Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[RedLynx digital strategy pays off, 1.5 million games sold in '09]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/redlynx-digital-strategy-pays-off-1-5-million-games-sold-in-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/redlynx-digital-strategy-pays-off-1-5-million-games-sold-in-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/redlynx-digital-strategy-pays-off-1-5-million-games-sold-in-09/#comments While the big fellas struggle to figure out how to make digitally distributed content profitable, smaller dev houses like RedLynx are handily succeeding. The Trials HD developer claims to have moved 1.5 million digital units worldwide (of all of its games) in 2009, though, as RedLynx itself points out, "most RedLynx games have also free promotional web versions available, bringing the company's key titles to an even wider audience."

Aside from putting out the Summer of Arcade XBLA release Trials HD last year, the Finnish company also made Monster Trucks Nitro on PC and a couple of iPhone games, assuredly assisting that 1.5 million statistic. CEO Tero Virtala looks forward to the coming year, saying things look "even better," and adding that RedLynx is "bringing 8-10 new games to market." We really, really hope the company brings more copies than that if it wants to move past 2009's sales. Come on, guys -- simple math!

JoystiqRedLynx digital strategy pays off, 1.5 million games sold in '09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009drawracemonster-truck-nitromonster-trucks-nitroredlynxsalestero-virtalatrialstrials-hdxblaWed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tune in to BioShock 2's Rapture Radio and prepare for New Year's Eve, 1959]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/tune-in-to-bioshock-2s-rapture-radio-and-prepare-for-new-years/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/tune-in-to-bioshock-2s-rapture-radio-and-prepare-for-new-years/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/tune-in-to-bioshock-2s-rapture-radio-and-prepare-for-new-years/#comments
Are you hep to this jive? You can dial into BioShock 2's Rapture Radio right now and listen to kitschy classics from the '30s, '40s and '50s. Tap your toes and waggle your fingers in the air with songs like Fred Astaire's "We Saw The Sea," and, according to 2K Games, you should "be sure to tune into the festivities at 12 AM EST tonight for the Rapture Masquerade Ball!"

It's not clear if we'll hear the sounds of festive celebration or the screams of the torturous murder come the strike of midnight. The radio station teases you to "Come down to the Cashmere Restaurant at midnight, where the rich and beautiful will dance their cares away!" Given the history of Rapture, that doesn't seem likely. In the meantime, tune in here via iTunes or Winamp, or here for the Windows Media Player flavor.

UPDATE: You can listen to the audio of the party below. It's all hubbub and rhubarb until 09:14, then all hell breaks lose. The station now just plays static, and a random message that they're experiencing problems. "There has been an incident at the Cashmere (Kashmir?) Restaurant. Please return to the safety of your homes."

UPDATE TO THE UPDATE: Here's the emergency incident message as well.

JoystiqTune in to BioShock 2's Rapture Radio and prepare for New Year's Eve, 1959 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Games2k-marinbioshockBioshock-2musicSoundtracktake-twoTue, 09 Feb 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[90% of E3 2010 exhibit space already sold, registration open]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/90-of-e3-2010-exhibit-space-already-sold-registration-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/90-of-e3-2010-exhibit-space-already-sold-registration-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/90-of-e3-2010-exhibit-space-already-sold-registration-open/#commentsListen up, game industry, the Electronic Entertainment Expo -- E3 to the kids -- is kind of a big deal. If you want your company to be a part of it, it's time to get on the ball, as the Expo has revealed that 90 percent of its floor space has already been booked. And seriously, like, everyone is going to be there when the show opens June 15. We're expecting some new Zelda, plenty of PlayStation Motion Controller and Natal talk and, of course, lots of new games. If that's the kind of company you want to keep, it's time to register. That goes for you retail and press types too, as attendee and media registration is now open as well.

Incidentally, Joystiq Publishing is currently soliciting sponsors for floor space. As a no-profit publisher -- it's not that we don't want profits, we just haven't made any yet -- we're looking for a forward-thinking, capital-heavy company to bring our MEGA E3 booth design to life. The current blueprint calls for six full stories of action-packed exhibition rooms, a pizzeria and a ball pit in the center courtyard. We're willing to compromise on the sixth floor (it's mostly Wii shovelware), but the ball pit is non-negotiable.

Joystiq90% of E3 2010 exhibit space already sold, registration open originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesse3e3-2010joystiq-publishingTue, 09 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iron Man 2 flying into stores on May 4 to 'exclusive' Lamb of God tune]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/iron-man-2-flying-into-stores-on-may-4-to-exclusive-lamb-of-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/iron-man-2-flying-into-stores-on-may-4-to-exclusive-lamb-of-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/iron-man-2-flying-into-stores-on-may-4-to-exclusive-lamb-of-go/#comments With a previous appearance in Rock Band as DLC, it's no surprise that known face melters Lamb of God are apparently creating an original song for the upcoming Iron Man 2 game, now scheduled for release on May 4 (just three days before the film's release).

"The music of Lamb of God definitely evokes the intensity of Iron Man action," explains Sean Ratcliffe, veep of marketing for Sega. Meanwhile, Lamb of God's drummer Chris Adler says that some of the band's members are "real game and comic fans," making them all the more excited "to play the game and hear our music as Iron Man kicks a**." Us, on the other hand? We're going to take full advantage of the soundtrack swap function and rock out to some even edgier P.O.D. jams upon the game's release. It just really makes us feel so alive, ya know?

JoystiqIron Man 2 flying into stores on May 4 to 'exclusive' Lamb of God tune originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iron-maniron-man-2lamb-of-godmusicrelease-datesegasoundtrackTue, 09 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Famitsu: Rebecca Chambers and Barry Burton in RE5: Mercenaries Reunion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/famitsu-rebecca-chambers-and-barry-burton-in-re5-mercenaries-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/famitsu-rebecca-chambers-and-barry-burton-in-re5-mercenaries-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/famitsu-rebecca-chambers-and-barry-burton-in-re5-mercenaries-r/#comments The latest issue of Famitsu reveals (via IGN) that two of the series' classic characters are coming to Mercenaries Reunion in Resident Evil 5: Alternative Edition: Barry Burton and Rebecca Chambers. Both characters made their first appearance in the original Resident Evil game, but haven't exactly been strangers to the series ever since.

