Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogobig.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Dust: An Elysian Tail scampers onto Steam May 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/dust-an-elysian-tail-scampers-onto-steam-may-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/dust-an-elysian-tail-scampers-onto-steam-may-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/dust-an-elysian-tail-scampers-onto-steam-may-24/#comments Next week marks the Steam debut of Humble Heart's XBLA darling, Dust: An Elysian Tail. Dean Dodrill, animator and creator of Dust, took to Twitter to announce the May 24 launch date; though there is currently no Steam product page.

Dust: An Elysian Tail is a 2D action platformer in the vein of Metroid and Castlevania, featuring beautiful hand-drawn sprites throughout. Aside from being visually appealing, it's also a delight - a game our review said "doesn't do much to innovate the platform-adventure sub-genre, but it does manage to look and play beautifully throughout, and sometimes that's enough."

JoystiqDust: An Elysian Tail scampers onto Steam May 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dean-dodrilldust-an-elysian-tailhumble-heartpcsteamSat, 18 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 'Robotic Boogaloo' update tangos with Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/team-fortress-2-robotic-boogaloo-update-tangos-with-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/team-fortress-2-robotic-boogaloo-update-tangos-with-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/team-fortress-2-robotic-boogaloo-update-tangos-with-steam/#comments
The first community-created updated for Team Fortress 2 has rolled out: 'Robotic Boogaloo.' Continuing the robot theme of previous Team Fortress 2 updates, Robotic Boogaloo adds 57 new artisanal hats, helmets, bonnets, turbans, crowns, toppers and other headgear - all created by the community.

Robotic Boogaloo isn't all hats but, naturally, it's mostly hats. Each new Team Fortress 2 item can be found within RoboCrates - rare drops after June 3 - that can be opened with a key from the Mann Co. store, each costing $2.50. The revenue from these items will then be shared amongst all creators responsible for Robotic Boogaloo content.

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 'Robotic Boogaloo' update tangos with Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitymacpcrobotic-boogaloosteamTeam-Fortress-2updatevalveFri, 17 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Greenberg teases Xbox reveal, says E3 is 'all about the games']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/greenberg-teases-xbox-reveal-says-e3-is-all-about-the-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/greenberg-teases-xbox-reveal-says-e3-is-all-about-the-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/greenberg-teases-xbox-reveal-says-e3-is-all-about-the-games/#comments Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Business Chief of Staff Aaron Greenberg recently stopped by the Major Nelson podcast to discuss next week's Xbox reveal event and how Microsoft will show its "vision for the future of games."

"We're really going to tell one story across two events. So we're going to start on the 21st and really that's about revealing the next Xbox platform, really our vision for the future of games, the future of entertainment. We definitely have a lot of surprises planned." Greenberg then specifically called out Call of Duty: Ghosts, which will have its next-generation engine demoed during the Microsoft event.

"People are going to get a great inside look at really the making of the new platform and the team that's brought it to life," Greenberg added. "I mean, to be honest it's really about the team, the people here. That's why we're inviting people to campus, we're going to bring them behind the scenes a little bit. We've never done this before and so it's really exciting to be able to do that. But I think it's a lot of laying the foundation - probably the best way to describe it - and then just a couple of weeks later we go to E3."

Greenberg concluded that more will be shown at E3 and after, leading into this holiday season. "E3 is all about the games. At E3, I mean, if you're a gamer, it's going to be tons of exclusives, world premieres and obviously even beyond that we have a lot to share between then and this holiday."

The Xbox event takes place on May 21 at Microsoft's Redmond campus, located in Washington state. Be sure to have your browser locked to Joystiq starting at 1pm ET (6pm UK, 10am PT) for all of the scoops, commentary and neatly organized words you've come to expect.

JoystiqGreenberg teases Xbox reveal, says E3 is 'all about the games' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-greenberge3e3-2013major-nelsonmicrosoftnext-xboxxboxxbox-revealFri, 17 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Killzone: Mercenary deployment moved up to September 10, pre-order goods revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/killzone-mercenary-deployment-moved-up-to-september-10-pre-ord/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/killzone-mercenary-deployment-moved-up-to-september-10-pre-ord/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/killzone-mercenary-deployment-moved-up-to-september-10-pre-ord/#comments
Killzone: Mercenary, the upcoming PS Vita installment in Sony's shooter series from Guerrilla Cambridge, has had its release bumped up a week. Previously pegged for a September 17 launch in North America, Killzone: Mercenary is now due on September 10.

In addition to moving up the date, Sony has revealed some pre-order incentives for Killzone: Mercenary over on the PlayStation Blog. The first perk is a 48-hour double XP boost, which spans all in-game contracts, bonuses and payouts. Joining that is additional in-game cash at the outset and a pre-order exclusive machine gun, the M224-A1.

JoystiqKillzone: Mercenary deployment moved up to September 10, pre-order goods revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Guerrilla-Cambridgekillzone-mercenaryplaystationplaystation-vitarelease-datesceavitaFri, 17 May 2013 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Four Lulzsec hackers convicted in Britain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/four-lulzsec-hackers-convicted-in-britain/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/four-lulzsec-hackers-convicted-in-britain/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/four-lulzsec-hackers-convicted-in-britain/#comments Confirmed Lulzsec members Ryan Cleary, Jake Davis, Mustafa al-Bassam and Ryan Ackroyd have been sentenced for their part in the great hack of 2011, which saw Lulzsec targeting notable companies such as Sony, EA and Nintendo.

The four were initially charged nearly a year ago. Davis, as leader, was sentenced with two years jailtime, while Cleary was sentenced to 32 months for producing malicious software, Ackroyd for 30 months for his role as press secretary of the group and Al Bassam, who posted the stolen data online, was given a 20-month suspended sentence.

"The harm they caused was foreseeable, extensive and intended," Andrew Hadik, lawyer for the Crown Prosecution Service told BBC. "Indeed, they boasted of how clever they were with a complete disregard for the impact their actions had on real people's lives. This case should serve as a warning to other cybercriminals that they are not invincible."

Lulzsec carried out many high-profile hacks in 2011, starting with the Sony Pictures hack that eventually led to a lengthy PSN outage. Lulzsec also attacked Nintendo, EVE Online, Minecraft, The Escapist and Battlefield Heroes before calling it quits.

JoystiqFour Lulzsec hackers convicted in Britain originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhackershackingjake-davislulzsecmustaffa-al-bassamryan-ackroydryan-clearyFri, 17 May 2013 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA product manager Kevin Flynn defects, joins Call of Duty team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/#comments Kevin Flynn, who's worked for the last two years as a senior product manager for EA's UK arm, has left to join Activision's UK side as a senior brand manager on Call of Duty. Flynn's previous efforts for EA include launching Battlefield 3 and its subsequent Premium DLC campaigns in the region.

Flynn enlisted with the Call of Duty squad this month, which we imagine must be the busiest time to sign on for an Activision paycheck. With Call of Duty: Ghosts launching on November 5 and next week's next-generation engine reveal during the Xbox event on May 21, we just hope Mr. Flynn is finding adequate time for his lunch break every day. A hungry worker is not a happy worker!

JoystiqEA product manager Kevin Flynn defects, joins Call of Duty team originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlefieldbattlefield-3call-of-duty-ghostseaelectronic-artskevin-flynnmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ukxboxFri, 17 May 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Last of Us digital version playable when halfway downloaded [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/last-of-us-digital-version-playable-when-halfway-downloaded/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/last-of-us-digital-version-playable-when-halfway-downloaded/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/last-of-us-digital-version-playable-when-halfway-downloaded/#comments The Last of Us launches on June 14, simultaneously on Blu-ray and as a download through PSN. Those who choose the latter route on PS3 will find the game playable once the download has reached 50 percent, Naughty Dog creative director Neil Druckmann has told Game Informer.

It's our first taste of PS4-esque functionality, just on the PS3 - as you'll recall, one of the major features touted by Sony is the ability to play games as they're downloaded. This is accomplished on the PS4 through the use of hardware dedicated to background downloading and processing.

Update: This is in regards to the PS3. We've added more clear language to that effect.

JoystiqLast of Us digital version playable when halfway downloaded [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>naughty-dogplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnthe-last-of-usFri, 17 May 2013 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nvidia Shield pre-orders open early (as in, right now)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/nvidia-shield-pre-orders-open-early-as-in-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/nvidia-shield-pre-orders-open-early-as-in-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/nvidia-shield-pre-orders-open-early-as-in-right-now/#comments Nvidia canceled its forced wait time to pre-order an Nvidia Shield, allowing anyone to commit to the $350 Android handheld as of now. The Nvidia Shield is available for pre-order directly through Nvidia or through select retailers: GameStop, Micro Center, Canada Computers and New Egg.

The Nvidia Shield - previously known as Project Shield - is a handheld gaming console powered by Android. It has a five-inch retinal multi-touch screen capable of 720p, 16GB of internal storage and can stream your PC games, granted you have a GTX 650 GPU or better in your PC.

JoystiqNvidia Shield pre-orders open early (as in, right now) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobilenvidianvidia-shieldproject-shieldFri, 17 May 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[OlliOlli, 2D infini-skater, kickflips to PS Vita in November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/olliolli-2d-infini-skater-kickflips-to-ps-vita-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/olliolli-2d-infini-skater-kickflips-to-ps-vita-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/olliolli-2d-infini-skater-kickflips-to-ps-vita-in-november/#comments
Roll7, a development studio located in London, is working on a 2D pixelated infini-skater for the PS Vita called OlliOlli. Due in November, OlliOlli combines infinite runner style of play with the trick-heavy chains made famous in the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series.

OlliOlli is built on a trick system of over 100 moves, with customizable characters and daily challenges on top of the usual leaderboards. You can see an early build of OlliOlli running in the video above, posted to YouTube by developer Roll7.

OlliOlli will be exclusive to the PlayStation Vita, thanks to funding for the project that was provided by Sony. OlliOlli will be playable at Sony's E3 booth, so we'll be sure to get our hands on it next month between June 11-13 when the 19th annual Electronic Entertainment Expo kicks off at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

JoystiqOlliOlli, 2D infini-skater, kickflips to PS Vita in November originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>olliolliplaystationplaystation-vitaroll7vitaThu, 16 May 2013 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a peek at Diablo 3's new menu system, controls for PS3/PS4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/take-a-peek-at-diablo-3s-new-menu-system-controls-for-ps3-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/take-a-peek-at-diablo-3s-new-menu-system-controls-for-ps3-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/take-a-peek-at-diablo-3s-new-menu-system-controls-for-ps3-ps4/#comments
John Hight, who serves as Production Director on Diablo 3, says the most exciting thing about the PS4, in Blizzard's eyes, is the controller. "This is not a mouse, this is something different for us," Blizzard Senior System Designer Jason Bender says of the DualShock 4. "Working on a console version of Diablo 3, for us that means the controller is king," Lead Console Designer Josh Mosqueira adds.

The use of both analog sticks comes from a perceived player expectation on Blizzard's part - players will just expect to be able to do that with a console controller, Mosqueira says. The console versions of Diablo 3 on PS3 and PS4 will feature an evasion roll technique not available on PC.

The trackpad is demonstrated in the video above, sorting through a player's inventory in the new radial-style interface. "We really built our inventory screens and the UI system from the ground up," says Mosqueira. Another new ability is quick equip - at any time, players can press up on the dpad to cycle through the last few acquired items and equip any of them.

JoystiqTake a peek at Diablo 3's new menu system, controls for PS3/PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardDiablo-3dualshock-4playstationplaystation-4ps3ps4Thu, 16 May 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google+ Games no more after June 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/google-games-no-more-after-june-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/google-games-no-more-after-june-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/google-games-no-more-after-june-30/#comments After June 30, Google+ Games will be no more. Google has announced it's pulling the plug on all games through its service, so if you have credits in any games or wish to continue playing, you'll need to pursue that through each individual developer.

Google announced it's pulling the plug shortly after revealing its new games services suite for Google Play, which is live right now. Google started rolling out games to its social networking service in the summer of 2011, starting with Angry Birds, Dragon Age Legends and sudoku.

JoystiqGoogle+ Games no more after June 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle-plusgoogle-plus-gamesmacpcThu, 16 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Freefall Racers for Kinect being published by Deep Silver, headed to XBLA [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/rumor-freefall-racers-for-kinect-being-published-by-deep-silver/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/rumor-freefall-racers-for-kinect-being-published-by-deep-silver/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/rumor-freefall-racers-for-kinect-being-published-by-deep-silver/#commentsRumor Freefall Racers, Kinect racer for XBLA, being published by Deep Silver Deep Silver will publish an upcoming gesture-based racing game for Kinect called Freefall Racers. The first breadcrumb in this trail comes from an Australian rating that has surfaced, outing Deep Silver as publisher.

The developer is Smoking Gun Interactive, whose most recent work includes two Kinect experiences, Mars Rover Landing and Home Run Stars, so a new Kinect project would make sense. The Vancouver-based studio at least partly funded Freefall Racers with help from the Canadian government, as evidenced by the $461,243 contributed through the Canada Media Fund (PDF) last year.

Our first glimpse of the game is courtesy of environmental artist Anthony Leonati, who published six screens from Freefall Racers on his personal website. [Update: The images have been pulled from Leonati's website.] In addition to the screens, he also pegs Freefall Racers for Xbox Live Arcade, though his LinkedIn profile indicates he has since moved on from Smoking Gun to become a senior environment artist at EA.

We've followed up with Deep Silver and Smoking Gun Interactive for comment and will update this post accordingly.

[Thanks, lifelower]

Gallery: Freefall Racers

JoystiqRumor: Freefall Racers for Kinect being published by Deep Silver, headed to XBLA [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silverfreefall-racerskinectmicrosoftSmoking-Gun-Interactivexblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeThu, 16 May 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Level 5's The Starship Damrey docks on 3DS today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/level-5s-the-starship-damrey-docks-on-3ds-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/level-5s-the-starship-damrey-docks-on-3ds-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/level-5s-the-starship-damrey-docks-on-3ds-today/#comments
The Starship Damrey, the first Guild02 game from Level-5, is available for download in the 3DS eShop today for $7.99. A sci-fi horror adventure game from Kazuya Asano and Takemaru Abiko, The Starship Damrey awakens players in a mysterious place and tasks them with finding out where they are, and who they are.

Kazuya Asano and Takemaru Abiko are influential writers whose prose can be seen in a multitude of visual novel games and text adventures in Japan. The two are known for leading the charge of the "Sound Novel" genre.

The Guild02 collection was a series of games, bundled together in Japan, featuring several notable contributors. Rather than being bundled, each game will be sold piecemeal in the US. It is worth noting, however, that all of the games from the Guild01 series eventually went on sale at the same time, forming a kind of cheap bundle. If you're patient, you might get lucky.

Gallery: The Starship Damrey

Continue reading Level 5's The Starship Damrey docks on 3DS today

JoystiqLevel 5's The Starship Damrey docks on 3DS today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3ds-eshopeshopguild02level-5nintendothe-starship-damreyThu, 16 May 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[David Jaffe consulting on Autoduel, multiplayer car combat game coming to Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/david-jaffe-consulting-on-autoduel-multiplayer-car-combat-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/david-jaffe-consulting-on-autoduel-multiplayer-car-combat-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/david-jaffe-consulting-on-autoduel-multiplayer-car-combat-game/#comments Noted Twisted Metal and God of War designer David Jaffe has signed on with Pixelbionic, a new independent games studio formed in southern California late last year. Jaffe will take a creative advisory role to aid in Pixelbionic's first game, Autoduel - an online vehicular combat game for the PC that will seek funding on Kickstarter sometime soon.

On the advisory board, Jaffe is joined by Zack Norman, the creator of Interstate '76, and Chanel Summers, a sound expert who helped design the audio systems of the Xbox hardware. There isn't much detail in the press release past the break about Autoduel itself, other than it's a team-based affair set in the post-apocalypse (of course) with "RPG-influenced persistence and progression gameplay."

Pixelbionic was founded by Maxx Kaufman - a founding member of inXile Entertainment with a long list of games to his name such as The Bard's Tale, Return to Castle Wolfenstein and the Redneck Rampage series - and Mike Arkin, who served as producer for many studios, including a stint at Fox Interactive where he helped on Die Hard Trilogy, ID4 and Aliens vs. Predator.

Gallery: Autoduel

Continue reading David Jaffe consulting on Autoduel, multiplayer car combat game coming to Kickstarter

JoystiqDavid Jaffe consulting on Autoduel, multiplayer car combat game coming to Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autodueldavid-jaffekickstartermaxx-kaufmanmike-arkinpcpixelbioniczack-normanThu, 16 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Contraption Maker, spiritual successor to The Incredible Machine, due this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/contraption-maker-spiritual-successor-to-the-incredible-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/contraption-maker-spiritual-successor-to-the-incredible-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/contraption-maker-spiritual-successor-to-the-incredible-machine/#comments 1992s Rube Goldberg-em-up The Incredible Machine is getting a spiritual successor this year, produced by the creators of the original. Contraption Maker will makes its debut on Windows PC and Mac, helped along by The Incredible Machine coder Kevin Ryan, producer Jeff Tunnell, and original pixel artist Brian Hahn.

Expect improved physics, art and animations in Contraption Maker, developer Timothy Aste told Indie Games. "The higher fidelity graphics really shine on making the puzzles more fun an exciting (especially for those who enjoy flipping cats). In addition, we have some really cool things in development that are new to the series such as a super beefed up the sandbox mode and allow players to build much more elaborate puzzles and machines that can interconnect and be easily share-able over the internet." Aste added Contraption Maker will be mod-friendly. "We have even discussed some really 'out there' stuff such possibly support for Arduino to control real life puzzle elements, but we'll have to wait and see if we can get that far.

The Incredible Machine tasks players with constructing a series of complex Rube Goldberg devices around fixed devices to complete an objective. The series was published by Sierra Entertainment. In 2009, Tunnell acquired the rights through his studio, PushButton Labs.

Gallery: Contraption Maker

JoystiqContraption Maker, spiritual successor to The Incredible Machine, due this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contraption-makermacpcpushbutton-labsthe-incredible-machineThu, 16 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds flick flies to cinemas July 1, 2016]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/angry-birds-flick-flies-to-cinemas-july-1-2016/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/angry-birds-flick-flies-to-cinemas-july-1-2016/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/angry-birds-flick-flies-to-cinemas-july-1-2016/#comments A release for the upcoming Angry Birds flick has been narrowed to July 1, 2016, with Sony distributing the movie worldwide, Rovio announced on its website today.

Rovio's intent on creating a feature film was made public late last year, when the studio tapped producers John Cohen and David Maisel from Despicable Me and Iron Man to lead the project. The Angry Birds movie is unique in that it's being completely done in-house - Rovio is funding and producing the film entirely on its own.

JoystiqAngry Birds flick flies to cinemas July 1, 2016 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-movieiosipadiphonemacmobilepcrovioWed, 15 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 4 retailer pre-order bonuses revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/assassins-creed-4-retailer-pre-order-bonuses-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/assassins-creed-4-retailer-pre-order-bonuses-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/assassins-creed-4-retailer-pre-order-bonuses-revealed/#commentsAssassin's Creed 4 preorder bonuses, y'all Though Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag launches later this year, North American retailers are vying for your dollars today by announcing a slew of retailer-specific pre-order bonuses.

GameStop has the 'Black Island' pack, which includes the deadly black ship, a Captain Morgan costume and his silver flintlock pistol. Amazon.com will offer the 'Hidden Mystery' pack, an extra treasure-hunting mission on Mystery Island, Stede Bonnet's ship and Sted Bonnet costumes and multiplayer items. Walmart gets the 'Sacrificed Secrets' pack, a collection centered around Captain Drake that includes his dual-wield swords and pistols, plus his picture, title and relics. Best Buy has the 'Lost Treasures' pack, an ivory wheel and spyglass relic, and Target gets the 'Trove of Mystery' pack, which includes an iron wheel and astrolab relic.

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag launches on the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U and PC on October 29. Next-generation console ports of Assassin's Creed 4 are also planned. All UK pre-orders get access to "The Watch" app.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 4 retailer pre-order bonuses revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonassassins-creed-4-black-flagbest-buygamestopmicrosoftnext-xboxnintendopcplaystationplaystation-4preorderps3ps4targetubisoftwalmartwii-uxboxWed, 15 May 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA puts an end to its Online Pass program]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-online-pass-ends/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-online-pass-ends/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-online-pass-ends/#comments EA has announced it will discontinue its Online Pass program. "Yes, we're discontinuing Online Pass," EA's senior director of corporate communications John Reseburg told GamesBeat in an e-mail. "None of our new EA titles will include that feature."

Reseburg added that "many players didn't respond to the format," despite EA going on record months after instituting Online Passes, reporting it had not seen a "significant" backlash. "We've listened to the feedback and decided to do away with it moving forward."

The Online Pass, a one-time use code required for online play, was first introduced in 2010 with the intent of being exclusive to EA Sports games, though it quickly escalated from there. Online Pass revenue generated between $10-$15 million for EA in its first year alone.

JoystiqEA puts an end to its Online Pass program originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-online-passea-sportsmicrosoftnintendoonline-passpcplaystationps3wiiwii-uxboxWed, 15 May 2013 20:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Get Super Metroid for 30 cents on Wii U Virtual Console right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/get-super-metroid-for-30-cents-on-wii-u-virtual-console-right-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/get-super-metroid-for-30-cents-on-wii-u-virtual-console-right-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/get-super-metroid-for-30-cents-on-wii-u-virtual-console-right-no/#commentsGet Super Metroid for 30 cents on Wii U Virtual Console right now Super Metroid (SNES) is on sale for $0.30 through the Wii U Virtual Console right now, as part of the Trial Campaign promotion celebrating the Famicom.

Super Metroid is fourth on a list of discounts that kicked off back in February - predecessors include Kirby's Adventure, Punch-Out!!! Featuring Mr. Dream and F-Zero. Super Metroid will be $0.30 for 30 days, until Yoshi comes in and takes over on June 12.

The Virtual Console launched on Wii U late last month. The initial launch list included Balloon Fight, Donkey Kong Jr., Excitebike, Ice Climbers, Kirby's Adventure, Punch Out, F-Zero and Super Mario World. This week, Super Mario Bros. 2 will be available for $5.

JoystiqGet Super Metroid for 30 cents on Wii U Virtual Console right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>famicomnintendosuper-metroidtrial-campaignvirtual-consolewii-uwii-u-virtual-console-trial-campaignWed, 15 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rovio lets loose Stars publishing program for third-party games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/rovio-lets-loose-stars-publishing-program-for-third-party-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/rovio-lets-loose-stars-publishing-program-for-third-party-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/rovio-lets-loose-stars-publishing-program-for-third-party-games/#comments
Rovio is entering the mobile publishing arena through its Rovio Stars initiative, which will cover the whole spectrum of publishing duties such as marketing and PR. Rovio will even consult with developers to help them optimize their games prior to launch.

Budding developers can already submit their mobile works to Rovio Stars through a handy application page, though all applicants must have a playable build to present. Screens, videos and other supplementary materials are also encouraged, as it provides Rovio with a better sense of the overall game.

As of now, Rovio Stars has recruited two games: Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage from Longdon-based Nitrome (based on the Flash version) and Tiny Thief from Barcelona indie outfit 5 Ants. The latter is due sometime this summer, while Icebreaker's mobile release is tentatively scheduled for "soon" on the official site.

Continue reading Rovio lets loose Stars publishing program for third-party games

JoystiqRovio lets loose Stars publishing program for third-party games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5antsandroidicebreaking-a-viking-voyageiosipadiphonemobilenitromeroviorovio-starstiny-thiefWed, 15 May 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Double Fine Bundle adds Amnesia Fortnight prototypes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/humble-double-fine-bundle-adds-amnesia-fortnight-prototypes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/humble-double-fine-bundle-adds-amnesia-fortnight-prototypes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/humble-double-fine-bundle-adds-amnesia-fortnight-prototypes/#comments
The Humble Double Fine Bundle has crammed in eight more games today, a collection of Double Fine Amnesia Fortnight prototypes - the results of annual internal gamejams at Double Fine. All eight games are Windows PC only, available to all who plunk down more than the average $8.15 (at time of this writing) for the Humble Double Fine Bundle.

The Amnesia Fortnight prototypes include: Autonomous, a first-person sandbox game set in the future; Spacebase DF-9, a top-down simulation where you construct and maintain a space station; Black Lake, an adventure game set in a dark forest; The White Birch is a 3D puzzle-platformer set in a massive tower; Brazen is a co-op action game where four players team up to take on monsters; and Hack-n-Slash is a Legend of Zelda-inspired 2D action-adventure game.

Happy Night, a prototype from 2007 and the precursor to Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster, is also here, as is 2009 prototype Costume Quest, which eventually became, well, Costume Quest. Finally, there's the 2 Player Productions' documentary compiled during Double Fine's Amnesia Fortnight event in 2012.

The Humble Double Fine Bundle was introduced last week, as an initial collection of the studio's most recent works: Psychonauts, Stacking, Costume Quest, Brutal Legend and a pre-order for Broken Age, the studio's Kickstarter-funded adventure game. The Humble Double Fine Bundle comes to a close in six days.

JoystiqHumble Double Fine Bundle adds Amnesia Fortnight prototypes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amnesia-fortnightautonomousblack-lakebroken-agedouble-finehumble-bundlehumble-double-fine-bundlemacpcspacebase-df9the-white-birchTue, 14 May 2013 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Metro: Last Light, Dust 514, Jacob Jones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/psn-tuesday-metro-last-light-dust-514-jacob-jones/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/psn-tuesday-metro-last-light-dust-514-jacob-jones/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/psn-tuesday-metro-last-light-dust-514-jacob-jones/#comments
It's quite the week for content on Sony platforms, with several major releases making their debut on the PlayStation Network today. Metro: Last Light, the 4A Games' sequel salvaged by Deep Silver, launches today. If you haven't had a chance to read our review yet, be sure to give that a gander.

It's joined by CCP's EVE Online offshoot (get it?) Dust 514, available free to all PSN users. Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery eases its way onto PS Vita today as a $3 download, while Rockstar makes good on its promised Manhunt for $10.

PlayStation Plus subscribers' freebie this week is Knytt Underground, which is flanked by discounts on both Metro: Last Light and a special pre-order price on Grid 2. For the full list of what's in this week's content dump, hit up the PS Blog through the source link below.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Metro: Last Light, Dust 514, Jacob Jones originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gamesccpcodemastersdust-514grid-2jacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mysterymanhuntmetro-last-lightplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psn-tuesdaypsprockstarsonyvitaTue, 14 May 2013 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[War Thunder takes flight on PS4 this holiday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/war-thunder-takes-flight-on-ps4-this-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/war-thunder-takes-flight-on-ps4-this-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/war-thunder-takes-flight-on-ps4-this-holiday/#comments
Gaijin Entertainment - not to be confused with Bit.Trip series developer Gaijin Games - is preparing a PS4 version of War Thunder for launch this holiday season. War Thunder is Gaijin's free-to-play online WWII vehicular combat game, currently in open beta on the PC.

"The power of PS4 will allow developers to include improved head-tracking system, easier socializing tools, smart and easy options to record, stream and share homemade gameplay videos and will have full support of PlayStation Cloud," the press release past the break confirms. Nothing is mentioned regarding whether this will also be free-to-play on PS4, so we've inquired with Gaijin Entertainment for further details.

War Thunder has over 1.5 million players on the PC and Gaijin Entertainment is currently working on a version for mobile devices.

Continue reading War Thunder takes flight on PS4 this holiday

JoystiqWar Thunder takes flight on PS4 this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-to-playgaijin-entertainmentplaystation-4ps4war-thunderTue, 14 May 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix PS3 app updated with improved subtitles, faster scanning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/netflix-ps3-app-updated-with-improved-subtitles-faster-scanning/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/netflix-ps3-app-updated-with-improved-subtitles-faster-scanning/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/netflix-ps3-app-updated-with-improved-subtitles-faster-scanning/#comments
The Netflix app on PS3 has been updated, bringing closer design parity with web and mobile applications to the PS3. Netflix has fixed audio stream and subtitle issues in this update, allowing users to fiddle with these while watching content. Before, you had to back out back to the front-end to enable subtitles. If you've got a PS3 Blu-ray remote, just hit the subtitles button to enable.

The "trickplay" component - a fancy term for fast-forwarding and rewinding through a particular program - has been tweaked to show more image still previews while scanning through content. You can also instantly rewind whatever you're watching ten seconds by pressing left on the DualShock dpad or PlayStation remote.

JoystiqNetflix PS3 app updated with improved subtitles, faster scanning originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>netflixplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnupdateTue, 14 May 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nvidia Shield: Joystiq goes hands-on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/nvidia-shield-joystiq-goes-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/nvidia-shield-joystiq-goes-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/nvidia-shield-joystiq-goes-hands-on/#comments
The Nvidia Shield arrives next month for $349.99, and yesterday I got to sit down with the final version of the hardware. The first thing I noticed was the heft: bulkier than a PS Vita, but no less comfortable.

Where the PS Vita sacrificed bigger buttons for smaller form factor, the Nvidia Shield takes a lot of inspiration from the Xbox 360 controller. In fact, the left and right triggers feel identical to the Xbox 360 and, more or less, so does the d-pad. The one big difference from Microsoft's gamepad is the symmetrical analog sticks.

Gallery: NVIDIA Shield (Hands-on)

Continue reading Nvidia Shield: Joystiq goes hands-on

JoystiqNvidia Shield: Joystiq goes hands-on originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobilenvidianvidia-shieldproject-shieldTue, 14 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nvidia Shield launches in June for $350, pre-orders open May 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/nvidia-shield-launches-in-june-for-350-pre-orders-open-may-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/nvidia-shield-launches-in-june-for-350-pre-orders-open-may-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/nvidia-shield-launches-in-june-for-350-pre-orders-open-may-20/#comments Nvidia's Project Shield - now officially dubbed Nvidia Shield - will launch before the end of June for $349.99, Nvidia has announced. Pre-orders for the Tegra 4-powered Android handheld will open on May 20, through select online and brick-and-mortar retailers: New Egg, GameStop, Micro Center and Canada Computers. Those on Nvidia's Project Shield notification list can pre-order starting today.

With the price and pre-order date, Nvidia announced five new games coming to the platform: Broken Age and Costume Quest from Double Fine, Flyhunter: Origins from Steel Wool Games, Skiing Fred from Dedalord Games and Chuck's Challenge from Chuck Sommerville's Niffler, who you may recall of Chip's Challenge fame.

The Nvidia Shield is running Android 4.2.1, sports a 5-inch retinal display capable of 720p and has 16GB of internal storage, expandable through a SD card slot on the back. Other hardware features include a built-in mic and GPS, plus a mini-HDMI out in the back. The Shield is also capable of streaming games from your PC, granted you have a GTX 650 GPU or better in there.

All Nvidia Shields will include two free games: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 and Expendable: Rearmed. We'll have a hands-on video with the final Nvidia Shield and some impressions up soon.

Gallery: NVIDIA Shield (Hands-on)

JoystiqNvidia Shield launches in June for $350, pre-orders open May 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobilenvidianvidia-shieldproject-shieldrelease-dateTue, 14 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy taking Animal Crossing 3DS XL bundle pre-orders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/best-buy-taking-animal-crossing-3ds-xl-bundle-pre-orders/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/best-buy-taking-animal-crossing-3ds-xl-bundle-pre-orders/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/best-buy-taking-animal-crossing-3ds-xl-bundle-pre-orders/#comments If the thought of going to a store and purchasing something the day it comes out only fills you with panic (what if they're sold out?!) then we have some reassuring news for you. Best Buy is taking pre-orders for the Animal Crossing 3DS XL bundle, launching on June 9 in North America.

The $219.99 bundle comes with a 4GB card, pre-loaded with Animal Crossing: New Leaf. In this latest entry in series, players assume the role of Mayor.

JoystiqBest Buy taking Animal Crossing 3DS XL bundle pre-orders originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsanimal-crossing-3dsanimal-crossing-new-leafbest-buyHAL-LaboratorynintendoTue, 14 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ken Levine starts writing his next game [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ken-levine-starts-writing-his-next-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ken-levine-starts-writing-his-next-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ken-levine-starts-writing-his-next-game/#commentsKen Levine starts writing his next game Update: On Twitter, Levine has stated that he is in fact not currently writing a new game.

Since shipping Irrational Games' opus BioShock Infinite in March, creative director Ken Levine is already hard at work penning the script to his next game. Levine began crafting his next work earlier today, he confirmed on Twitter.

When asked by a fan what inspires him, Levine rattled off a list of authors, films and television shows, running the gamut from composer Stephen Sondheim to the works of the Coen brothers, Steven Soderbergh and Stanley Kubrick. Levine also referenced the Don Draper chronicles, Mad Men. Of course, these are just works that inspire him; not necessarily the works that will directly inspire Irrational Games' next project, whatever that may be.

JoystiqKen Levine starts writing his next game [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mon, 13 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/#comments
There's a certain stigma attached to strategy games, where deep systems and mechanics can hoist a sky-high barrier for the uninitiated. Sid Meier's Ace Patrol sidesteps these stigmas, presenting a turn-based experience so simple that even the strategically challenged will be able to play and excel.

Designed for iOS devices, Ace Patrol is a dogfighting game set in WWI. With a series of taps, intense air combat is engaged over a battlefield of hexagonal grids. Using these taps, players execute everything from strafing to swooping dives, hard banking, the Immelman turn and other expert maneuvers.

Gallery: Sid Meier's Ace Patrol

Continue reading Sid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified

JoystiqSid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesiosipadiphonemobilesid-meiersid-meiers-ace-patrolMon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Forest inspired by Cannibal Holocaust, walking the paid alpha path]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-forest-inspired-by-cannibal-holocaust-walking-the-paid-alph/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-forest-inspired-by-cannibal-holocaust-walking-the-paid-alph/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-forest-inspired-by-cannibal-holocaust-walking-the-paid-alph/#comments Last week, we got our first taste of The Forest, an upcoming first-person survival-horror game for PC and Oculus Rift, set in a mysterious forest where players must scavenge supplies, build and prepare to defend against a nocturnal indigenous society of cannibals. If you read that last sentence aloud in one dizzying breath, then you have a good idea how excited we are for The Forest.

But here's the thing: there isn't much information out there. So we contacted developer Ben Falcone for a tour of The Forest.

Gallery: The Forest

Continue reading The Forest inspired by Cannibal Holocaust, walking the paid alpha path

JoystiqThe Forest inspired by Cannibal Holocaust, walking the paid alpha path originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-falconeoculus-riftpcsteamsteam-greenlightsurvival-horrorthe-forestMon, 13 May 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinite Crisis profiles speedy hero The Flash]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/infinite-crisis-profiles-speedy-hero-the-flash/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/infinite-crisis-profiles-speedy-hero-the-flash/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/infinite-crisis-profiles-speedy-hero-the-flash/#comments
The Flash, who unlocked his abilities through expert use of the sciences, will use his super speed as a passive damage boost in Infinite Crisis, allowing him to increase his output the more he moves around. He can also steal enemy movement speed, increasing his own.

JoystiqInfinite Crisis profiles speedy hero The Flash originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infinite-crisismobapcthe-flashturbinewarner-brosFri, 10 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Street U gets emotional, adds Miiverse support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/wii-street-u-gets-emotional-adds-miiverse-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/wii-street-u-gets-emotional-adds-miiverse-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/wii-street-u-gets-emotional-adds-miiverse-support/#comments
Wii Street U gets emotional, adds Miiverse support
The Wii U's Google-powered maps app, Wii Street U, has just received an update, allowing users to take pictures of places and upload them to the Miiverse. The Wii Street U app launched in February as a free download on the Nintendo eShop.

Once uploaded, you can add emotional tags to your images, to better describe the place in question. Phrases like "amazing," "fun" and "scary" can be used - the latter coming in especially handy the next time you upload a pic of the robot band at Chuck E. Cheese's, we imagine.

JoystiqWii Street U gets emotional, adds Miiverse support originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle-mapsnintendoupdatewii-street-uwii-uFri, 10 May 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Warrior resurrected by Hard Reset developer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/shadow-warrior-resurrected-by-hard-reset-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/shadow-warrior-resurrected-by-hard-reset-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/shadow-warrior-resurrected-by-hard-reset-developer/#commentsShadow Warrior resurrected by Hard Reset dev, Flying Wild Hog Flying Wild Hog, the developer behind sci-fi shooter Hard Reset, is resurrecting Shadow Warrior, with Devolver Digital set to publish.

In a reveal on Flying Wild Hog's Facebook page, the developer calls Shadow Warrior a "total reimagining." A teaser site featuring the first look at the new title has also appeared online; however, no other details have been revealed.

Shadow Warrior originally launched in 1997, created by 3D Realms and published by GT Interactive. Upon its release, the shooter/slasher was heavily criticized for perceived Asian stereotypes and racial profiling. An iOS re-release was issued late last year.

JoystiqShadow Warrior resurrected by Hard Reset developer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devolver-digitalflying-wild-hogshadow-warriorFri, 10 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment gets free OverRun map May 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/gears-of-war-judgment-gets-free-overrun-map-may-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/gears-of-war-judgment-gets-free-overrun-map-may-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/gears-of-war-judgment-gets-free-overrun-map-may-15/#commentsGears of War Judgment gets free OverRun map May 15 Through another partnership with Maxim, Gears of War: Judgment will offer a free OverRun-compatible map to all players next week, May 15, called Dreadnought. This new map is set on a derelict ship, used by the COG at the outset of the war to transport captured Berserkers.

This is the second free piece of DLC sponsored by Maxim. The first free map, Haven, arrived on April 2, when Execution mode was introduced to Gears of War: Judgment.

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment gets free OverRun map May 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdreadnoughtepic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmaximmicrosoftoverrunxboxFri, 10 May 2013 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sins of a Solar Empire 'Forbidden Worlds' DLC sets out June 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/sins-of-a-solar-empire-forbidden-worlds-dlc-sets-out-june-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/sins-of-a-solar-empire-forbidden-worlds-dlc-sets-out-june-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/sins-of-a-solar-empire-forbidden-worlds-dlc-sets-out-june-5/#commentsSins of a Solar Empire 'Forbidden Worlds' DLC opens its doors June 5 The first DLC pack for Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, a standalone expansion in Stardock's 4X strategy series revolving around space colonization, will launch on June 5. "Forbidden Worlds" adds four new planet types to colonize, a new planet specialization system where you classify your worlds as either beacons of industry or society, 15 new research subjects, 40 new planetary bonuses and a handful of new achievements, all for $5.

Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion's "Forbidden Worlds" DLC will be available either directly through Stardock, or through other popular digital distribution channels such as Steam, GameStop, GamersGate and GameFly. CEO Brad Wardell confirmed last month, during the announcement of an investment fund to aid budding game developers, that Rebellion has been "immensely successful" for Stardock and that we should expect to see more Sins of a Solar Empire in the future.

Continue reading Sins of a Solar Empire 'Forbidden Worlds' DLC sets out June 5

JoystiqSins of a Solar Empire 'Forbidden Worlds' DLC sets out June 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcforbidden-worldsironclad-gamespcsins-of-a-solar-empire-rebellionstardockFri, 10 May 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA['The Forest' puts on Oculus Rift, goes exploring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-forest-puts-on-oculus-rift-goes-exploring/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-forest-puts-on-oculus-rift-goes-exploring/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-forest-puts-on-oculus-rift-goes-exploring/#comments
The Forest is a first-person horror game currently in development for the PC and Oculus Rift. After surviving a plane crash at the outset of the game, players must build and thrive in a mysterious forest, scavenging materials throughout the day and defending against an indigenous enemy by night.

Developer Ben Falcone promises changing weather and tides that shift with the day/night cycle. Players will have to chop down trees to build and make fires, scavenge food or plant seeds to grow, while traps will be necessary to maintain a safe perimeter and defend the home. On the game's about page, the nocturnal ne'er-do-wells are described as "a clan of genetic mutant enemies that have beliefs, families and morals."

The Forest is tentatively scheduled to launch in late 2013, and is now vying for a spot on Steam Greenlight.

Joystiq'The Forest' puts on Oculus Rift, goes exploring originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-falconeexplorationoculus-riftopen-worldpcsteamsteam-greenlightsurvival-horrorthe-forestThu, 09 May 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt goes to PS2 Classics on May 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/manhunt-goes-to-ps2-classics-on-may-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/manhunt-goes-to-ps2-classics-on-may-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/manhunt-goes-to-ps2-classics-on-may-14/#commentsThe Manhunt begins on PSN May 14
Rockstar North's stealth slash slaughter game, Manhunt, launches on PSN next week on May 14, available in the PS2 Classics section for $10. European PSN users will have to wait until Wednesday, when their store is updated.

In the announcement post, Rockstar also says the next game up for re-release is The Warriors. Manhunt joins Bully, Midnight Club 3, Red Dead Revolver and various Grand Theft Auto games, all available on PSN now.

The PS2 Classic generated much controversy when it launched in 2003 for its gruesome murder scenarios and animations - a few examples include suffocating enemies with plastic bags, strangling them with wire and eviscerating others with table saws. In 2007, Rockstar produced a sequel in Manhunt 2, which was banned in the UK for almost six months before it was cleared for launch.

JoystiqManhunt goes to PS2 Classics on May 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>manhuntplaystationps2-classicsps3psnrockstarrockstar-gamesrockstar-northThu, 09 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U Famicom skin dresses your WiiPad in red and gold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/wii-u-famicom-skin-dresses-your-wiipad-in-red-and-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/wii-u-famicom-skin-dresses-your-wiipad-in-red-and-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/wii-u-famicom-skin-dresses-your-wiipad-in-red-and-gold/#commentsWii U Famicom skin dresses your WiiPad in red and gold Datel Japan will start selling the aluminum WiiPad Famicom faceplate pictured above at the end of July for ¥1,980, roughly $20.

If you're looking to play some old NES games while your WiiPad looks the part, Nintendo officially launched the Virtual Console on Wii U at the end of April. The initial launch list is pretty slim, but Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory's beloved SNES RPG, Earthbound, is on the way.

JoystiqWii U Famicom skin dresses your WiiPad in red and gold originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dateldatel-japanfaceplatefamicomgamepadnesnintendoskinwii-uwiipadThu, 09 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft asks Super Ubi Land dev to change game's name]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ubisoft-asks-super-ubi-land-dev-to-change-games-name/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ubisoft-asks-super-ubi-land-dev-to-change-games-name/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ubisoft-asks-super-ubi-land-dev-to-change-games-name/#comments
Andrew Augustin successfully funded Super Ubi Land through Kickstarter last month, his upcoming 2D platformer for PC and Mac about a little alien called Ubi who crashes on Earth and must find his way home. Ubisoft is none too pleased with the game's title, apparently, and has asked for it to be changed, Augustin confirmed through his studio Notion Games' Twitter account.

"Been exchanging emails with Ubisoft. Unfortunately, we have to change the title of #SuperUbiLand. Stay tuned," the initial tweet read. Notion Games doesn't seem to be too upset over the disagreement, however, and isn't even fighting the claim, a follow-up tweet explained. "Ubisoft is not doing anything wrong. They're protecting their business just like any small business would." Finally, a third tweet hammers it home that Ubisoft is just "being fair" in trying to protect its brand in the eyes of Notion Games.

Super Ubi Land still has some time left in the oven and is slated to launch this year on PC and Mac. A demo is currently available for all Windows, Mac and Linux users, which you can download over on Notion Games' website right here.

JoystiqUbisoft asks Super Ubi Land dev to change game's name originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>linuxmacnotion-gamespcsuper-ubi-landubisoftThu, 09 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mike Diva's live action Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon trailer is dumb bliss]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/mike-divas-live-action-far-cry-3-blood-dragon-trailer-is-dumb/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/mike-divas-live-action-far-cry-3-blood-dragon-trailer-is-dumb/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/mike-divas-live-action-far-cry-3-blood-dragon-trailer-is-dumb/#comments
There's something about Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon's ridiculous setting that is really resonating with people. Prominent YouTuber Mike Diva (real name: Mike Dahlquist) has constructed his own take on the universe, producing the above trailer whose highlight may be a chase sequence featuring cloud surfing. Or maybe it's Rex atop a flying shark with lasers on its head. We're having a tough time deciding.

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon launched at the end of April through Xbox Live, PSN and PC digital distribution channels, a game our review said "broadens the appeal of its source, thanks to a hilarious, accessible dollop of nostalgia, coated in the mechanics that made Far Cry 3 great." Michael Biehn, who plays protagonist Rex Power Colt, has said that Ubisoft is currently considering a sequel based on sales exceeding expectations.

JoystiqMike Diva's live action Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon trailer is dumb bliss originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>far-cry-3-blood-dragonmicrosoftmike-divapcplaystationps3trailerxboxThu, 09 May 2013 11:30:00 EST