<?xml version="1.0"?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd">
<channel>
<title>Joystiq</title>
<link>http://www.joystiq.com</link>
<description>Joystiq</description>
<image>
<url>http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif</url>
<title>Joystiq</title>
<link>http://www.joystiq.com</link>
</image>
<language>en-us</language>
<copyright>Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.</copyright>
<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><itunes:author>Joystiq</itunes:author><itunes:image href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/Joystiq_podcast_cover.png" /><itunes:summary>The Joystiq Podcast combines insightful commentary on the week&apos;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.com</itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Games &amp; Hobbies"><itunes:category text="Video Games" /></itunes:category><item><title>New tech puts ESPN anchors on video game gridiron</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/new-tech-puts-espn-anchors-on-video-game-gridiron/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/new-tech-puts-espn-anchors-on-video-game-gridiron/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/new-tech-puts-espn-anchors-on-video-game-gridiron/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/culture/" rel="tag">Culture</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Sports</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/05/business/media/05espn.html?ref=business"><img hspace="4" border="1" vspace="4" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/09/virtualgridiron.jpg"  alt="" /></a></div>
Don't be surprised if this Sunday's edition of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunday_NFL_Countdown">ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown</a> looks a bit more like a game of <em>Madden</em>.  According to a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/05/business/media/05espn.html?ref=business">New York Times report</a>, the Disney-owned sports network will use the "EA Sports Virtual Playbook" and a special studio and camera setup to allow "both real and virtual people move around the ESPN set to demonstrate plays and possible situations." It sure sounds a lot simpler than getting real NFL players to crash around the set, but we'll reserve judgment until we see it in action this weekend.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/05/business/media/05espn.html?ref=business>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/new-tech-puts-espn-anchors-on-video-game-gridiron/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1305923/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/new-tech-puts-espn-anchors-on-video-game-gridiron/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>ea sports</category><category>EA-sports</category><category>EaSports</category><category>ESPN</category><category>football</category><category>madden</category><category>virtual</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Kyle Orland]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:50:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>Metareview - Spore (PC)</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/metareview-spore-pc/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/metareview-spore-pc/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/metareview-spore-pc/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/metareviews/" rel="tag">Metareviews</a></p><div align="center"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/09/sporeplanet.jpg" /><br /></div>
The review embargo lifted on <em><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/Spore/">Spore</a></em> today, and the critics wasted no time weighing in on Will Wright's oft-delayed opus. The general consensus seems to be that an amazing level of quality is there, but depth may not be, which is really the last complaint we ever expected anyone to level at <em>Spore</em>. Go figure.<br />
<ul>
    <li><a href="http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=196423">PC Gamer UK</a> <strong>(91/100)</strong>: "<span class="text_article_body"><em>Spore</em> falls a little short of its promise at every stage, but bear in mind that its concept is as close as we've come to a game incarnation of the Lord our God."</span></li>
    <li><a href="http://pc.ign.com/articles/907/907454p1.html">IGN</a> <strong>(88/100)</strong>: "In fact, <em>Spore</em> is essentially five distinct games woven together. And here, Maxis demonstrates a weakness, as a number of these games come off as lightweight or limited. However, <em>Spore</em> is a prime example of something that is much more than the sum of its many parts.</li>
    <li><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/spore/review.html">Gamespot</a> <strong>(80/100)</strong>: "Taken on their own, its pieces are nothing special. As parts of a singular ambitious vision, they work far better. Throw in the best customization tools seen in years and an enthusiastic community brimming with creativity, and you have a legitimately great game that will deliver hours of quality entertainment. "</li>
</ul>
%Gallery-15870%<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/metareview-spore-pc/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1304152/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/metareview-spore-pc/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>ea</category><category>maxis</category><category>metareview</category><category>spore</category><category>will-wright</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin McElroy]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>Metareview -- Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/metareview-viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-xbox-360/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/metareview-viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-xbox-360/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/metareview-viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-xbox-360/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/xbox360/" rel="tag">Microsoft Xbox 360</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/metareviews/" rel="tag">Metareviews</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/vivapinatatroubleinparadise"><img width="490" vspace="4" hspace="0" height="276" border="1" align="top" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/09/pinata2conf.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /></div>
In the terrible glut expected this holiday season, it's good to see Microsoft and Rare bringing a pi&ntilde;ata to the <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pachter-raises-year-end-software-sales-expectation/">party</a>. According to <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/vivapinatatroubleinparadise">reviews</a>, <a href="http://joystiq.com/tag/viva-pinata-2">Viva Pi&ntilde;ata: Trouble in Paradise</a> doesn't seem to bring anything radically new to the fiesta, but it does make significant improvements to the formula introduced in the original. If you didn't like the original, it appears you can just move on. But, if you found the sweet candy fix of <a href="http://joystiq.com/tag/vivapinata"><em>Viva Pi&ntilde;ata</em></a><em> </em>addictive the first time, it looks like you'll be in for another treat.
<ul>
    <li><a href="http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3169703&amp;p=4">1Up</a> <strong>(A):</strong> "If you hated the original, <em>Trouble in Paradise</em> isn't going to change your opinion. If, however, you somehow missed out completely on the pi&ntilde;ata party the first time around, I implore you to check it out now -- it's certainly much deeper and more addictive than its playful visuals would lead you to believe."</li>
    <li><a href="http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/F5A192F0-824A-4A38-B7F6-08E217264040.htm">Game Informer</a> <strong>(83/100): </strong>"<span id="bodyText"><span id="bodyText_PresentationModeControlsContainer_placeHolderHtml">Keeping your pi&ntilde;atas happy can still be monotonous in task, but the expanded content and finely made multiplayer relieves some of the repetition that plagued the first game. Viva Pi&ntilde;ata retains its child-like charm, but the content is layered with deep strategies and entertaining gameplay that can suck anyone's life away.</span></span>"<br /></li>
    <li><a href="http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/206965/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise/">GamePro</a> <strong>(80/100):</strong> "There are also some minor additions that attempt to sweeten the pot but they don't add too much. The new trick stick, which allows you to teach pinata tricks, and a wide range of toys are fun to play with, though. There's also support for the Xbox Live Vision camera which allows you to scan in special pinata cards, but it's a gimmick at best. Still, despite some irritating design elements, <em>Trouble in Paradise</em> is a fun game that retains the charm of the first <em>Viva Pinata</em>."</li>
    <li><a href="http://www.gamedaily.com/games/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise/xbox-360/game-reviews/review/7183/2117/">GameDaily</a> <strong>(80/100):</strong> "Rare could've easily slapped a couple of minor changes into this game and given us an expansion pack. Instead, Viva Pinata: Trouble In Paradise offers enough to make it a worthy sequel. It'll be a little too cute for some, but others will see past the adorable exterior and find the delicious treats inside, just like a real pinata."</li>
</ul>
%Gallery-22744%<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/vivapinatatroubleinparadise>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/metareview-viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-xbox-360/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1303282/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/metareview-viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-xbox-360/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>metareview</category><category>microsoft</category><category>rare</category><category>viva-pinata</category><category>viva-pinata-2</category><category>viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Alexander Sliwinski]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>PAX 2008 hands-on: Spore, have we seen enough already?</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-hands-on-spore-have-we-seen-enough-already/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-hands-on-spore-have-we-seen-enough-already/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-hands-on-spore-have-we-seen-enough-already/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/ps3/" rel="tag">Sony PlayStation 3</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/xbox360/" rel="tag">Microsoft Xbox 360</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/online/" rel="tag">Online</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/09/sporepax.jpg" alt="" /><br /></div>
The last stop on our Electronic Arts booth tour at PAX was dedicated to <span style="font-style: italic;">Spore</span>. That's right, it's more <em>Spore</em> news. It's not a real day on Joystiq unless you get some minor <em>Spore</em> news, or <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/joystiq-hands-on-spore-the-whole-thing/">a definitive hands-on experience</a>. With the game actually coming out (can it be?!) in five days, maybe you'll start to see these die down a bit. Unless, of course, there's a secret Hot Coffee level that we find during our explorations. <br /><br />But is the game coming out a bit too late, or just in time? It feels like it's starting to wear out its welcome just a bit. Like that house guest that just won't leave, is <span style="font-style: italic;">Spore</span> in danger of becoming a bore? German gamer mags have already given the game <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/achtung-baby-german-mags-give-spore-disappointing-scores/">fairly disappointing scores</a>, and in all honesty, we were ready to leave our demo early, even though we went hands-on with the whole thing. Find out why after the break.<br />%Gallery-15870%<p><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-hands-on-spore-have-we-seen-enough-already/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>PAX 2008 hands-on: Spore, have we seen enough already?</em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-hands-on-spore-have-we-seen-enough-already/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1300840/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-hands-on-spore-have-we-seen-enough-already/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>Electronic-Arts</category><category>PAX</category><category>PAX-08</category><category>PAX-2008</category><category>PAX2008</category><category>Spore</category><category>Will-Wright</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Kevin Kelly]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:30:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>Funky Spore ads spotted in the wild</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/funky-spore-ads-spotted-in-the-wild/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/funky-spore-ads-spotted-in-the-wild/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/funky-spore-ads-spotted-in-the-wild/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/culture/" rel="tag">Culture</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mac/" rel="tag">Mac</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.messageboardchampion.com/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/09/spore.ad.harvard.490.jpg"  alt="" /></a></div>
The <strike>viral</strike> spiral marketing campaign for <em><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/spore">Spore</a> </em>has gone into full swing with only five short days until <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/will-wright">Will Wright</a>'s latest creation ... er, creation hits shelves. Billboards, bush shelter ads, and complete be-stickering of public places (Harvard Square shown above) are being spotted, and our buddies at <a href="http://www.bigdownload.com">Big Download</a> are keeping track of them all in <a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/photos/spore-at-harvard-square/">one big, weird gallery</a>.<br /><br />Many of the designs and slogans used in the ads have actually been lining the walls (and, actually, pretty much every surface) of EA Maxis' Emeryville, CA office during the game's epic development process. Now the entire world, nay, universe will get to see what we've been treated to during our various visits to Wright's home away from home.<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/2008/09/02/spore-hits-harvard/">Big Download</a>]<br />
<div class="postgallery">
<p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/photos/spore-at-harvard-square/">Spore at Harvard Square</a></strong></p>
<a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/photos/spore-at-harvard-square/1013153/"><img title="" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/news.bigdownload.com/media/2008/09/spore_harvard_01_thumbnail.jpg" /></a><a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/photos/spore-at-harvard-square/1013154/"><img title="" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/news.bigdownload.com/media/2008/09/spore_harvard_02_thumbnail.jpg" /></a><a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/photos/spore-at-harvard-square/1013155/"><img title="" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/news.bigdownload.com/media/2008/09/spore_harvard_03_thumbnail.jpg" /></a><a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/photos/spore-at-harvard-square/1013156/"><img title="" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/news.bigdownload.com/media/2008/09/spore_harvard_04_thumbnail.jpg" /></a><a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/photos/spore-at-harvard-square/1013157/"><img title="" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/news.bigdownload.com/media/2008/09/spore_harvard_05_thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.messageboardchampion.com/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/funky-spore-ads-spotted-in-the-wild/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1302436/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/funky-spore-ads-spotted-in-the-wild/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>advertising</category><category>ea</category><category>maxis</category><category>spore</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Randy Nelson]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:30:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>PAX 2008 hands-on: Magic: Duels of the Planeswalkers</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-hands-on-magic-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-hands-on-magic-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-hands-on-magic-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/xbox360/" rel="tag">Microsoft Xbox 360</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/online/" rel="tag">Online</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/casual/" rel="tag">Casual</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.wizards.com/magic/"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/09/magicmainsle.jpg" /></a><br />
<div align="left">Wizards of the Coast has been very busy talking about the 4th edition of <em>Dungeons and Dragons</em>, which came out this year, as well as its <em>Star Wars</em> and <em>D&amp;D</em> miniatures and the online version of <em>Magic: The Gathering</em>. So, we were really caught off guard when we stopped by the Wizards booth at PAX and happened across this new version of <em>Magic</em> for the Xbox Live Arcade. We did a double take, tapped our mana, and found out more. Find out about the long-titled <em>Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers</em> after the break.<br />%Gallery-30916%<br /></div>
</div><p><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-hands-on-magic-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>PAX 2008 hands-on: Magic: Duels of the Planeswalkers</em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.wizards.com/magic/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-hands-on-magic-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1300765/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax-2008-hands-on-magic-duels-of-the-planeswalkers/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>CCG</category><category>Duels-Of-The-Planeswalkers</category><category>joystiqfeatures</category><category>Magic</category><category>Magic-The-Gathering</category><category>PAX</category><category>PAX-08</category><category>PAX-2008</category><category>PAX08</category><category>PAX2008</category><category>Planeswalkers</category><category>Wizards-Of-The-Coast</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Kevin Kelly]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>Achtung, baby! German mags give Spore disappointing scores</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/achtung-baby-german-mags-give-spore-disappointing-scores/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/achtung-baby-german-mags-give-spore-disappointing-scores/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/achtung-baby-german-mags-give-spore-disappointing-scores/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/ds/" rel="tag">Nintendo DS</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mac/" rel="tag">Mac</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.videogaming247.com/2008/09/02/pc-games-gives-spore-71-talk-of-release-date-online-embargo-emerges/"><img width="490" vspace="4" hspace="0" height="292" border="1" align="top" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/09/mitosishappens.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /></div>
For the most part, all is quiet on the western front in terms of <a href="http://joystiq.com/tag/spore"><em>Spore</em></a> reviews, but there are some exceptions sneaking out of Germany. <a href="http://www.videogaming247.com/2008/09/02/pc-games-gives-spore-71-talk-of-release-date-online-embargo-emerges/">VG247</a> reports that German PC mags <em>Gamestar</em> and <em>PC Games </em>have rated <em>Spore</em> with a 79 and 73, respectively. Although not gawd-awful, it's not exactly in line with the glowing reviews the publisher is hoping for with <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/will-wright">Will Wright</a>'s ultra-hyped and much-delayed "sim everything."<br /><br />We're not currently aware of when the North American embargo on reviews expires, but the European one is allegedly up this Friday, alongside the game's release in the region. UK mag PC Gamer was apparently given the all-clear by EA to release its review early, doling out an impressive 91. It'll be very interesting to find out what the European outlets think of the game later this week.<br />
<div class="postgallery">
<p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/photos/spore-at-harvard-square/">Spore at Harvard Square</a></strong></p>
<a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/photos/spore-at-harvard-square/1013153/"><img title="" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/news.bigdownload.com/media/2008/09/spore_harvard_01_thumbnail.jpg" /></a><a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/photos/spore-at-harvard-square/1013154/"><img title="" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/news.bigdownload.com/media/2008/09/spore_harvard_02_thumbnail.jpg" /></a><a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/photos/spore-at-harvard-square/1013155/"><img title="" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/news.bigdownload.com/media/2008/09/spore_harvard_03_thumbnail.jpg" /></a><a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/photos/spore-at-harvard-square/1013156/"><img title="" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/news.bigdownload.com/media/2008/09/spore_harvard_04_thumbnail.jpg" /></a><a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/photos/spore-at-harvard-square/1013157/"><img title="" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/news.bigdownload.com/media/2008/09/spore_harvard_05_thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.videogaming247.com/2008/09/02/pc-games-gives-spore-71-talk-of-release-date-online-embargo-emerges/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/achtung-baby-german-mags-give-spore-disappointing-scores/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1302085/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/achtung-baby-german-mags-give-spore-disappointing-scores/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>ea</category><category>germany</category><category>reviews</category><category>spore</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Alexander Sliwinski]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:30:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>PAX 2008: Polly wants a tank rush</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/pax-2008-polly-wants-a-tank-rush/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/pax-2008-polly-wants-a-tank-rush/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/pax-2008-polly-wants-a-tank-rush/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/culture/" rel="tag">Culture</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/xbox360/" rel="tag">Microsoft Xbox 360</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/strategy/" rel="tag">Strategy</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.robotmartini.com/community/viewpost/753"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/08/polly-endwar-490.jpg"  alt="" /></a></div>
Although we missed the presentation ourselves, the gang at <a href="http://www.robotmartini.com/community/viewpost/753">Robot Martini</a> caught Ubisoft's demonstration of <span style="font-style: italic;">Tom Clancy's EndWar</span> audio power at <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/pax-2008">PAX 2008</a>. To do so, they pitted two parrots against each other in a multiplayer match. Check out the video yourself after the break. When Polly says "deploy tanks," you take cover and hide your crackers (<a href="http://instantrimshot.com/">har</a>).<p><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/pax-2008-polly-wants-a-tank-rush/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>PAX 2008: Polly wants a tank rush</em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.robotmartini.com/community/viewpost/753>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/pax-2008-polly-wants-a-tank-rush/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1300210/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/pax-2008-polly-wants-a-tank-rush/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>end-war</category><category>pax</category><category>pax-08</category><category>pax-2008</category><category>penny-arcade</category><category>tom-clancy-endwar</category><category>ubisoft</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ross Miller]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:30:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>Joystiq eyes-on: How to Build a Better Being, with Will Wright</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-eyes-on-how-to-build-a-better-being-with-will-wright/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-eyes-on-how-to-build-a-better-being-with-will-wright/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-eyes-on-how-to-build-a-better-being-with-will-wright/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/culture/" rel="tag">Culture</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/ds/" rel="tag">Nintendo DS</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/features/" rel="tag">Features</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mac/" rel="tag">Mac</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/online/" rel="tag">Online</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/casual/" rel="tag">Casual</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" align="middle" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/08/howtobuildbetterbeing_wright.jpg" /><br /></div>
<br />We're starting to get a little sick from <a href="http://joystiq.com/tag/spore"><em>Spore</em></a> fever, since we gamers have been hearing about it for what seems like eons. But once the title launches September 7 in North America (and September 5 in Europe and Asia), we'll have to ride the wave of hype again when the rest of the world hears about the title. Set your TiVos for one of the first (of <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/ea-looking-way-outside-the-game-space-with-spore/">potentially many</a>) <em>Spore</em> tie-ins; the National Geographic Channel will air its HD special, <em>How to Build a Better Being</em> on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 PM. The production is also included in the $80 <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/spore-getting-80-galactic-edition/"><em>Spore Galactic Edition</em></a>.<br /><br />The show offers a primer in DNA and genetics beyond what we remember from high school, connecting science with <em>Spore</em>. It's less a look at the game directly and more of a handshake (sometimes literally) between <a href="http://joystiq.com/tag/will-wright">Will Wright</a> and genetic scientists.<br /><br /><em>How to Build a Better Being</em> centers on the <a href="http://joystiq.com/tag/spore-creature-creator"><em>Creature Creator</em></a> and the genetic basis for the game's evolution and multitude of parts. After watching a screener, we wish it also covered science behind other parts of the game. However, the hour-long show works as a companion to that fundamental <em>Spore</em> angle.<p><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-eyes-on-how-to-build-a-better-being-with-will-wright/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Joystiq eyes-on: How to Build a Better Being, with Will Wright</em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-eyes-on-how-to-build-a-better-being-with-will-wright/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1297283/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-eyes-on-how-to-build-a-better-being-with-will-wright/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>ea</category><category>genetics</category><category>how-to-build-a-better-being</category><category>maxis</category><category>national-geographic</category><category>national-geographic-channel</category><category>science</category><category>science-of-spore</category><category>spore</category><category>spore-creature-creator</category><category>will-wright</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zack Stern]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>Sony's Choice: EyePet beat out Eight Days</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/sonys-choice-eyepet-beat-out-eight-days/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/sonys-choice-eyepet-beat-out-eight-days/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/sonys-choice-eyepet-beat-out-eight-days/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/ps3/" rel="tag">Sony PlayStation 3</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/action/" rel="tag">Action</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/business/" rel="tag">Business</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/yoshida-s-island-part-one"><img width="490" vspace="4" hspace="0" height="282" border="1" align="middle" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/06/eightdaysmain.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
It's harder to single out Nintendo for <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/dear-core-wait-2-3-years-love-nintendo/">overlooking its "core audience"</a> when you find out things like this. Speaking with GamesIndustry.biz, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/shuhei-yoshida">Shuhei Yoshida</a>, Sony's head of worldwide studios, revealed that the company chose to fund development of a <strike>desktop toy</strike> virtual pet - <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/eyepet"><em>EyePet</em></a> - over a promising <em>core audience</em> action title, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/eight-days"><em>Eight Days</em></a>.<br /><br />When asked about the effect that canceling London Studio projects <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/thegetaway3"><em>The Getaway 3</em></a> and <em>Eight Days</em> had on other titles, Yoshida responded, "There are so many things that we want to do, more than we can do with the resources. So when London Studio was looking at the early work on <em>EyePet</em> and the prototype of <em>Eight Days</em>, they knew they couldn't do all of them." So ... <em>EyePet</em> it was.<br /><br />Granted, we don't know with any certainty that <em>Eight Days</em> was going to be <em>any good</em>, but an original action IP on a still very <em>core audience </em>console would seem like something worth investing more time in over a ... virtual pet.<br /><br />Yohshida also said regarding the London Studio, "There are even more things they're working on at early concept stage." Tip for the staff there: If you don't want your big games canned, don't mention your "pet" projects to Shuhei the next time he pops in for a visit.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/yoshida-s-island-part-one>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/sonys-choice-eyepet-beat-out-eight-days/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1298160/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/sonys-choice-eyepet-beat-out-eight-days/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>eight-days</category><category>eyepet</category><category>london-studio</category><category>scee-london-studio</category><category>shuhei-yoshida</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Randy Nelson]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>Will Wright doesn't blush at 'Sporn'</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/will-wright-doesnt-blush-at-sporn/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/will-wright-doesnt-blush-at-sporn/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/will-wright-doesnt-blush-at-sporn/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mac/" rel="tag">Mac</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hwMdw-LMMIcNv8rhimDJkYawmTsAD92PIAIO0"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/07/eaconferencecreatures4490.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
Speaking with the Associated Press, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/spore"><em>Spore</em></a> creator and bona fide master game designer, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/will-wright">Will Wright</a>, seemed surprisingly ... okay with the various "Spore-nographic" <strike>organs</strike> creatures people have made using the <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/spore-creature-creator"><em>Spore Creature Creator</em></a>. "Some of it's really good for what they were shooting for. It's amazingly explicit, especially when those creations are animated," Wright said.<br /><br />On the topic of giving creative power (and lots of it) to players, Wright explained, "When you give players creative control, you have to expect they're going to do the unexpected," but he was quick to add, "We just have to make sure those people aren't messing up the experience for others." To this end, Wright told the AP that there will be a system in place whereby players can "ban" content from ever appearing in their own <em>Spore</em> universe. Elsewhere, we fully expect there to be entire universes populated solely by undulating naughty bits.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hwMdw-LMMIcNv8rhimDJkYawmTsAD92PIAIO0>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/will-wright-doesnt-blush-at-sporn/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1297383/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/will-wright-doesnt-blush-at-sporn/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>ea</category><category>maxis</category><category>spore</category><category>spore-creature-creator</category><category>sporn</category><category>will-wright</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Randy Nelson]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:30:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>Red Baron flies again on PSN Sept 18</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/red-baron-flies-again-on-psn-sept-18/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/red-baron-flies-again-on-psn-sept-18/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/red-baron-flies-again-on-psn-sept-18/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/ps3/" rel="tag">Sony PlayStation 3</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/54412"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/08/red-baron-arcade-490.jpg" /></a></div>
Look, up in the sky! It's <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2005/12/12/namco-develops-snoopy-vs-the-red-baron/ ">Snoopy</a>! It's a pizza! No, it's the original Red Baron! (<a href="http://instantrimshot.com/">har</a>) Sierra Online has announced that Stainless Studios' remake of the 1990 PC flight simulator is coming to the PlayStation Network on September 18 (via <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/54412 ">Shacknews</a>). The update has 36 missions, 20 airplanes and eight-player online multiplayer. Check out the trailer after the break.<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/08/26/red-baron-arcade-brings-air-combat-to-psn-in-september/ ">PS3 Fanboy</a>]<p><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/red-baron-flies-again-on-psn-sept-18/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Red Baron flies again on PSN Sept 18</em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/54412>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/red-baron-flies-again-on-psn-sept-18/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1296199/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/red-baron-flies-again-on-psn-sept-18/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>playstation-network</category><category>psn</category><category>red-baron</category><category>sierra</category><category>stainless-studios</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ross Miller]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:00:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>Alien Crush remake heading to North American WiiWare</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/alien-crush-remake-heading-to-north-american-wiiware/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/alien-crush-remake-heading-to-north-american-wiiware/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/alien-crush-remake-heading-to-north-american-wiiware/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/retro/" rel="tag">Retro</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/wii/" rel="tag">Nintendo Wii</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/action/" rel="tag">Action</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/strategy/" rel="tag">Strategy</a></p><div align="center"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/08/alien_crush_topper.jpg" alt="" /><br /></div>
Nintendo's WiiWare service has apparently sparked a renewed interest in developing games with one pixelated foot rooted in the past. Following both <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/mega-man-9">Capcom</a> and <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/gradius-rebirth-announced-for-wiiware/">Konami's</a> head start, Hudson has likewise decided to dip into its archives, returning with news to bring the Wii-make of its TurboGrafx-16 sci-fi pinball game,<em> Alien Crush</em>, to North America. <br /><br />Descriptively titled<em> Alien Crush Returns</em>, the download was released today in Japan and is based on the 1988 classic, which itself is available on WiiWare's <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/virtual-console">sister service</a>. While a date for the game's North American debut has not yet been announced, Hudson notes the follow-up will again be played across two screens and an unspecified number of boards, each no doubt filled with galactic baddies with a lust for silver balls. Most interesting, however, is news that <em>Alien Crush Returns</em> will support two-player online play as well as include online leader boards, with Hudson promising multiple online tournaments for the pinball-obsessed to throw down with their E.T. crushing skills.<br />%Gallery-30489%<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/alien-crush-remake-heading-to-north-american-wiiware/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1295333/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/alien-crush-remake-heading-to-north-american-wiiware/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>alien-crush</category><category>alien-crush-returns</category><category>aliencrushreturns</category><category>remake</category><category>turbografx-16</category><category>turbografx16</category><category>wiiware</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jason Dobson]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>GC 2008: This is new video of This is Vegas</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-this-is-new-video-of-this-is-vegas/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-this-is-new-video-of-this-is-vegas/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-this-is-new-video-of-this-is-vegas/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/ps3/" rel="tag">Sony PlayStation 3</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/xbox360/" rel="tag">Microsoft Xbox 360</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/action/" rel="tag">Action</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a></p><center> <object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="490" height="296" id="viddler_9e86efda"><param name="movie" value="http://www.viddler.com/simple/9e86efda/" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed src="http://www.viddler.com/simple/9e86efda/" width="490" height="296" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" name="viddler_9e86efda" ></embed></object> </center> Much like the real Vegas, you go into this Games Convention 2008 trailer thinking that you're going to come out a winner, but, when all is said and done, you're none the richer for it. It's more or less a sweep through the game's copyright-skirting lineup of faux casinos with a hint of driving and a logo to assure viewers that, yes, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/this-is-vegas"><em>This is Vegas</em></a>.<br /><br />Though the game / "lifestyle sim" has <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/oh-craps-this-is-vegas-delayed-until-2009/">been delayed until next year</a>, Midway nevertheless had it on display at E3 so we could proclaim: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/joystiq-e3-impressions-this-is-vegas/"><em>This is our Hands-on with This is Vegas</em></a>. Two new screens head up the gallery below. Meanwhile, we anxiously await the inevitable sequels: <em>This is Lodi</em>, <em>This is Jasper</em>, and <em>This is Hoboken</em>.<br />%Gallery-15441%<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-this-is-new-video-of-this-is-vegas/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1291809/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/gc-2008-this-is-new-video-of-this-is-vegas/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>leipzig-08</category><category>midway</category><category>this-is-vegas</category><category>trailer</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Randy Nelson]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>GC 2008: The Sims 3 hitting real and virtual shelves on Feb. 20, 2009</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/the-sims-3-hitting-real-and-virtual-shelves-on-feb-20-2009/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/the-sims-3-hitting-real-and-virtual-shelves-on-feb-20-2009/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/the-sims-3-hitting-real-and-virtual-shelves-on-feb-20-2009/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/culture/" rel="tag">Culture</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://investor.ea.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=88189&amp;p=irol-newsArticle&amp;ID=1188850&amp;highlight="><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/03/sims-3-rejected.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /></div>
EA has announced that February 20, 2009, will mark the rather momentous occasion of stereotypical gamers finally venturing into the brightly lit outside world ... in<em> the game</em>. It's the day <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/sims-3"><em>The Sims 3</em></a>, the latest interactive simulation of an annoying, fickle, selfish and lazy race of creatures, will be distributed -- both physically and digitally -- to a bunch of annoying, fickle, selfish and lazy creatures. <br /><br />If you'd like to append "supercilious" to that list of adjectives, you should consider purchasing <em>The Sims 3 Collector's Edition</em>, which will include an exclusive in-game "Italian-style" sports car for you to maneuver through your envious neighborhood (no wonder those floating diamonds are green). Also included in the package will be a <em>Sims</em> Plumbob USB drive, a tips and hints guide, <em>The Sims 3</em> Plumbob stickers and, oh yes, <em>the game</em>.<br />%Gallery-18710%<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://investor.ea.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=88189&amp;p=irol-newsArticle&amp;ID=1188850&amp;highlight=>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/the-sims-3-hitting-real-and-virtual-shelves-on-feb-20-2009/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1289650/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/the-sims-3-hitting-real-and-virtual-shelves-on-feb-20-2009/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>BreakingNews</category><category>Collectors-Edition</category><category>EA</category><category>Leipzig-08</category><category>Sims-3</category><category>The-Sims</category><category>The-Sims-3</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ludwig Kietzmann]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:30:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>Spore (finally!) evolves into Gold status</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/spore-finally-evolves-into-gold-status/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/spore-finally-evolves-into-gold-status/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/spore-finally-evolves-into-gold-status/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mac/" rel="tag">Mac</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http:// http://investor.ea.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=88189&amp;p=irol-newsArticle&amp;ID=1187508&amp;highlight "><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="0" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/08/spore-gold-490.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
Calling all gamers, non-gamers and <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/militant-atheists-up-in-arms-over-spores-sim-religion/">militant atheists</a> alike, Will Wright's years-in-the-making "Sim Everything" <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/Spore/" style="font-style: italic;">Spore</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>has passed through its cell, tribal and civilization phases and <a href="http://investor.ea.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=88189&amp;p=irol-newsArticle&amp;ID=1187508&amp;highlight ">has gone gold</a>. The game is set to make its previously announced PC and Mac release date of September 5 for North America and September 7 for Europe. We now look forward to breaking even more Sporepedia milestones in our quest to collectively become <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/wright-spore-fans-38-god/">84% God</a>. In the meantime c<span style="font-style: italic;"></span>heck out our exhaustive <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/joystiq-e3-qanda-spore-detailed/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Spore</span> Q&amp;A with Maxis Producer Thomas Vu</a> from last month's E3.<br /><br />Fun fact: <span style="font-style: italic;">Spore's </span>original release date <a href="http://www.wired.com/gaming/gamingreviews/magazine/16-08/pl_games_spore">was Fall 2006</a>.<br />%Gallery-15883%<p><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/spore-finally-evolves-into-gold-status/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Spore (finally!) evolves into Gold status</em></a></p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://investor.ea.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=88189&amp;p=irol-newsArticle&amp;ID=1187508&amp;highlight>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/spore-finally-evolves-into-gold-status/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1284746/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/spore-finally-evolves-into-gold-status/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>breakingnews</category><category>ea</category><category>electronic-arts</category><category>spore</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ross Miller]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:45:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>EA looking 'way outside the game space' with Spore</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/ea-looking-way-outside-the-game-space-with-spore/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/ea-looking-way-outside-the-game-space-with-spore/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/ea-looking-way-outside-the-game-space-with-spore/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/culture/" rel="tag">Culture</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/business/" rel="tag">Business</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSSIN2394520080813?pageNumber=1&amp;virtualBrandChannel=0"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/07/spore-ea3-tribe-490.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /></div>
It seems <em><a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/Spore/">Spore</a></em> has a shot at the big screen. No, not that 60" LCD monitor that cost you nearly all your limbs, but that one you view in the dark with a bunch of popcorn-munching strangers. According to <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSSIN2394520080813?pageNumber=1&amp;virtualBrandChannel=0">Reuters</a>, EA is looking to connect upcoming everything-sim <em>Spore</em> with television and film, hoping that the right deal will add momentum to the game's marketing machine and boost sales. <br /><br />"With Spore, we're looking way outside the game space, such  as TV, movies, etc.," said the game's revered designer, Will Wright. "We're basically planting the seeds to  spread Spore out to a much wider group of people than would  ever play a computer game." The aggressive, multi-medium marketing is thought to be prompted by EA's last round of <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/ea-doubles-q1-revenues-troubled-by-95-million-loss/">disappointing financial results</a>, with the publisher chasing down audiences in a bid to regain its top publisher throne. With Will Wright's latest, sights are being set even beyond the huge popularity attained by <em>The Sims</em>.<br /><br />"Longer term, I think the brand of Spore potentially has a  wider net to cast than The Sims did," notes Wright. We also reckon <em>Spore</em> is the easier one to adapt into an entertaining film, what with all the kooky aliens and spaceships.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSSIN2394520080813?pageNumber=1&amp;virtualBrandChannel=0>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/ea-looking-way-outside-the-game-space-with-spore/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1283743/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/ea-looking-way-outside-the-game-space-with-spore/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>EA</category><category>Maxis</category><category>Spore</category><category>The-Sims</category><category>Will-Wright</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ludwig Kietzmann]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:38:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>'Militant atheists' up in arms over Spore's sim-religion</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/militant-atheists-up-in-arms-over-spores-sim-religion/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/militant-atheists-up-in-arms-over-spores-sim-religion/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/militant-atheists-up-in-arms-over-spores-sim-religion/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/culture/" rel="tag">Culture</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=211296"><img width="490" vspace="4" hspace="0" height="276" border="1" align="middle" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/07/spore-ea3-tribe-490.jpg" /></a><br />
<div align="left">You'd think that a life simulation that begins with single-cell organisms and follows their <em>evolution</em> into space-faring races might get some folks from the "intelligent design" camp riled. It turns out that what <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/spore"><em>Spore</em></a> creator <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/will-wright">Will Wright</a> refers to as "militant atheists" seem to be the most bent out of shape by the inclusion of a religion mechanic in his latest opus.<br /></div>
<div align="left"><br />"I didn't expect to hit hot buttons on the atheist side as much; I expected it on the religious side," Wright said in an <a href="http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=211296">interview with Eurogamer</a>. "What we had was a good, sizable group of players that we might call 'militant atheists,' and the rest of the players seemed very tolerant, including all of the religious players."<br /><br />If anything, we'd expect <em>Spore </em>to be an equal-opportunity offender. After all, it implies that the biological material giving rise to its in-game life came from another world, but also has players acting in a "God" role to influence its evolution. "We didn't want to go too far down that path," Wright explained, adding, "We leave the whole creation of the universe question open." Open ... to <em>debate</em>, it seems. <br />
<p> </p>
</div>
</div><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=211296>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/militant-atheists-up-in-arms-over-spores-sim-religion/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1281806/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/militant-atheists-up-in-arms-over-spores-sim-religion/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>controversy</category><category>ea</category><category>evolution</category><category>maxis</category><category>religion</category><category>spore</category><category>will-wright</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Randy Nelson]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:00:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>Age of Conan 'Game Master' axed after grinding exploit</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/age-of-conan-game-master-axed-after-grinding-exploit/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/age-of-conan-game-master-axed-after-grinding-exploit/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/age-of-conan-game-master-axed-after-grinding-exploit/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/xbox360/" rel="tag">Microsoft Xbox 360</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/mmo/" rel="tag">MMO</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mmorpg.com/discussion2.cfm?PAGE=1&amp;BHCP=1%2C1&amp;THREAD=192300&amp;bhcp=1"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="0" alt="age of conan"  src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/08/age-of-conan-cyber-sex.jpg" /></a></div>
Even those who indulge in the sanctioned decadence of a Hyborian lifestyle can find themselves bound to otherworldly codes of conduct, as one <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/tag/age-of-conan"><em>Age of Conan</em></a> "Game Master" (real job, apparently) recently learned after he engaged in a brief, albeit illicit affair with one of the game's denizens. While some would-be sleuths have concluded that <a href="http://www.mmorpg.com/discussion2.cfm?PAGE=1&amp;BHCP=1%2C1&amp;THREAD=192300&amp;bhcp=1">the incident</a> was a classic case of entrapment, the governing authority nonetheless terminated the frolicking GM. "If the guidelines are broken there are consequences," Funcom has stated. Let this be a lesson to all of us working the virtual shift: Pants are to be worn at <em>all</em> times.<br /><br /> [Via <a href="http://news.bigdownload.com/2008/08/11/funcom-fires-employee-for-having-cyber-sex-with-player/">Big Download</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.mmorpg.com/discussion2.cfm?PAGE=1&amp;BHCP=1%2C1&amp;THREAD=192300&amp;bhcp=1>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/age-of-conan-game-master-axed-after-grinding-exploit/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1281344/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/age-of-conan-game-master-axed-after-grinding-exploit/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>age-of-conan</category><category>eidos</category><category>funcom</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[James Ransom-Wiley]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EST</dc:date></item><item><title>Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise parties with four player online co-op</title><link>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-parties-with-four-player-online/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-parties-with-four-player-online/</guid><comments>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-parties-with-four-player-online/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/xbox360/" rel="tag">Microsoft Xbox 360</a>, <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/category/simulations/" rel="tag">Simulations</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.360sync.com/2008/08/09/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-achievements"><img width="490" vspace="4" hspace="0" height="270" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/08/viva-pinata-2-vision-cam.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
If those pesky Achievements for the game are to be believed, <em>Viva Pi&ntilde;ata: Trouble in Paradise</em> will support four player online co-op. <a href="http://www.360sync.com/2008/08/09/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-achievements">360sync.com</a> lists all the "<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/rooster-teeth-creates-achievement-trophy-database-site/">bleep bloops</a>" for the upcoming candy-filled animal simulator and one 10-point achievement, named "Full House," comes with with the description: Play 4 Player Online Co-op for 1 hour.<br /><br />We're still not exactly sure what co-op entails, as there also Achievements listed for playing two player co-op, both online and off, for one hour. We should get more details soon before <em>VP: TiP</em> starts getting whacked at retail on <a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/viva-pinata-sequel-busts-open-in-early-september/">Sept. 2</a>. <br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/08/10/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-now-sporting-4-player-online-c/">X3F</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.360sync.com/2008/08/09/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-achievements>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-parties-with-four-player-online/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/forward/1281033/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise-parties-with-four-player-online/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br /><p><font size="1"><hr>SPONSORED BY: <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">Age of Empires III - Real-Time Strategy Game</a> Control a European power on a quest to colonize and conquer the New World. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">AOE3</A> introduces new gameplay elements, as well as new civilizations, units, and technologies. <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/DEI/go/wblgsxbx0080000528dei/direct/01/">http://www.ageofempires3.com/</a></font></p>]]></description><category>four-player-coop</category><category>microsoft</category><category>rare</category><category>viva-pinata</category><category>viva-pinata-2</category><category>viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradise</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Alexander Sliwinski]]></dc:creator><dc:date>Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST</dc:date></item></channel></rss>