Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Xbox 360: The world's funnest heater]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/xbox-360-the-worlds-funnest-heater/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/xbox-360-the-worlds-funnest-heater/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/xbox-360-the-worlds-funnest-heater/#comments We've always assumed that we don't notice the cold while we're playing video games because we're being warmed from within by the light of joy. But Jeff Ramos has dispelled our childish illusions on his blog, cheerfully describing how his Xbox 360 makes a fine space heater that helps to warm up one room of his chilly New York City apartment. Not the most serious reading, but it certainly warms the heart, doesn't it?

We've always thought that the amount of heat put out by the 360 was a bad thing (especially when it melts its own brains from within), but don't be surprised if crafty console makers spend as much time in the next generation talking about BTUs as GPUs.

JoystiqXbox 360: The world's funnest heater originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heatingThu, 31 Dec 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Playing PixelJunk Shooter Like A Pro 101]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/playing-pixeljunk-shooter-like-a-pro-101/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/playing-pixeljunk-shooter-like-a-pro-101/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/playing-pixeljunk-shooter-like-a-pro-101/#comments
 Okay, okay, everyone, settle down. Listen, we know there's been a lot of unrest in this, our first ever "How to Get Into the Top 20 Globally in World 1 Stage 1 for PixelJunk Shooter" class. You've been here for three weeks now without ever actually talking Shooter strategies and your whispers are starting to become deafening. "Why does Mr. McElroy take such long naps?" we hear you ask, or, "Why did I have to play $3,000 for this?"

On this, our graduation day, we have two messages for you. 1. Watch the video after the break and do exactly that. And 2. The magic was inside you the whole time. Now, if a few of you would just stand on your desks and say, "Oh captain, my captain," we'll be on our way.

... Nobody? Fine.

[Via Twitter]

Continue reading Playing PixelJunk Shooter Like A Pro 101

JoystiqPlaying PixelJunk Shooter Like A Pro 101 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dylan-cuthbertpixeljunk-shooterpsnq-gamesstrategiesThu, 31 Dec 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget says Xbox 360 helped define the decade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/30/engadget-says-xbox-360-helped-define-the-decade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/30/engadget-says-xbox-360-helped-define-the-decade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/30/engadget-says-xbox-360-helped-define-the-decade/#comments It's pretty adorable listening to our electronics-obsessed sister site Engadget talk about video games, a sensation not unlike listening to a music professor trying to connect with students over the latest Jay-Z album. ("Say kids, isn't this track vibin'?!") But we think they nailed it with their inclusion of the Xbox 360 in their "Ten gadgets that defined the decade" list. The piece reminds that the system's success seemed all but impossible at its launch, with a weaker feature set than the PS3 and a for-pay online service.

Honoroable mentions were given to the PS2 and the Wii, both will presumably fare better on Engadget's "Ten gadgets that didn't melt if you looked at them wrong" list.

JoystiqEngadget says Xbox 360 helped define the decade originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-ofengadgetmicrosoftps2Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs. Zombies coming to iPhone in late January]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/plants-vs-zombies-coming-to-iphone-in-late-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/plants-vs-zombies-coming-to-iphone-in-late-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/plants-vs-zombies-coming-to-iphone-in-late-january/#comments You've known it was coming. Like Lon Chaney Jr. watching the full moon rise, you've known you were on the very precipice of becoming a monster. Now, thanks to a post on the PopCap Facebook page, you have a better idea of when you can say goodbye to friends and loved ones: Plants vs. Zombies will arrive on iPhone and iPod Touch in late January.

So in conjunction, we'd like to announce the "Late January Buy All of Joystiq's Material Possessions Fire Sale." Come, buy all our stuff, we won't need it, just so long as you leave us a bed roll and our feeding tube.

[Via Slide to Play]

JoystiqPlants vs. Zombies coming to iPhone in late January originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookplants-vs-zombiespopcapTue, 29 Dec 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: EA Sports working on manly football fitness game for men]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/rumor-ea-sports-working-on-manly-football-fitness-game-for-men/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/rumor-ea-sports-working-on-manly-football-fitness-game-for-men/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/rumor-ea-sports-working-on-manly-football-fitness-game-for-men/#comments
EA Sports Active may be fine for the ladies, but we want to get trim with more manly pursuits, like lumbercraft and bronzemanship. According to a rumor posted by Destructoid, we may just get our wish. The site reports that, according to sources close to the project, EA Sports is creating NFL Trainer for Wii, which will help players work on their technique and get fit with a variety of football drills.
As if that weren't manly enough, there's talk of an included football peripheral to plug your Wiimote into. Can you imagine the rush of pretend-throwing the old virtual prolate spheroid down the e-gridiron? If that's not enough to put hair on your chest, we don't know what is.

