Joystiq Wii http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq Wii http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[THQ sees net loss of $239.9 million, still in business]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-sees-net-loss-of-239-9-million-still-in-business/#comments ImageTHQ saw a net revenue loss of $239.9 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, $100 million more than the previous fiscal year's loss of $136.1 million.

"We have made significant changes to our business, and are on track to execute our strategy of delivering quality connected core gaming experiences, beginning with the sequel to the award-winning Darksiders in August," president and CEO Brian Farrell said in a THQ earnings statement.

THQ has seen a rough year, with plummeting revenue despite the success of Saints Row: The Third and WWE '12. THQ laid off 240 employees, slashed the salaries of its head honchos and cut its "kids' licensed video games" department earlier this fiscal year, following quarter losses of nearly triple the previous period.

THQ has sold through 84 percent of its shipped uDraw tablets and expects to sell its remaining inventory in fiscal 2013. The company's "future kids' license commitments" have been reduced by $30 million, THQ reports.

THQ describes its emergency layoffs, salary cuts and company rehashing as follows: "The company exited the traditional kids' licensed games business, and streamlined its product line, organization and cost structure to support a smaller company positioned for sustained profitability."

JoystiqTHQ sees net loss of $239.9 million, still in business originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fy-2012kinectlossmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationps3THQwiixboxTue, 15 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ: WWE franchise rebranding boosted performance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-wwe-franchise-rebranding-boosted-performance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-wwe-franchise-rebranding-boosted-performance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-wwe-franchise-rebranding-boosted-performance/#comments ImageWhich would you be more likely to walk into a store and ask for? Something called "WWE 12" or something called "WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011?" THQ reports that common sense has won out, as it attributes increased sales of the new title, in part, to the new naming convention.

"The successful rebranding of this annual franchise has led to higher sell-through to date," the company notes in its latest earnings release, "which is up approximately 20 percent on like-for-like platforms in North America versus the year-ago title." THQ didn't share the sell-through number, but it did disclose that it shipped more than 2.2 million copies since November. It sounds like a much more successful rebranding than "Hollywood Hogan."

JoystiqTHQ: WWE franchise rebranding boosted performance originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendoplaystationps3thqwiiwwe-12wwe-2012xboxTue, 15 May 2012 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft profits in 2012, 'core gamers' drive rise in sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/ubisoft-profits-in-2012-core-gamers-drive-rise-in-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/ubisoft-profits-in-2012-core-gamers-drive-rise-in-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/ubisoft-profits-in-2012-core-gamers-drive-rise-in-sales/#comments ImageUbisoft ended the 2012 financial year on the up, reporting a gross profit of €718 million ($917 million) and sales up 2.1 percent to €1 billion ($1.4 billion) year-over-year, according to its financial results for 2011-2012.

Ubisoft ended fiscal 2011-12 with net income of €37.3 million ($47.6 million), up from a net loss of €52.1 million ($66.5 million) in the 2011 fiscal year.

Sales from "core gamers" in Assassin's Creed Revelations, Rayman Origins, Driver San Francisco and free-to-play title The Settlers Online generated €578 million ($738.1 million) in revenue, Ubisoft reported. Casual games brought in €483 million ($616.8 million) in revenue, mainly from Just Dance, Rocksmith and free-to-play title Howrse.

Core and casual titles contributed to a 110.8 percent jump in online and digital sales, bringing that figure to €80 million ($102.1 million), Ubisoft reported.

Ubisoft's net cash position is down from €99.2 million ($126.6 million) in 2011 to €84.6 million ($108 million) in 2012, while current operating income rose 90 percent to €56 million ($71.5 million) year-over-year.

JoystiqUbisoft profits in 2012, 'core gamers' drive rise in sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsfy-2012kinectmicrosoftmovenintendopcplaystationps3UbisoftwiixboxTue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision pays $42 million to Infinity Ward Employee Group]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/activision-pays-42-million-to-infinity-ward-employee-group/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/activision-pays-42-million-to-infinity-ward-employee-group/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/activision-pays-42-million-to-infinity-ward-employee-group/#comments Activision has paid out $42 million to the "Infinity Ward Employee Group," which sued Activision in 2010 seeking profits from Modern Warfare 2. A source speaking to Polygon said that the payment was not a settlement; rather, Activision's discovery phase (for its own lawsuit against former Infinity Ward leads Jason West and Vince Zampella) found no evidence that the Employee Group members were complicit in the breach-of-contract issues for which Activision is suing, and so Bobby Kotick and Activision agreed to pay them.

That group sought $75 million to $125 million, plus punitive damages. IWEG attorney Bruce Isaacs told Polygon that "although it is a meaningful payment it is only a small portion of what we are seeking in litigation." And it is still going forward with said litigation. Isaacs said the payment was a "cynical attempt to look good before the jury trial."

JoystiqActivision pays $42 million to Infinity Ward Employee Group originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsinfinity-wardinfinity-ward-employee-grouplawsuitmicrosoftModern-Warfare-2nintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxTue, 15 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: May 14-20, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/now-playing-may-14-20-2012/#comments Image
Traverse the depths of Hell once again in Diablo 3...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: May 14-20, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 14-20, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 14 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Famous one hit kills get mashed up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/famous-one-hit-kills-get-mashed-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/famous-one-hit-kills-get-mashed-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/famous-one-hit-kills-get-mashed-up/#comments Image
Ah, the one hit kill. As a rule, they're fun to perform, but not so much fun when they're performed on you. Nearly everyone sees both sides of the equation in this mash-up of famous one hit kills. Check it out and see who winds up on top.

JoystiqFamous one hit kills get mashed up originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxMon, 14 May 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pikmin 2, Mario Power Tennis on US Wii June 10, DKC Returns and Brawl discounted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/pikmin-2-mario-power-tennis-on-us-wii-june-10-dkc-returns-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/pikmin-2-mario-power-tennis-on-us-wii-june-10-dkc-returns-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/pikmin-2-mario-power-tennis-on-us-wii-june-10-dkc-returns-and/#comments ImageDespite never having been released for Wii in North America, the Wii's "New Play Control" version of Pikmin 2 will be released as part of the "Nintendo Selects" line June 10, alongside fellow GameCube port Mario Power Tennis. Rather than question the logistics of a budget re-release of a game that was never released in the first place, we'll celebrate the $19.99 price point under which it's coming out.

Also joining the Nintendo Selects line are two bona fide Wii games, Super Smash Bros. Brawl and the excellent Donkey Kong Country Returns, at $30 each. It's about (two years past) time for Brawl to be made cheaper, though it's unusual that these two games will sell for $10 above the normal Nintendo Selects price.

Gallery: Nintendo Selects (Mario Power Tennis and Pikmin 2)

Continue reading Pikmin 2, Mario Power Tennis on US Wii June 10, DKC Returns and Brawl discounted

JoystiqPikmin 2, Mario Power Tennis on US Wii June 10, DKC Returns and Brawl discounted originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Donkey-Kong-Country-Returnsmario-power-tennisnintendonintendo-selectsPikmin-2q2-2012release-datesuper-smash-bros-brawlwiiMon, 14 May 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Paramore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/rock-band-weekly-paramore/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/rock-band-weekly-paramore/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/rock-band-weekly-paramore/#comments ImageParamore's "Brand New Eyes" album may not be so brand new anymore, but Rock Band Weekly is tapping it this week for a three-pack from the operatic rock band.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Paramore

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Paramore originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixharmonix-music-systemsmicrosoftnintendoparamoreplaystationps3rbwRock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxFri, 11 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega earnings down in fiscal 2011, Mario & Sonic sell 3 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sega-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2011-mario-and-sonic-sell-3-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sega-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2011-mario-and-sonic-sell-3-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sega-earnings-down-in-fiscal-2011-mario-and-sonic-sell-3-million/#comments Sega's earnings are down in the year ended March 31, 2012, which shouldn't come as a surprise given the company's recent extreme restructuring measures. Sega reported net sales of 395.5 billion yen ($5 billion), down 0.3 percent from 2011; net income dropped 47.4 percent to 21 billion yen.

In the "consumer business" division (the one that deals with home video games), Sega reported a year-over-year drop in unit sales. Its best-performing game was Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, of course, at 3.28 million copies. Sonic Generations followed at 1.85 million; Virtua Tennis 4 sold 1.04 million across five platforms. Sega listed sales for Football Manager 2012 (710,000) and Yakuza: Dead Souls (550,000), but nothing else -- so we don't know how well Binary Domain did, except to guess that it probably didn't do very well.

JoystiqSega earnings down in fiscal 2011, Mario & Sonic sell 3 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsearningsfy-2011microsoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsegasonyvitawiixboxFri, 11 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[April NPD: Prototype 2 tops charts, industry-wide sales down 32 percent year-over-year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/april-npd-prototype-2-tops-charts-industry-wide-sales-down-32/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/april-npd-prototype-2-tops-charts-industry-wide-sales-down-32/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/april-npd-prototype-2-tops-charts-industry-wide-sales-down-32/#comments The results for April are in, and things are looking a little rough out there in consumer video-game electronics land. As a whole, the gaming industry (which for our purposes includes all hardware, software and accessories sales between April 1 and April 28, 2012) brought in $630.4 million, a 32 percent decrease over the same period last year, where its various machinations resulted in collective sales of $930.9 million.

Breaking the industry down into its three major components, hardware sales accounted for $189.7 million (down 32 percent year over year), while software sales contributed $292.1 million to the cause - a 42 percent decrease year over year. Accessories, on the other hand, posted a 1 percent increase year-over-year at $148.6 million in 2012, as compared with $147.8 million in 2011.

The average amount of money spent on hardware increased year-over-year, however, due in part to the 360 Star Wars Kinect Bundle, according to NPD analyst Anita Frazier. Generally though, the period's lackluster performance is due to the month's release schedule: "Last April, the top seven titles outsold the top-selling title this year, and, simply stated, there were notably fewer new market introductions. I think it's a simple as that because when we see compelling content come into the market, the games are still selling as well as ever - we just saw a lot less this April as compared to last."

The list of April's top 10 best-selling titles can be found after the break as per usual, with newcomers Prototype 2 and Kinect Star Wars leading the charge ahead of Modern Warfare 3, Mario Party 9 and Mass Effect 3.

Update: According to Microsoft's Major Nelson, the Xbox 360 sold 236K units during April.

Continue reading April NPD: Prototype 2 tops charts, industry-wide sales down 32 percent year-over-year

JoystiqApril NPD: Prototype 2 tops charts, industry-wide sales down 32 percent year-over-year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>April-NPDkinectkinect-star-warsmicrosoftnintendoNPDNPD-Aprilpcplaystationplaystation-vitaprototype-2ps3pspsonyvitawiixboxThu, 10 May 2012 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Monster World IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/nintendoware-weekly-monster-world-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/nintendoware-weekly-monster-world-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/nintendoware-weekly-monster-world-iv/#comments ImageWhile we wait for Sega's "Monster World Collection" to debut the previously Japan-only (and acclaimed!) Monster World IV on PSN and XBLA, Sega went ahead and deposited the game on Wii Virtual Console today, causing even more surprise than other, increasingly rare, VC releases.

If you have the Wii Points kicking around, you can build a pseudo-complete Wonder Boy collection now - bolstered by Sega's simultaneous release of the arcade version of Wonder Boy in Monster Land. At least one version of each game in the series is available.

In non-interactive news, Dinosaur Office returns to Nintendo Video tomorrow.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Monster World IV

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Monster World IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsdsiwareeshopmonster-world-ivnintendonintendoware-weeklypauls-shooting-adventure-2sudoku-by-nikoliwiiwiiwarewonder-boywonder-boy-in-monster-landThu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Lord of the Rings listed on retail site, reportedly on Lego toy boxes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/lego-lord-of-the-rings-listed-on-retail-site-reportedly-on-lego/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/lego-lord-of-the-rings-listed-on-retail-site-reportedly-on-lego/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/lego-lord-of-the-rings-listed-on-retail-site-reportedly-on-lego/#comments A Lego Lord of the Rings video game is in the stars for later this year. AllGamesBeta and Gamespot both have images from UK retailer ShopTo with pre-order details, along with an October placemark launch. Meanwhile, MCV reports that packaging for the physical Lego Lord of the Rings toy sets mentions a game is in the works by Warner Bros.' Traveller's Tales.

A Warner Bros. Interactive rep told Joystiq, "We do not comment on speculation or rumors."

The Lego Lord of the Rings series first popped up on radar late last year, which ended up officially being a teaser for the physical sets... or not, as the current case may play out.

JoystiqLego Lord of the Rings listed on retail site, reportedly on Lego toy boxes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lego-lord-of-the-ringsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Warner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentwiixboxThu, 10 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The creative maturity of Hironobu Sakaguchi's Last Story]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/the-creative-maturity-of-hironobu-sakaguchis-last-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/the-creative-maturity-of-hironobu-sakaguchis-last-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/the-creative-maturity-of-hironobu-sakaguchis-last-story/#comments There must be a fascinating behind-the-scenes story as to how XSEED managed to get a hold of the localization rights for The Last Story. Ordinarily, Nintendo has a death grip on the rights to its games: If they don't localize it, no one does. XSEED, for their part, say they "got lucky."

The Last Story is the most recent RPG by Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, as well as the natural companion to Xenoblade Chronicles, which arrived last month. Both headlined last year's Operation Rainfall petition, along with Pandora's Tower, forever joining them at the hip. Much like Monolith Soft's opus Chronicles, Sakaguchi seems determined to say something new about the genre he once helped create.

Gallery: The Last Story (Nintendo Conference 2010)

Continue reading The creative maturity of Hironobu Sakaguchi's Last Story

JoystiqThe creative maturity of Hironobu Sakaguchi's Last Story originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AQ-InteractiveHironobu-SakaguchiMistwalkernintendothe-last-storywiiXSEEDWed, 09 May 2012 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Alien Hominid has been played 20 million times on Newgrounds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/#comments ImageBefore there was, uh, that other game called Alien Hominid (and Castle Crashers), there was the original Alien Hominid, a free browser run-and-gun game that debuted on Newgrounds. And that original game has now surpassed 20 million play sessions, The Behemoth has announced.

The brain child of Tom Fulp and Dan Paladin, Alien Hominid was built in Flash and released on Newgrounds way back in 2002. It would eventually be ported to the GameCube and PS2 in 2004 (and Europe would see Xbox and GameBoy Advance ports), then to Xbox Live Arcade in 2007. Currently, The Behemoth is working on Battleblock Theater.

JoystiqAlien Hominid has been played 20 million times on Newgrounds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAlien-Hominidandroiddsfree-to-playgamecubeiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenewgroundsnintendopcplaystationps3the-behemothwiiwii-uxblaxboxWed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sniper Elite V2 shoots straight to top spot in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/sniper-elite-v2-shoots-straight-to-top-spot-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/sniper-elite-v2-shoots-straight-to-top-spot-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/sniper-elite-v2-shoots-straight-to-top-spot-in-uk/#comments Sniper Elite V2 is naturally going to want a position at the top of Chart-Track's UK charts... it's the best vantage point. Thankfully, there wasn't very much competition around, as evidenced by what is probably the shortest overview of last week's sales activity by the stat tracking company in recent memory.

The prior week's top performer, Prototype 2, fell one spot into second. It was followed by the EA triplets that never seem to be apart: FIFA 12, FIFA Street and Mass Effect 3. Beyond that, no new games to report making moves, no major shuffling of the status quo. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Gallery: Sniper Elite V2: Single-Player (03/23/2012)

Continue reading Sniper Elite V2 shoots straight to top spot in UK

JoystiqSniper Elite V2 shoots straight to top spot in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3sniper-elite-v2ukwiixboxTue, 08 May 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: May 7-13, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/now-playing-may-7-13-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/now-playing-may-7-13-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/now-playing-may-7-13-2012/#comments Image
Build, fight, and conquer this week with Starhawk...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: May 7-13, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: May 7-13, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 07 May 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Rage Against the Machine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/rock-band-weekly-rage-against-the-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/rock-band-weekly-rage-against-the-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/rock-band-weekly-rage-against-the-machine/#comments ImageSo much rage! How much rage? Over 9000! What? OVER 9000! That's how much raging against machines there is in next week's Rock Band DLC. Tracks include classic rage like "Bombtrack" and "Killing in the Name," which even if you think you've never heard these songs before, the minute it starts you'll be all "I do know that!"

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Rage Against the Machine

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Rage Against the Machine originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Harmonixmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3rage-against-the-machineRock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxFri, 04 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Amoebattle, Super Hang-On]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/nintendoware-weekly-amoebattle-super-hang-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/nintendoware-weekly-amoebattle-super-hang-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/nintendoware-weekly-amoebattle-super-hang-on/#comments ImageTwo new Virtual Console games in as many weeks? What is going on? On top of the VC release of Super Hang-On, Amoebattle makes its way to DSiWare and Bird Mania 3D takes flight on the 3DS eShop.

We rather liked the iPhone version of Amoebattle. Its real-time strategy controls should translate to the DS and 3DS just fine.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Amoebattle, Super Hang-On

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Amoebattle, Super Hang-On originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAmoebattlebird-mania-3ddsdsiwareeshopnintendonintendoware-weeklysegasuper-hang-onvirtual-worldswiiThu, 03 May 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama administration teams up with the ESA on fitness promotion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/obama-administration-teams-up-with-the-esa-on-fitness-promotion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/obama-administration-teams-up-with-the-esa-on-fitness-promotion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/obama-administration-teams-up-with-the-esa-on-fitness-promotion/#comments ImageFor all its talk of "putting down the video games and getting outside," it looks like President Barack Obama's administration is lightening its past rhetoric and embracing video games. Well, at least some video games - what it's calling "active video games." Think Wii Fit, Just Dance, and Zumba Fitness.

The Entertainment Software Association is collaborating with the US Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition to launch the "Active Play Presidential Active Lifestyle Award Challenge," which will task kids and adults with taking on 60 or 30 minutes of "active video gaming activity," respectively, five days per week over the course of six weeks.

Moreover, the collaboration means that your favorite game publishers are adding "PALA+" functionality to their games, allowing gamers to "stay motivated and track their progress in the program." Electronic Arts, Konami Digital Entertainment, Microsoft Corporation, Nintendo of America, Sony Computer Entertainment America, Take-Two Interactive Software/2K Play, and Ubisoft are all listed in the official announcement.

And what will that functionality entail, exactly? The ESA ambiguously describes it as the following:
  • Interactive tools to help kids and families monitor the progress of their physical activity and healthy eating goals
  • Tracking tools to help participants in different schools and communities engage in competition
  • Helpful tips and information on healthy living from PCFSN [President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition]
We're not expecting a ton from the initiative beyond logos slapped into several exergames and another press release trumpeting the program's "enormous success" in a few months, but if some chubbos drop a few pounds due to the initiative, then we've all won.

JoystiqObama administration teams up with the ESA on fitness promotion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active-play-presidential-active-lifestyle-award-challengeentertainment-software-associationesakinectmicrosoftmovenintendopalapala+playstationps3the-entertainment-software-associationwiixboxTue, 01 May 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Club Nintendo awards include Art Style: Pictobits, Urban Champion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/new-club-nintendo-awards-include-art-style-pictobits-urban-cha/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/new-club-nintendo-awards-include-art-style-pictobits-urban-cha/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/new-club-nintendo-awards-include-art-style-pictobits-urban-cha/#comments If you can't wait to spend some of those coins, Nintendo is offering new rewards for its Club Nintendo program. Four new downloadable games have been made available for May, including a pair of 3DS titles and two WiiWare games.

Art Style: Pictobits is the frontrunner for our hard-earned coins, a delightful DSiWare puzzle game ported to the 3DS. Pictobits debuted next to Majora's Mask, so you may not remember it. The other high-profile game is a 3DS port of Urban Champion, the first fighting game to appear on the NES and quite possibly the worst game to appear on the NES.

The two WiiWare games are Snowpack Park and Eco Shooter: Plant 3D. All four games will be available for download until May 31.

[Thanks, Dali.]

JoystiqNew Club Nintendo awards include Art Style: Pictobits, Urban Champion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-classics3d-classics-urban-champion3dsart-style-pictobitsclub-nintendoeco-shooter-plant-3dnintendosnowpack-parkurban-championwiiTue, 01 May 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nicalis: WiiWare sales 'almost non-existent,' La-Mulana canceled for NA / EU]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/nicalis-wiiware-sales-almost-non-existent-cancels-la-mulana/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/nicalis-wiiware-sales-almost-non-existent-cancels-la-mulana/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/nicalis-wiiware-sales-almost-non-existent-cancels-la-mulana/#comments Publisher Nicalis announced last night on Twitter that it would not publish the retro-inspired, cave-exploring WiiWare game, La-Mulana, neither in North America nor Europe. The publisher informed GoNintendo that WiiWare sales are "almost non-existent" and that it would be "near impossible to sell sufficient units on WiiWare" to make it worth its efforts.

"The WiiWare market has a fraction of the players from 2008," Nicalis producer Tyrone Rodriguez wrote in a statement. "The window for release and success of software on the platform ended in 2009 and took a very steep decline. Players have moved onto other digital download platforms."

JoystiqNicalis: WiiWare sales 'almost non-existent,' La-Mulana canceled for NA / EU originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>la-mulanaNicalisnintendowiiTue, 01 May 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: April 30 - May 6, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/now-playing-april-30-may-6-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/now-playing-april-30-may-6-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/now-playing-april-30-may-6-2012/#comments Image
Team up and get blasting this week with Awesomenauts ...

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Continue reading Now Playing: April 30 - May 6, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: April 30 - May 6, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 30 Apr 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototype 2 successful on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/prototype-2-successful-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/prototype-2-successful-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/prototype-2-successful-on-uk-charts/#comments
Prototype 2 launched on Tuesday in the UK (instead of a Friday, per usual) last week and leapt to the top of the charts. Despite the strong premiere, Chart-Track notes the sequel couldn't match the first week sales success of the original game. Chart-Track doesn't share raw sales numbers, but it did point out that the game had stronger sales than previous chart-toppers Kinect Star Wars and The Witcher 2.

Speaking of Witcher 2, which held the crown last week, it slipped five spots into sixth place. EA continues to have a winning cluster with FIFA Street, FIFA 12 and Mass Effect 3 holding steady close to the top of the charts, with the group maintaining spots two through four, respectively.

Prototype 2 was the only new game to break the top 40 last week. Tap your tentacle past the break to check out the UK top ten.

Continue reading Prototype 2 successful on UK charts

JoystiqPrototype 2 successful on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12FIFA-Streetmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationprototype-2ps3UKwiixboxMon, 30 Apr 2012 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Train, Yellowcard, Eddie Money]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/rock-band-weekly-train-yellowcard-eddie-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/rock-band-weekly-train-yellowcard-eddie-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/rock-band-weekly-train-yellowcard-eddie-money/#comments Next week's Rock Band DLC features singles from Eddie Money, Train and Yellowcard. You'll either kinda like these tracks or swear Harmonix is straight-up trolling the community. We leave it to you to decide.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Train, Yellowcard, Eddie Money

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Train, Yellowcard, Eddie Money originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eddie-moneyharmonixmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3rock-band-weeklytrainwiixboxyellowcardFri, 27 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo predicts combined Wii U and Wii console sales of 10.5 million by March 31, 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/nintendo-predicts-combined-wii-u-and-wii-console-sales-of-10-5-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/nintendo-predicts-combined-wii-u-and-wii-console-sales-of-10-5-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/nintendo-predicts-combined-wii-u-and-wii-console-sales-of-10-5-m/#comments Nintendo isn't breaking out hardware or software sales predictions for the Wii U just yet, unlike its other consoles. Instead, it's masking said predictions by mixing them in with those of the Wii. Bizarre? Yes, bizarre.

Anyway, Nintendo's looking at a combined total of 10.5 million hardware units moved between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013 for the Wii U and Wii. While we can't parse the numbers, we can speculate based on the last fiscal year's Wii hardware sales. So! Nintendo sold 9.84 million Wii units in fiscal 2012, meaning the Japanese console manufacturer either expects a sharp dropoff in Wii sales (likely) or a not-so-hot holiday for the Wii U (less likely).

The same bizarre conflation applies to software sales, with Nintendo predicting approximately 70 million units sold across both the Wii U and Wii consoles. And last year? The Wii moved 102.37 million software units. Not too shabby! So, again, Nintendo either expects a massive dropoff in Wii software sales (likely), or for Wii U software to not do super great between the console's holiday launch and next March.

JoystiqNintendo predicts combined Wii U and Wii console sales of 10.5 million by March 31, 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiscal-year-2013hardwarenintendosalessoftwarewiiwii-uFri, 27 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Montreal 'reorganizing some teams,' letting a 'small number' go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/ea-montreal-reorganizing-some-teams-letting-a-small-number/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/ea-montreal-reorganizing-some-teams-letting-a-small-number/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/ea-montreal-reorganizing-some-teams-letting-a-small-number/#comments EA Montreal is restructuring its workforce. Some individuals are being moved to digital projects, including mobile and social games, while others will be dismissed.

"These are routine changes which address the cyclical nature of the game industry," an EA spokesperson told GI.biz. "A very small number of employees will be impacted - many will be assigned to new projects at EA, others will leave the company."

Just last week, EA told Joystiq that it's growing and plans to hire hundreds this year. EA expects headcount to be up by the end of 2012.

JoystiqEA Montreal 'reorganizing some teams,' letting a 'small number' go originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroiddsiosipadiphonelayoffsmacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxThu, 26 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: An actual Virtual Console game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/nintendoware-weekly-an-actual-virtual-console-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/nintendoware-weekly-an-actual-virtual-console-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/nintendoware-weekly-an-actual-virtual-console-game/#comments ImageAfter two weeks of absolutely nothing in new Wii downloads, Nintendo dropped a new Virtual Console game on us. And not just any new Virtual Console game, Super Street Fighter II ... with online play. Even after being released in Japan last November, and being announced locally by Capcom the same month, it's still surprising to see extra functionality.

It's still surprising to see a Wii Virtual Console game.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: An actual Virtual Console game

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: An actual Virtual Console game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsdsiwareeshopnintendonintendoware-weeklysuper-street-fighter-iivirtual-consolewiiThu, 26 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest X goes online in Japan August 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/dragon-quest-x-goes-online-in-japan-august-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/dragon-quest-x-goes-online-in-japan-august-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/dragon-quest-x-goes-online-in-japan-august-2/#comments ImageDragon Quest X, the Wii continuation of Square Enix's real flagship series - and the one that is an MMO this time - will launch in Japan on August 2, Square Enix announced today. The base retail price for the actual disc and stuff is ¥6,980 ($86); this includes 20 days of free play. A limited edition will include a USB memory stick for an extra ¥2,000. A Wii U version is still on the way, but all details are "undecided."

Of course, there are also the fees to contend with. For ¥1,000 ($12.35), you can get a 30-day voucher allowing you to play with up to three characters; 60 days runs ¥1,950 ($24), and 90 days costs ¥2,900 ($36). Wii Points can also be used to buy DQX time, in equivalent denominations.

JoystiqDragon Quest X goes online in Japan August 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-xjapannintendoq3-2012release-datewiiThu, 26 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo reports $461.2 million in losses for fiscal 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/nintendo-reports-461-2-million-in-losses-for-fiscal-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/nintendo-reports-461-2-million-in-losses-for-fiscal-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/nintendo-reports-461-2-million-in-losses-for-fiscal-2011/#comments Nintendo's announcement of losses for the fiscal year ending March 31 remains shocking, even though we had advance warning in the form of company forecasts. The actual results, with net sales of ¥647 billion ($8 billion!) were ¥12.3 billion lower than forecasted. The full-year loss was 37.3 billion yen ($461.2 million).

Nintendo said its effort to boost 3DS sales was successful, and that software sales were slower than expected in the US and Europe over the holidays. In addition, the reduced selling price of both the Wii and the 3DS, and, of course, the strong yen, contributed to the losses. The 3DS was actually dropped below cost in the 2011 price cut, the financial report reveals.

By the middle of the next fiscal year (the one that started April 1), Nintendo expects to stop selling 3DS below cost - we assume not by raising prices, but by reducing production costs. In addition, it expects to improve its fortunes with New Super Mario Bros. 2, the 3DS Animal Crossing, the new Brain Age game, and an Asian launch of the 3DS. Oh, and, of course, the Wii U.

JoystiqNintendo reports $461.2 million in losses for fiscal 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsfinancialsfy-2011nintendowiiwii-uThu, 26 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Calvin Johnson is the Madden NFL 13 cover athlete]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/calvin-johnson-is-the-madden-nfl-13-cover-athlete/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/calvin-johnson-is-the-madden-nfl-13-cover-athlete/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/calvin-johnson-is-the-madden-nfl-13-cover-athlete/#comments ImageOnce again, the cover of a Madden NFL game is misleading, prominently featuring a person who is not John Madden. Instead, we get Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions wide receiver. Johnson was just revealed on ESPN2 as the winner of a fan vote, which pitted him against Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in the final round.

Whether this is good news to you depends on whether you support the Lions, and whether you believe in the "Madden Curse."

JoystiqCalvin Johnson is the Madden NFL 13 cover athlete originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calvin-johnsoncam-newtonmadden-nfl-13microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 25 Apr 2012 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[New Play Control! Pikmin 2 lands in North America this June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/new-play-control-pikmin-2-lands-in-north-america-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/new-play-control-pikmin-2-lands-in-north-america-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/new-play-control-pikmin-2-lands-in-north-america-this-june/#comments ImageThough most of us are excited for the reveal of a new Pikmin, some may still be holding out the tiniest sliver of hope for New Play Control! Pikmin 2. A scan from the latest issue of Nintendo Power (via GoNintendo) says it's coming in June.

The Wii port has been available in Europe and Japan for years now. Nothing specific is mentioned in regards to features of the New Play Control! version, but it'll pretty much be the exact same thing as the 2009 re-release for Japan and Europe.

JoystiqNew Play Control! Pikmin 2 lands in North America this June originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new-play-controlnintendopikminPikmin-2release-datewiiTue, 24 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: April 23-29, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/now-playing-april-23-29-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/now-playing-april-23-29-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/now-playing-april-23-29-2012/#comments Image
Revenge is a dish best served ... mutated?

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: April 23-29, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: April 23-29, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 23 Apr 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Rayman Origins sequel pitched in marketing survey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/rumor-rayman-origins-sequel-ideas-show-up-in-marketing-survey/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/rumor-rayman-origins-sequel-ideas-show-up-in-marketing-survey/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/rumor-rayman-origins-sequel-ideas-show-up-in-marketing-survey/#comments ImageA survey from marketing firm Arkenford - which has Ubisoft as one of its clients - is apparently shopping around the concept of a Rayman Origins sequel. According to some images grabbed from a survey and sent to Kotaku, a potential sequel could feature dragons, ghosts and gods from Greek mythology - that and the same four-player drop-in/drop-out co-op gameplay.

Of course, a survey is hardly a confirmation that something is in the works. Best to keep expectations low. We've inquired with Ubisoft, but received the usual "Ubisoft doesn't comment on rumors" boilerplate.

JoystiqRumor: Rayman Origins sequel pitched in marketing survey originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsarkenfordmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3rayman-originsubisoftvitawiixboxMon, 23 Apr 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega64 brings Skyward Sword to Earth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/mega64-brings-skyward-sword-to-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/mega64-brings-skyward-sword-to-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/mega64-brings-skyward-sword-to-earth/#comments Image
Behind every legendary warrior is some guy with a Wiimote, desperately trying to perform a shield bash. Unless, of course, live-action video game pantomime is "not [your] lifestyle."

JoystiqMega64 brings Skyward Sword to Earth originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Legend-of-Zelda-2010mega-64mega64nintendoThe-Legend-of-Zelda-Skyward-SwordwiiMon, 23 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Witcher 2 enhances its spot on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/witcher-2-casts-enhanced-edition-success-spell-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/witcher-2-casts-enhanced-edition-success-spell-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/witcher-2-casts-enhanced-edition-success-spell-on-uk-charts/#comments
Geralt of Rivia's got swagger, walkin' and witchin' to the top of the UK charts for his debut on Xbox 360. The console launch The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings - Enhanced Edition took the crown last week, with Chart-Track noting 98 percent of sales for the game were cast toward the console version.

The original PC version of The Witcher 2 reached the fifth spot on the UK charts when it premiered in May 2011, but that number didn't represent the full picture, since the chart doesn't count digitally distributed products.

Witcher 2 was the only new title to break the top 40, with the usual suspects in the top ten shifting around Geralt. FIFA Street and FIFA 12 both hold the silver and bronze, respectively. Kick on past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Witcher 2 enhances its spot on UK charts

JoystiqWitcher 2 enhances its spot on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-12fifa-streetmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3the-witcher-2UKwiixboxMon, 23 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo celebrates Kirby's 20th Anniversary on Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/nintendo-celebrates-kirbys-20th-anniversary-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/nintendo-celebrates-kirbys-20th-anniversary-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/nintendo-celebrates-kirbys-20th-anniversary-on-wii/#comments ImageOpening up the Nintendo Direct conference livestream, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed the company has big plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Kirby. A new Wii game will collect past titles and package them on a retail disc - which classic Kirby titles would be included is a mystery.

Outside of the existence of Kirby's 20th Anniversary on Wii, nothing else is known right now.

JoystiqNintendo celebrates Kirby's 20th Anniversary on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japankirbykirby-20th-anniversarykirby-20th-anniversary-wiinintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-2012satoru-iwatawiiFri, 20 Apr 2012 23:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Direct time travels with news tonight, tomorrow, yesterday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/nintendo-direct-time-travels-with-news-tonight-tomorrow-yester/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/nintendo-direct-time-travels-with-news-tonight-tomorrow-yester/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/nintendo-direct-time-travels-with-news-tonight-tomorrow-yester/#comments ImageNintendo Direct, the all-Nintendo-news, some-of-the-time video series from official Nintendo headquarters, is hitting the airwaves tonight. Technically, it's noon EST tomorrow, April 21, but folks in the US can expect announcements from the Japanese feed starting at 8:30 p.m. PST tonight, Friday, April 20. The European announcements will hit at 1 p.m. CET (4 a.m. PST), April 21.

Nintendo hasn't revealed what it will discuss tonight, but it has left us a trail of clues. CEO Satoru Iwata sent out invitations to this weekend's Nintendo Direct on 3DS' Spot Pass, showing him with a giant, suspicious Kirby plushie. Kid Icarus: Uprising's Masahiro Sakurai tweeted to expect Uprising news and Theatrhythm Final Fantasy's Masanobu Suzui suggested fans should watch the feed, Andriasang translates.

We'll have our eyes and fingertips ready to roll for any breakout Kirby-Kid-Icarus-Theatrhythm crossover news tonight, because really, it's not like we had any plans on a Friday night or anything.

JoystiqNintendo Direct time travels with news tonight, tomorrow, yesterday originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskid-icarus-uprisingkirbynintendonintendo-directSatoru-Iwatatheatrhythm-final-fantasywiiwii-uFri, 20 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Cinderella]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/rock-band-weekly-cinderella/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/rock-band-weekly-cinderella/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/rock-band-weekly-cinderella/#comments ImageWhether you're old enough to remember when Cinderella was on the radio or you discovered the band during a Google search for the Disney film, a trio of tracks from the '80s hair band will debut in Rock Band 3 this Tuesday on Xbox 360, PS3 and Nintendo Wii.

"Nobody's Fool," from Cinderella's debut album Night Songs, is joined by two others: "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)," the band's most successful tune to date, and "Shelter Me," a single from 1990's Heartbreak Station.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Cinderella

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Cinderella originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Rock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxFri, 20 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA['WiiPop' dance game hacks Wiimotes and Kinect into unlikely tryst]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/wiipop-dance-game-hacks-wiimotes-and-kinect-into-unlikely-trys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/wiipop-dance-game-hacks-wiimotes-and-kinect-into-unlikely-trys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/wiipop-dance-game-hacks-wiimotes-and-kinect-into-unlikely-trys/#comments Image
Whether by choice or by force, chances are good you've experienced a dancing game by now. Typically, these games ask users to mimic dance moves for points, but WiiPop, created by one Christian "Mio" Loclair, is completely freestyle.

The game achieves this feat by incorporating both body-mounted Wii remotes and the Kinect. Used together, the devices measure how a user moves throughout the dance space and how he or she "pops" to the beat. It's all very amazing and complex and, as such, we suggest you watch the video above for the full rundown.

Joystiq'WiiPop' dance game hacks Wiimotes and Kinect into unlikely tryst originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackskinectmicrosoftmodsnintendowiiwii-remotewiipopxboxWed, 18 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Xenoblade Chronicles represents the past, present, and future of Japanese gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/why-xenoblade-chronicles-represents-the-past-present-and-futur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/why-xenoblade-chronicles-represents-the-past-present-and-futur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/why-xenoblade-chronicles-represents-the-past-present-and-futur/#commentsThis is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs has to offer.
If you want to know where Xenoblade Chronicles came from, you need only look toward two sources. There's Monster Hunter, which is the inspiration for seemingly every modern JRPG from Dragon Quest IX to more blatant knockoffs like God Eater. And there are MMORPGs, which have come to exercise a great deal of influence over Japanese gaming culture as a whole.

Xenoblade Chronicles, and Monster Hunter too, are like this for a reason. Work and school start early and end late in Japan, and any time at home is usually either devoted to the family, or sleeping. Many gamers have migrated to manga cafes, which have been dominated by MMORPGs like Lineage for about a decade now. MMOs have in turn influenced loot-centric cooperative handheld games like Monster Hunter, which serve as the other alternative for busy students and salarymen.

This trend presents a dilemma for Japanese developers. Japan simply can't get enough Monster Hunter and its ilk, which is all the more reason for developers to keep cranking them out. Global audiences, however, have been slow to embrace co-op RPGs. That's where Xenoblade Chronicles comes in - an RPG with all the trappings of an MMO or a Monster Hunter, but wrapped in a traditional, single-player JRPG.

Gallery: Xenoblade Chronicles

Continue reading Why Xenoblade Chronicles represents the past, present, and future of Japanese gaming

JoystiqWhy Xenoblade Chronicles represents the past, present, and future of Japanese gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>monolith-softmonolithsoftnintendowiixenoblade-chroniclesWed, 18 Apr 2012 12:45:00 EST