indiana jones
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Pulitzer Prize winner George Will thinks gamers shouldn't be allowed to vote
Washington Post columnist and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist George F. Will really, really doesn't like denim. In an Op-Ed piece he wrote for the Washington Post this week, he condemns the fabric and in the process, harshly insults gamers, saying, "Seventy-five percent of American 'gamers' -- people who play video games -- are older than 18 and nevertheless are allowed to vote." On the other hand, Mr. Will does, however, love making disparate correlations -- for instance, between "society's most slovenly" and video game players. In fairness, his tirade doesn't solely focus on games, as he also calls out the Indiana Jones series and television shows such as Seinfeld (a show which, ironically, he was lampooned on as "not too bright.") He says the two are "juvenelized,"and for "undifferentiated audiences," and justifies his assertion on the fabric ubiquity from child to parent. We're thinking of siding with Seinfeld on our opinion of this guy, how about you folks?[Via GamePolitics]
New Staff of Kings trailer promises to make you 'feel more like Indy'
Who hasn't pretended to be Indiana Jones when they were a kid? According to this new trailer (after the cut), you can finally get rid of the hat and whip and get the full Indy experience by playing the upcoming Wii version of Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings. The new trailer highlights the various controls made possible by the Wii Remote: punching, rowing, and -- wait for it -- whipping.Hopefully, the team at LucasArts can get the controls right to fully capture the feel of being Indiana Jones. With that ouf of the way, we can focus on pretending to be the second-best Harrison Ford character: Han Solo the president in Air Force One.[Via What They Play]%Gallery-43732%
Jaffe loves Indiana Jones, wants Lucas to toss him the whip
Known for his adoration of the Indiana Jones franchise, Eat Sleep Play developer David Jaffe recently admitted that the adventurous Indy was a huge inspiration for his God of War work, and that he'd be willing to partner with LucasArts on an Indiana Jones project."There was, and will always remain until I get to do it, a desire to work with Indiana Jones in the interactive medium," Jaffe said in an interview with 1UP. "I would still to this day love to do that." Though not much more than a dream at this point, the designer has a plan hidden under his own fedora. "I have a great idea for how LucasArts could really take that property and do cool things with it, and if they're reading this, they should give us a call at Eat Sleep Play. We'd love to talk to them." We'd just like to say that we're with you, Jaffe. Call up those LucasArts folks, demand a meeting and pitch your heart out. While you're at it, follow your dreams and go after the Metal Gear franchise too. We've got your back.
Classic LucasArts artwork turned into movie posters
All too often when mixing genres, the results – like that Mountain Dew left over from last night – fall flat. However, one enterprising forum-goer has has defied convention (and warmed our hearts), successfully marrying classic LucasArts adventure games with our wall's longstanding desire to be covered in nostalgia. The results consist of several beautiful posters, most based on original artwork lifted from an era when LucasArts wasn't afraid to point and click, including Tim Schafer and Dave Grossman masterpieces, The Secret of Monkey Island and Day of the Tentacle. Designed to be printed and hung, we can't think of a better way to hide that unsightly crack above your bed.
New Indy's 'Fate of Atlantis' bonus is Wii-only
We've updated our post from earlier this afternoon but thought a fresh post might ensure you'd spot it (see? It worked!). We've just heard back from a publicist at LucasArts who told us that, while the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings will indeed feature LucasArts' seminal adventure gaming classic Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, that bonus "will be on the Wii version only." That leaves PS2, PSP and DS gamers all reaching for the same thing: ScummVM.%Gallery-43732%
Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings includes unlockable Fate of Atlantis [update]
click for full gallery, Dr. Jones LucasArts has released the first screens of (the Wii version of) Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings. While they may not look as great as the obviously pre-rendered trailer, the new Wii/PSP/PS2/DS adventure has an intriguing feature list that may help us look past the jaggies-plus-bloom combo. The game's "Hot Set" environments are "completely interactive," full of objects and features that can be used as weapons. Staff of Kings also features action sequences allowing players to "fly a biplane in a canyon trench, take the reigns of a wild elephant through the streets of Istanbul and navigate a raft down a raging river." The biplane sequence, along with a tank battle game, is even unlockable as a four-player minigame! Even the main game allows for cooperative play.The Wii version, of course, uses the Wii Remote to control the whip, for both fighting and environmental interaction. The PSP version apparently contains six short-session "burst gameplay" modes, which sound like individual challenge levels.But, really, who cares about this game: you can unlock the classic adventure game, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis! We aren't sure which systems have the unlockable game; the official website doesn't specify, so maybe it's all of them! [Update: We've heard back from a rep at LucasArts, who tells us that "The Fate of Atlantis will be on the Wii version only." Sorry, DS gamers. We know ... the stylus seems perfect!]%Gallery-43732%
Lucasarts whips up Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings
Wow. So, we might have to lie down for a bit. This teaser trailer for Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings has appeared online to bring a chink of light to our usually miserable Fridays. We are strongly resisting the urge to cartwheel like loons, or to joyously mash our keyboaHJFRAUHIW4RFUIH. Thanks, LucasArts!Even though this CG teaser shows nothing in terms of actual gameplay, if the finished product can match this for variety, we should have a winner. It'll be on Wii and DS this spring.[Via Joystiq]
Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings swings onto Wii, DS in Spring 2009
A trailer for Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings has popped up online. Watch as Indy gets thrown through a window, escapes floods, uses a whip, steals an amulet, and runs away from gunfire -- all without ever losing his trademark fedora. Yep, all in a day's work. According to the video, it's coming Spring 2009 for Wii, DS, and an unidentified PlayStation console (it's already been rated for PSP and we know Wii games often see a PS2 port). This is great, LucasArts. Really ... but any chance of getting an Indy game in the vein of Indiana Jones and The Emperor's Tomb on 360 and PS3?Oh, it all makes sense now: IGN's rumor; the vague response. Sounds to us like that project won't ever see the light of day, while Staff of Kings is LucasArts' "commitment" to the franchise. Is it possible to miss something that was never released?[Via Mixnmojo]
Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings trailer unleashed
LucasArts has just released the very first trailer for the upcoming Indiana Jones game, The Staff of Kings. This all-CG trailer says proudly mentions the Wii, but don't be fooled. The PlayStation logos are there because this game's also coming to PSP. We don't see any hint at gameplay in this trailer, but it's good to see that this project is alive and well.
Indiana Jones rumored to be canceled, LucasArts still "committed"
IGN reports that multiple sources from within LucasArts and beyond have stated that all development on an upcoming X360/PS3 Indiana Jones game has been canceled. Our investigative sister-site, Joystiq, contacted LucasArts and it appears the situation isn't as clear-cut as rumors indicate. "LucasArts remains absolutely committed to the Indiana Jones franchise," a representative for LucasArts told Joystiq. "While we are aware that fans have been eagerly awaiting additional information on the upcoming game, they can rest assured that details are forthcoming." LucasArts is vague about the future of the game itself, instead opting to address its commitment to the franchise as a whole. It appears new details for an upcoming Indiana Jones title could spell the bright future or complete demise of the long-teased adventure. Only time will tell.
Despite rumors, LucasArts is 'committed' to new Indiana Jones game
IGN reports that "multiple sources" at LucasArts and "elsewhere" indicate that the developer's next-gen Indiana Jones game has been canceled; however, Joystiq has contacted LucasArts for an official statement and things don't appear so cut-and-dry. According to a LucasArts representative, "LucasArts remains absolutely committed to the Indiana Jones franchise. While we are aware that fans have been eagerly awaiting additional information on the upcoming game, they can rest assured that details are forthcoming."Well, that doesn't sound like the game is dead, although there's certainly wiggle room in that quote to speculate that the long-in-development title has been killed with another taking its place. Of course, that would just be our old friends Rumor and Speculation stopping by to say hi.
Video service expands: Dark Knight, Hancock, Indiana Jones coming
The PlayStation Network video service has been rapidly growing with a plethora of HD and SD downloads and rentals. This holiday will see the service expand to over 1,000 movies and 2,500 television shows. "The consumer demand we've seen for our PlayStation Network video delivery service is phenomenal, and we expect continued momentum this holiday season with a line-up of blockbuster movies that offer something for everyone," said Susan Panico, Senior Director of PlayStation Network. "Complementing this demand for high-definition downloadable content, the new 160GB PS3 bundle enables customers to download and store even more movies, TV shows, games, music and photos, making the PS3 the ultimate entertainment center and holiday gift."Some of the movies planned for the holiday include: The Dark Knight (12/9) Fred Claus (11/25) Hancock – rated and unrated(11/25) Horton Hears a Who (12/9) Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (11/26) Step Brothers – unrated(12/2) X-Files: I Want To Believe (12/2)
Lego Universe could add Indiana Jones, Star Wars content
We haven't spent much time talking Lego Universe (if we're going to waste our lives in a pretend land, we at least want to be able to sport crude geometric breasts, thankyouverymuch) but a recent nugget from a Massively interview with project lead Mark Hansen has our interest piqued:"Massively: Are you interested in bringing some of the more story rich play themes into Lego Universe? Star Wars, Indiana Jones?Hansen: I think that IPs would be great to see in the game. It's not for the first launch.Mass.:It's not something you're discounting, or isn't possible, though.Hansen: No, not at all. I think you will ... yeah. (laughs)"So, with Star Wars a possibility, could The Boss be far behind?
Lego IPs interview pt. 2
Mark: How many play themes there have been? There's been over a couple of thousand. But they're all very different, right, because there are some that are underwater, there are some that are in space. We have a couple of 'evergreen' sets that have been with us forever. Lego City was one of those themes, Racers, the car set, that's been with us forever, Castle has always been very popular. You're going to see them and those different universes come alive. That's why we work so closely with NetDevil. We want to get that Lego passion and Lego understanding of our products across. If it was as easy as saying, "Here's Lego Castle, let's make it into an MMO", we wouldn't need to do that. It's not that easy. It's how we tie every set together. It's for every kid out there that loves Lego. It's a community of 3 million people, that we have. Each have different interests, you can see if you go online. There are Trains, there have City, they have Space, everything. They're trying to fit a little bit of each in to start with. What we're trying to do with the game is put enough content out there, to see that this is a creative game. You can create what you want, so how far are you going to take it?
Lego Universe could eventually include Star Wars, Indiana Jones
We recently had the chance to speak with Ryan Seabury, Producer for Netdevil's in-development Lego Universe. Along with Project Lead Mark Hansen, Seabury gave us an insider's look at the exciting create/play/explore world of Legos online. The two men were extremely confident in their vision for the project, and we couldn't help but be impressed by their passion for bringing this millions-of-kids strong product to the world of MMO gaming.Join us as we talk to Seabury and Hansen about the background behind the project, and what kind of worlds we'll be seeing. From Castle to Racers and everything in between, it sounds like whatever kind of kid you are at heart there'll be something there to enjoy. And, of course, the exciting news is that it's definitely possible we'll one day see Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and the other licensed Lego products inside of Lego Universe. Read on, and be sure to come back for our next interview clip about gameplay!
You're not worthy: GameStop eXpo rumors
Every year (well, at least since being banned from E3) the grand minions of GameStop Corp. descend upon the dessert oasis that is Las Vegas, Nevada -- with a Capital X -- to become better informed about their retail products, so as to make professional recommendations to their far less knowledgeable customer base. With a few cleverly placed posers, 1UP has infiltrated the sore-thumbed masses of regional managers who have traveled great distances to earn bragging rights over the adolescents who, in turn, loiter inside their finely vacuumed establishments. Finally, some payoff for another hard year of underachievement (remember kids, these are just rumors): A trailer for a new Indiana Jones game (could it be?) will premiere next week ... after everyone's returned home to Nowheresville. 60 GB Xbox 360 hard drive will be $99 with 3 months of Xbox Live and an ethernet cable; or 12 months of Xbox Live for $70 and a copy of PGR4. Decisions, decisions... Animal Crossing: City Folk will be bundled with the Wii Speak "community mic" and sold for $70. (And after this, Nintendo will be done with peripherals. Promise. *Crosses fingers behind back.*) GBA's Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories will get a surprise port to ... (wait for it) ... PS2! [Update: As several commenters point out, a Chain of Memories port remake has been available in Japan since March 2007.] Visit 1UP for the full range of oohs and ahs. Bet you wish you'd forgone that degree and stuck it out at the strip mall, huh? Just imagine: You could be there. Right. Now.[Image credit: dougward]
Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings rated for handhelds
A new Indiana Jones game was discovered on PEGI by the keen eyes at Siliconera (as usual). Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings is rated for release on PSP and DS ... and those two platforms alone. Could this be that super-secret Indiana Jones game they don't want us to know about? Of course, rumors of internal problems at LucasArts have cast doubt on the next-generation Indiana Jones game ... which vanished, missing E3 altogether. Perhaps the next-gen versions were scrapped for handheld games? A rating isn't much to go by -- but hopefully, it won't be long until we unravel this mystery.
New Indiana Jones game headed to the DS
We're used to seeing the ESRB spill the beans on upcoming games, but this time, that isn't the case. Instead, PEGI, the European rating system, informs us of Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings, a new Lucasarts game for the DS and PSP. Sadly, that's all we know, but seeing as how we all love Indiana so much (excluding his latest movie), it's enough for us to get excited.
New Indiana Jones game rated for DS, PSP
To put it mildly, it's going to be quite a while before you see an Indiana Jones game on home consoles. The team (if there still is a team) has gone dark and LucasArts has had some troubles as of late. To put it less kindly, if we see it before the next decade our faces will melt off Raiders-style.But that doesn't mean you'll be completely without video game Indy. Apparently, the PEGI has just rated Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings for the DS and PSP. A perfect way to kill the time until a console release? Or just a painful reminder of Indy's absence? Here's hoping for the former.
Kingdom of the Crystal Skull coming to Blu-ray in October
File this under one of those announcements that brings more disappointed than anything else. Sure, we can't wait to enjoy the latest installment of the Indiana Jones franchise in HD. But the fact that a DVD box set was also announced, and there's no word on the availability of a Blu-ray box set has us worried. You see the first three movies have a special place in our hearts, and as much as we'd love to buy the forth, the fact that we know there will eventually be a box set that includes all four movies in HD has us in a holding pattern. This is especially true when you consider that some of the recent famous franchisees like The Matrix, aren't available individually. So, just to be on the safe side, you'd better believe we'll just be renting this one.
