Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogobig.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Interview: Trent Reznor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/interview-trent-reznor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/interview-trent-reznor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/interview-trent-reznor/#comments
Wait. What? Trent Reznor? As in "Mr. I'll Give Away My Music," "Mr. Brutal Honesty," Mr. NINE INCH NAILS? What's he doing on Joystiq?

Prior to taking the concert stage this month, The Trent Reznor, along with NIN Creative Director Rob Sheridan, opened up to us about their gaming pasts, the direction they see the industry headed in, and whether or not Trent will have a role in shaping that future.

Continue reading for Joystiq's first-ever NINterview ...

Continue reading Interview: Trent Reznor

JoystiqInterview: Trent Reznor originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>interviewninnine-inch-nailsninterviewrob-sheridantrent-reznorThu, 24 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Trent Reznor (Page 2)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/interview-trent-reznor-page-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/interview-trent-reznor-page-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/interview-trent-reznor-page-2/#commentsWhat's your take on Microsoft and Sony entering the motion-controlled market?

Trent: Me and Rob are both big Nintendo fans for a number of reasons. Nintendo approaches gaming from a prospective where Super Mario Bros. is still a classic and doesn't look dated. Look at any game on the PlayStation 1 that tries to exceed past the terrible 3D graphics, with their look alike, sound alike franchise attempts.

With Nintendo, there's this kind of aesthetic that they bring to their in-house games that makes them feel like art. Where they aren't trying to be something else, where they have their own place and are just what they are. I've talked with Rob about this, about why that kind of game is cool, has a timelessness to it and isn't trying to be more than what it is. If I were going to make a video game today I would not put in rendered, 3D characters that try to look human. You know, where when they talk their lips are out of sync and have this weird aliased thing going on. There's that Shadow Complex game, which does looks cool. Every cut scene has the eyes rendered pretty well, but there's that terrible voice acting and the characters look like Fembots.

Rob: The characters usually look better stylized in a way where it lends itself to the media as opposed to trying to look like the latest 3D-animated movie, which can create things super-realistically. When it's done only half way ... well, it's just kind of weird.

Trent: How that applies to Nintendo, and I'm not saying they haven't fucked up a few times too, but they have this sense of here's this game, we're aware of the limitations, but we're going to make the game great with taste and integrity. Being honest, I'm not a huge fan of Sony. Their entire strategy behind the PlayStation is to focus on gaming as an experience last and getting a Blu-ray player in your living room comes first. Now, three years later they're trying to release a motion controller that's a little bit better than the Wii's.



You're aware you're flamebaiting Sony fanboys right now.

Trent. I don't care. I'm used to controversy. I make a living off of it. [Laughs.]

The point is, do I think motion controlled gaming is the next big thing? No. It's an interesting concept, it's cool to have, but it's an input thing where I don't think that's the future of gaming. The fact that the Wii came out and has been wildly successful is because they picked up on the thing I've been saying all along. They made something simple and fun. It's something that doesn't compete with "Halo: Whatever-The-Fuck," but is actually fun and can resonate with a bunch of people in a low brow way where they didn't focus on how many buttons they could pop into the controller.

Rob: Waving the Wiimote does get boring after a while, and after a bit you say, "Just give me a button!" So, when I see Microsoft's new motion controlled Natal and I see people play it, I say to myself, "Wow, that technology looks amazing, but how many people really want to stand there and flail about all the time?"

I'm used to controversy. I make a living off of it.
The nice thing about the Wii is that, if you want, you can sit back like a fat-ass and just barely wiggle your wrist to get the same gameplay effect. With all this motion-controlled stuff, there's nothing tangible anymore, you aren't touching anything, you aren't getting force feedback of any kind, and it all just seems like a tech demo. Something where you use it for a while, then go, "Just give me the controller back!"

Trent: The strength of motion controllers will be if there's a killer app that makes a person go, "Fuck yeah, all right!" That's always what it comes down to. I'm glad there's innovation in that field and maybe something great will come of it, but I'm not holding my breath that the technology will redefine gaming.

Rob: There's a difference between praising the Wii as an important step and saying that motion controls are the greatest thing in the world. What was great about the Wii is that it proved that they could do something that goes back to having just pure fun, that opens up the doors to people like my mom playing. This is something the fanboys cry about, "But who cares?" Those casual gamers aren't playing Halo, they aren't bothering you in your deathmatches. The Wii is just opening up the medium to so many more people using simple, pure fun. Something that original arcade games were all about. That doesn't mean it's the future necessarily, it just means that Nintendo found a tool to open the door to others and it could go a million different ways from there.

Trent: I remember the first time I played Wii Tennis, my immediate reaction was, "Whoa!" Then there's the sound coming out of your hand and I'm all, "How the fuck?" When you show it to your mom or to your friends who come over and you see their faces light up -- that's one of those whoa-moments. One of those moments when you hear a great song or watch a great movie and get chills. That can be attained.

Rob: The strength of the Wii isn't so much the motion controller it's that, regardless what it is, you can hand it over to your girlfriend. She'll go, "How do I play this?" You just show her, "Swing it, like this, see?" Two seconds later you're playing a heated game of tennis.


Are you fans of Rock Band or Guitar Hero?

Rob: I suck at those games. Pure and simple -- I just suck.

Trent: I dabble around in them and I actually think those games are fun. As a gamer, it's interesting, fun and surprisingly rewarding when you get it right. As a musician, who's watching the record industry look at these games as a type of salvation ... it's laughable. That's just desperate people in the record business thinking. "Man, we finally have a way to turn people onto music."

In a good way, a friend of mine who is my age, he has a couple kids under ten years old who now really like AC/DC and other classic music. Music they may not have discovered at their age. It's kind of fun to walk into Best Buy and hear people get excited about trying to play a Beck song and I don't think that's a bad thing. I'm kind of excited to see how they did on Beatles: Rock Band. I read about that in Wired, and it sounds like they did an A-list job in creating the depth of the experience.

How are your Rock Band skills?

Trent: I'm not bad, but to be honest with you, I haven't allowed myself go too deep down the path of perfection.

If I were to set up a rock-off, a game of Rock Band between you and a band like ... say, Coldplay. Who would win?

Trent: I don't know, but if it descended into physical violence, we'd probably win. Those guys strike me as having a lot of time on the bus tweaking or stringing some riffs together. [Laughs.]

I'll tell you one thing I can't do that just amazes me is watching the masters of the Dance Dance Revolution game while I was in Japan. I got to see some asian kid, where his feet are moving faster than I can see shit coming down the screen. That's amazing.

Will we be seeing anymore Nine Inch Nails DLC releases for Rock Band or Guitar Hero by year's end?

Trent: No.

Is there a reason?

Trent: I just really never thought about it. When Rock Band first came out there were a couple songs involved and they asked for more in a content pack. I just said pick some of the hardest material we have, like "The Perfect Drug," which has some difficult drums. Then I asked them to make it as hard as they could possibly make it. That led to me seeing a couple YouTube videos of people getting high scores and, well ... that's really it. I feel we did all we needed to do with it.


<< BACK COMMENT NEXT >>

JoystiqInterview: Trent Reznor (Page 2) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Trent Reznor (Page 3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/interview-trent-reznor-page-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/interview-trent-reznor-page-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/interview-trent-reznor-page-3/#commentsWhat do you think of the upcoming Rock Band Network? Will you support the service?

Trent: I think that's an interesting idea, but I'd have to think about it some more. Would I do it for Nine Inch Nails? No -- and I'll tell you why.

At the end of the day, I don't mind putting my song in a movie I like. Something like where JJ Abrams calls asking to use a song in "Fringe." I say, "I like what you do, I know it'll be used tastefully."

Music isn't a game, it's supposed to be an emotional kind of experience.
If someone hears it in that context, well, okay, that's cool. Again, at the end of the day, my concern is to write music and that's what it is. Music isn't a game, it's supposed to be an emotional kind of experience.

When I heard about Rock Band and was asked to put some music on it, I did that. Then I thought, what if, with our next record, we release it on Rock Band first? The entire album. But then I thought about it some more and decided no, because I don't want people remembering it that way. I want it to be an album, a piece of music and not a game. There's a balance there, but music should have its own place, because it is not just about how many people can get it in whatever form.

Activision released special band-specific Guitar Hero games, like Metallica and Aerosmith. Have you ever been approached about a NIN edition?

Trent: Not that I know of. I'm not saying this to be modest, but we aren't in the same demographic or audience size as those bands. NIN doesn't really fit that mold, because there is no guitar in a third of our songs and, to be honest with you, I wouldn't want to do that anyway.

If you had to pick one video game character to identify with, who would it be?

Trent: Umm, that's a tough one. [Long pause.]

I really can't think of shit right now. Rob, you got one, I know you do. You're thinking Samus, but she's a chick and you don't want to say that. [Laughs.]

It's that or Link.

Rob: Yeah, I'd go with Link, actually. That's a good one, because I was the loner kid who just wanted everyone to leave me alone so I could play Zelda. It's that lone person experience that kind of defined who I am.

Trent: Yeah and I can't think of anything.

What about Mario? You said you liked Nintendo.

Trent: No, he's too common. Too bourgeois.


Well, now that you're moving on from NIN, do you have any interest in putting your creative energy into video games? Whether it be development or creating a soundtrack for a game?

The idea of making a cool game ... now that's wildly exciting to me!
Trent: Yeah, again, Rob and I are working on a project together that's moving forward and focuses on the creation of content from a developer's perspective. Would I do music for an everyday game? Meh. I'm not thrilled about the idea, but if someone cool came to me and had this great game, then I'd consider it. Just like if a great director came to me and said, "I'm doing a film would you want to do the music?" I'd consider it.

That's not my dream job, to be honest with you. The idea of making a cool game or making a cool software platform, now that's wildly exciting to me! Content creation is where me and Rob are headed.

That's sort of a direct result of what we did with Year Zero, in terms of the ARG and presenting it. That was, from my perspective, the most rewarding creative experience, musical or not. Being able to take this world and present it to people in a creative way. It wasn't a game, it wasn't a website, it was kind of all those things in one. It was an experience where it was fun to use all the different kinds of mediums that are available now and, in the end, kind of creep into people's minds.

I like playing shows, and I can play shows. I've played big shows and I've played shitty shows. I've played where people show up and played where people don't show. But what excites me is working on stuff like the Year Zero project more than my current thing. I could keep doing shows. I'm pretty good at it, but I want to fucking start something that I might suck at and try that. You know, to see what it's like to suck for once.


<< BACK COMMENT

JoystiqInterview: Trent Reznor (Page 3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Halo Wars Mega Bloks [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/joyswag-halo-wars-mega-bloks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/joyswag-halo-wars-mega-bloks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/joyswag-halo-wars-mega-bloks/#commentsUpdate: This giveaway is now closed. Winners are being notified, so be sure to check your email including your junk mail.

The generous builders over at Mega Bloks were kind enough to send over a few cases of the company's recently launched Halo Wars brick collection. Seeing as we aren't the greedy types, we decided to share our Blok bounty by holding one of our famous Joyswag giveaways.

Up for grabs are five complete sets of the entire Halo Wars Mega Bloks collection. Those lucky enough to win will receive enough bricks to build a spectacular Halo display that could rival the legendary Halo 3 Believe diorama. If that level of awesome is achieved: pics or it didn't happen.
  • Leave a comment telling us what your favorite vehicle is from the Halo universe.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
  • Limit 1 entry per person
  • This entry period ends at 1:00PM ET on Thursday, August 20
  • At that time, we'll randomly select five winners to receive a Halo Wars Mega Bloks bundle that includes: Aerial Ambush, UNSC Scorpion, UNSC Warthog, UNSC Hornet, UNSC Turret and Covenant Ghost ($129.94 ARV)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

JoystiqJoyswag: Halo Wars Mega Bloks [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo-warsjoyswagmega-bloksMicrosoftXbox-360Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Swag Saturday: Gears of War Jacinto's Remnant [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/swag-saturday-gears-of-war-jacintos-remnant/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/swag-saturday-gears-of-war-jacintos-remnant/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/swag-saturday-gears-of-war-jacintos-remnant/#commentsUpdate: Entry into this giveaway is now closed. Winners are being notified via email, so be sure to check your inbox and your junk mail.

Today is the day that comes after Friday, which means one thing here at Joystiq: another fun filled (and librarian approved) Swag Saturday!

This week, we're giving away ten copies of the recently released Gears of War Jacinto's Remnant novel. While we can't be sure how entertaining the copy reads, we are certain that the novel's Marcus Fenix artwork oozes badass. He has an intimidating glare that can both kill his enemies and make women weak in their tree limb-sized knees. (Get a room, you two! -Ed.)
  • Leave a comment telling us who your favorite character is within' the Gears of War universe.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada, excluding Quebec.(Nous sommes désolés, Québecois!)
  • Limit 1 entry per person.
  • This entry period ends at 3:31 pm ET on Sunday, August 16. We'll randomly select ten winners at that time to receive: one copy of Gears of War Jacinto's Remnant (ARV $15).
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

JoystiqSwag Saturday: Gears of War Jacinto's Remnant [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesgears-of-war-2jacintos-remnantjoyswagMicrosoftswag-saturdayXbox-360Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Avatar Marketplace - All Items]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/avatar-marketplace-all-items/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/avatar-marketplace-all-items/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/avatar-marketplace-all-items/#commentsTops | Headwear | Dress Up | Glasses | Bottoms
Shoes | Props | Gloves | Rings | Wristwear | Earrings


Tops
 Headwear
Dress Up
Glasses
Bottoms
Shoes
Props
Gloves
Rings
Wristwear
Earrings

JoystiqAvatar Marketplace - All Items originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Let's go shopping in the Avatar Marketplace!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/lets-go-shopping-in-the-avatar-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/lets-go-shopping-in-the-avatar-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/12/lets-go-shopping-in-the-avatar-marketplace/#comments You'll find screenshots of every single item that's purchasable via the newly launched Avatar Marketplace conveniently placed in a few galleries below. Not only did we diligently snap photos of each and every item, but we also catalogued each item's name and pricing information and even put together a text-based list of all collected information. We were bored, okay?

Feel free to browse the virtual clothes racks, take a gander through our hand-picked 20 Most Interesting Avatar Items and (if you're daring) navigate through photos of all 190 Avatar items. Fun fact: if you were to purchase every single item available, the total damage would amount to about 17,680 24,720 or roughly $309. [Update: We've added an additional 58 female-only Avatar items to both our screenshot and text-based catalogs.]

Gallery: Avatar Marketplace - All Items

Black Lace-Up Boots - 80 MSPBandit Boots - 160 MSPBelize High Top Sneakers - 160 MSPTweed Jodphur Pants - 80 MSPLeather Pants and Belt Combo - 160 MSP

JoystiqLet's go shopping in the Avatar Marketplace! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar-marketplaceavatarsMicrosoftXbox-360xbox-liveWed, 12 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Gears of War 2 'Dark Corners' DLC [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/joyswag-gears-of-war-2-dark-corners-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/joyswag-gears-of-war-2-dark-corners-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/joyswag-gears-of-war-2-dark-corners-dlc/#comments
Update: This giveaway is now closed. Winners are being selected and will be notified via email. So, be sure to check your inbox.

Gears of War 2 just received fresh downloadable content this week with the release of the Dark Corners expansion and we're on a mission to share the DLC love. So, that's exactly what we're doing by giving away five copies of Dark Corners -- complete with its seven new multiplayer maps and Road to Ruin deleted chapter -- to five lucky readers. Be sure to enter the giveaway and we'll be sure to randomly select the winners in time to benefit from this week's double XP event.
  • Leave a comment telling us which of the new Dark Corners maps you're most excited for.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
  • Limit 1 entry per person
  • This entry period ends at 11:00PM ET on Wednesday, July 29
  • At that time, we'll randomly select five winners to receive an Xbox Live redemption code for Gears of War 2 Dark Corners ($15 ARV)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

Gallery: Gears of War 2: All Fronts Map Pack

JoystiqJoyswag: Gears of War 2 'Dark Corners' DLC [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-frontsdark-cornersepicepic-gamesgears-of-war-2joyswagMicrosoftXbox-360Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[New dash update enables color choices for select Avatar apparel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/26/new-dash-update-enables-color-choices-for-select-avatar-apparel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/26/new-dash-update-enables-color-choices-for-select-avatar-apparel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/26/new-dash-update-enables-color-choices-for-select-avatar-apparel/#comments
click to super-duper sizeAfter having the weekend to explore the upcoming Xbox 360 dashboard update, we came across a very welcome addition to select Avatar clothing: the choice of color!

Within' the new dash update, the classic Avatar "Power Tee" (which is currently available in both green and red flavors) can now be color customized. A small color palette icon can be seen attached to the tee and, once chosen, offers the option of nine different colors. Don't believe us? Check out the video footage of the color choosing process, embedded after the break.

From what we can tell, the "Power Tee" is the only item that offers a color choice, but we hope more items (if not all) will receive this option in the future. Having the ability to change the color of Avatar clothing has been a popular request among the community and is a feature that adds an extra layer of customization. We encourage Microsoft to keep these color options coming!

Continue reading New dash update enables color choices for select Avatar apparel

JoystiqNew dash update enables color choices for select Avatar apparel originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-marketplaceavatarsdashboard-updateSun, 26 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The 360's new (and improved) Netflix experience]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/the-360s-new-and-improved-netflix-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/the-360s-new-and-improved-netflix-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/the-360s-new-and-improved-netflix-experience/#commentsCome August 11th, Xbox Live gold members will be treated to a new and improved Netflix, something we're calling the "New Netflix Experience". Catchy, no? Click through the gallery to learn more about the new features including movie parties, privacy settings and the ability for Avatars to express love, hate and laughter.

Gallery: New Netflix Experience

New Netflix ExperienceMovie PrivacyNetflix PartiesSome Titles Not Party FriendlyParty Loading

JoystiqThe 360's new (and improved) Netflix experience originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashboard-updateMicrosoftnetflixXbox-360Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:43:00 EST<![CDATA[A fashionable look at the new Avatar Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/a-fashionable-look-at-the-new-avatar-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/a-fashionable-look-at-the-new-avatar-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/a-fashionable-look-at-the-new-avatar-marketplace/#commentsSeeing as we just got our mitts on the new Xbox 360 dashboard, we figured we'd share the dash love with a preview of the upcoming Avatar Marketplace. Click through the gallery to experience Avatar shopping, view the stylish pirate apparel and, if you're daring enough, take a peek after the break for a look at Avatar cotton swabbing. Yes ... cotton swabbing.

Gallery: Avatar Marketplace Preview

Avatar Marketplace EntranceStorefrontHalo 3 StorefrontGame StylesMonkey Island: SE Storefront

Continue reading A fashionable look at the new Avatar Marketplace

JoystiqA fashionable look at the new Avatar Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-marketplaceavatarsdashboard-updateMicrosoftxbox-360Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Celebrate July 4th with adorable Kodu fireworks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/04/celebrate-july-4th-with-adorable-kodu-fireworks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/04/celebrate-july-4th-with-adorable-kodu-fireworks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/04/celebrate-july-4th-with-adorable-kodu-fireworks/#comments Today is the day of independence for Joystiq readers in the United States, which also means it's a day full of aerial explosions of light. You know, fireworks. For those not lucky enough to be in an area where one can witness this colorful spectacle, we figured we'd bring the explosive excitement to the internet, for all to share, with the help of the recently released Community Game, Kodu.

Enjoy the show and have a boom-tastic July 4th!

JoystiqCelebrate July 4th with adorable Kodu fireworks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-gamesfireworksfourth-of-julyindie-gameskoduSat, 04 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Rare Alan Wake goodies from E3 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/joyswag-rare-alan-wake-goodies-from-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/joyswag-rare-alan-wake-goodies-from-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/joyswag-rare-alan-wake-goodies-from-e3/#commentsUpdate: Congratulations to Joyswag winner heyo007! Sweet dreams ...

After emptying our pockets post-E3, we came across some nifty Alan Wake swag that was tucked away in the side pockets of our carpenter jeans. And, in Joystiq tradition, we're giving it all away to one lucky reader.

Up for grabs is an exclusive (and quite rare) Alan Wake E3 faceplate that's numbered 477 out of 500 and an attractive Alan Wake t-shirt (sized XL, of course). If you think about it, the swag pairing makes logical sense: the faceplate covers your Xbox 360 and the tee covers your buff, naked self.
  • To enter, leave a comment telling us about your most recent nightmare.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Limit 1 entry per person.
  • This entry period ends at 11:59 pm ET on Thursday, June 11.
  • At that time, we'll randomly select 1 winner to receive a Alan Wake E3 faceplate and t-shirt (ARV: $50). Please check your email!
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

JoystiqJoyswag: Rare Alan Wake goodies from E3 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-wakee3-2009joyswagMicrosoftXbox-360Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@E3: TMNT pose for E3 photo op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/06/tmnt-make-surprise-e3-appearance-pose-for-photo-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/06/tmnt-make-surprise-e3-appearance-pose-for-photo-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/06/tmnt-make-surprise-e3-appearance-pose-for-photo-op/#commentsEager to promote their upcoming Wii title TMNT: Smash-Up, today, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo made a special appearance at Ubisoft's E3 booth. The reason? A photo op, of course. They probably figured they'd swing by the convention to help spread the way of the ninja, meet with their fans and try to get into as many tabloids as possible. Turtle power!

JoystiqSeen@E3: TMNT pose for E3 photo op originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Nintendoseen-at-e3teenage-mutant-ninja-turtlestmnttmnt-smash-upubisoftWiiSat, 06 Jun 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[45 Second Booth Tour: EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/06/45-second-booth-tour-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/06/45-second-booth-tour-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/06/45-second-booth-tour-ea/#commentsContinuing our 45 Second Booth Tour coverage, here's a quick looksy at EA's E3 2009 booth, which features plenty of game stations, a few helpful EA reps and hundreds of feet of wrap around video screen. Click and enjoy your 45 second booth tour.

Joystiq45 Second Booth Tour: EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>45-second-toure3-2009eaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftXbox-360Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[45 Second Booth Tour: Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/06/45-second-booth-tour-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/06/45-second-booth-tour-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/06/45-second-booth-tour-microsoft/#comments We're privileged enough to get the chance to walk around and view the numerous multi-million dollar E3 booths, so we figured we'd share the experience. Albeit, condensed into 45 seconds. View Microsoft's E3 booth in the 45 Second Booth Tour vid that's embedded above and click through the photos below. If you can spot Cliff Bleszinski, we award you a (virtual) scrumptious brownie.

Gallery: E3 2009: Microsoft Booth

Joystiq45 Second Booth Tour: Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>45-second-toure3-2009microsoftxbox-360Sat, 06 Jun 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq and Bungie call truce, peace declared (for now)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/joystiq-and-bungie-call-truce-peace-declared-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/joystiq-and-bungie-call-truce-peace-declared-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/joystiq-and-bungie-call-truce-peace-declared-for-now/#commentsThat picture pretty much says it all: the whole Joystiq vs. Bungie quarrel has been squashed and the competitive tiff has been settled. Let it be known that both the streets of New Mombasa and around the Joystiq Towers metro are, once again, safe to stroll without fear of being caught in the crossfire.

Continue reading Joystiq and Bungie call truce, peace declared (for now)

JoystiqJoystiq and Bungie call truce, peace declared (for now) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiee3-2009halo-3joystiq-vs-bungieThu, 04 Jun 2009 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Burgers and fries at Xbox Live's E3 meetup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/burgers-and-fries-at-xbox-lives-e3-meetup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/burgers-and-fries-at-xbox-lives-e3-meetup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/burgers-and-fries-at-xbox-lives-e3-meetup/#commentsWith stomachs full of In-N-Out's fatty burger goodness, we're happy to present photographic proof that we were in attendance at Xbox Live's E3 reader meetup. Not that we need any photos to do that, the ketchup stains on our pants and our bloated bellies should be proof enough. Go ahead, take a gander through the photo gallery below to experience Xbox Live community at its greasiest finest!

JoystiqBurgers and fries at Xbox Live's E3 meetup originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009in-n-outmajor-nelsonmicrosoftxbox-liveThu, 04 Jun 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Visuals from the MS E3 2009 briefing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/visuals-from-the-ms-e3-2009-briefing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/visuals-from-the-ms-e3-2009-briefing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/visuals-from-the-ms-e3-2009-briefing/#commentsMicrosoft's E3 2009 keynote wrapped a few days ago. Plenty of Xbox goodness was revealed, various celebs took the stage and a few Wii insults were served. And what better way to reminisce about this year's BIG Microsoft announcements than with photos! So, here's some keynote photography for you.

Know that both we and John Schappert give this photo gallery two thumbs way up!

JoystiqVisuals from the MS E3 2009 briefing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009microsoftxbox-360Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@E3: Spartans can drum too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/seen-e3-spartans-can-drum-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/seen-e3-spartans-can-drum-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/03/seen-e3-spartans-can-drum-too/#commentsDragging our sleep deprived selves through the convention center, today, we came across a Halo'riffic surprise. An unidentified red Spartan - one that sorta resembled the hue of Red vs. Blue's Sarge - was seen drumming his lil' Spartan heart out at the Lego Rock Band booth. He was thumping to the beat of "The Final Countdown", four starred the tune and we're pleased to report that no drum set victory tea-bagging was performed. It's all about self control, kids.

JoystiqSeen@E3: Spartans can drum too originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009halohalo-3master-chiefxbox-360Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Chat with us during Microsoft's E3 press briefing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/chat-with-us-during-microsofts-e3-press-briefing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/chat-with-us-during-microsofts-e3-press-briefing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/chat-with-us-during-microsofts-e3-press-briefing/#comments
While the Joystiq mother ship is busy live blogging Microsoft's E3 2009 keynote, we figured we'd give loyal Joystiq Xbox fans a place to congregate and chit-chat about all the exciting news as it unfolds. So, that's exactly what the chat room embedded below (after the break) is for. It's a place for you to share your Xbox enthusiasm with other like-minded individuals.

Also, I, blogger extraordinaire Dustin "SuperDunner" Burg, will be joining the fun and chatting live before and during the keynote. Note too that there's a limit of 80 people per chat room, but multiple "overflow" rooms will be created if necessary.

Microsoft's E3 2009 press briefing is scheduled to begin today at 1:30PM eastern (10:30AM pacific), so hop into our chat room and open another browser window for Joystiq's live-blogging coverage. Let's do this!

Continue reading Chat with us during Microsoft's E3 press briefing

JoystiqChat with us during Microsoft's E3 press briefing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009microsoftxbox-360Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Here it is, Microsoft's E3 '09 press conference invite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/here-it-is-microsofts-e3-09-press-conference-invite/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/here-it-is-microsofts-e3-09-press-conference-invite/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/here-it-is-microsofts-e3-09-press-conference-invite/#comments
click to see what's insideToday, upon checking the official Joystiq mailbox, we were pleasantly surprised to find that our Microsoft E3 2009 press conference invite was tucked inside, waiting patiently for its discovery. And like years past, we decided to share the invitation opening experience all while systematically comparing it to last year's rather fancy presentation. Remember, Microsoft takes the E3 stage on June 1st, but enough talk ... let's get opening.

Gallery: Microsoft E3 09 Press Briefing Invite

Enveloped For Your ProtectionThe Green CoffinBehold!PsychedelicSquiggles

JoystiqHere it is, Microsoft's E3 '09 press conference invite originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 May 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009microsoftpress-conferenceWed, 20 May 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Fable 2 'See the Future' DLC [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/joyswag-fable-2-see-the-future-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/joyswag-fable-2-see-the-future-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/joyswag-fable-2-see-the-future-dlc/#commentsUpdate: Entry into this giveaway is now closed. Winners have been selected and notified via electronic mail. Check your inbox to see if you won.

Hopefully, you foresee good luck in your future, because we're awarding 25 random readers new Fable 2 downloadable content. That's right, to celebrate this Tuesday's release of the Fable 2 "See the Future" expansion, we're holding a giveaway. Simply follow the instructions below and, in no time at all, you may be wandering around Albion with a new Dalmatian dog and an extra 250 Gamerscore, free of charge.
  • Leave a comment telling us what you see in your future five years from now
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
  • Limit 1 entry per person
  • This entry period ends at 2:00 pm ET on Tuesday, May 12.
  • At that time, we'll randomly select 25 winners to receive a redemption code for Fable 2 "See the Future" (ARV: $7). Please check your email!
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

Gallery: Fable II: See the Future

JoystiqJoyswag: Fable 2 'See the Future' DLC [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 May 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfable-2fable-2-dlcfable-2-see-the-futurejoyswagLionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosRPGsee-the-futureXbox-360Mon, 11 May 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq vs. Bungie: A Mythic Halo 3 Challenge wrapup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/11/joystiq-vs-bungie-a-mythic-halo-3-challenge-wrapup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/11/joystiq-vs-bungie-a-mythic-halo-3-challenge-wrapup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/11/joystiq-vs-bungie-a-mythic-halo-3-challenge-wrapup/#commentsOn Thursday evening, Joystiq vs. Bungie: A Mythic Halo 3 Challenge came to an awkward, head-scratching close. We're sure most everyone who was interested in the outcome either watched the live stream or read through Bungie's uninspired Humpday challenge recap. But with so much misinformation circulating the internet, allow us to tell the real story. Allow us to clear the stench of deceit that has been wafting about.

Continue reading Joystiq vs. Bungie: A Mythic Halo 3 Challenge wrapup

JoystiqJoystiq vs. Bungie: A Mythic Halo 3 Challenge wrapup originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studioshalo-3joystiq-vs-bungiemythic-map-packSat, 11 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq vs. Bungie event starts tonight, watch it LIVE! [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/joystiq-vs-bungie-event-starts-tonight-watch-it-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/joystiq-vs-bungie-event-starts-tonight-watch-it-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/joystiq-vs-bungie-event-starts-tonight-watch-it-live/#commentsUpdate: Now that the challenge has concluded, be sure to check out the official recap of the battle including all of Bungie's shenanigans.

Earlier this week, Bungie challenged Joystiq to a Halo 3 competition to help get the word out about the just released Mythic Map Pack and to prove that developers are more skilled gamers than journalists. Over the course of a few days, we sought the help of the Joystiq community by having an open enrollment as we looked for nine individuals to represent Team Joystiq in battle. Well, we found our nine Joystiq representatives (along with one editor) and will be taking on Bungie Studios in a few hours in an event we're calling "Joystiq vs. Bungie: A Mythic Halo 3 Challenge".

Tonight, Joystiq's hand-selected team will enter the Halo 3 arena and do battle with Bungie. While they've been spending their time talking trash on their forums and even finding it necessary to mock Team Joystiq, know that we don't play those adolescent games. Instead, our team has put all its time and energy into honing its Halo 3 skills and is determined to earn Recon armor for all participants involved. Failure is unacceptable. Each game Joystiq loses, its editors will be required to wear Bungie supplied apparel at E3 for one day and the humiliation that's sure to come.

If you're interested in viewing the matches as they're played, we'll be streaming the whole event LIVE! Starting tonight at 9:00 pm EST (6:00 pm PST), you'll find a Ustream embed of the match after the break. Even though there is no audio and the video quality isn't exceptional, it gives those who are interested in the competition a place to hang out with other like-minded gamers and a chance to watch history unfold. Be sure to bookmark this post and be here for all the carnage. For those who'll miss the stream, we'll be posting a recap of the Joystiq vs. Bungie shenanigans sometime late Friday.

Best of luck to all parties involved ... GO TEAM JOYSTIQ!

Continue reading Joystiq vs. Bungie event starts tonight, watch it LIVE! [update]

JoystiqJoystiq vs. Bungie event starts tonight, watch it LIVE! [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studioshalo-3joystiq-vs-bungiemythic-map-packThu, 09 Apr 2009 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq vs. Bungie: A Mythic Halo 3 Challenge [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/joystiq-vs-bungie-a-mythic-halo-3-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/joystiq-vs-bungie-a-mythic-halo-3-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/joystiq-vs-bungie-a-mythic-halo-3-challenge/#comments
Update 2: Winners have been chosen. Check your email (and junk mail) to see if you've been selected.

Let it be known that on this day, Monday, April 6, 2009, developer Bungie Studios has challenged us -- Joystiq! -- to "A Mythic Halo 3 Challenge." But fear not loyal readers, for we knew this day would come and are prepared to fight and defend thy Joystiq honor.

It's speculated that this gaming challenge was spawned from Bungie's jealousy of the innate awesomeness Joystiq possesses and its urge to promote the upcoming release of the Halo 3 Mythic Map Pack. The challenge is simple: Bungie's best will battle Team Joystiq for ultimate gaming supremacy. But we need YOUR help.

The team that'll represent Joystiq will be comprised of community members, which is why we're holding an open call for the best Halo 3 players. Ultimately, we'll select nine community members to participate in the challenge. Each chosen member will receive a copy of the Mythic Map Pack and could be awarded Halo 3 Recon armor. Continue past the break for more information and details about how to represent Joystiq in battle.

Continue reading Joystiq vs. Bungie: A Mythic Halo 3 Challenge [update 2]

JoystiqJoystiq vs. Bungie: A Mythic Halo 3 Challenge [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalo-3joystiq-vs-bungiejoyswagMon, 06 Apr 2009 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: The Dishwasher Dead Samurai [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/03/joyswag-xbox-win-the-dishwasher-dead-samurai/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/03/joyswag-xbox-win-the-dishwasher-dead-samurai/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/03/joyswag-xbox-win-the-dishwasher-dead-samurai/#commentsUpdate: The entry period has closed. Congrats to our winners Wesley, Odog4ever and pibs.

We're certain there are a few Xbox Live Arcade enthusiasts out there who really want to purchase this week's release of The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai, but just can't afford it. (Thanks, crappy economy.) Knowing that and being privileged enough to have industry connections, we put together this Joyswag giveaway to award three readers a copy of The Dishwasher. What can we say? We're cool like that.

To enter this giveaway:
  • Leave a comment on this post sharing your tip for getting dirty dishes sparkling clean
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
  • Limit 1 entry per person
  • This entry period ends at 11:00 pm ET on Friday, April 3
  • We'll randomly choose 3 winners at that time to receive a redemption code for The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai (ARV: $10). Please check your email!
Also, be sure to to look out for the entire Dishwasher dev team (read: James Silva) playing on Xbox Live this Saturday as part of the Game with Developers program.

JoystiqJoyswag: The Dishwasher Dead Samurai [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dishwasher-dead-samuraijoyswagFri, 03 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Meet Gears of War 2's Snowblind Map Pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/video-meet-gears-of-war-2s-snowblind-map-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/video-meet-gears-of-war-2s-snowblind-map-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/video-meet-gears-of-war-2s-snowblind-map-pack/#commentsHere's a first look preview of the chilly Gears of War 2 Snowblind Map Pack DLC, which is set for release this Tuesday, March 31 on Xbox Live Marketplace for 800.

Embedded above is over six minutes of Snowblind footage that's guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest Gears 2 appetite and quench the thirstiest DLC thirst. So, bundle up, grab a cup of hot cocoa and press the play button ... you're about to get Snowblind-ed.

Gallery: Gears of War 2: Snowblind Map Pack

CourtyardCourtyardFuel DepotFuel DepotGrindyard

JoystiqVideo: Meet Gears of War 2's Snowblind Map Pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesgears-of-war-2gow2Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Gears of War 2's new ranking system]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/video-gears-of-war-2s-new-ranking-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/video-gears-of-war-2s-new-ranking-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/video-gears-of-war-2s-new-ranking-system/#commentsWith the recent release of Gears of War 2's third title update and the complete overhaul of the game's ranking system, we figured we'd put together a helpful video explaining all the changes.

Embedded above is a short (and super sweet) video showcasing the new Gears 2 ranking system, including an explanation of those new pop-up "toast" messages. After giving the footage a watch, roadie-run over to the official Gears of War 2 forums to get informed about what enhancements, bug fixes and improvements title update three has brought us.

JoystiqVideo: Gears of War 2's new ranking system originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesgears-of-war-2gow2Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Deal of the Week: Xbox Originals Fable for $10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-xbox-originals-fable-for-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-xbox-originals-fable-for-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-xbox-originals-fable-for-10/#commentsBecause the world needs to know (and by "world" we mean the Joystiq reader base), this week's Xbox Live Deal of the Week is none other than Xbox Original title Fable.

Starting today, Monday, March 16, and lasting through late Sunday, March 22, Fable can be purchased from the XBLM for 800 ($10), which represents a 33% discount from its normal 1200 pricing. As with all Deal of the Week offers, this Fable discount is only available to Xbox Live gold subscribers. Live silver accounts are forever shunned for choosing a life of evil and moral corruption. Be gone silver members ... BE GONE FROM THESE LANDS!

[Via Major Nelson]

JoystiqXbox Live Deal of the Week: Xbox Originals Fable for $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionFableLionheadLionhead-StudiosMicrosoft-Game-StudiosRPGxblmxbox-originalsMon, 16 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SEGA offers advice, creates MadWorld must-do list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/15/sega-offers-advice-creates-madworld-must-do-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/15/sega-offers-advice-creates-madworld-must-do-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/15/sega-offers-advice-creates-madworld-must-do-list/#commentsPlatinum Games' well received MadWorld has been abusing and roughing up the Wii for few days and SEGA decided its the opportune time to give game advice. Only because the publisher wants to make sure everyone is getting the most brutal experience possible.

The top ten MadWorld must-do list is what SEGA came up with and is (interestingly enough) penned by the company's own senior localization producer, Patrick Riley. The list includes a few gameplay tips, some Challenge tricks and various insightful nuggets of information, like the fact that Jack can impale foes with a total of five, yes five caution signs. Yes sir ... the more you know.

JoystiqSEGA offers advice, creates MadWorld must-do list originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Mar 2009 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionmad-worldmadworldplatinum-gamessegaSun, 15 Mar 2009 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: First look at Fallout 3's The Pitt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/15/video-first-look-at-fallout-3s-the-pitt/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/15/video-first-look-at-fallout-3s-the-pitt/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/15/video-first-look-at-fallout-3s-the-pitt/#commentsScreenshots can only show so much, which is why we recommend, no, insist watching GameTrailers' recently released Fallout 3 The Pitt DLC trailer. Look for it embedded after the break.

As expected, The Pitt presents a dangerous, dirty and rugged atmosphere where steel construction is the norm and scaffolding wraps around buildings like an artificial highway. It's The Pitt, it's releasing March 24 and it's your duty as a fan to watch the first trailer.

Continue reading Video: First look at Fallout 3's The Pitt

JoystiqVideo: First look at Fallout 3's The Pitt originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Game-Studiosbethesda-softworksfallout-3Microsoftrpgthe-pittXbox-360Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MTV's Totilo concerned about MS' Xbox exclusives in '09]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/mtvs-totilo-concerned-about-ms-xbox-exclusives-in-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/mtvs-totilo-concerned-about-ms-xbox-exclusives-in-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/mtvs-totilo-concerned-about-ms-xbox-exclusives-in-09/#commentsDuring his latest Lunchtime Video (embedded after the break), MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo shows off his fancy LocoRoco drippy doodad ... but that isn't the big news. What is newsworthy is his expressed concern regarding Microsoft's catalog of Xbox 360 exclusives for 2009 being, well ... nonexistent.

Totilo's evidence: the lack of major rumors going into spring, MS not scheduling many press demos during GDC, the loss of once Xbox exclusive franchises like Mass Effect and PGR, and still no information about the long-delayed Splinter Cell: Conviction and Alan Wake. To be fair, Totilo admits that 2009's confirmed exclusives like Halo 3: ODST and the second batch of GTAIV DLC will be big hits, but fears those will be the only huge titles Microsoft will have for the year.

Should Xbox 360 fans be worried about the possibility of '09 being exclusive-less or is Microsoft keeping its cards a secret and planning on going all in at GDC and E3? Please, tell us what you think.

Continue reading MTV's Totilo concerned about MS' Xbox exclusives in '09

JoystiqMTV's Totilo concerned about MS' Xbox exclusives in '09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mgsmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosmtv-multiplayerstephen-totiloxbox-360Sat, 14 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A Legendary weekend of Halo 3 double EXP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/a-legendary-weekend-of-halo-3-double-exp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/a-legendary-weekend-of-halo-3-double-exp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/a-legendary-weekend-of-halo-3-double-exp/#commentsA new Halo 3 double EXP weekend is going on right now through Monday morning, March 16. To participate, make your way into Halo 3's Legendary Brawl Double EXP playlist. But note, the Heroic and Legendary maps are required -- the Mythic maps are not necessary for this weekend's EXP earning, but "don't be surprised" when they show up in a future double EXP event. So, dust off your Mjolnir armor and bring along some extra teabags (for the caffeine boost, of course) because it's gonna be a long and (hopefully) memorable weekend.

JoystiqA Legendary weekend of Halo 3 double EXP originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studiosdouble-xp-weekendhalo-3Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box speeds onto Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/burnout-paradise-the-ultimate-box-speeds-onto-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/burnout-paradise-the-ultimate-box-speeds-onto-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/burnout-paradise-the-ultimate-box-speeds-onto-steam/#comments
As foretold by the all-knowing prophet Criterion, Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box is now available for purchase on Steam for $39.99. The Ultimate Box includes the full version of Burnout Paradise and all of its free updates, including the Cagney and Bike content, plus the premium Party Pack (sadly, Legendary Cars and newer DLC are not included). As a special bonus, only applicable to this downloadable version, none of the excessive packaging or nasty shrink wrap is included. We can already feel the environment's warming approval.

JoystiqBurnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box speeds onto Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnout-paradiseburnout-paradise-the-ultimate-boxcriterioncriterion-gameseaElectronic-Artssteamthe-ultimate-boxFri, 13 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Lips receives Coldplay, Boys Like Girls DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/lips-receives-coldplay-boys-like-girls-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/lips-receives-coldplay-boys-like-girls-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/lips-receives-coldplay-boys-like-girls-dlc/#commentsYou know what today is -- time to check your lip balm reserve! New Lips DLC tracks have been released, and, while we were expecting all three to be from Coldplay, only two of those lovely Brits's songs made the cut. The third track on today's release list is now courtesy of Boys Like Girls:

JoystiqLips receives Coldplay, Boys Like Girls DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inislipslips-dlclips-dlc-fridaysmgsmicrosoft-game-studiosmusicxblmFri, 13 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zombified World at War DLC media for your consumption]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/zombified-world-at-war-dlc-media-for-your-consumption/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/zombified-world-at-war-dlc-media-for-your-consumption/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/zombified-world-at-war-dlc-media-for-your-consumption/#commentsActivision just sent us new Call of Duty: World at War assets for the upcoming Map Pack 1 downloadable content, seeing that its release has been confirmed for March 19.

Conveniently galleried below are screenshots from the DLC's three new multiplayer maps (Knee Deep, Nightfire and Station) as well as a couple screenshots from the zombie-infested Verrückt map. Because screenshots just don't do the zombie map justice, there's a gruesome new trailer embedded after the break.

If it weren't for the abundance of soldiers and the obvious World at War branding, we'd think we were watching a scene from Left 4 Dead.

Continue reading Zombified World at War DLC media for your consumption

JoystiqZombified World at War DLC media for your consumption originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-world-at-wartreyarchworld-at-warFri, 13 Mar 2009 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Mastodon and Pearl Jam join March's Game with Fame]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/mastodon-and-pearl-jam-join-marchs-game-with-fame/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/mastodon-and-pearl-jam-join-marchs-game-with-fame/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/mastodon-and-pearl-jam-join-marchs-game-with-fame/#commentsAfter giving into our mild case of insomnia and mindlessly surfing the internet at 3 am, we stumbled across Xbox.com's Game with Fame page and found March to be full of events. Several bands, including Mastodon, Thursday and Pearl Jam's Matt Cameron, will all be gaming it up this month.

Click the links below to learn more about each of the Xbox Live Game with Fame events and add the appropriate Gamertags to your friends list, if you must. Now, it's time for us to go to bed ...
  • March 19 - Mastodon plays F.E.A.R. 2
  • March 21 - Thursday plays CoD: WaW
  • March 25 - Jamey Johnson plays NASCAR '09
  • March 27 - Matt Cameron (Pearl Jam) plays Rock Band 2

JoystiqMastodon and Pearl Jam join March's Game with Fame originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-world-at-wargame-with-famegwfnascar-09rock-band-2world-at-warxbox-liveThu, 12 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kid-friendly Roogoo Twisted Towers and Attack box art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/kid-friendly-roogoo-twisted-towers-and-attack-box-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/kid-friendly-roogoo-twisted-towers-and-attack-box-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/kid-friendly-roogoo-twisted-towers-and-attack-box-art/#comments
(click to embiggen)
"Cheery," "colorful" and "cute" are all words that describe the recently released box art (and new screenshots) for the Wii's upcoming Roogoo Twisted Towers and the DS' Roogoo Attack. Admittedly, block for block, these Roogoo boxes have shaped up quite nicely. Except for the large and out of place red circle block on the Attack box. It's just trying too hard to steal our attention away from the green triangles and blue squares of the world! That's just twisted and shameful.

JoystiqKid-friendly Roogoo Twisted Towers and Attack box art originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>roogooroogoo-attackroogoo-twisted-towerssouthpeaksouthpeak-gamesThu, 12 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World at War demo is fashionably late to XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/world-at-war-demo-is-fashionably-late-to-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/world-at-war-demo-is-fashionably-late-to-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/world-at-war-demo-is-fashionably-late-to-xblm/#commentsHave you heard about this game called Call of Duty: World at War? It's some sort of new army experience developed by Treyarch, where you kill other army people using guns. Pretty crazy, right? Well, there's a 932MB World at War demo, featuring both single-player and four-player online co-op, available for download from the Xbox Live Marketplace right now..

Wait, wait, wait. Hold up. Does a multi-million selling game really need to release a demo after all this time? Don't tell us you haven't bought it yet!

[Via Major Nelson]

JoystiqWorld at War demo is fashionably late to XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-world-at-wardemofpstreyarchworld-at-warxblmThu, 12 Mar 2009 14:15:00 EST