Joystiq older than one year ago

Zen Studios has announced that it be readying a Tegra 2-only version a it be PSN title Zen Pinball for compatible Android phones 'n tablets. Set t' arrive "soon," the game will be going up against the just-released Pinball HD port for Google's mobile OS, which also requires Nvidia's dual-core chip t' run.

The announcement says that "several" tables will be included in the Zen port, including the one featured in the latest DLC for the console version, "Sorcerer's Lair" (seen in the gallery below). Also t' be expected: head-t'-head online multiplayer 'n achievements.

Zen Pinball THD -- as it be called -- will be playable at Google's I/O 2011 conference in San Francisco tomorrow, May 10, 'n Wednesday.

"We always wanted t' release a basic level editor" for Super Meat Boy, Team Meat's Edmund McMillen writes in an emailed announcement, "but the idea started t' balloon when we decided t' buy servers 'n program a fully automated level portal (Super Meat World) t' support these levels as a bonus chapter for the PC version." Needless t' say, it be taken a while for the two-man team t' complete the free add-on. But ...

The level editor be "FINALLY out on Steam!" McMillen rejoiced.

Technically, the editor be in beta release -- "'n probably will be for a very long time," McMillen notes in a blog post -- so crew may encounter "minor issues." Still, with the exception a boss battles 'n warp zones, the editor can be used t' create "anything ye see in game," 'n even package such torturous levels into a complete chapter a pain.

"So think a this as a thank ye t' all the awesome fans who sent us cool shit, nice emails 'n created amazing levels with devmode," the ever-irreverent McMillen concludes in his post, "if ye bitched us out because the free level editor be delayed, ye best probably not update yer game 'n burn in hell."

McMillen added in his email that Super Meat World would be updated next week t' add a few "missing" features 'n fix some bugs with the editor. "After that we will be closing the book on the PC version, porting SMB t' Mac 'n swiftly moving on t' game #2."

As saddened as we be by the news that Mass Effect 3 wouldn't reach us until next year, after an EA earnings call today we be hovering between befuddled 'n intrigued.

When asked about the delay, EA boss John Riccitiello said, "Essentially, step by step, [BioWare be] adjusting some a the gameplay mechanics 'n some a the features that ye'll see at E3 that can put this into a genre equivalent a shooter-meets-RPG, 'n essentially address a far larger market opportunity than Mass Effect 1 did 'n Mass Effect 2 began t' approach."

... So what does that mean? Well, mentioning that Mass Effect 2 be closer t' what EA's targeting would seem t' indicate more a an emphasis on action. But if the company's looking for "a larger market opportunity" a multiplayer component seems a surefire way t' achieve that.

Here's hoping we remember t' check this post after E3 t' feel either really smart or a little sheepish about our prognosticating. Also, AHOY future us! Hope ye're having a good summer!

THQ left very little room for interpretation today in regards t' Saints Row: Drive By, the XBLA 'n PSN spinoff a it be puerile open-world series. "We be not developing Saints Row: Drive By," a THQ rep told Joystiq, confirming reports a it be cancellation.

That likely means there won't be a 3DS Saints Row game either, since core games CEO Danny Bilson said that the planned 3DS project be the same as the XBLA game. Given the kind a weaponry we've seen in the latest Saints Row game -- weaponry we be not too keen t' see in 3D -- we be at peace with the cancellation.

THQ told Joystiq it had "no further comment at this time" regarding the 3DS title specifically.

'n with that headline, I exhausted 'n easily matched every bit a creativity that Sega 'n High Voltage Software put into The Conduit 2, a half-rendered, poorly scripted, mysteriously voice-acted, first-person shooter for the Nintendo Wii.

I be not allowed enough space t' truly pillage down t' the essence a lackadaisical trash this game be, but dear, sweet Lord, I be going t' try.

Following up on this morning's news that Sony Online Entertainment servers be offline across the board, Sony Online Entertainment announced that it has lost 12,700 customer credit card numbers as the result a an attack, 'n roughly 24.6 million accounts may have been breached.

The company took SOE servers offline after learning a the attack last evening, 'n today detailed the unfortunate results: "approximately 12,700 non-US credit or debit card numbers 'n expiration dates (but not credit card security codes), 'n about 10,700 direct debit records a certain customers in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, 'n Spain" be lost, apparently from "an outdated database from 2007." a the 12,700 total, 4,300 be alleged t' be from Japan, while the remainder come from the aforementioned four European countries.

Furthermore, Sony ties today's announcement directly t' the recent attacks on PlayStation Network 'n Qriocity, with Sony saying SOE customer information be stolen on either April 16 or April 17. Sony has repeatedly stated that it be PSN servers 'n SOE servers be not part a the same network, so it remains unclear just how these two attacks be tied together.

We aren't exactly sure how Metromix got screens a what appears t' be the recently outed Smurfs Dance Party game, but here it be (above 'n after the break). Contacted for comment, a Ubisoft rep told us the Smurf product announcement will come mid-May. The company isn't currently releasing assets for whatever it be Smurf game(s) will be.

Metromix's product description notes the title be being developed by Land Ho! (We Cheer) 'n will have players following "Smurf'testants" as they (sigh) "shake their powder blue rumps t' songs by the Jackson 5, Selena Gomez 'n Katy Perry."

The site lists a July 26 release date (same as GameFly). 'n YARRRR, if the screens be accurate, it be definitely another spin-off a Ubisoft's super successful Just Dance franchise.

[Thanks, Elliott]

Though short on details, Valve hasn't wasted any time confirming it be plans for Portal 2 DLC. After a massive launch just over a week ago - Valve says Portal 2 be it be "fastest-selling" release since Half-Life 2! - the famously generous developer has outlined what it be calling "Portal 2 DLC #1."

For the asking price a $0, DLC #1 will offer "new test chambers for players, leaderboards, challenge mode for single 'n multiplayer modes, 'n more." While free DLC on the Steam-powered PC 'n Mac platforms be nothing unusual coming from Valve, DLC #1 will notably free "free a charge" on Xbox 360 'n PS3 as well. a course, adding Steam t' the PlayStation 3 release be always intended t' allow for this scenario 'n we can only imagine Microsoft didn't feel comfortable with the Xbox 360 being the sole platform charging for otherwise free content.

Portal 2 DLC #1 be "targeted" for release this summer; it be not clear if that estimate be Normal Time or Valve Time, so don't mark up yer Stephen Merchant calendars just yet.

When Nintendo finally flips the switch on the 3DS eShop, it be got a pretty solid plan for enticing crew into the service. During an investor briefing, president Satoru Iwata announced that Nintendo plans t' offer a free downloadable version a Excitebike through the eShop, for a limited time starting at launch.

It won't just be Excitebike -- it'll be 3D Excitebike. This freebie will be 3DS owners' first experience with the "3D Classics" line, in which classic games be updated with new 3D effects. So when some anonymous racer knocks ye off yer bike, it'll be more ... exciting. Iwata didn't specify a region for this release, so there be a possibility that it might be restricted t' Japan.

Shigeru Miyamoto has a habit for developing games that show off the strength a new Nintendo platforms -- 'n it sounds like he's planning on doing so once again for the 3DS. Speaking t' Edge, Miyamoto explained now that Nintendo has finished developing the 3DS hardware, it can "focus more on gaming" in the coming year, adding that we can expect "remakes a games on 3DS as well." When asked for a specific title he'd like t' see remade, Miyamoto reached into his own back catalog, answering, "I think A Link t' The Past."

Deciding that wasn't enough a a pseudo-sadistic tease, Miyamoto explained some a the functionality he'd like t' see in a 3DS Link t' the Past remake. "Do ye remember Xevious," Miyamoto asked. "it be two-layered 'n I really wanted t' create that at the time. So t' see Link t' The Past in two layers would be quite attractive for me." Such a remake sounds just perfect for the 3D Classics section a the 3DS eShop -- a storefront which, serendipitously enough, will play host t' a renovated version a Xevious itself.

Think ye've seen all there be t' see in the deadly, paneled catacombs a Aperture Science? ye might have missed this Portal 2 easter egg: A quartet a hidden-away, musically-oriented turrets, a video a which be posted after the jump. Or maybe ye didn't miss it. we be not mind readers, ye know.

In a recent interview with Edge, industry legend Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed two a the suspicions we'd developed regarding the handful a Super Mario 3DS details revealed during the publisher's GDC presentation. First, he explained, "it be a combination a Super Mario Galaxy 'n Super Mario on N64." Which makes sense, considering we knew it be being developed by the team between both installments in the Galaxy series. He added that the device's 3D capabilities makes platforming a bit smoother, explaining, "The floors floating in space: in 2D it be difficult t' judge the distance, but in 3D it be really easy."

Second, remember the tail that be springing out a the logo? That wasn't just some sad remnant a a half-deleted Wingding -- it be, as ye probably expected, an appendage. Miyamoto explained, "The tail ye mentioned on the logo - it be what ye think it be. ye probably know what's going t' happen using that character." Who, Tanooki? Yeah, we know that lad's style. He's gonna pillage right in our trash cans, mess up our yard 'n then fly off into the crisp, night sky.

We'll have our opportunity t' pillage reacquainted with that ringtailed salty dog relatively soon -- Miyamoto explained, Super Mario 3DS be "completely original, 'n coming this year."

The Legend a Zelda: Ocarina a Time 3D may not possess a boundless cornucopia a new features over it be Nintendo 64 predecessor, but Nintendo revealed one neat gameplay mode in a press release published earlier today. After reaching a certain point in the game, players will access the "Boss Challenge" mode, which will "provide players with the opportunity t' face any a the previous Bosses they have defeated once again, or, the option t' face 'n confront them one-by-one, all in a continuous battle."

Oh, ye mean we'd have t' pummel Queen Gohma, King Dodongo, Barinade, Shadow Ganondorf, Volvagia, Morpha, Bongo Bongo, Twinrova, Ganondorf 'n Ganon all in one sitting? that be a whole lot a weak points t' exploit, but we be pretty confident that we can handle it.

If Nintendo be following up Donkey Kong Country Returns with sequels like it did the original Donkey Kong Country, it be not doing so right now. Nintendo producer Kensuke Tanabe, who works with DKCR developer Retro Studios, told Game Informer, "I wouldn't say we won't do a sequel, but we don't have anything planned at this time."

In a postmortem panel at GDC on the development a last year's sucessful DKCR, Retro revealed the difficulties a making the side-scroller. The team attempted t' adapt the Metroid Prime morph ball camera t' the side-scrolling, but found it unable t' handle the quick 'n complex movements a the DK characters -- especially once Tanabe insisted that two-player simultaneous play be added.

There be over 2000 animations for the player character, a number inflated by the second character -- 'n by the late-stage suggestion from Shigeru Miyamoto that Donkey Kong be able t' blow on background bottles a rum t' reveal secrets. Miyamoto be testing the game, running back 'n forth for about ten minutes, when he declared that Donkey Kong appeared t' be exhaling when he turned around. 'n then, he said that "it might be fun t' make Donkey Kong blow on things," causing extensive damage t' Retro's metaphorical tea table.

'n the Super Guide -- "oh, jeez," one a the team exclaimed when that subject came up. It turns out that Retro had t' rewrite the engine t' make it deterministic -- make it that all the inputs would result in the same output every time, essentially eliminating randomness. This turned out t' be a boon, however, as the same mechanic that allowed the team t' record playthroughs also made it easy t' reproduce bugs in testing.

Retro ended it be panel by joking that it would like t' refresh the Doki Doki Panic (Super Mario Bros. 2) series next, along with making a "Pokemon Prime." "We've been looking at Tingle a lot," as well.

Microsoft has disabled Xbox Live "Free" crew' ability t' rate Marketplace content on Xbox.com in an apparent effort t' curb ratings manipulation. The announcement be made on the XNA Game Studio Team Blog 'n be specifically addressed t' the Indie Games Community.

"By implementing this change, we believe our customers will experience more consistent ratings 'n a significantly reduced potential for abuse across the entire Xbox catalog," said the statement. "We have also investigated rolling back suspect votes, however, we determined it will not be possible t' do this."

Several weeks ago, developers a some a the top-rated Indie Games suspected foul play when their games began t' slide down the Top Rated listing after receiving, by one developer's count, "hundreds a 1 star ratings" in a single week. While the XNA Team conceded that it would be unable t' take away such seemingly unwarranted ratings, it did add that "we be investigating crew who may have violated their user agreement during this series a events."

"Violating user agreements may result in actions up t' 'n including banning from Xbox Live, removal a currently posted games, 'n loss a ability t' post games in the future," the statement continued.

A few Indie Games developers have expressed gratitude, as reported by Armless Octopus, for Microsoft listening t' their concerns 'n taking action. (Historically, it be been a somewhat rocky relationship between the two sides.) While limiting rating powers on Xbox.com t' paying booty crew would seem t' thwart the most egregious attacks 'n manipulation a content, it does not solve some a the other issues with the system; most notably that a user need not play, let alone purchase, content t' rate it.

be ye having a hard time wrapping yer noodle around the perspective-shifting gameplay we outlined in our recent preview a Sonic Generations? Sounds like a visual aid be just what the doctor ordered -- check out the gameplay video below t' see Generations' two distinct angles.

Nintendo said that the 3DS version a Blazblue: Continuum Shift 2 would be out in North America on May 24, but publisher Aksys offered a different timetable today, when it officially announced the PSP 'n 3DS releases a Arc System Works' fighter.

The bad news be that CS2 will actually arrive a week later, on May 31. The good news be that it won't have t' needlessly compete with Dead or Alive Dimensions by being released on the same day! We have galleries a each version, so the PSP 'n 3DS releases can battle one-on-one for yer fighting game budget. There's also a trailer after the break.

It could just be a very, very specific, unintentional typo, but we be gonna bet that ex-BioWare lead level designer Rafael Brown knew what he be doing when he included "Jade Empire 2 (360/PS3/PC)" in his list a "unreleased" games that he worked on in his LinkedIn profile. The listing suggests a current-generation sequel be planned for the 2005 Xbox/PC/Mac Jade Empire.

The listing also indicates he be working on the title at BioWare somewhere between April 2006 'n April 2007 -- the year that Brown be employed by the company. His job description at the dev even specifies he be the "lead level/world designer on an unannounced project."

Meanwhile, other folks still employed at BioWare be feeling optimistic about the Jade Empire IP as recently as 2009. The BioWare a 2011, however, had yet t' respond as a publishing.

Step aside, Skyrim, another endless world a magical adventure be set t' steal yer spotlight. that be right, Minecraft will finally be released later this year on November 11. a course, the official release seems a little less momentous considering there be nearly two million people enjoying the game already.

Minecraft maestro Markus "Notch" Persson notes that the "full version" a the game won't differ significantly from it be current beta. In fact, it would seem that the most important distinction will simply be the removal a the "beta" label. Persson notes that development team will continue t' update the game with new features after the official release.

Also, for what it be worth, Persson notes that he's "excited" for Skyrim too.

Sega has revealed a brand new Sonic the Hedgehog game via Sonic's Facebook page (Dr. Robotnik matey request -- rejected). A short teaser trailer depicts Sonic running through a sparsely colored sequence a checkered hills 'n loops, before meeting up with an old pal. Classic Sonic be back, pudge 'n all! Also, we hate t' worry ye, but it looks like he's been cloning himself.

The game be expected t' arrive on Xbox 360 'n PlayStation 3 sometime in 2011. we be sure t' see more before the blue speed demon's 20th birthday.

As both Europe 'n North America count down the (still unknown) days until the launch a Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play smart phone, PSOne games compatible with the "PlayStation Phone" have started popping up on the Android Market. Five games, in fact, including Cool Boarders 2, Destruction Derby, Jumping Flash, MediEvil 2 'n Syphon Filter. that be right -- the Play be ready t', er, play like it be circa 1995-97.

All a the games be selling for £3.99 ($6) -- the same going price as on PSN. MediEvil 2 'n Syphon Filter be available in five languages (English, French, German, Italian 'n Spanish) while the rest be English-only releases. they be also all (predictably) platform-locked t' the Xperia Play (Sony Ericsson R800i). All this one day after Google removed the PSOne emulator, PSX4Droid, attributing the action t' a Content Policy violation.

Capcom has posted an apology 'n cancellation notice on the official Japanese website for Mega Man Universe, an odd DIY Mega Man game that be scheduled t' launch on Xbox Live Arcade 'n PlayStation Network later this year. The retro-styled platformer be a cheeky amalgam a remade Mega Man 2 levels, customizable characters (including the crooked caricature from the North American Mega Man 1 box art) 'n user-created levels.

According t' Capcom's notice, the decision t' extinguish Mega Man Universe be given impetus by "various circumstances." Those may involve the departure a Mega Man creator 'n Universe conceptual lead, Keiji Inafune, who resigned from Capcom in October 2010. We've requested further comment from Capcom.

With the launch a Sony Ericsson's Android-powered "PlayStation Phone," the Xperia Play, supposedly right around the corner, Google has pulled the plug on a prominent PSOne emulator for it be mobile OS. According t' it be author, "zodttd," PSX4Droid be removed from the Android Market without warning due t' a "Content Policy violation," though he suspects it has more t' do with Sony's imminent smart phone offering. "Sony's Xperia Play must be coming soon," tweeted the dev, adding that, "The timing be suspicious with no remedy."

As for alternatives t' the Android Market, PSX4Droid's maker says he's a "bit worried t' goto Amazon App Store" since "people who own the Market version would have t' buy it again t' update." Meanwhile, another PSOne emulator for Android, fpse, remains available on the Market. We've contacted Sony for it be response t' the app's removal 'n be awaiting comment.

Rise a Immortals, Petroglyph's entry into the rapidly expanding multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre -- which includes Heroes a Newerth, Demigod, League a Legends 'n Dota 2 -- will invite nearly 10,000 applicants into it be closed, mateys-'n-family beta test on April 5. Actually, we guess once those invites go out, it'll become less a a mateys-'n-family beta 'n more a a mateys-'n-family-'n-thousands-a-strangers beta.

Check out our preview a Rise a Immortals t' see if it be the kind a thing ye'd like t' play before it be official launch. 'n by "play," a course, we mean "rigorously stress test 'n check for bugs." we be basically talking about a job, people. Freeloaders need not apply.

In addition t' the ability t' buy it in Japan 'n play it in Japanese, there be additional benefits t' Konami's Japanese localization a Scribblenauts. Specifically, ye can use the power a yer words t' bring forth Konami characters into 5th Cell's world.

In these screenshots, including one tweeted by Hideo Kojima 'n two from Hachimaki, ye can see Scribblenized versions a Old Snake, Gradius's Vic Viper, 'n Love Plus's Manaka Takane. Apparently, the other two Love Plus girls be left out for some reason.

Capcom launched an update for Marvel vs. Capcom 3 earlier today t' prepare for the new "Event Mode" that will be added t' the game this Friday -- however, the patch has also quietly introduced a few balance changes t' some characters' intricately measured statistics. The most drastic be a reduction in Sentinel's health, which has been dropped from 1.3 million tiny units (the most health a any fighter in the game) t' 905,000, according t' Shoryuken.

The patch also nixes a few fairly unfair loops belonging t' Spencer, Akuma 'n Haggar. Hey, why not remove their grappling hook, forbidden demonic Kung-Fu 'n impossibly gigantic muscles while ye're at it? Those seem pretty unfair, too.

it be official! Against all odds, Sony Ericsson has finally ended it be nearly year-long streak a embarrassing leaks, missed opportunities, 'n terrible advertising 'n come out the other side with this: a series a excellent ads for it be "PlayStation Certified" Xperia Play phone.

Spokeswoman ('n comedian!) Kristen Schaal walks ye through some a the phone's strongest features in a series a five ads, all found after the break. Did ye know the Xperia Play be the perfect phone for downloading apps, looking at kitten pictures, editing spreadsheets, 'n watching YouTube? Neither did we. But it be also got a slide-out gamepad, which Ms. Schaal be all too happy t' show off.

Hey, Kristen ... do ye mind if we call ye Kristen? We know a lad ye'd probably pillage along great with. Kristen, meet KB. KB, Kristen.

it be been a good long time since we lost the kind a party-stamina required t' persevere through a day-long rager, but perhaps ye possess the endurance required t' make this invitation more inviting: Nintendo's throwing a lengthy soiree t' celebrate the launch a the 3DS this weekend in New York City. ye can AVAST! by the Best Buy in Union Square starting at noon Saturday t' check out the new handheld before queueing up t' purchase one between midnight 'n 2AM.

Now, considering ye'll be indulging in 14 whole hours a bacchanalian delights, ye'll need t' come prepared -- we suggest applying multiple coats a sunscreen throughout the day, remaining well hydrated, 'n bringing along some extra eyeballs. On the off-chance ye play the 3DS for 14 hours straight, ye'll probably end up disintegrating yer corneas.

As ye likely noticed, 3DS cartridges be just one good filing away from being able t' fit in a DSi. t' save ye the trouble, we took a file t' our copy a Madden Football, 'n we've got a detailed walkthrough a exactly what happened after the break.