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[RetroBlazer feels like Doom by way of Saturday morning cartoons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/retroblazer-feels-like-doom-by-way-of-saturday-morning-cartoons/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/retroblazer-feels-like-doom-by-way-of-saturday-morning-cartoons/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/retroblazer-feels-like-doom-by-way-of-saturday-morning-cartoons/#comments Amil Parra isn't a big fan of violence. That might sound strange coming from a man designing an homage to '90s sprite-based FPS games like Doom and Wolfenstein 3D, but one look at the game in motion and it becomes obvious that the inspiration Parra draws from those games is the feel, not the aesthetic.

Meet RetroBlazer: a PC game that feels like a 1994 run-and-gun shooter, but looks like something you'd catch between episodes of Biker Mice From Mars and Mighty Ducks (that's the cartoon featuring space-ducks fighting space-dinosaurs by the way, not the live-action film featuring a lawyer fighting to be a better person).

Continue reading RetroBlazer feels like Doom by way of Saturday morning cartoons

JoystiqRetroBlazer feels like Doom by way of Saturday morning cartoons originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doomhydra-game-workskickstarterpaxpax-southpax-south-2015pcretroblazerTue, 27 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Check-in, Knock-out: More fun than jumping on hotel beds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/check-in-knock-out-more-fun-than-jumping-on-hotel-beds/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/check-in-knock-out-more-fun-than-jumping-on-hotel-beds/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/check-in-knock-out-more-fun-than-jumping-on-hotel-beds/#comments

Checking into a hotel can be stressful. Even if your overnight establishment of choice doesn't lose or otherwise muck up your reservation, what if you don't have a reservation in the first place and there's no vacancy? And then, there are the hotels that force you to do battle with your fellow room-seekers, tossing exploding luggage and tearing the room apart in an effort to make them fall to their death.

What, you've never had that happen? Clearly you haven't played Check-in, Knock-out. But you should.

Continue reading Check-in, Knock-out: More fun than jumping on hotel beds

JoystiqCheck-in, Knock-out: More fun than jumping on hotel beds originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>check-in-knock-outlionade-gamespaxpax-southpax-south-2015pctinybuild-gamesSun, 25 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Adventures of Pip is modern cute plus classic challenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/adventures-of-pip-is-modern-cute-plus-classic-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/adventures-of-pip-is-modern-cute-plus-classic-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/adventures-of-pip-is-modern-cute-plus-classic-challenge/#comments I'm calling it now: the Kickstarted Adventures of Pip from developer TicToc Games is going to win cutest game of 2015. I don't care that we're not even to the end of January; Pip is so cute that I want him in a kids' TV show. He's so heart-meltingly precious that I want plush figures and a breakfast cereal themed after him.

Pip is so gawl-darned lovable and sweet that it makes me deeply, deeply angry.

The game's charming aesthetic masks a sinister beast. For despite the playful bounce of our square-shaped hero and the bright colors that surround him, this is a world looking to commit straight-up pixelated murder.

Continue reading Adventures of Pip is modern cute plus classic challenge

JoystiqAdventures of Pip is modern cute plus classic challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventures-of-pipkickstartermacmicrosoftnintendopaxpax-southpax-south-2015pcplaystationps4tictoc-gameswii-uxbox-oneSun, 25 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First-person puzzler Magnetic: Cage Closed is like Portal, cubed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/first-person-puzzler-magnetic-cage-closed-is-like-portal-cubed/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/first-person-puzzler-magnetic-cage-closed-is-like-portal-cubed/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/first-person-puzzler-magnetic-cage-closed-is-like-portal-cubed/#comments Guru Games isn't afraid of having their recently-announced game, Magnetic: Cage Closed compared to Portal. In fact, that's where it started: a school project designed as an homage to both Valve's famous, meme-producing first-person puzzler and lesser-known horror/suspense film, Cube.

Magnetic takes place in an alternate history version of the 1960s, where inmates sentenced to death can be sold for scientific testing. Such is your fate, as you are a prisoner charged with testing the D27 Magnetic Propulsion Device - or, in simpler terms, a magnet gun.

Continue reading First-person puzzler Magnetic: Cage Closed is like Portal, cubed

JoystiqFirst-person puzzler Magnetic: Cage Closed is like Portal, cubed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Jan 2015 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cubeguru-gameshey-does-anyone-remember-that-movie-cubemagnetic-cage-closedmicrosoftpaxpax-southpax-south-2015pcplaystationportalps4xbox-oneSat, 24 Jan 2015 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@PAX South: PAX Plays Pokemon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/seen-pax-south-pax-plays-pokemon/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/seen-pax-south-pax-plays-pokemon/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/seen-pax-south-pax-plays-pokemon/#comments
[You are now watching PAX South Plays Pokemon - Input your commands below]
up

Continue reading Seen@PAX South: PAX Plays Pokemon

JoystiqSeen@PAX South: PAX Plays Pokemon originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Jan 2015 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>paxpax-southpax-south-2015seen-atseen-at-paxseen-at-pax-southtwitch-plays-pokemonSat, 24 Jan 2015 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Breach and Clear: Deadline brings tactical thinking to zombie slaughter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/breach-and-clear-deadline-brings-tactical-thinking-to-zombie-sl/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/breach-and-clear-deadline-brings-tactical-thinking-to-zombie-sl/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/breach-and-clear-deadline-brings-tactical-thinking-to-zombie-sl/#comments A zombie apocalypse is no excuse for sloppy tactics. That's the thinking behind Breach and Clear: Deadline, an undead twist on the top-down strategy genre and offshoot of the iOS/Android game Breach and Clear.

In Deadline, ransacked interiors and mangled streets are home to various forms of infected; parasitic worms capable of "hyper-evolution" have invaded the soft, squishy bodies of the former humans that once lived here.

Okay, so they're not technically undead zombies, but the upside is that Mighty Rabbit is using the hyper-evolving worms as justification for a new campaign, a wide variety of enemies and a fresh gameplay experience.

Continue reading Breach and Clear: Deadline brings tactical thinking to zombie slaughter

JoystiqBreach and Clear: Deadline brings tactical thinking to zombie slaughter originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breach-and-clearbreach-and-clear-deadlinedevolver-digitalgun-mediamighty-rabbit-studiospaxpax-southpax-south-2015pcFri, 23 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Who The Hell Is: Johnny Gat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/who-the-hell-is-johnny-gat/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/who-the-hell-is-johnny-gat/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/who-the-hell-is-johnny-gat/#commentsThe following feature contains spoilers for the existing Saints Row franchise.
On Tuesday, gamers will be able to go to Hell - literally - and fight off both Satan himself and hordes of undead in the Saints Row 4 standalone expansion, Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell. Previous Saints Row games have allowed players to customize an avatar which, over the course of the series, rises from lowly street thug to President of the United States and even intergalactic badass supreme. Gat Out of Hell though, does not.

In Gat Out of Hell, players will be stepping into the shoes of either Kinzie Kensington or Johnny Gat. If you've never played the previous games and don't have either the time or inclination to power through them before the standalone expansion's January 20 release date, you might be asking yourself: who the hell is Johnny Gat?

Friends, we are here to help.

Continue reading Who The Hell Is: Johnny Gat

JoystiqWho The Hell Is: Johnny Gat originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>johnny-gatmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4recommendedsaints-rowsaints-row-2saints-row-4saints-row-gat-out-of-hellsaints-row-the-thirdwho-the-hell-isxboxxbox-oneMon, 19 Jan 2015 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot Chicken animator uses modded Power Glove for work]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/robot-chicken-animator-uses-modded-power-glove-for-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/robot-chicken-animator-uses-modded-power-glove-for-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/robot-chicken-animator-uses-modded-power-glove-for-work/#comments Next time someone tells you that Nintendo's Power Glove accessory was a flop, point them to Dillon Markey, an animator who works on projects like Cartoon Network's Robot Chicken. Markey has been using a modified Power Glove for more than a year now, using it to help him control the devices and software he needs to get the right shot.

But because making the Power Glove feature a Bluetooth keyboard just wasn't enough, Markey's modified version also sports a retractable set of tweezers and a sensor that causes it to speak when given a fist bump. (Unfortunately, the phrase it speaks is unsuitable for print here. But it rhymes with "ducking awesome.")

A short documentary by Ava Benjamin was posted to Vimeo earlier this week, and it shows Markey using and reminiscing about the iconic piece of wearable technology. "I see this and it's like the coolest thing in the world, it's like a cyborg arm," Markey says in the video, which you can watch after the break.

See? The Power Glove wasn't a failure, it was just ahead of its time! Yeah, that's it - 26 years ahead of its time.

Continue reading Robot Chicken animator uses modded Power Glove for work

JoystiqRobot Chicken animator uses modded Power Glove for work originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ava-benjamindillon-markeynintendopower-gloverobot-chickenstop-motionSun, 18 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition stats record more than 2 million flying lizards slain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dragon-age-inquisition-stats-record-more-than-2-million-flying/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dragon-age-inquisition-stats-record-more-than-2-million-flying/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dragon-age-inquisition-stats-record-more-than-2-million-flying/#comments The official Dragon Age: Inquisition Twitter account has some interesting statistics for all the Heralds of Andraste out there. According to tweets made earlier this week, more than 2.6 million dragons have been slain by players of Inquisition.

The unfortunate Ferelden Frostback was the most-killed of her species, while the Highland Ravager has been the most successful at evading death. Fifty-eight percent of all dragons were killed in the land of Orlais, so any of our readers who happen to be fire-breathing monsters, take note: this is not a land you want to be traveling to right now.

As for who's doing the slaying, the overall majority - 68 percent - of Inquisitors have been male, while 32 percent have been female. While the percentage of female heroes may seem small, it's actually a big step up from BioWare's Mass Effect series; back in 2011, the developer revealed that fewer than 15 percent of players used a female version of Commander Shepard between Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2.

But really, it doesn't matter if you're male, female, Qunari, Dwarf, etc. What matters is that we find the dragon that sounds like Sean Connery and -- oh, wrong thing? Wrong thing.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition stats record more than 2 million flying lizards slain originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-age-inquisitioneaelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneSun, 18 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead or Alive 5: Last Round nets copycat schoolgirl, Honoka]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dead-or-alive-5-last-round-nets-copycat-schoolgirl-honoka/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dead-or-alive-5-last-round-nets-copycat-schoolgirl-honoka/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dead-or-alive-5-last-round-nets-copycat-schoolgirl-honoka/#comments Dead or Alive 5: Last Round was never exactly short on female representation, but one more can't hurt, right? Meet Honoka, a schoolgirl fighter (as in, a schoolgirl who fights, not someone who beats up schoolgirls) who, according to a press release, can instantly learn any fighting move she sees. Honoka has used this ability to create her own fighting style, which she calls "Honoka Fu."

Unfortunately, while Honoka is a skilled fighter, she is not a particularly practiced one. Her punches pack less of a whollop than other, more seasoned fighters, unless she is using her "Hissatsu-no-Kamae" stance. In this stance, Honoka possesses a much higher amount of strength and is capable of using moves she has never seen from any fighter. You can see her moves and stances in action after the break.

Dead or Alive 5: Last Round is due in the Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4 and PC fighting rings on February 17.

Continue reading Dead or Alive 5: Last Round nets copycat schoolgirl, Honoka

JoystiqDead or Alive 5: Last Round nets copycat schoolgirl, Honoka originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-last-roundkoei-tecmomicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4team-ninjaxboxxbox-oneSun, 18 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WWE Immortals is free-to-play wrestling kombat for mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/wwe-immortals-is-free-to-play-wrestling-kombat-for-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/wwe-immortals-is-free-to-play-wrestling-kombat-for-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/wwe-immortals-is-free-to-play-wrestling-kombat-for-mobile/#comments Have you ever found yourself playing NetherRealm's Injustice: Gods Among Us and thought, "You know, I like Superman and all, but what if he was actually John Cena?" Alternatively, perhaps you've looked at Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and wondered, "What if this guy were an actual, literal rock-man?" Well, you might want to check your brain for transmitting devices, because NetherRealm and Phosphor Games have made your thoughts reality with WWE Immortals, which is now available on iOS and Android devices.

Revealed just last month, WWE Immortals transforms various WWE superstars into warriors, mages, ninjas, knights and monsters, then pits them in touch-based battles with each other. The game is free to play and features support cards to bolster your fighting rosters' power. There's also a story about a magical lamp and alternate dimensions, but really, this is a game about men and women who get paid to fake-punch each other being transformed into mythical warriors. Plot is not going to be its strong suit.
[Image: Warner Bros. Interactive]

JoystiqWWE Immortals is free-to-play wrestling kombat for mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemobileNetherrealm-Studiosphosphor-gamesWarner-Bros-Interactivewwewwe-immortalsSun, 18 Jan 2015 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Blizzard sends statue to 10-year WoW veterans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/report-blizzard-sends-statue-to-10-year-wow-veterans/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/report-blizzard-sends-statue-to-10-year-wow-veterans/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/report-blizzard-sends-statue-to-10-year-wow-veterans/#comments We know you play World of Warcraft. It's okay, millions of people do. But have you been touring the world of Azeroth since the beginning? If so, you might be in for a treat from Blizzard, according to posts on the MMO Champion and Battle.net forums.

MMO Champion has posted an announcement attributed to Blizzard regarding a "tenth anniversary physical gift" which would be sent to eligible players of the game. Who's eligible, you ask? According to the post, "to be eligible for this gift, a player must have created a World of Warcraft account within 60 days of the game's release in America or Europe." (That's November 23, 2004 and February 11, 2005 respectively). MMO Champion reports that the post originated as part of a support article from Blizzard, which has since been taken down.

Meanwhile, WoW player Smitti over on the Battle.net forums has posted a picture of the supposed gift, which is a small-scale version of the orc statue seen on Blizzard's campus. We've also posted the image after the break so you can see it for yourself. The image you see above is the underside of the statue's base.

Smitti claims to have not had a lapsed subscription since December of 2004, but it's unclear if an uninterrupted account is a requirement or simply makes you more likely to receive the gift. We've reached out to Blizzard for official confirmation and eligibility status.

Continue reading Report: Blizzard sends statue to 10-year WoW veterans

JoystiqReport: Blizzard sends statue to 10-year WoW veterans originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardgiftmacpcstatueWorld-of-WarcraftwowSun, 18 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jak 2 level remade in CryEngine is here to pump you up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/jak-2-level-remade-in-cryengine-is-here-to-pump-you-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/jak-2-level-remade-in-cryengine-is-here-to-pump-you-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/jak-2-level-remade-in-cryengine-is-here-to-pump-you-up/#comments
Rockstar's Bully isn't the only PS2 game being remade by fans in a new engine; YouTube user Floordan has posted his work on a project dubbed "Jak 2 Renegade: Reborn," which uses the CryEngine to recreate Naughty Dog's Jak 2. The level you see in the video above is a pumping station, though depending on the view, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was a scenic newlywed retreat. Those sunbeams are already making us feel warm.

Naughty Dog themselves considered developing a new Jak & Daxter game years ago, but ultimately scrapped it and built The Last of Us instead. And we're not complaining about getting to roam the fungal countryside with Joel and Ellie, but did you see what a new Daxter would look like?
[Image: Floordan]

JoystiqJak 2 level remade in CryEngine is here to pump you up originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cryenginejak-2jak-2-renegade-rebornjak-and-daxternaughty-dogremakeSun, 18 Jan 2015 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First 4 Figures teases a Wind Waker Ganondorf statue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/first-4-figures-teases-a-wind-waker-ganondorf-statue/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/first-4-figures-teases-a-wind-waker-ganondorf-statue/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/first-4-figures-teases-a-wind-waker-ganondorf-statue/#comments First 4 Figures, makers of highly detailed - and highly priced - video game collectibles, has set its eyes on the Triforce of Power wielder, Ganondorf. Specifically, the villainous version which originally appeared in 2003's The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Though maybe you prefer the 2013 HD remaster?

The company released a small teaser image to whet fans' appetites via their Facebook page this week, and those so tempted to make the evil-doer a part of their collection will be able to pre-order the figure starting on January 20. The figure's price has yet to be revealed.
[Image: First 4 Figures]

JoystiqFirst 4 Figures teases a Wind Waker Ganondorf statue originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectibleganondorfnintendostatuethe-legend-of-zeldathe-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-hdthe-legend-of-zelda-wind-wakerwii-uSun, 18 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is packing for PAX South]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-packing-for-pax-south/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-packing-for-pax-south/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-packing-for-pax-south/#comments PAX is headed eastbound and down from its Seattle home base, and Joystiq will be there next weekend to cover its inaugural happenings. We'll even be participating in/hosting several panels, too! So join us, won't you?

As for me, the last time I was in Texas was high school, when schools from the Houston area and schools from Iowa collaborated to participate in a competition at NASA, where we were all assigned to fake aerospace companies and challenged to come up with a feasible proposal that we would present to NASA scientists and astronauts. Within 48 hours. Or maybe it was 72. Either way, not much sleep was had, and tension was high. So PAX South will have a tough fight ahead of itself if it wants to earn the "most stressful time Sam was in Texas" achievement.

Either way, let's not dwell on the past. For now, let's enjoy this webcomic wrapup by voting for your favorite after the break!

Penny Arcade (Fulmination Re: Culmination)
MGDMT (Get to know Solas, they said)
Hejibits (Baked Brand)
ReadySoup (Feathered Foes)
Ctrl+Alt+Del (Console Wars, p38)
Awkward Zombie (Pocket Monsters)
Nerd Rage (New 3DS, No Sale)
Double XP (Lingering High)

Continue reading Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is packing for PAX South

JoystiqWeekly Webcomic Wrapup is packing for PAX South originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>webcomicSun, 18 Jan 2015 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mutant Football League resurfaces, aims for Q4 release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/mutant-football-league-resurfaces-aims-for-q4-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/mutant-football-league-resurfaces-aims-for-q4-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/mutant-football-league-resurfaces-aims-for-q4-release/#comments

A year ago it seemed that resurrecting the Sega Genesis classic, Mutant Football League, wasn't meant to be. But new footage shows the game running in pre-alpha state, and despite setbacks on Kickstarter, developer Digital Dreams hopes to release MFL in Q4 2015.
[Image: Digital Dreams Entertainment]

JoystiqMutant Football League resurfaces, aims for Q4 release originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-dreams-entertainmentkickstartermutant-football-leaguepcsega-gensisSat, 17 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox One wins an Emmy (but no, not that kind)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/xbox-one-wins-an-emmy-but-no-not-that-kind/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/xbox-one-wins-an-emmy-but-no-not-that-kind/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/xbox-one-wins-an-emmy-but-no-not-that-kind/#comments The Xbox One may have received an Emmy this week, but don't worry about Master Chief stealing the spotlight from <your favorite actor here>, because these are the Technology and Engineering Emmy Awards, and the award was in the category of Television Enhancement Devices.

"Microsoft is in good company with the likes of fellow award recipients Apple, Roku, Sony, and TiVo - and we're proud to be awarded this honor by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences," a post on Xbox Wire reads.

It would seem that, despite the shuttering of Xbox Entertainment Studios, Microsoft's investment in the Xbox One as a multimedia device has still paid off. At least as far as awards go.
[Image: Microsoft]

JoystiqXbox One wins an Emmy (but no, not that kind) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emmy-awardemmysmicrosofttelevision-enhancement-devicesxbox-oneSat, 17 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft getting in-game name changes, Pocket Edition sells 30 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/minecraft-getting-in-game-name-changes-pocket-edition-sells-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/minecraft-getting-in-game-name-changes-pocket-edition-sells-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/minecraft-getting-in-game-name-changes-pocket-edition-sells-30/#comments Minecraft players will be able to change their in-game name soon, development studio Mojang has announced. The process is set to go live on February 4, and looks to be pretty straightforward; once the name-changing system is in place, players can change their in-game name simply by logging into their account. Any name that is not being used by another player will be available, but players will have to wait 30 days before they can change again.

If you're worried about someone swiping your name while you wait said 30 days to come back to it though, don't be: it takes 37 days for an old name to become available for someone else. So if you were to change your name from, say, "MinecraftMasta" to something else, we wouldn't be able to swipe MinecraftMasta for ourselves before you had a chance to reclaim it. Changing names does not change inventory or character status, meaning if someone has blocked you, changing your name won't allow you to circumvent said block.

Mojang also announced that to date, Minecraft: Pocket Edition has sold a combined total of more than 30 million copies. Pocket Edition surpassed 21 million copies back in April, and expanded its reach to Windows Phone users in December, though Mojang did not share how many of the 9 million new sales were due to releasing on a new platform.
[Image: Mojang]

JoystiqMinecraft getting in-game name changes, Pocket Edition sells 30 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemicrosoftMinecraftminecraft-pocket-editionmobilemojangplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneSat, 17 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Undersea horror game Anoxemia surfaces on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/undersea-horror-game-anoxemia-surfaces-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/undersea-horror-game-anoxemia-surfaces-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/undersea-horror-game-anoxemia-surfaces-on-steam/#comments Under the sea! Under the sea! The submarine down, we fear that we'll drown, under the sea!

Okay, so maybe that tune is a little too chipper for Anoxemia from developer BSK Games, a sci-fi horror game set deep beneath the ocean's waves. The game, which released on Steam yesterday, puts you in the (considerably soggy) shoes of Dr. Bailey, who along with his operations drone, ATMA, must navigate undersea caves full of dark and danger, all while his oxygen supply slowly dwindles.

Anoxemia features black silhouettes on colored backgrounds, similar to games like Limbo. And, like Limbo, it's implied that not all is as it seems. From the game's Steam page: "Of course, there are some dangers you just can't run from. Dangers you don't even know exist. Dangers from within."

Anoxemia is available for $6.79 until January 23, at which point it will return to its usual price of $7.99.
[Image: BSK Games]

JoystiqUndersea horror game Anoxemia surfaces on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anoxemiabsk-gamesmacpcsteamSat, 17 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney's Big Hero 6 come to save LittleBigPlanet 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/disneys-big-hero-6-come-to-save-littlebigplanet-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/disneys-big-hero-6-come-to-save-littlebigplanet-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/disneys-big-hero-6-come-to-save-littlebigplanet-3/#comments Burgeoning crimestoppers with a copy of LittleBigPlanet 3, take heed: you can suit up and save the day as any of the heroes from Disney's Big Hero 6 thanks to a costume pack made available this week. Wasabi, GoGo, Hiro, Honey and Fred (pictured above, left to right) are available either separately for $1.49 each or together for $5.99. Choose the latter option and you'll also receive a Baymax costume for the LBP3 character Toggle.

Awwww, just wookit 'im! He's so cuuuute! We shall name him Baysack, and he will be our Baysack. Vroom vroom, go Baysack, go!
[Image: Sony]

JoystiqDisney's Big Hero 6 come to save LittleBigPlanet 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-hero-6disneylittlebigplanet-3playstationps3ps4sonysumo-digitalSat, 17 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK teen arrested over suspected involvement in Xbox Live, PSN DDoS attacks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/uk-teen-arrested-over-suspected-involvement-in-xbox-live-psn-dd/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/uk-teen-arrested-over-suspected-involvement-in-xbox-live-psn-dd/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/uk-teen-arrested-over-suspected-involvement-in-xbox-live-psn-dd/#comments An 18-year-old male was arrested as part of a larger investigation into the attacks which brought down the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live in 2014, according to a statement released earlier this week by the UK's South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).

Craig Jones, head of SEROCU's Cyber Crime Unit, attested to working with the FBI on the investigation, which also includes numerous "swatting" offenses. "This investigation is a good example of joint law enforcement cooperation in relation to a type of criminality that is not restricted by any geographical boundaries," Jones said. "We will continue to work closely with the FBI to identify those to who commit offences and hold them to account."

The alleged cyber criminal was brought in under suspicion of unauthorized access to computer material contrary to section 1 of Computer Misuse Act 1990, unauthorized access with intent to commit further offences contrary to section 2 of Computer Misuse Act 1990 and threats to kill contrary to Section 16 of Offences against the person Act 1861.
[Image: Microsoft/Sony]

JoystiqUK teen arrested over suspected involvement in Xbox Live, PSN DDoS attacks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimeddosmicrosoftplaystationplaystation-networkps3ps4psnserocuswattingukxboxxbox-livexbox-oneSat, 17 Jan 2015 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Majora's Mask New 3DS coming February 13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/majoras-mask-new-3ds-coming-february-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/majoras-mask-new-3ds-coming-february-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/majoras-mask-new-3ds-coming-february-13/#comments With the launch of the New 3DS XL stateside, there will also be a Majora's Mask 3D limited edition released on February 13. The bundle will feature a gold-tinted New 3DS XL featuring five of the game's masks, which transform Link into various characters from the Majora's Mask universe. The remastered Nintendo 64 game will launch on February 13 as well.

Hopefully we'll have more than three days to snag it before an angry moon crashes into us.

Update: The unit appears to be sold out at GameStop, currently listed as "not available."
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqMajora's Mask New 3DS coming February 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmajoras-maskmajoras-mask-3dnew-3dsnew-3ds-xlnintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-january-2015Wed, 14 Jan 2015 09:46:00 EST<![CDATA[New amiibo announced, coming March 2015 [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/new-amiibo-announced-coming-march-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/new-amiibo-announced-coming-march-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/new-amiibo-announced-coming-march-2015/#comments Nintendo has revealed a new wave of amiibo figures due on store shelves on March 20. The new amiibo were revealed during today's Nintendo Direct, and feature a redesigned Mario, Peach, Luigi, Yoshi and Bowser, as well as a Toad amiibo. You can see the new amiibo above.

Redesigns aren't the only new amiibo on their way, though. Nintendo also revealed amiibo of Robin, Lucina, Pac-Man, Ness, Charizard and Wario. These characters will be available sometime this spring. Nintendo also noted that amiibo will be used to unlock game boards and game pieces in Mario Party 10, the publisher's latest party game for Wii U.

Update: Check out the galleries below for a closer look at the new amiibo figures slated to arrive in the coming months. Additionally, the Robin, Lucina, Pac-Man, Ness, Charizard and Wario figures will launch this spring; we've updated the post to reflect this information.
[Image: Nintendo]

Continue reading New amiibo announced, coming March 2015 [Update]

JoystiqNew amiibo announced, coming March 2015 [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsamiibonintendonintendo-directwii-uWed, 14 Jan 2015 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition coming to the West]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/puzzles-and-dragons-super-mario-edition-coming-to-the-west/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/puzzles-and-dragons-super-mario-edition-coming-to-the-west/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/puzzles-and-dragons-super-mario-edition-coming-to-the-west/#comments Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition, the previously Japan-only game featuring a mix of RPG and puzzle elements (and Nintendo's Mario characters) will be coming to Europe and North America on May 15, Nintendo announced this morning on its Nintendo Direct stream.

Super Mario Bros. Edition will be bundled with Puzzle & Dragons Z, a port of a mobile entry in the long-running puzzle series.
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqPuzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition coming to the West originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendonintendo-directWed, 14 Jan 2015 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports to send prizes to cheated junior Lions fan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/ea-sports-to-send-prizes-to-cheated-junior-lions-fan/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/ea-sports-to-send-prizes-to-cheated-junior-lions-fan/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/ea-sports-to-send-prizes-to-cheated-junior-lions-fan/#comments On a scale from one to "wow, really?", where would you rank someone representing a football team who denies a copy of Madden 15 to a child for wearing the jersey of the opposing team? We ask because that's precisely what happened when the Dallas Cowboys took on the Detroit Lions last week. Amarillo radio station KISS FM 96.9 reports that prior to the football showdown, 10-year-old Roman participated in a game of musical chairs in hopes of snagging the grand prize: a copy of Madden 15 for PS4.

Roman won fair and square, but when it turned out he was wearing a Detroit Lions jersey, he was promptly denied his prize and made to re-do an (almost surely rigged) round, where he lost. This was on a stage in front of a crowd of gathered spectators, by the way. As if that wasn't humiliating enough, his consolation prize seals the deal: the first season of Batman: The Television Series (the Adam West version, to clarify) and a Led Zeppelin CD. Because what kid doesn't enjoy '60s camp while listening to "Immigrant Song"?

Roman's story has a happy ending, though. After learning of the incident, EA Sports tweeted the picture you see above. So Roman will now be receiving not only a copy of Madden 15 for PS4, but a console to play it on and a Lions mini-helmet signed by receiver Calvin Johnson.

So, to come back to our original question, what value would you assign the contest organizers?
[Image: EA Sports]

JoystiqEA Sports to send prizes to cheated junior Lions fan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dallas-cowboysdetroit-lionseaea-sportselectronic-artsmadden-15madden-nfl-15playstationps4Sun, 11 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A Princess Bride game on iOS in 2015? Inconceivable!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/a-princess-bride-game-on-ios-in-2015-inconceivable/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/a-princess-bride-game-on-ios-in-2015-inconceivable/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/a-princess-bride-game-on-ios-in-2015-inconceivable/#comments A video game released in 2015 that's based on a movie from 1987? As you wish. A new iOS game by Gameblend based on the beloved Rob Reiner-directed film, The Princess Bride, is now available on iTunes for $3.99.

Using cartoon graphics and simple controls, the game recreates moments from the famous story, including climbing the Cliffs of Insanity, battling shrieking eels, and dueling with Inigo Montoya. We're not sure if the game forces you to start left-handed on that last one.

Considering this game's release and the release of Run Forrest Run last year, we have to wonder what other classic movie properties are on the table for a mobile adaptation. Sixteen Candles: The Game, anyone? If not, then for now, enjoy storming the castle!
[Image: Gameblend]

JoystiqA Princess Bride game on iOS in 2015? Inconceivable! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameblendiosipadiphonemobilethe-princess-brideyou-killed-my-father-prepare-to-dieSun, 11 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell pre-orders at GAME get oujia board]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/saints-row-gat-out-of-hell-pre-orders-at-game-get-oujia-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/saints-row-gat-out-of-hell-pre-orders-at-game-get-oujia-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/saints-row-gat-out-of-hell-pre-orders-at-game-get-oujia-board/#comments If taunting spirits in a video game just isn't enough for you, you might be the type of gamer that developer Volition and publisher Deep Silver are targeting with their Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell pre-order promotion. According to a press release, if you pre-order either Gat Out of Hell for Xbox 360/PS3 or the Saints Row: Re-Elected & Gat Out of Hell combo pack for Xbox One/PS4 at UK retailer GAME, you'll receive a oujia board which you can (supposedly) use to contact the dead.

Okay, so it's kind of a weird pre-order bonus, but remember the Dubstep Gun that came in special editions of Saints Row 4? A ouija board (or "Wee-Ja" as this particular model is called) is downright tame compared to what the Third Street Saints gang has in their arsenal.

The ouija board also acts as a sort of ticket to a bigger prize. By sending in a picture of the ouija board in use, would-be mediums get entered for a chance to win a night on the haunted town with UK spirit medium, Derek Acorah.

Saints Ros 4: Re-Elected and Gat Out of Hell will be summoned to PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC platforms on January 20 in the Americas and January 23 internationally. GAME lists Gat Out of Hell at £24.99 and Saints Row 4: Re-Elected & Gat Out of Hell for £34.99.
[Image: Deep Silver]

Continue reading Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell pre-orders at GAME get oujia board

JoystiqSaints Row: Gat Out of Hell pre-orders at GAME get oujia board originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2015 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silvermicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4saints-rowsaints-row-4saints-row-gat-out-of-hellvolitionxboxxbox-oneSun, 11 Jan 2015 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dontnod: Publishers wanted Life is Strange's hero to be male, but Square didn't]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/dontnod-square-the-only-publisher-that-didnt-want-life-is-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/dontnod-square-the-only-publisher-that-didnt-want-life-is-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/dontnod-square-the-only-publisher-that-didnt-want-life-is-st/#comments

If you're wondering why Remember Me developer Dontnod Entertainment partnered with Square Enix to publish its upcoming game Life is Strange, look no further than the gender of its main character. "We had other publishers tell us, 'Make it a male lead character,'" company employees reveal in a new dev diary for the game. "Square were basically the only publisher that didn't want to change a single thing about the game. ... Square didn't even question [the decision to make Max female] once."

If this story sounds familiar, it might be because Dontnod was in a similar situation regarding Remember Me. "We had some [publishers] that said, 'Well, we don't want to publish it because that's not going to succeed. You can't have a female character in games. It has to be a male character, simple as that,'" creative director Jean-Max Morris said in March of 2013. Of course, the gender of its protagonists might not have been the only reason why other publishers passed on the project, but it's an interesting insight into the climate of games nonetheless.

Morris told Joystiq at Gamescom that despite the consistent use of female protagonists, the studio is not "trying to 'fix the industry.'" As a Dontnod employee says in the above diary, "It felt natural to have Max as a female character for this game."

Life is Strange's first episode of five will debut on PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One on January 30.
[Image: Square Enix]

JoystiqDontnod: Publishers wanted Life is Strange's hero to be male, but Square didn't originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dontnod-entertainmentlife-is-strangemicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneSun, 11 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Awesome Games Done Quick concludes with more than $1 million raised]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/awesome-games-done-quick-concludes-with-more-than-1-million-rai/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/awesome-games-done-quick-concludes-with-more-than-1-million-rai/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/awesome-games-done-quick-concludes-with-more-than-1-million-rai/#comments The Awesome Games Done Quick marathon, where speedrunners solicit donations for charity while blazing through video games as fast as they can (only pausing to get engaged) has concluded. This year, the event has raised more than $1 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation, with donations still being accepted and a themed Humble Bundle still available for purchase (though at time of publication, that bundle will only be available for a few more hours).

The Games Done Quick Twitter account announced the good news early Sunday morning, quoting a figure of "over $1.1 million," but that number has since climbed to nearly $1.3 million (as of this writing). For comparison, the Awesome Games Done Quick 2013 marathon raised $1,031,189. We said it then and we'll say it again: good job, internet.
[Image: Awesome Games Done Quick]

JoystiqAwesome Games Done Quick concludes with more than $1 million raised originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesome-games-done-quickcancercharitygames-done-quickprevent-cancer-foundationSpeedRunSun, 11 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekly Webcomic Wrapup weeps for a time gone by]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-weeps-for-a-time-gone-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-weeps-for-a-time-gone-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-weeps-for-a-time-gone-by/#comments Earlier this weekend, I was compelled to watch game console boot-up videos. You know, the little jingles and animations that play when you start up your system? So anyway, I start making my way forward by year of release. I get to the GameCube and ... no, no. You're seeing things. I'm not crying!

Okay, maybe I got a little misty-eyed at the happy memories that these boot-ups were able to bring to mind. But I doubt I'm the only one. So what about you? What game or game-related thing can bring you to the verge of tears by way of loving nostalgia? Tell us in the comments after you vote for your favorite webcomic!

Penny Arcade (Power Creep)
MGDMT (I hope you brought enough ... )
Hejibits (Foreseen Forgery)
ReadySoup (Wa-llow In It)
Ctrl+Alt+Del (Exploits)
Awkward Zombie (Loophole)
VG Cats (I Am Gross)
Nerd Rage (Breeding Incense)

Continue reading Weekly Webcomic Wrapup weeps for a time gone by

JoystiqWeekly Webcomic Wrapup weeps for a time gone by originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2015 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>webcomicSun, 11 Jan 2015 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Third-party GameCube adapter fills gap left by Nintendo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/third-party-gamecube-adapter-fills-gap-left-by-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/third-party-gamecube-adapter-fills-gap-left-by-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/third-party-gamecube-adapter-fills-gap-left-by-nintendo/#comments Nintendo's GameCube controller adapter for Wii U hasn't been discontinued, but it sure has been hard to find in available stock. Thankfully, where there is demand, there's a company willing to create a near-identical product to sell via their own channels. Typically these knock-offs might be considered of inferior quality (looking at you, bootleg DVDs and Twist & Shout cookies) but you could still give Mayflash's own version of the GameCube controller adapter a shot.

Selling for $19.99 via import site Play-Asia, the Mayflash GameCube controller adapter looks pretty darn similar to the official Nintendo brand one, albeit with some sharper edges around the base. There's also a switch on the side to allow swapping between Wii U and PC modes, in case you'd like to have the power of a modern PC but the feel in your hands of a GameCube.

Of course, there's always the chance the adapter won't work as advertised, so exercise caution. On the other hand, if it works great, enjoy beating the tar out of your friends in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. For the more cautious-minded hoping for an official adapter, Nintendo's online store suggests you "check back again soon."
[Image: Mayflash]

JoystiqThird-party GameCube adapter fills gap left by Nintendo originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamecubegamecube-controllerimportmayflashnintendoplay-asiathird-partywii-uSat, 10 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation players proclaim their picks for games of the year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/playstation-players-proclaim-their-picks-for-games-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/playstation-players-proclaim-their-picks-for-games-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/playstation-players-proclaim-their-picks-for-games-of-the-year/#comments So you didn't agree with our picks for the top 10 games of 2014. You didn't like our Best of the Rest selections either. That's okay! Different strokes for different folks and all that. If you're a PlayStation user, perhaps you'll find more like-minded individuals among fellow owners of Sony consoles.

The PlayStation Blog has posted the results of its game of the year survey, which raked in a solid 400,000+ votes. And the winners are: To see the runners-up and PS Blog editor picks (as well as tell everyone how wrong they are), check out the full post.
[Image: Sony]

JoystiqPlayStation players proclaim their picks for games of the year originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-of-the-yeargotyplaystationplaystation-3playstation-4playstation-vitaps3ps4sonyvitaSat, 10 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cipher Prime now selling piano music to Splice by]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/cipher-prime-now-selling-piano-music-to-splice-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/cipher-prime-now-selling-piano-music-to-splice-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/cipher-prime-now-selling-piano-music-to-splice-by/#comments Developer Cipher Prime's genetic puzzle game Splice may have originally released in 2012, but if its beautiful piano melodies still linger in your mind's ear, you might be pleased to know that the studio has released sheet music for the game's soundtrack, allowing you to perform the tunes for yourself at home (or fancy parties, or possibly an airport lounge - wherever there's a piano available for use, really).

If you're looking for a demo of sorts, the notation for the song "Cassiel" is available to download for free. Five dollars will net you the remaining 10 songs, providing a total of 46 sheets of music to impress your friends and family with.

Oo, oo! And play that sad walking away song from The Incredible Hulk next!
[Image: Cipher Prime]

JoystiqCipher Prime now selling piano music to Splice by originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cipher-primemacmusicpcplaystationps3ps4spliceSat, 10 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 5 beta adding Strongholds mode, Rocket Launcher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/halo-5-beta-adding-strongholds-mode-rocket-launcher/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/halo-5-beta-adding-strongholds-mode-rocket-launcher/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/halo-5-beta-adding-strongholds-mode-rocket-launcher/#comments The Halo 5: Guardians beta is drawing to a close, Spartans. Just one week remains before the doors seal shut on January 18, but developer 343 Industries and publisher Microsoft are going to make sure this shindig goes out with a bang - literally. See, week three of the beta is not only adding a new, Forge-created map called "Pegasus" and a new mode called "Strongholds," but it's also re-introducing the classic power weapon, the Rocket Launcher.

For those scouting here for tactical reconnaissance, here's what the United Nations Space Command has planned for you: Pegasus, the winning map of a fan vote, has long sight lines perfect for snipers and long-range weapon users. However, the perches where these marksman must take post have plenty of flanking routes, and are also vulnerable to well-aimed grenade throws. Strongholds mode features three control zones spread across a map; possess at least two and you'll be able to score points. First team to 100 wins.

But let's be honest, the real reason to come a-running back to the Halo 5 beta is that sweet, sweet Rocket Launcher. Oh. Yeah.
[Image: Microsoft]

JoystiqHalo 5 beta adding Strongholds mode, Rocket Launcher originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jan 2015 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbetahalohalo-5-guardiansmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosxbox-oneSat, 10 Jan 2015 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Sam's picks of 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/best-of-the-rest-sams-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/best-of-the-rest-sams-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/best-of-the-rest-sams-picks-of-2014/#comments WildStar
I grew up during what I'd consider "the golden age" of MMO games. I was there for the launch of World of Warcraft, as well as earlier titles like EverQuest and Ultima Online. The genre has a very special place in my heart, and WildStar felt like the last, major, "true" MMO (as opposed to games like Bungie's Destiny that possess MMO-like features) release that we would see in a long time, possibly ever again. A last hurrah, if you will.

And what a hurrah it is. We don't really "review" MMOs here, but through a series of postcards, I chronicled my time with a game that is in no uncertain language a fantastic piece of craftsmanship. The visuals are bright and colorful, with a Pixar-esque personality evident throughout. The gameplay is fresh and fast, requiring constant focus instead of hotkey rotation memorization. And of course, the housing. Oh, how I could spend hours simply customizing my plot of land with various wallpapers, decor, even mini-quest objectives. WildStar is a thoughtfully-constructed game with a wealth of content.

True that it relied a bit too much on large-scale endgame raids and the promised monthly updates fizzled shortly after launch, but I don't regret a moment spent on Planet Nexus.

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

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Sam's picks of 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-2014best-of-the-rest-2014fantasia-music-evolvedkinectmacmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4rogue-legacyvitawii-uwildstarWorld-of-WarcraftWoWxboxxbox-oneTue, 06 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tekken 7 director reveals new fighter, tries to clear up Lucky Chloe confusion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/tekken-7-director-reveals-new-fighter-tries-to-clear-up-lucky-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/tekken-7-director-reveals-new-fighter-tries-to-clear-up-lucky-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/tekken-7-director-reveals-new-fighter-tries-to-clear-up-lucky-c/#comments A Saudi Arabian fighter by the name of Shaheen will be joining the Tekken 7 roster, according to a tweet made earlier this week by game director Katsuhiro Harada. There's little other information to go on, but Harada also notes that Shaheen's design and name were "inspired by foreign student[s] from Arabic counties and [the] Saudi embassy."

If you're worried that negative reaction will keep Shaheen out of the West in the same way that the character Lucky Chloe was driven away, don't be; it turns out Harada was joking about that. Er, maybe. In response to Harada saying Lucky Chloe would be exclusive to EU and Asia regions and that he would make a musclebound skinhead for US players, an angry Twitter user turned out some harsh stereotypes of the Japanese. Harada responded with the following: "Many spammers/haters attacking us (That was an extreme prejudice and tons of dirty words. Of course I hate this happen), then I said just counter 'sarcasm/joke.'"

It's hard to tell if Harada means that he was only joking about American stereotypes or if the joke he's referring to is Lucky Chloe's supposed region exclusivity (the language barrier doesn't help). When another Twitter user called him a "silly goose" and thanked him for releasing Lucky Chloe, Harada tweeted a winking smiley face with its tongue sticking out. So ... yes?
[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqTekken 7 director reveals new fighter, tries to clear up Lucky Chloe confusion originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcoKatsuhiro-Haradalucky-chloemicrosoftplaystationps4shaheentekken-7xbox-oneSun, 04 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Killer Instinct's character roster foresees an Omen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/killer-instincts-character-roster-foresees-an-omen/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/killer-instincts-character-roster-foresees-an-omen/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/killer-instincts-character-roster-foresees-an-omen/#comments Killer Instinct for Xbox One is about to receive its next fighter: Omen, the spirit of rage, corruption and shadow energy. Players familiar with Killer Instinct's lore may recognize Omen as the spirit that turns Jago into Shadow Jago, a dark and twisted version of the warrior monk. According to developer Iron Galaxy, Omen has accrued enough energy through his battles as Shadow Jago to take physical form of his own.

What does said physical form look like, you ask? Well, it wouldn't be a Killer Instinct character reveal without a tease before the proper unveiling. All there is to see so far are the bat-like wing and fingertips crackling with blue energy pictured above.

Omen is also a bonus character, meaning he will not be sold individually, nor will he have his own Story mode. Players who have purchased either the Season 2 Combo Breaker Add-On or Season 2 Ultra Edition will receive Omen for free later this month.
[Image: Microsoft Studios]

JoystiqKiller Instinct's character roster foresees an Omen originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iron-galaxykiller-instinctkiller-instinct-2013microsoftmicrosoft-studiosomenxbox-oneSun, 04 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Kombat X will see the return of Kung Lao]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/mortal-kombat-x-will-see-the-return-of-kung-lao/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/mortal-kombat-x-will-see-the-return-of-kung-lao/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/mortal-kombat-x-will-see-the-return-of-kung-lao/#comments Kung Lao will once again fight the good, deadly fight in Mortal Kombat X, according to Finnish gaming magazine Pelaaja. Mortal Kombat fan site TestYourMight has translated some of the relevant article, revealing Kung Lao's three fighting forms: Tempest, Buzz Saw and Hat Trick.

According to TestYourMight's translation, the Tempest form focuses on whirling spin attacks, while Buzz Saw utilizes Lao's razor-lined hat. Hat Trick sounds similar in that it focuses on the Mortal Kombat series' most deadly fashion accessory, but also allows players to send out and call back the hat at will, making it a trickster/trapper-oriented fighting style.

It should also be noted that, what with MKX taking place well after the events of 2011's Mortal Kombat, our monk friend has definitely aged a bit, and is no longer the spry youth you see above. Unfortunately, creator Ed Boon is being more than coy about giving us an extended look at his aged mug. When asked if Kung Lao would get a proper trailer, Boon tweeted a picture of an old sprite pasted onto a moving wagon. Get it? 'Cause it's a trailer.

Well, there's only one answer to this problem. We'll just have to ... *ahem* FINNISH HIM.
[Image: WB Interactive]

JoystiqMortal Kombat X will see the return of Kung Lao originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kung-laomicrosoftmortal-kombatmortal-kombat-xNetherrealm-Studiospcplaystationps4Warner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactivexbox-oneSun, 04 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekly Webcomic Wrapup has a 1080p New Year's resolution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-has-a-1080p-new-years-resolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-has-a-1080p-new-years-resolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-has-a-1080p-new-years-resolution/#comments It even runs at 60 frames per second! Amirite? Eh? Eh? Resolution jokes!

Hold on, I've been informed that those are so 2014. My apologies.

Well, let's just skip the jokes then, and get right to the heart of the matter: it's a new year, which means new promises and goals to make to ourselves. I've been working on getting more in shape, and I have a goal that come E3 2015 I'll have gained 10 pounds of muscle. I guess we'll see come June how well I hold to that. But what about you? What are your resolutions for 2015? Let us know in the comments, after you vote for this week's webcomics!

MGDMT (Nose ring problems)
ReadySoup (Pee-kmin)
Awkward Zombie (Haunch Hunch)
ActionTrip (The Asshole Inquisitor)
Double XP (RIP 2014)

Continue reading Weekly Webcomic Wrapup has a 1080p New Year's resolution

JoystiqWeekly Webcomic Wrapup has a 1080p New Year's resolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Jan 2015 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>webcomicSun, 04 Jan 2015 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Duck Hunt amiibo data on Super Smash Bros. disc]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/rumor-duck-hunt-amiibo-data-on-super-smash-bros-disc/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/rumor-duck-hunt-amiibo-data-on-super-smash-bros-disc/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/rumor-duck-hunt-amiibo-data-on-super-smash-bros-disc/#comments

Just because an amiibo figure for the dog-and-duck duo from Duck Hunt hasn't yet been officially announced doesn't mean one isn't coming. That's what a video from YouTube user "Mema Haxx" posted earlier this week would suggest, anyway. As short as it is mysterious, the video shows a player of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U heading to the amiibo options menu and pulling up "Duck Hunt Duo," which is how the characters are labeled in the European version of the game.

There's no description for the video, so it's hard to tell just what we're seeing. One explanation is that Haxx triggered code within the game that made it think it had just interacted with an NFC chip inside of a Duck Hunt amiibo. Another is that it's totally fake. Without an official announcement of a Duck Hunt amiibo from Nintendo, there's no way to be 100 percent sure.

While we wait for such a reveal, why not speculate on what wondrous defects people will find on a Duck Hunt amiibo (and subsequently try to sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars)?
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqRumor: Duck Hunt amiibo data on Super Smash Bros. disc originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiiboduck-huntnintendorumorsuper-smash-bros-for-wii-uwii-uSat, 03 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST