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[Dying Light launch trailer shows catastrophe on a hot tin roof]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/dying-light-launch-trailer-shows-catastrophe-on-a-hot-tin-roof/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/dying-light-launch-trailer-shows-catastrophe-on-a-hot-tin-roof/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/dying-light-launch-trailer-shows-catastrophe-on-a-hot-tin-roof/#comments Dead Island creator Techland is once again chucking a ton of undead at your face, but this time you have to freerun from them. "Go anywhere, climb anything," but try to stay alive, eh?

Dying Light is available now on Steam for $60, with physical copies also out today in North and South America for PS4, Xbox One and PC. In Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and Africa you' can download it tomorrow, January 28, while disc versions are due on February 27.

Slide below the break to check out the launch trailer, and when you're done with that, clamber over to the recent Joystiq Streams expedition through Techland's open world.

Continue reading Dying Light launch trailer shows catastrophe on a hot tin roof

JoystiqDying Light launch trailer shows catastrophe on a hot tin roof originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dying-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps4steamtechlandwarner-brosWBWBIExbox-oneTue, 27 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyrule Warriors ships a million, celebrates with wallpaper party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/hyrule-warriors-ships-a-million-celebrates-with-wallpaper-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/hyrule-warriors-ships-a-million-celebrates-with-wallpaper-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/hyrule-warriors-ships-a-million-celebrates-with-wallpaper-party/#comments Hyrule Warriors shipped a million units worldwide since it launched last fall, which equates to many, many millions of enemies taken out in the army-mashing crossover. Famitsu reported the milestone today, which we've confirmed with a Koei Tecmo Europe representative.

Koei Tecmo is celebrating like cray by publishing a set of new wallpapers based on the Wii U brawler, and they're not bad desktop bling, it has to be said. Also, there's still plenty of steam in the game's DLC train; Majora's Mask content is due to arrive next week.

And yes, the DLC features Tingle. Like absolutely everything should.
[Image: Tecmo Koei]

JoystiqHyrule Warriors ships a million, celebrates with wallpaper party originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyrule-warriorskoei-tecmonintendosalesshipmentswii-uTue, 27 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon's Dogma Online announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/dragons-dogma-online-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/dragons-dogma-online-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/dragons-dogma-online-announced/#comments Dragon's Dogma Online is official, after Famitsu announced it's featuring the game in the latest issue of its magazine. The entry in Capcom's action-RPG series was much speculated after trademarks showed up in Europe and Japan last month.

We're waiting on official details, but going by reports based on magazine scans, Dragon's Dogma Online is a free-to-play game for PS4, PS3, and PC. According to Siliconera, the game is due for release in Japan this year.

While the European trademark may raise hopes for an international release, a Capcom UK representative told Eurogamer this morning there are no plans to release Dragon's Dogma Online in the West.

Continue reading Dragon's Dogma Online announced

JoystiqDragon's Dogma Online announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2015 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdragons-dogma-onlinejapanpcplaystationps3ps4release-dateTue, 27 Jan 2015 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher 3 on consoles can simulate world states, can't import Witcher 2 saves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/the-witcher-3-on-consoles-can-simulate-world-states-cant-impor/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/the-witcher-3-on-consoles-can-simulate-world-states-cant-impor/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/the-witcher-3-on-consoles-can-simulate-world-states-cant-impor/#comments On PC, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt can import a Witcher 2 save file to "impact your playthrough" of the third entry, but on consoles CD Projekt is taking a different approach. In a roundtable interview Level Designer Miles Tost told Joystiq that The Witcher 3 will look to simulate world states based on decisions taken in an in-game conversation.

"The way how it works is that the game on the consoles will ask you whether you want to simulate a specific state of the world, coming from previous games," Tost explained. "If you choose 'yes,' then you will get a special conversation at one part of the game - I don't want to spoil where it happens. It's basically a conversation with a character and the conversation is about the adventures of Geralt of Rivia. And you can basically deny or confirm whatever [the character] has heard of whatever tales of [Geralt.] It's actually kind of a cute mechanic. If you don't want to simulate the state then this conversation doesn't take place."

Continue reading The Witcher 3 on consoles can simulate world states, can't import Witcher 2 saves

JoystiqThe Witcher 3 on consoles can simulate world states, can't import Witcher 2 saves originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2015 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcomicrosoftpcplaystationps4the-witcher-3wb-gamesxbox-oneTue, 27 Jan 2015 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[On track with the first three hours of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/on-track-with-the-first-three-hours-of-the-witcher-3-wild-hunt/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/on-track-with-the-first-three-hours-of-the-witcher-3-wild-hunt/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/on-track-with-the-first-three-hours-of-the-witcher-3-wild-hunt/#comments
There's an immediate intimacy to my first three or so hours with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and no, I don't mean the bare buttocks I see in one of the opening cut scenes. The third entry in CD Projekt's fantasy RPG series may offer a new open world that's umpteen times bigger than previous entries. Yet, following a story-driven tutorial, I end up losing myself to the very first landmark, the peasant village of White Orchard.

It's a small riverside muddle of hovels, taverns and fields, its warm hues belying the deeper, darker stories within. There's the impulse to call my horse and gallop towards the horizon, but I find the village's multitude of side quests as welcoming as they are distracting, and certainly meaty enough to steer me away from temptation.

Eventually I drag myself to the main quest and my first wild hunt of The Witcher 3, as I track and take on a huge, bloodthirsty griffin. But before all that, let's return to those buttocks...

Continue reading On track with the first three hours of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

JoystiqOn track with the first three hours of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcocd-projektmicrosoftpcplaystationps4the-witcher-3wb-gamesxbox-oneMon, 26 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA['00001' Anniversary Edition PS4 sells for $128K in charity auction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/00001-anniversary-edition-ps4-sells-for-128k-in-charity-aucti/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/00001-anniversary-edition-ps4-sells-for-128k-in-charity-aucti/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/00001-anniversary-edition-ps4-sells-for-128k-in-charity-aucti/#comments The first-off-the-line Anniversary Edition PlayStation 4 went for ¥15.135 million in an online charity auction last night, which converts to a stunning $128,000. Sony Japan's auction ended this weekend with the huge bid on the special grey console, which is unit "00001" of 12,300.

"We appreciate all who participated in the auction and are surprised at the highest bid price, which was higher than our expectations," a Sony representative told the Wall Street Journal, perhaps with an agape mouth and a lack of blinking.

Continue reading '00001' Anniversary Edition PS4 sells for $128K in charity auction

Joystiq'00001' Anniversary Edition PS4 sells for $128K in charity auction originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversary-editionjapanlimited-editionplaystationps4sonyMon, 26 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Theatrhythm's new DLC Beat stars The World Ends with You]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/theatrhythms-new-dlc-beat-stars-the-world-ends-with-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/theatrhythms-new-dlc-beat-stars-the-world-ends-with-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/theatrhythms-new-dlc-beat-stars-the-world-ends-with-you/#comments Theatrhythm Curtain Call continues to ignore its Final Fantasy prefix by adding The World Ends with You music as part of the latest DLC batch. "Twister," the 2007 JRPG's theme song , and "Calling" are two of six new tracks available now in the 3DS rhythm game.

As per the Shibuya-infused DS game, Twister is a Battle Music Sequence in Curtain Call while background tune Calling is a Field Music Sequence. The three other new BMS tunes are "Liberi Fatali" from Final Fantasy 8, "Final Confrontation" from Romancing SaGa 3, and "World Revolution" from Chrono Trigger. The sixth song and second FMS is "Wind Scene," also from Chrono Trigger. All six DLC songs are priced 99 cents (£0.89/€0.99).

To remind yourself of TWEWY's J-pop music - your humble author would argue it's one of the best soundtracks you'll find on the DS - do the Twister again below the break. By the way, don't think the Curtain Call DLC train is stopping just yet. According to Square Enix, the game's next dollop of add-ons is planned to arrive on February 19.

Continue reading Theatrhythm's new DLC Beat stars The World Ends with You

JoystiqTheatrhythm's new DLC Beat stars The World Ends with You originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsChrono-TriggerDLCeShopfinal-fantasy-viiinintendorelease-dateromancing-sagathe-world-ends-with-youtheatrhythm-final-fantasy-curtain-callFri, 23 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jon Snow brings lack of knowledge to Game of Thrones Episode 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/jon-snow-brings-lack-of-knowledge-to-game-of-thrones-episode-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/jon-snow-brings-lack-of-knowledge-to-game-of-thrones-episode-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/jon-snow-brings-lack-of-knowledge-to-game-of-thrones-episode-2/#comments
The second episode of Telltale's six-part Game of Thrones saga debuts early next month, starting February 3 for PC, Mac, PS4 and PS3. Titled "The Lost Lords," the episode is also coming to Xbox One and 360 on February 4, iOS on February 5 and Android at a later date.

The Lost Lords continues the story of House Forrester, a Westeros family who in history have aligned with the Starks - not always the wisest alignment, it has to be said. Telltale's game is interwoven with HBO's TV series, and the plot takes place between the end of the third season and the start of the fifth.

If you've played the first episode then you've already had a few chit-chats with Cersei Lannister, her brother Tyrion, Margaery Tyrell and the huggably lovely Ramsay Snow. As the teaser trailer below the break reveals, another Snow is coming to the game in Episode 2.

Continue reading Jon Snow brings lack of knowledge to Game of Thrones Episode 2

JoystiqJon Snow brings lack of knowledge to Game of Thrones Episode 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgame-of-thrones-a-telltale-games-seriesgame-of-thrones-episode-2HBOiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3ps4release-datetelltale-gamesxboxxbox-oneFri, 23 Jan 2015 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[New Nintendo eShop releases: Half-price Punch-Out!!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-half-price-punch-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-half-price-punch-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-half-price-punch-out/#comments You can grab a Little Mac takeaway right now, because Punch-Out!! is on the Wii U eShop with a $10 price tag. Like last week's Wii re-releases, the 2009 boxer is available at 50 percent off in its first week, but be warned: After 9AM PT/12PM ET on January 29 it goes up to $20.

That offer is part of Nintendo's Throwback Sale, which you can check out here along with the last week of the current Super Indie Collection Sale. Otherwise, you'll find the complete list of this week's new eShop releases by ducking and weaving below the break.

Continue reading New Nintendo eShop releases: Half-price Punch-Out!!

JoystiqNew Nintendo eShop releases: Half-price Punch-Out!! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 07:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbreezebloxcitizens-of-eartheshopmidnightnintendonintendoware-weeklypunch-outpunch-out-wiiscatundead-storm-nightmarewii-uFri, 23 Jan 2015 07:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Spend 48 hours torturing loved ones for free in The Sims 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/spend-48-hours-torturing-loved-ones-for-free-in-the-sims-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/spend-48-hours-torturing-loved-ones-for-free-in-the-sims-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/spend-48-hours-torturing-loved-ones-for-free-in-the-sims-4/#comments- EA's latest addition to its Origin Game Time vault is The Sims 4, meaning you can download it now and enjoy a free 48 hours of playing God. To do just that, get your godly ass to Origin.

Those 48 hours are real-time rather than in-game, so unless you're planning an unadvised binge you won't get the full two days of free-ness. You can start the free time whenever you want, however, as the 48-hour countdown only begins after you launch the game for the first time. Also, if you later buy The Sims 4 then your Game Time progress does transfer over.

Continue reading Spend 48 hours torturing loved ones for free in The Sims 4

JoystiqSpend 48 hours torturing loved ones for free in The Sims 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 06:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAea-maxisfreemaxisoriginorigin-game-timepcthe-sims-4Fri, 23 Jan 2015 06:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Evo 2015 line-up announced, double helping of Smash]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/evo-2015-line-up-announced-double-helping-of-smash/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/evo-2015-line-up-announced-double-helping-of-smash/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/evo-2015-line-up-announced-double-helping-of-smash/#comments Super Smash Bros Wii U and Melee are two of the nine games already confirmed for this year's Evolution Championship Series. As revealed during last night's Twitch stream, the line-up for Las Vegas this July also includes returning games Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Ultra Street Fighter 4 and Killer Instinct, The remaining four games are new for this year, and they are Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, Guilty Gear Xrd Sign, Mortal Kombat X and Tekken 7.

Recent years have seen more games added closer to the event, though a roster of nine is already on the high end for an EVO championship. Whatever the full line-up proves to be, it's coming to the Bally's/Paris Las Vegas Casino, where the world's fighting game specialists will duke it out across July 17-19.

Continue reading Evo 2015 line-up announced, double helping of Smash

JoystiqEvo 2015 line-up announced, double helping of Smash originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evoevo-2015guilty-gear-xrd-signkiller-instinctkiller-instinct-2013microsoftmortal-kombat-xnintendopersona-4-arena-ultimaxplaystationps3ps4shoryukensuper-smash-bros-for-wii-usuper-smash-bros-meleetekken-7ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3ultra-street-fighter-4wii-uxboxxbox-oneWed, 21 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Litter-bomb warning! Theme Hospital is free on Origin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/litter-bomb-warning-theme-hospital-is-free-on-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/litter-bomb-warning-theme-hospital-is-free-on-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/litter-bomb-warning-theme-hospital-is-free-on-origin/#comments Theme Park may be the Bullfrog game that led to many a follow-up, but for my money Theme Hospital is just as good if not better. It's not just the amusing illnesses - such as Slack Tongue, Bloaty Head and Baldness - or its proficiency at filling up your hospitals with patient barf. The 1997 classic is also an excellently balanced management sim, and it still stands out as unique. How many other hospital management games are there?

Luckily, my money isn't on the line, nor is anyone else's. For a limited time Theme Hospital is free to download and keep via EA's PC portal Origin, as part of its On the House program. If you've never tried the game, we'd recommend checking in with this page - doctor's orders.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqLitter-bomb warning! Theme Hospital is free on Origin originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullfrogEAfreeon-the-houseoriginpctheme-hospitalWed, 21 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Store Update: Stop It Don't Open That Door Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/psn-store-update-stop-it-dont-open-that-door-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/psn-store-update-stop-it-dont-open-that-door-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/psn-store-update-stop-it-dont-open-that-door-edition/#comments This week's headline new release on PSN is definitely Saints Row: Gat out of Hell, the $20 standalone follow-up to Saints Row 4. PS3 and PS4 owners can both get their Gat on, but the latter group can also get it in a $50 bundle with SR4: Re-elected. The visually enhanced, DLC-stuffed PS4 version of Saints Row 4 is also available on its own for $30.

This week's other big deal is also a remaster, but of a much, much less recent game. The PS4 and PS3 edition of the first Resident Evil brings the S.T.A.R.S. into HD, and at an asking price of $20. Since it's a remaster of the GameCube game, itself a remake, we'll just have to reminisce about the original's memorably awful voice acting.

Continue reading PSN Store Update: Stop It Don't Open That Door Edition

JoystiqPSN Store Update: Stop It Don't Open That Door Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-arcade-gamescitizens-of-earthIronclad-Tacticsmotorcycle-clubplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4psn-store-updatepsn-tuesdayresident-evilsaints-row-4saints-row-4-re-electedsaints-row-gat-out-of-hellsplicevitaWed, 21 Jan 2015 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get prepped for State of Decay: Year One on Xbox One in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/get-prepped-for-state-of-decay-year-one-on-xbox-one-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/get-prepped-for-state-of-decay-year-one-on-xbox-one-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/get-prepped-for-state-of-decay-year-one-on-xbox-one-in-april/#comments State of Decay: Year One Survival Edition fights for more life on Xbox One starting April 28 in North America, with other countries joining the party on May 1. Microsoft confirmed the game's US price is $30, while owners of the Xbox 360 original can get a 33 percent discount off the Xbox One version up until June 30.

The 1080p Xbox One edition of Undead Labs' zombified survival horror comes with add-on packs Breakdown and Lifeline, as well as new content. It's also just part of the developer's "multi-year, multi-title" agreement with Microsoft.

JoystiqGet prepped for State of Decay: Year One on Xbox One in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2015 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class3microsoftmicrosoft-studiosrelease-datestate-of-decayundead-labsxbox-oneTue, 20 Jan 2015 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ori and the Blind Forest lights up Xbox One & PC this March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/ori-and-the-blind-forest-lights-up-xbox-one-and-pc-this-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/ori-and-the-blind-forest-lights-up-xbox-one-and-pc-this-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/ori-and-the-blind-forest-lights-up-xbox-one-and-pc-this-march/#comments Ori and the Blind Forest is set to mix beauty with beastly platforming when it hits Xbox One and PC on March 11. Moon Studios' side-scroller is priced $20 on both platforms.

Ori caught the eye last year with its picturesque look, comparable to the UbiArt engine as seen in the watercolor-like Child of Light. What also caught Richard Mitchell's eye in our preview was the speedy, precise platforming.

According to the developer, Ori's agile, fluid movement was inspired by Super Meat Boy - when we say fluid, we don't mean the red kind. Ori is a less gruesome, more spiritual affair then Team Meat's offering, but its air-dash combos and wall-to-wall platforming tricks look like they require some dexterity.

Continue reading Ori and the Blind Forest lights up Xbox One & PC this March

JoystiqOri and the Blind Forest lights up Xbox One & PC this March originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2015 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmicrosoft-studiosmoon-studiosori-and-the-blind-forestpcrelease-datexboxxbox-oneTue, 20 Jan 2015 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN members get one-use 10% discount code this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/psn-members-get-one-use-10-discount-code-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/psn-members-get-one-use-10-discount-code-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/psn-members-get-one-use-10-discount-code-this-weekend/#comments Sony's goodwill discount is up for the taking this weekend, allowing users to save 10 percent off a one-time total cart purchase in the PlayStation Store. The offer is part of Sony's show of appreciation for PSN members' patience following the network issues over the holidays.

The rules are that the purchase must be made between 9AM PT/12PM ET on January 23 and the same time on January 26. To reiterate, it's 10 percent off a total cart purchase rather than a single item, so if you're in the mood for a PSN splurge then it's your lucky day. However, it's a one-time dealio, so make sure you put all your PSN eggs in your 10 percent basket.

Continue reading PSN members get one-use 10% discount code this weekend

JoystiqPSN members get one-use 10% discount code this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2015 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discountplaystationplaystation-plusplaystation-storeplaystation-vitaps3ps4psnvitaTue, 20 Jan 2015 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Club Nintendo closing, 'new loyalty program' on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/club-nintendo-closing-new-loyalty-program-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/club-nintendo-closing-new-loyalty-program-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/club-nintendo-closing-new-loyalty-program-on-the-way/#comments 'Club Nintendo is dead, long live the new loyalty program,' is the message from Nintendo this morning, after the company announced it's closing its current rewards service. Users in the US and Canada have until the end March to earn Club Nintendo Coins and until the close of June to redeem them, signalling when the service will finally hang up its brown boots.

"We thank all Club Nintendo members for their dedication to Nintendo games and their ongoing love for our systems and characters," said Nintendo of America executive VP Scott Moffit in the company's press release. "We want to make this time of transition as easy as possible for our loyal Club Nintendo members, so we are going to add dozens of new rewards and downloadable games to help members clear out their Coin balances."

Continue reading Club Nintendo closing, 'new loyalty program' on the way

JoystiqClub Nintendo closing, 'new loyalty program' on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2015 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsamericaaustraliaclub-nintendodseuropejapannintendonintendo-of-americarewardswiiwii-uTue, 20 Jan 2015 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario AI learns how to kill goombas, heralds Skynet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/super-mario-ai-learns-how-to-kill-goombas-heralds-skynet/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/super-mario-ai-learns-how-to-kill-goombas-heralds-skynet/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/super-mario-ai-learns-how-to-kill-goombas-heralds-skynet/#comments Who knew the end of the world would be prophesied by a weird mixture of Super Mario 3 and Super Mario World sprites? Researchers at Germany's University of Tuebingen are the naive harbingers of doom, and the Super Mario artificial intelligence they developed is their omen.

As shown in the video below the break, the researchers' Mario AI can understand a wide array of voice commands, learn a similarly substantial amount of data from instructions, and autonomously adapt to his environment. Tell him you can kill goombas by jumping on them, and he'll respond, "If I jump on goomba, then it certainly dies," albeit in a robotic voice. Or you can tell him to kill a goomba, and he'll start learning how to on his own (Danger! Danger!).

Continue reading Super Mario AI learns how to kill goombas, heralds Skynet

JoystiqSuper Mario AI learns how to kill goombas, heralds Skynet originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaaiaaai-2005aiskynetsuper-mario-bros-3super-mario-worlduniversity-of-tuebinginMon, 19 Jan 2015 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA 5 continues to hold off FIFA & CoD in this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/gta-5-continues-to-hold-off-fifa-and-cod-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/gta-5-continues-to-hold-off-fifa-and-cod-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/gta-5-continues-to-hold-off-fifa-and-cod-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments And now for something completely similar: Right now you'd need a microscope to find the week-to-week changes in the UK charts. Nonetheless, it's interesting to see Grand Theft Auto 5 stay ahead of traditional front-runners FIFA and Call of Duty, especially since Rockstar's game is a re-release on current-gen. At this new release-less time of year, we'd normally be talking about a 28th consecutive No. 1 for FIFA [Insert Year Here].

The current top three are the same trio that sold the most in the UK last year, though FIFA 15 won out overall in 2014. Moreover, seven of this week's top ten are in the 2014 top ten, and most of those hit store shelves in the second half of the year.

Right, stop that UK charts analysis! It's silly. This week's full top ten can be found below the break, along with the customary music video that's a bit suspect.

Continue reading GTA 5 continues to hold off FIFA & CoD in this week's UK charts

JoystiqGTA 5 continues to hold off FIFA & CoD in this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4rockstarukvitawii-uxboxxbox-oneMon, 19 Jan 2015 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Simpsons skin pack embiggens Minecraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/minecraft-embiggens-with-the-simpsons-skin-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/minecraft-embiggens-with-the-simpsons-skin-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/minecraft-embiggens-with-the-simpsons-skin-pack/#comments Minecraft, for one, welcomes its new Microsoft overlords by offering The Simpsons content for Xboxen. The skin pack based on the immortal TV show arrives on Xbox One and 360 in late February, with an asking price of $2. Also, don't take our opening line too seriously; Microsoft says players should "stay tuned" for more about the DLC on other platforms.

The pack features the Simpsons family as pixelated above, along with 19 characters from Springfield Elementary. Here's hoping it includes Ralph and Super Nintendo Chalmers - yes, we just wanted to write "Super Nintendo Chalmers."

Of course, this isn't the first time Minecraft and The Simpsons have merged into one, uber-popular super-being. Check below the break to refresh your memory.

Continue reading The Simpsons skin pack embiggens Minecraft

JoystiqThe Simpsons skin pack embiggens Minecraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCfoxmicrosoftMinecraftminecraft-xbox-360-editionminecraft-xbox-onerelease-datethe-simpsonsxblmxboxxbox-games-storexbox-oneFri, 16 Jan 2015 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[505 Games acquires Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons IP for $500K]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/505-games-acquires-brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons-ip-for-500k/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/505-games-acquires-brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons-ip-for-500k/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/505-games-acquires-brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons-ip-for-500k/#comments Starbreeze announced the sale of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons to 505 Games today in a deal worth $500,000. Starbreeze CEO Andersson Klint said the transaction represented his studio's "final transition to the digital strategy," following its recent efforts to push sales through digital distribution channels. The deal includes full rights to the game and intellectual property (IP).

With Brothers, Swedish studio Starbreeze created a new IP that gained strong traction with critics and consumers alike. The story-driven puzzle platformer earned a spot in our top 10 of 2013 and went on to sell more than 800,000 units to date.

Continue reading 505 Games acquires Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons IP for $500K

Joystiq505 Games acquires Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons IP for $500K originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesbrothers-a-tale-of-two-sonsJosef-Faresmicrosoftpcplaystationps3starbreezestarbreeze-studiosxboxFri, 16 Jan 2015 07:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Avoid a wild hunt for Witcher 2, grab it via Games with Gold now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/avoid-a-wild-hunt-for-witcher-2-grab-it-via-games-with-gold-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/avoid-a-wild-hunt-for-witcher-2-grab-it-via-games-with-gold-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/avoid-a-wild-hunt-for-witcher-2-grab-it-via-games-with-gold-now/#comments Just a quick reminder: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings - Enhanced Edition is available now as a freebie for Xbox Live Gold subscribers, thanks to the Games with Gold program. As long as you're a Gold member you can download the dark fantasy RPG at no extra cost, and it's yours to keep even if your Gold subscription runs out. Don't forget, you have until January 31 to grab The Witcher 2 while it's hot and, more importantly, free.

The Enhanced Edition of Witcher 2 features the slew of content added to the original PC game, and it's a complete enough way to get bewitchin' ahead of one of 2015's major new releases, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Geralt of Rivia's third game hits Xbox One, PS4 and PC on May 19.

For more on The Witcher 2 of Xbox 360, check out Ludwig of Joystiq's deja review.
[Image: Sony]

JoystiqAvoid a wild hunt for Witcher 2, grab it via Games with Gold now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CD-Projektgames-with-goldmicrosoftWBwb-gamesXBLMxboxxbox-games-storexbox-live-goldFri, 16 Jan 2015 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Nintendo eShop releases: Get ready, it's 3D After Burner 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-get-ready-its-3d-after-burner-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-get-ready-its-3d-after-burner-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-get-ready-its-3d-after-burner-2/#comments Rrrrrrrr... Vroooooooooooom! Whooooooooom! Fire! Boom! Fire! Boom! Whooooooooooom! Thwoooooooosh! Fire! Boom! Beep beep beep! Be careful! Wooooooooooooooosh! BOOM!

Fine... we'll put down our arm-wings and stop running around the room, but only to tell you 3D After Burner 2 is out on the eShop today. The latest in Sega's 3D-enhanced Classics range includes 23 stages, new difficulty settings, visual additions like smoke transparency, and multiple arcade cabinet styles.

Also, there's a new "special mode" that's unlocked after you beat the game. In it, shooting down planes builds up a meter that, when full, lets you slow down time to avoid attacks and take down foes with ease. So it's a bit like the Climax Gauge in After Burner Climax, or Neo in The Matrix. Whichever you prefer.

Alright, that's too much time not playing Human After Burner. Don't worry, we've included the full list of new eShop releases below the break and you'll find all the new eSales here.

Get ready! Whoooooooooooooooooosh!

Continue reading New Nintendo eShop releases: Get ready, it's 3D After Burner 2

JoystiqNew Nintendo eShop releases: Get ready, it's 3D After Burner 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-after-burner-23dsafter-burner-2best-of-mahjongelectronic-super-joyeShopfamily-tennis-splufia-the-legend-returnsnintendonintendoware-weeklyquell-mementosoccer-up-onlinespace-life-danger-panicuwordsmithwii-uwrc-fia-world-rally-championshipThu, 15 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil Revelations 2 held back a week longer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/resident-evil-revelations-2-held-back-a-week-longer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/resident-evil-revelations-2-held-back-a-week-longer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/resident-evil-revelations-2-held-back-a-week-longer/#comments The first episode of Resident Evil Revelations 2 is now due on February 24, a week later than originally planned. So if your name is Barry Burton and you're planning a return in an upcoming zombie game, we'd recommend grabbing some form of food and chilling out.

You can check out Capcom's full release schedule below the break, but the CliffsNotes are that Revelations 2 is split across four episodes, with one out each week. Episodes individually cost $6, while the $25 "Complete Season" comes with two extra spinoff episodes and Hunk as a bonus RAID character. And yes, Barry is indeed back as a playable protagonist.

By the by, there's a similar delay to the $40 goodies-stuffed retail box. So, as things stand, that's due stateside on March 17 and in Europe three days later. Like the individual episodes, the retail box is on its way for PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC. Also, a Vita release for Revelations 2 remains due sometime this spring.

[Update: Capcom noted a similar delay to the retail box in new promo art, which you can find below the break too. We've amended the post accordingly.]

For more on Resident Evil's second book of Revelations, check out our preview.

Continue reading Resident Evil Revelations 2 held back a week longer

JoystiqResident Evil Revelations 2 held back a week longer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcommicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4release-dateresident-evil-revelations-2steamxboxxbox-oneThu, 15 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hotline Miami 2 refused classification in Australia [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/hotline-miami-2-refused-classification-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/hotline-miami-2-refused-classification-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/hotline-miami-2-refused-classification-in-australia/#comments Hotline Miami 2 is effectively banned from sale in Australia, following the Australian Classification Board's decision to refuse classification. According to Kotaku and Player Attack, the legislative body's report describes an implicit rape scene featuring "visual depiction of implied sexual violence" as part of the offending content.

On its website, the ACB says the ruling is accordance with National Classification Code that refuses classification to games featuring "matters of sex, drug misuse or addiction, crime, cruelty, violence or revolting or abhorrent phenomena" that offend accepted standards.

The site's listing doesn't note the scene specified in the report obtained by Kotaku and Player Attack. According to both publications, the report notes that it doesn't include a complete list of the content that contributed to the ACB's decision.

[Update: Devolver Digital published a response to the ruling this morning, which you can read in full below the break. The publisher says it's "concerned and disappointed that a board of professionals tasked with evaluating and judging games fairly and honestly would stretch the facts to such a degree..." Devolver added it has no plans to officially challenge the decision.]

Continue reading Hotline Miami 2 refused classification in Australia [update]

JoystiqHotline Miami 2 refused classification in Australia [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acbaustraliaaustralian-classification-boardclassificationdennaton-gamesdevolver-digitallinuxmacpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4ratingratingssteamvitaThu, 15 Jan 2015 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Styluses at the ready, Etrian Mystery Dungeon hits in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/styluses-at-the-ready-etrian-mystery-dungeon-hits-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/styluses-at-the-ready-etrian-mystery-dungeon-hits-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/styluses-at-the-ready-etrian-mystery-dungeon-hits-in-april/#comments Atlus crossover Etrian Mystery Dungeon welcomes map-makers and roguelike-ramblers on April 7. as shown in yesterday's news-stuffed Nintendo Direct. It's $40 for the pleasure of more chartwork, and Atlus is chucking in a free soundtrack with pre-orders and a "limited first-run printing." The new due date applies to North America's retail shelves and eShop, and there's no word yet on a European release.

To see how Etrian Mystery Dungeon fuses its franchises, check out the latest trailer below the break. The 3DS game draws character classes and skill trees from the Etrian Odyssey series, while the randomly-generated dungeons and the top-down monster-mashing have a distinct Mystery Dungeon flavor. It's still an Etrian game, however, so you can expect to scribble out some maps on the 3DS' bottom screen.

Continue reading Styluses at the ready, Etrian Mystery Dungeon hits in April

JoystiqStyluses at the ready, Etrian Mystery Dungeon hits in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 06:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsatlusetrian-mystery-dungeonetrian-odyssey-and-the-mystery-dungeonnintendorelease-datespike-chunsoftThu, 15 Jan 2015 06:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Alien: Isolation's third DLC adds one-life-only Salvage Mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/alien-isolations-third-dlc-adds-one-life-only-salvage-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/alien-isolations-third-dlc-adds-one-life-only-salvage-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/alien-isolations-third-dlc-adds-one-life-only-salvage-mode/#comments Are you a survivor, unclouded by conscience, remorse or delusions of morality? If that sounds like you then maybe let's not do coffee... but you may want to check out Alien: Isolation's new Safe Haven DLC. The add-on's new Salvage Mode tasks you with completing ten challenges in a large map as you try to escape from You-Know-Who (not Voldermort) within the time limit.

The catch? You've got one life. While dying does take you back to your last saved challenge, it'll cost your final score. So to really do the business on the leaderboards, you'll need to make it through all ten challenges without perishing. On the flipside, if you collect enough points you can trade them in to save your progress.

Like the previous DLC, you get to play another new character in Safe Haven. This time around it's Hughes, Sevastopol's communications manager and one of the first unfortunate souls you encounter in the main game. The last bit of intel is that Safe Haven introduces another new mode, Marathon, letting you play Survivor Mode maps in the order of your choosing.

For a glimpse at the seemingly misnamed Safe Haven, check out Sega's teaser trailer below the break. If you still want in, the DLC is due to hit all platforms today, except in Europe where PS4 and PS3 players are on standby 'til tomorrow. If you've got the $30 season pass then you have already paid for the pleasure, otherwise the asking price is $8.

Continue reading Alien: Isolation's third DLC adds one-life-only Salvage Mode

JoystiqAlien: Isolation's third DLC adds one-life-only Salvage Mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien-isolationaliens-isolationcreative-assemblyDLCmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4release-datesegasteamxboxxbox-oneTue, 13 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's famous easter egg song discovered in Mario Kart 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/nintendos-famous-easter-egg-song-discovered-in-mario-kart-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/nintendos-famous-easter-egg-song-discovered-in-mario-kart-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/nintendos-famous-easter-egg-song-discovered-in-mario-kart-8/#comments
For nearly 25 years, Nintendo composer and sound designer Kazumi Totaka has been hiding a signature 19-note melody in games. While he's hardly the first to nefariously lay an easter egg, there's a bit of a legend to what the locals call "Totaka's Song."

Continue reading Nintendo's famous easter egg song discovered in Mario Kart 8

JoystiqNintendo's famous easter egg song discovered in Mario Kart 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kazumi-totakamario-kart-8nintendototakatotakas-songwii-uTue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Telltale names new CEO, original property in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/telltale-names-new-ceo-original-property-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/telltale-names-new-ceo-original-property-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/telltale-names-new-ceo-original-property-in-the-works/#comments
Telltale Games announced co-founder Kevin Bruner as its new CEO, with former boss Dan Connors taking an advisory role after leading the company since 2004. Telltale also revealed it has "original IP (intellectual property)" in development, a marked change for a studio that built its name on licensing and adapting properties like The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us.

Telltale's official announcement discusses plans for growth in 2015, underscoring a period of transition for the adventure game studio. There are seasons of Tales from the Borderlands and Game of Thrones to complete after their debut episodes, while Minecraft: Story Mode. The Walking Dead Season 3 and the new original IP are also somewhere in the pipeline.

Continue reading Telltale names new CEO, original property in the works

JoystiqTelltale names new CEO, original property in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dan-Connorskevin-bruneroriginal-ipTelltaletelltale-gamesTue, 13 Jan 2015 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2015's first Nintendo Direct airs tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/2015s-first-nintendo-direct-airs-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/2015s-first-nintendo-direct-airs-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/2015s-first-nintendo-direct-airs-tomorrow/#comments Nintendo is kicking off the new year with a new Nintendo Direct, but is it on the New 3DS? We're always wary of predicting how these live broadcasts will go, but it would make sense for the enhanced handheld to show up in tomorrow's stream. It was just last week, after all, that Nintendo of Europe revealed plans to ship early "Ambassador Editions" of the New system.

For the record, the Big N's official word is tomorrow's Direct will focus on "spring 2015 Wii U and Nintendo 3DS titles." Also, while president Satoru Iwata will be on the stream, it remains unknown what variety of fruit he'll be holding. We'll keep you posted on developments there.

Anyway, keep your eyes peeled ("peeled," geddit?) on Joystiq tomorrow, where we'll have the livestream for you to watch and all the news as it comes in. So, set your alarms for streamage at 9AM ET (6AM PT/2PM GMT) tomorrow, Wednesday January 14.

Also, check below the break to see how Nintendo Direct revealed the New 3DS for Japan back in August 2014. Skip to 14:25 for the New hotness and fill in the blanks here.
[Image: Nintendo]

Continue reading 2015's first Nintendo Direct airs tomorrow

Joystiq2015's first Nintendo Direct airs tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-january-2015wii-uTue, 13 Jan 2015 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Evolve PC specs sniffed out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/evolve-pc-specs-sniffed-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/evolve-pc-specs-sniffed-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/evolve-pc-specs-sniffed-out/#comments When it comes to Evolve's newly-revealed PC specs, it's not quite "survival of the fittest." You do need a fairly decent rig to be part of the 4v1 fun, but the CryEngine shooter accommodates 4GB of system RAM and 1GB of graphical power at a minimum.

You can check out the full minimum and recommended requirements below the break, but there are a couple of extra infobits worth noting. First, 2K says Evolve supports 4K resolutions "right now," so you should be able to hunt down oodles of definition when the PC closed tests start anew on January 16.

However, 2K adds SLI (Scalable Link Interface) isn't supported "out of the box." The publisher says teams are working to get the multi-GPU turbocharge working with the game ASAP.

It's not long now until the hunt begins in full for PS4, Xbox One and PC on February 10. It's even less long until Evolve's Xbox One open beta, which is due to run across January 15-19. PS4 owners can also test the game out starting January 17, as long as they have a Big Alpha invite and PS Plus subscription.

Continue reading Evolve PC specs sniffed out

JoystiqEvolve PC specs sniffed out originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2Kevolvepcpc-specspcspecsspecsturtle-rock-studiosMon, 12 Jan 2015 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA 5 on top again in UK (again)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/gta-5-on-top-again-in-uk-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/gta-5-on-top-again-in-uk-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/gta-5-on-top-again-in-uk-again/#comments Inside, you see a very tall man in a bow tie and tuxedo, sitting behind a desk.

"Good morning," opens the very tall man, who you now realize is the spitting image of a young John Cleese. "It's my duty to inform you, brave adventurer, that Grand Theft Auto 5 took the UK No. 1 this week. It's the third time it's re-taken the British top spot, but that's neither here or there, really. Sales of this week's top three were half of last week's. So, right now, topping the UK charts is a bit like winning a beauty pageant held in Mordor. Never mind, eh?"

You smile and nod, looking for the exit.

"Anyway," he says sternly... is he John Cleese? "You have a choice ahead of you, adventurer."

The very tall man points to a small arcade cabinet on your left. The screen, which appears to be made of paper and held up by someone inside the cabinet, simply says "Push a button."

To press the button with a picture of a tree on it, turn to page 17
To press the button with the Joystiq logo on it, turn to page 63
To press the button with a picture of a pig on it, turn to page 245605B

Continue reading GTA 5 on top again in UK (again)

JoystiqGTA 5 on top again in UK (again) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklycyoamicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4rockstarrockstar-gamesukvitawii-uxboxxbox-oneMon, 12 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Up to 6 billion players can watch Did You Know Gaming's Dreamcast vid]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/up-to-6-billion-players-can-watch-did-you-know-gamings-dreamcas/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/up-to-6-billion-players-can-watch-did-you-know-gamings-dreamcas/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/up-to-6-billion-players-can-watch-did-you-know-gamings-dreamcas/#comments
We're up to 7 billion players now, 15 years on from Sega's optimistic slogan. Beloved by many but ultimately a failure, the Dreamcast is excellent subject matter for Did You Know Gaming's latest fact-collecting vid.

Did you know just how deep Sega and Microsoft's partnership ran? Watch on to learn more.
[Image: Sega]

JoystiqUp to 6 billion players can watch Did You Know Gaming's Dreamcast vid originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 06:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>did-you-know-gamingdreamcastmicrosoftsegaMon, 12 Jan 2015 06:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty Championship offers $1M prize pool in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/call-of-duty-championship-offers-1m-prize-pool-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/call-of-duty-championship-offers-1m-prize-pool-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/call-of-duty-championship-offers-1m-prize-pool-in-march/#comments Activision's Xbox-sponsored Call of Duty Championship returns to Los Angeles across March 27-29, and 32 teams are once again doing battle for their share of the $1 million prize money. A new championship requires a new battlefield (wordage intended), so it's fortunate there is the recently-released Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare for this year's competitors.

If you and your friends think you've got what it takes, the championships are open to players both pro and non-pro (you're no amateur). You'll need to qualify first, though, and to do that you'll have to make it through online tournaments and live regional finals, all played on Xbox One. MLG.TV has further details here.

As for the main event, you can tune in live to the Championship's semi finals and grand final on Xbox Live, and the final's confirmed for "other broadcast partners" too.
[Image: Disney, Activision]

Continue reading Call of Duty Championship offers $1M prize pool in March

JoystiqCall of Duty Championship offers $1M prize pool in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-advanced-warfarecall-of-duty-championshipesportsmicrosoftsledgehammer-gamesxbox-oneFri, 09 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Transistor get() 600,000+ sales, Bastion breach() 3 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/transistor-get-600-000-sales-bastion-breach-3-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/transistor-get-600-000-sales-bastion-breach-3-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/transistor-get-600-000-sales-bastion-breach-3-million/#comments Transistor carved its way to more than 600,000 sales in 2014, Supergiant Games revealed this week. The PS4 and PC action-RPG looks set to become the dev's second million-seller, though it's still way off the "more than 3 million" copies sold to date by Bastion.

In this week's announcement, Supergiant's Greg Kasavin noted the majority of Bastion's sales arrived "many months after the game first came out on Xbox 360 and PC. So we were very happy to see Transistor selling even faster relative to Bastion during the first couple of months after its launch."

Kasavin's talked about that long sales tail before. Speaking at E3 2013 about future Transistor ports, he said, "For us, it's really important to not be tied down for the long haul, because Bastion's success was not made on any one platform. That being said, our focus is absolutely on a successful PS4 launch and also our Steam PC launch, because if that does not go well, there will not be other versions of the game, most likely and so forth."

Continue reading Transistor get() 600,000+ sales, Bastion breach() 3 million

JoystiqTransistor get() 600,000+ sales, Bastion breach() 3 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastioniosipadiphonelinuxmacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationplaystation-vitaps4salestransistorvitaxboxFri, 09 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Dragon Trilogy gettin' Bimmy wit it on Steam, GOG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/double-dragon-trilogy-gettin-bimmy-wit-it-on-steam-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/double-dragon-trilogy-gettin-bimmy-wit-it-on-steam-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/double-dragon-trilogy-gettin-bimmy-wit-it-on-steam-gog/#comments By the dragon! Retro-revivalist DotEmu is bringing Double Dragon Trilogy to Steam, with the beat-em-up triforce penciled in for January 15. The collection of late 80s arcade is also coming to GOG and Amazon on the same day, but there's no word yet on prices.

Double Dragon Trilogy stars the titular co-op classic and its two immediate sequels, DD2: The Revenge and DD3: The Rosetta Stone. It's already been raging the streets of iOS and Android for about a year, as well as Ouya since June 2014.

Continue reading Double Dragon Trilogy gettin' Bimmy wit it on Steam, GOG

JoystiqDouble Dragon Trilogy gettin' Bimmy wit it on Steam, GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 06:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondotemudouble-dragondouble-dragon-2double-dragon-3double-dragon-trilogyGOGgog.commillion-corelease-datesteamtechnos-japanFri, 09 Jan 2015 06:40:00 EST<![CDATA[New Nintendo eShop releases: Chariot, Mega Man Battle Network 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-chariot-mega-man-battle-network-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-chariot-mega-man-battle-network-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-chariot-mega-man-battle-network-2/#comments Considering we're knee-deep in new year lull, there's enough to dig into in this week's eShop update. If you're after something new, you've got the couch-bound co-op of puzzle-platformer Chariot - check out our review on PS4. If you're after something older, you can't go far wrong with Mega Man Battle Network 2. The Game Boy Advance RPG joins the first MMBN on Wii U Virtual Console, and there are four more Battle Networks to go.

It may be a new year, but we're keeping it old-school in our eShop posts. As always, the full list of new releases is below the break, while all the sales stuff is just a chariot's ride away.

Continue reading New Nintendo eShop releases: Chariot, Mega Man Battle Network 2

JoystiqNew Nintendo eShop releases: Chariot, Mega Man Battle Network 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsadventures-of-lolobest-of-solitairecharioteshopmazemega-man-battle-network-2nintendonintendoware-weeklypainting-workshopteenage-mutant-ninja-turtlesteenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-2013wii-uwipeout-3Thu, 08 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just when you thought it was safe: Missing Aliens games back on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/just-when-you-thought-it-was-safe-missing-aliens-games-back-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/just-when-you-thought-it-was-safe-missing-aliens-games-back-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/just-when-you-thought-it-was-safe-missing-aliens-games-back-on/#comments It's like that bit at the end of Alien. You're finally able to relax in the knowledge that it's all over, you're safe. You give Jones a hug, put him in the cryotube, get undressed down to your skimpy underthings, all ready to chill. Then suddenly... OH CRAP. You aren't safe. You never were. You thought you'd escaped, but Aliens: Colonial Marines and Aliens vs. Predator 2010 are... Still. On. Steam. And you're in nothing but your undergarbs.

The two Aliens games mysteriously left the Steam station last week, but now they've returned with just as little explanation. The new year timing suggests licensing issues played their part, but there's not been any official comment on the matter - we've reached out to publisher Sega to find out more. In any case, the important thing is they're back, everything appears to be in order, and you should probably get some clothes on.

Update: Sega had no comment for Joystiq, perhaps lest the Aliens hear it.
[Image: Sega]

JoystiqJust when you thought it was safe: Missing Aliens games back on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2015 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-colonial-marinesAliens-vs-Predatorgearboxgearbox-softwarepcrebellionsegasteamThu, 08 Jan 2015 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony delays PS4 in China]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/sony-delays-ps4-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/sony-delays-ps4-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/sony-delays-ps4-in-china/#comments Sony put the brakes on the PlayStation 4's date with China, after delaying sales of the system just days ahead of its scheduled January 11 launch. In a statement provided to Reuters, the company said it was holding the PS4 back due to "various factors," and that a new date was yet to be decided. Additionally, Sony Computer Entertainment spokeswoman Kaede Bun told Bloomberg, "The [Chinese] government asked us for final adjustments, which will take some time, so we decided to delay the launch date."

The PS4 was due to finally launch in China this week, after the country lifted its 14-year ban on consoles just over a year to the day. It's unclear from this morning's reports if the Vita, which was also due to launch on January 11, is to receive a similar delay.

Continue reading Sony delays PS4 in China

JoystiqSony delays PS4 in China originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2015 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinadelayplaystationplaystation-vitaps4release-datesonyvitaThu, 08 Jan 2015 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition announced [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/puzzle-and-dragons-super-mario-bros-edition-announced-heading-we/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/puzzle-and-dragons-super-mario-bros-edition-announced-heading-we/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/puzzle-and-dragons-super-mario-bros-edition-announced-heading-we/#comments Do not adjust your monitors, do not wipe your glasses clean. You're 100 percent looking at a Super Mario-glossed entry in GungHo's incredibly popular Puzzle & Dragons series, and it's coming to 3DS in Japan this April. GungHo America also notes an "overseas release" of the thus-titled Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition through Nintendo.

[Update: A Nintendo spokesperson told Digital Spy that currently Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition is a "Japanese-only announcement." So it's unclear what exactly GungHo America's referring to by "overseas release." We've reached out to GungHo for clarification.]

Details are limited at the moment - according to Gematsu the match-3 game features both local multiplayer and StreetPass functionality. From another angle, the most important details lie in the numbers. GungHo just revealed that the original mobile Puzzle & Dragons surpassed 6 million downloads in North America, taking the free-to-play game's worldwide tally to more than a staggering 41 million. To put that in perspective, in April 2013 Puzzle & Dragons raked in $3.76 million per day. Furthermore, it's well established that Mario likes gold coins.

If you still puzzled, check out GungHo's announcement trailer below the break.

Continue reading Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition announced [update]

JoystiqPuzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition announced [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2015 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsGungHoGungHo-Online-Entertainmentjapannintendonorth-americaPuzzle-and-Dragonspuzzle-and-dragons-super-mario-bros-editionrelease-dateThu, 08 Jan 2015 07:30:00 EST