Buddy & Me available now for iOS, Kindle Fire

Endless runner Buddy & Me has mounted its magical creature to start collecting stars on iOS and Kindle Fire devices this week for $3. Buddy & Me's designer Jason Behr was lead level designer for Metroid Prime and senior mission designer for Halo 4, but the game seems to have traded out energy weapons in favor of fairy tale scenery.

Buddy & Me takes place in the dreams of a young boy. Developer Sunbreak Games' website describes the game as a sprint through an "infinite treehouse filled with interactive obstacles, curious creatures, and beautiful landmarks inspired by the Pacific Northwest." Players won't be glued to their puffy orange friend forever, though - Buddy soars alongside the boy in the background, offering assistance when the boy is in need of it.

Exploring a world with a beautiful world with a mythical beast as a child. Hmm, almost reminds us of something ....

[Thanks, David!]Buddy & Me available now for iOS, Kindle Fire originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Sep 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pandemic: The Board Game infects iPads on October 3

Real-life board game Pandemic is coming to iPads on October 3 as Pandemic: The Board Game, developer Z-Man Games has announced. Pandemic: The Board Game will join iOS games like Pandemic 2.5 and Plague Inc, the latter of which is developed by Ndemic Creations. Because none of these names could possibly confuse anyone.

In Pandemic: The Board Game, up to four players take on one of seven roles, such as Scientist and Medic, to help stop the spread of deadly diseases. The game will feature an animated interface, interactive tutorial and multiple difficulty levels.

It is unknown whether or not it will also include tips on how to tell friends about the game without confusing them as to which Pandemic you are talking about.Pandemic: The Board Game infects iPads on October 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Sep 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Surgeon Simulator 2013 exploring possibility of tablet transplant

Bossa Studios is prototyping for a tablet version of game-jam-creation-turned-hit Surgeon Simulator 2013, although its release isn't a certainty at this stage. I got to spectate (and discuss) their latest operation over the weekend in a themed ambulance parked outside the Eurogamer Expo. Knowing Bossa and its happily "100 percent medically inaccurate" sim, I shouldn't have expected anything less.

I saw a prototype build that had been cooked up in just two days, in which Bossa's Luke Williams grabbed, chucked, and slammed various parts of the patient's innards across the iPad screen. This apparently was the sixth control iteration of the tablet version, now supporting a Z-axis that automatically adjusted with every tap, click, or swipe. This allowed Williams to maintain precision across the 3D operating table as he thoroughly took apart the patient's diaphragm, which was clearly asking for it.

Bossa isn't definite about bringing out the tablet version but is seriously considering it, not just because the British studio believes tablets offer more direct, weightier controls, but also because the devices lend themselves to new surgeries. One idea Bossa has involves cracking teeth, pulling them out, shoving new ones in, then chucking the canines away, maybe down the patient's throat - you get the idea. Although, as Tom Jackson notes, this wouldn't be called dentistry: "Probably a tooth transplant," he laughs.

If a tablet version goes ahead, it's unclear if it'll hit this year or next. Jackson seemed to think this year was a bit unlikely, but the rest of the Bossa team suggested otherwise. "Potentially, a few more sleepless nights, Tom, and I think we could do it," Williams joked as Jackson laughed, almost mournfully. Ah, the endless strain of the medical profession.Surgeon Simulator 2013 exploring possibility of tablet transplant originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Sep 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audio-only horror game Vanished out now on iOS

Vanished by developer Pixel Heart is a recently launched iOS game that like, doesn't need your fancy graphics, man - in fact, it has none. Vanished is an audio-only horror game, similar in concept to Deep Sea.

Vanished places you in a world without light, with no memory of how you got there or why the world is the way it is. But don't worry: Where you're going, you won't need eyes to see. The game uses your iOS device's accelerometer, compass and touchscreen for its interactions - you shake the device to attack, while movement is handled by turning the device to face the direction you want to walk and tapping the screen.

"We think that imagination is the most powerful hardware a game needs," Pixel Heart's website reads. "The game itself is only part of the experience. It's your imagination that creates the world in witch [sic] you play." Pixel Heart also labels the game as an "experiment" for now, one they hope to make bigger and more complex.