Rebecca co-starred in Resident Evil Zero, while Barry enjoyed an extended role in REmake and was Leon's sidekick in Resident Evil Gaiden, the Game Boy Color game. Barry also played a pivotal role in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis.

Frankly, we're all for bringing these two back, but only if we get oddly apologetic Rebecca and soft-spoken Barry.

JoystiqFamitsu: Rebecca Chambers and Barry Burton in RE5: Mercenaries Reunion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barry-burtonmercenaries-reunionrebecca-chambersresident-evilresident-evil-5resident-evil-5-alternative-editionresident-evil-5-gold-editionTue, 09 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: Mass Effect 2 outsold everything else 6-to-1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/analyst-mass-effect-2-outsold-everything-else-6-to-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/analyst-mass-effect-2-outsold-everything-else-6-to-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/analyst-mass-effect-2-outsold-everything-else-6-to-1/#commentsIf you bought Mass Effect 2 and you like being on the winning "team" when it comes to game trends, high five. According to DFC Intelligence, BioWare's latest spacefaring adventure sold an estimated 1.1 million copies (of the Xbox 360 version) in January -- six times the sales of any other game. Estimating game sales based on GamerDNA activity, DFC also believes that there was a significant uptick in play of Mass Effect as well, "likely supported by the ability to transfer a save file from a completed Mass Effect game into Mass Effect 2 where several key player decisions in the first game could be carried over into the second game."

The other leading Xbox 360 sellers in DFC's estimate include Darksiders (150,000), Bayonetta (170,000) and Army of Two: The 40th Day (175,000) -- with Dark Void somewhat of a surprise bomb (22,000).

JoystiqAnalyst: Mass Effect 2 outsold everything else 6-to-1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystArmy-of-Two-The-40th-Daybayonettabiowaredarksiders-wrath-of-wardfc-intelligenceeagamerdnamass-effect-2salesTue, 09 Feb 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wil Wheaton to deliver inaugural keynote at PAX East]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/wil-wheaton-to-deliver-inaugural-keynote-at-pax-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/wil-wheaton-to-deliver-inaugural-keynote-at-pax-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/wil-wheaton-to-deliver-inaugural-keynote-at-pax-east/#comments Before the live Joystiq podcast recording, before the Blueberry Muffin Tops Breakfast, and before ... you know, all the news, the festivities of PAX East have to be kicked off with proper keynote address. Appropriately enough, the first-ever east coast iteration of the con will be introduced by the man who led the opening ceremonies of PAX 2007 -- child star, adult star, writer and world-renowned D&D cognoscenti, Wil Wheaton.

If you're curious about what to expect from Wheaton's speech during the almost-sold-out expo, we suggest checking out his speech from three years ago. We imagine it will be in a similar style as that, only ... beardier.

JoystiqWil Wheaton to deliver inaugural keynote at PAX East originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>keynotepaxpax-eastpax-east-2010penny-arcade-expowil-wheatonTue, 09 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get a taste of the future: Ghost Recon: Future Soldier teaser]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/get-a-taste-of-the-future-ghost-recon-future-soldier-teaser/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/get-a-taste-of-the-future-ghost-recon-future-soldier-teaser/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/get-a-taste-of-the-future-ghost-recon-future-soldier-teaser/#comments The previously Xbox Live-exclusive Ghost Recon: Future Soldier trailer has found its way onto the YouTubes. As expected, it's a lot of CG and absolutely no gameplay -- with a final title screen promising release in "Fall 2010." One item in the teaser, however, did manage to excite us: Invisibility. It looks like every future soldier gets one of those special Harry Potter blankets. Neat!

Head past the break for the teaser.

Continue reading Get a taste of the future: Ghost Recon: Future Soldier teaser

JoystiqGet a taste of the future: Ghost Recon: Future Soldier teaser originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghost-reconghost-recon-future-soldierubisoftvideoTue, 09 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz reports growing profits, hints at new Super Street Fighter IV joystick]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/mad-catz-reports-profits-new-super-street-fighter-iv-joystick/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/mad-catz-reports-profits-new-super-street-fighter-iv-joystick/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/mad-catz-reports-profits-new-super-street-fighter-iv-joystick/#commentsAccessory company Mad Catz released its earnings report for the third quarter of its fiscal year (ending December 31, 2009), with numbers that suggest its wares are selling like mad. Net sales came to $48.8 million, which is "the second-best quarter of sales in the company's history." Profits increased 51 percent over the same period in the previous fiscal year, a change Mad Catz attributes to its movement out of low-price controllers and into higher-end specialty accessories. Hello $150 FiightStick!

In its announcement, Mad Catz also listed the controllers and accessories it plans to ship in the near future. In addition to the new Super Street Fighter IV "Tournament Edition S" FightSticks (pictured above), the release also reveals plans to sell a new Super Street Fighter IV edition of the standard FightStick. It's as of yet unconfirmed if the standard stick will be given a new layout and shell like the superified Tournament Edition stick, or merely new artwork.

JoystiqMad Catz reports growing profits, hints at new Super Street Fighter IV joystick originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfightstickfinancialmad-catzmadcatzsuper-street-fighter-ivTue, 09 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft's Guillemot not trippin' about franchise fatigue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisofts-guillemot-not-tripping-about-franchise-fatigue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisofts-guillemot-not-tripping-about-franchise-fatigue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisofts-guillemot-not-tripping-about-franchise-fatigue/#comments Ubisoft's current focus to iterate its "major franchises" seems to expose its key brands to franchise fatigue and, with it, dwindling sales -- just look what happened to sales of Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk when Acitivsion implemented a similar strategy. However, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot remains unconcerned about so-called franchise fatigue, as he emphasized today that the publisher's goal is to "increase and come out more often" with games.

Speaking during a financial earnings call for investors, Guillemot expressed his belief that Ubisoft has taken plenty of time to develop the next installments in the Driver, Ghost Recon, Prince of Persia and Splinter Cell franchises -- development time that will ultimately result in more iterations in less time, in turn improving brand visibility and training consumers to expect these franchises more often, and plan their gaming budgets accordingly. He also pointed out that sales of these upcoming titles should boost sales of their franchises' legacy games.

Of course, with that said, Guillemot re-emphasized that quality is still important and that the company has invested (and continues to invest) in building game engines and tools that can be used for the next 10 years. The CEO noted that Ubisoft development teams our given enough time to ensure very high quality work, continuing that Ubisoft "takes those elements into consideration."

JoystiqUbisoft's Guillemot not trippin' about franchise fatigue originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-strategydevelopmentdriverfranchise-fatigueghost-reconprince-of-persiasequelitissplinter-cellubisoftyves-guillemotTue, 09 Feb 2010 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 has surprises in store for Wii and PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/level-5-has-surprises-in-store-for-wii-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/level-5-has-surprises-in-store-for-wii-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/level-5-has-surprises-in-store-for-wii-and-ps3/#commentsGiving a speech at the deliciously-named C.C. Lemon Hall in Tokyo, Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino revealed that the developer has unannounced Wii and PS3 games in the works.

The developer's current lineup is heavy on DS and mobile titles (including Professor Layton games, Ni no Kuni, and Fantasy Life), with one known console game: the followup to the PS3 role-playing game White Knight Chronicles. One of the unnamed Wii titles could be Inazuma Eleven Break, a console soccer RPG whose platform was never specified. Dragon Quest X, whose Wii development was confirmed by Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii, but whose developer was never named, is also a possibility. But this is all conjecture, since Hino said nothing other than that there were some new Wii and PS3 games.

[Via Andriasang]

JoystiqLevel-5 has surprises in store for Wii and PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-xinazuma-eleven-breaklevel-5Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Universe beta constructed, signups begin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/lego-universe-beta-constructed-signups-begin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/lego-universe-beta-constructed-signups-begin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/lego-universe-beta-constructed-signups-begin/#commentsIf we've learned anything about LEGO Universe, it's that the game should not be dismissed. Yes, it's an MMO aimed at younger gamers, but did you see the trailer? Whether you did or not, you need to watch it right now. We've embedded it directly above this post. There should be a play button right in the middle. Click it. We'll wait.

Now, having seen that, know this: The LEGO Universe beta is now accepting signups. We suggest you head over to the signup site and sign up immediately. Unfortunately, no one is guaranteed a slot in the beta so, while you're waiting on confirmation, why not check out some footage of the actual game in action? After that, you can start refreshing your inbox like mad.

[Via Massively]

JoystiqLEGO Universe beta constructed, signups begin originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>legolego-universemmonetdevilTue, 09 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix promotes Wii streaming with 'underwhelming' HD argument]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/netflix-promotes-wii-streaming-with-underwhelming-hd-argument/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/netflix-promotes-wii-streaming-with-underwhelming-hd-argument/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/netflix-promotes-wii-streaming-with-underwhelming-hd-argument/#comments If you've been following the Wii Netflix saga, you're probably familiar with Nintendo's stance on HD movie streaming. The company's Reggie Fils-Aimé recently went on record saying that the average Wii user won't care about the Wii's inability to push HD Netflix. That's expected though, right? He works for Nintendo, after all. But get this, now Netflix itself is deemphasizing its own HD streaming service.

Speaking to TheWiire.com, Netflix VP of Corporate Communications Steve Swasey recognized that the Wii can't handle HD streaming, but stated that Netflix doesn't believe that to be a problem for Wii households. Swasey noted that only 1 in 17 titles are available in HD, adding that HD content is only 720p -- not 1080p -- and that it's not available with 5.1 surround sound. "The HD experience at Netflix Instant Watching isn't that overwhelming," said Swasey, adding, "It's a little bit underwhelming."

So there you have it. There's absolutely no reason for anyone to even want HD streaming. Ever. Now go order your Wii Netflix disc.

JoystiqNetflix promotes Wii streaming with 'underwhelming' HD argument originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdnetflixnintendostreaming-videoTue, 09 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Riccitiello reckons console price cuts came too late]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/riccitiello-reckons-console-price-cuts-came-too-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/riccitiello-reckons-console-price-cuts-came-too-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/riccitiello-reckons-console-price-cuts-came-too-late/#comments Yesterday's EA earnings call was packed with tidbits about upcoming games but, as reported by VG247, there was time for some minor mudslinging as well. During the call, EA CEO John Riccitiello was asked about industry health and tie ratios, and said "I think a... factor in 2009 was sort of a lack of aggressive pricing on first-party if you will, a little bit too late with their price-cuts."

He later added that console use was actually up, even in the face of social gaming platforms like Facebook. So, think what you will about Riccy's stance on price cut timing, the one thing that's certain is that we're not to blame.

JoystiqRiccitiello reckons console price cuts came too late originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaJohn-riccitielloTue, 09 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Holy trademark, NIS! 'Badman' games to be renamed [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/holy-trademark-nis-badman-games-to-be-renamed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/holy-trademark-nis-badman-games-to-be-renamed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/holy-trademark-nis-badman-games-to-be-renamed/#commentsWhat did I do to deserve this, my lord!? That is both the question on NIS America's mind and the new title of its series, once known as Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! The publisher announced that it's changing the name of the Acquire-developed action-strategy game in response to "a conflict of interest with an existing IP." We're guessing the trademark issue in question is with a certain comic book franchise owned by Warner Bros. -- Plastic Man, obviously.

This week has not been kind to NIS. Just yesterday, the Japanese parent company reported a 95 percent drop in profits, and now the American branch has to change the name of one of its franchises midstream. May 4 is the new release date for what is now called What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord!? 2.

[Update: May is indeed a new release date for the game: it was originally slated for March.]

JoystiqHoly trademark, NIS! 'Badman' games to be renamed [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquirebadmanbatmanholy-invasion-of-privacy-badmannisnis-americatrademarkwarner-broswhat-did-i-do-to-deserve-this-my-lordTue, 09 Feb 2010 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Marketplace Feb. schedule includes $10 Battlefield 1943 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/xbox-live-marketplace-feb-schedule-includes-10-battlefield-194/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/xbox-live-marketplace-feb-schedule-includes-10-battlefield-194/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/xbox-live-marketplace-feb-schedule-includes-10-battlefield-194/#comments
 Update: Microsoft has issued a correction on this schedule. The Misadventures of P. B. Winterbottom will be priced at 800 ($10), not 1200 ($15).

Major Nelson has a dropped a partial February schedule for Xbox Live Marketplace content, including a particularly nice Deal of the Week. Specifically, next week's deal, beginning February 15, will be Battlefield 1943 for only 800 ($10). If you've yet to pick up the game, $10 is definitely a good price. Also starting next week, both Resident Evil 5 and Beautiful Katamari will hit the Games on Demand service.

The post also notes that this week marks the end of the second season of 1 vs 100. Tonight's episode (9:00pm ET/6:00 pm PT) will feature Magda Apanowicz from SyFy's series Caprica. For the season finale this Friday (10:00pm ET/7:00 pm PT), the game will feature 343 Industries' Frank O'Connor and Bungie's Marty O'Donnell.

See the full XBLM schedule after the break.

Continue reading Xbox Live Marketplace Feb. schedule includes $10 Battlefield 1943 [update]

JoystiqXbox Live Marketplace Feb. schedule includes $10 Battlefield 1943 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-1943deal-of-the-weekdicegames-on-demandrelease-datexblaxblmTue, 09 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlazBlue: Continuum Shift gaining a character in console port]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/blazblue-continuum-shift-gaining-a-character-in-console-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/blazblue-continuum-shift-gaining-a-character-in-console-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/blazblue-continuum-shift-gaining-a-character-in-console-port/#commentsAs we heard from Famitsu leaks, Arc System Works' arcade Blazblue followup is coming home to consoles. Blazblue: Continuum Shift will feature the three new characters added to the arcade release -- Tsubaki Yayoi, Hazama, and λ-11, as well as one new console-exclusive character, the cyborg μ-12.

According to Siliconera, the new home release will also include a beginner mode, and the strategic Legion Mode introduced in BlazBlue Portable. So you'll be able to randomly mash buttons as usual, but you'll win territory by doing so. No time frame or consoles are known at the moment, but the original BlazBlue was released on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

JoystiqBlazBlue: Continuum Shift gaining a character in console port originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksysarc-system-worksblazblueblazblue-continuum-shiftfightingTue, 09 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon also headed to Wii, PSP, and DS; Wii version developed by a different team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ghost-recon-also-headed-to-wii-psp-and-ds-wii-version-develop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ghost-recon-also-headed-to-wii-psp-and-ds-wii-version-develop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ghost-recon-also-headed-to-wii-psp-and-ds-wii-version-develop/#comments Among the handful of Ubiscoops about 2010's releases coming out of today's investor call, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot brought up the tactical Tom Clancy franchise Ghost Recon. Beyond the already revealed platforms for Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, Guillemot detailed the franchise's further ubiquity, saying the next Ghost Recon game will "be on all platforms: 360, PS3, Wii, PSP, [and] DS." He noted that the Wii version of Ghost Recon will "be done by a different team" with a "different approach ... created for that Wii population." Presumably, the game will involve standing on the balance board to approximate a sniper's breathing -- and it'll also be made up entirely of mini-games. Whoa, whoa -- calm down there killer. We're just joshin' ya!

He also confirmed something we've been mentioning for months now: "There will be more competition in the first eight months than in the last four." Get your calculators and spreadsheets out, folks -- early 2010 is gonna be a bruiser like we've never seen before (on our bank accounts, that is).

JoystiqGhost Recon also headed to Wii, PSP, and DS; Wii version developed by a different team originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghost-reconghost-recon-future-soldierq1-2010ubisoftyves-guillemotTue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 (PSP)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/review-socom-fireteam-bravo-3-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/review-socom-fireteam-bravo-3-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/review-socom-fireteam-bravo-3-psp/#comments The SOCOM series traditionally focuses on tactical decision-making rather than big action; large set piece battles become few and far between when players utilize the correct tactics to mechanically disable the opposition. In SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3, the careful execution of enemy forces still exists, but in the end, most missions boil down to the same tactic found in other shooters: survival.

In Fireteam Bravo 3, the SEALs have infiltrated an action movie and there's no turning back.

Gallery: SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3

Continue reading Review: SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 (PSP)

JoystiqReview: SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 (PSP) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>slant-sixslant-six-gamesSOCOMsocom-fireteam-bravo-3Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Q-Games' Dylan Cuthbert taking aim at more PixelJunk Shooter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/q-games-dylan-cuthbert-taking-aim-at-more-pixeljunk-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/q-games-dylan-cuthbert-taking-aim-at-more-pixeljunk-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/q-games-dylan-cuthbert-taking-aim-at-more-pixeljunk-shooter/#comments There's no doubt about it -- Q-Games head Dylan Cuthbert is very much interested in making more content for the latest in the PixelJunk series of games, PixelJunk Shooter. When he spoke recently to G4TV, Cuthbert said, "for PixelJunk Shooter we still have a ton of ideas on the drawing board and the engine has lots of potential we want to use before moving onto our next idea." He also teased the possibility of a full-on sequel, front-loading his last statement with, "normally sequels are just a re-hashing of the ideas in the original."

Given the PixelJunk's all-over-the-place history with DLC and re-releases and Encore versions, we poked Cuthbert for clarification. When we asked which of the aforementioned options we might see for PixelJunk Shooter, Cuthbert told us: "It hasn't been decided yet, as it depends on how much content we end up making. Whatever we end up making, though, it will be even better than the first installment with loads of new stuff. (Obviously I know what some of that stuff is, but I can't say -- all I can say is that fans will be extremely pleased.)" So, there you have it, folks! We're gonna see ... umm ... something else from Shooter.

JoystiqQ-Games' Dylan Cuthbert taking aim at more PixelJunk Shooter originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcdylan-cuthbertencorepixeljunkpixeljunk-shooterpsnq-gamessequelTue, 09 Feb 2010 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 2 ships 8 million, next game returns to Rome]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/assassins-creed-2-ships-8-million-next-game-returns-to-rome/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/assassins-creed-2-ships-8-million-next-game-returns-to-rome/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/assassins-creed-2-ships-8-million-next-game-returns-to-rome/#comments Speaking in an investor call, following the release of Ubisoft's fiscal third-quarter financial results, company CEO Yves Guillemot made it abundantly clear as to why another Assassin's Creed will unsheathe its stabby things before April 2011. According to Guillemot, Assassin's Creed 2, which launched in November 2009 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, has shipped 8 million copies. The original Assassin's Creed had sold just as many by June 2009 -- roughly 18 months after its debut.

Although details regarding the new Assassin's Creed -- set to star Ezio and some online friends -- remain slim, Guillemot wasn't mum on milieu: "This time, [Ezio] will strike directly against the templar's order in Rome." Can this Rome be built in a year, just in time for Holiday 2010?

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 2 ships 8 million, next game returns to Rome originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creedassassins-creed-2EzioUbisoftubisoft-montrealyves-guillemotTue, 09 Feb 2010 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft reports fiscal Q3 sales of $679 million, hints at unannounced titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-reports-fiscal-q3-sales-of-679-million-hints-at-unanno/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-reports-fiscal-q3-sales-of-679-million-hints-at-unanno/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-reports-fiscal-q3-sales-of-679-million-hints-at-unanno/#comments Sure, $679 million may sound like a lot of money (it sure does to us!), but when you're a company CEO reporting that number to investors and it's 2.7 percent lower than last year's equivalent time period ($697 million), it's not quite as impressive. And that's just what Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot had to do earlier today when the company reported its fiscal Q3 (October 1 through December 31) sales for 2009. Given the publisher's French HQ, we're not privy to the period's revenue until later this year.

In discussing plans for the upcoming year, the company cited "at least seven franchise titles" being launched this year, calling out this morning's (finally) officially-announced Ghost Recon: Future Soldier among others, leaving one (presumably unannounced) title unmentioned. The publisher then indicates "at least two new brands (R.U.S.E. has already been announced)" will see the light of day in 2010 -- leaving one unannounced new brand. Getting murkier yet, it appears "at least 5 online games" will be heading to the information superhighway, though only three are mentioned (yep, you guessed it -- that means two have yet to be revealed). With GDC, PAX East, and E3 not too far off (already?!), there's still plenty of 2010 left for announcements.

JoystiqUbisoft reports fiscal Q3 sales of $679 million, hints at unannounced titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010financefinancialsfranchisefy-2009fy-2009-2010ghost-recon-future-soldierq3-2009rusesalesubisoftunannouncedyves-guillemotTue, 09 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft details first quarter 2010 releases; reveals Anno for iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-details-first-quarter-2010-releases-reveals-anno-for-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-details-first-quarter-2010-releases-reveals-anno-for-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-details-first-quarter-2010-releases-reveals-anno-for-ip/#comments Ubisoft's latest sales report details the company's proposed fourth quarter fiscal year releases -- the period beginning January 1, 2010 until March 31, 2010. It's pretty much everything we expected, with profits for Ubisoft relying on four key titles, three of which are on the PC platform: Assassin's Creed II: Director's Cut, Red Steel 2, The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom and Silent Hunter 5: Battle for the Atlantic.

However, other notable titles will also release during this window, including Racquet Sports and the upcoming Assassin's Creed 2: Multiplayer on iPhone -- oh, and a bunch of new Imagine games, obviously. Outside of detailing these games, Ubisoft also announced that its popular Anno series is coming to the iPhone. Exact details on the game haven't been revealed, but it's a safe bet that city planning and real-time strategy will somehow be involved. Head past the break for the full list of releases.

Source - Ubisoft Q3 sales report [PDF link]

Continue reading Ubisoft details first quarter 2010 releases; reveals Anno for iPhone

JoystiqUbisoft details first quarter 2010 releases; reveals Anno for iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creedassassins-creed-2assassins-creed-2-directors-cutassassins-creed-2-discoveryassassins-creed-2-multiplayerimagineracquet-sportsrelease-dateubisoftTue, 09 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft bringing Imagine franchise online with Imagine Town]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-bringing-imagine-franchise-online-with-imagine-town/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-bringing-imagine-franchise-online-with-imagine-town/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-bringing-imagine-franchise-online-with-imagine-town/#comments
Image above is from Imagine: Babyz for the DS. You probably figured that out already, though.
According to a recent Ubisoft press release, launched alongside its Q3 earnings report, either this year or the next will see the introduction of what may be the company's most profitable property to date -- Imagine Town, an online extension of the popular series of casual DS games. Little is known about the platform so far, though the presser stipulates that it will be "a virtual world" which will be seamlessly folded into "UbiWorld[TM], the portal dedicated to young girls." (In any other context, that would be an extremely creepy thing to say.)

We realize this news probably means very, very little to you, so allow us to frame it to you in a different way: Imagine Town is going to be the thing that lets Ubisoft afford to make Beyond Good & Evil 2. See, now you're interested.

JoystiqUbisoft bringing Imagine franchise online with Imagine Town originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualimagineimagine-townmmoonlineubisoftubiworldTue, 09 Feb 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Dead Space 2 PC no longer in EA's plans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/report-dead-space-2-pc-no-longer-in-eas-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/report-dead-space-2-pc-no-longer-in-eas-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/report-dead-space-2-pc-no-longer-in-eas-plans/#comments A great deal of news came out of EA's Q3 earnings report yesterday; enough to make us overlook this item: The early 2011 listing for Dead Space 2 didn't reference a PC version of he title, as was previously announced. Blue's News reportedly contacted Electronic Arts about the absence of the listing, and was told by a representative that "as of right now a PC sku is not in the plan."

That doesn't mean a PC version of the game is never coming out -- after all, the game's release window is still a year away. We've contacted EA to see exactly what "the plan" entails. Perhaps an elaborate casino heist?

JoystiqReport: Dead Space 2 PC no longer in EA's plans originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spacedead-space-2eaelectronic-artsvisceral-gamesTue, 09 Feb 2010 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Yale gets $4 million grant for HIV avoidance game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/yale-gets-4-million-grant-for-hiv-avoidance-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/yale-gets-4-million-grant-for-hiv-avoidance-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/yale-gets-4-million-grant-for-hiv-avoidance-game/#comments A group of pupils at Yale University recently received a grant from the (deep breath) Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which will help fund development of a video game which teaches youngsters how to avoid contracting HIV. The game, Retro-Warriors, will be designed with a multicultural focus, so that it can be used to teach young people across the globe how to identify and eschew risky behaviors.

It's not the first time someone's proposed such a project -- however, considering the aforementioned grant was for $3.9 million, it might be the most well-funded educational game of all time. We're fully expecting top-of-the-line graphics, a score by Hans Zimmer and some measure of involvement from Nolan North. For more information on what the game will actually be like, check out this CNS News article.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqYale gets $4 million grant for HIV avoidance game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aidseducationgranthivyaleyale-school-of-medicineTue, 09 Feb 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari Racing Pack exclusive to Need for Speed: Shift on 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ferrari-racing-pack-exclusive-to-need-for-speed-shift-on-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ferrari-racing-pack-exclusive-to-need-for-speed-shift-on-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ferrari-racing-pack-exclusive-to-need-for-speed-shift-on-360/#comments After a seven year absence, the Ferrari brand is returning to Need for Speed, albeit in an anti-climatic comeback for true Ferrari fans like ourselves. First, the facts: On February 16, those who own Need for Speed: Shift on 360 will be able to get 10 cars from the venerable manufacturer for 800 points ($10) -- we've got the full list for you after the break.

It's an okay list, but there are some glaring omissions. Where, for example, is the 2006 Ferrari X734 or the X744? Where's the 2008 Ferrari Sesquiderro? Where's the 1898 Ferrari X78 Horse or the 1962 Ferrari Old-Timey Ice Cream Truck? Should the fact that these are cars we made up in attempt at humorously masking our ignorance of all things automotive just eliminate them from consideration? Without so much as a second thought? PS3 owners, it may have seemed that you were being slighted, but you can count yourself lucky that you've been spared this travesty of justice.

Gallery: Need for Speed: Shift Ferrari Racing Pack

Continue reading Ferrari Racing Pack exclusive to Need for Speed: Shift on 360

JoystiqFerrari Racing Pack exclusive to Need for Speed: Shift on 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlceaferrarineed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftracingTue, 09 Feb 2010 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Producers: Final Fantasy XIII will 'resurrect' Japanese game industry]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/producers-final-fantasy-xiii-will-resurrect-japanese-game-ind/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/producers-final-fantasy-xiii-will-resurrect-japanese-game-ind/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/producers-final-fantasy-xiii-will-resurrect-japanese-game-ind/#comments
Final Fantasy XIII may not be out in North America and Europe yet, but the development team is in full "victory lap" mode in Japan. At least, that's how it seemed when noted industry figure Jem Alexander interviewed producer Yoshinori Kitase and director Motomu Toriyama for the European PlayStation Blog. Asked about the state of the Japanese game industry, the two (no individual attribution was given to the speakers) said that FFXIII was going to fix it.

"Some people have been saying that the Japanese game industry is dead, and all that... I dunno," the creative lead said. "I will say that Final Fantasy XIII is one really epic title for high definition consoles. With this game, we are going to resurrect the whole thing." And then they immediately moved from boastful to confusing: "As for Western games that have influenced us - FPSs mostly. The Call of Duty series, for example." Influenced their desire to sell a lot of copies, maybe?

The team also suggested elsewhere in the interview that God of War Collection-style remakes of previous Final Fantasy titles are unlikely. And, while they didn't outright deny DLC (which is looking more and more likely), they said that material or ideas originally left out won't be put back in as DLC.

JoystiqProducers: Final Fantasy XIII will 'resurrect' Japanese game industry originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiiimotomu-toriyamarpgsquare-enixyoshinori-kitaseTue, 09 Feb 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA['Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse' outed by OFLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/sam-and-max-the-devils-playhouse-outed-by-oflc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/sam-and-max-the-devils-playhouse-outed-by-oflc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/sam-and-max-the-devils-playhouse-outed-by-oflc/#comments Like good burlesque, Telltale had been teasing a new season of Sam & Max ... meanwhile, like good porn, Australia's OFLC went ahead and just exposed the goods. Unless a dramatic change occurs, it appears the title of the next installment in the comedic adventure series is titled Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse - Episode 1: The Penal Zone.

The premature ratings announcement obviously doesn't contain much aside from a title -- there's no telling whether the game might eventually come to Mac or iPhone as recently rumored -- but at this point, we'll take whatever glimpse we can get.

[Thanks, 5abanja]

Joystiq'Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse' outed by OFLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuresam-and-maxsam-and-max-the-devils-playhousesam-and-max-the-devils-playhouse-episode-1-the-penal-zonetelltaletelltale-gamesTue, 09 Feb 2010 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Australia fines NSMB Wii uploader $1.5 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/nintendo-australia-fines-nsmb-wii-uploader-1-5-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/nintendo-australia-fines-nsmb-wii-uploader-1-5-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/nintendo-australia-fines-nsmb-wii-uploader-1-5-million/#commentsFinally, Nintendo has been able to make a little money from New Super Mario Bros. Wii, a sequel to one of its old franchises, released this November. Nintendo of Australia announced that as the result of a federal court settlement, one Australian will be required to pay $1.5 million ($1.3 million USD) to Nintendo for loss of revenue due. This person was allegedly the first to upload New Super Mario Bros. Wii to the internet, doing so on November 6, one week before the game was released (an act that facilitated creative works in addition to piracy).

Not only is this bad news for this one guy, it should also serve as a warning to other would-be pirates. "Upon the game being uploaded to the Internet, Nintendo was able to employ the use of sophisticated technological forensics to identify the individual responsible for illegally copying the file and making it available for further distribution," Nintendo said in a press release. "On 23 November, 2009, Nintendo obtained a Federal Court search order in respect of the individual's residential premises. This led to the seizure of property from those premises in order to gain further evidence against the individual."

If you upload Nintendo games, the company will come to your house and take your stuff. Chilling.

[Thanks, Foetoid]

JoystiqNintendo Australia fines NSMB Wii uploader $1.5 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australianew-super-mario-bros-wiinintendo-australiapiracyTue, 09 Feb 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Total War games 66% off on Steam this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/total-war-games-66-off-on-steam-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/total-war-games-66-off-on-steam-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/total-war-games-66-off-on-steam-this-week/#comments Strategic war game buffs, take note: All of the Total War titles on Steam are receiving a massive discount this week, to the tune of a whopping 66 percent off. In fact, you can pick up the Total War Mega Pack, which includes Medieval II: Total War, Rome: Total War -- including the Alexander and Kingdoms expansions -- and Empire: Total War for $20.39. Additionally, the Empire: Total War Downloadable Content Pack, containing all the Empire content released thus far, is available for 10 percent off at $16.19.

Incidentally -- but probably not coincidentally -- the latest game in the series, Napoleon: Total War, releases February 23.

JoystiqTotal War games 66% off on Steam this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealsmedieval-2-total-warnapoleon-total-warrome-total-warsalessegasteamthe-creative-assemblytotal-warTue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier to be present Holiday 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/tom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldier-to-be-present-holiday-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/tom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldier-to-be-present-holiday-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/tom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldier-to-be-present-holiday-2/#comments Or, it'll be a Holiday 2010 present, depending on how heavily you drop those hints and how desirable you find Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's "cutting-edge technology, prototype high-tech weaponry, and state-of-the-art single-player and multiplayer modes." Developed by the GRAW veterans at Ubisoft Paris, Future Soldier promises to "go beyond the core Ghost Recon franchise and deliver a fresh gameplay experience, with an unparalleled level of quality that will excite long-time fans and newcomers alike." Yes, this is definitely from a press release.

A multiplayer beta is scheduled to start in Summer 2010, with invitations tied to another of Ubisoft's freshened franchises, Splinter Cell: Conviction (which is but a stone's throw away from release). The offer is currently extended only to the Xbox 360 version of Conviction -- and aside from Microsoft's system, no platforms have been explicitly mentioned in Future Soldier's announcement. He's from the future, so Facebook is a likely candidate.

Update: According to one of Ubisoft's Twitter accounts, the "same experience, same development team and same release date" will be coming to PlayStation 3. Ubisoft's Kimi Matsuzaki also noted that PC details would come "later."

JoystiqTom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier to be present Holiday 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghost-reconghost-recon-future-soldiertom-clancytom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldierubisoftubisoft-parisTue, 09 Feb 2010 06:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft: EndWar sequel on hold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-endwar-sequel-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-endwar-sequel-on-hold/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-endwar-sequel-on-hold/#comments The news, as presented in EndWar voice-command style:

-- VG247, report, EndWar sequel, halted.

-- Ubisoft, elaborate, "on the backburner."

-- Joystiq, clarify, "on the backburner?"

*END TRANSMISSION*

JoystiqUbisoft: EndWar sequel on hold originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>end-warendwarmichael-de-platertom-clancys-endwarubisoftTue, 09 Feb 2010 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fancy schmancy Tomb Raider art book]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/fancy-schmancy-tomb-raider-art-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/fancy-schmancy-tomb-raider-art-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/fancy-schmancy-tomb-raider-art-book/#comments The Art of Tomb Raider is looking like a must-have hard-edged coffee table book for any fan of the series and its curvy protagonist. Published by Dreams and Visions Press, the 568-page book actually comes in two volumes, with the first covering "every significant piece of Tomb Raider art" through Angel of Darkness, and the second featuring Legend to Underworld.

The set is priced at $110 and only 2,000 copies of the book are being printed. It appears that pre-orders are still being accepted and the books should ship in late February. Guess we can put this right next to our The Splendid Magic of Penny Arcade: The 11&frac12; Anniversary Edition book.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqFancy schmancy Tomb Raider art book originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookcoffee-table-bookthe-art-of-tomb-raidertomb-raiderTue, 09 Feb 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Last Flight devs announce 'Gender Wars: The Battle,' an iPad strategy game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/last-flight-devs-announce-gender-wars-the-battle-an-ipad-str/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/last-flight-devs-announce-gender-wars-the-battle-an-ipad-str/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/last-flight-devs-announce-gender-wars-the-battle-an-ipad-str/#comments Remember back in late January when the world was all abuzz with iPad news and, more specifically, we named a handful of game genres we'd like to see on the upcoming tablet? If our spidey sense is functioning correctly, the recent announce of "Gender Wars: The Battle" -- a "turn-based tactic game" (read: RTS) -- seems to indicate Last Flight devs Bloober Team are avid Joystiq readers (obviously BT got its ideas from our post -- don't be so foolish!).

The game (as described by lead designer Peter Bielatowicz) is intended to be "easy to pick up and play" with what sounds like paired down tactical commands for "casual players." Producer Piotr Babieno explains the iPad development focus by saying, "We believe that tactic games will be one of [the] best and most successful games on [the] iPad platform." He also notes that the game will be released at a "very low price" to entice players to get hooked on the "series" and prepare them for future "Gender Wars" titles. And no, neither Beilatowicz or Babieno explain why it's called Gender Wars, but we'll hopefully find out when the game releases this March alongside Apple's new device.

JoystiqLast Flight devs announce 'Gender Wars: The Battle,' an iPad strategy game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloober-teamgender-warsgender-wars-the-battleipadlast-flightpeter-bielatowiczpiotr-babienortsturn-basedTue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2K Marin: Console wars 'drown out creative discourse']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/2k-marin-console-wars-drown-out-creative-discourse/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/2k-marin-console-wars-drown-out-creative-discourse/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/2k-marin-console-wars-drown-out-creative-discourse/#comments The initially Xbox 360-exclusive BioShock was one of the major salvos in the ongoing console wars, waged on message boards and comment sections everywhere (including right here on this very site). Speaking with Destructoid, BioShock 2 producer Jordan Thomas expressed hope that the multi-platform sequel -- which launches today -- doesn't play a similarly divisive role. According to Thomas, "platform partisanship" is just silly and it "seems to flood the critical channels and drown out other creative discourse."

Which sounds about right -- whenever a piece of news comes up that swings even close to the differences between the various consoles, the discussion usually degenerates into the same old arguments, and new and more interesting issues get drowned out like Andrew Ryan's old city. 2K Marin didn't ask in so many words, but we will: Would you kindly all just get along?

Joystiq2K Marin: Console wars 'drown out creative discourse' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-marinbioshockbioshock-2commentsconsoleconsole-warsfightinginsultsjordan-thomasmessage-boardsplatform-partisanshipsdfsequelsony-defense-forcexboxTue, 09 Feb 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nippon Ichi earnings plummet in 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/nippon-ichi-earnings-plummet-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/nippon-ichi-earnings-plummet-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/nippon-ichi-earnings-plummet-in-2009/#comments
[Prinny Blog]
Disgaea developer and publisher Nippon Ichi didn't have the best 2009, dood. Last week, the company announced its earnings for the first nine months of its fiscal year (ending December 31, 2009), recording operating profits 97.5% lower than those of 2008.

This week, reacting to the news of the precipitous drop, investors freaked out a bit and the price of NIS stock on the Japanese JASDAQ exchange dropped ¥7,000 ($78.42), almost 20%. JASDAQ froze the price, or it might have dropped further. Siliconera posted a list of all recent and upcoming NIS games. Have a look -- we're sure NIS America would really, really appreciate a purchase of Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love or Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman 2 in the next few months.

JoystiqNippon Ichi earnings plummet in 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disgaeaearningsjapannippon-ichinippon-ichi-softwarerecessionTue, 09 Feb 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega64 talks Mass Effect 2 sex censorship]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/mega64-talks-mass-effect-2-sex-censorship/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/mega64-talks-mass-effect-2-sex-censorship/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/mega64-talks-mass-effect-2-sex-censorship/#comments We're pretty sure that the new Mass Effect 2-centric video from Mega64 that you'll find after the break is pretty funny. The crew seems to be grilling everyday citizens on censorship, specifically relating to all the xenofornication going down aboard the Normandy.

We say "pretty sure" and "seems" because ... well, we can't watch this sort of thing with the sound on because it makes us too uncomfortable. There, we said it out loud. That means we also have no idea if the language in the video is safe for work, since we can't hear it. Let's just play it safe and assume it's not, OK?

Continue reading Mega64 talks Mass Effect 2 sex censorship

JoystiqMega64 talks Mass Effect 2 sex censorship originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaremass-effect-2mega64Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Discounted: Brand new Tony Hawk Ride at ... Goodwill?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/discounted-brand-new-tony-hawk-ride-at-goodwill/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/discounted-brand-new-tony-hawk-ride-at-goodwill/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/discounted-brand-new-tony-hawk-ride-at-goodwill/#commentsIt may seem at this point that we're kicking an already downed and plenty insulted victim here, but we couldn't help but note the shockingly low price of a Tony Hawk: Ride bundle -- complete with board, unopened -- discovered by Gamertell at an Arlington Heights, Il. Goodwill store. Two Wii versions of the game were on sale for just $74.99 (down from $119.99 MSRP) -- a Goodwill employee said the game's presence could be explained by donations from local retailers, listing Kohls, Sears, Borders, and Target as potential donators. Alright, alright, we'll admit it -- the price drop isn't that steep, but a near $50 difference on a barely four-month-old game sounds pretty decent to us.

Presumably, one of the aforementioned retailers was more interested in the shelf space (and the tax write-off) than waiting for the game's fairly cool sales to heat up. Either way, if you're looking to get your ... ahem ... feet on the game, maybe your local Goodwill could offer a better deal than the other brick-and-mortars, eh?

JoystiqDiscounted: Brand new Tony Hawk Ride at ... Goodwill? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arlington-heightsgoodwillgoodwill-storesillinoissalestony-hawktony-hawk-rideTue, 09 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[We sure hope the new Sonic 4 isn't a remake of this Sonic 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/we-sure-hope-the-new-sonic-4-isnt-a-remake-of-this-sonic-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/we-sure-hope-the-new-sonic-4-isnt-a-remake-of-this-sonic-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/we-sure-hope-the-new-sonic-4-isnt-a-remake-of-this-sonic-4/#comments Here's a fun little piece of 16-bit history for you -- did you know that when Sega made its big announcement last week, a game called Sonic 4 had actually been floating around for 14 years? Sure, it's not an official Sonic game, mind you -- it was merely a modded version of the classic Sunsoft SNES platformer Speedy Gonzales: Los Gatos Bandidos. 1UP recently shared the game's illicit history -- a group of Peruvian hackers known as Twin Eagle Group got their hands on the game in 1996, removed all instances of the hasty Mexican mouse, and replaced them with Sega's spiny mascot.

Check out a gameplay clip of the unsanctioned Sonic 4 after the jump. Yeah, it doesn't look great -- but to be fair, Sonic doesn't whip out a gun at any point, nor does he engage in light bestiality, so we guess it has its charms.

[Via Kotaku]

Continue reading We sure hope the new Sonic 4 isn't a remake of this Sonic 4

JoystiqWe sure hope the new Sonic 4 isn't a remake of this Sonic 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackmodnintendosegasnessonicsonic-4sonic-the-hedgehogTue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST