Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogobig.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[How to make a game in an hour, no experience required]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/how-to-make-a-game-in-an-hour-no-experience-required/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/how-to-make-a-game-in-an-hour-no-experience-required/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/how-to-make-a-game-in-an-hour-no-experience-required/#comments
For many, game development seems like an unreachable dream. We envision a world where we can come up with an idea, hunch over a laptop, bang out some code and - voila - video game. Tom Francis, creator of Joystiq favorite Gunpoint, is putting together a very handy Game Maker tutorial and, while it won't make things quite as easy as they are in your dreams, you'll have a working prototype in about an hour.

The tutorial is published as a series of videos on YouTube (here's the playlist) and all it requires is a free download of Game Maker, which you may recognize as the engine that powers games like Spelunky, Hotline Miami, Risk of Rain, Gods Will Be Watching, Nidhogg and many, many more. You can download the free version of Game Maker Studio right here.

Even better, the tutorials require no programming or game creation experience whatsoever. If you can follow instructions, you can follow these tutorials. After the first two lessons, clocking in at a total of 50 minutes or so, you'll have a character that moves with the WASD keys and shoots in the direction of your mouse pointer. As noted by Francis himself: If you can shoot, it is officially a video game (also it's pretty easy to program).

Don't take my word for it though. Just check out the trailer for my upcoming indie-developed blockbuster, World of Shoo(ting). If you want to do more than just shoot, of course, you'll have to watch the rest of the tutorial series.

JoystiqHow to make a game in an hour, no experience required originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-makergunpointpctom-francisFri, 23 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Moon Chronicles DLC episodes touch down on 3DS February 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/moon-chronicles-dlc-episodes-touch-down-on-3ds-february-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/moon-chronicles-dlc-episodes-touch-down-on-3ds-february-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/moon-chronicles-dlc-episodes-touch-down-on-3ds-february-5/#comments After releasing its first episode last May, Renegade Kid's Moon Chronicles is finally ready to receive episodes two, three and four. Creator Jools Watsham revealed on Twitter that Nintendo has approved the episodes and "it's looking like" all three will hit the 3DS eShop on February 5. A "season pass" will be available for $9 to purchase every episode or, according to Nintendo's Moon Chronicles page, individual episodes can be had for $4.50 apiece. The first episode, which also includes special VR missions, remains $8.99.

For those who missed its debut last year, Moon Chronicles is a remake of Renegade Kid's DS first-person shooter, Moon, with improved visuals and 3D support. Also, as Watsham points out, the DLC arrives a week before the launch of the New 3DS, which should give players a reason to use that fancy C-stick.
[Image: Renegade Kid]

JoystiqMoon Chronicles DLC episodes touch down on 3DS February 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmoonmoon-chroniclesnintendorenegade-kidThu, 22 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alien: Isolation: One million sold, scared]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/alien-isolation-one-million-sold-scared/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/alien-isolation-one-million-sold-scared/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/alien-isolation-one-million-sold-scared/#comments Publisher Sega and developer Creative Assembly are indirectly responsible for one hell of a laundry bill, as it was announced today that Alien: Isolation has officially sold one million copies worldwide. Accounting for at least one million players, and factoring in regular sessions with Alien: Isolation's precision engineered terror, we're talking millions of soiled undergarments. We're not aware of any spikes in detergent sales, but it seems like a given.

We're rather fond of Alien: Isolation here at Joystiq, where the game stealthily crept into our top ten games of 2014.

JoystiqAlien: Isolation: One million sold, scared originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien-isolationaliens-isolationcreative-assemblymicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4segaxboxxbox-oneWed, 21 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Her Story' FMV crime fiction game coming from Silent Hill: Shattered Memories designer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/her-story-fmv-crime-fiction-game-coming-from-silent-hill-shat/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/her-story-fmv-crime-fiction-game-coming-from-silent-hill-shat/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/her-story-fmv-crime-fiction-game-coming-from-silent-hill-shat/#comments
The latest game from Silent Hill: Shattered Memories designer and writer Sam Barlow is a little different. It's not survival horror, it doesn't have motion controls and ... it's entirely full-motion video. Entitled Her Story, the game revolves around a police database containing several taped interviews with a female subject, concerning the disappearance of her husband.

Rather than interacting directly with the game, players "type search queries and the database returns clips of the answers where the woman speaks those words." Barlow claims, "If you can Google, you can play Her Story," elaborating that, while the search mechanic is simple, it "quickly reveals its richness and complexity." Non-linear storytelling seems to be the game's hallmark, with Barlow himself calling it "a sculptural way of viewing a story."

We're still not clear on exactly how it will work, whether players will directly affect the narrative or solve the mystery, or just soak in a unique, interactive crime fiction story. Either way, it certainly sounds different.

Her Story is set to arrive early this year on PC, Mac and iOS, and it's currently listed on Steam Greenlight.
[Image: Sam Barlow]

Continue reading 'Her Story' FMV crime fiction game coming from Silent Hill: Shattered Memories designer

Joystiq'Her Story' FMV crime fiction game coming from Silent Hill: Shattered Memories designer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>her-storyiosipadiphonemacmobilepcsam-barlowTue, 20 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Direct wrap-up: New 3DS on Feb. 13 and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/nintendo-direct-wrap-up-new-3ds-on-feb-13-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/nintendo-direct-wrap-up-new-3ds-on-feb-13-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/nintendo-direct-wrap-up-new-3ds-on-feb-13-and-more/#comments
Today's Nintendo Direct dropped some huge news for both the Wii U and the upcoming New 3DS. The biggest announcement is that the New 3DS, which features a second analog stick, faster processor, amiibo support and a number of other improvements, will arrive in North America on February 13. The basic bundle, available in red or black, will retail for $199. Nintendo also revealed special Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Edition and Majora's Mask bundles, the latter of which is apparently already sold out at GameStop. Friendly reminder, these bundles do not include an AC adapter, presumably with the expectation that early adopters will be upgrading from the current 3DS models.

In other big news, Wii games are coming to the Wii U eShop starting today with Super Mario Galaxy 2. Each game will be available for half price ($10) during its first week of availability. To put that another way, you can snag Metroid Prime Trilogy on January 29 for the ridiculously low price of $10.

Find a breakdown of all the Nintendo Direct news, as well as a heaping helping of trailers, after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo Direct wrap-up: New 3DS on Feb. 13 and more

JoystiqNintendo Direct wrap-up: New 3DS on Feb. 13 and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendonintendo-directwiiwii-uWed, 14 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq isn't scoring reviews anymore, and here's why]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/joystiq-isnt-scoring-reviews-anymore-and-heres-why/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/joystiq-isnt-scoring-reviews-anymore-and-heres-why/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/joystiq-isnt-scoring-reviews-anymore-and-heres-why/#comments Ever since we started publishing reviews here at Joystiq, we've striven to deliver the most timely and definitive critiques we can. The word "definitive" is important in this conversation, because things don't get much more definitive than a review score. The very purpose of a score is to define something entirely nebulous and subjective - fun - as narrowly as possible. The problem is that narrowing down something as broad and fluid as a video game isn't truly useful, especially in today's industry.

Between pre-release reviews, post-release patching, online connectivity, server stability and myriad other unforeseeable possibilities, attaching a concrete score to a new game just isn't practical. More importantly, it's not helpful to our readers.

For that reason, above all others, we've decided that Joystiq will no longer score its reviews. Don't worry, we'll still give you a reason to scroll past the review before actually reading it (it's okay, we all do it), but the information you'll find will be more helpful and meaningful than a handful of stars. I've been mulling over this decision for several months and, after discussing it with the rest of the Joystiq staff, we decided that the new year was the perfect time to flip the switch. For a rundown of why 2014 was the year that broke the critic's back, and exactly how our new system will work, read on.

Continue reading Joystiq isn't scoring reviews anymore, and here's why

JoystiqJoystiq isn't scoring reviews anymore, and here's why originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>editorialin-other-wordsreviewsTue, 13 Jan 2015 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Clock Tower successor 'Project Scissors' becomes NightCry, gets live action teaser]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/clock-tower-successor-project-scissors-becomes-nightcry-gets/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/clock-tower-successor-project-scissors-becomes-nightcry-gets/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/05/clock-tower-successor-project-scissors-becomes-nightcry-gets/#comments
The spiritual successor to the Clock Tower survival horror series, Project Scissors, has a new name and a new live action teaser. The game is now called NightCry, and the trailer is definitely creepy, if a little light on information. One thing that Clock Tower fans will be sure to notice, however, is the presence of big, bloody scissors. Or, to put it more accurately, big scissors that appear to be made of blood.

The teaser is directed by Takashi Shimizu, director of the Ju-On horror film series and its American counterpart, The Grudge. Shimizu was revealed to be a part of the game project last year, along developer Nude Maker, which is led by the director of the original Clock Tower games, Hifumi Kouno.

NightCry is planned for iOS, Android and PlayStation Vita.
[Image: Nude Maker]

JoystiqClock Tower successor 'Project Scissors' becomes NightCry, gets live action teaser originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemobilenightcrynude-makerplaystationplaystation-vitaproject-scissorsvitaMon, 05 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Top 10 of 2014: Bayonetta 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2014-bayonetta-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2014-bayonetta-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/joystiq-top-10-of-2014-bayonetta-2/#commentsATTENTION: The year 2014 has concluded its temporal self-destruct sequence. If you are among the escapees, please join us in salvaging and preserving the best games from the irradiated chrono-debris.

Bayonetta 2 is exactly the game I needed in 2014. While major developers and publishers seem to cram more and more into every project - giant maps, hundreds of objectives, skill trees, systems, sub-systems, meta games, companion apps - Bayonetta 2 on the Wii U is an eye-opening, high-heeled kick to the teeth. It drops you headfirst into its bizarre world, where the bombastic war machinery of Heaven and Hell collide, your only real task being the gleeful destruction of it all.

The titular witch, Bayonetta, is as perfectly posh as ever and just as deadly, with a healthy supply of imaginative weaponry to dispose of holy angels and vile demons alike.

Continue reading Joystiq Top 10 of 2014: Bayonetta 2

JoystiqJoystiq Top 10 of 2014: Bayonetta 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bayonetta-2best-of-2014joystiq-best-of-2014nintendowii-uSat, 03 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Richard's picks of 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/02/best-of-the-rest-richards-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/02/best-of-the-rest-richards-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/02/best-of-the-rest-richards-picks-of-2014/#commentsATTENTION: The year 2014 has concluded its temporal self-destruct sequence. If you are among the escapees, please join us in salvaging and preserving the best games from the irradiated chrono-debris.

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

The best thing about The Vanishing of Ethan Carter might be that it tells its story in a way that only a video game can. Other games aspire to emulate other forms of media, to be more like movies or books. Ethan Carter, on the other hand, embraces the interactivity of the medium in a wonderful way, with an awareness of a video game's ability to let you live through a moment, rather than just witnessing it.

At first, Ethan Carter feels like a typical paranormal mystery, and its investigation mechanics are cleverly implemented, asking you to put the events of the past in the correct order to reveal the truth behind a series of murders. The mystery elements turn out to be just a small part of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, though, and you soon find yourself pulled into some of the greatest moments of pure fantasy that I've ever seen in a video game.

I won't say another word, for fear of spoiling anything. If you appreciate a good mystery, and you believe in the transportational power of games, do yourself a favor and pick it up.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Richard's picks of 2014

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Richard's picks of 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbest-of-2014best-of-the-rest-2014dark-souls-2destinyhearthstonehearthstone-heroes-of-warcraftiosipadiphonejoystiq-best-of-2014microsoftmobilepcpersona-qpersona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinthrecommendedtales-from-the-borderlandsthe-vanishing-of-ethan-carterxbox-oneFri, 02 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: December 31 marks Wii U Digital Deluxe promo deadline]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/psa-december-31-marks-wii-u-digital-deluxe-promo-deadline/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/psa-december-31-marks-wii-u-digital-deluxe-promo-deadline/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/30/psa-december-31-marks-wii-u-digital-deluxe-promo-deadline/#comments This is it, folks. Time to make those holiday gift cards count. If you're an owner of the 32GB Wii U Deluxe console, you've got one more day to earn bonus eShop credit in Nintendo's Deluxe Digital promotion. The promotion rewards Wii U Deluxe owners with credit for making purchases on the Wii U eShop. Specifically, owners can get 10 percent of their purchases back in eShop credit.

If you've been waiting to make any eShop purchases, or if this is the first you've heard of the promotion, tomorrow marks your last day to earn points. Points earned via the promotion can be exchanged for eShop credit until March 31, 2015. You can find the relevant details on the promotion's website.
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqPSA: December 31 marks Wii U Digital Deluxe promo deadline originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deluxe-digital-promotionnintendowii-uTue, 30 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Boy Tetris leaving eShop on New Year's Eve]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/game-boy-tetris-leaving-eshop-on-new-years-eve/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/game-boy-tetris-leaving-eshop-on-new-years-eve/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/game-boy-tetris-leaving-eshop-on-new-years-eve/#comments Shall old acquaintance be forgot
And days of breaking lines
Shall old acquaintance be forgot
And Nintendo is pulling Tetris from 3DS eShop on New Years Eve

Maybe it has something to do with Ubisoft.

Okay, so it's not as catchy as Auld Lang Syne, but it might make you just as weepy. Nintendo has confirmed via its UK Twitter account that the Game Boy version of Tetris, a game that helped define Nintendo's handheld and portable gaming in general, will be pulled from the 3DS eShop on December 31. It appears that Tetris Axis for the 3DS is also being pulled, according to an image from the 3DS eShop news section posted on Twitter.

Nintendo of America has yet to make a similar announcement, and the US eShops make no note of either game being removed, so it's possible that this applies only to the UK. As for why Tetris would be removed from the eShop, it may have something to do with Ubisoft's Tetris Ultimate, which was recently released on 3DS. We've contacted Nintendo of America to confirm if the US version is to be removed as well.

If you'd rather not take your chances, the Game Boy version can still be had for $3.99. Unless, of course, you've somehow managed to keep your old Game Boy in working condition all these years.

[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqGame Boy Tetris leaving eShop on New Year's Eve originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendotetrisMon, 29 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Reborn summons single-player mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/24/chaos-reborn-summons-single-player-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/24/chaos-reborn-summons-single-player-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/24/chaos-reborn-summons-single-player-mode/#comments Chaos Reborn, the latest turn-based strategy game from original X-COM creator Julian Gollop, now has a single-player mode. The new mode allows human players to take on AI wizards, or to play "hotseat" with other players, or a combination of both humans and AI. The update also includes a number of balance tweaks, a new spell that let's you "summon a pack of mutant, giant rats" and, in the spirit of the season, special Christmas themed graphics. If you're in the festive mood, keep in mind that the Christmas graphics will only be available for a limited time.

On a recent live stream of Chaos Reborn with Joystiq, Gollop discussed plans for other single-player content as well, specifically what sounds like a fairly complex campaign. You can hear him discuss it, and watch him beat the tar out of Joystiq's Alexander Sliwinski, right here. Chaos Reborn is available via Steam Early Access now.

[Image: Snapshot Games]

JoystiqChaos Reborn summons single-player mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Dec 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chaos-rebornsnapshotsnapshot-gamesWed, 24 Dec 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[KOTOR finds the Androids you've been looking for]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/kotor-finds-the-androids-youve-been-looking-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/kotor-finds-the-androids-youve-been-looking-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/kotor-finds-the-androids-youve-been-looking-for/#comments Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, BioWare's beloved RPG, is now available on Android devices. To mark the occasion, developer Aspyr Media has slashed the usual $10 price in half (with a lightsaber, presumably). You can snag it from Google Play right now, so long as your device is up to snuff, of course.

JoystiqKOTOR finds the Androids you've been looking for originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidaspyrAspyr-MediabiowareKOTORmobilestar-wars-knights-of-the-old-republicTue, 23 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uhh, Shovel Knight is in Road Redemption]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/22/uhh-shovel-knight-is-in-road-redemption/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/22/uhh-shovel-knight-is-in-road-redemption/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/22/uhh-shovel-knight-is-in-road-redemption/#comments
Is it weird that Shovel Knight is now a playable character in Road Redemption, the spiritual successor to Road Rash? Like, really weird? Yes, of course it is. It is also, however, kind of awesome to see our beloved, blue-suited hero smacking people with a shovel at unlawful speeds. If Croaker were around, he might call the whole situation a cycle of violence.

Road Redemption is currently available via Steam Early Access.
[Image: Dark Seas Games]

Continue reading Uhh, Shovel Knight is in Road Redemption

JoystiqUhh, Shovel Knight is in Road Redemption originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-seas-gamespcroad-redemptionshovel-knightyacht-club-gamesMon, 22 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[I only play Hotline Miami 2 on vinyl]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/i-only-play-hotline-miami-2-on-vinyl/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/i-only-play-hotline-miami-2-on-vinyl/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/i-only-play-hotline-miami-2-on-vinyl/#comments There's this game coming out called Hotline Miami 2. You probably haven't heard of it. Anyway, I found out you can get this sweet collector's edition with the soundtrack on vinyl. It's, like, sixty bucks and comes with three discs - all of them 180 gram, colored vinyl, of course - and it features 28 different tracks from the game. You also get a Steam download code for the game, printed on a special "phone card," which is, like, what old people used before smartphones or something.

You probably haven't pre-ordered it yet. I mean, I heard about it months ago, but it's cool if you like it now, or whatever.
[image: Devolver Digital]

Continue reading I only play Hotline Miami 2 on vinyl

JoystiqI only play Hotline Miami 2 on vinyl originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Dec 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dennaton-gamesdevolver-digitalhotline-miami-2pcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4vitaFri, 19 Dec 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duck Hunt flocks to Wii U Virtual Console on Christmas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/18/duck-hunt-flocks-to-wii-u-virtual-console-on-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/18/duck-hunt-flocks-to-wii-u-virtual-console-on-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/18/duck-hunt-flocks-to-wii-u-virtual-console-on-christmas/#comments As the turkey takes the prominent spot at your dinner table this Christmas, Nintendo has another bird in mind for your TV. The Wii U Virtual Console edition of Duck Hunt, announced earlier this year, will hit the eShop on December 25. Once you're stuffed to the gills, why not take aim at a few virtual ducks? Or, if you need to cater to Grandma's delicate sensibilities, you can always blast a few clay pigeons instead.

Here's hoping the Wii Remote makes a decent stand-in for Nintendo's classic Zapper light gun.

[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqDuck Hunt flocks to Wii U Virtual Console on Christmas originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Duck-Huntnintendowii-uThu, 18 Dec 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Lords of the Fallen 2' in early stages of development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/lords-of-the-fallen-2-in-early-stages-of-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/lords-of-the-fallen-2-in-early-stages-of-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/lords-of-the-fallen-2-in-early-stages-of-development/#comments It looks like Bandai Namco's other brutally punishing action RPG, Lords of the Fallen, is getting a sequel. The news comes by way of developer CI Games executive producer Tomasz Gop, who confirmed on Facebook (and also to Eurogamer) that development on the sequel's "vision and concepts" has begun. Gop refers to the game simply as "Lords of the Fallen 2," though we fully expect a grim subtitle to be tacked on at some point. Lords of the Fallen 2: Dim Spirits, perhaps.

Our own review of Lords of the Fallen praised the game's departures from the Dark Souls series, with which it shares a great deal, but ultimately found that "there comes a point at which it has no more tricks up its sleeve."
[Image: Bandai Namco]

Joystiq'Lords of the Fallen 2' in early stages of development originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcoci-gamesdeck-13lords-of-the-fallenmicrosoftpcplaystationps4xbox-oneWed, 17 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xeodrifter review: Snacktroid]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/xeodrifter-review-snacktroid/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/xeodrifter-review-snacktroid/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/xeodrifter-review-snacktroid/#comments3DS, PC
There's a purity to Xeodrifter that I really admire. The 2D action exploration game is brief, but Xeodrifter explores its simple, well-executed mechanics to a T. It takes the best elements of other exploration-driven action games like Castlevania and Metroid and packs them neatly into a handful of hours.

Nimbly rewarding you with health extensions, gun upgrades and special abilities along the way, Xeodrifter plays something like a "greatest hits" compilation of the genre, though not without adding a few B-sides of its own. Before long, you'll be running at turbo speed, soaring into the sky with rocket-propelled leaps and cleaving your way through enemies with enhanced firepower.

There's no cruft, no filler - just a competent, compact adventure.

Continue reading Xeodrifter review: Snacktroid

JoystiqXeodrifter review: Snacktroid originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendopcxeodrifterWed, 17 Dec 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[We're paying for broken games, and it's unacceptable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/were-paying-for-broken-games-and-its-unacceptable/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/were-paying-for-broken-games-and-its-unacceptable/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/15/were-paying-for-broken-games-and-its-unacceptable/#comments There was a time when you bought a game, pulled it out of the box, popped it into your device of choice, and that was it. In today's video game industry, however, a single game isn't even the end product. Now we have downloadable content and expansion packs - and don't forget to buy the season pass so you get it all for a nominal discount. Never mind just pre-ordering your games either, now we can pre-load them, guaranteeing access the very second a game becomes available. And the pre-order bonuses, bestowing us with trivial costumes or weapons, or maybe even some extra levels that will inevitably be sold after launch, despite being billed as pre-order "exclusives."

Even without these premium additions, the game you bring home isn't the static creative work it once was. Developers and publishers are free to update their games now, patching out unforeseen problems or even adding fan-requested improvements. It's good that issues can be resolved, but the darker side of this is the now infamous "Day 1 Patch." These crucial updates are applied on launch day, providing fixes so last-minute that they couldn't make it onto the discs before they were pressed (or even onto the downloadable code, for that matter). The implication of the Day 1 Patch, of course, is that the game in the box, or sitting in your Steam download queue, isn't actually finished.

The troubling part, as 2014 has proven, is that even after you've applied that patch, you can still wind up with a broken game. Not only that, but if the marketing has done its job, you have a broken game for which you have already purchased additional content. Maybe you paid a little extra for a special edition. You're a savvy shopper, so you saved five bucks on future DLC with a season pass. In today's climate, it's easy to plunk down $100 on a game before you've played a single minute of it. If said game doesn't work, all you've got is a fancy SteelBook case, a useless download token for DLC and maybe a plastic tchotchke for your desk. And that's assuming you didn't pre-order digitally, in which case all you have is a broken game and no hope of a refund.

Continue reading We're paying for broken games, and it's unacceptable

JoystiqWe're paying for broken games, and it's unacceptable originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-unityBattlefield-4driveclubeditorialhalo-the-master-chief-collectionpre-orderpre-ordersMon, 15 Dec 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tales from the Borderlands Episode One review: Busy earnin']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/tales-from-the-borderlands-episode-one-review-busy-earnin/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/tales-from-the-borderlands-episode-one-review-busy-earnin/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/tales-from-the-borderlands-episode-one-review-busy-earnin/#commentsPS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, Mac, iOS, Android
You should probably know who Handsome Jack is. That's really the only advice I'd give to anyone looking to dip into Telltale's latest episodic series, Tales from the Borderlands. Granted, Borderlands doesn't have the most sophisticated lore, subsisting largely on dick jokes, pop culture references and lots of screaming jerks, but suffice it to say that you don't have to be intimately familiar with Gearbox's first-person shooters to appreciate Tales. If you know that Handsome Jack is a villain, perhaps heard his smarmy voice in a trailer or two, you should be fine.

In other words, regardless of your level of Borderlands experience, Tales from the Borderlands is a witty, well-written adventure with broad appeal. And yeah, there's a dick joke or two.

Continue reading Tales from the Borderlands Episode One review: Busy earnin'

JoystiqTales from the Borderlands Episode One review: Busy earnin' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3ps4tales-from-the-borderlandstelltaleTellTale-Gamesxboxxbox-oneWed, 26 Nov 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Expanded Dark Souls 2 coming to smite Xbox One, PS4 owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/expanded-dark-souls-2-coming-to-smite-xbox-one-ps4-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/expanded-dark-souls-2-coming-to-smite-xbox-one-ps4-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/expanded-dark-souls-2-coming-to-smite-xbox-one-ps4-owners/#comments
You might have thought that buying into the new generation of consoles would protect you from the gleeful, maniacal punishment of the Dark Souls series, but you were wrong. Namco has revealed that a new edition of Dark Souls 2, subtitled Scholar of the First Sin, is headed to Xbox 360, PS3, PC and now, for the first time, Xbox One and PS4.

On all platforms - according to Namco - the expanded edition of the game packs some new features, including improved balance, new NPCs, an expanded story, and new item descriptions. These improvements will also be available to existing Dark Souls 2 owners via a free update. Meanwhile, the Xbox One, PS4 and DirectX 11 PC versions of the game will offer "enhanced graphics," with Namco explaining to Joystiq that this includes higher resolution textures and improved lighting effects, among other things. Furthermore, these versions of the game will increase the maximum number of online players.

Of course, it wouldn't be a proper re-release without packing in some DLC, and all versions of Scholar of the First Sin will include all three of Dark Souls 2's DLC episodes. Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin is set to arrive on April 7, 2015 - just after Bloodborne, developer From Software's newest game, hits the shelves.

Continue reading Expanded Dark Souls 2 coming to smite Xbox One, PS4 owners

JoystiqExpanded Dark Souls 2 coming to smite Xbox One, PS4 owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2014 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-souls-2dark-souls-2-scholar-of-the-first-sinmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneTue, 25 Nov 2014 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop stock drops on declining sales, despite new hardware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/gamestop-stock-drops-on-declining-sales-despite-new-hardware/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/gamestop-stock-drops-on-declining-sales-despite-new-hardware/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/gamestop-stock-drops-on-declining-sales-despite-new-hardware/#comments GameStop's third quarter financial results show global sales are down for the quarter ended November 1, 2014, totaling $2.09 billion, compared to 2.11 billion over the same period last year. Net income fell to $56.4 million, as compared to $68.6 million during the third quarter last year.

Despite this overall decline, the company says that sales of new hardware rose 147 percent, adding that after a year on the market, the installed base of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 is 73 percent larger than that of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 after their first year of availability. GameStop's bread-and-butter pre-owned sales, meanwhile, grew by 2.6 percent over last quarter. Sales of mobile devices, a new focus for GameStop, grew by 125 percent thanks to "continued expansion and strong results" for the company's new Spring Mobile stores.

So, with all of this apparent growth, why the drop in sales? GameStop CEO Paul Raines pins the decline on Assassin's Creed Unity, which was delayed to November 11 earlier this year, meaning it couldn't be included in GameStop's third quarter results. Wall Street hasn't taken kindly to the news, with VentureBeat reporting that GameStop's stock has dropped by 13 percent.

JoystiqGameStop stock drops on declining sales, despite new hardware originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2014 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsgamestopq3q3-2014Thu, 20 Nov 2014 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Desert Bus for Hope rides again, charity drive begins today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/desert-bus-for-hope-rides-again-charity-drive-begins-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/desert-bus-for-hope-rides-again-charity-drive-begins-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/14/desert-bus-for-hope-rides-again-charity-drive-begins-today/#comments
The eighth Desert Bus for Hope charity drive officially kicks off today. We've been fans of the marathon for many years here at Joystiq, but in case you don't know what it's all about, here's the rundown. The folks at LoadingReadyRun sit down to play Desert Bus, one of the most mind-numbingly boring video games ever created, in which players drive a bus from Las Vegas to Tucson ... in real-time (a feat that takes 8 hours). Nothing happens. Just a long stretch of desert road and a bus that lists just enough to make sure you keep paying attention. The more money the charity makes, the longer these brave souls have to keep playing. Proceeds go to Child's Play.

In other words, you pay to watch people suffer, and the money goes to a good cause. Everyone wins! Not only that, but you'll have your shot at winning some prizes (including lots of games donated by Joystiq). Okay, not everyone wins - someone still has to play the game, after all.

JoystiqDesert Bus for Hope rides again, charity drive begins today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Nov 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childs-playdesert-busdesert-bus-for-hopeFri, 14 Nov 2014 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: The Master Chief Collection running into matchmaking problems]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/halo-the-master-chief-collection-running-into-matchmaking-probl/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/halo-the-master-chief-collection-running-into-matchmaking-probl/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/halo-the-master-chief-collection-running-into-matchmaking-probl/#comments Dealing with the Covenant isn't the only problem players are facing in Halo: The Master Chief Collection today. The huge collection of Halo goodness launched today, and some serious multiplayer matchmaking issues launched right along with it. As we noted in our review, matchmaking can take up to several minutes and it may not be full. That's assuming a match is found at all. We've also encountered infinite loading screens following a match, requiring a reboot of the game. Furthermore, we were unable even to arrange a custom game outside of matchmaking between two Joystiq editors.

When and if a match is found, performance seems to be stable, at least.

Developer 343 Industries is aware of the problems, and notes that it is working "around the clock" to resolve them. A server side update has been issued, which 343 says has shown "some improvement," though we haven't noticed any significant changes. Updates on the current status of matchmaking will be made here, on the Halo Waypoint forums.

JoystiqHalo: The Master Chief Collection running into matchmaking problems originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Nov 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industrieshalo-the-master-chief-collectionmicrosoftsaber-interactivesosstate-of-servicexbox-oneTue, 11 Nov 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: The Master Chief Collection review: Chief salad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/halo-the-master-chief-collection-review-chief-salad/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/halo-the-master-chief-collection-review-chief-salad/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/11/halo-the-master-chief-collection-review-chief-salad/#commentsXbox One
Before Halo 2 launched in 2004, I must have watched the trailer a hundred times - easily accessible from its permanent home on my college computer's desktop. Like many fans, my anticipation for the Xbox follow-up was ... let's say substantial. And, like many fans, I was a little disappointed by the campaign and its abrupt, cliffhanger ending. Thankfully, a genre-defining multiplayer suite did more than enough to salve any abrasions left behind by the rough campaign.

Now, ten years later, 343 Industries and Saber Interactive have taken another energy sword stab at Halo's most maligned moment, slathering it with pristine visuals, a fully remastered musical score and gorgeously recreated CG cutscenes for Halo: The Master Chief Collection. All of these additions go a long way toward delivering the kind of grandiosity that original developer Bungie probably intended, even if they don't quite take away the sting of the campaign's final minutes (or some of the less interesting levels, for that matter).

And this time around, you've got every single main series Halo game to soothe any lingering discontent, including Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 3 and Halo 4. That's every campaign level across all four games, every multiplayer map, player-created maps and gametype sharing, saved films, and a lovely kitchen sink, all flowing at a liquid 60 frames-per-second.

Continue reading Halo: The Master Chief Collection review: Chief salad

JoystiqHalo: The Master Chief Collection review: Chief salad originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Nov 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriesblur-studiobungieBungie-Studioscertain-affinityhalo-the-master-chief-collectionmicrosoftxbox-oneTue, 11 Nov 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shovel Knight unearthed on Euro eShop today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/shovel-knight-unearthed-on-euro-eshop-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/shovel-knight-unearthed-on-euro-eshop-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/shovel-knight-unearthed-on-euro-eshop-today/#comments The famed 8-bit blue hero is finally heading to the Nintendo eShop in Europe. No, not Mega Man, but Shovel Knight! The retro-inspired gem arrives today in the European eShop, as it was suddenly announced during Nintendo Direct. As an apology of sorts for European players having to wait so long, those who purchase both the Wii U and 3DS versions will receive a 33 percent discount, and 3DS purchases will receive a free Shovel Knight theme as well.

JoystiqShovel Knight unearthed on Euro eShop today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Nov 2014 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendonintendo-directshovel-knightwii-uyacht-club-gamesWed, 05 Nov 2014 17:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Alien: Isolation is haunted by more than Xenomorphs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/alien-isolation-is-haunted-by-more-than-xenomorphs/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/alien-isolation-is-haunted-by-more-than-xenomorphs/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/alien-isolation-is-haunted-by-more-than-xenomorphs/#comments
You might think that the scariest part of Alien: Isolation is, you know, the alien, but you would be wrong. There is something darker that lurks within Sevastopol station's cramped corridors, something altogether more sinister. If you don't believe us, see it for yourself in a video we captured this morning. Don't worry, it's spoiler-free, though we can't promise it won't fuel your nightmares for months to come.

JoystiqAlien: Isolation is haunted by more than Xenomorphs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien-isolationaliens-isolationcreative-assemblymicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4segaxboxxbox-oneWed, 29 Oct 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls 'Crown of the Ivory King' review: Burning bright]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/dark-souls-crown-of-the-ivory-king-review-burning-bright/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/dark-souls-crown-of-the-ivory-king-review-burning-bright/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/17/dark-souls-crown-of-the-ivory-king-review-burning-bright/#commentsPC, Xbox 360, PS3
It sounds strange, but one of the best environments in the latest downloadable chapter of Dark Souls 2 DLC is hardly an environment at all. It's called the Frigid Outskirts, and it's a vast, nearly empty expanse - a long, curving valley only occasionally dotted with small, dilapidated stone structures. Like much of Dark Souls 2, however, this area of "The Crown of the Ivory King" DLC differentiates itself from the rest of the game with a few outstanding features.

Specifically: a constant, unrelenting blizzard. What should be a simple jaunt from one end to the other becomes considerably more difficult, as near whiteout conditions make it impossible to see more than a few feet in front of you, only clearing once every thirty seconds or so. It's a smart mechanic that not only imparts a sense of fear, but also elevates what would otherwise be a boring, linear quest.

And then there are the lightning-spewing horse bastards that accost you at regular intervals, but we'll get to those later.

Continue reading Dark Souls 'Crown of the Ivory King' review: Burning bright

JoystiqDark Souls 'Crown of the Ivory King' review: Burning bright originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Oct 2014 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcodark-souls-2From-Softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 17 Oct 2014 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Comics is publishing a Mortal Kombat X komic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/14/dc-comics-is-publishing-a-mortal-kombat-x-komic/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/14/dc-comics-is-publishing-a-mortal-kombat-x-komic/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/14/dc-comics-is-publishing-a-mortal-kombat-x-komic/#comments Look, we get it. You're thinking about picking up Mortal Kombat X next year, but there's a problem. You missed the last Mortal Kombat, and you're worried that Mortal Kombat X's plot will leave you totally lost. But never fear, lapsed virtual pugilists, because DC Comics has announced that it will publish a prequel comic series.

The new series "will serve as a prequel to the game and will feature many favorite characters and the next generation of Kombatants," according to DC, and will be written by Shawn Kittelsen with illustrations by Dexter Soy and cover art courtesy of Ivan Reis.

The series is set to debut in January 2015, at which point we can finally learn why that Scorpion guy is so crabby.

JoystiqDC Comics is publishing a Mortal Kombat X komic originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Oct 2014 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comicsdcdc-comicsmicrosoftmortal-kombat-xNetherrealm-Studiospcplaystationps3ps4warner-brosxboxxbox-oneTue, 14 Oct 2014 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny State of Service: Final Verdict]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/destiny-state-of-service-final-verdict/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/destiny-state-of-service-final-verdict/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/10/destiny-state-of-service-final-verdict/#comments This is State of Service, an ongoing review of the online service of a recently launched game. You can read our scored review of Destiny here.
Friday, October 10 | Final Verdict
Current State of Service: Good
Summary: Server performance has been stable. Some users experiencing network issues.

Destiny's launch month has been a stable one, with no major service outages or severe issues. Bungie has released several updates to the game, in some cases adding features and in others fixing bugs. A handful of limited, in-game events have also been cycled in an out of Destiny.

Joystiq staff have encountered no serious problems throughout the first month of Destiny's availability. Bungie notes that it is still working to resolve network errors affecting certain users, and some can be rectified by making home network adjustments. The most prolific error code is "Zebra," which signifies an issue that Bungie considers to be a high priority. These problems don't appear to be widespread, and for our part, Joystiq has received very few reports from readers.

To that end, Destiny's overall State of Service is Good. Our time with the game has been essentially problem-free, and Bungie is actively providing updates and improvements on a regular basis.

Continue reading Destiny State of Service: Final Verdict

JoystiqDestiny State of Service: Final Verdict originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Oct 2014 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneFri, 10 Oct 2014 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[This guy wants $164,000 for his gigantic video game collection]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/this-guy-wants-164-000-for-his-gigantic-video-game-collection/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/this-guy-wants-164-000-for-his-gigantic-video-game-collection/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/this-guy-wants-164-000-for-his-gigantic-video-game-collection/#comments Do you have $164,000 handy? If so, you can snag nearly every retro console game since the beginning of the NES era. Ebay seller "reel.big.fish," also known as Nintendo Twizer, is selling a positively massive collection of games and consoles, spanning everything from the NES to Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Game Gear, Game Boy and much more.

He claims to have complete sets of every single game for Super Nintendo, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Virtual Boy, 32X, Sega Master System, Game Gear and NES (except for Stadium Events), in addition to several incomplete sets for other consoles, notably a hefty Sega Genesis collection. On top of all the games, there are also multiple variants of various consoles, including every single N64 color. There's far too much to list here - almost 6,000 games - so you may as well watch the video above, and you can also peruse the master list of every single game in the collection.

The catch is that it's all being sold as a single lot, with a $164,000 asking price. That's pretty steep, to be sure, but before you scoff at the price, don't forget the crown jewel of the collection, a framed copy of "No One Wants to Play Sega with Harrison Ford," signed by artist Brandon Bird.

JoystiqThis guy wants $164,000 for his gigantic video game collection originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectionebaygame-boygame-boy-colorgame-geargenesismaster-systemn64nesnintendonintendo-64saturnsegasega-master-systemsega-saturnsuper-nintendovirtual-boyWed, 08 Oct 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny State of Service: Week 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/07/destiny-state-of-service-week-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/07/destiny-state-of-service-week-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/07/destiny-state-of-service-week-4/#comments This is State of Service, an ongoing review of the online service of a recently launched game. You can read our scored review of Destiny here.
Tuesday, October 7 | T-minus 2 days until final verdict
Current State of Service: Moderate
Summary: Destiny servers remain stable, though some users continue to encounter network errors. Bungie issues update to help isolate these errors.

Destiny has made it through its fourth week without too many problems. PlayStation platforms briefly encountered some sign in troubles on October 2, and servers went down earlier today for scheduled maintenance, but performance has otherwise been solid. Today's patch was designed to help Bungie diagnose networking problems that some players are running into. This includes a new error code "Zebra," which Bungie says signifies that "you are hitting an issue that we deem extremely important, high-priority issue," and it is being actively investigated. Several other network error codes - "Centipede," etc. - have also received updates, which you can read about here.

At least some users are claiming that the most recent update resolved their issues, though the Bungie forums are still seeing a fair share of complaints. For our part, the Joystiq staff still has yet to run into any serious problems.

If you encounter any connection problems while playing Destiny, let us know in the comments, or on the Joystiq Twitter or Facebook accounts. Use the hashtag "#sos" and specify your platform, please.

Continue reading Destiny State of Service: Week 4

JoystiqDestiny State of Service: Week 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Oct 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4state-of-servicexboxxbox-oneTue, 07 Oct 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Vanishing of Ethan Carter review: Weird tales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/03/the-vanishing-of-ethan-carter-review-weird-tales/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/03/the-vanishing-of-ethan-carter-review-weird-tales/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/03/the-vanishing-of-ethan-carter-review-weird-tales/#comments The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is unlike any video game I've ever played. It naturally shares elements with other games, of course. It's played from a first-person perspective. It relies on the familiar structures of mystery and horror. And yes, its inhabitants have a proclivity for scattering their diaries, letters and newspaper clippings everywhere. All of these pieces combine to tell a very engaging, supernatural story, but that's not what makes The Vanishing of Ethan Carter special.

The difficult part - from the perspective of the person writing this review - is that I don't want to spoil a single second of the stuff that really shines. It's impossible to completely avoid that in the words that follow, but I'll try to summarize by saying this: The Vanishing of Ethan Carter revels in the fact that anything can happen in a video game, and that those happenings are made more meaningful by the interactivity of the medium. It gets a hearty recommendation from me.

If you need a little more to go on, and you're willing to expose yourself to one teeny-tiny, itsy-bitsy spoiler - I promise it won't ruin anything - then please read on.

Continue reading The Vanishing of Ethan Carter review: Weird tales

JoystiqThe Vanishing of Ethan Carter review: Weird tales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Oct 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcplaystationps4the-astronautsthe-vanishing-of-ethan-carterFri, 03 Oct 2014 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny State of Service: Week Three]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/destiny-state-of-service-week-three/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/destiny-state-of-service-week-three/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/destiny-state-of-service-week-three/#comments This is State of Service, an ongoing review of the online service of a recently launched game. You can read our scored review of Destiny here.
Tuesday, September 30 | T-minus 9 days until final verdict
Current State of Service: Good
Summary: Destiny servers have been largely stable, with a couple of hiccups. Bungie closed the "Loot Cave" exploit, though players have already flocked to a new one. An upcoming patch aims to improve the loot system.

Destiny's third week was mostly a smooth one, with only a few isolated server problems. Bungie noted sign-in issues across all platforms on Thursday, September 25, which were resolved quickly. Xbox 360 players ran into similar trouble on Monday, September 29, but these too were quickly rectified. The Joystiq staff encountered no outstanding complications at all last week. Meanwhile, Bungie states that it is still addressing outlying networking issues, reporting that "Bee," "Lion," or "Fly" error codes have been reduced by 50 percent over the last week.

Elsewhere in the galaxy, Bungie put an end to Destiny's infamous "Loot Cave." Undaunted, players immediately latched onto a different Loot Cave. Perhaps in response to the design problems that the Loot Cave represents, Bungie announced that patch 1.0.2 will significantly change the loot system. Namely, Purple Engrams will guarantee Legendary quality items, while Blue Engrams will guarantee Rare or better quality items.

If you encounter any connection problems while playing Destiny, let us know in the comments, or on the Joystiq Twitter or Facebook accounts. Use the hashtag "#sos" and specify your platform, please.

Continue reading Destiny State of Service: Week Three

JoystiqDestiny State of Service: Week Three originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4state-of-servicexboxxbox-oneTue, 30 Sep 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese New 3DS ad is sweeter than Pixy Stix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/japanese-new-3ds-ad-is-sweeter-than-pixy-stix/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/japanese-new-3ds-ad-is-sweeter-than-pixy-stix/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/japanese-new-3ds-ad-is-sweeter-than-pixy-stix/#comments
A dapper Link? A regal Pikachu? A Kirby that is somehow more kawaii? Brush your teeth after you watch this Japanese New 3DS commercial, folks. We wouldn't want you to get a cavity.

JoystiqJapanese New 3DS ad is sweeter than Pixy Stix originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsjapannew-3dsnintendoTue, 30 Sep 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/metareview-super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/metareview-super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/26/metareview-super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-3ds/#comments We handed Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS four and half stars, calling it "the most feature-complete, compelling Super Smash Bros. entry to date," and setting it right alongside Fire Emblem: Awakening and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds as a game that every 3DS owner should play.

Critics around the web seem to agree that Super Smash Bros.' first outing on 3DS is worthy of high praise, though experiences with online play seem to vary across the board. Our own experience was fairly positive, depending largely on the geographical proximity of opponents. One critic notes lag issues in local multiplayer, especially in 4-player matches.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS launches in North America on October 3.

Continue reading Metareview: Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

JoystiqMetareview: Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Sep 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbandai-namcoMetareviewnamconamco-bandainintendosorasora-ltdsuper-smash-bros-3dsFri, 26 Sep 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny State of Service: Week Two]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/destiny-state-of-service-week-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/destiny-state-of-service-week-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/destiny-state-of-service-week-two/#comments This is State of Service, an ongoing review of the online service of a recently launched game. You can read our scored review of Destiny here.
Tuesday, September 23 | T-minus 16 days until final verdict
Current State of Service: Moderate
Summary: Destiny servers experienced brief downtime over the weekend, but have otherwise been stable. A new in-game event has been added and high-level players are taking advantage of a loot exploit. Bungie has issued a patch to solve a problem with the Vault of Glass raid mission.

Continue reading Destiny State of Service: Week Two

JoystiqDestiny State of Service: Week Two originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Sep 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4sosstate-of-servicexboxxbox-oneTue, 23 Sep 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny State of Service: Week One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/destiny-state-of-service-week-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/destiny-state-of-service-week-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/destiny-state-of-service-week-one/#commentsThis is State of Service, an ongoing review of the online service of a recently launched game. You can read our scored review of Destiny here.

Tuesday, September 16 | T-minus 23 days until final verdict
Current State of Service: Good
Summary: Destiny's launch week has been generally smooth, with a few outlying issues. The game has been updated and new content added.

Launch week has come and gone, and Destiny's servers seem to be handling things well. Bungie has issued an update to the game and added the first "Raid" mission, the Vault of Glass, which is intended for (very) high level players. Over the weekend, players could also jump into a special, limited-time Crucible mode called Salvage. Bungie has announced several other events that will take place over the next few months.

The Joystiq staff hasn't encountered any persistent connection issues thus far. Reviews Content Director Richard Mitchell did lose connection during a Strike mission, though his equipment and experience progression were not lost. He also notes that the update immediately booted him to the title screen - his ship had been in orbit at the time - and prompted him to install the file. Other players have made similar reports, saying that the update notice even kicked them out of missions in progress.

Finally, Joystiq's review of Destiny is now live. You can read it right here.

If you encounter any connection problems while playing Destiny, let us know in the comments, or on the Joystiq Twitter or Facebook accounts. Use the hashtag "#sos" and specify your platform, please.

Continue reading Destiny State of Service: Week One

JoystiqDestiny State of Service: Week One originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4state-of-servicexboxxbox-oneTue, 16 Sep 2014 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny review: Loot Loops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/destiny-review-loot-loops/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/destiny-review-loot-loops/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/destiny-review-loot-loops/#comments Ask people what Destiny is and you'll get plenty of different answers. It's an MMO. Or a cooperative shooter. An action-filled space opera. If you believe the marketing, it's an aggressively bold interactive experience that's never been attempted before. If you ask me, it's a dungeon crawler. Full stop.

If you peel away its well-oiled shooting mechanics, look past its social ambitions and set aside the grandiose affectations of its universe, you will find Destiny's loot-driven heart, pulsing with a familiar rhythm. Meet friends in town, visit a dungeon, slay monsters, gain loot and level up, regroup in town, repeat.

In many ways, Destiny makes this old rhythm feel vibrant and fresh, though not without missing a few beats.

Continue reading Destiny review: Loot Loops

JoystiqDestiny review: Loot Loops originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Sep 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneTue, 16 Sep 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny digital purchase on PS3, 360 get free PS4, Xbox One upgrade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/05/destiny-digital-purchase-on-ps3-360-get-free-ps4-xbox-one-upgr/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/05/destiny-digital-purchase-on-ps3-360-get-free-ps4-xbox-one-upgr/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/05/destiny-digital-purchase-on-ps3-360-get-free-ps4-xbox-one-upgr/#comments Well, deciding which platform to purchase Destiny on just got much simpler. Bungie has revealed that those who digitally purchase Destiny on PS3 or Xbox 360 (i.e. via PSN or Xbox Live) can redeem a free upgrade to the downloadable version of Destiny on PS4 or Xbox One. The program applies to all Destiny "content," including either the standard or "Guardian" editions of the game itself, as well as the expansion pass. Those who redeem their free upgrade will be able continue playing their previous-gen version as well. In other words, if you upgrade your PS3 purchase to PS4, you can still keep playing your PS3 version if you wish.

Naturally, there are a few restrictions. First of all, the upgrade has to stay within a given console "family," which is to say you can only upgrade PS3 to PS4 and Xbox 360 to Xbox One. You can't, for example, upgrade from PS3 to Xbox One (what do you think this is, Diablo 3?). Save data is transferable between versions but, again, only within the same console family.

Finally, this offer does not apply to any physical, boxed version of Destiny. If you pick up a physical copy of the last-gen version of Destiny, you don't get to upgrade it for free. Just to make things a little more confusing, the expansion pass included with some physical editions of Destiny can be transferred to a PS4 or Xbox One, but you'll need the a PS4 or Xbox One copy of the full game in order to use it.

If you need more clarification, you can check on Bungie's upgrade FAQ.

JoystiqDestiny digital purchase on PS3, 360 get free PS4, Xbox One upgrade originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Sep 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneFri, 05 Sep 2014 18:00:00 EST