The Joystiq Podcast http://www.joystiq.com This is the Joystiq podcast http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/Joystiq_podcast_cover.png 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/The Joystiq FancastJoystiqAnd it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from the Internet that all the ears should be rocked with video game podcasts. And all went to be rocked, every one into his own iTunes account. And Chris Grant also went up unto the city to be taxed with Ludwig Kietzmann, his espoused co-host, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there he should be delivered. And he brought forth their firstborn podcast, and wrapped it in swaddling jokes, and laid it in a Zune; because there was no room for them in the iPod. And there were in the same country gamers abiding in the field, keeping watch over their ... games by night. And, lo, the angel who was named Justin McElroy came upon them, and the glory of video games shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day a savior, which is the Joystiq Podcast."<![CDATA[Joystiq Review: Watchmen: The End Is Nigh]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/joystiq-review-watchmen-the-end-is-nigh/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/joystiq-review-watchmen-the-end-is-nigh/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/joystiq-review-watchmen-the-end-is-nigh/#commentsFiled under:


Before we get to the review in earnest, I'd like to address the die-hard Watchmen fans, the ones who fall asleep with their nose in the book every night and who are positive that the upcoming film will be incapable of capturing the book's dark yet occasionally cheerful nihilism. Watchmen: The End Is Nigh is everything you fear from an adaptation, and anyone who tells you differently is not and has never been your friend. Run far, far away.

... OK, with those nerdlingers gone, let's talk about Watchmen: TEIN's merits as a game, shall we?

Gallery: Watchmen: The End is Nigh

Continue reading Joystiq Review: Watchmen: The End Is Nigh

JoystiqJoystiq Review: Watchmen: The End Is Nigh originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>psnwarner-broswatchmenwatchmen-the-end-is-nighxblaWed, 04 Mar 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Review: Tomb Raider Underworld: Beneath the Ashes (DLC)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/joystiq-review-tomb-raider-underworld-beneath-the-ashes-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/joystiq-review-tomb-raider-underworld-beneath-the-ashes-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/joystiq-review-tomb-raider-underworld-beneath-the-ashes-dlc/#commentsFiled under:

Sometimes, I worry about Lara Croft. Sure, the bloody vendetta against endangered animals and that egregious contempt for ancient pots were both neon-lit warning signs, but the writing on the walls has never been so clearly etched as on those found in her latest raid-worthy tomb. It's not the fact that she's willing to clamber, crawl and cartwheel through the decrepit crypt, her collapsed mansion as its gravestone, that makes me fret about her mental health. It's that she's willing to do it all in a camo bikini.

Unsurprisingly, the gaudy garment, no doubt picked up at a tacky souvenir shop on Normandy Beach, represents the more adolescent additions offered by Tomb Raider Underworld's first DLC episode, Beneath the Ashes. The rest of it -- a large, unexplored environment, a new enemy and some fresh puzzles -- should appeal to those who see beyond Lara's figure and appreciate a game of clockwork exploration and platforming.

Continue reading Joystiq Review: Tomb Raider Underworld: Beneath the Ashes (DLC)

JoystiqJoystiq Review: Tomb Raider Underworld: Beneath the Ashes (DLC) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Beneath-the-AshesCrystal-DynamicsDLCEidosTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-UnderworldTomb-Raider-Underworld-DLCTue, 24 Feb 2009 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Review: 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/joystiq-review-50-cent-blood-on-the-sand/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/joystiq-review-50-cent-blood-on-the-sand/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/joystiq-review-50-cent-blood-on-the-sand/#commentsFiled under:


The very best games, the pinnacle of any media, really, are those with an ability to teach us something, however slight, about ourselves. This highest of compliments can be paid to 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand. For Fiddy has taught me exactly how much I'm willing to forgive if a game has solid controls, great structure and a few really good ideas.

Gallery: 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand

Continue reading Joystiq Review: 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand

JoystiqJoystiq Review: 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>50-cent-blood-on-the-sandswordfishthqTue, 24 Feb 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Review: Halo Wars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/joystiq-review-halo-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/joystiq-review-halo-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/joystiq-review-halo-wars/#commentsFiled under:


click to enlarge
Halo Wars is a loaded game. For one, it's the first Halo title developed outside of Bungie, and you can bet Microsoft doesn't want anyone killing its golden goose. Furthermore, the developers have touted the control scheme since the game was first announced, allowing myself and others to hope that it might, just might, do for console RTS games what Halo did for console FPS games. And then, of course, it's the last game from Ensemble Studios ... ever. That's a lot to live up to.

Gallery: Halo Wars (2/20/2009)

Continue reading Joystiq Review: Halo Wars

JoystiqJoystiq Review: Halo Wars originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studiosensembleensemble-studioshalohalo-warsmgsmicrosoft-game-studiosFri, 20 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Review: Street Fighter IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/joystiq-review-street-fighter-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/joystiq-review-street-fighter-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/joystiq-review-street-fighter-iv/#commentsFiled under:


Nearly two decades have passed since Street Fighter II flooded arcades. Having grown up with the franchise, like other children of the '90s, my heart holds a special place for Capcom's premier fighting franchise.

When Street Fighter IV was first announced, an immediate excitement washed over me, which then quickly turned into panic. Melding the perfected 2D gameplay with ... 3D!? Blasphemy! I've never been the petitioning sort, but the laundry list of changes coming to the franchise nearly had me storming the Capcom (and co-developer DIMPS) offices.

Fortunately, my laziness -- and inability to secure fake passports -- paid off and an invasion was not required. After sinking time into both console versions of Street Fighter IV, it is clear and easy to admit: Capcom has delivered.

Gallery: Street Fighter IV

Continue reading Joystiq Review: Street Fighter IV

JoystiqJoystiq Review: Street Fighter IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomsfivstreet-fighter-ivWed, 18 Feb 2009 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Review: GTA IV's 'The Lost & Damned' (DLC)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/joystiq-review-gta-ivs-the-lost-and-damned-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/joystiq-review-gta-ivs-the-lost-and-damned-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/joystiq-review-gta-ivs-the-lost-and-damned-dlc/#commentsFiled under:


Rockstar's ambitious Grand Theft Auto IV downloadable expansion, The Lost and Damned, tells a new tale in Liberty City, focusing on the vice president of The Lost Motorcycle Club, John Klebitz. Fans of the GTA series need no introduction to the content within this episode and will likely relish the opportunity to fulfill more of the series' staple quests. For those of you who couldn't care less about the franchise, however, know that Rockstar has set a wonderful precedent for the quality and size of a DLC offering with The Lost and Damned. It's practically a game within a game.

Now, here's the part where you make your choice: "Continue" on to read our full review or jump to our video review below and give your reading eyes a rest. [And don't forget to enter for your chance to win The Lost and Damned right here!]

Continue reading Joystiq Review: GTA IV's 'The Lost & Damned' (DLC)

JoystiqJoystiq Review: GTA IV's 'The Lost & Damned' (DLC) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCgrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivgta-iv-dlcgtaivrockstarthe-lost-and-damnedWed, 18 Feb 2009 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Review: Retro Game Challenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/joystiq-review-retro-game-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/joystiq-review-retro-game-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/joystiq-review-retro-game-challenge/#commentsFiled under:


Adult gamers, I think, often get a bum rap as modern-day Peter Pans, using their hobby to try to cling to their youth. We all know better, of course. We know that interactive entertainment has gone far beyond its heritage as a toy to become its very own, often very mature type of media. But know this: When you pick up a copy of Retro Game Challenge on the DS, vicarious childhood is exactly what you're signing up for.

Gallery: Game Center CX: Arino's Challenge

Continue reading Joystiq Review: Retro Game Challenge

JoystiqJoystiq Review: Retro Game Challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>retro-game-challengeWed, 11 Feb 2009 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone It In: Silent Hill: The Escape]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/iphone-it-in-silent-hill-the-escape/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/iphone-it-in-silent-hill-the-escape/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/iphone-it-in-silent-hill-the-escape/#commentsFiled under: ,


Hey, welcome to our brand new iPhone feature, "iPhone It In." We're going to start off with a discussion of a new iPhone game, but stick around afterward to see how you can win a super-sexy, Joystiq-branded iPhone case from our friends at Element! [Update: Congrats to Baby Sea Tuna, a winner is you!]

Let's give credit where it's due: As a proof of concept, Silent Hill: The Escape works. If someone at Konami wanted to prove that they could create a creepy atmosphere that boasted the series' trademark look and sound on a phone, they should consider this a success.

Gallery: Silent Hill: The Escape (iPhone)

Continue reading iPhone It In: Silent Hill: The Escape

JoystiqiPhone It In: Silent Hill: The Escape originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iphoneiphone-it-injoyswagkonamisilent-hill-the-escapeMon, 09 Feb 2009 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Review: Loco Roco 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/joystiq-review-loco-roco-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/joystiq-review-loco-roco-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/joystiq-review-loco-roco-2/#commentsFiled under:


Loco Roco 2 has a lot to live up to. Announced last June, we didn't see anything from the game until Tokyo Game Show in October. As a result, there's been no slow drip-feeding of information, which means the only expectations we had were based on the original. Thankfully, this sequel makes its predecessor look like a prototype.

If you're expecting gameplay that differs dramatically from the original you're probably in for a shock. Instead, Loco Roco 2 expands on the gameplay of the first in almost every direction, with a large variety of minigames and new gameplay features. The graphics have largely remained unchanged, but the world is now much larger, with plenty more stuff to do, see and collect in each level.

Environments are now more varied with many more types of enemies and friends to interact with. Controls haven't changed either -- the L and R shoulder buttons still tilt the world, while pressing them simultaneously will make your Loco Roco jump. Simplicity at its best.

Gallery: LocoRoco 2

Continue reading Joystiq Review: Loco Roco 2

JoystiqJoystiq Review: Loco Roco 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>loco-roco-2Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Review: Killzone 2 (single player)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/joystiq-review-killzone-2-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/joystiq-review-killzone-2-single-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/joystiq-review-killzone-2-single-player/#commentsFiled under:


Killzone 2 doesn't come with a gimmick. It couldn't be easier on the eyes, but if you're looking for something outside of aesthetics that quickly sets it apart from the bevy of other first-person shooters on the market, you're not going to find it.

In its first few hours, in terms of weapons, enemies and narrative, Killzone 2 designer Guerilla Games seems as if it's constantly making the most generic choice possible, and honestly, it was enough to put me off at first. Nearly every Helghast is the same perambulating black blob with red eyes and every weapon feels like something you've played with before.

But, as I would discover in the following hours, what it lacks in bionic arms and guns that shoot portals, Killzone 2 makes up for with expertly refined shooting action that's likely to shame most of the genre's titles you'll put in your console this year.

Gallery: Killzone 2

Continue reading Joystiq Review: Killzone 2 (single player)

JoystiqJoystiq Review: Killzone 2 (single player) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsguerilla-gameskillzone-2Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq review: Fallout 3's Operation: Anchorage (DLC)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/joystiq-review-fallout-3s-operation-anchorage-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/joystiq-review-fallout-3s-operation-anchorage-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/joystiq-review-fallout-3s-operation-anchorage-dlc/#commentsFiled under:


For the uninitiated, Operation: Anchorage sees players on a VR mission to infiltrate an Alaskan military installation, with a heavier emphasis on being stealthy than the main game. Yes, what we've just described could very well be the premise of the original Metal Gear Solid, but this is Fallout 3, right? Well, not exactly as you know it.

Operation: Anchorage is a 4-5 hour campaign (we got through it a bit quicker) that calls the game's FPS element into play more than we'd anticipated. In fact, the scenario is a linear one in the vein of Call of Duty and is very focused on action. Sure, the trademark V.A.T.S. targeting system is still present, but, most of the time, we found ourselves playing in a purely run-and-gun mindset. Still, there's a depth of story and uncanny attention to detail that very much manages to keep this DLC rooted in the Fallout universe.

Continue reading Joystiq review: Fallout 3's Operation: Anchorage (DLC)

JoystiqJoystiq review: Fallout 3's Operation: Anchorage (DLC) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaDLCfallout-3fallout-3-dlcfallout-3-operation-anchoragezenimaxThu, 29 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq review: Fable 2's Knothole Island (DLC)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/joystiq-review-fable-2s-knothole-island-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/joystiq-review-fable-2s-knothole-island-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/joystiq-review-fable-2s-knothole-island-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


There's a man waiting for you at the Bowerstone docks. He's eager to stick you into his aquatic taxi and drop you off on the shores of Knothole Island. Like most helpful RPG citizens, he's been roped into a fetch quest: Find a hero and bring him or her back to the island community, which currently finds itself immobilized by frigid weather. At least, that's what you gather from the chief's note, gracelessly read to you word for word. Whether intentional or not, the sequence works as a cheeky parody of the add-on's Xbox Live Marketplace description.

Is it worth the $10 asking price? Well, the truth is that your feelings on the main game will have already pushed you to the brink of a decision, and you just want us to push you that little bit further. We can tell you that everything you love (or loathe) about Fable 2 is on Knothole Island: the unwaveringly witty writing; the real estate opportunities; the charming townsfolk; and treasure. Oh, the treasure.

Gallery: Fable 2: Knothole Island (DLC)

Continue reading Joystiq review: Fable 2's Knothole Island (DLC)

JoystiqJoystiq review: Fable 2's Knothole Island (DLC) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCFable-2Knothole-IslandLionheadLionhead-StudiosWed, 14 Jan 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Review: Left 4 Dead 1 Week Later]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/joystiq-review-left-4-dead-1-week-later/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/joystiq-review-left-4-dead-1-week-later/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/joystiq-review-left-4-dead-1-week-later/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We were going to pound out a review for Left 4 Dead to coincide with its release, but it seemed wrong somehow. It seemed that to really "get" L4D, you'd want it in optimal conditions: A group of friends, an hour to kill, and a serious vendetta against the undead. While we're still trying to work up that last one (they're victims too!) we can confirm that if you've got the friends and time you absolutely shouldn't miss this.

You know the basic premise, right? You and three other survivors are the last vestiges of humanity in the zombie apocalypse. You must battle the undead, escape to safety and try to figure out how repopulating Earth with three dudes and one lady won't be awkward.

Gallery: Left 4 Dead

Continue reading Joystiq Review: Left 4 Dead 1 Week Later

JoystiqJoystiq Review: Left 4 Dead 1 Week Later originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>left-4-deadreviewsvalveTue, 25 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Eidos UK blocks Tomb Raider Underworld reviews below 8/10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/eidos-uk-blocks-tomb-raider-underworld-reviews-below-8-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/eidos-uk-blocks-tomb-raider-underworld-reviews-below-8-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/eidos-uk-blocks-tomb-raider-underworld-reviews-below-8-10/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Reps from the UK PR firm for Eidos have confirmed that they're asking publications not to release any reviews for Tomb Raider: Underworld below an 8/10 until Monday. The firm says they're doing so at the request of Eidos, which is trying to manage the scores for as long as it can. The game is currently sporting a 78 on Metacritic.

Really Eidos? Really? You didn't lose enough goodwill being blamed for getting the world's most popular video games journalist fired and bringing a respected games portal to its knees? (Yes, we know you denied any involvement. This sort of thing certainly makes that seem credible.) You thought maybe journalists would keep this quiet because you were buds? Because they were worried about not getting advance copies of Just Cause 2?

Note to Eidos: Stop being evil. That is all.

[Update: The head of Barrington Harvey, the UK PR firm, is playing defense, with director Simon Byron saying, "Any site, be it Gamespot or whoever, is entirely within their rights to post whatever score they want and no-one is under any sort of obligation to delay any review." It should be noted that "being obligated to" and "being asked to under penalty of being blacklisted" are two very different things. Not that we think that happened, of course.]

JoystiqEidos UK blocks Tomb Raider Underworld reviews below 8/10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidosreviewstomb-raider-underworldFri, 21 Nov 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq review -- Mirror's Edge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/joystiq-review-mirrors-edge/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/joystiq-review-mirrors-edge/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/joystiq-review-mirrors-edge/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Before they had even laid hands on Mirror's Edge, a lot of journalists were ready to give EA and DICE the 2008 Brave Choice Award[TM] for taking the risk of crafting a AAA title in a completely new genre. And let's make no mistake, that's exactly what this is: Bold, fresh game design that feels like nothing you've touched before.

But we'd be remiss to forget there's also an act of faith required on the part of you, the player. You have to open yourself up to Mirror's Edge, to avoid playing it like a first-person shooter. You have to trust that if you take the time and the effort to learn this new genre, you'll receive something out of it that you couldn't have found anywhere else.

After finishing the 360 version of Mirror's Edge, I'm happy to report that those who can take that leap will find their trust rewarded.

Gallery: Mirror's Edge

Continue reading Joystiq review -- Mirror's Edge

JoystiqJoystiq review -- Mirror's Edge originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diceeaelectronic-artsjoystiqfeaturesjs-twittermirrors-edgereviewreviewsTue, 11 Nov 2008 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq's Real Time Review: Resistance 2 [Day Two]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/04/joystiqs-real-time-review-resistance-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/04/joystiqs-real-time-review-resistance-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/04/joystiqs-real-time-review-resistance-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,


So, here we are again for the second day of our Real Time Review of Resistance 2. I hope you all got plenty of sleep and are jonesing for more off-the-cuff observations on the PS3 shooter. Again, if you have any questions or anything you'd like to see addressed, please don't hesitate to ask in the comments.

Read up if you missed yesterday's action and I'll start updating at the end of the post in a few.

[Update: Ask and you shall receive Chase: Watch me play Resistance 2 LIVE, if, for some reason, you want to.]

Continue reading Joystiq's Real Time Review: Resistance 2 [Day Two]

JoystiqJoystiq's Real Time Review: Resistance 2 [Day Two] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>insomniacreal-time-reviewresistance-2reviewsTue, 04 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq review: Fallout 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/joystiq-review-fallout-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/joystiq-review-fallout-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/joystiq-review-fallout-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


As an Oblivion fan, I was ready for Fallout 3 to completely blow me out of the irradiated water. I had the shiny "Game of the Year" trophy all polished and ready, and all I was waiting for was a couple of hours of play time before I made the trip to the engravers.

Before I talk about those hours though, let me tell you fellow Oblivion fans what you need to hear: All the good stuff is here. There's still a giant world to explore, with tons of diversions if you don't mind chasing them down. It may not be as pretty as Tamriel, but it's a lot more dense, teeming with treasures to dig up and people to meet/kill.

You still have countless different ways to customize your character, who could be anything from an evil medical genius who's got a way with rocket launchers to an angelic scientist that can decapitate a mutant with a single hammer swing.

Those battles feel surprisingly satisfying too, thanks to the addition of Fallout's V.A.T.S. system which lets you stop time and to choose which body parts to target, usually resulting in a decapitation or ... de-arm-itation. Each shot uses a number of action points, and you have to wait for them to refill before you can get any more aiming assistance. It works so well that I hope something similar is implemented in the next Elder Scrolls title.

Gallery: Fallout 3

Continue reading Joystiq review: Fallout 3

JoystiqJoystiq review: Fallout 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaelder-scrollsfalloutfallout-3joystiqfeaturesjs-twitteroblivionreviewsTue, 28 Oct 2008 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview -- The Force Unleashed (360, PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/metareview-the-force-unleashed-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/metareview-the-force-unleashed-360-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/metareview-the-force-unleashed-360-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The reviews are in for The Force Unleashed, and though the title promises unparalleled Force-based action, it seems that most of the praise being heaped on the game is for its story and how well it nails Lucas' universe.

That doesn't mean that the Force is wrong with this one, though (we've been waiting for months to use that). The consensus is that throwing wookies about like Congenital Generalized Hypertrichosis-stricken Ken dolls is a never-ending font of fun.
  • Eurogamer (70/100): "It gets an extra point, then, from this Star Wars obsessive for the story and the mostly magnificent recreation of the universe. As a fan you will want to experience what The Force Unleashed has to offer. It's just a shame that while there are occasional moments of brilliance when everything falls into place, they're not quite enough to back up the game's delusions of grandeur."
  • Game Informer (88/100): "The Force Unleashed isn't the ultimate Star Wars game - KOTOR is still king in my book. But, as advertised, it amplifies this mystical power in new ways to delivers exciting gameplay and unforgettable Star Wars moments. It'll leave you wanting more, but take my word for it, it's worth playing just to see Vader Force-throw wookiees."
  • Giant Bomb (60/100): "Overall, the story is the main thing that I'll remember about The Force Unleashed--I found it to be more satisfying than the last three movies combined. ... That said, it's unfortunate that the game isn't a bit more even, because the constant flips from too easy to too hard really drag things down and prevent The Force Unleashed from being great. But even with its lengthy list of caveats, The Force Unleashed is still one of the best Star Wars games to be released in quite some time."
  • 1UP (C):"A more appropriate name would've been Star Wars: The Force Mildly Contained -- rarely does the Force truly feel like the ultimate weapon, something that separates you (Darth Vader's not-so-secret apprentice) from the rabble of stormtroopers, Rodians, and Felucians."

JoystiqMetareview -- The Force Unleashed (360, PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>force-unleashedlucasartsmetareviewmetareviewsTue, 16 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq sticks-on: Final thoughts on the ION Drum Rocker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/joystiq-sticks-on-final-thoughts-on-the-ion-drum-rocker/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/joystiq-sticks-on-final-thoughts-on-the-ion-drum-rocker/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/joystiq-sticks-on-final-thoughts-on-the-ion-drum-rocker/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Since our initial impressions, we've had a few weeks to get used to the ION Drum Rocker set (a variant of the Alesis DM5 Pro set -- pedal, cymbals, pads/hardware). More importantly, we've had a few days to play on it with Rock Band 2. Is it worth the $300 cost of entry? Read on for our final thoughts.

Gallery: ION Drum Rocker: Unboxing, Set Up and Impressions

Continue reading Joystiq sticks-on: Final thoughts on the ION Drum Rocker

JoystiqJoystiq sticks-on: Final thoughts on the ION Drum Rocker originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>impressionsionion-drum-rockerjoystiqfeaturesrock-bandrock-band-2Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Off the Grid reviews Power Grid]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/off-the-grid-reviews-power-grid/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/off-the-grid-reviews-power-grid/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/off-the-grid-reviews-power-grid/#commentsFiled under: ,


Every other week Scott Jon Siegel contributes Off the Grid, a column about card games, board games, and everything else non-digital.

In real life, scarcity isn't fun. Scarcity is the rising price of gas, or the difficulty of finding a job. In a game, however, scarcity can be incredibly compelling, and make for a very unique play experience. Enter Power Grid, a board game by German designer Friedemann Friese which uses scarcity at every level of its design to produce one helluva strategy title.

The player's task in the game is to power as much of the country as possible (United States on one side of the board, or alternatively Germany on the other). As heads of various power companies (think Montgomery Burns or whoever runs PG&E), your tasks are to buy power plants, purchase resources, and allocate those resources to control as many houses in as many cities as possible. Money's not the deciding factor here; players will be judged and ranked solely on the amount of power they're pushing.

Continue reading Off the Grid reviews Power Grid

JoystiqOff the Grid reviews Power Grid originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>off-the-gridoffthegridpower-gridThu, 19 Jun 2008 21:30:00 EST