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Please publish Fractured Soul on DS
This message is for the many Joystiq readers who are also in charge of business development at game publishing companies -- or for those few impulsive, wealthy Joystiq readers eager to start a new business venture at the drop of a hat. You see, there's this DS game Fractured Soul. It takes the "two worlds on two screens" concept (as seen in titles like Reflection and Chronos Twins) and makes a fast-paced arcade experience out of it, with the player shifting back and forth at high speed in both platforming and shmup levels. Unfortunately, we can't play it, because developer Endgame Studios needs a publisher. N3V Games has already signed on for Australia, so that leaves ... everywhere else in the world. That's where you come in. Watch the trailer after the break and give it some thought.
Lost in Shadow lights up retail in January
Hudson is doing its best to make sure that its very pretty Wii platformer Lost in Shadow doesn't get lost in the typically crowded holiday game release season. Unfortunately for those of us who want to play it now now now, the company is accomplishing this by waiting it out. Lost in Shadow, first revealed in August 2009, won't be in stores in North America until January 4, 2011. It's nice, then, that there's still more to learn about the game to keep us occupied. The latest trailer (after the break) and screens reveal mysterious gates that allow the player character, normally just a shadow, to take shape as some kind of light being, and move in 3D space.%Gallery-98407%
Super Mario Galaxy 2 passes 1 million sold in US
Super Mario Galaxy 2 was the best-selling non-cowboy game in the United States last month. The 548,000 copies sold during June put the spacefaring platformer above the one-million mark in US sales, as proclaimed by Nintendo in a triumphant announcement. In kind of a bummer of a month in terms of general software sales, Super Mario Galaxy 2 was one of the few success stories for June. While one million copies in two months (41 days of NPD reporting time) is impressive, it doesn't approach the level of success enjoyed by the first Super Mario Galaxy, which broke a million in its first month on the market, only 12 days of which counted for NPD. (The fact that its first month was November may have had something to do with that strong start.) Nintendo also announced that DS hardware sales have reached "nearly 42 million," with Wii sales "closing in on a cumulative milestone of 30 million units sold in the United States alone." Both systems enjoyed sales spikes last month.
La-Mulana on WiiWare trades equippable retrogames for apps
Developer Nigoro checked in via its blog to let the world know that work continues on the WiiWare remake of the PC action-adventure La-Mulana. The latest update gives us a look at ... the menu interface! It's more interesting than it sounds. The developer showed off the new version of the item menu, containing a rather exciting (to Metroidvania lovers) number of in-game items. The MSX menu, which in the original game allowed you to "equip" real MSX games for status boosts, has been replaced with a "software" menu that allows you to equip EXE files to do the same thing. This changes the gameplay by allowing you to equip as much software as your RAM limit permits, instead of a hard limit of two "cartridges." In addition, Nigoro revealed that the game will support control schemes for the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, GameCube controller, and Classic Controller.
Rayman Origins slapped on XBLA, PSN this Christmas, other platforms possible
Rayman and Globox will be slapping everything in sight as soon as this holiday season. The "about" page for Rayman Origins, the new 2D Rayman revival, reveals that the first episode is scheduled for a Christmas release, with "the rest" to follow in 2011. Ubisoft specified releases on "HD Consoles" for the platformer, with Wii, PC, iPad, and 3DS in consideration as well. The page also reveals that the Ubiart framework used by Origins' five-person team to create the game will be released open-source next year, allowing users to design levels and characters. Not only is Ubisoft making a convincingly indie-style game, it's going to release tools to let you make indie games.%Gallery-96983%
Jett Rocket ending announces Jett Rocket 2
Jett Rocket was released on WiiWare yesterday, so we're sure you've all seen the ending by now. Even if not, we don't think this constitutes a spoiler: the ending provides a pretty strong hint that developer Shin'en is planning a sequel. How strong? "To be continued in Jett Rocket 2." Shin'en is probably hard at work adding extreme new vehicles and new areas of the planet Yoroppa right now. The developer can't know yet if the game sold well enough to justify a sequel (because it's been out for a day). Pong Toss achieved sufficient sales for a sequel, so it's entirely possible. Actually, if there are two games about throwing ping-pong balls into plastic cups, we're going to go ahead and say that anything is possible.
TUAW's Daily App: Pix'n Love Rush
I first heard about Pix'n Love Rush about a month ago from my colleague, JC.Fletcher, who described it as "a short, nervous, ristretto version of a platformer ... a sort of crossover between Mario and WarioWare, with a pinch of Galaxian and a hint of Game & Watch." And now that it's out on the App Store to play, I can say that's exactly what it is; it's a weird little mini platform game, with an art aesthetic that might turn off those not versed in gaming history. The basic idea is that you play as a cat-like creature, and you bounce around a randomized series of 125 various 2D platforming stages, collecting good icons and staying away from bad ones. The gameplay is frenetic but forgiving. There are big bonuses to be had if you can pull things off perfectly (the colors and graphics flip through various designs), but even if you miss a few icons, the game will let you run through some quick platforming pleasures in a few modes. If your taste in games begins and ends with FarmVille, this one's probably not for you. But if you're interested in experimental and art games, or if you just want to spend a quick 99 cents to see what this crazy, original gaming experience is like, give Pix'n Love Rush a try. It's definitely not a traditional title, but if you want to take a few steps off the beaten path in terms of gaming, there's a lot of fun to find.
Preview: Monster Tale
Developer Dreamrift, a company formed by the creators of Henry Hatsworth and the Puzzling Adventure, has partnered with Majesco for its next game, a DS title called Monster Tale, intended for younger audiences. The core Hatsworth concept of performing one action on one screen to affect the gameplay on the other screen remains, but the hyper-British Empire theme has been swapped out for an exaggerated version of childhood, complete with villainous neighborhood bullies. More importantly, the bottom screen, which hosted a falling-block puzzle game in Hatsworth, is now home to a "virtual pet" called Chomp. At least, that's how Majesco puts it. I think the use of the term "virtual pet" does a disservice to the game. People who are into virtual pet games would likely find the interactions with Chomp too limited and the platformer on the top screen too distracting; and while those who like action-platformers would probably really like the upgrading system Chomp provides, they might never know it due to their instinctual evasion of pet sims. %Gallery-92883%
Trine 2 conjures online co-op for XBLA, PSN and PC
While failing to materialize on Xbox Live Arcade, whimsical puzzle platformer Trine found critical success on the PlayStation Network (even including a Platinum Trophy) and PC. Online co-op was a notable omission from the game -- and it's one Atlus and Frozenbyte's reforged partnership hopes to correct with Trine 2, coming to XBLA, PSN and PC in spring 2011. The iconic trio of playable characters returns in Trine 2, each with a new ability to complement the game's more directed approach to puzzle design. Atlus claims that the physics-based challenges will be more difficult to break or avoid outright, but will still accommodate multiple solutions. Hopefully, experimentation -- or "messing around" in gaming parlance -- will still be encouraged, especially now that three friends can tackle puzzles together online. We get dibs on the wizard, by the way. %Gallery-95622%
de Blob 2: The Underground rolls out on PS3, 360, Wii and DS in Spring 2011
As THQ CEO Brian Farrell indicated in February, de Blob's amorphous antics will be spreading to multiple platforms in de upcoming sequel, de Blob 2: the Underground. THQ has announced that de game will launch in Spring 2011 on de Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii and DS. The move to HD consoles will also enable support for 3D, just in case you felt that Blob's paint-splattering antics should extend beyond your screen and into your living room. THQ also noted that de Blob would make further appearances through a partnership with the Syfy channel and additional "de Blob-branded consumer products." Like ... squishy de Blob stress balls? You can have that one for free, THQ.
Comic Jumper packs in free 'Splosion Man DLC (plus: new trailers!)
You know, we thought we couldn't want need Twisted Pixel's Comic Jumper any more than we already do, but the announcement that two new levels for 'Splosion Man will be included with the game offers almost too much value for us to handle. And that's not even taking into account the two new trailers developer Twisted Pixel has sent along with the news. You can check out an overview of the game above and find the good gameplay stuff just beyond the break.
PC 'deluxe edition' of Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands includes Sands of Time
If you're considering a purchase of Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands on PC, why not get a version that comes with one or two extra games? A pre-ordered copy of the Digital Deluxe Edition, available on Steam, includes a map, a soundtrack, two extra skins, and, most importantly, a free copy of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time to play while you wait for the June 8 release of Forgotten Sands. You'll also get a free copy of Sands of Time's sequel, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within. In fact, you'll get that freebie on Steam whether you buy the $60 deluxe version or the $50 regular version. The only reason you may not want to jump on either of these deals is that playing these games right before Forgotten Sands may make the new game seem even more lackluster.
Metareview: Super Mario Galaxy 2
Everyone expects a Mario game to be good -- and it's even easier to expect quality when the new game is a direct follow-up to a game as universally adored as Super Mario Galaxy. However, even given the high expectations, the reception Super Mario Galaxy 2's getting is startling. There are, as of right now, eight scores equivalent to 100 percent on the game's Metacritic page, a range befitting the title our own Randy Nelson called "the best Mario game ever." We've only quoted one of the 100-percenters below, in the interest of variety. Edge (10): "This is a game that refuses to bore you, that can take you to the 60-star mark before asking you to do the same thing twice. It reuses assets, but almost never recycles ideas; you'll never see another title so thrifty, or so gratuitous." Game Informer (93/100): "Sure, it's not the total reinvention of the genre we've come to expect from a new Mario title, but as a platformer fan I'm happy to get more Mario to tide me over. This game is a testament to the enduring appeal of the genre, as well as Nintendo's ability to create fresh new gameplay out of a decades-old formula." Game|Life (9/10): "Super Mario Galaxy 2 is thus simultaneously more and less than its predecessor. It expands and elaborates on the gameplay in unpredictable ways, but the last one felt like a bigger, more complete adventure. That said, better core gameplay with less window dressing is infinitely preferable to the reverse." %Gallery-64834%
TUAW's Daily App: Pinch
Pinch is an ingenious little game that I'd almost call a puzzle platformer, except that there aren't any actual platforms in it. Instead of navigating a jumping avatar through a series of gates and switches, you navigate little colored orbs, called Norbs, by dragging them around on the multi-touch screen towards a goal at the end of each 2D stage. On the way, you'll put them through their paces by combining or dividing them to match shapes or colors or hitting switches and opening panels to reach the end. The game starts simple -- just drag the Norb to the end of the level -- but quickly develops an awful lot of depth with some extra rules; the puzzles you'll face get mind-bending fast. OpenFeint achievements and leaderboards provide even more of a challenge for those interested. Pinch is Coatsink Software's first game, and it shows a lot of promise; this is a simple but really smart idea that is presented very well. It's US$0.99 in the App Store, and while there is no lite version yet, I'd say take the plunge if you're at all interested. The game's 48 levels offer more than enough enjoyment. Even if the trailer above doesn't give you a good idea of what it's like to drag the Norbs around, just a few minutes with the game will have you figuring out the intriguing concept in no time.
Super Scribblenauts unpacking adjectives this Fall on DS
Start flexing those ... whatever muscles you would use to exercise your imagination. Warner Bros. Interactive today announced Super Scribblenauts, the sequel to last year's similarly titled puzzle-platformer. The DS game will hit store shelves sometime this fall. Check out the first three (tiny, tiny) screenshots from the game in the gallery below. As hinted at by the April issue of Nintendo Power, players will be able to modify the game's catalog of summonable items using adjectives, leading to complex creations such as "gentlemanly, flaming, flying zombies and purple, obese, winged elephants." That sounds wonderful, but we're more excited by the announcement's surreptitious reference to "upgraded controls." Does that mean we'll actually be able to walk to said lavender pachyderm without accidentally jumping into that adjacent pit of lava? We can only hope! %Gallery-93161%
Henry Hatsworth devs crafting Monster Tale on DS
Dreamrift, the new studio formed by Henry Hatsworth designer Peter Ong and programmer Ryan Pijai, is working on a new DS game that, once again, involves two distinct genres of running simultaneously across both screens. Instead of Hatsworth's weird mashup of platformer and falling-block puzzle, however, the new Monster Tale combines platforming and ... a pet simulation. The result is something reminiscent of A Boy and his Blob. In Monster Tale, Ellie fights her way through the Monster World in order to free its denizens from the control of the "Kid Kings." Acquired items can be sent to the bottom screen, home of a monster named Chomp. The items Chomp eats or plays with in the bottom screen boost his abilities, or even transform him into one of around 30 forms when summoned to the top screen to protect Ellie. Will a cup of tea transform him into a dashing British adventurer? Probably not! Majesco plans to release Monster Tale this December. %Gallery-92883%
American Super Mario Galaxy 2 commercial debuts
Pfft, "debuts?" More like soars across a whimsical landscape directly into our hearts. We were pressed for space, okay? Maybe that's why we're so keen to stare at yet another snippet of Super Mario Galaxy 2 -- if we watch this commercial (embedded after the break) carefully, the perpetually cheerful plumber might impart some lessons on space usage. Where does he find all that breathing room?
Super Mario Galaxy 2 trailer features bird racing
Nintendo's viral-esque series of Super Mario Galaxy 2 promotional videos continues with a brief look at an odd flying minigame. In this racing segment, Mario woo-hoos through a course as he holds onto the legs of a "Fluzzard." The challenge, of course, is to win the race against a bunch of birds who aren't weighted down by husky plumbers. Perhaps this particular Fluzzard flies faster, though, boosted by the assurance that its talents are useful to Mario. There are really only two fates for animals in the Mario universe, after all. If you can't be used as a vehicle in some way (like Yoshi, who is born wearing a saddle), you are doomed to being stomped to death. See the trailer after the break.
Media Molecule co-founder talks LBP2 changes, Move support
In a recent interview with VG247, Media Molecule co-founder Mark Healy talked about some of the big changes coming to LittleBigPlanet 2 -- not all of them were revealed in this morning's action-packed, Passion Pit-infused trailer. According to Healy, improving the "Play, Create, Share" pillars of the first game was a focus for the sequel. The first two will be bolstered by new creation tools like the Direct Control Seat and character AI, which allow you to modify the genre of your homespun creations. The Share pillar will see the implementation of the web functionality teased last year, suited to creating personalized websites for each of your in-game creations and making them easier to share with other players. Media Molecule will also streamline the stage-finding process with Level Links -- badges you can embed within your levels, which players can use to hop directly into another of your creations, or the next sequential level in your fully-formed game. Finally, on the subject of Sony's motion controller, Healy said the potential to play the game using only the Move and Sub Controller "seems like a bit of a no-brainer." However, he added, "we're totally going to go to town on supporting that, but I don't think we will have the full functionality at launch." After watching this tech demo, we're not sure we can wait for the Move's near-limitless capacity for Sackboy-griefing.
LittleBigPlanet 2 trailer falls to Earth
digg_url = 'http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/littlebigplanet-2-trailer-falls-to-earth/'; Media Molecule officially took the handmade wraps off its game-sweding suite's sequel, LittleBigPlanet 2. How do you make a full sequel to a game that's already had a sequel's worth of free content updates? Media Molecule appears to have expanded its game-making engine significantly. For example, it is now possible to add AI characters called "Sackbots," with behavior you can record or define. Levels can also be bundled to make a whole game, and those games don't have to be platformers. The trailer above gives us brief looks at racing games (one of which appears to involve players riding mice) and a Space Invaders-style shooter. You can even open use a "Direct Control Seat" to alter controls, allowing you to control objects that are not Sackboy, "and make a game that doesn't even remotely resemble" Media Molecule's foundation. This sequel will even, in a way, act as yet another upgrade to the original: all of the two-million-plus LittleBigPlanet 1 levels will still work. LittleBigPlanet 2 will be out on PlayStation 3 in Winter 2010.
