Xbox Jedi

Want to see a real skateboarder on a fake skateboard? Check out Microsoft's E3 keynote tomorrow. Skateboard legend and video game mascot Tony Hawk just tweeted about his involvement in MS's conference. He'll show off Tony Hawk Ride -- wearing makeup, even!

"Just practiced my part for Microsoft's E3 keynote tomorrow (introducing #thride)," Mr. Pro Skater said. "First time I've ever had to wear make-up for a rehearsal."

We can't promise he'll actually get on the stationary board, but he'll at least be there showing it off. Mr. Hawk's presence at he MS conference suggests that there could be some component of the game that is Xbox-exclusive, like DLC or green skateboard decals or ... something.

Tony Hawk will ride Tony Hawk Ride at Microsoft's E3 keynote originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retro game compilations aren't as great as they could be. Having a bunch of games is welcome, as are a few bonus features, but they don't feel like they have much of a "soul" to them. Arcade shoot-em-ups get a similar deal: Most have only standard options like screen rotation and various ways to tweak lives, sometimes understandably because they just came from the arcade after several months. Worse, few of them make it out of Japan, making for a very expensive hobby if you're a big fan of the genre. And if a home port of a shooter isn't 100% like the arcade version, then once-grateful diehard fans might take a turn for the murderous.

Because new shooters come out in Japan soon after they do in arcades, compilations of older ones are few far and between, but if you do get a bundle of them, that's usually all you get: the games and little else. Raiden Fighters Aces is different: it brings together three great shooters with enough tweaks and features to pacify the grouchiest gamers. Not to mention it can be had for an insanely reasonable 20 bucks.

Fight fans are likely salivating at the mouth for Tekken 6 and all of its Kazama-infused glory, and will likely be even more excited by the inclusion of Force Mode in the franchise's sixth installment, a complimentary mode that harks back to the olden days of Tekken 3.

In Tekken 6, you can even drop the fists for some more powerful means of dispatching countless enemies (see: big gatling gun). Not only that, but this new trailer also shows off the incredible leaps and bounds Namco has made in motion blur technology. Hey, Tekken 6, 2006 called, and it wants its cutting edge technology back.

Head past the break to check out the fist-to-face action that comes courtesy of IGN.

Continue reading Tekken 6 brings multiplayer Force Mode, motion blur

Tekken 6 brings multiplayer Force Mode, motion blur originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 May 2009 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The recent re-emergence of Sam Fisher from the shadows of ... uh, awkward stealth game metaphors has prompted several questions: Where has the gravelly voiced assassin been for the last few years? Is Ubisoft still toying with social stealth? And is the game still exclusive to the Xbox 360?

A partial answer to the last question may be evident in the large Splinter Cell: Conviction banner draped across the Los Angeles Convention Center. It's notable not only for the distinct lack of self-pitying scruff, but for being the only banner to prominently display only the Xbox 360 and Xbox Live logos. Of course, as we've learned in the time since the game was first announced, "exclusive" doesn't always mean what we think it means.

Splinter Cell banner seemingly reaffirms Xbox 360 exclusivity originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 May 2009 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft has notified media outlets to wake up slightly earlier tomorrow, as its media briefing has been pushed up 5 minutes to 10:25am PDT (1:25PM EDT). Originally the briefing was scheduled to commence at 10:30am (PDT). According to Microsoft, the (extremely short) change in plans has been made to add a "very special" announcement to their Pre-E3 shindig. Megaton announcement or You're in the Movies 2? You decide.

Microsoft pushes Pre-E3 briefing up five minutes for 'very special' addition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 May 2009 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Life's tough in the lawless lands of Borderlands. You have to watch out for machete-wielding maniacs, gigantic saw blade-wielding death machines, and the pincer-equipped beasts that roam the lands looking for human blood. But, hey, as deadly a place as it is, at least it looks damn good.

You can catch the new trailer past the break.

Continue reading E3 2009: Borderlands teaser trailer provides first glimpse of gameplay

E3 2009: Borderlands teaser trailer provides first glimpse of gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 May 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A brief tour of the Los Angeles Convention Center -- soon to be swathed in flashing and impossibly loud video game booths -- reveals an early portent of E3's revitalization. Advertising has returned in full force, with humongous banners draped across buildings and video game characters towering over attendees.

Oh, and there's a bit of money-wasting eccentricity too. Try the gigantic pile of junk outside the South Hall (courtesy of the homeward-bound Rabbids?) or the cruel, cruel Final Fantasy XIII cast teasing their arrival in ... 2010. Click through our gallery and pretend you're there!

E3 2009: A banner year originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 May 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We finally know why 'All Fronts' started vanishing from online retailers. In speaking with IGN, Epic's Rod Fergusson said that the feedback from fans on the original 1600 ($20) price for 'Dark Corners' and the retail release of 'All Fronts' wasn't, well ... favorable. So, Epic decided to mix things up.

Dark Corners will now be offered at a much cheaper price of 1200 ($15). As for 'All Fronts,' it's ditching its planned retail release for an exclusive Xbox Live Marketplace stay, where fans will be able to download the content for 1600 ($20) at 12:00am GMT on July 28.

[Thanks, surinder!]

Epic cuts price on 'Dark Corners,' pushes 'All Fronts' to Xbox Live Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 May 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Though we're not going to be seeing Dead Rising 2 at E3 this week due to Swine Flu concerns, Capcom has apparently released a brand new trailer just before the show to keep the game fresh in our rotted, bloodthirsty minds.

To be Frank, the newest trailer paints a sincerely more serious picture of Dead Rising 2, replete with zombies eating dudes' necks and a whole mess of slow zombie shambling. Unfortunately, as the game is sitting out this week's events, you're just going to have to make due with the newest video, just after the break.

Continue reading E3 2009: Dead Rising 2 trailer gets gritty

E3 2009: Dead Rising 2 trailer gets gritty originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 May 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A tipster sent in word that GameStop had pulled all pre-orders for Gears of War 2 retail compilation 'All Fronts', and lo and behold, it has. So we did some snooping, checking out Best Buy, Target, GameCrazy, and Amazon, and found each also have pulled it.

So, what does this mean? It's anyone's guess at this point, but, to clarify, we've put in word to Epic and will be sure to update you all as soon as we hear back.

[Thanks, Urza!]

Gears of War 2 'All Fronts' pre-orders vanish from the web originally appeared on Joystiq Xbox on Sun, 31 May 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix has seemingly jumped the gun on at least some of its E3 news, with the trailer for Nier (after the break) finding its way online, not to mention the game getting an official website. Hey, there's even gameplay!

The art style looks like a pretty dramatic departure from the Japanese company's usual androgynix, not to mention the vast swathes of blood. Maybe that has something to do with Square's recent fascination with the Western market? That remains to be seen. We'll assuredly see more as the week progresses, though feel free to peruse our gallery of screens below in the meantime.

Continue reading E3 2009: Nier trailer hits the web, official website launches

E3 2009: Nier trailer hits the web, official website launches originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 May 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Introducing Project Natal, a revolutionary new way to play: no controller required.

Whether it's transforming your HDTV into a virtual theater, your couch into a race car, or your living room into a rock arena, Xbox LIVE puts a world of instant fun, friends, and entertainment at your fingertips.

This week’s show:
Co-host : e
E3
Interview: Brian Seitz, Zune HD  (17:20 – 28:54)
Interview: Yves Frinault , CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars (28:55–36:22)
Interview: Steve Wiebe (36:23–45:39)
More E3

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Format:
1:05:50, 30.1 MB, (MP3)

Link dump (some of the things mentioned in this episode:
http://zuneinsider.com/  
http://zuneinsider.com/archive/2009/05/26/zune-coming-to-xbox-zune-hd-realized-what-a-day.aspx
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/c/cellfactorpwxboxlivearcade/
http://g4tv.com/e32009/splash.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Wiebe

 

When Activision announced Guitar Hero 5, we knew little more than the game would include some notes, and possibly a popular ditty or two. Now, we know all sorts of stuff, like the proposed "Band Moments" and the game's release date (9/1/09). But, we still haven't seen anything on what we've all wanted to know: The included artists. Now, we're happy to report that would-be rockers and rockettes now have a definitive list of talent featured in Activision's latest cash generator music rhythm game. And, it's staggering. So much so that we were forced to place the info past the break, for fear of an avalanche on the front page.

Continue reading These are the artists rocking out in Guitar Hero 5

These are the artists rocking out in Guitar Hero 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 May 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Over 100 contestants competed in a seven hour (!) King of Fighters XII tournament in Hollywood yesterday, and when the smoke cleared, one winner was awarded a stately paper crown. Oh, and a full-sized King of Fighters arcade machine, straight from Japan. Reynold Tacsuan defeated Alex Phan in the best-of-three finals when his soldier Ralf Jones dealt a deathblow to Judo master Goro Daimon.

Multiple arcade units and PS3s were set up around the venue featuring the new game, which doesn't hit U.S. shores until July 16, so attendees could face off while the tourney took place on the main stage. One station even went old-school with Intellivision, an Atari 2600 and an old Vectrex system. if only they'd had KoF back then.

I am 8-bit was on hand throughout the event with scantily clad nurses administering fake cuts, bruises, and wounds to unblemished skin in their Anti-ER. Which got us thinking: even though we're all for friendly competition in gaming, it would takes things up a notch if some company starts turning these events into feats of skill and muscle. It's high time they brought competitive arm wrestling to the world of video games.

King of Fighters wins giant arcade unit, paper crown originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This game was classified by the community with the following category scores - Violence=1/3, Sex=1/3, Mature Content=1/3. What happens after Happily Ever After? Fascinating puzzles! Thirteen years after true love's kiss, Sleeping Beauty has been cursed again. Help break the curse by using prisms and mirrors to split and reflect beams of light. One hundred unique puzzles and seven bonus modes will keep you coming back for more!

When Max gets a wizard tutor, Alex and Justin fight over spending time with her. When they discover that she will depart after Max passes his wizard test, they sabotage his efforts.

Fishy Frisky Business: On a family shopping trip, Kat gets Coop banned from the grocery store. Teed Off: Dennis and Coop’s fathers encourage them to revive a neighborhood tradition, the ‘round the block golf challenge.

At Hill Grange Health Spa, Bubbles De Vere receives a shock when she bumps into her ex-husband, Roman De Vere, and his new wife, ex-Olympic gymnast Desiree, who are honeymooning at the Spa. On the Mike McShane estate in Bruise, Dudley receives delivery of his new bride, Ting Tong Macadangdang, loving chosen from his Thai Brides For You brochure. Meanwhile, Mrs. Emery’s inability to control her bodily functions in the local supermarket results in a nasty wet patch in the frozen foods section.

Based on the true story of Hollywood's most notorious unsolved mystery, Hollywoodland is a tale of glamour, scandal, and corruption in 1950's Los Angeles. When George Reeves (Ben Affleck), star of TV's Adventures of Superman, is found dead in his home, millions of fans are shocked by the circumstances of his death. The police and the studio bosses want the case closed as a suicide, but rumors linger. Louis Simo (Adrien Brody), a private investigator, picks up the trail and begins to piece together the actor's last, tension-filled days. Who pulled the trigger? Was it the seductive yet scheming fiancee, the spurned lover (Diane Lane), the enraged husband (Bob Hoskins), or was it Reeves himself?

A trip to the Hill Grange Health Spa sees Roman getting a little more than he bargained for during a facial, when Bubbles takes his beauty treatment into her own rather ample hands. Down on the Mike McShane estate, it appears that Ting Tong has yet more secrets to divulge, much to Dudley’s horror and exasperation. A weakness for women in green Lycra, however, gives Ting Tong the opportunity to persuade him to let her stay - just one more night.

Dafydd has to decide whether to remain the only gay in the village, or leave to join the other gays in London. Florence has to decide whether or not to hang up her crinolines. And Carol’s computer has to decide whether or not to say no to a customer hoping to go on a round-the-world cruise. Elsewhere, Marjorie learns that sorry really is the hardest word; Mrs. Emery visits her local GP complaining of knee trouble; and Linda’s students are revolting. If the truth be told, she couldn’t agree more…

This week, Alison Haislip heads to San Diego to hang with the pilots at the Red Bull Air Races, Military Correspondent Weston Scott is back at CRI Counter Terrorism School to show us how to defend yourself against an armed attacker, and Kevin and Olivia put the "What Odor?" product to the sniff test. Also, Kevin chats with Felicia Day, the creator, writer and star of the online web series, "The Guild," and Kevin shows off his new Sex Tornado cologne. Plus, see the week's funniest viral videos featuring Snuggie spin-offs, an inappropriate "Exorcist" soundtrack, panther cologne and more.

A new resident arrives at the Mike McShane estate - Ting Tong’s mother. Needless to say, Dudley’s not too happy about the newest addition to the household, particularly when he learns that she’s not planning to leave any time soon. Down on Larchwood Close, Neighborhood Watch leader Sid Pegg calls an urgent meeting following the arrival of a caravan in the area and, over at the Hill Grange Health Spa, Bubbles learns the reason why Roman left her for Desiree.

In Little Fumble, Sir Norman Fry has some explaining to do, following an incident with a glace cherry. Over in Sponge Bob Square Pants, Carol Beer is going through Sun Seekers in-house insurance policies. Vicky Pollard is displaying her woeful child-minding skills in her new career as a babysitter. Sid Pegg is up in arms about the defacing of the Larchwood Close street sign. And, in Mr. Mann’s fancy dress shop, Mr. Mann is trying on a post-Mary Whitehouse Experience David Baddiel costume.

Care home worker Leonard, in particular, is getting very comfortable - some might say a little too comfortable – in Mrs. Carpenter’s chair, and Don and Pat pay a visit to their favorite Indian restaurant, although the spicy food has a rather unusual effect on Don’s constitution as he unleashes a torrent of Eighties game show catchphrases. Elsewhere, college secretary Linda Flynn describes a female student as “Magnum PI” - referring to an unfortunate facial hair problem.

"The Icon" Sting is the NEW Godfather of The Main Event Mafia! The question is, what will happen within the ranks of the MEM now that Sting is the new leader? How will Kurt Angle react to his demotion?

Something feels a bit off about Br�tal Legend.

I'm finally playing the beginning portion that I first saw back around GDC, and getting the hang of things. Hit A (for now, I'm checking out the Xbox 360 version) for main character Eddie Rigg's basic attacks with his trusty axe, The Separator -- these include basic swings and more powerful overhead blows. The ways you press X control Eddie's guitar, Clementine, in different ways; tapping it conjures lightning to zap your target, while holding it down activates pyro (big explosions that juggle your opponent in the air). B is for blocking and defense, while pressing Y results in a combination attack that requires another character or unit type. The controls are responsive, and the basic combo system of tapping buttons in sequences works well. It's then I realize what feels "off" for me: there's no jump button.

Ubisoft seems to have developed two new areas of expertise over the past few months -- accidentally leaking videos to the gaming press, and developing 10 to 15 second teasers for their highly anticipated titles. Today, we get an excellent example of both of these new habits in action -- the massive French publisher recently leaked two 10 second clips from Assassin's Creed II and Splinter Cell Conviction onto their FTP site. Watchful fans grabbed the vids and threw them on YouTube. We've got 'em posted after the jump.

Our observations are as brief as the clips themselves. First, Assassin's Creed II protagonist Ezio is made entirely out of springs, as evidenced by his survival following a spectacular dive. Second, Sam Fisher no longer looks like an emo hobo. Maybe -- just maybe -- he's an emo hobo in disguise, walking amongst the world's non-transients, hiding his penchant for My Chemical Romance and malt liquor behind his clean shaven face. We're on to you, Fisher.

Update: It appears as though a "copyright claim by Ubisoft" has rendered the videos after the break moot. Sorry, folks, looks like we'll all be waiting 'til E3 this week for more on these titles.

Ubisoft leaks 10 second clips from Assassin's Creed 2, Splinter Cell Conviction [update: they're pulled] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 May 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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