Joystiq PS3 http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq PS3 http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2014 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Exiting Irrational team shares its 'proudest' BioShock Infinite moments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/11/exiting-irrational-team-shares-its-proudest-bioshock-infinite/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/11/exiting-irrational-team-shares-its-proudest-bioshock-infinite/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/11/exiting-irrational-team-shares-its-proudest-bioshock-infinite/#comments
Irrational Games, as we knew it, is closing its doors. As its final goodbye, the dev has released a short video featuring former employees discussing its "proudest moments" working on the studio's final project, BioShock Infinite, and the game's final DLC chapter.
[Image: Irrational Games]

JoystiqExiting Irrational team shares its 'proudest' BioShock Infinite moments originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Mar 2014 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-Two-InteractivexboxTue, 11 Mar 2014 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls 2 launch trailer: Tull and death do a part]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/dark-souls-2-launch-trailer-tull-and-death-do-a-part/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/dark-souls-2-launch-trailer-tull-and-death-do-a-part/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/dark-souls-2-launch-trailer-tull-and-death-do-a-part/#comments
The use of Jethro Tull's "Locomotive Breath" in this Dark Souls 2 launch trailer is either calculated cleverness, or a case of someone in mishearing it as "Locomotive Death." By Death Throe Tull? Sounds perfect, use that one.

JoystiqDark Souls 2 launch trailer: Tull and death do a part originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2014 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-souls-2death-throe-tulljethro-tullmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxMon, 10 Mar 2014 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Home getting trophies in update this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/playstation-home-getting-trophies-in-update-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/playstation-home-getting-trophies-in-update-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/playstation-home-getting-trophies-in-update-this-week/#comments Time to chuck out the PlayStation 4 and drop the Xbox One like a titan - PlayStation Home is getting trophies! The PS3-only social app will soon be updated to support PlayStation's brand of achievements, PlayStation Europe Community Manager Chris Owen said on Twitter.

Trophies for the hamster-loving, secret identity-laden platform will arrive in the 1.86 update, set to launch worldwide on March 12. Details on the retroactive trophies will be revealed on launch day. Despite continued updates to Sony's social hub world in North America and Europe, Owen says there's no news of PlayStation Home moving to new platforms like PS4.

PlayStation Home is a free virtual 3D social gaming platform that first launched in 2008. It features mini-games, microtransactions and ad space. It's a little like the MMO Second Life, but with fewer flying phalluses.
[Image: Sony Computer Entertainment]

JoystiqPlayStation Home getting trophies in update this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2014 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationPlayStation-HomePS-Homeps3Mon, 10 Mar 2014 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PS Plus weekly: Lone Survivor Director's Cut scares you for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/ps-plus-weekly-lone-survivor-directors-cut-scares-you-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/ps-plus-weekly-lone-survivor-directors-cut-scares-you-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/ps-plus-weekly-lone-survivor-directors-cut-scares-you-for-free/#comments Lone Survivor: The Director's Cut is this week's free game for PlayStation Plus members. It's the gift of intense survival-horror and psychological thriller madness that keeps on giving, mostly when you're lying alone in bed, in the dark, and you spy one shadow just a tad darker than all of the others.

Lone Survivor has players attempt to escape a city overrun with a terrible disease, and they must make choices that shape the game - play it without resorting to violence or shoot everything you see, take drugs or stay sober, travel alone or collect potential allies along the way, watch your sanity or go mad.

Did that shadow just move?

The Spring Fever sale is still on, and Plus members get extra discounts. Towerfall: Ascension and Vessel launch with sales tomorrow, $12 and $8, respectively. Segments of the Call of Duty franchise are also on sale this week, along with Ethan: Meteor Hunter.
[Image: Jasper Byrne]

JoystiqPS Plus weekly: Lone Survivor Director's Cut scares you for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jasper-byrnelone-survivorplaystationplaystation-vitaps-plusps3vitaMon, 10 Mar 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle coming to North American PS3s on April 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/jojos-bizarre-adventure-all-star-battle-coming-to-north-americ/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/jojos-bizarre-adventure-all-star-battle-coming-to-north-americ/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/jojos-bizarre-adventure-all-star-battle-coming-to-north-americ/#comments CyberConnect2's PlayStation 3 fighting game JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle will unleash its stylish brand of manga-based fisticuffs at the end of April, publisher Bandai Namco revealed.

Bundling all software updates released since the game's initial launch in Japan last year, the North American version of All Star Battle also features an exclusive Arcade mode. In addition to a digital release via the PlayStation Network, a disc version will be available in limited quantities on Amazon and at the Club Namco online store.

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle will hit store shelves in North America on April 29. A European release is set for April 25.

[Image: Bandai Namco]

Continue reading JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle coming to North American PS3s on April 29

JoystiqJoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle coming to North American PS3s on April 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcocyberconnect2jojos-bizarre-adventure-all-star-battleplaystationps3release-dateMon, 10 Mar 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rentable Battlefield 4 servers on the way for consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/rentable-battlefield-4-servers-on-the-way-for-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/rentable-battlefield-4-servers-on-the-way-for-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/rentable-battlefield-4-servers-on-the-way-for-consoles/#comments Committed Battlefield 4 players will soon be able to rent their own dedicated servers to power online multiplayer matches on consoles, Electronic Arts announced.

"Indeed, it is coming," Battlelog manager "EA_Stiv" confirmed in response to a user question regarding rented servers on the PlayStation 4. "I'm afraid we don't have any information on this quite yet, but it is coming soon! Keep your eyes peeled on the Control Room and Battlefield blog, as those are most likely where you'll see it announced first."

Electronic Arts previously hosted a server-rental service for Battlefield 3, leading to public server shortages as rentals exceeded anticipated demand. An implementation date for Battlefield 4's server rental service has not been announced.

[Image: Electronic Arts]

JoystiqRentable Battlefield 4 servers on the way for consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-4ea-diceelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4serverserver-rentalsxboxxbox-oneMon, 10 Mar 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Optional multiplayer prevents games from being overrun by Watch Dogs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/optional-multiplayer-prevents-games-from-being-overrun-by-watch/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/optional-multiplayer-prevents-games-from-being-overrun-by-watch/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/optional-multiplayer-prevents-games-from-being-overrun-by-watch/#comments A stealthy technological tug-of-war sounds nice and all but how are you supposed to get anything done in Watch Dogs when your friends are constantly dropping by to jack your bank account? Don't worry: The multiplayer action can be turned off any time.

"All the online activities are just part of the menu," said Danny Belanger, Watch Dogs' game designer, during a Friday event on Twitch, as reported by Polygon. "They're a choice. But if someone is not into that... they can totally turn it off."

Ubisoft takes a distinctly Dark Souls-style approach to multiplayer in Watch Dogs. While you're playing as Aiden Pearce, doling out vigilante justice on the streets of Chicago, another player can sneak into the game. It's your job to hunt the intruder down in the anonymous masses and hack their phone before they do they same to you.

Watch Dogs is already layered with distractions. During a recent preview event, Joystiq found that the sheer number of side missions and mini-games in the anticipated PlayStation 4 and Xbox One title obscured the drama in the main storyline. Maintaing that "vigilante obsessed with atonement" atmosphere is hard when you're always pausing to collect golden coins. If real people were constantly dropping into your game it would be even harder, so it's smart of Ubisoft to make these multiplayer components optional for players of varying tastes.
[Images: Ubisoft]

JoystiqOptional multiplayer prevents games from being overrun by Watch Dogs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2014 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3ps4watch-dogswii-uxboxxbox-oneMon, 10 Mar 2014 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK Charts: South Park - The Stick of Truth is top in class]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/uk-charts-south-park-the-stick-of-truth-is-top-in-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/uk-charts-south-park-the-stick-of-truth-is-top-in-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/uk-charts-south-park-the-stick-of-truth-is-top-in-class/#comments South Park: The Stick of Truth may be censored on UK consoles, but that isn't going to stop Brits from respecting its authoritah. The long-delayed RPG ousts Thief to debut in the top spot this week, and that's Obsidian's first UK No.1 since Fallout: New Vegas in 2010. Alright, the developer only released Dungeon Siege 3 in the interim, but it's still a decent achievement.

The only other new release in this week's charts places way lower, and that's Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures in 21st. Also, there's a big second-week plummet for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, which is damned from 10th down to 24th. Otherwise, it's all eyes on next week to see which of Dark Souls 2 and Titanfall to see which will keep UK tills the busiest.
[Image: Ubisoft]

Continue reading UK Charts: South Park - The Stick of Truth is top in class

JoystiqUK Charts: South Park - The Stick of Truth is top in class originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftnintendoObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4Ubisoftvitawii-uxboxxbox-oneMon, 10 Mar 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MotoGP 14 announced, first in series to burn rubber on next-gen console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/09/motogp-14-announced-first-in-series-to-burn-rubber-on-next-gen/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/09/motogp-14-announced-first-in-series-to-burn-rubber-on-next-gen/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/09/motogp-14-announced-first-in-series-to-burn-rubber-on-next-gen/#comments

The MotoGP series' tank hasn't hit empty yet - in fact, it's boosting onto the PlayStation 4 in June with MotoGP 14. It will be the first MotoGP game on the new generation of consoles. The game will also appear on the Xbox 360, PS3, PS Vita and PC.

According to a press release, the upcoming game will feature a redesigned engine that will affect graphics and audio, more than 100 riders and 18 tracks. The MotoGP 14 official site claims the game will also have Career, Grand Prix, Time Attack and online multiplayer modes. In Career mode, riders will have virtual fans that update their opinion on your performance in news and social media feeds.

It seems that even in the world of digital motorcycle racing, you cannot escape the judgment of your fellow man.
[Image: Milestone]

Continue reading MotoGP 14 announced, first in series to burn rubber on next-gen console

JoystiqMotoGP 14 announced, first in series to burn rubber on next-gen console originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Mar 2014 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmilestonemotogpmotogp-14pcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4vitaxboxSun, 09 Mar 2014 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lollipop Chainsaw cleaves through one million sales worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/09/lollipop-chainsaw-cleaves-through-one-million-sales-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/09/lollipop-chainsaw-cleaves-through-one-million-sales-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/09/lollipop-chainsaw-cleaves-through-one-million-sales-worldwide/#comments Lollipop Chainsaw, a game where cheerleader Twilight Sparkle Bubbles Timmy Turner Juliet Starling (or all of the above, since they're all voiced by the same person) slices and dices undead hordes with her trusty chainsaw, has surpassed one million sales worldwide. Developer Grasshopper Manufacture announced the news Friday on Twitter.

It's an accomplishment that took more than a year and a half, but developer Suda 51 and his team at Grasshopper Manufacture seem more focused on the positive; they're celebrating with deep discounts on the game's digital version in Japan. Everything's sunshine, lollipops and rainbows here!
[Image: WB Interactive]

JoystiqLollipop Chainsaw cleaves through one million sales worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Mar 2014 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grasshopper-manufacturelollipop-chainsawmicrosoftplaystationps3salessuda-51Warner-Bros-InteractivexboxSun, 09 Mar 2014 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Matt Stone on South Park's censored scenes: 'It's not that big a deal']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/09/matt-stone-on-south-parks-censored-scenes-its-not-that-big-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/09/matt-stone-on-south-parks-censored-scenes-its-not-that-big-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/09/matt-stone-on-south-parks-censored-scenes-its-not-that-big-a/#comments South Park: The Stick of Truth may be censored in some regions of the world, but series co-creator Matt Stone told The Guardian that the censorship - in which offending scenes are replaced by a still image and a text description - isn't "that big a deal," and "doesn't change things that much."

"We weren't willing to change the content, but also it doesn't ruin the game - it's like 40 seconds' worth of the whole game," Stone said. "As long as we could make a joke out of the fact that they made us cut this, that was fine." Stone also noted that the censorship felt like a double standard; compared to television, games have more scrutiny aimed at their content. He believes it's due to their interactive nature.

"There is an interactiveness that makes it different," Stone said. "There are things that make people more uncomfortable in an interactive world, definitely. But that said, what we had in the game, we could have shown that on TV pretty easily, especially now."

Even with the censored scenes removed, The Stick of Truth still features plenty of dark comedy, as noted in our review. And, if you happen to be a Joystiq reader who lives in a region where you don't get to experience the content firsthand, we have a stream of the uncensored version of the game for your viewing (dis)pleasure.
[Image: Ubisoft]

JoystiqMatt Stone on South Park's censored scenes: 'It's not that big a deal' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Mar 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>matt-stonemicrosoftpcplaystationps3south-parksouth-park-the-gamesouth-park-the-stick-of-truthxboxSun, 09 Mar 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ni No Kuni shipments pass 1.1 million, series clears 1.7 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/08/ni-no-kuni-shipments-pass-1-1-million-series-clears-1-7-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/08/ni-no-kuni-shipments-pass-1-1-million-series-clears-1-7-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/08/ni-no-kuni-shipments-pass-1-1-million-series-clears-1-7-million/#comments
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, Level-5's monster-training RPG, has surpassed 1.1 million shipped copies to retailers. Combined with the original version for the DS that was never released in North America, that puts the series at 1.7 million shipped copies. Sounds like protagonist Oliver has found plenty of help in his multidimensional quest to save his mother!

Spike's VGX 2013 Awards acknowledged Ni No Kuni as its best RPG of last year, beating out Fire Emblem: Awakening and Pokemon X/Y. Sadly, VGX 2013 did not include a "Best Attempt To Derail An Awards Show" category, which Joel McHale surely would have won.
[Image: Level-5]

Continue reading Ni No Kuni shipments pass 1.1 million, series clears 1.7 million

JoystiqNi No Kuni shipments pass 1.1 million, series clears 1.7 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Mar 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>level-5ni-no-kunini-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witchplaystationps3salesSat, 08 Mar 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA['The fastest car ever built' burns rubber in Need for Speed: Rivals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/08/the-fastest-car-ever-built-burns-rubber-in-need-for-speed-riv/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/08/the-fastest-car-ever-built-burns-rubber-in-need-for-speed-riv/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/08/the-fastest-car-ever-built-burns-rubber-in-need-for-speed-riv/#comments

The Koenigsegg Agera One:1 is a car as fast as its name is difficult to pronounce. Thankfully, you'll have better things - like evading the cops or catching racer punks - to worry about should you choose to give it a spin in Need for Speed: Rivals. The car is now available to download for free, and comes in both racer and police variants.

According to the Need for Speed blog, the real-life Agera, "possibly the fastest car ever built," packs 1340 BHP (or brake horsepower, which is to say horsepower that doesn't factor in an engine's natural loss in power) and weighs 1340 kilograms. That's one BHP per kilogram, a 1:1 ratio! Oh. Ohhhhhhhh. Hold up. Nevermind. We just got it.
[Image: EA]

Joystiq'The fastest car ever built' burns rubber in Need for Speed: Rivals originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Mar 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaghost-gamesmicrosoftneed-for-speed-rivalspcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneSat, 08 Mar 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mugen Souls Z launching May 20; limited edition detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/mugen-souls-z-launching-may-20-limited-edition-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/mugen-souls-z-launching-may-20-limited-edition-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/mugen-souls-z-launching-may-20-limited-edition-detailed/#comments Mugen Souls Z, the Compile Heart-developed Japanese RPG for PlayStation 3, will arrive in North America on May 20 and in Europe on May 23, publisher NIS America confirmed to Gematsu.

A limited edition of the game is currently available for pre-order on the NIS America online store. The $70 bundle includes the PS3 game in a special edition collector's box, along with a hardcover art book, large 16"x26" poster, and Zodiac keychain.

Much like the release of the original Mugen Souls, publisher NIS America opted to remove a select amount of content for the Western release of Mugen Souls Z. At the time the cut material was confirmed, NIS America noted it was due to "the sensitive nature of some content." According to a forum post regarding the Western release's edits, the snipped stuff includes a bathing mini-game.

Whether or not you can battle evil as Omega Tom Hanks in this version is still unclear, but ... actually, we're thinking of a different game.
[Image: NIS America]

JoystiqMugen Souls Z launching May 20; limited edition detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Compile-HeartJRPGmugen-souls-zNIS-Americaplaystationps3Release-DateFri, 07 Mar 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: RBI Baseball 14 takes the current-gen mound on April 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/report-rbi-baseball-14-takes-the-current-gen-mound-on-april-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/report-rbi-baseball-14-takes-the-current-gen-mound-on-april-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/report-rbi-baseball-14-takes-the-current-gen-mound-on-april-10/#comments RBI Baseball 14 will reportedly launch on April 10, according to a tweet from ESPN Sports Business Reporter Darren Rovell. Rovell noted that the launch date applies to the game's Xbox 360, PS3, iOS and Android versions, though there's no word on the Xbox One and PS4 versions as of yet.

The resurgence of the RBI Baseball series was first announced in January, and is in development by MLB Advanced Media, the baseball league's in-house interactive entertainment division that handles mobile games and broadcast tools like MLB.TV. We've reached out to MLBAM to confirm the game's release date and will update as we learn more.
[Image: MLBAM]

JoystiqReport: RBI Baseball 14 takes the current-gen mound on April 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2014 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbaseballdarren-rovelliosipadiphonemajor-league-baseballmicrosoftMLBmlbammobileplaystationps3RBIrbi-baseballrbi-baseball-14release-datereportxboxFri, 07 Mar 2014 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Magus review: Best worst game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/magus-review-best-worst-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/magus-review-best-worst-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/magus-review-best-worst-game/#comments Magus is the worst game I've played this year, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it.

Bad games typically fall into one of two categories. Many are bad because they're mechanically awkward or otherwise deeply flawed in terms of controls, making them frustrating to play. The second category is much rarer. These games are poorly conceived but otherwise inoffensive with regard to gameplay, often rendering them inept in an endearing sort of way.

Magus, exclusive to PS3, neatly falls into the latter category, offering up tons of unintentional laughs at the expense of its boneheaded writing and simplistic gameplay. It's a rare gem of a game that manages to be immensely entertaining despite having no obvious redeeming qualities whatsoever.

Continue reading Magus review: Best worst game

JoystiqMagus review: Best worst game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysaksys-gamesmagusplaystationps3Fri, 07 Mar 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alucard returns in Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 DLC this month [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/alucard-returns-in-castlevania-lords-of-shadow-2-dlc-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/alucard-returns-in-castlevania-lords-of-shadow-2-dlc-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/alucard-returns-in-castlevania-lords-of-shadow-2-dlc-this-month/#comments Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 will receive a "Revelations" DLC pack on March 25 for Xbox 360 and PS3, Konami announced. The add-on content has players controlling series fan-favorite Alucard, learning more about his relationship with Dracula (aside from the whole name reversal thing). The DLC is set before the events in Lords of Shadow 2.

In the add-on, players can use Alucard's "Glaciem" and "Igneas" powers and can morph into a wolf, a bunch of bats and can turn back time. Being the vampire he is, Alucard's thirst for the blood of his enemies also seemingly lends a boost in his powers. No price was given for the DLC and Konami did not list PC among the platforms the DLC will arrive on this month; we've reached out to the publisher to find out when the PC version will arrive.

Update: Konami has informed Joystiq that the PC version of the game will receive the Revelations DLC on March 25 as well.
[Image: Konami]

Continue reading Alucard returns in Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 DLC this month [Update]

JoystiqAlucard returns in Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 DLC this month [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2014 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onAlucardcastlevania-lords-of-shadow-2castlevania-lords-of-shadow-2-revelationsDLCdraculaKonamimercury-steamMercurySteammicrosoftplaystationps3release-daterevelationsscreenshotsvampiresxboxFri, 07 Mar 2014 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Conan cooks The Rock in WWE 2K14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/conan-cooks-the-rock-in-wwe-2k14/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/conan-cooks-the-rock-in-wwe-2k14/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/conan-cooks-the-rock-in-wwe-2k14/#comments

Well, if Conan O'Brien can't make enough money off game reviews, it would appear he has a career in professional wrestling. O'Brien recently played WWE 2K14 as part of his Clueless Gamer bit and served up The Rock.

Continue reading Conan cooks The Rock in WWE 2K14

JoystiqConan cooks The Rock in WWE 2K14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clueless-gamerconan-o-brienconan-obrienmicrosoftplaystationps3wwe-14wwe-2k14xboxFri, 07 Mar 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider stretches to 6 million sold, one year later]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/tomb-raider-stretches-to-6-million-sold-one-year-later/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/tomb-raider-stretches-to-6-million-sold-one-year-later/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/tomb-raider-stretches-to-6-million-sold-one-year-later/#comments Has any franchise reboot endured more scrutiny and debate over its degrees of success (or is it failure?) than 2013's Tomb Raider? Perhaps it's apt fallout from Lara Croft's rugged origin story, in which she proves herself against wolves, wild cultists and supernatural weather.

Tomb Raider's commercial splash has gone from "'biggest opening" to "weak," back to "profitable" and onward to exceeding "profit expectations," according to a fan-facing note from Square Enix's head of studios, Darrell Gallagher. Looking back at the year since Tomb Raider first launched, Gallagher plays the referee and makes the call fans have been waiting for: "By the end of this month we will surpass 6 million units for our Tomb Raider reboot, and, having achieved profitability back in 2013 Tomb Raider has exceeded profit expectations and continues to make significant contributions to our overall financial performance."

Publisher Square Enix was never going to get an instant Call of Duty caliber hit out of the story-driven Tomb Raider, but this affirmed success becomes important when we see doom hanging over major AAA studios, investing years into a game that hits - but doesn't hit quite hard enough. For now, Lara Croft appears to be a viable business again, even if she's not yet swimming in it. And let's get some actual swimming in the next one, please?

JoystiqTomb Raider stretches to 6 million sold, one year later originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2014 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-dynamicsdarrell-gallaghermicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4square-enixtomb-raidertomb-raider-2011tomb-raider-2012tomb-raider-2013xboxxbox-oneThu, 06 Mar 2014 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DICE explains Battlefield 4 'Carrier Assault' mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/dice-explains-battlefield-4-carrier-assault-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/dice-explains-battlefield-4-carrier-assault-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/dice-explains-battlefield-4-carrier-assault-mode/#comments Haven't played Battlefield 2142? If that's the case, the upcoming 'Carrier Assault' mode in the Naval Strike DLC for Battlefield 4 will feel like a fresh experience. Inspired by 2142's 'Titan' mode, Carrier Assault challenges opposing sides to sink their enemy's aircraft carrier. In a new post on the official Battlefield blog, lead gameplay designer Gustav Halling explains how the revamped mode works:

"There are two ways of destroying the enemy carrier: either by full map control or assaulting the carrier as infantry. Each round is divided into 2 stages, starting with map control and ending with carrier attack. Both teams start on their own carrier and race to control the missile launchers placed on the map, by capturing the control points near them. This will automatically launch missiles towards the enemy carrier throughout the round, eventually destroying its hull and making it open for infantry attacks," he writes. Once access to the carrier is established, players can either drive a boat to the carrier to board it, or parachute down from spawn points above to destroy a series of M-COM stations within the hull. Alternatively, they can sit back and allow for the missile silos to reduce the carrier's health to zero.

Halling says the inspired mode maintains the importance of map control, so a team that can't seem to break through to an enemy carrier can still succeed by defending their carrier and controlling the missile silo.

Battlefield 4's 'Naval Strike' expansion will launch (as missiles are wont to do) later this month, first for Premium members and then for all.
[Image: EA/DICE]

JoystiqDICE explains Battlefield 4 'Carrier Assault' mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2014 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-4Battlefield-4-Naval-StrikeDICEDLCEAElectronic-ArtsmicrosoftNaval-Strikepcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneThu, 06 Mar 2014 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain your country in 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/captain-your-country-in-2014-fifa-world-cup-brazil/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/captain-your-country-in-2014-fifa-world-cup-brazil/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/captain-your-country-in-2014-fifa-world-cup-brazil/#comments EA's quadrennial FIFA World Cup sub-series comes around as often as the global sporting event does, but this year's version will still include some familiar modes. EA Sports announced six core modes for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil this week, each celebrating the cherished soccer event in different ways.

First up is the game's Road to the FIFA World Cup mode, which allows players to take one of the 203 international teams through the World Cup competition starting in the qualifying rounds. That's separate from the game's "authentic" 2014 FIFA World Cup mode, which begins with the teams that qualified for the group stages and can be played online or locally.

The game also includes the Road to Rio de Janeiro mode, which has players competing online at each of the 12 Brazilian World Cup venues, similar to FIFA 14's Online Seasons mode. 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil also includes two historic modes: Story of Finals follows this summer's competition and issues challenges based on the results of each real-life match while Story of Qualifying features over 60 matches from the two-and-a-half year qualifying cycle for the upcoming World Cup event. The latter mode also features challenges specific to the outcomes of those historic games as well, such as scoring two goals as a 10-man France team against Spain in 11 minutes to qualify for the event.

Lastly, players will be able to guide an individual athlete, either real or created, through the World Cup process in Captain Your Country mode. While a similar mode from 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa allowed players to use their created footballers from FIFA 10 in the mode, it's unclear if 2014 FIFA World Cup maintains the same compatibility with FIFA 14. The game will also feature standard online and local friendly matches in addition to 50 new skill games. 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil launches April 15 in North America and April 17 in Europe on Xbox 360 and PS3.
[Image: EA Sports]

JoystiqCaptain your country in 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2014 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014-fifa-world-cup-brazilbrazilEAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-Artsfifamicrosoftplaystationps3soccerworld-cupxboxThu, 06 Mar 2014 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Streams: Have ourselves a time with South Park: The Stick of Truth [UPDATE: Relive the stream!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/joystiq-streams-have-ourselves-a-time-with-south-park-the-stic/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/joystiq-streams-have-ourselves-a-time-with-south-park-the-stic/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/joystiq-streams-have-ourselves-a-time-with-south-park-the-stic/#comments
South Park: The Stick of Truth could so easily have ended up as a sad casualty of the gaming business. Even from the outset, the odds were stacked against it. Obsidian is a talented developer but its games, particularly Alpha Protocol and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, have been plagued by bugs. Then came the dissolution of original publisher THQ, then the Ubisoft acquisition of Stick of Truth, and its subsequent delay into 2014. That the game came out at all is miraculous. That it happens to be very good and very funny is just icing on the cake.

Sam Prell (@SamPrell), who wrote our review of South Park: The Stick of Truth, will be taking Joystiq Streams on a guided tour of the colorful Colorado-based RPG at 4PM EST on the Joystiq Twitch channel. Anthony John Agnello (@ajohnagnello) will be hanging in the chat feeding your questions directly to Sam. We heartily encourage you to come on down to Joystiq Streams.

Joystiq Streams broadcasts live every Tuesday and Thursday at 4PM EST on Twitch.
[Images: Ubisoft]

JoystiqJoystiq Streams: Have ourselves a time with South Park: The Stick of Truth [UPDATE: Relive the stream!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2014 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiq-streamsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3south-park-the-gamesouth-park-the-stick-of-truthUbisoftxboxThu, 06 Mar 2014 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Dogs hacks into PS3, PS4 bundles, at least in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/watch-dogs-hacks-into-ps3-ps4-bundles-at-least-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/watch-dogs-hacks-into-ps3-ps4-bundles-at-least-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/watch-dogs-hacks-into-ps3-ps4-bundles-at-least-in-europe/#comments When Ubisoft's technofetishistic action game Watch Dogs debuts on May 27 it will be available in the usual standalone varieties, but those without a console to play it on will also be able to pick up the game as part of a PlayStation 3 or PlayStation 4 bundle.

The European PlayStation.blog announced the existence of these bundles earlier today. It fails to clarify exactly what will be included in these packages, though the entry does highlight the addition of "60 minutes of exclusive gameplay" to those versions of Watch Dogs appearing on Sony's consoles.

Also missing from the report is any word on how much these bundles will cost and whether they're exclusive to European territories or will be released in other parts of the world. So far there's no mention of Watch Dog bundles on the American PlayStation.blog, and our attempts to reach Sony for clarification have been fruitless. We'll update this story when and if we find further information.
[Image: Sony]

JoystiqWatch Dogs hacks into PS3, PS4 bundles, at least in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleeuropeps3ps4sonyubisoftwatch-dogsThu, 06 Mar 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition's forests, seas, palaces and trolls in one video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/dragon-age-inquisitions-forests-seas-palaces-and-trolls-in-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/dragon-age-inquisitions-forests-seas-palaces-and-trolls-in-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/dragon-age-inquisitions-forests-seas-palaces-and-trolls-in-o/#comments

Dragon Age: Inquisition's environments span from brilliant ballrooms, to dark forests, crashing seas and otherworldly mountaintops, inhabited by people, animals, trolls and, of course, dragons. The latest video shows off Inquisition's settings, which include emergent ecosystems that change depending on what you do in the area.

"You'll see towns attacked by bandits, deer fleeing from wolves, giants feeding on bears, and countless other scenarios," Producer Cameron Lee writes.

Dragon Age: Inquisition is due out in fall 2014 for Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One, PS4 and PC. It was delayed in July and previously scheduled to launch at the end of 2013. The delay allowed the game to have multiple playable races. Also, Morrigan returns in Inquisition with a significant role, though not a playable one.
[Image: BioWare]

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition's forests, seas, palaces and trolls in one video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaredragon-age-3dragon-age-inquisitionmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneThu, 06 Mar 2014 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Dogs preview: Distractions in dystopia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/watch-dogs-preview-distractions-in-dystopia/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/watch-dogs-preview-distractions-in-dystopia/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/watch-dogs-preview-distractions-in-dystopia/#comments Aiden Pearce is a complicated guy. Tormented by his past and his actions as a skilled hacker, the Watch Dogs protagonist has lost family and his identity to a world that hides its secrets behind firewalls. But he does this by using the systems he questions as his own destructive weapon, given the opportunity to wreak havoc on the lives of people in ways the establishment perhaps never would. He can steal people's money or use their secrets against them for information or access, all under the guise of combatting a security system that threatens the world's privacy.

Though the security state setting of Watch Dogs is dystopian, it does not venture into the dour imagery found in the pages of a Phillip K. Dick story. Its world is contemporary, taking place in an alt-history Chicago that looks similar to its real world counterpart and holds the title of America's first "Smart City, "one controlled by a powerful monitoring system infrastructure.

For players this offers a gateway of access, transforming simple button presses into a world of possibilities and making infiltration and information-gathering the most important element in Ubisoft's newest open world.

Continue reading Watch Dogs preview: Distractions in dystopia

JoystiqWatch Dogs preview: Distractions in dystopia originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3ps4watch-dogswii-uxboxxbox-oneThu, 06 Mar 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Dogs sets May 27 release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/watch-dogs-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/watch-dogs-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/watch-dogs-release-date/#comments
After a delay that pulled its newest open world title from the roster of two console launches, Ubisoft has set a new release date for Watch Dogs: May 27, 2014. The new release date targets versions in development on PC, Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360 and PS3.

During a financial call in February, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot announced that the Wii U release of Watch Dogs would see its own separate delay, pushing the version's release beyond other platforms in order to "focus the team's resources where they could have the broadest possible benefit for both our customers and Ubisoft." No firm date for the Wii U version has been established.

Speaking with Joystiq, Watch Dogs Senior Producer Dominic Guay could only say the Wii U version would arrive "a few months" after the game's release on counterpart platforms.
[Image: Ubisoft]

JoystiqWatch Dogs sets May 27 release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2014 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3ps4Release-DateUbisoftUbisoft-Montrealwatch-dogsxboxxbox-oneThu, 06 Mar 2014 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[XSEED is bringing Akiba's Trip 2 to North America this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/xseed-is-bringing-akibas-trip-2-to-north-america-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/xseed-is-bringing-akibas-trip-2-to-north-america-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/xseed-is-bringing-akibas-trip-2-to-north-america-this-summer/#comments
Following Senran Kagura Burst, XSEED is localizing more clothes-ripping action for North America in PS3 and Vita game Akiba's Trip 2. The action-RPG is titled stateside as Akiba's Trip: Undead & Undressed, and it's due on retail shelves sometime this summer.

It's an interesting localization given XSEED's reluctance to bring the first game (released on PSP) stateside, but as the publisher points out, the sequel features a standalone story. It's set in Tokyo's electronics hub of Akihabara, where vampire-like Synthister creatures are feasting on the otakus. If you feel like stopping that from happening, you can destroy the Synthisters by beating them up and, yup, removing their outerwear - no they don't die from embarrassment, but from being exposed to the sun.

For the record, a NSFW trailer of the Japanese version shows male and female Synthisters prowling the streets of Akiba, so no vampires are safe from a strip. The North American version is confirmed to feature Japanese audio, but XSEED says it's looking into dual audio.

Continue reading XSEED is bringing Akiba's Trip 2 to North America this summer

JoystiqXSEED is bringing Akiba's Trip 2 to North America this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2014 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquireakibas-trip-2akibas-trip-undead-and-undressednorth-americaplaystationplaystation-vitaps3release-datevitaxseedThu, 06 Mar 2014 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sniper Elite 3 primed for some sharpshooting in the summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/sniper-elite-3-primed-for-some-sharpshooting-in-the-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/sniper-elite-3-primed-for-some-sharpshooting-in-the-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/06/sniper-elite-3-primed-for-some-sharpshooting-in-the-summer/#comments Sniper Elite 3 is coming to North America in a few months' time, starting June 27 on PC, and July 1 on PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PS3. Rebellion's summer of sniping kicks off outside of North America on June 27, and that date is for all platforms.

The game's summer release aligns with the baking hot sands of its North African setting, where OSS Agent Karl Fairburne is searching for secret German tech that could help the Allies win World War 2. Sniper Elite 3 is Rebellion's first game for the new consoles, so that means it's aiming to include plenty of technical improvements, including even more bone-shattering gruesomeness in the X-ray Kill Cam.

If you're interested in a pre-order, you may be swayed by a bonus mission that speculates on the death of one Adolf Hitler. Fairburne is sent to investigate the Libyan town of Tobruk with orders to take down the Fuhrer - but is it Hitler, or just a double? That's the question posed by the pre-order "Hunt the Grey Wolf" content, but whatever happens, we'd prefer not to have the murder of Charlie Chaplin on our conscience.

Continue reading Sniper Elite 3 primed for some sharpshooting in the summer

JoystiqSniper Elite 3 primed for some sharpshooting in the summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2014 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gameseuropemicrosoftnorth-americapcplaystationps3ps4rebellionrelease-datesniper-elite-3steamxboxxbox-oneThu, 06 Mar 2014 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Ghosts update brings Free Fall to the masses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/call-of-duty-ghosts-update-brings-free-fall-to-the-masses/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/call-of-duty-ghosts-update-brings-free-fall-to-the-masses/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/call-of-duty-ghosts-update-brings-free-fall-to-the-masses/#comments Activision has released updates for every version of Call of Duty: Ghosts, and alongside reams of bug fixes, the big news here is the public debut of Free Fall.

As we reported in October, Free Fall is a multiplayer map that drops soldiers into a skyscraper on the verge of collapse. If you didn't already guess from the map's name, chunks of the level periodically fall away, exposing new routes through Free Fall and killing anyone too close to the destruction. Free Fall was originally available exclusively to those who pre-ordered Call of Duty: Ghosts, but this new update makes the map available to everyone, regardless of platform.

Wii U owners looking for more information on the update earmarked specifically for their version of Call of Duty: Ghosts can find a detailed list on the game's forums, while this similar entry outlines the changes found in all other versions of the military shooter.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqCall of Duty: Ghosts update brings Free Fall to the masses originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2014 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-ghostsdlcmicrosoftnintendopatchpcplaystationpre-orderps3ps4updatewii-uxboxxbox-oneWed, 05 Mar 2014 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft details European exclusive Child of Light Deluxe Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/ubisoft-details-european-exclusive-child-of-light-deluxe-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/ubisoft-details-european-exclusive-child-of-light-deluxe-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/ubisoft-details-european-exclusive-child-of-light-deluxe-edition/#comments

When Child of Light, a game that Ubisoft boldly describes as a "poetic turn-based RPG," debuts on April 30 it will be available in two flavors: a digital standard edition and, for those in select regions, the newly-revealed, retail Deluxe Edition.

Included in the Deluxe Edition of Child of Light is a poster designed by former Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano, a 24-page art book featuring imagery from the development of Child of Light and a key ring modelled after Igniculus, the game's adorable support character. On the digital side of things, the Deluxe Edition also offers players a new in-game character, an additional quest and "a pack of collectibles."

Unfortunately, this attractive promotion includes a number of caveats. First, not all incarnations of Child of Light will receive the Deluxe Edition treatment. Though the digital version of the game will appear on the PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox 360 and Xbox One, the Deluxe Edition is only available in PC, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 incarnations. Further, the Deluxe Edition will not be released globally, and instead will be available exclusively in European territories.

If you're located elsewhere, don't feel too bad. Alongside this announcement, Ubisoft also included the cooperative gameplay trailer you see above as consolation.
[Image: Ubisoft]

Continue reading Ubisoft details European exclusive Child of Light Deluxe Edition

JoystiqUbisoft details European exclusive Child of Light Deluxe Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>child-of-lightdeluxe-editionmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3ps4ubisoftwii-uxboxxbox-oneyoshitaka-amanoWed, 05 Mar 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Europe: Tomb Raider, Brothers, PixelJunk Monsters free for Plus members]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/psn-europe-tomb-raider-brothers-pixeljunk-monsters-free-for-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/psn-europe-tomb-raider-brothers-pixeljunk-monsters-free-for-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/psn-europe-tomb-raider-brothers-pixeljunk-monsters-free-for-p/#comments
PlayStation Plus subscribers in Europe can access a smorgasbord of free content starting this week, including downloadable copies of Tomb Raider, PixelJunk Monsters Ultimate HD, and Dead Nation: Apocalypse Edition.

PlayStation 3 owners with an active Plus subscription receive Tomb Raider and Starbreeze's Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons for free this week. Brain-training puzzler Smart As... and tower defense game PixelJunk Monsters Ultimate HD arrive as free PlayStation Plus offerings on the PS Vita, while the upgraded PlayStation 4 version of Housemarque's co-op zombie shooter Dead Nation is also available as a free download in its debut week.

Other PSN games premiering in Europe this week include Gust's Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky, Wales Interactive's Master Reboot, and Obsidian's South Park: The Stick of Truth.

[Image: Sony]

JoystiqPSN Europe: Tomb Raider, Brothers, PixelJunk Monsters free for Plus members originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brothers-a-tale-of-two-sonsdead-nation-apocalypse-editionpixeljunk-monsters-ultimate-hdplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4smart-astomb-raider-2011tomb-raider-2012tomb-raider-2013vitaWed, 05 Mar 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[South Park delayed in Germany, Austria over use of swastikas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/south-park-delayed-in-germany-austria-over-use-of-swastikas/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/south-park-delayed-in-germany-austria-over-use-of-swastikas/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/south-park-delayed-in-germany-austria-over-use-of-swastikas/#comments South Park: The Stick of Truth was supposed to launch in Germany and Austria this week, but it's been delayed because it contains an "unconstitutional symbol." Two guesses what that symbol might be. Hint: It's a swastika.

The swastika is widely known as a Nazi emblem (regardless of its origin), and is delineated in German law as the symbol of an unconstitutional organization. Public use of a swastika carries a penalty of up to three years in prison plus a fine. Ubisoft created censored versions of The Stick of Truth for the EMEA regions and Australia, and it was working on a special version for German markets.

Something must have gone wrong, as The Stick of Truth's German Steam page today carries the following message:

"We're sorry to inform you that we are unable to deliver your pre-ordered version of South Park: The Stick of Truth on March 6th as initially planned. The German and Austrian version of South Park: The Stick of Truth contains an unconstitutional symbol which means that we are unfortunately not able to release the game on the German and Austrian market at this time. This concerns all versions / platforms of the game. There is no need to amend or cancel your pre-order. A new release date of South Park: The Stick of Truth for the German and Austrian market will be announced shortly, and we will ensure that your order is delivered to coincide with this new date."

There's only one rule, and it looks like Ubisoft broke it: Don't mention the war.
[Image: Ubisoft]

JoystiqSouth Park delayed in Germany, Austria over use of swastikas originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2014 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustriaDelaygermanymicrosoftnazipcplaystationps3south-park-the-gamesouth-park-the-stick-of-truthswastikaUbisoftxboxWed, 05 Mar 2014 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marie Rose joins Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate's roster on March 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/marie-rose-joins-dead-or-alive-5-ultimates-roster-on-march-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/marie-rose-joins-dead-or-alive-5-ultimates-roster-on-march-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/marie-rose-joins-dead-or-alive-5-ultimates-roster-on-march-25/#comments
Tecmo Koei announced that a new character will join Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate's playable lineup later this month on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Marie Rose, previously seen in the Japan-exclusive Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate Arcade, will be released as add-on DLC for the console version of Ultimate. At just under five feet in height, Marie is the shortest fighter in the game, giving her an edge over beefier opponents like Bass and Bayman. A new patch for Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate will accompany Marie Rose's debut, adding the free Lorelei Stage as a playable arena.

The Marie Rose character pack will be available for $5.99 when it hits the PlayStation Network on March 25 and Xbox Live on March 26. Additional costumes are priced at $1.99 each.

[Image: Tecmo Koei]

Continue reading Marie Rose joins Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate's roster on March 25

JoystiqMarie Rose joins Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate's roster on March 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-oncharacterdead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-ultimatedlcmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxWed, 05 Mar 2014 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pier Solar HD trailer lights up PS4 and Xbox One with Genesis style]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/pier-solar-hd-trailer-lights-up-ps4-and-xbox-one-with-genesis-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/pier-solar-hd-trailer-lights-up-ps4-and-xbox-one-with-genesis-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/pier-solar-hd-trailer-lights-up-ps4-and-xbox-one-with-genesis-st/#comments

WaterMelon's Pier Solar was always noble but limited. Making a modern Sega Genesis RPG, exhaustively crafted as both a game and a physical cartridge to capture the ineffable spirit of gaming in 1993? That's lordly work right there. Problem one: Not many people actually have a Sega Genesis plugged in and ready to rock. Problem two: Even with a Genesis in tow, the game won't look just right on a modern HD television screen.

Hence why Pier Solar HD, the remastered version of the game WaterMelon funded through Kickstarter back in 2012, is a such a welcome addition to the Spring 2014 release schedule. Most every platform under the sun will play Pier Solar HD when it releases during the second quarter. Based on this new trailer showing off the game's shiny redrawn sprites and backgrounds, it should be a treat for the retro obsessed. WaterMelon is aiming for an April release on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Wii U, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Ouya, Android, PC, Mac, and Linux. Just to honor the game's Sega roots, there will also be a Sega Dreamcast edition of the game. For those hankering for more portable options, WaterMelon president Tulio Gonclaves hinted that a Nintendo 3DS version may be in the cards as well.
[Images: WaterMelon]

JoystiqPier Solar HD trailer lights up PS4 and Xbox One with Genesis style originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidmacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcpier-solar-hdplaystationps3ps4wii-uxboxxbox-oneWed, 05 Mar 2014 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zeno Clash studio mixes fighting with platforming in Abyss Odyssey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/zeno-clash-studio-mixes-fighting-with-platforming-in-abyss-odyss/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/zeno-clash-studio-mixes-fighting-with-platforming-in-abyss-odyss/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/zeno-clash-studio-mixes-fighting-with-platforming-in-abyss-odyss/#comments
ACE Team is one again brewing up a concoction of genres in the newly-unveiled Abyss Odyssey, a 2D fantasy action platformer that's centered around a "deep fighting engine." As well as including roguelike elements such as randomly-generated levels, the Zeno Clash and Rock of Ages studio aims to feature enemy fights in Abyss Odyssey akin to the one-on-one encounters of fighting games.

"For enemies, we basically have a roster of fighters," Carlos Bordeu explained in the game's debut trailer. "For instance if you're fighting a skeleton in the game, it's not just a simple enemy that moves forwards, backwards, and maybe just punches and throws bones. It's a complex AI with an equivalent moveset to your own."

Players can also transform their heroes into one of the game's enemies by capturing its soul, letting them take on its appearance and moveset. ACE Team didn't reveal any details on the story in Abyss Odyssey, but it looks to reprise the ancient, mystical nature of the studio's previous work, and the first gameplay footage showcases a female playable hero.

Going by the trailer, we can expect Abyss Odyssey to come to PS3, Xbox 360, and PC via Steam, but there's no news as yet on a release window [Update: Publisher Atlus confirmed the platforms in a press release, along with a 2014 release window]
[Image: Atlus]

Continue reading Zeno Clash studio mixes fighting with platforming in Abyss Odyssey

JoystiqZeno Clash studio mixes fighting with platforming in Abyss Odyssey originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abyss-odysseyace-teamatlusmicrosoftpcplaystationps3steamxboxWed, 05 Mar 2014 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted writer Amy Hennig no longer at Naughty Dog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/uncharted-writer-amy-hennig-no-longer-at-naughty-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/uncharted-writer-amy-hennig-no-longer-at-naughty-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/05/uncharted-writer-amy-hennig-no-longer-at-naughty-dog/#comments Uncharted writer and creative director Amy Hennig parted ways with Naughty Dog this week, and the circumstances surrounding her departure aren't clear. Following an IGN report claiming Hennig left her post on March 3, Sony confirmed with the site that she's no longer employed at the studio.

"We can confirm that Amy Hennig has left Naughty Dog," A Sony representative told IGN. "Amy has made significant contributions to the game industry and we appreciate all she has done for Naughty Dog. The development timeline of Uncharted will not be impacted."

Hennig served as the creative director for Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, and Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, and she also penned the script for the three games. She was understood to be reprising her role for the Uncharted PS4 game.

Neither Hennig nor Naughty Dog have commented, but IGN sources claim the writer, a Naughty Dog veteran of more than ten years, was "forced out" by The Last of Us directors Neil Druckman and Bruce Straley, and the pair may take over the Uncharted series. Hennig worked with Druckman and Straley on the first two Uncharted games, before the two men switched to developing The Last of Us.
[Image: @amy_hennig]

JoystiqUncharted writer Amy Hennig no longer at Naughty Dog originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2014 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amy-hennignaughty-dogplaystationps3ps4sonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-Americauncharteduncharted-2uncharted-2-among-thievesuncharted-3uncharted-3-drakes-deceptionuncharted-4uncharted-ps4Wed, 05 Mar 2014 06:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Awesomenauts, Dead Nation on PS4, South Park on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/psn-tuesday-awesomenauts-dead-nation-on-ps4-south-park-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/psn-tuesday-awesomenauts-dead-nation-on-ps4-south-park-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/psn-tuesday-awesomenauts-dead-nation-on-ps4-south-park-on-ps3/#comments The PSN update this fine Tuesday includes Awesomenauts Assemble and Dead Nation: Apocalypse Edition for PS4, as well as South Park: The Stick of Truth, Master Reboot and NASCAR '14 for PS3. Vita gets Hatsune Miku Project Diva F, and PS3 owners can now enjoy dragons, prohibition-era crime and the ultimate pessimistic detective with the HBO GO app.

We learned about Awesomenauts Assemble late in January, and it includes seven new characters, a new map and "improved" controls, Ronimo Designer Fabian Akker said. It goes for $10 on PS4. For PS3, Master Reboot is a neon-covered, sci-fi horror game dealing with death and computer viruses, and it's $15. South Park is $60, and it speaks for itself.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Awesomenauts, Dead Nation on PS4, South Park on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Mar 2014 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomenautsawesomenauts-assembledead-nation-apocalypse-editionhatsune-miku-project-diva-fmaster-rebootnascar-14playstationplaystation-vitaps3ps4south-park-the-stick-of-truthvitaTue, 04 Mar 2014 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Thief developer Eidos Montreal lays off 27 employees]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/thief-developer-eidos-montreal-lays-off-27-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/thief-developer-eidos-montreal-lays-off-27-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/thief-developer-eidos-montreal-lays-off-27-employees/#comments Thief developer Eidos Montreal laid off 27 employees today, the developer confirmed. The studio just launched its reboot of the the Thief series in late February, and opted to make cuts after turning its attention to future projects.

"Yes it is true we've let 27 people go today, unfortunately it's something that every major studio has to do sometimes in order to ensure you have the right set up for current and future projects," Eidos Montreal said in a statement to IGN. "It's never a nice thing to do but we are genuinely trying to offer as much support as much as we can."

The developer said it is "trying to re-locate as many people as possible into other roles here or at our other studios" in order to soften the blow to its employees. Additionally, it is looking to arrange a career day with other studios on Montreal. "We're very thankful for all their hard work and we sincerely wish them well," the developer added.

Whether initial commercial reception for the developer's latest game has anything to do with its decision to carry on with fewer employees is unclear. We can say that while reviews for Thief varied considerably, we found the game to be worthy of four stars in our review.
[Image: Eidos Montreal]

JoystiqThief developer Eidos Montreal lays off 27 employees originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Mar 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Eidos-Montreallayoffsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4Square-Enixthief-2014thief-4xboxxbox-oneTue, 04 Mar 2014 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Walking Dead Season 2, Episode 2 review: Body count]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/the-walking-dead-season-2-episode-2-review-body-count/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/the-walking-dead-season-2-episode-2-review-body-count/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/the-walking-dead-season-2-episode-2-review-body-count/#comments Clementine is holed up with two factions of angry, desperate survivors. One group cowers on the floor, while the second flashes their guns and makes an example of a rival survivor with two quick, non-lethal snaps. Clementine watches the torment from a raised landing, where she's hiding with two allies who argue about their next move. They reach an impasse and turn to Clementine for advice.

Let's get that straight: Two adults, who have weathered the zombie epidemic for more than a year, pause in their argument about a serious, life-or-death situation to take tips from the 11-year-old girl. An 11-year-old-girl that they would have easily shot two weeks ago. She still has pigtails.

She also has good advice. "A House Divided," the second episode of The Walking Dead's second season, presents Clementine as a complete, independent character for the first time. Though she is surrounded by people - mostly adults - she doesn't answer to any of them, and she doesn't depend on any one person for survival. She can hold her own and she has demonstrated her skills to her new companions. They trust her, and she trusts herself.

Continue reading The Walking Dead Season 2, Episode 2 review: Body count

JoystiqThe Walking Dead Season 2, Episode 2 review: Body count originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Mar 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3telltaleTellTale-Gamesthe-walking-deadxboxTue, 04 Mar 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[HBO Go joins PlayStation 3 media roster]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/hbo-go-joins-playstation-3-media-roster/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/hbo-go-joins-playstation-3-media-roster/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/04/hbo-go-joins-playstation-3-media-roster/#comments Nearly a year after its debut on the Xbox 360, the HBO Go app will finally make its PlayStation 3 debut later today.

Like the other existing iterations of the app, HBO Go on PlayStation 3 allows HBO subscribers to watch the premium channel's programs without the aid of a cable box, including standout hits like Game of Thrones, True Detective and Girls. While HBO subscriptions are only available by paying additional fees to your cable provider, the HBO Go app can be downloaded from the PlayStation Network Store at no charge.

As we reported previously, HBO CEO Richard Plepler has also stated plans to launch HBO Go on the PlayStation 4, though there's still no word on when that might happen.
[Image: PlayStation.blog]

JoystiqHBO Go joins PlayStation 3 media roster originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Mar 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-of-thronesgirlshboHBO-goplaystationps3ps4true-detectiveTue, 04 Mar 2014 13:30:00 EST