Joystiq older than one year ago

Apple reveals iPad 2, coming March 11

If you're jonesing to see more of DICE's next, super-pretty shooter Battlefield 3, you should strike while the iron's hot -- by which we mean "before the iron gets pulled from YouTube." Check out some shakycam footage from the developer's GDC presentation posted after the jump.

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Posted by Joystiq Mar 02 2011 18:20 GMT in Gaming News

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'Super Mario' 3DS teased with tail logo

Surprising literally no one on the entire planet (and that includes remote African tribes that lack numerical systems, to say nothing of decent Wi-Fi access) Apple just announced the iPad 2.

The system features rear and front-facing cameras, a dual core processor via the A5 chip and is 33 percent thinner than its predecessor, thinner even than the iPhone 4. There will be models for both AT&T and Verizon, and you can expect 10 hours of battery life from a single charge.

The pricing, however has not changed. This new model runs from $629 to $829 for units with 3G and $499 to $699 for iPad 2s without, just like iPad Prime.

The good news? It'll be here sooner than you think: March 11 in the US and in 26 other countries by March 25.

6

My step dad recently got an iPad, which I had emphatically advised him against. If he gets the iPad 2 I'm going to kill myself.

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Posted by Joystiq Mar 02 2011 17:57 GMT in Super Mario 3D Land

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During Nintendo's GDC keynote today, president Satoru Iwata teased the Super Mario Bros. game for the 3DS with a logo. Does that tail look familiar?

The game is being developed by the Super Mario Galaxy team, and while Iwata wouldn't offer any more details, he did promise woudl be revealed at E3.

yes

ModNation Racers reaches 2 million user-created items; more DLC to come

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Posted by Joystiq Mar 02 2011 07:00 GMT in PlayStation Network

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blog.us.playstation.com

The race to two million user creations in ModNation Racers took considerably longer to finish than the first-miilion milestone (which was achieved in less than three months). Just over nine month's since Modnation's release, the collective community has finally passed the two-million mark in creations -- a wealth of content for players, old and new alike, to share.

PlayStation Blog also confirms that more "official" DLC is on the way, with new karts, characters and prop packs planned. A free "Parts Pack" is already available on the PlayStation Store, and upcoming track packs (used to create new tracks) will include western and pirate themes. Additionally, (official) developer United Front Games is working on new career DLC.

[Image source: Flickr; credit: StargamerX]

Is that...an actual *crag*ing snow theme?

And a mother*crag*ing Dragonmobile?

Shit, I might have to slap ModNation in when some of that comes out. I wonder what level my Homestuck stuff has boosted me to...

Minecraft developer Mojang announces new game 'Scrolls'

I forgot this game existed after everyone I know stopped playing it.

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Posted by Joystiq Mar 02 2011 03:00 GMT in PC Gaming News

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gamasutra.com

Mojang hasn't technically finished its first game, Minecraft, but it's gone ahead and revealed another one. Scrolls is a digital collectible card game/board game designed by Markus "Notch" Persson and Jakob Porser -- with story help from Penny-Arcade's Jerry Holkins, and art by famous "demaker" Jnkboy.

According to the newly launched website, Scrolls "offers a new and unique game play where you fight to outmaneuver your opponent on the battlefield [a chess-style game board] using the destructive powers in your collection of magical scrolls [cards]." Scrolls will become weathered with use, giving visual indication of your preferred tactics. Of course, you'll be able to augment your deck with new packs.

A limited free alpha will be available later this year, offered initially to some Minecraft alpha purchasers; a public beta willfollow. Both will be free and used to balance the game.

>>

Seems pretty interesting, however I hope the packs don't cost extra money.

3DS seen running R4, backed-up DS games

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http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/03/02/minecraf...
Much better article that answers my question, either buy packs, or earn in-game currency through the single player mode to buy packs.

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Posted by Joystiq Feb 28 2011 04:00 GMT in Nintendo News

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pcmag.com

Using a Cyber Gadget CodeFreak game capture utility, one YouTube user has found the 3DS will run backed-up games and even homebrew applications. In the videos past the break, you can see it using the Game & Watch Collection to launch unsigned code, including a copied version of Mario Kart DS and the Lameboy emulator.

Additionally, it would seem the R4 cart also yielded results on the 3DS. Another YouTube user has discovered that right now the 3DS will played backed-up games from an R4, since it recognizes it as a DS cartridge. Of course, Nintendo could kill compatibility at any time through a system update.

Ph1r3 App Inventor for Android's visual block language

yay

3

I don't think Nintendo gives a *crag*.

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Team Meat confirms 3DS development, Super Meat Boy sales approaching 400K

Posted by Joystiq Feb 28 2011 23:30 GMT in Super Meat Boy

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Sony beefing up legal team to battle pirates

During a postmortem on Super Meat Boy here at GDC 2011, Team Meat's Tommy Refenes spoke at great length about the plight of developing the most punishing game of 2010 -- a long stretch of development Hell that has since seen nearly 400,000 copies sold across Xbox Live Arcade and Steam, he revealed. As part of Microsoft's Game Feast program, as well as several impressive Steam sales, Super Meat Boy was afforded a lot of time in the spotlight, though Refenes also attributed its high Metacritic rating as another catalyst for the rise in popularity.

Later, Edmund McMillen, who participated in the postmortem through a Skype video call, confirmed that Team Meat has procured 3DS development kits and is currently working on something for the platform. "We dont know if that'll be Meat Boy or something else, but who knows?" McMillen concluded coyly.

how would meatboy work with 3D other than some extra foreground and background visuals?

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It'd be cool, but at the same time I'd much rather see what that team can do with 3D.
Mostly because right now everyone else is doing JACK SHIT.

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Posted by Joystiq Feb 25 2011 05:30 GMT in PlayStation News

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ps3.ign.com

Sony isn't planning on letting the PS3 turn into another PSP. While Sony releases the occassional firmware update for their handheld, it's clear that little can be done to stop the piracy rampant on the platform. Perhaps the PS3 is destined for a different fate, with the help of a bulked up legal team. According to IGN, Sony is currently looking to hire a "Senior Corporate Counsel" and a "Senior Paralegal for Anti-Piracy and Brand Protection." (That should look intimidating on a business card!)

The hires will be responsible for "overseeing anti-piracy civil lawsuits and providing support to law enforcement and intellectual property agencies on behalf of SCEA." Sony has already filed lawsuits against a number of people responsible for the creation and distribution of the PS3 jailbreak. This listing suggests that the company may be looking to cast an even wider net.

"Consumers must immediately cease use and remove all circumvention devices and delete all unauthorized or pirated software from their PlayStation 3 systems," the company warned in an earlier statement.

Ubisoft's 'We Dare' to ruin parties for PS3/Wii owners

How is it such a problem that people are pirating non-existant games?

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Posted by Joystiq Feb 24 2011 19:50 GMT in We Dare

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twitter.com

Finally, a Wii and PS3 game that encourages absolutely reprehensible behavior. If you've been looking for a way to make your parties way more uncomfortable and insulting, Ubisoft has just the product for you. We Dare is a collection of "dare" minigames, including (based on the trailer after the break) spanking, "kissing" the controller, and, um, more. Like, apparently, being driven to spontaneous passion behind the couch while two dudes watch, apparently.

It's worth noting that the game is primarily shown in the trailer to make women at a party "perform" in a way they don't want to -- and that's the trailer. That's the "ideal" situation presented. In real life, thankfully, it's more likely people would just leave when you broke out the "naughty" minigame collection.

As far as we can tell, We Dare is a European exclusive, so American partygoers are safe for the time being.

Wii Spank

4

lol francis

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New Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim footage is better than we deserve

Posted by Joystiq Feb 24 2011 15:27 GMT in Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

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elderscrolls.com

We thought we couldn't be more excited for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, but the just-debuted first in-game footage for the game has proven us terriffically, comically wrong.
Dragon fights? Beautiful environments? The kind of score that makes you want to leap out of your chair and just LARP? It's all here. Come with us after the break. Come, have a boner.

<33333333

5

To not burden my IT budget by a purchase of $1,500, I will probably purchase the PS3 edition.

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Nintendo 3DS to launch with 18 games in North America, $40 each for most

Posted by Joystiq Feb 22 2011 14:00 GMT in The Sims 3

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press.nintendo.com

The North American launch details for Nintendo 3DS have been finalized. In addition to Face Raiders and AR Games, both pre-installed on the hardware, the system will launch with three first-party games: Pilotwings Resort, Steel Diver, and nintendogs + cats. Each first-party game has a suggested retail price of $39.99.

Thirteen third-party games will be available on March 27th, including Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition and Rayman 3D. Nintendo promises that thirty games will be available for the platform by E3 expo. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Star Fox 64 3D, Kid Icarus: Uprising and a new Mario Kart game will all be available before year's end.

You'll find the complete launch lineup listed after the break.

a nintendo system launching with... Pilotwings and Nintendogs. oh boy

13

oh wait i meant layton 4

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Father of the Year makes working Angry Birds birthday cake

Posted by Joystiq Feb 22 2011 06:15 GMT in Angry Birds

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electricpig.co.uk

You might have a wonderful father. This video, unfortunately, will knock him down a few pegs. Seriously, this father made a functional Angry Birds cake for his son's sixth birthday. Watch the video, and feel your childhood worsen retroactively. Click this link to learn how to be a better father.

the kid actually looked unimpressed

Gabe Newell speaks to a high school marketing class

lucky mother *crag*er
also he really does look like he didn't like the cake.

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Posted by Joystiq Feb 19 2011 09:00 GMT in Half-Life 2

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Valve co-founder Gabe Newell recently discovered another thing he could do instead of releasing Half-Life 2: Episode 3 -- speaking to a high school class about the business of interactive entertainment. Check out a lengthy video of the teleconference below -- you might just learn a little something.

dfwrqwtgaeyhs

Call of Duty: Black Ops extra modes unlocked this weekend

hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh i luve hgaben

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Posted by Joystiq Feb 19 2011 05:00 GMT in Call of Duty: Black Ops

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Good news: Just for President's Day, Activision is unlocking Call of Duty: Black Ops' two secret modes: Dead Ops Arcade, the top-down dual-stick shooter hidden in a DOS emulator, and the Presidential zombie fight known as "Five" that's unlocked upon completion of the single-player campaign. They'll remain unlocked throughout the weekend -- free of charge -- so get 'em before they return to Easter Egg status.

but they were already free

Pokemon Trainer Challenge brings the trading card game online

What does that EVEN MEAN.

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Posted by Joystiq Feb 16 2011 04:30 GMT in Pokemon Black / White

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The problem with trading card games is that you have to have friends around to play team -- and, a lot of times, that means you actually have to leave the house. In a video game, roaming the world in search of Pokémon may be relatively safe, but out in the real world, there are certain dangers that need to be taken into consideration. Bears, diseases and cosplayers are all real threats.

That's why we're excited about the Pokémon Trainer Challenge, a new Flash version of the TCG coming to the internet near you this April. Using three pre-constructed decks, you'll be able to face off against 12 virtual trainers across three leagues in the online game, hopefully learning enough to keep you from embarrassing yourself at the next Saffron City Social.

Pokémon Trainer Challenge will require a free Pokémon Trainer Club account to play. You can find more details on Pokemon.com.

Aw shit, only preconstructed decks and no online. This seemed cool for a minute.

Full House Poker offers Windows Phone 7 connectivity

Why is this news.

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Posted by Joystiq Feb 11 2011 04:00 GMT in Windows Phone 7

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Full House Poker isn't simply notable for its inclusion in Xbox Live's House Party lineup. It's also one of the first examples of connectivity between Xbox Live on the console and on Windows Phone 7. Not only is it the first Xbox Live-enabled mobile game with Avatar integration, but players will be able to transfer their progress from the console to mobile, and vice versa. As an Xbox Live representative explained to Joystiq, "you'll be able to carry over both experience points and the bank roll you earn."

While stats will be persistent across both versions of the game, the connectivity doesn't run much deeper. For example, each title will have different Achievements that are "tailored specifically for each platform." It also doesn't appear there are any plans for cross-platform multiplayer support.

Full House Poker will be available on Windows Phone and Xbox 360 on March 16. While the XBLA version will go for 800 Microsoft Points ($10), the mobile version will be $2.99.

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK

THERE'S A HEART

A HAND TO HOLD ON TO

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK

THERE'S A FACE

OF SOMEBODY WHO NEEDS YOU

WHEN YOU'RE LOST OUT THERE AND YOU'RE ALL ALONE

A LIGHT IS WAITING

TO CARRY YOU HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK

Report: Activision axing Guitar Hero and True Crime; Freestyle Games hit with layoffs

*crag* you sims you beat me to the joke.

...is it Full House Poker, or Full House Poker?

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Posted by Joystiq Feb 09 2011 21:20 GMT in True Crime: Hong Kong

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Ghost Trick jumps to iPad in Japan

Despite a recent cover story in EGM, it seems that United Front's True Crime: Hong Kong may not make it to retail. Speaking with anonymous sources, Eurogamer reports that not only has True Crime been cut, but Activision's Guitar Hero franchise is also no more.

If that weren't enough bad news, the report also claims that DJ Hero developer Freestyle Games has suffered "severe layoffs," though it's unclear whether the series has been affected by the alleged redundancies. We've contacted all the pertinent parties and will update this post as we hear more. A scheduled Activision quarterly financial call set to start shortly will hopefully tell us more.

>Guitar Hero

*crag*ing finally

3

OH STYLO
JIGGUH JIGGUH YEA

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Posted by Joystiq Feb 03 2011 21:30 GMT in Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

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Peggle faithfully recreated in LittleBigPlanet 2

A free update to the currently Japan-only iPhone version of the wonderful Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective adds native iPad support, allowing those lucky people in possession of an iPad -- connected to the Japan's iTunes Store -- to see the beautiful animations on the biggest screen yet.

The new update also includes "Ghost Puzzle," a minigame in which players solve slide puzzles to unlock iPhone wallpapers, and "Missile Omikuji," a minigame that dispenses fortunes in the style of Missile, an enthusiastic Pomeranian encountered in Ghost Trick.

WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT

5

eww Apple

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Posted by Joystiq Feb 01 2011 06:00 GMT in Peggle

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Steam copies of Cloning Clyde available this spring, Ancients of Ooga to follow

Having both Peggle and LittleBigPlanet 2 on the same plane of reality meant this had happen sooner or later. With Peggle already on every platform known to man, and LBP2 molding itself T-1000 style into every game imaginable, why wouldn't we get the Plinko puzzler recreated in Sackboy's world?

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Posted by Joystiq Jan 29 2011 02:30 GMT in Gaming News

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NinjaBee's pleasantly odd combination of platforming and genetic duplication, Cloning Clyde, which originally saw release on Xbox Live Arcade in 2006, will finally arrive on the PC via Steam this spring. The company hasn't offered a specific date or price, unfortunately, but did confirm that the game's follow-up, Ancients of Ooga, would also be available on Valve's service "shortly after." We're hoping both games get the Steam Play treatment so they include a Mac copy, too.

Speaking of copy, you can read the full press release after the break.

the game looks like shit

Halo recreated in Minecraft somehow, probably using dark magic or something

sometimes, graphics DO matter

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Posted by Joystiq Jan 28 2011 03:30 GMT in Minecraft

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We can't begin to understand how YouTube user SidolaTehNerd managed to recreate Halo using the rudimentary tools of Minecraft -- but our lack of understanding doesn't make this accomplishment any less radical. Check out a clip of the world-builder-turned-FPS after the jump.

Wow, how did they do that?

Sony wants NGP hardware to be profitable and affordable

not really that hard, just mod the textures, pictures, maybe change the bullet damage and auto-fire

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Posted by Joystiq Jan 27 2011 18:00 GMT in Gaming News

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The more responsible gaming hardware enthusiasts among you have probably reserved your excitement over the recently announced NGP until you learn the device's ever-important launch price. Given the impressive specs of the handheld -- as well as Sony's infamous tendency to overcharge for its new gaming hardware at launch -- we wouldn't blame you for worrying. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe boss Andrew House recently provided Eurogamer with the first potential hints about the console's MSRP, saying, "I can't put a ballpark on it in terms of figures, but what I would say is that we will shoot for an affordable price that's appropriate for the handheld gaming space."

However, Sony's not going to be giving the things away; House also shot down a Eurogamer source who claimed Sony would be selling the device at a loss. House explained, "we would want to have our hardware be profitable, in addition to our software," later adding, "We've experienced both sides and we know which one we like to be on!" That seems like a tricky balancing act: How exactly is Sony planning on introducing new (assumedly high-investment) technology at an affordable consumer price point and still hope for the NGP to remain profitable? Wizardry? Alchemy? Both?

As far as a firm number, Game Informer was the only outlet able to get anything out of Sony's biggest wigs -- when GI brought up the enormous launch price of the PS3, Sony Computer Entertainment president of worldwide studios Shu Yoshida laughed, and replied, "It's not going to be $599." We're glad events unfolded in that order -- had he said "It's not going to be $599," then laughed maniacally, we would have started to get really nervous.

It's not going to be $599 ... it's going to be FIVE HUNDRED AND NINETY NINE US DOLLARS

Unauthorized Sierra adventure games portal Sarien.net ceases upon Activision order

"Why charge five-hundred and ninety-nine US dollars when we can charge...

...six-hundred dollars?"

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Posted by Joystiq Jan 27 2011 13:00 GMT in Space Quest

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Hyperdimension Neptunia 'Premium Edition' includes extra pictures of console girls

Sarien.net, "the portal that once stood for reliving classic Sierra On-Line adventure games" (for free), has been shut down following a cease-and-desist order issued by IP owner Activision. The site's creator, Mr. Kool (real name!), has posted the letter from Activision's legal counsel on the Sarien homepage.

"While we appreciate your dedication to the Sierra classic library and understand that you are a fan of these games, Activision has not authorized the development or distribution of these games via your Website," the order reads. "Accordingly, we must demand that you immediately cease any further distribution or exploitation of the Sierra Games on your Website."

Kool launched Sarien way back in April 2009, but it seemingly took this month's implementation of iPhone and iPad browser support (for all of the site's AGI-powered games) for Activision to take notice. "Wait till you see my new World of Warcraft in javascript," Kool quipped in a tweet. "Oh wait, that's Activision too..."

[Thanks, Ryan; image source: MobyGames]

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Posted by Joystiq Jan 22 2011 02:00 GMT in Hyperdimension Neptunia

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Are you in love with the idea of game consoles as anime girls, fighting against the evil "Arfoire"? Go on, admit it to yourself, and to GameStop. NIS America announced the Premium Edition of its PS3-exclusive strategy RPG Hyperdimension Neptunia, which will be available from GameStop "and other retailers." It comes with a hardcover art book, packaged along with the game inside a "premium"-sized box.

One of those "other retailers" is NIS itself; pre-orders of Neptunia's "Premium Edition" from NIS America's online store (for $59.99) will include an exclusive deck of Neptunia playing cards, which you're pretty much guaranteed to be too paralyzed by shame to break out during the weekly bridge game.

okay i chuckled at "arfoire"

Super Paper Meat Boy is exactly what you think it is

tits.

that's all you need to know about this game

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Posted by Joystiq Jan 20 2011 04:40 GMT in Super Meat Boy

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No, seriously -- it's a paper cube of meat dodging deadly paper traps. And it's a completely wonderful homage to Super Meat Boy.

Kongregate CEO Jim Greer on getting pulled from the Android Market

wut (youtube link)

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Posted by Joystiq Jan 20 2011 01:20 GMT in Gaming News

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Kongregate CEO Jim Greer called Google's swift removal of his company's Kongregate Arcade app from the Android Marketplace "surprising." Released on the morning of January 19, the app was pulled by that evening. "We were very surprised, especially since we had shown it to several people at Google in mobile," Greer told Joystiq, noting that "the particular person who's sort of the lead on rejecting it" had not seen it prior to release.

"The reason for the removal," Greer recounted, "and we didn't find out until after it was already gone, was that they claim you can't use their app store to distribute another app store -- which is a reasonable restriction. But to us, what's really bizarre, to call [Kongregate Arcade] an 'app store' seems like a pretty extreme stretch."

The Arcade app is essentially a portal to Kongregate's Flash site, with access to more than 300 games formatted for mobile display and wrapped in a native layer of social features. "Literally, you can go to m.kongregate.com and play any of the games," Greer insisted. "And the experience will be -- once you've got the game on your phone -- just the same," minus the "rich presentation layer" added by the app.

Portal 2 on PS3 features cross-platform chat, multiplayer and a free Steam copy

Good thing it's really trivial to install non-market apps

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Posted by Joystiq Jan 18 2011 07:14 GMT in Portal 2

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Valve's announced that the PS3 version of Portal 2 will be quite chummy with its PC and Mac cousins come February 9, revealing full cross-platform compatibility: PS3 users can chat with Steam users, play multiplayer with them and even partake in cloud-based storage for their PS3 save files. The disparity between the PS3 and PC/Mac versions appears to be about non-existent now.

Additionally, those who pick up the PS3 game are ensured a free voucher for the Steam Play version of the game, should they link their PSN and Steam accounts. "We hope to expand upon the foundation being laid in Portal 2 with more Steam features and functionality in DLC and future content releases," said Valve's Gabe Newell.

Head past the break for the full press release.

Fan-made Sonic the Hedgehog 2 HD remake trailer runs loose

PS3/PC/Mac cross-platform multiplayer, 'bout time. Also, does this mean PS3 might be a future Steam platform? That would be schweet.

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Posted by Joystiq Jan 16 2011 19:30 GMT in Gaming News

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Super Mario Galaxy 2.5 hack to add new fan-made challenge levels

Fans continue their attempts to make a better Sonic game than Sega can -- this time, by remaking one of the franchise's all-time favorites. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 HD is an update to the Genesis classic that, barring any ceast and desist letters, should be available to everyone in alpha form in "Q1" of this year.

Unlike the previously-released Sonic Fan Remix, Sonic 2 HD isn't trying to stray too far from the simplistic visuals of the 16-bit original. While we think it's a rather impressive fan endeavor, many Sonic fans disagree. One outspoken commenter noted on the game's official site: "I thought you guys were gonna show us something that would blow away a project like Sonic Fan Remix. Guess not guys ... I'm not following this sh-t anymore."

Sonic fans really are hard to please, huh? Check out the trailer after the break.

that actually looks pretty good.

11

I didn't think NSMB was great, but it was definitely fun.

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Posted by Joystiq Jan 17 2011 01:30 GMT in Super Mario Galaxy 2

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1 Like?

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a pretty fantastic game. So it comes as no surprise that some enthuastic fans have taken it upon themselves to create even more levels for the game. The project is dubbed Super Mario Galaxy 2.5 and, should it reach completion, will offer some of the most challenging 3D Mario levels created thus far.

Right now, there's only one completed level, a hack of the original "Step to the Beat." Like its predecessor, the level features disappearing beat blocks. But, you'll need to utilize many Mario tricks to make it through alive, including the notorious Yoshi-jump. Check out videos after the jump.

neato