Joystiq Xbox http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq Xbox http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Square Enix action, stealth triple packs head to North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/square-enix-action-stealth-triple-packs-head-to-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/square-enix-action-stealth-triple-packs-head-to-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/28/square-enix-action-stealth-triple-packs-head-to-north-america/#comments Square Enix is preparing to launch the Ultimate Action Triple Pack and Ultimate Stealth Triple Pack for PS3 and Xbox 360 in North America this year, according to listings on Amazon spotted by @Wario64. The Action Triple Pack includes Tomb Raider, Just Cause 2 and Sleeping Dogs; the Stealth Triple Pack features Thief, Hitman: Absolution and Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Each bundle is $30 and available for pre-order. The release date - December 31, 2015 - is most likely a placeholder.

The Stealth and Action triple packs launched in Europe last year for £30 / €40 each. We've reached out to Square Enix for clarification on the release date.
[Image: Square Enix]

JoystiqSquare Enix action, stealth triple packs head to North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-ex-human-revolutionhitman-absolutionJust-Cause-2microsoftplaystationps3Sleeping-DogsSquare-EnixthiefTomb-Raidertriple-packultimate-action-triple-packultimate-stealth-triple-packxboxWed, 28 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft: 6.6 million Xbox consoles shipped in Q2 2015]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/microsoft-6-6-million-xbox-consoles-shipped-in-q1-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/microsoft-6-6-million-xbox-consoles-shipped-in-q1-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/microsoft-6-6-million-xbox-consoles-shipped-in-q1-2015/#comments In a recent earnings release, Microsoft reveals that during the quarter ending December 31, 2014 it earned revenues of $26.5 billion, partly thanks to the 6.6 million Xbox consoles it shipped in that time.

"Our sales engagement worldwide continues to focus on helping customers and partners transition to the cloud and navigate the shifting product mix related to our services and solutions," said Microsoft COO Kevin Turner of what the report describes as "strong holiday performance."

Though these figures refer to both Xbox One and Xbox 360 consoles, they do somewhat back claims Microsoft made following the recent NPD sales report, in which it stated that the Xbox One had, after months of lagging behind the PlayStation 4 in sales, becoming the "best-selling console in the U.S. in November and December."
[Image: Microsoft]

JoystiqMicrosoft: 6.6 million Xbox consoles shipped in Q2 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftsalesxboxxbox-oneTue, 27 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden predicts Patriots over Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/madden-predicts-patriots-over-seahawks-in-super-bowl-xlix/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/madden-predicts-patriots-over-seahawks-in-super-bowl-xlix/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/27/madden-predicts-patriots-over-seahawks-in-super-bowl-xlix/#comments

With Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday, it's time again to gaze deep into the crystal ball that is the latest version of EA Sports' Madden NFL to see how the game will shake out. End result? Patriots beat Seahawks, 28 to 24, thanks to four touchdowns from Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady.
[Image: EA Sports]

Continue reading Madden predicts Patriots over Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX

JoystiqMadden predicts Patriots over Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsmadden-nfl-15microsoftplaystationps3ps4superbowlxboxxbox-oneTue, 27 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny dev: DLC mistakes won't be repeated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/destiny-dev-dlc-mistakes-wont-be-repeated/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/destiny-dev-dlc-mistakes-wont-be-repeated/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/destiny-dev-dlc-mistakes-wont-be-repeated/#comments Destiny designer Luke Smith recently addressed concerns over Bungie's future updates for the game. Namely, Smith said "the mistakes [Bungie] made with the DLC1 reward economy will not be repeated," in a NeoGAF thread, admitting the developer's previous attempts at expanding the first-person shooter with add-on content resulted in a few problems for players. Smith claims the developer will avoid mistakes such as "vendor gear invalidating the effort of [Vault of Glass] Raiders" and exotic gear upgrades resulting in a talent reset.

"Our philosophy about rewards/loot continue to evolve as we see how players play and react," Smith wrote. He noted that item drop rates appear to be "much improved" in the Crota's End DLC compared to Vault of Glass, and that Bungie plans to "improve acquisition stories and frequency" as well as "lessen the grind and get players to the fun parts of their arsenal faster." It issued a hot fix for Destiny in December to boost the drop rates for the Crota's End raid mission.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny dev: DLC mistakes won't be repeated originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadd-onbungiecrotas-enddestinydlcdownloadable-contentdrop-ratesfirst-person-shooterfpsissuesluke-smithmicrosoftmistakesplaystationproblemsps3ps4updatevault-of-glassxboxxbox-oneMon, 26 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lady Hammerlock joins Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel's playable lineup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/lady-hammerlock-joins-borderlands-the-pre-sequels-playable-lin/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/lady-hammerlock-joins-borderlands-the-pre-sequels-playable-lin/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/25/lady-hammerlock-joins-borderlands-the-pre-sequels-playable-lin/#comments
Lady Hammerlock, sister to researcher Sir Hammerlock and heir to the family's fortune, will add a bit of class to Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel's playable lineup on January 27. Aurelia is included in The Pre-Sequel's season pass, but a related press release notes that fans who prefer to pick up DLC a la carte can also don her fashionable demeanor for $9.99.

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baronessborderlandsborderlands-the-pre-sequellady-hammerlocklady-hammerlock-the-baronesslinuxmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSun, 25 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA snitches on Battlefield Hardline, reveals maps and modes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/ea-snitches-on-battlefield-hardline-reveals-maps-and-modes/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/ea-snitches-on-battlefield-hardline-reveals-maps-and-modes/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/ea-snitches-on-battlefield-hardline-reveals-maps-and-modes/#comments Following a raid by local authorities, informants at publisher EA were compelled to give up detailed information on the multiplayer maps and game modes included in the upcoming cops versus robbers shooter Battlefield Hardline.

The nine maps included in Battlefield Hardline all seem either ripped from a Michael Mann heist film or from one of the earlier, military-focused Battlefield games. Bank Job centers around an imposing financial institution that must be relieved of its cash, Hollywood Heights is populated by expansive houses likely belonging to media moguls and hip hop artists and Riptide is an ocean-front map that continues the Battlefield series' long-running fascination with gun battles set against a tidal backdrop. There's also a map called "Growhouse," but we're guessing you can figure out what happens there. A full rundown on each of the maps can be found on the game's website.

Battlefield Hardline will include seven gameplay modes, ranging from the classic to the wholly novel. Conquest is a Battlefield mainstay mode that pits teams of players (up to 64 in total) against one another in a battle to see who can control certain areas of the map. Blood Money, by contrast, is a new mode where both cops and robbers attempt to swipe money from the opposing teams' vault while gunfire rages all around. Perhaps the most intriguing new mode is Hotwire, a vehicle-focused addition in which the criminal team attempts to steal a list of cars while the cops try to stop them with extreme prejudice, leading to the sorts of high-speed gunfights pictured above. Full details on the game modes found in Battlefield Hardline can also be found on the game's website.

Battlefield Hardline is slated to launch on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC on March 17.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqEA snitches on Battlefield Hardline, reveals maps and modes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-hardlineeamicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneFri, 23 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable just the first step in getting more Xbox One games on Windows]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/fable-just-the-first-step-in-getting-more-xbox-one-games-on-wind/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/fable-just-the-first-step-in-getting-more-xbox-one-games-on-wind/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/fable-just-the-first-step-in-getting-more-xbox-one-games-on-wind/#comments It's easy to forget the Xbox's place inside the Windows empire. The bespoke platform is hinged on games and entertainment, looming over the console world but still living in its own fiefdom under Microsoft. The Xbox 360 and Xbox One are seen as instrumental to the software giant's goals, but their reach is about a billion behind that of Windows. Microsoft wants to dismantle the barriers within itself now, unifying games, productivity and phones under the banner of Windows 10.

The Xbox One will host new universal apps - programs designed to run on both Windows devices and Xbox architecture - alongside a Windows 10 update later this year, but that's a lesser gesture compared to what Microsoft announced on Wednesday during its Windows 10 event. Even having the Xbox and its games there, on stage, represents a change in the Windows message.

Head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, took that stage to announce a PC version of Fable Legends, the latest entry in developer Lionhead's long-running and lovably lighthearted fantasy role-playing series. Not only is the game coming to Windows PC players, but it's coming in a way that allows them to play and chat with Xbox One players through Xbox Live. According to Spencer, it's the first game of several first-party Xbox games coming to PC.

Continue reading Fable just the first step in getting more Xbox One games on Windows

JoystiqFable just the first step in getting more Xbox One games on Windows originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcrecommendedxboxxbox-oneFri, 23 Jan 2015 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Jon Snow brings lack of knowledge to Game of Thrones Episode 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/jon-snow-brings-lack-of-knowledge-to-game-of-thrones-episode-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/jon-snow-brings-lack-of-knowledge-to-game-of-thrones-episode-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/jon-snow-brings-lack-of-knowledge-to-game-of-thrones-episode-2/#comments
The second episode of Telltale's six-part Game of Thrones saga debuts early next month, starting February 3 for PC, Mac, PS4 and PS3. Titled "The Lost Lords," the episode is also coming to Xbox One and 360 on February 4, iOS on February 5 and Android at a later date.

The Lost Lords continues the story of House Forrester, a Westeros family who in history have aligned with the Starks - not always the wisest alignment, it has to be said. Telltale's game is interwoven with HBO's TV series, and the plot takes place between the end of the third season and the start of the fifth.

If you've played the first episode then you've already had a few chit-chats with Cersei Lannister, her brother Tyrion, Margaery Tyrell and the huggably lovely Ramsay Snow. As the teaser trailer below the break reveals, another Snow is coming to the game in Episode 2.

Continue reading Jon Snow brings lack of knowledge to Game of Thrones Episode 2

JoystiqJon Snow brings lack of knowledge to Game of Thrones Episode 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgame-of-thrones-a-telltale-games-seriesgame-of-thrones-episode-2HBOiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3ps4release-datetelltale-gamesxboxxbox-oneFri, 23 Jan 2015 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Pelicans' Holiday is T-Rexing in NBA 2K15 glitch video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/pelicans-holiday-is-t-rexing-in-nba-2k15-glitch-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/pelicans-holiday-is-t-rexing-in-nba-2k15-glitch-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/pelicans-holiday-is-t-rexing-in-nba-2k15-glitch-video/#comments
We're fairly certain that New Orleans Pelicans basketball player Jrue Holiday has perfectly functional arms in real life. As demonstrated by YouTube user wEEman33, it appears that NBA 2K15 disagrees. As seen in the video shared shared above, a recent glitch in the game caused Holiday's arms to seemingly retreat into his body following a server-side update to its MyTeam mode, leaving his hands to jut out from his shoulders like fish fins with opposable thumbs. To make matters worse, the shirtless Holiday was also missing part of his torso and occasionally disappeared, but none of it stopped him from sinking multiple three-point shots.

According to Operation Sports, the special armless "Sapphire" version of Holiday no longer exists, as Visual Concepts issued a patch to squash the bug yesterday. 2K Sports' basketball game is no stranger to horrifying glitches; NBA 2K15's face-scanning feature resulted in numerous monstrosities for created players. The publisher had fun with the issue, offering fans Halloween masks based on the face-scan glitch to print out and wear.
[Image: 2K Sports]

JoystiqPelicans' Holiday is T-Rexing in NBA 2K15 glitch video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2K-Sportsarmlessbasketballbugglitchjrue-holidaymicrosoftmy-teammyteamnbanba-2k15new-orleans-pelicansplaystationps3ps4t-rexVisual-Conceptsxboxxbox-oneThu, 22 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alien: Isolation: One million sold, scared]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/alien-isolation-one-million-sold-scared/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/alien-isolation-one-million-sold-scared/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/alien-isolation-one-million-sold-scared/#comments Publisher Sega and developer Creative Assembly are indirectly responsible for one hell of a laundry bill, as it was announced today that Alien: Isolation has officially sold one million copies worldwide. Accounting for at least one million players, and factoring in regular sessions with Alien: Isolation's precision engineered terror, we're talking millions of soiled undergarments. We're not aware of any spikes in detergent sales, but it seems like a given.

We're rather fond of Alien: Isolation here at Joystiq, where the game stealthily crept into our top ten games of 2014.

JoystiqAlien: Isolation: One million sold, scared originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien-isolationaliens-isolationcreative-assemblymicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4segaxboxxbox-oneWed, 21 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Streams: Resident Evil HD bites back plus free PS4/PC copies!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/joystiq-streams-resident-evil-hd-bites-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/joystiq-streams-resident-evil-hd-bites-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/joystiq-streams-resident-evil-hd-bites-back/#comments A whole lot of superstars in this game here tonight, but I want you all to know one thing: This is Resident Evil in high definition. Whose blood? Chris' blood. I said whose blood? Chris' blood! Y'all know what time it is!

While the impossible dream of a Resident Evil soundtracked entirely by classic Run DMC cuts remains elusive, the HD remaster of Capcom's Gamecube classic is a sweet, sweet reality this week. After 13 years restricted to Nintendo's SD consoles, the hardest, prettiest version of the survival horror game is finally playable on more modern machines. How does it stack up? Do the new controls make it too easy? Is this indeed Chris' blood and will we ever discover the ingredients in a Jill sandwich? Join us and find out.

We're streaming Resident Evil on PC starting at 4:00PM EST on Joystiq.com/Twitch. This will be a New Game+ run so some fresh costumes will be on display as well. Plus: we're giving away a few copies of the game on PC and PS4. Join us!

Joystiq.com/Twitch broadcasts every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00PM EST. It's Wednesday, you say? That's right! We stream all the time at random times so follow us on Twitch to never miss a show.

JoystiqJoystiq Streams: Resident Evil HD bites back plus free PS4/PC copies! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capcomjoystiq-streamsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4resident-evilxboxxbox-oneWed, 21 Jan 2015 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Lawsuit alleges EA infringed on sports stadium update patent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/lawsuit-alleges-ea-infringed-on-sports-stadium-update-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/lawsuit-alleges-ea-infringed-on-sports-stadium-update-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/lawsuit-alleges-ea-infringed-on-sports-stadium-update-patent/#comments White Knuckle IP filed a lawsuit late last week against EA, alleging that the publisher infringed on a patent that focuses on methods for updating sports games based on real-life changes. The suit referred to U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,350, which described methods that record real-world parameters, then store those elements on a server so players can download them to update their games. The patent dates back to October 2002.

While the patent is related to another one that deals with updating an athlete's statistics and skills based on real-life performance, the lawsuit focuses on changes to the appearance and attributes of stadiums and venues. The lawsuit specifically targets games in EA Sports' NCAA Football and Tiger Woods PGA Tour series, from NCAA Football 10 and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 through the last respective entries, NCAA Football 14 and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14. According to Patent Arcade, White Knuckle "did not identify any specific feature in its complaint."
[Image: EA Sports]

JoystiqLawsuit alleges EA infringed on sports stadium update patent originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenaseaEA-SportsElectronic-Artslawsuitmicrosoftncaa-footballncaa-football-14patentpatent-infringementplaystationps3ps4stadiumssuittiger-woods-pga-tourtiger-woods-pga-tour-14white-knuckle-gamingwhite-knuckle-ipxboxxbox-oneWed, 21 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Exo Zombies invade Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/exo-zombies-invade-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/exo-zombies-invade-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/exo-zombies-invade-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-trailer/#comments
The latest trailer for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare shows off the game's upcoming downloadable content, Exo Zombies. Arriving as part of the first content pack, Havoc, Exo Zombies features the voice acting talents of John Malkovich, Bill Paxton, Rose McGowan and Jon Bernthal. The Havoc DLC pack will launch on January 27 for Xbox One and Xbox 360. Havoc also includes four multiplayer maps, the AE4 assault rifle and Widowmaker custom variant.

While the Havoc DLC can be purchased separately for $15, season pass holders will receive the pack at no additional charge. Advanced Warfare's $50 season pass grants access to three other pieces of downloadable content: Ascendance, Supremacy and Reckoning. Activision struck a deal with Microsoft to bring Advanced Warfare DLC to the Xbox platforms before it arrives on other systems, so the publisher has yet to offer a release date for Havoc on PS4, PS3 or PC.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqExo Zombies invade Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionadd-onCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-advanced-warfaredlcdownloadable-contentexo-zombiesfirst-person-shooterfpshavocmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4sledgehammer-gamestrailerxboxxbox-onezombiesWed, 21 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Evo 2015 line-up announced, double helping of Smash]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/evo-2015-line-up-announced-double-helping-of-smash/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/evo-2015-line-up-announced-double-helping-of-smash/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/evo-2015-line-up-announced-double-helping-of-smash/#comments Super Smash Bros Wii U and Melee are two of the nine games already confirmed for this year's Evolution Championship Series. As revealed during last night's Twitch stream, the line-up for Las Vegas this July also includes returning games Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Ultra Street Fighter 4 and Killer Instinct, The remaining four games are new for this year, and they are Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, Guilty Gear Xrd Sign, Mortal Kombat X and Tekken 7.

Recent years have seen more games added closer to the event, though a roster of nine is already on the high end for an EVO championship. Whatever the full line-up proves to be, it's coming to the Bally's/Paris Las Vegas Casino, where the world's fighting game specialists will duke it out across July 17-19.

Continue reading Evo 2015 line-up announced, double helping of Smash

JoystiqEvo 2015 line-up announced, double helping of Smash originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evoevo-2015guilty-gear-xrd-signkiller-instinctkiller-instinct-2013microsoftmortal-kombat-xnintendopersona-4-arena-ultimaxplaystationps3ps4shoryukensuper-smash-bros-for-wii-usuper-smash-bros-meleetekken-7ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3ultra-street-fighter-4wii-uxboxxbox-oneWed, 21 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ori and the Blind Forest lights up Xbox One & PC this March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/ori-and-the-blind-forest-lights-up-xbox-one-and-pc-this-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/ori-and-the-blind-forest-lights-up-xbox-one-and-pc-this-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/ori-and-the-blind-forest-lights-up-xbox-one-and-pc-this-march/#comments Ori and the Blind Forest is set to mix beauty with beastly platforming when it hits Xbox One and PC on March 11. Moon Studios' side-scroller is priced $20 on both platforms.

Ori caught the eye last year with its picturesque look, comparable to the UbiArt engine as seen in the watercolor-like Child of Light. What also caught Richard Mitchell's eye in our preview was the speedy, precise platforming.

According to the developer, Ori's agile, fluid movement was inspired by Super Meat Boy - when we say fluid, we don't mean the red kind. Ori is a less gruesome, more spiritual affair then Team Meat's offering, but its air-dash combos and wall-to-wall platforming tricks look like they require some dexterity.

Continue reading Ori and the Blind Forest lights up Xbox One & PC this March

JoystiqOri and the Blind Forest lights up Xbox One & PC this March originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2015 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmicrosoft-studiosmoon-studiosori-and-the-blind-forestpcrelease-datexboxxbox-oneTue, 20 Jan 2015 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Screamride: For those who dream of disaster]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/screamride-for-those-who-dream-of-disaster/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/screamride-for-those-who-dream-of-disaster/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/screamride-for-those-who-dream-of-disaster/#comments It's only fair to start this with an apology to Screamride, which joins us just as every second game gets to be called a 'roller coaster ride,' usually because it has a car chase, some explosions, and at least one scene of the protagonist going NO NO NO N- [explosion cuts off the rest, but an additional NO is strongly implied].

Screamride, in contrast, is actually about roller coasters: riding them; building tightly coiled tracks for them; destroying them in fiery catastrophe. It's so in love with pleasing disaster that it's likely to be wrongly categorized as 'cinematic action game.'

Continue reading Screamride: For those who dream of disaster

JoystiqScreamride: For those who dream of disaster originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontier-developmentsmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosq1-2015recommendedxboxxbox-oneTue, 20 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Who The Hell Is: Johnny Gat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/who-the-hell-is-johnny-gat/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/who-the-hell-is-johnny-gat/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/who-the-hell-is-johnny-gat/#commentsThe following feature contains spoilers for the existing Saints Row franchise.
On Tuesday, gamers will be able to go to Hell - literally - and fight off both Satan himself and hordes of undead in the Saints Row 4 standalone expansion, Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell. Previous Saints Row games have allowed players to customize an avatar which, over the course of the series, rises from lowly street thug to President of the United States and even intergalactic badass supreme. Gat Out of Hell though, does not.

In Gat Out of Hell, players will be stepping into the shoes of either Kinzie Kensington or Johnny Gat. If you've never played the previous games and don't have either the time or inclination to power through them before the standalone expansion's January 20 release date, you might be asking yourself: who the hell is Johnny Gat?

Friends, we are here to help.

Continue reading Who The Hell Is: Johnny Gat

JoystiqWho The Hell Is: Johnny Gat originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>johnny-gatmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4recommendedsaints-rowsaints-row-2saints-row-4saints-row-gat-out-of-hellsaints-row-the-thirdwho-the-hell-isxboxxbox-oneMon, 19 Jan 2015 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row: Gat out of Hell review: Shout at the Devil]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/saints-row-gat-out-of-hell-review-shout-at-the-devil/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/saints-row-gat-out-of-hell-review-shout-at-the-devil/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/saints-row-gat-out-of-hell-review-shout-at-the-devil/#commentsXbox 360, PS3, PC, Xbox One, PS4
If your best friend, a person who has saved your life countless times (often in super-cool, action movie fashion), was sucked into hell, would you go after them? Of course not, that's ludicrous. That poor schmuck is on their own. But you're not Johnny Gat, resident murder-happy antihero of the Third Street Saints. When Johnny's best pal is pulled into the netherworld, he jumps in after him, guns blazing. Through bat-winged demons, flaming monster trucks and historically questionable playwrights, Johnny will do whatever he can to save his friend, especially if it involves punching Satan in the face.

With that succinct intro, Saints Row: Gat out of Hell drops players into a netherworld that's equal parts Hieronymous Bosch, Megadeth album covers and the 1989 Beetlejuice cartoon series. Concrete roads crack and spiral around pits of molten lava while glowing obelisks hover ominously above crowds of shambling, doomed souls huddled within a twisted mockery of a human metropolis. It's gorgeous, in a grim sort of way, and is pocked with all kinds of neat diversions and fun excuses for Johnny to test his new demonic superpowers. Saints Row: Gat out of Hell is developer Volition's most successful attempt at proving that a license is not required for a great, open-world superhero game, though a too short run time, a few technical flaws and some odd design choices keep it from eclipsing Saints Row 4.

Continue reading Saints Row: Gat out of Hell review: Shout at the Devil

JoystiqSaints Row: Gat out of Hell review: Shout at the Devil originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3ps4saints-row-4saints-row-gat-out-of-hellxboxxbox-oneMon, 19 Jan 2015 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA 5 continues to hold off FIFA & CoD in this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/gta-5-continues-to-hold-off-fifa-and-cod-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/gta-5-continues-to-hold-off-fifa-and-cod-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/gta-5-continues-to-hold-off-fifa-and-cod-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments And now for something completely similar: Right now you'd need a microscope to find the week-to-week changes in the UK charts. Nonetheless, it's interesting to see Grand Theft Auto 5 stay ahead of traditional front-runners FIFA and Call of Duty, especially since Rockstar's game is a re-release on current-gen. At this new release-less time of year, we'd normally be talking about a 28th consecutive No. 1 for FIFA [Insert Year Here].

The current top three are the same trio that sold the most in the UK last year, though FIFA 15 won out overall in 2014. Moreover, seven of this week's top ten are in the 2014 top ten, and most of those hit store shelves in the second half of the year.

Right, stop that UK charts analysis! It's silly. This week's full top ten can be found below the break, along with the customary music video that's a bit suspect.

Continue reading GTA 5 continues to hold off FIFA & CoD in this week's UK charts

JoystiqGTA 5 continues to hold off FIFA & CoD in this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4rockstarukvitawii-uxboxxbox-oneMon, 19 Jan 2015 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Inquisition stats record more than 2 million flying lizards slain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dragon-age-inquisition-stats-record-more-than-2-million-flying/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dragon-age-inquisition-stats-record-more-than-2-million-flying/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dragon-age-inquisition-stats-record-more-than-2-million-flying/#comments The official Dragon Age: Inquisition Twitter account has some interesting statistics for all the Heralds of Andraste out there. According to tweets made earlier this week, more than 2.6 million dragons have been slain by players of Inquisition.

The unfortunate Ferelden Frostback was the most-killed of her species, while the Highland Ravager has been the most successful at evading death. Fifty-eight percent of all dragons were killed in the land of Orlais, so any of our readers who happen to be fire-breathing monsters, take note: this is not a land you want to be traveling to right now.

As for who's doing the slaying, the overall majority - 68 percent - of Inquisitors have been male, while 32 percent have been female. While the percentage of female heroes may seem small, it's actually a big step up from BioWare's Mass Effect series; back in 2011, the developer revealed that fewer than 15 percent of players used a female version of Commander Shepard between Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2.

But really, it doesn't matter if you're male, female, Qunari, Dwarf, etc. What matters is that we find the dragon that sounds like Sean Connery and -- oh, wrong thing? Wrong thing.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqDragon Age: Inquisition stats record more than 2 million flying lizards slain originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-age-inquisitioneaelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneSun, 18 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead or Alive 5: Last Round nets copycat schoolgirl, Honoka]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dead-or-alive-5-last-round-nets-copycat-schoolgirl-honoka/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dead-or-alive-5-last-round-nets-copycat-schoolgirl-honoka/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/18/dead-or-alive-5-last-round-nets-copycat-schoolgirl-honoka/#comments Dead or Alive 5: Last Round was never exactly short on female representation, but one more can't hurt, right? Meet Honoka, a schoolgirl fighter (as in, a schoolgirl who fights, not someone who beats up schoolgirls) who, according to a press release, can instantly learn any fighting move she sees. Honoka has used this ability to create her own fighting style, which she calls "Honoka Fu."

Unfortunately, while Honoka is a skilled fighter, she is not a particularly practiced one. Her punches pack less of a whollop than other, more seasoned fighters, unless she is using her "Hissatsu-no-Kamae" stance. In this stance, Honoka possesses a much higher amount of strength and is capable of using moves she has never seen from any fighter. You can see her moves and stances in action after the break.

Dead or Alive 5: Last Round is due in the Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4 and PC fighting rings on February 17.

Continue reading Dead or Alive 5: Last Round nets copycat schoolgirl, Honoka

JoystiqDead or Alive 5: Last Round nets copycat schoolgirl, Honoka originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5dead-or-alive-5-last-roundkoei-tecmomicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4team-ninjaxboxxbox-oneSun, 18 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft getting in-game name changes, Pocket Edition sells 30 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/minecraft-getting-in-game-name-changes-pocket-edition-sells-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/minecraft-getting-in-game-name-changes-pocket-edition-sells-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/minecraft-getting-in-game-name-changes-pocket-edition-sells-30/#comments Minecraft players will be able to change their in-game name soon, development studio Mojang has announced. The process is set to go live on February 4, and looks to be pretty straightforward; once the name-changing system is in place, players can change their in-game name simply by logging into their account. Any name that is not being used by another player will be available, but players will have to wait 30 days before they can change again.

If you're worried about someone swiping your name while you wait said 30 days to come back to it though, don't be: it takes 37 days for an old name to become available for someone else. So if you were to change your name from, say, "MinecraftMasta" to something else, we wouldn't be able to swipe MinecraftMasta for ourselves before you had a chance to reclaim it. Changing names does not change inventory or character status, meaning if someone has blocked you, changing your name won't allow you to circumvent said block.

Mojang also announced that to date, Minecraft: Pocket Edition has sold a combined total of more than 30 million copies. Pocket Edition surpassed 21 million copies back in April, and expanded its reach to Windows Phone users in December, though Mojang did not share how many of the 9 million new sales were due to releasing on a new platform.
[Image: Mojang]

JoystiqMinecraft getting in-game name changes, Pocket Edition sells 30 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemicrosoftMinecraftminecraft-pocket-editionmobilemojangplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneSat, 17 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK teen arrested over suspected involvement in Xbox Live, PSN DDoS attacks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/uk-teen-arrested-over-suspected-involvement-in-xbox-live-psn-dd/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/uk-teen-arrested-over-suspected-involvement-in-xbox-live-psn-dd/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/17/uk-teen-arrested-over-suspected-involvement-in-xbox-live-psn-dd/#comments An 18-year-old male was arrested as part of a larger investigation into the attacks which brought down the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live in 2014, according to a statement released earlier this week by the UK's South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).

Craig Jones, head of SEROCU's Cyber Crime Unit, attested to working with the FBI on the investigation, which also includes numerous "swatting" offenses. "This investigation is a good example of joint law enforcement cooperation in relation to a type of criminality that is not restricted by any geographical boundaries," Jones said. "We will continue to work closely with the FBI to identify those to who commit offences and hold them to account."

The alleged cyber criminal was brought in under suspicion of unauthorized access to computer material contrary to section 1 of Computer Misuse Act 1990, unauthorized access with intent to commit further offences contrary to section 2 of Computer Misuse Act 1990 and threats to kill contrary to Section 16 of Offences against the person Act 1861.
[Image: Microsoft/Sony]

JoystiqUK teen arrested over suspected involvement in Xbox Live, PSN DDoS attacks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2015 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimeddosmicrosoftplaystationplaystation-networkps3ps4psnserocuswattingukxboxxbox-livexbox-oneSat, 17 Jan 2015 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[As Seen On TV: Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell launch infomercial]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/as-seen-on-tv-saints-row-gat-out-of-hell-launch-infomercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/as-seen-on-tv-saints-row-gat-out-of-hell-launch-infomercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/as-seen-on-tv-saints-row-gat-out-of-hell-launch-infomercial/#comments

If you ignore most of the other, far worse sins, wanton consumerism is diabolically evil, which is why it's so fitting that the launch trailer for Volition's upcoming Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell should appear as a lengthy informercial packed with 1-800 numbers and endless groin trauma.
[Image: Deep Silver]

JoystiqAs Seen On TV: Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell launch infomercial originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silvermicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4saints-rowsaints-row-gat-out-of-hellVolitionxboxxbox-oneFri, 16 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision takes victory lap, Destiny biggest new game franchise launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/activision-takes-victory-lap-destiny-biggest-new-game-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/activision-takes-victory-lap-destiny-biggest-new-game-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/activision-takes-victory-lap-destiny-biggest-new-game-franchise/#comments Let us be colloquial: Activision makin' mad bank, yo. Like, all the cheddar. The publisher took a victory lap this morning, reiterating the top placement of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare during yesterday's NPD, the success of Skylanders among children and making a pertinent addendum to Destiny's sales in 2014.

Last night, US retail tracking group NPD released its year-end data, with Destiny ranked third behind Call of Duty and Madden NFL 15. Activision noted this morning that Destiny was in second place "among all titles in the U.S. in 2014, based on revenue." This would reflect the significant digital distribution push Destiny had, as well as the special editions and expansion bundles.

Continue reading Activision takes victory lap, Destiny biggest new game franchise launch

JoystiqActivision takes victory lap, Destiny biggest new game franchise launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014ActivisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-advanced-warfaredestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4skylandersxboxxbox-oneFri, 16 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Simpsons skin pack embiggens Minecraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/minecraft-embiggens-with-the-simpsons-skin-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/minecraft-embiggens-with-the-simpsons-skin-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/minecraft-embiggens-with-the-simpsons-skin-pack/#comments Minecraft, for one, welcomes its new Microsoft overlords by offering The Simpsons content for Xboxen. The skin pack based on the immortal TV show arrives on Xbox One and 360 in late February, with an asking price of $2. Also, don't take our opening line too seriously; Microsoft says players should "stay tuned" for more about the DLC on other platforms.

The pack features the Simpsons family as pixelated above, along with 19 characters from Springfield Elementary. Here's hoping it includes Ralph and Super Nintendo Chalmers - yes, we just wanted to write "Super Nintendo Chalmers."

Of course, this isn't the first time Minecraft and The Simpsons have merged into one, uber-popular super-being. Check below the break to refresh your memory.

Continue reading The Simpsons skin pack embiggens Minecraft

JoystiqThe Simpsons skin pack embiggens Minecraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCfoxmicrosoftMinecraftminecraft-xbox-360-editionminecraft-xbox-onerelease-datethe-simpsonsxblmxboxxbox-games-storexbox-oneFri, 16 Jan 2015 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[505 Games acquires Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons IP for $500K]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/505-games-acquires-brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons-ip-for-500k/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/505-games-acquires-brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons-ip-for-500k/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/505-games-acquires-brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons-ip-for-500k/#comments Starbreeze announced the sale of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons to 505 Games today in a deal worth $500,000. Starbreeze CEO Andersson Klint said the transaction represented his studio's "final transition to the digital strategy," following its recent efforts to push sales through digital distribution channels. The deal includes full rights to the game and intellectual property (IP).

With Brothers, Swedish studio Starbreeze created a new IP that gained strong traction with critics and consumers alike. The story-driven puzzle platformer earned a spot in our top 10 of 2013 and went on to sell more than 800,000 units to date.

Continue reading 505 Games acquires Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons IP for $500K

Joystiq505 Games acquires Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons IP for $500K originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesbrothers-a-tale-of-two-sonsJosef-Faresmicrosoftpcplaystationps3starbreezestarbreeze-studiosxboxFri, 16 Jan 2015 07:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Avoid a wild hunt for Witcher 2, grab it via Games with Gold now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/avoid-a-wild-hunt-for-witcher-2-grab-it-via-games-with-gold-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/avoid-a-wild-hunt-for-witcher-2-grab-it-via-games-with-gold-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/avoid-a-wild-hunt-for-witcher-2-grab-it-via-games-with-gold-now/#comments Just a quick reminder: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings - Enhanced Edition is available now as a freebie for Xbox Live Gold subscribers, thanks to the Games with Gold program. As long as you're a Gold member you can download the dark fantasy RPG at no extra cost, and it's yours to keep even if your Gold subscription runs out. Don't forget, you have until January 31 to grab The Witcher 2 while it's hot and, more importantly, free.

The Enhanced Edition of Witcher 2 features the slew of content added to the original PC game, and it's a complete enough way to get bewitchin' ahead of one of 2015's major new releases, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Geralt of Rivia's third game hits Xbox One, PS4 and PC on May 19.

For more on The Witcher 2 of Xbox 360, check out Ludwig of Joystiq's deja review.
[Image: Sony]

JoystiqAvoid a wild hunt for Witcher 2, grab it via Games with Gold now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CD-Projektgames-with-goldmicrosoftWBwb-gamesXBLMxboxxbox-games-storexbox-live-goldFri, 16 Jan 2015 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny 'Crota's End' hard mode coming Jan. 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/destiny-crotas-end-hard-mode-coming-jan-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/destiny-crotas-end-hard-mode-coming-jan-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/destiny-crotas-end-hard-mode-coming-jan-21/#comments Next week, 'Crota's End' will get its revenge for all of the cheesy tactics used by Destiny players (maybe us included, maybe not. What's it to you?).

Bungie is unlocking hard mode for the latest raid on January 21, the developer revealed in an update today. In Crota's End hard mode, both Crota and standard enemies will be far more challenging. Thankfully, though, the mode features swanky new loot.

Those stamping out Crota in the mode will have a chance to earn powerful new primary weapons (see them after the break!), an exclusive color palette and a devious-looking ship known as "The Bane of the Dark Gods" (It's the ominous looking ship, above).

"If you've experienced Hard Mode in Vault of Glass, you have some clues for how we can scale up a Raid," Bungie says in the weekly update. "Prepare to take better care of your teammates. You'll have fewer options for healing yourself, and each other."

Croat's End hard mode is set to launch in Destiny at 1pm Eastern on January 21.

Continue reading Destiny 'Crota's End' hard mode coming Jan. 21

JoystiqDestiny 'Crota's End' hard mode coming Jan. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungieCrotas-EndDestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneThu, 15 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[December NPD: Xbox One leads consoles in December, hardware sales surge in 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/december-npd-xbox-one-leads-consoles-in-december-hardware-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/december-npd-xbox-one-leads-consoles-in-december-hardware-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/december-npd-xbox-one-leads-consoles-in-december-hardware-sale/#comments Video game hardware sales saw a significant uptick last year in comparison to 2013, but software sales at retail continue to chart a decline, the NPD Group's latest report states.

Hardware sales saw a slight drop to $1.31 billion in December compared to the $1.37 billion earned during the same period last year. Annual hardware sales for 2014 peaked at $5.07 billion, however, representing a 20 percent increase over the $4.24 billion reported in 2013.

Software sales at retail channels totaled $5.30 billion in 2014, dropping 13 percent compared to 2013's reported $6.11 billion.

Though console-specific sales numbers are not available, Microsoft notes that the Xbox One emerged as 2014's "best-selling console in the U.S. in November and December."

Continue reading December NPD: Xbox One leads consoles in December, hardware sales surge in 2014

JoystiqDecember NPD: Xbox One leads consoles in December, hardware sales surge in 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmicrosoftnintendonpdpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4vitawii-uxboxxbox-oneThu, 15 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls 2 prepares for expansion with free update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/dark-souls-2-prepares-for-expansion-with-free-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/dark-souls-2-prepares-for-expansion-with-free-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/dark-souls-2-prepares-for-expansion-with-free-update/#comments To prepare existing copies of Dark Souls 2 for the additions coming to the dark fantasy game in the Scholar of the First Sin expanded re-release, From Software will issue a free update on February 5.

The list of changes included in the update is immense, but highlights include improved loading times on the PlayStation 3, longer-lived white phantoms, more consistently useful rewards during multiplayer combat, new item flavor text and the addition of the titular Scholar of the First Sin character. For a comprehensive list, see Bandai Namco's Tumblr.

Since there are so many changes included in this update, the Dark Souls 2 servers will be brought down for maintenance on February 4 at 9AM EST. Barring any technical problems, the servers should be back up and running by 12PM EST. Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin is scheduled to launch on April 7.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqDark Souls 2 prepares for expansion with free update originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcodark-souls-2dark-souls-2-scholar-of-the-first-sinmicrosoftpatchplaystationps3updatexboxThu, 15 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Hardline beta will bust perps on all platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/battlefield-hardline-beta-will-bust-perps-on-all-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/battlefield-hardline-beta-will-bust-perps-on-all-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/battlefield-hardline-beta-will-bust-perps-on-all-platforms/#comments Publisher EA has announced plans to beta test its upcoming cops vs robbers shooter Battlefield Hardline on the PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4.

EA's announcement fails to mention when the beta test will take place, but it does offer a handful of new details on what will be included. Alongside the series' mainstay Conquest mode (with support for up to 64 players, assuming you're playing on a PC, PS4 or Xbox One), beta testers will have access to the new Hotwire game type, which the publisher describes as "an all-new mode coming to Battlefield focused on combining all-out warfare with all-out speed." There won't be any progression cap during the beta, so players are free to gain as many ranks and new gadgets as they can (though none of this progression will carry over to the final game).

EA's decision to beta test Battlefield Hardline on a wide range of systems stands in contrast to other imminent shooters, notably Turtle Rock's Evolve, that heavily promote a console-exclusive beta test prior to launch. Battlefield Hardline is scheduled to launch on March 17.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqBattlefield Hardline beta will bust perps on all platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-hardlinebetaeamicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneThu, 15 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil Revelations 2 held back a week longer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/resident-evil-revelations-2-held-back-a-week-longer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/resident-evil-revelations-2-held-back-a-week-longer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/resident-evil-revelations-2-held-back-a-week-longer/#comments The first episode of Resident Evil Revelations 2 is now due on February 24, a week later than originally planned. So if your name is Barry Burton and you're planning a return in an upcoming zombie game, we'd recommend grabbing some form of food and chilling out.

You can check out Capcom's full release schedule below the break, but the CliffsNotes are that Revelations 2 is split across four episodes, with one out each week. Episodes individually cost $6, while the $25 "Complete Season" comes with two extra spinoff episodes and Hunk as a bonus RAID character. And yes, Barry is indeed back as a playable protagonist.

By the by, there's a similar delay to the $40 goodies-stuffed retail box. So, as things stand, that's due stateside on March 17 and in Europe three days later. Like the individual episodes, the retail box is on its way for PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC. Also, a Vita release for Revelations 2 remains due sometime this spring.

[Update: Capcom noted a similar delay to the retail box in new promo art, which you can find below the break too. We've amended the post accordingly.]

For more on Resident Evil's second book of Revelations, check out our preview.

Continue reading Resident Evil Revelations 2 held back a week longer

JoystiqResident Evil Revelations 2 held back a week longer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcommicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4release-dateresident-evil-revelations-2steamxboxxbox-oneThu, 15 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Never Alone, Jackbox Party Pack discounted on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/never-alone-jackbox-party-pack-discounted-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/never-alone-jackbox-party-pack-discounted-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/never-alone-jackbox-party-pack-discounted-on-xbox-live/#comments Co-op puzzle platformer Never Alone and the five-game Jackbox Party Pack headline this week's Deals With Gold lineup on Xbox Live, as publishers Capcom and 2K offer steep price drops for several featured Xbox 360 games.

Xbox 360 owners can pick up cheap Games On Demand versions of featured games like Borderlands 2, Spec Ops: The Line, and the original Dead Rising, along with discounted add-on content for BioShock Infinite, SSX, and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. The Xbox One versions of the 2D Minecraft-like Terraria and WWE 2K15 are also on sale this week for Xbox Live Gold subscribers.

Listed prices are active through January 19.

[Image: Upper One Games]

JoystiqNever Alone, Jackbox Party Pack discounted on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discountjackbox-party-packmicrosoftnever-alonesaleterrariawwe-2k15xboxxbox-live-goldxbox-oneWed, 14 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First CoD: Advanced Warfare DLC aims for late-January launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/first-cod-advanced-warfare-dlc-aims-for-late-january-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/first-cod-advanced-warfare-dlc-aims-for-late-january-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/first-cod-advanced-warfare-dlc-aims-for-late-january-launch/#comments Havoc is the title of what publisher Activision is calling an "epic DLC pack" and the "definitive DLC offering" for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. In less grandiose terms, it's known as the game's first DLC pack.

Alongside the trailer beyond the break, and the images found above and in the gallery below, Activision sent over a brief synopsis of what's inside the near-future shooter's first major addition. Included are four new multiplayer maps, two new weapons and the Exo Zombies cooperative mode, which is less notable for its undead enemies than for its human protagonists played by big-name, established actors like John Malkovich and Bill Paxton.

It appears that Microsoft has struck up an exclusivity agreement with Activision as the Havoc DLC "will be available first, exclusively on Xbox LIVE for a suggested retail price of $15 on January 27." There's currently no word on when the DLC will reach other platforms.
[Image: Activision]

Continue reading First CoD: Advanced Warfare DLC aims for late-January launch

JoystiqFirst CoD: Advanced Warfare DLC aims for late-January launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-advanced-warfaredlchavocmicrosoftxboxxbox-oneTue, 13 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Arrow actor Stephen Amell stars in new Lego Batman 3 DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/arrow-actor-stephen-amell-stars-in-new-lego-batman-3-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/arrow-actor-stephen-amell-stars-in-new-lego-batman-3-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/arrow-actor-stephen-amell-stars-in-new-lego-batman-3-dlc/#comments For its latest downloadable addition, Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham is ditching the titular Dark Knight to focus on another vigilante billionaire: Oliver Queen, aka Green Arrow.

Instead of simply cobbling together a Lego version of the comic book character - a thinly-veiled Robin Hood/Batman hybrid - Warner Bros. Interactive cast Stephen Amell, the actor who plays Green Arrow in the surprisingly good CW series Arrow. The developers then modeled the Lego character after Amell, who provided the voice work. As you can see in the trailer beyond the break, Amell seems very comfortable as a virtual character, which shouldn't be too surprising, given that he also played the role as a Green Arrow DLC skin in Injustice: Gods Among Us.

The Arrow DLC for Lego Batman 3 is currently available on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 and will be available on January 14 for Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC. It bears a $3 price tag, but is included (along with four other DLC packs) in the game's $15 season pass.
[Image: WBIE]

Continue reading Arrow actor Stephen Amell stars in new Lego Batman 3 DLC

JoystiqArrow actor Stephen Amell stars in new Lego Batman 3 DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowcwdlclego-batman-3-beyond-gothammicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4stephen-amellWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactivexboxxbox-oneTue, 13 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Far Cry 4 DLC, Escape From Durgesh Prison, now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/far-cry-4-dlc-escape-from-durgesh-prison-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/far-cry-4-dlc-escape-from-durgesh-prison-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/far-cry-4-dlc-escape-from-durgesh-prison-now-available/#comments The expansive Himalayan world of Far Cry 4 just got a bit larger with the launch of the "Escape From Durgesh Prison" DLC mission.

"In this new piece of downloadable content for Far Cry 4, Ajay and Hurk find themselves defenseless in the dangerous northern region of Kyrat after being captured, tortured and stripped of their weapons in Yuma's prison," reads Ubisoft's official plot description. "On their way to the extraction point, they will be able to complete a series of challenges kicked off by the tyrannical Pagan Min to acquire weapons and upgrade their gear before a final stand-off against Yuma's forces."

Escape From Durgesh Prison can be played either alone or with a friend in co-op mode. This mission is a time trial, meaning that players will be vying for position on an online leaderboard. However, this also means that, on death, players will be forced to restart the mission completely.

Escape From Durgesh Prison is now available on PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3 and PS4. The DLC is included in the $30 Far Cry 4 season pass, but can also be purchased a la carte for $10.
[Image: Ubisoft]

Continue reading Far Cry 4 DLC, Escape From Durgesh Prison, now available

JoystiqFar Cry 4 DLC, Escape From Durgesh Prison, now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcescape-from-durgesh-prisonfar-cry-4microsoftpcplaystationps3ps4ubisoftxboxxbox-oneTue, 13 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alien: Isolation's third DLC adds one-life-only Salvage Mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/alien-isolations-third-dlc-adds-one-life-only-salvage-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/alien-isolations-third-dlc-adds-one-life-only-salvage-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/alien-isolations-third-dlc-adds-one-life-only-salvage-mode/#comments Are you a survivor, unclouded by conscience, remorse or delusions of morality? If that sounds like you then maybe let's not do coffee... but you may want to check out Alien: Isolation's new Safe Haven DLC. The add-on's new Salvage Mode tasks you with completing ten challenges in a large map as you try to escape from You-Know-Who (not Voldermort) within the time limit.

The catch? You've got one life. While dying does take you back to your last saved challenge, it'll cost your final score. So to really do the business on the leaderboards, you'll need to make it through all ten challenges without perishing. On the flipside, if you collect enough points you can trade them in to save your progress.

Like the previous DLC, you get to play another new character in Safe Haven. This time around it's Hughes, Sevastopol's communications manager and one of the first unfortunate souls you encounter in the main game. The last bit of intel is that Safe Haven introduces another new mode, Marathon, letting you play Survivor Mode maps in the order of your choosing.

For a glimpse at the seemingly misnamed Safe Haven, check out Sega's teaser trailer below the break. If you still want in, the DLC is due to hit all platforms today, except in Europe where PS4 and PS3 players are on standby 'til tomorrow. If you've got the $30 season pass then you have already paid for the pleasure, otherwise the asking price is $8.

Continue reading Alien: Isolation's third DLC adds one-life-only Salvage Mode

JoystiqAlien: Isolation's third DLC adds one-life-only Salvage Mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien-isolationaliens-isolationcreative-assemblyDLCmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4release-datesegasteamxboxxbox-oneTue, 13 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny patch repairs Crota's bum knee]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/psa-destiny-patch-repairs-crotas-bum-knee/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/psa-destiny-patch-repairs-crotas-bum-knee/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/psa-destiny-patch-repairs-crotas-bum-knee/#comments Bungie issued a new patch for Destiny today, primarily providing fixes for issues with the Crota's End raid in the game's first expansion, The Dark Below. As the developer revealed late last week, the update zapped a glitch that allowed players to easily beat the raid boss, Crota, by unplugging one teammate's network cable. The "force quit" by one player previously caused Crota to enter an irrecoverable kneeling state, according to Bungie's patch notes.

Additionally, not only does the update fix a "rare case where the Shriekers would not spawn, preventing players from reaching the Deathsinger" enemy in the expansion, but the Deathsinger now has a chance to drop rare exotic gear and materials.

The Dark Below launched in December, bringing with it a slew of story missions and three Crucible arenas. The DLC is available for $20 on its own, or as part of Destiny's $35 season pass.
[Image: Bungie]

JoystiqDestiny patch repairs Crota's bum knee originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionadd-onBungiedestinydestiny-the-dark-belowdlcexpansionexploitfixmicrosoftpatchplaystationps3ps4season-passthe-dark-belowupdatexboxxbox-oneMon, 12 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Studios lays out Let's Play monetization rules]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/microsoft-studios-lays-out-lets-play-monetization-rules/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/microsoft-studios-lays-out-lets-play-monetization-rules/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/microsoft-studios-lays-out-lets-play-monetization-rules/#comments Microsoft Studios has outlined a revised ruleset for players looking to monetize footage from Microsoft-published games on video-sharing sites, granting permission to Let's Players and Twitch streamers with some stipulations.

Under the publisher's rules, players may monetize footage from Microsoft Studios games if it was captured during normal gameplay, without the use of reverse engineering or hacking. Microsoft's rules additionally prohibit the use of gameplay footage to produce content that is pornographic, lewd, obscene, vulgar, discriminatory, or otherwise "objectionable."

"Whether an Item is 'objectionable' is up to us," the rules page states, "but you can expect us to be concerned if a significant number of people in the game's community or the public at large report the content as offensive."

Additional rules prohibit gameplay footage gated behind paid-access websites and subscription-based services. Revenue earned through network partnerships is still permissible, however. A full list of Microsoft's revised guidelines is available here.

[Image: Microsoft]

JoystiqMicrosoft Studios lays out Let's Play monetization rules originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lets-playmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosmonetizationstreamingtwitchxboxxbox-oneMon, 12 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST