Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/JoystiqThe Joystiq Podcast combines insightful commentary on the week's video game news and culture with several disembodied, often spooky, voices. Voices may or may not belong to Chris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann, Joystiq.com editors, or their guests. Spookiness not guaranteed where prohibited, please check local laws. More information available at www.joystiq.comDyack: Nintendo a 'silent partner', Eternal Darkness IP ownership 'complicated'http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/dyack-nintendo-a-silent-partner-eternal-darkness-ip-ownershi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/dyack-nintendo-a-silent-partner-eternal-darkness-ip-ownershi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/dyack-nintendo-a-silent-partner-eternal-darkness-ip-ownershi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In the final part of X3F's interview series, Silicon Knights President Denis Dyack said that the question of who owns the Eternal Darkness IP is, "a complicated question with a complicated answer," while at the same time confirming that Nintendo is still a "silent partner" with the developer.

"That's a question we've never answered," he said. "At the end of the day, it's not time to even talk about those things for various different reasons. You know Nintendo, who's still our silent partner, a lot of people don't know that, we have a great relationship with those guys. It's not time to talk about Eternal Darkness 2." Dyack went on to say that, despite some reports to the contrary, SK has never announced ED2 to be in development.

Dyack also discussed his one console theory, and how the consolidation of the developers and publishers support his claim that the industry is moving towards a one-console future, adding that Silicon Knights is not opposed to being acquired by a publisher. He also said that the company's next game will be "very different" from Too Human, declining to elaborate further.

Continue reading Dyack: Nintendo a 'silent partner', Eternal Darkness IP ownership 'complicated'

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>denis-dyacketernal-darknessnintendosilicon-knightstoo-humanThu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 ESTFlute Link performs at Otakon 08 with pestering Navihttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/16/flute-link-performs-at-otakon-08-with-pestering-navi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/16/flute-link-performs-at-otakon-08-with-pestering-navi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/16/flute-link-performs-at-otakon-08-with-pestering-navi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Tossing aside the standard temporal ocarina for something a little more complex, a "Flute Link" cosplayer performed on stage at this year's Masquerade show at the Otakon 2008 in Baltimore, bringing Navi in tow. It's a great performance, although it's hard to tell when she's playing live and when it's pre-recorded (for demonstrationg of her live performance, we also embedded a video of Flute Link performing Tetris with an Otaku band.

And for anyone who ever wished Navi would get her what for, keep watching until about the 4:25 mark. Video embedded after the break.

[Via VG Cats]

Continue reading Flute Link performs at Otakon 08 with pestering Navi

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>legend-of-zeldalinknavinintendoocarina-of-timeotakonotakon-2008Sat, 16 Aug 2008 13:00:00 ESTJuly NPD: Everyone sees red, Nintendo still on tophttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/july-npd-everyone-sees-red-nintendo-still-on-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/july-npd-everyone-sees-red-nintendo-still-on-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/july-npd-everyone-sees-red-nintendo-still-on-top/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

After everyone saw gains last month (with one devilish exception), July's NPD figures revealed North American hardware unit sales declined across all companies, but otherwise the list is the same as it was in June. What's starting to unnerve us is Nintendo's data. To be able to say a company went from 666 to 555 (a difference of 111) is a bit creepy, dontcha think?

In terms of software, the Xbox 360 version of NCAA Football 09 barely eked out Wii Fit, while Wii Play w/remote still manages to move up a slot from 5 to 4 this month. Here are this month's NPD hardware sales figures:

- DS: 608K175K (-22.35%)
- Wii: 555K111K (-16.7%)
- PS3: 224.9K 180.1K (-44.5%)
- PSP: 221.7K 115.3K (-34.21%)
- Xbox 360: 204.8K 15.2K (-6.91%)
- PS2: 155.5K 33K (-17.6%)

You'll find the top ten in software sales after the break.

