Joystiq PC http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq PC http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Steam weekly: Rochard, Strike Suit Zero, Sleeping Dogs, Unreal deals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/steam-weekly-rochard-strike-suit-zero-sleeping-dogs-unreal-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/steam-weekly-rochard-strike-suit-zero-sleeping-dogs-unreal-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/steam-weekly-rochard-strike-suit-zero-sleeping-dogs-unreal-d/#commentsSteam weekly Sleeping Dogs, Rochard cheapskies This week's round of Steam weekly deals includes Sleeping Dogs for $12.50, Rochard for $2.50, Strike Suit Zero for $10, and the Unreal Deal Pack for $10. The Unreal Deal Pack includes Unreal Gold, Unreal 2: The Awakening, Unreal Tournament 2004: Editor's Choice Edition, Unreal Tournament 3 Black and Unreal Tournament: Game of the Year Edition.

Other games on sale for up to 75 percent off this week are Jagged Alliance: Back in Action, Wasteland Angel, Lords of Football, Spectraball: Extended Edition and Steel Storm: Burning Retribution. In software (and Greenlight) titles, game design tool articy: draft SE is $67 during this week's sale.

The weekly Steam sale ends on May 27 at 10 a.m. PT.

JoystiqSteam weekly: Rochard, Strike Suit Zero, Sleeping Dogs, Unreal deals originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jagged-alliance-back-in-actionlords-of-footballmacpcrochardSleeping-DogsspectraballSTEAMsteel-stormStrike-Suit-ZeroUnrealWasteland-AngelMon, 20 May 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island prepared to sell 38 Studios' Amalur intellectual property]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/rhode-island-prepared-to-sell-38-studios-amalur-intellectual-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/rhode-island-prepared-to-sell-38-studios-amalur-intellectual-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/rhode-island-prepared-to-sell-38-studios-amalur-intellectual-pr/#comments
The state of Rhode Island's last keepsake of 38 Studios - beyond a $100-million-plus loan debt - is the company's Amalur intellectual property, which it's planning to sell off shortly. The Providence Journal reports there is interest in the asset, but the lawyer in charge of the sale hasn't revealed a value.

Meanwhile, a hearing in the state's lawsuit against the architects of the 38 Studios loan is scheduled for this Wednesday, after studio founder and former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling was unable to get the suit dismissed in March.

The sale of the studio's physical assets net the state approximately $830,000. Following the sale of the IP, Rhode Island tax payers will have to pay off the rest of the debt.

JoystiqRhode Island prepared to sell 38 Studios' Amalur intellectual property originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingpcrhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationMon, 20 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham Origins challenge mode has a Deathstroke]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/batman-arkham-origins-challenge-mode-has-a-deathstroke/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/batman-arkham-origins-challenge-mode-has-a-deathstroke/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/batman-arkham-origins-challenge-mode-has-a-deathstroke/#commentsBatman Arkham Origins challenge mode A leaked pre-order image tipped us off yesterday and the press release past the break confirms it: Deathstroke is a playable character in Batman Arkham Origins. He'll be unlocked in the game's challenge mode, and all who plunk down cash early will enjoy some exclusive maps and character skins associated with him.

Deathstroke is seemingly a leading man in the video game world now, with Batman: Arkham Origins his second role of the year after Injustice: Gods Among Us in April. His real name is Slade Wilson, a mercenary and assassin created by teenage cartoonist Gary Wilson in 1980.

Continue reading Batman: Arkham Origins challenge mode has a Deathstroke

JoystiqBatman: Arkham Origins challenge mode has a Deathstroke originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-originsdeathstrokemicrosoftpcplaystationpre-orderps3Warner-Bros-Interactivewb-gameswb-games-montrealxboxMon, 20 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: May 20-26, 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/now-playing-may-20-26-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/now-playing-may-20-26-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/now-playing-may-20-26-2013/#commentsNow Playing May 2026, 2013
Shoot up the old west this week with Call of Juarez: Gunslinger...

Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:

Continue reading Now Playing: May 20-26, 2013

JoystiqNow Playing: May 20-26, 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxMon, 20 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil: Revelations review: Any port in a storm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/resident-evil-revelations-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/resident-evil-revelations-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/resident-evil-revelations-review/#commentsResident Evil Revelations review Any port in a storm The 3DS is no graphical slouch. Aside from the glasses-free 3D feature, the system can kick out some impressive scenery, and it did so with last year's Resident Evil Revelations, a well-made little horror shooter in a series that's been looking for a lifeboat lately. After launching Resident Evil 6 fewer than six months ago, Capcom seems to think HD platforms need even more Resident Evil love, and so this week Revelations hits Xbox 360, PS3, Windows PCs, and the Wii U.

Playing it in enhanced form on an HD console, however, feels just a little goofy. The textures do look excellent, but the game's models are clearly made for a more lightweight graphics engine, which means you get characters with hair frozen in place and enemies with just a few animations to use over and over again. Revelations was made for a handheld machine, and its designers cut corners that the other platforms would have let them curve around more gracefully.

But Revelations' saving grace is that it's a Resident Evil game, and it's a good Resident Evil game at that. For that reason, fans of the series who missed out the first time around will probably appreciate the chance to see it for themselves.

Gallery: Resident Evil: Revelations (5/20/13)

Continue reading Resident Evil: Revelations review: Any port in a storm

JoystiqResident Evil: Revelations review: Any port in a storm originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleshandheldmicrosoftnintendonintendo-3dspcplaystationportps3raid-moderesident-evilresident-evil-revelationsreviewwii-uxboxMon, 20 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade launches Rain-Slick 3 giveaway, series finale coming June 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/penny-arcade-launches-rain-slick-3-giveaway-series-finale-comin/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/penny-arcade-launches-rain-slick-3-giveaway-series-finale-comin/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/penny-arcade-launches-rain-slick-3-giveaway-series-finale-comin/#commentsPenny Arcade's RainSlick 3 free on Steam today, series finale coming June 7 Cthulhu Saves the World developer Zeboyd Games announced that its series finale Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 4 will launch on Friday, June 7 for Windows and the Xbox Live Indie Games service.

To mark the occasion, Zeboyd and Penny Arcade are giving away free Steam codes for Rain-Slick 3. Zeboyd assures that the giveaway has no strings attached, but fans have a limited window of opportunity to hop on this deal, as the offer ends tomorrow.

Zeboyd Games resumed the Rain-Slick series after the departure of previous developer Hothead Games, producing a pair of JRPG-inspired sequels. Rain-Slick 3 was supported with a wealth of free DLC, and the upcoming sequel will likely follow suit.

JoystiqPenny Arcade launches Rain-Slick 3 giveaway, series finale coming June 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcpenny-arcade-adventures-3penny-arcade-adventures-4windowsxboxzeboyd-gamesMon, 20 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Dogs GameStop, Amazon pre-order goods have eyes on you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/watch-dogs-gamestop-amazon-pre-order-goods-have-eyes-on-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/watch-dogs-gamestop-amazon-pre-order-goods-have-eyes-on-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/watch-dogs-gamestop-amazon-pre-order-goods-have-eyes-on-you/#comments North American retailers GameStop and Amazon are offering up their own pre-order incentives for Watch Dogs, Ubisoft announced today.

Those who commit early through GameStop will receive an additional single-player mission, with a perk that unlocks "exclusive investigation opportunities inside of the network" and bonus cash when hacking into bank accounts, plus an exclusive poster designed by Alex Ross. Amazon pre-orders also get an exclusive mission that, upon completion, unlocks a special biometric assault rifle and an outfit.

Watch Dogs launches on the Xbox 360, PS3, PC and Wii U on November 19. A port is also planned for next-generation consoles.

Gallery: Watch Dogs (Pre-Order Bonuses)

Continue reading Watch Dogs GameStop, Amazon pre-order goods have eyes on you

JoystiqWatch Dogs GameStop, Amazon pre-order goods have eyes on you originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazongamestopmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-reflectionswatch-dogswii-uxboxMon, 20 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil: Revelations DLC characters, upgrades outlined]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/resident-evil-revelations-dlc-characters-upgrades-outlined/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/resident-evil-revelations-dlc-characters-upgrades-outlined/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/resident-evil-revelations-dlc-characters-upgrades-outlined/#comments
Resident Evil: Revelations launches this week and Capcom has promised some DLC. It starts on June 4 with the Resistance and Enhancement sets for 160 MS Points ($2), each including six different weapon upgrades. Then, on June 11, Capcom will issue two additional characters for use in Raid mode: Rachel Ooze and Lady Hunk. Each character costs 240 MS Points ($3).

Resident Evil: Revelations is a remake of the 3DS game bearing the same name launched by Capcom in early 2012. Bridging the story between Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, Revelations follows series regulars Jill and Chris, and takes place aboard a derelict cruise liner called the SS Queen Zenobia. A free demo has been available to all on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U and Steam since last week.

Gallery: Resident Evil: Revelations (5/20/13)

Continue reading Resident Evil: Revelations DLC characters, upgrades outlined

JoystiqResident Evil: Revelations DLC characters, upgrades outlined originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdlcmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3resident-evilresident-evil-revelationswii-uxboxMon, 20 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reinventing Shadow Warrior for the modern era]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/reinventing-shadow-warrior-for-the-modern-era/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/reinventing-shadow-warrior-for-the-modern-era/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/reinventing-shadow-warrior-for-the-modern-era/#commentsReinventing Shadow Warrior for the modern day player Just over 16 years ago, Shadow Warrior launched on PC. As the follow-up to 3D Realms' popular shooter Duke Nukem 3D, the two bore similarities; both donned an iconic first-person shooter style, substituting substance for violence at every turn. While Duke Nukem was a macho, chauvinist with all the ammo he could ever need, Shadow Warrior's main character was crass in a slightly different, albeit still offensive way.

The ninja assassin protagonist, Lo Wang, intended as a spoof on East Asian action heroes, was a walking racial stereotype. Lo Wang shouted "you want-a some wang?" with a mocking Asian accent, used chopsticks to catch flies, picked up fortune cookies in secret areas and fought sumo wrestlers. For many, Shadow Warrior was offensive and the game was criticized heavily for it.

Sixteen years later, Devolver Digital and developer Flying Wild Hog have announced a collaboration to reinvent Shadow Warrior; the spoils of the partnership due this fall on PC and in 2014 for unspecified next-gen consoles. While a modern Shadow Warrior will bare an updated skin, the "reinvention" isn't expected to be a departure from the original game's roots.

Gallery: Shadow Warrior (Announce)

Continue reading Reinventing Shadow Warrior for the modern era

JoystiqReinventing Shadow Warrior for the modern era originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-realmsdevolver-digitalflying-wild-hoginterviewjan-bartkowicznigel-lowriepcreimaginingshadow-warriorMon, 20 May 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Splinter Cell: Blacklist trailer features stealthy co-op]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/splinter-cell-blacklist-trailer-features-stealthy-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/splinter-cell-blacklist-trailer-features-stealthy-co-op/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/splinter-cell-blacklist-trailer-features-stealthy-co-op/#comments
Ubisoft has released a new trailer for Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist, showcasing gameplay from its co-op narrative campaign and some gruff banter between Sam Fisher and his partner-in-stealth Isaac Briggs.

Splinter Cell is beefing up its multiplayer offerings for the latest series entry, as Blacklist will feature both a two-player co-op campaign and the returning Spies vs. Mercs multiplayer mode. We had a chat with Blacklist's lead co-op designer Richard Carrillo earlier this month, in which he confirmed that teammates will need to adapt to multiple playstyles in order to survive.

Blacklist's co-op element spans four mission types and 14 maps, and is playable online and in local split-screen. Splinter Cell: Blacklist is set to launch for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, and PC platforms on August 20.

JoystiqSplinter Cell: Blacklist trailer features stealthy co-op originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3splinter-cell-blacklistubisoftwii-uxboxMon, 20 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham Origins stars Roger Craig Smith as Batman, Troy Baker as Joker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/batman-arkham-origins-stars-roger-craig-smith-as-batman-troy-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/batman-arkham-origins-stars-roger-craig-smith-as-batman-troy-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/batman-arkham-origins-stars-roger-craig-smith-as-batman-troy-b/#commentsArkham Origins stars Roger Craig Smith as Batman, Troy Baker as Joker Warner Bros. revealed Batman: Arkham Origins is fronted by two of gaming's most prominent voice actors. Roger Craig Smith is confirmed as the caped crusader, and Troy Baker is his nemesis, the Joker.

If you don't recognize the names, you'll definitely recognize their previous work. Craig Smith's immense portfolio includes Ezio Auditore from Assassin's Creed, Chris Redfield from Resident Evil, and he's the current voice of Sonic. While he's never starred in anything Batman related, he does have superhero experience. It is for the other side, however; he's played Captain America in both games and animations.

Baker is similarly prolific. While he recently graced our screens as Booker DeWitt in BioShock Infinite, his past work includes Sgt. Matt Baker in Gearbox's Brothers in Arms, Snow from the Final Fantasy 13 line, Kai Leng from Mass Effect 3, and Vincent from Catherine. When we profiled Baker around this time last year, he shared his love for all things Batman on the back of starring in Arkham City.

"Being a part of Arkham City was just incredible - because I'm a huge Batman fan," Baker told us, "And to play Two-Face and Robin after growing up watching The Animated Series was a banner moment for me."

The news follows apparent confirmation long-time Batman vocalist Kevin Conroy does star in Origins, but how he features remains to be seen. We know Origins deals with Batman's "initiation into that insane world" of the other Arkham games, so perhaps Conroy's role is something retrospective. Even if Conroy doesn't play the dark knight in any sense in Origins, to fans he's still the goddamn Batman.

Bat-click here to check out our preview and the new trailer.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham Origins stars Roger Craig Smith as Batman, Troy Baker as Joker originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-originsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3roger-craig-smithtroy-bakerwarner-brosWarner-Bros-Interactivewarner-bros-montrealWBIEwii-uxboxMon, 20 May 2013 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Year Wane: The challenges facing Batman in Arkham Origins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/batman-arkham-origins-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/batman-arkham-origins-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/batman-arkham-origins-preview/#comments
Batman: Arkham Origins follows the world's most enduring vigilante after just two years on the job. The developers at Warner Bros. Montreal, taking over from Rocksteady Studios and their critically acclaimed construction of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, want to convey a "rawer, scarier Batman." He's all growl and grimace in the cutscenes, dangling squirming henchmen from clock towers until they turn verbose, but in play his rookie temper is more difficult to detect.

The prequel is a tricky proposition, especially when it concerns history that's been dissected again and again across comics, movies and games. It's harder to conjure narrative tension while it's colored by the inevitable outcome, and that draws greater scrutiny on mechanical expansion and refinement. Why does this younger Batman make for a better Batman game?

Gallery: Batman: Arkham Origins (5/20/13)

Continue reading Year Wane: The challenges facing Batman in Arkham Origins

JoystiqYear Wane: The challenges facing Batman in Arkham Origins originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-originse3-2013microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3warner-bros-montrealwii-uxboxMon, 20 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light shines in this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/metro-last-light-shines-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/metro-last-light-shines-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/metro-last-light-shines-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments It's another familiar week of UK cha-... oh wait, it isn't.

After Dead Island: Riptide sliced through its competition for three weeks, this time it's dethroned by another follow-up in the form of Metro: Last Light. By debuting in top spot, it does what Metro 2033 failed to do when it placed fifth in 2010.

Chart-Track says Metro 2033 sold stronger than Last Light in its launch week. Back then, Metro 2033 was fighting March megatons like Final Fantasy 13, God of War 3, and Battlefield Bad Company 2. In contrast, May 2013 has been dead quiet - emphasis on dead.

Having said that, this week sees another new release in the top ten via Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity. The spinoff charts fourth this week. We expect the next 3DS Poke-game to do slightly better.

In other movers and shakers, Last Light only nudged Riptide into second place, making this week a 1-2 for Deep Silver and Koch Media. Tomb Raider drops out of the top five for the first time in its 11th week, slipping down to sixth. Meanwhile, Injustice: Gods Among Us and The Walking Dead (packaged retail edition) shuffle into eighth and seventh.

Continue reading Metro: Last Light shines in this week's UK charts

JoystiqMetro: Last Light shines in this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chart-trackchart-track-weeklydeep-silverKoch-mediametro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ukxboxMon, 20 May 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spicy Horse's Oz game is OZombie: 'If I only had some brainsss']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/spicy-horses-oz-game-is-ozombie-if-i-only-had-some-brainsss/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/spicy-horses-oz-game-is-ozombie-if-i-only-had-some-brainsss/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/spicy-horses-oz-game-is-ozombie-if-i-only-had-some-brainsss/#commentsSpicy Horse's Oz game is OZombie 'If I only had some brainsss' Spicy Horse's Oz game combines the undead with "an Oz not of our remembering" - it's called OZombie, and it stars Dorothy, Toto, the Lion and the Tin Woodsman. The Scarecrow, who always wanted brains, is cast as the villain in this iteration, and instead of carrying around a basket, Dorothy gets a repeater.

Spicy Horse is unsure which game it will make next, OZombie or Alice: Otherlands, and it all depends on whether the studio can regain the Alice rights from EA. If Spicy Horse and EA work out a good deal, then Alice it is. If not, OZombie gets the green light and probably a Kickstarter.

"Actually, the more I think about it - and the more I see/hear feedback from you guys - the more I'm personally leaning towards Oz," Spicy Horse founder American McGee writes on the OZombie Facebook page. "There's so much fun stuff to explore, so many interesting characters and locations to discover. Wonderland will also be there, if not today, if not the next project, then perhaps the one after that?"

Keep in mind (and mind your brains) that OZombie is entirely separate from American McGee's Oz, the game Atari canceled in 2004.

JoystiqSpicy Horse's Oz game is OZombie: 'If I only had some brainsss' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alice-otherlandsandroidiosipadiphonemobileozozombiepcspicy-horsethe-wizard-of-ozWizard-of-OzSun, 19 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Terry Cavanagh picks up 'proper, meaty puzzle game,' Halting Problem]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/terry-cavanagh-picks-up-proper-meaty-puzzle-game-halting-pro/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/terry-cavanagh-picks-up-proper-meaty-puzzle-game-halting-pro/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/terry-cavanagh-picks-up-proper-meaty-puzzle-game-halting-pro/#commentsTerry Cavanagh working on 'Halting Problem,' a puzzle game Terry Cavanagh throws a ton of game ideas into the online hive mind, and it looks like he found one that sticks with Halting Problem (tentative title). Last week Cavanagh posted a set of Vines - "Pushing a block" and "Fistbump" - and this weekend he wrote in his blog that Halting Problem will probably be his "main focus for a while."

"A proper, meaty puzzle game is something I've wanted to make for ages, and I'm having lots of fun just messing around with the mechanics for this one and seeing what I can make out of them," Cavanagh said. It's inspired by DROD, but also things like Qrostar games, Zachtronic games, and my flatmate Increpare's games."

Cavanagh said he's really excited about this one - and so is that happy little sprite.

JoystiqTerry Cavanagh picks up 'proper, meaty puzzle game,' Halting Problem originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halting-problemIndiepcterry-cavanaghSun, 19 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Arkham Origins stars Deathstroke in some playable capacity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/arkham-origins-stars-deathstroke-in-some-playable-capacity/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/arkham-origins-stars-deathstroke-in-some-playable-capacity/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/arkham-origins-stars-deathstroke-in-some-playable-capacity/#commentsAmazon listing shows Deathstroke playable in Arkham Origins A Batman: Arkham Origins pre-order image on Amazon offers Deathstroke as a playable character via DLC. Check it out in a rolling image header here.

Batman and Deathstroke went head-to-head in last week's teaser video, but there was no word on how the striker of mortality would be incorporated into Arkham Origins. This could be a Catwoman in Arkham City situation, where she got an entire spin-off campaign, or it might be something entirely new.

One aspect of Arkham Origins is confirmed today - Kevin Conroy will return as a voice actor.

JoystiqArkham Origins stars Deathstroke in some playable capacity originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbatman-arkham-originsDeathstrokeDLCmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3wii-uxboxSun, 19 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Defiance's 'fun now, depth later' is great for MMORPGs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/why-defiances-fun-now-depth-later-is-great-for-mmorpgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/why-defiances-fun-now-depth-later-is-great-for-mmorpgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/why-defiances-fun-now-depth-later-is-great-for-mmorpgs/#commentsThis is a weekly column from freelancer Rowan Kaiser, which focuses on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.

Why Defiance's 'fun now, depth later' is great for MMORPGs
I had my World of Warcraft year. In 2007, when 'The Burning Crusade' came out, the game clicked with me and it became almost the only thing I played for months on end, to the point where I started raiding with an up-and-coming guild. I know many other people who've had that year, with WoW or some other massively multiplayer game, before they lost interest, burnt out, or continued out of habit more than joy. In the last year or so, I've tried several massively-multiplayer role-playing games - Star Wars: The Old Republic, Guild Wars 2, The Secret World - and couldn't find that magic again. I could admire the design, but quickly lost interest in playing them. I was starting to think I'd never really like a massively multiplayer game again - and then, on a whim, I decided to check out Defiance.

Defiance is the main game I've been playing for two weeks now, and this may continue. It's not that it's less flawed than the other MMORPGs, but instead that the parts of the game that it focuses on hold much more appeal to me. To put it another way: Most games within this genre are focused on combat, and Defiance's combat is significantly more fun for me than its competitors'.

Gallery: Defiance (PAX East 2012)

Continue reading Why Defiance's 'fun now, depth later' is great for MMORPGs

JoystiqWhy Defiance's 'fun now, depth later' is great for MMORPGs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defianceHuman-Head-Studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Trion-WorldsxboxSun, 19 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kevin Conroy returns for Batman: Arkham Origins [Update: But not as Batman]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/kevin-conroy-returns-for-batman-arkham-origins/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/kevin-conroy-returns-for-batman-arkham-origins/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/kevin-conroy-returns-for-batman-arkham-origins/#comments

Update: Kevin Conroy will be in Arkham Origins, but not as Batman, despite his storied career with that character. Arkham Origins stars Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as the Joker, Warner Bros. announced on May 20.

Original story: Kevin Conroy will be in Batman: Arkham Origins, and he's already spent 10 months in the studio recording those gruff-yet-dulcet tones. Conroy confirmed his involvement at Dallas Comic-Con, but didn't specify if he plays The Bat himself - not that he has to. He opened the panel with, "I am vengeance. I am the night. I am Batman." Because, you know, he is.

NAG magazine reported in April that Warner Bros. had passed on Conroy for Arkham Origins.

Conroy voiced Batman in both Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, and he was the man behind Bruce Wayne in Batman: The Animated Series, Batman: Beyond and subsequent DC universe cartoon spin-offs. Arkham Origins is scheduled to launch on October 25 for Xbox 360, PS3, PC and Wii U.

JoystiqKevin Conroy returns for Batman: Arkham Origins [Update: But not as Batman] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batmanbatman-arkham-originskevin-conroymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3wii-uxboxSun, 19 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Get $20 to $25 off BioShock Infinite on Amazon today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/get-20-to-25-off-bioshock-infinite-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/get-20-to-25-off-bioshock-infinite-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/get-20-to-25-off-bioshock-infinite-on-amazon-today/#comments Today's Gold Box deal of the day on Amazon is BioShock Infinite. Downloadable PC versions of the game are $25 off ($35), whereas boxed copies of the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 versions are $20 off ($40) for today only.

Meanwhile, $35 Steam codes through Groupon for the game appear to still be available until the end of the day. What we're trying to say is, today might be a good day to buy a new game.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqGet $20 to $25 off BioShock Infinite on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesamazonamazon-gold-boxbioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3salexboxSun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Among the Sleep Kickstarter ends nearly $50k beyond its target]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/among-the-sleep-kickstarter-ends-nearly-50k-beyond-its-target/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/among-the-sleep-kickstarter-ends-nearly-50k-beyond-its-target/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/among-the-sleep-kickstarter-ends-nearly-50k-beyond-its-target/#comments Krillbite Studio's first-person baby simulator/horror game Among the Sleep has completed its 30-day Kickstarter campaign, raising a grand total of $248,358 from 8,110 backers - nearly $50,000 more than the $200,000 fundraising goal originally set.

All that extra cash will be put towards buying ice cream, Oculus Rift compatibility and a developer commentary track, though the campaign's bonus earnings didn't extend far enough for the "supersecret free DLC" stretch goal to be funded. Among the Sleep is expected to launch on PC, OSX and Linux during the fourth quarter of this year, but intrigued folks can go ahead and check out the game's public alpha.

JoystiqAmong the Sleep Kickstarter ends nearly $50k beyond its target originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>among-the-sleepkickstarterkrillbite-studiolinuxmacpcsuccessSat, 18 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil: Revelations adds Pirate Jill, Sailor Chris, Ninja Keith]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/resident-evil-revelations-adds-pirate-jill-sailor-chris-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/resident-evil-revelations-adds-pirate-jill-sailor-chris-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/resident-evil-revelations-adds-pirate-jill-sailor-chris-ninja/#commentsResident Evil Revelations adds Pirate Jill, Sailor Chris, Ninja Keith The upcoming console/PC iteration of Resident Evil: Revelations will include a trio of confusing new costumes for Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield and Keith Lumley, Capcom has announced. As can be seen in the gallery, Jill and Chris both sport equally leggy nautical-themed outfits, while Keith channels his inner One Piece character as a shirtless sword-guy in hammer pants.

Costumes are unlocked by playing through the game's Campaign and Raid modes, in addition to "other unlocking mechanisms" that Capcom is keeping a secret. We're just hoping Capcom eventually rides this train of thought all the way to its logical extreme: Pretty Soldier Sailor Claire Redfield.

Gallery: Resident Evil: Revelations (New costumes)

JoystiqResident Evil: Revelations adds Pirate Jill, Sailor Chris, Ninja Keith originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capcomchris-redfieldcostumesjill-valentineKeith-Lumleymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3resident-evil-revelationswii-uxboxSat, 18 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Costco UK selling full-size F1 simulator for just £90,000]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/costco-uk-selling-full-size-f1-simulator-for-just-90-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/costco-uk-selling-full-size-f1-simulator-for-just-90-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/costco-uk-selling-full-size-f1-simulator-for-just-90-000/#commentsCostco UK selling fullsize F1 simulator for just 90,000 Costco UK is selling an FMCG International F1 racing simulator for £89,999.89 (including delivery and installation!), or $138,338.83, which is still significantly cheaper than owning an actual Formula 1 car. We also assume it's probably a tiny bit safer and easier to maintain, but that's just a hunch.

The body is available in "your own choice of colour" and is made out of various combinations of composite materials, alloys and carbon fiber, with real wheels, tyres, chromed-out exhaust tips and everything. There's no engine or transmission, obviously, but it does come with one of those totally awesome detachable steering wheels.

The gaming portion of the rig is powered by an Intel Core i7, an SSD of unknown capacity, 16 gigs of RAM and a non-specified graphics card outputting to three 23-inch adjustable TFT monitors. Meanwhile, sweet jams are pumped through a 5.1 audio system into both the car's body and your body, since the subwoofer is located directly behind the driver's seat.

JoystiqCostco UK selling full-size F1 simulator for just £90,000 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costcoF1FMCG-InternationalpcracingreplicasimsimulationsimulatorSat, 18 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sims 3 producers guide you through Island Paradise DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/sims-3-producers-guide-you-through-island-paradise-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/sims-3-producers-guide-you-through-island-paradise-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/sims-3-producers-guide-you-through-island-paradise-dlc/#comments
EA recently provided us with a producer walkthrough video for The Sims 3 Island Paradise DLC, an upcoming expansion pack for the game. The DLC takes players to the Isle Paradiso where, as seen in the video, they can cruise on houseboats from port to port.

Players will also get to build their own resort on the island when the expansion launches June 28. Before that, however, The Sims 3 Dragon Valley world will open on May 30.

Gallery: The Sims 3 - Island Paradise (5/16/13)

JoystiqSims 3 producers guide you through Island Paradise DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtspcThe-Sims-3Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grid 2 gameplay trailer drifts through Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/grid-2-gameplay-trailer-drifts-through-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/grid-2-gameplay-trailer-drifts-through-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/grid-2-gameplay-trailer-drifts-through-japan/#comments
This gameplay video for Grid 2 shows a racer drifting around turns on a downhill course in Okutama, Tokyo in Japan. Grid 2 is coming to PS3, Xbox 360 and PC on May 28.

JoystiqGrid 2 gameplay trailer drifts through Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Codemastersdriftinggameplaygrid-2microsoftokutamapcplaystationps3racerRacingtrailerxboxSat, 18 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dust: An Elysian Tail scampers onto Steam May 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/dust-an-elysian-tail-scampers-onto-steam-may-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/dust-an-elysian-tail-scampers-onto-steam-may-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/dust-an-elysian-tail-scampers-onto-steam-may-24/#comments Next week marks the Steam debut of Humble Heart's XBLA darling, Dust: An Elysian Tail. Dean Dodrill, animator and creator of Dust, took to Twitter to announce the May 24 launch date; though there is currently no Steam product page.

Dust: An Elysian Tail is a 2D action platformer in the vein of Metroid and Castlevania, featuring beautiful hand-drawn sprites throughout. Aside from being visually appealing, it's also a delight - a game our review said "doesn't do much to innovate the platform-adventure sub-genre, but it does manage to look and play beautifully throughout, and sometimes that's enough."

JoystiqDust: An Elysian Tail scampers onto Steam May 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dean-dodrilldust-an-elysian-tailhumble-heartpcsteamSat, 18 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 'Robotic Boogaloo' update tangos with Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/team-fortress-2-robotic-boogaloo-update-tangos-with-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/team-fortress-2-robotic-boogaloo-update-tangos-with-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/team-fortress-2-robotic-boogaloo-update-tangos-with-steam/#comments
The first community-created updated for Team Fortress 2 has rolled out: 'Robotic Boogaloo.' Continuing the robot theme of previous Team Fortress 2 updates, Robotic Boogaloo adds 57 new artisanal hats, helmets, bonnets, turbans, crowns, toppers and other headgear - all created by the community.

Robotic Boogaloo isn't all hats but, naturally, it's mostly hats. Each new Team Fortress 2 item can be found within RoboCrates - rare drops after June 3 - that can be opened with a key from the Mann Co. store, each costing $2.50. The revenue from these items will then be shared amongst all creators responsible for Robotic Boogaloo content.

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 'Robotic Boogaloo' update tangos with Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitymacpcrobotic-boogaloosteamTeam-Fortress-2updatevalveFri, 17 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Defenders 2 begins character profiles with 'Man and Machine']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/dungeon-defenders-2-begins-character-profiles-with-man-and-mach/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/dungeon-defenders-2-begins-character-profiles-with-man-and-mach/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/dungeon-defenders-2-begins-character-profiles-with-man-and-mach/#comments

Trendy Entertainment's Dungeon Defenders 2, which is split into a tower defense sequel and a MOBA, has begun releasing videos for the latter portion of its DNA. Every Wednesday, the studio will highlight a new character for the player-versus-player mode. First up is the "Man and Machine."

JoystiqDungeon Defenders 2 begins character profiles with 'Man and Machine' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-defenders-2pctrendytrendy-entertainmentFri, 17 May 2013 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Remastered Final Fantasy VIII coming to PC in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/report-remastered-final-fantasy-viii-coming-to-pc-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/report-remastered-final-fantasy-viii-coming-to-pc-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/report-remastered-final-fantasy-viii-coming-to-pc-in-japan/#commentsReport Remastered iFinal Fantasy VIIIi coming to PC in Japan [Rough translation of the above dialogue: "...whatever."]

The ever-sullen Squall and his friends are set to make a high-resolution return, as Famitsu reports that Square Enix is developing a remastered PC version of Final Fantasy VIII.

Final Fantasy VIII was originally released for the PlayStation in 1999, and PC players saw a no-frills Windows port one year later. News of Final Fantasy VIII's forthcoming rerelease follows up on last year's upgraded PC port of Final Fantasy VII, which added cloud saving and unlockable achievements. While the new version of Final Fantasy VIII boasts a graphical update, no further details are known, and a release date has not been announced.
[Image Credit: Famitsu]

JoystiqReport: Remastered Final Fantasy VIII coming to PC in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-viiipcportrpgsquare-enixwindowsFri, 17 May 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just jargon through Remember Me]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/just-jargon-through-remember-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/just-jargon-through-remember-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/just-jargon-through-remember-me/#comments
Join Joystiq in the streets of Neo-Paris and the intricate pathways of the mind in this Remember Me video preview. Dontnod's memory-focused action game features strategic battle jeans, "remembrane buoys" and even more dubiously named plot devices, if you can believe it.

Remember Me launches for the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on June 4.

[Video production: Miguel Concepcion]

Gallery: Remember Me (2/14/13)

JoystiqJust jargon through Remember Me originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adriftdontnoddontnod-entertainmentmicrosoftpcplaystationps3remember-mevideo-previewxboxFri, 17 May 2013 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA product manager Kevin Flynn defects, joins Call of Duty team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/#comments Kevin Flynn, who's worked for the last two years as a senior product manager for EA's UK arm, has left to join Activision's UK side as a senior brand manager on Call of Duty. Flynn's previous efforts for EA include launching Battlefield 3 and its subsequent Premium DLC campaigns in the region.

Flynn enlisted with the Call of Duty squad this month, which we imagine must be the busiest time to sign on for an Activision paycheck. With Call of Duty: Ghosts launching on November 5 and next week's next-generation engine reveal during the Xbox event on May 21, we just hope Mr. Flynn is finding adequate time for his lunch break every day. A hungry worker is not a happy worker!

JoystiqEA product manager Kevin Flynn defects, joins Call of Duty team originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlefieldbattlefield-3call-of-duty-ghostseaelectronic-artskevin-flynnmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ukxboxFri, 17 May 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Skullgirls' fourth new character is Beowolf]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/skullgirls-fourth-new-character-is-beowolf/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/skullgirls-fourth-new-character-is-beowolf/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/skullgirls-fourth-new-character-is-beowolf/#commentsSkullgirls' fourth new character is Beowolf The results are in, and fans have voted to make Beowolf the fourth new character in Lab Zero Games' little fighter that could, Skullgirls. An ex pro wrestler, Beowolf and his trusty folding chair (named The Hurting, naturally) have come out of retirement in order to test the true limits of his strength. Being a wrestler and everything, Beowolf's playstyle has been influence by Street Fighter's Rainbow Mika and El Fuerte, as well as Tekken's King.

Beowolf is the fourth new character to be funded by Lab Zero's wildly successful Indiegogo campaign, which raised over $800,000 for DLC production back in March. Three other characters, Eliza, Squigly and Big Band, are also currently in development. Squigly is expected to be the first released, dropping alongside the PC version of the game sometime this summer.

Continue reading Skullgirls' fourth new character is Beowolf

JoystiqSkullgirls' fourth new character is Beowolf originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autumn-gamesbeowolfcharactersDLCkonamilab-zero-gamesmarvelous-aqlmicrosoftpcplaystationps3reverge-labsskullgirlsxboxFri, 17 May 2013 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Twin-stick shooter 'Narco Terror' smokes some fools this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/twin-stick-shooter-narco-terror-smokes-some-fools-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/twin-stick-shooter-narco-terror-smokes-some-fools-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/twin-stick-shooter-narco-terror-smokes-some-fools-this-summer/#comments

In what appears to be a modern take on late-80s arcade game Narc, Deep Silver's Narco Terror is a twin-stick blast-everything shooter of one man (or two in local or online co-op) versus the cartels. The game is listed for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

JoystiqTwin-stick shooter 'Narco Terror' smokes some fools this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silvermicrosoftnarco-terrorpcplaystationps3rubiconrubicon-organizationxboxFri, 17 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance confirmed for PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-confirmed-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-confirmed-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-confirmed-for-pc/#comments Series creator Hideo Kojima announced Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is coming to the PC. Speaking on his HideRadio podcast, Kojima revealed the upcoming port. The news was then confirmed by Platinum Games creative producer Jean Pierre Kellams.

We'll have further details as we learn them.

JoystiqMetal Gear Rising: Revengeance confirmed for PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hideo-kojimaKojima-Productionskonamimetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingpcplatinum-gamesFri, 17 May 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller launches episode 3, The Oracle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/cognition-an-erica-reed-thriller-launches-episode-3-the-oracle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/cognition-an-erica-reed-thriller-launches-episode-3-the-oracle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/cognition-an-erica-reed-thriller-launches-episode-3-the-oracle/#comments

Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller, the Kickstarted adventure game from Phoenix Online Studios and Gabriel Knight writer Jane Jensen, is now on its third episode and things are really heating up. Watch the trailer and that line is funny, we promise. Well, funnier.

Episode three is subtitled The Oracle, and it continues the tale of Erica, a psychic FBI agent, as she tracks down a serial killer.

"Cognition's third episode picks up right where the last left off, with a body hurtling down the Enthon Towers' 33 stories to smash onto a parked police cruiser," the press release describes. Players are able to control Erica and the serial killer as the (gruesome) story unfolds.

Cognition will have four parts in total, with the final called The Cain Killer. Grab The Oracle and any previous episodes via Phoenix Online - with sales live through tomorrow, May 17 at 3 p.m. ET - and if you like the series, vote for Cognition on Steam Greenlight.

Gallery: Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller (Episode 3: The Oracle)

Continue reading Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller launches episode 3, The Oracle

JoystiqCognition: An Erica Reed Thriller launches episode 3, The Oracle originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecognitionjane-jensenmacpcPhoenix-Online-StudiosThu, 16 May 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Black Ops 2 Uprising DLC out today on PS3, PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/psa-black-ops-2-uprising-dlc-out-today-on-ps3-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/psa-black-ops-2-uprising-dlc-out-today-on-ps3-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/psa-black-ops-2-uprising-dlc-out-today-on-ps3-pc/#commentsPSA Black Ops 2 Uprising DLC out today on PS3, PC Call of Duty: Black Ops 2's multiplayer offerings grow stronger -- and undead-er -- with today's release of the Uprising DLC map pack for the PlayStation 3 and PC platforms. The pack is priced at $14.99.

Uprising adds the Magma, Encore, Vertigo, and Studio multiplayer maps, the latter of which is a reworking of the classic Firing Range level featured in the original Black Ops. The bundle also includes Mob of the Dead, a Prohibition-era Zombies mode map that takes place at Alcatraz Prison.

Today's release brings PC and PS3 players up to speed with the Xbox 360 version of the game, which received Uprising a month ago. Activision has not announced plans to release any of Black Ops 2's DLC for the Wii U.

Continue reading PSA: Black Ops 2 Uprising DLC out today on PS3, PC

JoystiqPSA: Black Ops 2 Uprising DLC out today on PS3, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-black-ops-2dlcmultiplayerpcplaystationps3psatreyarchuprising-dlcThu, 16 May 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Groupon for $25 off BioShock Infinite on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/groupon-for-25-off-bioshock-infinite-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/groupon-for-25-off-bioshock-infinite-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/groupon-for-25-off-bioshock-infinite-on-steam/#comments Unlike other Groupons for BOGO grow-your-own nagchampa kits and 15 percent off the first 30 minutes of your dog's Le Cordon Bleu certification lessons, this Groupon to get the PC version of BioShock Infinite for $35 is actually worth spending money on.

Continue reading Groupon for $25 off BioShock Infinite on Steam

JoystiqGroupon for $25 off BioShock Infinite on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infinitegrouponIrrational-GamespcThu, 16 May 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reus, 2D god game featuring four giants, blows through PC today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/reus-2d-god-game-featuring-four-giants-blows-through-pc-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/reus-2d-god-game-featuring-four-giants-blows-through-pc-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/reus-2d-god-game-featuring-four-giants-blows-through-pc-today/#comments

Reus, the 2D god game from Abbey Games, is available today, right now, for $10 (€10, £7) on Steam, GOG, Desura and Gamersgate. It's PC only for now, with Mac and Linux ports planned.

Reus offers a twist on the standard god game narrative, asking players to find balance in the world by controlling nature with four giants. The humans have a strong will of their own, and the player is tasked with ensuring they can thrive, but not too much, lest they become corrupted and destroy the planet.

Reus is on sale on Steam, GOG and Desura, for 10 percent off ($9). If you want to show Abbey Games your full monetary appreciation today, Gamersgate is the way to go.

JoystiqReus, 2D god game featuring four giants, blows through PC today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dabbey-gamesgod-gameIndiepcreusThu, 16 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Swapper switches it up on May 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-swapper-switches-it-up-on-may-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-swapper-switches-it-up-on-may-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-swapper-switches-it-up-on-may-30/#comments

The Swapper - the Indie Fund-ed, clay model-animated, puzzle platformer put together by a few Finnish university students - has been set to hit Steam on May 30. The game has a lone space explorer wandering an alien cave, with a "weapon" that allows him to create clones of himself to solve puzzles and move around.

Facepalm has released a brand new trailer showing that gameplay and the title's excellent graphics, which were created by animating photos of actual clay. The initial release will be for PC, with Mac and Linux coming later, and "maybe something else" after that.

JoystiqThe Swapper switches it up on May 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facepalmfacepalm-gameslinuxmacmay-30pcreleaserelease-datesteamthe-swapperThu, 16 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google+ Games no more after June 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/google-games-no-more-after-june-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/google-games-no-more-after-june-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/google-games-no-more-after-june-30/#comments After June 30, Google+ Games will be no more. Google has announced it's pulling the plug on all games through its service, so if you have credits in any games or wish to continue playing, you'll need to pursue that through each individual developer.

Google announced it's pulling the plug shortly after revealing its new games services suite for Google Play, which is live right now. Google started rolling out games to its social networking service in the summer of 2011, starting with Angry Birds, Dragon Age Legends and sudoku.

JoystiqGoogle+ Games no more after June 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle-plusgoogle-plus-gamesmacpcThu, 16 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[April NPD: Injustice: Gods Among Us reigns supreme]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/april-npd-injustice-gods-among-us-reigns-supreme/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/april-npd-injustice-gods-among-us-reigns-supreme/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/april-npd-injustice-gods-among-us-reigns-supreme/#comments Another hot, fresh loaf of financial data has been pulled out of The NPD Group's analytical oven, and its buttery goodness contains sales information for the four week period between April 4 and May 7, 2013. During that time, the physical retail sector of the games industry was down 25 percent when compared with its performance over the same four weeks in 2012, pulling in a grand total of $495.2 million. It's worth noting, however, that this figure does not include the sale of PC games.

Hardware sales brought in $109.5 million, a 42 percent decrease from the $187.8 million seen last year, with the Xbox 360 once again enjoying the highest sales with 130,000 units moved. Meanwhile, the brief reprieve from year-over-year decline seen by the Accessories segment last month was short lived, as in April it by dropped 19 percent to a total of $131.4 million.

Software sales (including PC games) topped out at $267.8 million, with NetherRealm Studios' Injustice: Gods Among Us taking top honors as the best-selling game for the period, the first time a fighting game has finished in first since 2011's Mortal Kombat. Dead Island: Riptide and BioShock Infinite rounded out the podium in spots two and three respectively - meanwhile MMO/Syfy series Defiance debuted in fifth. As always, scope the full list after the break.

Continue reading April NPD: Injustice: Gods Among Us reigns supreme

JoystiqApril NPD: Injustice: Gods Among Us reigns supreme originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20133dsapril-npdbioshock-infinitedead-island-riptidefinancialinjustice-gods-among-usmicrosoftnintendoNPDpcplaystationps3saleswiiwii-uxboxThu, 16 May 2013 18:30:00 EST