to some degree, Wii games (a point Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime seems to agree on).

While emphasizing that his aim was not to dismiss the value of critical evaluation, Divnich suggested that marketing plays a more persuasive role in what has become a burgeoning industry. "Video games are now a mass marketed product, it is a product that targets all major demographics, very similar to television or movies or any other sector within the entertainment division." While Joystiq readers may lock out the din of marketing as they tap the F5 key and anxiously wait for review embargoes to lift, the industry has grown to encompass people who aren't as exposed to the likes of Metacritic.

It seems that being informed takes precedence over being entertained -- at least until you start playing the game. "Quality does matter," concluded Divnich, "but marketing matters just a little bit more."

JoystiqCommercial success dependent on 'more than just quality,' Divnich suggests originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingeedarjesse-divnichmarketingreviewssalesTue, 17 Nov 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Investigate a Crime Scene trailer]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/investigate-a-crime-scene-trailer/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/investigate-a-crime-scene-trailer/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/investigate-a-crime-scene-trailer/#commentsHaving gotten the obligatory joke out of the way in the first post about SouthPeak's Crime Scene, we're now free to look at, you know, the game and stuff. And it certainly delivers on the promise of the title! It's basically a crime scene on the DS for you to explore. You have to comb through whole rooms, collecting fingerprints, footprints and other evidence. You get to tweeze -- and swab.

Crime Scene is one of the few M-rated games on DS -- joining an elite club comprising games like Resident Evil: Deadly Silence, the Dementiums, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, and, of course, Touch the Dead. With that rating, it may turn out to be a more realistic, serious take on crime than the other cop games on DS.

Joystiq NintendoInvestigate a Crime Scene trailer originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecrime-sceneforensicssouthpeakTue, 17 Nov 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Bros. Brawl surpasses 100 million hours played]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/super-smash-bros-brawl-surpasses-100-million-hours-played/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/super-smash-bros-brawl-surpasses-100-million-hours-played/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/super-smash-bros-brawl-surpasses-100-million-hours-played/#comments Wow, guys, you really like your Super Smash Bros. Brawl, eh? Nintendo Channel data reveals the fighter has spun around in Wii disc drives for a collective 100 million hours and then some. On average, each gamer has put just over 73 total hours in.

To put some perspective on the figure, some of Nintendo's most notable titles haven't even come close to approaching 100 million hours played. Mario Kart Wii has only been played for 46 million hours, while Super Mario Galaxy has managed a mere 34 million hours in total. Wii Sports, however, remains the obvious top game played, netting a total play time of 105 million hours.

[Via Coffee with Games & Go Nintendo]

Joystiq NintendoSuper Smash Bros. Brawl surpasses 100 million hours played originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendo-channelsmash-bros-brawlsuper-smash-bros-brawlTue, 17 Nov 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo not done with Metroid Prime series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/nintendo-not-done-with-metroid-prime-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/nintendo-not-done-with-metroid-prime-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/nintendo-not-done-with-metroid-prime-series/#comments
 You may have completed Metroid Prime Trilogy and begun to enter Full Excitement Mode[TM] for next year's Metroid Other M, but there could be even more Metroid in store under Prime's banner of first-person action. Nintendo's Kensuke Tanabe, who oversaw development on the Prime games for Nintendo at Retro Studios, recently told ONM that Nintendo is "always planning to make new games in the Metroid Prime series."

Tanabe didn't speak of a continuation on Wii, but noted that depending "on the timing and the situation, we cannot deny the possibility of realising it on DS or DSi." Though Retro hasn't isolated itself from the franchise, we know Nintendo isn't shy about sharing Samus with external developers. Just don't call it "Metroid Dread," guys. Bad memories.

JoystiqNintendo not done with Metroid Prime series originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kensuke-tanabemetroidmetroid-primemetroid-prime-trilogyretro-studiosTue, 17 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese Nintendo downloads: Trial edition]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/japanese-nintendo-downloads-trial-edition/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/japanese-nintendo-downloads-trial-edition/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/japanese-nintendo-downloads-trial-edition/#commentsThe WiiWare demo program arrives in Japan today, offering many of the same demos found in North America. Bit.Trip Beat and NyxQuest are out, and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon is in. Oddly, the Japanese site for the demo program mentions a January 31 end date, which the North American page doesn't. We don't know if that's the end of the whole demo thing or just the expiration date for this set of demos.

Also on the Wii today in Japan: two Namco arcade games which are personal favorites: free-scrolling shooter Bosconian (with fantastic "ALART" voice samples), and Pac-Man creator Toru Iwatani's weird Libble Rabble. Genterprise continues its budget series on DSiWare, with a top-down racer and a VR-looking action game:
  • Demos: Pokemon Rumble, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord & World of Goo

Joystiq NintendoJapanese Nintendo downloads: Trial edition originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-academybosconiandemosdsiwaregg-seriesjapanlibble-rabblevctuesdayTue, 17 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sports Authority to begin selling Wii consoles, Wii Fit Plus in stores]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/sports-authority-to-begin-selling-wii-consoles-in-stores/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/sports-authority-to-begin-selling-wii-consoles-in-stores/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/sports-authority-to-begin-selling-wii-consoles-in-stores/#comments Somewhere between the jockstraps and gun racks, The Sports Authority will begin selling Wii and Wii Fit Plus in select stores. Company President David Campisi says, "Sports Authority recognized that the Wii console is a product that can help you stay active and have fun with your family at the same time, which is why the retail partnership with Nintendo is a perfect fit." Meanwhile, the American Council on Exercise finds the actual benefits of Wii Fit "underwhelming."

But, forget the ACE telling us that doing the real-world versions of Wii Fit exercises is healthier, Sports Authority has a multi-million unit selling console and excercise program to sell! Who cares if it actually works -- or people use it? Sports Authority has sold plenty of products over the years to people looking to get healthy, and parents whose kids want to try a new sport, which then get used a few times and exist afterward as dust collectors 'til the end of days.

JoystiqSports Authority to begin selling Wii consoles, Wii Fit Plus in stores originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>sports-authoritywii-fitwii-fit-plusTue, 17 Nov 2009 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Hackers create dueling New Super Mario Bros. Wii level editors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/hackers-create-dueling-new-super-mario-bros-wii-level-editors/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/hackers-create-dueling-new-super-mario-bros-wii-level-editors/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/hackers-create-dueling-new-super-mario-bros-wii-level-editors/#commentsWell, that didn't take long. On the very day that New Super Mario Bros. Wii was released in North America, hackers Virus and Vash released Tanooki, a program that allows users to design their own levels in place of the game's existing locales. Coder Treeki also announced Reggie!, yet another level editor for New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Whichever wins, everybody wins.

Of course, these programs, while awesome, are pretty impractical for most of us, given that they run on a computer and thus work only with emulation. But, we must reiterate, these are awesome, and we appreciate the efforts of hobbyists everywhere who immediately make games better with their work. Check out example videos of both (with some NSFW language in annotations) after the break.

[Via Gemaga]

Continue reading Hackers create dueling New Super Mario Bros. Wii level editors

JoystiqHackers create dueling New Super Mario Bros. Wii level editors originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hacklevel-editormodnew-super-mario-bros-wiitanookiTue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's Fils-Aime: 'effectively marketed' third-party titles can sell on Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/nintendos-fils-aime-effectively-marketed-third-party-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/nintendos-fils-aime-effectively-marketed-third-party-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/nintendos-fils-aime-effectively-marketed-third-party-titles/#comments Despite slow to non-existent sales for several high-profile third-party Nintendo Wii titles, the company's US head, Reggie Fils-Aime, still believes that third-party publishers on Nintendo's console can be successful. Speaking with Kotaku, Fils-Aime says he's "extremely disappointed" with the lack of major third party games on the Wii. He even goes so far as to say he's spoken (presumably quite sternly) with "every publisher who makes content that is not available on my platform" about the subject.

When questioned as to why major titles like Grand Theft Auto IV and Assassin's Creed 2 aren't headed to his company's console, he explains it as a measure of long lead times rather than technological inability. "Typically decisions are being made two years prior ... and so the decisions two years ago were that those types of games would not be effective on the platform." And though the subject isn't directly broached, Fils-Aime remains steadfast that third-party titles can be successful on the Wii ... with the right marketing. "High-quality, effectively marketed against our installed base, will sell. Period. End of story."

It would appear then that Boom Blox, The Conduit, No More Heroes, and a mess of other third-party titles, had some truly ineffective marketing by Reggie's standards.

JoystiqNintendo's Fils-Aime: 'effectively marketed' third-party titles can sell on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2boom-bloxbusinessdead-space-extractiongrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivhouse-of-the-dead-overkilllittle-kings-storymarketingno-more-heroesreggie-fils-aimethe-conduitthird-partyzack-and-wikiTue, 17 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Get a cheap Personal Trainer: Walking without walking too far]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/get-a-cheap-personal-trainer-walking-without-walking-too-far/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/get-a-cheap-personal-trainer-walking-without-walking-too-far/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/get-a-cheap-personal-trainer-walking-without-walking-too-far/#commentsIf you hope to save all of your footsteps for entry into Personal Trainer: Walking -- really make them count by having them tabulated by a video game -- this Amazon deal is perfect for you. The game, with two Activity Meters, is Amazon's Deal of the Day for $29.98.

You may have to do some uncounted walking to pick it up (trips to the mailbox or the front door, a small amount of day-to-day movement until it arrives), but at least you don't have to walk around a store to pick it up, dooming yourself to several steps that don't contribute to a running total on your DS.

Joystiq NintendoGet a cheap Personal Trainer: Walking without walking too far originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondeal-of-the-dayexercisepersonal-trainer-walkingTue, 17 Nov 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter pillow will give you nightmares]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/monster-hunter-pillow-will-give-you-nightmares/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/monster-hunter-pillow-will-give-you-nightmares/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/monster-hunter-pillow-will-give-you-nightmares/#commentsCapcom's Monster Hunter Furu Furu Pillow is officially the most terrifying pillow we've seen today. What appears in the games as a winged, eyeless wyvern (called Khezu outside of Japan) has been transmuted into a tube with a lamprey mouth. That you put on your bed. And look at when you wake up. We suppose it would be better used as an accent pillow on a couch or something, especially if you don't want anyone to use your couch ever.

Japanese Monster Hunter fans will be able to bring this abomination into their lives, in white or red, on January 29, for ¥9,240 ($103.52).

[Via Andriasang]

JoystiqMonster Hunter pillow will give you nightmares originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcome-capcomkhezumonster-huntermonster-hunter-portable-2nd-gmonster-hunter-tripillowTue, 17 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST