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ActiBlizz drops Ghostbusters, Brutal Legend in favor of Spyro, Crash & Prototype
We have a love-hate relationship with Activision-Blizzard; we love Blizzard and their games, but really rather hate Activision. This confusing dichotomy was further cemented today with the announcement that the company is streamlining their output by holding on to a few key Sierra franchises. Namely, Spyro, Crash Bandicoot, Prototype, Ice Age and an as-yet unannounced property, leaving Tim Shafer's Brutal Legend, Ghostbusters: The Video Game, WET, and Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena abandoned at the side of the road.However, there's still hope for these games if another publisher swoops in and picks them up. Actiblizz will also be shaking up its Sierra-based internal development studios, with plans to "realign staffing at Radical Entertainment and High Moon Studios" (Prototype and Bourne) and to explore "options regarding Massive Entertainment and Swordfish Studios" (Wold in Conflict and 50 Cent). For the full skinny check out the Yahoo Business report. It's sad to see interesting games like Ghostbusters and, particularly, Brutal Legend get poor treatment in favor of dead franchises such as Crash Bandicoot and Spyro. It's a world gone topsy-turvy, where EA are developing interesting and innovative new IPs and Activision is "streamlining" anything that stands out in favor of safe, boring franchises. [Via Joystiq]
E308: Crash Bandicoot crashes the party
We're not sure if this Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant trailer embodies the spirit of the Crash we used to know and love, but we'll probably be giving this platformer some looks anyway. What we've heard so far sounds good, and as Wii owners, we like being catered to. Do you still have room in your heart to give Crash another chance? Or is this series long dead and buried in your mind? Gallery: Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant
First Look: Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D
One game that jumped out at me while I was pawing through the virtual game racks at the App Store was Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D from Vivendi Games Mobile. A racing game featuring Playstation perennial Crash Bandicoot, Nitro Kart 3D is sure to wear out your iPhone batteries quickly. This app uses the accelerometers in the iPhone for control; turn the iPhone left or right like a steering wheel to turn, and tilt the phone up or down to accelerate or brake. The entire time you're racing against the other characters, including the nefarious Brio, you need to avoid oil slicks and weapons used by your opponents, try to pick up a little time by hitting rainbow-colored "hyperdrive spots" on the track, and hit boxes containing weapons (like surface-to-surface missiles, my personal favorite) so you can slow down the other racers.The game is localized for English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish, and you can adjust the sensitivity of the accelerometer to keep you from over-controlling your kart. With smooth 3D graphics, fun sound effects, and the enjoyment of waving your iPhone around to steer, Nitro Kart is well worth the $9.99 price in the App Store. %Gallery-27950%
Polarbit makes Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D for the iPhone
Of all the racers we've seen for the iPhone so far (and there are quite a few), this might be the one I'm most interested in -- Polarbit, who've already dipped into the iPhone's racing game capabilities with Raging Thunder, is working on a Crash Bandicoot-branded kart racing game for the iPhone (video here). And it sounds like it's got everything you'd want in a kart racing game on a console, much less on a smartphone platform -- twelve tracks, lots of characters, lots of weapons and powerups, and configurable controls. There are going to be a ton of racing games out when the App Store drops, but something silly and fun like this, crafted by a developer who knows their way around the fledgling platform, will probably be very near the top of the list.Can't wait to play it. No exact word on when Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D is coming, but it can't be too late after the App Store releases, and we'd guess $10 for a price, since that's what most of these things will be going for. Definitely looks like it might be a standout among the plethora of accelerometer racing games we'll be sure to have.
Mind over Mutant has Wii focus
Reading favorable impressions from the Joystiq crew about Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant helped put the game onto our selective radars. Watching this video, which features the game's senior producer Kristen Forbes, then got us even more intrigued. Forbes points out a lot of issues that bug Wii gamers to no end -- the lack of commitment to the Wii's graphical capabilities, for one, and unnecessary waggle, for another. If the next Crash iteration can really fix these problems, though, we'll definitely be looking forward to the game's release this fall.
Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant trailer
If there is one thing that this announcement trailer for Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant serves to highlight, it's that there just aren't that many platformers on the Xbox 360. Scratch that, there aren't that many good platformers on the Xbox 360. We're not saying that this new Crash will be good, mind you -- Crash of the Titans didn't exactly set the world on fire -- but we welcome platformers when we can get 'em. Mind Over Mutant looks to introduce new abilities, new creatures to ride, and ... um ... other things we're sure.
Joystiq checks out Crash Bandicoot
There may be a ridiculous amount of Crash Bandicoot games, but since we enjoyed the last one, we're wearily keeping our eyes on Mind Over Mutant. Announced last weekend at the Sierra Spring Event as having an October 2008 release, our Joystiq overlords got their grubby little hands on the Wii version of the game and offered up some promising impressions.Like Crash of the Titans, Mind Over Mutant offers drop-in co-op play. According to Joystiq, the humor famous to the series remains in tact, and with 8,500 different lines programmed for the characters to say, they hardly (if ever) repeat themselves when shouting random bits of dialogue. While Joystiq acknowledges that this game is targeted toward the younger crowd with its sillyness and bright graphics, it seems like a game that any lover of the platforming genre could enjoy. Gallery: Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant dd
Joystiq impressions: Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant (Wii)
Crash Bandicoot returns for another platforming adventure in October, 2008. The boisterous character again has the power to ride defeated enemies, using their special abilities. For example, before crossing a lake, he might force a frost-breathing creature to freeze it solid. Other times, he might roll on top of a spherical enemy over ramps, like a Sonic or Billy Hatcher.But unlike the previous Crash, players can carry along a favorite enemy at all times. This way, gamers can defeat an immediate puzzle, but still retain the abilities of another, go-to creature.I recently tried Radical's Wii version of the in-development title. The team is building for the Wii first, and essentially scaling the graphics up for the 360 and down for the PS2. This approach gives the Wii title a finished sheen that beats most others Wii games. (Multi-platform games often scale PS2 graphics up to the Wii, but don't truly utilize the hardware.) Crash seemed fun; its bright graphics and light tone should attract its kid-targeted audience.%Gallery-21645%
Six PS1 games hit Japanese PSN
Several PS1 games have hit the Japanese PSN today. Six in total, actually. One of them was the previously announced Metal Gear Solid. It's a pretty diverse set of games, here's the full list: Atelier Elie Crash Bash (aka Crash Bandicoot Carnival) Dezaemon Kids! Master of Monsters: Disciples of Gaia Metal Gear Solid Pro Mahjong Kiwame Plus II That makes: one tactical espionage thriller in MGS, one RPG in Atelier Elie, a strategy adventure in Master of Monsters, Mahjong Plus II speaks for itself, Crash Bash is a party game, and Dezaemon Kids! is some sort of art title for children. Pretty nice list; however, MGS is top dog this week.
Ex-Naughty Dog staffers start Big Red Button Entertainment
It's been said that the ultimate user interface would be "a little box with a single red button; when pushed it would give you exactly what you need exactly when you need it." We'd like to think that this was the inspiration that led two ex-Naughty Dog staffers to create game studio Big Red Button Entertainment. Or maybe their inspiration was a little less high-minded. We don't know.Anyway, the new studio has vowed to become the "United Artists of games" (much like EA) by creating "original character based intellectual properties for cross platform and cross media development." OK, so that doesn't really mean anything, but with titles like Crash Bandicoot, Jak & Daxter and Uncharted: Drake's Fortune to the creators' credit, we're still excited about the possibilities. Hey, maybe they should design some games for the Buzz controller. Y'know ... because it has a big red button ...? No? Not funny? FINE! WHO ASKED YOU?!
Writer's Guild of America announces nominees for game writing award
The only thing that's consistently more ham-handed and embarrassing than the writing in games is the writing about games. Unlike the latter, however, small glimmers of hope emerge every year with the few games that thought it wise to deliver engaging dialogue and thoughtful plotting. This year alone saw titles like Mass Effect, BioShock and Portal being praised for exceptional writing and the emotional heft it lent to gameplay. Of course, none of those were nominated for the Writer's Guild of America's first ever Video Game Writing Award, but never mind. The winner to grace the stage during the Writer's Guild Awards held in Los Angeles on February 9, 2008, will be chosen from this list of witty nominees: Crash of the Titans -- Written by Christopher Mitchell for Sierra Entertainment Dead Head Fred -- Written by Dave Ellis and Adam Cogan for D3 Publisher The Simpsons Game -- With lead writer Matt Selman, written by Tim Long and Matt Warburton, dialogue by Jeff Poliquin for Electronic Arts The Witcher -- With lead story designer Artur Ganszyniec, dialogue by Sebastian Stepien, additional dialogue by Marcin Blacha and writers Sande Chen and Anne Toole for Atari World in Conflict -- Story design by Christofer Emgard, story consultant Larry Bond and script consultant Ed Zuckerman for Sierra Entertainment. A game's eligibility hinged on being released between Dec. 1, 2006, and Nov. 30, 2007, and credited writers must have been or applied to become members of the WGA's New Media Caucus. Though we're undecided about which game deserves to win, we're certain that highlighting and rewording the good righting in games are vary importent.
PSN Thursday: Folklore keeps telling tales, demo Stardust in HD
This week PSN Thursday brings us a demo (and update) for frenetic shooter Super Stardust HD, along with the Folklore expansion packs and the demo to the game that if you're a games reviewer might just cause you to lose your job. For those who need to get a little nostalgic with PlayStation's original mascot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back is available for $6 and, as normal, there's always this week's Rock Band offerings.Those on the continent of fine wine, cheese, and sausages can scope the Euro PSN update over at PS3 Fanboy. All the details of the PSN update on the continent of two buck chuck, Kraft singles, and Hillshire Farm are posted after the break.
Fall Xbox 360 dashboard update revealed: download Halo December 2
Official Xbox Magazine has the scoop on the Fall Xbox 360 dashboard update, and you better believe it's a doozy. UK-based CVG reports that the December 2 update will allow 360 owners to download and play Microsoft-published Xbox 1 games on their 360s. Let's say that one more time: come December 2, you will be able to download full, original Xbox games to the Xbox 360. The initial list of available games includes Fable, Indigo Prophecy, Crimson Skies: High Road To Revenge, Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath Of Cortex, Burnout 3, and, of course, Halo: Combat Evolved. Games will cost approximately 1200 Microsoft Points, or $15 USD. Microsoft plans on re-releasing as many Xbox 1 titles as possible through Marketplace. Look out, Virtual Console. Update: The CVG source has been removed, but Eurogamer has posted a similar report, dating the update for December 4th.
DS Fanboy Review: Crash of the Titans
Ah, Crash Bandicoot. I remember your early days on the Playstation. We had some good times pitting our wits (okay, let's face it: your brawn) against the evil Neo Cortex, and we busted up a lot of crates along the way. For years, we were tight ... and then came Crash Boom Bang!.Frankly, you let me down. But it's okay. I can forgive you ... if only because Crash of the Titans is exactly the kind of thing you should have been doing all along. Developer Amaze Entertainment has taken the franchise back to its roots, despite throwing in a few things to change up the series. Even though Crash himself looks a little different, and you find yourself punching and kicking your way through the baddies, it still feels like an old school Crash game -- and that can only be a good thing.%Gallery-8870%
Crash of the Titans demo crashes onto XBLM
Once something of a Sony mascot (remember when consoles had to have mascots?), Crash Bandicoot gave in to the sparkling allure of multiplatform cash long ago. The latest incarnation of the series, Crash of the Titans, now has a demo available on Xbox Live Marketplace. Honestly, we don't know much about the title at all. In fact, the official website still seems to be under construction, as all the relevant sections are still listed as "coming soon." Still, even with the minimal knowledge that we have, we can make a few educated guesses. There will be things to collect, there will be boxes just aching to be broken, and Crash will spin around like a mad man to do so. Go try out the demo and tell us if we're right or not.
Today's potential franchise relaunch video: Crash Bandicoot
Gameplay footage from Crash of the Titans held our interest for today's video pick. The upcoming Bandacoot adventure for all current platforms besides PS3 will be out this fall, and Crash fans may find a new title to love. (We're not talking about you, Action Pack.) Or is Crash looking a little too like The King for his own good?See the new video after the break, and watch a longer GameTrailers developer interview, too.
PlayStation 1 games on their way to the EU PSN Store
It seems like Sony Europe got a visit last night from the Ghost of PlayStation Future. "Update the European PSN Store!" the ghost would no doubt have said. "And not with one of those well-intentioned insults that consist of a couple of trailers. Give them games!" So Sony did and, seemingly, they will continue to do so for at least the next two weeks.So scared was Sony of the Ghost of PlayStation Future that they even planned to release a selection of PS1 games onto the European PSN Store, on the 22nd of June. Namely: Crash Bandicoot Medievil Wipeout Jumping Flash Syphon Filter With that, the Ghost of Playstation Future's work was done. Harmony would reign over the European continent. At least until July.The End.[Via PSP Fanboy]
Europe finally gets PS1 downloads
After months-long delay, Europe is finally getting a chance to download and play PS1 classics on their PSP and PS3 systems. Although there's no way to directly download games to the PSP yet, those fortunate enough to have both Sony machines will be able to access the following content next week, according to Three Speech: Crash Bandicoot Wipeout Medievil Jumping Flash Syphon Filter Of these titles, we recommend Crash Bandicoot and Jumping Flash the most. These games will be available in the European PS Store on 6/22.
Reinvented Crash Bandicoot coming to PSP
The original Crash Bandicoot may already be playable on our system, but the first real PSP entry in the series is still on its way. Set to be another reinvention of the series, this new game will be titled Crash of the Titans. The main new feature of the game has Crash hijacking the minds of enemies. He'll also have expanded combat moves, and the game will have multiplayer elements. Radical Entertainment is helming this series reboot, which may be good,since they have a history of making enjoyable licensed games (Scarface, Hulk). Maybe this Crash will be worth getting excited over. Any long time Crash fans looking forward to this entry? [Via Games Radar]
Crash Bandicoot goes long way from home - avoids PS3 entirely
Remember when Crash Bandicoot used to be Sony's mascot for the PlayStation brand? Things have certainly changed over the course of three console generations. While we don't mourn the loss, it's interesting to point out that, like an angry ex-girlfriend, Sony's ex-mascot is avoiding Sony's latest console endeavor altogether. The newly announced Crash of the Titans will have the trademark marsupial doing his thing on Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii ... with PLAYSTATION 3 suspiciously absent.Is this an intentional omission or is there something far more malicious? Regardless, we can't say we really care. Sorry Crash, but we think Ratchet is so much dreamier than you these days.