Experiment or no, you can download Vanished from iTunes for free until October 1 as part of its launch sale, after which it will sell for $0.99.Audio-only horror game Vanished out now on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Sep 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Fantasy 5 out now on Android

Like day follows night, Android versions of Final Fantasy games follow their iOS siblings - except the time gap is a little longer. After hitting iOS earlier this year, JRPG classic Final Fantasy 5 has completed its journey to Android, available at the same price of $15.99.

This version includes the additions of the Sealed Temple dungeon and Enuo boss, along with new sprite designs and other visual polishes from series artist Kazuko Shibuya.Final Fantasy 5 out now on Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Sep 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Fantasy 4: The After Years coming to iOS, Android this winter

Final Fantasy 4: The After Years will launch on Android and iOS this winter, the European Square Enix blog announced. Set 12 years after the original Super Famicom game, the Japanese mobile game first launched in 2008, later arriving on WiiWare in 2009 and PSP in 2011.

The "full 3D remake" of Final Fantasy 4: The After Years features "completely recreated graphics," as seen in the accompanying announcement trailer. Square Enix doesn't specify whether the game will launch in North America, nor does it mention a price for the game, though the now-available Android version of Final Fantasy 5 is priced at $15.99/£10.99/€14.99 on the Google Play store. Final Fantasy 4: The After Years coming to iOS, Android this winter originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Sep 2013 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Humble Mobile Bundle 2 spotlights Star Command, Carmageddon for Android

Humble Mobile Bundle 2 launches today with six games in tow, some of which make their Android debut as part of the collection.

The Kickstarter-funded strategy-RPG Star Command and Tiny Wings-like autoscroller Time Surfer headline the bundle, marking the first time either game has been available for Android. Bundle buyers additionally get Noodlecake Studios' platformer Punch Quest and Ninja Kiwi's tower defense game Bloons TD 5. Beat the average purchase price (currently around $4) and you'll also receive Crescent Moon Games' action-RPG Ravensword: Shadowlands and the gory racing classic Carmageddon.

Humble Mobile Bundle 2 is available through October 9.Humble Mobile Bundle 2 spotlights Star Command, Carmageddon for Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Sep 2013 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Perfect Fat-Loss Day

The road to a thinner waistline and a deflated spare tire is plagued with pitfalls, diet mishaps, and false supplement claims. Whereas many guys have likely tried one particular weight-loss method in the past, most fall short.

To experience positive, sustained results, guys looking for weight loss must put together ­­­the entire package, including proper nutrition, a good workout routine, and appropriate lifestyle habits. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. To help clarify your path to weight-loss success, we've identified the perfect fat-loss day equipped with all of the tools and techniques necessary to get you to your optimum physique. 

6 a.m.-8 a.m.

1. Skip breakfast.

While it might violate everything you have ever known concerning nutrition and weight loss, skipping breakfast might actually help you to drop the pounds rather than hold you back. Intermittent fasting, one of the newest diet trends on the market, actually advocates skipping meals as a way to a leaner, lighter you. By forgoing breakfast, you force your body to rely on internal fuel sources (like fat) for energy. The longer fasting period also helps to elevate hormones like growth hormone, which are imperative for a lean physique.

2. Hydrate.

To help rehydrate after 8+ hours without liquid as well as combat the inevitable hunger pangs as you start with intermittent fasting, down a large glass of water. Hydrated individuals binge less throughout the day and boast a more functional metabolism.

3. Drink a cup of coffee.

While your java addiction might make this an obvious morning choice, swigging back a cup of the black stuff is beneficial for more reasons than a simple energy boost. The extract found in coffee beans may help boost weight loss. To make matters even better, black coffee is a natural low-calorie alternative to energy drinks making it a much better choice to start your morning.

4. Take some fish oil.

It turns out your inability to hold back from bingeing on that box of cookies isn't solely due to lack of willpower. New research indicates that poor eating habits actually damage brain cells making it even harder to resist temptations. However, an omega-3-rich fish oil supplement can help to create new nerve cells and counteract the effects of high junk food intake. 

9 a.m.-11 a.m.

1. Move.

After checking your e-mail and getting set for a hard day of work, ditch the office chair for a trip around the office. The quick walk will help you stay awake as well as boost your metabolism and help you burn a few extra calories. If you're looking to try something a bit more progressive, consider a standing or even a treadmill desk. Both help to minimize slouching and keep you active while plugging away. For those who aren't ready to stand all day, try standing through meetings or phone calls.

2. Hydrate.

Despite your morning glass of water, you're probably slightly dehydrated, even more so if your morning routine includes more than one cup of coffee. To help prevent the mid-morning munchies and keep you hydrated, consider downing another one or two glasses of water. 

12 p.m.-2 p.m.

1. Work out.

To spice up your workday as well as rev up your metabolism for the afternoon, skip the lunch date with your co-workers and opt for a workout instead. The workout will also serve to amplify the effects of your intermittent fasting routine since your body will be forced to rely heavily on stored fuel during the gym session. To make the most of your lunch hour, aim for a total-body circuit emphasizing multijoint moves like a squat to overhead press and lunge to curl. The big exercises will elevate your heart rate and provide the perfect catalyst for building muscle while burning fat. Top your sweat session off with some cardio intervals for the complete package.

Since you haven't eaten yet today, you might feel as if you're running low on fuel as you move through the gym. To combat the flat feeling, down some BCAAs pre-workout. Provided you're hydrated and well rested, it should be the only pre-workout you need.

How Effective Are Quick Workouts? >>>

2. Fuel up.

Post-workout is the perfect time for your first meal of the day since your muscle cells are primed to uptake nutrients. Focus on taking in a meal that is high in protein, moderate in carbohydrates, and low in fat. The high protein will help your muscles recover faster for your next workout. The carbohydrates will help to prevent the natural breakdown of muscle that occurs during a workout (referred to as catabolism) and will help to pull protein into the cells. By keeping the meal lower in fat, you'll help to keep the speed of digestion high so the nutrients get to your muscles faster. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 p.m.-4 p.m.

1. Take a nap.

A little shut-eye can go a long way in preventing a midday crash. There's also evidence to show that a short nap can boost productivity helping you get more work done when you return to your desk. If you can't get  upper management to go for naptime, take 10-15 minutes during the afternoon to get away from your computer (and other electronics—including your phone) and meditate.

2. Snack.

Rather than bingeing on office doughnuts, opt for a snack that is high in protein and lower in carbohydrates. The lower-carb count will help to keep your blood sugar in check and prevent the typical afternoon slump. The high-protein content will make sure you're rebuilding the muscle that you broke down during your afternoon workout. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 p.m.-8 p.m.

1. Eat a homemade dinner.

Your perfect weight-loss day shouldn't end with a quick trip to the salad bar or a microwave meal. While cooking dinner may be the last thing you want to do after a hard day of work, cooking at home offers several benefits. First, you're able to control every aspect of the meal including ingredients. Second, you can make a bit extra for lunch the next day, knocking out two meals in one session.

To reduce cooking time, plan all of your meals in advance. Use your weekends as a chance to pick up all of the necessary ingredients and do any preparation (like chopping vegetables) ahead of time. Then, even when you're tired getting home from work, you'll be poised to whip up a great meal.

2. Limit the booze.

After a hard day of work, you might want to curl up on the couch with your favorite brand of beer and a good football game. However, ruining your newfound nutritional prowess with alcohol calories won't be nearly as rewarding long term. If you have to imbibe, aim for quality of enjoyment over quantity. Pick your favorite beverage and limit the volume. If the evening requires you to indulge (your best friend's bachelor party for instance), opt for lower-calorie beers and mixers.

3. Log your food.

Sure it might take a while to recall everything you ate throughout the day but keeping a diet log will definitely pay off down the road. Why were you so successful that one week? What exactly led to your dropping five pounds last month? Without a proper record, these results are left up to anyone's best guess. Keeping a log helps dieters to lock down trends. To get the most out of your food journal, also keep notes on energy levels, workout performance, and overall feelings of satiety. 

The Calorie Counter: How Many Calories Do You Need >>>

8 p.m.-10 p.m.

1. Pack your gym bag.

The best way to prevent a missed gym session is to remove all of the obstacles ahead of time. By prepping your gym bag before heading to bed, you're removing all of the excuses (like I forgot my gym shoes) that might prevent you from a lunchtime sweat session. The nighttime organization also helps to take away stress from your morning routine leaving you to feel fresh and rejuvenated when waking up rather than rushed.

2. Focus on quality sleep.

Poor sleep quality has been linked to many issues including elevated risk for cardiovascular disease and increased weight gain. You can sleep your way to a leaner physique by removing many of the obstacles that prevent normal guys from getting a good night's rest. This includes taking electronics (including your TV) out of the room. Rather than watching your favorite show, listen to some soft music or read a book. Both will be easier on your eyes than a television or tablet.

3. Set a consistent bedtime.

Rather than varying your routine every night, set a consistent bedtime. The routine will help prepare your body and your mind for sleep. For optimal results, try to maintain a similar sleep schedule every day (including weekends).

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Angry Birds Go is a kart racer, complete with Hasbro toy line

Hasbro recently announced a new line of toys for an upcoming mobile game in the Angry Birds series, Angry Birds Go. The toy manufacturer's brief description of the game notes that the series' iconic birds and pigs "have jumped into karts to battle it out in a calamitous downhill race to the finish," indicating that Angry Birds Go is a kart racer of some sort.

Hasbro's Telepods and Jenga toy line includes nine separate sets with the Angry Birds Go theme, ranging from $5 packs to full $30 game sets that feature pirate ships, trophy cups and towers to knock down. The Jenga toy sets include codes for in-app content to be used in Angry Birds Go, whereas the Telepods sets have toy bases that "teleport your kart" into the game. That certainly sounds like Angry Birds Go is hoping to fling its way into Skylanders and Disney Infinity territory.

Continue reading Angry Birds Go is a kart racer, complete with Hasbro toy line

Angry Birds Go is a kart racer, complete with Hasbro toy line originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Sep 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rockstar patches GTA 5's rotten iFruit companion app

Rockstar Games has issued a patch for its iFruit app, which it hopes will improve the program's ability to connect to its online servers.

Since the debut of Grand Theft Auto V, the iFruit app has had major issues. Ideally, the program would allow players to train their in-game dog and customize their signature vehicle, but the massive success of GTA 5 quickly overwhelmed Rockstar's servers, and the iFruit app couldn't handle the stress of so many people attempting to connect simultaneously. Rockstar has remained relatively quiet on the issue, until today, when it announced the patch via Twitter.

Rockstar has yet to offer concrete details on what it has changed in version 2.0 of the iFruit app. The patch notes merely mention improved connectivity, then thank fans for their patience and support. As with all iOS patches, you can update your iFruit app by visiting the App Store's "Update" section (or, if you've already enabled automatic updates in iOS 7, by doing nothing at all).Rockstar patches GTA 5's rotten iFruit companion app originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Sep 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cut the Rope 2 severs ties this holiday season

ZeptoLab will launch a fully fledged sequel to its mobile hit Cut the Rope this holiday season, the developer announced today.

Cut the Rope star Om Nom has had a busy schedule over the last few years, following up his landmark 2010 debut with multiple expansions and appearances in the iOS and Android spinoff games Cut the Rope: Experiments and Cut the Rope: Time Travel. Collectively, the Cut the Rope games have been downloaded more than 400 million time worldwide. ZeptoLab adds that players have cut more than 60 billion ropes to date, and Om Nom has been fed more than 20 billion times. And yet, he still hungers.

ZeptoLab did not announce its target platforms for Cut the Rope 2, but iOS and Android seem like a safe bet.

Continue reading Cut the Rope 2 severs ties this holiday season

Cut the Rope 2 severs ties this holiday season originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Sep 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fallen Enchantress dev premieres mobile division with three new strategy IPs

Stardock, developer of the Fallen Enchantress series, has a new mobile studio and three new strategy IPs set to launch by early 2014. Stardock Mobile is headed by Stardock VP Derek Paxton and Mobile Senior Producer Chris Bray.

The first game, a piratey card game with puzzle and strategy elements, is called Dead Man's Draw, and is due out in October for iOS.

"Stardock is known for great strategy games," Bray says. "The mobile games - though they will vary in genre - will always have an element of strategy in the gameplay."

The two other mobile games are Hero Busters and Star Tails, each coming in early 2014. Stardock CEO Brad Wardell says, "The mobile platform allows us to design games that just wouldn't make sense on a PC and take advantage of some of the unique features inherent to a mobile device." We'll find out whether this refers to touchscreen gameplay or microstransactions (or both) in October.

See the first pictures of Dead Man's Draw here, and the first images of Hero Busters and Star Tails below.

Continue reading Fallen Enchantress dev premieres mobile division with three new strategy IPs

Fallen Enchantress dev premieres mobile division with three new strategy IPs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Sep 2013 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shadowrun Returns on tablets today

Harebrained Schemed delivered iOS and Android versions of Shadowrun Returns today, available now for $10. According to a Kickstarter update, tablet-based tacticians won't find the game's editor or access to community modules on the new platforms, although Harebrained has plans to bundle the best community content there at some future point.

In our four-star review of the Mac version, Earnest heartily recommended Harebrained's cyberpunk RPG to children of the 90s: "Younger generations may not appreciate it the same way, but for anyone with a closet full of flannel shirts and Sub Pop albums, Shadowrun Returns is like Arsenio Hall-flavored catnip."Shadowrun Returns on tablets today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Sep 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq App retired in apathy in a pithy post (but m.joystiq lives on)

We keep hearing about "flat" design in mobile, so we thought we'd try applying it to our official Joystiq App for iOS and Android. Sadly, the end result was a flat line, eerily representative of the app's current level of life and support.

Continue reading Joystiq App retired in apathy in a pithy post (but m.joystiq lives on)

Joystiq App retired in apathy in a pithy post (but m.joystiq lives on) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Sep 2013 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shantae: Risky's Revenge goes free on iOS as sequel nears funding goal

To celebrate the impending success of its Kickstarter-funded platformer Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, WayForward has released its iOS predecessor game Shantae: Risky's Revenge as a free download in the iTunes App Store for a limited time.

Following up on its debut for DSiWare in 2011, Risky's Revenge originally hit the App Store as a free trial download, with the full game locked behind an in-app purchase. WayForward has since removed this restriction, and the App Store download now includes the full version of the game.

The iOS version of Risky's Revenge has also been updated with a new optional costume, along with the ability to skip cutscenes. WayForward notes that the Dancer costume has "double the magic power, but half the defense" of Shantae's regular outfit, making it an ideal fit for speedrunners.

Currently, the Kickstarter project for Shantae: Half-Genie Hero has earned over $395,000 toward its funding goal of $400,000. Developed in collaboration with Mighty No. 9 developer Inti Creates, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is set to launch for the Wii U, PlayStation 3, PS4, PS Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC platforms in 2014.Shantae: Risky's Revenge goes free on iOS as sequel nears funding goal originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Sep 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft Surface Pro 2 unveiled, is a 'full-power PC'

The Surface Pro 2 is a follow-up to Microsoft's Surface Pro, the $900 base Windows 8 tablet that launched in February, Engadget reports. Surface Pro 2 includes a stylus and a bunch of upgrades, as Microsoft announced today: It has 50 percent more color accuracy, it's 20 percent faster, battery life is 75 percent better, it has improved speakers and it runs much more quietly.

The kickstand also got a revamp, and Surface Pro 2 has ports for three USB 2.0, one USB 3.0, a mini DisplayPort, ethernet, audio in and out, and charging. Microsoft calls the Surface Pro 2 a "full-power PC."

The original Surface Pro was notable to game fans because it expanded on the $500 Surface RT, adding a full version of Windows 8 and beefed-up guts capable of running most games in the Windows Store.

Surface Pro 2 launches on October 22 and pre-orders go live tomorrow, September 24, at 8AM EST. The base model, 64GB hard drive and 4GB RAM, starts at $900. Price will climb with suped-up models, up to a 512GB hard drive and 8GB RAM.Microsoft Surface Pro 2 unveiled, is a 'full-power PC' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Sep 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vagrant Story creator Matsuno working on digital game Unsung Story

After leaving Level-5 last year, Final Fantasy Tactics and Vagrant Story director Yasumi Matsuno is now working with tabletop publisher Playdek on a new strategy game called Unsung Story, coming to digital platforms. That'll include iOS and Android for certain, Playdek CEO Joel Goodman told Joystiq today, but he was keen to not limit the game to those platforms.

At the Tokyo Game Show, Matsuno explained to us that Unsung Story will be based around nine small countries, each one fighting one another. Matsuno is taking inspiration from the Saxon Britain of the 5th to 8th centuries, an era following the Romans' retreat. As the name suggests, Unsung Story will focus on the more ordinary people of war - the footsoldiers rather than the Eisenhowers, as Goodman put it.

As for the tactics-based battle system, Matsuno said Unsong Story will play somewhat similar to Final Fantasy Tactics, based around a small number of combatants rather than large armies. In contrast to having a story based around a main character as Tactics did, Unsung Story lets players select whichever country and its leader they want to at the start of the game, and how they work through the various countries. That sounds a little complicated to build a narrative around, but Matsuno said that despite the game's name, narrative isn't as big a part of the game.

Speaking to Matsuno and Goodman, it sounded like much of Unsung Story is still in germination; I didn't see the game in action, and the pair still has to talk and agree about how multiplayer should exactly be implemented, for example (for the record, there'll definitely be online PVP). However, there are some concrete plans in place. A two-player digital card game set in the Unsung Story world , co-designed by Cristophe Boelinger, will precede the tactics game when it arrives in 2014.

Continue reading Vagrant Story creator Matsuno working on digital game Unsung Story

Vagrant Story creator Matsuno working on digital game Unsung Story originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Sep 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seen@TGS 2013: Pechan is the adorablest TGS indie game

The TGS indie booth had plenty of interesting, fun games, but when it comes to adorabilishocity, there was none better than Team Martini's Pechan, coming to the iPad.

Tilting the device sent Pechan, the pink hero, left or right across the ground. The idea was to slide him towards a juicer, pushing it and the walking fruit in its way onto the sides of each level, squishing the fruit into lovely juice. Yes, juicing sentient fruit sounds a bit sadistic when you think about it, but it turns out to be just lovely and cuddly, especially when you have devs around you squealing "Pechan!" every time you beat a level.

And no, the game has nothing to do with the pig from Ranma 1/2.Seen@TGS 2013: Pechan is the adorablest TGS indie game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Sep 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Incredipede crawls onto mobile, 'feels wet and slimy'

Incredipede has wobbled its way to mobile, available now for $4 on the App Store and Google Play. The mobile version of Incredipede retains most of the pretty wood-cut art and graphics of the PC version, with only a few effects disabled, and it has a few improvements for touchscreens.

The "what's under my fat finger window," as developer Colin Northway calls it, allows players to make detailed adjustments to Quozzle, the game's creature, even on tiny screens.

"Building creatures in Incredipede is especially visceral on touchscreens," Northway says. "Pulling legs out of Quozzle with your finger feels wet and slimy. It adds a whole new dimension to the game and has made the sandbox my favorite mode."

Colin Northway and his wife, Sarah Northway, famously travel the globe while developing their games, and Incredipede mobile is no different. They shipped this one from a tiny island in Panama, and they've also sent out games from Mexico, the Philippines and Costa Rica. See beautiful photos of the Northways' adventurous indie lives in their Flickr album.Incredipede crawls onto mobile, 'feels wet and slimy' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Sep 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Infinity Toy Box iPad app out now

The Disney Infinity: Toy Box app is now available on iPad. Announced with one other companion app in August, the Toy Box app allows players to built and sync worlds to Disney Infinity, unlocking new characters, props and decorations along the way. Players start out with 60 items to build toy box levels with, and any items unlocked in the main game become available to use in the app.

Disney Infinity: Toy Box is compatible with iPad 2, 3, 4 and iPad Mini devices, and is free until October 5. Disney did not specify how much the app will cost afterwards.

Continue reading Disney Infinity Toy Box iPad app out now

Disney Infinity Toy Box iPad app out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Sep 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Magic 2014 expansion now available

Magic 2014: Duels of the Planeswalkers received its first expansion this morning.

The list of features found in the expansion remains largely unchanged since it was first announced. Five new decks (totaling 280 unique cards) are being introduced, alongside six new Campaign levels and five new Challenge stages. New character portraits, achievements and trophies are also being added.

Those interested in the expansion can now find it for $5 on Steam, the iOS and Android app stores, and both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.PSA: Magic 2014 expansion now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Sep 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Battle.net authenticator may not be friendly with iOS 7 update

Battle.net members with a mobile authenticator on an iPhone, iPad or iPod, listen up: Today's iOS 7 update may reset your authentication info. Blizzard has a few suggestions to make sure you're still protected after the update hits:Write down your authenticator's serial number and restore code, and restore it to your phone after the updateRemove the authenticator before updating and reattach it after iOS 7 is installedUse Blizzard's SMS Protect, a free service that can remove an authenticator from your accountUpdate via wi-fi, since this reduces the risk of an accidental reset altogetherRead through the mobile authenticator troubleshooting page for specific questions, and enjoy that fancy new version of iOS.PSA: Battle.net authenticator may not be friendly with iOS 7 update originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Sep 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GTA 5 iFruit companion free on iOS

Rockstar launched a free iOS app that complements Grand Theft Auto 5 today, called Grand Theft Auto: iFruit. The app offers two activities that affect the main game's campaign.

The first is Los Santos Customs, which has players creating custom cars and license plates for use in GTA 5. Chop the Dog is the other activity offered by iFruit, in which players care for the pet of one of GTA 5's main characters, Franklin. The dog, Chop, will better assist players in GTA 5 if he's well-tended in the iFruit app by finding hidden items when being taken for walks by Franklin.

In our review of the game, we considered Franklin the standout character of the playable protagonists, so we'll happily spend more time with Chop through the app.GTA 5 iFruit companion free on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Sep 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ouya removes family-funded Kickstarter game from Free the Games program

When Golden Axe-inspired Dungeons: The Eye of Draconus met its funding goal thanks to help from a family member and was just two days from seeing the end of its Kickstarter campaign, Ouya removed the project from its Free the Games Fund program. In an update on the project's page, SuckerFree Games developer William McDonald wrote, "If we had remained silent we very likely would have received the funds, our transparency and honesty apparently was our undoing."

That transparency came from a backers-only update on the project last week, which explained how the project ultimately reached $54,067 with donations from just 180 people. McDonald states in the update that although his family and friends initially refused to offer financial support, his father spent a large retirement check to help fund Dungeons: The Eye of Draconus' three episodes, thereby making it eligible for rewards earned from Ouya's Free the Games Fund.

"It appears we were thrown under the FTG bus. Ouya gets their fall guy and Grid Iron keeps their money," McDonald wrote regarding Ouya's decision, referencing Gridiron Thunder, a game that received $171,009 on Kickstarter from just 183 backers as part of Ouya's program. Due to Ouya's decision, McDonald said the team opted to cancel the Kickstarter project, noting that the developer has "no plans to develop for Ouya further."

This isn't the first time Dungeons: The Eye of Draconus has received funding, as it earned $5,177 on Kickstarter back in May 2011. In an August 18 update on that project's page, McDonald notified backers of his plans to enter Ouya's funding program, and that the developer had invested over $10,000 of its own money into the project since the first Kickstarter campaign ended.

We've reached out to McDonald and Ouya, and will update as we learn more. For a brief summary on the Ouya Free the Games Fund's issues so far, check out our recap video.

Continue reading Ouya removes family-funded Kickstarter game from Free the Games program

Ouya removes family-funded Kickstarter game from Free the Games program originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Sep 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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