Author Archive
Wii chip production well underway, say IBM, Nintendo [update 2]
Filed under: Nintendo Wii, Strategy, Competitive Gaming, Business
[Ed's note: we made a mistake in allowing this item to snowball into something more than a mere IBM-Nintendo PR announcement that production of chips is on schedule. Our apologies for allowing this one to get way, way out of hand. Read here for a more detailed apology.]
IBM announced that their Broadway chip custom-designed for Nintendo’s Wii console has been shipping to Nintendo’s since July. “We have been shipping well within this quarter (July),” said Ron Martino, director of IBM Technology Collaboration Solutions. “In fact, we have shipped a significant volume in this quarter.”
So what does this news mean to gamers who have been waiting patiently for a release date from Nintendo? Well, considering that Nintendo has had their hands on a “significant volume” of one of the major components of their console since July, some might speculate that the Wii could be ready for release sooner than the expected October street date.
When asked to quantify the speed of the Broadway processor, IBM’s Martino compared it to the GameCube. “Compared to the Gekko in the GameCube, it’s 20 percent more power efficient. It also performs significantly better. The key point is that it is Power Architecture-based and custom-made and optimized for Nintendo,” he said (not really answering the question).
With this update and Nintendo confirming the shipment of “6 million systems to retailers around the world between its launch in the fourth quarter of 2006 and the end of its fiscal year on March 31, 2007,” we expect Nintendo might finally be ready to talk release schedule during their event in New York City next week.
[Update 1: toned down language throughout, added new first paragraph.]
[Update 2: more edits, added link in first paragraph.]
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Major next-gen console news coming tonight
Filed under: Culture, Business
We just got handed a scoop for some important news with one of the next-generation consoles. We can’t talk about any specifics yet, but you have our word that this announcement is something worth waiting for.
Expect all the info tonight here at Joystiq at 12:01 a.m. Eastern.
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Devil May Cry coming to the PSP
Filed under: Culture, Sony PlayStation 3, Portable, Sony PSP, Action, Adventure, Fighting, Business
Yesterday we brought you some details on the PlayStation 3 debut of Devil May Cry. Now, we bring you the news that Capcom is planning to deliver this successful franchise to the PSP. CVG has noticed that on the Japanese site for Capcom, there is a note about bringing Dante and company to Sony’s little handheld.
The only information given is that the game will be in the “stylish action” genre of gameplay. Tomorrow, the countdown on the DMC teaser site ends, so maybe we’ll get more info by then. But, until that time, feel free to speculate.
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As PAL waits, potential customers fire back
Filed under: Culture, Sony PlayStation 3, Online, Simulations, E3, Video, Business
Well, it certainly didn’t take long for the Sony backlash in PAL-land to hit its stride. There is already a site up called, “This is Waiting,” which plays on the PlayStation 3’s European slogan, “This is Living.” There’s a great collection of photoshops and video remixes which perfectly reflect the anger many in the region feel toward Sony.
We’ll highlight our favorites in case you’re too lazy to check out all the content that is constantly being updated on the site.
Video:
Sony’s E3 Press Conference
Killzone aftermath
More photos after the break. By the way, if you’ve got your own great photoshop or video remix, feel free to share it with us.
[Thanks, Scott Cole]
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Devil May Cry 4 information leaked a tad early
Filed under: Culture, Sony PlayStation 3, Action, Adventure, Fighting, TGS, Business
Considering there is a countdown about to run out at the official Web site, we expected to get more information on the PlayStation 3’s standout title Devil May Cry 4 relatively soon. But, thanks to the power of the Internet and Japanese magazines, we can get the goods just a wee bit earlier. According to a rough translation of Famitsu, this is what you’re gonna get with DMC 4:
- The game takes place after DMC 1, but before DMC 2.
- You play as a new lead character by the name of Nero.
- Nero has devilish right arm. He can draw enemies toward himself and then throw them.
- The combo system has as base the one from DMC3 and they are revising/reworking details according to the fans’ comment-remarks.
- Nero’s sword has a bar. The sword has some kind of a driving force in it. It’s a new way/element to enjoy the sword handling.
- At the Tokyo Game Show there will be real-time footage.
You can view the magazine scans of the article and photos here:
It’s nice to know there will be “real-time footage” at TGS, but how about some real-time gameplay on the show floor? That’d certainly be a nice way to extend the olive branch to disheartened Sony fans — especially when you break the news to your Japanese base about getting the short end of the stick come launch day.
[Thanks, Gerard Flannory]
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Are you ready to break-up with Sony?
Filed under: Culture, Sony PlayStation 3, Competitive Gaming, Business
Today’s dual nuclear strikes by Sony have apparently tipped some loyalists over the edge, causing them to finally sever that umbilical game cord that’s been tattered and barely hanging on since last May. Fanboys have weathered some rough storms as Sony dropped PR bomb after PR bomb, but today may have been the last straw as one such disgruntled man, Angry Gamer, has certainly had all he can take.
In a violently written Dear John letter, Mr. Angry lays down the law in his impassioned break-up note with Mr. Sony. Whether or not he’s just burning through the day on pure emotion, his words certainly embody the anger many fans may be feeling at this moment: “Today was the breaking point. Delaying the PlayStation 3 to March 2007 because you couldn’t make enough machines in time is the ultimate betrayal.”
So, what about you Joystiq Nation? Has this news caused you to re-examine your console loyalty? We all know that Sony fanboys are a rabid bunch, but just how much damage can the Sony ship take before fans just start jumping off in a mass hysteria? Broken promise after broken promise can really add up for those who held complete faith in a company that has been so good to them in the past.
In fact, that seems to be the real problem here. Most may not be upset by delays, they happen, but instead angered over the promises and PR slips that continue to plague Sony and their PS3 launch. It’s not about the news. It’s about not being honest with your loyal customers.
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Classic, non-crappy Bomberman coming to the PSP
Filed under: Arcade, Portable, Sony PSP, Wireless, Strategy, Competitive Gaming
In a bid to make us forget the tragedy that is Bomberman on the 360, Konami has announced that a classic version of the game will come to PSP users on Sept. 12. What’s even better is that the game will feature some ad hoc multiplayer where only one person will be required to own the game. Here’s what you’ll get with this new title:
Normal mode is the latest single player Bomberman adventure, complete with a new story and 100 levels, while classic mode is based on original Bomberman gameplay and features over 50 different levels for players to experience. Bomberman offers a multiplayer battle mode, which allows up to four players to fight for survival in a variety of highly customizable game types across 20 different stages via wireless ad hoc play. Lastly game sharing lets up to 4 players battle together in timeless multiplayer party modes with just one UMD.
Now this is the kind of quality gaming we demand on our PSP. Get more titles like this and we’ll keep playing Sony’s glossy handheld. The only problem here is that there’s no infrastructure support. It would have been nice to be able to play people all around the world rather than just in the room. But, you know, we’ll take what we can get on the PSP.
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G4’s Kevin P. gets in touch with his feminine side
Filed under: Culture, Simulations, Fashion
We saw this picture and just felt compelled to share it with you, the gaming public. Apparently snagged from a recent photo shoot for a new magazine coming out called Geek Weekly, we see our favorite tech variety show host Kevin Pereira in a rather sexually confusing pose with fellow gaming hottie Jessica Chobot from IGN.
It’s always good to see others in the game industry not take themselves too seriously and be willing to have a little fun in the name of all that is geek. You may catch some heat for that picture Kevin, but we got ya back.
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The old-school gamer’s Monopoly board
Filed under: Culture, Retro, Strategy, Competitive Gaming, Fashion
It seems one classic video game enthusiast has taken his free time and focused his efforts to creating the ultimate Monopoly for the nostalgic gamer. The complete makeover of the entire board is there with games such as Doom and Pong taking their respective places in substitution for the classic city streets. The creator has also transformed the cards, pieces and money that come along with the game.
It’s a mighty fine effort and we applaud the dedication needed to make something like this happen. The only things that seem to be lacking in terms of quality to us are the cheapo looking player pieces and house and hotel pieces. Also, spelling “joystick” without a “q” is just plain wrong. Otherwise, bravo.
But we’ve got to know one thing from Joystiq Nation: Anyone got any beef with the importance of some of the games on the board compared to their price?
[Thanks, Stephen Q. Burwell]
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IGN’s quality Wii footage at Leipzig
Filed under: Culture, Nintendo Wii, Simulations, Video, Competitive Gaming, Business
Up until now, most content related to the Wii has consisted of either shaky cam gameplay footage, trailers or photos put up on various game sites only to be pulled down seconds later. Finally, we get a bit of a reprieve as IGN dishes out an improved quality and in-depth look at the Wii at this year’s Leipzig convention in Germany.
While we’re sure most of you have been pining for a Wii since it was first announced, videos like this could edge people closer to making the ultimate decision of adding the console to their already crowded game room. Does this latest look at the Wii sway you in any particular direction?
By the way, try to ignore IGN’s annoying load times, ads, and smarmy five o’ clock shadowed host. The video is worth the hassle.
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Target 360: Clever marketing or sign of the apocalypse?
Filed under: Culture, Microsoft Xbox 360, Business
A thoughtful Joystiq tipster has sent us what appears to be either an ad snafu or clever marketing ploy by Target for an advertisement of an Xbox 360. In a picture for a $399 Xbox 360, the pictured console seems to be suffering from the dreaded red ring of death.
Now, considering Target (or Targét as the hipster nation calls it) is known for their red rings logo, it could just be a subliminal promotional gimmick. Even if it’s not, we find it mildly amusing that the glitch that seems to be plaguing a certain percentage of 360 users would find its way into an advertisement for the console. Intentional or not, it’s probably not a good idea to have it in.
[Thanks, Blue]
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High-end PS3 shipping without HDMI cable
Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Peripherals, Business
The über version of the PlayStation 3 evidently isn’t shipping with the HDMI cable needed to take advantage of 1080p Blu-ray sweetness that has been promised by Sony ever since the PS3’s high-def qualities have been hyped up. According to a recently updated FAQ on the official PS3 site, it says the following: “Copy-protected Blu-ray video discs can only output at 1080p using an HDMI cable connected to a device that is compatible with the HDCP standard.”
The only problem is that the HDMI cable needed to do this won’t be included with your $600 PS3. That means, according to prices on places like Amazon, you’ll have to shell out an extra $40 or more for the needed HD hook up. While it certainly may not be a big deal for someone who has the dough to spend $600 on a game console in the first place, for those who have been fillin’ up the ol’ piggy bank a penny at a time to buy this thing, it could just add to the stress and anger that’s been building ever since the price was announced in May.
Sony said the $600 PS3 would play our content in 1080p. Maybe they should have made it clear we’d need an extra cable not included in the box to do so.
[Thanks, Chris Larson]
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Lost Planet is 360 exclusive and will be out in January
Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Action, Adventure, Online, Interviews, Competitive Gaming, Business
GameSpot recently cornered Capcom producer Jun Takeuchi to confirm that Lost Planet will stay on the Xbox 360 despite rumors that it wouldn’t be the exclusive it was thought to be. Also, Takeuchi has revealed that the anticipated title will come to stores in January 2007.
Takeuchi says the plan was to always keep Lost Planet on the 360 and the 360 only:
Lost Planet is an exclusive Xbox 360 title. Typically when the development team sets out to create a game, we focus development of the title on a single platform and for Lost Planet that platform is the Xbox 360. We have no plans at this time of porting to or developing for another console as this would potentially dilute the final product.
Ever since E3 and the demo hit Xbox Live, we’ve been eagerly anticipating this chilly third-person shooter. How about you?
[Thanks, Zelda Master]
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Like it or not, Madden continues to be a cash cow
Filed under: Culture, PC, Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PSP, Microsoft Xbox, Microsoft Xbox 360, Online, Sports, Strategy, Competitive Gaming, Business
Electronic Arts has released estimates that show its yearly updated franchise, Madden, has just reached a new high: two million copies sold in the first week. EA says this is a record for a franchise that has been chugging along for 17 years now. A PR mouthpiece had this to say about the results:
“Consumers are the most meaningful judge of game quality and based on sales and the record-setting online activity, our toughest critics think Madden NFL has delivered another great game experience.”
We guess it pays to be the only NFL game in town. For those of you that bought it, is Madden NFL 07 the best Madden ever?
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Oh look, another WWII-themed first-person shooter
Filed under: Culture, PC, Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, First Person Shooters, Business
What happens when sales outpace creativity and originality? No, not another 50 Cent game. The real answer is more first-person shooters with a World War II theme — Fall of Liberty is the name of the lucky girl this time. Ugh, do we really need another WWII franchise for next-gen? Well, Codemaster and Sparks Unlimited seem to think so.
Not content with the bazillions of other historical FPSers out there, the two have joined forces to bring us Fall of Liberty for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Due in late 2007, this latest Nazi smasher is actually a flip on the formulaic script as the game is set in the 50s shortly after the Nazis have won — see it’s different, this time, they win. Not only were the nasty Germans victorious, but they’re poised to forever rule the good ol’ U.S. of A.
We have just one question to ask you Joystiqers: Are you as sick of WWII-themed shooters as we are?
[Thanks, Alvin]
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Bomberman photoshop contest: How to make right out of wrong
Filed under: Culture, Retro, Microsoft Xbox 360, Online, Strategy, Competitive Gaming, Fashion
The latest Bomberman iteration to hit a gaming platform is the terribly flawed Bomberman: Act Zero for the Xbox 360 — seriously, how do you mess up Bomberman?. Well, after poor reviews kept streaming in, a fan over at the NeoGAF forums decided to put copies of the game to good use: hold a caption contest with the grand prize being a T-shirt with the developer’s name on it.
So far, there have been some creative entries and we’ll share some with you after the break (including our first impressions of the game). But, now that we can give the contest the proper exposure it deserves, we’re sure that our creative readers can add some real competition to the affair.
[Via Game Life]
In all fairness, the game isn’t as terribly awful as it may seem in the bad reviews. But, to a Bomberman loyalist, it could be considered an act of treason and utter betrayal. Not only did the game makers decide to lose Bomberman’s cutish looks for some lame futuristic mutant, but the game doesn’t have offline multiplayer.
That’s right, you can’t have two or more players on one Xbox 360. You can’t have a party and play , what is essentially supposed to be, a great party game. What the hell, Hudson? Seriously, what the hell?
Besides those serious flaws and some other minor annoyances online and off, the game is still fun and somewhat true to the spirit of the original Bomberman. Expect a video review from us some time in the future for our full thoughts on the title. For now, enjoy these funny pictures:
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SimCity announced for the DS in Japan
Filed under: Nintendo DS, PC, Podcasts, Portable, Retro, Wireless, Simulations, Strategy
Japanese gaming mag Famitsu brings word that the late great city builder SimCity is making an appearance on the DS. Called SimCity DS, this handheld version is based on the PC’s SimCity 3000. The game is said to feature “full stylus-based controls, mini games and a new adviser character who helps you out when designing your city.”
There will be three modes to play: Build a New City, Save the City and Sister City. It seems that the Sister City mode could possibly take advantage of Nintendo’s Wi-Fi Network as you’ll be able to chat with other players and trade landmarks. No other official or U.S. announcement has been made, but according to Famitsu, the game will be released sometime in the winter in Japan. We hope it doesn’t take too long for it to make the jump stateside.
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Video walkthrough of Madden Wii
Filed under: Nintendo Wii, Simulations, Sports, Video, Competitive Gaming, Exergaming
For those curious about Madden NFL 07 on the Wii and how the controls (and graphics) will look, there’s a new and fairly lengthy video up on YouTube that gives a good walkthrough of the basics.
If you weren’t lucky enough to get your hands on a version at E3, handling the game was actually quite intuitive and fun. It even went so far as to make us want to actually buy and play Madden again.
[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]
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Fight Night Round 3 to punch PS3 gamers in the face
Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Fighting, Online, Simulations, Sports, Competitive Gaming, Business
It was announced today that the successful next-gen boxing sim Fight Night Round 3 will hop from the 360 ring and into the PlayStation 3 squared-circle. However, for this round EA Chicago is handing off the port duties to EA Canada. And, instead of just a straight transition, a first-person mode called “Get in the Ring” will be added.
Also included in the PS3 version will be EA’s ESPN ticker integration that has updated news and sports info. The game is scheduled to be released this holiday season. This all makes us wonder when Fight Night Round 4 will be released for both consoles. Is EA going to hold that back until Round 3 has collected enough prize money?
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Aquaman added to Justice League Heroes roster
Filed under: Culture, Nintendo DS, Sony PlayStation 2, Portable, Sony PSP, Retro, Microsoft Xbox, Action, Adventure, Fighting, RPGs, Video, Business, Fashion
Greatest news ever or merely a ploy to get all you in-the-closet Aquaman fans to buy the upcoming Justice League Heroes game? Hmm, we’ll have to see about that. Nevertheless, we just got word that everyone’s favorite fish man in green tights will be making a fabulous appearance in Heroes, which is slated to hit the PS2, Xbox, PSP, GBA and DS sometime this fall.
Included as an unlockable character, Aquaman joins Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Zatanna and the previously announced unlockable Green Arrow in the fight against baddies. For those quick to dismiss Aquaman’s worth on dry land, his character in Heroes will have the ability to create a whirlpool (temporary water whirlwind that traps enemies), use the sword of Atlantis and protect himself using a water shield.
In honor of such a delightful announcement, check out these timely Aquaman classics:
The Aquaman dance
Dave Chappelle on Aquaman
Aquaman: The Music Video
Aquaman: The Movie (from Entourage)
The TV pilot trailer
An Aquaman tribute
Aquaman on Family Guy
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