JoystiqRumor: EA Sports working on manly football fitness game for men originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsea-sports-activefootballnfl-trainerrumorTue, 29 Dec 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Patent application may hint at Tetsuya Nomura's next project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/patent-application-may-hint-at-tetsuya-nomuras-next-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/patent-application-may-hint-at-tetsuya-nomuras-next-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/patent-application-may-hint-at-tetsuya-nomuras-next-project/#comments You already know that Tetsuya Nomura is working on Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep and Final Fantasy Versus XIII, but Siliconera has a look at a patent application that may hint at yet another one of his projects -- possibly one of two that he recently mentioned. The application, filed by Square Enix, details a battle system (credited to Nomura) wherein characters inherit abilities from the last character used. A platform for the game isn't specifically mentioned in the application, but a diagram contained within seems to point to a portable system like the PSP.

It's all speculation and flowcharts at the moment, but take those home, throw them in a pot, add some broth and some spiky hair. Baby, you've got an RPG stew going.

JoystiqPatent application may hint at Tetsuya Nomura's next project originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>square-enixtesuya-nomuraTue, 29 Dec 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[SouthPeak bringing Blood Bowl to 360, PSP in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/southpeak-bringing-blood-bowl-to-360-psp-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/southpeak-bringing-blood-bowl-to-360-psp-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/29/southpeak-bringing-blood-bowl-to-360-psp-in-2010/#comments The spectrum of available games distribution is wider than ever before, but we're not sure we've ever seen this exact configuration. After previously appearing as a downloadable PC game, fantasy footballer Blood Bowl will come to Xbox 360 and PSP, with an additional retail version on PC, courtesy of SouthPeak. The Warhammer-inspired game will take the field in January on 360 and PC, followed by the PSP in the more nebulous "Spring."

Now's the time we turn the post over to your comments, and we can't wait to see what you have to say. We're sure someone has to be offended by this release constellation.

Gallery: Blood Bowl (360, PSP, PC)

JoystiqSouthPeak bringing Blood Bowl to 360, PSP in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-bowlcyanide-studiossouthpeakwarhammerTue, 29 Dec 2009 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Post-Christmas like Black Friday for iPhone devs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/post-christmas-like-black-friday-for-iphone-devs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/post-christmas-like-black-friday-for-iphone-devs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/post-christmas-like-black-friday-for-iphone-devs/#comments The week following Christmas is set to be the biggest ever in terms of iPhone gaming activity according to iPhone fan network PlayHaven and mobile ad exchange Mobclix. It makes sense: You've got a boatload of people with new iPhones and no sense of how to distinguish the bad games from the good. It's like a bunch of infants crawling around with loaded revolvers.

In a recent release, PlayHaven CEO Raymond Lau said "The week between Christmas and New Years has become the great 'Game Rush' for iPhone games - essentially what Black Friday is to brick and mortar retailers." The only real difference? A significant decrease in your odds of getting trampled by sleepy fat people.

JoystiqPost-Christmas like Black Friday for iPhone devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-fridayholidaze-2009salesMon, 28 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Telltale offering 25 percent off orders this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/telltale-offering-25-percent-off-orders-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/telltale-offering-25-percent-off-orders-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/telltale-offering-25-percent-off-orders-this-week/#comments You've unwrapped every package under the tree and the one special thing you wanted more than any other -- an episodic adventure game by Telltale -- was nowhere to be seen. Were all your letters to Santa for naught?

Thankfully, you can set right this terrible injustice at Telltale's online store, which is offering 25 percent off of everything this week. It won't restore your faith in magic, but it will keep a few extra bucks in your pocket and, really, isn't that what matters most of all?

[Via BigDownload]

JoystiqTelltale offering 25 percent off orders this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macsaletelltaletelltale-gamesMon, 28 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 kid goes over the line]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/xbox-360-kid-goes-over-the-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/xbox-360-kid-goes-over-the-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/xbox-360-kid-goes-over-the-line/#comments We love seeing videos like the one after the break, wherein a child expresses a joy that we'll spend most of our 30s and 40s fruitlessly trying to recapture. But, as this little boy receiving an Xbox 360 on Christmas morn demonstrates, it's possible to go too far.

See if you can pinpoint the exact moment his family switches from amusement to realizing that their child is going to spend a lifetime waging a crippling battle against mental illness.

[Via Gizmodo]

Continue reading Xbox 360 kid goes over the line

JoystiqXbox 360 kid goes over the line originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holidaze-2009videoxbox-360Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rocksteady: publishers fully backed Batman: Arkham Asylum delay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/rocksteady-publishers-fully-backed-batman-arkham-asylum-delay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/rocksteady-publishers-fully-backed-batman-arkham-asylum-delay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/rocksteady-publishers-fully-backed-batman-arkham-asylum-delay/#comments Boy, Rocksteady has WAY better bosses than we do. When we say we need two more months to finish a post, our higher-ups open a whole barrel of complaints: "There's no way it could take you that long to write a post," or, "It won't be anywhere near relevant anymore." We've heard them all. But when Rocksteady said it needed two more months for Batman: Arkham Asylum, pushing the release from June to August, it was apparently backed completely by the game's publishers, Eidos and Warner Bros.

Speaking with Kotaku, game director Sefton Hill said the secret is to have "confidence in the game" and "be able to show that [added] time is going to be well spent."

So, in closing, we'd like to tell AOL that we're confident the extra five months we're spending on that PS3 Slim rumor post you asked about will be well spent. Thank you.

JoystiqRocksteady: publishers fully backed Batman: Arkham Asylum delay originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-asylumdelayeidosrocksteadysefton-hillMon, 28 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone It In: A Christmas Santa]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/iphone-it-in-a-christmas-santa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/iphone-it-in-a-christmas-santa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/iphone-it-in-a-christmas-santa/#comments You're going to think I'm messing with you, that this is some sort of holiday gag, but I assure you that it is not: I can not remember ever being as addicted to a game as I was to A Christmas Santa. For a full calendar day it absolutely ruled my life, and then, just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone.

You think it's easy to type these words and admit that as you sit there all smug and judgmental? Well, it's not. But give me a chance to explain myself and I'm hopeful that you'll walk away -- if not convinced, perhaps just a bit more tolerant.

Gallery: A Christmas Santa (iPhone)

Continue reading iPhone It In: A Christmas Santa

JoystiqiPhone It In: A Christmas Santa originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-christmas-santablue-windcasualchristmasholidayiphone-it-inWed, 23 Dec 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TimeGate sues SouthPeak for alleged breaches in publishing agreement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/timegate-sues-southpeak-for-alleged-breaches-in-publishing-agree/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/timegate-sues-southpeak-for-alleged-breaches-in-publishing-agree/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/timegate-sues-southpeak-for-alleged-breaches-in-publishing-agree/#comments Chalk up another frustrated party accusing SouthPeak of wrongdoing. The company has been sued by Section 8 developer TimeGate, which alleges that the publisher has withheld royalty payments and entered into a PS3 licensing deal on the game with Russian company IC, an arrangement that TimeGate claims SouthPeak had no right to make.

In legal documents obtained by Joystiq, TimeGate also alleges that this SouthPeak T-shirt promotion was unauthorized, that the publisher had mislead TimeGate about sales figures and that the publisher has stated it should not have to adhere to TimeGate's original agreement, as it had been made with Gamecock, which SouthPeak purchased in late 2008. We've reached out to SouthPeak for comment.

If you prefer your language far more formal, the lawsuit puts it like this: "[SouthPeak] failed to provide a sufficient sales report, withheld royalty payments and did not adhere to the obligation to act in good faith and fair dealing when they established the sham transaction in order to deprive TimeGate of royalties despite the special relationship between the parties and being in a position of trust."

No specific amount is mentioned in the suit, with TimeGate asking only for "compensatory damages in an amount to be determined" following an independent audit of Section 8's sales.

JoystiqTimeGate sues SouthPeak for alleged breaches in publishing agreement originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breach-of-contractcopyright-infringementgamecocklawlawsuitsection-8southpeaktimegateWed, 23 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Podcast Holiday Funanza 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/joystiq-podcast-holiday-funanza-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/joystiq-podcast-holiday-funanza-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/joystiq-podcast-holiday-funanza-2009/#commentsFiled under:

Finally, the Holiday Funanza has arrived! We've got some wonderful music and a ton of your holiday memories to help put us into the giving spirit, all accompanied by Raymond Ocdol's humbug of a photoshop.

Get a warm drink and some warmer slippers, gather the family around and get ready to have your ass wassailed clean off.

Get the podcast:
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Hosts: Christopher Grant (@chrisgrant), Justin McElroy (@justinmcelroy) and Ludwig Kietzmann (@LudwigK)

Music: "Mothership Christmas" by Justin McElroy, Assorted Holiday Hits

For fans: Joystiq Podcast Facebook group

The Do It Line!: 1-(877)-JOYSTIQ

Continue reading Joystiq Podcast Holiday Funanza 2009

JoystiqJoystiq Podcast Holiday Funanza 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holidaze-09joystiq-podcastpodcastsWed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:00 ESTJoystiq Podcast Holiday Funanza 09Chris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann and Justin McElroy1:34:09podcasts<![CDATA[Absence from Take-Two report suggests NHL 2K series cancellation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/absence-from-take-two-report-suggests-nhl-2k-series-cancellation/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/absence-from-take-two-report-suggests-nhl-2k-series-cancellation/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/absence-from-take-two-report-suggests-nhl-2k-series-cancellation/#comments EA may have just gotten the exclusive on another sports league without paying a dime. On the most recent Take-Two earnings report, the next iteration of the NHL 2K series was conspicuously absent from a list of games slated for the rest of the company's fiscal year. The exclusion, noticed by Pastapadre, has lead some to surmise that the series has been canned, a fate that befell the College Hoops 2K series last year.

At the moment, 2K spokespeople are saying only "We are currently in the process of evaluating our sports portfolio and have not announced any new NHL titles at this time." We'll let you know what we hear.

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqAbsence from Take-Two report suggests NHL 2K series cancellation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportshockeynhl-2knhl-2k10nhl-2k11take-twoTue, 22 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed II DLC was cut from main game due to time constraints]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/assassins-creed-ii-dlc-was-cut-from-main-game-due-to-time-const/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/assassins-creed-ii-dlc-was-cut-from-main-game-due-to-time-const/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/assassins-creed-ii-dlc-was-cut-from-main-game-due-to-time-const/#comments Yes, forthcoming DLC packs, "The Battle of Forli" and "Bonfire of the Vanities," were originally intended to be included in the main Assassin's Creed II story. But, as the game's creative director Patrice Désilets told Kotaku, "I felt that, 'Okay, there were too many things to do and to finish.' So we said, 'Ok, let's take a portion of the game that was planned and we'll give it in DLC.'"

The candid Désilets went on to point out, "I think we gave them so much content that they cannot say that we owe them, that we didn't give them a lot for their 60 bucks." So, don't think of the missing chapters as something torn from your disc of Assassin's Creed II that you paid good money for. Think of it as dead content that's getting a rebirth thanks to the wonders of DLC.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed II DLC was cut from main game due to time constraints originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2battle-of-forlibonfire-of-the-vanitiesdlcpatrice-desiletsUbisoftubisoft-montrealTue, 22 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero VIP Pass is your waypoint for DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/guitar-hero-vip-pass-is-your-waypoint-for-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/guitar-hero-vip-pass-is-your-waypoint-for-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/guitar-hero-vip-pass-is-your-waypoint-for-dlc/#commentsIn the same way that Master Chief 'n friends have relegated their Xbox Live forces to Halo Waypoint, Neversoft has created a one-stop shop for all your Guitar Hero needs on the service. The "Guitar Hero VIP Pass" is now on the Xbox Live Marketplace, gathering all DLC for the music series into a centralized hub.

Sadly, unlike a real life VIP Pass, the DLC store does not carry with it the opportunity to get Joe Perry to sign your cleavage, though we can tell from your expression during the first half of this sentence that we all had very different experiences during the '80s.

[Via 360Sync]

JoystiqGuitar Hero VIP Pass is your waypoint for DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-vip-passneversoftxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceTue, 22 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest IX breaks shipment record in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/dragon-quest-ix-breaks-shipment-record-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/dragon-quest-ix-breaks-shipment-record-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/dragon-quest-ix-breaks-shipment-record-in-japan/#comments According to Square Enix, Dragon Quest IX has broken a shipment record in Japan, but we can't help but be underwhelmed by the figure (and not just because Square was hoping for 5 million). Unfortunately, Google Translate initially told us that the game had moved 415 million copies, rather than the 4.15 million it actually shipped. Sure, we guess 4.15 million is okay, but with 415 million, the jokes would have written themselves.

"There are only 127,704,000 people in your country! What, are you building forts out of the things?" See? There's a lot going on there. But let's not cry over spilled lulz -- 4.15 million is a great number and this is a time for celebration.

That said, if everybody over there wouldn't mind buying just 3.22 more copies of Dragon Quest IX, we'd be eternally grateful.

JoystiqDragon Quest IX breaks shipment record in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-ixjapanrpgsalessquare-enixTue, 22 Dec 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[More 'Spider' crawls onto iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/more-spider-crawls-onto-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/more-spider-crawls-onto-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/more-spider-crawls-onto-iphone/#comments If you haven't yet played Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor, you're missing out on one of the most enjoyable and highest rated iPhone games of 2009. The good news is that now is the perfect time to get stuck in its web of delight. The game's developer, Tiger Style, has just released a free Director's Cut update for the game that adds 10 new levels, 24 new achievements, new music and a level select feature.

If you're unconvinced by our word alone (scandal!) check out Spider: Hornet Smash, a just-released freebie that focuses on Spider's hornet tackling maneuver. The free game provides a good introduction to the mechanics of Spider, so you can see if the main game's worth your gaming dollar. Spoiler alert: It is.

Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor ($2.99): Spider: The Secret of Bryce Manor
Spider: Hornet Smash (Free): Spider: Hornet Smash

JoystiqMore 'Spider' crawls onto iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iphonespiderspider-secret-of-bryce-manortiger-styleMon, 21 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Podcast 121 - Nomenclature edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/joystiq-podcast-121-nomenclature-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/joystiq-podcast-121-nomenclature-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/joystiq-podcast-121-nomenclature-edition/#commentsFiled under:

It's our last show before the Holiday Funanza and, though we wanted to take it easy, a big list of VGA-announced games is demanding our attention. Plus, we're giving away codes for a God of War 3 demo and some The Beatles: Rock Band songs. You don't want to miss those, do you?

Thanks to Paul Taylor for his lovely Joystiq Podcast Forza 3 vinyl, the perfect way to pick up members of the opposite sex. And don't forget to join us early next week for our yule-themed show.

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Joystiq Podcast in iTunes
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Hosts: Christopher Grant (@chrisgrant), Justin McElroy (@justinmcelroy) and Ludwig Kietzmann (@LudwigK)

Music: "Gravity (Don't Let Me Go)" by Jon Black, "Let's Dance to Joy Division" by The Wombats

For fans: Joystiq Podcast Facebook group

The Do It Line!: 1-(877)-JOYSTIQ

See all of this week's links (and what games we played) after the jump.

Continue reading Joystiq Podcast 121 - Nomenclature edition

JoystiqJoystiq Podcast 121 - Nomenclature edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiq-podcastspodcastsFri, 18 Dec 2009 16:20:00 ESTJoystiq Podcast 121Chris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann and Justin McElroy1:55:45podcasts<![CDATA[Hands-on: Borderlands' Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/borderlands-mad-moxxis-underdome-riot-dlc-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/borderlands-mad-moxxis-underdome-riot-dlc-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/borderlands-mad-moxxis-underdome-riot-dlc-preview/#comments
Gearbox's Randy Pitchford made a pretty bold claim when he said that the new Borderlands DLC, "Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot," would comprise more than just new levels, but an entirely new mode as well. After an hour or so spent battling it out in Moxxi's tournament, we're happy to report that, though it doesn't feel like a brand new game, it provides a welcome shake-up of the main story's quest-based structure.

Read on to see if Mad Moxxi's going to be worth your ten bucks when it arrives on December 28 on Xbox 360 and January 7 on PS3.

Gallery: Borderlands: Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot

Continue reading Hands-on: Borderlands' Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot

JoystiqHands-on: Borderlands' Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlandsdlcgearboxgearbox-softwaremad-moxxis-underdome-riotpsnxblmxbox-liveFri, 18 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Two million travel to the Borderlands]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/two-million-travel-to-the-borderlands/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/two-million-travel-to-the-borderlands/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/two-million-travel-to-the-borderlands/#comments
 As 2009 drawns to a close, it seems that Borderlands is going to be one of the few real original IP success stories of the year. Gearbox's co-optimized first-person shooter has emerged from a pack of licensed games and sequels to sell two million units worldwide, according to Take-Two's most recent financial release.

Take-Two added that the game "has established itself as a key franchise for Take-Two, for which the Company has long-term publishing rights," so it seems as though two million of you will undertake a return trip in the coming years.

JoystiqTwo million travel to the Borderlands originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlandsgearboxtake-twoThu, 17 Dec 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Here are the first Kane & Lynch 2 screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/here-are-the-first-kane-and-lynch-2-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/here-are-the-first-kane-and-lynch-2-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/here-are-the-first-kane-and-lynch-2-screens/#comments Yesterday's debut trailer for Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days may have been high on style, but it wasn't so big on substance. Thankfully, reader AlexLK12 was able to massage the game's official site and come up with four screenshots that are just a bit more informative.

For instance, just look at the shot above. Why, already we know that the game has both Kane and Lynch in it. Also, there are guns.

Gallery: Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days

JoystiqHere are the first Kane & Lynch 2 screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidosio-interactivekane-and-lynchkane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysThu, 17 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Sims 3 gets Create a World tool]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/the-sims-3-gets-create-a-world-tool/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/the-sims-3-gets-create-a-world-tool/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/the-sims-3-gets-create-a-world-tool/#comments We can get on board with The Sims 3's people creation, but we have to admit to being a touch unnerved by the game's Create A World feature, which went into open beta today. We like watching an e-puppet that kind of but not really looks like our nosy next-door neighbor poop himself to death as much as the next blog, but entire worlds of human creation suitable for sharing with other Sims 3 players? Well, it sounds like witchcraft, pure and simple.

If you don't mind indulging in the Dark Arts, EA's got a full walkthrough of the new mode here. It's the quickest way to condemn your immortal soul to eternal torment for dabbling in forces you could not understand.

JoystiqThe Sims 3 gets Create a World tool originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacreate-a-worlddlceamaxisthe-sims-3Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[3 million Battlefield Heroes have been registered, new 'Sunset Showdown' map to celebrate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/3-million-battlefield-heroes-have-been-registered/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/3-million-battlefield-heroes-have-been-registered/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/3-million-battlefield-heroes-have-been-registered/#comments
click to admire the sunset
We can see calling yourself a hero if you jump into a burning building to save the mayor's newborn son. That's heroism. But what if you're just one in a group of 3 million, as is now the case with EA's free-to-play (but not necessarily free-to-be-good-at) shooter, Battlefield Heroes? Can you really still be a "hero" then? Aren't you just more of a brave dude? Actual hero or not, everyone will get to enjoy a brand new, single-control-point map, "Sunset Showdown," released to mark the occasion.

Semantics aside, we'll be interested to see if the game can continue to grow after the afore-linked-to pricing changes, or if this is the last peak before a downward slide, into sunset.

Gallery: Battlefield Heroes - Sunset Showdown map

Joystiq3 million Battlefield Heroes have been registered, new 'Sunset Showdown' map to celebrate originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-heroesdiceeaEA-DICEfree-to-playWed, 16 Dec 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 2 DLC detailed: fills in missing chapters, adds 'spring-jump']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/assassins-creed-2-dlc-detailed-fills-in-missing-chapters-adds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/assassins-creed-2-dlc-detailed-fills-in-missing-chapters-adds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/assassins-creed-2-dlc-detailed-fills-in-missing-chapters-adds/#commentsThough we had little more than names to go on before, Ubisoft let some details slip today about the two forthcoming chunks of Assassin's Creed 2 DLC, due at the end of January and end of February respectively. In "Battle of Forli" ($3.99), you'll defend Forli (surprise) from the Orsi brothers with the aid of Machiavelli and Caterina Sforza. With six new memories, the DLC will allow you to "accomplish a daring rescue and prevent the Piece of Eden from falling into the hands of the Templars." Also, the flying machine is back!

In "Bonfire of the Vanities" ($4.99), you and Machiavelli will free Florence from "the grip of the mad monk Savonarola" by offing his underlings in ten memories. There's also a new district of Florence, and a new move for Ezio: the spring-jump, as if his similarity to Luigi wasn't already striking enough.

As many have speculated, the two additions fill in the missing sequences (12 and 13) from the game, meaning the DLC is a great buy for people who love murder and people with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 2 DLC detailed: fills in missing chapters, adds 'spring-jump' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2battle-of-forlibonfire-of-the-vanitiesdlcpsnubisoftxbox-liveWed, 16 Dec 2009 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone Top Gun game takes highway to the postmortem]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/iphone-top-gun-game-takes-highway-to-the-postmortem/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/iphone-top-gun-game-takes-highway-to-the-postmortem/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/iphone-top-gun-game-takes-highway-to-the-postmortem/#comments
 Top Gun on iPhone is one of the device's many hidden treasures. Not only does it have cool, After Burner-esque gameplay, it's also got one of the best easter eggs of all time (as you can see above). Unsurprisingly, nailing the unintentional humor of the movie is one of the things that Freeverse designer Justin Ficarrotta says his team got right in a new postmortem published on Gamasutra.

The dev's top mistake? Using the wrong plane, or at least a different plane than the one fans were counting on. But again -- and we don't think we can stress this enough -- you get to play volleyball with the disembodied heads of Maverick and Ice Man. Doesn't that grant some sort of perma-forgiveness?

JoystiqiPhone Top Gun game takes highway to the postmortem originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 03:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freeversepostmortemtop-gunWed, 16 Dec 2009 03:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix wants to get down with the browser game market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/square-enix-wants-to-get-down-with-the-browser-game-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/square-enix-wants-to-get-down-with-the-browser-game-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/square-enix-wants-to-get-down-with-the-browser-game-market/#comments Square Enix sees you over there, browser-based social games. President Yoichi Wada sees you working that lower barrier to entry and typically lower development costs. He sees and ... well, to put it to you straight: He likey. In fact, he's been talking to his boys over at Develop about you, stuff like "I believe that these types of games are going to be spreading and growing dramatically" and "the potential size of the market is enormous." You don't need a dictionary to know he is down.

In fact, he's already got a team in Tokyo developing some games to help him break into you. That's a little aggressive for our style, but you gotta hand it to our boy: Wada is hungry like the wolf.

JoystiqSquare Enix wants to get down with the browser game market originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedcasualfacebooksquare-enixyoichi-wadaTue, 15 Dec 2009 17:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 PC mod tool news 'coming in the future']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/modern-warfare-2-bowling-teases/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/modern-warfare-2-bowling-teases/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/modern-warfare-2-bowling-teases/#comments After a string of disappointments, fans of Modern Warfare 2 on PC may be down, but a ray of hope has emerged on the horizon. Responding to a fan asking about mod tools for the game via his Twitter account, Infinity Ward spokesman Robert Bowling said, "there may be some Mod Tools news coming in the future, I'll pass it along once I have it."

We suppose this news could be something like, "We're never ever going to release mod tools ever, so please stop sending us hate mail smeared with Cheeto dust fingerprints," but that would be mean -- even for a company that lets us blow away civilians.

[Via Escapist]

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 PC mod tool news 'coming in the future' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2fourzerotwofpsinfinity-wardmodmodern-warfare-2modsrobert-bowlingtwitterTue, 15 Dec 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony considering monthly fees for PSN content, services]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/sony-considering-subscription-content-via-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/sony-considering-subscription-content-via-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/sony-considering-subscription-content-via-psn/#comments We know there's a temptation to freak out, but just stick with us until the second graph, okay? When asked by Nikkei Japan how the company managed the cost of maintaining the free PlayStation Network, Sony Computer Entertainment executive VP Masayuki Chatani highlighted the possibility of new revenue streams, saying, "In addition to single-payment packaged software, there are also schemes like monthly fees or per-item charges."

As GameIndustry.biz points out, Chatani could be talking about any number of different items and monthly-charged services delivered via PSN -- as was vaguely referenced in a presentation last month. Viewed together, the comments may seem troubling, but additional services don't necessarily equate to PSN itself becoming a subscription service. If Sony wanted to lose the biggest advantage of its online service just as the PS3 builds up a good head of steam, a funeral service might become more appropriate.

JoystiqSony considering monthly fees for PSN content, services originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Masayuki-chatanipsnsonysubscriptionTue, 15 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami cuts iPhone game prices for Tomena Sanner release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/konami-cuts-iphone-game-prices-for-tomena-sanner-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/konami-cuts-iphone-game-prices-for-tomena-sanner-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/konami-cuts-iphone-game-prices-for-tomena-sanner-release/#comments Much like the Joystiq staff when the DJ plays our jam, prices on Konami iPhone games have once more gotten low, this time to mark the release of utterly bizarre platformer Tomena Sanner. All Konami's games are value priced at 99 cents until January 4, 2010, when all the games will return to their usual prices. That included Tomena Sanner, which will run you $1.99. Konami spokesman Robert Santini warned us that future price drops aren't necessarily a sure thing: "This will not be something that will happen every time a new mobile title is announced," he said. "Konami just wanted to do it during the holiday season."

The list of bargain games (with iTunes links) includes: Dance Dance Revolution S+, Dance Dance Revolution S, Frogger, Metal Gear Solid Touch, Silent Hill: The Escape, Krazy Kart Racing, Power Pros Touch, Silent Scope, and Field Prowlers Police Rush!
Which, if any, will you be picking up?

JoystiqKonami cuts iPhone game prices for Tomena Sanner release originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealsholidaze-2009konamimetal-gear-solid-touchsaletomena-sannerTue, 15 Dec 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Science: Uncharted 2 is the best game of 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/science-uncharted-2-is-the-best-game-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/science-uncharted-2-is-the-best-game-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/science-uncharted-2-is-the-best-game-of-2009/#comments Who says so? Science says so. Just look at the numbers in this Metacritic round-up of the year's top games and it's pretty obvious that Uncharted 2 is the best. Also, according to math, the PS3 is better than the 360. This isn't us or even Metacritic saying it, people, these are innocent, irrefutable numbers.

In all seriousness, while Metacritic has collected some interesting, worthwhile data in its report, we're not sure what the point is in trying to pick the best system or game of 2009 just going by statistics. We've relied on numbers just to help us organize our annual Game of the Year selection, and even so, just look how much damage they were still capable of.

JoystiqScience: Uncharted 2 is the best game of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gotymetacriticround-upuncharted-2Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dante's Inferno producer hopes for sequel, despite challenges]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/dantes-inferno-producer-hopes-for-sequel-despite-challenges/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/dantes-inferno-producer-hopes-for-sequel-despite-challenges/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/dantes-inferno-producer-hopes-for-sequel-despite-challenges/#comments Would it be possible to use Dante Alighieri's spinning corpse in oil derricks, as as a sort of fleshy drill, or perhaps to power a large centrifuge? That might be a real opportunity if Dante's Inferno executive producer Jonathan Knight gets to make a follow-up to his forthcoming adaptation, a hope he elaborated on for G4.

There's a hitch though: While Knight knows that EA will want a sequel to the game if it performs well, he's not sure that the follow up in The Divine Comedy, Purgatorio, will lend itself as well to a game.

... So Visceral can turn one of the great literary works into a game about a scythe-wielding maniac fighting nipple-born monsters, but making a game about the seven-layer Mount of Purgatory that ends in Earthly Paradise is beyond it? Really?

JoystiqDante's Inferno producer hopes for sequel, despite challenges originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dantedantes-infernoeajonathan-knightsequelvisceral-gamesMon, 14 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spec Ops: The Line not dusting up until Nov. 2010 at earliest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/spec-ops-the-line-not-dusting-up-until-nov-2010-at-earliest/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/spec-ops-the-line-not-dusting-up-until-nov-2010-at-earliest/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/spec-ops-the-line-not-dusting-up-until-nov-2010-at-earliest/#comments Though the Bjork-filled trailer for Spec Ops: The Line may have left you eager to start shooting up a sandy Dubai, we have to recommend that you save at least some anticipation for late next year. According to publisher Take-Two, the Yager-developed shooter isn't due until the 2011 fiscal year, which kicks off on Nov. 1 of 2010.

Yes, it's a long way off, but don't get depressed! Your friends at Joystiq have a wonderful way of filling your quota for desert-based e-murder in the interim: 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand. With Game of the Year list time just around the corner, has there ever been a better moment to revisit the most points-laden diamond skull hunt of the year? We think not.

JoystiqSpec Ops: The Line not dusting up until Nov. 2010 at earliest originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesdubairelease-dateshooterspec-opsspec-ops-the-lineYAGERMon, 14 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix teases something 'stylish' for FFXIII]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/square-enix-teases-something-stylish-for-ffxiii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/square-enix-teases-something-stylish-for-ffxiii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/square-enix-teases-something-stylish-for-ffxiii/#comments As if the wait for Final Fantasy XIII wasn't already difficult enough, Square Enix's assistant PR director, Sonia Im, is making it even more torturous. On her Twitter account, Im teased "something cool most of you can participate in a few days from now" within a mysterious Square Enix memo. Im later added that the memo "eluded [sic] to something stylish." If you squint, the date in the memo seems to be December 17, which would coincide with a PSN update.

It's anybody's guess past that, but we're hoping for a totally magical Final Fantasy-themed fancy dress party for us and a few of our closest friends, set inside PlayStation Home. Can you even imagine?

That, or a demo like the one our Japanese friends already have. Either way.

Gallery: FINAL FANTASY XIII (12/14)


JoystiqSquare Enix teases something 'stylish' for FFXIII originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiiirpgsonia-imsquare-enixteasetwitterMon, 14 Dec 2009 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Recoil slows 'Earth No More' development for smaller projects]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/report-recoil-slows-earth-no-more-development-for-smaller-pro/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/report-recoil-slows-earth-no-more-development-for-smaller-pro/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/report-recoil-slows-earth-no-more-development-for-smaller-pro/#comments Thank heavens for Google Translate! Not only did it allow us to track our family genealogy and find our Cousin Balki -- who we then brought to America for a series of screwball adventures -- but it also taught us that Earth No More, a 3D Realms-published game being developed by the ex-Remedy staff at Recoil Games, has been put on hold. As near as we can tell from the translation of this eDome report, the studio is currently focusing on smaller, more manageable projects.

Balki says we should try to force them to release the game by ... well, it's a whole plan he's got, but it involves dancing with a goat and a poultice recipe his sister Yanna sent over from Mypos. Honestly, we should let him tell you. It's better with the accent.

JoystiqReport: Recoil slows 'Earth No More' development for smaller projects originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsdelaysearth-no-morerecoil-gamesMon, 14 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 pre-orderers get special weapons, parachutes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/just-cause-2-pre-orderers-get-special-weapons-parachutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/just-cause-2-pre-orderers-get-special-weapons-parachutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/just-cause-2-pre-orderers-get-special-weapons-parachutes/#comments It's not surprising that Just Cause 2, a game in which pretty much everything explodes, goes all out with its pre-order bonuses. More than just a simple gun or article of clothing, those who pre-order the game will nab two guns, a souped-up car, a special hovercraft and a unique parachute.

It'll be available on launch day (March 23), so we wouldn't be surprised if those non-pre-orders will be able to pay a little extra for the same perks. Just remember: You earned your Chaos Parachute, and no one can ever take that away from you.

JoystiqJust Cause 2 pre-orderers get special weapons, parachutes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>just-cause-2pre-ordersquare-enixThu, 10 Dec 2009 22:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Nyko Charge Base IC Hands-on/Butter Cookie Tutorial]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/nyko-charge-base-ic-hands-on-butter-cookie-tutorial/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/nyko-charge-base-ic-hands-on-butter-cookie-tutorial/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/nyko-charge-base-ic-hands-on-butter-cookie-tutorial/#commentsWhen the holidays roll around, the gamers who buy everything they want throughout the year might find themselves stymied asked for a wish list. Today, we put the Nyko Charge Base IC through its paces, and it looks like a great way to pad your list to Santa. The Wiimote charger uses induction, which not only alleviates the need to plug everything in, but -- as you'll see in the above video -- also looks really slick.

Also, to help justify this video's existence, we teach you how to make butter cookies.

JoystiqNyko Charge Base IC Hands-on/Butter Cookie Tutorial originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charge-base-ichands-onnykoperipheralswiimoteThu, 10 Dec 2009 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Aspyr lays off majority of staff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/report-aspyr-lays-off-majority-of-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/report-aspyr-lays-off-majority-of-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/report-aspyr-lays-off-majority-of-staff/#commentsIn what's apparently the latest game industry victim of a down economy, Big Download reports that, according to its sources, Austin, Texas-based publisher Aspyr has laid off more than 50 percent of its employees. Though you likely recognize the Aspyr name from its PC-to-Mac ports, the company recently published the Call of Duty Classic port on XBLA and PSN, as well as Fighting Fantasy and Treasure World on DS.

We've been in contact with Aspyr in attempt to clarify the situation over there. We'll keep you posted.

JoystiqReport: Aspyr lays off majority of staff originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aspyrcall-of-duty-classiclayoffsmacThu, 10 Dec 2009 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderland's Dr. Ned now available on PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/borderlands-dr-ned-now-available-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/borderlands-dr-ned-now-available-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/borderlands-dr-ned-now-available-on-pc/#comments Hey PC gamers, it's the holiday season, are you sure you want to read this post? Who wants to spend the yule upset that not only are they getting Borderlands DLC "The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned" two weeks after their console brethren but they actually have to pay for it, like a peasant? Wouldn't you rather just sip some eggnog and chill out, rather than focusing on the grave, $9.99 injustice launched into the world today on Steam and Gearbox's store?

No? Okay. But don't tell Baby JC that we didn't do anything to keep your Christmas spirit alive.

JoystiqBorderland's Dr. Ned now available on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandsdlcgearboxsteamzombie-island-of-dr-nedWed, 09 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST