The Joystiq Podcast

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[Starcraft 2 'in the final stretch,' beta this year 'unless something crazy happens']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/starcraft-2-in-the-final-stretch-beta-this-year-unless-somet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/starcraft-2-in-the-final-stretch-beta-this-year-unless-somet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/starcraft-2-in-the-final-stretch-beta-this-year-unless-somet/#commentsFiled under: PC, Strategy

The official forums for Starcraft II were recently alive with the hustle and bustle of curious Zergling enthusiasts when a member of the much-anticipated game's dev team dropped in to answer a few quick questions. Most of these dealt with gameplay intricacies, which he answered in explicit detail -- though when it came to the game's release and beta schedules, his responses were fairly ambiguous (much to the chagrin of the rabidly excited forumgoers).

To manage these unanswered queries, Starcraft II lead developer Dustin "Cavez" Browder began a new FAQ thread, in which two titilating timelines were referenced -- first, he explained that the beta will be opening in 2009 "unless something crazy happens." Second, while he couldn't give any set-in-stone answers regarding the game's launch date ("our target dates are not something we hit more than half the time," he explained), Browder teased that the dev team is "in the final stretch." Sounds like it's nearing completion -- could Starcraft II be Blizzard's promised "frontline release" for this year?

Starcraft 2 'in the final stretch,' beta this year 'unless something crazy happens' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betablizzardrelease-datestarcraft-2starcraft-iiThu, 19 Feb 2009 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Ensemble already 'looking into' Halo Wars DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/ensemble-already-looking-in-to-halo-wars-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/ensemble-already-looking-in-to-halo-wars-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/ensemble-already-looking-in-to-halo-wars-dlc/#commentsFiled under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Strategy

Even though Halo Wars has already gone gold, Ensemble Studios isn't sitting back twiddling its thumbs and drinking celebratory martinis. In fact, the developer is busy plotting post-launch plans and even kicking around the idea of Halo Wars DLC.

"We are committed to supporting the franchise," studio producer Jason Pace told Electricpig in a recent interview. Pace admitted that while the studio doesn't have definite plans, "additional downloadable content is something we're looking into." We just hope that Ensemble's studio closure doesn't factor into the DLC decision. And if we end up receiving additional Halo Wars content, our only requirements are that it be cheap, expansive, cheap, story driven and well ... cheap. Get our drift?

Ensemble already 'looking into' Halo Wars DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcensembleensemble-studioshalohalo-warsmicrosoftrtsstrategyWed, 28 Jan 2009 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See how Spore evolves with 'Galactic Adventures']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/see-how-spore-evolves-with-galactic-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/see-how-spore-evolves-with-galactic-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/see-how-spore-evolves-with-galactic-adventures/#commentsFiled under: Mac, PC, Strategy, Casual

It's universally agreed upon that the best bits of Spore are its creature creation and galactic endgame. It's really no surprise, then, that the first expansion for the game -- Spore Galactic Adventures -- seeks to produce a viable cross-breed of the two modes.

One of several Spore projects on tap for 2009, the expansion will give players the ability to design whole planets and build their own adventures, then share them via the same web-based mechanism as other game creations. Maxis has put together a "behind the scenes" look into the concept -- which, even if it doesn't address all of Spore's sore spots, will at least allow for planets that look like adult novelties.

See how Spore evolves with 'Galactic Adventures' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxiselectronic-artssporespore-galactic-adventuresvideoMon, 26 Jan 2009 21:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars goes gold, demo detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/halo-wars-goes-gold-demo-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/halo-wars-goes-gold-demo-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/halo-wars-goes-gold-demo-detailed/#commentsFiled under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Strategy

Click to embiggen.

Putting the finishing touches on Halo Wars must be bittersweet for its developers. The long-awaited RTS game for Xbox 360 has gone "gold" today, just a few days before Ensemble Studio shuts its doors at the end of the month.

In addition to announcing the game's gold status, Microsoft released further details on Halo Wars downloadables. A video documentary that goes behind the scenes of the game can be downloaded from Xbox Live today. (Also available after the break) The playable demo will be available on February 5th at 5AM EST (2AM PST).

The demo will include beginner and advanced tutorials and the first two campaign missions from the story mode. The demo will also include "Chasms," one of the 14 multiplayer maps included in the full game. Players will be able to battle against the computer AI in Skirmish mode, playing as either the UNSC or the Covenant. No online play was mentioned in the release.

Gallery: Halo Wars (XBL Demo)

Continue reading Halo Wars goes gold, demo detailed

Halo Wars goes gold, demo detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoensemble-studioshalohalo-warsFri, 23 Jan 2009 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Crystal Defenders prepare to protect XBLA, PSN, WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/crystal-defenders-prepare-to-protect-xbla-psn-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/crystal-defenders-prepare-to-protect-xbla-psn-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/crystal-defenders-prepare-to-protect-xbla-psn-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Strategy

Crystal Defenders, Square Enix's mobile and iPod* tower defense game, is ready to make the move to consoles. Japanese mag Famitsu reveals (via IGN) that the WiiWare version will be known as Crystal Defenders R1. Aside from the fact that it'll offer "Wi-Fi connection support," little else is known about the title.

Crystal Defenders R1 will be ready to protect the Wii in Japan on January 27 for 1,000 Wii Points. The XBLA and PSN versions, which will allegedly be updated forms of the original game, currently have no price nor release date. Check out a trailer of the mobile game here.

*Regular version costs $8, Lite version is free.

Crystal Defenders prepare to protect XBLA, PSN, WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-defenderscrystal-defenders-r1square-enixtower-defenseWed, 21 Jan 2009 12:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Alert 3 'Ultimate Edition' marches to PS3 in ... March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/red-alert-3-ultimate-edition-marches-to-ps3-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/red-alert-3-ultimate-edition-marches-to-ps3-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/red-alert-3-ultimate-edition-marches-to-ps3-in-march/#commentsFiled under: Sony PlayStation 3, Strategy

Electronic Arts has officially announced Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Ultimate Edition for PlayStation 3. The additional features setting this one -- due to arrive in March -- apart from the Xbox 360 and PC versions were revealed last week, when the title was listed for pre-order on the EA Store.

The only thing that we're a little curious about is this tidbit: "PlayStation 3 gamers will navigate ... via the Command Stick 2.0 interface." This is allegedly an "intuitive control system" designed for players of various skills. We've contacted EA to find out more and will update if we hear anything. Sounds like a fancy term for, "This RTS is playable on your controller, we promise!"

Update: EA answers our query after the break.

Continue reading Red Alert 3 'Ultimate Edition' marches to PS3 in ... March

Red Alert 3 'Ultimate Edition' marches to PS3 in ... March originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>command-and-conquereaelectronic-artsred-alert-3red-alert-3-ultimate-editionWed, 21 Jan 2009 09:06:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG in the Machine: Stronghold catapults onto service]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/gog-in-the-machine-stronghold-catapults-onto-service/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/gog-in-the-machine-stronghold-catapults-onto-service/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/gog-in-the-machine-stronghold-catapults-onto-service/#commentsFiled under: PC, Strategy

As much as we've been inspired by today's peaceful transfer of power, we've had a bellyful of it. Now, we've got a thirst for totally violent and brutal transfers of power, the sort which only Stronghold and Stronghold Crusader can deliver. Good Old Games has just added the first game to their service for $5.99, with Crusader coming soon for $9.99.

If you're unfamiliar, Stronghold is a strategy series focused on the taking of castles and fortresses. If you'd like to take a closer look before you buy, check out the video we've lovingly placed for you after the break.

Continue reading GOG in the Machine: Stronghold catapults onto service

GOG in the Machine: Stronghold catapults onto service originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gogTue, 20 Jan 2009 16:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Resistance is futile: Puzzle Quest Galactrix launches Flash demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/resistance-is-futile-puzzle-quest-galactrix-launches-flash-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/resistance-is-futile-puzzle-quest-galactrix-launches-flash-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/19/resistance-is-futile-puzzle-quest-galactrix-launches-flash-demo/#commentsFiled under: Nintendo DS, PC, Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Puzzle, RPGs, Simulations, Strategy

A Flash demo is available now for those looking to try Puzzle Quest's sci-fi follow-up, Galactrix. The rules may be slightly different (the no extra turn for 4-of-a-kind is a doozy), but be warned, star gazing gem shifters: the refined spice which made the fantasy realm of Puzzle Quest so addictive is still quite potent in this new form.

Galactrix is expected to arrive the relatively near future for Nintendo DS, PC, XBLA and PSN. The demo doesn't seem to take prisoners, so hit the enemy with lasers and use shields when opportunity allows.

[Via X3F, Evil Avatar]

Resistance is futile: Puzzle Quest Galactrix launches Flash demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d3-publishergalactrixinfinite-interactivepuzzle-questpuzzle-quest-galactrixMon, 19 Jan 2009 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Alert 3 'Ultimate Edition' coming to PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/red-alert-3-ultimate-edition-coming-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/red-alert-3-ultimate-edition-coming-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/red-alert-3-ultimate-edition-coming-to-ps3/#commentsFiled under: Sony PlayStation 3, Strategy

The EA Store now has a listing for Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Ultimate Edition for PS3. The publisher had previously announced that the PS3 version would utilize the "high-defness of Blu-ray" and now, comrades, we have a better idea of what that means.

The Ultimate Edition, which currently doesn't have a release date, features bloopers, new battleground maps, developer strategy videos and behind-the-scenes footage. The game's soundtrack will also be available, along with a "Unit Profiles video encyclopedia." The most titillating item on the disc is the "Girls of RA3" presented in full "HD Blu-ray with enhanced visuals." That's, like, twice the Blu-rays. Sadly, if the controls are anything like the Xbox 360 version, no amount of special videos will prevent you from begging for a keyboard and mouse.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

Red Alert 3 'Ultimate Edition' coming to PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>command-and-conquer-red-alert-3eared-alert-3red-alert-3-ultimate-editionsonyTue, 13 Jan 2009 18:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead or Alive's Valance joins Red Alert 3: Uprising camp]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/dead-or-alives-valance-joins-red-alert-3-uprising-camp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/dead-or-alives-valance-joins-red-alert-3-uprising-camp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/dead-or-alives-valance-joins-red-alert-3-uprising-camp/#commentsFiled under: PC, Strategy

Dead or Alive actress Holly Valance is trading in her sword (and vial of box office poison) for a pen and paper as journalist Brenda Snow in the recently announced Red Alert 3: Uprising. Valance will lend her live action camp to the upcoming expansion, which is earmarked for a digital-only release this March.

The Australian-born starlet describes her role in the game as "a camp, over-dramatised character," telling Eurogamer that "it was fun to go a little bit over the top." We're sure that's quite a change from DoA's Christie Allen. The four people who saw that movie tell us that she was the very picture of Hollywood grace.

Dead or Alive's Valance joins Red Alert 3: Uprising camp originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celectronic-artscommand-and-conquerdead-or-aliveeaexpansionjs-twitterred-alertred-alert-3red-alert-3-uprisingtecmoMon, 12 Jan 2009 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2 beta on Jan. 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/warhammer-40-000-dawn-of-war-2-beta-on-jan-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/warhammer-40-000-dawn-of-war-2-beta-on-jan-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/warhammer-40-000-dawn-of-war-2-beta-on-jan-21/#commentsFiled under: PC, Online, Simulations, Strategy

click for hugeness

Relic Entertainment's Mark Noseworthy has confirmed with Joystiq that the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2 closed beta will begin January 21st if you purchased the original Dawn of War expansion, Soulstorm. Procrastinators, take note: you'll be introduced into the public beta just a week later on January 28th. Or, break the cycle of lethargy and pick up the expansion in order to grab an early beta spot.

We got a closer look at Dawn of War 2 during CES, and fans of real-time strategy games will not be disappointed ... unless you don't own a PC (but c'mon, how could you be an RTS buff without owning a PC?). Dawn of War 2 will be a PC-only release with Games for Windows Live features like voice chat and Achievements.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2 beta on Jan. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadawn-of-wardawn-of-war-2games-for-windowsrelicrtswarhammerwarhammer-40000-dawn-of-war-iiMon, 12 Jan 2009 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Alert 3 expanding in March with 'Uprising']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/red-alert-3-expanding-in-march-with-uprising/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/red-alert-3-expanding-in-march-with-uprising/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/red-alert-3-expanding-in-march-with-uprising/#commentsFiled under: PC, Strategy

Don't count the filthy Reds out yet, as Electronic Arts has detailed Uprising, an upcoming expansion to Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3. The add-on will send players back to the front lines with a new single-player campaign, new units and a greater quantity of live-action cutscenes, just in case the original's love affair with camp left you wanting more.

Uprising will also include a new mode, dubbed 'Commander's Challenge', which will allow players to test their strategic skills across 50 different stages with different rules and conditions. However, while Red Alert 3 is available for the Xbox 360 and a PS3 version should arrive ... someday ... only those playing on computers will be able to come away with bragging rights. Uprising will be a PC exclusive when it is released as a digital download in March.

Red Alert 3 expanding in March with 'Uprising' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewscommand-and-conquereaelectronic-artsexpansionjs-twitterred-alertred-alert-3red-alert-3-uprisingThu, 08 Jan 2009 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Halo Wars demo coming to Xbox Live on Feb. 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/ces-2009-halo-wars-demo-coming-to-live-on-feb-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/ces-2009-halo-wars-demo-coming-to-live-on-feb-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/ces-2009-halo-wars-demo-coming-to-live-on-feb-5/#commentsFiled under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Strategy

Microsoft's entertainment and devices boss, Robbie Bach, revealed during the company's CES 2009 keynote that a demo of Ensemble Studios' Halo Wars will hit Xbox Live Marketplace on February 5th. Additionally, Bach announced a February 28th ship date for the full game, which fits nicely with what Microsoft had previously announced. If the demo is anything like most others -- i.e., the earliest parts of the game -- it will likely contain a lot of what we played just a couple of months back.

Gallery: Halo Wars

CES 2009: Halo Wars demo coming to Xbox Live on Feb. 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsces-2009demoensemble-studioshalo-warsjs-twittermicrosoftWed, 07 Jan 2009 22:38:00 EST<![CDATA[BigDownload previews PC titles for 2009 and beyond]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/bigdownload-previews-pc-titles-for-2009-and-beyond/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/bigdownload-previews-pc-titles-for-2009-and-beyond/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/bigdownload-previews-pc-titles-for-2009-and-beyond/#commentsFiled under: PC, Action, Adventure, Online, RPGs, Simulations, Strategy, MMO

BigDownload has been butting together an extensive preview of all the titles they hope will release in 2009. Granted, a fair chunk might get hit with the delay stick and be knocked out until 2010, but we're not about to get in the way of their PC gaming dreams (they hack stuff when they're angry).

The previews have been broken up into several sections below. This'll give you a great jump on your ~~pirating~~ holiday wish list for next year.

Source - Action-FPS Titles Part 1
Source - Action-FPS Titles Part 2
Source - Strategy-RTS Games
Source - RPG-MMO Games
Source - 2009 PC Game Preview: Other Games

BigDownload previews PC titles for 2009 and beyond originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-downloadpreviewWed, 31 Dec 2008 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Study suggests games do the aging brain good]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/study-suggests-games-do-the-aging-brain-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/study-suggests-games-do-the-aging-brain-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/study-suggests-games-do-the-aging-brain-good/#commentsFiled under: Culture, PC, Strategy

It turns out that massive, floating, Andross-esque visage we affectionately dub Brain Age bastard Dr. Kawashima might have been onto something. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (via Reuters) conducted a study with 40 adults in their 60s and 70s, divided into two groups with one playing Rise of Nations approximately 23 hours over the span of a month and the other playing nothing.

The results? Those who gamed reportedly showed improvements in cognitive tests for memory, reasoning and multi-tasking. Researchers caution against jumping to conclusions until further studies are conducted. May we suggest seeing what happens when they try to play Space Giraffe and Left 4 Dead?

Study suggests games do the aging brain good originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>researchrise-of-nationsstudySat, 20 Dec 2008 20:09:00 EST<![CDATA[PixelJunk Monsters invading PSP in 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/pixeljunk-monsters-invading-psp-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/pixeljunk-monsters-invading-psp-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/pixeljunk-monsters-invading-psp-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: Sony PSP, Strategy

The diabolically addictive PS3 tower defense game, PixelJunk Monsters, is officially headed to PSP next year (which, if you haven't checked your calendar, is pretty soon). Appearing on Spike TV's "The Next Great Game Gods" VGA tie-in special, Q Games founder, Dylan Cuthbert, confirmed - and very briefly showed - the game.

After a short show-and-tell of conceptual images for canned projects - which included skiing and fighting games - Cuthbert broke the news, saying that, "We got a lot of requests from fan mail and stuff saying they really wanted a PSP-native version [of PixelJunk Monsters]." But the game won't merely be the PSN title retooled for the small screen. "We thought, rather than just port it directly, let's add a bit more," Cuthbert teased. You can watch the full segment (Cuthbert appears about half-way through) after the break.

[Thanks, Chris]

Continue reading PixelJunk Monsters invading PSP in 2009

PixelJunk Monsters invading PSP in 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dylan-cuthbertpixeljunkpixeljunk-monsterspixeljunk-monsters-pspq-gamessceaFri, 19 Dec 2008 18:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard releases Starcraft 2 Battle Report]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/blizzard-releases-starcraft-2-battle-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/blizzard-releases-starcraft-2-battle-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/blizzard-releases-starcraft-2-battle-report/#commentsFiled under: Mac, PC, Strategy

Blizzard has released the first of what is to be a series of Starcraft 2 battle reports -- narrated videos of a match from the alpha version of the game. Here, we see associate game balance designers Matt Cooper and David Kim playing a 1-on-1 as Protoss and Terran, respectively, with commentary provided by lead designer Dustin Browder and e-Sports team member Robert Simpson.

The announcers are comically enthusiastic at times, especially when a particularly mobile Protoss probe manages to run circles around a marine. If that sounds like something you'd rather not hear or f you're trying to watch this at work, a transcript is available below the video so that you can follow along. The official Joystiq Crystal Ball[TM] is telling us that when SC2 is released (even it doesn't know when), the forums will light up with cries of unfair Marauder rushes.

Protip: HD version available on Big Download.

Blizzard releases Starcraft 2 Battle Report originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardprotossstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-iizergFri, 19 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTap Thursday: A Grimm Christmas Carol, Dawn of War: Gold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/gametap-thursday-a-grimm-christmas-carol-dawn-of-war-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/gametap-thursday-a-grimm-christmas-carol-dawn-of-war-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/gametap-thursday-a-grimm-christmas-carol-dawn-of-war-gold/#commentsFiled under: PC, Action, Online, Strategy

Grimm's second volume ends this week with the negative gnome's (dwarf?) take on A Christmas Carol. The good news is that, instead of the standard 24 hours of free play, the latest episode will be available to freeloaders from now until New Year's Eve.

Grimm: A Christmas Carol (Windows) - Scrooge vs. Grimm: FIGHT!
Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War: Gold (Windows) - The original Dawn of War, plus the (arguably) superior Winter Assault expansion. RTS fans owe it to themselves to play this.

GameTap adds King of Fighters 2003 to the free games list for one week. Check out the full gratis rundown after the break.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: A Grimm Christmas Carol, Dawn of War: Gold

GameTap Thursday: A Grimm Christmas Carol, Dawn of War: Gold originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dawn-of-wargametapgametapthursdaygrimmThu, 18 Dec 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tom Clancy's EndWar speaks up, patch and DLC tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/tom-clancys-endwar-speaks-up-patch-and-dlc-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/tom-clancys-endwar-speaks-up-patch-and-dlc-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/tom-clancys-endwar-speaks-up-patch-and-dlc-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Strategy

Ubisoft is deploying new downloadable content tomorrow for Tom Clancy's EndWar (via IGN). The Escalation Pack includes four new maps, three new unit upgrades, and 10 new Achievements and Trophies for Xbox Live and PS3, respectively. The pack will be 800

($9.99) and will be released simultaneously for both consoles.

Additionally, a free title update is also due out tomorrow (only for Xbox 360; the PS3 patch is expected sometime in 2009). Beyond the usual connectivity, leaderboard and bug fixes, the update will raise the maximum player cap from 4 to 8, making possible 4-on-4 games in both Skirmish and Theater of War modes.

Gallery: Tom Clancy's EndWar (Leipzig 2008)

Tom Clancy's EndWar speaks up, patch and DLC tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcend-warendwarendwar-dlctom-clancytom-clancys-endwarWed, 10 Dec 2008 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[New features for Pikmin, Mario Tennis Wii-makes revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/new-features-for-pikmin-mario-tennis-wii-makes-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/new-features-for-pikmin-mario-tennis-wii-makes-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/new-features-for-pikmin-mario-tennis-wii-makes-revealed/#commentsFiled under: Nintendo Wii, Sports, Strategy

When Nintendo announced that they'd be porting GameCube titles to the Wii with updated features, many responded with trepidation, fearing Nintendo was attempting to fix things that were far from broken. Japan will see if these fears are merited as the first of these Wii-makes hits store shelves tomorrow in the form of Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, but Famitsu recently dropped some details about changes in two titles that might be more successful in tickling your fancy -- Pikmin and Mario Power Tennis.

Famitsu reveals that Nintendo's floral take on Lemmings (which is dropping in Japan on Christmas) will feature a new save system that stores day-to-day records of your play time. Whenever you boot up Pikmin, you can continue your game by jumping back into any day of your choosing. Unsurprisingly, a new feature revealed for Mario Power Tennis is a renovated, Wii Sports Tennis-esque control scheme -- though the new title will be compatible with the Nunchuck, likely giving you control over your character's movements on the court. Japanese racqueteers can pick up Mario Power Tennis on January 15.

New features for Pikmin, Mario Tennis Wii-makes revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-power-tennisnintendopikminplay-for-wiiWed, 10 Dec 2008 14:20:00 EST