Continue reading July NPD: Everyone sees red, Nintendo still on top

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>breakingnewshardwarehardwaresaleshardwaresaleschartsnpdThu, 14 Aug 2008 19:30:00 ESTA brief history of Treasure's shootershttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/a-brief-history-of-treasures-shooters/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/a-brief-history-of-treasures-shooters/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/a-brief-history-of-treasures-shooters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Whether you're a fan of shmups or wish to throw a pile of dictionaries at us for using such an egregious portmanteau, you could learn a thing or two from DS Fanboy's tribute to the shoot-em-up kings at Treasure. From 1993's Gunstar Heroes (released last year as a Virtual Console title) to this year's Bangai-O Spirits, the piece covers all of the developers' projectile-favored games (sorry Dynamite Heddy fanatics). Click here and get edumucated.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>bangai-obangai-o-spiritsgunstar-heroesikarugashmuptreasureTue, 12 Aug 2008 01:00:00 ESTCertain Nintendo controllers face retail banhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/certain-nintendo-controllers-face-retail-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/certain-nintendo-controllers-face-retail-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/certain-nintendo-controllers-face-retail-ban/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Nintendo could see its GameCube, Wavebird and Wii Classic Controller banned from retail shelves. Bloomberg reports that Nintendo has lost its attempt to overturn a $21 million patent-infringement verdict brought against the company by patent trolls patent holders Anascape Ltd. of Tyler, Texas. The house of Mario has a stay on the ban by putting the judgment amount in escrow until its case goes to the US Court of Appeals in the Federal Circuit.

The Texas jury found the Wiimote and Nunchuk controllers did not violate Anascape's patent; previously, Sony paid off Anascape back in 2004 and Microsoft settled on May 1, just before the Nintendo trial began. Anascape argued for the ban because it wants to enter the market and Nintendo has "clogged the channel." Yeah, we're very much looking forward to seeing if the third-party Anascape controller ever gets released.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>anascapelawsuitnintendopatenttexasTue, 22 Jul 2008 15:30:00 ESTPokemon invade the Sporepediahttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/pokemon-invade-the-sporepedia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/pokemon-invade-the-sporepedia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/pokemon-invade-the-sporepedia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Sure, Will Wright's Spore Creature Creator can let your imagination run wild ... but sometimes your imagination doesn't exactly go that far. Our friends at Nintendo Wii Fanboy have amassed a collection of Pokemon creatures from the Sporepedia. Each picture in the gallery can be added directly to your game by saving the picture into the Spore folder. Our Sporémons, let us show you them.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>pokemonsporesporepediaThu, 26 Jun 2008 16:05:00 ESTThe Joystiq Weekend: June 14 - 15, 2008http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/the-joystiq-weekend-june-14-15-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/the-joystiq-weekend-june-14-15-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/the-joystiq-weekend-june-14-15-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We agree with Design Milk: we wish these Nintendo wall decals were around when we were younger. Then again, that won't stop us. (Thanks, Vlad.) Check out the highlights for this weekend:

Joystiquery
The Best Of Big Download: June 8-14, 2008
Counting Rupees: The MMO-TV hybrid
Seen @ NYC: Women bar fight over Wii
This Week in Review is sneaking ... and stuff

News
Halo Wars release strategy: 'when it's done'
Capcom registers 'multiplatform' Mega Man 9 with OFLC
The Agency to be microtransaction free after all
Battlefield Heroes Beta applicants exposed in security breach
Final Fantasy Tactics A2 trailer full of whimsy, tactics
THQ investor presentation reveals release windows for Super Hero Squad, Master Mind
Resistance 2 details, gameplay revealed on last night's GameTrailers TV
MLG event reveals new Halo 3 multiplayer map: Cold Storage
Mother's campaign to bring video game seizure concerns to British Parliament a success
Castle Crashers jumps through another hoop, gets rated 'Teen'
Source: 'Avatars' to be Microsoft's answer to Miis and Home

Rumors & Speculation
Rumor Roundup: Intellisponse survey leak
Rumor: Three dozen Team Ninja devs leaving with Itagaki, suing Tecmo

Culture & Community
Surf through Azeroth on a Wii Balance Board
Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>dailyrecapnintendowall-decalsMon, 16 Jun 2008 01:30:00 ESTThe (Big) Bosses of Metal Gear Solidhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/the-big-bosses-of-metal-gear-solid/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/the-big-bosses-of-metal-gear-solid/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/the-big-bosses-of-metal-gear-solid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A hero's true worth lies in his ability to overcome the greatest of villains. Metal Gear Solid's slithery protagonist, Snake, has conquered not only the greatest of villains, but the weirdest mustache-twirlers gaming has ever seen.

Be sure to click on the above gallery and join us as we examine our favorite fearsome foes, kooky killers and big bosses.

Snake? Snaaaake? SNAAAAAAKE! Check out our Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots page for all things Metal Gear.



Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>Hideo-KojimaJoystiqFeaturesKonamiMetal-Gear-SolidMetal-Gear-Solid-4MGSMGS4Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:25:00 ESTWhere to find Beyond Good & Evilhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/where-to-find-beyond-good-and-evil/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/where-to-find-beyond-good-and-evil/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/where-to-find-beyond-good-and-evil/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


We realize that with yesterday's announcement of "Beyond Good & Evil 2," some folks may have tragically missed out on the first entry in the series. We've put together a quick list of places where those not familiar to the series can get the game and meet up with Jade, Pey'j and -- our favorite personal assistant -- Segundo.
  • Steam (PC) -- $10
  • GameTap (PC) -- $1 for the first month, $10 after that.
  • GameFly (Xbox, PS2 and Gamecube) -- Various rental plan prices, but currently copies are subject to availability.
  • GameStop -- Currently, we can only find the somewhat dodgy PS2 version available online for $8. Check your local shop and you may get very lucky.
Those who find a GameCube version can rely on the Wii's backwards compatibility to play the game, and PS3 owners can pop in the PS2 game if their systems support BC. The Xbox 360 currently does not offer backwards compatibility for the Xbox version of BG&E. We're sure there are more corners of the internet to find Jade & Co., but it appears that $10 is what you're likely to pay.
Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>beyond-good-and-evilbeyond-good-and-evil-2jadepeyjsegundoubisoftThu, 29 May 2008 12:59:00 ESTA pictorial history of Nintendo's peripheralshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/a-pictorial-history-of-nintendos-peripherals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/a-pictorial-history-of-nintendos-peripherals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/a-pictorial-history-of-nintendos-peripherals/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nintendo has had its fare share of first-party peripherals. Does anyone remember - or still own, perchance - the Game Boy printer? The Nintendo 64 Pikachu microphone? Our friends and archivists at Nintendo Wii Fanboy have composed a pictorial history of Nintendo's tendency to avoid the standard controller. From the Power Pad to the Balance Board, click here to see it all.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>balance-boardnintendoperipheralpower-padWed, 28 May 2008 21:00:00 ESTToday in Joystiq: May 20, 2008http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/today-in-joystiq-may-20-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/today-in-joystiq-may-20-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/today-in-joystiq-may-20-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A dedicated Nintendo fan finishes one helluva sleeve tattoo on his leg. (Thanks, Dave S) Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
The best of WoW Insider: May 13-20. 2008
A guide to homebrew on the DS
Meet the Team: Jason Dobson
Metareview -- Wii Fit

News
Sony not amused by Uncharted replica gun
FFXII composer bringing his music to non-Japanese games
Metal Gear Solid Mobile coming to N-Gage
Street Fighter, Mega Man going mobile
MEGAowch: Haze handed 4.5 review by IGN
Nintendo shifts Wii Fit 'launch' to tomorrow
Square Enix considering stakes in competing developers
E3 Santa Monica cost ESA $5 million in fees
This Wednesday: Penny Arcade Adventures onto XBLA
Nintendo calls EU's $234m price-fixing fine 'illegal'
Spore 'Cell Phase' flOwts into view
Microsoft talks XBLA future, loosening download size limit
The Cars drive up next week as Rock Band's second full DLC album
No Gun Metal Gray PS3 for U, K?
Jake Gyllenhaal is The Prince of Persia, says Hollywood Reporter
Epic Games takes seat, acquires Chair Entertainment Group
Viva Pinata DS / Xbox 360 connectivity figured out, not happening
Sega talks Platinum Games deal, franchises
Judge: Jack Thompson is guilty on 27 of 31 misconduct charges
Game consoles contain harmful materials, Greenpeace finds
Casual games cost marketing moolah, Ubisoft says
XNA Community Games go 'Live' for indie devs
What's Sony up to? Community websites abound!

Rumors & Speculation
Rumor: Splinter Cell Conviction delayed until 2009-10
Rumor: New DS 'colours' hitting Europe

Culture & Community
Sign-ups begin for the Battlefield Heroes beta
Niko Bellic has second career as folk singer
Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>dailyrecapnintendoTue, 20 May 2008 23:59:00 ESTNintendo ordered to pay $21 million for patent infringementhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/nintendo-ordered-to-pay-21-million-for-patent-infringment/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/nintendo-ordered-to-pay-21-million-for-patent-infringment/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/nintendo-ordered-to-pay-21-million-for-patent-infringment/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Nintendo has been ordered to pay $21 million to Anascape Ltd. for infringing on a patent with its Gamecube and Wii Classic controllers. The AP reports Anascape Ltd., a "small East Texas gaming company," also sued Microsoft, but that was settled out of court. Nintendo says it will appeal the decision.

A representative for Nintendo stated that no infringement was found in any of the Wii's motion-sensing technology and it expects that on appeal the award to Anascape will be reduced "significantly." Remember kids, if you want to stick it to some big corporation in the future and cash in, just make patents for everything imaginable.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>anascapeinfringementnintendopatentThu, 15 May 2008 11:35:00 ESTMario spotted in new Banjo-Kazooie trailerhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/mario-spotted-in-new-banjo-kazooie-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/mario-spotted-in-new-banjo-kazooie-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/mario-spotted-in-new-banjo-kazooie-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In case you missed it, check out the Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts trailer one more time. Watch closely, especially at the 1:45 mark. Yep, that's an 8-bit Mario in all his planar glory, as both a testament to the user-generated nature of the game as well as we suspect a not-so-subtle nod to their former publishing partner.

[Thanks, Michael]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>banjobanjo-kazooiebanjo-kazooie-3banjo-kazooie-nuts-a...marionintendorareTue, 13 May 2008 20:00:00 ESTThe Mario Kart Wii controller showdownhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/the-definitive-mario-kart-wii-controller-showdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/the-definitive-mario-kart-wii-controller-showdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/the-definitive-mario-kart-wii-controller-showdown/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There are five ways to handle your racer in Mario Kart Wii: Wii Remote solo, Wii Remote embedded in Wii Wheel, Wii Remote with Nunchuk, Classic Controller, and GameCube controller. But, removing all other variables, which control method is the best? Are there really limitations to not using the Wii Wheel? We decided to pull out the ever-trusty "scientific method" and determine, once and for all, the best kart controller.

Continue reading The Mario Kart Wii controller showdown

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>classic-controllergamecube-controllergcn-controllerjoystiqfeaturesmariomario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendonunchukwii-remotewii-wheelFri, 25 Apr 2008 13:00:00 ESTCounting Rupees: The WiiCubehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/counting-rupees-the-wiicube/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/counting-rupees-the-wiicube/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/counting-rupees-the-wiicube/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Each week Jeff Engel and Geoff Brooks contribute Counting Rupees, a column on the business behind gaming:

In my last column I suggested that, if Microsoft is to make a Wii-like controller, it should still continue to focus on the "traditional" types of games that have so far made the 360 a success, because Nintendo had already basically wrapped up the "casual" crowd. I also mentioned that the only Wii games that are apparently selling are Nintendo games and some casual games. And with that in mind, the New York Times published an article on Monday detailing that, while the Wii hardware is selling well, even seemingly popular Wii software still has some trouble continuing to sell to the Wii audience.

Continue reading Counting Rupees: The WiiCube

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>Blue-OceanCounting-RupeesNo-More-HeroesSSBBWiiCubeZack-and-WikiThu, 24 Apr 2008 20:25:00 ESTShacknews: Key staff leave Metroid Prime dev Retro Studioshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/shacknews-key-staff-leave-metroid-prime-dev-retro-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/shacknews-key-staff-leave-metroid-prime-dev-retro-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/shacknews-key-staff-leave-metroid-prime-dev-retro-studios/#commentsFiled under: ,


Shacknews reports that several "key" employees of Austin, Texas-based developer, Retro Studios, have left the company. The studio is best known for its work on the critically acclaimed Metroid Prime trilogy, which concluded in August last year on Nintendo's Wii.

Staff members said to have been escorted off the premises last Friday include design director Mark Pacini, art director Todd Keller and principal technology engineer Jack Matthews. There's no word yet on what their futures entail, but Shacknews notes that Retro Studios is in no danger of closing. Which is just as well, really, since we're in no danger of not wanting more games from them. We'll let you know when we hear more on this subject.

Update: There's some unconfirmed gossip from mysterious dealer in rumors, Surfer Girl, who mentioned that "something definitely went down at Retro" in a post dated Sunday, April 20th. An unnamed individual is quoted in the post as saying, "Pretty much no one at retro would agree to relocate at nintendo's behest, as asinine shenanigans are typically met with little fanfare."
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>BreakingNewsMetroidMetroid-PrimeMetroidPrimeRetroRetro-StudiosWed, 23 Apr 2008 18:52:00 ESTToday in Joystiq: April 18, 2008http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/today-in-joystiq-april-18-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/today-in-joystiq-april-18-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/today-in-joystiq-april-18-2008/#commentsFiled under: ,

This shirt, entitled "The Legend Was Born," is now sold out, but we're pining for its return. And for only $10, that's a pretty good deal anyway. Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Ask Joystiq: Chex Quest, He-Man and broken 360 gamepads
DS Fanboy Lite: Apr. 12 - Apr. 18
Joystiq Podcast 046 - Bullets are bad edition
Off the Grid: Risk Black Ops and Hasbro's wrong direction
Tonight's most American otaku music video

News
MKO: Next Mortal Kombat pits MK against DC
New Xbox 360 update doesn't do anything
Sony releases first trailer for Siren New Translation
EA extends Take-Two tender offer deadline (again)
Judas Priest to lead Rock Band's full album downloads April 22
Army of Two gets SSC Challenge pack April 24
Konami bringing animals, music, and sandcastles to WiiWare
9 million answer Call of Duty 4, DLC breaks records
New WiiWare racer answers the question: What's a SPOGS?
GTA IV is gold and 'en route' to stores
Mass Effect's 'Bring Down the Sky' DLC free on PC
Microsoft's Greenberg claims victory in battle for 'core user' over Sony
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe gets confirmation, trailer
Vin Diesel is looking for a job in new The Wheelman trailer
DC Comics to publish Gears of War series
Miyamoto begins Wii Fit media blitz
Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, a tale of two (different) ports
Euphoria-based Backbreaker gameplay video is intriguing
Vader and Yoda battling in new Soul Calibur IV trailer
River City Ransom on VC next week
Condemned 2 demo hits Xbox Live
Xbox 360 power supply cited in Little Rock fire

Rumors & Speculation
Gamestop, Gamefly posts hint at Yakuza 2's North American debut

Culture & Community
PS3 Laptop charity auction, bid at Engadget
Professional Warcraft III players to carry Olympic torch in China
Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>dailyrecapFri, 18 Apr 2008 23:59:00 ESTGamer uses Pokemon to quit smokinghttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/gamer-uses-pokemon-to-quit-smoking/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/gamer-uses-pokemon-to-quit-smoking/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/gamer-uses-pokemon-to-quit-smoking/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Some people quit smoking with a patch, some with therapy, and some still with hypnosis or acupuncture. DS Fanboy reader Dan had an alternate method: he replaced his nicotine addiction with an addiction to Pokemon. So far he's only 40 days into the trial, but he's reporting success. (What is not reported, however, is how many pokemon he's caught. This is a vital detail, folks!)

So what happens when Dan needs to break his Pokemon addiction?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>pokemonpokemon-pearlsmokingsmoking cessationSmokingCessationThu, 17 Apr 2008 16:30:00 ESTReaders pick best webcomic: Visceration Stationhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/readers-pick-best-webcomic-visceration-station/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/readers-pick-best-webcomic-visceration-station/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/readers-pick-best-webcomic-visceration-station/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Big thanks to Supafine's "Legend of Zelda: Visceration Station" webcomic for finally (and logically) explaining the heart system to us. The least we, as the Joystiq community, can apparently do is bestow you the honor of best game-related webcomic of the week.

Second and third place went to XKCD and College Humor, respectively. Thanks to everyone who voted, and be sure to let us know of any gaming comics you stumble upon this week!
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>college-humorlegend-of-zeldalegendofzeldalinksupafinewebcomicxkcdzeldaWed, 16 Apr 2008 15:30:00 ESTNon-Wiimote controls limited for Mario Kart Wiihttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/non-wiimote-controls-limited-for-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/non-wiimote-controls-limited-for-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/non-wiimote-controls-limited-for-mario-kart-wii/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click to enlarge

Fans of alternate Wii control schemes were obviously psyched when it was revealed that Mario Kart Wii would support a variety of control methods, including the Wii Classic Controller and Gamecube pad. But those fans might want to scale back their expectations, as an updated game fact sheet (posted on Nintendo's press site) claims that players who don't use the Wii Remote schemes will not be able to perform "certain moves" and "some maneuvers."

What maneuvers exactly? We're not quite sure, but the new mid-air tricks probably aren't among them -- A Link to the Future notes that an IGN preview specifically mentions Classic and Gamecube controller users can hit the d-pad to perform those. We find it hard to imagine that the plethora of joysticks and buttons on the alternate control schemes can't replicate the controls of the somewhat button-free design of the Wii Remote. Could this be an effort to encourage more use of the practically useless 'extremely useful' Wii Wheel? You'll know as soon as we do.
%Gallery-16165%

Continue reading Non-Wiimote controls limited for Mario Kart Wii

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPONSORED BY: Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. AOE3 introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. http://www.ageofempires3.com/

]]>classic-controllergamecubemario-kartmario-kart-wiiwii-remotewii-wheelwiimoteWed, 02 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST