Joystiq PC http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq PC http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 standard edition contains reversible FemShep cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/mass-effect-3-standard-edition-contains-reversible-femshep-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/mass-effect-3-standard-edition-contains-reversible-femshep-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/mass-effect-3-standard-edition-contains-reversible-femshep-cover/#comments Commander Shepard is a man? It was the greatest lie ever created in future history. BioWare sought to fix this, admitting the savior of Earth (and the galaxy at large) could be recast as female.

Well, it seems the developer has gone one step further and slipped in the female Shepard on the reverse cover of Mass Effect 3 (standard edition). Sure, she's not black yet, but we'll take a partial truth for the time being.

Check out BioWare's unboxing video after the break.

Continue reading Mass Effect 3 standard edition contains reversible FemShep cover

JoystiqMass Effect 3 standard edition contains reversible FemShep cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 22 Feb 2012 13:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs is the next title from Frictional Games and Dear Esther dev]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/amnesia-a-machine-for-pigs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/amnesia-a-machine-for-pigs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/amnesia-a-machine-for-pigs/#comments The power of two crowned indie developer darlings have joined together to form one team, set to bring the Amnesia franchise into a new era.

Speaking exclusively with Joystiq, Frictional Games and Dear Esther's thechineseroom have revealed their latest project, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs.

Developed by thechineseroom and produced by Frictional Games, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs is planned for a debut on PC later this year. No firm date has been set, but internally the two studios hope to launch before Halloween. A recent alternate reality game has been teasing the the next Amnesia's reveal, sending fans into a frenzy.

"It's not a direct sequel, in terms of it doesn't follow on from the story of Amnesia. It doesn't involve the same characters," Dear Esther writer Dan Pinchbeck told me. Instead, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs will be set in the same "alternate history and set in the same universe." In short, the game will look to scare your pants off.

Set in 1899, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs follows the "wealthy industrialist" Oswald Mandus, who has returned home from "a disastrous expedition to Mexico, which has ended in tragedy." Struck by a destructive fever, Mandus is haunted by dreams of a dark machine until he mysteriously regains consciousness. Months have passed, unbeknownst to the industry tycoon, and as he emerges from his slumber the roaring engine of a mysterious machine sputters to life.

A detailed interview with Frictional Games designer Thomas Grip and thechineseroom's Dan Pinchbeck is coming later today, delving deeper into the darkness with Amnesia's next chapter. And yes, the two discuss what A Machine for Pigs means.

Gallery: Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs

JoystiqAmnesia: A Machine for Pigs is the next title from Frictional Games and Dear Esther dev originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amnesiaamnesia-a-machine-for-pigsFrictional-GamespcthechineseroomWed, 22 Feb 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Wake's emergence from darkness to cult status]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/alan-wakes-emergence-from-darkness-to-cult-status/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/alan-wakes-emergence-from-darkness-to-cult-status/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/alan-wakes-emergence-from-darkness-to-cult-status/#comments "Oh, God. You're killing me," Remedy Entertainment's Oskari Hakkinen groaned when I pressed him for details on PC plans for Alan Wake's American Nightmare. "I've got nothing to announce at this point," he moans softly into his headset. After a moment of silence I burst into laughter and he quickly joins me.

As Head of Franchise Development, Oskari -- or Ozz, as he asks people to call him -- he'd certainly know Remedy's plan for Alan Wake's XBLA title coming to PC. But American Nightmare wasn't the basis for my call to the Finnish developer. It was Alan Wake's original tale I wanted to discuss, a game many skimmed past due to what many in the industry infuriatingly refer to as an "embarrassment of riches."

On the same day Alan Wake's long development process met its ultimate ship goal, it was greeted by a host of quality competition. The adrenaline-fueled Split/Second landed on shelves. The Prince of Persia returned to his roots in The Forgotten Sands.

Red Dead Redemption happened.

Gallery: Alan Wake PC (2/16/12)

Continue reading Alan Wake's emergence from darkness to cult status

JoystiqAlan Wake's emergence from darkness to cult status originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-Wakemicrosoftoskari-hakkinenpcRemedy-EntertainmentxboxWed, 22 Feb 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 out September 18 in North America, September 21 elsewhere]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/borderlands-2-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/borderlands-2-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/borderlands-2-release-date/#comments
Borderlands 2 will be out in North America on September 18, and internationally on September 21. That date might be enough incentive for you to pre-order -- it's so far away, and you might forget! -- but 2K offered initial incentive, in the form of the "Premiere Club."

Premiere Club members will get a unique "Gearbox Gun Pack," a "Golden Key" item to unlock something in the Golden Sanctuary Loot Chest, and the "Vault Hunter's Relic." These are all in-game items, by the way. 2K didn't really build a "Golden Sanctuary" and send out keys to it.

JoystiqBorderlands 2 out September 18 in North America, September 21 elsewhere originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2gearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3release-datexboxWed, 22 Feb 2012 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Metal Gear Solid targeted for 'high-end consoles' and PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/next-metal-gear-solid-targeted-for-high-end-consoles-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/next-metal-gear-solid-targeted-for-high-end-consoles-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/next-metal-gear-solid-targeted-for-high-end-consoles-and-pc/#commentsJoystiq can exclusively reveal that the next Metal Gear Solid will feature intense zero-gravity chess, cybernetic nano-crocodiles, mirror universe machinations and a trash-compactor escape scene that will serve both as Star Wars homage and finger-wagging sermon on humanity's crushing impact on the environment. Well, provided the Joystiq staff are hired to work on the game.

Kojima Productions has unveiled an extensive list of available jobs, hinged on evolving the in-development Fox Engine and, more importantly, bringing the next game in the Byzantine franchise to life. According to the page introduction, Hideo Kojima and co. are on the hunt for engineers, artists, designers and a brand manager to handle "the latest Metal Gear Solid targeted for high-end consoles and PC."

If you think you can bolster the Fox Engine with new rendering tech, create "fantastic game content," or cultivate MGS "as a global mega-hit franchise in all regions," you should swing by the Game Developers Conference Career Pavilion between March 6 and March 9 and make yourself known.

We might nudge you out of the way as we deliver our own game concept, which we're tentatively calling "Metal 6ear Solid: Sublimation Synthesis." Don't you just love the sound of that, Kojima?

JoystiqNext Metal Gear Solid targeted for 'high-end consoles' and PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2012hideo-kojimakojima-productionsmetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-nextpcWed, 22 Feb 2012 01:35:00 EST<![CDATA[NeverDead gets Volume 2 DLC with another character, more challenges and skins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/neverdead-gets-volume-2-dlc-with-another-character-more-challen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/neverdead-gets-volume-2-dlc-with-another-character-more-challen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/neverdead-gets-volume-2-dlc-with-another-character-more-challen/#comments Konami's announced the second pack of downloadable content for NeverDead, continuing the trend of suitable titles with "Expansion Pack Volume 2." This pack also unlocks a new playable character (just like the first download), this time putting you behind the controller as NADA's Chief Sullivan. And while the first pack opened up new modes for the Asylum level, this one focuses on the Sewers, bringing Onslaught, Egg Hunt, and the Fragile Alliance challenges to that area of the game.

There are two additional character costumes for the main character, to match the two new ones from the last pack. Expansion Pack Volume 2 will be available next week on February 28.

Gallery: NeverDead Expansion Pack Volume 2

Continue reading NeverDead gets Volume 2 DLC with another character, more challenges and skins

JoystiqNeverDead gets Volume 2 DLC with another character, more challenges and skins originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chiefdlckonamimicrosoftnadaneverdeadpcplaystationps3volume-2xboxWed, 22 Feb 2012 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman: Absolution clips cover Diana Burnwood, actress profiles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/hitman-absolution-clips-cover-diana-burnwood-actress-profiles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/hitman-absolution-clips-cover-diana-burnwood-actress-profiles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/hitman-absolution-clips-cover-diana-burnwood-actress-profiles/#comments
Diana Burnwood is the female lead of the Hitman series, despite us rarely seeing her face. As Agent 47's handler, she's gone to great lengths to protect the hitman, going so far as to bring him back from the dead in a climactic act of vengeance. Now, she's the target. That's gratitude for you.

Continue reading Hitman: Absolution clips cover Diana Burnwood, actress profiles

JoystiqHitman: Absolution clips cover Diana Burnwood, actress profiles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Diana-Burnwoodhitman-5hitman-absolutionIOIO-Interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 21 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 DLC 'From Ashes' drifts down to Xbox Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/mass-effect-3-dlc-from-ashes-drifts-down-to-xbox-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/mass-effect-3-dlc-from-ashes-drifts-down-to-xbox-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/mass-effect-3-dlc-from-ashes-drifts-down-to-xbox-marketplace/#comments BioWare has let slip a batch of Mass Effect 3 DLC on the Xbox Marketplace, titled From Ashes. This is presumably the same DLC as the rumored "From Dust" installment, which at least one GameStop customer may now need to get a refund for. Dust and ashes are two very different things, after all, but we bet any name switching came to avoid possible confusion with 2011's From Dust (if it wasn't a GameStop typo to begin with).

From Ashes will cost 800 Microsoft Points ($10). Mass Effect 2 included the squad member Zaeed as free DLC in new copies, and From Ashes could very well be a new iteration of this format.

For a brief description of the DLC (now with 100 percent more spoilers!) read on:

Continue reading Mass Effect 3 DLC 'From Ashes' drifts down to Xbox Marketplace

JoystiqMass Effect 3 DLC 'From Ashes' drifts down to Xbox Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCFrom-Ashesfrom-dustleakmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxxbox-marketplaceTue, 21 Feb 2012 18:18:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Tactics deploys on PC in North America this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/mechwarrior-tactics-deploys-on-pc-in-north-america-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/mechwarrior-tactics-deploys-on-pc-in-north-america-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/mechwarrior-tactics-deploys-on-pc-in-north-america-in-2012/#comments A new, free-to-play entry in the classic MechWarrior series has been announced for the second half of 2012. MechWarrior Tactics is in development at Roadhouse Interactive and A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. Games, with publishing duties handled by Infinite Game Publishing.

MechWarrior Tactics is a free-to-play, turn-based strategy game employing micro-transactions for purchasing "vital combat and cosmetic resources to outfit each Mech, assemble a lance of four Mechs, and then go online for epic multiplayer showdowns competing for large payouts and top billing on global leaderboards." Right now, that's all we've got to go on -- if you want to register a commander name, you can head over to MechWarrior Tactics' official site.

Otherwise, feel free to go mech shopping via our gallery below.

Gallery: MechWarrior Tactics (Concept Art)

Continue reading MechWarrior Tactics deploys on PC in North America this year

JoystiqMechWarrior Tactics deploys on PC in North America this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acronym-gamesinfinite-game-publishingmechwarrior-tacticspcrelease-dateroadhouse-interactiveTue, 21 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate review: The business of aggressive expansion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/syndicate-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/syndicate-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/syndicate-review/#comments Fans were perturbed when they learned the classic Bullfrog-developed strategy series, Syndicate, would be rebooted in first-person form. The original was a beautiful and brutal affair, set in a cyberpunk world filled with corporate conspiracy. In its reboot, developer Starbreeze manages to hold onto some of those elements that made the original such an intriguing beast. Syndicate showcases its own beautiful brutality, shaking off the label of "just another shooter."

It's 2069. Corporations have ascended beyond the reach of simple governments and battle one another for technological advancement. Civilians are inconsequential, seen merely as pawns in the midst of each company's boardroom brawl, and are often gunned down by characters throughout the campaign simply for "getting in the way." You take the role of the mostly faceless Miles Kilo, an agent at the industry giant EuroCorp, where you have been outfitted with a prototype version of a chip that gives you control over connected devices around you, as well as a number of other abilities. Like other agents, you must work to keep your corporation at peak profitability.

Gallery: Syndicate (Co-op)

Continue reading Syndicate review: The business of aggressive expansion

JoystiqSyndicate review: The business of aggressive expansion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAmicrosoftpcplaystationproject-redlimeps3Starbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxTue, 21 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row: The Third takes gangstas to space ... today!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/saints-row-the-third-takes-gangstas-to-space-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/saints-row-the-third-takes-gangstas-to-space-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/saints-row-the-third-takes-gangstas-to-space-today/#comments
Forget about EA sending copies of Mass Effect 3 into space -- that's child's play. THQ is taking things one step further and sending the Steelport gangstas into space with the latest Saints Row: The Third DLC pack. It's included if you have a Season Pass, otherwise it goes for 560 MS Points ($7).

Gallery: Saints Row: The Third (Gangstas in Space)

JoystiqSaints Row: The Third takes gangstas to space ... today! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdownloadable-contentgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnsaints-row-the-thirdsteamthqvolitionvolition-incxboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceTue, 21 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Modern Warfare 3 'Overwatch' out today [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/psa-ac-revelations-lost-archive-dlc-modern-warfare-3-overw/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/psa-ac-revelations-lost-archive-dlc-modern-warfare-3-overw/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/psa-ac-revelations-lost-archive-dlc-modern-warfare-3-overw/#comments
Activision is dropping the next Call of Duty Elite content pack for Modern Warfare 3 in Overwatch, a rooftop map for the game's multiplayer component. If you'd like to take a peek at that map, we've dropped the latest trailer just above.

The Overwatch DLC map for MW3 is exclusive to 360 for a limited time.

Gallery: Modern Warfare 3 (Call of Duty Elite: Overwatch)

JoystiqPSA: Modern Warfare 3 'Overwatch' out today [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3dlceliteinfinity-wardmicrosoftoverwatchpcraven-softwaresledgehammer-gamesxboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceTue, 21 Feb 2012 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Canned Call of Duty: Devil's Brigade was like Inglourious Basterds on steroids]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/canned-call-of-duty-devils-brigade-was-like-inglourious-baster/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/canned-call-of-duty-devils-brigade-was-like-inglourious-baster/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/canned-call-of-duty-devils-brigade-was-like-inglourious-baster/#comments In 2007, while Infinity Ward was building the first Modern Warfare, Underground Development began working on a top-secret, third-person shooter in the Call of Duty franchise, titled Devil's Brigade, Vox Games reports. Based on a real-life group of ruthless, almost superhuman American and Canadian soldiers in World War II, Devil's Brigade was Activision's fallback if fans didn't get the switch to a contemporary setting with Modern Warfare.

Devil's Brigade focused on tactical strategy, stealth missions and super-athletic Special Forces combat. The real Devil's Brigade scaled a mountain carrying more than 50 pounds of supplies and weapons to defeat the camp below in two hours, and they were known for infiltrating German trenches and slitting soldiers' throats, slapping stickers that read "The worst is yet to come," in German, on the dead men's helmets. Underground Development wanted to capture this essence for the game version of Devil's Brigade.

But, as history shows, players did understand Modern Warfare. When Devil's Brigade was ready for its final green light, it got lost in the shuffle of Infinity Ward's success and the Blizzard/Vivendi merger. Activision closed Underground Development in 2008 with nary a whisper about Devil's Brigade. For now, we have some screenshots of the game and the memories of throat-slitting action that could have been.

JoystiqCanned Call of Duty: Devil's Brigade was like Inglourious Basterds on steroids originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Call-of-DutyCall-of-Duty-4-Modern-WarfareCall-of-Duty-Devils-BrigadeCoD4Devils-BrigademicrosoftModern-Warfarepcplaystationps3Underground-DevelopmentWorld-War-IIwwIIxboxTue, 21 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sins of a Dark Age announced, new team-based RTS from Sins of a Solar Empire dev]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/sins-of-a-dark-age-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/sins-of-a-dark-age-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/sins-of-a-dark-age-announced/#comments Ironclad announced Sins of a Dark Age today, its follow-up to the epic space armada strategy game, Sins of a Solar Empire. The new game will be a free-to-play project, blending classic real-time strategy with the MOBA genre (League of Legends, DOTA 2).

Players work in teams, which consist of one commander and up to four heroes, who can face off against other players or AI. The commander is responsible for building the base, directing units and positioning defenses. The commander can also call upon "Realm Powers" to turn the tide of battle. Heroes have their own set of powers, but are tasked with assisting the commander's units and capturing resources.

More details should shake out at the Game Developers Conference in two weeks. The game will begin its beta this summer.

Gallery: Sins of a Dark Age

JoystiqSins of a Dark Age announced, new team-based RTS from Sins of a Solar Empire dev originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infinite-game-publishingIroncladironclad-gamespcsins-of-a-dark-ageTue, 21 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Witcher franchise sold 1.5 million copies in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/witcher-franchise-sold-1-5-million-copies-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/witcher-franchise-sold-1-5-million-copies-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/witcher-franchise-sold-1-5-million-copies-in-2011/#comments CD Projekt RED announced this morning that The Witcher franchise sold over 1.5 million units in 2011. The breakdown is 1.1 million copies of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings for the year, following its May launch, and another 400,000 sales of the original game, which launched in 2007.

"I have to admit, though, that the sales results for The Witcher, five years on from the game's premiere, are remarkable. If anything, they prove that the content we put into our games ages well," said Adam Badowski, head of the CD Projekt RED studio.

A surprising statistic about the sequel, given how entrenched we think digital distribution is in PC gaming, is that digital distribution only accounted for 24 percent of the sequel's sales. Digital distribution channels had 270,000 sales of The Witcher 2, with 40,000 of those through the DRM-free GOG.com.

The Witcher will also be introduced to new audiences this year when The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition makes its way to Xbox 360 on April 17.

Continue reading Witcher franchise sold 1.5 million copies in 2011

JoystiqWitcher franchise sold 1.5 million copies in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CD-Projektcd-projekt-redpcsalesThe-Witcherthe-witcher-2Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WWE WrestleFest on iOS today, coming to XBLA, PSN, PC, Android in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/wwe-wrestlefest-on-ios-today-coming-to-xbla-psn-pc-android-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/wwe-wrestlefest-on-ios-today-coming-to-xbla-psn-pc-android-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/wwe-wrestlefest-on-ios-today-coming-to-xbla-psn-pc-android-i/#comments Well, this is definitely the craziest thing to happen in wrestling games in quite some time -- and wrestling is a sport built entirely on human insanity. WWF WrestleFest, the classic arcade game by Technos, has been updated for release on iOS by THQ. The new "WWE Wrestlefest" has smoother graphics and an updated roster of wrestlers (a rostler, if you will) including John Cena and Randy Orton, alongside old-school wrestlers like the late "Macho Man" Randy Savage. It's also been modernized with "an extensive downloadable content program."

The app is available in a free "Lite" version and a $2.99 "Premium" version for iPhone, and both "Lite" and paid for iPad.

THQ also plans to release this new WrestleFest on XBLA, PSN, Android, and PC, sometime in 2012. So we hope the new version is good.

Continue reading WWE WrestleFest on iOS today, coming to XBLA, PSN, PC, Android in 2012

JoystiqWWE WrestleFest on iOS today, coming to XBLA, PSN, PC, Android in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapp-storeiosipadiphoneitunesitunes-app-storemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationportps3technosthqwrestlingwwewwe-wrestlefestxboxTue, 21 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3's 'Take Earth Back' trailer is finally, seriously, complete (we promise)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/mass-effect-3s-take-back-the-earth-trailer-is-finally-seriou/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/mass-effect-3s-take-back-the-earth-trailer-is-finally-seriou/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/mass-effect-3s-take-back-the-earth-trailer-is-finally-seriou/#comments
It takes more than a sad toddler and a gorgeous sunflower to get us all teary-eyed from the latest Mass Effect 3 trailer. For instance, did you know there's a full extra minute in this version of the trailer compared with yesterday's? The tears, they are flowing.

JoystiqMass Effect 3's 'Take Earth Back' trailer is finally, seriously, complete (we promise) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareea-biowareelectronic-artsmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3take-back-the-earthxboxTue, 21 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar explains the research behind the posh clubs and helipads of Max Payne 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/rockstar-explains-the-research-behind-the-posh-clubs-and-helipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/rockstar-explains-the-research-behind-the-posh-clubs-and-helipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/rockstar-explains-the-research-behind-the-posh-clubs-and-helipad/#comments There's a good reason for the prominence of helicopters in the latest Max Payne 3 trailer, and it's not just because "super rich people have choppers." Alright, well, that's part of the reason, but helicopters are apparently extra prevalent in Sao Paolo, Brazil -- the setting for at least part of Max Payne 3 -- and the devs at Rockstar discovered this while touring the city by air. As it turns out, since traffic is a huge problem in the Brazilian megacity, rich folks have taken to helicopters as a main means of travel. Oh, also, there are motorcycle gangs that take advantage of the traffic, making it extra dangerous. Sounds like a good excuse to become a helicopter pilot! Max will apparently be wrestling with the wealth disparity he discovers in Brazil -- a reality he feels uncomfortable with regardless of what continent he's on.

And when those devs were looking for an authentic nightclub experience, they hobnobbed their way into exclusive nightclubs like the "rooftop lounge scene at the chic Hotel Unique," and pushed their way into parties along Avenue Morumbi. Per the trailer, we're gonna guess that the Rockstar devs didn't extend that same search for realism to allowing themselves to be kidnapped by one of Sao Paolo's many street gangs, but in the interest of their safety we're keen to let that one slide.

Today's info dump is the second in an ongoing research series that the developer is publishing in the lead up to this May's launch of MP3. Rockstar offered Joystiq an early look at several comparison shots ahead of a worldwide premier later today on the company's own newswire website, which we've dropped into a perusable gallery just below.

Gallery: Max Payne 3 (2/20/12)

JoystiqRockstar explains the research behind the posh clubs and helipads of Max Payne 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Max-Payne-3microsoftpcplaystationps3rockstarrockstar-gamestake-twotake-two-interactivexboxTue, 21 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spec Ops: The Line drawn into retail on June 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/spec-ops-the-line-strategically-moving-into-retail-on-june-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/spec-ops-the-line-strategically-moving-into-retail-on-june-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/spec-ops-the-line-strategically-moving-into-retail-on-june-26/#comments
Spec Ops: The Line has been pushed back and previewed across several years, but now we finally know it'll cross the finish line come June 26. Take-Two revealed as much this morning in a PR missive which also detailed the "Premium Edition" of the third-person shooter. It will feature a variety of multiplayer bonus content to folks who pre-order the game from "participating retailers" (none are listed, but we're thinking places like GameStop and Amazon are fair bets).

Perhaps "Premium Edition" doesn't sound militaristic enough for you? Thankfully, Take-Two totally thought of that, which is why part the premium edition gives access to the "FUBAR pack," containing various multiplayer customization options ("unique and visually distinct items). Additionally, premium content includes an AK-47 unlock and an Officer Class promotion (which confers "several team-based advantages") at rank one, as well as double XP for the first week of online play.

2K Games producer Denby Grace openly calls out the unbalance in this pre-order scheme, saying "People who pre-order the game are going to have an immediate advantage in the multiplayer mode." G ... great?

JoystiqSpec Ops: The Line drawn into retail on June 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesdenby-gracemicrosoftpcplaystationps3q3-2012release-dateSpec-Ops-the-Linetake-two-interactivexboxyageryager-developmentTue, 21 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA['A MAZE. Indie Games Award' is open for submissions, amazement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/a-maze-indie-games-award-is-open-for-submissions-amazement/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/a-maze-indie-games-award-is-open-for-submissions-amazement/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/a-maze-indie-games-award-is-open-for-submissions-amazement/#comments The A MAZE. Indie Games Award 2012, held during the Deutsche Gamestage in Berlin from April 26 to 27, is now taking submissions and will award one single indie game the "Most Amazing Indie Game" title, which would be a pretty awesome thing to put on your resume. The winner is selected by a "high-profile international jury" to be revealed in March, and will receive €5000 ($6,599) and a suitably "amazing trophy."

Submissions are open to anyone and everyone, for a fee of €45 ($59) through March 30, with finalists announced in mid-April. This is just a hunch, but now might be the time to build that rat-maze game you were thinking of at 2 a.m. that one night -- the one with the makeup-testing and cancer-treatment levels. Again, just a hunch.

Joystiq'A MAZE. Indie Games Award' is open for submissions, amazement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A-MAZEA-MAZE-Indie-Games-AwardandroidawardsgermanyIndieindie-gamesiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3xboxMon, 20 Feb 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: EvilQuest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-evilquest/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-evilquest/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-evilquest/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, the founders of Chaosoft Games, Forrest McCorkle and Josh Ferguson, discuss the goodness in going evil with their classically inspired title, EvilQuest.


What's your game called and what's it about?

Forrest McCorkle: Our game is called EvilQuest and it's about an extremely sadistic evil knight named Galvis that is trying to destroy the world. At the start, the character is merely trying to conquer the world, but fails to do so when he is defeated and captured by the dominant kingdom in the game world. In prison, he switches his goal from conquering the world to annihilating it, and also learns a possible means of accomplishing this goal. Of course, he eventually finds a way to escape and from there it's up to the player to see this quest to fruition.

How important was it to have original artwork, animation and music in EvilQuest?

Josh Ferguson: It was of critical importance -- it was never an option to consider using someone else's material. Quality graphics draw people into a game, while quality gameplay keeps them there. We tried using our individual talents to create both. We wanted an original look and feel while staying true to the sprite-based JRPG style of the early Squaresoft games. As for music, that was a part of the project that we just had some fun with.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: EvilQuest

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: EvilQuest originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChaosoftChaosoft-GamesEvilQuestForrest-McCorkleJosh-Fergusonjoystiq-indie-pitchmicrosoftpcxboxMon, 20 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim beta update 1.4.26 live on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/skyrim-beta-update-1-4-26-live-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/skyrim-beta-update-1-4-26-live-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/skyrim-beta-update-1-4-26-live-on-steam/#comments Bethesda's approach to avoiding "latest patch does horrible thing," which is to publicly beta test its updates, is paying off. Skyrim version 1.4.26 is now downloadable from Steam, and the general working theory is: if it breaks the game, it's almost your fault for downloading it in the first place. (We jest!)

Bethesda warns that only players affected by the issues found after the break should download the update. Remember to back up any save files if you plan to go down the beta route.

Continue reading Skyrim beta update 1.4.26 live on Steam

JoystiqSkyrim beta update 1.4.26 live on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabethesdaBethesda-Softworkselder-scrolls-5pcskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimMon, 20 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Darkness 2 review: Shooting bullets off a list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/the-darkness-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/the-darkness-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/the-darkness-2-review/#comments On paper, The Darkness 2 is a "linear, first-person shooter with some neat twists." It sounds boring, and it was every time I played the game in a preview session before it launched. I'd hole up at some PR office in Manhattan and they'd run down a prepared spiel about "quad-wielding" or "the Darkling." The what?

In reality, The Darkness 2 is a beautiful, hand-drawn game from a team with derivative dreck like Dark Sector and Pariah in its past. It also has surprisingly realistic and impressive voice acting, which gets paired with gorgeous art direction right off the bat for a "last time on The Darkness" reintroduction.

But as impressive as the game's art style and voice acting chops are, it's not very easy to shape a marketing-driven preview session around technical aspects like that. But that's the case for most of what's so great about The Darkness 2 -- touches, moments and experiences that don't fit onto a bullet point list.

Gallery: The Darkness 2 (10/28/11)

Continue reading The Darkness 2 review: Shooting bullets off a list

JoystiqThe Darkness 2 review: Shooting bullets off a list originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-extremesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3the-darkness-2xboxMon, 20 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Reign of Thunder' is F2P mech shooter from MechAssault dev]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/reign-of-thunder-is-f2p-mech-shooter-from-mechassault-dev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/reign-of-thunder-is-f2p-mech-shooter-from-mechassault-dev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/reign-of-thunder-is-f2p-mech-shooter-from-mechassault-dev/#comments
After a lengthy drought of mech games, it suddenly feels like armored mechanical behemoths are back en vogue, with Day 1 Studios adding Reign of Thunder to the roster. The game is a fast-paced, third-person free-to-play mech combat game. It will feature a new mech IP by the team that created MechAssault.

"It feels great to return to the Mech genre and community we've played games with and made games with, for almost two decades. Combining the customization and RPG elements of the early MechWarrior PC and board games with the fast paced arcade action of the MechAssault series and making it all Free-to-Play is an exciting opportunity to be part of," said Day 1 Creative Director and Executive Producer TJ Wagner. "I'm dying to get Thunder in the hands of new and old Mech pilots alike and battle it out. The best part is that time is very, very near."

Reign of Thunder will launch into the mech arena as MechWarrior Online and MechWarrior Tactics, two titles officially set in the BattleTech Universe, plan to bring back the glory of mega mech combat this year.

Joystiq'Reign of Thunder' is F2P mech shooter from MechAssault dev originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Day-1-StudiospcReign-of-ThunderMon, 20 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Idle Thumbs Kickstarter includes exclusive game, neat artwork]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/idle-thumbs-kickstarter-includes-exclusive-game-neat-artwork/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/idle-thumbs-kickstarter-includes-exclusive-game-neat-artwork/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/idle-thumbs-kickstarter-includes-exclusive-game-neat-artwork/#comments It seems everyone's got a Kickstarter nowadays. Double Fine just surpassed $2 million, inXile is going to use Kickstarter to reboot a classic and now the Idle Thumbs video game podcast is using the site to finance its future.

The interesting thing about this Kickstarter campaign, however, is that it includes an exclusive game called Thirty Flights of Loving by Blendo Games. It's a sequel to the one-man indie development studio's previous effort, Gravity Bone, a spy-based affair blending adventure and first-person shooting elements. Thirty Flights of Loving will be given to all backers who drop $30 or more down.

If you want to throw down more cash, Vincent Perea and Graham Annable, the artists behind The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom and Puzzle Agent, respectively, will toss in some of their doodlings. So hurry up and help the crew finance their -- oh, they already hit their goal? Okay then, head on over if you want to pay for some stuff you want.

JoystiqIdle Thumbs Kickstarter includes exclusive game, neat artwork originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroiddsidle-thumbsiosipadiphonekickstarterkinectmacmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxMon, 20 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Bundle Mojam makes nearly $500K for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/humble-bundle-mojam-makes-nearly-500k-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/humble-bundle-mojam-makes-nearly-500k-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/humble-bundle-mojam-makes-nearly-500k-for-charity/#comments Mojang is everyone's favorite studio to blindly throw money at these days, so it comes as little surprise that the Sweden-based Minecraft creators raised nearly $500K ($458,215.95) this past weekend during a live "game jam." The conceit was that Mojang would arrange a game jam (a "Mojam," if you will) and stream it live across 60 hours, with the resulting product being added to the most recent Humble Indie Bundle, as well as two games developed under similar constraints from Oxeye Game Studio and Wolfire Games.

What games did the three studios end up making? Mojang created an Egyptian/Steampunk-themed RTS slash shoot 'em up called "Catacomb Snatch," which we'll refrain from making lurid jokes about, while Oxeye made a game named "Fists of Resistance" and Wolfire made "The Broadside Express."

As over 81K bundles were purchased, the three studios collectively raised just under half a million dollars, all of which will be donated to Child's Play, Electronic Frontier Foundation, charity:water, and the American Red Cross. Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got some lurid jokes to make in private.

JoystiqHumble Bundle Mojam makes nearly $500K for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-red-crosscharitycharity-waterchilds-playelectronic-frontier-foundationgame-jamhumble-indie-bundlemojammojangmojang-specificationsmojang-studiosoxeye-game-studiospcwolfire-studiosMon, 20 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Wake PC recoups dev and marketing costs in 48 hours]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/alan-wake-pc-recoups-dev-and-marketing-costs-in-48-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/alan-wake-pc-recoups-dev-and-marketing-costs-in-48-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/alan-wake-pc-recoups-dev-and-marketing-costs-in-48-hours/#comments Alan Wake for PC took the road less traveled to launch, but all those yellow bricks are made of gold from here on out. Developer Remedy, which was also the publisher of the PC version, revealed the game recouped its development and marketing expenses during "the first 48 hours" after launch on February 16.

"We are very happy with the sales and hitting #1 on Steam at launch was nothing short of amazing," Remedy's Aki Järvilehto noted on the game's forum.

Alan Wake returns this week to Xbox Live Arcade in mini-sequel Alan Wake's American Nightmare, which fans of the series will want to pick up. Thankfully, American Nightmare won't be the end of Wake's adventures on consoles, PC or any other future platform the writer finds himself surviving on.

Gallery: Alan Wake PC (2/16/12)

JoystiqAlan Wake PC recoups dev and marketing costs in 48 hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-WakepcRemedyremedy-entertainmentsalessteamMon, 20 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gabe Newell: Valve is excited about wearable computers, open hardware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/gabe-newell-valve-is-excited-about-wearable-computers-open-har/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/gabe-newell-valve-is-excited-about-wearable-computers-open-har/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/gabe-newell-valve-is-excited-about-wearable-computers-open-har/#comments Finally, we have a concrete reason for the eternal delay of Half-Life 2 Episode 3: Valve head Gabe Newell is more interested in wearable computing. OK, that's not directly why Valve hasn't announced a new Half-Life title, but wearable computing and hardware development are definitely something Valve is interested in, Newell told Penny Arcade Report.

Wearable computers -- think Star Trek communication badges, wrist-bound touchscreens or SixthSense -- are seeing a resurgence, and Valve is doing its own research into how they might function as gaming devices. Wearable computers now are "way higher resolution, way lighter weight, much better battery life," and Valve is doing its own research into this technology through biometrics, and is excited to see where it goes, Newell said.

"So we're thinking of trying to figure out how to do the equivalent of the [Team Fortress] incremental approach in software design and try to figure out how would you get something similar to that in the hardware space as well," he said. If Valve were to produce hardware, it would be something easy to iterate so customers don't have to buy 10 million devices, Newell said. Of course, that's if.

"Well, if we have to sell hardware we will," Newell said. "We have no reason to believe we're any good at it; it's more we think that we need to continue to have innovation and if the only way to get these kind of projects started is by us going and developing and selling the hardware directly then that's what we'll do."

No company is safe from irrelevance, as far as Newell sees it, and even Microsoft and Sony can suffer the same fate as Atari and Commodore if they continue to create closed systems and don't innovate. "As soon as Valve stops doing interesting, innovative work we're gonna be left behind," Newell stated, unfortunately missing the "left for dead" pun opportunity.

JoystiqGabe Newell: Valve is excited about wearable computers, open hardware originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabe-newellhalf-life-2-episode-3half-life-3iosipadmacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3valvewearable-computerwearable-gaming-interfacexboxMon, 20 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: February 20-26, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/now-playing-february-20-26-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/now-playing-february-20-26-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/now-playing-february-20-26-2012/#comments
Take corporate warfare to a whole new level this week in Syndicate...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: February 20-26, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: February 20-26, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxMon, 20 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine Adventure surpasses $2 million on Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/double-fine-adventure-surpasses-2-million-on-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/double-fine-adventure-surpasses-2-million-on-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/double-fine-adventure-surpasses-2-million-on-kickstarter/#comments
So, that Double Fine Adventure Kickstarter. You know, the one you contributed to. With 22 days left on the campaign, the total sits at $2,005,826 -- 501 percent of the developer's $400,000 goal.

When the project hit its goal (in about eight hours), Double Fine studio head Tim Schafer said the extra money would go into more production values for the games and accompanying 2 Player Productions documentary. The result of that, so far, has been multiplatform, multilingual development of the game.

How many of the world's 6,909 known languages can Double Fine translate into, if the money keeps rolling in like this? Think of all the populations who have never experienced an adventure game!

JoystiqDouble Fine Adventure surpasses $2 million on Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcha-chingdouble-finedouble-fine-adventureiosiphonekickstartermacmobilepcMon, 20 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3's 'Take Back Earth' trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/mass-effect-3s-take-back-earth-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/mass-effect-3s-take-back-earth-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/mass-effect-3s-take-back-earth-trailer/#comments
...yeah, but is the Earth worth taking back after the reapers are done with it? In case you missed it last night during The Walking Dead, here's the trailer for Mass Effect 3, revealing that we're going to need all the Commander Shepards the galaxy can spare to save our little rock.

JoystiqMass Effect 3's 'Take Back Earth' trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaremass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 20 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Orion: Dino Beatdown takes on Steam and OnLive this March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/orion-dino-beatdown-takes-on-steam-and-onlive-this-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/orion-dino-beatdown-takes-on-steam-and-onlive-this-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/orion-dino-beatdown-takes-on-steam-and-onlive-this-march/#comments
Orion: Dino Beatdown is, according to developer Spiral Game Studios, an "open world, class-based cooperative survival sci-fi FPS." However, despite all those words, we think that description leaves out the interesting bits. Let us rephrase:

Orion: Dino Beatdown is a game about guys with jetpacks shooting at freaking dinosaurs.

Sound familiar? You might have actually helped fund the development. Last year, Spiral Kickstarted the project under the name Orion: Prelude. Everyone who contributed to that will receive a copy of the game when its March release date hits. Everyone else can pay $9.99.

The platforms have changed from the original plan: consoles are out, and OnLive and Steam are in. But what hasn't changed is the idea of five players in open worlds, picking one of three classes (Assault, i.e. jetpack guys, and two other miscellaneous non-jetpack classes) and surviving endless dinosaur assaults.

JoystiqOrion: Dino Beatdown takes on Steam and OnLive this March originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>onliveorion-dino-beatdownorion-preludepcq1-2012release-datespiral-game-studiosMon, 20 Feb 2012 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro City Rampage running wild on Xbox, Wii, PS3, Vita, and PC in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/retro-city-rampage-ps3-vita-pc-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/retro-city-rampage-ps3-vita-pc-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/retro-city-rampage-ps3-vita-pc-release-date/#comments Vblank Entertainment's long-awaited, open-world 8-bit parody crime game, Retro City Rampage, will finally be let loose in May, creator Brian Provinciano told Joystiq. It'll be rampaging across a few new platforms -- in addition to the known XBLA and WiiWare versions, Provinciano announced plans on the PlayStation Blog to release the game on PS3 and PlayStation Vita, and shared plans on his own site to release it PC. He's aiming for a simultaneous May release for them all.

In fact, you can pre-order that PC version right now at retrocityrampage.com, and get bonuses including a mini soundtrack download, a digital manual and 20% off of Fangamer's Retro City Rampage collection*.

And yes, Provinciano is still making all of these versions pretty much on his own. "Maxime [Trépanier]'s been doing art and the music guys are still doing some polish but I'm still juggling everything else myself," Provinciano told Joystiq. Add publishing to that list of duties as well. "I'm self publishing on PlayStation," Provinciano said. "Sony's fantastic that they allow you to do that."

Once this epic undertaking is finally completed, Provinciano hopes to take on something smaller-scale. "I've got many ideas and definitely want to do more open-world games," he said, "but right after RCR I will take a breather and work on something small and different. Hopefully something that takes maybe eight weeks instead of eight years."

Gallery: Retro City Rampage (2/20/12)



[*Disclosure: I have worked with Fangamer on a currently available product.]

JoystiqRetro City Rampage running wild on Xbox, Wii, PS3, Vita, and PC in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psnq2-2012retro-city-rampagevblank-entertainmentvitawiiwiiwarexblaxboxMon, 20 Feb 2012 10:11:00 EST<![CDATA[UFC Undisputed 3 indisputably beats UK chart competition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/ufc-undisputed-3-indisputably-beats-uk-chart-competition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/ufc-undisputed-3-indisputably-beats-uk-chart-competition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/ufc-undisputed-3-indisputably-beats-uk-chart-competition/#comments THQ, currently trading at $0.62 a share, has some good news for investors as UFC Undisputed 3 grappled the top spot on the UK charts this past week. According to Chart-Track, it is the first top title for the publisher since Homefront in early 2011. The good news does come with a caveat, as the previous installment in the franchise may have debuted in second place, but performed better at launch in raw sales numbers.

With no other new combatants in the octagon making it into the top 40 last week, the UK top ten involved a lot of shufflin' and shifting based on retail promotions. FIFA 12 and Modern Warfare 3 moved into second and third, respectively. Last week's number one, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, dropped 63 percent in sales and out of the top ten into the 12 spot.

Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, boosted by a new 3DS edition and discounts on the Wii version, saw the title up 94 percent to take the ... Rice-a-Roni? What do you receive at the olympics for fourth place?

Continue reading UFC Undisputed 3 indisputably beats UK chart competition

JoystiqUFC Undisputed 3 indisputably beats UK chart competition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britaincall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3Chart-Trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12microsoftModern-Warfare-3pcplaystationps3ufc-undisputed-3UKxboxMon, 20 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Defenders protect Mac on March 8; President's Day DLC features Obama, Romney]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/dungeon-defenders-protect-mac-on-march-8-presidents-day-dlc-fe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/dungeon-defenders-protect-mac-on-march-8-presidents-day-dlc-fe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/dungeon-defenders-protect-mac-on-march-8-presidents-day-dlc-fe/#comments
Dungeon Defenders will protect new digital realms when the indie hit makes its way to Mac on March 8. Those seeking to help the process along and revel in the squashing of bugs may rejoice, as beta testing for the Mac version begins today. Those seeking adventure on the new platform should email betatesters@trendyent.com with their name, computer specs and play history with Dungeon Defenders.

Also available sometime today for free on the Steam version of the game is the "Presidents Day Battle Royale" DLC. The content includes the Presidents Day Battle Royale Challenge Mission, punching gloves for the Squire and Monk, along with Democrat Donkey and Republican Elephant pets. There are also four unlockable character skins: President Obama Monk, Michelle Obama Huntress, Mitt Romney Squire and George Washington Apprentice.

The beta and DLC will be available sometime today, and we'll update as soon as it goes live.

Update: Both the DLC and (rolling) beta invites out now.

JoystiqDungeon Defenders protect Mac on March 8; President's Day DLC features Obama, Romney originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-defendersmacpcpresidents-dayreverb-publishingtrendy-entertainmentMon, 20 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DirectX 11 support added to L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition on PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/directx-11-support-added-to-l-a-noire-the-complete-edition-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/directx-11-support-added-to-l-a-noire-the-complete-edition-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/directx-11-support-added-to-l-a-noire-the-complete-edition-on/#comments You went out and set up your fancy rig, with all of its shaders and its pixel core density modifiers -- you want to play games that will take full advantage of your hardware. We hear you.

So has Rockstar. DirectX 11 support headlines the latest title update for L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition, which should hopefully help you better decide the fates of the game's virtual persons of interest. You'll be able to switch between DirectX 9 and DirectX 11 renderers on the fly through the game launcher.

JoystiqDirectX 11 support added to L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>directx-11directx11LA-Noirela-noire-the-complete-editionpatchpcrockstartake-twowindowsMon, 20 Feb 2012 02:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Against the Wall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-against-the-wall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-against-the-wall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-against-the-wall/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, Michael Consoli helps players grasp the concepts of infinity, vulnerability and self-reliance with his Kickstarter-funded title, Against the Wall.

What's your game called and what's it about?

I'm working on a puzzle platformer called Against the Wall. The point of the game is to explore a world that is one infinite, flat vertical surface. Players use a device that lets them pull bricks out of the wall and form ledges, letting them hop from place to place without falling off the side.

You raised more than $8,000 for Against the Wall in your Kickstarter campaign -- more than your goal. What do you think made your campaign so successful?

I had a playable demo of the game available. Most of the people on Kickstarter seek funding with only the germ of an idea rather than anything concrete. My message was that I have this great thing, and it works, but I need the resources to expand it and make something extraordinary. I didn't need to offer t-shirts or other rewards, I just let the game speak for itself.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Against the Wall

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Against the Wall originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Against-the-Wallinfinityjoystiq-indie-pitchmacMichael-ConsolipcSun, 19 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BAFTA nominates Arkham City, L.A. Noire, FIFA 12 for best of 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/bafta-nominates-arkham-city-l-a-noire-fifa-12-for-best-of-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/bafta-nominates-arkham-city-l-a-noire-fifa-12-for-best-of-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/bafta-nominates-arkham-city-l-a-noire-fifa-12-for-best-of-201/#comments The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has released its nominations for the 2012 Video Game Awards, which honors the top games from 2011 as chosen by the charity. The British stand-outs differ from our Yankee choices slightly, stressing the brilliance of Batman: Arkham City, which also made our Top 10 of 2011 list, but also including L.A. Noire, which hit our Best of the Rest, and FIFA 12, which... well. Just because we share a language doesn't automatically mean we share interests.

Check out the entire list below:

Continue reading BAFTA nominates Arkham City, L.A. Noire, FIFA 12 for best of 2011

JoystiqBAFTA nominates Arkham City, L.A. Noire, FIFA 12 for best of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsBAFTAbritish-academy-of-film-and-televisionfifa-12fifa-soccer-12microsoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxSun, 19 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Robota: Vengeance pits robots against genetically modified dinosaurs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/robota-vengeance-pits-robots-against-genetically-modified-dinos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/robota-vengeance-pits-robots-against-genetically-modified-dinos/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/robota-vengeance-pits-robots-against-genetically-modified-dinos/#comments

Robota: Vengeance would be your average CGI robot-warfare game featuring gladiator-style combat with genetically modified dinosaurs, if not for three important factors:
  1. The franchise was created by Academy Award winner Doug Chiang, lead designer on Star Wars: Episode 1 and 2, and creative director for Industrial Light and Magic, working on Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Forrest Gump and other titles.
  2. Robota will be released for iOS and Android as the first full-scale rival to Infinity Blade.
  3. It has genetically modified dinosaurs.
Developed by indie studio SiXiTS, Robota: Vengeance has players build their own custom robots, and then battle giant, evil robots and -- did we mention? -- genetically modified dinosaurs, all while discovering the secrets that lie within themselves. SiXiTS is holding a Kickstarter to fund the project, asking for $100,000 from potential fans to bring Robota to mobile devices and the web.

Check out the video above and if you're intrigued, head on over to its Kickstarter page, and gauge how much you want to invest in genetically modified dinosaurs. We mean, Robota: Vengeance. Same thing.

JoystiqRobota: Vengeance pits robots against genetically modified dinosaurs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidDoug-Chianggenetically-modified-dinosaursinfinity-bladeiosipadiphonekickstartermobilepcRobotaRobota-VengeancesixitsSun, 19 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare Skylanders sell for more than $1,000 at auction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/rare-skylanders-sell-for-more-than-1-000-at-auction/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/rare-skylanders-sell-for-more-than-1-000-at-auction/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/rare-skylanders-sell-for-more-than-1-000-at-auction/#comments The supplemental toys surrounding Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure have become the latest in a long line of collectable merchandising campaigns to reach "You paid how much?!" levels, following in the proud footsteps of Pogs, Pokemon cards and Beanie Babies.

An eBay auction for 6 apparently rare Skylanders figures has sold for £797, or $1262.68, before shipping. The auction included gold versions of Chop Chop, Flameslinger and Drill Sergeant, as well as silver versions of Eruptor, Boomer and Dino-Rang, and we doubt it'll be the last of its kind. There's no way that these things will retain their value, of course, so we don't recommend participating in this sort of madness, but it is fascinating to watch. Kind of like a train wreck in slow motion, where the train is crashing through one of those houses on Hoarders.

JoystiqRare Skylanders sell for more than $1,000 at auction originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3skylanders-spyros-adventuresquare-enixtoys-for-bobxboxSun, 19 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST