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[Lady Hammerlock joins Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel's playable lineup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/lady-hammerlock-joins-borderlands-the-pre-sequels-playable-lin/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/lady-hammerlock-joins-borderlands-the-pre-sequels-playable-lin/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/lady-hammerlock-joins-borderlands-the-pre-sequels-playable-lin/#comments
Lady Hammerlock, sister to researcher Sir Hammerlock and heir to the family's fortune, will add a bit of class to Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel's playable lineup on January 27. Aurelia is included in The Pre-Sequel's season pass, but a related press release notes that fans who prefer to pick up DLC a la carte can also don her fashionable demeanor for $9.99.

Lady Hammerlock's progression branch into Huntress, Cold Money and Contractual Aristocracy skill trees. Huntress focuses on sniping, offering a skill that dishes out critical hit bonuses for each consecutive shot on a target. Cold Money is all about ice damage, as made evident by one of its abilities implementing Cryo damage with any equipped weapon. Contractual Aristrocracy is all about status, as suggested by one of its unlockables reaping Lady Hammerlock bonuses from kills made by her peasant teammates.

When firefights call for desperate measures, Lady Hammerlock's Cold As Ice action skill spawns a Frost Diadem Shard that chases down and latches onto targets, dealing constant damage until they finally keel over so that the shard can move onto its next target.

If you sat out The Pre-Sequel in hopes of a current-gen port but still want to freeze things to death as Lady Hammerlock, don't fret - Borderlands Handsome Collection will include all season pass DLC when it arrives on March 24.
[Image: Gearbox]

JoystiqLady Hammerlock joins Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel's playable lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baronessborderlandsborderlands-the-pre-sequellady-hammerlocklady-hammerlock-the-baronesslinuxmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSun, 25 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homeworld Remastered Collection coming February 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/homeworld-remastered-collection-coming-february-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/homeworld-remastered-collection-coming-february-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/homeworld-remastered-collection-coming-february-25/#comments

Homeworld Remastered Collection, a compilation that includes Gearbox's modern take on Relic Software's strategy game series, will make contact with Steam on February 25. As announced during Gearbox's presentation at PAX South 2015, the bundle includes original and updated versions of Homeworld 1 & 2, with Gearbox's recreations featuring new voice recordings and a remastered score. Homeworld Remastered Collection will provide commanders with space fleets for $34.99 at launch, though a 15 percent discount ($29.74) is available to those who preorder.

The bundle also grants access to Homeworld Remastered's Steam multiplayer beta, a mode that serves as a joined multiplayer mode for both games. Races, maps, game modes and features from both games will be ready for battle once the multiplayer beta launches.
[Image: Gearbox]

JoystiqHomeworld Remastered Collection coming February 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gearboxhomeworld-remasteredpcSun, 25 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stiq Figures, January 5 - 11: Gaming memorabilia edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/stiq-figures-january-5-11-gaming-memorabilia-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/stiq-figures-january-5-11-gaming-memorabilia-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/stiq-figures-january-5-11-gaming-memorabilia-edition/#commentsWelcome to Stiq Figures, where the sales data is after the break and the posts don't matter.
Joystiq writes about gaming-themed figurines, apparel and trinket-stuffed special editions fairly often, but there are scores of referential collectibles out there that never reach our front page. It can feel pretty impossible to scoop up (or find room for) everything that piques your interest, but every once in a while something comes along that's just too difficult to pass up.

For me, it was the Christopher Lee's series of Mario prints, which rolls up memories from the NES' Super Mario Bros. trilogy, Super Mario World and Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins. I've had the tendency to go overboard with gaming decorations in the past, but Lee's series struck me as a clever, subdued way to celebrate my ideal source material. I particularly appreciate that "subdued" bit whenever I have guests over that are dismissive of games - I don't feel the urge to cover these prints up the way I did with my more obnoxious past tributes in order to spare myself from snide comments.

Can tributes to gaming be found somewhere within your living space? Perhaps a miniature Mega Man stands guard beneath your monitor, or a replica of your favorite weapon hangs by your game collection? Tell us about the real-world souvenirs you've gathered from your gaming adventures, right after you check this week's Japanese hardware sales data after the break!

Continue reading Stiq Figures, January 5 - 11: Gaming memorabilia edition

JoystiqStiq Figures, January 5 - 11: Gaming memorabilia edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Japanese-Hardware-SalesJapaneseHardwareSalesstiq-figuresstiqfiguresMon, 19 Jan 2015 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grey Goo trailer depicts why we should never leave Earth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/grey-goo-trailer-depicts-why-we-should-never-leave-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/grey-goo-trailer-depicts-why-we-should-never-leave-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/grey-goo-trailer-depicts-why-we-should-never-leave-earth/#comments

Our dreams of finding intelligent life in the depths of space usually involve more chipper scenarios than what's seen in this narrative trailer for Grey Goo, which launches this week. Can't we just have lighthearted destruction a la Lilo & Stitch? Why all the threats of extinction?
[Image: Grey Box]

JoystiqGrey Goo trailer depicts why we should never leave Earth originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grey-boxgrey-goopcsteamSun, 18 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How many hours would it take to clear your Steam library?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/how-many-hours-would-it-take-to-clear-your-steam-library/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/how-many-hours-would-it-take-to-clear-your-steam-library/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/how-many-hours-would-it-take-to-clear-your-steam-library/#comments
It's exceedingly easy to let your Steam library spiral out of control when faced with daily deals and seasonal sales, but at least SteamLeft provides a fun estimate of just how many hours you could spend plowing through it all. SteamLeft uses How Long to Beat's crowdsourced averages to estimate a playtime for any Steam library, offering a fairly reasonable argument that maybe we should slow down and spend some of this money on our savings accounts instead.

As haunting neat as it is to get a time-based conversion of our libraries, SteamLeft's suggestions for alternative time sinks are probably our favorite part of the experience. For example, we could run 108 marathons instead of spending 493 hours playing through our Steam library. We could also listen to Mulan's "Be A Man" 7,405 times, which we'll just go ahead and get started on now.

What's the hour count for your libraries? What ridiculous feats could you conquer if only you were driven mad with devotion to similarly-time consuming tasks? Share your stats with us ... and then join us when we inevitably buy more games we don't have time for during the next seasonal Steam sale.
[Image: SteamLeft]

JoystiqHow many hours would it take to clear your Steam library? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backloglinuxmacpcsteamSun, 18 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer 40K RTS Battlefleet Gothic: Armada announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/warhammer-40k-rts-battlefleet-gothic-armada-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/warhammer-40k-rts-battlefleet-gothic-armada-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/warhammer-40k-rts-battlefleet-gothic-armada-announced/#comments
Tindalos Interactive is developing Battlefleet Gothic: Armada, a real-time strategy adaptation of Games Workshop's Warhammer 40K tabletop series. Publisher Focus Home Interactive's announcement explains that Armada will focus on the Imperial Navy's Battlefleet Gothic and its attempts to spare the galaxy from awful things, spread courtesy of the Chaos Black Crusade of Abaddon the Despoiler.

Players will command fleets comprised of ships from Imperial, Chaos, Eldar and Ork forces. Leaders can also customize the weaponry, defense and support sub-systems of ships within their fleet, altering their performance and battle-specific special abilities. Experience and promotions will also be awarded to ships as they survive bouts of war.

Armada isn't Tindalos Interactive's first crack at the RTS genre; the studio shared a glimpse of its futuristic, fight-over-precious-resources RTS Etherium early last year. We're still waiting to see how that turns out though - Etherium is currently scheduled to launch its assault on PC sometime in 2015.
[Image: Focus Home Interactive]

JoystiqWarhammer 40K RTS Battlefleet Gothic: Armada announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefleet-gothic-armadafocus-home-interactiveReal-Time-Strategyrtstindalos-interactiveWarhammer-40KSun, 18 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pix the Cat to loop Steam users into its combo fever this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/pix-the-cat-to-loop-steam-users-into-its-combo-fever-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/pix-the-cat-to-loop-steam-users-into-its-combo-fever-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/pix-the-cat-to-loop-steam-users-into-its-combo-fever-this-month/#comments

Pix the Cat, a frantic score-chaser that plays as a blend of Pac-Man and Snake in its central Arcade mode, will weave its way onto Steam later this month, developer Pastagames announced earlier this week. A starting price has yet to be offered, but to lend a sense of what to expect, Pix the Cat is currently a $16.49 cross-buy purchase for PS4 and Vita on the PlayStation Store.

Beyond its timed, combo-driven Arcade mode, Pix the Cat offers Nostalgia, Laboratory and Arena gameplay types. Nostalgia is a black-and-white challenge of collecting ducklings, but unlike Arcade mode, a round ends when players run headfirst into walls or trip over their trail of ducklings. Laboratory is a slower burn, shifting its focus from blazing-fast clear times in favor of puzzling challenges. Lastly, Arena is a four-player coliseum-style battle affair, equipping contestants with tricks like missiles and mines to help them blast opponents out of the competition.

Pastagames' announcement also notes that Pix the Cat has made its way into "more than a million houses" since it was offered to PlayStation Plus subscribers in October.
[Image: Pastagames]

JoystiqPix the Cat to loop Steam users into its combo fever this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadefocus-home-interactivepastagamespcpix-the-catscore-chaserSun, 18 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Monday is the last day for H1Z1 refunds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/psa-monday-is-the-last-day-for-h1z1-refunds/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/psa-monday-is-the-last-day-for-h1z1-refunds/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/psa-monday-is-the-last-day-for-h1z1-refunds/#comments
Following complaints over a change of heart regarding the selling of vital resources in zombie survival game H1Z1, Sony Online Entertainment is offering refunds for those upset with the change in design. SOE President John Smedley tweeted instructions for unsatisfied survivors on Friday, noting in the game's Reddit community that the no-questions-asked refund policy will be available until Monday, January 20 for those that purchased H1Z1 before 10:30 PST on January 16.

The offer follows unrest from a change in plans for the types of supplies that can be gained from in-game transactions, such as the purchasable tickets for airdrops. In an eight-month-old Reddit thread, Smedley stressed that the team would "NOT be selling Guns, Ammo, Food, [or] Water," explaining that it would "suck in our opinion if we did that." Those plans have since changed.

Continue reading PSA: Monday is the last day for H1Z1 refunds

JoystiqPSA: Monday is the last day for H1Z1 refunds originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airdropsh1z1john-smedleypcrefundssoeSony-Online-EntertainmentSun, 18 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Weekly: New 3DS XL, The Talos Principle review, no more review scores and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/joystiq-weekly-new-3ds-xl-the-talos-principle-review-no-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/joystiq-weekly-new-3ds-xl-the-talos-principle-review-no-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/joystiq-weekly-new-3ds-xl-the-talos-principle-review-no-more/#commentsWelcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet.
This was a busy week, but our decision to drop numerical review scores is probably what will have the longest-lasting effect on Joystiq. While not everyone has expressed support of the decision, we immensely appreciate the effort and thought many have put into discussing the topic with us. We hope our transition into using "In Other Words" text summaries and the new Joystiq Excellence Award will be more effective at conveying our stances and better at helping you find games that you'd actually enjoy.

Even if you're indifferent about the discussion of reviews though, plenty happened this week beyond our shift in examining games. The New 3DS XL will reach us next month, Xbox One consoles slipped back to their $350 holiday price, The Talos Principle surprised us with its depth, and 3D After Burner 2 transcended the fabled "arcade-perfect" status of arcade ports. All those stories and more are waiting for you after the break!

Continue reading Joystiq Weekly: New 3DS XL, The Talos Principle review, no more review scores and more

JoystiqJoystiq Weekly: New 3DS XL, The Talos Principle review, no more review scores and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-after-burner-2amiibocode-name-steamdestinyevolvegrand-theft-auto-5joystiq-weeklynew-3ds-xlnpdoff-the-gridrock-bandthe-legend-of-zelda-majoras-mask-3dthe-talos-principletwitchxbox-oneXCOM-The-Board-GameSun, 18 Jan 2015 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wesley Arthur's re-creation of Bully's dorms is sharp, untidy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/wesley-arthurs-re-creation-of-bullys-dorms-is-sharp-untidy/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/wesley-arthurs-re-creation-of-bullys-dorms-is-sharp-untidy/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/wesley-arthurs-re-creation-of-bullys-dorms-is-sharp-untidy/#comments

Wesley Arthur isn't working on his Masters at Bullsworth Academy, but that didn't stop him from paying a visit to the stomping grounds of Jimmy Hopkins, protagonist and general mischief maker of Rockstar's Bully. Arthur's work, seen in the above tour, is a faithful, HD recreation of the game's dorm environment built in Unreal Engine 4, complete with backing music written and recorded by James Smith that's inspired by Bully's original soundtrack.

Is this a good time to bring up those trademarks that were filed in 2013 for "Bully" and "Bully Bullsworth Academy"? What about Polygon's interview that took place between those filings with Rockstar's Dan Houser, who responded to the idea of a Bully sequel with "I know I want to" and "Well, hopefully, you never know"? ... What's that? It's actually the worst time and we should fall down a well? Hmm.
[Image: Wesley Arthur]

JoystiqWesley Arthur's re-creation of Bully's dorms is sharp, untidy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullyreimaginingrockstarRockstar-Gamesunreal-engine-4wesley-arthurSat, 17 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Physical copies of Dying Light delayed in several regions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/physical-copies-of-dying-light-delayed-in-several-regions/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/physical-copies-of-dying-light-delayed-in-several-regions/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/physical-copies-of-dying-light-delayed-in-several-regions/#comments
Dying Light is scheduled for an outbreak on January 27 in North America, but it could take a bit longer than that to make contact with physical copies of Techland's zombie survival game in other regions. A post to the game's official Facebook page notes that a "short delay" in the distribution of Dying Light's disc-based copies will be suffered in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.

"As physical production has a longer lead time than digital there is some delay in the aforementioned territories," the update reads. "We will share information on the availability of physical copies as soon as it is confirmed." The post also states that Dying Light will see a "global digital release" on January 27, but Steam stores in multiple regions still list a launch date of January 30.

If you both prefer physical copies of games and optimism, this means you've got more time to stock supplies and outline truces with fellow survivors. Be mindful of your picks though, lest a member of Team Not Dying switch sides and take a bite out of you in Dying Light's player-vs-player mode.

Update: This post has been updated to note the January 30 release dates listed on Steam.
[Image: Techland]

JoystiqPhysical copies of Dying Light delayed in several regions originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps4techlandWarner-Bros-Interactivexbox-oneSat, 17 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Long Dark welcomes 250K survivors, January update to nearly double size of wilderness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/the-long-dark-welcomes-250k-survivors-january-update-to-nearly/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/the-long-dark-welcomes-250k-survivors-january-update-to-nearly/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/the-long-dark-welcomes-250k-survivors-january-update-to-nearly/#comments
The Long Dark, Hinterland Studios' Northern woods survival simulator that's currently in Early Access, has surpassed 250,000 sales since launching on Steam's service on September 22. Unfortunately, the life expectancy for its inhabitants isn't very lengthy - an infograph coordinated with the sales announcement notes that only 24 percent of players have persevered for more than five days, with only 1.4 percent of players demonstrating the wit needed to last 50 days.

While a dedicated story mode is still on the way, an update planned for later this month will nearly double The Long Dark's stretch of wilderness, adding fresh locales and threats amongst the game's snowy pines. We look forward to learning whether that helps or hinders the probability of its playerbase lasting more than a week.

If you've yet to brave The Long Dark's chill, PC and Mac users can endure the elements for $19.99 on Early Access.
[Image: Hinterland Studios]

Continue reading The Long Dark welcomes 250K survivors, January update to nearly double size of wilderness

JoystiqThe Long Dark welcomes 250K survivors, January update to nearly double size of wilderness originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>early-accessexplorationhinterland-studiomacpcsurvivalthe-long-darkSat, 17 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Toukiden: Kiwami battles fresh Oni on PS4, Vita in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/toukiden-kiwami-battles-fresh-oni-on-ps4-vita-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/toukiden-kiwami-battles-fresh-oni-on-ps4-vita-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/toukiden-kiwami-battles-fresh-oni-on-ps4-vita-in-march/#comments
PlayStation 4 and Vita owners, we're trusting you to rid us all of the creepy beasts lurking in Toukiden: Kiwami once Koei Tecmo releases physical and digital copies on March 31 in North America and March 27 in Europe. What is that twisted take on felines seen above? Other than unsettling, we mean.

As detailed on the PlayStation Blog, Kiwami will have "double the size and content" of last year's Toukiden: The Age of Demons (which is included with Kiwami), with additions including "newly discovered Oni, [over 100 Mitama], new Slayers, new moves, and twice as many stages." The post estimates that Kiwami's standalone story, which picks up three months after the previous battle to prevent another Awakening, is also "roughly the same size" as The Age of Demons'.

If you've spent plenty of time saving the world in The Age of Demons, know that existing save data can be carried over. Koei Tecmo Europe's Chin Soon Sun has also confirmed that PS4 and Vita players will be able to take down Oni together. As for cross-buy compatibility, that's still up in the air - Sun has stated he'll share more info "when the time comes."
[Image: Tecmo Koei]

JoystiqToukiden: Kiwami battles fresh Oni on PS4, Vita in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>koei-tecmoplaystationplaystation-vitaps4toukiden-kiwamivitaSat, 17 Jan 2015 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Oddworld: New 'n Tasty on Steam next month; Vita, console ports still underway]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/oddworld-new-n-tasty-on-steam-next-month-vita-console-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/oddworld-new-n-tasty-on-steam-next-month-vita-console-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/oddworld-new-n-tasty-on-steam-next-month-vita-console-ports/#comments
Just Add Water, developer of Oddworld: New 'n Tasty, is getting ready to distribute the remaining ports for its revisit of the series' origins, and Steam users are next in line. A cloud save-compatible version of New 'n Tasty will be offered on PC, Mac and Linux via Steam on February 25 for $20 (£15, €20). A 10 percent discount will also be available for those that place pre-purchases, though further details and recommended specs will be shared at a later date.

The related press release also notes that PS3 and Xbox One arrivals will follow sometime in early March, and a note from the Oddworld Staff states that the above versions will feature post-launch improvements that have been made to the existing PS4 version, including "old school" control settings.

Series creator Lorne Lanning assured fans the remaining ports were being "adamantly worked on" about two months ago. At that time, Lanning also spoke of problematic limitations concerning the Wii U hardware, but the post from Oddworld Staff explains that work "continues on the Wii U and PlayStation Vita versions," adding that "recent progress is encouraging."

If you're wondering whether all this waiting and extra development time is really worth it for a remake, consider Sam Prell's review of the PS4 version: "This HD remake is more than a simple reskin of nostalgia, and offers a compelling adventure with contemporary design that will satisfy most anyone's puzzle-platformer appetite."
[Image: Just Add Water]

Continue reading Oddworld: New 'n Tasty on Steam next month; Vita, console ports still underway

JoystiqOddworld: New 'n Tasty on Steam next month; Vita, console ports still underway originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>linuxmacmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitawii-uxbox-oneSat, 17 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amplitude revival now estimated for summer arrival]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/amplitude-revival-now-estimated-for-summer-arrival/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/amplitude-revival-now-estimated-for-summer-arrival/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/amplitude-revival-now-estimated-for-summer-arrival/#comments
Amplitude's multi-instrument path to revival is a little longer than was initially anticipated, developer Harmonix has announced via Kickstarter update. The rhythm game's estimated arrival has been pushed from its initially-planned window of March, with Harmonix "currently targeting" a summer release.

Harmonix explained the delay is partially due to Amplitude being the team's first project on PS4, adding that extensive work is being put into Amplitude's proprietary engine. Unlike traditional development setups where content or quality could be sacrificed in order to meet a publisher's deadline however, Harmonix stated that Amplitude's success on Kickstarter has allowed the team to "create the game we want to make and, more importantly, make the game that you want."

Once Amplitude starts blasting notes on PS3 and PS4, fans will have a chance at jamming to original tracks from Freezepop, Anamanguchi and Super Meat Boy composer Danny Baranowsky, among others.
[Image: Harmonix]

JoystiqAmplitude revival now estimated for summer arrival originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amplitudedelayharmonixplaystationps3ps4summer-2015Sat, 17 Jan 2015 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Early Halo: MCC buyers receive free month of Xbox Live Gold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/early-halo-mcc-buyers-receive-free-month-of-xbox-live-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/early-halo-mcc-buyers-receive-free-month-of-xbox-live-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/early-halo-mcc-buyers-receive-free-month-of-xbox-live-gold/#comments
Halo: The Master Chief Collection has provided a troubled walk down memory lane, but at least fans are being rewarded for their patience and support. Messages detailing a free month of Xbox Live Gold showed up in the inboxes of Spartans yesterday, referring to the gift as "appreciation for your continued support of Halo: The Master Chief Collection." The notice adds that players don't need to do anything further to redeem their free month of Gold.

Bonnie Ross, head of development at 343 Industries, explained in an apology last month that a free month of Gold would be gifted to The Master Chief Collection players in an effort to "make this right." Additional thank-yous are coming in the form of a free, 1080p, 60 fps Halo 3: ODST campaign, due to arrive sometime this spring, and an exclusive nameplate and avatar.

Anyone who purchased The Master Chief Collection between its November 11 launch date and December 19, 2014 is eligible to receive these gifts, though a reworked version of the Relic map from Halo 2 will also eventually be offered to all players via a free update.
[Image: Joystiq]

JoystiqEarly Halo: MCC buyers receive free month of Xbox Live Gold originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesapologyfree-stuffhalo-the-master-chief-collectionmicrosoftxboxxbox-live-goldxbox-oneSat, 17 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stiq Figures, December 22 - 28: Real-life video game replicas edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/stiq-figures-december-22-28-real-life-video-game-replicas-ed/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/stiq-figures-december-22-28-real-life-video-game-replicas-ed/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/stiq-figures-december-22-28-real-life-video-game-replicas-ed/#commentsWelcome to Stiq Figures, where the sales data is after the break and the posts don't matter.
Yes, I'm still stuck on the real-life Pac-Man maze that Budweiser built for a Super Bowl commercial. Running through replicas of gaming stages and scenarios was really more of a backburner-tier childhood dream, but now that my imagination's willing to daydream about more than training Pokemon, it's pretty fun to think about the gaming experiences I'd recreate if I had a pile of money to burn.

Out of all the possibilities, I think I'd throw my millions at an on-rails Star Fox theme park cart ride. There would be four Arwings to emulate the Star Fox Team, each following its own rail, and most of the ride would be heavily inspired by Star Fox 64. Each group could compete for the high score while assisting each other with bogeys, gathering powerups and generally making Andross' life miserable. I feel like friendly fire would also be an incorporated danger, but only for whoever uses Slippy's ship.

What about you? Would you fund an incredibly-dangerous venture into building F-Zero-style race tracks and vehicles? Maybe you'd rather clear a castle of monsters and turkey legs with just a whip and holy water? What about a to-scale paintball field that channels Halo's Bloodgulch map? Tell us what kind of gaming experiences you'd build if money and most logistics weren't obstacles, right after you check this week's Japanese hardware sales data after the break!

Continue reading Stiq Figures, December 22 - 28: Real-life video game replicas edition

JoystiqStiq Figures, December 22 - 28: Real-life video game replicas edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Japanese-Hardware-SalesJapaneseHardwareSalesstiq-figuresstiqfiguresMon, 12 Jan 2015 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle & Dragons exceeds 42 million downloads worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/puzzle-and-dragons-exceeds-42-million-downloads-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/puzzle-and-dragons-exceeds-42-million-downloads-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/puzzle-and-dragons-exceeds-42-million-downloads-worldwide/#comments
In case you're not sure how the match-three puzzle RPG Puzzle & Dragons is managing a Super Mario Bros. crossover, here's some perspective: Puzzle & Dragons has earned 42 million downloads across iOS, Android and Kindle Fire HD devices worldwide since its release in February 2012, according to a press release from GungHo Online Entertainment. Japan is to thank for roughly 33 million of those downloads, but more than 6 million of the total is attributed to the North American audience.

Last year's eShop-only Pokemon Battle Trozei offered gameplay that resembles elements of Puzzle & Dragons, but Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition will be Nintendo's first by-name contribution to the series. GungHo America has mentioned plans for an "overseas release" in relation to Super Mario Bros. Edition, but with a Nintendo representative referring to the game as a "Japanese-only announcement," Super Mario Bros. Edition's Western arrival could certainly use a stronger confirmation.
[Image: GungHo Online Entertainment]

JoystiqPuzzle & Dragons exceeds 42 million downloads worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonekindle-fire-hdmobileSun, 11 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS4 port of Ultra Street Fighter 4 will include Omega Mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/ps4-port-of-ultra-street-fighter-4-will-include-omega-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/ps4-port-of-ultra-street-fighter-4-will-include-omega-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/ps4-port-of-ultra-street-fighter-4-will-include-omega-mode/#comments
Ultra Street Fighter 4 will land combos on the PS4 this spring sporting a full wardrobe of DLC costumes, but move sets will also be freshened up with the inclusion of Omega Mode, a play style that offers alternate normal and special attacks for the game's entire roster. A post to the PlayStation Blog confirmed plans to bring along Omega Mode for Capcom's super-ultra-probably-final version of USF4, and if you've yet to see an example of the related move-set changes, they're fairly substantial.

Omega Mode was added to the Xbox 360, PS3 and Steam versions of USF4 in December, as reported by Shoryuken. If you're not one to dig up the fairly-recent past, the future still holds fresh chances to hurl Hadoukens in the the PC and PS4-exclusive Street Fighter 5.
[Image: Capcom]

JoystiqPS4 port of Ultra Street Fighter 4 will include Omega Mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcomega-modeplaystationps4ultra-street-fighter-4Sun, 11 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Apps earn more than $10 billion in App Store revenue in 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/apps-earn-more-than-10-billion-in-app-store-revenue-in-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/apps-earn-more-than-10-billion-in-app-store-revenue-in-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/apps-earn-more-than-10-billion-in-app-store-revenue-in-2014/#comments
Mobile marketplaces can feel dramatically over-saturated, but lest you wonder if developers are even chasing a worthwhile audience in that space, Apple has shed some light on just how much cash is in play: Developers earned more than $10 billion in revenue across the App Store's 24 software categories during 2014, with almost half a billion being spent across apps and in-app purchases in the first week of January 2015 alone.

Apple puts the lifetime total earned by developers through the App Store at $25 billion. Considering the App Store launched in 2008, that means about 40 percent of total revenue earned by App Store developers was pulled in within the last year. It's worth noting that added store options, like last year's arrival of app previews and app bundles, have likely helped developers sell more than what was feasible in the App Store's infancy. Still, 2014's $10 billion revenue total shows the potential for success in the mobile space, so long as a developer can manage to garner visibility in the flood of apps that are currently available.

All those Minecraft, Flappy Bird and Threes piggyback clones make a little more sense now, don't they?
[Image: Apple]

JoystiqApps earn more than $10 billion in App Store revenue in 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeappleiosipadiphonemacmobilesalesSun, 11 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-purchase Evolve on Xbox One, unlock characters early]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/pre-purchase-evolve-on-xbox-one-unlock-characters-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/pre-purchase-evolve-on-xbox-one-unlock-characters-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/11/pre-purchase-evolve-on-xbox-one-unlock-characters-early/#comments
Xbox Live Gold users can hunt some unorthodox, fire-breathing game once Evolve's open beta launches later this week. The beta will offer two monster types and eight hunter characters across 12 maps, but those willing to pre-purchase Evolve on their consoles (once the option to do so is available) will be able to deploy hunters Abe, Parnell, Caira and Cabot as well as the Wraith monster during the beta, 2K Games recently announced.

What's more, the four extra hunters and the Wraith will remain unlocked from the get-go in the launch version of Evolve, giving those that pre-purchase a decent headstart with earning access to the game's roster. There's still future DLC additions to factor in of course, but if you decide the disc's cast is sizeable enough, you'll still be able to play matches with those that have splurged on roster additions.

For the sake of clarity, this pre-purchase bonus will be available only for those that buy Evolve straight from the Xbox One Store. Pre-orders placed for retail copies will not earn the same shortcut for unlocking extra characters when Evolve launches on February 10.
[Image: 2K Games]

JoystiqPre-purchase Evolve on Xbox One, unlock characters early originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesevolvemicrosoftturtle-rock-studiosxbox-oneSun, 11 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Real-world Pac-Man maze is what dreams, Super Bowl ads are made of]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/real-world-pac-man-maze-is-what-dreams-super-bowl-ads-are-made/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/real-world-pac-man-maze-is-what-dreams-super-bowl-ads-are-made/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/real-world-pac-man-maze-is-what-dreams-super-bowl-ads-are-made/#comments
It appears someone on the Bud Light marketing team has shared our daydreams about emulating video game moments in real life. As you can see above, the difference between us is a substantial, dream-fueling marketing budget - according to Game Informer's take on a Chicago Tribune report, this life-sized Pac-Man maze was built in LA's Fashion District to be used in a 60-second Super Bowl commercial called "coin." In the ad, a man will reportedly find a message in a beer bottle that instructs him to go outside, where he will be given a giant coin for use toward a round of real life Pac-Man.

We've taken the liberty of mailing a revised script to Budweiser, in which the man graciously gives up his chance to sprint through a glowing, Ghost-plagued maze so that all of us can have a shot instead. The script also notes that we will all run the maze perfectly, thereby forcing Budweiser to build six-foot-tall Ms. Pac-Man-themed mazes in our backyards. For free.

We'll be sure to alert you all once our revision is cleared.
[Image: LA Fashion District]

JoystiqReal-world Pac-Man maze is what dreams, Super Bowl ads are made of originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budweisercommercialjealousypac-manpac-man-mazesuper-bowlSat, 10 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Arland Atelier Trilogy hits European PS3s in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/arland-atelier-trilogy-hits-european-ps3s-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/arland-atelier-trilogy-hits-european-ps3s-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/arland-atelier-trilogy-hits-european-ps3s-in-march/#comments
If you cleared Tales of Xillia 2 months ago and need another JRPG grind to tide you over until Persona 5, consider what you may have missed in years past - NIS America has announced plans to release The Arland Atelier Trilogy in Europe on March 6, 2015, with the trilogy bundling a compilation of adventures from developer Gust that debuted on the PS3 between 2010 to 2012.

The single-disc, yet-to-be-priced collection will include Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland, Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland and Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland, which share an overarching timeline and cast members. We've reached out to NIS America to ask whether The Arland Atelier Trilogy will also eventually reach North America and will update this post accordingly.
[Image: NIS America]

Continue reading Arland Atelier Trilogy hits European PS3s in March

JoystiqArland Atelier Trilogy hits European PS3s in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atelier-meruru-the-apprentice-of-arlandatelier-totori-the-adventurer-of-arlandgustnis-americaplaystationps3the-alchemist-of-arlandthe-arland-atelier-trilogySat, 10 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo sponsoring Apex 2015 tournament series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/nintendo-sponsoring-apex-2015-tournament-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/nintendo-sponsoring-apex-2015-tournament-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/nintendo-sponsoring-apex-2015-tournament-series/#comments
Nintendo will sponsor Apex 2015, a competitive gaming series that will include tournaments for every Super Smash Bros. title released on home consoles as well as games like Ultra Street Fighter 4, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 and Pokemon Omega Ruby & Pokemon Alpha Sapphire.

Apex shared the news on Twitter, noting that Nintendo would help the series put on an "incredible" Smash Bros. event. Apex 2015's tournaments will run from January 30 - February 1, 2015 at the Clarion Hotel in Secaucus, New Jersey. If you're unable to attend, you can still check the event schedule and tune into one of the Twitch channels that will be covering the event.

Nintendo's sponsorship is a welcome gesture of embracing the competitive fighting scene, especially when considering its alleged attempts to shut down the Smash Bros. Melee division of EVO 2013. Nintendo did eventually give the go-ahead to feature Melee in the tournament as well as EVO 2013's streaming schedule, but it's nice to see the developer stepping up its support for third-party tournaments from the get-go.
[Image: Apex]

JoystiqNintendo sponsoring Apex 2015 tournament series originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apexapex-2015guilty-gear-xrd-signkiller-instinctnintendosuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-brawlsuper-smash-bros-for-wii-usuper-smash-bros-meleetournamentultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3ultra-street-fighter-4Sat, 10 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Weekly: Intel's diversity initiative, IGF awards, GOTY roundtable and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/joystiq-weekly-intels-diversity-initiative-igf-awards-goty-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/joystiq-weekly-intels-diversity-initiative-igf-awards-goty-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/joystiq-weekly-intels-diversity-initiative-igf-awards-goty-r/#comments
Welcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet.
Talks of diversity within the technology and gaming industries has amplified over the past several months, encouraging a consideration for walks of life that are unfamiliar to personal perspectives. Intel added a noteworthy talking point to the discussion during CES 2015, announcing plans to invest $300 million into increasing diversity among its staff and within the general tech space. It's easy to forget about humans when we're closing the gap on robot chefs, but sometimes the basic stuff that has nothing to do with pretend wardrobes and curved screens is just as cool.

Plenty happened outside of CES 2015 however, including the announcement of nominations for the IGF awards, the Joystiq staff's video (and audio)-based roundtable Game of the Year discussion, and a potential end to the "Who's the true Commander Shepard" debate. All this and more is waiting for you after the break!

Continue reading Joystiq Weekly: Intel's diversity initiative, IGF awards, GOTY roundtable and more

JoystiqJoystiq Weekly: Intel's diversity initiative, IGF awards, GOTY roundtable and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-restcommander-shepardgame-of-the-yearhellbladeigf-awardsintelkingdom-hearts-3playstation-TVpuzzle-and-dragons-super-mario-bros-editionsling-tvthe-witcher-3-wild-huntSat, 10 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Thomas' picks of 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/best-of-the-rest-thomas-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/best-of-the-rest-thomas-picks-of-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/best-of-the-rest-thomas-picks-of-2014/#commentsATTENTION: The year 2014 has concluded its temporal self-destruct sequence. If you are among the escapees, please join us in salvaging and preserving the best games from the irradiated chrono-debris.

Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved

I love listening to music alone. When no one's looking, I'm free to tap out drum beats, put on emotional lip-synchs and flail in synch with a song's swelling heights. Playing Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved is a lot like those solo jam sessions in the way it grants a free pass to completely lose myself in a song's components. Sure, I look ridiculous, but I have to! Matching notes with halfhearted swipes and restrained punches just leads to broken combos, as if the Kinect is the all-knowing gaze of an instructor ready to belittle a cold, tired performance.

Substituting instruments and creating remixes adds a welcome element of experimentation to Fantasia, but it's the core focus of moving with music that brings me back each week. It's increasingly difficult to ignore life's noise while playing a game as I grow older, but Fantasia's peak moments tune out every distraction, leaving me with an uninhibited excuse to enjoy twisted, endearing remixes of songs that I love.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Thomas' picks of 2014

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Thomas' picks of 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbest-of-2014best-of-the-rest-2014disney-fantasia-music-evolveddonkey-kong-country-tropical-freezefantasia-music-evolvedfibbagehearthstonehearthstone-heroes-of-warcrafthyrule-warriorsiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3ps4pushmo-worldrogue-legacysouth-park-the-stick-of-truthterra-battlewii-uwolfenstein-the-new-orderxboxxbox-oneTue, 06 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaze upon The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's steelbook art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/gaze-upon-the-witcher-3-wild-hunts-steelbook-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/gaze-upon-the-witcher-3-wild-hunts-steelbook-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/gaze-upon-the-witcher-3-wild-hunts-steelbook-art/#comments
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's Collector's Edition steelbooks will be beautiful in addition to sturdy, judging by the artwork StudioKxx has designed for their covers. Which of three designs from the gallery below will you choose when Wild Hunt launches on May 19?
[Image: StudioKxx, CD Projekt Red]

JoystiqGaze upon The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's steelbook art originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd-projekt-redcollectors-editionmicrosoftpcplaystationps4steelbookstudiokxxthe-witcher-3xbox-oneSun, 04 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Weekly: Awesome Games Done Quick, Kalimba review, DIY Mario and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/joystiq-weekly-awesome-games-done-quick-kalimba-review-diy-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/joystiq-weekly-awesome-games-done-quick-kalimba-review-diy-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/joystiq-weekly-awesome-games-done-quick-kalimba-review-diy-ma/#commentsWelcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet.
It was a pretty quiet week thanks to the end-of-the-year holiday lull, but things should pick up soon! Like, today even - Awesome Games Done Quick has just kicked off a week-long marathon of high-skill and speedrun-oriented livestreams, with all donations benefiting the Prevent Cancer Foundation. If supporting a worthwhile cause isn't enough of an excuse to watch talented players blaze through games, what is? ... Yes, okay, other than free puppies.

While you're waiting on something of interest that's buried in the event's schedule, catch up on what you might have missed while you were doing relaxing, vacation-y things. PlayStation Network users got good news regarding last week's service outage, Contributing Editor Danny Cowan's relationship survived his Kalimba review, and we explored the history of do-it-yourself Mario and the technical shift in Mortal Kombat X's gore.

Continue reading Joystiq Weekly: Awesome Games Done Quick, Kalimba review, DIY Mario and more

JoystiqJoystiq Weekly: Awesome Games Done Quick, Kalimba review, DIY Mario and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-restgames-with-goldgolem-arcanajoystiq-weeklykalimbamario-makermortal-kombat-xplaystation-networkplaystation-pluspsnsonic-runnersthe-talos-principlexbox-live-goldSun, 04 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get games, streaming tools, apparel with Humble Awesome Games Done Quick Bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/get-games-streaming-tools-apparel-with-humble-awesome-games-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/get-games-streaming-tools-apparel-with-humble-awesome-games-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/04/get-games-streaming-tools-apparel-with-humble-awesome-games-do/#comments There will undoubtedly be dozens of cool gaming moments streamed during Awesome Games Done Quick's week-long charity event (which started today!), but why let strangers on the internet broadcast all the fun? Never mind if you don't have the necessary subscriptions - You can just pick up the Humble Awesome Games Done Quick 2015 Bundle, which features tools to help you get started with streaming as well as Steam keys for several games included within AGDQ's schedule (Mac and Linux support varies with each game).

Those that celebrate the Humble Bundle series' pay-what-you-want pricing option by paying less than $6 will receive Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition, Shadow Warrior Classic Redux, Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee and Volgarr the Viking. Once $6 or more is contributed, Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut and SpeedRunners (along with its YouTuber packs) will be added to that, as well as a 30-day subscription to Twitch Turbo, which allows broadcasts to be archived for sixty days and is mostly ad-free.

Continue reading Get games, streaming tools, apparel with Humble Awesome Games Done Quick Bundle

JoystiqGet games, streaming tools, apparel with Humble Awesome Games Done Quick Bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agdqagdq-2015awesome-games-done-quickcharityduke-nukem-3d-megaton-editionescape-goat-2humble-bundlelinuxmacoddworld-abes-oddyseepcprevent-cancer-foundationshadow-warrior-classic-reduxshantae-riskys-revengespeedrunnersthe-yeteetwitchtwitch-turbovolgarr-the-vikingxsplitxsplit-premiumSun, 04 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Save the universe with a friend in Zheros on Xbox One, PS4, PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/save-the-universe-with-a-friend-in-zheros-on-xbox-one-ps4-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/save-the-universe-with-a-friend-in-zheros-on-xbox-one-ps4-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/save-the-universe-with-a-friend-in-zheros-on-xbox-one-ps4-pc/#comments

Quick, the universe is in danger! What do you do? If you answered "punch stuff," you might want to enlist in the Zhero Squad when Zheros launches later this year on PS4, Xbox One and PC. The cooperative action brawler will let players stomp out opposing forces with combos, guns and towering mechanical armor under a Saturday morning cartoon-style aesthetic.

Zheros is the debut effort from Rimlight Studios, a team that joined in Sicily last year under the mission of making games that "can be played by anyone, providing good old-school fun."
[Image: Rimlight Studios]

JoystiqSave the universe with a friend in Zheros on Xbox One, PS4, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Jan 2015 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps4rimlight-studiosxbox-onezherosSat, 03 Jan 2015 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicken out, take the easy route in Metal Gear Solid 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/chicken-out-take-the-easy-route-in-metal-gear-solid-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/chicken-out-take-the-easy-route-in-metal-gear-solid-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/chicken-out-take-the-easy-route-in-metal-gear-solid-5/#comments
Being scared in a war zone? Totally understandable! We can think of plenty of things that are more relaxing than persevering through fields of soldiers, artillery and landmines. So should Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain's threats stress you out, know that a safe(r) state of being is just a chicken hat away.

Phantom Pain director Hideo Kojima took to a holiday livestream to introduce the headgear seen above, which Kotaku explains will be offered to players that are repeatedly caught or killed. Once equipped, the chicken hat will make enemies notice Snake a bit more slowly (and make story moments more ridiculous, as it will be perched atop Snake's head during cutscenes).

We don't have an idea of when exactly we'll be able to sneak through The Phantom Pain in style, but at least we have an idea of what to expect based on an extensive chunk of gameplay Kojima demonstrated last year.
[Image: Konami]

JoystiqChicken out, take the easy route in Metal Gear Solid 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metal-gear-solid-5metal-gear-solid-ground-zeroesmicrosoftplaystationps3ps4the-phantom-painxboxSat, 03 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You can still browse New Years deals on the Xbox Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/you-can-still-browse-new-years-deals-on-the-xbox-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/you-can-still-browse-new-years-deals-on-the-xbox-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/03/you-can-still-browse-new-years-deals-on-the-xbox-marketplace/#comments
New year, same simple pleasures - Shockingly, it turns out that saving money in 2015 is just as fun as it was in 2014! In recognition of this truth, Xbox Marketplace's existing, week-long New Years deals have been extended until January 6, providing a range of savings across the Xbox One and Xbox 360 libraries. We've noticed discrepancies when checking for sale prices between console and browser-based store views however, so keep that in mind as you explore.

The sale's highlights include $44.99 price tags for Destiny and Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare on both platforms, Alien Isolation for $29.99 on Xbox One ($33.49 on Xbox 360), Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition for $39.99 and Forza Horizon 2's Day One Deluxe Edition for $67.99. The Telltale Games Collection for Xbox One is also 50 percent off ($55), though despite Major Nelson's related post listing it as a general offer, that price is only available to Xbox Live Gold members.

If none of the above strike your interest, perhaps you'll find something by browsing the sale in its entirety. You do own The Orange Box and Red Dead Redemption by now though, don't you?
[Image: Activision, Telltale Games, Sega]

JoystiqYou can still browse New Years deals on the Xbox Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien-isolationcall-of-duty-advanced-warfaredestinyforza-horizon-2major-nelsonmicrosoftthe-telltale-games-collectionxboxxbox-marketplacexbox-oneSat, 03 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stiq Figures, December 15 - 21: 2015 resolutions edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/stiq-figures-december-15-21-2015-resolutions-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/stiq-figures-december-15-21-2015-resolutions-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/stiq-figures-december-15-21-2015-resolutions-edition/#commentsWelcome to Stiq Figures, where the sales data is after the break and the posts don't matter.
Now that we can count the remaining days of 2014 on one hand, you might hear an awful lot about New Year's resolutions over the coming days. Whether it's a completely new goal or something you committed to last year, changing up comfortable habits can be fun!

Fun or, in the case of my confessed achievement addiction in 2013, exceedingly necessary. I used to spend hours trying to clear achievement lists in their entirety, and unlike some of collectors who enjoy the hunt, I generally despised the effort. Thankfully, I've finally stopped caring - I don't even think to look at a game's remaining achievements before moving onto a new title, and the spared time has conveniently supported my second resolution from last year: To try more games I usually wouldn't go for.

This year, I intend to dig into the deeper cuts of the gaming series that I love. That means more handheld Castlevania and Zelda games, an introduction to the Mega Man X sub-series and plenty of oddball spinoffs like Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. I'll also double down on my existing efforts to try out unfamiliar territory like The Witcher series and unique smaller games, too.

Which gaming resolutions will you commit to for 2015? Share your goals with us, right after you check this week's Japanese hardware sales after the break!

Continue reading Stiq Figures, December 15 - 21: 2015 resolutions edition

JoystiqStiq Figures, December 15 - 21: 2015 resolutions edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Dec 2014 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Japanese-Hardware-SalesJapaneseHardwareSalesstiq-figuresstiqfiguresMon, 29 Dec 2014 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nuclear Throne owners to receive giftable copy in January]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/nuclear-throne-owners-to-receive-giftable-copy-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/nuclear-throne-owners-to-receive-giftable-copy-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/nuclear-throne-owners-to-receive-giftable-copy-in-january/#comments
The gift-giving season will last until at least January 1, the day that developer Vlambeer intends to give one free copy of Nuclear Throne to "every single person that has ever bought [it]," according to Vlambeer's Rami Ismail. As Nuclear Throne's community has gotten "too damn good at this video game," the extra copies are meant to attract new, novice-tier players to help diversify the feedback Vlambeer receives from the game's community.

The announcement video's text description explains that this will be a one-time gift and that date or timezone-related exceptions will not be able to be made due to logistics. Further terms and conditions will be tied to the gift, which Vlambeer will spell out in a future blog post (presumably for future posting to Nuclear Throne's Steam newsfeed).

Nuclear Throne has received 57 updates since its arrival to Early Access, though Ismail noted that version 1.0 will "hopefully" launch sometime in 2015.
[Image: Vlambeer]

JoystiqNuclear Throne owners to receive giftable copy in January originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Dec 2014 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freelinuxmacnuclear-thronepcvlambeerwasteland-kingsSun, 28 Dec 2014 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Play through a spoiler-free Night In The Woods ghost story]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/play-through-a-spoiler-free-night-in-the-woods-ghost-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/play-through-a-spoiler-free-night-in-the-woods-ghost-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/play-through-a-spoiler-free-night-in-the-woods-ghost-story/#comments
It will be a while until we can follow a cynical, college-dropout cat's struggle with growing up by playing Night In The Woods, but a taste of the game's universe is available right this moment. Developer Infinite Fall has released a supplemental game on PC, Mac and Linux called Lost Constellation, which plays out as a ghost story told within the Night in the Woods universe.

Lost Constellation follows Adina Astra's side-scrolling trek through a mystical stretch of woods, weaving light puzzles between quirky introductions and playful dialog. It's a standalone game rather than a demo or preview for Night In The Woods, and a tweet from the latter game's account states that Lost Constellation is "a lot like Night In The Woods and nothing like Night In The Woods at all."

A separate tweet suggests that comparable projects are planned, explaining that "NITW supplementals are weird, off-the-cuff, jammed out little games." Regardless of what's to come, Adina's journey lasts for roughly an hour and is available now at the price of your choosing. And don't worry about dampening Night In The Woods' surprises early - Lost Constellation is spoiler free.
[Image: Infinite Fall]

JoystiqPlay through a spoiler-free Night In The Woods ghost story originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Dec 2014 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infinite-falllongest-nightlost-constellationmacnight-in-the-woodspcSun, 28 Dec 2014 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy Pokemon XY - Primal Clash cards, get cards for TCG Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/buy-pokemon-xy-primal-clash-cards-get-cards-for-tcg-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/buy-pokemon-xy-primal-clash-cards-get-cards-for-tcg-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/buy-pokemon-xy-primal-clash-cards-get-cards-for-tcg-online/#comments
Primal Reversions debuted in Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire as yet another way to boost the power (and cool factor) of particular Pokemon, and the Pokemon Trading Card Game's upcoming expansions will proceed accordingly. Fresh booster packs and two themed decks under the banner of XY - Primal Clash will shuffle into battle on February 4, 2015, introducing 12 Pokemon-EX cards such as Wailord-EX, Camerupt-EX and Sharpedo-EX.

While the Primal Groudon-EX and Primal Kyogre-EX cards seen above will lead themed decks (Earth's Pulse and Ocean's Core, respectively), both the decks and booster packs will reward trainers with codes that unlock digital XY - Primal Clash cards for the Pokemon Trading Card Game Online. With the XY - Primal Clash lineup hosting new Spirit Link, Special Energy, Trainer and effect-granting Ancient Trait cards, there should be a fair amount to add to both physical and digital collections.

The Pokemon Trading Card Game Online recently opened a stadium on iPad, but you can also find battlegrounds on PC and Mac.
[Image: Pokemon]

JoystiqBuy Pokemon XY - Primal Clash cards, get cards for TCG Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Dec 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pokemonpokemon-trading-card-gametcgtrading-card-gamexy-primal-clashSun, 28 Dec 2014 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mistwalker head shares trailer for canceled JRPG, Cry On]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/27/mistwalker-head-shares-trailer-for-canceled-jrpg-cry-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/27/mistwalker-head-shares-trailer-for-canceled-jrpg-cry-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/27/mistwalker-head-shares-trailer-for-canceled-jrpg-cry-on/#comments

Cry On, a JRPG collaboration from Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey developer Mistwalker and the now-dissolved Cavia, was once planned for release on the Xbox 360. While the project was canceled on Christmas Day in 2008 due to the state of the market, studio lead Hironobu Sakaguchi took to YouTube yesterday to share the above concept trailer.

As archived by Unseen64, Cry On's story was intended to star a young girl named Sally in a Middle Age-esque time period. In this world, miniature creatures called Bogles were placed on rooftops as protective charms. Bogles once lived beside humans as giants, and with knowledge of their past in mind, humans attempted to restore their towering figures for the sake of war. Players would have progressed through the game with the aid of a special, human-language-speaking Bogle, allowing them to experience puzzle-focused, RPG scenarios while playing as Sally and slightly action-like bouts while guiding Sally's Bogle.

Neither the studio nor potential fans may ever get the chance to see a full realization of Cry On, but with more-recent outings like The Last Story and the mobile, tile-based Terra Battle, at least the studio is still crafting RPGs.
[Image: Mistwalker]

JoystiqMistwalker head shares trailer for canceled JRPG, Cry On originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Dec 2014 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept-trailercry-onjrpgmicrosoftmistwalkerrpgxboxSat, 27 Dec 2014 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mevius Final Fantasy to suffer from amnesia on iPhone, Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/27/mevius-final-fantasy-to-suffer-from-amnesia-on-iphone-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/27/mevius-final-fantasy-to-suffer-from-amnesia-on-iphone-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/27/mevius-final-fantasy-to-suffer-from-amnesia-on-iphone-android/#comments
There are fresh Final Fantasy games to play or look forward to on most gaming platforms, and Square Enix is looking to expand its RPG portfolio with Mevius Final Fantasy on Android and iPhone. Touted as a "full-scale, high-quality RPG," Mevius FF is due to reach Japan this spring, with a Western release date still to be announced.

A Gematsu report touched on Mevius FF's story earlier this month, which plays out in Paramatia, a bleak land with a populace untouched by the "Light of Hope." Players wake in this world without a single memory, but a mysterious voice will guide them along their path.

As busy as Square Enix is working with the Final Fantasy series, those that would prefer a fresh RPG adventure should still have something to anticipate - the developer began assembling a studio to make a brand-new console RPG three months ago.
[Image: Square-Enix]

JoystiqMevius Final Fantasy to suffer from amnesia on iPhone, Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Dec 2014 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfinal-fantasyiosiphonemevius-final-fantasymobileSat, 27 Dec 2014 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kirby and the Rainbow Curse trailer shows 4-player gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/27/kirby-and-the-rainbow-curse-trailer-shows-4-player-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/27/kirby-and-the-rainbow-curse-trailer-shows-4-player-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/27/kirby-and-the-rainbow-curse-trailer-shows-4-player-gameplay/#comments

Nintendo recently shared a new trailer for Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, and while its voiceover is in Japanese, that doesn't stop anyone from enjoying its gameplay. The trailer grants a few examples of how players can use lines traced on the Wii U GamePad for things other than guiding Kirby, as well as glimpses of transformations like Tank, Rocket and Submarine Kirby. Multiplayer scenes are also shown, with Waddle Dee characters appearing to move freely and having the capability to carry Kirby through stages.

According to Serebii translator StreetsAhead, the above trailer also explains the extent of Kirby and the Rainbow Curse's amiibo support. StreetsAhead noted that Kirby amiibo allow players to use the star dash ability at any time, while Meta Knight amiibo dole out a character-themed mask and higher attack power. King Dedede amiibo also lend a mask, in addition to a more resilient health bar. StreetsAhead added that players will be able to use each amiibo once per day on one stage.

You can trace a trail from store shelves to your Wii U when Kirby and the Rainbow Curse launches on February 13.
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqKirby and the Rainbow Curse trailer shows 4-player gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Dec 2014 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiibokirbykirby-and-the-rainbow-cursenintendowii-uSat, 27 Dec 2014 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar extends GTA Online's Christmas gift window due to XBL, PSN outage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/27/rockstar-extends-gta-onlines-christmas-gift-window-due-to-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/27/rockstar-extends-gta-onlines-christmas-gift-window-due-to-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/27/rockstar-extends-gta-onlines-christmas-gift-window-due-to-xbl/#comments
If you had trouble opening your Christmas Day inventory gifts in Grand Theft Auto Online, you weren't alone. Between apparent DDoS attacks and the likely holiday rush of player traffic, Xbox Live and PlayStation Network have suffered connectivity issues over the past few days. Rockstar Games is no Grinch however - in recognition of the downtime seen with online services, the developer is extending its Christmas day gift-giving streak "for the time being."

Rockstar's initial press release specified that a seasonal tree for GTA Online apartments is among its Christmas Day bundle, but it also encouraged players to check their inventory for "a few extra gifts." The festivities will continue on for New Year's, offering firework launchers to help welcome 2015, and the celebratory chaos will be available through January 5.

At the time of this writing, the outlook for presents is good - a status page for Xbox Live is currently showing green lights for online play.

Update: The PlayStation Network has gone offline since this story was published. Recent activity from the Ask PlayStation Twitter account notes that an estimated revival time cannot be given, but adds that engineers are currently working on resolving the issue. We recommend keeping an eye on Ask PlayStation and also checking the related status page before making plans to play on PSN.
[Image: Rockstar Games]

JoystiqRockstar extends GTA Online's Christmas gift window due to XBL, PSN outage originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Dec 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-auto-5gta-online-festive-surprisegta5microsoftplaystationps3ps4rockstarRockstar-Gamesxboxxbox-oneSat, 27 Dec 2014 12:30:00 EST